RATING: PG-13

DISCLAIMER: The characters from Lord of the Rings and their wonderful world are borrowed from J.R.R. Tolkien. The plotline and all other characters are copyright 2002 Emily (emi_kins@yahoo.com)

39.

To Elrond, Lord of Rivendell

From Thranduil, King of Mirkwood.

Greetings.

I apologize for my son's inappropriate behavior toward Princess Elenath, but I cannot consent to their marriage. Mirkwood has many fine warriors, and we do not need another no matter how great her skill. What Mirkwood needs is a princess; a Lady of high breeding who will bring the gentility of Rivendell to my court. Please see my son wed to Lady Merethiel at once and send them home before any other mishaps can occur.

***

Splash.

The ink dissolved in Elenath's teardrop.

Splash.

It smeared across the page as she let King Thranduil's letter drop to the floor at her feet.

Splash.

Her tears fell upon the floor; her only comfort was Legolas' arms around her and her parents' sympathetic gaze from the far corner of the room.

"Legolas will marry Merethiel on the morrow." Elrond's shoulders were squared but his face showed defeat and his voice was quiet. "I am sorry. There is nothing else to do. This agreement was made long ago by two fools who thought they were doing what was right."

Elenath did not speak. She gently broke away from Legolas to look out upon the archery field where Haldir was instructing her cousin. Her heart constricted as she watched him fit his body behind hers to help her take aim, and saw him kiss the tip of her ear when the arrow hit its target.

"It appears that four hearts will be broken this day," Legolas murmured as he watched over Elenath's shoulder.

"It cannot be helped," said Elrond. His voice wavered. "It would be best…" He shook his head. "It would be best if you said your goodbyes while I go tell Merethiel."

"No," whispered Elenath.

The Lord of Rivendell sighed. "Elenath-"

"I will not say goodbye until he rides forth from this place. I will stay in his arms until he must leave."

"You mustn't. Doing so will only prolong your pain." He spoke firmly now. "Elenath, he will wed your cousin tomorrow. And then you shall never see him again."

"You'll have to chain me to keep me away from him," she answered, still gazing at the floor. "I swear it. I would follow him to death."

Elrond shook his head again and walked out toward the archery field; and Elenath watched as her cousin sank to the ground in despair. Haldir held her close for a moment and then was gone.

"Your father doesn't even know me," the princess whispered to Legolas. "How does he know that I cannot bring gentility to his court?"

"You bear Calmakil, melamin my love, and so he thinks you are very fierce. Perhaps even a bit wild. He is nearly as stubborn as your grandfather…. Elenath, I am sorry. I must do what my father wishes."

"I understand," she said quietly. "Only do not say goodbye. Not yet. I swear I will be there to see you leave, though I could never watch the wedding."

"As you wish… Meet me this night at the waterfall?"

She nodded and tipped her chin up to receive his kiss. "I love you," she whispered. "I will love you until the day that I die."

"And I you," he replied. "I will never forget what we shared."

She turned and left the room, heading toward the archery field.

"Where are you going?" asked her mother.

"To offer Haldir what comfort I can," she replied and was gone.

***

Elenath found Haldir quickly, for he had gone only a short way into the Wood and sat down upon a fallen tree beside a babbling brook. His head was in his hands and he was muttering to himself, words that she could not hear. But she could feel his pain. It radiated from him like warmth from a fire.

"Haldir," she whispered, reaching a hand to touch his shoulder.

"Leave me." His voice was strained.

She came nearer and, falling to her knees, wrapped her arms about him and felt his broad shoulders begin to shake with sobs. "I'm sorry," she whispered, stroking his hair, her own emotions numbed. "So sorry, Haldir."

He chanced a look at her then, his brilliant blue eyes rimmed in red. "It becomes clear to me now that I am meant to be alone. For twice now I have loved and twice that love has been denied. I shan't risk it again."

"Nay," she agreed, "Neither shall I, my friend. Neither shall I."