Disclaimer: I own lots of things, but none of them include the characters
from Tolkien's mind.
We rode hard through the forest, slowly losing the few streams of light that penetrated the dense foliage. It seemed there was no end to this dark place, and each sound of hidden creatures caused my heart to tremble. I felt I was suffocating as the air grew heavier and dank, until we finally broke free into a lesser forest covered in the folds of evening. Still, I could see more than I could inside the fierce darkness of the ancient wood.
As we slowed, a sharp voice called, "Daro!"
We drew our horses in, suddenly surrounded by some ten elves who appeared out of nowhere. Each one had arrows set in bows, all aimed precariously at us. I studied them in the twilight. They were all akin to the trees surrounding them, tall, lithesome and dressed to match the colors of the woods. They were built strongly and showed great strength, their blonde hair pale in the air.
Suddenly one of them gasped, yelling something in Elvish. Immediately, all weapons were set aside. I assumed they recognized their Prince.
Legolas began to speak with the one who seemed the leader of the scouting party, motioning occasionally towards Ithiel and myself. I stared blankly at them, their words blurring together and confusing me. The others seemed wary of us, perhaps because we were women or perhaps because I was obviously mortal. Regardless, I shifted nervously while Aria stood quite still, for she knew of all Elves, it seemed.
After several minutes of conversing, Legolas turned to me. "Andariel, this is Maegaerion, one of the guards to Mirkwood. He will follow us into the city. Do not worry, beloved, we are out of danger now."
Maegaerion bowed his head to me. "It is an honor to meet you, Lady Andariel, Quendendil. You need not fear spiders here, for they do not encroach upon our domain. Come. We will escort you to the King's palace."
I raised an eyebrow as we began to move forward. 'I suppose danger is all in the mind of the beholder,' I thought. 'I think my own lies ahead."
The Elves began to talk amongst themselves as we rode on, though Ithiel remained silent. She too seemed wary of them, knowing well that they did not think highly of us. I silently watched the trees, marveling at their great heights. It seemed this place was different from the depths we had passed through already, filled with life and the essence of the earth, untouched by the shadows.
After some time we came to an area of great population. Fires burned warmly in open spaces alongside many huts and flets which were illuminated in the darkness. I saw a number of figures moving stealthily in the shadows, and I felt many eyes upon us. Laughter echoed in the air, yet was silenced as we rode through. I heard many cries from the elves, and I looked at Legolas. He sat tall, smiling over the people as we passed, calling out occasionally to those he knew. These were his people, those who walked silently among the dark parts of the forest. Now that he had returned they seemed filled with joy.
The rushing sounds of a river caught my attention as we rose through the village, and I noticed we had come to a mountain. In the night I had not seen it beforehand, yet now it loomed tall and silent in the dark. Many torches lit up its sides, and the call of trumpets resounded through the earth itself. I felt small and feeble in front of this place, for it was different than the dwellings of Lord Elrond or the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood. Here, it seemed I was facing a grave prison, not a palace. I watched the stream flow eastward, gleaming brightly in the torchlight.
Maegaerion dismounted, calling out to several others as we all followed suit. Bowing properly, he motioned for Legolas to follow him. Legolas gently touched my arm, his eyes reflecting the golden glow all around us, and he offered me a soothing smile. "Come," he whispered. "We will rest well tonight, for these borders are well protected, and you need not fear."
Smiling nervously, I nodded.
We passed into the great stone door of the mountain, eerily reminiscent of Moria though not quite so foreboding. I fell back a little to hold onto Ithiel's arm, who gratefully squeezed my hand, a gentle smile playing over her smooth face. It seemed my footsteps were the only ones heard along the stone floor as we passed through a long tunnel before entering a large chamber that was so bright it compensated for the lack of light in the forest. I stared at the hanging chandeliers of candles from a vaulted ceiling, shining down upon beautiful wall hangings and delicate vases displayed with care. On either side of the room were tall doorways leading down into other parts of the palace, each well-lit as well. My hand drifted carelessly down to the sword at my side, and I realized the awful state of my appearance.
'I am to go before a king dressed like a rat,' I thought mournfully. 'How many times will I ask him for forgiveness, I wonder?'
Legolas led us into a chamber that was immense, decorated lavishly with rich tapestries and silver candleholders that sparkled in the light. On the far end of the room sat a large wooden throne, polished to shine between the great stone pillars that had been carved out of the mountain itself. The throne sat upon a small step that was inlaid with jewels, and behind it on the wall were several murals of the great Elven kings.
