THE GRIFFON'S TEARS
Chapter 3 ~ "Parting Company"
"Will you travel with us?" Gimli asked as he rode behind Legolas. They were very near the Harad road, where all of the armies would split off and go their own ways home. "We could easily set out from Helm's Deep to intercept Alede as she comes south."
Legolas looked around at his warriors considering Gimli's idea. He could go with Gimli. Helm's Deep was far to the west. Backtracking would matter little to Legolas. . . . But one look at his warriors and he knew that he would not go. There were signs of worry and fatigue on their faces. An outsider would not see it, but Legolas did.
"Nay, my friend. I am needed at home. These are troublesome times for my people. We are so close to Mordor." He sighed with regret. "I must turn south." He glanced over his shoulder at Gimli. The light in his bright eyes was as close to a look of pleading as he was willing to show. "But that does not mean that we must be parted. Why do you not come to Ithilien with me? Your warriors would be welcome. Many of them are wounded and my healers would tend them before they begin the long trip home." He very carefully did not say that Gimli's wounded shoulder could use the rest as well. The Dwarf would be highly offended if Legolas suggested such a thing.
"Nay, I must go for the same reasons that you must," Gimli said, casting a sharp glance around at their warriors. "But I thank you for your offer."
"I had hoped that you would join us for my betrothal ceremony," Legolas said quietly.
"Aye, I intend to."
"But then it makes no sense for you travel all the way to Helm's Deep! You will no sooner get there than you will have to turn around and come back."
"I know. But I must see my warriors home. I owe them that at least and," Gimli added. "I must also get your betrothal gift."
"Betrothal gift?" Legolas said with a laugh. "There is no need for you to give me a gift! I would much prefer your company instead."
"Ah, but it is not from me," Gimli said with a twinkle in his eye. "Alede wrote to me shortly after we left Rivendell with the concept of a gift for you. I have labored these past five years in its making."
"Indeed?" Legolas said, his curiosity peeked. "What is it?"
Gimli gave him a look of outrage. "I will not tell you!"
Legolas turned away, a frustrated frown furrowing his brow.
"I will give you a hint though," Gimli said after a moment's silence.
Legolas' bright eyes turned back to him.
"It is shorter than your bow, but has a further reach," Gimli said, rather pleased with his riddle. *That will keep the Elf guessing, but he will never figure it out.*
Legolas' brow furrowed again. ". . . a further reach," he said softly. "A crossbow? Such as the kind the men of the Mark carry? It has a further reach than a regular bow . . ." He glanced back at the smirking dwarf. "But Alede would not ask you to craft a weapon. That is not her way, so I suspect I am taking your words much too literally."
Gimli only grinned, but said nothing. Legolas thought for several moments and came up with several wild and totally implausible ideas, none of which he cared to voice to Gimli.
"What is it made of?" Legolas finally asked.
"It is made of brass and glass," Gimli answered smugly, "but you will see only diamonds."
"Diamonds?" That threw even the wildest of Legolas' ideas completely out of the window. "Diamonds . . ." he repeated, deep in thought. Diamonds had absolutely nothing to do with the reach of his bow. And it seemed highly unlikely that Alede would give him something so ostentatious as gems.
*So, it must be something that looks like a diamond. Hmm . . . droplets of water, stars, dew upon the grass, the light in Alede's eyes . . .*
Gimli chuckled and patted his friend's arm, knowing what his silence meant. "You will have to puzzle on this alone, for I am afraid that here is where we must part company."
Legolas looked up and realized they were at the road. He was about to question the dwarf more, but a knot of emotion suddenly swept over him and he cursed.
"What is it?" Gimli asked in alarm.
"Nothing," Legolas said. He'd received just the briefest jolt of emotions from Alede before she'd locked it down. But it was enough for him to know that she was very upset. He dismounted and said his goodbyes to Gimli and Aragorn. Faramir and his company would be traveling with them for a while longer.
Before he turned Aransûl's head south though, he gazed out across Gondor, wishing he could see as far as his homeland.
Wishing he could help.
~ ~ ~
"Yet, during the War of the Ring, neither of you were present," Thranduil said to Radagast and Cyrus smoothly, his accusing words veiled by a mask of politeness.
There was an uncomfortable silence and Alede clenched her teeth. If she fidgeted, Thranduil would see it, for he had seated her on his right hand side as was appropriate for the betrothed of his son.
The entire dinner had been horribly uncomfortable for Alede. Thranduil's agile mind was taxing her patience and her stamina. Alede was still tired from the journey and constantly deflecting Thranduil's remarks was giving her a headache.
The large pavilion was crowded as well. Normally Elves caused her no discomfort, but she felt ill at ease amongst Thranduil's people. Though nothing had been hinted at, Alede was terribly conscious of the fact that she had once been an outlaw in this land. She had been pardoned because she had saved the King's life, but nevertheless, the stain was still there.
She tried to think of some way to come to her father's defense.
It was true though. Her father had not felt himself equal to the task of the One Ring. Gandalf had faced the challenge alone. She knew it was something Radagast felt ashamed of. In truth, she had been a little disappointed in her father too. She had not learned of the quest until long after it had left Rivendell and she had been far to the north. But her father had known something of it early on.
It was a subject that father and daughter did not speak of. Alede would always regret that she had not been in Rivendell during that time. If she had, she might have offered her services as a healer and gone with the company.
*Not that they would have wanted a woman on their journey though. But I would have met Legolas earlier.*
Alede's thoughts turned back to Thranduil. She knew the king enjoyed intimidating people. She had been reminded of that particular trait earlier with Cyrus. The King was an extremely intelligent Elf with a sharp wit and a shrewd mind. That mind had kept his kingdom safe all these centuries, despite that he had never had a ring of power.
Unfortunately, matching his superior wits with others was a game with him, one which Alede understood but did not wish to play. Despite her father's failings it was downright rude for Thranduil to bring them up.
**Ask Father about the dragon.**
Alede nearly jumped out of her chair. Legolas rarely spoke in her mind during the day and never when she had not invited it. She had not even known that he was 'listening'.
She had allowed her unhappy emotions to leak out earlier, but checked them as soon as she had realized what was happening. That Legolas had 'heard' in spite of her shielding herself from him, showed that his abilities to mind-speak were growing. And this time his thoughts were so clear it was almost as if he stood beside her.
*He grows more like Galadriel every year.*
**What about the dragon?** she thought back to him, hoping he understood. Alede could not even come closed to Legolas' skill with their mind to mind connection.
Images suddenly filled her mind as if she saw through someone else's eyes. She instantly recognized the Lonely Mountain in front of her and realized that she was seeing the start of the War of Five Armies.
For a moment she was lost in the sensations that filled her. The colors of the mountain and trees astonished her. The water of the lake was so vivid, she felt she could taste its wetness with her eyes. With a thrill of excitement she realized she was seeing through the eyes of an Elf.
Through Legolas' eyes.
*So this is how he sees the world!*
Looking to her left in her mind, she saw Thranduil. He led a long column of Elves as they marched on the mountain.
Suddenly a shadow and a feeling of danger passed over the company. But while the gaze of Legolas' memory held steady, she saw Thranduil flinch. The King nearly dropped his bow and only with a quick movement did he keep it from falling to the ground!
Alede saw this only out of her "mental" peripheral vision. For even as the King fumbled with his bow, Legolas raised his own and shot an arrow at the huge object which swept overhead. The arrow bounced unnoticed off the dragon's scales and fell to the ground.
