Meril walked in silence, Legolas by her side, leading Aron. Since they¹re
departure from Hollin, they haven¹t spoke a single word to each other.
Dragging her feet over the soft dirt, she stumbled. She quickly looked up
to see if Legolas had noticed. His stern eyes remained ahead, as if in
search for something. Meril caught up with him, trying to match her pace
with his. Her bow and quiver began to grow heavy on her slender shoulders.
She let out a quiet sigh, hoping that Legolas¹ keen ears wouldn¹t pick it
up.
His head slowly turned, his blue eyes fell upon her weary form.
³Meril, here, let me take these.²
He reached behind her back, releasing her weapons. In response, her back seemed to cry out in relief of being freed of its heavy burden. Tingling sensations spread throughout her slender arms and fingers.
³Thank you.² Her navy eyes kept their gaze on the ground.
³If you want, you can ride Aron. I¹m sure he wouldn¹t mind.²
Legolas tried to offer his hand to her.
³My prince, ³ Meril tried to hide the smirk that soon became engraved on her tender face. ³ I can handle myself just as well.²
Legolas just nodded in response.
Gracefully, she jumped onto Arons back. Her glossy raven mane spilled over her shoulder. A small giggle escaped her lips, her eyes lingered on Legolas, who stood watching, his arms folded in front of his chest.
³Fine, let us be on our way then.²
³So be it.² Meril stroked Arons wild mane. She cast her gaze once more in Legolas¹ direction. Lazily, her bow rested within his firm grip. There was a trace of sadness that lingered on his face. His eyes kept on searching for something.
³My prince, I catch a hint of sadness in thy _expression. If thou do not mind, may I ask what bothers thy tender heart?²
Meril kept her gaze straight ahead, avoiding his. For a while, nothing but the sound of Aron¹s hooves clashing into the ground could be heard. Up ahead, Anor spilled down violently upon them. It¹s harsh rays splashing traces of gold in Legolas¹ hair.
Innerly, Meril could have kicked herself for asking him such an abrupt question. What was it her business to ask the prince of Mirkwood such questions. She hadn¹t even known him for long. Awkwardness began to build itself within her skin. He remained silent. Not even acknowledging her presence. She seemed to have been thin air to him, nothing more.
³My heart is bothered by the thought that I have a throne waiting for me back home.² Legolas finally spoke. His voice clashed into her ears. Knitting her eyebrows together in confusion, she finally faced him.
³And why is that such a heavy burden for a prince? A prince is born an heir to a throne. And as for you, Mirkwood is your throne. Why be bothered by it?²
³People have many great expectations of you as a ruler. I am not willing to have such burdens upon me.²
³A king is bond to face great expectations at a certain time in his life. It comes natural. Why fear it?²
³I cannot carry anymore burdens within me than I do now.²
Meril laughed out loud, covering her mouth with her hand. ³And may I ask my prince, exactly what burdens you carry within you now? I see no trace of such a horrific burden upon thy figure.²
³My lady, the dangers of warfare are enough burdens to wear one down.²
³I guess I need to ask no more. I¹m afraid thy anger is beginning to boil to the surface already.²
Legolas felt his face grow hot. He ground his teeth, forcing himself to swallow down the words he was about to spit out at her. What would she know of anything he had been through? A she-elf knew nothing of war. She¹d probably even run at the mere sight of one bleeding. Then again, she possessed weapons herself. He had seen how experienced she was at stringing her bow.
Self protection. That is all it is for. She only knows how to string it. She probably can¹t even shoot for the life of it.
³We should arrive in Rivendell soon.²
³Great.² Meril didn¹t look back at him. She fought every sense within her that wanted her to turn around and call him a spoiled prince. Then again, it would have sounded childish and caused him to laugh at her small vocabulary of harsh words. Anger ran through her veins like poisoned ice. Soon she would be rid of him, then he would be nothing more than a mere memory.
She¹d remember his face. It would make great target practice at her archery lessons. That thought brought a small smile to her face.
****************
³Ada!² (daddy) Meril leaped off of Aron¹s back, dashing towards Elrond. Legolas watched with wide eyes. His breath caught in his throat, as he watched Elrond embrace Meril in a warm hug. Tears glistened in the Lord¹s eyes.
³My angel.......my dearest angel has returned to me.....² Elrond sobbed into Meril¹s soft hair.
³Ada, it is alright. I remain unharmed.² Elrond looked at her, spotting the bite-marks on her shoulder.
