Chapter 2
1,000 years later
"Arien, get up. I need you to run the store in the market today." Halin called into her room.
She groaned and lazily crawled out of bed. She thought that after living with Halin for a thousand years, she would have gotten used to getting up at the crack of dawn.
Halin had raised her ever since she was a young child and he had become like a second father to her. She faintly remembered that day of the fire and would always thank him for saving her. Though the memories of her parent's deaths still haunt her, she had more or less moved on and continued her life as one of the citizens of Mirkwood.
"Where are you going?" she asked groggily, making her way to the small dining table in their living room.
"To sign your adoption papers. I told you that last night. Remember?"
"Oh yeah…" she replied with a yawn. Halin had sat down with her for the past couple of nights and discussed the topic. He didn't want to replace her parents but still wanted the two of them to be more of a family. But she didn't mind, for she already considered him as her family anyway.
"You must be extra polite today too, Arien. The King is bringing his son down to the marketplace today after The Hunt." Halin reminded. He knew King Thranduil well and Arien had met the King once or twice but she had never seen the Prince, nor knew his name.
"Have you ever met the Prince before, Halin?"
"Of course. Several times. A good young elf he is. Just a tad older than you. Now hurry up, Little Bit. We're both late as it is."
"No breakfast?"
"Not this morning but I'll bring you lunch once I finish. What would you like?"
"What can I have?"
"Anything you like."
"Anything?" she asked, though Arien already knew the answer. Halin liked to spoil her.
"Anything your little immortal heart desires."
Arien thought for a moment. Halin and her weren't exactly poor. It was true that he earns a much lower salary now than he did when he had his job as Colonel but he retired from that job when he chose to raise her. They were considered middle class, allowing them to live comfortably but not have too much spare money. So Arien was thrilled to receive a treat such as this one.
"I want ham." She said, directing her attention back to Halin.
"Ham? Like they sell down in the mortal markets?"
"Yeah. The kind that taste of honey."
Halin just nodded. He wasn't thrilled about going down the river and into the mortal's town. Arien was too young to remember too much about the attacks but there were still grudges held between some elves and mortals. But for Arien, he would do so.
"Ham it is then. Now get going. Hurry!" Halin herded her out of the flet and down the ladder. Standing on the platform outside the door, he watched as she sprinted to the marketplace. She was always obedient to him and rarely whined or copped an attitude. Halin never planned on getting married and so Arien was the only important person in his life. He cherished her and saw her as his own daughter.
After Arien disappeared from sight, he headed off to fulfill his own duties, smiling as he went. There was no doubt in his mind that it would be a good day.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Meanwhile, deep in Mirkwood, only the sound of horses hooves could be heard as five elves made their way quietly down the path.
It was one group out of the few that had set out on The Great Hunt; an annual event where five groups of five set out and killed the first game of the year.
It was Legolas' first time in participating in such an event and he sat proudly on his steed as they rode in silence.
"Where are we going, father?" Legolas whispered after traveling a ways.
"We're riding around our game site. We will dismount about two or three miles away from the field where we'll be hunting and then go by foot."
The Prince just nodded. He had looked forward to this event for weeks. He spent two extra hours every night practicing his archery so he would be prepared. But today he noticed one thing different about this year's event.
Halin wasn't participating.
"Father?" he asked again.
"Yes, Legolas?"
"Where is Halin? Doesn't he always lead your group in the hunt?"
"Halin had something more important to do today. He'll lead next year."
"What's more important than The Great Hunt?" Legolas asked, his eyes wide. He was still a young elf and found anything the older males did of extreme importance.
"He's adopting Arien today. You've heard of her. The young child he found a few centuries back that was orphaned after the attacks."
"Well, yes. I remember hearing about that. But I was only 674 when it happened."
"Yes, you were still very much a child. But you know very well that Halin gave up his rank for that little girl so it's obvious as to how important she is to him."
"It's a shame. Giving up such an honorable rank to raise a child. Why can't Halin come back and work for you now that she's older? I liked it when he was around. Now he spends all his time with that Arien character."
"Well that 'Arien character' is what he considers his daughter and I don't like you speaking so foully about her. You haven't even seen, much less met, the little lady and so you haven't any reason to speak so negatively. I never raised you to be shallow and your mother would strike me if I let you speak with such a tongue."
"Well it's that girl's fault he's living in the village now!"
"He chose to retire. Now let the matter be and keep your voice down. Speak no more for we are almost to the dismount point." His father replied in a hushed voice.
