Ch. 11 Deep descent
Twilight had descended upon the meadow, revealing an entirely new beauty to Bein Near. The light of the sun had diminished, offering a candle lit glow to meadowland. With only a hint of blue left, a fleeting hue of amethyst emerged across the twinkling starlit sky.
The elves and Estel, had gathered around the newly lit fire and were happily playing a game together of Estel's own invention called, Dare Not Laugh.
"I will go first!" Estel announced excitedly. "The object is simple, I will attempt to make you all laugh and whomever laughs first, loses and then has to take a turn to try and do the same."
"And what if we do not laugh, Stelly?" Elladan razzed his little brother.
"Oh, I am certain one of you will laugh," Estel assured his brother, not worried in the slightest for he had the wiles of youth on his side.
"Alright then let us have a go . . . I will be the last elf remaining," Elladan declared.
Estel, rolled his eyes, shaking his head. "We shall see, brother."
All participated merrily, save Legolas who graciously excused himself after donning his boots, jacket and weapons, preferring to sit alone, high upon a rock landing near the waterfall.
"I won't be long," he told Aerlinniel who nodded in understanding that he needed some time to let what had been revealed to him, sink in. She inwardly wished him well and asked the Valar to shelter his heart with peace.
His placid face and cool eyes revealed little of what he was feeling, but it was that outwardly visible fortitude that he so easily garnered that conveyed his remarkable strength and resilience.
Legolas found a measure of peace as he reclined against the cold stone backdrop of the rock face that framed the cascading waterfall. He marveled at the glowing white veils of luminescent water that plunged to the darkened, depths below. The contrast of light and dark within the waters gently soothed him, reminding him of the inherent beauty of Iluvatar's creation.
The stillness of the water below intrigued him most. He contemplated the dramatic contrast of the fall's arduous plummet from the craggy rocks above with the tranquility of the waters just yards away from where it plunged into the pool below - to be absorbed into stillness.
That stillness . . . is what his soul craved.
He reached into his pocket and retrieved the shiny emerald he had found earlier with Estel and absently traced his fingers along the plains and fractures of the gem stone – the luster and hue reminding him of Aerlinniel's eyes.
She had read the depths of his heart like it was nothing more than a storybook, he mused shaking his head. With the knowledge she had bestowed upon him, a myriad of thoughts and emotions had awakened from their slumber, to wander freely in his mind. With the majority of them unwelcomed to linger, he sought to usher the errant feelings back into their carefully crafted hiding place within, so that he could peacefully function.
Letting them run rampant wasn't wise. It would likely cause him to be moody, despondent or even volatile – none of which, would be pleasant to be around. His sister, Miriel had told him as much on many occasions.
Legolas smiled to himself, envisioning his astute younger sister who never missed an opportunity to let him know when he was taking himself too seriously.
"Excuse me, My Lord King, she would say to him, have you seen Legolas, I seem to have lost Him?" Or, "I recommend you seek the tailor brother, for those breeches are getting too tight."
He missed her. She would love Imladris. In fact, she'd probably quite like Elladan, he mused, for they could not be more alike.
Legolas wished he could share with Miriel and his father the news that his mother was at peace and she awaited them in Valinor. He'd imagined they'd rejoice together and feel a collective sense of relief and the veil of grief and secrecy that hovered over them would finally lift. Perhaps even his father's silence would at last, relent.
The love of a mother, an intimacy that most took for granted, was an experience Legolas had longed for all of his life. The thought of reuniting with her, brought hope to his heart and a sting to his eyes.
One day he would . . . when he finished what the Valar entreated him to do, he would go to her and the mystery of who she was and what she was like would finally cease.
He swiped the errant tears that slid down his face and rested his cheek upon his knees, so that he could watch the water's deep descent…and breathe like Aerlinniel had told him to . . . in with peace and out with the chaos.
He thought of Tauriel and he wished he could share with her all that he had learned.
But there was no one to share his news with.
No one to rejoice with.
