Disclaimer : I do not claim ownership of any of Tolkien's characters other
than the characters I have created myself.
An Echo of Tears - Outcasted Shadow
Chapter IV : Dawn
Slipping inside a heavy green cloak, Aeryn pulled the hood up and grabbed her bow and arrows. The shadows danced around her, flickering from the candle that burned brilliantly from her hand. Moving quickly and silently, Aeryn crept across the grass in light footsteps and reached the stables. The smell of horses and animals reached her. Snorts and a nervous pawing of hooves cracked the silence. Raising the candle up to the stable corner stall, she smiled, her face glowing from the light of the candle.
"I seek your help old friend."
Raising a slender hand, Aeryn stroked the mare's nose. Nickering in greeting, the mare merely sniffed at her, its ears turning towards the sound of Aeryn's voice.
"I am to follow Legolas tomorrow to Rivendell. Such an adventure it will be! With you as my steed, we are sure to go quick and safe on my first adventure outside of Mirkwood."
Nuzzling the side of Aeryn's neck, the mare seemed uncannily to nod in agreement.
"So it is agreed. We shall leave now and hide in the forest till dawn."
Would she come to see him off? Or was she still angry at him from the night before? Sighing, Legolas leapt onto the quivering black stallion. Energy seemed to be radiating from the horse itself. Before him, Ethuil stood, her lips curved into a smile.
"I wish you a safe trip Legolas, and for you to come back soon.in time for our wedding."
He nodded, his gaze straying beyond her. Oblivious to his surroundings, he didn't notice the sudden grim expression flashing across Ethuil's face. So Aeryn wasn't coming. It was to be expected. After all, he did break his promise with her.a promise made a long time ago.
Flashback -
He felt the tree sway as Aeryn struggled to climb up beside him. If his guess was correct, she would ask for his help soon enough.
"Legolas.I can't get up! Help me!" With as much dignity as she could muster, Aeryn struggled her way up to the branch below Legolas's. Laughing, Legolas gave up trying to ignore her and heaved her up, dodging flailing arms.
Nose crinkled, Aeryn turned towards him.
"Is there something wrong?" Leaning closer, Aeryn blinked big round eyes at him.
"No."
"Yes there is. And since you promised to be my friend, you have to tell me." Out of habit, her stubborn chin inclined.
"Fine." Easily, Legolas stood up on the branch and stared at the melting horizon. There would be no harm in telling her, after all, it wasn't as if it was that big of a deal.
"I yearn for adventure. I wish I didn't have to wait so long to journey elsewhere. Anywhere."
"If you do, you are going to have to bring me with you." Flashing a smile full of missing baby teeth, Aeryn clung to his leg.
"You could be my hero if I get into big trouble. Gallop off to save me on a trusty steed if a big mean monster got me."
That broke a laugh out of him. "Right. I will be your Knight in shining armor."
Deviously, Aeryn tugged at his arm.
"I'm serious! Promise. Promise me you will never go on an adventure without me."
He stared down at her for a long time. She shifted, her dark hair curled around a finger. So young and fragile. He would protect her. "Fine. Promise."
End of Flashback -
"We should be on our way now, Legolas." Rathien turned eyes of dark greens to observe Legolas's expression.
Shifting his eyes one more time to the dotted greens of Mirkwood, Legolas trotted after Rathien.
"And they are off."
Aeryn could hardly wait. Silently, she trailed them from behind. She winced as the mare stepped on a twig, the sound exploding across the silence. Hopefully, a snapping twig wouldn't give them away. Hopefully. Her breath caught in her throat when Legolas turned, cautious blue eyes scanning the area.
"What is the matter?" Rathien rode up next to him.
"Nothing. I thought I heard something, tis is all."
Holding the mare still, Aeryn closed her eyes shut, praying they wouldn't be discovered until they got near Rivendell. Or else, Legolas would surely send her back to Mirkwood. As the sound of hooves started once again, Aeryn opened her eyes. They didn't see her. Thank the lords.
