My finals have ended! I was so starved from not being able to write that I
wrote this all in one day. The action will soon begin (foreshadowing at
the end), but this chapter is necessary in setting up the friendship
between Legolas and Haemerethwen. Please continue to review; I get excited
when I see new ones! Also, if anyone had any knowledge of the geography of
Middle-Earth and knows of certain lands that will be crossed in a journey
from Rivendell to Mithlond, please share! Although I have some basic
knowledge, more would help the story. I hope I am keeping your interests
in the story, I understand that so far has been slightly uneventful. Thank
you again!
****
After a few hours, the two Elves breached the outskirts of the forest. They had not spoken a word to each other, mainly because Eryn Lasgalen was not a place where talking was appreciated, so they had kept their eyes and ears open rather than their mouths. When the trees had dwindled down to hardly any, Haemerethwen soaked in the warmth that the sunshine offered, allowing her eyes to close and a smile to express itself. As much as she loved trees, she did not greatly desire to be among the suffocating darkness that derived from it. They continued to ride for a few miles with no speaking, but soon the change of atmosphere sparked her to speak.
"I am sorry that you must accompany me," she spoke, glancing over at Legolas. He turned his face towards her, his blue eyes glittering from the sunlight. She couldn't help but feel a slight attraction towards him, but she would not allow it to burrow further than just the surface, afraid that if she did it would only end up with his denial.
"No, I am sorry that you are with me," he wittily replied, "I am sure that you must have been excited about your departure until you realized you depart with me." He gently smiled at her.
"Better to be with you than one I have no knowledge of," she stated, a smile appearing on her face as well. The feel of the sun upon her body invigorated her, helping to forget the conversation between her and Thranduil. She tried to repress the disturbing memories that the King had unfortunately stirred up, but knowing that the Orc leader was somewhere in the wilderness, stalking her, granted her hardly any reassurance. Although she was not one to start a discussion about personal matters, she decided that she might as well with Legolas. She had almost no information on the regal Prince, which would not help her in their journey.
"The sun is warm; it clears my mind," she stated, looking forward over the vast land in front of her, "Reminding me of previous questions that remain unanswered." Legolas turned his face toward her, wondering what questions roamed within her mind.
"I remember no questions," he slowly answered.
"Aye, because I never publicly asked them," she answered, turning to face him again, "But, nevertheless, they remain." She turned her face back forward and closed her eyes, accepting the power the sun bestowed on her to give her strength.
"Then release your words," he stated. After a moment's pause, she replied:
"I am honored that Thranduil chose you as my companion, but why did you accept?" Legolas peered at her, wondering if he should admit that he personally was slightly annoyed in the choice, but decided against it. He did not need an infuriated she-Elf to be in his presence for the long trip.
"Judging by last night and how slow you were, I decided it was necessary," he returned with a sly smile. She peered at him, annoyed that he turned her serious question into a playful jest. "To be honest, I accepted mainly because, although I dearly love Eryn Lasgalen, my heart still desires to roam Middle-Earth and take in its wonder. Gimli was to join me, but I fear that he will be delayed as I enjoy it myself." Haemerethwen's spirit slightly dropped at his statement; a part of her desired him to join because he enjoyed her presence. Her heart only spoke of desires that were always denied by either her mind or another.
"I have heard of the stout dwarf," she answered, "Quite an amusing friendship."
"Aye, my father disapproves of it. He remembers Gimli's father when he trespassed within our forest-circle, continuously." He smiled, remembering being at that forest circle that the dwarves and hobbit desperately tried to attend. "But I blame the King for being so stout in his biased opinions."
"I have met no dwarves, whether that is beneficial I know not."
"That would depend on what dwarf you meet," he stated.
"Aye, that it would. Perhaps I will be able to meet this notorious dwarf you hold so dearly?" she asked, curiosity showing within her grey eyes.
"Possibly, if he would allow it," he smiled, "But I believe he enjoys the presence of female Elves. We shall have to survive this journey beforehand, though."
"A difficult task, but I feel more confident with the skilled Prince of Eryn Lasgalen as a companion," she playfully stated. He smiled at her compliment and nodded in agreement.
