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 Kinsman (emi_kins@yahoo.com)
52.
Lord Elrond read the letter from his granddaughter again, worry creasing his brow. She had written that it was two months since his last correspondence, and she begged for some word. "Grandfather, my heart yearns for you and for Prince Legolas, and I worry for those who journeyed so far with you. Only tell me that that you all are still alive, and I shall wait patiently for your return. It is the not knowing that causes me to grow restless."
The letter had been accompanied by one from Mithrandir. "Elenath is well and has assumed the throne of Rivendell until your return. Her rule has been wise and just, and she remains ever ready to fly to your summons with Calmakil at her side. Please send some word by whatever means possible, for I fear that she grows restless enough to leave this place in search of you…."
Elrond sighed. Messengers had been scarce, but over a month ago he had managed to acquire an elderly pigeon to send word to Elenath that he was staying with Thranduil to help with the war. He had told her that his services as a healer were needed more than anything, and the Elves who had come with him gladly fought to victory for Mirkwood again and again. But apparently, the letter had not gone through.
"Lord Elrond?" A maidservant appeared at the door of his chamber and curtsied respectfully.
He turned to face her, allowing a kind smile to grace his lips. "Yes?"
"King Thranduil has returned and wishes to see you. He has news from the front."
Elrond's smile broadened. How pleased the king must have been to find his son sitting upon Mirkwood's throne when he returned! Legolas had recovered in his father's long absence, though his wound still pained him greatly at times. "Thank you. Where shall I find him?"
"In his audience chambers, my lord. Follow me."
With a nod, Lord Elrond did as he was told. The maidservant led him through a palace that seemed very different than just a few hours ago when he had left the healers to get some rest. There was a spirit of joy and jubilation in the air. King Thranduil's news must be very good, for it was obvious that a great celebration was being planned. When they arrived at a large oaken door, the she-Elf knocked, opening it only when Thranduil's reply came clearly through the thick wood.
"Enter!"
The sight that greeted Elrond when the door swung open almost brought tears to his eyes. Father and son stood in an emotional embrace. Though both seemed weary, the great waves of joy that emanated from them were palpable.
The king's demeanor changed as soon as he saw the Lord of Rivendell standing before him, and he stepped away from his son. "Elrond…" his voice was heavy, almost grim as he approached his guest. "Lord Elrond…"
Elrond feared for a moment that Thranduil would bring up their old quarrels again; that he would ask him to return to his own realm at once. They had barely spoken five words to one another since Legolas fell two months earlier, for the King had been on the battlefield while Elrond remained with Mirkwood's healers. The Elven Lord bowed his head in humility, for he certainly deserved the king's scorn for his behavior back in Rivendell. But, to his surprise, Mirkwood's king did not speak harsh words or banish him and his family from Mirkwood for all eternity. Instead, Thranduil sank to his knees before him, his fist upon his heart in solute.
"Lord Elrond, I owe you not only my own life, but that of my son and countless warriors of Mirkwood as well. I am at your service and ask for your forgiveness for my earlier behavior." He lifted his gaze then. "Tell me, what can I do to repay your great deeds?"
Elrond was speechless for a long moment before he replied with his hand extended to help the weary Elf rise. "My old friend… I ask only your forgiveness and for a messenger to send word to my granddaughter that all is well here."
Thranduil smiled. "Forgiveness was granted long ago, Elrond. And as for that messenger, I have a better idea, for the Orcs have been utterly defeated and driven back."
Three days later, the Elven king and lord began the long journey to Rivendell. Behind them stretched the line of warriors that Elrond had brought with him and a large contingent from Mirkwood who surrounded their prince with the brightly colored royal standards of Mirkwood and lively music. The pace was slow, for Legolas was not yet wholly well, but the spirit was lively. After all, they were accompanying their prince to his long-awaited wedding.
"She will be overjoyed to see you," Afaendil said to Legolas as they traveled.
The prince regarded his friend with a knowing smile. "As I will be to see her, my friend. Am I to understand that your opinion of Princess Elenath has changed?"
The warrior laughed. "Indeed. In fact I must say that I am rather envious of you."
"Who would not be?" asked Raion as he traveled beside the prince, his eyes remaining steadily upon the road before them.
Legolas regarded his page with an amused glint in his eyes. "Your time will come, my young friend. And as for you," he turned his attention to Afaendil, "I happen to know of a certain Elf-maiden who eagerly awaits your return to Mirkwood. Did you not see the look in Seriliel's eyes when she bid you farewell this morning?"
