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A Time in Need
Chapter 2
It had been a week since the savage killing in Archwood, yet it still seemed as if it were yesterday. The few that were left were helping bury the deceased, most of which were decaying around the palace. There were too few hands to bury all of them quickly enough. Of course, the King and Queen were the first to be mounted into the ground, their tomb stones marked with the craftsmanship of an elf. It had been the wish of the survivors to put them to sea, but it could not be done, for they were leagues away.
Alakdaliel pushed the tip of her shovel into the ground, groaning with the effort. She had not rested, no did she intend to until everything was taken care of. Which, was going at the slowest pace possible.
The messenger that the General had found had not returned to Archwood as of yet, therefor it was still deprived of the help that it desperately needed. Though, the General had been Archwood's savior, doing everything possible to see it's succession while waiting for the King of Mirkwood to arrive. The princess and him had become close friends, though there was always a shadow hanging over whence the spoke, reminding them of their first meeting over the dead Royal's bodies.
"'Tis a strong lady who can wield such a weight, and yet pull up more with it. Perhaps you should rest princess, and let a man do this tideous work?" General Rayon said, strolling toward her with his own shovel in hand. "I would you not over exert yourself."
Pulling her chin up, and straightening into perfect posture that hours of lessons had taught her, Alakdaliel glared at him.
"'Tis a brave man who would insult a princess as such, General. I can work just as hard as you, and I will not see my kingdom fall once more because of lack of labor on my part."
"Milady, I had no intention of insulting you. But you do have land to run, and other things to see to." He replied, almost challenging her with his stare.
"Enough. Leave me be Sir Rayon, for I have work to do." She shrugged her shoulders and turned back to her shovel, but not before catching the small smile playing on the General's lips.
"As you wish." He stated. Alakdaliel's patience had run thin, and her temper had never been one to play with, princess or not.
"Do you find something amusing? Or do I have to personally see to your duties? I knew you were immature, but surly I do not have to lean over your shoulder to make sure you get your work done, good sir? Perhaps you are not a man such as I thought?" She left her statement lingering in the air.
"Nay, Lady. But I thought you should know, the messenger has returned." Alakdaliel turned around sharply, to be met with the General's hope brimmed eyes.
She had been waiting for Mirkwood's reply for days, and now it seemed somewhat of a miracle.
"and?" She asked, keeping her emotions hidden.
General Rayon pointed to the line of horses approaching the palace gates. Alakdaliel's eyes widened in surprise. Bringing a hand to her mouth, she gasped.
"So soon they arrive? I have no time to change…to present myself properly. They will think Archwood---
She was cut off by the general's gentle hand, halting her words.
"A place in need. Milady, you have nothing to fear of these men. They are our allies. Mirkwood is our brother, before even Sauron had gained any power. So you see, a dirtied elf maiden cannot break centuries worth of brotherhood."
Sighing, Alakdaliel looked down at her mud-scattered clothes, and her almost black hands. Her face was covered in layers of dirt, probably streaked with tearstains from the nights of silent crying. She had had no time to wash, or even change for that matter. The past week was spent working outside, burying loved ones, wishing, in the depths of there minds for the sea to take them in their death.
Her dress was a light shade of blue, or what you could see of it behind the dirt. Though, the only part of her untouched seemed to be her wisps of golden hair, reaching to the middle of her back. Beautiful they were, curling slightly as if the rays of the sun.
General Rayon took her arm, walking to the center of the palace to greet the impending visitors. The scattered bodies however, did not make for a good first impression. As they appeared closer, the messenger in the lead, their faces became more clearer, their graveness shinning through.
Before one could even dismount, Alakdaliel's resolve shattered. Running to her Father's long time friend, she threw herself at him as he wrapped his large arms around her tiny frame, her sobs echoing in an out of control manner. Before she could stop herself, she began to tell him of the past two weeks.
"Oh, King Thranduil! The Orcs came so fast! I did not know what to do! Our warriors tried, but we were not prepared. Everyone was screaming. I ran as fast I could. Everyone was dead…The throne room …they were lying there. I knew not what to do! Still I don't. Mirkwood---
"My lady" The king pressed his finger to her mouth, and wiping some of the falling tears from her grief stricken face. "your messanger has informed us of the details. Fear not, we will figure out what to do. You have done the right thing in calling for the aid of Mirkwood. 'Tis a courageous woman who can see the horrors of that day, yet live to tell the tale."
Looking down, Alakdaliel felt the beginnings of a blush form on her cheeks. She sounded like a fool. No one understood a word she said. She couldn't behave properly in front of a king, non-the less run a kingdom! Stepping forward, General Rayon spoke.
" Perhaps while the princess changes, I can escort you to the throne room. It is one of the few rooms totally cleaned. Do we have your leave princess?"
"Of course"
Alakdaliel smiled gratefully, bowed to the king and had just enough self control left not to run to her chambers. She would, after all make herself presentable. General Rayon truly was a gentlemen.
An hour later
Alakdaliel wore a red velvet dress, brocaded in silver leaves around the hem. Her neck line was anything but modest, and could make any man blush. Her golden curls fell gracefully along her back, two sides held back by a singe piece of a silver star.
