"I'll never stop, even if one day it kills me…"
Chapter VII
Aeroniel couldn't stop the tears from falling out of her eyes. She pulled herself up wiping the tears away from her face.
"And why should someone as beautiful as you be crying?" A voice called behind her.
She slowly turned and felt a slight smile appear on her face as she saw her prince. She wiped the remaining tears away as Legolas walked up to her. He gently placed his palms on her cheeks framing her face, rubbed some of her tears.
"Did you hear…" Aeroniel asked quietly looking away from his eyes, turning her head to the side. He lowered his head trying to look at her, "Yes. But that doesn't matter. What matters is you and me." He softly grabbed the side of her cheek with his palm. "I don't want to see you like this."
Aeroniel laid her face against his chest wrapping her arms around him. She let out a big sigh and the prince looked down at her little brunette head hugging her harder. He kissed the top of her head and closed his eyes as he took in her sweet scent.
"I'm sorry I am being such a burden to you." The she-elf mumbled in his chest. Legolas let out a little laugh and sighed.
"You worry too much. I know you have been stressed lately. It's okay to cry Niele. Even the strongest people stumble at times." He said quietly rubbing her hair. He pulled back and looked at her. He didn't know whether or not he should kiss her or if it was the right time, but he was so tempted too.
Aeroniel looked at him puzzled as to why he kept staring at her intently and dropped her arms. "Advancements are tomorrow… I should go get some rest. We'll meet tomorrow?" She said breaking the awkward silence.
"For celebrations." Legolas said trying not to be awkward. Aeroniel smiled, stood on her tippy toes and gave him a small peck on his cheek causing the young prince to flush with embarrassment.
"Good night." She said walking away. Legolas looked after her as she left, holding his cheek. He smiled and turned to make his way to his chambers.
Haldir slammed his fists down on his desk and dropped to the floor in frustration. He kept replaying the moment he had to tear his self from the one he truly loved only to save his sanity. He didn't understand why Aeroniel left him and he wasn't sure how he felt that his close friend would be the one to take the love of his life. He got up and made his way to his balcony. As he opened the crystal doors he saw a familiar figure walking down the path of the kingdom to the village. Aeroniel. He saw her long brown hair flowing with the forest wind and how beautiful her face sparkled as the moonlight glazed over her. He couldn't help but think of the first time he ever laid his eyes on her, and the first time his lips met her soft lips on the kissing rock. He has never been with anyone else before her and he wasn't expecting on being with anyone else after. He was positive back then that she was the one he'd spend his immortal days with, but things were different now. Aeroniel didn't want to be with him and instead chose to be with someone else. Haldir was downright jealous. He couldn't think about the one he loved could love someone else. However, he refused to believe that she never loved him. He remembered her whispering to him that she would never stop loving him. He shook his head at the memory. A small tear fell from his eyes as he kept thinking about it. He kept thinking about how he deserved it and how he hated himself for leaving her the day after he pledged himself to her.
He stared off in the forest's path as he watched Aeroniel's shadow become smaller and smaller. It was his time to feel the centuries of pain she has felt with his absence.
"All has gone well." Eroborn said proudly giving Ireth a small kiss. Aeroniel nodded silently as her mother embraced her shortly after.
"I am so happy for you." She said smiling cupping her daughter's cheek.
"I assume you knew about ada's brilliant plan as well?" Aeroniel arched her eyebrow. She nodded at her father and gave another hug to Ireth. "I will make my way to bed. Advancements are tomorrow…" She made her way up the stairs and shut her door. She looked outside her window, which had a perfect view of the kingdom. She would soon live there with the one she truly loves. Bu there is still one in the kingdom that she will always care for, possibly for the rest of her life. A loud thud came from her balcony. As Aeroniel changed her view to her balcony doors, her good old friend climbed up.