³Unharmed? Meril, what happened? Where¹s Falasiel? Was she not with you?²
Meril flinched inwardly at the sound of that name.
³Not right now, ada, not now. Later would be better to tell you. By the way,² Meril stepped aside, allowing Legolas to appear in Elrond¹s view. ³I thank my life to Legolas. Ada, he saved me from orcs.²
Elrond stepped down the stairs carefully, his arms stretched out to receive Legolas in an embrace.
³Legolas Greenleaf. How good it is to see thee. Come, let as all hear thy story of the war of the ring. Tell me of everything. How is Frodo? Are all the hobbits doing well? What about Gimli. I heard a great deal of you and him becoming friends.²
Legolas let out a laugh, as Elrond led him down the halls of his castle, his arm slung around him. Meril walked next to Elrond, she gazed over at legolas, who looked at her with questionable eyes. She would have a lot of explaining to do. When time was right.
*************
Legolas looked at his weary reflection in the mirror. He hadn¹t had much sleep in months. He always had to keep alert of trolls or orcs. Now he finally could let his bodie rest in peaceful slumber, without having to live with a constant fear gnawing at him. He slipped on the new green tunic Elrond had one of his servants bring him. Tonight a feast was held, for his and Meril¹s return. A dance was to take place also.
He never knew Elrond had another daughter, besides Arwen. Yet, he should have been able to tell. She had the same raven mane as Arwen. Her eyes carried the same tint of the darkest night, and the wildest ocean.
Foolish of him to let that all slip away. Still, what would bring her out to the woods of Hollin? Elrond never spoke of her, maybe there was a reason to it.
A faint knock on his door tore a hole through his thoughts. It let out a soft creek as Meril¹s head poked through. She smiled, her eyes crinkling as she did.
³Lle maa quel.² (you look good) She stepped in, revealing the pearly-white dress she wore. It¹s sleeves draped down, barely brushing the polished marble floor. ³Father wanted me to check up on you. Just to see if thou are ready.²
Legolas stepped forward, grasping her by her slim wrist. ³Lay everything aside, princess. There is no need to be formal with me.²
Meril looked up at him with cold eyes. ³Fine then, Legolas.²
His grip grew firmer, he forced her closer to him with a gentle jerk on her wrist. ³You did not tell me. Lord Elrond is your father?!²
Meril¹s gaze quickly fell. ³ I couldn¹t....I tried to but the words just couldn¹t form. Legolas, honestly.²
With his free hand, he grasped her chin,forcing her to look at his face. ³What brought you to Hollin in the first place? You know that its no place for one like you.²
Angered by his comment, Meril forced herself free of his grasp. ³Do not presume to tell me what is my place or not.²
She spun on her heels, heading for the door, but Legolas was faster than her. He blocked the door, pushing her against it. She felt his breath brush her face. He was beginning to draw dangerously close. Meril felt her heart batter wildly within her ribcage, threatening to shatter bone at any moment.
Heat from his body radiated into hers, feeling his presence in her veins. Mercilessly his eyes tried to dig out what secrets she kept from him.
³I must go and get myself ready before dinner, excuse me your highness.² Meril wriggled out of the small space he allowed her, curtsied and slipped through the door.
Cursing under his breath, Legolas slammed a tightly balled fist onto the wooden door. He stepped back, massaging his eyebrows gently.
³This girl¹s going to be the death of me..²
******************
Excited voices echoed off the marble walls. Laughter filled the air, along with music. A sweet melody buried itself in Legolas¹ ear as he casually stepped into the ballroom.
Many elves were gathered, crowding the large room. Smiling, Legolas made his way through, getting stopped every now and then. It was no surprise to him. Nearly every elf in Middle Earth knew of him.
Struggling his way through the bodies crowding about him, he found Elrond seated at the dinner table. Elrond motioned for Legolas to sit next to him. Meril was seated in between both of them. Her gaze fell upon him once, but then she quickly avoided his. ³¹Quel undome² (Good evening)
³It is great to have you here, son.² Elrond shouted over the loud laughter and music. His hand enclosed over Meril¹s. ³Long have I waited to see the return of my lost daughter. In my heart I feared the worst. Yet, you, son of Thranduil, saved her and brought her back to me. I cannot thank you enough.²
³My lord, I¹m glad she has returned safely to you.² Legolas looked over at Meril, who was staring down at her plate. Her crimson lips formed into a mild frown, her lids narrowed, hiding her eyes beneath her thick charcoal lashes.
