PLEASE READ THE AUTHOR NOTES! There might be something important in it!
Authors Note: There is a God! For Ami has finally posted the sequel to Fantasy World! Lol, I know that's what yall are thinking! Any ways…I'm so sorry for the wait! But better late then never huh? I know a lot of you have been IMing me, and I've told you that this first chapter was gonna be hella long, but I must tell you that my beta reader (Mel) came up with the idea of cutting this long chapter into several ones so that I would be able to post it sooner! And so that is what we are doing! She is now working on chapter two, and so I will try to have that out before too long. ::smiles:: A couple of notes on the story, Ami and Natalia will no longer be called Ami and Natalia, but Nevethiriel and Nevduliniel. And also this story takes place MANY years after the end of Fantasy World. Nurtaur and Nevduliniel now live in Mirkwood with them.
Also, whenever I use a new Elvish word, I will put the meaning of it at the end of the sentence. The Elvish word will be in italics, and so will it's meaning. Also, I will then continue to keep some Elvish words in italics…but would have already put the meanings out. Some names will always be in italics, and some will not. Some names I will put the translation at the end, some I will not.
Oh, and if you have not read my story Fantasy World, I suggest reading it before you read this, or you might not understand a few things! I know that my grammar sucks in that story, and that the beginning needs some help, and that is why I have every intention of rewriting and having my beta reader check for me before I repost it again!
That's it for right now! Enjoy! And PLEASE review and let me know what you think of it so far! ::smiles:: Ciao!
Special Thanks: To Mel! My most awesome beta reader! Her pen name on FF.net is "Melanie". If you have a love for Leggy torture, or just a great read, I recommend her stories! They are some of the best FF work I have EVER read! Thanks for EVERYTHING Mel! You rock my socks! ::smiles::
Review Replies: Don't have any reviews too reply to yet…lol
Disclaimer: Ok, I do not own anything Tolkien! And while I use names such as Estel, and Nienna…the creation of those names are COMPLETELY his! I only made up the characters to go with those names! Along with some of the original characters from Fantasy World, there will also be new ones. So please don't sue, the only thing of value that you MIGHT get out of it, is my computer…and even it can be a piece of crap sometimes! Thanks! And enjoy!
The Plains of Rohan
Chapter One:
His Blessing
The rush of galloping hooves pounding vigorously on the soft earth
of the forest of Mirkwood had sliced through the once silent, cool and misty
morning air.
"Aut, aut!" On, On The rider upon this mare urged his
steed on harder.
His blonde locks flew out behind him, and his deep green eyes were sparkling
with unleashed excitement. This was what he was born to do. His very being
cried out with excitement and his adrenaline rushed.
'Tis true that what was expected of him was to one day claim the throne after
his father had gone to the Valinor, and rule all of Mirkwood, but his heart was
here - upon his horse, outdoors. With the wind combing through his hair,
dodging trees and jumping over streams.
At last his mare burst into a small clearing. "Still, Luinfalath." Loyal
One He spoke softly, as he eased his horse to a stop and let her drink
from the cool stream that flowed there. He patted her neck gently and softly
spoke a few calming words to her before lifting his head to the sun that shone
through the trees, feeling the bright rays of Anor caress his face like a lover's tender touch.
At that moment, he imagined himself in an open plain with hill upon endless
hill, as far as his Elven eyes could see, of green, lush grass. He sighed and
wished so much to be able to urge Luinfalath to gallop across those
hills, but feared that they would not get far without running into a nearby
tree.
"Estel?"
His eyes flew open and his head whirled in the direction to where the musical
voice had spoken his name. He smiled faintly at the other blonde Elf that sat
upon a steed in the clearing.
"Vedui' Atar. I did not hear you
follow me." Greetings Father
Legolas Greenleaf smiled warmly at his son, his ageless eyes glittering in
youthful glee.
"Aye, I could see that your mind dwelt many leagues away." He brought
his horse next to his son's so that it was able to drink from the stream.
"Tell me Estel…Where is it your mind takes you so often that leaves the
look of longing and excitement to dwell on your face and in your eyes?"
Legolas looked over at his son with a small smile on his perfect, bow-shaped
lips.
