If you don't want to read my responses to my reviewers you are more than
welcome to jump straight to the story. It really is down there somewhere.
I promise!
JastaElf – Don't judge a book by its cover, nin mellon. You jumped on Mr. Meanie (his name is Nirnaeth by the way) very quickly. Let me know your opinion now. As you know glass can only stand so much pressure before it cracks!!!!! I am very glad that you will never kill and eat my darling baby just because he makes poems. He is very relieved. You scared him there a while ago!! Thanks for your feedback.
Horus – I will try and write more interaction between Legolas and Gimli, I promise! (hand on her heart) Thanks for your feedback.
Silence – It was good to hear from you again. Elu is trying even now to control his Black Thoughts. Thank you for your feedback. It was very well thought out and I appreciate that.
Ayod Botla – I am sure that the Shovel Brigade would love to have you! As I told JastaElf there is more to Mr. Meanie than meets the eye. Yes, he was a "Grrr…stupid, haughty Elf", but not without a reason as will be disclosed beginning in this chapter. Thanks for your feedback. You can go into writer mode anytime, nin mell!
Lithia – Don't be too sad, dear Lithia. Have hope. Summer is coming!! But I have missed you!!!
Jan – Yes, I'm afraid Legolas doesn't like Gimli. Who'd have thunk it!! But please don't whack poor Nirnaeth with a shovel yet! I wouldn't write an Elf with that kind of attitude without a reason. Thanks for your well thought out feedback, you know I like it like that.
Yuriko – Hi hi! That was a very neat idea about Elu joining the Fellowship and changing after all was said and done because of a heroic deed. Very cool, nin mellon. But I am afraid that Elu has some other things to do. Legolas will be going on without him. Elu needs to learn to stand on his own in the world. Thanks for the feedback.
Nancing Elf – Hi hi! Thank you so much for reading all my little tales and reviewing them all! It really helps to understand the whole story and how Elu has progressed and how Legolas and Elu's friendship has grown through moments of happiness and anger, trial and victory.
In your review of "Have Hope as Long as the Stars Shine" (yes, I do read EVERY SINGLE review!!) you asked what programs I used for Elvish translations, well I downloaded a Sindarin dictionary from Hisweloke at www.geocities.com/almacq.geo/sindar/index.html and I also use Ruth S. Noel's book "The Languages of Tolkien's Middle Earth" that I bought way back in the 80's! Yikes! I must be an Elf, too. Hehe to JastaElf for that one.
As to Elu's Black Thoughts they can come on him at anytime though he does have a feeling that they are coming. Most often they come on him when he becomes angry (Anger leads to the Dark Side!! I am a Star Wars fan, too. LOL), but also the other time (when they were riding through the Misty Mountains) they came on him merely because he was wishing to be like the Elves.
Wow! Wow! Revelation time for me!! Thank you, Nancing Elf for making me really think!! And along the same line there, I am glad your decision was divided. Mine was as well for a short time, but I will follow my heart on this one.
Ranger – Hi hi! Thank you so much for reading all of my stories!! I am always so pleased when someone reads them all and enjoys them! I am especially pleased when they strike an emotional chord. I have always felt that you need to care about the characters (whether it is in books, movies, tv…) to really connect with them. Because if you don't like them you aren't going to care what happens to them and then what is the point of the tale. I am an old fashioned kind of gal myself, though I guess I cry more easily than you do. Thanks for the feedback, too.
Katharine the Great – Hi hi! I was about to post this chapter when I saw your review, so I tacked you on here. I am very glad that you love my fics!! I love Leggy and El, too! LOL !!! Thanks so much for reviewing!! Happy happy!! Joy joy!!
Nirnaeth is Sindarin for Lamentation.
Jessolothrad – he was named for my daughter who is a BIG fan of the boy group Dream Street. Jess comes from her fav. boy Jesse and Ol Othrad means Dream Street. Have to keep the kids happy!!
Elrond stared after the Orc in surprise. He had set the tray on the table before the Elf Lord and quickly left the room, keeping his head down, eyes averted. And a moment later Mirkwood's prince entered, his eyes distressed.
"What is it, Legolas? What has happened?" Elrond stood ignoring the aching in his head.