Her hands nervously fidgeted with the satin table cloth, letting it slide through her slim fingers. Her raven mane was pulled up into a messy bun, letting long glossy strands drip down onto her bare shoulder. A small, pearly tear drop rested within the crest of her neck, matching her dress perfectly.
³Excuse me my lord.² Legolas stood up, making a slight bow. Elrond nodded in response, smiling as he watch the prince approach his daughter. Meril¹s eyes lit up in surprise, her lips partially opened, forming a ³yes² as Legolas asked her to dance.
A small smile lie embedded on her face as Legolas led her out onto the dance floor. He turned, facing her, taking one of her hands in his, and let the other rest on the curve of her hip.
Meril¹s eyes studied the other couples on the dance floor. For some reason, she found all their eyes on her and Legolas.
A light blush bloomed on her porcelain cheeks. Of course they¹d all be staring at her. It had been months since she¹d been back to Rivendell. Her eyes narrowed, memories came pouring back.
³Meril, I do not think that this was such a good idea...Maybe we should turn around.²
Falasiel¹s eyes held pure fright. She nervously stepped over a fallen log, trying to catch up with Meril.
³Look, I promised to meet him, this is the only way..And my father cannot know. I could not bare to see the anger and disappointment on his face, after he found out.²
Falasiel nodded in silence. ³So be it then. But it is your fate, not mine.²
³Do net let thy self be troubled with my choices. This was my decision.²
Meril dashed off, driving herself deeper into the woods of Hollin, Falasiel close to her heels.
³You never told me why.² Legolas¹ soft voice broke through her thoughts. It was close to her ear, his breath faintly brushing her skin, causing her hair to stand up on the back of her neck.
His long fingers curled around the thin fabric of her dress, grasping it firmly. Against her will, Meril was drawn closer to him.
³What is it you long to know?² Meril¹s voice was toneless.
³I want to know why.²
A soft chuckle emerged from her. ³Why?²
His grip hardened, threatening to bruise her hip. ³Why where you in Hollin?²
Meril forced her gaze on him. His ice blue eyes dug mercilessly into hers. In the background, the music slowly died. Legolas forced them both to an abrupt stop, amidst the large crowd on the dance floor, as a new song aroused.
He held her in place, refusing to let her go. He needed an answer. It burned within his lungs to know.
³My prince, do not let my troubles bother you.² Meril looked over at Elrond, who watched them intently. Legolas had no choice but to let her go this time.
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His head slowly turned, his blue eyes fell upon her weary form.
³Meril, here, let me take these.²
He reached behind her back, releasing her weapons. In response, her back seemed to cry out in relief of being freed of its heavy burden. Tingling sensations spread throughout her slender arms and fingers.
³Thank you.² Her navy eyes kept their gaze on the ground.
³If you want, you can ride Aron. I¹m sure he wouldn¹t mind.²
Legolas tried to offer his hand to her.
³My prince, ³ Meril tried to hide the smirk that soon became engraved on her tender face. ³ I can handle myself just as well.²
Legolas just nodded in response.
Gracefully, she jumped onto Arons back. Her glossy raven mane spilled over her shoulder. A small giggle escaped her lips, her eyes lingered on Legolas, who stood watching, his arms folded in front of his chest.
³Fine, let us be on our way then.²
³So be it.² Meril stroked Arons wild mane. She cast her gaze once more in Legolas¹ direction. Lazily, her bow rested within his firm grip. There was a trace of sadness that lingered on his face. His eyes kept on searching for something.
³My prince, I catch a hint of sadness in thy _expression. If thou do not mind, may I ask what bothers thy tender heart?²
Meril kept her gaze straight ahead, avoiding his. For a while, nothing but the sound of Aron¹s hooves clashing into the ground could be heard. Up ahead, Anor spilled down violently upon them. It¹s harsh rays splashing traces of gold in Legolas¹ hair.
Innerly, Meril could have kicked herself for asking him such an abrupt question. What was it her business to ask the prince of Mirkwood such questions. She hadn¹t even known him for long. Awkwardness began to build itself within her skin. He remained silent. Not even acknowledging her presence. She seemed to have been thin air to him, nothing more.
³My heart is bothered by the thought that I have a throne waiting for me back home.² Legolas finally spoke. His voice clashed into her ears. Knitting her eyebrows together in confusion, she finally faced him.
