Chapter 4 –
*All texts are spoken in Sindarin*
Aragorn felt the gently tug of the blind fold being pulled off her. Legolas stood with several other pale elves around her, and before her a regal appearing Elf on his throne. She could only presume that it was Thranduil.
"A woman…" Thranduil scoffed, apparently believing the situation to be ridiculous. "A lost traveler. We should've not brought her here." He said, glancing to Legolas like it were his fault. Legolas bowed his head slightly in some sort of silent apology.
"My lord, I had been told not more then a few months ago that Elladan and Elrohir, Sons of Elrond were traveling in these woods, I had come to seek them…"
"Do not speak until I ask you." Thranduil told her sternly. She stood quietly, eyes defiant, but lips not discerning. "You have had dealings with these elves? Or do you merely learn from your small town rumors and legends of the elves."
"Yet…" Thranduil suddenly stood, gliding over to her in a few short strides. He lifted her hand, examining the ring. "A regal Gondorian look about you… Barahir?" He said, raising an eyebrow. Aragorn stood motionless. "The heir of Numenor comes to us in the form of a woman… and she strays idly through dangerous woods with no protection? An ill fate I foresee for men…"
Legolas' eyes were suddenly discerning on her. Thranduil laughed aloud. "Men…" He said condescendingly.
"If I could turn into an elf right now I would, my lord." She said, carefully looking at the floor. "I am no heir of Gondor."
Thranduil could hardly keep his breath even in his mirth. "A woman! Elrond had told me of the last child of Arathorn, born after his death! Elrond should have not wasted his time hoping for you."
As Thranduil spoke, the last word of 'hope' rang in Legolas' ears.
"Estel?" Legolas finally spoke in complete confusion. Aragorn looked up to him, swallowing hard. "You did not tell me it was you!"
Legolas had lost track of all time. It had been six years since he'd last seen her. She would've certainly progressed into a young woman now, no longer the juvenile state of humans. He quickly shook his head,
"Father, I know her." Legolas took a step forward, towards his King and Father.
"I don't ask for your help, Legolas," she countered quietly, already offended by Thranduil. He looked at her stubbornly.
"Empty head." He snapped at her, then turned to his father. "Give her into my company, I'll return her to Rivendell into the keeping of Elrond."
"No!" Aragorn clenched her fists.
"Silence!" Thranduil commanded. "Legolas? I take it her stories of the Elf Princes are true, and you validate them. I cannot let her go wandering around Mirkwood… she draws the attention of too many Orcs to our whereabouts… do with her as you wish.. I care not." He turned and proceeded up a few steps towards his throne.
Legolas was at her side in a moment, already untying her bounds.
"I do not ask for your help," She said darkly. All of her memories of Legolas were fond,
"You are behaving like a child," He said, not looking at her.
"By your standards I am a child," She sighed, still angry. He didn't answer.
~*~
They rode far, small band of elves, Legolas holding a rope attached to Erelas' reins. He'd managed to get her out of the city fairly quickly as it seemed she didn't enjoy it too much at all.
"Here you are, Princess… we are no longer in the realm of Greenwood the great… You may go on your way."
She immediately looked back at him. "You are letting me go alone?"
"Not alone…" Legolas sat back, eyes glancing through the forest. "My apologies for offending you in court."
"And not recognizing me?" She said carefully.
"He approaches…" Legolas said simply, ignoring her last comment. "I will see you again, some day."
A grey rider approached. Her eyes looked warily at him, it was an old man. Seemingly tired and worn, but a dire fire in his eyes.
"Wait .. Who…"
"I am Gandalf the Grey, Aragorn… You and I have much to speak of…" Aragorn looked around, all the elves had faded into the dark eves of the forest.