Legolas tried his best not to smirk and continued riding on into the forest. He would enjoy The Hunt with or without Halin. This was his time to shine. To prove himself. He was going to show everyone just how great an archer Legolas Greenleaf was.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Arien rushed into the small hut that was their shop and immediately flipped the 'closed' sign so that it would say welcome. Then plopping down in a chair, she sighed and waited to catch her breath. They most likely wouldn't have any customers for another hour or so since it was still early morning and not many people bought herbs and spices until they've found the main items they needed. Besides, The Hunt wasn't over until about noontime and many would wait to see the outcome.
"Arien! Where's Halin?" Curuwan asked. She worked for Halin and had also become a close friend of Arien's a few decades back.
"He's off to sign some papers. He'll be back around noon." Arien replied. "Is there anything you need?"
"Just tell him that I won't be working today. My father is participating in The Hunt and I'm to run his store until he returns."
"But your father's shop doesn't open until late afternoon, I thought."
"It doesn't. He just doesn't want me to wander around while he's gone." She made a face and Arien laughed. Curuwan was one that favored exploring but often got in trouble for it.
"Well you know what they say. Curiousity killed the elf."
"Ai, but with immortality she saved herself."
"Curuwan."
"What? It's true!"
Arien shook her head. She definitely had a knack for choosing a variety of friends. But Curuwan was as unique as an elf can get.
"You know you can stay and help me out if you like. It's better than sitting around by your self all morning and I might need you if the afternoon crowd comes before Halin returns."
"That sounds good to me."
Arien smiled and pulled up another chair. Time would go by much faster with a companion to speak to and it wasn't long until she found herself absorbed in a conversation.
Hours passed and the market began to fill with elves and occasionally a mortal or two and business began as usual. Though their sales weren't exactly "booming", they seemed to be doing pretty decent.
But all the sudden, the chattering voices of the market ceased and everyone parted toward the side.
Now Arien, in all her years in Mirkwood, had never seen such an act. She looked at Curuwan but her friend's curiousity had already gotten the best of her. She had climbed on top of the front counter and was looking over the crowd, scanning to see what all the commotion was about.
"Arien. Hey, Arien! Climb up here. You must see this!"
Arien hopped up and looked in the direction her fellow elf was pointing.
"Look! It's the Prince! I assume he's returning from The Hunt."
"So that's the Prince."
"Ai. Handsome, isn't he?"
"If you say so." Arien replied, stepping down.
"Where are you going?"
"To get a better look!"
Walking out of the hut, she pushed her way through the crowd and to the front. Gazing up, she saw the Prince mounted on a flee-bitten gray horse. And as she gazed, he gave her a questioning look.
He had the hair and build of his father but his features and complexion were soft like his mother. His eyes were gentle and playful as he looked down at her. Smiling at her curious stare, he halted.
"Hello milady."
Arien curtsied.
"Good afternoon Prince."
"Is there something you find strange about my riding? You looked awfully surprised to see me here."
"No, not at all." She said, shaking her head. "It's just that, well, I have never seen you before and I was, I was just…well…" she stuttered. She wasn't sure if she wanted to tell him that she wanted a better look of him, in case he might laugh.
But before either could speak, King Thranduil rode up beside his son.
"Legolas! Talking to Arien, I see." His father stated, giving him a 'that's the girl you were talking about earlier' look. Legolas' eyes got wide and he cleared his throat.
"My Lord."
King Thranduil smiled at her.
"Arien, sweet child. Has Halin returned yet?"
"Not yet, sir."
"Oh well. Tell him I'll come by and see him tomorrow, will you?"
"That I will."
"Thank you." Then he turned to his son and spoke. "Come, Legolas, before your mother gets worried. Say bye. You can see her tomorrow if you please."
Blushing slightly, he turned and said his farewell before following his father up toward the castle. Arien smiled.
"Well that was interesting." She said to herself as she walked back into her hut.
"That it was, Little Bit. That it was." Halin spoke, a humored grin spread across his face.
"Halin! How long have you been sitting here!"
"Long enough to see you stare dumbfounded at the Prince. You looked quite silly."
"Leave me alone. I've never seen the Prince before!"
"You haven't seen half our customers either but you don't look at them like that."
"That's different. He's a PRINCE, Halin! I've never seen one of those before."
Halin laughed.
"They look like a normal elf, Ari. For Mirkwood's sake, he's just a boy."
