A/N: I have this strange habit of putting myself into whatever mood I want
my chapter to be. It helps my writing. I'm sad right now..or maybe
depressed is a better word. Here is chapter 10; I suggest reading it at
night, it sets the mood better.
Dear Aga_xris: knowing that I've pleased you, I can die happy:)
Dear Doodlebug: Thank you. You're so sweet! I can not be happier!
My very dear Arabella: to you I hold true: she will not be the tenth member
of the fellowship, I promise!
And to all my WONDERFUL REVIEWERS, you guys are what make this whole
experience worthwhile. Thank you all...Lots of Love
**********************
"Indeed the rumors have proved true.." mumbled Alhera to himself quietly, not realizing that Legolas was wide awake.
"And what may they be?" asked Legolas, startling Alhera who spun around to face him.
"Excuse me sire, I thought you were asleep.why, the woods seem to be haunted. That is the rumor I was referring to for we have quite a collection of stories in Imladris about the spirits that walk in these woods. They say that come every full moon, spirits are granted freedom from the halls of Mandos to walk the woods, searching for ones they lost in the days of old. Do you not hear the echoes in the wind milord? It seems to almost be crying. Pardon my saying, but I would not dwell here for all the gold and mithril in the world."
"I do not mind you having your opinion Alhera, although you can not expect me to share it. You must not take heed to such rumors my friend for they are false tales spread to keep intruders and other unwanted guests out. True, these woods are not what they used to be and are very perilous in many places but not in the area we are in now. We are very close to the edge of the forest and once we are out, it won't be long to Imladris. I am sorry you had to travel by this way alone on your coming but I am here now and there is safety in numbers. Listen no longer to any echoes or troublesome sounds and do not let your focus be disrupted. We must concentrate on doing our duty as quickly as possible."
Alhera silently nodded his head and felt proud at that moment to be serving a prince who was worthy.
For the first time, Legolas felt like a true leader. He understood more clearly what it meant to have someone as a follower (even if it was just one elf) and how to motivate that follower towards the right path on his journey. He was proud of the little speech he had given and felt like a true Prince for the first time in his life. Getting up, he relieved Alhera of his watch so that he could get some sleep. Legolas had given up on it. His heart was being weighed down and even though he tried not to let on, he was disturbed and scared. The echoes were the cause. There was something about them- not evil but sad. Very, very sad. So sad that they were eating him up and conquering the entire forest, casting their shadow on everything they touched. The trees began to whisper unintelligible things to each other. The forest was angry with him.
*But why?* he thought in confusion. *I have done it no harm. Why am I thus being shunned out?*
But the question was unanswerable and Legolas had no choice but to wait for morning. Alhera had already fallen asleep, eyes open, seemingly staring at the treetops which hung above, showing almost no hint of sky. Legolas could not wake him and force him to leave now. He had obviously been traveling with very little rest to deliver his message and he looked pretty young to have undertaken such a responsibility. Legolas felt ashamed at that. He had kept himself in blissful isolation with Dileriyen all his life, always ready to dismiss his duties and embrace anything he could get a laugh out of. This he did while others made better use of their time by being of help whenever and wherever needed. Of course, there was that one time he had been of use, centuries ago in an age long forgotten and he was merely being of aid to his father then. He got up, casting his eyes to the ground and lightly paced back and forth. A lot would change when he reached Imladris. Matters would be discussed and something would have to be done about that accursed ring. He had to admit, he had no idea what he could do to help but he would give it his all this time. Nothing could prevent that. He was going to give Thranduil and Dileriyen something to be proud of.
******************
"Elves of Mirkwood!" spoke Thranduil.
As he stood up, the crowd screamed "Hail Thranduil!" over and over again until the cheering slowly died down and they were silenced. But the quiet was not pleasant and the tension could be felt by everyone. They all waited impatiently for their King to set things right. At length he spoke.
