A/N: Should I even continue this? Do you believe the story sounds interesting enough to keep writing?
Rivendell - 06 September 3018 TA
The storm had ebbed to nothingness; now, the silence was as pure as the wintry blanket outside. Every creature was sheltering, the birds had either flown south or had better things to do than sing, and the night was still upon Rivendell. When his ears became more accustomed to the lack of sound, he thought he could hear the brunches' tingle, but other than that, only his rhythmic breathing brokered the air.
He was leaning against the open window, watching the calm scene in front of him. There was something about the Prince of Mirkwood that seemed out of this world. His long blond silver hair was unbraided, waving against the soft breeze. He was half-dressed when the silence won his attention, and he paused his preparation for his journey. He knew he would miss the silence and the calmness when dawn was upon them. Neither the twins nor the dwarf-girl would let him find a moment of peace.
Legolas always took pleasure in traveling, exploring the lands, and riding towards new adventures. Like those with annoying friends, journeys would make him forget the many centuries he lived and tricked him into believing he was a young adult ready to face life. Even if he knew the journey would be short, and within lay the obligation of him to inform Lothlórien and Gondor as Lord Elrond asked him. There was always the thrill of the journey itself.
He had started braiding now his long hair, in a particular way, as a Mirkwood Elf and the prince of Mirkwood, the braids had a specific design to reveal his status as a warrior and a noble Elf. However, Legolas preferred not to be addressed as the Prince. He knew, and he knew it well, he had many benefits not only for being an Elf but for being the son of the King. But he hated the formalities, and he preferred to be seen as from his worth than his titles.
That was the main reason whenever the 'dwarf-girl' would curse him or call him anything but his name, Legolas hid a smile. Despite her loathing him for unknown reasons, the way she dared to speak to him was one of a kind. She called him so many times a bastard and a princess, words heavily insulting for the prince of Mirkwood, but refreshing for Legolas. And even he knew he would regret allowing her to follow him in this journey; deep down, he was curious to hear the next insult that would escape her lips.
It was dawn when he had finished braiding his hair and wore his attire. His garments' fabric was more substantial made in this particular way to last through long journeys and fights. His outfits were always one of a kind, but they were never too flashy and glamorous. So none would figure out that he could be the King's son. Only high elves would guess if they paid close attention to his braids.
He grabbed his belongings and his weapons and stepped out of his chamber. He strode along the corridors and out towards the entrance. The twins were preparing the three horses while awaiting Legolas and Awarthrie to arrive. There was already excitement in their actions as it had been decades since they hadn't traveled with the dear friend. And now they would have the new 'troublemaker' following them.
Meanwhile, Awarthrie stood there in a clean black shirt; gone was the girl of a month ago. There was something in how she stood, pride in herself that was so strange to see. When she followed Gloin and the rest of the dwarves to Rivendell, she hadn't seen much of the outside world. When she was younger, she had traveled with Tauriel searching for a place to live. But after Glóin accepted them in Erebor, Awarthie had never journeyed outside Erebor.
She had already packed her leather knapsack, with a few clean garments and a few monthly supplies that Camaeneth had provided her for her female needs. She had to admit that she-elves had a lot of gear to survive through the monthly girl issues with less pain and mess. Yet, she was thankful that the maiden and new friend shared those little things that would make her days easier.
Awarthrie was the last one who arrived at the gateway, noticing that the twins and Legolas were already waiting for her. It seemed that everyone had already given their goodbyes, as none of the elves or dwarves were waiting for them. The horses were ready, their belongings were settled, and after Awarthrie stepped closer, Legolas took her knapsack and secured it against the horse.
The twins were already sitting on the horses; they waved at her with a sneaky smile on their faces as they were waiting for some show to happen. She rolled her eyes in disbelief and walked after Legolas. She waited for him to secure her belongings as she didn't keep eye contact. She still didn't' like the idea that she would ride with him on the same horse. But complaining over it wouldn't change anything. She noticed that Legolas irritated, and he wasn't talking at all.