A long sigh escaped him as he sat up and stretched his back.
Purposely stopping himself from descending into further gloom, he reminded himself that his mother was very much alive in Valinor and to imagine that she would think about him and miss him, as he did her . . . was enough for him now.
His fingers unconsciously squeezed the gemstone in his hand reminding him of Estel. The boy called Hope, the youth he had pledged to protect.
The eagle had prophesized that Hope resided in Imladris and he had found him.
The Valar would entreat him to be faithful in protecting and aiding Estel and he would endeavor to succeed no matter the cost. His life, he thought, had a renewed since of purpose. He couldn't grasp all that the eagle had conveyed but that was the nature of such prophecy, was it not? It was meant to unfold in its own time – he need only to be obedient when he was called. Legolas' eyes blazed with excitement at his vision for the future.
He could ask Tauriel to assist him, for she desired to venture beyond Mirkwood and fight against the growing evil. It had been her that sparked his desire to venture beyond his father's lands and witness the reality of the evil that threatened Arda. If it had not been for her, he may not have had the courage to stand up to his father, nor the audacity to leave.
What he didn't understand was why she suddenly fancied the dwarf Kili, dropping him like a hot coal. His heart, remained tender from her slighting and he decided it was best that he not waste his time thinking upon her, for she thought so little of him.
A rhythmic squashing of leaves drew the elf's attention from his brooding.
The steps were too heavy and loud to be an elf and by the cadence of the steps, he ruled out an animal. This was most definitely, a small two legged, creature, and by the tentative nature of the approach, he guessed it was most likely Estel.
Legolas felt that he was being watched.
Feeling no threat, he made no attempt at his weapons but safely tucked his gemstone back into his coat pocket.
Sure enough a few moments later the dark haired youth appeared from behind a nearby tree.
"What are you doing?" Estel shyly asked, peering out of the shadows, wandering closer to the ledge Legolas was perched.
"I am settling," Legolas answered softly gazing out at the river.
"Did you and Aerlinniel quarrel?" Estel asked concernedly.
Legolas turned to meet the innocent youth's face and smiled reassuringly, "No, there was no quarrel."
Happy that the lad had been concerned to seek him out, Legolas motioned for him to climb up on the rock and join him.
Estel quickly leapt up and sat next to his new friend. He liked how he and Legolas could talk so easily. Legolas didn't treat him as a child and Estel liked that about the elf prince.
"Then what is it that you have to settle?" Estel inquired, still curious at the elf's pensive state.
"Just a few things weighing on my mind is all," he easily replied.
"Do you miss your home?"
"Aye, I do." Legolas appeased Estel's suspicions, not wanting to reveal the true nature of his thoughts.
"I would miss my family too, especially my mother. Do you miss your mother?" Estel tilted his head up to the blond elf.
Legolas nodded lightly, as his eyes glistened in the last remaining light of the day. Estel thought his eyes twinkled like the stars above and he smiled softly at the handsome face that looked kindly upon him.
"I would miss Lord Elrond too, but I would not miss all the reading he has me do," Estel rolled his eyes.
Legolas laughed, causing a smile to reappear on Estel's face.
"What is it like . . . having a king as a father?" Estel asked, his eyes full of wonder.
Legolas smiled, his eyes brightening at the boy's curiosity. "My youth was similar to your life Estel, and like that of your brothers, now that I am older."
Estel's eyes lit up. "Did your father make you read a lot too?"
Legolas scrunched up his right cheek and nodded, "Yes, and lots of lessons on manners and boring stuff like that."
"Yeah . . ." Estel rolled his eyes in agreement.
The thunderous sound of horses approaching interrupted them. The pair both stood quickly to see what was happening at their camp. Several elves upon horseback approached and Legolas quickly attempted to analyze the situation.
"That is a patrol from Imladris, no need to worry Legolas." Estel calmly touched the elf's arm that had instinctively reached to retrieve his bow.
He eyed the boy with caution. "We should return Estel, they may wonder where you are," Legolas said peering down to the boy's upturned face.