Estel sighed and cast his gaze to his hands that grasped his mare's mane.
"The plains of Rohan," he said at last.
Legolas blinked, taken aback as he stared at his son with eyes that held naught
but surprise.
Estel lifted his eyes hesitantly to his father's when he had grown silent.
"I know it sounds mad atar, but
ever since I was but a child, listening to you tell me all the stories of the
places that you have been, Rohan just happened to standout at me the most! I
see naught but the endless hills that you spoke of, on the quest of the Ring,
when I close my eyes." Estel once again lowered his gaze, and Legolas
reached out and gripped his son's slender shoulder firmly.
"Estel…forgive my reaction, for it was not meant to condemn. It is just
that…'tis such an odd calling for a Wood Elf…" Legolas paused for a
minute, and then spoke again. "What of Nienna? Nurtaur and I have been
talking about you two…" he started, but Estel cut him off with a sarcastic
snort.
"Please atar…forgive me, but I
do not see that being bound to a maiden will in any way make my dreams come
true," he said almost coldly.
Legolas withdrew his hand in shock at his son's words. Disappointment settled
in his deep blue orbs at his son's attitude towards it, and Estel looked up at
him.
He sighed in anger at himself. "Forgive me atar…I know she is your best friend's daughter…"
"Nay Estel…Nienna has been your best friend since the two of you could
crawl!"
"Exactly atar! I can see Nienna
as no more than a dear little sister. Cannot you see that?"
Legolas sighed and slid off his horse.
"Follow me Estel…"
Estel gave his father a questioning look, but did not argue and slid off his
horse as well. He followed his father deep into the woods, until at last they
came into a little clearing. Estel's deep green orbs looked around in wonder.
There was a small glistening pool in the midst of green, lush grass. The pool
was being fed by water falling like wet diamonds, lightly down the rock wall's
that surrounded it. Stretched out over the water was a large, flat rock, and
that was where Legolas sat.
Legolas admired his son from where he sat, and a l wave of pride settled in.
Estel stretched up to Legolas' height, and looked every bit like his father.
Same handsome, defined jaw line and high, proud cheekbones. His lips went into
that perfect bow-shape, and his smile held the same youthful excitement and
wondrous beauty as his father's had long ago. And it often left Legolas a
remembrance of his younger years. Since then Legolas' face had grown wiser and
stronger, but still held the same handsome features and a carefree and
beautiful smile.
There was one thing that Estel possessed of his mother, however. Her eyes.
Which was fine with Legolas; he had always thought Nevethiriel's deep green
eyes to be one of the most beautiful things about her.
This brought a smile to Legolas' face, and he looked around the enchanting
surroundings. Memories flooded his mind and caressed him with warmth.
"Atar?"
Legolas felt a soft hand on his arm, and he turned to his son with a smile.
"This is the place Estel, where your atara
found me, and saved me from death…" Mother
Estel's eyes widened and he looked around, for he knew the story well. The
story of his mother and father was one of his favorites.
"I thought I had lost her, but alas…she came back to me. And with her
Estel, she brought the best gift that Iluvatar
could have ever blessed me with…"
Estel smiled and looked at his father. He knew of what he spoke of, but fell
silent to let his father finish.
"She brought me you, Estel. I only pray that a day will come where you
will find the maiden of your dreams. Who will love you and care for you…and
give her life for you."
Estel lowered his gaze and sighed. "Atar,
I understand, but until I have fulfilled my heart's cries…I can think of naught
else," he said, exasperated.
"Then go…"
Estel raised his head in surprise. "What?"
"I said go…Estel."
Estel was taken aback. "Atar…are
you giving me your permission to leave Mirkwood?"
Legolas sighed and patted his son's knee. "Nay Estel…you are no longer a
child. You have grown into a handsome and strong Elf - I could wish for no
more. Nay…I give you not my permission for you do not need it, but if you are
asking me for my blessing…then you have it."
Estel broke into a smile that was an exact replica of his fathers and wrapped
his arms around him in a strong hug. "Thank you atar," he
said.
Legolas smiled faintly as he hugged his son back. He was proud of him, but his
heart broke at the thought of letting him go. He quickly swallowed his feelings
when his son pulled back suddenly.