She gave him a look.
"Lighten up. I'm just teasing. I dropped your lunch off at home. Go ahead and take the rest of the day off. If things get too busy, I'll send Curuwen after you. But until then, go home and take a nap. I know how much you hate getting up at sunrise."
She thanked him before giving him a hug and heading home. She didn't reach their flat until late afternoon. So after eating two servings of ham, she went to her room and sat down on the bed. Quietly, she pulled a small, worn book from her dresser drawer and an ink pen. Gingerly opening it to the page with the loose piece of parchment, she began writing.
Anarya*, the 31st
Halin signed the adoption papers today. He's now officially my father. I don't mind it. I'm actually quite happy. At least now when other's ask, I can tell them of who's family I am. I love Halin like I would anyone of my family but I know he would never take the place of my father. No one could ever do that. Just like no one can take the place of my mother. They are my true parents and always will be. And some day, maybe I'll be with them again.
Another thing. I saw the Prince for the first time. He's looks much different than I expected. I mean, yes, it's unmistakable that he is King Thranduil's son. But I always expected him to look stern and in control. Like his father. But he's just a normal, carefree, happy elven boy like you'd see in the market or the village.
Am I disappointed? No. I think I'm relieved. Halin seems to spend a great amount of time with the King and his royalty compared to the other villagers and so it's good to know that there is somebody in that castle who isn't always formal and serious. Who knows. Maybe we'll be friends someday.
Or not…
Okay, so maybe the friendship thought isn't realistic thinking. The only reason Halin associates with the King and his subjects is because he was a Colonel once. I'm not a fighter and I never plan to be. Halin says it's because I'm a female and that not many females like war and battle. Maybe he's right but I think it's just the way I am. I believe that things should be peaceful and that everyone should get along. But that would never happen. Of course, as Halin says, it's better to be an optimist than a pessimist. And I agree. Life is a lot easier when you look for the good instead of the bad.
Signed,
Arien
Then placing the piece of parchment back in her journal, she placed it in the drawer and crawled into bed. A few hours of sleep would do her good and she might not be as tired when she gets up at break of dawn.
Closing her eyes, she laughed at the crazy thought. Then, with a sigh, she let herself drift slowly off to sleep.
1,000 years later
"Arien, get up. I need you to run the store in the market today." Halin called into her room.
She groaned and lazily crawled out of bed. She thought that after living with Halin for a thousand years, she would have gotten used to getting up at the crack of dawn.
Halin had raised her ever since she was a young child and he had become like a second father to her. She faintly remembered that day of the fire and would always thank him for saving her. Though the memories of her parent's deaths still haunt her, she had more or less moved on and continued her life as one of the citizens of Mirkwood.
"Where are you going?" she asked groggily, making her way to the small dining table in their living room.
"To sign your adoption papers. I told you that last night. Remember?"
"Oh yeah…" she replied with a yawn. Halin had sat down with her for the past couple of nights and discussed the topic. He didn't want to replace her parents but still wanted the two of them to be more of a family. But she didn't mind, for she already considered him as her family anyway.
"You must be extra polite today too, Arien. The King is bringing his son down to the marketplace today after The Hunt." Halin reminded. He knew King Thranduil well and Arien had met the King once or twice but she had never seen the Prince, nor knew his name.
"Have you ever met the Prince before, Halin?"
"Of course. Several times. A good young elf he is. Just a tad older than you. Now hurry up, Little Bit. We're both late as it is."
"No breakfast?"
"Not this morning but I'll bring you lunch once I finish. What would you like?"
"What can I have?"
"Anything you like."
"Anything?" she asked, though Arien already knew the answer. Halin liked to spoil her.
"Anything your little immortal heart desires."
Arien thought for a moment. Halin and her weren't exactly poor. It was true that he earns a much lower salary now than he did when he had his job as Colonel but he retired from that job when he chose to raise her. They were considered middle class, allowing them to live comfortably but not have too much spare money. So Arien was thrilled to receive a treat such as this one.
"I want ham." She said, directing her attention back to Halin.
"Ham? Like they sell down in the mortal markets?"
"Yeah. The kind that taste of honey."
Halin just nodded. He wasn't thrilled about going down the river and into the mortal's town. Arien was too young to remember too much about the attacks but there were still grudges held between some elves and mortals. But for Arien, he would do so.