Lightly, she eased the mare forward. When they got to Rivendell, she would get a dozen lectures from Legolas. But it would be worth it. After all, he had promised her. Aeryn of Nowhere made sure people kept their promises.
Thranduil turned glassy eyes to watch Ethuil. Yes, she was the perfect match for Legolas. And a suitable Queen of Mirkwood. Likewise, Aeryn was not. Sighing, Thranduil stared down at his hands. He wasn't blind enough to not realize his son's feelings for that unusual-eyed female. But he had already done enough generosity on his part. Letting the female live was already a lot of pressure on his side. It had been a shock, he remembered, to see the tiny figure huddled against a birch and the tears running down her face. He hadn't known there were any Culorians left. After all, the King years before had banished them and ultimately decreased the popularity of them to extinction. He'd done as much as he could, finding someone to take in such a dangerous child. He shan't need to make her become Queen too, especially the Queen of Mirkwood. It was his duty to protect these woods, his woods. He would sacrifice his own son's happiness for Mirkwood's. After all, hadn't he himself sacrificed love for duty? Yes, the girl would never be the Queen of Mirkwood, not while he still lived and breathed. Drowsily, Thranduil closed his eyes and thought in sorrow of his own love in another time, another place, perhaps another world also.
The fire crackled and sparks flew, the warmth just out of reach. Darn it, thought Aeryn. I forgot about this part. Mirkwood had never been this cold at night, why here? Shivering, Aeryn inched closer to radiating warmth of the mare. And the thing was, while she was freezing out here, the golden boy was sitting by the fire, warm and content. Oh, how she loathed him right now!
And, Aeryn reasoned, it was particularly his fault she was stuck out here anyway. Had it not been because he had denied her of her journeying with him, She too would be enjoying the warmth of a young fire. Tilting her head, Aeryn turned her eyes to watch the dark-haired elf sprawled next to Legolas. Rathien. A sneer spread across her face. Thankfully, no one could see her as of now since ladies should only smile or not, never frowning of other expressions that would tire the face muscles. Of all the nonsense they taught at ladies school, that rule was the worst.
Rathien had always been boyishly handsome, with dark hair like her own and green, green eyes. The exact opposite of Legolas. Including personality. Interest in the opposite sex had raised up in high notches during the years. His current target was her, if she wasn't mistaken, by his constant flirting. She wouldn't fall for his charming tactics, unlike the other girls. They'd had their heart broken, innocence gone, and dreams of love and marriage disappeared. Because of him.
It wasn't until hours later that Aeryn woke up. Alone. Although, if you added the company of the mare, it wouldn't exactly be alone. Legolas and Rathien were gone from the clearing, as well as the stallions. The fire was out, the smoke billowing out in all sorts of directions. Had they gone already? Logic fading, Aeryn stepped into the clearing hesitantly. Nothing. There was no sound. And that was the main source of the problem. Where were the sounds of animals, of the birds, the quiet whispering of the oaks and pines?
Then she heard the light airy footstep behind her and whirled around. Not fast enough. Something heavy came down onto her shoulder. The pain spread in silence. And the world tuned out of view.
End of Chapter IV : Mwahahaha! Cliffhanger! Aren't I absolutely too evil? Hehe. I kind of liked this chapter, particularly since the story is actually beginning to sound like one. I still can't decide who would be the one that puts Aeryn into an unconscious state. Legolas and Rathien? Or the Orcs? Another source of evil created by imagination? Hmm. Well, if you have any ideas or suggestions, please add it into your reviews! It will be greatly appreciated! Till next time!
Vocabulary :
Culorians - The name of the species of elves with different eye colourings. Specifically, Aeryn is a Culorian.
Preview for Chapter V :
Haha. Sorry but I don't add previews for cliffhangers. Takes out all the enthusiasm for the next chapter. Aren't you absolutely starting to hate me now?