A door opened loudly, and I found my eyes turned to face a figure entering the room. The Elf was tall and well-built, with long flaxen hair that was akin to pure silver and sunlight framing his pale face. Deep-set eyes of clear blue stared out from his face, holding a stern wisdom that had come from many years of hardship and sacrifice. He was clothed in finely made robes of dark blue hemmed with gold, sweeping the tips of his boots as he made long strides into the room. Upon his brow was set a crown not of gold, but of golden leaves and bright red berries, made from the living forest. I trembled upon seeing this King, for his stature was of great wisdom and stern rule.
Upon seeing Legolas, the elf's face suddenly brightened, all traces of darkness flung away as he broke into a wide smile. "Onya!" he exclaimed, a broad smile spreading through every part of him.
"Atar!" Legolas bowed deeply.
"Oh, come now, my son, stand and embrace me. It has been far too long since last my eyes have been graced with your presence." King Thranduil reached for his son, pulling him close as he breathed a heavy sigh of relief. "It is well to see you again."
"Father, I am glad to see you," Legolas answered, slowly pulling away. "How do you fare?"
The king studied his son, eyes steadily tracing the elf. "I fare much better upon seeing you at last. The last several seasons have been very long and difficult, for the creatures of the forest grow more defiant and foolhardy. I believe the spiders are multiplying; it is good you are back. And you, Legolas, how do you fare?"
With his back to me, I could not see his expression, though I heard the contentment in his voice. "I am well, father. The Quest has succeeded, and the Shadow has been vanquished. All is as it should be in the world."
"Good, good. I was concerned you would never return, for I have been told your journeys have led you far across the world."
Legolas bowed his head. "My journeys have been tiresome and trying, and my heart is filled with happiness to be home at last. I have found many strange things in the world, father, things I had never before encountered."
Clapping a hand upon his son's shoulder, Thranduil chuckled slightly. "You must tell me more of what you have seen. I know well that you have much to say." Suddenly the Wood-Elves' king set his gaze upon me, and his body stiffened, his eyes growing cold and hard. "A mortal! Who have you brought to me, my son, one who carries a weapon into my household?"
My throat tightened as I stood still as a tree, somehow hoping to shrink into the floor. Legolas turned and moved over to me, his eyes warm and confident as he placed a hand upon my arm. "Father, I wish to present to you Lady Andariel of Arnad. She is in great favor with the King of Gondor, as well as Lord Elrond of Imladris and the Lord and Lady of Lothlorien."
As the king's eyebrow rose, I suddenly curtseyed low to the ground, averting my eyes as he slowly stepped up to me. I felt his eyes boring into me, looking me over critically.
"It looks as if she has been taken by orcs."
A sharp pain of resentment rose in my chest, and I clenched my teeth, struggling to still the beating of my heart. The memory was all too fresh within my mind, and I dared not forget it. The malice in the king's voice was bitter poison to my spirit, and I could not refrain from speaking.
"I was, my Lord."
I glanced upward just enough to see the King stiffen, blinking rapidly in surprise as Legolas inhaled sharply. Casting my eyes downward again, Thranduil cleared his throat. "Oh." The word he spoke was not enough to erase the distaste I held already for the Elven King, as well as the insult he had made upon me. As silence fell upon the room, I slowly rose to my feet once again.
"I apologize for not being dressed appropriately, my Lord, but unfortunately we have been traveling hard and Legolas was greatly eager to see you again," I said quietly. I silently hoped that my courteous words would at least hold some sway in his attitude towards me.
Thranduil looked me over and nodded slightly. "Indeed you have."
Legolas cleared his throat. "Father, I would also like to present Lady Ithiel of Lothlorien. She comes to bring you greetings from the Lord and Lady."
Ithiel curtseyed deeply. "My Lord, Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel both send their fondest greetings to you, for it has been too many years since last they have spoken with you."
"That is very kind. I must send my greetings in return."
Eyeing me carefully, Ithiel spoke again. "However, I am not merely here as a messenger from my Lord and Lady. I am the maidservant of Lady Andariel."
Thanduil stared from one face to another, his eyes growing wide as he listened to the she-elf's words. At last he laughed out loud, a short, biting sound. "An elf serving a human! What has become of the Golden Wood that Lord Celeborn sends out his servants to tend to mortals?"
"Daro!" Legolas shouted.
