*** " [ " indicates the contents of a written letter. " * " indicates
unspoken thought. ***
A/N: You guys are so wonderful!!!!! Your reviews are the highlight of my day. Thank you so much!!! OK, are you ready? The mystery is coming to its climax pretty soon. Hang on, here we go….
"The Caverns of Mirkwood"
Chapter 13
Betrayal
[Dear Gimli,
Nay my friend, spare the hawk. I will bring you this hideous Greymalcin instead. You may roast that if you wish. Though do not expect me to partake of the feast.
Legolas]
*********
"What are you implying Legolas?" Franduil asked with a glitter of anger in his eyes.
"I am not implying anything brother. I am only asking a question. What were you doing outside Alede's door?"
"I wasn't there," Franduil said, quickly turning away.
Legolas circled around to face him. "I can scarcely believe it!"
"What?"
"You're lying to me," Legolas accused, beginning to feel angry himself. He'd sprinted down the corridor from Alede's room, to see Franduil run through a door ahead of him. His brother had then slammed the door shut without seeing him. Legolas had pounded on it until Franduil had reluctantly opened the door. And now, after asking what he'd been doing, Franduil denied it.
"You're lying to me," he repeated. "I can see it in your eyes."
"Why would I lie to you?" Franduil snapped.
"I know not. But your behavior is very suspicious."
"Are you accusing me of something?" Franduil roared, setting his wine glass down with such force that it sloshed onto his hand.
"I asked you a simple question! I know it was you outside Alede's door. What were you doing there?" Legolas struggled to get his own temper under control. He could hardly believe what was happening. This was his own brother and he was lying to him. *By the Valar! Is Franduil in league with Lomomir?*
"What? Must I have your permission to seek her out? Are you so jealous?"
"Jealous!" Legolas was aghast. "What does jealousy have to do with this? Alede was with me, as I'm sure you knew. You sought her room. Why else but to find the Greymalcin? Answer me!"
"Answer me, brother!" Franduil spit out. "Did you think to wonder where that Greymalcin came from? Did it just appear in our dungeon? It's a creature that lives in foul caves, Legolas! So how came it to be here?"
"I know not," Legolas said, pushing a chair away from him and placing himself instinctively where he'd have room to move in case Franduil's temper grew worse. "Perhaps it simply sought someplace dark."
"That thing probably lived down in the dungeons for centuries, feeding off of what ever it could find. Until someone started feeding it," Franduil hissed. "Someone who knew what it needed. Someone who'd read about it in that book."
"I like not your tone, Franduil," Legolas said through his teeth. "I was not the one outside Alede's door. You've still not answered that question."
"You are one to ask questions!" Franduil shouted. "You have been gone for years and then you suddenly show up. I ask you what you have been doing all this time? We hear stories that you consort with Dwarves and Men. And then you return briefly only to lead our people away to a distant kingdom at the foot of Mordor."
"You know not of what you speak, Franduil! Ithilien is a fair land and my friends are people of good character!"
"Indeed? Yet we all know Men and especially Dwarves to be full of greed. Perhaps they have infected you. Is one kingdom not enough for you? I'm sure that Father's wealth would be of great aid to you."
"Of what do you accuse me of, Franduil? Do think that it was I who fed the demon spores to Father? Need I remind you that I was not even here? It was you who sent for me!"
"And now I wonder if that was the best course," Franduil shouted. "I have seen the hawks that fly here bearing messages almost daily. From whence do they come, brother? Perhaps the ties between Mirkwood and Ithilien are closer than I thought."
"So, that is your game," Legolas said coldly. "You think I planned this from afar. I suppose you suspect me of being in league with Lomomir. Have you gone mad?" Legolas asked furiously. "Do you really think that I planned to kill my own father? Would I have called in Alede if that were the case? She is the one who cured him!"
"Perhaps," Legolas said before Franduil could reply. "You only seek to divert me from my original question. Perhaps you have a much greater need than I to conceal the truth."
"Do you think I am hiding evidence?"
"I think you'd do what ever it took to secure your purposes, Franduil. You are much like Father!"
"Have a care, Whelp!" Franduil shouted advancing on Legolas. The younger Elf did not budge, but had to fight not to draw his knife. He could smell the wine on Franduil's breath and wondered how much of this argument was due to its influence.
"Of all of us, you have the best motive," Franduil continued. "And you are the only one not to have suffered from the Greymalcin."
"You forget the arrow that Lomomir shot at me!"
Franduil dismissed it with a wave of his hand. "That could have been arranged as well."
