Legolas stood frozen for two seconds before he rushed over to his brother's fiancée. The she-elf dropped her hands than he was coming closer, holding them open to offer him an embrace. Legolas, desperate for the hug she offered, drew her into his healthy arm, holding her so tight he was probably hurting her. He closed his eyes and lowered his head to rest against her shoulder. In the next moment the emotions, the fear of never being able to return home, the worry for his family, his anxiousness about the new surroundings, it all broke free. A strangled scream escaped his lips. His body was shaking badly. His heart seemed to bleed inside his chest and he lost all sense of what was happening around him.
Gently, Roewen wrapped both arms around his frame, disbelieving shock written clearly all over her face. She lovingly brushed over Legolas' hair. Tears escaped her eyes while she held the elf who she had known for so many years and who she had thought dead. She, too, closed her eyes. Legolas' right arm, still tied to his chest, was pressed painfully against her body but Roewen could not have cared any less. Legolas had never been just her best friend's little brother, had never been just her fiancée's brother either. The elf had always been dear to her heart for his own sake and believing him dead had affected her soul as well.
Glorfindel and the twins watched the scene before them with interest. It was obvious Penneth knew Roewen, for the two were clinging to each other as if life depended on it. A sad smile and a frown adored Glorfindel's features as he watched his gwador finally able to let go of his worries.
Meanwhile, Princess Eyaenne had turned as soon as she had heard Roewen gasp. Quickly walking further towards the door, she froze as well. Her eyes widened and she paled drastically.
It couldn't be. Her eyes must be deceiving her. It could not be. And yet, it was Tithen-las. It was Legolas. It was her baby brother.
"It's impossible," she murmured weakly, not noticing how her legs threatened to give way underneath her. Methelion, who had stood next to her with an equally shocked expression on his face, turned to her. He watched as Princess Eyaenne wrapped her arms around her own torso in an attempt to comfort herself. Quickly, he put an arm around her hips to keep her upright.
"Methelion?" She asked weakly, still staring at Tithen-las. "Please … is it … is … Methelion, please …"
"It is, my Princess," Methelion struggled to reply, easily reading her question. His voice was a rough whisper, barely audible. "It's your brother. It is our Prince. My eyes see it as well."
The legs gave away underneath Princess Eyaenne. Methelion quickly grabbed her by the arm and pulled her back on her feet. Eyaenne whimpered softly. He pulled her closer to himself, now hugging her to steady her. He shifted so she could continue to watch her baby brother over his shoulder who was standing in a similar position in the doorway with Roewen. He felt how she wrapped her arms around him. Soft, confused and shocked words were whispered in his ear. Methelion ignored them, knowing they were not directed at him anyway. So he just stood there, with his back to his Prince, so that the she-elf in his arms could continue to stare at her brother with awe in her eyes.
Laethion had reacted the quickest. A faint smile was playing around his lips as he now kneeled, bowing his head.
"Calid-amdir," the elf spoke loud and clearly, however, Legolas seemed not to hear it through his muffled screams and sobs.
Methelion held Eyaenne upright until she patted his back to signal him she would be able to stand on her own. Quickly, the captain withdrew.
Legolas kept his face pressed against Roewen's shoulder. He felt exhausted. And he felt save. For the first time in many months. He lessened his bruising grip on the she-elf a bit and murmured an apology.
"Oh, Tithen-las," Roewen whispered, gently ruffling his now so short hair. She kissed his cheek and Legolas could feel the tears on her face as well.
"Please stay," Legolas asked quietly.
"I am not going anywhere. I'll stay with you. It is alright. I shall take you home, Tithen-las. I will take you home, I swear," Roewen promised.
Someone shakily tapped Legolas shoulder. Only slightly raising his head, refusing to let go of Roewen, Legolas looked up. His blue eyes met silver ones, framed by long, curly brown hair. Legolas could do nothing but stare at his sister, slowly turning towards her. Princess Eyaenne stood before him and she gently placed a hand against his cheek.
"Eyae," Legolas realised hoarsely, letting go of Roewen and instead hugging his sister. Eyaenne sighed deeply and pulled Legolas protectively against her chest. She kissed his temple and carded through his hair.
"I swear," she began after a moment of pause. "If you do that to me ever again, I will bloody well lock you in the dungeons for the next hundred years for frightening me!"
Weakly, Legolas nodded his head, unable to say anything as tears had once again taken him over. Eyaenne relaxed, closed her eyes and smiled.
