TREACHEROUS PATHS 3: Love and Hate
Disclaimer: See previous chapters
Chapter 4
Beneath the setting sun a group of elves were just dismounting. The king and queen were there to greet the patrol.
Queen Theliel saw at once that the party that just arrived carried some injury or other, except for the Lorien elves. Theliel summoned a servant over and asked him to inform the healers of the situation and to tell them to ready the infirmary.
Once the servant left, Theliel went over to the one she had been anxious to see. She spotted Thranduil leading his horse to the stables and rushed towards him.
"Cormamin lindua ele lle," she said with great relief as she hugged him.
Thranduil could not help but smile and readily returned the embrace, "I missed you, naneth." He winced slightly when her arm brushed his injury.
When she heard the soft intake of breath Theliel quickly but gently pushed the prince away till they were an arm's length apart.
Thranduil looked slightly exasperated when his mother started inspecting the cut on his arm with a concerned eye, "It is nothing, naneth. No more than a scratch."
"I will be the judge of that elfling." There was just silence whilst Theliel twisted the arm this way and that way. After that she reached up to kiss him on the cheek, "I am glad that you are well but you best let the healers take care of that cut before infection sets in – it may need stitching as well."
Thranduil was not about to admit it but his arm was starting to feel numb. He strolled towards the entrance of the palace right where Oropher stood.
Hand on heart, he knelt before the king on one knee and rose to look up at his father in the eye and spoke, "Shall you hear the reports now or after I have seen the healer," Thranduil tried to keep his tone even but he could not help the touch of sarcasm.
Oropher's stern façade did not change in the least, "Go see the healers first and refresh yourself. Once you are well-rested you can come and see me."
The younger elf tried not to look shocked and attempted to hide it by bowing his head. He stepped past the king before realizing something. He looked back at his parents with a look of questioning, "Where is Celebrial?"
Ж
Oak and beech trees flew past at a great speed along with the movement of a petite yet strong elleth. She was back to being dressed in leathers and furs. Strapped to her back was her trusty bow and arrows.
Despite her vision being hazy, Celebrial moved effortlessly from tree to tree and with the agility of her kind. She made certain to leave as few signs to follow as possible so as to make it difficult to follow, knowing that Thranduil was a skilled tracker and would certainly come after her.
The elf halted her movements when her emotions threatened to overwhelm her. Celebrial could not afford to let her feelings stop her for too long. There would be time later to wallow in the world of despair but not before she made her escape and found a proper hiding place.
Once again she started her trek towards the forest's borders and beyond.
Ж
"The last time I saw her she went to go speak with your father in the throne-room." Theliel said before facing Oropher, "I have not seen her since."
Both wife and son stared at the king, expecting him to know the whereabouts of Celebrial.
Oropher looked at the two of them with a frown and spoke, "How am I supposed to know where she is? The last I saw of her was when she left my presence."
Thranduil turned and sprinted towards his beloved's bed-chamber, "Celebrial, are you in here?" He knocked a couple of times while calling her.
After waiting for a response and getting none, he turned the handle of the door only to find it unlocked. He opened the door only slightly to peek inside, "meleth?"
Emptiness was all he found. Shoving the door further open, Thranduil searched all around but he found all her old possessions gone. All that remained were the gowns that were made especially for her.
He lifted the soft material of one and smelt the perfume that still clung to it. It was the same dress Celebrial wore a couple of years ago for the Winter Solstice.
Something glinted off her pillow and caught the corner of Thranduil's eye. He turned to see the moon reflecting off something. He found it to be the mithril encrusted diamond necklace he gave her. He gripped the pendant in his hand and marched out the room.
Ж
Oropher was sitting behind his desk reading a parchment when he heard a knock at the door, "Enter, Thranduil."
Thranduil practically stormed over to the king, slammed his hand onto the surface of the desk and leaned over Oropher, who was still seated, "What did you say to her when she came to see you?" He asked in a low voice.
"What I told her is of no concern of yours." Oropher responded evenly.
"Everything that concerns Celebrial concerns me!" The younger elf was slowly losing his temper, which for him was very rare, "I know you must have said something and I want to know what!"
"I have no time for this," the king said rather disdainfully and he continued reading the scroll, now completely ignoring Thranduil.
Something in Thranduil snapped. Perhaps it was the stressful patrol he was just on or his worry over Celebrial or both but he had enough. The prince bodily hoisted his father out of his chair with a strong grip on the front of his robes, "I swear if you hurt her in any shape or form..." his tone was even more dangerous than before as he left the statement hanging.