"I tell you truthfully," Legolas said with deadly fury. "I have done nothing to harm Father or you and I have no use for Father's kingdom!"
"Perhaps…" Franduil stepped away, running his hand thoughtfully over the back of a chair. But Legolas could see his brother's hands shaking. His gesture was not as casual as he pretended. "Perhaps it is not Mirkwood you seek." Franduil continued. "Perhaps it is merely one of its treasures."
Legolas narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"
"Since your return, I have been amazed by your resemblance to my daughter Thrania. I had not noticed it before. But now…"
"What are you saying, brother?" Legolas hissed, suddenly going very still and very tense. If Franduil had traveled with the Fellowship, he would know that someone usually died when Legolas went so still.
"You were still here when Thrania was conceived. She is very fond of you and anyone would mistake you for her father, by your looks."
Legolas advanced on Franduil and felt a measure of satisfaction when his older brother backed away. "And Elvomir looks like you. But they are twins, so what do you make of that?"
"Elvomir looks like our father, hardly surprising…"
"What surprises me," Legolas shouted. "Is that you'd think such a thing! Not only do you insult me with your implication but you insult your wife as well. And I'll wager she has never done anything to deserve it! Nor does she deserve you, if you think so ill of her. Elvothien is a fine woman, and I love her dearly. But I have never bedded her, brother! I have never even thought of it!"
"But…"
"But nothing!" Legolas roared in a fair imitation of his father's temper. "If I didn't…"
"FOR SHAME!"
The door behind the brother's crashed open. They turned and found Princess Elvothien standing in the doorway. Her eyes flashed with fury and Legolas thought he'd never seen any woman look so formidable.
"HOW DARE BOTH OF YOU SPEAK OF ME AS IF I WERE A VILLIAGE WHORE!"
"Sister, I meant no insult," Legolas said quickly.
She turned furious eyes on him. "Get out!"
Knowing when to retreat, Legolas bowed and quickly left the room, closing the door behind him. He winced as he heard Elvothien's shout at his brother. Never had he seen her so angry before.
His blood still boiling from Franduil's insult, Legolas jogged down the corridor. In his anger, he'd forgotten Alede.
*********
Alede paced her room. She was worried about Legolas. But when she'd seen Elvothien coming down the hall in search of her husband, Alede had decided to make herself scarce. She did not want the princess to know that she'd been eavesdropping on her husband. Especially after what he accused Legolas of.
*How could Franduil think that of his own brother?* Alede thought furiously. *We need to find Lomomir soon. Tempers are growing short. This family will fall apart more than it already has.*
When someone pounded on her door, she ran to it, ignoring the frantic clanging of the Greymalcin in its cage.
"Legolas!" She practically dragged him in the room. "Are you alright?"
He shook his head. "I know not. It was Franduil outside your room. Alede, you would not believe what he has accused me of."
"I heard."
"He… You heard?" he asked, coming to an abrupt halt as he circled her room restlessly. "I told you to lock yourself in your room."
"I know, but you are in more danger than I. I could not allow you to face whoever it was alone."
Legolas shook his head. "You do not listen well. But I should not tarry here. I need to find Hithrawyn. I know not what happened to him. He should have been guarding your room."
Alede stopped him as he headed purposefully toward the door. "Hithrawyn is well. He was just here. He told me that Franduil sent him on an errand, promising to watch my door in his absence."
Legolas made a sound of disbelief and frustration. "And where is Hithrawyn now?"
"I…" she paused. She wasn't sure how the prince was going to take this. "I sent him to your father's chambers to give new orders to the guards there. No one is to be allowed to see your father, including Franduil. I… told him that those were your orders. I'm sorry. I know I was out of place to do so, but…"
Legolas waved her off. "No, I'm inclined to agree with you. If Franduil tries to see him, then they must at least consult me, before he can change the order. Though he will be furious and even more convinced of my guilt."
"I'm sorry. I've probably made the situation worse," Alede said uncomfortably. "But when I realized he was the one outside my door…" She stopped abruptly as Legolas turned away. He sat down on the end of her bed with a graceless thump. Alede could see the hurt and uncertainty in his face.
Quickly she crossed over to him and sat down, taking his hand as she had when he was injured.
"My own brother… How could Franduil say such a thing of me, Alede?"
"If he is innocent," she said quietly. "Then he lashes out at you in fear and confusion."
"And if he is not innocent?" Legolas asked, choking on the words. "There had to be some reason he was trying to break in to your room."