Huffing and puffing from climbing, Napolde grabbed her friend's shoulder. "So- w-what hap-happened." She stood up straight catching her breath. "Never doing that again…" She mumbled quietly to herself. Aeroniel looked at her confused and smirked. Napolde caught the glance and repeated herself.
"SO. What happened?!"
"What do you mean what happened?" The she-elf asked crossing her arms.
"This marriage proposal/arrangement you were freaking out about earlier!" Napolde rolled her eyes thinking that her best friend could be so out of it at times.
Aeroniel made a slight "oh" look with her mouth and laughed. "Well I met the warrior, and I have agreed to the marriage."
Napolde gaped at her response. "Excuse me what? What about the prince?" She threw her hands in the air. "Is this warrior that attractive?"
Aeroniel shook her head laughing again. "No! The prince is the warrior."
"Be quiet… don't speak of such things. Why are you pulling my leg Niele?" Her friend replied eyeing her suspiciously.
"I do not lie!" Aeroniel exclaimed laughing at Napolde. She explained to her friend the whole entire situation and what happened (avoiding the Haldir incident) and all Napolde's face could do was gape.
"The odds were definitely in your favor mellon nin." She replied hovering her hand over her mouth. "Let your father arrange a marriage for me." She giggled wiggling her eyebrows. Aeroniel shook her head laughing.
"Is that all you want now? Remember Nana, we have advancements tomorrow."
Napolde scoffed. She opened the bag that was draped across her chest and pulled out a crystallized bottle that had a reddish brown liquid inside. "Still doesn't stop me from sneaking into ada's winery."
"Napolde!" Aeroniel said shocked lightly pushing her shoulder. "Don't hinder yourself with such drinks!"
"Relax Niele, It's a great reliever, besides you and your prince will have to share a glass during your vows, so might as well start practicing." She winked. Aeroniel shot her a concerned look, which caused Napolde to groan and roll her eyes.
"Fine, fine. I just wanted you to relax a bit, you've been so tensed up lately. No worries, I shall see you tomorrow at the training grounds!" She yelled taking a swig out of the bottle and leaping off the balcony. Aeroniel rolled at her crazy friend and laid down on her bed. As she slowly closed her eyes she let out a dreary sigh. She went back to what Napolde said.
…you and your prince will have to share a glass during your vows… Aeroniel turned to her side thinking about the day she would get married and how surreal it was starting to feel. But she couldn't help but think about Haldir and how he would feel if he saw them together. She tried to shake off the thought but it kept coming back to her. She pulled her pillow on top of her face groaning into it. With the thought of bother her prince and Haldir, the she-elf drifted into a deep sleep.
Aeroniel opened her eyes slowly as she was awakened by a light golden glow with someone in it. From what she could, she saw a tall golden warrior making her way.
"Do not be scared." The strong, yet quiet voice called out to her. She thought it was Legolas, probably wishing her good luck on her advancements, he always had a tendency of surprising/scaring her out of nowhere. The golden light came closer to her and she closed her eyes taking in the sweet scent of her prince. As the warrior kissed her forehead softly, as she opened her eyes, it wasn't Legolas.
Taken back, she met eyes with a familiar face. Haldir.
"VALAR!" Aeroniel snapped up from her bed. Legolas jumped, startled. He rushed over and placed his hand on the small of her back, concerned.
"What is it? What is wrong?" He asked rubbing her back slowly. Aeroniel looked at him and thought about the dream she had about Haldir. She grabbed Legolas's face making sure it was actually him and that she wasn't in a dream.
"Oh thank Valar…" She said pulling him into a hug. Legolas eyes widened at the sudden affection Aeroniel was giving him, but he smiled and hugged her back.
He pulled back and kissed her forehead softly, "I wanted to wish you good luck on your advancements today. I will wait for you in the front gates of your academy once you have finished. I hope I didn't disturb your sleep."
