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Our journey seemed interminable. Although I rode in the company of two people I trusted implicitly, I felt the anxiety grow in my chest each day. The thought of finally meeting Legolas' father tormented my mind, and I grew apprehensive to say the least. The world itself was changed, and I felt I must change with it. However, I could not change enough to meet the expectations in the Elf King's mind. I spent much of my time lost to my own thoughts, taking comfort in the songs and stories told by the elves at my sides. Ithiel had proved to be a beautiful singer, lulling me to sleep each night. The road passed on quickly, ranging from vast open plains with little to the eye except distant mountains and sparse trees, to hills so steep I could barely stay on Aria's back as we traveled them.
I watched Legolas riding often; there was a growing excitement in his eyes and in the way he hunched forward every so often, as if urging his horse to run as quickly as possible. He scoured the road intently, as if expecting the forest to rise suddenly over the next hill. I admired his exuberance of going home; I imagined he must have missed it, as often as he spoke of Greenwood the Great in all its majesty, even now that it was Mirkwood. When he caught my eye, he broke into a sweet smile and reached out to touch my face.
We traveled nearly thirty days before arriving at the borders of the great forest. I stared at the line of dark trees covering the landscape, tall and clustered so thickly it seemed there was no entrance. Here stood the black images that had often haunted my dreams, the place filled with mysterious creatures and fearful shadows. While the Shadow of Sauron had been defeated, it seemed this place was wrought with its character.
Legolas sighed lightly, gazing intently at the trees. "Behold Mirkwood, once Greenwood the Great. We are about to enter my father's borders now. His home is deep within the forest, and it may take us awhile to reach it yet. We must be on our guard, for there are dangerous creatures within."
I exchanged a worried glance with Ithiel. She nervously looked at the forest, and then caught my eye again. "I trust you know your way well, Prince Legolas."
"Of course. It is likely we will meet up with my kinsmen. Stick close to me."
Swallowing hard, I drew my sword, a clear sound in the afternoon light. I had not held the weapon since Arnad, though it felt no different. Galadriel had been most generous in crafting the weapon, and I felt that I would need it soon.
Eyeing the sword, Legolas raised an eyebrow. "I have not seen that before. It fits you perfectly, Andariel."
"It was a gift from Lady Galadriel before I left in search of Arnad," I replied, staring at the sheer glow of the blade, moving it easily in the air. "It has served me well."
His eyes shone in the sun, glimmering in respect. "The Lady is most generous. But why do you draw it as if expecting battle, pen-neth? I assure you, you will be safe while I am with you. Come. Let us take this last journey to my father's home."
Heaving a deep breath, I followed Legolas into Mirkwood, trying to ignore the fluttering fear that lay in my chest. Sunlight disappeared in an instant night as the trees enveloped us. I had never before seen such an entanglement of trees and roots twisting every which way and rising to the immense canopy many feet above the ground. A cold chill swept over me as we rode along a barely visible path. I could feel the presence of evil creatures lurking in the shadows and behind rocks, nameless yet omnipresent. It was the same sense of fear that had caught my breath many times in my dreams.
"This is your home?" I whispered, clutching my sword tightly.
I could hardly make out the outlines of his face as Legolas glanced at me, a proud smile upon his face. "Aye, it is, though it was not always so fearsome. The closer we come to the King's palace, the lighter it becomes, at least a little. My people enjoy the dense growth of the forest, and I have spent much time running among the trees."
Chills ran down my spine as I heard the small creeks and groans in the trees. "That does not reassure me, Legolas."
Ithiel rode as close to me as possible without actually riding in the same saddle. I felt her apprehension of this place in her quiet manner and in the way she spoke softly to her horse. I patted Aria each time she snorted and hesitated, which was happening more frequently as we rode along. Even she was reluctant to proceed into these dark woods with scarcely a ray of light in our way. Legolas was the only one who seemed remotely comfortable mid the darkness; it perplexed me how such a radiant being could come from such a place.
For many hours we rode silently, each one lost to their own thoughts. I would not lower or release the sword in my hand, not even to rest. I could not shake the fearful tremor that snuck through my body, running quickly from my blood and into my bones. My ears guardedly picked up soft growls or hisses around us, but there was not even enough light to pick out any creature that watched us. Since I could hardly see in the gloom, I did not know where they would be. I also realized that since I could hear the sounds, the elves had heard them long before.
"I do not like this place, my Lady," Ithiel said softly, her hand touching my arm as we rode closely.