Gently making her way the throne room, she stopped at the door. Six men were seated around the throne room's table, deep in conversation. General Rayon, one with the keenest of hearing, did not even look up when she entered the room, for all six were invoked in the discussion. Nearing the chair saved for her at the head of the table, opposite King Thranduil, all heads turned to her, finally aware of her presence.
Rising from their seats to give proper respect, each one in turn came forward to present them selves to he princess. The first four were the Kings guard, each bowing deeply. She returned with a tilt of her head and a small smile.
The next was a man she could only describe as beautiful. His hair was strait and long, bright as the sun. He was thin, but had well defined muscles. His eyes were bluer than those of any she had ever seen before. He did not wear the pendent of a royal guard.
A small smile danced across his lips. Taking her hand in his, he brought it gently too his lips, placing a whipser of a kiss upon her hand.
"I am Legolas Son of King Thranduil of Mirkwood." With that, he went back to his seat.
Shaking her head, she sat down in her seat, acknowledging the King across from her. Before she could say a word, General Rayon spoke, after clearing his throat.
"Your Highness, we were just discussing Archwood's current situation. His Majesty has suggested Archwood find other residence, being as how it has brought us nothing other than destruction. There are only thirty odd of us left, therefore it would not be hard to move. He has offered his home of Mirkwood for us to take residence of."
Alakdaliel frowned, finding the thought of leaving the home she had known all of her life disturbing.
"Although this offer is very kind, there are other factors that should be taken into consideration." Alakdaliel paused before continuing. "Though, I find it hard to speak against such a decision. There is no Archwood left here, and any one to say differently just has to open their eyes a little more. I will consent."
The King smiled, warming Alakdaliel.
"Very well, my dear. You and your people will be safe in Mirkwood. I would like to leave in the morn, for I have left a whole kingdom by itself. General, round up the rest of the survivors in Archwood. Pack all belongings. Now, my highness, if you will take my leave, I would like to get some rest. It has been a long day."
"Of course, Your Majesty" Alakdaliel replied. The guards followed him out.
Rising from his chair, Legolas walked gracefully to Alakdaliel.
"I wish to bid you goodnight, Milady, for 'tis not everyday a beauty such as yourself is cast before me. Will you allow me to escort you to your room?" It was an offer she could not refuse. Waving a silent good night to The General, she gave Legolas her arm.
Reaching the door to her chamber, she gave a deep bow.
"Thank you, Your Highness." She said. He looked at her gravely.
"I shall see you tomorrow, Alakdaliel of Mirkwood."
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A Time in Need
Chapter 2
It had been a week since the savage killing in Archwood, yet it still seemed as if it were yesterday. The few that were left were helping bury the deceased, most of which were decaying around the palace. There were too few hands to bury all of them quickly enough. Of course, the King and Queen were the first to be mounted into the ground, their tomb stones marked with the craftsmanship of an elf. It had been the wish of the survivors to put them to sea, but it could not be done, for they were leagues away.
Alakdaliel pushed the tip of her shovel into the ground, groaning with the effort. She had not rested, no did she intend to until everything was taken care of. Which, was going at the slowest pace possible.
The messenger that the General had found had not returned to Archwood as of yet, therefor it was still deprived of the help that it desperately needed. Though, the General had been Archwood's savior, doing everything possible to see it's succession while waiting for the King of Mirkwood to arrive. The princess and him had become close friends, though there was always a shadow hanging over whence the spoke, reminding them of their first meeting over the dead Royal's bodies.
"'Tis a strong lady who can wield such a weight, and yet pull up more with it. Perhaps you should rest princess, and let a man do this tideous work?" General Rayon said, strolling toward her with his own shovel in hand. "I would you not over exert yourself."
Pulling her chin up, and straightening into perfect posture that hours of lessons had taught her, Alakdaliel glared at him.
"'Tis a brave man who would insult a princess as such, General. I can work just as hard as you, and I will not see my kingdom fall once more because of lack of labor on my part."
"Milady, I had no intention of insulting you. But you do have land to run, and other things to see to." He replied, almost challenging her with his stare.
"Enough. Leave me be Sir Rayon, for I have work to do." She shrugged her shoulders and turned back to her shovel, but not before catching the small smile playing on the General's lips.
"As you wish." He stated. Alakdaliel's patience had run thin, and her temper had never been one to play with, princess or not.
"Do you find something amusing? Or do I have to personally see to your duties? I knew you were immature, but surly I do not have to lean over your shoulder to make sure you get your work done, good sir? Perhaps you are not a man such as I thought?" She left her statement lingering in the air.
"Nay, Lady. But I thought you should know, the messenger has returned." Alakdaliel turned around sharply, to be met with the General's hope brimmed eyes.
She had been waiting for Mirkwood's reply for days, and now it seemed somewhat of a miracle.
"and?" She asked, keeping her emotions hidden.
General Rayon pointed to the line of horses approaching the palace gates. Alakdaliel's eyes widened in surprise. Bringing a hand to her mouth, she gasped.
"So soon they arrive? I have no time to change…to present myself properly. They will think Archwood---
She was cut off by the general's gentle hand, halting her words.
