Sorry guys about the wait for chapter 4, but the writing block for
upload chapter has only just been taken off. As a result I have not been
able to upload my story for a week! Well, I am not going to delay you
any longer hear is chapter 4.
Chapter 4: The Search goes South
Elawen slowly turned around and watched, as Legolas walked off under the eves of Mirkwood. Her face was full of jealousy, which grew at every step she took, as she pondered on what she had just seen. Why was Arwen in Mirkwood, and talking with Legolas? And why did her father tell her she was in Lothlorien?
Elawen felt upset and left out, as she walked slowly up the small bank which led back to the glade. She had never been sent on errands for her father, it was always Arwen, and she was always last to be let in on the news.
Gazing about at the beauty around her, she tried hard to push her feelings aside. After all, it was probably just a misunderstanding, and there were probably good reasons to her questions. Elawen looked about her and examined the forest's magnificence, with her pale blue eyes. The leaves all around her seemed to be the shade of silver, as the late afternoon light shone through them, and as the glow of bright stars were appearing in the Eastern sky, they eliminated the flowers amongst her. As she peered down she could see the snowbells, although now their beautiful white petals were glowing like mithril. Elawen could not help herself but to lie amongst them, were she too appeared to be a dazzling flower.
As the stars shone down, Elawen noticed an unusual flower. A kind that was not known in Rivendell. Elawen's eyes were fixed, gazing in disbelief; she had never seen such a beautiful flower in all of her life. Its stem wove upwards thin and slender, and its petals shone like gold and silver. At this Elawen rested her head and looked up towards the heavens.
"Elawen," a voice called softly, "Elawen is that you?" Elawen turned round, to face a dark hooded figure of an elf, but she did not answer. The hooded elf moved closer towards her, and Elawen checked that her hood covered her face with a trembling hand. "How is this Elawen you seek?" Elawen was completely shocked, how did the elf know she was the Lady Elawen of Rivendell for she was still dressed as the city guard, Eluthas. "Elawen, its me Arian," the sweet elf's voice sounded like a singing bird, and she removed her hood letting her rich, brown hair flow down. Arian sat down next to Elawen and beamed at her, "I was wondering were you were. Galindor expected you back at your talan hours ago." Elawen was slowly uncovering her face, relieved that it was Arian, but unsure whether anyone was watching. Her pale blonde hair hung down straight, with tints of gold woven through it, as it glistened in the starlight.
Elawen's eyes looked up to face Arian, who was still beaming. "The forest is very beautiful tonight." Elawen gazed around with Arian and nodded in agreement. "Yes it is beautiful, I had never dreamed it to be so wonderful here." Elawen's eyes stopped as she looked in the direction of the unusual flower she had just seen only a couple of moments ago. Its silver gold leaves still shone brightly in the night. "Arian," Elawen asked in question, "What name has that beautiful flower, for I have never seen it before out of Mirkwood." Arian also turned to face the flower, "That is the Elanor flower, which blooms all year round and bears the colours of gold and silver." Both the elves were staring at its magnificence with gleaming eyes. "And you have not seen it anywhere else, for it only grows in the soils Mirkwood."
Arian turned to face Elawen. "Well I had better show you to your talan were we will meet Galindor. And after that we shall attend dinner in the high talan." Arian helped Elawen up and they both walked together towards the glade.
The moon had now come out, and the sky was completely filled with brightness as the two elves walked across the glade. Elawen's talan was not far away, and it was only a couple minutes later when they saw Galindor. His tall, dark figure stood out amongst the grey forest, as they walked towards him.
Galindor turned quickly, as soon as his sharp, elven ears heard the sound of soft footsteps. His face was full of worry and concern, "Where have you been?" Elawen now found herself looking down innocently towards her feet. "Well ………" Elawen was cut of by a quick interruption from Arian. "Don't worry my lord. Ela um…… Eluthas, was just taking his first look at the sky from Mirkwood. You see, when the search starts, he may never get another opportunity to see the stars from under these eves again."