"Elu, he – " He frowned, glancing at the door the Orc had just fled through. "It matters not. I must stop him."
But before he could pass Elrond, the Elf Lord grabbed his slim wrist, halting him instantly.
"I asked you what happened, Legolas Greenleaf. And I expect an answer."
Legolas turned to look into the older Elf's eyes. He was surprised by the vehemence that he saw there. Much like his father's at times.
"We – we were in the kitchen, he was fixing your tea." His eyes went to the tea tray on the table, heard the cups clinking together as Elu had struggled to control the Black Thoughts that had gripped him. "An Elf came in and – well – he wasn't very nice to Elu."
Elrond raised one elegant eyebrow.
"Just what did this Elf say?"
Legolas sighed and repeated what the Elf had said to the Orc. Elrond's eyes narrowed.
"Did he tell you his name?"
"No."
"What did he look like?"
Legolas eyes darted to the doorway. Elu had too much of a head start. He hoped he could catch up to him.
"Tall, dark haired, green eyes." He shook his head. How many Elves in Rivendell fit that description? Too many. "Please, Lord Elrond, let me go find him."
Elrond nodded absently. His eyes were distant.
:Ah, Nirnaeth,: he thought sadly as Legolas sprinted from the room. :You still have not healed. I wonder if you ever will.: He turned slowly and sat down once more. He poured a cup of tea and then carried the tray into the other room. Gandalf looked up, his face filled with concern.
"What has happened, Elrond?"
The Elf Lord sighed, pouring cups of tea and handing them to Sam, Bilbo, and the Istari.
"It is nothing." :I hope.: Elrond leaned over Frodo, inspecting the pale face and looking at the wound in the shoulder. He seemed warmer than he had been, but not enough. He sighed heavily and straightened. "Call me if there are any changes."
Gandalf studied the Elf Lord as he left the room. Something more than Frodo was troubling him. He had heard him speaking to Legolas and guessed it must have something to do with Elu. He shook his head, taking out his pipe. He held it out to Bilbo who shook his head. Then to Sam, who also declined. Gandalf sighed and packed the bowl with Southern Star leaf and lit it. Wreaths of fragrant smoke encircled the Wizard's head as he sat back and tried to relax, his eyes focused on the small pale face before him.
Elu stumbled through Rivendell avoiding any areas that he heard voices drifting from or any place that was too well lighted. He didn't want to see anyone. He held his hood tightly about his face. His breath raged through his chest. Anger swelled, hatred burned through him.
:I have to control this,: he thought as he ran toward the bridge. : I cannot let this rule my life.:
He gasped, slowing his steps. Finally he halted. He fell to his knees, burying his head in his hands.
"I won't let it take me!" He groaned aloud, his fingers digging into his skull as if the physical pressure could drive the thoughts out. He tried to recall the words of a song – any song.
"Caniel en an narcha i daw
An rista i elenath o i menel
Naeg ned eninnanth
Rhach ned nin noss."
[Crying out to rend the night
To tear the stars from the sky
Pain of years
Curse of my kind.]
Some times the pain of years was too great to deny. Or control.
He wanted to scream – howl – fill the night sky with his rage at this injustice. A kind of wicked delight filled him. How these Elves would cower in their flower strewn rooms if they heard that cry!
But then he heard it. So quiet, so beautiful.
He lifted his head, his brows knitting. Slowly he stood and moved toward the source of the sound. The Orc was mesmerized as he walked down the dark path, lit only at intervals by stone torches. Heady autumnal scents filled the cool air . But it was the sound of the music that drew him onward, deeper into a secluded grove.
There was a small garden ringed with silver leaved trees. Delicately curved benches of pale wood were placed beneath them. A large round stone carved and painted with lacy leaves and blossoms filled the center of the garden, a tall slender tree growing from a hole cut in the center of the stone. Fragile flowers of pale lavender, silvery in the moonlight, dripped from the branches, scenting the air with their delicate perfume. And seated on the ground beneath the tree was a young Elf child, a harp cradled against his shoulder.
Elu stared down at him in amazement. The child's blonde hair fell in silvery waves to his thin shoulders. His clothing was of a dark material, embroidered with silver threads. He looked like a young prince sitting there in the starlight. But it was the music that his fingers coaxed from the strings that held the Orc entranced. The notes graced the air with their purity and beauty and Elu felt tears of joy wet his cheeks. All of the Black Thoughts had vanished, unnoticed in their passing.