³And why is that such a heavy burden for a prince? A prince is born an heir to a throne. And as for you, Mirkwood is your throne. Why be bothered by it?²
³People have many great expectations of you as a ruler. I am not willing to have such burdens upon me.²
³A king is bond to face great expectations at a certain time in his life. It comes natural. Why fear it?²
³I cannot carry anymore burdens within me than I do now.²
Meril laughed out loud, covering her mouth with her hand. ³And may I ask my prince, exactly what burdens you carry within you now? I see no trace of such a horrific burden upon thy figure.²
³My lady, the dangers of warfare are enough burdens to wear one down.²
³I guess I need to ask no more. I¹m afraid thy anger is beginning to boil to the surface already.²
Legolas felt his face grow hot. He ground his teeth, forcing himself to swallow down the words he was about to spit out at her. What would she know of anything he had been through? A she-elf knew nothing of war. She¹d probably even run at the mere sight of one bleeding. Then again, she possessed weapons herself. He had seen how experienced she was at stringing her bow.
Self protection. That is all it is for. She only knows how to string it. She probably can¹t even shoot for the life of it.
³We should arrive in Rivendell soon.²
³Great.² Meril didn¹t look back at him. She fought every sense within her that wanted her to turn around and call him a spoiled prince. Then again, it would have sounded childish and caused him to laugh at her small vocabulary of harsh words. Anger ran through her veins like poisoned ice. Soon she would be rid of him, then he would be nothing more than a mere memory.
She¹d remember his face. It would make great target practice at her archery lessons. That thought brought a small smile to her face.
****************
³Ada!² (daddy) Meril leaped off of Aron¹s back, dashing towards Elrond. Legolas watched with wide eyes. His breath caught in his throat, as he watched Elrond embrace Meril in a warm hug. Tears glistened in the Lord¹s eyes.
³My angel.......my dearest angel has returned to me.....² Elrond sobbed into Meril¹s soft hair.
³Ada, it is alright. I remain unharmed.² Elrond looked at her, spotting the bite-marks on her shoulder.
³Unharmed? Meril, what happened? Where¹s Falasiel? Was she not with you?²
Meril flinched inwardly at the sound of that name.
³Not right now, ada, not now. Later would be better to tell you. By the way,² Meril stepped aside, allowing Legolas to appear in Elrond¹s view. ³I thank my life to Legolas. Ada, he saved me from orcs.²
Elrond stepped down the stairs carefully, his arms stretched out to receive Legolas in an embrace.
³Legolas Greenleaf. How good it is to see thee. Come, let as all hear thy story of the war of the ring. Tell me of everything. How is Frodo? Are all the hobbits doing well? What about Gimli. I heard a great deal of you and him becoming friends.²
Legolas let out a laugh, as Elrond led him down the halls of his castle, his arm slung around him. Meril walked next to Elrond, she gazed over at legolas, who looked at her with questionable eyes. She would have a lot of explaining to do. When time was right.
*************
Legolas looked at his weary reflection in the mirror. He hadn¹t had much sleep in months. He always had to keep alert of trolls or orcs. Now he finally could let his bodie rest in peaceful slumber, without having to live with a constant fear gnawing at him. He slipped on the new green tunic Elrond had one of his servants bring him. Tonight a feast was held, for his and Meril¹s return. A dance was to take place also.
He never knew Elrond had another daughter, besides Arwen. Yet, he should have been able to tell. She had the same raven mane as Arwen. Her eyes carried the same tint of the darkest night, and the wildest ocean.
Foolish of him to let that all slip away. Still, what would bring her out to the woods of Hollin? Elrond never spoke of her, maybe there was a reason to it.
A faint knock on his door tore a hole through his thoughts. It let out a soft creek as Meril¹s head poked through. She smiled, her eyes crinkling as she did.
³Lle maa quel.² (you look good) She stepped in, revealing the pearly-white dress she wore. It¹s sleeves draped down, barely brushing the polished marble floor. ³Father wanted me to check up on you. Just to see if thou are ready.²
Legolas stepped forward, grasping her by her slim wrist. ³Lay everything aside, princess. There is no need to be formal with me.²
Meril looked up at him with cold eyes. ³Fine then, Legolas.²
His grip grew firmer, he forced her closer to him with a gentle jerk on her wrist. ³You did not tell me. Lord Elrond is your father?!²
Meril¹s gaze quickly fell. ³ I couldn¹t....I tried to but the words just couldn¹t form. Legolas, honestly.²
With his free hand, he grasped her chin,forcing her to look at his face. ³What brought you to Hollin in the first place? You know that its no place for one like you.²
Angered by his comment, Meril forced herself free of his grasp. ³Do not presume to tell me what is my place or not.²
She spun on her heels, heading for the door, but Legolas was faster than her. He blocked the door, pushing her against it. She felt his breath brush her face. He was beginning to draw dangerously close. Meril felt her heart batter wildly within her ribcage, threatening to shatter bone at any moment.
