NOTE: Please continue to review! I fully appreciate the ones I have
received thus far! Also, any information or suggestions as to how to
portray either Legolas or Elves in general would be helpful. The Falathrim
Elves are quite unknown to me culturally, if any know of canon to help
support my plot, please share. This is my first fan-fiction ever and the
first fictional story I have ever written, so I am sorry if my writing is
not as strong as it should be. Hopefully you shall see progression
throughout the chapters. Finally, I have finals next week so I will not be
writing as much. Therefore, you may need to wait for a week or more until
I update. Until then, please speak out. Thank you!
****
ELVISH DIALOGUE: Gweston: I swear / Na vedui: At last / Daro: Stop / Le hannon: I think ye / Henion: I understand /
****
At noon, Haemerethwen entered the court where Thranduil and his elven company sat, waiting for her. She gracefully bowed to the Elves, hoping that this time the conversation will be more successful. She was not as nervous as the first time she was in the interrogating position, mainly because she felt more comfortable when she realized that Legolas was part of the King's company. Thranduil and his accompaniments nodded their heads to her bow and she slowly sat down in the same uncomfortable chair.
"Good afternoon," King Thranduil stated when she was seated.
"Good afternoon, King Thranduil," she politely returned.
"I have put much consideration into your request of our help." Haemerethwen allowed a small smile to be portrayed on her face when he stated this, remembering earlier that morning when she overheard him telling his sons about her overemphasizing situations.
"I pray you see to our situation," she responded. Thranduil released a quick sigh and squinted his eyes.
"The Elves of Eryn Lasgalen would like to question you further." Haemerethwen nodded at these words, thinking it was fair for more questions. He continued:
"First, we all realize a previous incidence that includes you and a messenger of ours. We hold nothing against Mithlond and its decision, but we question the truth in your words about the situation in your city." Haemerethwen kept her face to portray indifference, but she was beginning to become annoyed with Thranduil's constant insulting of her intentions.
"I do not exaggerate the situation, sir."
"You stated that an army of Orcs was attacking your city," stated the heir Girithantas, "Could you explain?" Haemerethwen pulled a piece of her hair behind her ear, wondering how she could convince the Wood-Elves.
"At the end of the War, the Orcs dispersed over Middle-Earth and began to randomly attack whatever they could. They must have somehow caught word of the departure of the Ring-Bearers by means of the White Ship in Mithlond. The first to attack was the usual group of Orcs that attacked our city, led by Thrakdreg, the same Orc captain that besieged my group. Weekly they grew in numbers, but we could withstand their attacks until but forty days ago, where they almost appeared to have doubled in number. We are unsure of their exact numbers, but there enough to overtake us if no help arrives."
"You mentioned that before," stated Thranduil, "How do we know you do not exaggerate?"
"Thrakdreg followed my group all the way to your forest; as your guards may tell you, it was not a small group. Would the Orcs release such a large group to follow but three Elves if there were not many to remain?" Haemerethwen sighed and softly rubbed her eyes with her fingertips, becoming frustrated that she knew no way to convince the suspicious Wood- Elves.
"Gweston, King Thranduil, I would not overstate this position. I realize my mistake in the past, but please do not base your decision on such! I beg of you to recognize the sadness and terror within mine eyes that accompanies me due to Mithlond's wretched situation! You risk the lives of many by denying us." Haemerethwen stared at the King, waiting for his reaction to her desperate and emotional plea, praying that perhaps her torment could be expressed through words. Haemerethwen understood that she was not skilled in discourse, but she hoped that possibly today she could convince others.
The King and his company stared at the flustered Elf, whose grey eyes sparkled with the flames, daring them to not take her words seriously. She then slowly whispered:
"None would forgive the Eryn Lasgalen Elves in the elimination of the Falathrim."
"I am not concerned with the opinions of others," stated Thranduil, "I am concerned only for the health of my people."
"But we are your people too, sir! How can you overlook your brothers and sisters so easily?"
"Eryn Lasgalen is also daily attacked, we cannot send our finest warriors to Mithlond and leave our forest unprotected," stated another Elf, presumably a captain.
"Aye, but we do not ask for all of your warriors; we simply ask for help so that we may prevail over those filthy Orcs! Please, at least allow some to aid us." King Thranduil peered at the she-Elf and then turned his head towards the company. He focused on Girithantas, who nodded his head. Thranduil sighed and stood up.