Oropher did not even so much as flinch and removed Thranduil's fist with the tips of his forefinger and thumb, "I suggest you back down before you find yourself in any more trouble than you already are." He kept his tone calm and even.
The prince took a step back with sigh and lowered his head, "My apologies, my king, it will not happen again." Thranduil allowed his temper to cool and realized that the king was not going to relent, "May I be dismissed?"
"Very well, but you are to remain in your chamber until I decide your punishment, but..." he started when Thranduil was about to protest, "But only after you find her."
Thranduil's face lit up, "Hannon le, hir nin." He ran through the palace without slowing at every turn and step, making it to the stables in no time.
While patting Barasath Thranduil found that he was grateful that he did not remove his weapons which saved alot of time.
Once again Thranduil found himself on the path again. He was hoping to find Celebrial before he reached the borders. He urged Barasath into a gallop.
After a short bout of speed Thranduil commanded his steed to slow to a walk; allowing him to concentrate on the surrounding forest. He could hear the whispers of the trees. Thranduil dismounted to approach one of the trees, placing the palm of his hand on the bark he spoke to the tree with thought, 'Vedui, yoaraer.'
'Hail, prince among elves,' responded the old oak tree, 'What brings you so far hither?'
Thranduil sighed, 'I am sorry for disturbing your rest but this matter is of great emergency...for me at least.'
The tree's leaves rustled before the tree spoke again, 'You are seeking a flighty elf.' It was not a question, rather a statement.
'Aye, has she passed this way?'
'Yes, but with great speed. If you wish to find her you ought to leave now. I hope you get to her before danger does.'
'Hannon le, Hodoer. Vanya sulie.'
'Lissenen ar' mask'lalaith tenna' lye omentuura.'
Thranduil lightly mounted back onto his horse with a slightly lighter weight on his shoulders. He pondered the tree's words and wondered what the oak meant about him finding Celebrial. He did not like the words and that caused him to encourage Barasath to run faster than before.
Wind whipped through his hair that appeared like a golden banner. The stars had long disappeared and dawn was approaching but he was not about to stop. It was fortunate that the endurance of Barasath was great and could gallop for long distances.
It would take more or less a day and a half before they would make it to the edge of Greenwood. Thranduil wanted to get there sooner but he doubted even Barasath could make it in shorter time. As it was, a day and a half was quite an accomplishment.
Hours passed but Thranduil did not slow his horse one bit. It was only when the sun reached its zenith did he allow Barasath so slow down to a walk. This allowed him more time to think. He wondered when his life became so complicated. It seemed his life became like this since the day he was born, but then again that could have been a slight exaggeration.
Thranduil turned his thoughts to more important issues. He had a small idea of how to find Celebrial, yet there was no guarantee that it would work but it was worth a try. He knew that Celebrial was not going to make it easy to find her. He may have found a way to find her in little time.
Ж
The day was drawing to a close and a new one was beginning. At last Celebrial found herself exiting the forest and the roof of trees. The warmth of the dawning sun warmed her face. She paused to allow herself a breath of air and take in the openness of the fields.
The elleth did not stop for too long, she needed to distance herself from Greenwood. She could feel a tingling at the back of her mind; she knew that Thranduil was trailing just behind and would soon catch up to her.
What Celebrial also felt was danger nearby. She cursed and stalked through the long grass to hide away from the threat and still remain unseen by Thranduil.
It was slow going and frustrating. Hidden by the grass was a large cave. Celebrial was too focused on keeping herself out of sight that she did not notice the glowing eyes that peered at her from the darkness of the cave.
Before she knew what was happening, Celebrial found herself surrounded by orcs.
Ж
Thranduil had just sent a hawk to search for a good friend of his that could aid him. He hoped that the hawk could reach said friend in time.
Celebrial could be anywhere and Thranduil wanted to find her as soon as possible.
While he sat on Barasath he wondered what caused Celebrial to flee like she did. He could only think that it had something to do with Oropher. He knew that no one else could have been the cause, but then again, there was that maiden his father tried to get him to marry, yet he had not seen her for a year or so, it was like she disappeared into thin air. He was slightly concerned that her father still stuck around. No, Thranduil knew that those two had nothing to do with Celebrial's sudden flight.
In the far distance Thranduil could see the hawk returning He released a breath of relief when he saw his friend approaching as well.
The prince rode towards them at a full gallop. He was anxious to meet him. They had not seen each other in a long time and he wanted news, "Gwaihir, lord of the eagles, you are indeed a sight for sore eyes!" Thranduil shouted so that the great eagle could hear.
