Quick Note: I am an extremely busy student and I fear that this story may
take a while between updates. However, please submit reviews to remind me
that people may actually enjoy my writing. Suggestions, comments,
questions all welcomed. Please help me to create my first fan-fiction!
****
Legolas awoke the following morning with the rise of the brilliant orange- red sun that leaked through 's dark trees and into his room. He immediately remembered the celebration that occurred last night and slowly ran his hands over his face, trying to understand the complication that the foreign Elf had brought upon his forest. He let out a deep sigh and arose from his bed, swinging his legs over the side and flinching as his feet touched the cold floor. However, he stood up despite the icy floor and walked over to his bath in the adjoined room.
After warming the water, he threw off his clothes and dipped in, welcoming the chance to rid himself of the sweat that clung to his body from last night's enthusiastic dancing. His mind continued to return to last night and the desperate situation that had now entered. Legolas wondered if his father would allow his warriors to travel to Mithlond and fight for the city. Many would have to stay and protect and others were still exhausted from the battle against Sauron. Legolas sank down into the water until it reached below his eyes, gathering in his thoughts about what he personally felt about entering another war.
The Falathrim Elf was confusing; she had a difficult inability to project her personality to him, and possibly to other Elves as well. He was amused at her coyness when she opened the door, but it was frustrating to pry her to open her mind to him. He saw sadness within her eyes, which made him wonder what she had seen throughout her life. Her silence continuously tempted him to question her personality that she slightly exposed throughout the night. Altogether, he felt like he was missing something and he greatly desired to know what. He rose from his bath and dried himself off with a towel and then returned to his room to dress himself accordingly, since he would be attending the meeting today.
Legolas had not found the Elf to be unusually attractive; he had seen other Elves that surpassed in beauty. However, he did feel emotion towards her when she allowed her laugh to fill his ears with its melody. She offered nothing for him to find unique, but he believed that she might be hiding her true beauty. He slowly smiled when he remembered her dancing to the upbeat song; her body flowed so gracefully to the rhythm and it surprised him to witness the anxious Elf release herself to the song.
Since the meeting about the situation about Mithlond was not until noon, Legolas decided that perhaps he could discuss his father's views about the solution. His father normally didn't discuss much political matters with him since he was the youngest son and had little political influence in , but sometimes Thranduil explicated on issues if they interested Legolas so much. Such was the case with Legolas traveling to Rivendell to discuss the loss of Gollum and the joining of the Fellowship. He quickly traveled down the halls to search for his father in the meeting room, hoping that perhaps Thranduil had no important issues to discuss before noon.
He stopped outside the door of the room where he heard Thranduil's voice emanating from. He silently listened to his father talk to who Legolas believed was one of his older brothers; when he heard the mention of "Mithlond," Legolas politely knocked on the door, hoping that Thranduil would allow his son to accompany them in their discussion.
The door opened and Legolas faced his eldest brother, who appeared slightly annoyed at his disturbance. Legolas bowed.
"Girithantas, I was wondering if I may discuss the matter of Mithlond with you," he stated, hoping that his brother was in a somewhat pleasant mood and would accept him into the room. His brother silently peered at him and asked Thranduil,
"What say you, father?" Thranduil beckoned with his hand for Legolas to join them and smiled at how his youngest son was interested in political matters. 'Perhaps his quest with the Fellowship has inspired him to keep interest in our politics,' he pondered. Legolas nodded and entered the room, but kept to the side so as not to interfere with Girithantas and Thranduil.
"Do you understand the details of the situation, Legolas?" asked Girithantas.
"What I know derives from what the she-Elf has revealed," he replied. Girithantas glanced at his father who had frowned at Legolas' statement.
"And do you believe her?" Thranduil sternly asked. Legolas looked first at Girithantas and then his father, realizing that Haemerethwen had been correct in that the King disliked her.
"I do," stated Legolas. Thranduil deeply sighed and closed his eyes. A few seconds later, he replied.
"We do not fully believe her," Thranduil confessed. Confused, Legolas peered at his father. Thranduil stood up and began to walk over to his youngest son, trying to consider what words would best befit the situation.
"Legolas, your immaturity in politics is fully portrayed in your automatic trust of this unknown she-Elf," stated Thranduil, "Haemerethwen has always been a concern to me. Although she will refute this, she denied a messenger that carried an important message concerning your mother." Legolas' eyes opened wide; Thranduil hardly mentioned his departed wife and her fate.
