Chapter 16
The word spread quickly of Lorelein's persecution and many were grieved while others wore a mournful 'I saw this coming' look. By the next morning, all of Mirkwood's people were gathered outside the King's tent, whispering and murmuring to each other. All except Legolas who was sitting at his tree and hugging his legs to his chest. His eyes filled with grief and sorrow. He didn't know what to do and couldn't bare to see her die. But he waited and watched as two elven guards walked into Halin's tent and within minutes came out with Lorelein, solemn and quiet. It wasn't until Halin came up beside him and kicked him that he dropped his pitiful gaze.
"Well what are you waiting for, Legolas?! For the love of Arda, do something!"
"What CAN I do, Halin? Do you think I want her to die?"
"Where's your courage? Determination? Fearlessness? You've given up. Haven't you? And you call yourself a Greenleaf."
"I don't see you coming up with any ideas!"
"Legolas, that's because you are the only person who can stop this! You cannot give up. We've both lost a friend of ours once before. Don't let it happen again."
"Again?" Legolas looked up at him, questioningly.
"You know who I speak of. She's been gone a long while now but you still remember her. She was your best friend."
'And your only daughter.' He thought to himself before saying her name aloud. "Arien."
Halin just looked at him with a pained expression. Arien played an important role in both their lives and never did either of them expect her sudden death. Legolas made Halin swear never to let him give up on any other friend he made if there was even the slimmest chance of their living. Her death had a great impact on the two of them and it left them feeling as if a part of themselves had been taken away.
"You would be a coward to leave her to her death. Besides…you owe her a lot. She risked her life because she trusted you. Now maybe it's time for you to do the same and help her."
Legolas didn't answer. All had become silent and he saw that Lorelein had already been led out into an empty field. Standing up, he looked at Halin.
"What must I do?"
"Whatever it takes, Prince. Now make haste! You haven't time to ponder. Go! Run!"
Legolas bolted, running as fast as he could toward the field. His mind filled with one thing.
Get her out of there.
He made his way closer and he saw them as they forced Lorelein to fall on her knees. Her eyes were closed and her face was pale. She didn't struggle or make a sound. She had accepted her fate. Taking a deep breath, she waited for the heavy blade to pierce her skin.
Legolas didn't know what to do so he did the first thing that came to mind. He leaped upon the armed man. For no elf would willingly kill one of their own for such a petty reason. The two landed with a thud and a great commotion was started.
Lorelein looked up with shock. Legolas struggled against the guards but managed to catch her eye. In that moment, he was able to mouth one thing.
"Go."
She nodded and leaped up. She headed straight for the woods but their were men surrounding the camp. Her eyes filled with fear, she began to run in a different direction. She wanted anything but to be forced to live with the mortals again. But where did they all come from?
Again, she found a wall of men blocking any way of escape. She turned once more to see a great black horse standing in front of her. She stopped so suddenly that the horse reared, making her fall to the ground. She scrambled backward and looked above at the steed's rider.
It was her father.
She could feel his cold stare on her and a chill ran down her spine. She scrambled to get up and turned to run but the mortal wall had closed in on her. She was trapped.
"Are you afraid, Lorelein?" Morcam asked with a sick tone. He smiled.
She didn't answer. She was too busy searching for a way out.
"Don't waste your time, child. You have lost. It's time to come home."
"My home is not with you." She retorted, still searching for any opportunity to escape.
"Oh? Well then what about with King Denathar? He has missed your presence greatly."
"I am no mortal therefore I don't live with one. Now let me be!"
"I'm afraid it's not that easy. You see…" his horse stepped up beside her. "All these men disagree. You are their property along with my own. You will do as we say."
"I am not property for one to own. Let me be! Go away!" Lorelein fought back her tears. She couldn't let her father think her weak.
Before Morcam could reply, there was a yell of agony from one of the men. All turned to see the cause and Halin stood with sword in hand, fighting off the guards beside him.
