Legolas' horse Hénduil galloped free of the forest, his hoof beats swift and sure carrying his master west ward towards the sanctuary of Rivendell. His golden hair whipping about in his face as the wind rushed past his elven ears, Legolas felt the thrill of seeing the country flash by him as Hénduil lengthened his stride. The early morning sun was illuminating the surrounding meadow in hues of gold and green that reminded him of Mirkwood in the autumn.
How he dearly wanted to be back home, to wander at will through his homeland. But a message had reached Rivendell from Elrond and his father had sent him to answer its call.
As the yellow face of the sun peaked at noon Legolas felt the tremor in the earth, the ground seemed to shrink away from a new air that was carried on the breeze it was unmistakable, evil. Looking round he threw the apple he had being eating on the floor. He stood up and gazed long and hard into the distance, but he could see nothing out of the ordinary even with his elven eyes.
However the atmosphere was thickening and it sparked a wave of uncertainty in him. Swiftly he called Hénduil to him and strapped his quiver to his back, leaping with the grace of a cat and the air of a butterfly onto his steed's grey back; he set off at full gallop towards Rivendell. He kept throwing glances across his shoulder expecting to see some ugly enemy but none appeared in his view. His feeling of discord grew and the wind picked up carrying the threat of evil ever closer. He soon spied a copse of trees not far away and changed Hénduil's course, he had no idea what made him do it, as it would add to his journey, but the foul air now blowing past him made him uneasy. If he had to fight he would have an advantage in his own domain.
As soon as the leafy canopy was above him he slowed to a walk and dismounted. His ears strained to hear anything; a crunch of leaves and the snapping of a branch broke the frosty silence. He whipped around to try and find their source but before he could investigate there came the unmistakeable sound of heavy footfalls not far off. He climbed the nearest tree with the skill of a squirrel and gasped at the sight that met his gaze.
A troop of about forty orcs was approaching through the trees, he cursed softly and fitted an arrow to his bow. Orcs had not tread this far north since Sauron's evil reign. Still the great ugly creatures trudged forward, Legolas assessed the situation with a collected calmness born of his years as a warrior. He had an advantage as most of the orcs had their heads down and were unaware of their surroundings. When the first wave reached shooting distance he let the string loose, a hissing sound was all that could be heard as the green flighted arrow flew through the air and as usual found its mark. The great beast fell forward with a thud that roused the others from their reverie. The elvish bow sang as arrow after arrow flew through the air, swift as swallows and as deadly as a panther.
Legolas reached back to grasp another arrow but only clutched at air. He cursed under his breath, there were twenty Orcs left and although he was skilled with a sword he was not the best and would need all his strength if he were to win. He leapt from the tree, falling lightly onto the ground.
The orcs whipped around to face their foe. The hiss blades being drawn were all that the nearest orc heard before the life was wiped from his body by a powerful upward stroke that split his chest in two. Legolas pulled his knives back out of a second orc, but he lost precious moments and before he could get into a stable stance another orc launched an attack, he deflected the blow but the action knocked him from his feet. He fell to the ground and his weapons thrown from his grasp, and cracked his head on the root of a tree. His sight blurred.
Before he slipped from consciousness he heard the cry of a woman. Then it all went blank.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Kĩyara looked on from her tree top vantage point as elvish arrows darted through the air. She could not see who wielded them so skilfully but she knew from the aura of goodness that radiated from the oak a few yards away that they were elvish. She had always admired those who had the skill of archery, she herself had never been much good at it, she favoured sword to bow. As she watched the orcs ceased to fall.
A green and brown clad elf with blonde hair leapt from the treetops to land lightly on the ground. He drew his knives as she watched. Her critical eye noted that although strong and brave this elf would not stand long against the orcs that so vastly outnumbered him. Even as she prepared to move she saw him caught off balance, as he fell she shivered, she didn't have time to recognise the feeling that had just passed through her it was concern.
Just as his head caught an outlying root she leapt from the tree crying "Bei Elbereth!"
She swerved and ducked dealing fatal blows to all the surrounding orcs, it lasted no more than a few minutes at most. She was the one of the best sword fighters and riders in middle earth, but that fact was not yet known as she was unheard of in these parts, other than to the likes of Elrond.
As the last orc raised its curved sword she brought a double-handed blow down on top of its disgusting head with a final cry, splitting it from skull to chest.
She wiped the silvery elven blade on the grass and hurried over to the fallen figure on the ground. She gently lifted his head and rested it on her cloak. The elf had blonde hair and an enchanting face. She was startled. She felt that somehow all of this had already been planned; some distant corner of her brain was telling her that this was to be her future.
This was not like her at all, she reminded herself sharply. These silly thoughts would only land her in trouble. Trouble however always found her. She pursed her lips and gave a long low whistle. Out of the trees emerged the most beautiful horse. He was the colour of gold and his hooves looked as though they barely touched the ground. His whole body looked like it was made of water, he moved fluently forwards, the sun that poked through the trees caught his mane that was the colour of a pale winter morning. One of the descendents Nahar and kin to the Mearas.
A golden glow surrounded him as he walked forward to his beloved Mistress. He nickered softly. His strong muscles bunched and stretched on his well-set body as he broke into a trot, finally stopping to let his mistress open one of the saddlebags.
Legolas opened his eyes. His body ached. As his sight cleared it revealed standing over him a she-elf. Not just any elf, but one that held a beauty rivalled by no other he thought. Softly he whispered
"Nimrodel?"
Her sparkling green eyes, the colour of fresh emeralds reminded him of the lore song about Nimrodel of old. In his dazed state this stood out among his jumbled thoughts. Her brow furrowed. "No" she replied
"Not Nimrodell herself, I am her daughter, Kĩyara."
Legolas sat up straight looking bewildered. All fuzziness of mind left him. Leaving one staring fact in his mind.
"But the tale of Nimrodel is a mere story of old!"