Elawen was glued in her position; Arian had almost given away her identity. "Alas, I was a long time, but I am hear now. Let us go to the high talan." Galindor turned from the fixed gaze of Elawen, as she stood staring into the trees ahead. "Yes, let's make haste, we do no want to be late." Galindor had now forgotten about the nervous look he had received from Elawen, and was now showing them towards the high talan.
There was a small clearing in the woods, and some other elves were waiting at the foot of an elm tree. The moon was shining brightly in the evening sky, and a soft breeze carried through the air. Elawen held her hand on her head to prevent the breeze from pulling her hood back. As she gazed around, she noticed that everywhere about the nearby trees, was the Elanor flower. The very same flower that Arian had told her about earlier. The three elves were now walking towards the elm tree, when an elf bearing a bow and quiver come up to them and greeted them, "Suilad mellon." Galindor turned to the elf, "Suilad evair." "You have come for the banquet in the high talan, I guess." Galindor nodded and the elf continued, "Please follow me."
Elawen and Arian followed behind the elf, and Galindor walked behind them. The elm tree stood up, great and tall as they reached a winding set of stairs, which slowly climbed the height of the tree. The steps were carved out of marble, and great pillars of wood were placed at every other step, and they held carvings of the history of Mirkwood. Elawen examined the carvings with great interest as they climbed higher into the treetops. They were in complete silence as they walked up to the talan, until the sweet sound of elven voices could be heard chatting from above.
Once at the top a light shone in their eyes, the talan was decorated with white and gold banners hanging high up from the bole of the tree. And also, to the delight of Elawen, there were many flowers, and in particular the Elanor. Galindor and Arian went and sat down, but Elawen wondered around for a while until she found the perfect spot. The view was of the moon and stars, and as there were not many elves nearby it was peaceful and quiet. Elawen went to sit down, and watched the stars in the darkened sky. Her eyes were gleaming as Earendil shone down on her, and she whispered, "Thank you for saving me."
Elawen was brought back to reality when she heard a familiar voice rang in her head. She turned around and to her surprise; Legolas was standing beside her. She looked up at the tall elf and smiled. "Would you mind if I sit with you?" Legolas asked, his beautiful blue eyes shining down at her. " Yes of course you can." Elawen replied delighted that he wanted to sit with her. "It is a wonderful view up hear." The two elves were gazing out at the stars and for miles the tops of trees could be seen, highlighted by the moon. "It is amazing to be hear in Mirkwood. You don't know how lucky you are to live and have been brought up hear." Elawen sighed as she remembered the times when she was confined to the borders of Rivendell. "But surely having been brought up in Rivendell, you are also lucky. It is very beautiful there too." Legolas said, surprised at her comment. "I have always wanted to visit Rivendell, for many elves have told me that there is a true beauty there, one unlike any other beauty of Middle Earth. Many have said that it is because of the star maiden that Rivendell possesses such a wonderful gift, and that she is almost as fair and beautiful as the Lady Galadriel of the golden wood."
Elawen could not believe what she had just heard. "Well I suppose, as you come from Rivendell you have already met the Daughter of Elrond." Legolas carried on, as though he wished he could meet the Lady himself. "Very occasionally do I ever see the Lady , and if I do she is always admiring the view and the sky from her balcony."
The two elves were still gazing at the sky with there keen eyes. All around them, elves were singing and chatting, hoping that the night would never end, and that they could forget about the search which was beginning that very next day. Food was also beginning to be handed out, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Legolas turned to the brave archer from Rivendell in front of him, "I hear you are a skilled archer." Elawen's pale face turned a light shade of pink at his comment, "Yes, well I just do my best to help defend Rivendell." Legolas smiled, "I would much like to see your aim. From what Galindor has been telling me about you, you almost sound better than me."
The conversation went on through the evening, and the meal was almost finished. Legolas got up from his chair and excused himself, "It has been a pleasure talking with you. I will see you tomorrow when the search begins." Legolas took one last proper look at the moon, "Namarie." Elawen watched him as he turned to walk away, "Namarie." Legolas was walking to the entrance of the talan, where someone came up to speak to him, clad in green with golden hair hanging over his shoulders A wooden bow and leather quiver was placed on his back, and he quickly began to speak to Legolas.