"Get out of here, Lorelein. Now!" he commanded before continuing his fight.
"But…" she protested.
"Now, Milady! That's an order!"
She ran past Halin but didn't flee for the wood like planned. She ran to King Thranduil's tent to grab a sword. But to her surprise, someone had already beaten her to it.
"Legolas!"
"Lorelein, I thought I told you to flee."
"Flee? That would be folly. I'm not leaving here. I'm one of your people, remember? I'm not going to flee while they fight."
"But Lorelein, this is different. You are what these men want. You can't go out there."
"And you think if I flee, no one will come after me? This is my fight just as much as your own and I would rather die than run like a coward."
Legolas shook his head before looking her in the eye. She meant what she said and he knew this. Biting his lip, he hesitated before grabbing another sword. Tossing it to her, he spoke.
"You better not get yourself killed out there, Lorelein Elenhith." He warned. This seemed to be a replay of the war twenty years back and he didn't want the same to happen twice.
She nodded her head in agreement before running out of the tent. Legolas followed close behind and they ran into the crowd of mortal men. Already, several elves had grabbed their own weapons and joined the fight while others kept the maidens safe.
Legolas and Lorelein fought side by side, guarding each other's back. It was a smart way to fight for mortal warriors seemed to come at them from all sides. The battle was a rough one and several times both the Prince and Lorelein felt a blade graze their skin. But neither flinched nor cried out but continued on, each block and thrust determining whether they would live or die.
Finally though, the crowd of men parted quite suddenly and both of them looked on in wonder. A black steed rode up and Lorelein understood what was next.
"Well isn't this the sight to see. Two lovers fighting side by side. Sounds like such a fairytale."
"Why are you here, Morcam?"
"Oh you already know that answer, Legolas."
"Then leave. You know my answer. You may not take her."
"I'm afraid your word does not have any control of this matter. I've already spoken with your father. I've told him all about your little 'princess' here."
Legolas gave him a skeptic look.
"What do you mean?"
"We both know the little mouth this elf has. She's not even worthy of a mortal. She's cruel, disrespectful, and a disgrace."
"I'm not you." Lorelein stated, her tone controlled.
"No, you're not. And that's most likely as to why you get yourself into so much trouble."
"If anyone's cruel here it's you! You're nothing but a liar."
Morcam drew his sword so fast that Lorelein jumped.
"Do you see what I mean? You were a disgrace at birth child. A mutt! I should have killed you when I had the chance."
At this, King Thranduil stepped up. Truth be known, he had been speaking to Morcam ever since Lorelein's arrival and had trusted his word. After all, it was Lorelein's father. By false evidence, he had convinced him that Lorelein was much more deceiving and cruel than she seemed. But now he saw his mistake and was going to correct it immediately.
"By my word, Morcam, I tell you to leave. I was foolish to believe you and admit you fooled me. Now it's time you leave."
"And that I will. With my daughter."
"Without Lorie." Legolas corrected.
"Lorie?" Morcam looked down at Legolas and the Prince mentally cursed his slip.
"Lorelein."
"So you've given her pet names? How cute." Morcam stated flatly. "Come now, Lorelein." He reached to grab her. Lorelein quickly swung at him with her sword, grazing his skin as a warning.
Morcam, surprised, cried out and pulled back. Anger blazed in his eyes.
"I'm tired of coming. 'Come now, Lorelein.', 'Come on, Lorelein'. I'll do as I please! And I will not 'come'. Nor will I follow, tag along, or be taken. I will stay and you can leave." She stated. Legolas stood protectively by her.
"Leave or die, Morcam. In the end, Lorelein will be where she wants and you will let her be."
"Oh you read the future now?"
"No, I just make it." Legolas swung his own sword toward the horse, forcing it to rear. Morcam, not expecting the move, fell to the ground. The Prince quickly ran over and shoved his heel into Morcam's chest before he could rise, just as Morcam did to him earlier. Pointing his blade at the enemy's neck, Legolas spoke.