"Nay, it was true my father is Amroth. I do not lie" she finished, smiling at the disbelieving look on the poor elf's face. She locked her emerald eyes on his bright blue ones and repeated,
"I do not lie."
He knew she didn't. As she stood he glimpsed what could only be described as a golden palomino horse behind her, he gasped, it was a sight to behold. At his amazement she laughed, it was a warm and musical laugh not mocking but friendly.
"Caradien, my horse." She said then added "and what name do you bear?"
"I am Legolas Greenleaf, son of king Thranduil of Mirkwood."
It was her turn to look surprised. She quickly recovered however and inquired, "Where do you travel to Master Greenleaf? I am merely stopping on my wanders, yet I think that you have more serious business from the way you were riding earlier."
"I go to the council of Elrond, and hopefully there I will be told of my errand, and perhaps chance upon some old friends."
"Friends like Aragorn?"
Legolas leapt to his feet in surprise. She smiled at him serenely as her eyes glowed under her lowered lashes. "There are those who know that I exist and am not just an old lore tale. Aragorn for one, sometimes I wander with him. Gandalf and Elrond know, now you do too. I know of you and the events of your past Master Greenleaf." He looked on in wonder, his brain tried to take in all that had just happened but couldn't.
How did she know who he was?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Later that evening as the sun set two horses galloped the last miles to Rivendell. Legolas called to his companion
"You ride swiftly my lady, I can bear keep up with you at this pace yet your horse does not look exerted."
She laughed again,
"You have much to learn Master Greenleaf! Firstly call me Kĩyara not my lady I do not bear that status, secondly Caradien is one of the horses of Eldamar, as is your animal, however he is also related to the great Shadowfax!"
She lent low over the golden horses neck and whispered in high elvish (for she was a descendant of the Vanyar) into his ear. With that Caradien lengthened his stride his ears pricked, golden coat rippling in the evening light as he sped forwards. His hooves ate up the ground yet they looked as though they barely touched it at all. Within a minute she was out of sight.
Legolas shook his head, he had only see Gandalf ride so fast before. He rode above the last green crest to find her waiting for him above the valley that was Rivendell. "You are gifted Kĩyara it seems with both your sword and your horse." He said smiling at her.
She looked away unable to hold his intent gaze. "Yes, I suppose I am." She said quite breathlessly.
"Can I ask you something Kĩyara?" He didn't wait for a reply "The tales say that Nimrodel and Amroth died in their passage to the Undying lands. Is it true?"
"No."
He didn't push her anymore. But he had one final burning question which he blurted out.
"Why do you have dark hair? Your parents hail from Lothlorién."
Kĩyara smiled impishly.
"My grandmother was a bit…wayward."
Legolas' returned the smile.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
When they arrived at the centre of Rivenell they were summoned to Elrond. They were shown into the light and airy great hall where Elrond was seated on his oaken throne; beside him was Aragorn.
"I see you two have already met, which makes things easier for me." Elrond started, looking at the two elves stood before him.
"I told him about my parentage Elrond so you don't have to, that was after saving him from the Orcs." Replied Kĩyara slyly.
Legolas spluttered "I didn't need saving!"
"Yes you did you were unconscious!" She retorted tossing her long hair that was the colour of new chestnuts, over her shoulder.
"Now, now children!" Aragorn laughed. "You have to watch out for her Legolas she is a wildcat! You will pay for it if you offend her, don't take it too hard if she boasts!"
"I do not!" Kĩyara cried in protest.
"Childish I tell you Legolas!" Aragorn laughed.
Elrond held up a hand to stop the friendly argument. "Tell me more about these orcs. What were they doing so close to Rivendell?" He looked severe at the unwelcome news.
"I do not know, but they seemed weary as though they had travelled a long distance." Said Legolas gravely.
"They have being approaching for three days, I have followed them for a while." Kĩyara told Elrond with a now serious voice.
Elrond did not make light of the news, if it was possible his despair increased. "It is as I feared then. Sauron is not totally vanquished."
An icy silence fell over the room, disbelieving faces looked in bewilderment to Elrond. The twisted memories of the past were evident on all the faces present. The silence was left unbroken it was though the creamy walls were a cold stone tomb. Eventually Aragorn's voice broke through the air.
"How is that possible?" He sounded old and worn, the news sinking in like a lead weight.
"We did not know if our plan would work, because the old writing said it was so does not mean that it is true. It was a last attempt to defeat the dark lord. Evidently destroying the ring did not destroy the evil that sustained Sauron."
Elrond spoke as though from a distance. "That is why I called you all here, I hold a council within the month." His voice was final yet despairing.
The heavy weight of the past settled over the earth like a blanket of hatred, blocking out the rays of hope that had been created by the fellowship of the Ring. All present wished furtively that they had not heard Elrond's words correctly, but it was not so.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The week after on a fine spring morning Legolas found himself searching out Kĩyara though he did not know why as so far all their conversation had ended in argument, she certainly was a wildcat. Maybe it was her long ever so slightly wavy hair, the colour of shiny new chestnuts, deep and mysterious. Perhaps it was her softly defined face and laughing mouth or was it her eyes, emerald green and so intense that he was sure the whole world was reflected there.
While pondering this he found her by the crystalline blue lake talking with Aragorn. He sat himself on the grass next to her.
"Hello" she smiled across at him "maybe today we won't argue!" She said in a cheerful way.
"I hope not, it spoils the day, and it is very beautiful," He had nearly added like you but Aragorn was smirking at him so he didn't.
"Well if you would try to tame the wildcat, you should first see its prowess." Aragorn said knowingly.
Kĩyara rose and shook out her hair so that it glinted bronze red in the sunlight. "With pleasure!" She drew her sword and beckoned to Aragorn "Come show him, for I would not wish to harm the poor elf!"
Legolas threw her an angry look but watched with interest he had not yet seen her fight. Aragorn drew his sword and prepared. Slowly circling they watched each other, Aragorn struck first driving his blade forward which Kĩyara effectively blocked.