An Echo of Tears - Outcasted Shadow
Chapter IV : Dawn
Slipping inside a heavy green cloak, Aeryn pulled the hood up and grabbed her bow and arrows. The shadows danced around her, flickering from the candle that burned brilliantly from her hand. Moving quickly and silently, Aeryn crept across the grass in light footsteps and reached the stables. The smell of horses and animals reached her. Snorts and a nervous pawing of hooves cracked the silence. Raising the candle up to the stable corner stall, she smiled, her face glowing from the light of the candle.
"I seek your help old friend."
Raising a slender hand, Aeryn stroked the mare's nose. Nickering in greeting, the mare merely sniffed at her, its ears turning towards the sound of Aeryn's voice.
"I am to follow Legolas tomorrow to Rivendell. Such an adventure it will be! With you as my steed, we are sure to go quick and safe on my first adventure outside of Mirkwood."
Nuzzling the side of Aeryn's neck, the mare seemed uncannily to nod in agreement.
"So it is agreed. We shall leave now and hide in the forest till dawn."
Would she come to see him off? Or was she still angry at him from the night before? Sighing, Legolas leapt onto the quivering black stallion. Energy seemed to be radiating from the horse itself. Before him, Ethuil stood, her lips curved into a smile.
"I wish you a safe trip Legolas, and for you to come back soon.in time for our wedding."
He nodded, his gaze straying beyond her. Oblivious to his surroundings, he didn't notice the sudden grim expression flashing across Ethuil's face. So Aeryn wasn't coming. It was to be expected. After all, he did break his promise with her.a promise made a long time ago.
Flashback -
He felt the tree sway as Aeryn struggled to climb up beside him. If his guess was correct, she would ask for his help soon enough.
"Legolas.I can't get up! Help me!" With as much dignity as she could muster, Aeryn struggled her way up to the branch below Legolas's. Laughing, Legolas gave up trying to ignore her and heaved her up, dodging flailing arms.
Nose crinkled, Aeryn turned towards him.
"Is there something wrong?" Leaning closer, Aeryn blinked big round eyes at him.
"No."
"Yes there is. And since you promised to be my friend, you have to tell me." Out of habit, her stubborn chin inclined.
"Fine." Easily, Legolas stood up on the branch and stared at the melting horizon. There would be no harm in telling her, after all, it wasn't as if it was that big of a deal.
"I yearn for adventure. I wish I didn't have to wait so long to journey elsewhere. Anywhere."
"If you do, you are going to have to bring me with you." Flashing a smile full of missing baby teeth, Aeryn clung to his leg.
"You could be my hero if I get into big trouble. Gallop off to save me on a trusty steed if a big mean monster got me."
That broke a laugh out of him. "Right. I will be your Knight in shining armor."
Deviously, Aeryn tugged at his arm.
"I'm serious! Promise. Promise me you will never go on an adventure without me."
He stared down at her for a long time. She shifted, her dark hair curled around a finger. So young and fragile. He would protect her. "Fine. Promise."
End of Flashback -
"We should be on our way now, Legolas." Rathien turned eyes of dark greens to observe Legolas's expression.
Shifting his eyes one more time to the dotted greens of Mirkwood, Legolas trotted after Rathien.
"And they are off."
Aeryn could hardly wait. Silently, she trailed them from behind. She winced as the mare stepped on a twig, the sound exploding across the silence. Hopefully, a snapping twig wouldn't give them away. Hopefully. Her breath caught in her throat when Legolas turned, cautious blue eyes scanning the area.
"What is the matter?" Rathien rode up next to him.
"Nothing. I thought I heard something, tis is all."
Holding the mare still, Aeryn closed her eyes shut, praying they wouldn't be discovered until they got near Rivendell. Or else, Legolas would surely send her back to Mirkwood. As the sound of hooves started once again, Aeryn opened her eyes. They didn't see her. Thank the lords.