"Now leave."
The mortal warriors looked at each other in fear. Morcam was their leader and without him, they were lost. Afraid, some ran while others spoke in hushed, desperate voices.
Legolas glared while Morcam just stared back coolly. The Prince didn't notice the fact that Morcam fidgeted with a throwing knife located in his sleeve. Nor did anyone else.
"Dear boy. If there is one thing you must learn is that I get what I want and no person or thing will stop me. Especially not a child like you."
And with that, he yanked the knife from his sleeve and, with great strength, leaped upon Legolas, the blade toward the Prince's chest.
But he didn't notice one thing.
Lorelein, who had been standing beside Legolas, lifted her sword about the time he pulled out his own weapon. As Morcam jumped, she thrusted her blade forward and into his heart it pierced; a bloodcurdling scream was released from the mouth of the beast who was once elf.
And then there was silence. Legolas looked up at Lorelein who slowly pulled the sword from the limp body. Once more, her face remained emotionless as she gently laid the sword beside her victim. Then closing her eyes, she said a silent prayer and walked away. Ignoring the many staring eyes around her, she returned to Halin's tent, not daring to look back at the still corpse lying on the grass.
Legolas followed, walking over and entering the tent. Scanning the small space, he saw her sitting on her blankets and staring blankly at the ground. She knew who she had killed and if given the chance, would do it again. But it still hurt to know that she killed her own father and maybe always will.
"Oh Lorie." He sat down behind her and held her in his arms. She closed her eyes and leaned back. Legolas didn't say anything else. All she needed then was comfort and that's what he was to give her.
Closing his eyes also, he rested his head on her shoulder and they rocked back and forth in silence.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Legolas, how is she?" King Thranduil asked. The camp had delayed the continuation of their journey to recover from the outbreak a week before and to properly bury Morcam after his death.
"She still hasn't spoken but she's in good spirits." He replied. He still had not forgiven his father for almost murdering Lorelein.
"Legolas, I think we should talk."
"I see no reason."
"Son, I did not know. I made a mistake."
"Oh, yes. A mistake. We all make those every once and awhile. Forgive me father for still being angry."
"I want to make it up to you."
"Make it up to me? What do you plan to do? Give me flowers and beg? Father, you were going to kill her."
"And I'm forever sorry but son, I still love you. I never would have done such if I knew what Morcam told me was wrong."
"You think I do not know this?"
"Legolas, you don't have to forgive me. But I want you to know that you are free to marry the maiden if you please."
Legolas jerked his head up. He couldn't believe what his father had just said.
"What?"
"I said you may marry the maiden if you please."
"Father, I don't plan to marry anyone anytime soon."
"Well if you ever do, you have my approval."
Legolas tried not to, but a smile crept across his face.
"So you approve of her?"
"Yes."
Legolas nodded and waited until his father walked away before running back to Halin's tent. Lorelein was just walking out when he got there. Grabbing her by the waist, he spun her around.
"Lorie!"
She smiled and gave him a questioning look.
"Something the matter, Prince?"
"My father has given his approval."
"Approval? To what?"
"To you. To me. To us!"
"What?"
"I do not have to marry into royalty. He says that if we ever plan to marry, he would approve."
For the first time in over a week, Lorelein smiled. She quickly embraced him and he whispered to her.
"It's over, Lorie. No more hiding. No more fighting."
"Now all I need to do is find a home." She said to herself.
"You are home. Home is where the heart is, Lorie."
She looked up at him and a tear of joy rolled down her cheek. Legolas wiped it away and spoke softly.
"No more tears, Lorelein. No more tears. No more sorrow. No more grief."
"So I'm home?" she asked.
"You're home, Lorie. You're home." He replied, leaning down and brushing his lips against her own. And finally, for the first time, she felt what it was like to be wanted. To belong.
