Heh, I caused a lot of speculation with that last chapter…
Chapter 39--Dark Tidings
Thranduil walked wearily down the hall leading to his chambers. It was nearly dawn and he was exhausted. He paused by Legolas' door as an impulse seized him. He opened the door and slipped inside, closing the door. He moved to Legolas' side and stared down at his son. You look so much like your mother, little Greenleaf, he thought sorrowfully. He brushed a strand of blonde hair away from his son's face then kissed his forehead. He left as silently as he'd entered and continued to his chamber to get what rest he could.
Legolas woke from another nightmare with a gasp. He sat up, trembling and tried to calm himself. Eventually he succeeded, but he knew he would get no more sleep tonight. He rose and got dressed. It would be dawn soon, he would go out into the garden and watch the sunrise. He silently left the castle. It was very peaceful in the garden and it eased his spirits.
A sentry spotted a horse and rider coming down the main path toward the palace. Taking his bow from his shoulder and notching an arrow, he fired.
The shot was perfect and it hit the ground right in front of the horse. The rider pulled the animal to a stop. "I am not an enemy! My name is Mei Ling and I seek a man called Qui! Can you fetch him or take me to him?" she yelled.
The sentry hesitated. "Wait here, I will send someone for him. Do not leave that spot or I will be forced to shoot!" he warned. He signaled to another sentry who hurried off.
Twenty minutes later the sentry returned with Qui. When Qui saw the woman his eyes brightened and a huge grin spread across his face. He hurried up to her as she was dismounting and hugged her. **She is my little sister, I will vouch for her if you will allow her to come with me**
The sentry nodded. "She may go with you, but you are responsible for her," he said.
Qui nodded and they mounted then rode toward the castle. Once there Mei was taken to a room where she could bathe and change before seeing the King.
When she was led before the King with Qui close behind she bowed politely. "May you reign long and well, lord. I am Mei Ling and I humbly ask your forgiveness for my intrusion in your land, but I was seeking my brother and heard ill-tidings," she said.
"I am King Thranduil and I understand and welcome you to Mirkwood. Can you tell me of these ill-tidings?" he asked.
"I came through a city called Minas Tirith and heard rumors that my brother had came here with others. I also found this on a wall," Mei said. She offered Thranduil a sheet of parchment.
Thranduil read it and his eyes narrowed. "Evidently you, Syri, Boromir, Legolas and Aragorn have been accused of treason and crimes against the crown. There is a price on all of your heads," he said.
Qui shook his head in disgust. **We committed no treason or crimes** he signed.
Just then Legolas burst into the audience chamber. "Father, I--" he began then stopped short, blushing. "I am sorry father. I did not realize you had anyone here."
"That is all right, Greenleaf. Lady Mei Ling, this is my youngest son, Legolas. Legolas, this is Mei Ling, Qui's sister," Thranduil said.
Legolas bowed. "I am honored to meet you, my lady," he said.
"It is I who am honored. I have seen many things of great beauty, but you outshine them all, Prince Legolas," Mei said, bowing back.
Legolas blushed.
Thranduil chuckled and Qui tried to fight back a grin at the Elven Prince's embarrassment.
**Meanwhile**Galadriel returned to the chamber she and her lord shared. She knew something had to be done and swiftly to prevent what her mirror had shown her.
Celeborn looked up when she entered and frowned at the worry on her face. "Beloved, what is wrong?" he asked.
"We must send all the warriors we can spare to Mirkwood and we must send a message to Elrond asking him to do the same. I just hope we will not be to late. If we are then Mirkwood will fall to the army of Minas Tirith," Galadriel said…..
Dun, dun, so what do you think of Mei Ling? R/R please!!!