The sun was still hidden behind the thick trees when Legolas awoke. He
was taking his time preparing for his journey. His plan was to pack as
little as possible, leaving everything that could be spared behind him.
As he was doing so, Legolas found it a struggle to leave his home. Deep down he knew that he would never make it back in time to see it again. The time for the Elves to leave Middle Earth was extremely close and it would be a challenge to reach his destination, get Lorelein, and return in a span of two months. In his heart he knew that he would have to pass his home in order to leave with his people.
Finishing up his packing, he folded an extra blanket and set it gently in his bag before throwing the strap over his shoulder and walking solumnly toward the stables.
"Prince Legolas! There you are. Your horse is ready and waiting at the gates. I had our men saddle him up quickly so you may get an early start on your journey."
"Excited about my leave, Halin?" Legolas asked, attempting a smile. Halin was a warrior for his father and they had become steadfast friends during the Wilderland Battle.
"Ai, Legolas. You know I would follow you on any quest, even if it would lead to our end." Halin replied, stopping beside them as they drew up to the gates.
"I know, my friend. Yet this task was appointed to me and I must go alone. But promise me one thing."
"Name it."
"Watch over my father and help him lead our people to the Seas if my return is late."
"I promise. But you will return, Legolas. Your people, including myself, have faith in you."
"And I thank you, Halin. Farewell."
"Goodbye and good luck!"
Legolas then mounted his horse and started down the path.
It was quite a long ride from Mirkwood to the Mortal Lands. The path was winding and there were many hills and plains to travel across. But so far the weather was fair and the sky was clear.
After awhile, he began to sing. And though his song was long and continued on for many an hour, here is a small fragment of it:
With head held high I make my way
down the path at break of day.
Long I've been puzzled by the riddle of Wilderland.
Now I have the answers, just lying in my hands.
Her courage was great
and her people all fair.
A loss she was
to all who were there.
But now she's returned
needing help from our men.
So I have been sent
to Mortal Lands and within.
With head held high, I make my way.
down this path at break of day.
Long will be my journey
over hill and deep valley.
But in time I'll make it to Mortal Lands
where men have held a fair lady
so greedily in their hands.
Worth more than gold and jewels,
the fair Lorelein of the grassy Valley Lands.
Her courage was great
and her people all fair.
A loss she was
to all who were there.
But now she's returned
needing help from our men.
So I have been sent
to Mortal Lands and within.
With head held high, I make my way.
Across the land at break of day.
Searching for a lady strong yet fair.
A warrior, a leader, hidden beauty beyond compare.
Courageous and clever.
For her people, it was danger she bared.
Lost in battle, held against her will.
Now she must return to her people still.
Her courage was great
And her people all fair.
A loss she was
to all who were there.
But now she's returned
needing help from our men.
So I have been sent
to Mortal Lands and within.
And so he continued to sing his song. As simple as it was, his voice made it sound full and fair. He traveled all through the day and long into the night, resting only when his horse needed. This became his routine throughout his journey and it wasn't until two weeks passed that he finally heard the voice of another person once again. But whoever it was didn't notice or pay any attention to him.
Curious, Legolas dismounted his horse and walked silently toward the stranger. Seeing it was a young lady, he approached her slowly and with much caution. Though he was still very well hidden by the woods, he wasn't sure if it was wise to risk openly show himself just yet.
But suddenly, the woman jerked her head around and scanned the area where he was standing now still and silent among the trees. She had long brown hair streaked with gold. Two braids hung in front of her face and her eyes seemed much different then he expected. They were deep grey and something about the look in her eyes told him that she was older than she appeared.
Then, recognition hit him. He moved in closer and spoke softly, just loud enough for her to hear.
"Lorelein."
Lorelein's eyes darted quickly toward the place where his voice came from.
Legolas spoke again, stepping out of the woods beside her.
"Lorelein."
Lorelein, surprised and frightened, took a few steps back.
"Who are you? What do you want?"
Legolas, seeing something was different, looked at her closely. Something wasn't right. He walked in a circle around her once before looking her in the eye.