The memory ended.
But it had been enough. King Thranduil had been startled enough by Smaug the Magnificent, that he had actually done something clumsy.
Alede could not help the smile that touched the corners of her lips. She felt Thranduil's gaze swing to her, bringing her fully back to the present.
"I suppose it is not surprising that a mere slip of a girl did not participate in the war," Thranduil said smugly. "But I would have thought that all the wizards would have joined together to defeat Saruman at least."
Alede cleared her throat. "We all have our dragons which we have failed to slay, Your Majesty. I'm sure you understand that." She gave Thranduil a pointed look and did not flinch when his eyes narrowed at her suspiciously.
A moment passed and then Thranduil clapped his hands and the dishes and trenchers were cleared away.
Alede cast a glance at her father and tried to give him an encouraging smile, though in truth she had been dreading this ceremony. It was customary for the two families of the betrothed to give gifts as a demonstration of their unity. But Alede knew that this was a ceremony only. Thranduil's show of unity was for the sake of his son and nothing more.
There was a pause while the tables were cleared and goblets of wine refilled. The King's servants came forward bearing boxes and Cyrus slipped out to fetch Radagast and Alede's gifts.
Thranduil stood and addressed the entire gathering.
"My people, honored Lords and most especially Lady Alede . . ."
Alede rolled her eyes sourly knowing that Thranduil hardly thought of her as an honored guest. She lost track of Thranduil's speech for a moment while a few uncomplimentary things passed through her mind.
She looked up as a servant walked over to her father and presented him with a long narrow wooden box.
". . . and so to you, Lord Radagast," the King was saying, "I present you with this beach wood staff. The wood and the sprite within still lives, despite having been cut. Through it you will wield far more powerful magic than with a lifeless staff."
Alede's mouth dropped open and Radagast looked as if he would like to do the same. This was the stuff of legend. Alede had heard of living staffs, but she had had no idea that they were real. It was a kingly gift.
Radagast held the staff reverently and it was a moment before he found his voice and bowed low.
"You have my deepest thanks, King Thranduil. It is with great joy that I accept your gift and welcome you into our family."
Alede thought that Thranduil scowled just a bit at the mention of 'family'.
Cyrus came forward just then bearing two small falcons on his arms.
Radagast turned to the king and cleared his throat. "My gift to you, Your Majesty is a mated pair of Shrykes . . ."
He paused slightly when several of the company muttered sounds of awe and surprise. The tiny black falcons were extremely rare and considered the best hunters in all of Middle Earth. Their glossy feathers glistened with blue highlights beneath the torches. They wore no tethers and hopped nimbly to Thranduil's arm. They were not tamed or domesticated birds by any means, but such was Radagast's skill with birds, they had agreed to serve the King of the Greenwood.
"As I am sure you are aware, Your Majesty, Shrykes are the fastest fliers in all of Middle Earth. If you wish it, they could deliver a message from here to Ithilien in less than a day."
Again a murmur of appreciation went through the gathered Elves. Messenger birds were hard to come by even for Elves, and not always reliable.
Thranduil spoke quietly to the birds for several moments, his guests apparently forgotten. His genuine pleasure in the gift was evident and Alede relaxed for the first time all evening.
The Shrykes too seemed to relax in their host's presence. The male cocked his head, listening intently to the King's words and finally fluffed his crest in a congenial gesture. The female stretched a leg and a wing in a typical avian greeting.
Alede smiled. It appeared that the birds and the King were well pleased with each other.
Cyrus unobtrusively brought forth a perch stand for the birds and Thranduil called out to one of his servants.
"Bring fresh meat for our two small guests!"
The two birds fluttered nimbly to the perch at Thranduil's request, their bright eyes looking around at the gathering. Thranduil turned back to Radagast and bowed.
"It is with great pleasure that I accept your gift," his voice rang with sincerity and Alede briefly wondered if Thranduil had expected something less worthy from them.
*Does he think us simpletons?*
Once again her musing made her miss the King's rather lengthy speech. Thranduil did like to talk. Radagast was looking pleased though by the time it was over and Alede broke out of her reverie realizing it was time for her to present her own gift.
She stood up as Cyrus once again acted as their servant and accepted the heavy wooden box he handed her. She turned and placed it before the King.
The lidded box had been carved by one of Rivendell's finest woodworkers. Inside, nestled in velvet lay a large vial carved from Glittering Cave crystal. Alede did not think she would mention that fact to Thranduil, though he might suspect it was of Dwarvish origin. It had been quite costly as well, though Alede guessed that Gimli would not have charged her so dearly if the gift had been made for anyone but Thranduil. There was a second vial in one of her trunks, a gift to Legolas and it had been only half the price.
The King lifted it up, holding it to the light.
"It is distillation of Unicorn's horn," Alede explained and Thranduil was so surprised that he lowered the vial and stared at her. This particular distillation took many years and was extremely difficult. Alede had begun it the day after Legolas had declared their betrothal and it had taken the last of her powdered unicorn horn.
"As I'm sure you know, Your Majesty," Alede said, unconsciously repeating her father's words, "one drop of the liquid will purify anything it touches, whether it be a meadow, a stream or a person. Since it is your intention to stay in Middle Earth, I wished to give you some method of keeping your kingdom pure down through the ages."
She looked up hesitantly, not sure how Thranduil would take her little speech. There was always the chance that he would be offended. He might think that she implied he could not keep his land pure with his own form of Elvin magic.
But instead of anger in his eyes, Alede saw . . . she blinked in surprise, gratitude. And even a hint of satisfaction as if her actions confirmed something he had long suspected.
Alede was so surprised that she did not hear Thranduil's expression of thanks. She was instead focused on the sincerity that she saw reflected in his twilight colored eyes.
Her feelings toward this Elf were so conflicting. She hated him because of her imprisonment and because of his quick temper and impatience. She hated him because of the games he played with people and the hurt those games caused.
Yet at the same time, she respected and admired him. He had kept Mirkwood safe for his people all these centuries, with very little aid. The house of Oropher was renowned for its quick temper and stubborn nature. She suspected that it stemmed from the enormity of the Greenwood and the challenges that the kingdom faced. She found herself reluctantly liking him and wished he could do the same for her.
And . . . he was Legolas' father. For that reason alone, she wished she could gain his acceptance.
A small wooden box was placed in front of her. Alede knew what it contained, Elladan and Elrohir had instructed her.
The mîr-o mel. Also known as the 'wedding chain'. It was a long, light chain made of tiny links, often set with jewels. During an Elvin wedding, the delicate chain was briefly wrapped around the clasped hands of the bride and groom, an ancient tradition of hand fasting. Later, the wife wore it around her waist, signifying her rank as a married woman and displaying her husband's love for her.
And the love of his family.
The wedding chain was always given by the groom's family. Alede could only imagine what the box before her might contain. She reached out a slightly unsteady hand.
Thranduil would follow custom, of that she was sure. The chain would no doubt be of rather poor quality though. She knew that the king would not waste any more of his precious silver on her. Not that she really cared about its quality. Riches were not important to her. She only hoped it was not some great heavy awkward thing that she would dread wearing the rest of her life . . .
Alede's mouth dropped open. Nestled amidst a sea of black velvet, the delicate golden chain shone like braided threads of sunlight. Bright emeralds winked at her and a flutter of gilt oak leaves dangled from the links.
It was breathtaking.