"My Princess," Methelion's urgent voice caused them to slowly pull apart, though Eyaenne took Legolas by the hand the way she did than he was a little child and was scared.
Legolas felt so drained, he did not look around. He knew, Eyaenne would handle the situation with the Noldor for him. He could trust her and just ignore it all. Therefore, he simply closed his eyes and leaned against the frame of the door, not letting go of Eyae's hand. Just letting all responsibility drain from his body. It was such a relief. He had grown to trust them but he still had been on alert almost constantly. Now … now he was free again. His sister was here. She would take care of everything.
The Princess however, looked around. She quickly dried her tears. Lord Glorfindel kept smiling and he seemed happy for her brother, nothing else. Lord Elrohir was obviously addled, his eyes wandering from her to Methelion to Legolas. It seemed he attempted to figure out in which relationship the two male elves stood with her. Lord Elladan had his arms crossed and seemed irritated.
For one moment, Eyaenne was unsure how to react. She shifted to stand in front of Legolas, squeezing his hand tightly.
"Lord Elladan, I believe we never officially met. May I introduce myself: I am Princess Eyaenne of Mirkwood. I am glad to see you uninjured this time," Eyaenne started, deciding it was a safe bet to just greet them all.
"It is good to see you again, as well, Lord Elrohir. Though little time has passed since our last meeting, much has happened in the meantime. It is good to … alright, forget it. Just, why the hell are all of you bloody staring at me?" Eyaenne lost it, giving up on her practiced and yet disliked formality as all eyes shifted to her and widened in surprise and awe.
Methelion coughed slightly, a knowing smile on his lips.
"You are glowing, my Princess. I believe that might be it," he spoke teasingly. Finding out their youngest prince was still alive had them all in silent ecstasy and happiness, letting them forget their mistrust towards the Noldor for a moment.
"Shit!" She cursed, more because of surprise than actually meaning the word. She was indeed glowing. Like a bloody beacon in the night! Her inner light, almost diminished before, had erupted from her body as she had finally accepted that it was truly her baby brother standing next to her. It had now settled around her like a silver sphere. She had not even noticed until Methelion had pointed it out.
"How do I switch that damn thing off?" She wondered, turning and twisting with no result.
Methelion chuckled.
"Close your eyes," the captain of Ravenstone Outpost ordered. "And then, pull it in. Keep it where it belongs: Enveloping you like a second skin, only emitting a soft light instead of an entire sea of torches."
"Haha, very funny, Methelion," Eyaenne spoke, unconsciously looking over to her brother who had not reacted in any way. Seeing Legolas had caused her soul to mend. She could feel it. She felt whole again and she bit her lip to stop herself from crying. Quickly, she drew her light inside until it was just hovering softly around her body. The Noldor did not have to know just how much Legolas meant for her. She was determined to keep him safe. Eyaenne hoped they did not already know, considering how they all had reacted upon seeing Legolas alive.
"Do they know who you are?" Eyaenne asked in Silvan.
"At least not until an hour ago," Legolas replied softly.
"I will let you go, brother, but I will stay close. Stick to Roewen. Take her hand. She will protect you the way I would and the Noldor will think she is closer to you than I am. I do not want them to know who you are until we are back in Ada's palace."
Eyaenne let go of Legolas' hand. She felt dread close in on her and had to force herself to not turn around just to make sure Legolas was still there. Her hand felt cold all of the sudden.
Legolas eyes flew open and he straightened up. For just one moment, a haunted look crossed his features before he once again schooled his emotions.
Methelion, who spoke Silvan fluently despite being a Sinda himself, had understood the short conversation and unobtrusively pushed Roewen towards his young prince. Roewen did not speak the tongue of the wood people, however she just went along with it. Legolas took her hand without hesitation and Roewen brushed over his cheek, still not quite trusting her eyes. It was disturbing to see the Prince acting like a child while at the same time his facial expression showed he was anything but.
The captain noticed how Princess Eyaenne's hands shook slightly and without thinking he grasped her hand. She looked at him surprised and smiled shortly. Methelion noticed how Lord Elrohir was looking at him darkly. Confusedly, he returned the glance. Lord Elrohir's grim expression turned even darker and Methelion snapped back on alert. He shifted uncomfortably, feeling exposed at the display they had just given the Noldor.
"Breakfast?" Methelion suggested sharply, changing the atmosphere in the room.
"Of course," Lord Glorfindel smiled.