"As you should." She laughed at his comment, admiring his pride that he had acquired from his participation in the Fellowship. Her brother had described him as less arrogant. Haemerethwen had to admit though that Legolas' self-admiration was considerably less than other Elves'. They continued to ride in silence for a while, allowing Haemerethwen to regain her thoughts from before the discussion about the dwarf. She was interrupted by Legolas' voice:
"I, too, have a question that lingers in my mind," he stated, turning his glittering eyes upon her.
"Do tell," she stated, anxious to hear if it involved the question that constantly roused her thoughts as well.
"I have hardly any history of you, besides what my father earlier declared about the Eryn Lasgalen messenger," he began, "If we are to journey together, I feel that it is my right to learn what you so desperately hide."
"What I hide?" she defiantly stated, "I fear that what I feel is not worth vocalizing cannot be overruled by your apparent 'right.'" She looked at him, challenging him to actually press her into speaking.
"Aye, it cannot be altered," he agreed, trying to switch techniques so that she may allow some information to passed, "But what if I asked you to describe your past? I know little of your family, only through means of what Galdor has revealed." Haemerethwen stared out in front of her for a while, knowing that Legolas was slightly accurate: she must release some information to gain his trust and true friendship, which were both valuable at such a critical time.
"What do you desire to know?" she stated, directing her piercing eyes at him as she sought to make it known that she did not enjoy allowing her history to escape, "For I do not know where to begin." Legolas smiled at her, amused that she was annoyed at his attempts to create friendship.
"Do not be so tense," he mocked, "It does suggest that you are unwilling for friendships to transpire." He laughed as she stiffened even more. "Is the past so overwhelming that you cannot describe it to a lonely Prince?"
"Overwhelming to me, yes; to others, it may appear merely simple."
"Aye, 'tis the same with me. If you do not wish to disclose material to me, I will not argue," he sincerely stated, but then quickly jested, "Although I will forever pester you to no end further on during the trip. At some point, you will be forced to submit yourself to me." She then sharply turned her head towards him, her eyes showing surprise and amusement in the blunt statement.
"Prince, your words reveal too much of your inner desires," she joked, laughing at the red tint that accompanied his face. 'However, I shall remember that tempting comment,' thought Haemerethwen as she laughed again at the embarrassed Elf. However, soon the Prince laughed with her, appreciating the she-Elf's attitude.
"I am but a fool," he said with one last chuckle and a shake of his head. He looked again at her as she rode silently forward with a small smile on her glowing face, admiring the beauty she possessed; he quickly after reprimanded himself for considering the female in such a manner: he was the Prince of Eryn Lasgalen while she was merely a messenger. 'Besides,' he thought, 'There are many other she-elves, surpassing in her beauty, that are more suitable to direct my attention to."
"What interests you so?" she stated, catching Legolas' eyes upon her during his mental discussion. He blinked his eyes, returning to the present state, and concentrated on her silver eyes.
"I am still trying to understand you," he answered, shuffling upon the horse's back, ashamed of being caught staring, "Admit something to soothe my curious mind," he then stated, returning their conversation back to the now old topic. She sighed in playful frustration and threw her hands in the hand.
"It never quits!" she cried out.
"I warned you," he stated, "And now the price shall be paid for deferring my original question!"
"Aye, aye," she muttered, and then grew silent, searching her mind for some interesting tid-bit that would halt his questioning for some time. She then let out a quick laugh, realizing that she knew of what to speak of.
"I remember the kirinki," she whispered, her eyes turning towards him with a sparkle in her eyes.
"The kirinki?" he stated with wonder in his voice. She nodded and smiled, knowing that the mention of the bird would amuse him. "How did you come upon those?"