It was more than breathtaking. It was stunning, exquisite . . . Alede's mind ran out of adjectives. It was more beautiful than she ever could have imagined or hoped for.
With shaking hands, she stood and lifted it out, holding it up for the assembly to see. The tiny oak leaves quaked with the movement, looking as if they were real leaves dancing on a bough in the breeze.
There were sounds of delight from the company assembled, but Alede barely heard them. Her attention, once she could wrench her gaze from the mîr-o mel, was riveted on King Thranduil. He had stood as she did and the look in his eyes transfixed her. Great emotion burned in those twilight depths for only a moment, then he quickly masked it. But not before Alede had seen a glimpse of acceptance and perhaps even respect in his bright eyes.
Carefully setting the wedding chain back in its box, she curtsied deeply to him.
"I am very, very honored, Your Majesty. You do me great honor . . ." Alede fumbled to a stop, realizing how awkward she sounded.
*By the Valar! I'm babbling!*
But to her astonishment, Thranduil came to her rescue.
"You are Legolas' betrothed," he said, speaking loudly enough that all the company might hear. "From now on, you will not curtsy to me and you will address me as 'Father'."
She could not help the smile of joy that brightened her face. Astonishment and pleasure overrode Alede's normally good judgment and she impulsively stepped forward to kiss his smooth cheek.
"Thank you, Father," she said quietly, stepping back and regretfully wondering if her emotional action had destroyed his opinion of her. Looking up at him earnestly, she added, "I will do everything in my power to make your son happy."
Thranduil nodded, hiding his pleasure over her impulsive gesture. Alede really did have one of the sweetest smiles he had ever seen. It lit up her face, making her more feminine. Yet at the same time it had childlike quality that was infectious.
Not that her smile could sway him. "That would be well," Thranduil said, referring to her promise about Legolas' happiness. "For if he is not, I shall come and deal with you myself."
Alede could not help a small ironic laugh. "Of that I have no doubt."
~ ~ ~
Zarraweth gloated over her scrying bowl as she watched the images slide across the surface of the griffon tears. This worked far better than plain water.
She watched as the four armies parted and went their separate ways. The wall of wind had worked far better than she had hoped, though the incantation had been difficult to understand and had taken too long. She had wanted to cast it as soon as the armies engaged each other.
*That was Malina's fault of course. The woman hadn't researched the spells well enough!*
But it didn't matter. They were gone, though Zarraweth had thought that more of them would be killed than they were. The battle had been practically a route. She had not realized that Orcs were such poor fighters. She had assumed when she sent them to attack that they would kill off at least half of the invading army.
That it was her own mistake, never occurred to her.
*It doesn't matter!* At least the Orcs were gone. She had intended to kill them anyway once they had served their purpose. Vile, filthy creatures. She couldn't understand how Sauron had put up with them.
She watched as the long column of Elves continued southward. She would have to deal with them. They were the ones who had stopped the traders slipping out the back door of Mordor and into Harad. The Elves had even killed some of those traders, the more stubborn ones. That was bad for business.
And Zarraweth enjoyed her business. Selling Sauron's little toys for gold was a very good trade. Though now that she had the griffon, she supposed that she no longer needed a trade.
Laughing, Zarraweth sat back in her chair and considered Maladok. The wizard had come to her several months ago, so full of himself he had strutted like a peacock. At first she had thought him too asinine to be of any use to her. But when he had mentioned his transformation abilities, Zarraweth had taken notice.
It had taken little effort to seduce him, the wizard had been desperate for her by the time she coaxed him into her bed. It had taken even less effort to bring him completely under her control.
Movement in the scrying bowl caught her attention again and she focused on the Elf who had led the armies. Zarraweth knew little of Elves. She avoided them as much as possible. There was something about their bright eyes that frightened her, making her feel guilty and ashamed. And the possibility that any being could possess more physical beauty than she did was unthinkable.
She watched the Elf with his moonbeam colored hair as he rode up and down the column of warriors, encouraging them on their long trip home. She would have to do something about him.
*Perhaps I can arrange a little welcome home gift for him* Zarraweth smiled unpleasantly. Standing up, she headed toward the tower which Maladok was locked in. She wondered if he had swallowed his pride yet and eaten the Elf she had given him.
She chuckled softly. The twenty Elves in the dungeon had been quite a surprise. They were obviously all that was left of some little game of Sauron's. It might be amusing to see what sorts of fun could be had with them.
Still laughing, Zarraweth mounted the long stairs to the tower, a bowl for collecting griffon tears in her hand. She had best begin now. This spell would take a few days.
~ ~ ~
"I did not know you intended to travel with us," Alede stammered as she hurried after the King and tried to keep up with Thranduil's long strides. The King's announcement that he would be journeying with them to Ithilien came as a complete and very unwelcome surprise.
"I was not aware that I needed your permission to see my son," Thranduil said with his customary snideness.
"Of course not," Alede said with exasperation. "But I'm sure that Legolas had hoped you would attend the wedding in a year's time. Surely you will not wish to make two such long journeys in such a short time?"
"By which you mean to keep me from accompanying you now, do you not?" Thranduil said coldly, coming to an abrupt stop and whirling around. So abrupt in fact that Alede nearly ran into him. Thranduil folded his arms across his chest as she stumbled to a stop.
Because she was embarrassed and distressed she missed the tiny quirk of amusement at the corner of Thranduil's mouth which he quickly hid.
"I did not mean . . ."
"Did you not?" Thranduil fixed her with his intense eyes and Alede found that she could not answer. Of course she did not want him to travel with them, but she could not say so.
"Long have I wished to journey to my son's kingdom," Thranduil said, his voice cold. "And whether you wish it or not, I will be your travel companion." He did not mention that he also intended to see that Alede reach Ithilien safely. He certainly did not trust her father to do it. Radagast was a well meaning wizard, but he was neither the brightest nor the most powerful of the Maiar.
"And as for your wedding," he added, "I imagine it will take place long after you and Legolas have crossed over the sea."
Alede shook her head. "Oh no . . . We will be in Ithilien several years at least. The wedding will take place within the year."
"I hardly think so," Thranduil said, keeping his face neutral. "Elvin courtships usually last two hundred years."
"TWO HUNDRED YEARS?"
Thranduil nearly lost control of himself at the astounded look on her face.
"But . . . but, Elrohir told me . . ."
"Ah," the King nodded, "Noldor Elves have different customs than those of us in the Greenwood."
"But . . ." Alede could not believe what she was hearing. Two hundred years! Looking up, she caught a twinkle in the King's eyes. Narrowing her own suspiciously, she asked,
"How long was your own courtship, if I might ask?"
"Two days."
"Two . . .?"
Alede caught the gleam of mischief in Thranduil's eyes as he turned away from her and also the flash of the first real smile she had ever seen on his face.
~ ~ ~
[Two days later in Ithilien]
Legolas finished rubbing himself dry and tied the towel about his waist. Pushing his fingers through his damp hair, he walked out of his bathing chamber, down the hall and out onto the bridge. The bridge swayed slightly with the movements of the trees which supported his dwelling. So familiar with the sway of the wind in the branches, Legolas did not even notice the movement. Like a sailor accustomed by many years at sea to the heaving deck beneath his feet, the wood elf was completely at home in the huge Culhalla trees.
Seventy-five feet up the huge trunks reached for the sky and only then did their leafy crown begin. Legolas looked around at the smooth gray bark, straight limbs and the glorious red golden leaves which gave the tree their name. In all of his travels he had never seen trees so straight and tall. And in Ithilien they existed only in this valley that he had chosen as his home.