Legolas unblocked the stirrup straps and walked over towards his horse while holding the straps. Next, with one connected move, he mounted the horse easily, making the action seem effortless. The 'dwarf-girl' blinked, confused, as she stepped over so she would be able to leap behind him. But it was easier said than done. Legolas didn't wait. He leaned over and grabbed her against the arm, and pulled her to sit behind him.
"Calm down and let your body lean against the horse naturally," he suggested as he watched her over his shoulder. "And you better hold tightly because we are going to ride at a fast pace."
Awarthrie's body softened as she sat on the horse; she kept her hands away from the 'shiny-elf' who was sitting in front of her. "I'm trying; it's my first-day riding," she complained as she noticed the twins turning their horses around to start their journey.
Connected to the earth by hoof, indebted to the horse who carried him with loving care, the elf made his way through the path that the twins took. He leaned over and whispered a few elfish words to the horse, and it stepped forward at a slow pace. Legolas noticed that 'dwarf-girl' didn't hold tight; any fast move could easily bring her down. He looked above his shoulder as he listened to the steady hooves, the gentle tail swishes, and snorting of the air. Then he tapped his legs against the horse, and it suddenly snorted and stepped forward.
Awarthrie lost her balance; her hands tried to grasp anything that would prevent her from falling. But her reaction was too slow; she lost her balance and dropped on her back and butt. "Mahalu-me turg!" she cried in khuzdul and glared at Legolas, who had paused the horse and looked at her lying down in the rocky ground. The scene was rather comical for the elven prince, and in a way, it felt like paying her back. "You did this on purpose, you Tree-Humber!" she hissed while glaring at him.
Legolas hid a smile and turned around, leaning close to the right side of the horse and offering his hand for her to stand. "We must move on. We cannot linger," he offered and waited for her to take his hand. "Come on," he encouraged her to take his hand. And after she did, Legolas wrapped his fingers against her wrist and pulled her to sit behind him. "Now, don't make the same mistake twice," he added.
Awarthrie screamed and grabbed onto Legolas so she wouldn't fall off again as he rode away. It was her first time riding a horse. She wrapped her arms around his stomach and pressed her face into his back, closing her eyes tightly. "Rukhsul menu!" she yelled loudly as Legolas started riding behind the twins, who had missed Awarthie's fall. "Don't ride too fast, you BEARDLESS DAFT!" she screamed.
Legolas's smile was now showing as he rode away from Rivendell and towards the path that would lead them towards Lothlórien. It would take 462 miles, around 28 days by horse to reach Lórien. They would spend only a few days in the company of the twins, and after that, Legolas would have to travel alone with the troublemaker.
They were riding for almost an hour now, Kili's daughter adopted to the way her body rose and fall as the stallion rode through the forest. She sniffed a blending of odors surrounding her from the smell of the rain against the trees and the familiar spice of autumn rain and mint. She suddenly blinked and opened her eyes widely 'mint,' she thought. When it hit her, that was the scent of the 'bush-screwer.' Then she noticed how tight she was holding against him and slowly softening her grip around him. She pulled her head away from his back and straightening in. Only then did she notice both of the twins riding next to them and staring at her.
"We thought you enjoyed it?" Elladan quizzed with a teasing tone, "hugging Legolas and would never free yourself from around him!"
"Can't you see, brother, she is lost around Legolas," Elrohir mocked her openly "she will no longer serve our purpose!"
Legolas rolled his eyes in disbelieve; he was worried, while for an hour now, both of the twins were too quiet not gossiping about the 'dwarf girls' reaction. He didn't expect anything less from the sons of Elrond.
"What purpose is that?" Awarthrie asked, trying to forget that part where both of the twins mocked her and how her back started aching from her previous fall. "And maybe it was your friend who enjoyed the embrace most, as he never griped about it." she paused and looked at the Mirkwood prince who was sitting in front of her motionless "And let's not forget how easy he agreed to have me ride with him."
Elladan smirked and rode closer to her placing his hand against her shoulder. "We spoke too fast, my'Lady you are after all serving your purpose," he assured her as he heard Elrohir laughing.