To be loved.
The word spread quickly of Lorelein's persecution and many were grieved while others wore a mournful 'I saw this coming' look. By the next morning, all of Mirkwood's people were gathered outside the King's tent, whispering and murmuring to each other. All except Legolas who was sitting at his tree and hugging his legs to his chest. His eyes filled with grief and sorrow. He didn't know what to do and couldn't bare to see her die. But he waited and watched as two elven guards walked into Halin's tent and within minutes came out with Lorelein, solemn and quiet. It wasn't until Halin came up beside him and kicked him that he dropped his pitiful gaze.
"Well what are you waiting for, Legolas?! For the love of Arda, do something!"
"What CAN I do, Halin? Do you think I want her to die?"
"Where's your courage? Determination? Fearlessness? You've given up. Haven't you? And you call yourself a Greenleaf."
"I don't see you coming up with any ideas!"
"Legolas, that's because you are the only person who can stop this! You cannot give up. We've both lost a friend of ours once before. Don't let it happen again."
"Again?" Legolas looked up at him, questioningly.
"You know who I speak of. She's been gone a long while now but you still remember her. She was your best friend."
'And your only daughter.' He thought to himself before saying her name aloud. "Arien."
Halin just looked at him with a pained expression. Arien played an important role in both their lives and never did either of them expect her sudden death. Legolas made Halin swear never to let him give up on any other friend he made if there was even the slimmest chance of their living. Her death had a great impact on the two of them and it left them feeling as if a part of themselves had been taken away.
"You would be a coward to leave her to her death. Besides…you owe her a lot. She risked her life because she trusted you. Now maybe it's time for you to do the same and help her."
Legolas didn't answer. All had become silent and he saw that Lorelein had already been led out into an empty field. Standing up, he looked at Halin.
"What must I do?"
"Whatever it takes, Prince. Now make haste! You haven't time to ponder. Go! Run!"
Legolas bolted, running as fast as he could toward the field. His mind filled with one thing.
Get her out of there.
He made his way closer and he saw them as they forced Lorelein to fall on her knees. Her eyes were closed and her face was pale. She didn't struggle or make a sound. She had accepted her fate. Taking a deep breath, she waited for the heavy blade to pierce her skin.
Legolas didn't know what to do so he did the first thing that came to mind. He leaped upon the armed man. For no elf would willingly kill one of their own for such a petty reason. The two landed with a thud and a great commotion was started.
Lorelein looked up with shock. Legolas struggled against the guards but managed to catch her eye. In that moment, he was able to mouth one thing.
"Go."
She nodded and leaped up. She headed straight for the woods but their were men surrounding the camp. Her eyes filled with fear, she began to run in a different direction. She wanted anything but to be forced to live with the mortals again. But where did they all come from?
Again, she found a wall of men blocking any way of escape. She turned once more to see a great black horse standing in front of her. She stopped so suddenly that the horse reared, making her fall to the ground. She scrambled backward and looked above at the steed's rider.
It was her father.
She could feel his cold stare on her and a chill ran down her spine. She scrambled to get up and turned to run but the mortal wall had closed in on her. She was trapped.
"Are you afraid, Lorelein?" Morcam asked with a sick tone. He smiled.
She didn't answer. She was too busy searching for a way out.
"Don't waste your time, child. You have lost. It's time to come home."
"My home is not with you." She retorted, still searching for any opportunity to escape.
"Oh? Well then what about with King Denathar? He has missed your presence greatly."
"I am no mortal therefore I don't live with one. Now let me be!"
"I'm afraid it's not that easy. You see…" his horse stepped up beside her. "All these men disagree. You are their property along with my own. You will do as we say."
"I am not property for one to own. Let me be! Go away!" Lorelein fought back her tears. She couldn't let her father think her weak.
Before Morcam could reply, there was a yell of agony from one of the men. All turned to see the cause and Halin stood with sword in hand, fighting off the guards beside him.