"Nor do I," I relied, ignoring the stiffness in my right arm from carrying the sword poised for so long. I stared around at the undergrowth, listening to the scuffling of small animals.
"Look." She pointed around to several cobwebs that decorated the trees, looming amidst the greenery and bark. They glowed a bit in the absence of light, like shards of moonlight caught in the forest. "There is much danger here."
Legolas' voice came from a short way ahead. "There is a stream up ahead. We should rest and water the horses before we go further. I believe it will also give you a chance to ease your arm, my anxious warrior."
The amusement in his voice was frustrating, and I could not repress a scowl. "You may tease me, Legolas, but I realize that as soon as I lower my arm we will encounter creatures who are none too friendly."
"A'maelamin, you worry too much."
We walked on a little further, urging the horses to carry us as quickly as we dared in the growing darkness. After several more hours, we decided to rest, though it was more of a desperate need than of a will. I knew that Legolas and Ithiel could certainly go without sleep for several days, and if need be I would do the same. The horses objected to going further, thus we were forced to stop. We made a small fire near the stream, hoping to ward off any unwelcome predators, though it did draw the glowing eyes of many creatures that kept themselves in the shadows. I held onto my sword as if it were all my life, keeping myself close to Legolas, which he did not mind at all. He simply wrapped his arm around me, warming me with his body, and whispered comforting songs to me. Ithiel sat nearby, staring into the fire and nibbling food as she wrapped blankets around her body.
The next day we moved ahead quickly, ducking around cobwebs and skirting around small squirrels that ran across the road. My skin was riddled with goosebumps at the very heart of the forest, for everything seemed to be alive. Exhaustion plagued my mind, but I would not succumb to its voice; I was far too alert to worry about sleep. My eyes were red with lack of sleep, and I was extremely on edge. Every time a twig snapped I turned, prepared to face a dark beast yet seeing nothing.
Suddenly Ithiel grabbed my arm. I nearly cut off her head.
"My Lady!" she whispered loudly. "There are several creatures up ahead near the road."
I stiffened, eyes darting about. Perhaps they were far ahead yet; after all, elven eyes could see much more than human eyes. "What are they?"
"Spiders," Legolas whispered, turning his head. "And they are not ahead--they are above us."
My ears could hear nothing, yet my heart ran wildly, pumping fear and terror through me. I felt my mouth go dry and my lips trembled as I slowly looked up. At that point I had such a death grip on my sword I thanked the Valar that it was not easily breakable.
Out of the shadows I saw several small points of light staring down at me, red and hungry. A low hiss titillated the air, setting all my hairs on edge as it was joined by three more defined voices. My skin was cold as ice as I broke into a cold sweat. Nearby I heard Ithiel draw a blade from her pack.
The soft twang of a bow broke the air and was immediately followed by a high-pitched screech and the scrambling of many legs. I felt something brush the top of my head; without hesitation, though praying it wasn't Ithiel again, I swung my sword. Another screech broke the silence as a warm liquid trickled down my arms. I recoiled from the hideous smell.
Several dark forms dropped down from the trees. I held on tightly as Aria reared up, screaming loudly as the spiders began to move forward. For a moment I was frozen in horror. These creatures were enormous, probably six feet long and five feet high, their spindly limbs menacingly pointed outward as multiple large eyes blinked at us. I could barely see the gleam of many sharp teeth. Suddenly I could see that the trees around us were covered in large webs that had been set for any prey to pass by.
I stared into the eyes of one spider as it approached, hissing and obviously angered by the loss of one of its limbs. It swiped at my leg, causing Aria to rear up again.
"Be still, Aria!" I cried, swinging at the creature.
"Andariel! Be careful!" called Legolas, battling his own spider.
The one facing me made a low growling sound as it swiped again, speedily leaping forward. Pursing my lips I swung again, taking off another limb. Howling in rage now, the spider leapt forward, nearly knocking me off Aria's back as I held on tightly. I felt a leg thump me in the chest and knock the wind out of me. Gasping for breath, I clutched Aria's reins tighter as the darkness whirled around me. I could smell the spider's breath, a stench not dissimilar to orcs, though somehow more rank.
Suddenly something warm and sticky wrapped around my neck, cutting off my breathing. I panicked as I gasped for air, striking out blindly with my sword as I tried to pull the webbing off, but to no avail. Aria screamed and reared up, throwing me to the ground, except I did not hit ground. I was suspended in the air, feet flailing as I desperately swung. The spider below me hissed and began to rear itself up, spinning a web around me starting with my feet.