...
Estel had been right, a small regiment of elves had arrived at the camp and were speaking to the company of elves he had traveled with.
Legolas recognized one of the elves, Thalen, the insolent captain he had the displeasure of meeting the night prior. His eyes briefly met the steely gaze of the captain and the pair indulged in a brief moment of mutual contempt.
Legolas schooled his features and veiled his ire as he stood simmering alongside Estel listening to Elladan and Elrohir chat with the guards.
The Imladris regiment had been returning from their patrol and discovered that Bein Near had visitors and thus it warranted reconnaissance before they journeyed onward.
The majority of the regiment prepared to leave however, Thalen and one other elf named Eldrin, had dismounted their horses and appeared to be joining their party.
Decidedly ignoring this latest development, Legolas busied himself with fetching his cloak from his horse, Callon and had moved to return to camp where the others were gathering, only to find Thalen lingering in his path.
"Captain," Legolas stonily bid, realizing he had to look up meet the ellon's cocksure expression.
"Thranduillion," Thalen sneered.
Feeling his hackles rise, Legolas imagined introducing Thalen's tightly clenched jaw to his iron fist or perhaps, acquainting the captain's haughty face with his swift knee. Both were satisfying options but he thought better of it, deciding to continue on to the fire to join the others – leaving Thalen skulking along the darkened path.
...
The night had darkened and the temperature had dropped causing the company to huddle around the blazing fire. Food, wine and many amusing stories were shared. Legolas and Thalen avoided each other without instance.
The night air had become brisk and the ellyn took turns stoking the fire. Estel proudly took over whenever an ellon wished to be relieved of this duty. He was happy to do it, for when it had turned dark, he had little else to do.
Having not acquired their cloaks yet for the evening, Aerlinniel and Arwen strolled off merrily, arm and arm to their horses to fetch their cloaks. Legolas couldn't help but follow the wanton gaze Thalen had made at Aerlinniel as she walked past.
Not long after, the sisters briskly returned, looking alarmed. They sought out their brothers directly, as Legolas and the others watched concernedly.
"My horse, he is gone!" He is nowhere to be found!"
"How is that possible?" Elrohir answered with shock.
"I don't know, it's as if his tether had become loose and he wandered off.
"That isn't like Sadron, to wander off like that. Are you sure he isn't around close by?" Elladan questioned.
"He is not near or he would have returned to my call," she said worriedly.
Elladan and Elrohir walked toward the horses to inspect the situation. Legolas, and the others followed to help search for the horse but Sadron was nowhere to be found.
"It is difficult to make out the tracks without the light of day. We can only hope the horse made it back to Imladris. Fear not Aerlinniel, he knows the way," soothed Thalen.
"But now she has no cloak and the night has grown cold," Arwen protested.
Thalen, removed his cloak in the blink of an eye and approached Aerlinniel ready to shroud her in the dark woolen cloth.
She raised her hands, "No thank you, I am fine, really. `Tis not that cold."
"The air has turned frigid my lady, I must insist," the captain attempted to drape his cloak around Aerlinniel again.
Stepping aside and brushing the cloak away, Aerlinniel eyed the ellon warily and forcibly smiled, "I will be fine, but thank you Thalen."
A few of the ellon shared worried glances as she walked off, having left Thalen looking a bit crestfallen. Legolas was beginning to understand their dynamic. The ellon fancied her and it appeared she did not return his feelings.
...
The elves reconvened around the fire, and the mood eventually lifted as the wine flowed and conversations bubbled amongst them.
Thalen and his lieutenant, Eldrin passed a flask between the two, as they sat upon a log.
"What is it you two are sharing?" Elladan asked the pair.
"Some of your Adar's Mirovour," the captain slurred wiping his lips with the back of his hand.
"That is hard to come by, mellon nin," Elladan proclaimed.