"What about atara? She will
surely not be so generous with her blessing atar."
Legolas lifted his chin in thought. "Nay…this is certain."
"And she would kill you for sure if she found out that you let me
go."
Legolas nodded his head. "Aye…this is also certain," he added dryly.
"Well Estel…you will just have to make it as if I had nothing to do with
it," he said as he stood.
"How atar?" Estel stood as
well.
"Why you shall sneak out at night…when we are all asleep and unaware of
your whereabouts. 'Tis simple really…"
Estel smiled again. "Aye, 'tis a plan. Then I shall leave as quickly as I
can."
Pain flashed through Legolas' eyes briefly, and he tried desperately to hide it
from his son, but Estel had seen it and understood. He placed a hand on his
father's shoulder.
"Do not worry for me. You have trained me well. My home is here, and I
will always be drawn back to it in the end. Do not fear atar. I promise you that I shall return safely."
Legolas pulled his only son into a strong embrace. "I am proud of you
Estel." Finally he pulled away and placed a hand on his son's shoulder.
"Come, you have much to prepare for…and I have much to give you."
"Give me?"
"Aye…what kind of atar would I be to send my only child out to
wander Middle-Earth with nothing?"
*~*~*~*
"Oh atar! They are magnificent!"
Legolas smiled as he watched his son twirl the long Elvish knives in a few
basic steps.
"Aye, they have served me well. I have killed many foes with them Estel.
May they be as big a blessing to you as they were to me."
Legolas then picked something else out of the wooden trunk that sat in a back
room away from all eyes and knowledge except for Legolas' of course.
Estel's eyes widened when his father unraveled an earthly colored cape.
"Atar, this isn't…"
"Aye, 'tis the one from Lorien.
Oh, and here…" Legolas pulled out the Lorien leaf clasp and handed both to his son.
Estel took them, eyes wide and full of wonder and excitement. He never thought
the day would come where he would hold the items his father once used in the
battle to save all of Middle-earth.
Legolas reached down in the trunk again and pulled out a green tunic and
leggings. Then he reached down again to retrieve a pair of dark colored wrist
guards and a pair of nicely worn boots. Both had the old, royalty symbol of
Mirkwood (symbol) etched in gold around them.
He chuckled as he held them up. "These I often wore as well…" he said
as he handed them to Estel. "I was about your size then, so you should fit
them nicely. They shall suite well for travel. This I am certain."
Estel smiled as he fingered the fine clothing. His attention was drawn as
Legolas once again disappeared into the trunk, and this time, he straightened
and held in his arms the items that Estel had been waiting for, for all his
life: A long bow and a quiver full of arrows.
Estel quickly placed the items he held in his arms on a nearby
chair and watched as his father brought the bow up as if to shoot. He saw his
father's face change with expressions of different memories. He could tell the
old bow brought many to his mind. Finally Legolas sighed and smiled at his son.
He handed the bow over to him and pride weld up in him as he watched his son
take a stance and lift the bow as he had just been doing.
"For many years I have saved these items Estel, in hopes that I might someday
give them to you."
Estel lowered the bow and gave his father a thankful smile.
"Legolas? Estel? Are you in there," a fair voice called out.
Estel threw his father an alarmed look and Legolas hastily grabbed the things
up and shoved them into the trunk, quickly closing it, and not taking a second
to think before he swiftly sat on it and crossed his arms to add an affect.
Estel looked down and quickly sat as well, just as a fair figure appeared in
the doorframe.
Nevethiriel smiled at the two who looked as guilty as a child caught with his
hand in the cookie jar. She laughed as she looked at them. They held the same
exasperated look on their faces and tried to act as if nothing was wrong.
"Legolas, 'tis fine by me if you show Estel your old things. I mean it's
not as if he is actually going to ever use them."
Legolas could not help the grin that formed on his mouth as if saying 'I know
something that you do not', and he nodded his head slightly at his wife.
Nevethiriel, however did not notice the grin. She walked over to her son and
planted a soft kiss on his forehead.
"Nienna is looking for you. She has been for the entire day."