The child had finished his song and turned, smiling up at the Orc, the bright green eyes shining.
Elu started, tugging his hood more closely about his face.
"Forgive me." He stammered. "I heard you playing and I had to come. That was – That was beautiful."
The child's smile widened and his eyes shone even more He made a gesture, a lyrical movement of his had and fingers.
Elu frowned.
"My – my name is Elu Heneb. It means –"
The child nodded, carefully laying the harp aside. He stood and approached the Orc. He grinned and pointed to the Orc's blue eyes.
Elu smiled and laughed.
"Yes, blue-eyed." :How silly of me,: he thought. The child was an Elf. Of course he knew what it meant.
The child made more gestures with his hands, but seeing that Elu didn't understand, he sat beside his harp and patted the ground. Elu frowned, but sat beside him.
The child picked up his instrument and made a motion with his free hand, fluttering it from beneath his throat upward past his open mouth.
"You want me to – sing?"
The child nodded enthusiastically and played a flourish on the harp.
Elu shook his head in surprise.
"What song would you have me sing?"
The child played a quick melody on the harp and looked up expectantly at the Orc.
"I don't know that one. I am sorry."
He played another and then another. But then at last he played a melody that he had heard sung the other night. Elu gasped. It was his song. The one that the Elves had sung the night he had made the Vandal Root tea for Lord Elrond. The Orc smiled.
"Yes. I know that one."
The small Elf smiled and began the introduction.
Elu felt a sweeping happiness fill him. They were singing his song here in Imladris. His. Written so long ago beneath the stars near Emyn Mor Esgal when he had been known as the Forsaken One.
:I must remember to tell Legolas,: he thought, clearing his throat quietly.
The words came so easily to him: his first and most beloved song.
"Gar estel annan i elenath sila.
Ind mor lothron gar le
Gil galad ath sila godref
Arad o nain or.
Estel na tol."
[Have hope as long as the stars shine.
Though darkness may hold you
Days of tears will soon be over.
Hope is coming.]
His voice, never lovely, lifted to meet the stars, more beauteous than ever it had ever been. Its deep tones blended magically with the harp's sweet chords and the child's emerald eyes staring up at him with such wonder and delight reminded him of how Legolas would watch him at times.
Elu smiled, pouring his heart into the song, all the hope that he felt himself at this moment. Hope to bring him through his Black Thoughts and times of doubt and pain.
"Gar sidh annan i elenath sila.
Ir achas a del taur le
Aphad i bellas le gar
Nedh i cirbann ned le gur.
Sidh ath idh na le."
[ Have peace as long as the stars shine.
When fear and horror overwhelm you
Follow the strength you hold
Inside the haven of your heart.
Peace will rest in you.]
The Elven child finished the song with a string of elegant notes then lay his harp aside and stood, clapping his nimble hands gleefully. Elu chuckled with delight and stood also and clapped his large hands. Then they bowed to one another, still grinning with happy companionship. They were totally unaware of the eyes that watched them from the shadows surrounding the garden.
Legolas stood motionless as Elu and the child preformed together. A smile touched his lips, the worry that had been coursing through him falling away. Some how the Black Thoughts had not taken hold as he had feared they would. He wondered briefly who the child was and if that child were aware of what Elu were. He hoped that he did. He didn't want the child to become frightened. It would be detrimental for both the small Elf and Elu. He started when a warm hand clamped on his shoulder. He gasped and turned to see Lord Elrond standing behind him, his counselor Erestor at his side. The tall Elf's face was impassive beneath the long spill of night dark hair, the deep blue eyes were unreadable. Legolas looked nervously to Imladris' Lord fearing that he and Elu would be asked – nay, told – to depart immediately. But Elrond merely raised an eyebrow and cocked his head in Elu and the child's direction. Legolas was at a loss for words and merely shrugged, which earned him a look from Erestor. He turned uncomfortably back to the scene in the garden.
Elu was singing the new second verse and Legolas couldn't restrain the smile that spread across his face.
:You are truly amazing, nin mellon.:
Elrond's hand tightened slightly then dropped away and Mirkwood's prince felt relief flood him. They weren't going to have to go after all.
