It's been a tiring week for me and I wished I have 24 hours just to sit down and type where there are no interruptions every ten to thirty minutes.

I have decided to update the character portrayals in the chapter I deem they are ready to be introduced so you don't have to keep going back to chapter 1 to look at it.

7. Bittersweet

The actions of the ones you love sometimes hurts you the most. Edarís loved her adar and naneth for they were the pillars of her life since she had a conscious of her own. Her memories of them were as clear as the day. She had never felt she was not their daughter. So why does it hurt so much to know the truth? Does it matter if they were not her true adar and naneth? They loved her as much as they loved Eilianel.

Eda.

Thranduil had been trying to comfort her through their bond.

I have been foolish, have I not? She asked.

Perhaps, but it is quite justified… You are grieving for your losses. First, your adar. Then, Eilianel. And now, your naneth. It does not matter if they were not your true family for they were all you had.

Since when were you the voice of reason? She teased and heard his mental chuckle.

I will be here, Eda… as long as you need me. Thranduil professed his devotion for her.

Thank you, arion. She replied as her chest was filled with a familiar warmth that only Thranduil could invoke.

I believe the endearment to address me now should be aran. Thranduil said with mirth.

You will always be arion to me. She replied with a quirk in her smile that he could picture in his mind.

And you, my love, will always be bereth to me.

~ *** . *** . *** . *** . *** . *** . *** . *** ~

Míwil had not seen Edarís since she revealed the truth. She had promised Thranduil to stay until after his coronation. That happened three days ago and now she was preparing to leave Greenwood with Eilianel's body. There were other elves who were also travelling to Grey Havens and sail to Valinor. She had been looking at the entrance of the mountains from time to time, expecting to see her eldest daughter for the last time. Thranduil was there to bid her farewell and gave her a solemn look when he noticed she was still waiting for Edarís. When it was time to depart, she was dejected that Edarís had not come to see her off.

Just as she turned away from the entrance of the mountains, she heard the familiar voice of her eldest daughter that she would never have mistaken.

"Naneth!" shouted Edarís as she ran from the entrance to reach Míwil.

"Edarís…" Míwil's eyes were filled with unshed tears.

"No more iell nín?" asked Edarís with a smile as she stopped in front her naneth.

"You will always be my daughter…" replied Míwil as she embraced her daughter into her arms.

"You will always be my naneth. I know none that have treat me as you are since birth. May it be that I am adopted but you never love me any less," said Edarís with emotions thick in her voice.

Míwil's tears fell, touched by the love from her daughter. Thranduil smiled at their sentimental moment.

"I love you, iell nín," said Míwil.

"I love you too, naneth. Take care of adar and Eiliana," said Edarís.

"I will. You take care of Legolas," replied Míwil then her gaze lingered on Thranduil. "And our king as well."

Edarís' eyes widened at the meaning behind the words from her naneth. When she saw the acceptance from Míwil's eyes, she gave her naneth a warm smile and nodded. Thranduil watched with Edarís as Míwil marched away through the gates with Eilianel's body in a carriage.

"Come, Eda. We should return," said Thranduil after they could no longer see the departing group.

"Why the hurry, your highness?" asked Edarís with a raised eyebrow.

"Legolas will scream his lungs out when he wakes up and do not feel our presence around," muttered Thranduil.

Edarís laughed for the first time since the war. Thranduil smiled as they walked back to their mountains. The sound of her laughter was harmonious to his ears. He wished he would hear it more and vowed to make her happy as long as he could.

~ *** . *** . *** . *** . *** . *** . *** . *** ~

Second Age, Year 3441

News of good and ill came from Amroth, who succeeded his father's throne and became the King of Lothlórien. Sauron had been defeated in Mordor but not with great losses. Gil-galad and Elendil had perished in the battle. The oldest son of Elendil, Isildur, had cut the One Ring from Sauron's finger with the shards of his father's sword, Narsil. The remaining elves who survived the war had followed Elrond back to Rivendell.

"What are your worries, your highness? Did we not receive news of Sauron's defeat?" questioned Cílon, one of the elderly council members.

"Unfortunately, the darkness in Amon Lanc remained," said Thranduil.

"Do we not have healers who could heal the forest?" asked Gilornor, another council member.

"We have insufficient healers to heal the entire forest of Amon Lanc, Gilornor," replied Thranduil.

"The Lórien elves would have enough healers to aid us. Can we not seek assistance from them?" asked Cílon.

"No, it is unfair to our allies for they have suffered great loss and would require time to heal themselves. It would be uncouth of us to be asking a favor in these trying times," responded Thranduil, secretly rolling his eyes in his mind.

"What do we do then, your highness?" asked Cílon.

"Aduialon, carry on with the plan I have mentioned the other day when we were in the woods," said Thranduil to his most trusted advisor.

"Yes, your highness," replied Aduialon with a bow.

"What is this plan you have mentioned, your highness?" asked Gilornor curiously.

