Author's Note:
In this world of fiction, we often forget the troubles of the world and our own purpose in life. But we should not let ourselves go too deep into this world of unreality that we lose ourselves and our purpose.
My thoughts and prayers to the crew, passengers, and the families of the Malaysian Airlines MH370. We often take our loves ones for granted, without realizing how quickly somebody could vanish off the face of the Earth.
~S~
Chapter 3
Barely an hour and a half later into the journey, Legolas' bane, or Elfwine, as he was really called, started his torture.
He was called to the carriage, where Hilda told him he wanted to relieve himself.
"He went before he got into the carriage." Hilda defended herself, seeing Legolas' raised eyebrow.
So the entire éored, the carriage, and the mounted noblemen stopped for the boy. When Hilda returned, she purposely did not meet the elf's eyes, knowing she probably laugh if she saw the look on his face. Legolas' aloofness with children was legendary in Ithilien and well-known in Minas Tirith, from where the Rohirrim had gotten wind of it. Now Hilda could see the rumors were true.
Elfwin had grown restless once again in the carriage after nearly two hours, but Hilda-bless her- had the foresight to keep some of Elfwine's toys with her. They rode with ease, for there was no pressing time, or some sort of horror lurking behind them. The horses strained for a faster gait, but they checked them quickly. They wanted to keep their strength for the final leg of the journey.
He rode comfortably with the noblemen. He had considered riding with the éored but the Riders were rigid and grim and the idea of riding with them did not sit well with him.
He heard a shout from the carriage and sighed inwardly. He glanced up at the sky and noted that it had been nearly five hours since he was last called to the carriage. It meant Elfwine was getting used to the carriage. He turned his horse and rode to the carriage. Reaching it, he pulled back the curtain.
"Somebody bellowed?" Legolas asked dryly. He heard titters of girlish laughter. Only one woman smiled kindly at him. She was old, with a wrinkled motherly face and thin wisps of hair covering her head. Elfwine's head popped up in the window.
"Can I come and ride?" Elfwine asked.
Legolas tilted his head to look over Elfwine's head.
"Tired with your toys already?" Legolas asked, noting the toys scattered on the floor of the carriage.
"You promised." Elfwine prodded, his lips pouting.
"Fine," Legolas said. "After we stop for lunch, you can come and ride, but not before. None of that," Legolas added, tapping Elfwine's nose with a slim finger. He was the only one among his sworn brothers to be unaffected by the children's pouting, begging faces… most of the time. "A promise is a promise. You can ride with me after we stop."
Legolas turned Tinúviel and cantered back to the nobles. Suddenly, he felt very amused. Legolas Greenleaf riding Tinúviel… oh, why did he let Elboron name her? As if sensing his amusement, she turned her head and nickered.
"Your name is very strange, nightingale." He told her, patting her neck.
The nobles smiled in greeting when Legolas brought his mare by them.
"What were you needed this time?" The elderly noble asked. Cynric was his name. He was old, but quite active to be riding with them on a horse for so long. Legolas smiled in return. Apparently, his to and fro from the carriage had not gone unnoticed.
"Elfwine was getting restless." Legolas replied.
"Ah," Cynric said. "Children often are in his age."
"If I may ask, what brings you to Gondor?"
"You may. My wife and I heard of the comforts of the forest of Ithilien from some of our friends. We are going to see if it true and possibly to settle there. We have too many bitter memories here, with both our families gone and our children under the earth. It will be a good change for us, I believe."
"Your king is working to give you as much comfort as he could."
"I know he is." Cynric replied. "But this old man before you needs some distant between where he was born and his memories. I might come back, but I am old. My bones are getting weak."
"I understand. I apologize."
"No need. You have nothing to apologize for."
"You may come and visit my domain whenever you wish. Faramir's domain is not far from mine."
"I might. I have heard much of the elven songs in the night. I wish to hear them myself once I reach Ithilien."
"And what of you?" Legolas asked the remaining two nobles. Both were young, the eldest perhaps in his forties and the other in his early thirties. They had resemblance between them, as if they were brothers.
"My brother and I wish to pay respect to our fallen in the fields of Pelennor. Among them are our father and our uncles." The eldest, Key, spoke. "Our wives accompany us there. We will stay for the winter festivals and then return to our lands, where our aging mother is looking after our farms for us."
"Is it true that the elven realm of Ithilien is a sight to behold, greater than Lothlorien and Rivendell?" The younger brother, Kinnell, interrupted.