A few minutes afterwards, the wood elves sat at with Lord Elrond's family and Glorfindel. No one spoke what made for an uncomfortable silence and cluttering cutlery. Lord Elrond had smiled warmly upon seeing them enter together. His eyes had quickly fallen to Roewen's and Legolas' entwined hands and a curious spark had lit up his features. Eyaenne decided she had made the right decision to have her best friend take care of her brother. Her baby brother. Legolas was alive. She still could not quite believe it. She watched her brother as he ate.
"I am glad you have some more company now, Penneth," Glorfindel spoke first. Legolas glanced up and smiled thinly.
"Thank you, gwador," he answered.
The few words did not initiate a conversation and therefore breakfast was a quiet affair.
"If you'd allow, Lord Elrond, we would retire to our room for a few hours. There is much that needs to be discussed among us. I hope you do not mind if we take up your hospitality for a few more days at least," Princess Eyaenne spoke after they had all finished.
"I do not mind at all. However, I would like to have a look on Penneth's shoulder later on if that is alright with you," Lord Elrond formulated carefully.
The wood elves thanked and stood. Elrond, Celebrian, the twins and Glorfindel watched how Penneth left the room with his people.
"Do you know who he is?" Elrond asked as soon as they had left.
"He seems to know Roewen quite well," Glorfindel answered with his lips twitching in a smile, not meeting Elrond's gaze but instead focusing on his goblet with water.
"I did not hear them using his real name either," Elladan added. "When did they arrive? And who were the other two?"
"Captain Methelion and Laethion," Elrond answered his son. With a glance to Elrohir, he added: "Captain Methelion is Princess Eyaenne's fiancée."
"What!" Elrohir asked shocked and seemed downtrodden. He opened and closed his mouth several times without any words coming.
"I am sorry, Elrohir. I know you liked her. But you barely knew her anyway," Celebrian stated gently. Elrohir just stood and left the room.
"Eyaenne!" A call stopped the group of wood elves who had just reached their room. Lord Elrohir came running down the corridor. He seemed agitated.
"Wait!" He called.
Methelion and Leathion both stepped forward as one person. Leathion's hand rested on the hilt of his weapon as Methelion grabbed the Elrondion by the collar and harshly held him back.
"In case you have not noticed," the dark haired elf hissed. "You are talking to our Princess. Now, step away!"
"Let go of me!" Elrohir growled and yanked free, staring at Methelion with angry eyes while the other elf just stared back with a neutral facial expression.
"What is it?" Eyaenne asked, keeping behind the two warriors.
"I wish to speak to you," Elrohir bit out.
"Go ahead," Eyaenne allowed.
"Alone," Elrohir added with a glance to the guards between them.
"Not going to happen," Methelion refused.
"I did not speak to you, Captain," Elrohir replied as arrogantly as he could.
"It's alright," Princess Eyaenne agreed slowly. "I can handle him. Get inside. He is unarmed."
"My Princess, need I remind you what happened the last time you were alone in his presence? You will not be with this Noldo alone!" Methelion disagreed harshly.
"Leathion, you stay with me, the rest of you, go! Are you happy now, Methelion?" The Princess compromised.
Methelion huffed but nodded. He leaned to Leathion and shortly whispered with him before he slowly stepped back. He put a hand on Legolas' shoulder to lead him into the room. Roewen followed and the Captain of Ravenstone Outpost closed the door behind them.
"What did you want to speak about, Lord Elrohir?"
"You got engaged," Elrohir replied sadly.
"What?" Eyaenne asked confusedly. What the hell was Elrohir talking about! Of course she did not get engaged! It wasn't as if she had a boyfriend or anything.
"You got engaged with Methelion. What about us, Eyaenne?" Elrohir demanded to know.
Ah, of course. That joke Falin had come up with and both Eyaenne and Methelion had kept going: That they were going to get married. Had they joked around the Noldor like that? They must have. She really liked the elf captain. It was his calmness and strength she could rely on and he was so easy to get along with. She trusted him as a very dear friend even though they had only known each other for a few short weeks. It was possible they had joked around for a minute or two.
"There is no us, Elrohir," Eyaenne gainsaid. "There never was an us."
"But you … we … we kissed, Eyaenne," Elrohir dissented.
"Yes and where did that leave me?" Eyaenne mocked slightly but eased her temper as she saw she hurt the elf in front of her with her words.
"Elrohir," she started again. "It was mistake. We were in a battle. That kiss happened in the heat of the moment. I should never have allowed it to happen in the first place. You don't know me. And I do not know you. At all. We live far away. Are children of two leaders who do not get along very well. How could you think there ever was a chance for us?"