"I commanded a messenger to send notice to Círdan that a ship will be needed to sail your mother across the Sea. Haemerethwen, at that time, was a captain border guard and protected the northeastern outskirts of the city. When she descried the messenger from afar, she recognized him as the previous messenger who had insulted her in Mithlond's court. When she stopped him, she demanded an apology before he would be allowed to pass. Instead, our messenger insulted her brother; Haemerethwen retaliated by not allowing him to pass. The message was seriously delayed, which caused more trouble than was needed." Thranduil finished his story by gently grabbing Legolas' arms and peering at his face. "She allows personal matters to conflict with politics, which is why we do not fully trust her." Legolas peered at Girithantas, who nodded with Thranduil's statement.
"I understand your concern," said Legolas, "But I do not believe that she would create lies about the destruction of Mithlond and its people." Thranduil took his eyes off his young son and peered at Girithantas.
"How can we be sure that she does not exaggerate?" the King continued to Legolas, "There are no doubts in our minds that Haemerethwen speaks some truth, but may she not also form tiny lies to persuade us?" Legolas' eyes drifted towards the ground, ashamed that he had not the knowledge like that of his father and brother. 'I suppose I'll continue being the non- political son' he thought. He raised his eyes back to his father, who now looked behind his youngest son to the door.
"Haemerethwen," Thranduil began. Legolas turned around and accompanied his father's gaze onto the she-Elf. She bowed to the three Elves, but frowned to show her disapproval of their slandering of her.
"Good morning," she stated, "I am sorry to disturb your conversation, but I was wondering if I might borrow Prince Legolas for a few moments." Legolas turned to his father, who silently whispered:
"Go, my son, but do not disregard that short conversation." Legolas slightly nodded his head and began to walk toward the frustrated she-Elf. When he passed through the doors, Haemerethwen slowly closed the doors and bid the two Elves farewell.
"What is the matter, Haemerethwen?" Legolas queried.
"I am alone in ," she sadly smiled as she twirled her fingers together, "And the only Elf here that has showed me kindness is you." She slowly looked into his eyes, but then looked away when she realized what boldness she portrayed by doing such an action. Legolas smiled, somewhat amused that the she-Elf had taken a liking to him.
"So you interrupted an important meeting for this reason?" he sternly replied. She grabbed onto his wrist and stopped him, fear portrayed in her red-rimmed eyes.
"I never meant-I am sorry for my selfishness and immaturity," she silently stated, dropping his wrist and quickly walking away.
"Daro!" he cried out, jogging to catch up to her, "You have me now, why do you walk away?" He stopped in front of her and grabbed hold of her shoulders, but she averted her face to hide her embarrassment and sorrow. He lifted her chin up, catching sight of her depression. "Come now, I was only joking," Legolas sympathetically stated. She averted her eyes again, trying to avoid his piercing gaze.
"You were not in an important meeting?" she queried.
"No," he replied, questioning her with his eyes, "It was a common discussion. You did not disturb." She looked at him, doubting his words.
"Thranduil mentioned my name."
"Yes, but we discussed the events of yesterday; nothing of today or tomorrow." He turned his eyes from her and waited for her reply.
"Are there are lakes in this area?" she quietly stated. He looked in surprise at her, realizing that she had changed the topic to avoid a confrontation of her emotions.
"The nearest is Long Lake, but I fear that is beyond our reach today," he answered, but after seeing her deepening frown he quickly noted, "but there is also the river that flows underneath our palace." He silently gazed at her and her unfocused stare into the forest. She suddenly sighed and directed her sorrowful eyes at him.
"It has been too long since I have seen the sea, but perhaps a river will help." Legolas smiled at her and led the way to the river, hoping that it will lighten her mood.
"I can empathize with your home-sickness," he stated after they had reached the doorway leading outside. The forest was full of Wood-Elves that were all performing some important act: a group of warriors were departing to defend the southern end of the forest; two Elves were discussing the forest- circle tomorrow night. Haemerethwen watched the busy forest and felt another pang of fear. Would there still be a Mithlond when she returned? How long will the Elven warriors last?
"Yes, you were an integral part of the Fellowship from what my brother has told me," she stated, a slight interest expressed in her voice. Legolas peered down at her, wondering how much she knew about him. She, however, did not seem to notice his questioning look and continued to listen to various discussions and watch the unknown culture live around her.
"Do I know your brother?"
"Possibly," she answered, a small smile growing on her face as she caught the hint of his curiosity, "He is an esteemed warrior of Mithlond that followed in our father's footsteps. Our family has always been dedicated to protecting our fair city."