"I do not know." Legolas said, laughing a little. "For me, I am the leader there. So to me it is beautiful and I love it more than either Imladris, the home of Noldorin, or Lothlorien, the Grey Elves. But perhaps you will visit it and tell me what it is like."
"I would love to see it very much." Key put in. "I am curious, for in my travels to Gondor, I have never visited Ithilien. This time, I hope to see it."
"Well then, you are welcome."
At high noon, they stopped for food and rest and to allow the horses to graze and eat. A little more than an hour later, they finally got ready for another leg of the day's travelling.
Legolas approached his mare and mounted. Once he was seated, Key helped Elfwine up in front of the elf.
"I wish I could be in the boy's position." One of the young women told Hilda, loud enough for Legolas to hear. Hilda let out a peal of laughter. The elf flushed as Key looked up at him in amusement.
"You seem to have an effect on the ladies that I would love to have."
Legolas urged his mare forward, ears burning. He could hear Gytha chide the women, "That is enough, girls. Teasing that poor elf…"
The ride was somewhat awkward, with an uncomfortable silence between Legolas and Elfwine. Legolas sat comfortably only for Tinúviel's sake, but the boy was stiff, with a rigid back. Half an hour passed by, and Legolas was just about to remember Éomer in very, very 'kind' words for putting him in such a position when he finally felt Elfwine move. The boy was playing with a wooden horse in his hands, moving it slowly through the air as if it were galloping. Legolas knew that horse. It was the one Éomer had made for the boy in whatever precious free time he had in his hands.
"That is nice horse." Legolas said softly. Elfwine jumped. Legolas could not blame him; he had never took much interest in the children and the fact that the elf was actually making conversation must be a surprise for the boy.
"Father made it for me." Elfwine mumbled, holding the horse close to his chest.
"What's its name?"
"Firefoot." Elfwine replied. Legolas smiled. It was adorable, for the boy to name his wooden toy after the horse of his father.
They did not speak much after that, except for a little chat here and there. Elfwine felt more comfortable at least, enough to lean back and enjoy the ride.
And so the days went on, and Legolas soon realized they were nowhere in completing the journey in two weeks. If he had been on his own with a light pack, he could have easily done the distance between Edoras and Minas Tirith in a week. But with a carriage and an éored, they were going slow. When he spoke to Calhoun on the matter, he looked at him strangely before saying "It takes nearly four weeks with carriage in the company."
After that, Legolas fumed inwardly, realizing his sworn brother had purposely left out the knowledge.
"Wait till I get my hands on him." Legolas told Tinúviel. "He will regret his silence."
TInúviel only shook her head at him, knowing full well as he did that by the time they would meet again, Legolas would have long forgotten to hold any grudges.
It was true, in barely a few days, Legolas soon forgot his misgivings for the journey. Elfwine was starting to become more comfortable with him, at least enough so as not to make excuses whenever he found himself with the elf. They were still very distant from one another, but Elfwine knew he could trust his uncle if the need arose.
He had several surprising encounters with Elfwine during their stops. Once, for example, when they stopped and made camp, Legolas bumped into Elfwine. The boy had run from his nurse, wearing nothing. Torn between bafflement and amusement, Legolas quickly picked up the boy and deposited him back to his tired, but very grateful nurse.
Another time, the child had fallen asleep by the campfire. Hilda lingered, unsure how to carry a healthy, growing child. Legolas carried Elfwine to the tent. And as he lowered him to the cot, Elfwine instinctively shifted in his arms and his hands firmly gripped onto the elf's tunic. Legolas stopped abruptly, Elfwine half in his arms and half on the cot before lowering him completely and gently prying the fingers off his clothes.
Still, in the long hours of the riding, he could often hear Elfwine's voice rise up in complain. At last, one night, Elfwine brought a poor frog that had gone too far from its home to Hilda, causing his nurse to shriek in horror. He had to admit, it was funny. So Legolas turned away, fighting to keep a smile off his face which failed when he heard Hilda's high-pitched voice, "Ugh, Elfwine, get it away from me. No, you may 'not' keep it. No, don't squeeze it- the frog's eyes are bulging out."
He met Key's eyes as he fled the scene, and the noble was openly grinning.
"Really, my lord, have you never done the same thing?" Key asked. Legolas came to stand with him.
"Never," then he paused when he saw Key's disbelieving look. "But we did capture one of the spiders roaming in the forest and let it free in King Gil-Galad's room when he had come visiting."
"King Gil-Galad?" Key asked. "The High King in our fables?"
"The very same."
"But-but"
"We were young apprentices at the time, my friend and I." Legolas added.
Key let out a baffled laugh.
"What happened?"
