A/N from Aranel:
SOOOO SORRY this hasn't been updated in such a long time! Maglor had a big block of exams going so the editing process took a while. We both love this story, but please bear in mind that we are students, hence school work does (sadly) take priority. If we don't update for an extended period of time, you guys now know why. Thank you everyone for your patience, and also to all who reviewed! We really appreciate it =) To try and make it up to you, we made this chapter is a bit longer than usual ;) Now on with the story!
Chapter 4: The Orchestra
Aragorn and Legolas sat in silence beside one another, sheltered from the frosty wind by the boughs of the grand trees of Fangorn. The trio had been reluctant to rest that night after spying a hooded man in the forest. Fearing that the cloaked man was Saruman in disguise, they had their senses on high alert for any suspicious activity. Gimli, after trying his best to stay vigilant, eventually allowed his drooping eyelids to shut in rest. Legolas sighed, irritated at the loud noises emanating from the sleeping dwarf beside him. His looked over to Aragorn and noticed the man's pipe hanging loosely from between his lips with his head lolled back. The rustling of leaves jerked the man from his state of drowsiness and he straightened his back.
"Sleep, Estel," Legolas said softly. Aragorn's eyes darted towards the moon, now sinking lower in the sky. However, the man did not budge.
Legolas rolled his eyes at his friend's stubbornness. "Aragorn, you are of no help if you are half alive," he chided. "Go and rest, I shall keep watch."
Araogrn hesitated, before he nodded in agreement. Stuffing his pipe into the pocket of his tunic, he clambered over to his Lothlórien cloak spread out on the floor next to Gimli. As soon as Aragorn collapsed onto his makeshift bed, he instantly succumbed to slumber, leaving the elf to keep a watchful eye on their surroundings.
Thin rays of the sun slowly began to penetrate through the heavy treetops of Fangorn, making the dark forest seem slightly less dense. Legolas reached for a fallen stick and gently poked Gimli's stomach. His friend did not stir. Legolas trailed the stick up towards Gimli's beard and poked his friend again. The dwarf merely muttered and rolled over in his sleep, the volume of his snoring increasing. Legolas shook his head and feeling weary, he leaned back against the tree trunk and with the stick, absentmindedly began to draw circles in the leaves on the forest floor, briefly allowing his mind to drift...
Gelmir, Legolas and Voronwë strode quickly down the corridors of the palace, their guards trailing behind them. Turning a corner rapidly, they descended a winding staircase, taking the steps two at a time. Legolas bit his lip and winced as the shrieking of Gollum increased in volume. Voronwë shared a glance with his friend when the screaming and howling began to cause their sensitive ears to throb. Gelmir flinched as he nodded to the guards outside Gollum's cell. Once the guards had left the area, he glared down at the creature, thrashing around on the floor, pulling against the restraints around his wrists and ankles. With his patience hanging by a thread, Legolas took a bold step towards the cell and crouched. Gollum, noticing the change in position, stopped his screaming for a split second, before bursting into a racket all over again. Banging his forehead once on the metal bars of the cell, Legolas groaned and rose to his feet once more, casting an aggravated look to his captain. Gelmir's eyes narrowed.
"Quiet!" Gelmir barked. Gollum, startled by the sudden order and fierce gaze of the Mirkwood captain, reduced his commotion to hissing and wheezing instead. Voronwë's shoulders sagged in relief and he removed his hands from his ears.
"Nasssty elvesss!" Gollum hissed. "Always keeping us locked up without reason, not giving us raw food to eats! Mean elvess keeping us prisoner in ropes, precious! Gollum, Gollum." He clawed at his bound ankles.
This time, it was Gelmir who crouched to Gollum's level and peered directly into his eyes. "Tell us what you know," he ordered.
Gollum shook his head. "We swears!" he began, rocking back and forth on his heels. "Sméagol swears on the, on the preciousss, not to say anything! Nothing!"