The battle was fast and furious, Kĩyara ducked and whirled, raining heavy blows down on Aragorn, some of which he barely managed to deflect. She was nimble and quick on her feet constantly moving around, making Aragorn attack on the move. With a double-handed stroke she sent his sword flying and had him pinned on the ground. She offered a hand to Aragorn he got up.
"See I said you would have got hurt!" She mocked at Legolas, turning around, the triumph in her voice evident. He got up and walked away without a word, the anger boiling inside him with each step he took.
"Nadorhuan!" coward She called after his retreating figure.
He turned then decided it wasn't worth it and carried on.
"Kĩyara, what are you thinking of?" Aragorn said rounding on her "You are being uncivil and down right nasty!" He said harshly. "This isn't like you at all," he said more gently. He lay a hand on her arm
"Tell me." He saw an uncertain look in her eyes, uncertain was very rare he knew.
"He unnerves me, I don't know what to say or do around him, I don't like it, its like I'm not in control of myself."
Kĩyara whispered softly her eyes cast down and her cheeks red.
Aragorn smiled at the sad look on her face, she was powerful, passionate and brave but totally oblivious. She was used to freedom.
"Kĩyara I hate to break it to you, but Legolas really likes you. I know that you've always been alone, always your own to command but if you can't see this then you really are blind. Legolas wants you as more than a acquaintance." He strode off leaving her stunned in the noon sun.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Kĩyara stayed out until dusk, wandering in the valley thinking. She felt bewildered and guilty. She was unused to this sort of attention, except Ealemad she thought fondly, but that had been a long time ago. She had created a field of insults and sarcasm to deflect the attention in the absence of knowledge of how to deal with the situation.
But she did feel guilty, because not once had Legolas retorted to her jibes. She made the resolution to apologise that evening at the feast. Determinedly she strode back to the palace in the fading light.
That night Legolas watched her as she walked into the hall; he noted how beautiful she looked in a deep purple and silver dress that hugged her body. It fell from her arms in a long waterfall of rich purple and the hem trailed on the ground slightly. It was decorated with silver leaf patterns on the bodice part and she wore her hair loose about her shoulders. He turned away not wanting her to see him. He pushed through the crowd to where he could see his old friend Gimli standing amidst his fellow dwarves.
Kĩyara's eyes scanned the crowd but she couldn't see him, then the tall elf in front of her shifted and she saw him talking to a dwarf she presumed to be Gimli. She walked over but hesitated as she caught her name above the noise of the musicians and talk.
"…Ha! You've fallen for a right one there my friend! She oft comes to our lands though I do not know her personally."
Hesitantly she continued walking up to Legolas. She gently touched him on the sleeve of his silvery grey tunic. He turned to face her. "Yes?" He said quite abruptly.
"Erm…could I have a word with you Legolas? Please?" She knew her voice sounded small and weak but she couldn't muster the courage.
Gimli winked at Legolas as he turned aside to follow her. She walked out onto the balcony that edged the hall. It was quiet, as the food had just been laid out. She turned and tilted her head up slightly so that she could see his eyes.
"I…I just want to say that I'm sorry, I don't mean to be nasty to you its just that I'm…well…will you forgive me?" For the first time she didn't fix him with her green gaze but lowered her eyes appearing very interested in her shoes.
He gazed intently at her in the moonlight, weighing her up. She looked nervous and in a way vulnerable a very different Kĩyara than the one he had come to know. He lifted his hand to her chin and tilted it upwards so he could see the stars reflect in her eyes. He felt her soft breath on his face, she held his gaze. She looked unsure and she searched his eyes with hers.
He dropped his hand and whispered, "Yes, you're forgiven."
She smiled timidly and turned back to the hall. Legolas smiled at himself she was definitely unsure. So she wasn't always so confident.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Legolas woke to a knock at his door the next day. "Who's there?"
"It's Kĩyara, can I speak with you?"
He gave a mischievous smile. He slowly got up and pulled on a tunic. He opened the door to see her face looking anxiously at him.
"Do you want to go for a ride? I need to exercise Caradien before he gets uncontrollable. Do you want me to get Hénduil ready for you?" She said it quickly as though it had taken her a lot to come this far.
"Yes please, I'll see you in the courtyard." He smiled softly at her. She smiled back and turned on her heel seemingly floating across the ground. He grinned to himself; this would be a good day.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Legolas walked into the courtyard to see Kĩyara talking to Gimli while holding two very flighty horses.
"STAND STILL CARADIEN! Sorry he hasn't been ridden for a while."
"I'm not a horse person myself, but if the need arises I don't deny they are wonderful creatures. Ah here is the elf himself!" Gimli said eyeing the dancing beasts apprehensively.
Legolas laughed, "Will you join us friend or are you to keep your feet on the ground?"
"Nay I will keep my feet here thank you."
"Suit yourself. See you tonight then!"
He took Hénduil's reins from Kĩyara and lightly mounted. He watched as Kĩyara effortlessly swung into the saddle sending her hair whirling round catching the sun. Without a word of warning Kĩyara sent Caradien into a high rear, he rose like statue of gold throwing his head back and flailing his front hooves, she shouted "Rohanilinion!" Ride!
Caradien set off in a swift gallop, quickly Legolas called back to her and was off. They disappeared in a cloud of flying turf.
They rode all day, across rivers and plains, up the valley and down it. Legolas tried to outrun Kĩyara but found it was impossible. Even though Hénduil was a horse of the Eldamar there was something about Caradien that made him even more. Legolas felt as he had done before Mirkwood had fallen into shadow, young and carefree. Kĩyara was full of laughter and fun. She turned Caradien on the tip of an acorn and galloped in the opposite direction laughing as chased her.
They had galloped along the twisty and winding paths that had sheer drops to the bottom of the valley, never before had Legolas put so much trust in his horse. To Kĩyara it seemed natural though.