"Gil-Galad was not amused, of course, when he saw the culprits where more than elflings." Legolas said, remembering. "I do remember my grandsire laughing very hard. My father was amused though he did fight to keep it from showing for the High King's sake. My mentor made us catalog the books in the library." Legolas added. Then he said, frowning slightly, "I do not think it was the wisest that we had ever done."
Key laughed.
"Whose wise at that age? All they need to worry about is the next time to play and their friends!"
"Indeed," Legolas said. "It was a good time."
oOo
When they stopped for the night and made camp, Legolas was having his mare settle for some rest. They had two more weeks of travelling left, and the horses needed as much rest as they can get because the last days will be full of harder riding. But when he reached for his saddlebags, Tinúviel gave a nervous whinny and pranced away from him.
"In a playful mood, are you?" He asked, reaching for the saddlebags. She avoided him again. He frowned. "That is enough, nightingale. Let me have them."
But she neighed and trotted about, bucking a little to keep him from taking his saddlebags.
"What is wrong? Easy, easy! Alright! I will not take the bags, but let me check you. Perhaps there is an injury to explain your behavior."
He checked her carefully, but found no injuries or hurts. He frowned. Tinúviel was not a nervous beast. She was steady as they can get and quite temperate, even with all her mischief. But she was adamant of not letting him have his bags. He tried to reach for them, only to have her avoid him again. He sighed and patted her neck, letting her know he was not angry, only disappointed. He did reach for the saddle and tried to loosen it. But Tinúviel jerked away.
"This is-this is getting ridiculous." Legolas told her in disbelief. "You will be in for an uncomfortable night!" But she was firm.
"Alright," Legolas said to her resignedly. Patting her neck last time, he turned away. He was troubled by her reaction. It did not suit her and normally she would be very grateful to lose her burden but today she reacted completely opposite. He wandered through the camp, where the men were lighting the fire to keep the shadows at bay and provide some warmth. Out in the open, they were more exposed to the cold, and winters were harsh in Rohan. Legolas drew his cloak around himself. He could hear the river roaring on his left side, though they were safely far from it.
His tent was getting erected by the men. He was normally not so comfortable in travelling in large groups but he had to admit, it was a relief knowing someone else was making his tent and his meals. It was a luxury, in fact.
"You need a wife." Faramir had once teased him. Legolas merely looked down at the betrothal ring on his finger and smiled sadly. After that, neither Faramir nor any of his sworn brothers mentioned it again.
They ate by the fires. Legolas sat across where Hilda and Elfwine were sitting, the fire between them. He could hear Elfwine's excited chatter by his nurse, and Hilda's patient voice chiding him or correcting him.
"I do not know how you do it." Legolas told her in a low voice, taking their dishes from her for a wash.
"It is not so hard." Hilda replied, laughing lightly. "Children need only a little bit of encouragement, and then they will chatter away on their own. You should try it sometime." Hilda added, unable to help herself. Legolas made a face.
"I would rather face an army." He told her, making her laugh again. She turned and called Elfwine, "Come, my lord, it is time for bed."
Legolas turned with the dishes in hand, ignoring Elfwine's protests for bed.
When he helped with washing the dishes and setting them back into the box in the carriage, he decided to check on Hilda and her young charge before retiring for the night. He made his way to the tent, nodding once now and then in greeting as he passed by Riders or nobles. He reached Elfwine's tent, noting that Hilda was away with the other women, chatting in their native tongue. There was a guard standing at attention.
"The prince is asleep, my lord." The guard told him.
"I have no intention in disturbing his rest." Legolas replied, smiling at him as he moved to lift the flap of the tent.
He stopped suddenly, feeling a slight, pointed pressure on his side. He glanced down, and saw the gleaming dagger pressing against him. He looked at the guard, who was smiling coldly at him.
"The prince is asleep, my lord." The guard repeated. Legolas raised an eyebrow. He was taught never to assert his power until it was absolutely necessary. And then, he was either to express it in words or take a course of action that would show who has the upper hand. Normally, Legolas avoided the latter option, preferring to speak rather than take action as the second option usually instilled fear and doubt. But this one called for the second option, since he could not tolerate such a threat. It meant there was a chance for the guard to become cocky and take it one step further than merely pressing the dagger against his side; he could drive it straight in.
"Perhaps I had not been clear before." Legolas said aloud. Then he quickly grabbed the guard's wrist, tightening his grip so much that the guard was forced to drop his dagger. Then the guard's eyes widened in shock when he felt a tip of a dagger press against his side, the sharp tip of it finding a weak spot through his chainmail.