"I hope you have all enjoyed yourselves this evening. Indeed, it brings great joy to my heart to see you all happy and having fun."
At this the cheering broke out again but Thranduil put his hand up, indicating that he had not finished, quickly bringing about the silence once again.
"I must now request everyone's complete attention. I have an announcement which can not be concealed any longer.. Darkness has arisen once again!"
The crowd was in utter shock, trying very hard to understand what they had just heard when someone suddenly spoke up from the crowd.
"Then *it* has been found, milord?"
The King recognized who it was- Erossa, the son of one of his captains.
"Yes Erossa, it has. The time we have long anticipated is near at hand- the time of passing. When this matter is settled, be it for good or ill, it shall involve our race no more and we shall quietly pass into the West as is the will of the Valar."
Sadness filled Thranduil's heart as he spoke. "Our time is almost over. I only regret that it has come too soon..."
Something stuck in his throat and he left the sentence hanging as he sat down, unable to look anyone in the eyes. There was not one in the crowd who dared speak but several maidens could be seen wiping away their tears on handkerchiefs and men who lowered their heads also refusing eye contact.
This was the time that they had all dreamed of and at the same time dreaded. Most of them had been born right here in Mirkwood, centuries ago. Others had travelled here after the reshaping of the world and had dwelt here until the present. This was the only place they had learned to call home and even after all this time, it seemed too soon. The thought of leaving broke their hearts. To leave home...
That spelled the end of the ball and what had been a spectacular evening except for the last five minutes. No one was really in the mood for anymore singing or dancing. The crowd began to leave slowly and in silence when Thranduil suddenly stood up again. He had not finished.
"Kinsmen!" he shouted and everyone turned back around and stood, waiting for him to continue. They hoped in their hearts that he had no more bad news. He then made a small speech but one that would be remembered for centuries to come. He looked upon the crowd in complete sadness and spoke with such grace and tone that it brought the rest to tears as well.
"Do not think that this was easy for me. This is our home... and, to be honest, I would probably not leave if given the chance. Most of you have been here with me since the founding of it, millenia ago. As you all know, time has not always been kind to us and our sires have not always done things we can be proud of. We have made choices, sometimes out of force and sometimes through free will. The outcome was good at times and very grave at others. We have been followed by joy and sorrow through the many ages but have been blessed with infinite beauty, grace and immortality. We must now look back to the days we have passed in happiness and bliss to guide us through the days to come. We shall be thankful for everything given to us and when the time comes, say goodbye. Goodbye to all we have known and start anew. Elves of Mirkwood! Never forget who you are! This is our home and our true home it shall remain till the Great End come! Never shall Greenwood the Great forget its children!"
The crowd was moved and wild applause broke out. The words "Hail Thranduil, Son of Greenwood the Great!" could be heard amongst the many tears that were shed that night. Suddenly, beautiful singing broke out once more and this time it came not even from the heart but from the soul. And slowly, the crowd faded away, leaving only a few servants who were clearing dishes and such and Thranduil, sitting in his chair, eyes staring blankly ahead. It was at this moment that he realized Dileriyen had not returned. With lightening speed Thranduil got up and ran to the pond, hoping that she had not done something incredibly stupid.
**********************
Thranduil looked all around him, but there was no sign of Dileriyen. He was determined to find her as he gazed left and right until finally his eyes rested on a silver lump which lay on the grass, practically hidden from view. He moved towards it and sure enough, there she lay, asleep, tearstains all over her face. She was fiercely clutching the letter in her hand pressed against her chest. The necklace could now be seen hanging beautifully across her neck, shining on her white skin. But she was troubled and pieces of sentences would escape her lips every now and then.
"Legolas...no!...stay...please..."
Thranduil gently picked her up in his arms and carried her back to her room. She was in a very fragile state- as was he.
"Oh my love...how I wish you were here..." whispered Thranduil, hoping that his wife could hear him, wherever she was.