Across the garden from them, concealed behind the bushes a tall dark haired Elf watched the scene as well. Anger tightened his handsome features, hatred blazing in his green eyes. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, his teeth bared in a feral growl.
How could Lord Elrond stand there and allow this horror to continue? It was too much!
He moved out of hiding and strode into the garden as the Orc and the child were laughing together.
"Jessolothrad! Tol si!" [Come now!]
The boy looked up, his eyes going to the tall dark haired Elf. He gestured excitedly, smiling and looking back at Elu. The scowl on the older Elf's face deepened and he glared at the Orc with a look of undisguised hatred.
"Le ath tol ah im si!" [You will come with me now!] He grabbed the boy's arm and started to pull him away.
"You will not harm him!" Elu protested.
"Harm?" The Elf snarled. "Harm? You dare to speak of harm?!" He pulled the child to him and forced his mouth open. "Look at the harm that you kind inflicted upon him, ulunn! Then speak to me of harm!"
Elu stared in horror at the child's mouth. Now he knew why the boy couldn't speak. His tongue had been cut out.
Thanks to everyone who responded to the Grand Question: Elf or Orc. I admit that for one shining moment I wanted him to be an Elf. But that moment left. Sorry to everyone that wanted that big, beautiful, dark haired, blue-eyed Elf with a stunning singing voice. But I need to be true to my dear Elu and he is an Orc. And being an Orc, and a very unique one at that, is part of who he is. This was a struggle for me (briefly), which is why I asked your opinion on it. But in my heart of hearts I knew I couldn't change him into something that he isn't. It would have been fun to do it, but I was pleased to see that some of you felt as passionately about him staying as he is as I do. That is part of the morality lesson in these tales, I guess. We need to accept people for who they are. We don't all need to be carbon copies of each other. Oh, wow. Now I am preaching at you. Sorry. Thank you again for everyone who sent me feedback. Thank you for caring about an Orc so much. Orcs is people too. (bad grammar but it applies here) At least some of them. Some of them deserve to be slashed and hacked into tiny, tiny, miniscule pieces. Don't they, JastaElf?!!!!!!!
JastaElf – Don't judge a book by its cover, nin mellon. You jumped on Mr. Meanie (his name is Nirnaeth by the way) very quickly. Let me know your opinion now. As you know glass can only stand so much pressure before it cracks!!!!! I am very glad that you will never kill and eat my darling baby just because he makes poems. He is very relieved. You scared him there a while ago!! Thanks for your feedback.
Horus – I will try and write more interaction between Legolas and Gimli, I promise! (hand on her heart) Thanks for your feedback.
Silence – It was good to hear from you again. Elu is trying even now to control his Black Thoughts. Thank you for your feedback. It was very well thought out and I appreciate that.
Ayod Botla – I am sure that the Shovel Brigade would love to have you! As I told JastaElf there is more to Mr. Meanie than meets the eye. Yes, he was a "Grrr…stupid, haughty Elf", but not without a reason as will be disclosed beginning in this chapter. Thanks for your feedback. You can go into writer mode anytime, nin mell!
Lithia – Don't be too sad, dear Lithia. Have hope. Summer is coming!! But I have missed you!!!
Jan – Yes, I'm afraid Legolas doesn't like Gimli. Who'd have thunk it!! But please don't whack poor Nirnaeth with a shovel yet! I wouldn't write an Elf with that kind of attitude without a reason. Thanks for your well thought out feedback, you know I like it like that.
Yuriko – Hi hi! That was a very neat idea about Elu joining the Fellowship and changing after all was said and done because of a heroic deed. Very cool, nin mellon. But I am afraid that Elu has some other things to do. Legolas will be going on without him. Elu needs to learn to stand on his own in the world. Thanks for the feedback.
Nancing Elf – Hi hi! Thank you so much for reading all my little tales and reviewing them all! It really helps to understand the whole story and how Elu has progressed and how Legolas and Elu's friendship has grown through moments of happiness and anger, trial and victory.