"We will build a fortress north from our mountains. It will provide us with sufficient defense against our enemies. I will explain more in due time. Meeting adjourned!" said Thranduil.

While walking towards Legolas' chamber, Thranduil and Edarís share their thoughts on the matter.

There is something else you are not telling them during the council meeting. Edarís brought up the unspoken matter during the council meeting.

The darkness in Amon Lanc had not only lingered but is spreading, albeit in a very slow manner. I do not want to send our healers to any possible dangers when we are already lack of them. Thranduil told Edarís the truth for he would never keep secrets from her.

Is that the reason you were out in the woods during Legolas' birth? Edarís asked.

Thranduil nodded.

We had also headed north from our mountains and found an enormous cave we can build a fortress out of it to better protect our kin.

It is probably best to also inform Amroth about the darkness in Amon Lanc. Edarís suggested.

He knows but I doubt he is paying attention to his kingdom at this point. He is busy courting Lady Nimrodel. Thranduil said with disdain.

We were once young as well, arion. Edarís replied with mirth.

I would never abandon our kingdom completely just for courting you, bereth. Thranduil said with pride.

Even if you would, I would not let you do so. Edarís replied fondly.

That is why I love you very much for you understand me better than others. Thranduil said warmly.

When they turned the corner into the quarters of the king and prince, Thranduil took the opportunity to steal a passionate kiss from Edarís. It was a perfect area for there would be no witness in the walkway until they turned another corner to the doors of the king and prince's chambers. He was not able to convince Edarís to move her chamber into the royal quarters. She had insisted to stay in the quarters near to the guards. Even as he was indulged in the kiss, his mind was thinking of ways to move her into the royal quarters one day, one way or another.

The following year after the end of Second Age, Edarís retired from the ranks of guards to focus on taking care of Legolas as Thranduil took on more responsibilities being the King of Woodland Realm.

~ *** . *** . *** . *** . *** . *** . *** . *** ~

Third Age, Year 3

"Get back here, Legolas!" shouted Thranduil as he chased after his son along the walkway from their chambers.

"My, my, what in Eru's name is going on?" asked Edarís, as she watched Thranduil drenched from head to toe in his robe.

"This boy is supposed to take his bath an hour ago. He is making it very difficult," muttered Thranduil.

Legolas hid behind his father's legs when he saw Edarís raised an eyebrow at him. He was in nothing but a pair of leggings.

"Would you like me to help you, Legolas?" asked Edarís politely, but Thranduil could have sworn the threat was so thick, a sword could even cut through it.

"No, nana! I-I can do it myself!" splurted Legolas as he ran back into his chamber.

"Why does he only listens to you, Eda?" sighed Thranduil but his heart warmth at the fact that Legolas had called Edarís 'nana'.

"Not always. He is growing, Thranduil. He is embarrassed to let me bathe him anymore. He used to love it," explained Edarís smiling at his disheveled appearance.

"I would not mind if you would like to bathe me," said Thranduil with a lift in the corner of his lips.

Edarís laughed.

"You will have to wait a little longer, aran nín," replied Edarís as she purposely lower her voice in a sultry whisper when she called him 'my king'.

Thranduil chuckled.

Time is on my side. I shall wait for you, bereth nín.

A rumor had started when Legolas was a year old that the king is replacing the loss of his wife with the deceased princess' sister. However, the rumor ceased when they watched the genuine affection between the couple after Thranduil made it obvious he was courting Edarís. They were often seen together enjoying time of solitude when the king was not occupied with his duties and Legolas was not hogging either one of them.

It was during the feast for the harvest festival that the kingdom was delighted when the king proposed to Edarís after the first dance. She was touched with tears and agreed to the proposal by giving him a fervent kiss in public. Thranduil gladly announced their one-year betrothal as the feast spiraled into a celebration of welcoming their new future queen.

The following year, Thranduil and Edarís exchanged their vows under the stars, which was when the feast of the harvest festival became The Feast of Starlight for the kingdom of Greenwood. After the wedding ceremony, Edarís was also crowned the Queen of Greenwood the same day. Thranduil was the most blissful since the passing of his adar. His wish for Edarís to be his queen had came true after all.

~ *** . *** . *** . *** . *** . *** . *** . *** ~

Third Age, Year 1050

"Our mountains are under attacked!" shouted one of the guards, who came running to her with two more guards behind him.

"It was planned… they drew out most of our guards to the borders so they could invade the mountains. Rhoben, Carandol, get everyone to the passage of Forodren. It would be easier to defend from there. Alfirin, send word to the king at the southern border! Tell him where we would be defending. Avoid any fights at all cost for you should make sure your message gets to the king. Go!" ordered Edarís

"Yes, your majesty!" chorused three of them as they left to their tasks.

She hurried back to the chamber she shared with Thranduil and changed into her tunic coat and legging. Hidden behind all her clothes, laid her weapon, the sword with white leather hilt which Thranduil had gifted her when he first started to court her ages ago. She slid the sword into the scabbard next to her belt and left the chamber in search of Legolas.