My eyes began to falter and blackness clouded my mind. I saw a stinger rising from the spider's mouth, and I knew it meant to poison me. I felt my body grow immobile as the web was spun tightly, sucking my strength away. Choking, I slashed upwards.
The noose around my neck loosened, and I heaved in air as I thrust my sword into the belly of the spider. It howled, spraying green blood all over me as I cut deeper, disemboweling it. It began to writhe in pain, backing away with its limbs flailing wildly.
An arrow struck its head, and at last it collapsed, unmoving.
Heaving air desperately, I looked down to realize half of my body was imprisoned in thick webbing. Peering through the gloom, I saw Ithiel shaking off some webbing in disgust, and Legolas hurried over.
"Andariel!"
I stared down at him as he began slicing through the bindings. "Not much to worry about?"
He met my eyes, a small apologetic smile shadowing his face. "I am so sorry, Andariel. Are you all right?"
Sighing in relief as I felt my lower body once again, I replied, "Yes, but I would appreciate it if you might get me down rather quickly, seeing as how their friends are probably nearby."
At last I fell to the ground, landing hard upon the dirt. Groaning, I allowed Legolas to lift me up, pressing me close to his body. I breathed easier as he held me, shuddering at the thought of those monstrous creatures hovering around us. Indeed, Mirkwood was as perilous as my dreams had foretold. Why in the name of the Valar Legolas had to live here, it was beyond my wildest beliefs.
Tilting my chin up, Legolas caught my eyes, deep concern reflecting in his face. "Are you sure you are all right?"
Offering a half-smile, I nodded, though shaken from the experience. "I am fine. Let us hurry through here, please. I do not wish to be left hanging from spider webs again."
"You most definitely will not." He kissed my forehead, then called Aria back. Luckily the spiders had not fixed their attentions upon her. Legolas helped me up onto her back, then handed me my sword, which was sticky with webbing and the remains of my captor. I recoiled in disgust, reminding myself to clean it well later. "Ride close to me, melamin. I will not allow such an awful thing to happen twice. We are nearing Thranduil's home."
Ithiel appeared by my side, her hair tousled and dirtied, still clutching the blade she had drawn. "My Lady, let us hurry. These woods are perilous indeed, and I fear to think there are more on the way. The sooner we arrive at the home of King Thranduil, the better off we will all be."
Our journey seemed interminable. Although I rode in the company of two people I trusted implicitly, I felt the anxiety grow in my chest each day. The thought of finally meeting Legolas' father tormented my mind, and I grew apprehensive to say the least. The world itself was changed, and I felt I must change with it. However, I could not change enough to meet the expectations in the Elf King's mind. I spent much of my time lost to my own thoughts, taking comfort in the songs and stories told by the elves at my sides. Ithiel had proved to be a beautiful singer, lulling me to sleep each night. The road passed on quickly, ranging from vast open plains with little to the eye except distant mountains and sparse trees, to hills so steep I could barely stay on Aria's back as we traveled them.
I watched Legolas riding often; there was a growing excitement in his eyes and in the way he hunched forward every so often, as if urging his horse to run as quickly as possible. He scoured the road intently, as if expecting the forest to rise suddenly over the next hill. I admired his exuberance of going home; I imagined he must have missed it, as often as he spoke of Greenwood the Great in all its majesty, even now that it was Mirkwood. When he caught my eye, he broke into a sweet smile and reached out to touch my face.
We traveled nearly thirty days before arriving at the borders of the great forest. I stared at the line of dark trees covering the landscape, tall and clustered so thickly it seemed there was no entrance. Here stood the black images that had often haunted my dreams, the place filled with mysterious creatures and fearful shadows. While the Shadow of Sauron had been defeated, it seemed this place was wrought with its character.
Legolas sighed lightly, gazing intently at the trees. "Behold Mirkwood, once Greenwood the Great. We are about to enter my father's borders now. His home is deep within the forest, and it may take us awhile to reach it yet. We must be on our guard, for there are dangerous creatures within."
I exchanged a worried glance with Ithiel. She nervously looked at the forest, and then caught my eye again. "I trust you know your way well, Prince Legolas."
"Of course. It is likely we will meet up with my kinsmen. Stick close to me."
Swallowing hard, I drew my sword, a clear sound in the afternoon light. I had not held the weapon since Arnad, though it felt no different. Galadriel had been most generous in crafting the weapon, and I felt that I would need it soon.
Eyeing the sword, Legolas raised an eyebrow. "I have not seen that before. It fits you perfectly, Andariel."