In your review of "Have Hope as Long as the Stars Shine" (yes, I do read EVERY SINGLE review!!) you asked what programs I used for Elvish translations, well I downloaded a Sindarin dictionary from Hisweloke at www.geocities.com/almacq.geo/sindar/index.html and I also use Ruth S. Noel's book "The Languages of Tolkien's Middle Earth" that I bought way back in the 80's! Yikes! I must be an Elf, too. Hehe to JastaElf for that one.
As to Elu's Black Thoughts they can come on him at anytime though he does have a feeling that they are coming. Most often they come on him when he becomes angry (Anger leads to the Dark Side!! I am a Star Wars fan, too. LOL), but also the other time (when they were riding through the Misty Mountains) they came on him merely because he was wishing to be like the Elves.
Wow! Wow! Revelation time for me!! Thank you, Nancing Elf for making me really think!! And along the same line there, I am glad your decision was divided. Mine was as well for a short time, but I will follow my heart on this one.
Ranger – Hi hi! Thank you so much for reading all of my stories!! I am always so pleased when someone reads them all and enjoys them! I am especially pleased when they strike an emotional chord. I have always felt that you need to care about the characters (whether it is in books, movies, tv…) to really connect with them. Because if you don't like them you aren't going to care what happens to them and then what is the point of the tale. I am an old fashioned kind of gal myself, though I guess I cry more easily than you do. Thanks for the feedback, too.
Katharine the Great – Hi hi! I was about to post this chapter when I saw your review, so I tacked you on here. I am very glad that you love my fics!! I love Leggy and El, too! LOL !!! Thanks so much for reviewing!! Happy happy!! Joy joy!!
Nirnaeth is Sindarin for Lamentation.
Jessolothrad – he was named for my daughter who is a BIG fan of the boy group Dream Street. Jess comes from her fav. boy Jesse and Ol Othrad means Dream Street. Have to keep the kids happy!!
Elrond stared after the Orc in surprise. He had set the tray on the table before the Elf Lord and quickly left the room, keeping his head down, eyes averted. And a moment later Mirkwood's prince entered, his eyes distressed.
"What is it, Legolas? What has happened?" Elrond stood ignoring the aching in his head.
"Elu, he – " He frowned, glancing at the door the Orc had just fled through. "It matters not. I must stop him."
But before he could pass Elrond, the Elf Lord grabbed his slim wrist, halting him instantly.
"I asked you what happened, Legolas Greenleaf. And I expect an answer."
Legolas turned to look into the older Elf's eyes. He was surprised by the vehemence that he saw there. Much like his father's at times.
"We – we were in the kitchen, he was fixing your tea." His eyes went to the tea tray on the table, heard the cups clinking together as Elu had struggled to control the Black Thoughts that had gripped him. "An Elf came in and – well – he wasn't very nice to Elu."
Elrond raised one elegant eyebrow.
"Just what did this Elf say?"
Legolas sighed and repeated what the Elf had said to the Orc. Elrond's eyes narrowed.
"Did he tell you his name?"
"No."
"What did he look like?"
Legolas eyes darted to the doorway. Elu had too much of a head start. He hoped he could catch up to him.
"Tall, dark haired, green eyes." He shook his head. How many Elves in Rivendell fit that description? Too many. "Please, Lord Elrond, let me go find him."
Elrond nodded absently. His eyes were distant.
:Ah, Nirnaeth,: he thought sadly as Legolas sprinted from the room. :You still have not healed. I wonder if you ever will.: He turned slowly and sat down once more. He poured a cup of tea and then carried the tray into the other room. Gandalf looked up, his face filled with concern.
"What has happened, Elrond?"
The Elf Lord sighed, pouring cups of tea and handing them to Sam, Bilbo, and the Istari.
"It is nothing." :I hope.: Elrond leaned over Frodo, inspecting the pale face and looking at the wound in the shoulder. He seemed warmer than he had been, but not enough. He sighed heavily and straightened. "Call me if there are any changes."
Gandalf studied the Elf Lord as he left the room. Something more than Frodo was troubling him. He had heard him speaking to Legolas and guessed it must have something to do with Elu. He shook his head, taking out his pipe. He held it out to Bilbo who shook his head. Then to Sam, who also declined. Gandalf sighed and packed the bowl with Southern Star leaf and lit it. Wreaths of fragrant smoke encircled the Wizard's head as he sat back and tried to relax, his eyes focused on the small pale face before him.