"Ham it is then. Now get going. Hurry!" Halin herded her out of the flet and down the ladder. Standing on the platform outside the door, he watched as she sprinted to the marketplace. She was always obedient to him and rarely whined or copped an attitude. Halin never planned on getting married and so Arien was the only important person in his life. He cherished her and saw her as his own daughter.
After Arien disappeared from sight, he headed off to fulfill his own duties, smiling as he went. There was no doubt in his mind that it would be a good day.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Meanwhile, deep in Mirkwood, only the sound of horses hooves could be heard as five elves made their way quietly down the path.
It was one group out of the few that had set out on The Great Hunt; an annual event where five groups of five set out and killed the first game of the year.
It was Legolas' first time in participating in such an event and he sat proudly on his steed as they rode in silence.
"Where are we going, father?" Legolas whispered after traveling a ways.
"We're riding around our game site. We will dismount about two or three miles away from the field where we'll be hunting and then go by foot."
The Prince just nodded. He had looked forward to this event for weeks. He spent two extra hours every night practicing his archery so he would be prepared. But today he noticed one thing different about this year's event.
Halin wasn't participating.
"Father?" he asked again.
"Yes, Legolas?"
"Where is Halin? Doesn't he always lead your group in the hunt?"
"Halin had something more important to do today. He'll lead next year."
"What's more important than The Great Hunt?" Legolas asked, his eyes wide. He was still a young elf and found anything the older males did of extreme importance.
"He's adopting Arien today. You've heard of her. The young child he found a few centuries back that was orphaned after the attacks."
"Well, yes. I remember hearing about that. But I was only 674 when it happened."
"Yes, you were still very much a child. But you know very well that Halin gave up his rank for that little girl so it's obvious as to how important she is to him."
"It's a shame. Giving up such an honorable rank to raise a child. Why can't Halin come back and work for you now that she's older? I liked it when he was around. Now he spends all his time with that Arien character."
"Well that 'Arien character' is what he considers his daughter and I don't like you speaking so foully about her. You haven't even seen, much less met, the little lady and so you haven't any reason to speak so negatively. I never raised you to be shallow and your mother would strike me if I let you speak with such a tongue."
"Well it's that girl's fault he's living in the village now!"
"He chose to retire. Now let the matter be and keep your voice down. Speak no more for we are almost to the dismount point." His father replied in a hushed voice.
Legolas tried his best not to smirk and continued riding on into the forest. He would enjoy The Hunt with or without Halin. This was his time to shine. To prove himself. He was going to show everyone just how great an archer Legolas Greenleaf was.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Arien rushed into the small hut that was their shop and immediately flipped the 'closed' sign so that it would say welcome. Then plopping down in a chair, she sighed and waited to catch her breath. They most likely wouldn't have any customers for another hour or so since it was still early morning and not many people bought herbs and spices until they've found the main items they needed. Besides, The Hunt wasn't over until about noontime and many would wait to see the outcome.
"Arien! Where's Halin?" Curuwan asked. She worked for Halin and had also become a close friend of Arien's a few decades back.
"He's off to sign some papers. He'll be back around noon." Arien replied. "Is there anything you need?"
"Just tell him that I won't be working today. My father is participating in The Hunt and I'm to run his store until he returns."
"But your father's shop doesn't open until late afternoon, I thought."
"It doesn't. He just doesn't want me to wander around while he's gone." She made a face and Arien laughed. Curuwan was one that favored exploring but often got in trouble for it.
"Well you know what they say. Curiousity killed the elf."
"Ai, but with immortality she saved herself."
"Curuwan."
"What? It's true!"
Arien shook her head. She definitely had a knack for choosing a variety of friends. But Curuwan was as unique as an elf can get.
"You know you can stay and help me out if you like. It's better than sitting around by your self all morning and I might need you if the afternoon crowd comes before Halin returns."
"That sounds good to me."
Arien smiled and pulled up another chair. Time would go by much faster with a companion to speak to and it wasn't long until she found herself absorbed in a conversation.
Hours passed and the market began to fill with elves and occasionally a mortal or two and business began as usual. Though their sales weren't exactly "booming", they seemed to be doing pretty decent.
But all the sudden, the chattering voices of the market ceased and everyone parted toward the side.
Now Arien, in all her years in Mirkwood, had never seen such an act. She looked at Curuwan but her friend's curiousity had already gotten the best of her. She had climbed on top of the front counter and was looking over the crowd, scanning to see what all the commotion was about.
"Arien. Hey, Arien! Climb up here. You must see this!"