"Move," Legolas said. There was nothing cold about his voice, just a simple command in a controlled voice. The guard immediately moved back; to a third party, nobody could see what was happening, save perhaps a strained conversation.
Legolas smiled and released him, placing his hidden dagger back in its sheath.
"There," Legolas said, clapping the stunned soldier on the shoulder. "That was not so hard, now, was it?"
He nodded at the guard once and went into the tent. He did not see the guard's slow smile creeping up on his face.
The tent was dark inside, and it was somewhat warmer than the cold outside. Elfwine was curled up in his cot, clutching his favorite horse in his hands as he slept. For a child who was adamant of no sleep, the boy slept peacefully. Legolas smiled as he brought the blanket more securely around the boy.
"Sleep well, little one." Legolas said softly. "Your uncle will take care of you."
When he left the tent, he went for his own. Once inside, he released the belts holding his quiver, bow and dual knives and habit made him keep them close by. He took off his cloak and his tunic. He lay flat on his back, enjoying the comfortable feel of the cot beneath him. It was cramped in the tent but he was used to travelling, so he did not mind.
He felt someone discretely prod around in his mind and smiled. He recognized him.
~If you are looking for the memory, it is safely hidden beneath the shields.~
~You are no fun.~ Thranduil told him, laughing. ~Do indulge your father and tell me what it was like.~
~I will do nothing of the sort.~
~Come now. I know how it feels. Your father not knowing, some conspirators helping you along… I still want to have a word with Fion on this.~
~It was five years ago, father.~
~Still,~ Thranduil insisted. ~It would have been something.~
~Her brother was with us as her chaperone.~
~What fun is there in that?~
~Well, I recall you were not better off. You and mother were seen in broad daylight by grandfather in a garden that is well exposed-~
~Father should never have told you that tale.~ Thranduil said, a hint of annoyance in his voice.
~I have to admit it was quite amusing. Grandfather had no clue and what a way to find out with his son and future wife in the garden, kissing-~
~I will make you scrub the floors for your cheek, boy.~ Thranduil said gruffly, growling when he heard Legolas' soft laughter vibrate the link.
~Grandfather was always insistent that the same will happen to you on whatever you did to him.~
~Humph, at least I did not show up on my father's doorstep with a dwarf in tow and claiming he is a friend.~
~Gímli is a friend.~ Legolas protested.
~Hm, so you say. But enough on that. Tell me what troubles you? You seem restless, my son.~
Legolas sighed and raised his hand to pinch the bridge of his nose between his first two fingers.
~My mare did not let me take my saddlebags from her this evening.~
~And is it so worrying?~
~She never did it before. Maybe I am overthinking here, but I feel that there is some danger lurking around our camp.~
~Is there anything to raise your suspicion? Some beast in the distance, perhaps?~
~I am certain I did not find any. But perhaps, it is me. I might be reading too much in her behavior. She is young, after all. And very lively.~
~I never doubted your instincts, Legolas. In fact, they had always been proven useful to me. Do not dismiss this feeling!~
~So what should I do? Keep my weapons close by? Stay on guard?~
~Rest while you still can. And I doubt there is a need to keep the weapons so close, but- wait. Did you say camp? Are you traveling in a group?~
Legolas' heart sank. He knew for certain he was going to be teased.
~Aye, father. I am travelling with our companions.~
~But-but- you hate travelling in groups! I have to scold you and threaten you to accept a guard or an escort! How did you manage to travel in a group?~
~I am escorting Elfwine with me.~
~Elfwine?~
~Éomer's son.~
~A child?~
~Aye,~ Legolas said in resignation.
There was a moment of silence and then a roar of laughter rocked the mental link.
~Go ahead.~ Legolas snapped, not unkindly. ~Laugh! Is it really so surprising?~
~It is.~ Thranduil regained some of his composure, his voice still trembling in his amusement. ~You never wanted to have any child close to yourself! What happened now?~
~Éomer can be persuasive. He insisted me to take Elfwine with me.~
~He succeeded where I had failed. You run from children as if they were a disease.~
~That is untrue.~
~Aye, you do. I want to see everyone's reaction when you reach Ithilien.~
~Oh, dear.~ Legolas said grimacing. He could already imagine what it would be like. He would not find any peace for weeks!
~Hm,~ Thranduil said thoughtfully. ~Elfwine. Elf-friend. A powerful name.~
~What?~
~Nothing.~
~You are starting to sound just like Mithrindir. He would always drop riddles here and there and leave us bewildered.~
~Mithrindir…. Oh, yes, Gandalf. The wizard who started that meddlesome affair with the dragon.~
~Father?~
~Hmm.~
~Are you alright?~ Legolas asked, growing worried. ~Where are you?~
~In the study.~
~Please tell you have not been there for a long time.~
~How much is a long time?~
There was a moment of silence.