Legolas and Haemerethwen reached the bank of the dark and cold river. She marveled at how black the river was and kneeled down to touch the water. It was incredibly cold, but she smiled as she allowed her hand to go underneath the surface to accompany her fingers.
"This is the same Enchanted River, is it not?" she questioned Legolas, who was still standing and watching the amused Elf dipping her hand in and out of the water. Her mood altered so quickly!
"It is."
"Aye, and is this not the river the hobbit and dwarves traveled down, fooling your kingdom?" she questioned again, directing her smiling eyes at the stiffened Elf. She quietly laughed at him and returned her gaze to the rippling water. "I only jest," she whispered. Then, all of a sudden, she felt hands upon her back and her eyes widened as she felt her body moving towards the dark water. She hit the river with a tiny splash and quickly reached for the riverbank so she wouldn't get caught in the slightly powerful stream. When her head surfaced, she heard hearty laughter and when she wiped the water from her eyes, she realized it was Legolas.
"Aye, I jest as well," he stated between his laughter. Haemerethwen stretched her arms upon the bank of the river and stared at him.
"Least help me out," she said. Legolas' laughter slightly died down and he peered at the dripping wet Elf that gave him an icy glare.
"I am not that ignorant!" he declared, "And you are not that weak." She glowered at him as she pulled herself out of the river and slowly stood up. Her dress was soaked and stuck to her thin body, outlining her dainty figure. Legolas stopped laughing as he took in the sight of her body, lingering on the sight of her hard nipples that noticeably protruded when she arched her back to wring out her wet hair. He swallowed hard when he realized that he was becoming aroused at the sight and quickly turned his eyes away. Nakedness does not usually affect him, as it does not with other Elves either, but the sight of her stirred some emotion within him. He questioned himself, but was interrupted by the sound of her voice.
"That was very rude of you," she angrily declared. Legolas immediately blushed, assuming she noticed his staring.
"I did not-"
"Is it a custom among princes to push visitors into the river?" she questioned. She tried to keep her face terse, but her shivering and chattering teeth soon disrupted it. He smiled, thankful that she did not mean his disrespectful glancing at her body. "Why do you smile?"
"I am extremely sorry, but I couldn't resist," he confessed as he walked over to her and offered his cloak to wrap around her cold body. "I'll bring you back to your room so you can change."
"I have no other dress to wear," she stated as she walked with him back to the palace.
"I am sure one of the Elven-maidens will allow you to borrow a dress," he stated. "I'll pick one out for you."
****
Legolas awoke the following morning with the rise of the brilliant orange- red sun that leaked through 's dark trees and into his room. He immediately remembered the celebration that occurred last night and slowly ran his hands over his face, trying to understand the complication that the foreign Elf had brought upon his forest. He let out a deep sigh and arose from his bed, swinging his legs over the side and flinching as his feet touched the cold floor. However, he stood up despite the icy floor and walked over to his bath in the adjoined room.
After warming the water, he threw off his clothes and dipped in, welcoming the chance to rid himself of the sweat that clung to his body from last night's enthusiastic dancing. His mind continued to return to last night and the desperate situation that had now entered. Legolas wondered if his father would allow his warriors to travel to Mithlond and fight for the city. Many would have to stay and protect and others were still exhausted from the battle against Sauron. Legolas sank down into the water until it reached below his eyes, gathering in his thoughts about what he personally felt about entering another war.
The Falathrim Elf was confusing; she had a difficult inability to project her personality to him, and possibly to other Elves as well. He was amused at her coyness when she opened the door, but it was frustrating to pry her to open her mind to him. He saw sadness within her eyes, which made him wonder what she had seen throughout her life. Her silence continuously tempted him to question her personality that she slightly exposed throughout the night. Altogether, he felt like he was missing something and he greatly desired to know what. He rose from his bath and dried himself off with a towel and then returned to his room to dress himself accordingly, since he would be attending the meeting today.
Legolas had not found the Elf to be unusually attractive; he had seen other Elves that surpassed in beauty. However, he did feel emotion towards her when she allowed her laugh to fill his ears with its melody. She offered nothing for him to find unique, but he believed that she might be hiding her true beauty. He slowly smiled when he remembered her dancing to the upbeat song; her body flowed so gracefully to the rhythm and it surprised him to witness the anxious Elf release herself to the song.
Since the meeting about the situation about Mithlond was not until noon, Legolas decided that perhaps he could discuss his father's views about the solution. His father normally didn't discuss much political matters with him since he was the youngest son and had little political influence in , but sometimes Thranduil explicated on issues if they interested Legolas so much. Such was the case with Legolas traveling to Rivendell to discuss the loss of Gollum and the joining of the Fellowship. He quickly traveled down the halls to search for his father in the meeting room, hoping that perhaps Thranduil had no important issues to discuss before noon.