They stopped for a while at noon to let their horses drink below a serene waterfall on the Gladiné stream. The light bounced off the bubbling water and the green lush grass was filled with flowers of every colour. They sat with their back to a tall elm tree and Legolas put Kĩyara's hand in his. He felt her jump. She always seemed flighty whenever he got close to her and he didn't understand why.
"Are you afraid of me Kĩyara?" He asked looking directly at her.
"No not you yourself," She began hesitantly "just what you're offering that's all."
The words sounded like summer rain to him. Her voice was always like summer when she speaking from her heart, though it had many variations. She looked steadily into his face.
"Why? I will not hurt you. Never."
"Once bitten twice shy, do you know what it is like to be betrayed?" She asked quietly.
"No, but who ever did it to you was a fool. I won't." He assured her.
He leaned closer to her. Her breath was warm on his cheek. She closed her eyes. Her lips were slightly parted and he lent further forward until he was millimetres away from her. As he was about to kiss her there was the cry of a horse and she jerked away and leapt to her feet breaking the spell.
"CARADIEN COME BACK!" She shouted in elvish.
How she knew he was running away was beyond Legolas as he was not to be seen. She ran to the small rock face that formed the waterfall and climbed it, he followed at her heels. When they were over they saw a gold horse galloping away towards a grey one that was moving at great speed towards them. Within a few seconds the two horses met and turned back to gallop to the falls.
She sighed. "It's only Gandalf, I wish Caradien wouldn't do that."
"Here my Lady I believe that this great animal belongs to you!" Said the white wizard who reined in beside them.
"Hmm, he is very naughty but loyal."
"And Legolas! What a surprise to see you here as well! I do believe that if you wait here for a few minutes you will be beset by four Hobbits who are very giddy. Well I shall see you two back at Rivendell."
He said it with a wink that made Kĩyara glower and Legolas to grin.
"Come on Shadowfax this is no time to be catching up with offspring!" He rode away in cloud of dust. They were left reeling by his perceptive nature.
Gandalf was right not more than a few minutes Four Hobbit ponies trotted towards them. With cries of delight four small figures jumped to the ground and hurled them selves at Legolas.
There was much shouting and rampaging on behalf of the Hobbits, Legolas just stood there and grinned until the onslaught had finished and he could get a word in. Pippin started to ask how he had been in an excited voice when Frodo stepped forward. Kĩyara looked straight into his piercing blue eyes; they looked old and worn, as though they hid a dark past.
"Who are you my lady?"
She was stood tall and had hold of Caradiens reins she looked at him, she sensed that he was different. "I am Kĩyara Aithianne, daughter of Nimrodel Master Frodo."
He gazed into her eyes; he thought he could see the whole world there. She smiled and he knew that she would be his friend.
Legolas introduced the rest of the Hobbits who took to Kĩyara immediately as though they had known her all their lives. They spent hours talking and relating their lives since they had parted, eventually they set off back to Rivendell as by now the sun was past its peak and they were a goodly distance from the palace.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The next morning dawned with a foreboding air. As Kĩyara rose she knew that something was happening. She dressed quickly in her normal rustic coloured garments. She pulled on her precious purple and silver cloak over the top and slipped out into the pre-dawn air. She re-entered the palace by a small oak door set in the light stone and went to the great hall. There she found an elf she knew to be the Lord Glorfindel and hurriedly she asked him where Elrond was.
"You have missed him My Lady he has started his council this morning." He answered apologetically.
She hissed a curse under her breath. She flew along the corridors, searching with every fibre in her body for the council. However when she reached it two elven guards stood in her way before the ornate doors. She knew she would not be admitted.
Cursing she turned on her heel. She walked around at a loss until she saw a small balcony to her right. Quickly she walked out onto it. If she leaned over the railings she could just see the council. Perfect. She began to intone the words "Dean eirgh faramch stric thaĩ grahdghlan aileen!" She closed her eyes and willed with every inch in her body to be at the Council. It was only a short distance from the balcony to the council but it took a lot out of her.
In the circle of people one voice could be heard above the others.
"Elrond I do believe that we have a visitor, one you were unwise to leave out for I think that you have evoked her wrath." Gandalf proclaimed.
In whirl of air Kĩyara appeared, she shimmered then solidified. There were gasps all around the circle at the appearance of this woman. Legolas by far was the most surprised. Then she spoke and it was in a voice that Legolas had not yet heard her use, it was deeper and had a force behind that was hard to place.
"What is the meaning of this? Why do you leave me from your council?" She directed at Elrond.
A man called Stragin stood up; he had a bad reputation for a troublemaker but he was a powerful Lord so had to be included. "What devilry do you possess woman? Why do you interrupt this council with incantations? You do not belong!" he said in terse tones.
Before Gandalf could stop her she had whirled around to face the speaker.
"Do not cross me human, you will regret it." Her voice was harsh and commanding. Stragin sat down looking daggers at her. He was not ordered around by anyone.
"Kĩyara you were not invited as you can be of no use to us, I have explained it to you before remember." Elrond said sternly.
"I have practised my skills! I will not be left out a second time! I was a fool to accept your words!" She said with desperation creeping into her voice.
"Prove to us then Kĩyara that you have practised. Turn the weather. Make it snow."
There were mutterings around the circle.
She stood tall and proud, Legolas watched with interest and amazement he didn't know she could do this. If he were right about what she was going to do then she would have powers that existed only in myth.
"Strigh nah lé farin demontriad halbein bei tanveél ĩ carathduné!" She said in voice quite unlike her own.
She carried on saying the words in an under tone, the sky turned grey and clouds tumbled out from nowhere, small flakes of snow began to fall. There were gasps and cries she looked around at Elrond her eyes gleaming in victory.
"I will not leave. I must have my say." She clapped her hands and the skies cleared to 'forget me not' blue.