Aeroniel shook her head, smiling. "Nay, you did not. I am well rested." She lied still thinking about her odd dream. She got up and splashed her face with cold water waking herself up. As she grabbed a twoel, Legolas walked over to her handing her a bow. It looked almost golden in the sunlight and had small intricate swirls of a mint blue covering the entire bow. On the inside of the bow, the small quote spoke in elvish tongue, stand strong, strike with courage, and protect these lands.
"A gift from the king." The prince smiled handing it to her. Aeroniel gently grabbed the bow admiring it in the sunlight.
"It is beautiful…" She said quietly still amazed by the craftsmanship. Her fingers flowed softly along the arch of the bow and she pulled back the bowstring testing its strength.
"A little good luck charm, I hope it serves you well. During the advancements and in the future." Legolas nodded pleased with how amazed Aeroniel was. Aeroniel looked at him and gave him another hug.
"Thank you so much." She said not pulling back.
"Here, let me walk you." Legolas pulled back looking at her soft honey eyes.
"Those who are taking section 303-00 advancements today, please enter the right side doors and please sign in with your previous instructors!" An instructor called. Many elves were at the academy today to pass their way in and to one day serve under Thranduil's rule.
"I will wait for you here. You will do fine Niele." Legolas pulled in the she-elf for another kiss on the forehead, where his lips lingered on for a little longer than usual. Aeroniel flushed with embarrassment and couldn't help but giggle as she waved good bye to her prince.
A hard clasp came on her shoulder, Aeroniel turned around to see her good friend.
"I see your prince has wished you good luck." Napolde snickered giving her a wink. "Hey prince! Thanks for the good luck too!" She yelled out causing Legolas to turn around. He caught what she said and gave her an unamused face (-_- ß like that). Napolde winked at him waving goodbye as she dragged her friend inside the doors with her.
"Nice bow, gift from the love?" She asked admiring Aeroniel's new bow.
"Actually from the king. I assume it's a good luck gift for advancements."
"Everyone here knows you're going to score the highest. You have no need to worry. I do however." Her friend sighed. Aeroniel rolled her eyes and clasped Napolde's shoulder.
"I saw you hit those bulls eyes. You do not need to worry either."
"Aeroniel Fefalas. Right side, section 303-00." An instructor called out. Aeroniel tuned to him and nodded picking up her newly made bow and quiver.
"That's me. Wish me luck, I shall see you soon. Good luck mellon." She gave her friend a nod and began to make her way to the double doors.
As Aeroniel walked in the room was seen as a circular dome holding the colors of ivory, a nude brown, and gold. The room was big enough to fit all the elves plus the four main judges. There was another pair of double doors just across from the entry of the first double doors. There was a balcony on the right side of the double doors and on the outside Aeroniel could see the tall ancient trees that aligned themselves ontheborderof the Mirkwood lands.
"The test will soon begin once the guest judge arrives. He was part of the academy himself and who had prestigious archery skills. The advancement is rather simple. You have fifteen minutes to go through three training tests. One on grounds, second in the air, and third is a mystery." The instructor called looking at all the future elven warriors. The elves all looked at each other confused not expecting a "mystery" for the third test. Aeroniel couldn't help but get nervous as she felt she didn't prepare herself as well as she could've. Everyone was silent as the double doors opened, revealing a familiar sight. Haldir.
The instructor smiled, opening his arms wide. "This is our guest judge, Haldir. March warden of Lothlorein." Haldir walked in and gave a slight smile placing his palm over his heart while lowering his head. The other elves did the same gesture as Aeroniel just stared at him in shock. As Haldir skimmed the group of elves, he met eye contact with Aeroniel. He couldn't help but stare deeply into her eyes and had to tear himself away and get focused. The she-elf turned to look the other direction, her anxiety rising.
As if I couldn't focus before… now I have to do my test in front of him? She closed her eyes shut trying to calm her frustration.