"Over the years, he has gifted me a few bottles. I keep one in my pack for cold nights, such as this. Would you like some or anyone else for that matter?" The captain eyed the elves around the fire, though his eyes never quite met Legolas'.
"`Tis too precious to waste a single drop. Save it for yourself," Elladan encouraged.
"Suit yourselves. A few sips of this and you will not feel the cold," Thalen said looking directly at Aerlinniel who subtly evaded eye contact with him.
Legolas observed Aerlinniel speak quietly with her sister, as she stood stiffly with her arms crossed before the fire. She had unplaited her hair, letting it fall around her shoulders - likely to provide warmth, he supposed. It wasn't long before he could no longer stand seeing her suffer.
"You shiver needlessly, my lady," his husky voice descended upon her ears as she found herself shrouded in the woolen warmth of the prince's cloak – immediately her nose detected the intoxicating scent of sandalwood and an ellonly musk that was uniquely, Legolas. She gazed up to see his gentle face illuminated by the glow of the firelight. He smiled softly before walking off to where Glorfindel sat.
...
After a few moments, Aerlinniel joined her sister upon a log - her face rosy from heat.
"You looked flushed." Arwen pleasantly regarded her sister's reddened face.
"Yes, standing by the fire was making me feel a bit hot," she touched at her cheeks, self-consciously.
"Is it the fire or that cloak you wear that has gotten you smitten?"
"I am not smitten!"
"It is plain as day Aerlinniel, the way the two of you look at one another."
"I don't know what you mean," she tried to shrug off her sister's inquisition as she burrowed deeper into the cloak.
"Since last night the prince has done nothing to hide the way he looks at you."
"Oh, well that is because of the argument with Thalen."
"Aerlinniel, you honestly can't see it?" she snorted. "The way he looks at you with interest and concern . . . it is undeniable and sweet."
"Oh, I don't know. I think you exaggerate."
"Do I?" Arwen challenged, "Have a look across the fire there and tell me, I exaggerate."
Aerlinniel looked over to where the prince sat next to Glorfindel. She found that indeed, he had been looking at her.
Her eyes held the prince's gaze and true enough he made no attempt to look away. He smiled at her with that boyishly kind expression of his, which produced a fluttery warmth within her chest and the familiar flushing of her cheeks.
Looking away, she sighed nervously.
"Now do you believe me?"
Aerlinniel gave her sister a half-hearted smile, "I don't know Arwen . . ."
"I wouldn't be surprised if he asks you to accompany him to the feast tomorrow."
Aerlinniel's eyes widened. "Oh, I don't -" She said flustered.
"You will say yes?" Arwen interrupted.
Aerlinniel sat looking worriedly at the fire considering this possibility.
Did she want to?
Yes.
Was it wise?
She thought not, especially after her conversation with Elladan this morning.
"Why would you not, Aerlinniel?"
"I don't know . . . I rather not explain."
"But you like him, you said this morning how you find him interesting," Arwen emphasized the last word. "Let yourself have some fun!"
Her eyes returned to the prince and she couldn't help but feel a tugging at her heart.
Her sister was right . . . She did find him more than interesting and therein was the problem. If she said yes, she would not be making the wisest decision, where her heart was concerned. She could imagine her heart would do nothing but grow for him - so why subject herself to the eventuality of heartbreak when she could simply avoid it altogether? The prince would surely have plenty of maidens after him at the feast and he wouldn't think any less of her for declining. He'd soon forget he had any interest in her, if in fact he did.
...
"Have you thought about asking a companion to accompany you to the feast tomorrow?" Glorfindel asked Legolas in a low voice so that only he could hear.
"No, I had not." He had not even given the evening any thought, until just now. His mind had been most preoccupied of late.
"You may want to consider it, lest you crave attention."
Legolas nodded as he realized that it would be awkward for him to attend the feast alone. It would bring about a great deal of unwanted attention to himself that he wished to avoid. He would be expected to speak and dance with various ellyth - his every move, under scrutiny, especially being a prince in a new realm. If he had a companion, he would be able to skirt many dances with ellyth and be around those he was familiar with.