Alede squeezed his hand. "Perhaps… his reasons were innocent enough."
"But what, other than to kill the Greymalcin or steal it?"
"Well," she had a thought about that, but did not wish to share it with Legolas. Obviously the young prince had not considered how the Greymalcin had gotten into the dungeon. But Alede knew it was very likely the same creature that had killed the Queen. At the moment, she didn't think Legolas was up to hearing her theory.
Beside her, Legolas' eyes fell to his lap. "What if Franduil is not innocent? What if he and Lomomir have planned together…?"
"Legolas, who ever is behind this… you must accept that the knowledge will bring you pain, no matter who is at fault."
"But he is my brother, Alede! I can not believe it of him!"
"I know. I wish…" she lifted her free hand to gently rub his arm. "I wish I could give you peace, or hope… or something."
Legolas let go of her hand, and put his arm around her shoulder, drawing her close. "I keep trying to make sense of all this. If I could, then perhaps I could devise a trap. But as it is… I know not what to do."
They sat in silence for several minutes. Legolas' cheek lay against her hair. He seemed to need her presence as much as she needed his.
"Alede?"
His voice was so quiet and uncertain, he sounded like a little boy. Alede raised her head from his shoulder to look up at him.
"Does Thrania resemble me so much?"
Alede smiled for the first time. "Yes, very much. You could pass for her father. But if you say that you are not, then you are not. You and Franduil and Thrania all carry the same blood. It is not unusual for children to resemble their uncles or aunts."
"At least you believe me! But now every time I look at Elvothien, I will have Franduil's words in my mind…" He sighed and shook his head in disgust.
"Come," he said finally, rising and helping her to stand as well. "I am weary, as I'm sure you are. Tomorrow, I will ride with the search again. And if that does not yield anything, then I have a favor to ask."
"Anything," Alede answered.
"In your skills as a wizardess is there a spell to reveal someone's mind?"
"You mean to read their thoughts?" she asked.
"Yes."
"Well… probably. But I'm afraid it is unknown to me. I am not that learned, as you know. Perhaps if I had some of the books in Orthanc, but I do not. There is however a plant, which renders one very…" she groped for the right words. "Eager to tell the truth. It acts a bit like liquor, breaking down barriers, but it is far more effective."
"Can it be used safely?"
"Yes." Alede cringed. "Who do you wish to use it on?" Though she was afraid she already knew.
"My father."
She was afraid that's what he'd say. "No. Absolutely not."
"Alede, please…"
"Legolas! He will not settle for just throwing me in the dungeon! He will chop off my head!"
"I won't let him."
"I am very sorry," she said backing up. "But I doubt that even you could stop him."
"I would tell him that it was my plan…"
"And he'll chop off your head too…"
Legolas chuckled softly. "I doubt that. But if he tries, we'll hide out in Ithilien together, shall we?"
Alede faltered a little. Hiding out with Legolas anywhere sounded very enjoyable. But… "He'll make war on Ithilien just to find us."
"No, he won't. It would be too far and too expensive." Legolas grasped her shoulders, his laughter fading. "Please. I don't ask this lightly. I must know why he protects Lomomir."
"Oh bother… Very well. But I do not have the plant. It very likely grows in Mirkwood, as it is a forest plant."
"Good," Legolas said firmly. "Tomorrow morning, I will ride with the search. Then in the evening we can look for the plant. If it grows too dark, we can carry a torch once we are out in the forest and beyond the sight of the palace."
"And get eaten by spiders," Alede grumbled.
"Nay, I will protect us from spiders. Come, let us go to my chambers. I'll speak to Hithrawyn about guarding the Greymalcin tonight…"
Alede had to stop him, though she was loathe to do it. "I can not stay with you tonight, if that's what you are suggesting, Legolas."
"Why? The Greymalcin will be guarded…"
"It is not because of the Greymalcin. It is because of… you. I… Legolas… I can not."
He went very still. "Because of me? What do mean?"
"I… my feelings for you have not changed from what they were over a year ago," she said blushing. "I could not lie next to you and… remain indifferent. The other night, it mattered not because I was exhausted. But tonight…" She shook her head, unable to continue.
Legolas ducked his head a little, trying to make eye contact with her. But she would not look at him.
"Are you saying," he asked with a twinkle in his eye. "That you would seduce me?"
"Legolas, please don't tease me about this!"
"I am sorry." He tipped her chin up with a gentle hand. "But I do not understand. Tonight when I told you that I had missed you…"
"I do not want your pity," she snapped, pulling away.
