The beginning of this story is very slow; so do not expect the romance to
begin soon. I intend this to be a long story and will include as much
romance as adventure. I believe in a strong plot, hence why I dwell so
much on it. Please review; I will greatly appreciate it!
****
"Excuse me, miss?"
"Hm?" Haemerethwen mumbled. She rubbed her eyes and found that the Elf had returned.
"King Thranduil desires to know of your condition," he stated.
"Oh, well, let me see," she said. She slowly sat up, but this time there was not as much pain accompanied in it. She winced when she dared to stand, but she surprised herself in her ability to accomplish it.
"It appears your condition is well," he cheerily stated, "Shall I accompany you to the court? He greatly desires your presence." Haemerethwen faltered at his request, unsure of what exactly she should announce to his King after such a troublesome arrival. She slowly smiled.
"Of course."
****
Haemerethwen entered the court without the realization that other Elves would be in the company of King Thranduil. Immediately, she reddened at the thought of how the Elves would frown upon her horrible appearance. However, she lifted her chin, determined to accomplish the task that had brought her thus far.
"Bring her a chair," commanded Thranduil to the Elf, "She is not in well enough condition to stand throughout this important discussion." The elder Elf disappeared and quickly returned with an ornate chair that she felt uncomfortable sitting in.
"It is a surprise, Haemerethwen, to catch you so far East," Thranduil began when she was seated. Haemerethwen quickly looked at the company of Elves, all quietly waiting for her answer. She swallowed hard, nervous to speak in front of such a stately audience.
"I am surprised myself, King Thranduil," she admitted, "But I am in a desperate position for support."
"You?"
"Well, not specifically me, no, sir. The city of Mithlond desires help. I have traveled to request such from you." Haemerethwen again peered at the Elves and their noisy response to her general request. With a raise of his hand, Thranduil quieted them.
"Do you not find it strange to ask the Elves of Eryn Lasgalen for help? I distinctly remember that many do not desire our help since the incident with the Necromancer," stated Thranduil. He stared at her, knowing that Haemerethwen would need to answer his question carefully due to the sensitivity involving that situation.
"The Falathrim have never been known to not consider the Wood-Elves in important matters and this matter is no different. You must not forget that we also, sir, have fled in the threat of evil and we consider it not to be cowardly." At the mention of "cowardly," many of the Elves flinched, glancing towards Thranduil to witness his reaction.
"Good. Now enlighten us about this dreadful position."
"You may have noticed it involves Orcs," she stated, "The whole incident began shortly after the departure of our Lord Círdan by the White Ship. He left our city with no Lord to take his place; he was never married and had no children. It is still unknown who his relations are and it was never reported that he made mention of any heir. Therefore, we decided that the new Lord shall be decided by the Elves of Mithlond, but the city was so split on who that we never did decide."
"Who are the ones who ask for Lordship?"
"There are three. First is Firlómë, an elder Elf who claims that he shall return Mithlond to normalcy. However, he is disliked due to his isolation from the people. He is an aristocrat that has never farmed and hardly enjoys the sea. He is too unlike the people to win their favor. Second is Nurelinion. He claims that his relationship with Círdan was close, therefore enabling him to run Mithlond alike to our former Lord. He has an unburdened love for the sea, inspiring him to remain countless years in the city. The people bind their faith to him, but many see the arrogance and his cunning ability to lie. Third is--"
"I know the third," interrupted Thranduil. Haemerethwen did not know what to say, so she waited for him to state his answer.
"It is, of course, your sister, Melciriel. There is no other that I could deem possible for that position," he said blatantly. He looked at her carefully, watching her shuffle in her seat at her situation. She nodded.
"It was not her decision." she mumbled as she averted her eyes. She did not like the attention that Thranduil was placing on her; now all the Elves stared at her, considering if her sister was able to take control of Mithlond.
"My brother announced her name in the discussion involving the Lordship," she admitted, "He supposedly claimed that she would be the best to rule, but she does not have as much faith." She looked around at the faces of the Elves, trying to decipher their faces. When she looked at Thranduil's stony face, she continued.
"However, I shall continue about why I have arrived here in Eryn Lasgalen," she stated uneasily, "With all the confusion about who shall become the next Lord of Mithlond, we did not notice that Orcs were slowly traveling towards our city. We were unaware that they would travel so quickly to the western shore and we did not anticipate their quick arrival. Our border guards were attacked and one was killed."