"You will all go in order, when one completes the first training ground and moves on to the second one, the next one in line will step up and begin the first training ground. Even though we will not be outside with you during the advancements, remember we have eyes everywhere on the grounds. You will see a total of three instructors who will give you admittance to each new training ground. We are watching your every move, so do your best and what you accomplish, you shall receive. Is all understandable?" The instructor asked. All the elves nodded in response preparing their bows.
"Armenia Alenwe. You are first. Please take your position. The first training ground is out those doors." The instructor pointed to another set of double doors that were outlined with gold lining that had intricate designs coming from the sides. The black haired elf that bore the eye color of a light violet nodded as she prepared herself for the first test. She turned to face all the judges, placing her palm over her heart. The doors slowly began to open and once she stepped out, the doors immediately closed.
Aeroniel tried to avoid the slight glances Haldir was giving towards her, as she was afraid that he would fail her from passing the advancement because of what she has done. As more and more elves started to go through the doors, Aeroniel got more and more impatient. She just wanted to get out on the training grounds and get the whole thing over with. Even though the fact that Haldir will still be watching, if the fact that she couldn't see him, is what matter.
Why should I be intimidated by him? She thought to herself. The thought angered her as she shouldn't let anyone take her focus away from her. "Aeroniel Fefalas." She snapped her head up and made her way towards the double doors taking a huge breath. She glanced at Haldir who returned the same look. I'll show him. She thought to herself smiling as she placed her palm over her heart. Her confidence rose as she made her way out the doors into the first training ground.
The first training grounds were much similar to the training grounds Aeroniel has been training on for months. Aeroniel quickly hitched an arrow to her bow as she started a light jog and then soon began to run faster releasing an arrow every time she passed by a target. As she made her the way at the end of the first training ground, she saw another one of the instructors at the edge of the forest.
"Aeroniel Fefalas." The instructor said. "You have completed the first test. You will now begin the second test. In the air. You will defeat your targets by only being on trees. Touch the ground with two feet and your test will end there. You may go on." Aeroniel nodded at the instructor and walked her way into the forest. She leap on one branch, then leaped on another getting higher and higher on the ancient trees.
She saw her first target dummy and quickly hitched an arrow to her bow. She remembered what Legolas told her and took a deep breath lowering her shoulders. She released the arrow watching it pierce the dummy straight on the bulls eyes. She leaped her way through the forest shooting every target she could find. She skimmed her surroundings making sure she got every target and began to make her way through the rest of the second training ground. She was careful with every step she took, as the branches were not sturdy and slightly slippery from being wet from rainfall. After she shot her last target, she saw another instructor waiting for her arrival.
"Aeroniel Fefalas, you have completed the second test. Beyond these borders you will begin the last test. When you pass these borders, you see one that bears the color of white. Use it to finish the test. If you fail to take out your targets, your test will end there. You may go on." Aeroniel shot him a confused look at the little riddle of the one that bears the color "white". What could it possibly be? She thought to herself as she prepared her bow and quiver. Her hands and arms were getting sore but it didn't stop her from fighting harder. She walked past the instructor out of the forest into a small clearing that showed two things. A white steed and one small red target.
"So this is the mystery ground. Shoot the target while on horseback…" The confidence in the she-elf soon began to lessen as she barely practiced shooting bulls eyes on horseback. She made her way to the white horse and lightly petted it's mane. The horse neighed, lowering its legs, allowing the she-elf to hop on its back. As she settles herself on the saddle she slowly touched its mane. She thought of how Haldir helped her with the horse and closed her eyes trying to connect with the white horse, becoming one with it. As she opened her eyes, she slightly kicked the sides of the horse with her heels, setting the horse on a slow trot. She quickly hitched an arrow to her bow as she kicked the sides a little harder, causing the horse to gallop. The steed began making its way to the target as Aeroniel lifted her bow aiming for the target. She squinted her eyes to get a better aim, pulling back the bowstring. The red target was smaller than the other targets from the other training grounds, but it didn't surprise Aeroniel, as it was the last test for her passing the advancements. Right before the horse passed the red target Aeroniel quickly released the arrow and watched it soar in the air piercing the red target right on bulls eye. A surprised smile crept its way on her face, as she didn't expect a perfect shot. She thought to herself as she halted the horse to a slow trot, on how Haldir was right with becoming one with the horse, it is possible to make the right shot.