Estel smiled and dipped his head slightly. "Then I shall go and let her
find me." He stood and smiled faintly at his father before exiting the
small storage room.
Nevethiriel walked over to her husband and he wrapped his strong arms around
her slim waist. She smiled brightly down at him and he returned her adoring
smile. She placed her hands gently on either side his face and brought hers
down until their lips met in a small, chaste kiss.
*~*~*~*
Estel walked down a few halls before finally finding Nienna in a small room
with her mother. She was stitching a dress and had a look of utter disgust on
her face. He smiled before tapping lightly on the door and pushing it open the
rest of the way.
Nienna looked up and right away stood.
"Estel! Oh praise be to the Valar!
Quick…get me out of here before my atara makes
me do one more stitch," she said as she walked hastily over to him and
began to pull him out of the room.
Estel glanced over his shoulder at Nevduliniel who rolled her eyes at her
daughter's remark and laughed lightly. He grinned as he let Nienna pull him out
of the room.
Soon they were walking through their favorite garden in silence.
Nienna sighed at last and looked at him. "I do not know where you have
been all day Estel, but because you were gone my atara took that opportunity to try and turn me into a finer lady.
So thanks to you I have had to spend the entire day learning proper manners -
that I already know, and how to stitch a gown whence it has ripped. I could
care less about a ripped gown! I have hundreds of others," she exasperated.
"Though now at the end of the day a growing hate for every single one of
them has spawned in me."
Estel laughed lightly at his best friend and shook his head.
Nienna also shook her head. "I am not a child anymore Estel! It is not
that I do not know proper manners or how to stitch a dress…I just merely choose
to be myself!"
"And I would have it no other way. Forgive me Nien, I have spent most of
my day with my atar…he has shown me
much today," he said staring off into the distance.
Nienna looked over and studied him. Her bright blue eyes scanned his face and
mood. "Something troubles you," she said at last.
He looked at her shocked and protested, "Nothing troubles me."
Nienna stopped walking and Estel turned to her.
In truth, he was troubled. He was thinking on how much he was going to miss his
childhood friend. Estel was only twenty years older then her, and they had
grown up together, sharing each other's likes and dislikes. Estel knew that not
even his own parent's knew him as well as Nienna did, and the same in return.
She was indeed a beauty. And a great mix between her father and mother. Her
eyes were a bright blue as her mothers, and her golden hair reached down past
her waist in a slightly curly manor. Her pale, silver skin held much beauty,
and her smile was always cheerful and true.
She crossed her arms and glared at him.
"Estel…there is something bothering you. So either you tell me now or wait
until later for you know as well as I that I shall surely find out what it
is."
Estel smiled. He wished he could tell her, but later it would have to be - when
he was gone. He walked up to her and placed his hand on the small of her back
as he lead her on.
"Later," was all that he said.
*~*~*~*
That evening, Estel walked lazily down the palace halls. He was on his way to
Nienna's chambers to escort her to the dinning halls. When he arrived at the
big oak carved door, he lifted his slim hand and knocked lightly.
"Come in," he heard her call out softly.
He opened the door and smiled when he saw her. Three chamber maidens were
busying themselves around her in preparation for the feast.
When she saw him, she sighed in annoyance. "I wish with all my soul that
my parent's would grant me the privilege of dressing myself. I do not know how
they expect me to grow up if I do not even know how to put on a dress,"
she exclaimed and Estel laughed lightly.
He leaned back on the closed door and crossed his arms across his broad chest.
"I shall wait then."
Nienna sighed again as the maiden's let her step down from the stool she stood
upon, as to let them inspect the gown, and then she sat in a grand chair so
they could do her hair. She glanced at Estel and rolled her eyes. He laughed
lightly and shook his head at his friend.
He watched as a maiden pulled back the hair that grazed Nienna's face, and took
it behind her head. She twisted it and fashioned it, picking up a silver mallron leaf clasp and pinned the golden
locks from falling in her fair face.
"Are you done," Nienna asked.
The maiden stepped back and admired her work with pride. "Quite," she
said.
Nienna smiled and stood. "Good. Thank you," she said and the maiden
bowed low.
