Chapter 14

The moon still shined brightly in the black sky when Lorelein awoke. Her actions were quick and hasty as she grabbed her bag and shoved her few possessions inside. Her eyes were red from tears and lack of sleep. Though she didn't want to, she felt as if she must leave and she knew she wouldn't be able to go through with her act if she ran into Legolas. Her feelings ran deeply for the Prince and her already broken heart would shatter if she had to face his pleading eyes once more.

But he was already one step ahead of her.

Legolas snuck into the tent and stealthily up behind her. Grabbing both her wrists, he spoke softly in her ear.

"Where are you headed so early, hmm?"

She didn't respond.

"Come Lorie. We have a long day ahead of us." Letting go of one wrist, but still keeping a firm grip on the other, he led her out of the tent.

"Legolas, stop. Let me go."

Turning around to face her, he spoke.

"I'm not letting you run away so easily, Lorie. Give me twenty for hours. That's all I ask. Just give me one day to show you why you should stay and then after that, if you still feel the need to flee, I will let you go."

Lorelein looked up at him in disbelief.

"I'm serious, Lorelein. And no, there isn't a way out of this."

Sighing, she let him have his way. She hadn't the strength to argue with him and it would be a bit easier to leave without having to fool him.

"Your father won't approve of this." She stated.

"Since when did you care of what my father thought?"

"Since you informed me that angering him could get my head cut off!"

"Lorelein, I won't get you decapitated."

"No, but your father would."

"Just trust me."

They continued on in silence until they reached King Thranduil's tent. Beside it stood two horses and Legolas stepped up to the one most familiar.

"Come on, Lorie. You remember Arestel."

"Yes, and so does my butt. Thanks, but no thanks."

"Listen little Missy. I don't want any more sour tongue from you. Now you are going to get on this horse and you are going to do so with a cheerful attitude. Now mount."

Legolas pulled her up and she mounted behind him. With a word from Legolas, Arestel was off and they cantered out toward the wood which Lorelein remembered all too well.

"Where are we going?"

"To the river."

"Why?"

"You'll see."

Arestel slowed to a steady trot and followed down a narrow path that ran alongside the river. The night was silent and Lorelein could hear the faint sound of rushing water. She noticed that the farther they went, the faster the river flowed and the louder the water sounded. She almost fell asleep but Legolas slapped her thigh.

"Don't fall asleep on me just yet, Lorie. We're almost there."

She yawned. She hadn't slept in two nights but she never really noticed how exhausted she was until now.

Suddenly, Arestel came to a halt and Legolas dismounted. Grabbing Lorelein by the waist, he helped her do the same.

"Follow me." He said as he took her hand. They walked a little ways and the path become noticeably narrower as they progressed forward.

Coming to a clearing, Lorelein saw what Legolas' surprise was. A great waterfall towered before them. White mist rose where its falling waters crashed into the still river and foam bubbled up before floating downstream.

"When did you discover this?" Lorelein asked in awe.

"A few days ago. But the fall is only part of what I want to show you. Come on."

Legolas lowered himself into the river and motioned for her to follow. Lorelein could tell the current was swift by Legolas' stance and she hesitated.

"Lorie, I promise I won't let you go floating down the river and drown. Now trust me." He held out his hands.

Taking one, she stepped cautiously into the water. The current shoved violently against her torso and she struggled to gain footing.

"The stones below can be slick as ice, so be careful." Legolas warned.

"I can't stand, Legolas." She stated.

Carefully, Legolas made his way behind her and grabbed hold of her belt. Then feeling his way around her waist he found where both ends met and gripped it firmly so that it would not untie. Keeping hold of her he lead her forward and into the waterfall.

Now Lorelein wasn't too fond of the idea of walking directly through gallons of falling water but she trusted that Legolas knew what he was doing. So keeping her eyes tightly shut, she followed him through, whimpering slightly when the chilly water showered upon her, soaking her entire body.

"You can open your eyes now, Lorie."

Obeying, she gazed upon her surroundings. He had led her into a cave.

"What's so special about this?"

"Look down."

Lorelein glanced at the floor of the cave. There she found a pile of grey stones piled neatly in a corner.

"All I see is a bunch of pebbles."

"Look closer at them."

Kneeling down, she picked one up and examined it. To her surprise they were extremely smooth and worn. But that's not what Legolas was pointing out. On the front of each stone was a rune.

"There's symbols on them." She stated.

"Runes, Lorie. These particular runes are known as The Tengwar of Feanor."

"So why are they on a bunch of rocks? It doesn't make much sense to me."

"Well, these were most likely left as some kind of sign, or proof, that a certain group of elves were here at one time. Each rune stands for someone."

"What if someone finds them and tries to take them?"

"Then they take them.. It'll most likely be a descent amount of time before one discovers these stones and by then I doubt they'll know what they stand for. But these particular stones are for the People of the Valleys. That's why I thought you might want to see this."

"So each of these stand for one of the people I once lived with?"

"That's correct. And there's one that stands for your own name somewhere in there." He stated, pointing at the pile.

"How do you know that?"

"For one thing, you were their princess for many, many years. And another is because I saw it in there when I looked through them."

Lorelein studied the stones, picking different ones up and looking at the symbols. She couldn't read them any longer but just the familiarity of the writing made her wonder.

"Would you like to take yours with you?" Legolas asked.

"I don't think I should."

"It's your choice. I will help you find it. All they are is a symbol of proof that you were once here. As I told you before, those who someday find them would most likely not understand their meaning. But it's all up to you."

Lorelein thought for a moment. It would be a good reminder of her journey many years after it ends.

"If we can find it then yes, I would want to take it."

Legolas nodded and sat down next to her. Carefully, he searched through the pile and examined each rune before finally coming across particular stone with a green rune.

"Here." He said, handing it to Lorelein.

"How come it's not black like the others?" she questioned, studying it.

"It shows that you were favored among your people." He stated, before rising. Untying a small pouch from his belt, he tossed it to her. "You can put the stone in there so it'll be safe. Don't show it to anyone for you are one of my people now. Your past is your own story. One that our people may not be ready for. We know that humans have their faults and make many mistakes but I don't think most elves will understand that our whole race is not as fair as we'd like it to be. Maybe someday you'll be able to tell of the journeys and adventures that you have overcome and survived through just as I may one day be known for the part I have played in the history of Middle-Earth. But for now, we should not speak of them until the day comes that the people of this world are ready."

Lorelein agreed and they left the cave and headed back toward camp. It was that day she learned that Legolas was much wiser than he showed himself to be and more thoughtful. It seemed that there was much more to him than she knew and he truly was an amazing elf.

All throughout that day he continued to surprise her by not only freely speaking with her in front of his father but letting her help him in his duties. He spoke to servants with kindness and respect and, when by his father ordered to perform a task, did so formally and professionally. Lorelein knew he would make a fine king one day.

But the day past quickly and when night came he returned to his tree and left Lorelein to choose whether to flee or to stay. Walking into her tent she stared at the bag lying on her blanket, packed with her possessions. Closing her eyes, she sighed. It was time to forget her rank, forget the rules, and forget realistic reasoning. Tossing her bag on the floor she sat down.



Forget King Thranduil. It was time she put her trust in Legolas.