"We could try. I could come to Mirkwood and –"
Eyaenne snorted.
"Elrohir, you would not last a year. You might be a warrior and a decent one at that but you have never had to fight before in your life, have you? Not like we do. We are not fighting battles. We are fighting a war. We do not rest. We do not stop. We do not take breaks. We fight to save our home. If you were to come to Mirkwood, I do not doubt you would give your best and I do not doubt you would be of enormous help to us as well. But we fight for our home. You would be fighting for me, or for my people. You would be of great help, yes. But you would not be able to live like that. The strain is too great. Even my people are close to crumbling. How should anyone but my people be able to survive it? No one can endure such pain and misery if it is not for your home. Be glad you do not have to."
"Why do you think I would not be able to? I am a warrior just like you. I have fought in battles. I would not give up."
"I do not doubt that, Elrohir. But you would not know what you are fighting for. You have never seen the beauty Greenwood the Great was. You will most likely not be able to see the beauty the wild parts of Mirkwood hold. Even we struggle to do so. And yet, this beauty is all that keeps us going and alive. No elf who does not love Mirkwood the way we do will ever be able to understand. The Darkness never effected your soul. Be glad for it. All I am saying is: You would not last. A few weeks, a few months, maybe even a year. But not a lifetime. You will never be able to understand me in that way. And that understanding is the most important thing there is in this world for me! I will follow my father, King Thranduil of Mirkwood, to the very end. And the elf by my side needs to understand that and do the same thing. I need him to feel the same way. I need him to be my strength then I am about to fail. I need him to love my country, my traditions and my people the same way I do. I need him to be by my side at all costs. I need him to understand my Silvan heritage, to understand my language, to understand my contact with the forest and to understand my pain. I need him to understand my heart, Elrohir. And you can't do that. Maybe I am too picky. But that is who I am. I need a wood elf by my side, not because I think lower of Noldor, but because he needs to be my missing half and I am perhereg. I am a Thranduiliell. I need someone who can understand my troubles. And you just can't."
"How do you know? If you never give me a chance you could not possibly know!"
"My heart belongs to the forest, Lord Elrohir. And you do not know the forest. You do not know me. And I do not know you. I am fighting not only a war for my home but for my soul as well. Too many of my friends have died. Of my family have died. Do you understand my pain, Lord Elrohir? Do you understand how it feels if your soul gets ripped into pieces?"
Elrohir swallowed.
"No," he finally said, his throat thick with emotions. "I do not."
Eyaenne nodded.
"You will find your heart one day, Lord Elrohir. But it is not I who carries it. And then you do, you will understand why I refused you. I wish you all the good luck in the world."
Elrohir looked heartbroken and Eyaenne did feel sorry for him. She pitied him.
"Anything else?" She asked. Elrohir just shook his head in defeat. The princess nodded and turned around. She entered their room and Leathion followed her. The door clicked and was locked from the inside.
Please review!
A big thanks to my beta reader Jaxzan Proditur!
Uni has resumed and my timetable is full. I got a lot of very demanding subjects. I know this point at the story has been long anticipated but please excuse me if I take longer for updates. I will of course attemp to stick to the two weeks, but I just can't promise and uni is very important this year and, as I said, demanding in both time and concentration. I will continue this story and not abandon anything! It may just take a bit longer for updates
Rita Orca: I thought about adding a few chapters of Eyaenne's journey to Mirkwood, but I really did not feel like writing that and drawing everything out even more, so I decided to just let them arrive and only mention their journey briefly
Guest#1: It would be too easy, now, would it not? But yes, finally, I have some other wood elves in Imladris
Guest#2: Well, you did nt have to survive three weeks. It has only been two :D
Megan: Let me think... ahm ... nope :D
Violet: Yes, I did not feel like writing about the journey. I just wanted to get them to Imladris. Now! :D And I guess I won't give a spoiler if I say no, it will not
Guest#3: Well, yes, you know, I just felt challenged by your last review and I had to top it with my awesome cliffhanger :D Oh, and thanks a lot for finding that out :D I will attempt to correct one of the two times. I think Arahen should be older. I have written it down now, but I do not know when I'll find the time to change it
Guest1345: Always happy to hear back from you! Hope you enjoyed your break, everyone deserves them. And thanks for leaving reviews so often! They make my day :D
Scathach47: Yay! I missed your comments :D Thanks for dropping a review and I am glad you enjoyed the last few chapters. YOu got yourself quite a few minutes of reading time and no wait in between :D