Elawen walked around the talan, trying to find Arian and Galindor. She looked around and could see that they too were looking out towards the heavens. Some elves were beginning to blow out the decorated candles around the talan as some of the elves were beginning to leave. Elawen had just made her way towards them, and Arian had greeted her, asking how well she thought of the meal, when a voice called out amongst them.
The three elves turned around in surprise. Elawen could see that it was Legolas who was speaking, but it was not that that worried her. His face was filled with concern and worry, as he spoke aloud to the elves in elvish. "Elves of Mirkwood, I regret to announce that our search can not start hear. Word has got round that Gollum has been sited five leagues south of here." An eruption of worry spread amongst the elves, until Legolas calmed them down, "Please do not worry, we must ride tonight and start our search at the first ray of dawn if there is any chance of our finding of Gollum. Your steeds are ready for you at the stables. Come let us make haste."
The elves followed Legolas, who was leading them to the stables. Many of the elves had their own horses, but a few did not. Elawen watched as some of the elves got on a horse in twos, there bows and quivers were ready on their backs, but no supplies were taken, except for the odd snacks that they might have picked up for the journey.
Elawen and Galindor mounted, Celebaras and Arostel, while Arian mounted her horse, Gareneth. Elawen searched amongst the gathering elves and their steeds as she looked of Legolas. He mounted on his horse, which gleamed white in the starlight, and its mane glistened like mithril in the light breeze. Elawen could see his concerned face as he as he practically shouted, to keep them ordered "Come let us make haste," his words echoed again, "Follow my lead.
The company galloped through the night. Elawen, Galindor and Arian were at the back of the company, and Elawen could see the look of uncertainty on Galindor's fair face. His dark brown hair was blowing behind him, as Arostel rode on hard through the trees.
The night was wearing away and it seemed to take them longer than they had thought. Celebaras was beginning to tire, and slowly he began to fall away from the company. Elawen gently stroked his mane with her slender hand, lent forwards and whispered in his ear in an elven-tongue, "Noro lim, Celebaras, noro lim."
Also, because it has been so long scine this chapter has been out I have almost finished chapter 5, don't worry I am positive it will be out during the weekend. Please, PLEASE keep on reviewing, and thanks to those of you who are reading it. Namarie!!
Chapter 4: The Search goes South
Elawen slowly turned around and watched, as Legolas walked off under the eves of Mirkwood. Her face was full of jealousy, which grew at every step she took, as she pondered on what she had just seen. Why was Arwen in Mirkwood, and talking with Legolas? And why did her father tell her she was in Lothlorien?
Elawen felt upset and left out, as she walked slowly up the small bank which led back to the glade. She had never been sent on errands for her father, it was always Arwen, and she was always last to be let in on the news.
Gazing about at the beauty around her, she tried hard to push her feelings aside. After all, it was probably just a misunderstanding, and there were probably good reasons to her questions. Elawen looked about her and examined the forest's magnificence, with her pale blue eyes. The leaves all around her seemed to be the shade of silver, as the late afternoon light shone through them, and as the glow of bright stars were appearing in the Eastern sky, they eliminated the flowers amongst her. As she peered down she could see the snowbells, although now their beautiful white petals were glowing like mithril. Elawen could not help herself but to lie amongst them, were she too appeared to be a dazzling flower.
As the stars shone down, Elawen noticed an unusual flower. A kind that was not known in Rivendell. Elawen's eyes were fixed, gazing in disbelief; she had never seen such a beautiful flower in all of her life. Its stem wove upwards thin and slender, and its petals shone like gold and silver. At this Elawen rested her head and looked up towards the heavens.
"Elawen," a voice called softly, "Elawen is that you?" Elawen turned round, to face a dark hooded figure of an elf, but she did not answer. The hooded elf moved closer towards her, and Elawen checked that her hood covered her face with a trembling hand. "How is this Elawen you seek?" Elawen was completely shocked, how did the elf know she was the Lady Elawen of Rivendell for she was still dressed as the city guard, Eluthas. "Elawen, its me Arian," the sweet elf's voice sounded like a singing bird, and she removed her hood letting her rich, brown hair flow down. Arian sat down next to Elawen and beamed at her, "I was wondering were you were. Galindor expected you back at your talan hours ago." Elawen was slowly uncovering her face, relieved that it was Arian, but unsure whether anyone was watching. Her pale blonde hair hung down straight, with tints of gold woven through it, as it glistened in the starlight.