The breeze teased at the damp hair on his shoulders and set the bridge to swaying again. Legolas glanced over at the dwelling that was now connected to his by the bridge.
It looked like a huge silver gray raindrop.
Gimli had been the first to call attention to the dwellings' resemblance to drops of water. Legolas had not really considered that when he had begun to design the tree dwellings. He had conceived of a natural shape, one whose steeply pointed roof would easily shed rainwater. The rounded bottom looked pleasing from the ground and provided a storage space beneath the flat floor inside.
The pods, as his people usually called them, were deceptively large inside. From the ground they looked no bigger than a single room. Visitors though were surprised to discover that each "raindrop" contained many spacious rooms filled with huge windows that let in the dappled sunlight.
Each pod also had a string of balconies both close to the dwelling and climbing up into the trees. Many bridges like the one Legolas stood on connected other dwellings and stairs circled the vast trunks just as they did in Lothlorien.
The effect of Legolas' city in the trees was one of sophisticated harmony and he was eager to show it off, not only to Alede but also to his father.
A tiny little Shryke had been waiting for him when he had reached home, bearing a message that Alede and his father were departing the Greenwood. This would be Thranduil's first trip to Ithilien and Legolas' excitement about their coming was enough to block out the worry of Mordor.
Almost.
Running his fingers through his hair again in a restless gesture, Legolas thought over his meeting with his steward and his advisors upon his arrival home. The magic used in Barad-Dûr had been so strong it had been felt here in Ithilien.
All his people were unsettled by this new threat and by the deceptive ease of the battle. Why would someone waste Orc warriors so carelessly? That Legolas and his allies had probably killed the majority of the Orc population in Mordor no longer comforted him. Was there an even greater army in reserve? Was that why the magic user sent them to their deaths?
Sighing in frustration, Legolas forcefully turned his thoughts away from this. He had gone over the subject with his advisors for hours after arriving home and they had accomplished nothing. Like it or not, he would have to wait for the advise of Alede and her father when they arrived.
*At least they will be here soon.* A little knot of anticipation formed in Legolas' belly. It was not an unpleasant feeling.
I feel as if I have swallowed a dozen butterflies, Legolas thought with a grin.
Much preparation had been done in the past five years in anticipation of Alede's arrival. Two large, comfortable suites had been built in the Great Hall for Radagast and Cyrus. Their windows looked out onto the forest stream.
Lavish guest quarters had been built to the east of Legolas' dwelling. They would house his father when he came and on the west side had been built Alede's home. He had labored on most of it himself, not trusting anyone else's hand but his own. Even after it had been finished, he kept adding little details, the large swinging bench on the balcony, the huge bookcases in her library.
The two dwellings were separated by the bridge for now, Legolas had thought that Radagast would find that more proper. But after their wedding, Legolas would join the two into one huge dwelling, with enough rooms for several children when the time came.
Legolas grinned. He and Alede had not discussed the idea of children. He wondered if she would be pleased or dismayed by the prolific nature of his family. Thranduil had fathered seven children, as many as Feanor of old and Legolas intended to match those numbers if Alede wished it.
Someday.
*I will not be willing to share her with anyone for many years to come though.*
With those intriguing thoughts to distract him, Legolas turned to go back inside. It was nearly time for him to mind-speak with Alede as he did each evening at sundown.
But before he could go inside, the breeze suddenly picked up. His Culhalla tree heaved and swayed as moist air from the coast moved abruptly into the valley. Below him, Legolas' beloved oak trees groaned with the sudden wind.
Lifting his head, Legolas scented the air. This new wind carried the tang of salt with it and Legolas' sea longing stirred where it slept at the back of his brain. But long practice enabled him to lock it down. Alede had long ago defeated it for him and it was nothing but an uncomfortable memory that stirred now and again.
But the Bay of Belfalas was many leagues away and for the air to carry the scent of it, must mean that quite a storm brewed in the open sea.
Walking back inside, Legolas went to the wardrobe in his bedchamber and dressed. Hurrying back outside, he stepped off of his balcony, catching a limb over his head. Swiftly he pulled himself up into the highest branches of the Culhalla tree that could support his slight weight.
From this vantage point he was able to see across the valley and down to the sparkling Anduin.
Except that the Anduin was not sparkling.
Immense clouds moved into the western sky at an unbelievable pace, blocking out the setting sun. And from those clouds dropped down a massive vortex of wind and water. It was very like another wall of wind that Legolas had seen only recently. The hurricane was enormous. At this distance, even Legolas' eyes should not have been able to see a phenomenon of weather, yet the hurricane was clearly visible.
And it was very clearly moving toward Southern Ithilien at an astonishing rate. Legolas scrambled down out of his perch as quickly as he could, intent upon reaching the warning bell that hung in the great hall.
But he never made it. In moments, the storm was upon him and he felt his grasp on the branches slip as the wind driven rain flung itself upon his city.
~ ~ ~
A/N: Thank you for all the wonderful reviews on chapter 1 and 2. You guys are terrific! I don't think that any author on this board has such fantastic readers as you. I feel really fortunate! Thank you very much!!!
I apologize for the vanishing link at the end of chapter 2 for the Griffon photo. I can't seem to get the link to work anywhere! I even tried posting it on my bio page with no luck. I'm not quite sure what's going on. If I ever figure it out, I'll try to post it.
Many of you have expressed regret that Elrohir has returned to Rivendell. Don't worry! He'll be coming to Ithilien in a little while. :D And he'll be quite heavily featured in the fifth story, "Elvin Home" where he will even fight a duel! So, be patient. ;)
While trying to think up a name for the falcons that Radagast gifts King Thranduil with, I asked my Hubby for some ideas. Unfortunately the smartass's suggestion of "thunder chicken" was not to be taken seriously. *rolls eyes* However I must thank him for the suggestion of the "living staff" and for allowing me to borrow his character, Maladok. :D
** The trees and the name of Legolas' city are my own invention and therefore any mistakes in Sindarin are mine as well.
Culhalla: cul = golden/red, halla = tall Eryn Cuhallas = Wood of the Tall Golden/Red Trees (lol! Not very original, is it?)
*** Original Character List ***
Alede the Green - Witch, healer and wizard. She is daughter of Radagast the Brown. After the death of her mother, she was raised in Rivendell for a while and learned healing skills from Elrond. She also developed a terrible crush on Elrohir, which he has gently teased her about for centuries. She also spent some time learning the wizarding craft at Orthanc under the tutelage of Saruman. Because she felt her healer's calling was more important, and because she considered herself a poor wizardess, Alede never completed her training at Orthanc.
Cyrus the Blue - The forth Maia to be sent to Middle Earth and friend to Radagast the Brown
Lomomir - Brother to King Thranduil of Mirkwood and a healer. He has spent the last many years in Rivendell studying with Alede and reading from Elrond's many books and journals.
Maladok the Red - The fifth Maia sent to Middle Earth. After a disastrous encounter with Saruman, Maladok has become a bit of a "black sheep" in the wizarding world.
Zarraweth - A young human witch with more plans and beauty than is good for her.
Malina - A healer and witch of the Angmar Mountains. She was married to Radagast the Brown and was Alede's mother. She was killed by a mob of religious fanatics who thought her witchcraft had brought plague to a village when instead she had been trying to cure it. Alede was only sixteen when Malina was killed.