"It was a gift from Lady Galadriel before I left in search of Arnad," I replied, staring at the sheer glow of the blade, moving it easily in the air. "It has served me well."
His eyes shone in the sun, glimmering in respect. "The Lady is most generous. But why do you draw it as if expecting battle, pen-neth? I assure you, you will be safe while I am with you. Come. Let us take this last journey to my father's home."
Heaving a deep breath, I followed Legolas into Mirkwood, trying to ignore the fluttering fear that lay in my chest. Sunlight disappeared in an instant night as the trees enveloped us. I had never before seen such an entanglement of trees and roots twisting every which way and rising to the immense canopy many feet above the ground. A cold chill swept over me as we rode along a barely visible path. I could feel the presence of evil creatures lurking in the shadows and behind rocks, nameless yet omnipresent. It was the same sense of fear that had caught my breath many times in my dreams.
"This is your home?" I whispered, clutching my sword tightly.
I could hardly make out the outlines of his face as Legolas glanced at me, a proud smile upon his face. "Aye, it is, though it was not always so fearsome. The closer we come to the King's palace, the lighter it becomes, at least a little. My people enjoy the dense growth of the forest, and I have spent much time running among the trees."
Chills ran down my spine as I heard the small creeks and groans in the trees. "That does not reassure me, Legolas."
Ithiel rode as close to me as possible without actually riding in the same saddle. I felt her apprehension of this place in her quiet manner and in the way she spoke softly to her horse. I patted Aria each time she snorted and hesitated, which was happening more frequently as we rode along. Even she was reluctant to proceed into these dark woods with scarcely a ray of light in our way. Legolas was the only one who seemed remotely comfortable mid the darkness; it perplexed me how such a radiant being could come from such a place.
For many hours we rode silently, each one lost to their own thoughts. I would not lower or release the sword in my hand, not even to rest. I could not shake the fearful tremor that snuck through my body, running quickly from my blood and into my bones. My ears guardedly picked up soft growls or hisses around us, but there was not even enough light to pick out any creature that watched us. Since I could hardly see in the gloom, I did not know where they would be. I also realized that since I could hear the sounds, the elves had heard them long before.
"I do not like this place, my Lady," Ithiel said softly, her hand touching my arm as we rode closely.
"Nor do I," I relied, ignoring the stiffness in my right arm from carrying the sword poised for so long. I stared around at the undergrowth, listening to the scuffling of small animals.
"Look." She pointed around to several cobwebs that decorated the trees, looming amidst the greenery and bark. They glowed a bit in the absence of light, like shards of moonlight caught in the forest. "There is much danger here."
Legolas' voice came from a short way ahead. "There is a stream up ahead. We should rest and water the horses before we go further. I believe it will also give you a chance to ease your arm, my anxious warrior."
The amusement in his voice was frustrating, and I could not repress a scowl. "You may tease me, Legolas, but I realize that as soon as I lower my arm we will encounter creatures who are none too friendly."
"A'maelamin, you worry too much."
We walked on a little further, urging the horses to carry us as quickly as we dared in the growing darkness. After several more hours, we decided to rest, though it was more of a desperate need than of a will. I knew that Legolas and Ithiel could certainly go without sleep for several days, and if need be I would do the same. The horses objected to going further, thus we were forced to stop. We made a small fire near the stream, hoping to ward off any unwelcome predators, though it did draw the glowing eyes of many creatures that kept themselves in the shadows. I held onto my sword as if it were all my life, keeping myself close to Legolas, which he did not mind at all. He simply wrapped his arm around me, warming me with his body, and whispered comforting songs to me. Ithiel sat nearby, staring into the fire and nibbling food as she wrapped blankets around her body.
The next day we moved ahead quickly, ducking around cobwebs and skirting around small squirrels that ran across the road. My skin was riddled with goosebumps at the very heart of the forest, for everything seemed to be alive. Exhaustion plagued my mind, but I would not succumb to its voice; I was far too alert to worry about sleep. My eyes were red with lack of sleep, and I was extremely on edge. Every time a twig snapped I turned, prepared to face a dark beast yet seeing nothing.
Suddenly Ithiel grabbed my arm. I nearly cut off her head.
"My Lady!" she whispered loudly. "There are several creatures up ahead near the road."
I stiffened, eyes darting about. Perhaps they were far ahead yet; after all, elven eyes could see much more than human eyes. "What are they?"
"Spiders," Legolas whispered, turning his head. "And they are not ahead--they are above us."