Elu stumbled through Rivendell avoiding any areas that he heard voices drifting from or any place that was too well lighted. He didn't want to see anyone. He held his hood tightly about his face. His breath raged through his chest. Anger swelled, hatred burned through him.
:I have to control this,: he thought as he ran toward the bridge. : I cannot let this rule my life.:
He gasped, slowing his steps. Finally he halted. He fell to his knees, burying his head in his hands.
"I won't let it take me!" He groaned aloud, his fingers digging into his skull as if the physical pressure could drive the thoughts out. He tried to recall the words of a song – any song.
"Caniel en an narcha i daw
An rista i elenath o i menel
Naeg ned eninnanth
Rhach ned nin noss."
[Crying out to rend the night
To tear the stars from the sky
Pain of years
Curse of my kind.]
Some times the pain of years was too great to deny. Or control.
He wanted to scream – howl – fill the night sky with his rage at this injustice. A kind of wicked delight filled him. How these Elves would cower in their flower strewn rooms if they heard that cry!
But then he heard it. So quiet, so beautiful.
He lifted his head, his brows knitting. Slowly he stood and moved toward the source of the sound. The Orc was mesmerized as he walked down the dark path, lit only at intervals by stone torches. Heady autumnal scents filled the cool air . But it was the sound of the music that drew him onward, deeper into a secluded grove.
There was a small garden ringed with silver leaved trees. Delicately curved benches of pale wood were placed beneath them. A large round stone carved and painted with lacy leaves and blossoms filled the center of the garden, a tall slender tree growing from a hole cut in the center of the stone. Fragile flowers of pale lavender, silvery in the moonlight, dripped from the branches, scenting the air with their delicate perfume. And seated on the ground beneath the tree was a young Elf child, a harp cradled against his shoulder.
Elu stared down at him in amazement. The child's blonde hair fell in silvery waves to his thin shoulders. His clothing was of a dark material, embroidered with silver threads. He looked like a young prince sitting there in the starlight. But it was the music that his fingers coaxed from the strings that held the Orc entranced. The notes graced the air with their purity and beauty and Elu felt tears of joy wet his cheeks. All of the Black Thoughts had vanished, unnoticed in their passing.
The child had finished his song and turned, smiling up at the Orc, the bright green eyes shining.
Elu started, tugging his hood more closely about his face.
"Forgive me." He stammered. "I heard you playing and I had to come. That was – That was beautiful."
The child's smile widened and his eyes shone even more He made a gesture, a lyrical movement of his had and fingers.
Elu frowned.
"My – my name is Elu Heneb. It means –"
The child nodded, carefully laying the harp aside. He stood and approached the Orc. He grinned and pointed to the Orc's blue eyes.
Elu smiled and laughed.
"Yes, blue-eyed." :How silly of me,: he thought. The child was an Elf. Of course he knew what it meant.
The child made more gestures with his hands, but seeing that Elu didn't understand, he sat beside his harp and patted the ground. Elu frowned, but sat beside him.
The child picked up his instrument and made a motion with his free hand, fluttering it from beneath his throat upward past his open mouth.
"You want me to – sing?"
The child nodded enthusiastically and played a flourish on the harp.
Elu shook his head in surprise.
"What song would you have me sing?"
The child played a quick melody on the harp and looked up expectantly at the Orc.
"I don't know that one. I am sorry."
He played another and then another. But then at last he played a melody that he had heard sung the other night. Elu gasped. It was his song. The one that the Elves had sung the night he had made the Vandal Root tea for Lord Elrond. The Orc smiled.
"Yes. I know that one."
The small Elf smiled and began the introduction.
Elu felt a sweeping happiness fill him. They were singing his song here in Imladris. His. Written so long ago beneath the stars near Emyn Mor Esgal when he had been known as the Forsaken One.
:I must remember to tell Legolas,: he thought, clearing his throat quietly.
The words came so easily to him: his first and most beloved song.
"Gar estel annan i elenath sila.
Ind mor lothron gar le
Gil galad ath sila godref
Arad o nain or.
Estel na tol."
[Have hope as long as the stars shine.
Though darkness may hold you
Days of tears will soon be over.
Hope is coming.]