Chapter 3 ~ "Parting Company"
"Will you travel with us?" Gimli asked as he rode behind Legolas. They were very near the Harad road, where all of the armies would split off and go their own ways home. "We could easily set out from Helm's Deep to intercept Alede as she comes south."
Legolas looked around at his warriors considering Gimli's idea. He could go with Gimli. Helm's Deep was far to the west. Backtracking would matter little to Legolas. . . . But one look at his warriors and he knew that he would not go. There were signs of worry and fatigue on their faces. An outsider would not see it, but Legolas did.
"Nay, my friend. I am needed at home. These are troublesome times for my people. We are so close to Mordor." He sighed with regret. "I must turn south." He glanced over his shoulder at Gimli. The light in his bright eyes was as close to a look of pleading as he was willing to show. "But that does not mean that we must be parted. Why do you not come to Ithilien with me? Your warriors would be welcome. Many of them are wounded and my healers would tend them before they begin the long trip home." He very carefully did not say that Gimli's wounded shoulder could use the rest as well. The Dwarf would be highly offended if Legolas suggested such a thing.
"Nay, I must go for the same reasons that you must," Gimli said, casting a sharp glance around at their warriors. "But I thank you for your offer."
"I had hoped that you would join us for my betrothal ceremony," Legolas said quietly.
"Aye, I intend to."
"But then it makes no sense for you travel all the way to Helm's Deep! You will no sooner get there than you will have to turn around and come back."
"I know. But I must see my warriors home. I owe them that at least and," Gimli added. "I must also get your betrothal gift."
"Betrothal gift?" Legolas said with a laugh. "There is no need for you to give me a gift! I would much prefer your company instead."
"Ah, but it is not from me," Gimli said with a twinkle in his eye. "Alede wrote to me shortly after we left Rivendell with the concept of a gift for you. I have labored these past five years in its making."
"Indeed?" Legolas said, his curiosity peeked. "What is it?"
Gimli gave him a look of outrage. "I will not tell you!"
Legolas turned away, a frustrated frown furrowing his brow.
"I will give you a hint though," Gimli said after a moment's silence.
Legolas' bright eyes turned back to him.
"It is shorter than your bow, but has a further reach," Gimli said, rather pleased with his riddle. *That will keep the Elf guessing, but he will never figure it out.*
Legolas' brow furrowed again. ". . . a further reach," he said softly. "A crossbow? Such as the kind the men of the Mark carry? It has a further reach than a regular bow . . ." He glanced back at the smirking dwarf. "But Alede would not ask you to craft a weapon. That is not her way, so I suspect I am taking your words much too literally."
Gimli only grinned, but said nothing. Legolas thought for several moments and came up with several wild and totally implausible ideas, none of which he cared to voice to Gimli.
"What is it made of?" Legolas finally asked.
"It is made of brass and glass," Gimli answered smugly, "but you will see only diamonds."
"Diamonds?" That threw even the wildest of Legolas' ideas completely out of the window. "Diamonds . . ." he repeated, deep in thought. Diamonds had absolutely nothing to do with the reach of his bow. And it seemed highly unlikely that Alede would give him something so ostentatious as gems.
*So, it must be something that looks like a diamond. Hmm . . . droplets of water, stars, dew upon the grass, the light in Alede's eyes . . .*
Gimli chuckled and patted his friend's arm, knowing what his silence meant. "You will have to puzzle on this alone, for I am afraid that here is where we must part company."
Legolas looked up and realized they were at the road. He was about to question the dwarf more, but a knot of emotion suddenly swept over him and he cursed.
"What is it?" Gimli asked in alarm.
"Nothing," Legolas said. He'd received just the briefest jolt of emotions from Alede before she'd locked it down. But it was enough for him to know that she was very upset. He dismounted and said his goodbyes to Gimli and Aragorn. Faramir and his company would be traveling with them for a while longer.
Before he turned Aransûl's head south though, he gazed out across Gondor, wishing he could see as far as his homeland.
Wishing he could help.
~ ~ ~
"Yet, during the War of the Ring, neither of you were present," Thranduil said to Radagast and Cyrus smoothly, his accusing words veiled by a mask of politeness.
There was an uncomfortable silence and Alede clenched her teeth. If she fidgeted, Thranduil would see it, for he had seated her on his right hand side as was appropriate for the betrothed of his son.
The entire dinner had been horribly uncomfortable for Alede. Thranduil's agile mind was taxing her patience and her stamina. Alede was still tired from the journey and constantly deflecting Thranduil's remarks was giving her a headache.
The large pavilion was crowded as well. Normally Elves caused her no discomfort, but she felt ill at ease amongst Thranduil's people. Though nothing had been hinted at, Alede was terribly conscious of the fact that she had once been an outlaw in this land. She had been pardoned because she had saved the King's life, but nevertheless, the stain was still there.
She tried to think of some way to come to her father's defense.
It was true though. Her father had not felt himself equal to the task of the One Ring. Gandalf had faced the challenge alone. She knew it was something Radagast felt ashamed of. In truth, she had been a little disappointed in her father too. She had not learned of the quest until long after it had left Rivendell and she had been far to the north. But her father had known something of it early on.
It was a subject that father and daughter did not speak of. Alede would always regret that she had not been in Rivendell during that time. If she had, she might have offered her services as a healer and gone with the company.
*Not that they would have wanted a woman on their journey though. But I would have met Legolas earlier.*
Alede's thoughts turned back to Thranduil. She knew the king enjoyed intimidating people. She had been reminded of that particular trait earlier with Cyrus. The King was an extremely intelligent Elf with a sharp wit and a shrewd mind. That mind had kept his kingdom safe all these centuries, despite that he had never had a ring of power.
Unfortunately, matching his superior wits with others was a game with him, one which Alede understood but did not wish to play. Despite her father's failings it was downright rude for Thranduil to bring them up.
**Ask Father about the dragon.**
Alede nearly jumped out of her chair. Legolas rarely spoke in her mind during the day and never when she had not invited it. She had not even known that he was 'listening'.
She had allowed her unhappy emotions to leak out earlier, but checked them as soon as she had realized what was happening. That Legolas had 'heard' in spite of her shielding herself from him, showed that his abilities to mind-speak were growing. And this time his thoughts were so clear it was almost as if he stood beside her.
*He grows more like Galadriel every year.*
**What about the dragon?** she thought back to him, hoping he understood. Alede could not even come closed to Legolas' skill with their mind to mind connection.
Images suddenly filled her mind as if she saw through someone else's eyes. She instantly recognized the Lonely Mountain in front of her and realized that she was seeing the start of the War of Five Armies.
For a moment she was lost in the sensations that filled her. The colors of the mountain and trees astonished her. The water of the lake was so vivid, she felt she could taste its wetness with her eyes. With a thrill of excitement she realized she was seeing through the eyes of an Elf.
Through Legolas' eyes.
*So this is how he sees the world!*
Looking to her left in her mind, she saw Thranduil. He led a long column of Elves as they marched on the mountain.
Suddenly a shadow and a feeling of danger passed over the company. But while the gaze of Legolas' memory held steady, she saw Thranduil flinch. The King nearly dropped his bow and only with a quick movement did he keep it from falling to the ground!
Alede saw this only out of her "mental" peripheral vision. For even as the King fumbled with his bow, Legolas raised his own and shot an arrow at the huge object which swept overhead. The arrow bounced unnoticed off the dragon's scales and fell to the ground.