Lorelein was scared, though she tried not to show it. She didn't recognize who or what Legolas was and wasn't sure if he was friendly. He seemed to her strange but clever.
"What are you?" she finally asked him, breaking the silence. Legolas stepped back and gave her a look of surprise.
"Eldar."
"Eldar? What is that?"
Legolas' expression changed from surprise to confusion. It was as if she had forgotten her own language.
"Do you not speak your own tongue? I am an elf. Like yourself. Have you forgotten, Lorelein? Surely you haven't been away that long."
"Elf? Lorelein? I think you have been mistaken. I don't know who you think I am but I believe I can assure you I am not an elf."
"Lorelein-"
"Why do you keep calling me that? What is Lorelein?" she interrupted.
"It is your name. What sorcery have they done to you, Milady? You seem to have forgotten who you are."
"My name is Annalise. I'm the daughter of King Denathar. I am not who you speak of."
"King Denathar? Princess, you have surely gone insane! He is a man. A mortal."
"And what? I am not?"
"Ai! Esse, eldar. firith!"
"What?"
"You have lost all memory of your people! Your name, your race, all forgotten. You're living a life of lies, Princess. Lies." Legolas looked at her in disappointment and frustration.
"What do you mean?"
With a sigh, Legolas took her by the arm and led her over to a nearby river. It was still and clear. Kneeling down beside the water he made her look at both her reflection and his own.
"Look at yourself, Lorelein. You are different than a mortal. Have you never noticed?"
"I see no difference." She replied.
Shaking his head, he pointed at her reflection.
"No? Look closely. Your eyes for one are unique. Grey and soft. Just like your people."
"You have blue eyes. Not grey."
"Ai, Lorelein. True, but I am not of your people. Just your race. You are of the Valleys while I am of Mirkwood, up in the mountains."
"And that makes you different?"
"Yes, but not much."
"That still doesn't quite prove anything. Many people have eyes that differ in color."
Sighing, he situated himself to where he was sitting on the ground behind her. He gently pulled her hair back and turned her head to the side.
"Look at your ears. Pointed and leaf shaped like mine. Men do not have that same feature, I don't care how much they vary and differ from each other."
Lorelein looked closely at their reflections. She began to see what he meant. She was different and the closer she looked, the more she resembled him instead of Xander. She continued to study her reflection.
"Lorelein?"
She turned to face him.
"Have I persuaded you enough or are you still confused to what your true species is?"
"No, you have proved your point. But if I am who you say, then why am I here and why have I been fooled?"
"That, I cannot answer completely. But if you are willing, I will explain to you all I know of the situation and help you piece together that riddle. But in trade, you will have to trust and follow me. We must leave here as soon as we are able."
"You mean leave the castle? As in run away?"
"That's exactly what I mean. And we must do so quickly if you plan on leaving this filthy land and returning home."
"Filthy? I thought it quite pretty."
"It's foul. Spoiled by Mortals. We have a long journey and little time but I promise you that you will find land more beautiful than you can imagine if you return."
"A promise? Funny, it seems as if you are trying your best to persuade me to leave here when just before you were speaking as if I didn't have a choice. What is the deal here? And you never introduced yourself to me."
"My fault and I'm sorry. My name is Legolas. I was an ally of yours before you were taken from us." Instead of continuing, Legolas paused and looked behind them and into the distance.
"We must leave. Now, Lorelein. Will you come?"
Lorelein looked up at him with a frightened look on her face. He had quickly changed from calm and understanding to hasty and commanding.
"Why now? What is our hurry? Why should we run?"
"Lorelein, you do not understand. I cannot be caught here in this land. I will be slain if discovered. There are men out hunting for you. They are now less than a mile off. There is no time to stall. You must come. I refuse to leave you here and they will see us both if we don't leave now! Are you coming or must I carry you unwilling?"
"Slain? So you are their enemy? That's encouraging." She said flatly.
"Yes, they are an enemy. You've been living with your own enemy for twenty years! Now we must go. Come on!" Legolas took her hand and ran quickly back to his horse.
"Legolas! I cannot run that fast. Slow down!"