Lightly, she eased the mare forward. When they got to Rivendell, she would get a dozen lectures from Legolas. But it would be worth it. After all, he had promised her. Aeryn of Nowhere made sure people kept their promises.
Thranduil turned glassy eyes to watch Ethuil. Yes, she was the perfect match for Legolas. And a suitable Queen of Mirkwood. Likewise, Aeryn was not. Sighing, Thranduil stared down at his hands. He wasn't blind enough to not realize his son's feelings for that unusual-eyed female. But he had already done enough generosity on his part. Letting the female live was already a lot of pressure on his side. It had been a shock, he remembered, to see the tiny figure huddled against a birch and the tears running down her face. He hadn't known there were any Culorians left. After all, the King years before had banished them and ultimately decreased the popularity of them to extinction. He'd done as much as he could, finding someone to take in such a dangerous child. He shan't need to make her become Queen too, especially the Queen of Mirkwood. It was his duty to protect these woods, his woods. He would sacrifice his own son's happiness for Mirkwood's. After all, hadn't he himself sacrificed love for duty? Yes, the girl would never be the Queen of Mirkwood, not while he still lived and breathed. Drowsily, Thranduil closed his eyes and thought in sorrow of his own love in another time, another place, perhaps another world also.
The fire crackled and sparks flew, the warmth just out of reach. Darn it, thought Aeryn. I forgot about this part. Mirkwood had never been this cold at night, why here? Shivering, Aeryn inched closer to radiating warmth of the mare. And the thing was, while she was freezing out here, the golden boy was sitting by the fire, warm and content. Oh, how she loathed him right now!
And, Aeryn reasoned, it was particularly his fault she was stuck out here anyway. Had it not been because he had denied her of her journeying with him, She too would be enjoying the warmth of a young fire. Tilting her head, Aeryn turned her eyes to watch the dark-haired elf sprawled next to Legolas. Rathien. A sneer spread across her face. Thankfully, no one could see her as of now since ladies should only smile or not, never frowning of other expressions that would tire the face muscles. Of all the nonsense they taught at ladies school, that rule was the worst.
Rathien had always been boyishly handsome, with dark hair like her own and green, green eyes. The exact opposite of Legolas. Including personality. Interest in the opposite sex had raised up in high notches during the years. His current target was her, if she wasn't mistaken, by his constant flirting. She wouldn't fall for his charming tactics, unlike the other girls. They'd had their heart broken, innocence gone, and dreams of love and marriage disappeared. Because of him.
It wasn't until hours later that Aeryn woke up. Alone. Although, if you added the company of the mare, it wouldn't exactly be alone. Legolas and Rathien were gone from the clearing, as well as the stallions. The fire was out, the smoke billowing out in all sorts of directions. Had they gone already? Logic fading, Aeryn stepped into the clearing hesitantly. Nothing. There was no sound. And that was the main source of the problem. Where were the sounds of animals, of the birds, the quiet whispering of the oaks and pines?
Then she heard the light airy footstep behind her and whirled around. Not fast enough. Something heavy came down onto her shoulder. The pain spread in silence. And the world tuned out of view.
End of Chapter IV : Mwahahaha! Cliffhanger! Aren't I absolutely too evil? Hehe. I kind of liked this chapter, particularly since the story is actually beginning to sound like one. I still can't decide who would be the one that puts Aeryn into an unconscious state. Legolas and Rathien? Or the Orcs? Another source of evil created by imagination? Hmm. Well, if you have any ideas or suggestions, please add it into your reviews! It will be greatly appreciated! Till next time!
Vocabulary :
Culorians - The name of the species of elves with different eye colourings. Specifically, Aeryn is a Culorian.
Preview for Chapter V :
Haha. Sorry but I don't add previews for cliffhangers. Takes out all the enthusiasm for the next chapter. Aren't you absolutely starting to hate me now?