~You have been there for two days, haven't you?~ Legolas asked finally.
~How did you know?~
~You always answer a question with a question when you know you have stayed in the study for so long. Have you eaten?~
~That reminds me.~ Thranduil said. Legolas vaguely got the idea his father was grimacing. ~Thorontur had left me a tray of food since before noon. It is still there, untouched.~
~Father! Go and eat, I implore you.~
~I will.~ Thranduil protested.
~Now.~ Legolas added. ~Meaning, immediately. And get some rest. Who knows when is the last time you slept.~
Thranduil's soft, defeated chuckle vibrated over the link.
~Where are you, my son? It has been a while and you travelled and yet you have not come to visit me.~
~I will, soon.~ Legolas promised. ~But we will meet this winter.~
~What do you mean?~
~I may or may have not given your name to Arwen and promised your arrival.~
~Booooooooooooooy!~
~Only Fion is allowed to call me like that.~ Legolas protested.
~I will momentarily take that right.~ Thranduil scolded him. ~You and I will have a little chat once I get there on making promises behind my back.~
~So you will come? Arwen would so very disappointed if you would not.~
~Humph! Only for the Evenstar.~
~Of course.~
~Aye.~
~Not at all because you wish to meet your only and beloved son.~
~Not at all.~
~Good night, father.~ Legolas said grinning broadly. He heard his father's soft, loving voice through the link before it cut off.
~Good night, my son.~
He turned in his cot, and slowly sleep took him.
~S~
Author's Note:
This will be my last update in a while. I have a few major tests coming up. I am trying to treat you guys with as quick updates as I could manage.
Regarding writing other tales like The Hunt or The Duel. I might not write them. The same goes for "Building Ithilien", which was the sequel of OTWAB.
In place of OTWAB and Building Ithilien, I might write other multi-chaptered stories, like on Thranduil during the War of the Ring. It will include the captivity of Dorian, his role in LOTR (behind the scenes, not mentioned battles in Tolkien's works), the decisions by Bard and Dain and their deaths later on. All of it will be canonic, with my OCs as well. (Yes, Fion, Hanon, Thorontur, Dorian, Nimon, Noron will be there. Callon and Caldor too.)
There is a high chance for me to rewrite Green Leaves (the story on Legolas' youth).
It will entirely depend on you guys, which one you guys want. So if you want to see a particular one from the above two, mention it in your reviews and I will take the popular one. :)
I might publish one-shots now and then. I have already published one 'Roads Go Ever Ever On."
Guess what? I was fooling around in the Google search, looking for dresses and one popped up and I really liked it. It was red and majestic and with a lot of flair. I looked up at the face and realized it was King Thranduil. So I was grinning since every time I write Thranduil. :P
Please review!
List of OCs:
Hilda- 'warrior maiden', Elfwine's nurse
Calhoun- 'warrior', Captain of eored
Gytha- 'gift', Cynric's wife.
Cynric- 'of royal might', nobleman accompanying Legolas
Key-
Kinnell-
Thorontur- wood-elf, Thranduil's loyal advisor
Fion- wood-elf, Commander of Elven Rangers, Legolas' former mentor, Thranduil's closest friend
Dorian- wood-elf, Commander of Elven Ranger, Royal Spy, Legolas' closest friend, Fion's former apprentice
Replies to reviews:
aronoiiel: Aaaah, ice cream. I have this huge craving for shaved ice and maple syrup topping over it. Lol, there were many sneaky shocks, I don't know which one you are talking about. :P I feel like throttling certain characters again, lol.
Smiley: lol, thanks. Chatty is nice. Chatty is ok. :)
cheekybeak: lol, no. It is not a tiny bit of information to intrigue you guys. I had it all planned out, before my stories were taken out. It was supposed to be in Green Leaves in complete part and Building Ithilien a little bit. Here it will bits and pieces. And yes, he has a betrothed. I won't tell more. :D
emi : lol, emi. You really can't help yourself. :D Don't worry, I do not mind and people don't read that much into it anyway. :D
Omg, you watch Bleach? You and I are on the same page then. :P Well, maybe I might or I might not. I run a blog, an fb page, this ffn account and study all together. I don't have that much time to stress my mind to remember what I wrote in previous stories. :) Duel and Hunt are more likely though. So maybe your persuasion skills worked somewhat. But only if I get some time off my dental school.