Turning to Lorelein, he took her by the waist and set her quickly on the horse. Then, with the grace of a cat, he leaped upon the horse and spoke quickly.
"Noro lim, Arestel!"
Immediately, the horse bolted forward. Moving swiftly through the woods, racing toward the great river they were at moments before. Lorelein gripped Legolas' waist and closed her eyes. Holding her breath, she felt the horses hooves leave the ground. At the same time she heard a loud yell followed by the sound of arrows whistling past her face. A sharp pain pierced her cheek as one of them grazed her face. She winced and a cry escaped her mouth.
"Don't turn around, Lorelein. Just stay down." Legolas ordered.
"I didn't!" she cried back, keeping her head down and against his back.
Instead of replying he said something to his horse and it turned sharply right. The voices behind them had become gradually louder and hooves could be heard behind them along with the yells of the King's guards.
Legolas took out his bow and snatched an arrow from his quiver. Turning, he loaded his bow, aimed, and released. Lorelein heard the arrow fly by just a few inches past her face. A few seconds later there was a loud cry and the sound of something hitting the ground. Looking back, Lorelein saw a man lying on his back and the tip of an arrow that had pierced his heart. Turning back she closed her eyes and pressed herself against Legolas in hope that she would make it out of the chaos alive.
Another wave of arrows flew by and Lorelein felt Legolas jerk forward.
"Ai!" Legolas leaned forward and inhaled sharply. Throwing his hand over his arm, he yanked an arrow out and tossed it onto the ground. Then, holding his left arm to his chest, he spoke again to the horse. The horse turned and reared, causing the guard's steeds to draw back, and galloped on with incredible speed toward the distant mountains, outrunning the other horses. Legolas, picking his head back up, looked behind at the guards who stood at the edge of their land. He continued to ride until they were out of site before gradually slowing down. He found a small spot at the edge of a field and stopped. Turning, he tapped Lorelein.
"Where are we now?" she asked, pushing off of Legolas and looking at the scenery around them.
"At the edge of a field just outside of the borders of the Mortal Land." He replied, slowly dismounting. Careful as not to use his hurt arm.
Lorelein followed and began to speak but Legolas continued.
"Here. There's an extra pair of clothes in there. Put it on. I refuse to look at an elf wearing a Mortal's clothing. Besides, you'll be able to move quicker in pants than in that dress." He ordered, throwing her a bag.
Lorelein obeyed and wandered off to go change. Legolas then began to study his wound. It was pretty deep and still bled.
Carefully, he took off his vest and shirt and began to tear off a piece of cloth when he heard a voice.
"Wait."
He looked up and saw Lorelein standing in front of him. She had on a pair of pants similar to his and a shirt with sleeves too long for her arms.
"Well. Needs a bit of growing into but give it a few centuries and it just might fit pretty well."
"I'm glad your amused. At least I'm wearing a shirt." She smirked.
He let out a short laugh before beginning to get up.
"You need to clean that wound before you wrap it. Their arrows are unclean. They use them to hunt boar and refuse to wash them after they've pierced anything."
"And what knowledge of wounds have you gained?"
"I know plenty about battle and battle wounds to write a book. Don't assume I know nothing."
"Did the King teach you that or did you figure it out all by yourself?" he spoke dryly. His feelings toward men were harsh for most men he encountered had hearts full of greed. To him, men were weak.
"No. All I know I've learned before my time at the castle." She said softly before tossing the bag at Legolas and walking away.
Legolas silently cursed himself for his ignorance and got up to go apologize.
He found her walking at the edge of the woods and picking leaves from certain plants. He began to walk toward her but she continued to wander into the woods searching for a plant in particular. Sighing he went back to nurse his wound.
The sun had set by the time Lorelein came back. She returned and kneeled down beside him. Unwrapping the cloth he covered the wound with, she set it aside. Taking a thick leaf, she broke it in half and let a sappy substance ooze into her hand. Taking her other hand, she bit by bit filled the wound. Legolas clenched his teeth in pain but to his surprise the pain quickly subsided and the wound stopped bleeding. Then she wrapped it back up with a clean strip of cloth and stepped aside. All without speaking.