The memory ended.
But it had been enough. King Thranduil had been startled enough by Smaug the Magnificent, that he had actually done something clumsy.
Alede could not help the smile that touched the corners of her lips. She felt Thranduil's gaze swing to her, bringing her fully back to the present.
"I suppose it is not surprising that a mere slip of a girl did not participate in the war," Thranduil said smugly. "But I would have thought that all the wizards would have joined together to defeat Saruman at least."
Alede cleared her throat. "We all have our dragons which we have failed to slay, Your Majesty. I'm sure you understand that." She gave Thranduil a pointed look and did not flinch when his eyes narrowed at her suspiciously.
A moment passed and then Thranduil clapped his hands and the dishes and trenchers were cleared away.
Alede cast a glance at her father and tried to give him an encouraging smile, though in truth she had been dreading this ceremony. It was customary for the two families of the betrothed to give gifts as a demonstration of their unity. But Alede knew that this was a ceremony only. Thranduil's show of unity was for the sake of his son and nothing more.
There was a pause while the tables were cleared and goblets of wine refilled. The King's servants came forward bearing boxes and Cyrus slipped out to fetch Radagast and Alede's gifts.
Thranduil stood and addressed the entire gathering.
"My people, honored Lords and most especially Lady Alede . . ."
Alede rolled her eyes sourly knowing that Thranduil hardly thought of her as an honored guest. She lost track of Thranduil's speech for a moment while a few uncomplimentary things passed through her mind.
She looked up as a servant walked over to her father and presented him with a long narrow wooden box.
". . . and so to you, Lord Radagast," the King was saying, "I present you with this beach wood staff. The wood and the sprite within still lives, despite having been cut. Through it you will wield far more powerful magic than with a lifeless staff."
Alede's mouth dropped open and Radagast looked as if he would like to do the same. This was the stuff of legend. Alede had heard of living staffs, but she had had no idea that they were real. It was a kingly gift.
Radagast held the staff reverently and it was a moment before he found his voice and bowed low.
"You have my deepest thanks, King Thranduil. It is with great joy that I accept your gift and welcome you into our family."
Alede thought that Thranduil scowled just a bit at the mention of 'family'.
Cyrus came forward just then bearing two small falcons on his arms.
Radagast turned to the king and cleared his throat. "My gift to you, Your Majesty is a mated pair of Shrykes . . ."
He paused slightly when several of the company muttered sounds of awe and surprise. The tiny black falcons were extremely rare and considered the best hunters in all of Middle Earth. Their glossy feathers glistened with blue highlights beneath the torches. They wore no tethers and hopped nimbly to Thranduil's arm. They were not tamed or domesticated birds by any means, but such was Radagast's skill with birds, they had agreed to serve the King of the Greenwood.
"As I am sure you are aware, Your Majesty, Shrykes are the fastest fliers in all of Middle Earth. If you wish it, they could deliver a message from here to Ithilien in less than a day."
Again a murmur of appreciation went through the gathered Elves. Messenger birds were hard to come by even for Elves, and not always reliable.
Thranduil spoke quietly to the birds for several moments, his guests apparently forgotten. His genuine pleasure in the gift was evident and Alede relaxed for the first time all evening.
The Shrykes too seemed to relax in their host's presence. The male cocked his head, listening intently to the King's words and finally fluffed his crest in a congenial gesture. The female stretched a leg and a wing in a typical avian greeting.
Alede smiled. It appeared that the birds and the King were well pleased with each other.
Cyrus unobtrusively brought forth a perch stand for the birds and Thranduil called out to one of his servants.
"Bring fresh meat for our two small guests!"
The two birds fluttered nimbly to the perch at Thranduil's request, their bright eyes looking around at the gathering. Thranduil turned back to Radagast and bowed.
"It is with great pleasure that I accept your gift," his voice rang with sincerity and Alede briefly wondered if Thranduil had expected something less worthy from them.
*Does he think us simpletons?*
Once again her musing made her miss the King's rather lengthy speech. Thranduil did like to talk. Radagast was looking pleased though by the time it was over and Alede broke out of her reverie realizing it was time for her to present her own gift.
She stood up as Cyrus once again acted as their servant and accepted the heavy wooden box he handed her. She turned and placed it before the King.
The lidded box had been carved by one of Rivendell's finest woodworkers. Inside, nestled in velvet lay a large vial carved from Glittering Cave crystal. Alede did not think she would mention that fact to Thranduil, though he might suspect it was of Dwarvish origin. It had been quite costly as well, though Alede guessed that Gimli would not have charged her so dearly if the gift had been made for anyone but Thranduil. There was a second vial in one of her trunks, a gift to Legolas and it had been only half the price.
The King lifted it up, holding it to the light.
"It is distillation of Unicorn's horn," Alede explained and Thranduil was so surprised that he lowered the vial and stared at her. This particular distillation took many years and was extremely difficult. Alede had begun it the day after Legolas had declared their betrothal and it had taken the last of her powdered unicorn horn.
"As I'm sure you know, Your Majesty," Alede said, unconsciously repeating her father's words, "one drop of the liquid will purify anything it touches, whether it be a meadow, a stream or a person. Since it is your intention to stay in Middle Earth, I wished to give you some method of keeping your kingdom pure down through the ages."
She looked up hesitantly, not sure how Thranduil would take her little speech. There was always the chance that he would be offended. He might think that she implied he could not keep his land pure with his own form of Elvin magic.
But instead of anger in his eyes, Alede saw . . . she blinked in surprise, gratitude. And even a hint of satisfaction as if her actions confirmed something he had long suspected.
Alede was so surprised that she did not hear Thranduil's expression of thanks. She was instead focused on the sincerity that she saw reflected in his twilight colored eyes.
Her feelings toward this Elf were so conflicting. She hated him because of her imprisonment and because of his quick temper and impatience. She hated him because of the games he played with people and the hurt those games caused.
Yet at the same time, she respected and admired him. He had kept Mirkwood safe for his people all these centuries, with very little aid. The house of Oropher was renowned for its quick temper and stubborn nature. She suspected that it stemmed from the enormity of the Greenwood and the challenges that the kingdom faced. She found herself reluctantly liking him and wished he could do the same for her.
And . . . he was Legolas' father. For that reason alone, she wished she could gain his acceptance.
A small wooden box was placed in front of her. Alede knew what it contained, Elladan and Elrohir had instructed her.
The mîr-o mel. Also known as the 'wedding chain'. It was a long, light chain made of tiny links, often set with jewels. During an Elvin wedding, the delicate chain was briefly wrapped around the clasped hands of the bride and groom, an ancient tradition of hand fasting. Later, the wife wore it around her waist, signifying her rank as a married woman and displaying her husband's love for her.
And the love of his family.
The wedding chain was always given by the groom's family. Alede could only imagine what the box before her might contain. She reached out a slightly unsteady hand.
Thranduil would follow custom, of that she was sure. The chain would no doubt be of rather poor quality though. She knew that the king would not waste any more of his precious silver on her. Not that she really cared about its quality. Riches were not important to her. She only hoped it was not some great heavy awkward thing that she would dread wearing the rest of her life . . .
Alede's mouth dropped open. Nestled amidst a sea of black velvet, the delicate golden chain shone like braided threads of sunlight. Bright emeralds winked at her and a flutter of gilt oak leaves dangled from the links.
It was breathtaking.