"Sir. One of the elves are in trouble." An elf walked in informing the instructor and the judges. The judges took their eyes off Aeroniel and looked at the warrior.
"What kind of trouble?" The instructor asked getting up from his seat.
"Napolde Galandiel. She has fallen through the forest."
"What do you mean fallen? Did she fall herself?"
The warrior shook his head. "The other instructors and I were watching, it doesn't seem she has fallen on her own…"
The instructor's eyes widened. "Then why haven't you gone after her?!" Haldir stood up making his way to the doors.
"Haldir, where are you going?" The instructor called out. "Not all elves have finished their tests yet."
"Postpone the others. We must save her. What exactly did you think has made her fall if she hasn't fallen herself?"
"You don't think…" The instructor gaped. Haldir picked up his bow and two blades hitching them on his back.
"Ungols." He said as he made his way out the doors.
Legolas made his way through the village, picking up a small bouquet of a variety of flowers to give to Aeroniel after her advancements. He was sure she was to pass and wanted to make her celebrations the best day she had in centuries. A warrior ran up the village path stopping the prince.
"My Prince. The king requested you. It is an emergency."
Legolas looked at the flowers, then back the warrior confused. "Emergency?"
"Ungols. They have breached the west side of the forest." The warrior said urgently.
Legolas brows furrowed and he quickly made his way to the kingdom.
"Is it true father? The ungols have spread to the west banks?" Legolas said walking into the court. Thranduil got up from his throne to walk to his son with Eroborn following close.
"The instructors claimed one she-elf has fallen through the trees. Haldir and his soldiers are looking for her." The king said calmly. Legolas eyes widened and thought of Aeroniel.
"Did they see who it was? Did they say who it was?" He asked urgently.
"I am afraid I do not know. They just warned the kingdom that ungols are around. I want you and your soldiers to make way to the Mirkwood Academy grounds. Make sure none make it to the clearings."
Legolas nodded at the king's orders and made his way out of the court calling his soldiers to gather around.
"We make way to Mirkwood Academy! Open the gates!"
"You have completed the final test Aeroniel Fefalas. You may now proceed to go back. Follow the path and it will bring you back to the dome room." The instructor nodded at the golden path leading out of the clearing.
Aeroniel couldn't believe she has completed all the tests but soon began to realize that her body was sore and tired from all the shooting and the all the leaps on the branches she had to do. She made her way back following the pathway only to hear soldiers running and the sounds of their swords clanking against each other. She heard a familiar voice.
"To the forest! Hasten your feet. Be alert." Haldir yelled running into the forest. Shocked on what the commotion was all about, Aeroniel made her way back to the dome as fast as she could.
"What is going on? Why are their soldiers making their way into the forest while advancements are taking place?" Aeroniel bursted into the room asking the judges who were pacing around the room with concerned faces.
"Napolde has fallen. In the great forest. They believe the ungols have attacked her." One of the instructors said. "Haldir and his soldiers went to search for her. They will save her, do not worry Aeroniel."
Without a second to waste, Aeroniel grabbed her bow and quiver and ran out of the double doors.
"Come back Aeroniel! You cannot face them alone! They will kill you! Wait for Haldir! He will return with her!"
Aeroniel couldn't bear the fact that her best friend has fallen and nothing could stop her from going into the forest. She whistled a harmonious tune, as she kept running closer and closer to the forest. Lenwe galloped towards her way, neighing. Aeroniel latched herself on top of Lenwe and kicked her sides charging into the forest.