I stared at him, thankful for his interruption. Legolas' eyes were dark and filled with fire, his face drawn taut with anger barely contained. His hands lay still at his sides, though I noted how his entire body was on the brink of shaking.
The King looked in surprise at his son, frowning slightly. "Onya, what is the meaning of this?"
Eyes blazing, Legolas said heatedly, "Father, you speak too harshly and too quickly! I will not permit you to do so to her."
Now Thranduil's eyes began to blaze as he turned to his son. "Watch your speech, young one, for you are in my home."
Swallowing hard, I watched silently as the pair began to argue heatedly in Elvish, both adamant and stubborn. I resisted the urge to allow tears to spring into my eyes. After all this time, all the miles we had traveled, I was to be greeted with utter distain by the Lord of the Wood-Elves. What had I done to him to cause such foul words to be spoken? Deep shame began to blossom in my chest as I realized that I had been correct all the time in believing that Legolas' father would not accept me. I felt Ithiel comfortingly lay a hand on my arm, and I swallowed a lump in my throat.
"Do you know what they are saying?" I whispered, leaning close to her.
She nodded. "Yes. I do not believe you should hear such things." Ithiel sighed. "Be calm, my Lady. The Prince defends you well."
At last the two quieted down. Legolas glared at his father, who stood proudly and stiffened his chin. Sighing heavily, Thranduil turned to me. "Lady Andariel, I have spoken poorly. Please, take leave in my home and rest. Later we will talk over dinner; I am certain all of you desire rest after so long a journey."
Glancing once more at his son, the King turned and left the room slowly, his footsteps silent in the great Hall.
When he had gone, I shuddered, trembles overtaking my body as I felt the tears spring into my eyes at last. Ithiel pulled me close, whispering soothingly to me. "Do not fear, my Lady. He may seem harsh, but I believe he will change his mind once he has spoken more with you."
"No he won't. He carries such despise for me having only just met me."
A warm hand touched my cheek, and I looked up to see Legolas gazing at me with sorrow. "I am sorry, Andariel," he said, pulling me into his arms. "I cannot forgive him for such a display. I do not know why he was so coarse with you, for I have rarely seen him so." Sighing heavily, he kissed my head. "Come. I will show you to your room."
*A/N: "Daro" is "stop/halt", "Onya" is "my son," "Atar" is "father."
We rode hard through the forest, slowly losing the few streams of light that penetrated the dense foliage. It seemed there was no end to this dark place, and each sound of hidden creatures caused my heart to tremble. I felt I was suffocating as the air grew heavier and dank, until we finally broke free into a lesser forest covered in the folds of evening. Still, I could see more than I could inside the fierce darkness of the ancient wood.
As we slowed, a sharp voice called, "Daro!"
We drew our horses in, suddenly surrounded by some ten elves who appeared out of nowhere. Each one had arrows set in bows, all aimed precariously at us. I studied them in the twilight. They were all akin to the trees surrounding them, tall, lithesome and dressed to match the colors of the woods. They were built strongly and showed great strength, their blonde hair pale in the air.
Suddenly one of them gasped, yelling something in Elvish. Immediately, all weapons were set aside. I assumed they recognized their Prince.
Legolas began to speak with the one who seemed the leader of the scouting party, motioning occasionally towards Ithiel and myself. I stared blankly at them, their words blurring together and confusing me. The others seemed wary of us, perhaps because we were women or perhaps because I was obviously mortal. Regardless, I shifted nervously while Aria stood quite still, for she knew of all Elves, it seemed.
After several minutes of conversing, Legolas turned to me. "Andariel, this is Maegaerion, one of the guards to Mirkwood. He will follow us into the city. Do not worry, beloved, we are out of danger now."
Maegaerion bowed his head to me. "It is an honor to meet you, Lady Andariel, Quendendil. You need not fear spiders here, for they do not encroach upon our domain. Come. We will escort you to the King's palace."
I raised an eyebrow as we began to move forward. 'I suppose danger is all in the mind of the beholder,' I thought. 'I think my own lies ahead."
The Elves began to talk amongst themselves as we rode on, though Ithiel remained silent. She too seemed wary of them, knowing well that they did not think highly of us. I silently watched the trees, marveling at their great heights. It seemed this place was different from the depths we had passed through already, filled with life and the essence of the earth, untouched by the shadows.