He stopped outside the door of the room where he heard Thranduil's voice emanating from. He silently listened to his father talk to who Legolas believed was one of his older brothers; when he heard the mention of "Mithlond," Legolas politely knocked on the door, hoping that Thranduil would allow his son to accompany them in their discussion.
The door opened and Legolas faced his eldest brother, who appeared slightly annoyed at his disturbance. Legolas bowed.
"Girithantas, I was wondering if I may discuss the matter of Mithlond with you," he stated, hoping that his brother was in a somewhat pleasant mood and would accept him into the room. His brother silently peered at him and asked Thranduil,
"What say you, father?" Thranduil beckoned with his hand for Legolas to join them and smiled at how his youngest son was interested in political matters. 'Perhaps his quest with the Fellowship has inspired him to keep interest in our politics,' he pondered. Legolas nodded and entered the room, but kept to the side so as not to interfere with Girithantas and Thranduil.
"Do you understand the details of the situation, Legolas?" asked Girithantas.
"What I know derives from what the she-Elf has revealed," he replied. Girithantas glanced at his father who had frowned at Legolas' statement.
"And do you believe her?" Thranduil sternly asked. Legolas looked first at Girithantas and then his father, realizing that Haemerethwen had been correct in that the King disliked her.
"I do," stated Legolas. Thranduil deeply sighed and closed his eyes. A few seconds later, he replied.
"We do not fully believe her," Thranduil confessed. Confused, Legolas peered at his father. Thranduil stood up and began to walk over to his youngest son, trying to consider what words would best befit the situation.
"Legolas, your immaturity in politics is fully portrayed in your automatic trust of this unknown she-Elf," stated Thranduil, "Haemerethwen has always been a concern to me. Although she will refute this, she denied a messenger that carried an important message concerning your mother." Legolas' eyes opened wide; Thranduil hardly mentioned his departed wife and her fate.
"I commanded a messenger to send notice to Círdan that a ship will be needed to sail your mother across the Sea. Haemerethwen, at that time, was a captain border guard and protected the northeastern outskirts of the city. When she descried the messenger from afar, she recognized him as the previous messenger who had insulted her in Mithlond's court. When she stopped him, she demanded an apology before he would be allowed to pass. Instead, our messenger insulted her brother; Haemerethwen retaliated by not allowing him to pass. The message was seriously delayed, which caused more trouble than was needed." Thranduil finished his story by gently grabbing Legolas' arms and peering at his face. "She allows personal matters to conflict with politics, which is why we do not fully trust her." Legolas peered at Girithantas, who nodded with Thranduil's statement.
"I understand your concern," said Legolas, "But I do not believe that she would create lies about the destruction of Mithlond and its people." Thranduil took his eyes off his young son and peered at Girithantas.
"How can we be sure that she does not exaggerate?" the King continued to Legolas, "There are no doubts in our minds that Haemerethwen speaks some truth, but may she not also form tiny lies to persuade us?" Legolas' eyes drifted towards the ground, ashamed that he had not the knowledge like that of his father and brother. 'I suppose I'll continue being the non- political son' he thought. He raised his eyes back to his father, who now looked behind his youngest son to the door.
"Haemerethwen," Thranduil began. Legolas turned around and accompanied his father's gaze onto the she-Elf. She bowed to the three Elves, but frowned to show her disapproval of their slandering of her.
"Good morning," she stated, "I am sorry to disturb your conversation, but I was wondering if I might borrow Prince Legolas for a few moments." Legolas turned to his father, who silently whispered:
"Go, my son, but do not disregard that short conversation." Legolas slightly nodded his head and began to walk toward the frustrated she-Elf. When he passed through the doors, Haemerethwen slowly closed the doors and bid the two Elves farewell.
"What is the matter, Haemerethwen?" Legolas queried.
"I am alone in ," she sadly smiled as she twirled her fingers together, "And the only Elf here that has showed me kindness is you." She slowly looked into his eyes, but then looked away when she realized what boldness she portrayed by doing such an action. Legolas smiled, somewhat amused that the she-Elf had taken a liking to him.
"So you interrupted an important meeting for this reason?" he sternly replied. She grabbed onto his wrist and stopped him, fear portrayed in her red-rimmed eyes.
"I never meant-I am sorry for my selfishness and immaturity," she silently stated, dropping his wrist and quickly walking away.