"Well said," he added. "Legolas might be the one who plotted, after all, to have you ride with him and keep you close,"
Legolas lifted an eyebrow smirking darkly. "Shall we ride!" he gave a small gesture at both of them, allowing them to pass in front of him. "We have a long journey to cover, so better be prepared for what lies ahead," he pointed as his gaze turned towards Awarthrie. "Riding or remaining too close... will be the last of your problems."
Awarthrie watched as the twins by-passed them and rode now steps away from them. She noticed how both could read the situation and noted when Legolas spoke, and they didn't press the mocking on. Honestly, the presents of the twins relaxed her. Although they were old and wise, Lord Elrond's sons and warriors, in their presents, she could relax and feel at ease. Even if they were elves, they reminded her of her dwarf-family, silly and teasing.
Though that was not the same as the 'Mirkwood-princess,' riding on the same horse like her, she never forgot who the elf in front of her was; she hated him and would easily aid to his harm. This was a new experience for her, riding with the enemy, even holding against him. She didn't respond and kept staring at his back. She could notice now in detail the color of his hair and how perfectly it was braided and brushed. His garments were clean and wore perfectly. She snorted at the thought of how perfect the prince looked, but how canning he was underneath.
"You snort louder than Arroch," Legolas mentioned, suddenly hiding a provoke in his tone. "If you mean to say something, say it!"
Awarthrie sighed as she realized that the elf was great at starting a conversation with her. "I don't snort," she defended herself, "and you will know when I have something to say," she paused a bit, confused. "Who is Arroch?"
Legolas pointed at the brown horse that they were riding. "He isn't my horse, but whenever I am in Rivendell and need of a stallion, he is offered. We have ridden on many adventures together; he even accompanied me in my quests with Aragon." Legolas said.
She nodded as her gaze was occupied watching at the spectacular view around them. "Have you written in many adventures with Aragon?" she caught herself asking, "And who is Aragon?"
"After the battle of the five armies, there wasn't much left for me in Mirkwood. I journeyed for the first time away from home, with the purpose never to return. My paths crossed with Aragon's here in Rivendell. He is a trusted friend, raised by Lord Elrond; He is Aragorn, son of Arathor, you should meet him upon our return." Legolas answered without giving much thought.
The name Aragorn wasn't familiar, but his father's name reminded her of a few stories she had read. "Arathor," she quizzed, "Heir of Isildur High King of the Dúnedain?"
Legolas seemed surprised that the 'dwarf-girl' knew some basic history. "He is the rightful heir of Gondor, one of the few remaining Dúnedain, Chieftain of the Dúnedain," Legolas offered in a bitter tone. "But he had walked away from that path long ago; he is known mostly as a Ranger of the North, Strider they call him."
Awarthrie chuckled at the irony and interrupted him, "That doesn't surprise me that a royal princess from Mirkwood found another one to play friends."
Suddenly Legolas brought the horse to hold and turned, facing her. His gaze dropped dark against her and his grip against her arms, pulling her dangerously close to him. His reaction had changed, and for the first time, Awarthrie felt the seriousness behind his actions. "You can keep the insults around my name as long as you want, and I can ignore them. Yet you never speak ill of Aragorn." he threatened openly, "or your wish might come true, and you will end up facing me."
Her mouth felt dry out of a sudden, and she seemed to acknowledge the danger of his words. She nodded, frozen to the sudden change of events. Legolas gave her a last glare and turned ahead, riding forward. "He must be a very close friend of yours," she finally said, trying to ignore the open threat the prince had just offered.
"One of the few," he responded, "Elves live for long, too long. We meet many of our kind and even other races, but we only have a few who we can trust and call friends. Aragorn is one of my recent friends, but one of the most trusted."
"I have figured that much," she said, recalling how suddenly he jumped in defending his friend, "You...," she mumbled, "strangely enough you are defending your friends, an act I never awaited from the proud Prince of Mirkwood. Are Mirkwood Elves even able to have such reactions?"