After some time we came to an area of great population. Fires burned warmly in open spaces alongside many huts and flets which were illuminated in the darkness. I saw a number of figures moving stealthily in the shadows, and I felt many eyes upon us. Laughter echoed in the air, yet was silenced as we rode through. I heard many cries from the elves, and I looked at Legolas. He sat tall, smiling over the people as we passed, calling out occasionally to those he knew. These were his people, those who walked silently among the dark parts of the forest. Now that he had returned they seemed filled with joy.
The rushing sounds of a river caught my attention as we rose through the village, and I noticed we had come to a mountain. In the night I had not seen it beforehand, yet now it loomed tall and silent in the dark. Many torches lit up its sides, and the call of trumpets resounded through the earth itself. I felt small and feeble in front of this place, for it was different than the dwellings of Lord Elrond or the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood. Here, it seemed I was facing a grave prison, not a palace. I watched the stream flow eastward, gleaming brightly in the torchlight.
Maegaerion dismounted, calling out to several others as we all followed suit. Bowing properly, he motioned for Legolas to follow him. Legolas gently touched my arm, his eyes reflecting the golden glow all around us, and he offered me a soothing smile. "Come," he whispered. "We will rest well tonight, for these borders are well protected, and you need not fear."
Smiling nervously, I nodded.
We passed into the great stone door of the mountain, eerily reminiscent of Moria though not quite so foreboding. I fell back a little to hold onto Ithiel's arm, who gratefully squeezed my hand, a gentle smile playing over her smooth face. It seemed my footsteps were the only ones heard along the stone floor as we passed through a long tunnel before entering a large chamber that was so bright it compensated for the lack of light in the forest. I stared at the hanging chandeliers of candles from a vaulted ceiling, shining down upon beautiful wall hangings and delicate vases displayed with care. On either side of the room were tall doorways leading down into other parts of the palace, each well-lit as well. My hand drifted carelessly down to the sword at my side, and I realized the awful state of my appearance.
'I am to go before a king dressed like a rat,' I thought mournfully. 'How many times will I ask him for forgiveness, I wonder?'
Legolas led us into a chamber that was immense, decorated lavishly with rich tapestries and silver candleholders that sparkled in the light. On the far end of the room sat a large wooden throne, polished to shine between the great stone pillars that had been carved out of the mountain itself. The throne sat upon a small step that was inlaid with jewels, and behind it on the wall were several murals of the great Elven kings.
A door opened loudly, and I found my eyes turned to face a figure entering the room. The Elf was tall and well-built, with long flaxen hair that was akin to pure silver and sunlight framing his pale face. Deep-set eyes of clear blue stared out from his face, holding a stern wisdom that had come from many years of hardship and sacrifice. He was clothed in finely made robes of dark blue hemmed with gold, sweeping the tips of his boots as he made long strides into the room. Upon his brow was set a crown not of gold, but of golden leaves and bright red berries, made from the living forest. I trembled upon seeing this King, for his stature was of great wisdom and stern rule.
Upon seeing Legolas, the elf's face suddenly brightened, all traces of darkness flung away as he broke into a wide smile. "Onya!" he exclaimed, a broad smile spreading through every part of him.
"Atar!" Legolas bowed deeply.
"Oh, come now, my son, stand and embrace me. It has been far too long since last my eyes have been graced with your presence." King Thranduil reached for his son, pulling him close as he breathed a heavy sigh of relief. "It is well to see you again."
"Father, I am glad to see you," Legolas answered, slowly pulling away. "How do you fare?"
The king studied his son, eyes steadily tracing the elf. "I fare much better upon seeing you at last. The last several seasons have been very long and difficult, for the creatures of the forest grow more defiant and foolhardy. I believe the spiders are multiplying; it is good you are back. And you, Legolas, how do you fare?"
With his back to me, I could not see his expression, though I heard the contentment in his voice. "I am well, father. The Quest has succeeded, and the Shadow has been vanquished. All is as it should be in the world."
"Good, good. I was concerned you would never return, for I have been told your journeys have led you far across the world."
Legolas bowed his head. "My journeys have been tiresome and trying, and my heart is filled with happiness to be home at last. I have found many strange things in the world, father, things I had never before encountered."
Clapping a hand upon his son's shoulder, Thranduil chuckled slightly. "You must tell me more of what you have seen. I know well that you have much to say." Suddenly the Wood-Elves' king set his gaze upon me, and his body stiffened, his eyes growing cold and hard. "A mortal! Who have you brought to me, my son, one who carries a weapon into my household?"