It was decided within the council that a group should travel to the lands of Gondor and Rohan to see what news of the enemy they possessed and to ask for their aid. Elrond said that they had to be certain Sauron had returned, although he confided to a few that he didn't need confirmation.
"I name Gandalf and Legolas to go." Elrond spoke to the crowd.
"If the elf goes so do I" said Gimli stepping to Legolas' side.
"Then I will have to travel too" Aragorn stepped forward.
"And me" Frodo came to the group,
"Well us too then!" said the three Hobbits in unison rushing forward.
Elrond sighed. "We will once again put our future in your hands then."
"I go too." Kĩyara spoke.
"No" Elrond told her
"Yes." She contradicted to cries of anger from some. But she was accepted.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
That night when the stars were shining in the sky Legolas found her sat on a rock above the small lake. The moonlight danced on the water and illuminated her face. He sat next to her and pushed her hair behind her ear so he could see her face, she was staring at the water. He spoke,
"Why are you putting yourself in such danger?"
"Why are you?" She asked her eyes not leaving the silver water.
"Because I must."
"I must too, I was tricked into leaving before."
"When?" He said puzzled.
"When the fellowship was formed Elrond turned me away. It broke my heart. He said he could not risk losing the greatest weapon."
"What do you mean?"
"Well my mother was high elven and so was my father, they were one of the first elves to be brought into being, they are from the earth. I am a reflection of nature, a daughter of the earth if you like. I can bend it to my will but it is very hard because the earth also influences me, that is why I have a strong character. I can in a way wield the force of life."
"Lle naa vanima Kĩyara, do you know that?" you are beautiful He said changing the subject, the former being more than he wanted to hear.
"No I am afraid that I am very self critical when it comes to beauty." She said in a very matter of fact way.
"Don't be." He murmured.
He slipped his arm round her shoulder and drew her against him. He felt her chest rise and fall with her breathing and the steady beat of her heart. He held her to him. Content just to have her leaning against him, just listening and watching her, noting every tiny detail. Then he put a hand under her chin and raised her head to the stars, and she looked deep into his eyes. He lent forward. She closed her eyes and moved her head, and in the moonlight he kissed her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Kĩyara woke in the morning to find herself lying in Legolas' arms, their cloaks sprawled over them and the soft dewy grass damp underneath her. She smiled to herself and rested her head on his bare chest. She lay there listening to his rhythmic breathing and the steady beat of his heart for another hour thinking.
The sweet memories of the night flooded back to her the feelings once more invaded her body and she smiled insatiably. Eventually, feeling the warm morning sun on her skin she untangled herself from him and went to find her dress that was now crumpled by the lake.
When she had brushed off the grass and wrung out the dew she walked back to his sleeping form and bobbed down over him. He looked so peaceful and content as a slight breeze caught his gold hair, she didn't want to disturb the perfect image but the sun was high.
She shook him gently. "Legolas, Legolas, wake up."
He opened his eyes and looked into her face. He smiled up.
"Quel amrun." Good morning
"We will be missed if you do not hurry!"
Still smiling he got up and dressed. When he was clothed he stood in front of her and gently ran his hand through her hair. She closed her eyes and allowed herself succumb to the feelings of desire again.
"We must go" Kĩyara said half-heartedly.
They walked hand in hand back to the palace. As they neared the entrance to the house of Elrond Kĩyara released his hand and walked a little apart from him keeping her eyes down cast. Legolas knew from watching her she was very self-conscious if she didn't have a horse and a sword to hand but he thought she might have been a little more confident now, seemingly not. Oh well she just needed time he consoled himself.
Hopefully.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
As they walked into the entrance hall of the great palace, Gimli was coming out of one of the many doors that led off the spacious room. Spotting Legolas he walked over. Then he burst out laughing as he saw Kĩyara behind Legolas, both wearing the same clothes as the night before.
"Aragorn was right then I see! He said he saw you wandering off. Well I never." He said in teasing tones.
Kĩyara blushed the colour of strawberries and did not look at Legolas.
"Oh this isn't going to work!" She said crossly, walking over and re-taking Legolas' hand "It seems your friends care too much to let me go unnoticed."
"I'm glad for I wouldn't have played along." Legolas replied
"Thanks!" she replied slightly hurt.
"Well I would hurry along you two, Elrond has called us all to his private chambers." Gimli interrupted.
They walked along a maze of light corridors. They twisted and turned for some time before they reached a set of splendid oak doors with black wrought iron designs on them. Two stern and silent elves stood guard. They parted to let them pass through.
On a chair atop a dais was Elrond; to his right Gandalf. The four Hobbits were sat cross-legged on the floor and Aragorn stood next to Arwen's chair. They all looked solemn and were not speaking.
"Now that the new fellowship has been formed I must instruct you of its task in helping us. You are to travel through to Gondor and Rohan, I have sent word to Lady Galadriel and she has promised not to hinder your path through her realm, though you may if you desire stop to seek council with her. Then you must get any news of the enemy, anything at all out of the ordinary. Plus if you can, persuade the riders of Rohan to gather their forces. And this is the most vital part of you mission this must reach Gondor. It is imperative." Elrond then reached into his robes and produced a small vial from his cloak, containing what looked like starlight.
Frodo gasped and stared wide eyed. Out of his breast pocket he produced a matching vial with the same liquid in. Both radiated a white piercing light that reflected off the cream coloured walls bathing them all in its rays. Elrond smiled.
"Good, we have two just in case. One of these must be taken to Gondor, once there you will know its purpose. However it must be placed on the dais inside the white walls by human hand, so that task will fall to Aragorn, and as rightful king he will increase its power, now I can say no more on the matter or it might cloud your judgement. You will leave at dawn." Elrond's words were final.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
At the feast that night Kĩyara stayed firmly by Legolas' side. He found this very endearing; she showed great loyalty and bravery. As the evening closed people began to sit down on cushions laid out around the room, a group of elves began to tell their old lore tales. With a full stomach and the delicate elven wine it was hard not to feel at peace.