Arien hopped up and looked in the direction her fellow elf was pointing.
"Look! It's the Prince! I assume he's returning from The Hunt."
"So that's the Prince."
"Ai. Handsome, isn't he?"
"If you say so." Arien replied, stepping down.
"Where are you going?"
"To get a better look!"
Walking out of the hut, she pushed her way through the crowd and to the front. Gazing up, she saw the Prince mounted on a flee-bitten gray horse. And as she gazed, he gave her a questioning look.
He had the hair and build of his father but his features and complexion were soft like his mother. His eyes were gentle and playful as he looked down at her. Smiling at her curious stare, he halted.
"Hello milady."
Arien curtsied.
"Good afternoon Prince."
"Is there something you find strange about my riding? You looked awfully surprised to see me here."
"No, not at all." She said, shaking her head. "It's just that, well, I have never seen you before and I was, I was just…well…" she stuttered. She wasn't sure if she wanted to tell him that she wanted a better look of him, in case he might laugh.
But before either could speak, King Thranduil rode up beside his son.
"Legolas! Talking to Arien, I see." His father stated, giving him a 'that's the girl you were talking about earlier' look. Legolas' eyes got wide and he cleared his throat.
"My Lord."
King Thranduil smiled at her.
"Arien, sweet child. Has Halin returned yet?"
"Not yet, sir."
"Oh well. Tell him I'll come by and see him tomorrow, will you?"
"That I will."
"Thank you." Then he turned to his son and spoke. "Come, Legolas, before your mother gets worried. Say bye. You can see her tomorrow if you please."
Blushing slightly, he turned and said his farewell before following his father up toward the castle. Arien smiled.
"Well that was interesting." She said to herself as she walked back into her hut.
"That it was, Little Bit. That it was." Halin spoke, a humored grin spread across his face.
"Halin! How long have you been sitting here!"
"Long enough to see you stare dumbfounded at the Prince. You looked quite silly."
"Leave me alone. I've never seen the Prince before!"
"You haven't seen half our customers either but you don't look at them like that."
"That's different. He's a PRINCE, Halin! I've never seen one of those before."
Halin laughed.
"They look like a normal elf, Ari. For Mirkwood's sake, he's just a boy."
She gave him a look.
"Lighten up. I'm just teasing. I dropped your lunch off at home. Go ahead and take the rest of the day off. If things get too busy, I'll send Curuwen after you. But until then, go home and take a nap. I know how much you hate getting up at sunrise."
She thanked him before giving him a hug and heading home. She didn't reach their flat until late afternoon. So after eating two servings of ham, she went to her room and sat down on the bed. Quietly, she pulled a small, worn book from her dresser drawer and an ink pen. Gingerly opening it to the page with the loose piece of parchment, she began writing.
Anarya*, the 31st
Halin signed the adoption papers today. He's now officially my father. I don't mind it. I'm actually quite happy. At least now when other's ask, I can tell them of who's family I am. I love Halin like I would anyone of my family but I know he would never take the place of my father. No one could ever do that. Just like no one can take the place of my mother. They are my true parents and always will be. And some day, maybe I'll be with them again.
Another thing. I saw the Prince for the first time. He's looks much different than I expected. I mean, yes, it's unmistakable that he is King Thranduil's son. But I always expected him to look stern and in control. Like his father. But he's just a normal, carefree, happy elven boy like you'd see in the market or the village.
Am I disappointed? No. I think I'm relieved. Halin seems to spend a great amount of time with the King and his royalty compared to the other villagers and so it's good to know that there is somebody in that castle who isn't always formal and serious. Who knows. Maybe we'll be friends someday.
Or not…
Okay, so maybe the friendship thought isn't realistic thinking. The only reason Halin associates with the King and his subjects is because he was a Colonel once. I'm not a fighter and I never plan to be. Halin says it's because I'm a female and that not many females like war and battle. Maybe he's right but I think it's just the way I am. I believe that things should be peaceful and that everyone should get along. But that would never happen. Of course, as Halin says, it's better to be an optimist than a pessimist. And I agree. Life is a lot easier when you look for the good instead of the bad.
Signed,
Arien
Then placing the piece of parchment back in her journal, she placed it in the drawer and crawled into bed. A few hours of sleep would do her good and she might not be as tired when she gets up at break of dawn.
Closing her eyes, she laughed at the crazy thought. Then, with a sigh, she let herself drift slowly off to sleep.