"A place in need. Milady, you have nothing to fear of these men. They are our allies. Mirkwood is our brother, before even Sauron had gained any power. So you see, a dirtied elf maiden cannot break centuries worth of brotherhood."
Sighing, Alakdaliel looked down at her mud-scattered clothes, and her almost black hands. Her face was covered in layers of dirt, probably streaked with tearstains from the nights of silent crying. She had had no time to wash, or even change for that matter. The past week was spent working outside, burying loved ones, wishing, in the depths of there minds for the sea to take them in their death.
Her dress was a light shade of blue, or what you could see of it behind the dirt. Though, the only part of her untouched seemed to be her wisps of golden hair, reaching to the middle of her back. Beautiful they were, curling slightly as if the rays of the sun.
General Rayon took her arm, walking to the center of the palace to greet the impending visitors. The scattered bodies however, did not make for a good first impression. As they appeared closer, the messenger in the lead, their faces became more clearer, their graveness shinning through.
Before one could even dismount, Alakdaliel's resolve shattered. Running to her Father's long time friend, she threw herself at him as he wrapped his large arms around her tiny frame, her sobs echoing in an out of control manner. Before she could stop herself, she began to tell him of the past two weeks.
"Oh, King Thranduil! The Orcs came so fast! I did not know what to do! Our warriors tried, but we were not prepared. Everyone was screaming. I ran as fast I could. Everyone was dead…The throne room …they were lying there. I knew not what to do! Still I don't. Mirkwood---
"My lady" The king pressed his finger to her mouth, and wiping some of the falling tears from her grief stricken face. "your messanger has informed us of the details. Fear not, we will figure out what to do. You have done the right thing in calling for the aid of Mirkwood. 'Tis a courageous woman who can see the horrors of that day, yet live to tell the tale."
Looking down, Alakdaliel felt the beginnings of a blush form on her cheeks. She sounded like a fool. No one understood a word she said. She couldn't behave properly in front of a king, non-the less run a kingdom! Stepping forward, General Rayon spoke.
" Perhaps while the princess changes, I can escort you to the throne room. It is one of the few rooms totally cleaned. Do we have your leave princess?"
"Of course"
Alakdaliel smiled gratefully, bowed to the king and had just enough self control left not to run to her chambers. She would, after all make herself presentable. General Rayon truly was a gentlemen.
An hour later
Alakdaliel wore a red velvet dress, brocaded in silver leaves around the hem. Her neck line was anything but modest, and could make any man blush. Her golden curls fell gracefully along her back, two sides held back by a singe piece of a silver star.
Gently making her way the throne room, she stopped at the door. Six men were seated around the throne room's table, deep in conversation. General Rayon, one with the keenest of hearing, did not even look up when she entered the room, for all six were invoked in the discussion. Nearing the chair saved for her at the head of the table, opposite King Thranduil, all heads turned to her, finally aware of her presence.
Rising from their seats to give proper respect, each one in turn came forward to present them selves to he princess. The first four were the Kings guard, each bowing deeply. She returned with a tilt of her head and a small smile.
The next was a man she could only describe as beautiful. His hair was strait and long, bright as the sun. He was thin, but had well defined muscles. His eyes were bluer than those of any she had ever seen before. He did not wear the pendent of a royal guard.
A small smile danced across his lips. Taking her hand in his, he brought it gently too his lips, placing a whipser of a kiss upon her hand.
"I am Legolas Son of King Thranduil of Mirkwood." With that, he went back to his seat.
Shaking her head, she sat down in her seat, acknowledging the King across from her. Before she could say a word, General Rayon spoke, after clearing his throat.
"Your Highness, we were just discussing Archwood's current situation. His Majesty has suggested Archwood find other residence, being as how it has brought us nothing other than destruction. There are only thirty odd of us left, therefore it would not be hard to move. He has offered his home of Mirkwood for us to take residence of."
Alakdaliel frowned, finding the thought of leaving the home she had known all of her life disturbing.
"Although this offer is very kind, there are other factors that should be taken into consideration." Alakdaliel paused before continuing. "Though, I find it hard to speak against such a decision. There is no Archwood left here, and any one to say differently just has to open their eyes a little more. I will consent."
The King smiled, warming Alakdaliel.
"Very well, my dear. You and your people will be safe in Mirkwood. I would like to leave in the morn, for I have left a whole kingdom by itself. General, round up the rest of the survivors in Archwood. Pack all belongings. Now, my highness, if you will take my leave, I would like to get some rest. It has been a long day."
"Of course, Your Majesty" Alakdaliel replied. The guards followed him out.
Rising from his chair, Legolas walked gracefully to Alakdaliel.
"I wish to bid you goodnight, Milady, for 'tis not everyday a beauty such as yourself is cast before me. Will you allow me to escort you to your room?" It was an offer she could not refuse. Waving a silent good night to The General, she gave Legolas her arm.
Reaching the door to her chamber, she gave a deep bow.
"Thank you, Your Highness." She said. He looked at her gravely.
"I shall see you tomorrow, Alakdaliel of Mirkwood."
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