"It is indeed surprising that the Orcs traveled so quickly to your city. Have you fathomed the reason as to why?" asked Thranduil.
"We assumed that the Orcs discovered that the ring-bearers were traveling to Mithlond to depart on the White Ship," answered Haemerethwen, "In this discovery, they maybe decided that they could attack the city and create one last battle to avenge Sauron's defeat. However, the Orcs were late and whether they know that or not, we do not know."
"That seems to be the most sensible reason. So I can assume that this is not just one measly, leaderless band of Orcs that are attacking your city?" he returned.
" You can assume that, sir. We believed that it was a small group at first; however, when they actually breached our border and attacked our city, we discovered that it was quite a large group. It appears that all the small groups adjoined to form something alike to an army."
"An army? Surely you exaggerate!" exclaimed an Elf sitting two seats down from Thranduil. Haemerethwen was surprised by his sudden attack on her statement. She quickly frowned at this Elf.
"I do not exaggerate," she proudly stated, "If anything, it is an understatement." Thranduil picked up on her hostility and quickly brought the topic back to hand.
"So you request our help in defending Mithlond from these Orcs?" he queried.
"Yes, sir. Every passing day results in more death of our people. We once held the enemy back, but their numbers increase weekly. I fear that the Falathrim may be exterminated with no help from outside."
"So you have asked the other Elven cultures for help as well?" asked Thranduil.
"Yes, sir. I have already traveled to Rivendell and East Lorien."
"They have agreed to help?"
"Yes, sir." Haemerethwen answered. She watched Thranduil consider her request for help; his eyes were squinted and he seemed to be thinking terribly hard. 'Why must he think so hard on my request? Is it not obvious that we are in dire need of his help?' she thought to herself. Thranduil then sat up and silently peered at her again.
"Why is it that you have traveled to these cities? It does not seem wise to send you out," he stated. Haemerethwen held back her sigh of frustration; she despised how all the Elven leaders always changed the topic before they would decide.
"It was Nurelinion's decision. He considers my sister a threat to his acquiring the Lordship, so he tricked me into venturing on this quest so that she may fret with worry," she admitted.
"Tricked you? How?" the King queried, surprised that she had been deceived.
"Nurelinion called a public meeting to discuss our situation with the attacking Orcs. At the end of the meeting, he told the people that in order for us to survive, Mithlond must ask for help from the other Elven cultures," she stated. She paused for a second; she always despised telling others of how she was fooled. "The people readily agreed. Nurelinion then declared that he believed that I was the only worthy warrior to accomplish this feat. He then asked me, publicly, if I would take up this task and 'support Mithlond with all my ability.' I was torn, of course. If I declined the offer, the people would decry me as a coward and traitor. However, if I accepted, I would surely die and my sister would sink into depression, leaving Nurelinion to become Lord of Mithlond."
"Are you afraid to die?" sternly asked another Elf sitting next to Thranduil.
"No. I have readily risked my life for my city countless times. However, I do not desire to readily risk my life for the benefit of Nurelinion," Haemerethwen answered.
"I have heard that you are quite the worthy warrior, which makes me wonder why the people would agree to send you out and not keep you in the city," stated Thranduil.
"The strongest warriors were kept at Mithlond, but many believed that although I am inexperienced, I still had enough ability to survive the quest."
"So you obviously agreed. But why only two companions in this trip?"
"We hoped that the Orcs would lose track of us if we left in a small number. That was not the case, however."
"Apparently," Thranduil stated. He again considered her proposal, questioning himself over every detail she had presented. His thoughts continued for about two minutes until he stood up and cleared his throat. Haemerethwen also stood up, slowly and wincing because the pain in her leg had still not completely diminished.
"I have heard your request and I acknowledge it," he began, "but I am unsure if I will accommodate your needs. We shall meet again tomorrow at mid-day after I have considered your proposal more thoroughly." Haemerethwen nodded and tried to act indifferent to his statement, but inside she was depressed that she could not readily convince him.
"Tonight there is a celebration of your arrival. The Elves of Eryn Lasgalen greatly hope that you will attend," he added.
"I could never decline such a generous offer," she stated.