"Lorelein." Legolas called after her. She turned.
"What do you need now?"
"I didn't mean to offend you earlier."
"Whether you meant to or not, you did Master Legolas. Now if you would, I've followed you like you asked. Tell me at least where you are taking me."
"We are headed for the Sea. Far away from this land. I'm not sure what all you remember but it is well out of the way of both our homes."
"Why can't I return home?"
"None of us can. It's our time to leave here. We cannot stay."
"Why not?"
"Maybe you should ask Lady Galadriel that. We are headed for her wood. I'm almost positive they have not begun their journey yet and I plan to travel with them until we reach my people."
"Am I supposed to follow? I am not of your people."
"Yes, you are of the Valleys, as I told you before. I wouldn't know who's kindred you are."
"You mean you are kindred of Galadriel?"
"Yes, they are my kindred. But much fairer I guess you could say. I'm very low compared to their standards. Not quite fair. A warrior more than a Prince."
"You mean you're a Prince?"
"Must you ask so many questions?"
"Easy for you to say, you know your history. I can only remember twenty years of my life."
"You have a mouth of a Mortal."
"And you have the looks of a ranger."
"Is that supposed to be an insult?"
"Only if you take it as one."
Legolas sighed and shook his head. It was hard enough leaving his home forever. But to deal with a stubborn elf? Especially one so different. All elves of the Valley were queer folk but Lorelein had to be the queerest among them all. Elves had solid, distinct hair color. Brown, blonde, but never both. Many stories were passed by men around her land of her being of evil and darkness. Though Legolas knew this wasn't the case, he also knew that there had to be a story behind her. And he wouldn't mind hearing it.
"Are we going to sleep here tonight?"
Legolas jerked his head up and away from his thoughts.
"Eh?"
"Will we be resting here for the night?" Lorelein repeated herself.
Legolas just nodded. Looking up at the stars he began to sing softly to himself.
"Will you be sleeping tonight?"
Legolas shook his head and replied.
"I will keep watch. You rest."
And so he did, all through the night.
As he was doing so, Legolas found it a struggle to leave his home. Deep down he knew that he would never make it back in time to see it again. The time for the Elves to leave Middle Earth was extremely close and it would be a challenge to reach his destination, get Lorelein, and return in a span of two months. In his heart he knew that he would have to pass his home in order to leave with his people.
Finishing up his packing, he folded an extra blanket and set it gently in his bag before throwing the strap over his shoulder and walking solumnly toward the stables.
"Prince Legolas! There you are. Your horse is ready and waiting at the gates. I had our men saddle him up quickly so you may get an early start on your journey."
"Excited about my leave, Halin?" Legolas asked, attempting a smile. Halin was a warrior for his father and they had become steadfast friends during the Wilderland Battle.
"Ai, Legolas. You know I would follow you on any quest, even if it would lead to our end." Halin replied, stopping beside them as they drew up to the gates.
"I know, my friend. Yet this task was appointed to me and I must go alone. But promise me one thing."
"Name it."
"Watch over my father and help him lead our people to the Seas if my return is late."
"I promise. But you will return, Legolas. Your people, including myself, have faith in you."
"And I thank you, Halin. Farewell."
"Goodbye and good luck!"
Legolas then mounted his horse and started down the path.
It was quite a long ride from Mirkwood to the Mortal Lands. The path was winding and there were many hills and plains to travel across. But so far the weather was fair and the sky was clear.
After awhile, he began to sing. And though his song was long and continued on for many an hour, here is a small fragment of it:
With head held high I make my way
down the path at break of day.
Long I've been puzzled by the riddle of Wilderland.
Now I have the answers, just lying in my hands.
Her courage was great
and her people all fair.
A loss she was
to all who were there.
But now she's returned
needing help from our men.
So I have been sent
to Mortal Lands and within.
With head held high, I make my way.
down this path at break of day.
Long will be my journey
over hill and deep valley.
But in time I'll make it to Mortal Lands
where men have held a fair lady
so greedily in their hands.