"Haemerethwen," he announced, followed by the standing of the fellow Elves within the room, "I hereby declare that Eryn Lasgalen will send warriors to the city of Mithlond in hopes of the destruction of the Orcs that ail you so." Haemerethwen bowed, but withheld the smile she so desperately wanted to portray.
"King Thranduil, we will forever be in your debt for this sacrifice you offer us. Many thanks, sir."
"We will not, however, send our warriors immediately with you due to tactical reasons," Thranduil continued, "But we will allow Eryn Lasgalen guards to accompany you in your return to Mithlond. When do you leave?"
"As soon as possible, sir," she stated.
"Then you shall leave tomorrow at the breaking of the sun. I will send companions to meet you here. Fare you well," and with that, Thranduil silently walked out the room with his company. Haemerethwen closed her eyes and grinned, thankful that the King had accepted her proposal. 'Na vedui!' she thought. However, she was interrupted by a clear voice:
"It appears that you have succeeded," stated Legolas. Haemerethwen looked up at the Elf with his arms crossed across his chest and a smile upon his face.
"It must have been the dress," she admitted, allowing a short laugh to escape.
"Aye, it is flattering; my father must have been enchanted," he stated, also laughing. She flushed at his compliment and quickly tried to change the subject; flattery from the attractive Prince would not help her to remember her position below him.
"Why does Eryn Lasgalen have the most uncomfortable chairs?" she queried while stretching her arms up above her head and slightly behind her. Legolas again noticed her ample breasts, arching straight towards him when her back was bent. His eyes opened wide as he imagined delicately touching them. He could almost feel his brushing of her soft skin that would tempt him so. Her saying broke his trance: "I had never known that furniture could cause such aches." She returned to her normal sitting position and peered at the slightly flushed Legolas.
"I shall notify the King at once!" he cried and began to walk out the door.
"No, daro!" shouted Haemerethwen standing up and running after him, "I am sure that in doing so, I would ruin the chance of help!" she whispered, a smile upon her face as she grabbed onto his arm.
"You appear to be less sorrowful and more playful this afternoon," noted Legolas. Her smile widened at his statement and she peered into his pure blue eyes, astonished at the beauty he possessed. He smiled back at her. "Perhaps for your last day and night in Eryn Lasgalen you should witness the lighter side of the forest."
"Which would be.?" she asked, curiosity taking control.
"Well, let us enter the forest and find out!" he exclaimed, grabbing hold of her hand and dragging her out the palace doors.
****
It was a long while before Legolas and Haemerethwen slowed down deep within the forest. They had stopped within an opening among the thick trees, allowing the starlight to grace the ground. She shaded her eyes, as she looked upwards, astonished that her eyes hurt from such little light. Then she returned her gaze to the circle of grass and the scorched ground within the middle. She smiled when she understood where Legolas had taken her. "Did you attend this forest circle?" she asked, turning her shining grey eyes upon him.
"Aye, but I do not attend many," he answered, looking at her cheerful face. As she brushed hair off her face and laughed at him, he suddenly felt his heart beat faster. He sveltely smiled at her and asked, "Why is it that you laugh so at that response?"
"Because I doubt you," she answered.
"And why is that?"
"'Legolas is an experienced warrior, fear him in battle; but fear him not in relaxation, for he is, of course, the Prince of the Wood-Elves!'" she stated, laughing at his response to her quote.
"From where did you hear that?"
"My brother, the one you remember not" she taunted. He smiled at her playfulness, wondering how Thranduil's words could reverse her personality so.
"You shall tell me," commanded Legolas, taking a step towards her. Haemerethwen laughed and stepped backward, holding her arms out towards him as if to push him back.
"Daro!" she laughingly stated, "I will not fight against the skilled Prince of Eryn Lasgalen!" He then leaped at her, grabbing onto her wrist as she also leaped backwards; he pulled her towards him.
"I am too fast for you," he whispered, his blue eyes smiling at her.
"Perhaps I desired to be caught?" she whispered back with a flushed look upon her face.
"And why would you want it so?" he queried. She looked upon his handsome face with his high, chiseled cheekbones, distinguished nose, and enchanting mouth smiling back at her. She turned her eyes upward, peering into his blue eyes that pierced into her, questioning her every desire she desperately tried to hide.
