Author's Note: I am back!! After some interesting times and losing my internet for a while I am now able to write and post again. It was torture to be disconnected for so long.
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Chapter 18: New Encounters
The road ahead was long and winding. Constant traveling gave a sense on constant exhaustion and a constant feeling of being alone. Even the words of the forest gave no comfort to a being that, for all the years of his training, had always traveled with another.
The sun was beginning to set and Legolas lamented it. The days gave much more comfort than the sounds of the night. At night, the Elf would climb high into the trees and venture into the open-eyed land of Elven dreams. Where there were images so wonderful as to compare with nothing found in this realm of existence and also so equally horrible as to burn a mortal's soul.
The journey was long and far from over. There were many obstacles that still lie between where he was and where he was going. These lands were unknown to him; only his heart was leading him back towards the lands of his birth. His heart being his only guide back to an uncertain fate.
It was in the still of the night that sounds began to grab Legolas' attention. Sounds not quite normal of the night, but sounds that spoke of a creature that was one with nature. Mentally, curiosity battled self-protection and after a few moments, curiosity got the better of him, for he was still young and full of interest in all the unknowns in the world around him. A true sense of wonder only can last so long in beings that are blessed with immortality.
Silently, without even shaking a leaf, the Elf slowly descended from the trees, landing with a cat-like crouch. Following the sounds, at times, was difficult. Even his heightened senses could not always keep a lock on whatever it was approaching him.
It was coming in his direction, but not towards him. More than likely whatever it was, it was not aware of his presence.
How wrong he could be.
The being knew exactly where he was and in what direction he was going. It did not know what business it had in its father's lands, however, it would find out. The two were converging together, both unsure about each other's awareness and intentions.
Suddenly, the woods broke into a clearing and they both were standing, facing each other, barely ten feet apart. They were both shocked, for they were both staring at an Elf. They were opposite in hair color, but equal in the beauty that is expected of the firstborn.
"Who are you and what are you doing in my lands?"
"I am
merely trying to return to my own realm.
I had no idea I was venturing into lands where I was not welcome. I
shall leave at once."
"You assume, dear Elf, I never once said you were unwelcome. I only asked what you were doing here and now you have answered my question. You appear to be of Elf of Mirkwood heritage, which is surprising since I have not seen a Mirkwood Elf in quite some time. All our attempts at communicating with that realm have been answered with nothing but silence."
Legolas frowned, "That concerns me greatly, for I am returning to Mirkwood. I am Legolas, son of King Thranduil." He surprised himself at his measure of trust towards this Elf, however risk was part of the deal if he was going to make this expedition.
Arwen's face brightened, "Of course, the wayward Prince returns. I have heard rumor of your story, of you escape from that terrible night. I did not know whether or not to believe them, but I hoped them to be true. I am Arwen, daughter of Lord Elrond of this realm of Rivendell." She gave a slight bow, so subtle some might miss it.
"I did not know I was in Elvish land." Legolas smiled, it was nice to be among another with friendly intentions, and it felt like a long time since he had lower his defenses. He gave her hand a small kiss in respect.
"Well," Arwen smiled slightly, "You are not quite in the Elvish lands, you are just outside. I enjoy exploring, and decided to go outside the lands to see if there were any new wonders to be seen. It irritates my father greatly when I leave his lands and his protection." Arwen gestured towards a path hidden to all those except ones with immortal eyes.
"Come, young Prince, we shall go to the house of my father. I am sure he would love to meet you, after all the tales of your lands we have heard only by rumor."
As they began walking, Arwen kept glancing at Legolas.
"What is it you see when you look at me, fair Arwen?"
"I apologize, it has been quite some time since I have traveled with an Elf as young as you. We have not had a new arrival to our society since your birth."
Legolas smiled slightly, he had finally come to an age of respect in the mortal realm, only to be once again the youngest in the world of his own people.
"I have had the feeling that our people are fading, I was only hoping it was because of my disconnection with others of my own kind."
Arwen's face fell slightly, "No, young Prince, it is true, we all shall be heading west soon."
Legolas nodded. These feelings were not something that had to be taught or described to him, these feelings were a part of his soul and always would be until be finally gave up his hold on these mortal lands and took upon the journey to the other side.
After much traveling, the land of Rivendell lay out before him, shadowed in the mists of the fog of the nearby waterfalls. Its presence turned the surrounding lands into a mystical world, something far above the view of the rest of Middle-Earth. It seemed to be something of a different and higher origin, however it had been at this lofty position for longer than some mortal's entire bloodline could tell.
"It is magnificent." Legolas stood; quietly taking in its beauty as though it were a drink he could pour into himself, and thusly, making himself a little more spiritual himself.
"Yes. No matter how many countless times I may see it upon my approach, its beauty never fades from my eyes." Arwen smiled and led Legolas towards the house of her father.