Gwaihir circled around high above and soon he was low enough to make a dive and make his landing. Thranduil shielded himself from the wind caused by the enormous wings and his could hear Barasath snort with discomfort, "Hail, prince." Gwaihir rumbled the moment his talons touched the ground and was beak to face with Thranduil, "What brings you so far from the great wood of green?"
Thranduil knelt and he responded once he arose again, "A few things, mellon nin," Gwaihir could hear the weariness in his voice, "I was hoping you might be able to help."
"Depends on what help you seek."
Thranduil's face grew even more solemn, "I am looking for my beloved. Hair more silver than mithril or the stars above she has."
Gwaihir nodded his great head once, "A star I thought had fallen. 'But why so far from the sky and when the other stars were vanishing,' I wondered to myself. I saw her running as though on air."
"Do you know where she went?"
The lord of eagles looked sadded, "I am afraid that she was overwhelmed by a black horde. Orcs I wager!"
Thranduil turned pale in an instant, "Is she..." he could not get his mouth around the word.
"Dead? I could not be certain. I pray that her light has not been diminished."
The prince suddenly felt sick. He knew how ruthless orcs could be especially to elves. He could not stand the idea of his precious Celebrial in their evil clutches.
"There is still hope, youngling, and I am willing to aid you in find and rescuing her."
Thranduil swallowed the lump in his throat, "I cannot express my thanks enough."
"I am only too glad to help a creature of light and a good friend."
Thranduil had to swallow again before climbing off Barasath and onto the back of Gwaihir.
After the great eagle made sure that Thranduil was secure on his back he took off in flight.
There was nothing like flying above the clouds. It was beyond exhilarating.
They soared over the majestic mountains and circled back to the area where Gwaihir first saw Celebrial being abducted.
"It looks to be a cave over there," Gwaihir said while turning his head in the general direction, "I would not be surprised if they were hiding in there until nightfall." He dived low enough to hear the guttural voices.
Thranduil leaned over to see if he could catch a glimpse of Celebrial, "I hear them. They must be the ones you saw."
"For certain, but there is not much that we can do now. We will have to wait for the sun to go to sleep before we take any action. No doubt they are a travelling lot."
Thranduil scowled at the thought of them heading towards his home, "Is there a place where we can wait? There is something I would like to discuss with you."
"Yes, we are heading towards my eyrie."
The rest of the flight was spent in just silence. Thranduil savoured the feel of flying. The landscape was a wonder to behold. In later days he would find it most difficult to share the experience through mere word of mouth. He even raised his arms like wings and lifted his face to the sun.
Gwaihir looked back and something of a smile lit his beady eyes, 'Oh! Two-legged creatures,' he thought to himself. He found them to be most amusing, but he enjoyed their company as long as they were not orcs or any of the sort.
Large outcroppings began to appear and eagles were seen all about. The elf sighed – the trip being too short for his liking, but he was not too bothered by that. He was only too glad that Gwaihir offered his assistance.
The great eagle lord swooped down and made a graceful landing. Thranduil slid off his back and looked around in awe. It almost reminded him of a high-up castle, just with gigantic nests.
"Make yourself comfortable, young prince. I suggest you have your right wing looked at." Gwaihir said.
Thranduil looked puzzled, wondering what Gwaihir was getting at, "My right..." he looked down at his right arm and remembered his cut and that he had yet to see a healer. His concern for Celebrial caused his injury to slip out of his mind. Now that the adrenaline was wearing off the sting returned and blood was soaking his sleeve, "I will have it seen to once we are both home," he tore the hem of his undershirt and used it to staunch the flow.
Both made themselves comfortable and Thranduil began to speak, "We have been getting random yet well-organized attacks. Orcs and goblins have been coming in groups. I do not know how they manage to enter so far into our forest home without us knowing. I have just been on a patrol when my group and I came across a band of them; we were attacked by them before a second group joined. All of us would have been killed if not for our own reinforcements. Someone intelligent is behind these invasions. I am almost certain of it."
During Thranduil's monologue some of the other eagles joined them. They were interested in what was being discussed.
The elf continued, "I have been perplexed by all this. I was hoping that you would know more."
Gwaihir was deep in thought and silent for a bit before answering, "I have been watching their comings and goings since I first spotted them entering Greenwood the Great. I agree with your assumption that there is more to these attacks I fear. I have not yet learnt of their purpose, but I know for sure that they are not entering your home idly, knowing the danger your folk pose to them."
"I can see that you know more, Gwaihir."
Gwaihir's face looked stern and his keen eyes darkened, "It is just a theory I am afraid, but not something I would readily dismiss. You have heard of the Maiar that worked under Morgoth, no?"
"Aye, he took over from Morgoth after the Valar imprisoned him. Sauron the Deceiver he is now called. Do you think he himself is behind the attacks?"