It was more than breathtaking. It was stunning, exquisite . . . Alede's mind ran out of adjectives. It was more beautiful than she ever could have imagined or hoped for.
With shaking hands, she stood and lifted it out, holding it up for the assembly to see. The tiny oak leaves quaked with the movement, looking as if they were real leaves dancing on a bough in the breeze.
There were sounds of delight from the company assembled, but Alede barely heard them. Her attention, once she could wrench her gaze from the mîr-o mel, was riveted on King Thranduil. He had stood as she did and the look in his eyes transfixed her. Great emotion burned in those twilight depths for only a moment, then he quickly masked it. But not before Alede had seen a glimpse of acceptance and perhaps even respect in his bright eyes.
Carefully setting the wedding chain back in its box, she curtsied deeply to him.
"I am very, very honored, Your Majesty. You do me great honor . . ." Alede fumbled to a stop, realizing how awkward she sounded.
*By the Valar! I'm babbling!*
But to her astonishment, Thranduil came to her rescue.
"You are Legolas' betrothed," he said, speaking loudly enough that all the company might hear. "From now on, you will not curtsy to me and you will address me as 'Father'."
She could not help the smile of joy that brightened her face. Astonishment and pleasure overrode Alede's normally good judgment and she impulsively stepped forward to kiss his smooth cheek.
"Thank you, Father," she said quietly, stepping back and regretfully wondering if her emotional action had destroyed his opinion of her. Looking up at him earnestly, she added, "I will do everything in my power to make your son happy."
Thranduil nodded, hiding his pleasure over her impulsive gesture. Alede really did have one of the sweetest smiles he had ever seen. It lit up her face, making her more feminine. Yet at the same time it had childlike quality that was infectious.
Not that her smile could sway him. "That would be well," Thranduil said, referring to her promise about Legolas' happiness. "For if he is not, I shall come and deal with you myself."
Alede could not help a small ironic laugh. "Of that I have no doubt."
~ ~ ~
Zarraweth gloated over her scrying bowl as she watched the images slide across the surface of the griffon tears. This worked far better than plain water.
She watched as the four armies parted and went their separate ways. The wall of wind had worked far better than she had hoped, though the incantation had been difficult to understand and had taken too long. She had wanted to cast it as soon as the armies engaged each other.
*That was Malina's fault of course. The woman hadn't researched the spells well enough!*
But it didn't matter. They were gone, though Zarraweth had thought that more of them would be killed than they were. The battle had been practically a route. She had not realized that Orcs were such poor fighters. She had assumed when she sent them to attack that they would kill off at least half of the invading army.
That it was her own mistake, never occurred to her.
*It doesn't matter!* At least the Orcs were gone. She had intended to kill them anyway once they had served their purpose. Vile, filthy creatures. She couldn't understand how Sauron had put up with them.
She watched as the long column of Elves continued southward. She would have to deal with them. They were the ones who had stopped the traders slipping out the back door of Mordor and into Harad. The Elves had even killed some of those traders, the more stubborn ones. That was bad for business.
And Zarraweth enjoyed her business. Selling Sauron's little toys for gold was a very good trade. Though now that she had the griffon, she supposed that she no longer needed a trade.
Laughing, Zarraweth sat back in her chair and considered Maladok. The wizard had come to her several months ago, so full of himself he had strutted like a peacock. At first she had thought him too asinine to be of any use to her. But when he had mentioned his transformation abilities, Zarraweth had taken notice.
It had taken little effort to seduce him, the wizard had been desperate for her by the time she coaxed him into her bed. It had taken even less effort to bring him completely under her control.
Movement in the scrying bowl caught her attention again and she focused on the Elf who had led the armies. Zarraweth knew little of Elves. She avoided them as much as possible. There was something about their bright eyes that frightened her, making her feel guilty and ashamed. And the possibility that any being could possess more physical beauty than she did was unthinkable.
She watched the Elf with his moonbeam colored hair as he rode up and down the column of warriors, encouraging them on their long trip home. She would have to do something about him.
*Perhaps I can arrange a little welcome home gift for him* Zarraweth smiled unpleasantly. Standing up, she headed toward the tower which Maladok was locked in. She wondered if he had swallowed his pride yet and eaten the Elf she had given him.
She chuckled softly. The twenty Elves in the dungeon had been quite a surprise. They were obviously all that was left of some little game of Sauron's. It might be amusing to see what sorts of fun could be had with them.
Still laughing, Zarraweth mounted the long stairs to the tower, a bowl for collecting griffon tears in her hand. She had best begin now. This spell would take a few days.
~ ~ ~
"I did not know you intended to travel with us," Alede stammered as she hurried after the King and tried to keep up with Thranduil's long strides. The King's announcement that he would be journeying with them to Ithilien came as a complete and very unwelcome surprise.
"I was not aware that I needed your permission to see my son," Thranduil said with his customary snideness.
"Of course not," Alede said with exasperation. "But I'm sure that Legolas had hoped you would attend the wedding in a year's time. Surely you will not wish to make two such long journeys in such a short time?"
"By which you mean to keep me from accompanying you now, do you not?" Thranduil said coldly, coming to an abrupt stop and whirling around. So abrupt in fact that Alede nearly ran into him. Thranduil folded his arms across his chest as she stumbled to a stop.
Because she was embarrassed and distressed she missed the tiny quirk of amusement at the corner of Thranduil's mouth which he quickly hid.
"I did not mean . . ."
"Did you not?" Thranduil fixed her with his intense eyes and Alede found that she could not answer. Of course she did not want him to travel with them, but she could not say so.
"Long have I wished to journey to my son's kingdom," Thranduil said, his voice cold. "And whether you wish it or not, I will be your travel companion." He did not mention that he also intended to see that Alede reach Ithilien safely. He certainly did not trust her father to do it. Radagast was a well meaning wizard, but he was neither the brightest nor the most powerful of the Maiar.
"And as for your wedding," he added, "I imagine it will take place long after you and Legolas have crossed over the sea."
Alede shook her head. "Oh no . . . We will be in Ithilien several years at least. The wedding will take place within the year."
"I hardly think so," Thranduil said, keeping his face neutral. "Elvin courtships usually last two hundred years."
"TWO HUNDRED YEARS?"
Thranduil nearly lost control of himself at the astounded look on her face.
"But . . . but, Elrohir told me . . ."
"Ah," the King nodded, "Noldor Elves have different customs than those of us in the Greenwood."
"But . . ." Alede could not believe what she was hearing. Two hundred years! Looking up, she caught a twinkle in the King's eyes. Narrowing her own suspiciously, she asked,
"How long was your own courtship, if I might ask?"
"Two days."
"Two . . .?"
Alede caught the gleam of mischief in Thranduil's eyes as he turned away from her and also the flash of the first real smile she had ever seen on his face.
~ ~ ~
[Two days later in Ithilien]
Legolas finished rubbing himself dry and tied the towel about his waist. Pushing his fingers through his damp hair, he walked out of his bathing chamber, down the hall and out onto the bridge. The bridge swayed slightly with the movements of the trees which supported his dwelling. So familiar with the sway of the wind in the branches, Legolas did not even notice the movement. Like a sailor accustomed by many years at sea to the heaving deck beneath his feet, the wood elf was completely at home in the huge Culhalla trees.
Seventy-five feet up the huge trunks reached for the sky and only then did their leafy crown begin. Legolas looked around at the smooth gray bark, straight limbs and the glorious red golden leaves which gave the tree their name. In all of his travels he had never seen trees so straight and tall. And in Ithilien they existed only in this valley that he had chosen as his home.