She turned to the hallway that leads to the training grounds and bumped into the guard that was supposed to follow Legolas around since he was grounded a week ago.

"Your majesty!" greeted the guard in a bow.

"Where is Legolas, Haeredeth?" asked Edarís worriedly since Legolas was not with the guard.

"He sneaked out to follow the king to the border. I came to inform as soon as I can. Please forgive me, your majesty!" pleaded the female guard and bowed.

"Get to the passage of Forodren now and help the others to defend," said Edarís.

"What about Legolas?" asked Haeredeth.

"I am going to find him," replied Edarís.

"But-"

"Do as I say, go!" ordered Edarís.

Haeredeth quickly left the queen and headed towards the passage.

Edarís went to the stable to get her horse and rode out from the mountains. She had killed a few orcs in the mountains while trying to get to the stable. The orcs were scattered and not swarming the mountains in groups. She wondered the purpose of this ambush.

As soon as she was out of the mountains, there were more orcs fighting some of their guards. She picked up a bow and a quiver of arrows from one of their fallen guards. Her heart already mourning the loss of their kin.

"Get to the passage of Forodren and defend until the king arrives!" ordered Edarís as she rode passed them.

She did not stop to fight if she did not need to as her concern was to look for Legolas. If her assumption was correct, Legolas would be using the Old Forest Road to traverse to the southern border to get to Thranduil. A route she had took him across very often back in the days when he was younger and wanted to explore the forest. The sound of metal against metal could be heard before her horse jumped into the clearing of the Old Forest Road. She took out her bow and shot down one the orcs coming behind Legolas.

"Legolas!" called Edarís.

"Nana! What are you doing here?" asked Legolas while fending off another orc coming at him.

"I should be the one asking you that question. When this is over, you will have a lot to answer to!" retorted Edarís heatedly.

Edarís came down from her horse and brought out her sword to help Legolas fend off the remaining orcs. She was better with a sword than a bow as opposed to Legolas who had mastered the skill of archery at a very young age. It had seemed to be a talent he had picked up from Thranduil. Though Thranduil had preferred using his twin swords.

It was when they thought they had cleared the last few orcs that an arrow flew past her and headed straight for Legolas. It hit his right shoulder as he cried out in pain.

"Legolas!"

She saw the second arrow and reacted before she remembered she was with child. The arrow hit her abdomen and she vaguely heard Legolas shouting for her.

"No! Nana!"

She regained her bearing and saw Legolas deflected the third arrow coming for him with his sword. The goal of the ambush in the mountains was clearer now. They were looking for Legolas. They wanted to be rid of the son of Thranduil to bring down the king.

"The arrows are poisonous…" said Edarís.

"Nana, I am sorry for not listening…" said Legolas as he grunted in pain and seemed to be delirious as his steps faltered. The poison is taking effect and it would soon consume her as well if they do not do anything soon.

"Hush, now is not the time," she replied and whistled for her horse to come forth.

She broke the end of the arrow protruded out from Legolas' shoulder and hauled him onto her horse. It would be faster if her horse only carried one of them. She strapped him properly so he would not fall from the horse.

"Tálagor, take him to Aiwendil!" she ordered and the horse whined.

"No… Nana…" pleaded Legolas but he was too weak to move.

"Go, Tálagor!" she ordered again and beat the horse's rear to get him going.

Edarís' horse rode away hastily. She started to feel the effect of the poison working on her as well. Blood had started to seep out in between her thighs staining her brown leggings in dark red. She had no time to mourn of the loss. She would have to survive to be able to do that.

She led the hunting orcs away from the direction her horse had went. There were too many of them and she knew she could not outrun them much less fight them. She remembered there was a small abandoned post high above a tree where she had the guards built for situations like these.

She came across the tree she was familiar with. She used the vines that had been twisted thickly for the purpose of climbing up. The redwood tree was very tall and thick with no branches. No one could climb it without the vines they had made ages ago. As soon as she reached the post, she cut loose the vines with her sword. The orcs might be able to trace her through the smell of her blood but they would not be able to reach her at the top of the tree. The sad truth is no one would be able to reach her.

Without much to be done, she laid against the trunk of the tree. She did not pull out the arrow from her abdomen as it would bleed more profusely. Her thoughts began to wander. She thought of Thranduil that how he would be devastated to lose her and their unborn child. She sobbed and mourned for the loss of their unborn child. Then she hoped Tálagor had made it to Aiwendil to save Legolas.

"Please Valar… save Legolas… save our son who still lived…" she prayed.

She did not hoped for Thranduil to find her but she wished fervently for Legolas to be safe. As the poison took effect in her blood, she began to become delirious and lethargic. Time had lost its concept on her. All she knew was the sky had become a color of twilight.

As the sky darkened further, so did her sight. I am so sorry, arion…

TBC

Aran/aran nín – King/My King

Forodren - Northern