Afaendil's cheeks colored slightly. "That I did, Your Highness. That I did."
***
Elenath sat at her grandfather's desk, making preparations for her journey into the wilds of Mirkwood. It would be terribly risky, she knew. There were precious few warriors left in Rivendell, so she would bring only Haldir with her. Her eldest uncle would assume the throne in her absence, which made her nervous for he had no interest at all in such things. But she was desperate for news and, for the sake of her own sanity, had no other choice. Glancing out of the chamber at the position of the sun, she realized that she needed to get ready for the small banquet being thrown that evening for her farewell.
As if on cue, Merethiel appeared in the doorway with a maidservant at her side, a cloud of cerulean fabric in her hands.
The princess smiled. Merethiel was already dressed in flowing white and she looked lovely, save for the melancholy expression upon her face. Elenath's smile faded somewhat. "What troubles you, Mer?"
"Promise me you'll bring him back to me safely."
Haldir. Her cousin was worried about Haldir. "Oh, Mer. Please try not to worry. Your beloved is more than able to –"
"I know." Merethiel sighed. "I know. Come, you must get ready."
An hour went by as Elenath was dressed, her hair partially braided with strands of gold into a circlet upon her head. The remainder of her raven curls fell down her back to her waist, and she looked lovely. She wished that Legolas could see her; wished even more that she could see him, his golden hair catching the fading light of the sun.
"The banquet should be ready now," said Merethiel, taking her cousin's hand and squeezing it. "Perhaps we should go?"
Nodding, she walked numbly toward the hall where her entire kingdom had solemnly gathered.
It was probably the most somber gathering that Elenath had ever attended in the great hall. That is, until her sentinels came running into the almost silent room with joyful shouts, silencing the low hum of voices and the clink and clatter of silverware and china. "Lord Elrond returns! He has just ridden past the borders of Rivendell!"
Could it be? Elenath could scarcely believe it. "Are you sure that it is him? Is there anyone with him?"
"Indeed, Your Highness! The standards of Rivendell and Mirkwood both wave proudly at the head of the procession. There are many warriors with him. Come! Come and see for yourself!"
In the distance, she heard the silver trumpets announcing the arrival of royalty to Rivendell. The princess leapt to her feet, her face covered in a radiant smile. Without another word she ran toward the sound, her entire kingdom behind her.
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 Kinsman (emi_kins@yahoo.com)
52.
Lord Elrond read the letter from his granddaughter again, worry creasing his brow. She had written that it was two months since his last correspondence, and she begged for some word. "Grandfather, my heart yearns for you and for Prince Legolas, and I worry for those who journeyed so far with you. Only tell me that that you all are still alive, and I shall wait patiently for your return. It is the not knowing that causes me to grow restless."
The letter had been accompanied by one from Mithrandir. "Elenath is well and has assumed the throne of Rivendell until your return. Her rule has been wise and just, and she remains ever ready to fly to your summons with Calmakil at her side. Please send some word by whatever means possible, for I fear that she grows restless enough to leave this place in search of you…."
Elrond sighed. Messengers had been scarce, but over a month ago he had managed to acquire an elderly pigeon to send word to Elenath that he was staying with Thranduil to help with the war. He had told her that his services as a healer were needed more than anything, and the Elves who had come with him gladly fought to victory for Mirkwood again and again. But apparently, the letter had not gone through.
"Lord Elrond?" A maidservant appeared at the door of his chamber and curtsied respectfully.
He turned to face her, allowing a kind smile to grace his lips. "Yes?"
"King Thranduil has returned and wishes to see you. He has news from the front."
Elrond's smile broadened. How pleased the king must have been to find his son sitting upon Mirkwood's throne when he returned! Legolas had recovered in his father's long absence, though his wound still pained him greatly at times. "Thank you. Where shall I find him?"
"In his audience chambers, my lord. Follow me."
With a nod, Lord Elrond did as he was told. The maidservant led him through a palace that seemed very different than just a few hours ago when he had left the healers to get some rest. There was a spirit of joy and jubilation in the air. King Thranduil's news must be very good, for it was obvious that a great celebration was being planned. When they arrived at a large oaken door, the she-Elf knocked, opening it only when Thranduil's reply came clearly through the thick wood.
"Enter!"
The sight that greeted Elrond when the door swung open almost brought tears to his eyes. Father and son stood in an emotional embrace. Though both seemed weary, the great waves of joy that emanated from them were palpable.