"Indeed," he agreed.
"It seems, Aerlinniel is without escort. Perhaps, you could ask her? Glorfindel suggested, easily as he twisted a thin branch in half to throw into the fire.
Legolas' eyes drifted across the fire to the elleth huddled beneath his cloak. He smiled to himself, satisfied that she was now warm. "Yes, perhaps she would oblige me." Legolas agreed, there was none other, he would consider asking. He had shared a connection with Aerlinniel and he rather liked the idea of spending more time with her.
"Oh, I think she will." Glorfindel smiled wryly as he appraised the elleth.
...
As she sat before the fire she couldn't help reveling in the enveloping warmth of the prince's cloak. She was beyond self-reproach for she allowed herself to indulge in the intoxicating masculine scent that enveloped and warmed her…heating her entire being. It was as if the cloak had been enchanted with magical properties, she mused to herself. She detected sandalwood, and then smiled to herself remembering the oils that were left for his bath - then imagined him in said bath. His blond hair, wet and falling against his bare, broad chest and his toned arms draped elegantly along the sides of the tub. She imagined his eyes indulgently closed as the water soothed away the tension from his weary muscles. His fair skin moist and beautiful . . .
Feeling her cheeks heat profusely at the undeniably exquisite vision in her mind, she chastised herself for her fanciful thoughts. A medley of guilt and alarm addled her pensive mind.
...
The evening had grown late and everyone had gathered for the return journey. Aerlinniel had arranged that she would ride back with her sister and was helping Arwen secure her belongings onto her horse.
"There is still the matter of how you will be getting back sister," Elladan posed as he sauntered up to her.
"Yes, I thought that Ar-" she began to answer, but she was interrupted.
"I will take her! Come, Aerlinniel . . ." Thalen slurred as he walked up alongside her and took her by the arm to lead her to his horse.
She pulled her arm away and abruptly stopped, causing Thalen to stumble slightly.
"Come, I will take you back," He gestured for her to follow him as he turned and began walking to his horse.
Aerlinniel noticed her brothers and Glorfindel share a brief whispered exchange.
To her relief, Elrohir, Glorfindel and Eldrin made their way over to occupy Thalen.
"Legolas, would you kindly allow Aerlinniel to be your guide as we ride back - she will show you the way?" Elladan asked in such a way, the prince would not likely balk at the idea.
"Yes," he said, looking slightly surprised as he glanced at Elladan and then to Aerlinniel. "I would enjoy the company."
"Excellent," Elladan replied and then rolled his eyes at the drunken kerfuffle happening yards away.
Arwen strode by and whispered to her sister in passing, "well that should be interesting."
...
Aerlinniel swung up behind Legolas, upon Callon's strong back, with quick agility. Her glorious scent wafted deliciously by, causing him to pause and appreciate the fact that he had a beautiful elleth with him on his horse. When he bid Callon to canter, she slid forward and grasped his waist firmly with her hands. The prince normally didn't ride with a companion, and the last to ride with him had been Tauriel. Now, having Aerlinniel pressed closed to him with her hands gripping his waist, he felt slightly self-conscious and virile.
When they arrived, Aerlinniel had been relieved to find her horse had safely returned to the stables with all her gear intact.
Thankfully, Eldrin escorted a subdued and sobering Thalen home straight-away.
Standing outside the stables awaiting the others, Legolas felt a tug on his arm and looked down to see Estel standing wide eyed. "What is it Estel?"
The boy motioned for Legolas to lean down so that he could whisper into his ear.
Legolas obliged to a tip-toeing Estel who placed his hand to shield his words, so no other heard.
"It was Thalen that set loose her horse!" He whispered loudly.
Legolas leant up with his eyes wide in question. "How do you know this?"
"I saw him." Estel's eyes shone in earnest.
"What did you see?"
"After we returned from the falls, when you and the others went back to the camp, Thalen waited until he thought everyone was gone. He untied Aerlinniel's horse, then led it to the meadow path and commanded it to return back to the stable."