Heat from his body radiated into hers, feeling his presence in her veins. Mercilessly his eyes tried to dig out what secrets she kept from him.
³I must go and get myself ready before dinner, excuse me your highness.² Meril wriggled out of the small space he allowed her, curtsied and slipped through the door.
Cursing under his breath, Legolas slammed a tightly balled fist onto the wooden door. He stepped back, massaging his eyebrows gently.
³This girl¹s going to be the death of me..²
******************
Excited voices echoed off the marble walls. Laughter filled the air, along with music. A sweet melody buried itself in Legolas¹ ear as he casually stepped into the ballroom.
Many elves were gathered, crowding the large room. Smiling, Legolas made his way through, getting stopped every now and then. It was no surprise to him. Nearly every elf in Middle Earth knew of him.
Struggling his way through the bodies crowding about him, he found Elrond seated at the dinner table. Elrond motioned for Legolas to sit next to him. Meril was seated in between both of them. Her gaze fell upon him once, but then she quickly avoided his. ³¹Quel undome² (Good evening)
³It is great to have you here, son.² Elrond shouted over the loud laughter and music. His hand enclosed over Meril¹s. ³Long have I waited to see the return of my lost daughter. In my heart I feared the worst. Yet, you, son of Thranduil, saved her and brought her back to me. I cannot thank you enough.²
³My lord, I¹m glad she has returned safely to you.² Legolas looked over at Meril, who was staring down at her plate. Her crimson lips formed into a mild frown, her lids narrowed, hiding her eyes beneath her thick charcoal lashes.
Her hands nervously fidgeted with the satin table cloth, letting it slide through her slim fingers. Her raven mane was pulled up into a messy bun, letting long glossy strands drip down onto her bare shoulder. A small, pearly tear drop rested within the crest of her neck, matching her dress perfectly.
³Excuse me my lord.² Legolas stood up, making a slight bow. Elrond nodded in response, smiling as he watch the prince approach his daughter. Meril¹s eyes lit up in surprise, her lips partially opened, forming a ³yes² as Legolas asked her to dance.
A small smile lie embedded on her face as Legolas led her out onto the dance floor. He turned, facing her, taking one of her hands in his, and let the other rest on the curve of her hip.
Meril¹s eyes studied the other couples on the dance floor. For some reason, she found all their eyes on her and Legolas.
A light blush bloomed on her porcelain cheeks. Of course they¹d all be staring at her. It had been months since she¹d been back to Rivendell. Her eyes narrowed, memories came pouring back.
³Meril, I do not think that this was such a good idea...Maybe we should turn around.²
Falasiel¹s eyes held pure fright. She nervously stepped over a fallen log, trying to catch up with Meril.
³Look, I promised to meet him, this is the only way..And my father cannot know. I could not bare to see the anger and disappointment on his face, after he found out.²
Falasiel nodded in silence. ³So be it then. But it is your fate, not mine.²
³Do net let thy self be troubled with my choices. This was my decision.²
Meril dashed off, driving herself deeper into the woods of Hollin, Falasiel close to her heels.
³You never told me why.² Legolas¹ soft voice broke through her thoughts. It was close to her ear, his breath faintly brushing her skin, causing her hair to stand up on the back of her neck.
His long fingers curled around the thin fabric of her dress, grasping it firmly. Against her will, Meril was drawn closer to him.
³What is it you long to know?² Meril¹s voice was toneless.
³I want to know why.²
A soft chuckle emerged from her. ³Why?²
His grip hardened, threatening to bruise her hip. ³Why where you in Hollin?²
Meril forced her gaze on him. His ice blue eyes dug mercilessly into hers. In the background, the music slowly died. Legolas forced them both to an abrupt stop, amidst the large crowd on the dance floor, as a new song aroused.
He held her in place, refusing to let her go. He needed an answer. It burned within his lungs to know.
³My prince, do not let my troubles bother you.² Meril looked over at Elrond, who watched them intently. Legolas had no choice but to let her go this time.
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