"Númenor," she stated, "Galdor was sent as Círdan's messenger to the island near the end of the second age, before Sauron had corrupted the King's mind. I accompanied him after I constantly pestered him to allow me to visit. I was but fifty years old, but I still remember those astonishing birds. They were smaller than wrens," she stated, using her hands to express their size, "but contained scarlet feathers and voice so magnificent and high that the men of Númenor could barely hear their song. But I could." She then closed her eyes, trying to remember the details of the memory that was so long ago. "I had never seen such birds in Middle- Earth and I was curious of them; I would silently creep behind them, trying to coax them into allowing me to touch their tempting feathers and admire their unknown beauty. They but always flew away, leaving me frustrated in my numerous attempts." She then opened her eyes and smiled at her bemused companion. After a few minutes, he spoke:
"I had never known that you contained so many more years than mine," he stated.
"What does it matter?" she asked.
"It does not, but I am annoyed in that you have seen such a creature I will never know," he jestingly stated.
"Annoyed?" she laughingly questioned, "I am sure you have been witness to such things that I too will never know." Legolas nodded. "Are you satisfied in my story?"
"No," he playfully replied, a smile growing on his face, "For I fear it is too short." She shook her head at him and sighed, but she knew that the story had helped him realize part of personality.
The two Elves continued to ride through the day in varying states of either silence or jesting, slowly opening themselves up to scrutiny and understanding of their companion. Their friendship grew as their laughs flowed through the lands with the graceful breeze, warming the hearts of all that heard it. The day seemed to pass quickly in their entertainment and soon twilight fell, forcing the two to search for a suitable resting area. They had been following the Forest Road out of Eryn Lasgalen, which led them slightly south of the forest and close to the river Anduin. Eventually, it would lead them to the High Pass on the Misty Mountains. However, they had not quite reached Anduin, so they rested underneath the now scarce amount of trees.
"What do you know of the evil of this land?" asked Haemerethwen, who was about to depart to find wood around the surroundings. She did not know the land well and she feared of facing an unheard of threat because of her ignorance.
"It is hard to know what lies here," Legolas stated, stopping his task of settling the horses in and turning towards her, "The evil of Mordor has been hiding everywhere within Middle-Earth and I fear not even I know where they may dwell." He glanced at her, noticing the slight fear in eyes. "I shall accompany you," he suggested, beginning to walk towards her.
"No," she argued, "It shall only take a few minutes to collect the wood; it is a task I can handle." She smiled up at him and Legolas knew that her pride would not allow her to accept help from him. He nodded his head and returned to unpacking the horse's bags. As she slipped into the darkness, he turned around and called out to her:
"Whistle if danger approaches you!" She stopped and turned around, nodding her head and then slowly continuing outward.
****
After a few hours, the two Elves breached the outskirts of the forest. They had not spoken a word to each other, mainly because Eryn Lasgalen was not a place where talking was appreciated, so they had kept their eyes and ears open rather than their mouths. When the trees had dwindled down to hardly any, Haemerethwen soaked in the warmth that the sunshine offered, allowing her eyes to close and a smile to express itself. As much as she loved trees, she did not greatly desire to be among the suffocating darkness that derived from it. They continued to ride for a few miles with no speaking, but soon the change of atmosphere sparked her to speak.
"I am sorry that you must accompany me," she spoke, glancing over at Legolas. He turned his face towards her, his blue eyes glittering from the sunlight. She couldn't help but feel a slight attraction towards him, but she would not allow it to burrow further than just the surface, afraid that if she did it would only end up with his denial.
"No, I am sorry that you are with me," he wittily replied, "I am sure that you must have been excited about your departure until you realized you depart with me." He gently smiled at her.
"Better to be with you than one I have no knowledge of," she stated, a smile appearing on her face as well. The feel of the sun upon her body invigorated her, helping to forget the conversation between her and Thranduil. She tried to repress the disturbing memories that the King had unfortunately stirred up, but knowing that the Orc leader was somewhere in the wilderness, stalking her, granted her hardly any reassurance. Although she was not one to start a discussion about personal matters, she decided that she might as well with Legolas. She had almost no information on the regal Prince, which would not help her in their journey.
"The sun is warm; it clears my mind," she stated, looking forward over the vast land in front of her, "Reminding me of previous questions that remain unanswered." Legolas turned his face toward her, wondering what questions roamed within her mind.
"I remember no questions," he slowly answered.