***********************
Dileriyen awoke in a state of panic, having no idea where she was. She looked around and realized that she was indeed in her room but there was a slumped figure in a chair to the left of her bed.
Hearing movement, Thranduil also awoke, his bones stiff at having spent the night sleeping in a chair. He looked at her and immediately knew that this was going to be another long day.
"Are you feeling better my dear?" he asked her but received only a 'that was a dumb question' stare from her.
"Alright I admit that was a stupid question. We all had a busy night last night, some more so than others..." he trailed off again. But she still kept her peace. When she finally decided to speak though, Thranduil did not like what she had to say.
"You do realize that I am going after him Thranduil," she said in a very 'matter-of-factly' tone.
"Absolutely not and you would do well to get that thought out of your mind this moment Dileriyen. I am in a foul mood as it is and I refuse to discuss this." He said calmly but sternly as he stood and turned to leave. But Dileriyen was not quite ready to take no for an answer. So she did what any maiden in her position would have done: she started screaming.
"How on Middle-Earth could you possibly let him do this?! I am astonished and thoroughly disappointed in you Thranduil! You promised Gondolin would be the last time! And now this? He is a child in a man's clothes and you hand him his bow and send him off to handle matters he understands nothing about! And how dare you meddle in our relationship? You had no right whatsoever, Thranduil! I am going to bring him back and that's that!"
"Do not test me Dileriyen!" he bellowed in a tone which held her aghast. "He is more grown up than you give him credit for and there is not a doubt in my mind of his maturity. He is an adult and he is a Prince; it is high time he started handling his responsibilities. You, on the other hand, are going to stay put, so help me Valar, child I will put you under palace- arrest if need be! As for the meddling, I believe I have apologized for that but I will do so again: I am sorry. My intentions were pure. Now, that is the end of this discussion. I will hear no more of this nonsense. Going after him indeed..." he huffed, trying to calm himself down.
He walked towards the door, leaving behind an infuriated Dileriyen. But before he left, he thought it fit to mention one last thing.
"And do not even *think* of running away or escaping by some other means for I am already prepared for such antics. I am doing this for your own good. There is no way out."
With that he left, pretty confident that he had handled that matter nicely. Like wine, he just got better with age.
"That's what you think..." she said to herself, her mind already plotting.
**********************
"Indeed the rumors have proved true.." mumbled Alhera to himself quietly, not realizing that Legolas was wide awake.
"And what may they be?" asked Legolas, startling Alhera who spun around to face him.
"Excuse me sire, I thought you were asleep.why, the woods seem to be haunted. That is the rumor I was referring to for we have quite a collection of stories in Imladris about the spirits that walk in these woods. They say that come every full moon, spirits are granted freedom from the halls of Mandos to walk the woods, searching for ones they lost in the days of old. Do you not hear the echoes in the wind milord? It seems to almost be crying. Pardon my saying, but I would not dwell here for all the gold and mithril in the world."
"I do not mind you having your opinion Alhera, although you can not expect me to share it. You must not take heed to such rumors my friend for they are false tales spread to keep intruders and other unwanted guests out. True, these woods are not what they used to be and are very perilous in many places but not in the area we are in now. We are very close to the edge of the forest and once we are out, it won't be long to Imladris. I am sorry you had to travel by this way alone on your coming but I am here now and there is safety in numbers. Listen no longer to any echoes or troublesome sounds and do not let your focus be disrupted. We must concentrate on doing our duty as quickly as possible."
Alhera silently nodded his head and felt proud at that moment to be serving a prince who was worthy.
For the first time, Legolas felt like a true leader. He understood more clearly what it meant to have someone as a follower (even if it was just one elf) and how to motivate that follower towards the right path on his journey. He was proud of the little speech he had given and felt like a true Prince for the first time in his life. Getting up, he relieved Alhera of his watch so that he could get some sleep. Legolas had given up on it. His heart was being weighed down and even though he tried not to let on, he was disturbed and scared. The echoes were the cause. There was something about them- not evil but sad. Very, very sad. So sad that they were eating him up and conquering the entire forest, casting their shadow on everything they touched. The trees began to whisper unintelligible things to each other. The forest was angry with him.