The breeze teased at the damp hair on his shoulders and set the bridge to swaying again. Legolas glanced over at the dwelling that was now connected to his by the bridge.
It looked like a huge silver gray raindrop.
Gimli had been the first to call attention to the dwellings' resemblance to drops of water. Legolas had not really considered that when he had begun to design the tree dwellings. He had conceived of a natural shape, one whose steeply pointed roof would easily shed rainwater. The rounded bottom looked pleasing from the ground and provided a storage space beneath the flat floor inside.
The pods, as his people usually called them, were deceptively large inside. From the ground they looked no bigger than a single room. Visitors though were surprised to discover that each "raindrop" contained many spacious rooms filled with huge windows that let in the dappled sunlight.
Each pod also had a string of balconies both close to the dwelling and climbing up into the trees. Many bridges like the one Legolas stood on connected other dwellings and stairs circled the vast trunks just as they did in Lothlorien.
The effect of Legolas' city in the trees was one of sophisticated harmony and he was eager to show it off, not only to Alede but also to his father.
A tiny little Shryke had been waiting for him when he had reached home, bearing a message that Alede and his father were departing the Greenwood. This would be Thranduil's first trip to Ithilien and Legolas' excitement about their coming was enough to block out the worry of Mordor.
Almost.
Running his fingers through his hair again in a restless gesture, Legolas thought over his meeting with his steward and his advisors upon his arrival home. The magic used in Barad-Dûr had been so strong it had been felt here in Ithilien.
All his people were unsettled by this new threat and by the deceptive ease of the battle. Why would someone waste Orc warriors so carelessly? That Legolas and his allies had probably killed the majority of the Orc population in Mordor no longer comforted him. Was there an even greater army in reserve? Was that why the magic user sent them to their deaths?
Sighing in frustration, Legolas forcefully turned his thoughts away from this. He had gone over the subject with his advisors for hours after arriving home and they had accomplished nothing. Like it or not, he would have to wait for the advise of Alede and her father when they arrived.
*At least they will be here soon.* A little knot of anticipation formed in Legolas' belly. It was not an unpleasant feeling.
I feel as if I have swallowed a dozen butterflies, Legolas thought with a grin.
Much preparation had been done in the past five years in anticipation of Alede's arrival. Two large, comfortable suites had been built in the Great Hall for Radagast and Cyrus. Their windows looked out onto the forest stream.
Lavish guest quarters had been built to the east of Legolas' dwelling. They would house his father when he came and on the west side had been built Alede's home. He had labored on most of it himself, not trusting anyone else's hand but his own. Even after it had been finished, he kept adding little details, the large swinging bench on the balcony, the huge bookcases in her library.
The two dwellings were separated by the bridge for now, Legolas had thought that Radagast would find that more proper. But after their wedding, Legolas would join the two into one huge dwelling, with enough rooms for several children when the time came.
Legolas grinned. He and Alede had not discussed the idea of children. He wondered if she would be pleased or dismayed by the prolific nature of his family. Thranduil had fathered seven children, as many as Feanor of old and Legolas intended to match those numbers if Alede wished it.
Someday.
*I will not be willing to share her with anyone for many years to come though.*
With those intriguing thoughts to distract him, Legolas turned to go back inside. It was nearly time for him to mind-speak with Alede as he did each evening at sundown.
But before he could go inside, the breeze suddenly picked up. His Culhalla tree heaved and swayed as moist air from the coast moved abruptly into the valley. Below him, Legolas' beloved oak trees groaned with the sudden wind.
Lifting his head, Legolas scented the air. This new wind carried the tang of salt with it and Legolas' sea longing stirred where it slept at the back of his brain. But long practice enabled him to lock it down. Alede had long ago defeated it for him and it was nothing but an uncomfortable memory that stirred now and again.
But the Bay of Belfalas was many leagues away and for the air to carry the scent of it, must mean that quite a storm brewed in the open sea.
Walking back inside, Legolas went to the wardrobe in his bedchamber and dressed. Hurrying back outside, he stepped off of his balcony, catching a limb over his head. Swiftly he pulled himself up into the highest branches of the Culhalla tree that could support his slight weight.
From this vantage point he was able to see across the valley and down to the sparkling Anduin.
Except that the Anduin was not sparkling.
Immense clouds moved into the western sky at an unbelievable pace, blocking out the setting sun. And from those clouds dropped down a massive vortex of wind and water. It was very like another wall of wind that Legolas had seen only recently. The hurricane was enormous. At this distance, even Legolas' eyes should not have been able to see a phenomenon of weather, yet the hurricane was clearly visible.
And it was very clearly moving toward Southern Ithilien at an astonishing rate. Legolas scrambled down out of his perch as quickly as he could, intent upon reaching the warning bell that hung in the great hall.
But he never made it. In moments, the storm was upon him and he felt his grasp on the branches slip as the wind driven rain flung itself upon his city.
~ ~ ~
A/N: Thank you for all the wonderful reviews on chapter 1 and 2. You guys are terrific! I don't think that any author on this board has such fantastic readers as you. I feel really fortunate! Thank you very much!!!
I apologize for the vanishing link at the end of chapter 2 for the Griffon photo. I can't seem to get the link to work anywhere! I even tried posting it on my bio page with no luck. I'm not quite sure what's going on. If I ever figure it out, I'll try to post it.
Many of you have expressed regret that Elrohir has returned to Rivendell. Don't worry! He'll be coming to Ithilien in a little while. :D And he'll be quite heavily featured in the fifth story, "Elvin Home" where he will even fight a duel! So, be patient. ;)
While trying to think up a name for the falcons that Radagast gifts King Thranduil with, I asked my Hubby for some ideas. Unfortunately the smartass's suggestion of "thunder chicken" was not to be taken seriously. *rolls eyes* However I must thank him for the suggestion of the "living staff" and for allowing me to borrow his character, Maladok. :D
** The trees and the name of Legolas' city are my own invention and therefore any mistakes in Sindarin are mine as well.
Culhalla: cul = golden/red, halla = tall Eryn Cuhallas = Wood of the Tall Golden/Red Trees (lol! Not very original, is it?)
*** Original Character List ***
Alede the Green - Witch, healer and wizard. She is daughter of Radagast the Brown. After the death of her mother, she was raised in Rivendell for a while and learned healing skills from Elrond. She also developed a terrible crush on Elrohir, which he has gently teased her about for centuries. She also spent some time learning the wizarding craft at Orthanc under the tutelage of Saruman. Because she felt her healer's calling was more important, and because she considered herself a poor wizardess, Alede never completed her training at Orthanc.
Cyrus the Blue - The forth Maia to be sent to Middle Earth and friend to Radagast the Brown
Lomomir - Brother to King Thranduil of Mirkwood and a healer. He has spent the last many years in Rivendell studying with Alede and reading from Elrond's many books and journals.
Maladok the Red - The fifth Maia sent to Middle Earth. After a disastrous encounter with Saruman, Maladok has become a bit of a "black sheep" in the wizarding world.
Zarraweth - A young human witch with more plans and beauty than is good for her.
Malina - A healer and witch of the Angmar Mountains. She was married to Radagast the Brown and was Alede's mother. She was killed by a mob of religious fanatics who thought her witchcraft had brought plague to a village when instead she had been trying to cure it. Alede was only sixteen when Malina was killed.