Legolas smirked at her words, "You surely don't know much about Mirkwood Elves, and even less about me as I don't know any of your folk and yourself. Expect of the obvious, that you all are loud, offensive, and stubborn. However, your folk is brave and respectful."
"Maybe I don't know many details about Mirkwood and your kin," she agreed, "But I know you are proud and cold." Her gaze against him softened when he heard him speak highly about her folk. "You have spoken as if you know our kind?" she questioned.
"Durin's Folk," he answered in a soft tone, "I have. Years ago, you weren't even born if I recall your age correctly. I met them when Thorin Oakenshield united in one of his deeds as leader of a company that infiltrated the lost Kingdom under the Mountain to take it back from Smaug and lead an alliance of Men, Dwarves, and Elves in the Battle of Five Armies. However, the first time our paths cross, I am not proud of imprisoning them, and Thorin's stubbornness didn't aid in finding their freedom. Yet, they escaped due to the aid of a hobbit."
Legolas had now caught her attention. She could loathe the prince for many reasons, but at that moment, she found one to like him. He seemed to know about the quest of Thorin, the quest her father followed as well. Glóin and the rest of the dwarves who were part of that journey never talked about those times. She had heard the outline of the story but never knew the details. And Legolas just acknowledged that he knew part of that story, and maybe part of the story of her father.
"You met him Thorin and the rest," she questioned. "I am familiar with the story, but I lack details. I wouldn't mind hearing those even from a Mirkwood Elf who prisoned my folk." she paused suddenly and took a surprising breath. "What is a hobbit?"
A small smile played on his lips, hiding his surprise at finding out how young and clueless the 'dwarf-girl' was. She was always keeping her defense up, cruising and fighting him. He never noticed that she was a confused young adult seeking to find her place in this story. "Hobbits, halflings known by the most, are a peaceful and genial race of small humanlike creatures that dwell underground. I would recommend you address them as Hobbits; they prefer that." he said, "I know the tale as I was part of it. More than you might think. The dwarves, Bilbo, and Gandalf, experienced many dangers on their journey to the Lonely Mountain, surviving trolls, orcs, wargs, and spiders."
"I know about that part," she interrupted with a loud tone. "I know how it starts, how it ends, but I don't know the details. You said you met the dwarves; you remember them? How where they? Did you fight with them? You said you were there at the Battle of the Five Armies, have you..." she paused, trying to hold a tear back as she recalled her father losing his life there "have you seen how they died?"
Legolas noticed the way her voice flinched away, hiding a strange sadness. "I don't know what part of the story you need to know. I met the dwarves, spoke with Thorin; he would be a great king; I can acknowledge that. His company was brave men, strange folk, but brave. I even meet Glóin there. Thorin and two brothers, I guess they were related to Thorin, did win my attention. You know one of them, I believe it was Kili, who had fallen in love with elven-maiden. Tauriel, one of the Elvenking's guards and my trusted friend. And If I must be truthful, Tauriel loved him equally back. He lost his life saving her. And Tauriel lost her home to defend him as she was banned from Mirkwood. I am not proud of my father's deeds back then. I disagreed and followed Tauriel. But even If I fought next to her, I couldn't save the one she loved. After that, I have never seen her." Legolas paused, lost in his memories, and inside the sadness that she never sought him.
The moment she realized she'd misinterpreted his actions, his words, his expressions, that moment, his words stopped, was the moment her heart broke. That new information that Legolas told her broke her further. She found more reasons to loathe the prince. Though she didn't react, the shock was so strong it made her lose her words. There were so many things to take in that her father died because he wanted to save her mother. Her mother being the 'shiny-princess's' best friend, and Legolas meeting them both. Now she hated him more for that. Why was he given the time to know her mother and father, and that right was taken away from her?
Her reaction surprised Legolas; she seemed so excited to know about the story of her folk. And suddenly, she had fallen in deep silence, fallen out of words. Although he already read through the lines, Legolas didn't push the matter further, that there were more hiding reasons that the 'dwarf-girl' wanted to know about Thorin and his men. However, he could never guess how hidden and deep those were.
(( Next Act:10 Nothing is as is ))
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