Worth more than gold and jewels,
the fair Lorelein of the grassy Valley Lands.
Her courage was great
and her people all fair.
A loss she was
to all who were there.
But now she's returned
needing help from our men.
So I have been sent
to Mortal Lands and within.
With head held high, I make my way.
Across the land at break of day.
Searching for a lady strong yet fair.
A warrior, a leader, hidden beauty beyond compare.
Courageous and clever.
For her people, it was danger she bared.
Lost in battle, held against her will.
Now she must return to her people still.
Her courage was great
And her people all fair.
A loss she was
to all who were there.
But now she's returned
needing help from our men.
So I have been sent
to Mortal Lands and within.
And so he continued to sing his song. As simple as it was, his voice made it sound full and fair. He traveled all through the day and long into the night, resting only when his horse needed. This became his routine throughout his journey and it wasn't until two weeks passed that he finally heard the voice of another person once again. But whoever it was didn't notice or pay any attention to him.
Curious, Legolas dismounted his horse and walked silently toward the stranger. Seeing it was a young lady, he approached her slowly and with much caution. Though he was still very well hidden by the woods, he wasn't sure if it was wise to risk openly show himself just yet.
But suddenly, the woman jerked her head around and scanned the area where he was standing now still and silent among the trees. She had long brown hair streaked with gold. Two braids hung in front of her face and her eyes seemed much different then he expected. They were deep grey and something about the look in her eyes told him that she was older than she appeared.
Then, recognition hit him. He moved in closer and spoke softly, just loud enough for her to hear.
"Lorelein."
Lorelein's eyes darted quickly toward the place where his voice came from.
Legolas spoke again, stepping out of the woods beside her.
"Lorelein."
Lorelein, surprised and frightened, took a few steps back.
"Who are you? What do you want?"
Legolas, seeing something was different, looked at her closely. Something wasn't right. He walked in a circle around her once before looking her in the eye.
Lorelein was scared, though she tried not to show it. She didn't recognize who or what Legolas was and wasn't sure if he was friendly. He seemed to her strange but clever.
"What are you?" she finally asked him, breaking the silence. Legolas stepped back and gave her a look of surprise.
"Eldar."
"Eldar? What is that?"
Legolas' expression changed from surprise to confusion. It was as if she had forgotten her own language.
"Do you not speak your own tongue? I am an elf. Like yourself. Have you forgotten, Lorelein? Surely you haven't been away that long."
"Elf? Lorelein? I think you have been mistaken. I don't know who you think I am but I believe I can assure you I am not an elf."
"Lorelein-"
"Why do you keep calling me that? What is Lorelein?" she interrupted.
"It is your name. What sorcery have they done to you, Milady? You seem to have forgotten who you are."
"My name is Annalise. I'm the daughter of King Denathar. I am not who you speak of."
"King Denathar? Princess, you have surely gone insane! He is a man. A mortal."
"And what? I am not?"
"Ai! Esse, eldar. firith!"
"What?"
"You have lost all memory of your people! Your name, your race, all forgotten. You're living a life of lies, Princess. Lies." Legolas looked at her in disappointment and frustration.
"What do you mean?"
With a sigh, Legolas took her by the arm and led her over to a nearby river. It was still and clear. Kneeling down beside the water he made her look at both her reflection and his own.
"Look at yourself, Lorelein. You are different than a mortal. Have you never noticed?"
"I see no difference." She replied.
Shaking his head, he pointed at her reflection.
"No? Look closely. Your eyes for one are unique. Grey and soft. Just like your people."
"You have blue eyes. Not grey."
"Ai, Lorelein. True, but I am not of your people. Just your race. You are of the Valleys while I am of Mirkwood, up in the mountains."
"And that makes you different?"
"Yes, but not much."
"That still doesn't quite prove anything. Many people have eyes that differ in color."
Sighing, he situated himself to where he was sitting on the ground behind her. He gently pulled her hair back and turned her head to the side.
"Look at your ears. Pointed and leaf shaped like mine. Men do not have that same feature, I don't care how much they vary and differ from each other."