Elawen's eyes looked up to face Arian, who was still beaming. "The forest is very beautiful tonight." Elawen gazed around with Arian and nodded in agreement. "Yes it is beautiful, I had never dreamed it to be so wonderful here." Elawen's eyes stopped as she looked in the direction of the unusual flower she had just seen only a couple of moments ago. Its silver gold leaves still shone brightly in the night. "Arian," Elawen asked in question, "What name has that beautiful flower, for I have never seen it before out of Mirkwood." Arian also turned to face the flower, "That is the Elanor flower, which blooms all year round and bears the colours of gold and silver." Both the elves were staring at its magnificence with gleaming eyes. "And you have not seen it anywhere else, for it only grows in the soils Mirkwood."
Arian turned to face Elawen. "Well I had better show you to your talan were we will meet Galindor. And after that we shall attend dinner in the high talan." Arian helped Elawen up and they both walked together towards the glade.
The moon had now come out, and the sky was completely filled with brightness as the two elves walked across the glade. Elawen's talan was not far away, and it was only a couple minutes later when they saw Galindor. His tall, dark figure stood out amongst the grey forest, as they walked towards him.
Galindor turned quickly, as soon as his sharp, elven ears heard the sound of soft footsteps. His face was full of worry and concern, "Where have you been?" Elawen now found herself looking down innocently towards her feet. "Well ………" Elawen was cut of by a quick interruption from Arian. "Don't worry my lord. Ela um…… Eluthas, was just taking his first look at the sky from Mirkwood. You see, when the search starts, he may never get another opportunity to see the stars from under these eves again."
Elawen was glued in her position; Arian had almost given away her identity. "Alas, I was a long time, but I am hear now. Let us go to the high talan." Galindor turned from the fixed gaze of Elawen, as she stood staring into the trees ahead. "Yes, let's make haste, we do no want to be late." Galindor had now forgotten about the nervous look he had received from Elawen, and was now showing them towards the high talan.
There was a small clearing in the woods, and some other elves were waiting at the foot of an elm tree. The moon was shining brightly in the evening sky, and a soft breeze carried through the air. Elawen held her hand on her head to prevent the breeze from pulling her hood back. As she gazed around, she noticed that everywhere about the nearby trees, was the Elanor flower. The very same flower that Arian had told her about earlier. The three elves were now walking towards the elm tree, when an elf bearing a bow and quiver come up to them and greeted them, "Suilad mellon." Galindor turned to the elf, "Suilad evair." "You have come for the banquet in the high talan, I guess." Galindor nodded and the elf continued, "Please follow me."
Elawen and Arian followed behind the elf, and Galindor walked behind them. The elm tree stood up, great and tall as they reached a winding set of stairs, which slowly climbed the height of the tree. The steps were carved out of marble, and great pillars of wood were placed at every other step, and they held carvings of the history of Mirkwood. Elawen examined the carvings with great interest as they climbed higher into the treetops. They were in complete silence as they walked up to the talan, until the sweet sound of elven voices could be heard chatting from above.
Once at the top a light shone in their eyes, the talan was decorated with white and gold banners hanging high up from the bole of the tree. And also, to the delight of Elawen, there were many flowers, and in particular the Elanor. Galindor and Arian went and sat down, but Elawen wondered around for a while until she found the perfect spot. The view was of the moon and stars, and as there were not many elves nearby it was peaceful and quiet. Elawen went to sit down, and watched the stars in the darkened sky. Her eyes were gleaming as Earendil shone down on her, and she whispered, "Thank you for saving me."