When one minstrel began to recite the old Nimrodel tale, Kĩyara tugged on Legolas' sleeve and whispered.
"C'mon, lets leave, I know where this ones going to end up."
Quietly they snuck out off the hall into the torch lit corridor. When they were well away from the hall Legolas stopped and pulled her towards him. He ran a hand through her hair and she turned her head to kiss it. He encircled her with his arms and she buried her head in his chest. She breathed in deeply.
"I'm sorry if I ever hurt you, but you are the first, no second, person who knew how to make me feel like this, but I have forgotten what it was like. You are really too lovable." Her words were muffled and sounded like a child's voice.
"Irresistible I know." He replied cheekily.
"The sad thing is it's true, I don't know why but if you look at me I melt." She said looking up at him.
"Don't talk anymore, this will most likely be our last night alone together for a very long while."
Legolas put a hand on her silky chestnut hair and pressed his lips to hers.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Legolas woke when the first light peeped through his window. He rolled over in his bed to find that Kĩyara was still lying on her side next to him with her hands tucked neatly under her head. He leaned forward and kissed the top of her head. She opened her eyes and smiled.
"We need to get ready alayen." pretty one
Slowly they both roused themselves, not wanting to leave the warmth and safety of the bed. But they were most likely going to be the last ones ready by now. They dressed in travelling clothes and finally left the room fastening cloaks.
When Legolas walked into the yard a while later it was a hive of activity. Caradien and Hénduil were ready held by an elven groom. The four Hobbits were given speedy little horses that could run fast but were not too tall. Gimli had a stout horse that was fast but reliable but he still looked dubious eyeing the creature as though it were a dragon. Aragorn was a top a grey horse of Arwen's and Shadowfax stood patiently by Gandalf. An elf came forward to Legolas and pressed a bundle of arrows into his hands.
"From your father." With that he disappeared.
Legolas walked forward and put the long green flighted arrows in his saddlebag. He already had his quiver and bow on his back; he also had a sword at his side. He mounted and watched as the others did so. Kĩyara was the last to mount she swung up onto Caradien's back and took two short swords off a nearby elf. She slid them into two scabbards attached to the front of her saddle. No one present had seen this done before save Aragorn and Gandalf who had seen her fight before.
"What's that for alayen?"
She blushed deeply at his affectionate words and replied, "I oft lose a sword and I am useless with a bow, I need spares."
"Well we shall be off. I suggest we take a direct path through Lothlorién as it will be safer and quicker." Gandalf instructed.
"Well shall ride slowly until we reach the plains then we must be fast for there is no protection in the open." He finished.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The trek up the steep sided valley of Rivendell was uneventful and the only sound that could be heard apart from the breeze and the clopping of hooves was the three Hobbits talking ten to the dozen for two hours. Only Frodo seemed quiet.
Kĩyara was concerned, she had talked with him often over the past weeks and he seemed to trust her and she knew that in return she would do her best for him. She reined in Caradien, who seemed annoyed as he tossed his head when the other horses passed him. She drew in line with Frodo's horse who Sam had named Eagle for he was a proud animal.
"What's wrong Frodo?" She asked seriously.
"I don't know." He said sadly "I have a fear for someone in this company and their lives but I do not know who. I feel the burden of the past return, but I could not let the others go and leave me to stay." His voice his hid his fright at the thought of the task ahead.
"You are very brave, and I admire your spirit Frodo. If you ever need anything I will be there by any means I can you know."
She looked down at him their eyes holding each other's gaze. He did not doubt that she would. In a way she was like Gandalf, she would always be there when you really needed her but not when you thought you needed her.
"Aá menealle nauva calen ar'malta. " may your ways always be green and golden
She trotted off to walk beside Legolas, a niggling feeling of doubt in her mind.
Within the next hour they walked out onto the grassy plains that surrounded the lush valley.
"Kĩyara, Shadowfax wants to see if he can still better his young. Will you race?" Asked Gandalf.
Kĩyara's eyes gleamed; she was very, very competitive. With a cry that sounded like the very core of the earth itself she brought Caradien into a high rear as she always did when she set off fast. He thrashed his front hooves and fell into a wild gallop. Shadowfax spurted forward. Kĩyara lay long over her horse's neck and urged him on with elven words, her cloak and hair streaming out behind her like a banner. Gandalf sat tall as he always did.
Caradien was stretched to his limit at fifty leagues an hour by Aragorn's reckoning. (About 40mph) Shadowfax was still ahead but not by far. Kĩyara pulled Caradien in and waited for the others to catch up. She was breathing fast at the adrenaline coursing through her veins.
"Well done Kĩyara, Shadowfax is still fast I see though you did better than I expected. You could have caught me up though if you stayed at that pace, Shadowfax isn't as young as he was." Gandalf praised.
"I want to ride my horse not kill him, I'll let you into a secret, Caradien could not have kept that up for more than a few strides."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
That night they camped in the base of a small gully that had a bubbling brook at the bottom. Aragorn had first watch and went to sit at the top on a weathered boulder. Sam soon had a merry fire going and a pot of something. They all sat round the fire in silence for a while the only sound being the gentle breeze in the grass and the flickering flames casting dancing shadows over the people sat around it. Then Sam announced that it was ready and unceremoniously ladled out the stew into nine bowls. Gandalf took his and Aragorn's up and did not return for a while. Sam sat on one side of Kĩyara and Frodo on the other. Pippin and Merry sat round the other side of the fire by Legolas and Gimli. There was only the quiet scraping of wooden spoons.
"This is delicious Sam you truly are a brilliant cook, even as an elf I still like the taste of this meat."
Sam blushed and said in a proud voice. "It's got herbs and taters in, my Gaffer said it was the best dish I cooked."
"It truly is." Kĩyara said savouring her last mouthful.