*But why?* he thought in confusion. *I have done it no harm. Why am I thus being shunned out?*
But the question was unanswerable and Legolas had no choice but to wait for morning. Alhera had already fallen asleep, eyes open, seemingly staring at the treetops which hung above, showing almost no hint of sky. Legolas could not wake him and force him to leave now. He had obviously been traveling with very little rest to deliver his message and he looked pretty young to have undertaken such a responsibility. Legolas felt ashamed at that. He had kept himself in blissful isolation with Dileriyen all his life, always ready to dismiss his duties and embrace anything he could get a laugh out of. This he did while others made better use of their time by being of help whenever and wherever needed. Of course, there was that one time he had been of use, centuries ago in an age long forgotten and he was merely being of aid to his father then. He got up, casting his eyes to the ground and lightly paced back and forth. A lot would change when he reached Imladris. Matters would be discussed and something would have to be done about that accursed ring. He had to admit, he had no idea what he could do to help but he would give it his all this time. Nothing could prevent that. He was going to give Thranduil and Dileriyen something to be proud of.
******************
"Elves of Mirkwood!" spoke Thranduil.
As he stood up, the crowd screamed "Hail Thranduil!" over and over again until the cheering slowly died down and they were silenced. But the quiet was not pleasant and the tension could be felt by everyone. They all waited impatiently for their King to set things right. At length he spoke.
"I hope you have all enjoyed yourselves this evening. Indeed, it brings great joy to my heart to see you all happy and having fun."
At this the cheering broke out again but Thranduil put his hand up, indicating that he had not finished, quickly bringing about the silence once again.
"I must now request everyone's complete attention. I have an announcement which can not be concealed any longer.. Darkness has arisen once again!"
The crowd was in utter shock, trying very hard to understand what they had just heard when someone suddenly spoke up from the crowd.
"Then *it* has been found, milord?"
The King recognized who it was- Erossa, the son of one of his captains.
"Yes Erossa, it has. The time we have long anticipated is near at hand- the time of passing. When this matter is settled, be it for good or ill, it shall involve our race no more and we shall quietly pass into the West as is the will of the Valar."
Sadness filled Thranduil's heart as he spoke. "Our time is almost over. I only regret that it has come too soon..."
Something stuck in his throat and he left the sentence hanging as he sat down, unable to look anyone in the eyes. There was not one in the crowd who dared speak but several maidens could be seen wiping away their tears on handkerchiefs and men who lowered their heads also refusing eye contact.
This was the time that they had all dreamed of and at the same time dreaded. Most of them had been born right here in Mirkwood, centuries ago. Others had travelled here after the reshaping of the world and had dwelt here until the present. This was the only place they had learned to call home and even after all this time, it seemed too soon. The thought of leaving broke their hearts. To leave home...
That spelled the end of the ball and what had been a spectacular evening except for the last five minutes. No one was really in the mood for anymore singing or dancing. The crowd began to leave slowly and in silence when Thranduil suddenly stood up again. He had not finished.
"Kinsmen!" he shouted and everyone turned back around and stood, waiting for him to continue. They hoped in their hearts that he had no more bad news. He then made a small speech but one that would be remembered for centuries to come. He looked upon the crowd in complete sadness and spoke with such grace and tone that it brought the rest to tears as well.