"Get out of here, Lorelein. Now!" he commanded before continuing his fight.
"But…" she protested.
"Now, Milady! That's an order!"
She ran past Halin but didn't flee for the wood like planned. She ran to King Thranduil's tent to grab a sword. But to her surprise, someone had already beaten her to it.
"Legolas!"
"Lorelein, I thought I told you to flee."
"Flee? That would be folly. I'm not leaving here. I'm one of your people, remember? I'm not going to flee while they fight."
"But Lorelein, this is different. You are what these men want. You can't go out there."
"And you think if I flee, no one will come after me? This is my fight just as much as your own and I would rather die than run like a coward."
Legolas shook his head before looking her in the eye. She meant what she said and he knew this. Biting his lip, he hesitated before grabbing another sword. Tossing it to her, he spoke.
"You better not get yourself killed out there, Lorelein Elenhith." He warned. This seemed to be a replay of the war twenty years back and he didn't want the same to happen twice.
She nodded her head in agreement before running out of the tent. Legolas followed close behind and they ran into the crowd of mortal men. Already, several elves had grabbed their own weapons and joined the fight while others kept the maidens safe.
Legolas and Lorelein fought side by side, guarding each other's back. It was a smart way to fight for mortal warriors seemed to come at them from all sides. The battle was a rough one and several times both the Prince and Lorelein felt a blade graze their skin. But neither flinched nor cried out but continued on, each block and thrust determining whether they would live or die.
Finally though, the crowd of men parted quite suddenly and both of them looked on in wonder. A black steed rode up and Lorelein understood what was next.
"Well isn't this the sight to see. Two lovers fighting side by side. Sounds like such a fairytale."
"Why are you here, Morcam?"
"Oh you already know that answer, Legolas."
"Then leave. You know my answer. You may not take her."
"I'm afraid your word does not have any control of this matter. I've already spoken with your father. I've told him all about your little 'princess' here."
Legolas gave him a skeptic look.
"What do you mean?"
"We both know the little mouth this elf has. She's not even worthy of a mortal. She's cruel, disrespectful, and a disgrace."
"I'm not you." Lorelein stated, her tone controlled.
"No, you're not. And that's most likely as to why you get yourself into so much trouble."
"If anyone's cruel here it's you! You're nothing but a liar."
Morcam drew his sword so fast that Lorelein jumped.
"Do you see what I mean? You were a disgrace at birth child. A mutt! I should have killed you when I had the chance."
At this, King Thranduil stepped up. Truth be known, he had been speaking to Morcam ever since Lorelein's arrival and had trusted his word. After all, it was Lorelein's father. By false evidence, he had convinced him that Lorelein was much more deceiving and cruel than she seemed. But now he saw his mistake and was going to correct it immediately.
"By my word, Morcam, I tell you to leave. I was foolish to believe you and admit you fooled me. Now it's time you leave."
"And that I will. With my daughter."
"Without Lorie." Legolas corrected.
"Lorie?" Morcam looked down at Legolas and the Prince mentally cursed his slip.
"Lorelein."
"So you've given her pet names? How cute." Morcam stated flatly. "Come now, Lorelein." He reached to grab her. Lorelein quickly swung at him with her sword, grazing his skin as a warning.
Morcam, surprised, cried out and pulled back. Anger blazed in his eyes.
"I'm tired of coming. 'Come now, Lorelein.', 'Come on, Lorelein'. I'll do as I please! And I will not 'come'. Nor will I follow, tag along, or be taken. I will stay and you can leave." She stated. Legolas stood protectively by her.
"Leave or die, Morcam. In the end, Lorelein will be where she wants and you will let her be."
"Oh you read the future now?"
"No, I just make it." Legolas swung his own sword toward the horse, forcing it to rear. Morcam, not expecting the move, fell to the ground. The Prince quickly ran over and shoved his heel into Morcam's chest before he could rise, just as Morcam did to him earlier. Pointing his blade at the enemy's neck, Legolas spoke.