"To allow you to believe that you are faster than me," she returned. He released her wrist and stepped backward.
"Well, then allow me to chance it again."
"No!" she answered, "I shall leave your pride in agony over the thought of your speed."
"Ah, you are afraid that when you do put effort, I will succeed," he plainly stated, slyly smiling at her. She shook her head.
"I am certain in my ability, Prince; no persuasion will be necessary," she declared, grinning at him one last time before gazing towards the stars. Legolas also turned his eyes to the shining stars, blessing the land with its gentle light. "The stars are different here," she muttered, the smile leaving her lips as her thoughts returned to her beloved city in despair. Legolas turned his eyes to the she-Elf who raised her hand to the sky.
"In Mithlond, that star is more to the northeast," she mumbled, her voice slightly trembling, "My brother declared it to be my star when I was much younger in hopes to soothe my qualms of becoming lost within the world." She slowly dropped her hand from the sky. "How I miss him."
Legolas peered at the dismayed Haemerethwen, puzzled over how her mood could change so rapidly. However, he understood her pain in missing loved ones; he felt it all too consistently in his quest with the Fellowship. He walked towards her and decided he would try to ease her anxiety.
'The leaves were long, the grass was green,
The hemlock-umbels tall and fair,
And in the glade a light was seen
Of stars in shadow shimmering.
Tinuviel was dancing there,
To music of a pipe unseen,
And light of stars was in her hair,
And in her raiment glimmering.'
Haemerethwen listened to his tender voice that soothed her disparaging thoughts over the condition of her fair city. She slowly turned towards the singing Elf that approached her slowly step by step. When she closed her eyes, Legolas allowed a small smile to appear on his face, knowing that his voice aided her. He continued to walk closer until he was standing in front of her and his first verse ended. She opened her eyes and allowed him to see the sadness that loomed within them, beckoning him to continue his singing and lessen her inner burden. He wrapped his arms around her, enveloping her in a gentle hug and continued.
'There Beren came from mountain cold,
And lost he wandered under leaves,
And where the Elven-river rolled
He walked alone and sorrowing.
He peered between the hemlock-leaves
And saw in wonder flowers of gold
Upon her mantle and her sleeves,
And her hair like shadow following.'
Legolas felt her head upon his shoulder move and he regretfully released his arms from around her. He peered at the she-Elf who was biting her lower lip, trying to repress the emotional burden from escaping from her mouth. She seemed less discouraged, which comforted him.
"Le hannon," she whispered, struggling to maintain a stoic appearance. He grabbed onto her hand and placed his powerful blue eyes upon hers.
"Henion," he stated. Although she averted her eyes from his to escape his gaze, he continued to peer at her to try to understand her. She sparked an interest within him; rendering him curious to the details she denied him access to. He desired to understand what lay beyond the simple storyline of Orcs attacking her city and, most of all, he desired to understand her life and personality. Her moods changed so rapidly: silent to cheerful, cheerful to depressed, and depressed to silent again. She was unknown to him and he decided to dedicate himself to gaining the knowledge to comprehend her personality and hopefully find within her what he yearned as well.
"Perhaps we should return," he suggested, moving his face to interrupt her thoughts. She smiled sadly at him, causing his heart to mourn along with her; he was in that same position less than a year ago.
"Perhaps we should," she muttered, "But will you sing one last verse?" She grabbed his other hand and pulled him closer. "Your voice helps me so," she gently whispered. He looked down upon Haemerethwen and smiled. The moonlight illuminated her every delicate feature; her silver- grey eyes were almost transparent as she peered up at him while her flocculent skin gently absorbed the light, making the shadows from her cheekbones appear more noticeable. He brushed his fingers against her cheek and pushed away a piece of her golden hair, allowing her to slightly blush and shyly smile at him, embarrassed at the way he looked at her.
'Enchantment healed his weary feet
The over hills were doomed to roam;
And forth he hastened, strong and fleet,
And grasped at moonbeams glistening.
Through wooden woods in Elvenhome
She lightly fled on dancing feet,
And left him lonely still to roam
In the silent forest listening.'