Gelmir glanced back up at Legolas and nodded his head towards Voronwë. Clearing his throat in a business-like manner, Legolas turned to Voronwë. "Voronwë, I must ask you to leave. Dark matters must be dealt with at present." Voronwë nodded, but although he strove to conceal the hurt in his eyes, it shone painfully clear. Legolas arched an eyebrow briefly. It was quick, but enough. Voronwë coughed, inclined his head in a slight bow, and left dutifully. He closed the door behind him and disappeared up the staircase. Gelmir, who had been watching intently, turned back to face Gollum, who continued to struggle against the ropes that bound him.
"What 'precious?'" Gelmir asked quietly.
Gollum shook his head and began to whimper.
"Answer him! Or your punishment will not just be the ropes that bind you," Legolas threatened, crouching down alongside Gelmir and resting his hands on his knees. Gollum's shoulders began to shake.
"The preciousss! Shiny and, and round and it is preciousss, my love. And the orcses wants it. They wants it for -" Gollum broke off as sobs racked his bony frame.
"Whom do they want it for?" Gelmir whispered darkly.
Gollum raised his pale eyes to the captain's face. "Him. They wants the precious for Him!"
Legolas shared a distressed look with Gelmir, and then turned their attention back to Gollum. "Who is Him?"
Gollum's sobs halted suddenly and his face paled even more. His limbs began to shake and his chest heaved. "Mmmfff... mmmfff... PRECIOUSSS!"
Gelmir sighed and bowed his head as Gollum's shrieking resumed once more. Legolas stood and stared down, disturbed at the creature's words. "Should we inform the king now?" he asked Gelmir. Gelmir stood and shook his head.
"Nay, not tonight," he continued hurriedly at seeing the prince's confused expression. "I shall do some research on the matter before the orchestra tonight. We shall inform the king first thing tomorrow. Until then, it is to remain confidential."
Legolas stared at the ground, remembering his promise to Voronwë. He was an elf of his word. He ran a hand through his hair and reluctantly nodded. He would have to avoid the subject at the orchestra tonight and retire a little earlier, if possible. Legolas nodded in affirmation and Gelmir patted his shoulder. The door creaked open and the guards returned to their posts at the cells, and both elves headed back up the staircase. They heard Gollum shrieking curses at their backs.
xxxxxxx
Smoothing his warrior braids over for the umpteenth time, Legolas straightened his silver tunic and brushed the invisible dust of his dark grey leggings before entering through the great doors of the palace hall. He paused to sweep his gaze over the string of attendants hanging up last minute decorations and shook his head. His father had outdone himself. The servants were bustling here and there, adorning the carved windows with garlands of flowers, which also hung in loops from the ceiling. Hundreds of chairs and tables had been placed around the hall on either side of a central walkway that had an assortment of petals and leaves sprinkled over the stone floor. The long pathway opened up to a vast circular space, which Legolas assumed had been reserved for dancing. Smoke rose from a brick kiln situated in the middle of the room, which sullied the air with ash. The king's throne stood proud upon a low platform at the very front, overlooking the entire hall. Below it on the left were seats arranged in a spiral position for the musicians. The candles placed in the large chandeliers gave the hall a warm yet elegant atmosphere, accentuated by the dark, velvet green drapes across the windows.
The prince was distracted from his observations when a hand was calmly placed on his shoulder.
"Ah, good to see you are on time for once, ion nin," Thranduil said, giving his son's shoulder a gentle squeeze.
"You have truly outdone yourself this time, Ada," Legolas replied, admiring the decorations once more. Thranduil beamed and led his son towards the front of the hall.
"Hannon le, ion nin. I merely try my best," Thranduil said modestly and strode towards a servant who was carrying one too many plates. Legolas looked upwards again and his brow furrowed. It was merely an orchestra occurring that night, why had his father put such great effort for a feast which occurred every decade? He glanced quickly at his father, who was now conversing with one of his advisors. His father was either scheming, or had not yet informed him of something important... Legolas swallowed, bidding the unease in the pit of his stomach to dissipate.