As the moon rose higher Legolas came to sit beside Kĩyara dislodging two Hobbits. She rested her head on his shoulder and looked around the fire. Pippin and Merry were squabbling happily over which kind of mushroom were the best and Sam was telling Frodo how best to cook taters and rabbit. Aragorn had come back and was talking weapons with Gimli. For now every one was happy. That night Kĩyara slept with her head on Legolas' shoulder.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
For the next few days they travelled uneventfully. They had entered into a band of woodland that was quite thin but stretched for miles they were now only two day's ride from Lothlorién. But a surprise awaited them when they reached a small gurgling river that ran across their path.
As they approached Legolas said that he could see a man there, and he was dressed in black and hiding behind a tree. This wood was deserted and anybody was regarded as an enemy. They approached at the ready, hands to weapons. As they rode up the man jumped out. They immediately recognised him as Stragin from the council.
"Hail Stragin! What brings you to these parts?" called Gandalf with a warning tone.
"I return homewards Gandalf the White, but my business is my own."
"Will you ride with us for a while?" Gandalf said, wanting to keep an eye on the fellow.
"Aye that I might do, whither do you travel?"
"We are headed for Lothlorién and beyond, will you not ride behind one of us?"
"Aye I will ride with you for a while, though I will not enter the realm of the lady of the wood as I don't trust to your reckonings about her." At his words Gimli looked murderous, he held no elf in greater esteem save perhaps Legolas.
"That is fine and who would deign to ride with?"
He had an evil smile on his face that enhanced his twisted features and Kĩyara felt a wave of fear rush over her, she already knew his answer.
"I would ride with the Lady of the earth for there is much I would discuss with her."
Kĩyara's heart sank.
Legolas looked angry and Kĩyara for the first time in her life looked scared, though only Legolas could see it. Stragin swung up onto Caradien's back and the golden horse pranced and whinnied his eyes rolling to show the whites. Kĩyara lent forward and whispered in his ear words that only Legolas' elven ears could pick up, her voice trembled.
Stragin locked his arms firmly about her waist and pressed himself more than was necessary against her. All that day they rode. Legolas watched Kĩyara intently; her lips kept forming the words of silent prayers.
When they stopped to camp that night Kĩyara moved swiftly away from Stragin and stuck close by Legolas' side all night. Stragin looked murderous when she slept huddled next to Legolas with her head on his chest. Her brow was furrowed as nightmares invaded her sleep.
All through the next day Stragin questioned Aragorn and Gandalf as to their mission and to facts concerning Elrond's plans and their quest. This made all uneasy, as Stragin was a very doubtful character.
At noon they stopped in a clearing to let their horses rest and so they could eat lunch (Cheese and pickle on bread). Stragin wandered off for a while and Aragorn sat polishing his sword. The Hobbits sat around Kĩyara and told her all about Hobbiton and the Shire, while she listened with rapt attention. Legolas climbed into one of the trees and restrung his bow in the absence of something useful to do.
After about an hour Legolas shouted down. "Kĩyara can you hear that?"
She listened intently, holding a hand up to silence the Hobbits. Then her eyes widened and she whispered in a hoarse voice.
"Orcs."
At once everyone ran to get weapons, Kĩyara drew her main sword and grabbed another one from Caradien's saddle. She stood next to Aragorn her face determined. Legolas jumped form his tree and fitted an arrow to his bow. The four hobbits drew their tiny swords, Frodo's glowing bright blue. Gimli was stood cradling his axe.
The footfalls now became audible to human ears. The first group of foul orcs ran through the trees, curved swords drawn. Kĩyara jumped forward with a cry and sent the orcs head spinning off, the hiss of flying arrows filled the air as Legolas let loose his bow.
Kĩyara swung her sword with a skill unrivalled by any and killed many orcs as she wove through the crowd. She ducked and swerved whirling around; using both swords and dealing blows left right and centre, she showed no mercy.
Aragorn and Gimli worked as a unit and killed many, twice saving each other's neck. The hobbits fought admirably though they stood still and did not dare get separated in case the throng of evil orcs smothered them.
Legolas released his bowstring for the last time and the last orc fell forward with a thud.
They all stood in silence. Their arms at their sides as Gandalf walked forward through the mass of dead bodies. He knelt next to a small figure on the ground. It wore a grey cloak from Lothlorién. It was mud splattered and blood stained. Gently Gandalf rolled it over. With a cry Merry ran forward.
It was Pippin.
Kĩyara walked numbly towards the fallen hobbit, Frodo looked over his body his face stricken and grieved, and Merry was crying on Pippin's still chest and Sam was lent against a tree with his eyes closed. His sobs rent through the air. Gently Kĩyara knelt and placed a hand on Merry's curly haired head.
"Get up Merry." She said quietly.
Merry stood. Kĩyara looked at Pippin's face, then she pressed her hand to his heart. She shook her head sadly, and then stopped. She frowned.
"Quickly pass me one of the vials! Now!" Her voice commanded the urgency she was feeling.
Frodo fished in his pocket and handed her the small glass jar. She sat Pippin up and gently placed the vial between his lips. She closed her eyes and willed it to have worked.
Slowly Pippin opened his eyes. With loud cheers the hobbits hugged him and landed in a pile of curly hair and laughter. But they were cut short by the return of Stragin who wanted to know what had happened. His eyes did not confirm his amazement though.
They did not travel further that day. Pippin when told of what happened ran and hugged Kĩyara round the neck and wouldn't let go for ages. He fervently thanked her again and again. After a while Kĩyara said she was thirsty and went to the nearby spring away from the camp. Her thoughts were ones of angst they didn't know, except Gandalf, that what she had done was in many ways wrong, she had taken the life of a star and given it to Pippin.
If the star waned before Pippin then he would also die. She was also exhausted. It was evening and the sun low in the sky. As she looked up from the swirling waters she heard footsteps behind her. As she stood up to turn around someone grabbed her and clapped a hand over her mouth.