Elawen was brought back to reality when she heard a familiar voice rang in her head. She turned around and to her surprise; Legolas was standing beside her. She looked up at the tall elf and smiled. "Would you mind if I sit with you?" Legolas asked, his beautiful blue eyes shining down at her. " Yes of course you can." Elawen replied delighted that he wanted to sit with her. "It is a wonderful view up hear." The two elves were gazing out at the stars and for miles the tops of trees could be seen, highlighted by the moon. "It is amazing to be hear in Mirkwood. You don't know how lucky you are to live and have been brought up hear." Elawen sighed as she remembered the times when she was confined to the borders of Rivendell. "But surely having been brought up in Rivendell, you are also lucky. It is very beautiful there too." Legolas said, surprised at her comment. "I have always wanted to visit Rivendell, for many elves have told me that there is a true beauty there, one unlike any other beauty of Middle Earth. Many have said that it is because of the star maiden that Rivendell possesses such a wonderful gift, and that she is almost as fair and beautiful as the Lady Galadriel of the golden wood."
Elawen could not believe what she had just heard. "Well I suppose, as you come from Rivendell you have already met the Daughter of Elrond." Legolas carried on, as though he wished he could meet the Lady himself. "Very occasionally do I ever see the Lady , and if I do she is always admiring the view and the sky from her balcony."
The two elves were still gazing at the sky with there keen eyes. All around them, elves were singing and chatting, hoping that the night would never end, and that they could forget about the search which was beginning that very next day. Food was also beginning to be handed out, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Legolas turned to the brave archer from Rivendell in front of him, "I hear you are a skilled archer." Elawen's pale face turned a light shade of pink at his comment, "Yes, well I just do my best to help defend Rivendell." Legolas smiled, "I would much like to see your aim. From what Galindor has been telling me about you, you almost sound better than me."
The conversation went on through the evening, and the meal was almost finished. Legolas got up from his chair and excused himself, "It has been a pleasure talking with you. I will see you tomorrow when the search begins." Legolas took one last proper look at the moon, "Namarie." Elawen watched him as he turned to walk away, "Namarie." Legolas was walking to the entrance of the talan, where someone came up to speak to him, clad in green with golden hair hanging over his shoulders A wooden bow and leather quiver was placed on his back, and he quickly began to speak to Legolas.
Elawen walked around the talan, trying to find Arian and Galindor. She looked around and could see that they too were looking out towards the heavens. Some elves were beginning to blow out the decorated candles around the talan as some of the elves were beginning to leave. Elawen had just made her way towards them, and Arian had greeted her, asking how well she thought of the meal, when a voice called out amongst them.
The three elves turned around in surprise. Elawen could see that it was Legolas who was speaking, but it was not that that worried her. His face was filled with concern and worry, as he spoke aloud to the elves in elvish. "Elves of Mirkwood, I regret to announce that our search can not start hear. Word has got round that Gollum has been sited five leagues south of here." An eruption of worry spread amongst the elves, until Legolas calmed them down, "Please do not worry, we must ride tonight and start our search at the first ray of dawn if there is any chance of our finding of Gollum. Your steeds are ready for you at the stables. Come let us make haste."
The elves followed Legolas, who was leading them to the stables. Many of the elves had their own horses, but a few did not. Elawen watched as some of the elves got on a horse in twos, there bows and quivers were ready on their backs, but no supplies were taken, except for the odd snacks that they might have picked up for the journey.
Elawen and Galindor mounted, Celebaras and Arostel, while Arian mounted her horse, Gareneth. Elawen searched amongst the gathering elves and their steeds as she looked of Legolas. He mounted on his horse, which gleamed white in the starlight, and its mane glistened like mithril in the light breeze. Elawen could see his concerned face as he as he practically shouted, to keep them ordered "Come let us make haste," his words echoed again, "Follow my lead.
The company galloped through the night. Elawen, Galindor and Arian were at the back of the company, and Elawen could see the look of uncertainty on Galindor's fair face. His dark brown hair was blowing behind him, as Arostel rode on hard through the trees.
The night was wearing away and it seemed to take them longer than they had thought. Celebaras was beginning to tire, and slowly he began to fall away from the company. Elawen gently stroked his mane with her slender hand, lent forwards and whispered in his ear in an elven-tongue, "Noro lim, Celebaras, noro lim."
Also, because it has been so long scine this chapter has been out I have almost finished chapter 5, don't worry I am positive it will be out during the weekend. Please, PLEASE keep on reviewing, and thanks to those of you who are reading it. Namarie!!