The guests gradually began to pour into the hall. Thranduil sat on his throne and Legolas stood beside him on his right, greeting the advisors and their families as they came. The citizens of Mirkwood who had not been invited the previous decade also arrived. Thranduil had organised it that way so that every person in his kingdom had a chance to attend a royal feast, since all were equal. The tables were filling now, and the chatter of elves all talking at once, as well as the contrasting melody of someone picking a harp, bounced off the stone walls and crammed Legolas' ears with noise. Most of the musicians had also taken their seats at the front of the hall and servants had begun to serve appetisers to the guests, Voronwë amongst them. Legolas caught the eye of his friend and the two shared a brief grin. Legolas then straightened and forced another smile and polite greeting to what seemed to be the millionth guest. Heaving a sigh, the prince allowed his gaze to travel across the hall. His brow puckered. Líriel had said she would attend and the musicians were about to start, but she had not yet arrived. Just as he was about to question his father on the subject, a maiden entered through the side door of the hall.
Legolas's eyes widened slightly when he realised the maiden was indeed, Líriel. She was dressed in a pale purple gown with light embroidery upon the bodice and subtly belled sleeves, the silver thread gleaming in the candlelight. Her dark hair was fashioned in a thick braid on the right of her head, allowing the rest of her tresses to drape over her right shoulder. Her cheeks were flushed from her sprint down the stairs and she smiled sheepishly at Legolas as she approached the royals. Legolas shifted uneasily on his feet. He was not accustomed to seeing Líriel in such elegant attire, though it was a pleasant sight seeing her dressed in something other than her soft, yet somewhat plain dresses and loosely styled hair. She curtsied to the king. "My lords, I apologize for my late arrival this eve," she said softly.
Thranduil smiled kindly and took her hand. "It is no matter, young one, you are our guest tonight." His eyes held hers for a moment as if silently conversing with her, before he released her hand and nodded to the musicians, who sat prepared with their instruments. Legolas followed Thranduil as he descended the platform to sit at the table nearby which had been reserved for them and their head advisors. They took their seats and waited patiently for the orchestra to begin.
Legolas' eyes widened as he watched Líriel take her position alongside a small group of maidens in front of the orchestra. She cleared her throat, a little nervously, and shut her eyes, taking deep breaths. The musicians began to play and the maidens simultaneously opened their mouths, the notes flowing from their voices in tune with the gentle music. Thranduil raised an eyebrow and chuckled at the stunned expression on his son's face. It was evident everyone in the hall was impressed by the talent of the ellith. Líriel continued to sing along with the group, and her hands trembled slightly when her voice wavered for a split second. Her hands stopped shaking when she realised that no one had noticed her minor error, and she confidently finished the ballad. The entire hall clapped in appreciation of the performance, a few of the warriors cheering. Líriel shared a timid smile with the other ellith and prepared herself for the next couple of songs.
xxxxxxx
Dinner had been served and the dancing had commenced. Servants were scurrying in and out of the side doors of the hall as they gathered the dirty dishes that had once been filled with dessert in their arms. Legolas spied Líriel sitting at a table conversing with her parents. With a glance at his father, who was busy drinking his wine and speaking with Gelmir, Legolas excused himself and walked silently towards the table of refreshments placed at the front of the hall, but far enough from the dance floor. Legolas reached for the jug of juice when Voronwë appeared at his side.
"Your Highness, you could have asked someone to bring you that," Voronwë chided his friend. Legolas shrugged and took a sip of his drink.
"I needed the walk," he simply replied. Voronwë studied his friend's demeanour for a moment before grinning.
"Did you like my dessert?" Voronwë asked, his eyes bright. Legolas chuckled and nodded.
"Your food, especially cakes, are always the finest, Voronwë," Legolas said sincerely.
Voronwë's grin widened and he leaned on the edge of the table, swirling the juice in his own glass as his eyes scanned the hall. He leaned closer to the prince and whispered: "I see Líriel is here tonight."