"Aye, because I never publicly asked them," she answered, turning to face him again, "But, nevertheless, they remain." She turned her face back forward and closed her eyes, accepting the power the sun bestowed on her to give her strength.
"Then release your words," he stated. After a moment's pause, she replied:
"I am honored that Thranduil chose you as my companion, but why did you accept?" Legolas peered at her, wondering if he should admit that he personally was slightly annoyed in the choice, but decided against it. He did not need an infuriated she-Elf to be in his presence for the long trip.
"Judging by last night and how slow you were, I decided it was necessary," he returned with a sly smile. She peered at him, annoyed that he turned her serious question into a playful jest. "To be honest, I accepted mainly because, although I dearly love Eryn Lasgalen, my heart still desires to roam Middle-Earth and take in its wonder. Gimli was to join me, but I fear that he will be delayed as I enjoy it myself." Haemerethwen's spirit slightly dropped at his statement; a part of her desired him to join because he enjoyed her presence. Her heart only spoke of desires that were always denied by either her mind or another.
"I have heard of the stout dwarf," she answered, "Quite an amusing friendship."
"Aye, my father disapproves of it. He remembers Gimli's father when he trespassed within our forest-circle, continuously." He smiled, remembering being at that forest circle that the dwarves and hobbit desperately tried to attend. "But I blame the King for being so stout in his biased opinions."
"I have met no dwarves, whether that is beneficial I know not."
"That would depend on what dwarf you meet," he stated.
"Aye, that it would. Perhaps I will be able to meet this notorious dwarf you hold so dearly?" she asked, curiosity showing within her grey eyes.
"Possibly, if he would allow it," he smiled, "But I believe he enjoys the presence of female Elves. We shall have to survive this journey beforehand, though."
"A difficult task, but I feel more confident with the skilled Prince of Eryn Lasgalen as a companion," she playfully stated. He smiled at her compliment and nodded in agreement.
"As you should." She laughed at his comment, admiring his pride that he had acquired from his participation in the Fellowship. Her brother had described him as less arrogant. Haemerethwen had to admit though that Legolas' self-admiration was considerably less than other Elves'. They continued to ride in silence for a while, allowing Haemerethwen to regain her thoughts from before the discussion about the dwarf. She was interrupted by Legolas' voice:
"I, too, have a question that lingers in my mind," he stated, turning his glittering eyes upon her.
"Do tell," she stated, anxious to hear if it involved the question that constantly roused her thoughts as well.
"I have hardly any history of you, besides what my father earlier declared about the Eryn Lasgalen messenger," he began, "If we are to journey together, I feel that it is my right to learn what you so desperately hide."
"What I hide?" she defiantly stated, "I fear that what I feel is not worth vocalizing cannot be overruled by your apparent 'right.'" She looked at him, challenging him to actually press her into speaking.
"Aye, it cannot be altered," he agreed, trying to switch techniques so that she may allow some information to passed, "But what if I asked you to describe your past? I know little of your family, only through means of what Galdor has revealed." Haemerethwen stared out in front of her for a while, knowing that Legolas was slightly accurate: she must release some information to gain his trust and true friendship, which were both valuable at such a critical time.
"What do you desire to know?" she stated, directing her piercing eyes at him as she sought to make it known that she did not enjoy allowing her history to escape, "For I do not know where to begin." Legolas smiled at her, amused that she was annoyed at his attempts to create friendship.
"Do not be so tense," he mocked, "It does suggest that you are unwilling for friendships to transpire." He laughed as she stiffened even more. "Is the past so overwhelming that you cannot describe it to a lonely Prince?"
"Overwhelming to me, yes; to others, it may appear merely simple."
"Aye, 'tis the same with me. If you do not wish to disclose material to me, I will not argue," he sincerely stated, but then quickly jested, "Although I will forever pester you to no end further on during the trip. At some point, you will be forced to submit yourself to me." She then sharply turned her head towards him, her eyes showing surprise and amusement in the blunt statement.
"Prince, your words reveal too much of your inner desires," she joked, laughing at the red tint that accompanied his face. 'However, I shall remember that tempting comment,' thought Haemerethwen as she laughed again at the embarrassed Elf. However, soon the Prince laughed with her, appreciating the she-Elf's attitude.