"Do not think that this was easy for me. This is our home... and, to be honest, I would probably not leave if given the chance. Most of you have been here with me since the founding of it, millenia ago. As you all know, time has not always been kind to us and our sires have not always done things we can be proud of. We have made choices, sometimes out of force and sometimes through free will. The outcome was good at times and very grave at others. We have been followed by joy and sorrow through the many ages but have been blessed with infinite beauty, grace and immortality. We must now look back to the days we have passed in happiness and bliss to guide us through the days to come. We shall be thankful for everything given to us and when the time comes, say goodbye. Goodbye to all we have known and start anew. Elves of Mirkwood! Never forget who you are! This is our home and our true home it shall remain till the Great End come! Never shall Greenwood the Great forget its children!"
The crowd was moved and wild applause broke out. The words "Hail Thranduil, Son of Greenwood the Great!" could be heard amongst the many tears that were shed that night. Suddenly, beautiful singing broke out once more and this time it came not even from the heart but from the soul. And slowly, the crowd faded away, leaving only a few servants who were clearing dishes and such and Thranduil, sitting in his chair, eyes staring blankly ahead. It was at this moment that he realized Dileriyen had not returned. With lightening speed Thranduil got up and ran to the pond, hoping that she had not done something incredibly stupid.
**********************
Thranduil looked all around him, but there was no sign of Dileriyen. He was determined to find her as he gazed left and right until finally his eyes rested on a silver lump which lay on the grass, practically hidden from view. He moved towards it and sure enough, there she lay, asleep, tearstains all over her face. She was fiercely clutching the letter in her hand pressed against her chest. The necklace could now be seen hanging beautifully across her neck, shining on her white skin. But she was troubled and pieces of sentences would escape her lips every now and then.
"Legolas...no!...stay...please..."
Thranduil gently picked her up in his arms and carried her back to her room. She was in a very fragile state- as was he.
"Oh my love...how I wish you were here..." whispered Thranduil, hoping that his wife could hear him, wherever she was.
***********************
Dileriyen awoke in a state of panic, having no idea where she was. She looked around and realized that she was indeed in her room but there was a slumped figure in a chair to the left of her bed.
Hearing movement, Thranduil also awoke, his bones stiff at having spent the night sleeping in a chair. He looked at her and immediately knew that this was going to be another long day.
"Are you feeling better my dear?" he asked her but received only a 'that was a dumb question' stare from her.
"Alright I admit that was a stupid question. We all had a busy night last night, some more so than others..." he trailed off again. But she still kept her peace. When she finally decided to speak though, Thranduil did not like what she had to say.
"You do realize that I am going after him Thranduil," she said in a very 'matter-of-factly' tone.
"Absolutely not and you would do well to get that thought out of your mind this moment Dileriyen. I am in a foul mood as it is and I refuse to discuss this." He said calmly but sternly as he stood and turned to leave. But Dileriyen was not quite ready to take no for an answer. So she did what any maiden in her position would have done: she started screaming.
"How on Middle-Earth could you possibly let him do this?! I am astonished and thoroughly disappointed in you Thranduil! You promised Gondolin would be the last time! And now this? He is a child in a man's clothes and you hand him his bow and send him off to handle matters he understands nothing about! And how dare you meddle in our relationship? You had no right whatsoever, Thranduil! I am going to bring him back and that's that!"
"Do not test me Dileriyen!" he bellowed in a tone which held her aghast. "He is more grown up than you give him credit for and there is not a doubt in my mind of his maturity. He is an adult and he is a Prince; it is high time he started handling his responsibilities. You, on the other hand, are going to stay put, so help me Valar, child I will put you under palace- arrest if need be! As for the meddling, I believe I have apologized for that but I will do so again: I am sorry. My intentions were pure. Now, that is the end of this discussion. I will hear no more of this nonsense. Going after him indeed..." he huffed, trying to calm himself down.
He walked towards the door, leaving behind an infuriated Dileriyen. But before he left, he thought it fit to mention one last thing.
"And do not even *think* of running away or escaping by some other means for I am already prepared for such antics. I am doing this for your own good. There is no way out."
With that he left, pretty confident that he had handled that matter nicely. Like wine, he just got better with age.
"That's what you think..." she said to herself, her mind already plotting.