"Either him or someone working for him; perhaps even one of the Nazgul."
Such talk seemed to darken the sun and the light all around dimmed.
Gwaihir looked grim while speaking again, "Mayhap they are spying out your forest and destroying whatever they get their black hands on is just an added bonus."
Thranduil's eyes widened, "Spying?! Why would Sauron be spying on Greenwood? Unless..."
"Unless Sauron is looking for another establishment and he is eying Greenwood, considering that Greenwood the Great is the largest and greatest realm in Elvendom – a good place to wipe out the elves living there, and in doing so, weaken the power of the elves."
"Not to mention that we do not own one of the rings of power, leaving us vulnerable and an easy target."
"That is only half true. You must remember there is a reason for everything and I know that there is a reason why your father did not receive a ring of power. I believe that you and your people have enough strength to protect your home and yourselves without some trinket."
Thranduil was not sure if he was entirely convinced, but he did not comment on his doubts, "Thank you, lord eagle, you helped me get to the possible root of our problems. Now all that is left to do is make sure that Sauron does not get his corrupted hands on our realm."
From there the conversation turned to more pleasant topics. They caught up further until the sun lowered in the sky. After another sharing of words twighlight approached.
Gwaihir lowered himself to once again allow Thranduil to climb on his back. In no time they took off and were soaring through the night air.
Thranduil's breath was taken away when he found himself flying amongst the pastel colours left by the fading light; it was almost like he could touch the colours.
They circled around a few times till the sky darkened and the stars brightened. The stars appeared so close to Thranduil that it seemed he could hold one in the palm of his hand like a precious white jewel.
As soon as the eagle spotted the orcs heading towards the Misty Mountains he let out a piercing cry and swooped down towards them.
The orcs flew into a panic and left their prisoner behind while they ran around in a frenzy. Gwaihir used the opportunity to swoop over them and attack with his beak and talons.
After Gwaihir made sure that each orc was killed he landed beside Celebrial. Thranduil leapt off his back and knelt beside her unconscious form.
"Celebrial, beloved, awaken," Thranduil gently shook her shoulder while checking for injuries, "nothing serious. Just a small concussion and a bruised cheek," he said softly to himself.
"It is good we got to her before they started their sport on her. Look she is waking."
"Where...where am I and why does is feel like every dwarf there every was and will be is mining through my head," Celebrial asked as she tried to sit up. The minute her head left the ground black spots danced before her eyes and the world spun around her – nearly causing her to pass out again.
"Easy, easy, sweetheart. You had it a little rough." Thranduil smiled down at her and gently lifted her up in his arms and carried her to Gwaihir, "I am so glad you are all right."
Gwaihir lowered himself as much as possible to make it easier for the couple to climb on top of him.
In little time they were flying amongst the stars. Celebrial was still in Thranduil's arms with her head resting on his shoulder, with his fingers constantly combing through her hair.
There was a period of silence until Thranduil broke it with a question, "Why did you run away, meleth nin?"
Celebrial breathed out softly before answering, "I did not want your family to fall apart." Her voice drifted away and she lost consciousness once again.
"It had been falling apart long before you came," the prince muttered to himself with sadness.
"We are almost there, young one. If you do not mind I will be dropping you off just outside your forest home."
"I understand, friend. Barasath will bare us the rest of the way; he has been running below the entire way."
"I will make sure that your journey will be a safe one. You cannot be too careful with all these orc activities going on."
"Hannon le."
They landed softly just outside the border of Greenwood, "Farewell," said the lord of the eagles, "wherever you fare, till your eyries receive you at journey's end."
Thranduil bowed his head and placed his hand over his heart, "May the wind under your wings bear you where the sun sails and the moon walks."
After that the elf raised his hand in a sign of farewell. He mounted up with Celebrial still in his arms. He turned his horse and rode into Greenwood the Great.
Ж
TBC
Translations:
Cormamin lindua ele lle: My heart sings to see thee
Vedui, yoaraer: Greetings, Ancient One
Hannon le, Hodoer. Vanya sulie: Thank you, Wise One. Fair winds
Lissenen ar' mask'lalaith tenna'lye omentuura: Sweet water and light laughter till next we meet.
A/N: Whew it's been a long time! I can only apologize and hope this chapter makes up for the delay. The thing is my brother has taken over this computer all day every day, not to mention that exams are coming up. Hopefully his laptop will be coming really soon and I hope the next chappie won't take half as long. I've already started it. Oh and please please please review, I put a huge amount of effort into this one and spent alot of time with it plus I love a good review ^_^
Till next time,
God bless and ride free, citizens.