Legolas gently sang to her, allowing the beautiful sound to reverberate throughout the woods. However, he urged her back to the palace of Eryn Lasgalen as he continued to sing, hoping that they would return at time reasonable enough for Thranduil to not become irritated. All the while they walked, he gazed at her, watching the words soothe her. When she turned to smile at him outside the palace bridge, he felt his heart beat faster; but he still could not understand the meaning behind it because she was, after all, just a messenger from Mithlond.
****
ELVISH DIALOGUE: Gweston: I swear / Na vedui: At last / Daro: Stop / Le hannon: I think ye / Henion: I understand /
****
At noon, Haemerethwen entered the court where Thranduil and his elven company sat, waiting for her. She gracefully bowed to the Elves, hoping that this time the conversation will be more successful. She was not as nervous as the first time she was in the interrogating position, mainly because she felt more comfortable when she realized that Legolas was part of the King's company. Thranduil and his accompaniments nodded their heads to her bow and she slowly sat down in the same uncomfortable chair.
"Good afternoon," King Thranduil stated when she was seated.
"Good afternoon, King Thranduil," she politely returned.
"I have put much consideration into your request of our help." Haemerethwen allowed a small smile to be portrayed on her face when he stated this, remembering earlier that morning when she overheard him telling his sons about her overemphasizing situations.
"I pray you see to our situation," she responded. Thranduil released a quick sigh and squinted his eyes.
"The Elves of Eryn Lasgalen would like to question you further." Haemerethwen nodded at these words, thinking it was fair for more questions. He continued:
"First, we all realize a previous incidence that includes you and a messenger of ours. We hold nothing against Mithlond and its decision, but we question the truth in your words about the situation in your city." Haemerethwen kept her face to portray indifference, but she was beginning to become annoyed with Thranduil's constant insulting of her intentions.
"I do not exaggerate the situation, sir."
"You stated that an army of Orcs was attacking your city," stated the heir Girithantas, "Could you explain?" Haemerethwen pulled a piece of her hair behind her ear, wondering how she could convince the Wood-Elves.
"At the end of the War, the Orcs dispersed over Middle-Earth and began to randomly attack whatever they could. They must have somehow caught word of the departure of the Ring-Bearers by means of the White Ship in Mithlond. The first to attack was the usual group of Orcs that attacked our city, led by Thrakdreg, the same Orc captain that besieged my group. Weekly they grew in numbers, but we could withstand their attacks until but forty days ago, where they almost appeared to have doubled in number. We are unsure of their exact numbers, but there enough to overtake us if no help arrives."
"You mentioned that before," stated Thranduil, "How do we know you do not exaggerate?"
"Thrakdreg followed my group all the way to your forest; as your guards may tell you, it was not a small group. Would the Orcs release such a large group to follow but three Elves if there were not many to remain?" Haemerethwen sighed and softly rubbed her eyes with her fingertips, becoming frustrated that she knew no way to convince the suspicious Wood- Elves.
"Gweston, King Thranduil, I would not overstate this position. I realize my mistake in the past, but please do not base your decision on such! I beg of you to recognize the sadness and terror within mine eyes that accompanies me due to Mithlond's wretched situation! You risk the lives of many by denying us." Haemerethwen stared at the King, waiting for his reaction to her desperate and emotional plea, praying that perhaps her torment could be expressed through words. Haemerethwen understood that she was not skilled in discourse, but she hoped that possibly today she could convince others.
The King and his company stared at the flustered Elf, whose grey eyes sparkled with the flames, daring them to not take her words seriously. She then slowly whispered:
"None would forgive the Eryn Lasgalen Elves in the elimination of the Falathrim."
"I am not concerned with the opinions of others," stated Thranduil, "I am concerned only for the health of my people."
"But we are your people too, sir! How can you overlook your brothers and sisters so easily?"
"Eryn Lasgalen is also daily attacked, we cannot send our finest warriors to Mithlond and leave our forest unprotected," stated another Elf, presumably a captain.
"Aye, but we do not ask for all of your warriors; we simply ask for help so that we may prevail over those filthy Orcs! Please, at least allow some to aid us." King Thranduil peered at the she-Elf and then turned his head towards the company. He focused on Girithantas, who nodded his head. Thranduil sighed and stood up.
"Haemerethwen," he announced, followed by the standing of the fellow Elves within the room, "I hereby declare that Eryn Lasgalen will send warriors to the city of Mithlond in hopes of the destruction of the Orcs that ail you so." Haemerethwen bowed, but withheld the smile she so desperately wanted to portray.