His voice, never lovely, lifted to meet the stars, more beauteous than ever it had ever been. Its deep tones blended magically with the harp's sweet chords and the child's emerald eyes staring up at him with such wonder and delight reminded him of how Legolas would watch him at times.
Elu smiled, pouring his heart into the song, all the hope that he felt himself at this moment. Hope to bring him through his Black Thoughts and times of doubt and pain.
"Gar sidh annan i elenath sila.
Ir achas a del taur le
Aphad i bellas le gar
Nedh i cirbann ned le gur.
Sidh ath idh na le."
[ Have peace as long as the stars shine.
When fear and horror overwhelm you
Follow the strength you hold
Inside the haven of your heart.
Peace will rest in you.]
The Elven child finished the song with a string of elegant notes then lay his harp aside and stood, clapping his nimble hands gleefully. Elu chuckled with delight and stood also and clapped his large hands. Then they bowed to one another, still grinning with happy companionship. They were totally unaware of the eyes that watched them from the shadows surrounding the garden.
Legolas stood motionless as Elu and the child preformed together. A smile touched his lips, the worry that had been coursing through him falling away. Some how the Black Thoughts had not taken hold as he had feared they would. He wondered briefly who the child was and if that child were aware of what Elu were. He hoped that he did. He didn't want the child to become frightened. It would be detrimental for both the small Elf and Elu. He started when a warm hand clamped on his shoulder. He gasped and turned to see Lord Elrond standing behind him, his counselor Erestor at his side. The tall Elf's face was impassive beneath the long spill of night dark hair, the deep blue eyes were unreadable. Legolas looked nervously to Imladris' Lord fearing that he and Elu would be asked – nay, told – to depart immediately. But Elrond merely raised an eyebrow and cocked his head in Elu and the child's direction. Legolas was at a loss for words and merely shrugged, which earned him a look from Erestor. He turned uncomfortably back to the scene in the garden.
Elu was singing the new second verse and Legolas couldn't restrain the smile that spread across his face.
:You are truly amazing, nin mellon.:
Elrond's hand tightened slightly then dropped away and Mirkwood's prince felt relief flood him. They weren't going to have to go after all.
Across the garden from them, concealed behind the bushes a tall dark haired Elf watched the scene as well. Anger tightened his handsome features, hatred blazing in his green eyes. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, his teeth bared in a feral growl.
How could Lord Elrond stand there and allow this horror to continue? It was too much!
He moved out of hiding and strode into the garden as the Orc and the child were laughing together.
"Jessolothrad! Tol si!" [Come now!]
The boy looked up, his eyes going to the tall dark haired Elf. He gestured excitedly, smiling and looking back at Elu. The scowl on the older Elf's face deepened and he glared at the Orc with a look of undisguised hatred.
"Le ath tol ah im si!" [You will come with me now!] He grabbed the boy's arm and started to pull him away.
"You will not harm him!" Elu protested.
"Harm?" The Elf snarled. "Harm? You dare to speak of harm?!" He pulled the child to him and forced his mouth open. "Look at the harm that you kind inflicted upon him, ulunn! Then speak to me of harm!"
Elu stared in horror at the child's mouth. Now he knew why the boy couldn't speak. His tongue had been cut out.
Thanks to everyone who responded to the Grand Question: Elf or Orc. I admit that for one shining moment I wanted him to be an Elf. But that moment left. Sorry to everyone that wanted that big, beautiful, dark haired, blue-eyed Elf with a stunning singing voice. But I need to be true to my dear Elu and he is an Orc. And being an Orc, and a very unique one at that, is part of who he is. This was a struggle for me (briefly), which is why I asked your opinion on it. But in my heart of hearts I knew I couldn't change him into something that he isn't. It would have been fun to do it, but I was pleased to see that some of you felt as passionately about him staying as he is as I do. That is part of the morality lesson in these tales, I guess. We need to accept people for who they are. We don't all need to be carbon copies of each other. Oh, wow. Now I am preaching at you. Sorry. Thank you again for everyone who sent me feedback. Thank you for caring about an Orc so much. Orcs is people too. (bad grammar but it applies here) At least some of them. Some of them deserve to be slashed and hacked into tiny, tiny, miniscule pieces. Don't they, JastaElf?!!!!!!!