My throat tightened as I stood still as a tree, somehow hoping to shrink into the floor. Legolas turned and moved over to me, his eyes warm and confident as he placed a hand upon my arm. "Father, I wish to present to you Lady Andariel of Arnad. She is in great favor with the King of Gondor, as well as Lord Elrond of Imladris and the Lord and Lady of Lothlorien."
As the king's eyebrow rose, I suddenly curtseyed low to the ground, averting my eyes as he slowly stepped up to me. I felt his eyes boring into me, looking me over critically.
"It looks as if she has been taken by orcs."
A sharp pain of resentment rose in my chest, and I clenched my teeth, struggling to still the beating of my heart. The memory was all too fresh within my mind, and I dared not forget it. The malice in the king's voice was bitter poison to my spirit, and I could not refrain from speaking.
"I was, my Lord."
I glanced upward just enough to see the King stiffen, blinking rapidly in surprise as Legolas inhaled sharply. Casting my eyes downward again, Thranduil cleared his throat. "Oh." The word he spoke was not enough to erase the distaste I held already for the Elven King, as well as the insult he had made upon me. As silence fell upon the room, I slowly rose to my feet once again.
"I apologize for not being dressed appropriately, my Lord, but unfortunately we have been traveling hard and Legolas was greatly eager to see you again," I said quietly. I silently hoped that my courteous words would at least hold some sway in his attitude towards me.
Thranduil looked me over and nodded slightly. "Indeed you have."
Legolas cleared his throat. "Father, I would also like to present Lady Ithiel of Lothlorien. She comes to bring you greetings from the Lord and Lady."
Ithiel curtseyed deeply. "My Lord, Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel both send their fondest greetings to you, for it has been too many years since last they have spoken with you."
"That is very kind. I must send my greetings in return."
Eyeing me carefully, Ithiel spoke again. "However, I am not merely here as a messenger from my Lord and Lady. I am the maidservant of Lady Andariel."
Thanduil stared from one face to another, his eyes growing wide as he listened to the she-elf's words. At last he laughed out loud, a short, biting sound. "An elf serving a human! What has become of the Golden Wood that Lord Celeborn sends out his servants to tend to mortals?"
"Daro!" Legolas shouted.
I stared at him, thankful for his interruption. Legolas' eyes were dark and filled with fire, his face drawn taut with anger barely contained. His hands lay still at his sides, though I noted how his entire body was on the brink of shaking.
The King looked in surprise at his son, frowning slightly. "Onya, what is the meaning of this?"
Eyes blazing, Legolas said heatedly, "Father, you speak too harshly and too quickly! I will not permit you to do so to her."
Now Thranduil's eyes began to blaze as he turned to his son. "Watch your speech, young one, for you are in my home."
Swallowing hard, I watched silently as the pair began to argue heatedly in Elvish, both adamant and stubborn. I resisted the urge to allow tears to spring into my eyes. After all this time, all the miles we had traveled, I was to be greeted with utter distain by the Lord of the Wood-Elves. What had I done to him to cause such foul words to be spoken? Deep shame began to blossom in my chest as I realized that I had been correct all the time in believing that Legolas' father would not accept me. I felt Ithiel comfortingly lay a hand on my arm, and I swallowed a lump in my throat.
"Do you know what they are saying?" I whispered, leaning close to her.
She nodded. "Yes. I do not believe you should hear such things." Ithiel sighed. "Be calm, my Lady. The Prince defends you well."
At last the two quieted down. Legolas glared at his father, who stood proudly and stiffened his chin. Sighing heavily, Thranduil turned to me. "Lady Andariel, I have spoken poorly. Please, take leave in my home and rest. Later we will talk over dinner; I am certain all of you desire rest after so long a journey."
Glancing once more at his son, the King turned and left the room slowly, his footsteps silent in the great Hall.
When he had gone, I shuddered, trembles overtaking my body as I felt the tears spring into my eyes at last. Ithiel pulled me close, whispering soothingly to me. "Do not fear, my Lady. He may seem harsh, but I believe he will change his mind once he has spoken more with you."
"No he won't. He carries such despise for me having only just met me."
A warm hand touched my cheek, and I looked up to see Legolas gazing at me with sorrow. "I am sorry, Andariel," he said, pulling me into his arms. "I cannot forgive him for such a display. I do not know why he was so coarse with you, for I have rarely seen him so." Sighing heavily, he kissed my head. "Come. I will show you to your room."
*A/N: "Daro" is "stop/halt", "Onya" is "my son," "Atar" is "father."