"King Thranduil, we will forever be in your debt for this sacrifice you offer us. Many thanks, sir."
"We will not, however, send our warriors immediately with you due to tactical reasons," Thranduil continued, "But we will allow Eryn Lasgalen guards to accompany you in your return to Mithlond. When do you leave?"
"As soon as possible, sir," she stated.
"Then you shall leave tomorrow at the breaking of the sun. I will send companions to meet you here. Fare you well," and with that, Thranduil silently walked out the room with his company. Haemerethwen closed her eyes and grinned, thankful that the King had accepted her proposal. 'Na vedui!' she thought. However, she was interrupted by a clear voice:
"It appears that you have succeeded," stated Legolas. Haemerethwen looked up at the Elf with his arms crossed across his chest and a smile upon his face.
"It must have been the dress," she admitted, allowing a short laugh to escape.
"Aye, it is flattering; my father must have been enchanted," he stated, also laughing. She flushed at his compliment and quickly tried to change the subject; flattery from the attractive Prince would not help her to remember her position below him.
"Why does Eryn Lasgalen have the most uncomfortable chairs?" she queried while stretching her arms up above her head and slightly behind her. Legolas again noticed her ample breasts, arching straight towards him when her back was bent. His eyes opened wide as he imagined delicately touching them. He could almost feel his brushing of her soft skin that would tempt him so. Her saying broke his trance: "I had never known that furniture could cause such aches." She returned to her normal sitting position and peered at the slightly flushed Legolas.
"I shall notify the King at once!" he cried and began to walk out the door.
"No, daro!" shouted Haemerethwen standing up and running after him, "I am sure that in doing so, I would ruin the chance of help!" she whispered, a smile upon her face as she grabbed onto his arm.
"You appear to be less sorrowful and more playful this afternoon," noted Legolas. Her smile widened at his statement and she peered into his pure blue eyes, astonished at the beauty he possessed. He smiled back at her. "Perhaps for your last day and night in Eryn Lasgalen you should witness the lighter side of the forest."
"Which would be.?" she asked, curiosity taking control.
"Well, let us enter the forest and find out!" he exclaimed, grabbing hold of her hand and dragging her out the palace doors.
****
It was a long while before Legolas and Haemerethwen slowed down deep within the forest. They had stopped within an opening among the thick trees, allowing the starlight to grace the ground. She shaded her eyes, as she looked upwards, astonished that her eyes hurt from such little light. Then she returned her gaze to the circle of grass and the scorched ground within the middle. She smiled when she understood where Legolas had taken her. "Did you attend this forest circle?" she asked, turning her shining grey eyes upon him.
"Aye, but I do not attend many," he answered, looking at her cheerful face. As she brushed hair off her face and laughed at him, he suddenly felt his heart beat faster. He sveltely smiled at her and asked, "Why is it that you laugh so at that response?"
"Because I doubt you," she answered.
"And why is that?"
"'Legolas is an experienced warrior, fear him in battle; but fear him not in relaxation, for he is, of course, the Prince of the Wood-Elves!'" she stated, laughing at his response to her quote.
"From where did you hear that?"
"My brother, the one you remember not" she taunted. He smiled at her playfulness, wondering how Thranduil's words could reverse her personality so.
"You shall tell me," commanded Legolas, taking a step towards her. Haemerethwen laughed and stepped backward, holding her arms out towards him as if to push him back.
"Daro!" she laughingly stated, "I will not fight against the skilled Prince of Eryn Lasgalen!" He then leaped at her, grabbing onto her wrist as she also leaped backwards; he pulled her towards him.
"I am too fast for you," he whispered, his blue eyes smiling at her.
"Perhaps I desired to be caught?" she whispered back with a flushed look upon her face.
"And why would you want it so?" he queried. She looked upon his handsome face with his high, chiseled cheekbones, distinguished nose, and enchanting mouth smiling back at her. She turned her eyes upward, peering into his blue eyes that pierced into her, questioning her every desire she desperately tried to hide.
"To allow you to believe that you are faster than me," she returned. He released her wrist and stepped backward.
"Well, then allow me to chance it again."
"No!" she answered, "I shall leave your pride in agony over the thought of your speed."