"Pity? Is that what you think, that I pity you?"
"Or feel guilt," she added.
"I admit I've had feelings of guilt where you are concerned, Alede. But I have never pitied you. Surely," his voice became soft. "You must realize by now what you do to me."
"What I…?" She realized nothing. *What is he talking about?*
"I spoke the truth when I said that I missed you," he continued. "And now to have you here by my side when my world is falling apart… Alede, do you not know how much it means to me?" He reached up, cupping the side of her face and stroked his thumb across the fullness of her lips. "Do you know how often I have longed for your touch, yearned for the taste of your lips?"
She could think of nothing to say she was so astonished. Was he telling her that he wanted her? Legolas put his arms around her and pulled her close. She rested her head against his chest marveling at the feel of him, marveling at his words.
"Many times I have wanted to bury myself in your sweetness…"
Alede could barely hear him for the pounding of her heart.
"But I have held back," he continued. "Because I can not give myself to you fully. And what would the cost be to you, or to myself if I did not?"
She looked up at him uncertainly. "I don't understand."
"When we last parted, I told you that I would love you if I could. But I could not."
"I remember." She really didn't want to hear this again. What was he trying to tell her?
"Alede…" he caressed the side of her face and she could see that he struggled with words. "I do not wish to hurt you. I have wanted to speak of this to you many times, but lost my nerve. I… I cannot love you, or anyone, I think. My heart is already stretched so thin." He sighed and Alede sensed great pain in him.
Almost as great as hers.
"The sea calls me," he continued quietly. "I have felt it for many years now. It is a constant ache that I fight daily, a constant drain. I stay because of those that are loyal to me and because I am loyal to them. I have good work to do in Ithilien. The land needs to heal and I would see it well before I leave. And there is Gimli and Aragorn… they are mortal… and I wish to have what time with them that I may…" He sighed again. Obviously this was very difficult for him.
"At the same time that I reach out to my friends and reach out to the land, it is as if a little part of my heart is stolen," he said sadly. "So, I harden myself against the pain, against loving them too much. I think that if I allowed myself to feel, to love too much, it would break me. If I opened myself to your love Alede, it would tear me in two."
Alede heard the agony in his voice and knew that he meant not to hurt her. But pain welled up inside her now that she realized the full hopelessness of her love. Her heart suddenly echoed with the emptiness that lay before her in all the long years of immortality.
"I see…" she answered weekly.
"Do you?" he asked gently. "There is more that I would say to you."
"Don't," Alede cut him off abruptly. "You have made yourself clear. I can bear to hear no more."
"Alede, you don't understand…"
"NO!" She shouted the word.
Shouted it to stop herself from hearing the shattering of her own heart.
"Alede…" His voice was tender and almost desperate. But she ignored it.
"Let me finish," he begged. "There is more that I would tell you…"
"You have told me quite enough. I…" she wiped hastily at a tear. "I appreciate your candor. I know you wish not to raise my hopes and deceive me. And I am sorry that I cannot be more understanding at the moment. But I can bear no more! We will do as you suggest, and look for the plant tomorrow. But for now I need to be alone."
He shook his head. "Alede, you must hear me out…"
"Please go." She was near to breaking. Could he not see that?
He started to speak again and in desperation Alede turned away, clapping her hands over her ears.
"Please go!"
Because her back was turned, she did not see the troubled look on Legolas' face or know that he took a faltering step toward her. He stopped himself though and turning, left quietly.
Alede felt, rather than heard the door close behind him. Whirling around, she ran to it, and flung herself against the wood. She slid helplessly to the floor crying his name against the door that separated him from her.
Separated them as effectively as his heart did.
Sobbing, she curled into a ball.
"Ah Legolas…" she cried. "What would I not do to have you?"
*********
A/N: I know, this is a cruel place to leave you! But we've got to get back to the mystery at hand, coming next weekend… in chapter 14 "Motive".
List of Original Characters:
Lomomir: Mirkwood's Healer and Thranduil's youngest brother.
Unilyn: A young she-Elf, probably about Legolas' age. She is Legolas' former lover.
Prince Franduil: King Thranduil's second son. He is now the crown prince, due to the oldest son's death in the War of Five Armies.
Princess Elvothien: Wife of Prince Franduil and sister-in-law to Legolas.
Elvomir: Prince Franduil and Evlothien's little boy. Nephew to Legolas.
Hithrawyn: A warrior sent to guard Alede
Thrania: Prince Franduil and Evlothien's little girl. Twin to Elvomir and niece to Legolas. He affectionately calls her Nia.