Lorelein looked closely at their reflections. She began to see what he meant. She was different and the closer she looked, the more she resembled him instead of Xander. She continued to study her reflection.
"Lorelein?"
She turned to face him.
"Have I persuaded you enough or are you still confused to what your true species is?"
"No, you have proved your point. But if I am who you say, then why am I here and why have I been fooled?"
"That, I cannot answer completely. But if you are willing, I will explain to you all I know of the situation and help you piece together that riddle. But in trade, you will have to trust and follow me. We must leave here as soon as we are able."
"You mean leave the castle? As in run away?"
"That's exactly what I mean. And we must do so quickly if you plan on leaving this filthy land and returning home."
"Filthy? I thought it quite pretty."
"It's foul. Spoiled by Mortals. We have a long journey and little time but I promise you that you will find land more beautiful than you can imagine if you return."
"A promise? Funny, it seems as if you are trying your best to persuade me to leave here when just before you were speaking as if I didn't have a choice. What is the deal here? And you never introduced yourself to me."
"My fault and I'm sorry. My name is Legolas. I was an ally of yours before you were taken from us." Instead of continuing, Legolas paused and looked behind them and into the distance.
"We must leave. Now, Lorelein. Will you come?"
Lorelein looked up at him with a frightened look on her face. He had quickly changed from calm and understanding to hasty and commanding.
"Why now? What is our hurry? Why should we run?"
"Lorelein, you do not understand. I cannot be caught here in this land. I will be slain if discovered. There are men out hunting for you. They are now less than a mile off. There is no time to stall. You must come. I refuse to leave you here and they will see us both if we don't leave now! Are you coming or must I carry you unwilling?"
"Slain? So you are their enemy? That's encouraging." She said flatly.
"Yes, they are an enemy. You've been living with your own enemy for twenty years! Now we must go. Come on!" Legolas took her hand and ran quickly back to his horse.
"Legolas! I cannot run that fast. Slow down!"
Turning to Lorelein, he took her by the waist and set her quickly on the horse. Then, with the grace of a cat, he leaped upon the horse and spoke quickly.
"Noro lim, Arestel!"
Immediately, the horse bolted forward. Moving swiftly through the woods, racing toward the great river they were at moments before. Lorelein gripped Legolas' waist and closed her eyes. Holding her breath, she felt the horses hooves leave the ground. At the same time she heard a loud yell followed by the sound of arrows whistling past her face. A sharp pain pierced her cheek as one of them grazed her face. She winced and a cry escaped her mouth.
"Don't turn around, Lorelein. Just stay down." Legolas ordered.
"I didn't!" she cried back, keeping her head down and against his back.
Instead of replying he said something to his horse and it turned sharply right. The voices behind them had become gradually louder and hooves could be heard behind them along with the yells of the King's guards.
Legolas took out his bow and snatched an arrow from his quiver. Turning, he loaded his bow, aimed, and released. Lorelein heard the arrow fly by just a few inches past her face. A few seconds later there was a loud cry and the sound of something hitting the ground. Looking back, Lorelein saw a man lying on his back and the tip of an arrow that had pierced his heart. Turning back she closed her eyes and pressed herself against Legolas in hope that she would make it out of the chaos alive.
Another wave of arrows flew by and Lorelein felt Legolas jerk forward.
"Ai!" Legolas leaned forward and inhaled sharply. Throwing his hand over his arm, he yanked an arrow out and tossed it onto the ground. Then, holding his left arm to his chest, he spoke again to the horse. The horse turned and reared, causing the guard's steeds to draw back, and galloped on with incredible speed toward the distant mountains, outrunning the other horses. Legolas, picking his head back up, looked behind at the guards who stood at the edge of their land. He continued to ride until they were out of site before gradually slowing down. He found a small spot at the edge of a field and stopped. Turning, he tapped Lorelein.
"Where are we now?" she asked, pushing off of Legolas and looking at the scenery around them.
"At the edge of a field just outside of the borders of the Mortal Land." He replied, slowly dismounting. Careful as not to use his hurt arm.