"Daro!" he cried out, jogging to catch up to her, "You have me now, why do you walk away?" He stopped in front of her and grabbed hold of her shoulders, but she averted her face to hide her embarrassment and sorrow. He lifted her chin up, catching sight of her depression. "Come now, I was only joking," Legolas sympathetically stated. She averted her eyes again, trying to avoid his piercing gaze.
"You were not in an important meeting?" she queried.
"No," he replied, questioning her with his eyes, "It was a common discussion. You did not disturb." She looked at him, doubting his words.
"Thranduil mentioned my name."
"Yes, but we discussed the events of yesterday; nothing of today or tomorrow." He turned his eyes from her and waited for her reply.
"Are there are lakes in this area?" she quietly stated. He looked in surprise at her, realizing that she had changed the topic to avoid a confrontation of her emotions.
"The nearest is Long Lake, but I fear that is beyond our reach today," he answered, but after seeing her deepening frown he quickly noted, "but there is also the river that flows underneath our palace." He silently gazed at her and her unfocused stare into the forest. She suddenly sighed and directed her sorrowful eyes at him.
"It has been too long since I have seen the sea, but perhaps a river will help." Legolas smiled at her and led the way to the river, hoping that it will lighten her mood.
"I can empathize with your home-sickness," he stated after they had reached the doorway leading outside. The forest was full of Wood-Elves that were all performing some important act: a group of warriors were departing to defend the southern end of the forest; two Elves were discussing the forest- circle tomorrow night. Haemerethwen watched the busy forest and felt another pang of fear. Would there still be a Mithlond when she returned? How long will the Elven warriors last?
"Yes, you were an integral part of the Fellowship from what my brother has told me," she stated, a slight interest expressed in her voice. Legolas peered down at her, wondering how much she knew about him. She, however, did not seem to notice his questioning look and continued to listen to various discussions and watch the unknown culture live around her.
"Do I know your brother?"
"Possibly," she answered, a small smile growing on her face as she caught the hint of his curiosity, "He is an esteemed warrior of Mithlond that followed in our father's footsteps. Our family has always been dedicated to protecting our fair city."
Legolas and Haemerethwen reached the bank of the dark and cold river. She marveled at how black the river was and kneeled down to touch the water. It was incredibly cold, but she smiled as she allowed her hand to go underneath the surface to accompany her fingers.
"This is the same Enchanted River, is it not?" she questioned Legolas, who was still standing and watching the amused Elf dipping her hand in and out of the water. Her mood altered so quickly!
"It is."
"Aye, and is this not the river the hobbit and dwarves traveled down, fooling your kingdom?" she questioned again, directing her smiling eyes at the stiffened Elf. She quietly laughed at him and returned her gaze to the rippling water. "I only jest," she whispered. Then, all of a sudden, she felt hands upon her back and her eyes widened as she felt her body moving towards the dark water. She hit the river with a tiny splash and quickly reached for the riverbank so she wouldn't get caught in the slightly powerful stream. When her head surfaced, she heard hearty laughter and when she wiped the water from her eyes, she realized it was Legolas.
"Aye, I jest as well," he stated between his laughter. Haemerethwen stretched her arms upon the bank of the river and stared at him.
"Least help me out," she said. Legolas' laughter slightly died down and he peered at the dripping wet Elf that gave him an icy glare.
"I am not that ignorant!" he declared, "And you are not that weak." She glowered at him as she pulled herself out of the river and slowly stood up. Her dress was soaked and stuck to her thin body, outlining her dainty figure. Legolas stopped laughing as he took in the sight of her body, lingering on the sight of her hard nipples that noticeably protruded when she arched her back to wring out her wet hair. He swallowed hard when he realized that he was becoming aroused at the sight and quickly turned his eyes away. Nakedness does not usually affect him, as it does not with other Elves either, but the sight of her stirred some emotion within him. He questioned himself, but was interrupted by the sound of her voice.
"That was very rude of you," she angrily declared. Legolas immediately blushed, assuming she noticed his staring.
"I did not-"
"Is it a custom among princes to push visitors into the river?" she questioned. She tried to keep her face terse, but her shivering and chattering teeth soon disrupted it. He smiled, thankful that she did not mean his disrespectful glancing at her body. "Why do you smile?"
"I am extremely sorry, but I couldn't resist," he confessed as he walked over to her and offered his cloak to wrap around her cold body. "I'll bring you back to your room so you can change."
"I have no other dress to wear," she stated as she walked with him back to the palace.
"I am sure one of the Elven-maidens will allow you to borrow a dress," he stated. "I'll pick one out for you."