The king's demeanor changed as soon as he saw the Lord of Rivendell standing before him, and he stepped away from his son. "Elrond…" his voice was heavy, almost grim as he approached his guest. "Lord Elrond…"
Elrond feared for a moment that Thranduil would bring up their old quarrels again; that he would ask him to return to his own realm at once. They had barely spoken five words to one another since Legolas fell two months earlier, for the King had been on the battlefield while Elrond remained with Mirkwood's healers. The Elven Lord bowed his head in humility, for he certainly deserved the king's scorn for his behavior back in Rivendell. But, to his surprise, Mirkwood's king did not speak harsh words or banish him and his family from Mirkwood for all eternity. Instead, Thranduil sank to his knees before him, his fist upon his heart in solute.
"Lord Elrond, I owe you not only my own life, but that of my son and countless warriors of Mirkwood as well. I am at your service and ask for your forgiveness for my earlier behavior." He lifted his gaze then. "Tell me, what can I do to repay your great deeds?"
Elrond was speechless for a long moment before he replied with his hand extended to help the weary Elf rise. "My old friend… I ask only your forgiveness and for a messenger to send word to my granddaughter that all is well here."
Thranduil smiled. "Forgiveness was granted long ago, Elrond. And as for that messenger, I have a better idea, for the Orcs have been utterly defeated and driven back."
Three days later, the Elven king and lord began the long journey to Rivendell. Behind them stretched the line of warriors that Elrond had brought with him and a large contingent from Mirkwood who surrounded their prince with the brightly colored royal standards of Mirkwood and lively music. The pace was slow, for Legolas was not yet wholly well, but the spirit was lively. After all, they were accompanying their prince to his long-awaited wedding.
"She will be overjoyed to see you," Afaendil said to Legolas as they traveled.
The prince regarded his friend with a knowing smile. "As I will be to see her, my friend. Am I to understand that your opinion of Princess Elenath has changed?"
The warrior laughed. "Indeed. In fact I must say that I am rather envious of you."
"Who would not be?" asked Raion as he traveled beside the prince, his eyes remaining steadily upon the road before them.
Legolas regarded his page with an amused glint in his eyes. "Your time will come, my young friend. And as for you," he turned his attention to Afaendil, "I happen to know of a certain Elf-maiden who eagerly awaits your return to Mirkwood. Did you not see the look in Seriliel's eyes when she bid you farewell this morning?"
Afaendil's cheeks colored slightly. "That I did, Your Highness. That I did."
***
Elenath sat at her grandfather's desk, making preparations for her journey into the wilds of Mirkwood. It would be terribly risky, she knew. There were precious few warriors left in Rivendell, so she would bring only Haldir with her. Her eldest uncle would assume the throne in her absence, which made her nervous for he had no interest at all in such things. But she was desperate for news and, for the sake of her own sanity, had no other choice. Glancing out of the chamber at the position of the sun, she realized that she needed to get ready for the small banquet being thrown that evening for her farewell.
As if on cue, Merethiel appeared in the doorway with a maidservant at her side, a cloud of cerulean fabric in her hands.
The princess smiled. Merethiel was already dressed in flowing white and she looked lovely, save for the melancholy expression upon her face. Elenath's smile faded somewhat. "What troubles you, Mer?"
"Promise me you'll bring him back to me safely."
Haldir. Her cousin was worried about Haldir. "Oh, Mer. Please try not to worry. Your beloved is more than able to –"
"I know." Merethiel sighed. "I know. Come, you must get ready."
An hour went by as Elenath was dressed, her hair partially braided with strands of gold into a circlet upon her head. The remainder of her raven curls fell down her back to her waist, and she looked lovely. She wished that Legolas could see her; wished even more that she could see him, his golden hair catching the fading light of the sun.
"The banquet should be ready now," said Merethiel, taking her cousin's hand and squeezing it. "Perhaps we should go?"
Nodding, she walked numbly toward the hall where her entire kingdom had solemnly gathered.
It was probably the most somber gathering that Elenath had ever attended in the great hall. That is, until her sentinels came running into the almost silent room with joyful shouts, silencing the low hum of voices and the clink and clatter of silverware and china. "Lord Elrond returns! He has just ridden past the borders of Rivendell!"
Could it be? Elenath could scarcely believe it. "Are you sure that it is him? Is there anyone with him?"
"Indeed, Your Highness! The standards of Rivendell and Mirkwood both wave proudly at the head of the procession. There are many warriors with him. Come! Come and see for yourself!"
In the distance, she heard the silver trumpets announcing the arrival of royalty to Rivendell. The princess leapt to her feet, her face covered in a radiant smile. Without another word she ran toward the sound, her entire kingdom behind her.