Legolas stiffened and nodded his head. "Yes, I knew she was coming," he began, his voice strained. "But I do wonder why no one bothered to inform me that she wasn't a mere guest, rather a performer here instead?" Voronwë's eyes snapped to Legolas' face and he straightened at seeing the chagrined expression etched upon the prince's face.
"I did try to enlighten you," Voronwë said calmly in his low voice. "You simply would not stay long enough in my presence to let me finish!"
Legolas shot a glare at his friend and placed his glass down on the table. He watched as Líriel excused herself and walked towards the balcony of the hall. "Excuse me Voronwë, I require some air," Legolas said absently as he also strode towards the balcony. Voronwë quietly watched the prince exit and gulped the rest of his drink down before he too, discreetly followed.
Legolas walked silently outside to the balcony and paused, watching Líriel hum as she languidly leaned her forearms on the railing. Eärendil was shining brightly in the night sky and the trees whispered softly, making a gentle breeze travel through the area. Legolas took a step closer to the elleth.
"You have a lovely voice," he said, startling her out of her reverie. She twisted her head to glance at his slightly indignant expression.
"Thank you, Your Highness," she replied, choosing to ignore the hurt that was encased in his visage. Legolas sighed, striving to not lose his patience. She had done nothing wrong.
"I am a bit surprised you did not inform me," he said, and then added, "You never kept things from me when we were younger."
Líriel gasped and took a step forward. "Kept things from you?" she exclaimed. She briefly glanced around her and dropped her voice to an angry whisper. "I am not the one who does not tell a friend that they are holding prisoner a creature that does naught but shriek so loudly, that even the orcs in Mordor could probably hear him!"
Legolas averted his eyes at her remark. True, out of all the times he had met her and spoken to her as friends would, he had not once mentioned the reason for such a disturbance in the palace.
"Those were military affairs, Líriel," he said, his voice softer. "You didn't need to know -"
"Yes, I did not," she interrupted. "But Voronwë knows, who is also not a warrior. Or is it because I am a disregarded friend that you thought it unimportant to tell me that orc activity has increased in the forest -"
"How... how do you know all this?" Legolas asked, stunned. Who was leaking all the military affairs to the rest of the Mirkwood public? His father had told the warriors that he had planned to inform the people of the increasing danger at the correct moment. He did not want his kingdom to overreact and fall under greater fear too rapidly, without a proper explanation as to what was occurring in Middle-earth.
Líriel did not reply. Instead, she held the prince's gaze; both were frowning at one another. Voronwë, who had walked towards them and overheard the last bit of the conversation, took this as his chance to intercept.
"I informed her," he admitted. Legolas snapped his gaze to him, shocked.
"Voronwë!" he said, aghast. "I told you not to say anything -"
"True. You did," Voronwë replied, remaining calm. "But I thought Líriel ought to know, since her father is a craftsman, and needs to search the forest often for fallen materials. He would be at higher risk, returning from Rivendell, not knowing how dangerous the forest has truly become." Voronwë glanced at Líriel. "Líriel ensures he never forgets to take his weapons, just in case..."
Legolas heaved a sigh and nodded his head reluctantly. There were not many craftsmen in Mirkwood, and they had all been advised decades ago to ensure they took weapons with them into the forest. How could he have let this duty slip? Legolas cleared his throat and shifted his weight.
"Forgive me, Líriel," he said softly, although his tone was still distant. "I did not know... I would have... Adar should have... I am sorry."
Líriel controlled her breathing and gave him a small nod, accepting his apology. She glanced up at Voronwë and offered him a brief smile, before turning to rest her arms on the railing once more. Legolas and Voronwë shared a look, before walking forwards to join her, also resting their arms on the railing. The trio stood in silence for a few moments, allowing the sounds of the forest to placate their emotions. The music and laughter echoed from within the hall and Líriel relaxed her shoulders. The peaceful silence was then broken by a gentle whisper.
"Will we go to war soon, Legolas?" came Líriel's voice. Legolas turned and observed the side of her face.
"It is a possibility," he said truthfully. Líriel nodded and glanced up once more at Voronwë, who had his gaze fixed on the moon.