A/N: You guys are so wonderful!!!!! Your reviews are the highlight of my day. Thank you so much!!! OK, are you ready? The mystery is coming to its climax pretty soon. Hang on, here we go….
"The Caverns of Mirkwood"
Chapter 13
Betrayal
[Dear Gimli,
Nay my friend, spare the hawk. I will bring you this hideous Greymalcin instead. You may roast that if you wish. Though do not expect me to partake of the feast.
Legolas]
*********
"What are you implying Legolas?" Franduil asked with a glitter of anger in his eyes.
"I am not implying anything brother. I am only asking a question. What were you doing outside Alede's door?"
"I wasn't there," Franduil said, quickly turning away.
Legolas circled around to face him. "I can scarcely believe it!"
"What?"
"You're lying to me," Legolas accused, beginning to feel angry himself. He'd sprinted down the corridor from Alede's room, to see Franduil run through a door ahead of him. His brother had then slammed the door shut without seeing him. Legolas had pounded on it until Franduil had reluctantly opened the door. And now, after asking what he'd been doing, Franduil denied it.
"You're lying to me," he repeated. "I can see it in your eyes."
"Why would I lie to you?" Franduil snapped.
"I know not. But your behavior is very suspicious."
"Are you accusing me of something?" Franduil roared, setting his wine glass down with such force that it sloshed onto his hand.
"I asked you a simple question! I know it was you outside Alede's door. What were you doing there?" Legolas struggled to get his own temper under control. He could hardly believe what was happening. This was his own brother and he was lying to him. *By the Valar! Is Franduil in league with Lomomir?*
"What? Must I have your permission to seek her out? Are you so jealous?"
"Jealous!" Legolas was aghast. "What does jealousy have to do with this? Alede was with me, as I'm sure you knew. You sought her room. Why else but to find the Greymalcin? Answer me!"
"Answer me, brother!" Franduil spit out. "Did you think to wonder where that Greymalcin came from? Did it just appear in our dungeon? It's a creature that lives in foul caves, Legolas! So how came it to be here?"
"I know not," Legolas said, pushing a chair away from him and placing himself instinctively where he'd have room to move in case Franduil's temper grew worse. "Perhaps it simply sought someplace dark."
"That thing probably lived down in the dungeons for centuries, feeding off of what ever it could find. Until someone started feeding it," Franduil hissed. "Someone who knew what it needed. Someone who'd read about it in that book."
"I like not your tone, Franduil," Legolas said through his teeth. "I was not the one outside Alede's door. You've still not answered that question."
"You are one to ask questions!" Franduil shouted. "You have been gone for years and then you suddenly show up. I ask you what you have been doing all this time? We hear stories that you consort with Dwarves and Men. And then you return briefly only to lead our people away to a distant kingdom at the foot of Mordor."
"You know not of what you speak, Franduil! Ithilien is a fair land and my friends are people of good character!"
"Indeed? Yet we all know Men and especially Dwarves to be full of greed. Perhaps they have infected you. Is one kingdom not enough for you? I'm sure that Father's wealth would be of great aid to you."
"Of what do you accuse me of, Franduil? Do think that it was I who fed the demon spores to Father? Need I remind you that I was not even here? It was you who sent for me!"
"And now I wonder if that was the best course," Franduil shouted. "I have seen the hawks that fly here bearing messages almost daily. From whence do they come, brother? Perhaps the ties between Mirkwood and Ithilien are closer than I thought."
"So, that is your game," Legolas said coldly. "You think I planned this from afar. I suppose you suspect me of being in league with Lomomir. Have you gone mad?" Legolas asked furiously. "Do you really think that I planned to kill my own father? Would I have called in Alede if that were the case? She is the one who cured him!"
"Perhaps," Legolas said before Franduil could reply. "You only seek to divert me from my original question. Perhaps you have a much greater need than I to conceal the truth."
"Do you think I am hiding evidence?"
"I think you'd do what ever it took to secure your purposes, Franduil. You are much like Father!"
"Have a care, Whelp!" Franduil shouted advancing on Legolas. The younger Elf did not budge, but had to fight not to draw his knife. He could smell the wine on Franduil's breath and wondered how much of this argument was due to its influence.
"Of all of us, you have the best motive," Franduil continued. "And you are the only one not to have suffered from the Greymalcin."
"You forget the arrow that Lomomir shot at me!"
Franduil dismissed it with a wave of his hand. "That could have been arranged as well."