Nienna turned to Estel with a grin. "So how do I look," she asked as
she twirled around once to let Estel observe better.
A bright smile graced his handsome face as he dipped his head in approval.
"I dare say little Nien, that your maiden has surpassed herself this
night."
She wore a mere white dress, but it brought out the pure golden
color of her hair, thus for making her silvery skin shine. In it's simplicity,
it adorned her, making her glow in her beauty.
Nienna rolled her eyes as she took Estel's arm and lead him out of the massive
room.
"That is my parents fault," she mumbled as they walked out of her
chambers.
"How so?" Estel asked with an amused smile.
"They want me to meet this Elf lord from Rivendell. He arrived just
yesterday, and my atara says he
seemed very interested at the mention of me. Though honestly…I could care less
of an Elf lord of Rivendell, but my parents insist that I act like a perfect
lady. Estel…I shall go mad by the end of the night, I swear to the Valar,"
she declared and Estel laughed as he shook his head.
"Do not worry little Nien. If you find yourself growing bored with this
Elf lord and seek solitude from him, do not hesitate to ask me to join you in a
dance or a walk in the gardens." He winked at her slightly and she smiled.
"Thank you Estel. I knew I could count on you. I always have been able to
count on you, and 'tis a comforting thought that I always will be able
to," she said as she hugged his strong arm.
At this, Estel felt sadness creep in slowly. He was leaving her, and she
wouldn't be able to count on him as she just said.
He sighed and smiled when she looked up at him questionably.
"Right." Was all he said.
*~*~*~*
When Estel and Nienna entered the massive dinning hall, they were greeted with
cheers and smiles. They both smiled joyously and bowed with elegance. They were
used to this custom, and they followed the routine of smiling and nodding to
the Elves that greeted them as they passed.
When they reached the long table that was set for royalty and most important
Elves, Estel pulled back Nienna's seat so she could sit. Just as she sat,
Nurtaur walked up to them.
"Nienna mela, why don't you come
and meet Beleathion? He is expecting your company," Love He spoke softly to her with a smile.
Nienna narrowed her eyes at her father, and his smile widened.
"Come now tithen pen. I am
asking you to come and simply meet the Elf, not marry him!" Little One
At this Nienna's expression went completely white, and Nurtaur and Estel
laughed. She looked up at Estel and her eyes begged. He understood and nodded.
"Aye little Nien, I shall join you."
She smiled gratefully and stood to follow her father.
She grabbed onto Estel's arm when she saw they were nearing a group of dark
haired Elves, which was a sight to stand out in Mirkwood, as Estel's mother
always did with her dark locks.
Estel gave her arm a reassuring squeeze when they walked up to the group.
"Beleathion…this is my daughter Nienna," Naurtar introduced proudly,
and a tall, dark haired Elf turned.
Nienna's eyes widened. His eyes were a dark, mesmerizing brown and when a smile
slowly found it's way onto his lips, Nienna felt her heart skip a beat. He was
absolutely gorgeous.
She quickly withdrew her arm from Estel's, and he rolled his eyes with a soft
chuckle.
"Pleased to meet you," she said as she held out her hand.
"Lady Nienna, I have been most anxious to meet you," he said as he
took her hand. He leaned down and kissed it softly.
Nienna smiled.
"Would you like to accompany me in a dance?" he asked, and Nienna's
smile widened.
"I would love too." She accepted his invitation, and threw Estel an
excited smile as she let Beleathion lead her out to the dance floor.
Estel smiled, but something inside him flared. He didn't know what it was, and
it confused him. He quickly shook it off and turned to talk to Nurtaur, but
then stopped. "Uncle Elladan, uncle Elrohir! What in all Valinor are you doing here," he
asked surprised.
The two dark-haired Elves laughed and embraced their nephew.
"We have just come from Rivendell. We traveled with Beleathion,"
Elladan explained.
"Aye, we could not pass up the chance to come and visit our dear little
sister, and quite grown up nephew as well," Elrohir added with a smile.
"Well, I am most insulted."
They all turned to see a smiling Legolas, who had just walked up to the small
party of Elves.
Elrohir laughed. "Nay, please do not be, we have come to see you as well
Legolas."