"How did you see all this without him knowing?"
"I had climbed up a nearby tree to keep an eye on him."
"You are sure of what you saw?"
"Aye, I saw him."
"Why didn't you say anything before now?"
"I was afraid of what he would do and we were so far away from home."
Legolas nodded and patted the boy's shoulder, "You did the right thing, Estel. Do not mention this to anyone just yet."
"Why?" Estel's face quirked in confusion.
It all made sense to Legolas now. The familiarity between the two at dinner last eve and his exit directly after their private conversation by the waterfall. After tonight, he was certain Thalen fancied Aerlinniel and the reason for his unwarranted disdain toward himself, was Thalen saw him as a threat.
"I will explain later." Legolas whispered reassuringly followed by a squeeze of the lad's shoulder.
Glorfindel quirked his brow at Legolas as he bid him a good night, "I shall see you at the feast tomorrow my prince."
Legolas nodded and smiled, "I shall look forward to it."
The six of them made their way toward the Homely House making pleasant conversation as they did. When they drew near Legolas' cottage, the elves stopped to bid him a good night and before she could leave Legolas, lightly touched Aerlinniel's arm.
"My lady, I wondered if I could have a word with you?" He murmured so that only she could hear.
"Of course," she turned to face him as her siblings strolled on up the path slowly, giving the pair a moment alone to speak.
"I was wondering if you would do me the honor of accompanying me to the feast tomorrow?"
She remained quiet for a moment, looking at him with a mild expression, offering little clue as to what she was thinking. After a moment had passed with no reply, Legolas questioned if she had heard him or he wondered, had he actually posed the question? No, that was silly, of course he had. Why wasn't she answering?
"I realize it is short notice . . ." He began.
"I would be happy to . . ." Her emerald eyes brightened and enlivened with excitement which quelled his concerns.
Legolas exhaled in relief, then felt unsure of what else to say. He bit his lip unconsciously before bowing his head slightly, "I shall arrive for you a quarter to six then."
She nodded and reached up to remove his cloak that she had borrowed.
"No," he raised his hand in gesture to stop her. "Please, I would have you stay warm."
"Thank you," she smiled shyly, up at him. "I shall look forward to tomorrow evening then." She curtsied and pulled his cloak warmly around herself, "my lord."
"You needn't be so formal with me. We are friends. In fact, I believe you know me better than anyone here." He smiled sincerely. "I am . . . grateful to you . . . for what you have done for me."
She blinked up through her lashes and he noticed her chest rise, taking in a deep breath. "You are welcome, Legolas."
He felt a warmth well up within, at the sound of his name glide from her lips and he wished he could hear her say it again.
"I hope that the revelations that surfaced will sit well with you this night," her voice was soothingly soft and her eyes tenderly sincere. She unwittingly touched his heart in a way that he had not expected.
"I will be well." He assured her.
It was in this moment, that he became aware of a desire to physically connect with her. Grasp her hand to kiss it or . . . take hold of her arms to pull her into an embrace but he restrained the urge, thinking he would be acting purely on a whim, which was something he never did and such behavior in others would nauseate him.
"Good night then," she bowed her head.
"Good night, Aerlinniel." Her name, from his own lips, a delightful sound to his ears.
She turned and strolled slowly up the moonlit path.
It gladdened him that she turned and looked back at him giving him one last wave, for it meant she was still thinking upon him.
He stood watch over her until she had rejoined her siblings and left from his sight.
The song, "Be Still My Beating Heart," by Sting fits so perfectly for Aerlinniel and Legolas who have had their hearts broken . . . and are troubled by opening up their hearts to another. Youtube it and have a listen.
Aerlinniel is weary that he is a warrior and Leggy, well he's still getting over someone.
What will become of these two? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm?
A huge hug and thank you to Raider-K, AndurilofTolkien, and Whyamiobsessed for your reviews!
And to everyone thank you for reading!