"I tell you truthfully," Legolas said with deadly fury. "I have done nothing to harm Father or you and I have no use for Father's kingdom!"
"Perhaps…" Franduil stepped away, running his hand thoughtfully over the back of a chair. But Legolas could see his brother's hands shaking. His gesture was not as casual as he pretended. "Perhaps it is not Mirkwood you seek." Franduil continued. "Perhaps it is merely one of its treasures."
Legolas narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"
"Since your return, I have been amazed by your resemblance to my daughter Thrania. I had not noticed it before. But now…"
"What are you saying, brother?" Legolas hissed, suddenly going very still and very tense. If Franduil had traveled with the Fellowship, he would know that someone usually died when Legolas went so still.
"You were still here when Thrania was conceived. She is very fond of you and anyone would mistake you for her father, by your looks."
Legolas advanced on Franduil and felt a measure of satisfaction when his older brother backed away. "And Elvomir looks like you. But they are twins, so what do you make of that?"
"Elvomir looks like our father, hardly surprising…"
"What surprises me," Legolas shouted. "Is that you'd think such a thing! Not only do you insult me with your implication but you insult your wife as well. And I'll wager she has never done anything to deserve it! Nor does she deserve you, if you think so ill of her. Elvothien is a fine woman, and I love her dearly. But I have never bedded her, brother! I have never even thought of it!"
"But…"
"But nothing!" Legolas roared in a fair imitation of his father's temper. "If I didn't…"
"FOR SHAME!"
The door behind the brother's crashed open. They turned and found Princess Elvothien standing in the doorway. Her eyes flashed with fury and Legolas thought he'd never seen any woman look so formidable.
"HOW DARE BOTH OF YOU SPEAK OF ME AS IF I WERE A VILLIAGE WHORE!"
"Sister, I meant no insult," Legolas said quickly.
She turned furious eyes on him. "Get out!"
Knowing when to retreat, Legolas bowed and quickly left the room, closing the door behind him. He winced as he heard Elvothien's shout at his brother. Never had he seen her so angry before.
His blood still boiling from Franduil's insult, Legolas jogged down the corridor. In his anger, he'd forgotten Alede.
*********
Alede paced her room. She was worried about Legolas. But when she'd seen Elvothien coming down the hall in search of her husband, Alede had decided to make herself scarce. She did not want the princess to know that she'd been eavesdropping on her husband. Especially after what he accused Legolas of.
*How could Franduil think that of his own brother?* Alede thought furiously. *We need to find Lomomir soon. Tempers are growing short. This family will fall apart more than it already has.*
When someone pounded on her door, she ran to it, ignoring the frantic clanging of the Greymalcin in its cage.
"Legolas!" She practically dragged him in the room. "Are you alright?"
He shook his head. "I know not. It was Franduil outside your room. Alede, you would not believe what he has accused me of."
"I heard."
"He… You heard?" he asked, coming to an abrupt halt as he circled her room restlessly. "I told you to lock yourself in your room."
"I know, but you are in more danger than I. I could not allow you to face whoever it was alone."
Legolas shook his head. "You do not listen well. But I should not tarry here. I need to find Hithrawyn. I know not what happened to him. He should have been guarding your room."
Alede stopped him as he headed purposefully toward the door. "Hithrawyn is well. He was just here. He told me that Franduil sent him on an errand, promising to watch my door in his absence."
Legolas made a sound of disbelief and frustration. "And where is Hithrawyn now?"
"I…" she paused. She wasn't sure how the prince was going to take this. "I sent him to your father's chambers to give new orders to the guards there. No one is to be allowed to see your father, including Franduil. I… told him that those were your orders. I'm sorry. I know I was out of place to do so, but…"
Legolas waved her off. "No, I'm inclined to agree with you. If Franduil tries to see him, then they must at least consult me, before he can change the order. Though he will be furious and even more convinced of my guilt."
"I'm sorry. I've probably made the situation worse," Alede said uncomfortably. "But when I realized he was the one outside my door…" She stopped abruptly as Legolas turned away. He sat down on the end of her bed with a graceless thump. Alede could see the hurt and uncertainty in his face.
Quickly she crossed over to him and sat down, taking his hand as she had when he was injured.
"My own brother… How could Franduil say such a thing of me, Alede?"
"If he is innocent," she said quietly. "Then he lashes out at you in fear and confusion."
"And if he is not innocent?" Legolas asked, choking on the words. "There had to be some reason he was trying to break in to your room."
Alede squeezed his hand. "Perhaps… his reasons were innocent enough."