"Be alert. They know we are here. There just waiting for the right time to attack." Haldir said quietly looking around the forest. There were cobwebs everywhere latching onto anything it could.
"How could they have not noticed such evil upbringing…" He said quietly to himself.
"Napolde!" A voice called out. Haldir turned around quickly only to see Aeroniel trotting closer to them yelling her friends name.
"Aeroniel! Be quiet! They will come out of no where!" Haldir said running quickly to her. Aeroniel looked at him then looked ahead. Her eyes widened as she grabbed the reins of the horse trotting faster to what seemed like a body just ahead of them.
She leapt off Lenwe and leaned over. It was Napolde covered with cobwebs and had bruises from head to toe. A small trickle of blood escaped from her lips.
"Napolde…" Aeroniel said quietly. She couldn't believe what just happened to her friend. A few tears left her eyes as she grabbed Napolde wiping the blood from her mouth. "Wake up…" She sobbed quietly. The tears fell on Napolde causing her twitch and moan.
Napolde opened her eyes slowly, "Aeroniel…" Aeroniel immediately stopped crying as she noticed Napolde was responsive.
"Are you okay?! Are you hurt? Let me take you to father, he will help you." Aeroniel said hastily trying to get her to stand up. Haldir made his way to where Aeroniel and Napolde was, trying to help her to get up.
"Argh!" Napolde grabbed her stomach in pain. She looked at her hand to see it was covered in blood.
"She has been struck." Haldir said quickly hitching an arrow to her bow looking around their surroundings. "Quick, get her out of here, we will escort you both to safety."
"Thank you." Aeroniel whispered looking at Haldir. He nodded at her and alerted the soldiers of the situation.
"Niele!" Napolde let go of Aeroniel as she turned around flinging one of her dagger right into the mouth of an ungol. It screamed in pain as Aeroniel shot it to silence.
"I'll be fine, get on Lenwe. She'll take you to father." Aeroniel said whistling Lenwe over and helping Napolde get on her. "Keep moving, no matter what happens, you have to get out of here understan-"
"Behind you!" Haldir yelled hitching an arrow to his bow.
Aeroniel turned around quickly and grabbed the bearing fangs that struck at her. The spider wiggled around her grasp and lurched it's stinger around piercing her in the thigh.
Aeroniel screamed in agonizing pain as she whipped out one of her blades and stabbed the ungol. She ripped out the stinger and stumbled to the ground. Haldir yelled out her name as everything around her became blurry and all she could see was another ungol coming straight for her.
"Secure the area!" Haldir yelled at the soldiers who were fighting off the ungols who were coming rapidly to their spot.
Aeroniel brought herself up to her feet and hitched her last arrow as she aimed for the spider that was charging at her. As she released the arrow, other than the screams from the spider, she heard a loud groan come from behind her. She turned around quickly only to see Haldir stab the ungol in the stomach, only to see the stinger protruding from his side.
"HALDIR!" She yelled as Haldir dropped to his feet. He grabbed his wound, trying to stop the bleeding.
"Niele…" He said smiling. Aeroniel dropped to the ground trying to him up. She winced at her own pain but still tried to keep conscious.
"Do you know see? I-I l-love you. And I'll never st-stop, even if one day it kills me…" He said grabbing her face, tears flowing down
"N-no. Y-you're okay. It's gonna be okay." Aeroniel sobbed trying to hold her pain in. She kept touching his face trying to make his tears go away.
Haldir brought her face close to his and close his eyes breathing in her scent. He smiled and softly kissed her forehead, wincing in pain.
"I'll always love you. Amin elye stacia (my even star)."
Author's Note: Chapter 7 is finally here! Sorry I did not post last Friday! With college, everything is just piling up on me. But to make for it, I made this chapter EXTRA long! Hope you enjoy it! Please review and tell me what you think! Tune in Next Friday!
XOXO Marrissa