"Then tonight an escort will bring you to the celebration. Farewell," King Thranduil declared. He and his companions filed out of the room, leaving Haemerethwen with a discouraged look upon her face still sitting in the uncomfortable chair.
****
"Excuse me, miss?"
"Hm?" Haemerethwen mumbled. She rubbed her eyes and found that the Elf had returned.
"King Thranduil desires to know of your condition," he stated.
"Oh, well, let me see," she said. She slowly sat up, but this time there was not as much pain accompanied in it. She winced when she dared to stand, but she surprised herself in her ability to accomplish it.
"It appears your condition is well," he cheerily stated, "Shall I accompany you to the court? He greatly desires your presence." Haemerethwen faltered at his request, unsure of what exactly she should announce to his King after such a troublesome arrival. She slowly smiled.
"Of course."
****
Haemerethwen entered the court without the realization that other Elves would be in the company of King Thranduil. Immediately, she reddened at the thought of how the Elves would frown upon her horrible appearance. However, she lifted her chin, determined to accomplish the task that had brought her thus far.
"Bring her a chair," commanded Thranduil to the Elf, "She is not in well enough condition to stand throughout this important discussion." The elder Elf disappeared and quickly returned with an ornate chair that she felt uncomfortable sitting in.
"It is a surprise, Haemerethwen, to catch you so far East," Thranduil began when she was seated. Haemerethwen quickly looked at the company of Elves, all quietly waiting for her answer. She swallowed hard, nervous to speak in front of such a stately audience.
"I am surprised myself, King Thranduil," she admitted, "But I am in a desperate position for support."
"You?"
"Well, not specifically me, no, sir. The city of Mithlond desires help. I have traveled to request such from you." Haemerethwen again peered at the Elves and their noisy response to her general request. With a raise of his hand, Thranduil quieted them.
"Do you not find it strange to ask the Elves of Eryn Lasgalen for help? I distinctly remember that many do not desire our help since the incident with the Necromancer," stated Thranduil. He stared at her, knowing that Haemerethwen would need to answer his question carefully due to the sensitivity involving that situation.
"The Falathrim have never been known to not consider the Wood-Elves in important matters and this matter is no different. You must not forget that we also, sir, have fled in the threat of evil and we consider it not to be cowardly." At the mention of "cowardly," many of the Elves flinched, glancing towards Thranduil to witness his reaction.
"Good. Now enlighten us about this dreadful position."
"You may have noticed it involves Orcs," she stated, "The whole incident began shortly after the departure of our Lord Círdan by the White Ship. He left our city with no Lord to take his place; he was never married and had no children. It is still unknown who his relations are and it was never reported that he made mention of any heir. Therefore, we decided that the new Lord shall be decided by the Elves of Mithlond, but the city was so split on who that we never did decide."
"Who are the ones who ask for Lordship?"
"There are three. First is Firlómë, an elder Elf who claims that he shall return Mithlond to normalcy. However, he is disliked due to his isolation from the people. He is an aristocrat that has never farmed and hardly enjoys the sea. He is too unlike the people to win their favor. Second is Nurelinion. He claims that his relationship with Círdan was close, therefore enabling him to run Mithlond alike to our former Lord. He has an unburdened love for the sea, inspiring him to remain countless years in the city. The people bind their faith to him, but many see the arrogance and his cunning ability to lie. Third is--"
"I know the third," interrupted Thranduil. Haemerethwen did not know what to say, so she waited for him to state his answer.
"It is, of course, your sister, Melciriel. There is no other that I could deem possible for that position," he said blatantly. He looked at her carefully, watching her shuffle in her seat at her situation. She nodded.
"It was not her decision." she mumbled as she averted her eyes. She did not like the attention that Thranduil was placing on her; now all the Elves stared at her, considering if her sister was able to take control of Mithlond.
"My brother announced her name in the discussion involving the Lordship," she admitted, "He supposedly claimed that she would be the best to rule, but she does not have as much faith." She looked around at the faces of the Elves, trying to decipher their faces. When she looked at Thranduil's stony face, she continued.
"However, I shall continue about why I have arrived here in Eryn Lasgalen," she stated uneasily, "With all the confusion about who shall become the next Lord of Mithlond, we did not notice that Orcs were slowly traveling towards our city. We were unaware that they would travel so quickly to the western shore and we did not anticipate their quick arrival. Our border guards were attacked and one was killed."