It was Stragin. She struggled lashing out but he had her arm tight up behind her back so that spasms of pain flew across her shoulder and her joint screamed in protest. He whispered harshly in her ear
"Don't struggle, I already have enough information for my master. Now I will take my prize."
Her heart sank. She knew what he was going to do. She struggled again but he still held her arm. It was futile. She shuddered and he drew his knife and held it to her throat.
"Cry out and I take you away with me, stay silent and I will take you and leave." He said maliciously.
He started to with draw the knife, as he moved his hand she stepped hard on his foot. He lashed out with his knife arm; she couldn't move far enough and it caught her on her stomach leaving a trail of blood against her skin that could be seen through the torn material. The pain was intense as the blood welled up and ran in rivulets down her pale skin but she couldn't falter. She rammed her elbow into his stomach and Stragin fell back tearing her shirt even more. He grabbed her ankle and tripped her, she screamed. The sound cut through the wood like a knife.
Nearby the rest of the company heard and jumped up. Legolas cried out in fear. As they ran through the forest they heard the sound of hoof beats behind them and turned to see Caradien galloping towards his mistress' voice. They reached the clearing to find Kĩyara pinned by to the ground by Stragin who was stood over her. Legolas shouted out in desperation and anger
"NO! LEAVE HER!"
At the sound of his voice Stragin looked up and laughed. It was cold and evil
"See your pretty girl now, no more than a common whore on her knees!"
Legolas looked at Kĩyara, her eyes were pleading with him. A tear fell from the side of her eye.
"NO!!!!" Legolas ran forward and hit Stragin on the jaw he fell back. What ensued was violent and dirty.
Kĩyara scrambled to her feet. The look of fear and submission in her eyes was gone. What was now there was so powerful that none could hold her gaze. Her eyes were blazing green like fresh dug emeralds from Rohan. Behind them were a fire, an all consuming hatred, anger and passion.
This was the real Kĩyara. She was powerful and strong. Even Gandalf was in awe. She watched. The two still fought on. Stragin was stood on Legolas' throat; Legolas flung him off with great difficulty. Stragin was moving his hand over the ground searching for something. He found it. His arm jerked forward Legolas tried to dodge but wasn't fast enough. The blade stuck in his shoulder. He fell forwards. Kĩyara faltered only momentarily. Stragin caught Legolas by his hair and hauled him up to stab again; he made to remove the dagger.
"Stop." He looked up expecting to see a fabulous creature.
Instead Kĩyara stood there. In her voice was everything that lived, it was the sound of the world, and it was the voice of the soil, the song of the eagle. It was power, greed and hatred; it was love, loyalty and hope. It was passion and misery. It was Kĩyara.
"Stop. Do not touch him." She repeated. Stragin let go unable to fight such power. Legolas fell to the ground, his eyes closed.
"Help him Aragorn for I cannot bear to, I will exact his revenge, our revenge."
Aragorn ran forward and moved Legolas carefully. Now Kĩyara stood facing Stragin thirty paces apart.
"Tell me all you know." She stared right at his cowering form.
"N…n…n…no." Stragin trembled.
She stood with her feet apart and braced herself. "TELL ME!"
The sky turned inky black and lightening shot across it. Kĩyara seemed to grow and her voice stayed of the earth. A fierce wind began to blow; it tugged at her hair and clothes and whipped the creaking branches of the trees into a frenzy. Her face was scratched and blood stained and she was covered in mud. The only thing Stragin knew was that her eyes were looking at his soul and that her voice commanded the heavens.
The wind continued to shriek and howl. Then a white glow filled the darkness. Kĩyara turned her head, there stepping through the trees was Lady Galadriel. She walked to Stragin and raised her hands. A white ray pierced the gathering darkness.
Lady Galadriel turned and spoke to Kĩyara. "I know his intentions and his thoughts, continue Kĩyara Queen of the Arda." earth
The sky returned to evening gold and the wind died down. Kĩyara picked up her fallen sword. Stragin turned to run or grab his weapon
"Halt! You cannot run I have a steed so loyal he will carry me to the heart of Mordor. I can turn the earth against your very soul. You cannot defeat me. This is not a battle it is your death." She spoke calmly, disconcertingly.
She raised her sword, Stragin stood unable to move. She flung the sword with a powerful throw of her arm; it arced through the air and plunged deep into Stragin's chest. He fell. Kĩyara also fell, but into unconsciousness.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
When she woke she was in Lothlorién. Her eyes opened and standing around her were Aragorn, Gimli, and the hobbits, Gandalf, Lady Galadriel and sat beside her Legolas. She sat up and kissed Legolas. He felt the sorrow and joy of her heart in that one kiss.
"What happened?" she asked
Lady Galadriel spoke first. "You reached your goal and you conquered. You are the Queen of the Earth and no one rivals your power. But you now have a great burden. I felt your presence when you neared my lands; I knew what you would be. But now we know the Dark Lord was not destroyed with his foul creation. You must face Sauron and defeat him. You will not be alone though."
Kĩyara fell back with a cry. Frodo lent forward and kissed her forehead he knew her pain.
"You will not be alone, ever, while we nine stand. I speak for us all." Frodo said.
She looked around. He did. Nine grave faces looked back at her. Aragorn's kingly and determined, Gimli's serious one, Frodo's fair yet lined with worries, Sam's loyal and brave, Pippin with ever laughing eyes, Merry with his cheery twinkle, Lady Galadriel stern and proud. And Legolas. Dear, dear Legolas. She loved him to the ends of the earth. She said so then as well. He just looked at her and tilted her head to the moonlight from the window.
"I love you too. We can do this."
As Legolas spoke those words of love the Black riders galloped from Mordor. Soon their love and the others friendship would be stretched to the limit.
A/N: This isn't a mary-sue I only found out what one was the other day. If you think it is then that's fine by me but its not intentional!