"Then we have to prepare for the unexpected, won't we?"
Legolas started at her words. "We?" he said, anxious. "There is no we this time, Líriel. Same goes for you, Voronwë," he continued. Voronwë shut his mouth and Legolas added, "When we were elflings, yes. But not this time."
Voronwë started to protest. "Legolas, why -"
"I said no, Voronwë," Legolas said firmly, trying his best to also avoid the subject of their earlier incident with Gollum. Voronwë clenched and unclenched his fist, leaning back on the railing again.
Líriel sighed and gave a short laugh. "I should have known you would say that, Legolas," she said. Voronwë nodded his head in agreement and shuffled his feet beside her.
"Come," Legolas said gently. "We have thought much this eve. Let us enjoy what the king has organised for us this night. Let us lay our concerns to rest till the morn." Voronwë and Líriel murmured in agreement and followed Legolas back into the hall. The dancing was in full swing now. Legolas could not help but grin widely at the sight of his father dancing with a small elfling, her puffy skirts twirling about her. His two friends followed his line of sight and laughed. Voronwë excused himself as another servant called for him, leaving Legolas and Líriel standing alone at the side of the hall.
Legolas hesitated, before he bowed and extended his arm out to her. "Would you like to dance, my lady?" he said, smiling kindly. Líriel grinned and slipped her arm through his and allowed him to lead her to the midst of the dance floor, the music and cheer ringing through their ears, as they briefly laid their troubles to rest for one more night.
xxxxxxx
"Gelmir!" Legolas called as he jogged down the hallway towards the captain. Gelmir halted and ran his fingers over the smooth wood of the bow in his hands.
"Where are you going?" Legolas inquired, his brow furrowing in confusion. "I thought we agreed on informing the king of our meeting with Gollum yesterday..."
Gelmir sighed and gripped his bow tighter. "I still have one more thing to search for in the library," the captain said. He gripped the prince's forearm, "I think I have discovered some meaning behind the creature's words. However I must be sure... Until I return from the forest, please do not mention anything to anyone."
Legolas reluctantly inclined his head in agreement and returned the salute, gripping the captain's forearm as well. Gelmir bowed his head slightly and spun on his heel towards the doors leading towards the grounds.
"Ah, Legolas! There you are," Thranduil's voice came as the king rounded the corner. Legolas smiled at his father in greeting and Gelmir turned to bow to the king. Thranduil returned the greeting with a polite nod of his head before approaching the captain.
"Gelmir, I have some business to discuss with you, if you are not too preoccupied at the moment?" Gelmir shuffled his feet awkwardly and cleared his throat.
"Erm..." he began, his cheeks tinged with embarrassment at what he was about to reveal to the king. "I was leaving for a quick hunt near the river in the forest -"
"Alone?" Thranduil inquired. "Captain Gelmir, it may be early in the morn, but to go that deep into the forest by oneself is unwise. You do know that spiders have been spotted throughout the daytime as well. I do not even allow the prince to travel that far without an escort. I suggest you take someone with you – Legolas, perhaps?"
Legolas started. "Adar," he began, "I promised Voronwë I would see him..."
Thranduil's eyes narrowed. "Legolas, this is a far more important matter -"
"Forgive me for interrupting, Your Majesty," Gelmir said hurriedly, "But there is no need for me to have an escort. If you wish, I will not venture alone into that part of the wood. Leave the prince to attend to his duties, my lord."
Thranduil sighed. "Alright then, Captain. You have my leave. I do not doubt your skill."
Gelmir gave a small smile, but it was wiped off his face at Thranduil's next remark. "Though I do doubt your ability to shine your boots."
Legolas grinned and gave his father a slight bow before exiting the hall. Gelmir stood frozen on the spot, gaping at the king. Thranduil smirked. "Do shut your mouth, Captain. It is terribly vulgar."
Translations:
Hannon le = thank you.
Ion nin = my son.
Ellith = elleth – maiden (plural).
A/N: Review, please? =)