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
