Title: To Each Their Own

 
Chapter 7: Elleth as a Paradox

            The moon settled low above the trees as the crickets began to chirp in the comfortable silence of the darkness. The prince sat pondering the words spoken to him two nights before.

            *You should take pride in the things that you have accomplished in so little time.* Though her words held a believable persona, he was confused at the manner of which she spoke.

            *You do not wish for a land that was not started by your own hand, one built upon the beliefs of another. *

            He resigned to the fact that she was indeed right, a trait he found more she elves began to possess. Padded footfall drifted to his ears as he turned slightly, expecting the very maiden that haunted his thoughts. He was however pleased to see his mother settle next to him.

            "What troubles you my son?" She asked as she felt the confusion and anger inside his soul.

            "Why do they see only my faults rather than the things I have done right?"

            "The council sees what they will, usually belying the truth pacify their own wants for the future."

            "It is not fair mother, I have done everything to impress them, yet in the same instance I have done nothing to compensate for the wrongs of this realm." Sighing he leaned into her welcoming support, resting his blond head on her soft shoulder.

            "You have not been one to be coddled Legolas, has she changed you so much?"

            "No mother, she has not changed me. If anything she baffles me. I am unable to think clearly in her presence and she seems to enjoy taunting me to my wits end." He growled, lifting his head to stare at the stars.

            "You seek council, but they do not speak in ways we understand. The answers are silent my prince; you must find the way to them on your own." She spoke knowledgeably as she took turned her blue eyes and dark head to the sky.

            "When are they leaving?"

            "Tomorrow with the rising of the sun. I have spoken to Lady Sowen and you will accompany them past the borders of Mirkwood to ensure a safe journey out of our woods. Your father has plans for you after their departure." Standing, she turned back toward the palace leaving the prince more confused than when she had arrived.

* * *

            The horses were prepared, and Legolas pulled an apple out of his pocket as he walked over to Arod. The horse whinnied to see his master with food and pawed the ground with his heavy foot as the prince stroked his velvet muzzle.

            "Don't get too used to this." He scolded in a croon as the horse was saddled and led into the courtyard.

            "Hannon le, heru en amin. You do need to accompany us, we have more than enough elves to make it home safely." Sowen stated as she sat atop her white steed, a certain highness to her as she paced herself regally aloft the large gelding.

            "Yet it would be my pleasure to accompany you my lady. If not only to see Haldir not fall from his horse." Legolas quipped as they rode from the palace grounds and back into the forests of Mirkwood, heading southwest.

            The journey was silent as the elves listened for any sign of the enemy as all eyes took in the forest around them. The trees were quiet, speaking naught of any danger and they visibly relaxed. Coming to the edge of the forest the group stopped as Legolas bowed lightly to Sowen.

            "We enjoyed your company my lady, as always you are most welcome in Mirkwood."

            "And we will await a visit from you and your elves in Lorien my lord, though with your fame earned in the Fellowship no elf or man could give the renowned archer anything but complete trust and respect." She spoke quietly as he turned and left, not understanding why his leaving brought a sadness to her heart. She had enjoyed his company in the days Haldir had been recuperating and his gentle smile and demeanor would be missed.

            "Come my lady." Haldir placed a hand on her elbow and directed her horse to the front of the group as they headed toward the golden wood.


Author's note: Sorry it took so long for me to get this up, it was a tricky chapter to write. Anywho, don't forget to read and review and I'll be sure to get chapter 8 up as soon as possible!

Heru en amin: My Lord (formal)

Jean