"It is indeed surprising that the Orcs traveled so quickly to your city. Have you fathomed the reason as to why?" asked Thranduil.
"We assumed that the Orcs discovered that the ring-bearers were traveling to Mithlond to depart on the White Ship," answered Haemerethwen, "In this discovery, they maybe decided that they could attack the city and create one last battle to avenge Sauron's defeat. However, the Orcs were late and whether they know that or not, we do not know."
"That seems to be the most sensible reason. So I can assume that this is not just one measly, leaderless band of Orcs that are attacking your city?" he returned.
" You can assume that, sir. We believed that it was a small group at first; however, when they actually breached our border and attacked our city, we discovered that it was quite a large group. It appears that all the small groups adjoined to form something alike to an army."
"An army? Surely you exaggerate!" exclaimed an Elf sitting two seats down from Thranduil. Haemerethwen was surprised by his sudden attack on her statement. She quickly frowned at this Elf.
"I do not exaggerate," she proudly stated, "If anything, it is an understatement." Thranduil picked up on her hostility and quickly brought the topic back to hand.
"So you request our help in defending Mithlond from these Orcs?" he queried.
"Yes, sir. Every passing day results in more death of our people. We once held the enemy back, but their numbers increase weekly. I fear that the Falathrim may be exterminated with no help from outside."
"So you have asked the other Elven cultures for help as well?" asked Thranduil.
"Yes, sir. I have already traveled to Rivendell and East Lorien."
"They have agreed to help?"
"Yes, sir." Haemerethwen answered. She watched Thranduil consider her request for help; his eyes were squinted and he seemed to be thinking terribly hard. 'Why must he think so hard on my request? Is it not obvious that we are in dire need of his help?' she thought to herself. Thranduil then sat up and silently peered at her again.
"Why is it that you have traveled to these cities? It does not seem wise to send you out," he stated. Haemerethwen held back her sigh of frustration; she despised how all the Elven leaders always changed the topic before they would decide.
"It was Nurelinion's decision. He considers my sister a threat to his acquiring the Lordship, so he tricked me into venturing on this quest so that she may fret with worry," she admitted.
"Tricked you? How?" the King queried, surprised that she had been deceived.
"Nurelinion called a public meeting to discuss our situation with the attacking Orcs. At the end of the meeting, he told the people that in order for us to survive, Mithlond must ask for help from the other Elven cultures," she stated. She paused for a second; she always despised telling others of how she was fooled. "The people readily agreed. Nurelinion then declared that he believed that I was the only worthy warrior to accomplish this feat. He then asked me, publicly, if I would take up this task and 'support Mithlond with all my ability.' I was torn, of course. If I declined the offer, the people would decry me as a coward and traitor. However, if I accepted, I would surely die and my sister would sink into depression, leaving Nurelinion to become Lord of Mithlond."
"Are you afraid to die?" sternly asked another Elf sitting next to Thranduil.
"No. I have readily risked my life for my city countless times. However, I do not desire to readily risk my life for the benefit of Nurelinion," Haemerethwen answered.
"I have heard that you are quite the worthy warrior, which makes me wonder why the people would agree to send you out and not keep you in the city," stated Thranduil.
"The strongest warriors were kept at Mithlond, but many believed that although I am inexperienced, I still had enough ability to survive the quest."
"So you obviously agreed. But why only two companions in this trip?"
"We hoped that the Orcs would lose track of us if we left in a small number. That was not the case, however."
"Apparently," Thranduil stated. He again considered her proposal, questioning himself over every detail she had presented. His thoughts continued for about two minutes until he stood up and cleared his throat. Haemerethwen also stood up, slowly and wincing because the pain in her leg had still not completely diminished.
"I have heard your request and I acknowledge it," he began, "but I am unsure if I will accommodate your needs. We shall meet again tomorrow at mid-day after I have considered your proposal more thoroughly." Haemerethwen nodded and tried to act indifferent to his statement, but inside she was depressed that she could not readily convince him.
"Tonight there is a celebration of your arrival. The Elves of Eryn Lasgalen greatly hope that you will attend," he added.
"I could never decline such a generous offer," she stated.
"Then tonight an escort will bring you to the celebration. Farewell," King Thranduil declared. He and his companions filed out of the room, leaving Haemerethwen with a discouraged look upon her face still sitting in the uncomfortable chair.