"Now leave."
The mortal warriors looked at each other in fear. Morcam was their leader and without him, they were lost. Afraid, some ran while others spoke in hushed, desperate voices.
Legolas glared while Morcam just stared back coolly. The Prince didn't notice the fact that Morcam fidgeted with a throwing knife located in his sleeve. Nor did anyone else.
"Dear boy. If there is one thing you must learn is that I get what I want and no person or thing will stop me. Especially not a child like you."
And with that, he yanked the knife from his sleeve and, with great strength, leaped upon Legolas, the blade toward the Prince's chest.
But he didn't notice one thing.
Lorelein, who had been standing beside Legolas, lifted her sword about the time he pulled out his own weapon. As Morcam jumped, she thrusted her blade forward and into his heart it pierced; a bloodcurdling scream was released from the mouth of the beast who was once elf.
And then there was silence. Legolas looked up at Lorelein who slowly pulled the sword from the limp body. Once more, her face remained emotionless as she gently laid the sword beside her victim. Then closing her eyes, she said a silent prayer and walked away. Ignoring the many staring eyes around her, she returned to Halin's tent, not daring to look back at the still corpse lying on the grass.
Legolas followed, walking over and entering the tent. Scanning the small space, he saw her sitting on her blankets and staring blankly at the ground. She knew who she had killed and if given the chance, would do it again. But it still hurt to know that she killed her own father and maybe always will.
"Oh Lorie." He sat down behind her and held her in his arms. She closed her eyes and leaned back. Legolas didn't say anything else. All she needed then was comfort and that's what he was to give her.
Closing his eyes also, he rested his head on her shoulder and they rocked back and forth in silence.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Legolas, how is she?" King Thranduil asked. The camp had delayed the continuation of their journey to recover from the outbreak a week before and to properly bury Morcam after his death.
"She still hasn't spoken but she's in good spirits." He replied. He still had not forgiven his father for almost murdering Lorelein.
"Legolas, I think we should talk."
"I see no reason."
"Son, I did not know. I made a mistake."
"Oh, yes. A mistake. We all make those every once and awhile. Forgive me father for still being angry."
"I want to make it up to you."
"Make it up to me? What do you plan to do? Give me flowers and beg? Father, you were going to kill her."
"And I'm forever sorry but son, I still love you. I never would have done such if I knew what Morcam told me was wrong."
"You think I do not know this?"
"Legolas, you don't have to forgive me. But I want you to know that you are free to marry the maiden if you please."
Legolas jerked his head up. He couldn't believe what his father had just said.
"What?"
"I said you may marry the maiden if you please."
"Father, I don't plan to marry anyone anytime soon."
"Well if you ever do, you have my approval."
Legolas tried not to, but a smile crept across his face.
"So you approve of her?"
"Yes."
Legolas nodded and waited until his father walked away before running back to Halin's tent. Lorelein was just walking out when he got there. Grabbing her by the waist, he spun her around.
"Lorie!"
She smiled and gave him a questioning look.
"Something the matter, Prince?"
"My father has given his approval."
"Approval? To what?"
"To you. To me. To us!"
"What?"
"I do not have to marry into royalty. He says that if we ever plan to marry, he would approve."
For the first time in over a week, Lorelein smiled. She quickly embraced him and he whispered to her.
"It's over, Lorie. No more hiding. No more fighting."
"Now all I need to do is find a home." She said to herself.
"You are home. Home is where the heart is, Lorie."
She looked up at him and a tear of joy rolled down her cheek. Legolas wiped it away and spoke softly.
"No more tears, Lorelein. No more tears. No more sorrow. No more grief."
"So I'm home?" she asked.
"You're home, Lorie. You're home." He replied, leaning down and brushing his lips against her own. And finally, for the first time, she felt what it was like to be wanted. To belong.
To be loved.