"But what, other than to kill the Greymalcin or steal it?"
"Well," she had a thought about that, but did not wish to share it with Legolas. Obviously the young prince had not considered how the Greymalcin had gotten into the dungeon. But Alede knew it was very likely the same creature that had killed the Queen. At the moment, she didn't think Legolas was up to hearing her theory.
Beside her, Legolas' eyes fell to his lap. "What if Franduil is not innocent? What if he and Lomomir have planned together…?"
"Legolas, who ever is behind this… you must accept that the knowledge will bring you pain, no matter who is at fault."
"But he is my brother, Alede! I can not believe it of him!"
"I know. I wish…" she lifted her free hand to gently rub his arm. "I wish I could give you peace, or hope… or something."
Legolas let go of her hand, and put his arm around her shoulder, drawing her close. "I keep trying to make sense of all this. If I could, then perhaps I could devise a trap. But as it is… I know not what to do."
They sat in silence for several minutes. Legolas' cheek lay against her hair. He seemed to need her presence as much as she needed his.
"Alede?"
His voice was so quiet and uncertain, he sounded like a little boy. Alede raised her head from his shoulder to look up at him.
"Does Thrania resemble me so much?"
Alede smiled for the first time. "Yes, very much. You could pass for her father. But if you say that you are not, then you are not. You and Franduil and Thrania all carry the same blood. It is not unusual for children to resemble their uncles or aunts."
"At least you believe me! But now every time I look at Elvothien, I will have Franduil's words in my mind…" He sighed and shook his head in disgust.
"Come," he said finally, rising and helping her to stand as well. "I am weary, as I'm sure you are. Tomorrow, I will ride with the search again. And if that does not yield anything, then I have a favor to ask."
"Anything," Alede answered.
"In your skills as a wizardess is there a spell to reveal someone's mind?"
"You mean to read their thoughts?" she asked.
"Yes."
"Well… probably. But I'm afraid it is unknown to me. I am not that learned, as you know. Perhaps if I had some of the books in Orthanc, but I do not. There is however a plant, which renders one very…" she groped for the right words. "Eager to tell the truth. It acts a bit like liquor, breaking down barriers, but it is far more effective."
"Can it be used safely?"
"Yes." Alede cringed. "Who do you wish to use it on?" Though she was afraid she already knew.
"My father."
She was afraid that's what he'd say. "No. Absolutely not."
"Alede, please…"
"Legolas! He will not settle for just throwing me in the dungeon! He will chop off my head!"
"I won't let him."
"I am very sorry," she said backing up. "But I doubt that even you could stop him."
"I would tell him that it was my plan…"
"And he'll chop off your head too…"
Legolas chuckled softly. "I doubt that. But if he tries, we'll hide out in Ithilien together, shall we?"
Alede faltered a little. Hiding out with Legolas anywhere sounded very enjoyable. But… "He'll make war on Ithilien just to find us."
"No, he won't. It would be too far and too expensive." Legolas grasped her shoulders, his laughter fading. "Please. I don't ask this lightly. I must know why he protects Lomomir."
"Oh bother… Very well. But I do not have the plant. It very likely grows in Mirkwood, as it is a forest plant."
"Good," Legolas said firmly. "Tomorrow morning, I will ride with the search. Then in the evening we can look for the plant. If it grows too dark, we can carry a torch once we are out in the forest and beyond the sight of the palace."
"And get eaten by spiders," Alede grumbled.
"Nay, I will protect us from spiders. Come, let us go to my chambers. I'll speak to Hithrawyn about guarding the Greymalcin tonight…"
Alede had to stop him, though she was loathe to do it. "I can not stay with you tonight, if that's what you are suggesting, Legolas."
"Why? The Greymalcin will be guarded…"
"It is not because of the Greymalcin. It is because of… you. I… Legolas… I can not."
He went very still. "Because of me? What do mean?"
"I… my feelings for you have not changed from what they were over a year ago," she said blushing. "I could not lie next to you and… remain indifferent. The other night, it mattered not because I was exhausted. But tonight…" She shook her head, unable to continue.
Legolas ducked his head a little, trying to make eye contact with her. But she would not look at him.
"Are you saying," he asked with a twinkle in his eye. "That you would seduce me?"
"Legolas, please don't tease me about this!"
"I am sorry." He tipped her chin up with a gentle hand. "But I do not understand. Tonight when I told you that I had missed you…"
"I do not want your pity," she snapped, pulling away.
"Pity? Is that what you think, that I pity you?"