Legolas grinned as he placed his hands behind his back and nodded to the two
Elves.
"Glad to hear it, but pray tell Elrohir, has your lovely wife joined you
on this trip as well," he asked.
Elrohir nodded. "Aye, she has, but she has spotted an old friend and gone
to reminisce."
Legolas nodded and searched around the room. "Well, 'tis an odd thing, but
I seem to be unable to find my wife as well."
Elladan and Elrohir looked around the room, also.
"Do not tell us Legolas that you have lost our dear little sister again,
for if you have I am afraid that Elrohir and I might have to have a talk with
you," Elladan teased.
Legolas rolled his eyes, but smiled when he felt familiar arms wrap around his
waist.
He turned to a smiling Nevethiriel.
"Nay…he shall never lose me again." She smiled up at him.
Legolas grinned and leaned down, briefly kissing her lips before turning to the
smirking twins with a satisfied smile upon his lips.
"Vedui' Elladan, Elrohir. It
brings me much joy to see you." Nevethiriel smiled at her brothers as she
went to hug them.
"Vedui' little sister."
Elladan smiled as he embraced his sister.
"'Tis good to see you as well," Elrohir added as he also hugged her.
Nevethiriel pulled back with a smile, but then narrowed her brows.
"Where is Vardaoreien, Elrohir? I have not seen her in centuries,"
Nevethiriel asked as she grasped his hands.
Elrohir smiled.
"She spotted a dear friend and ran off to speak with her. I have to be
honest and say that I am not certain where she is."
Nevethiriel looked around and smiled. "I think I see her. You will excuse
me to greet her?" Elrohir nodded and leaned over, kissing her cheek
softly.
She smiled sweetly at Legolas, and he winked at her before she turned and
walked over to an attractive female Elf with long, curly auburn hair.
Elladan walked slowly over to Estel who, was watching the Elves dance around on
the dance floor, and smiled. He leaned in closer to his ear.
"What is it about those dancing Elves that intrigues you so much my dear
nephew? Could it be a maiden?"
Estel jumped at the sudden voice in his ear, but then smiled at his uncle.
"Aye, 'tis Nienna. I promised I'd keep my eyes on her tonight. She hates
meeting new males. Especially ones that her parents have set her up with, but
she seems happy with this one."
Elladan smiled. "Are you smitten dear nephew?"
Estel looked at him sharply. "Absolutely not! Nienna and I have been best
friends since we were little! She is like a little sister to me, and every big
brother is a little protective of his little sister…and you of all Elves cannot
deny it."
Elladan crossed his arms and nodded his head as he watched the Elves dance
around to the traditional Elvish music with his nephew. "Aye, this is
certain. But your mother, and aunt Arwen are my TRUE little sisters. And I am
most definitely certain that Nienna is not yours."
Estel threw him a questioning look. "So?"
"So…I think I shall let your mind dwell on that on your own, my dear
little nephew." Elladan flashed him a handsome smile, before turning back
to talk with Legolas and Elrohir.
Estel rolled his eyes and sighed. He turned his attention back onto Nienna and
the Elf she danced with. He was determined to block out all that his uncle had
just said, but his mind seemed to thrill itself in disobeying him, and that seemed
to be all that he could think about.
He sighed again in frustration at himself, and quickly grabbed a glass of wine
from the passing wine carrier who walked around with a tray full of glasses.
Estel quickly downed the contents in the small glass and placed it back onto
the tray.
The Elf raised his brows at him as Estel made a face from the alcoholic drink.
He shook it off and went to sit in his seat. He slumped down in it in a most
unElf-like fashion and looked on again at the dancing beings. He sighed, but
then quickly hid his tormented thoughts as he made eye contact with Nienna. She
smiled sweetly at him, and he couldn't help but smile back.
'Nienna is just a friend. You think no
more of her then a little sister,' he told himself mentally.
He nodded his head at himself as if he had made up his mind. But then, his eyes
narrowed, and he pressed his lips together as he saw Beleathion lean down and
whisper something in Nienna's ear. He saw her smile and nod her head, and then
he led her off, out of the dancing throng of Elves, out of the room, and out of
Estel's sight.
And he didn't like it one bit.