"Ah, you are afraid that when you do put effort, I will succeed," he plainly stated, slyly smiling at her. She shook her head.
"I am certain in my ability, Prince; no persuasion will be necessary," she declared, grinning at him one last time before gazing towards the stars. Legolas also turned his eyes to the shining stars, blessing the land with its gentle light. "The stars are different here," she muttered, the smile leaving her lips as her thoughts returned to her beloved city in despair. Legolas turned his eyes to the she-Elf who raised her hand to the sky.
"In Mithlond, that star is more to the northeast," she mumbled, her voice slightly trembling, "My brother declared it to be my star when I was much younger in hopes to soothe my qualms of becoming lost within the world." She slowly dropped her hand from the sky. "How I miss him."
Legolas peered at the dismayed Haemerethwen, puzzled over how her mood could change so rapidly. However, he understood her pain in missing loved ones; he felt it all too consistently in his quest with the Fellowship. He walked towards her and decided he would try to ease her anxiety.
'The leaves were long, the grass was green,
The hemlock-umbels tall and fair,
And in the glade a light was seen
Of stars in shadow shimmering.
Tinuviel was dancing there,
To music of a pipe unseen,
And light of stars was in her hair,
And in her raiment glimmering.'
Haemerethwen listened to his tender voice that soothed her disparaging thoughts over the condition of her fair city. She slowly turned towards the singing Elf that approached her slowly step by step. When she closed her eyes, Legolas allowed a small smile to appear on his face, knowing that his voice aided her. He continued to walk closer until he was standing in front of her and his first verse ended. She opened her eyes and allowed him to see the sadness that loomed within them, beckoning him to continue his singing and lessen her inner burden. He wrapped his arms around her, enveloping her in a gentle hug and continued.
'There Beren came from mountain cold,
And lost he wandered under leaves,
And where the Elven-river rolled
He walked alone and sorrowing.
He peered between the hemlock-leaves
And saw in wonder flowers of gold
Upon her mantle and her sleeves,
And her hair like shadow following.'
Legolas felt her head upon his shoulder move and he regretfully released his arms from around her. He peered at the she-Elf who was biting her lower lip, trying to repress the emotional burden from escaping from her mouth. She seemed less discouraged, which comforted him.
"Le hannon," she whispered, struggling to maintain a stoic appearance. He grabbed onto her hand and placed his powerful blue eyes upon hers.
"Henion," he stated. Although she averted her eyes from his to escape his gaze, he continued to peer at her to try to understand her. She sparked an interest within him; rendering him curious to the details she denied him access to. He desired to understand what lay beyond the simple storyline of Orcs attacking her city and, most of all, he desired to understand her life and personality. Her moods changed so rapidly: silent to cheerful, cheerful to depressed, and depressed to silent again. She was unknown to him and he decided to dedicate himself to gaining the knowledge to comprehend her personality and hopefully find within her what he yearned as well.
"Perhaps we should return," he suggested, moving his face to interrupt her thoughts. She smiled sadly at him, causing his heart to mourn along with her; he was in that same position less than a year ago.
"Perhaps we should," she muttered, "But will you sing one last verse?" She grabbed his other hand and pulled him closer. "Your voice helps me so," she gently whispered. He looked down upon Haemerethwen and smiled. The moonlight illuminated her every delicate feature; her silver- grey eyes were almost transparent as she peered up at him while her flocculent skin gently absorbed the light, making the shadows from her cheekbones appear more noticeable. He brushed his fingers against her cheek and pushed away a piece of her golden hair, allowing her to slightly blush and shyly smile at him, embarrassed at the way he looked at her.
'Enchantment healed his weary feet
The over hills were doomed to roam;
And forth he hastened, strong and fleet,
And grasped at moonbeams glistening.
Through wooden woods in Elvenhome
She lightly fled on dancing feet,
And left him lonely still to roam
In the silent forest listening.'
Legolas gently sang to her, allowing the beautiful sound to reverberate throughout the woods. However, he urged her back to the palace of Eryn Lasgalen as he continued to sing, hoping that they would return at time reasonable enough for Thranduil to not become irritated. All the while they walked, he gazed at her, watching the words soothe her. When she turned to smile at him outside the palace bridge, he felt his heart beat faster; but he still could not understand the meaning behind it because she was, after all, just a messenger from Mithlond.