"Or feel guilt," she added.
"I admit I've had feelings of guilt where you are concerned, Alede. But I have never pitied you. Surely," his voice became soft. "You must realize by now what you do to me."
"What I…?" She realized nothing. *What is he talking about?*
"I spoke the truth when I said that I missed you," he continued. "And now to have you here by my side when my world is falling apart… Alede, do you not know how much it means to me?" He reached up, cupping the side of her face and stroked his thumb across the fullness of her lips. "Do you know how often I have longed for your touch, yearned for the taste of your lips?"
She could think of nothing to say she was so astonished. Was he telling her that he wanted her? Legolas put his arms around her and pulled her close. She rested her head against his chest marveling at the feel of him, marveling at his words.
"Many times I have wanted to bury myself in your sweetness…"
Alede could barely hear him for the pounding of her heart.
"But I have held back," he continued. "Because I can not give myself to you fully. And what would the cost be to you, or to myself if I did not?"
She looked up at him uncertainly. "I don't understand."
"When we last parted, I told you that I would love you if I could. But I could not."
"I remember." She really didn't want to hear this again. What was he trying to tell her?
"Alede…" he caressed the side of her face and she could see that he struggled with words. "I do not wish to hurt you. I have wanted to speak of this to you many times, but lost my nerve. I… I cannot love you, or anyone, I think. My heart is already stretched so thin." He sighed and Alede sensed great pain in him.
Almost as great as hers.
"The sea calls me," he continued quietly. "I have felt it for many years now. It is a constant ache that I fight daily, a constant drain. I stay because of those that are loyal to me and because I am loyal to them. I have good work to do in Ithilien. The land needs to heal and I would see it well before I leave. And there is Gimli and Aragorn… they are mortal… and I wish to have what time with them that I may…" He sighed again. Obviously this was very difficult for him.
"At the same time that I reach out to my friends and reach out to the land, it is as if a little part of my heart is stolen," he said sadly. "So, I harden myself against the pain, against loving them too much. I think that if I allowed myself to feel, to love too much, it would break me. If I opened myself to your love Alede, it would tear me in two."
Alede heard the agony in his voice and knew that he meant not to hurt her. But pain welled up inside her now that she realized the full hopelessness of her love. Her heart suddenly echoed with the emptiness that lay before her in all the long years of immortality.
"I see…" she answered weekly.
"Do you?" he asked gently. "There is more that I would say to you."
"Don't," Alede cut him off abruptly. "You have made yourself clear. I can bear to hear no more."
"Alede, you don't understand…"
"NO!" She shouted the word.
Shouted it to stop herself from hearing the shattering of her own heart.
"Alede…" His voice was tender and almost desperate. But she ignored it.
"Let me finish," he begged. "There is more that I would tell you…"
"You have told me quite enough. I…" she wiped hastily at a tear. "I appreciate your candor. I know you wish not to raise my hopes and deceive me. And I am sorry that I cannot be more understanding at the moment. But I can bear no more! We will do as you suggest, and look for the plant tomorrow. But for now I need to be alone."
He shook his head. "Alede, you must hear me out…"
"Please go." She was near to breaking. Could he not see that?
He started to speak again and in desperation Alede turned away, clapping her hands over her ears.
"Please go!"
Because her back was turned, she did not see the troubled look on Legolas' face or know that he took a faltering step toward her. He stopped himself though and turning, left quietly.
Alede felt, rather than heard the door close behind him. Whirling around, she ran to it, and flung herself against the wood. She slid helplessly to the floor crying his name against the door that separated him from her.
Separated them as effectively as his heart did.
Sobbing, she curled into a ball.
"Ah Legolas…" she cried. "What would I not do to have you?"
*********
A/N: I know, this is a cruel place to leave you! But we've got to get back to the mystery at hand, coming next weekend… in chapter 14 "Motive".
List of Original Characters:
Lomomir: Mirkwood's Healer and Thranduil's youngest brother.
Unilyn: A young she-Elf, probably about Legolas' age. She is Legolas' former lover.
Prince Franduil: King Thranduil's second son. He is now the crown prince, due to the oldest son's death in the War of Five Armies.
Princess Elvothien: Wife of Prince Franduil and sister-in-law to Legolas.
Elvomir: Prince Franduil and Evlothien's little boy. Nephew to Legolas.
Hithrawyn: A warrior sent to guard Alede
Thrania: Prince Franduil and Evlothien's little girl. Twin to Elvomir and niece to Legolas. He affectionately calls her Nia.