Lorelein followed and began to speak but Legolas continued.
"Here. There's an extra pair of clothes in there. Put it on. I refuse to look at an elf wearing a Mortal's clothing. Besides, you'll be able to move quicker in pants than in that dress." He ordered, throwing her a bag.
Lorelein obeyed and wandered off to go change. Legolas then began to study his wound. It was pretty deep and still bled.
Carefully, he took off his vest and shirt and began to tear off a piece of cloth when he heard a voice.
"Wait."
He looked up and saw Lorelein standing in front of him. She had on a pair of pants similar to his and a shirt with sleeves too long for her arms.
"Well. Needs a bit of growing into but give it a few centuries and it just might fit pretty well."
"I'm glad your amused. At least I'm wearing a shirt." She smirked.
He let out a short laugh before beginning to get up.
"You need to clean that wound before you wrap it. Their arrows are unclean. They use them to hunt boar and refuse to wash them after they've pierced anything."
"And what knowledge of wounds have you gained?"
"I know plenty about battle and battle wounds to write a book. Don't assume I know nothing."
"Did the King teach you that or did you figure it out all by yourself?" he spoke dryly. His feelings toward men were harsh for most men he encountered had hearts full of greed. To him, men were weak.
"No. All I know I've learned before my time at the castle." She said softly before tossing the bag at Legolas and walking away.
Legolas silently cursed himself for his ignorance and got up to go apologize.
He found her walking at the edge of the woods and picking leaves from certain plants. He began to walk toward her but she continued to wander into the woods searching for a plant in particular. Sighing he went back to nurse his wound.
The sun had set by the time Lorelein came back. She returned and kneeled down beside him. Unwrapping the cloth he covered the wound with, she set it aside. Taking a thick leaf, she broke it in half and let a sappy substance ooze into her hand. Taking her other hand, she bit by bit filled the wound. Legolas clenched his teeth in pain but to his surprise the pain quickly subsided and the wound stopped bleeding. Then she wrapped it back up with a clean strip of cloth and stepped aside. All without speaking.
"Lorelein." Legolas called after her. She turned.
"What do you need now?"
"I didn't mean to offend you earlier."
"Whether you meant to or not, you did Master Legolas. Now if you would, I've followed you like you asked. Tell me at least where you are taking me."
"We are headed for the Sea. Far away from this land. I'm not sure what all you remember but it is well out of the way of both our homes."
"Why can't I return home?"
"None of us can. It's our time to leave here. We cannot stay."
"Why not?"
"Maybe you should ask Lady Galadriel that. We are headed for her wood. I'm almost positive they have not begun their journey yet and I plan to travel with them until we reach my people."
"Am I supposed to follow? I am not of your people."
"Yes, you are of the Valleys, as I told you before. I wouldn't know who's kindred you are."
"You mean you are kindred of Galadriel?"
"Yes, they are my kindred. But much fairer I guess you could say. I'm very low compared to their standards. Not quite fair. A warrior more than a Prince."
"You mean you're a Prince?"
"Must you ask so many questions?"
"Easy for you to say, you know your history. I can only remember twenty years of my life."
"You have a mouth of a Mortal."
"And you have the looks of a ranger."
"Is that supposed to be an insult?"
"Only if you take it as one."
Legolas sighed and shook his head. It was hard enough leaving his home forever. But to deal with a stubborn elf? Especially one so different. All elves of the Valley were queer folk but Lorelein had to be the queerest among them all. Elves had solid, distinct hair color. Brown, blonde, but never both. Many stories were passed by men around her land of her being of evil and darkness. Though Legolas knew this wasn't the case, he also knew that there had to be a story behind her. And he wouldn't mind hearing it.
"Are we going to sleep here tonight?"
Legolas jerked his head up and away from his thoughts.
"Eh?"
"Will we be resting here for the night?" Lorelein repeated herself.
Legolas just nodded. Looking up at the stars he began to sing softly to himself.
"Will you be sleeping tonight?"
Legolas shook his head and replied.
"I will keep watch. You rest."
And so he did, all through the night.