"I am but a fool," he said with one last chuckle and a shake of his head. He looked again at her as she rode silently forward with a small smile on her glowing face, admiring the beauty she possessed; he quickly after reprimanded himself for considering the female in such a manner: he was the Prince of Eryn Lasgalen while she was merely a messenger. 'Besides,' he thought, 'There are many other she-elves, surpassing in her beauty, that are more suitable to direct my attention to."
"What interests you so?" she stated, catching Legolas' eyes upon her during his mental discussion. He blinked his eyes, returning to the present state, and concentrated on her silver eyes.
"I am still trying to understand you," he answered, shuffling upon the horse's back, ashamed of being caught staring, "Admit something to soothe my curious mind," he then stated, returning their conversation back to the now old topic. She sighed in playful frustration and threw her hands in the hand.
"It never quits!" she cried out.
"I warned you," he stated, "And now the price shall be paid for deferring my original question!"
"Aye, aye," she muttered, and then grew silent, searching her mind for some interesting tid-bit that would halt his questioning for some time. She then let out a quick laugh, realizing that she knew of what to speak of.
"I remember the kirinki," she whispered, her eyes turning towards him with a sparkle in her eyes.
"The kirinki?" he stated with wonder in his voice. She nodded and smiled, knowing that the mention of the bird would amuse him. "How did you come upon those?"
"Númenor," she stated, "Galdor was sent as Círdan's messenger to the island near the end of the second age, before Sauron had corrupted the King's mind. I accompanied him after I constantly pestered him to allow me to visit. I was but fifty years old, but I still remember those astonishing birds. They were smaller than wrens," she stated, using her hands to express their size, "but contained scarlet feathers and voice so magnificent and high that the men of Númenor could barely hear their song. But I could." She then closed her eyes, trying to remember the details of the memory that was so long ago. "I had never seen such birds in Middle- Earth and I was curious of them; I would silently creep behind them, trying to coax them into allowing me to touch their tempting feathers and admire their unknown beauty. They but always flew away, leaving me frustrated in my numerous attempts." She then opened her eyes and smiled at her bemused companion. After a few minutes, he spoke:
"I had never known that you contained so many more years than mine," he stated.
"What does it matter?" she asked.
"It does not, but I am annoyed in that you have seen such a creature I will never know," he jestingly stated.
"Annoyed?" she laughingly questioned, "I am sure you have been witness to such things that I too will never know." Legolas nodded. "Are you satisfied in my story?"
"No," he playfully replied, a smile growing on his face, "For I fear it is too short." She shook her head at him and sighed, but she knew that the story had helped him realize part of personality.
The two Elves continued to ride through the day in varying states of either silence or jesting, slowly opening themselves up to scrutiny and understanding of their companion. Their friendship grew as their laughs flowed through the lands with the graceful breeze, warming the hearts of all that heard it. The day seemed to pass quickly in their entertainment and soon twilight fell, forcing the two to search for a suitable resting area. They had been following the Forest Road out of Eryn Lasgalen, which led them slightly south of the forest and close to the river Anduin. Eventually, it would lead them to the High Pass on the Misty Mountains. However, they had not quite reached Anduin, so they rested underneath the now scarce amount of trees.
"What do you know of the evil of this land?" asked Haemerethwen, who was about to depart to find wood around the surroundings. She did not know the land well and she feared of facing an unheard of threat because of her ignorance.
"It is hard to know what lies here," Legolas stated, stopping his task of settling the horses in and turning towards her, "The evil of Mordor has been hiding everywhere within Middle-Earth and I fear not even I know where they may dwell." He glanced at her, noticing the slight fear in eyes. "I shall accompany you," he suggested, beginning to walk towards her.
"No," she argued, "It shall only take a few minutes to collect the wood; it is a task I can handle." She smiled up at him and Legolas knew that her pride would not allow her to accept help from him. He nodded his head and returned to unpacking the horse's bags. As she slipped into the darkness, he turned around and called out to her:
"Whistle if danger approaches you!" She stopped and turned around, nodding her head and then slowly continuing outward.