My ears could hear nothing, yet my heart ran wildly, pumping fear and terror through me. I felt my mouth go dry and my lips trembled as I slowly looked up. At that point I had such a death grip on my sword I thanked the Valar that it was not easily breakable.
Out of the shadows I saw several small points of light staring down at me, red and hungry. A low hiss titillated the air, setting all my hairs on edge as it was joined by three more defined voices. My skin was cold as ice as I broke into a cold sweat. Nearby I heard Ithiel draw a blade from her pack.
The soft twang of a bow broke the air and was immediately followed by a high-pitched screech and the scrambling of many legs. I felt something brush the top of my head; without hesitation, though praying it wasn't Ithiel again, I swung my sword. Another screech broke the silence as a warm liquid trickled down my arms. I recoiled from the hideous smell.
Several dark forms dropped down from the trees. I held on tightly as Aria reared up, screaming loudly as the spiders began to move forward. For a moment I was frozen in horror. These creatures were enormous, probably six feet long and five feet high, their spindly limbs menacingly pointed outward as multiple large eyes blinked at us. I could barely see the gleam of many sharp teeth. Suddenly I could see that the trees around us were covered in large webs that had been set for any prey to pass by.
I stared into the eyes of one spider as it approached, hissing and obviously angered by the loss of one of its limbs. It swiped at my leg, causing Aria to rear up again.
"Be still, Aria!" I cried, swinging at the creature.
"Andariel! Be careful!" called Legolas, battling his own spider.
The one facing me made a low growling sound as it swiped again, speedily leaping forward. Pursing my lips I swung again, taking off another limb. Howling in rage now, the spider leapt forward, nearly knocking me off Aria's back as I held on tightly. I felt a leg thump me in the chest and knock the wind out of me. Gasping for breath, I clutched Aria's reins tighter as the darkness whirled around me. I could smell the spider's breath, a stench not dissimilar to orcs, though somehow more rank.
Suddenly something warm and sticky wrapped around my neck, cutting off my breathing. I panicked as I gasped for air, striking out blindly with my sword as I tried to pull the webbing off, but to no avail. Aria screamed and reared up, throwing me to the ground, except I did not hit ground. I was suspended in the air, feet flailing as I desperately swung. The spider below me hissed and began to rear itself up, spinning a web around me starting with my feet.
My eyes began to falter and blackness clouded my mind. I saw a stinger rising from the spider's mouth, and I knew it meant to poison me. I felt my body grow immobile as the web was spun tightly, sucking my strength away. Choking, I slashed upwards.
The noose around my neck loosened, and I heaved in air as I thrust my sword into the belly of the spider. It howled, spraying green blood all over me as I cut deeper, disemboweling it. It began to writhe in pain, backing away with its limbs flailing wildly.
An arrow struck its head, and at last it collapsed, unmoving.
Heaving air desperately, I looked down to realize half of my body was imprisoned in thick webbing. Peering through the gloom, I saw Ithiel shaking off some webbing in disgust, and Legolas hurried over.
"Andariel!"
I stared down at him as he began slicing through the bindings. "Not much to worry about?"
He met my eyes, a small apologetic smile shadowing his face. "I am so sorry, Andariel. Are you all right?"
Sighing in relief as I felt my lower body once again, I replied, "Yes, but I would appreciate it if you might get me down rather quickly, seeing as how their friends are probably nearby."
At last I fell to the ground, landing hard upon the dirt. Groaning, I allowed Legolas to lift me up, pressing me close to his body. I breathed easier as he held me, shuddering at the thought of those monstrous creatures hovering around us. Indeed, Mirkwood was as perilous as my dreams had foretold. Why in the name of the Valar Legolas had to live here, it was beyond my wildest beliefs.
Tilting my chin up, Legolas caught my eyes, deep concern reflecting in his face. "Are you sure you are all right?"
Offering a half-smile, I nodded, though shaken from the experience. "I am fine. Let us hurry through here, please. I do not wish to be left hanging from spider webs again."
"You most definitely will not." He kissed my forehead, then called Aria back. Luckily the spiders had not fixed their attentions upon her. Legolas helped me up onto her back, then handed me my sword, which was sticky with webbing and the remains of my captor. I recoiled in disgust, reminding myself to clean it well later. "Ride close to me, melamin. I will not allow such an awful thing to happen twice. We are nearing Thranduil's home."
Ithiel appeared by my side, her hair tousled and dirtied, still clutching the blade she had drawn. "My Lady, let us hurry. These woods are perilous indeed, and I fear to think there are more on the way. The sooner we arrive at the home of King Thranduil, the better off we will all be."