PLEASE READ THE AUTHOR NOTES! There might be something important in it!
Authors Note: Well, here is chapter two! Hope the wait wasn't too long! I'm not certain when I will have chapter three up! But I promise to work on it every time that I am online! And das a lot! Lol…Thank you guys SO MUCH for all the awesome reviews! I enjoy them so much! Please keep them up! Because I want to finish this story, and they are the inspiration that keeps me going! So thank you! And enjoy this next chap! Ciao!
Special Thanks: To Mel! My most awesome beta reader! You are doing such an awesome job in helping me! And you help me feel good about my story! Thanks hun! You're a life saver! ::smiles:: And btw…you need to update like…really bad…lol. On ALL your stories! Including da Orli one! And once again yall, 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::
And to all my reviewers! You guys rock! P.L.R.R.4.J.C.!!!
Review Replies: I'm gonna move this section to the bottom. I got so many reviews, it'll just be too long to put them up here…but that's a good thing! ::smiles::
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 them! 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 Two:
Farewell, My Son
As Nienna danced with Beleathion, she felt even more
graceful as she matched the handsome Elf's long and beautiful strides. He was a
magnificent dancer. Something that Nienna considered as a plus in a male Elf.
'Tis true that such a gift ran frequently in the Elf race, no matter what the
sex, but Nienna had danced with some rather musically challenged Elves before.
She looked up at him and met his intense gaze. He smiled at her, and Nienna
felt her cheeks flush slightly. Feeling even more embarrassed about this, she
dropped her head and heard him laugh softly. And after his laugh, Nienna began
to wonder if there was any fault with this Elf!
She lifted her head again when she felt a familiar stare on her. She let her
eyes travel around the room until they lay to rest on yet another handsome Elf.
She smiled sweetly at Estel, and she saw his face brighten with a charming
smile forming on his lips.
When their gaze broke, Nienna found herself thinking on it. She smiled to
herself. Estel was watching, just as he had promised, and it made her feel
safer for some reason.
Her thoughts clouded as she began to think on it more.
Estel had been acting very strange lately. Like a deep sadness settled in
whenever he looked at her. She knew that he knew she suspected something, and
still he would not tell her. And that annoyed her. She wasn't used to Estel
keeping things from her, and from the looks of it with him…he wasn't quite used
to it either. However, she was determined to find out before the night was
through. No doubt about that.
Nienna's thoughts trailed onto the thought of the Elf she now danced with.
Completely opposite of Estel, and yet they both held a beauty about them: a
completely different beauty of course. Not only was Estel beautiful on the
outside, but on the inside as well. He cared for everyone and everything. She
didn't know this Elf well enough to know how beautiful he was on the inside…but
she was willing to wait and find out.
Just then, she was startled by his whisper in her ear.
"My lady, I see that much clouds your mind. Would you like to join me
outside on the terrace? I am sure the stars are beyond beautiful this evening…and
should do well to ease your mind."
Nienna smiled and nodded her head. Beleathion smiled back at her, as he took
her hand and led her off the dance floor, out of the room.
The stars were indeed shining brightly that night, and Nienna looked up at them
with loving wonder and heart filled praise.
She let out a huge sigh and closed her eyes.
Beleathion was right. The stars helped immensely on brightening her mind, and
she smiled as a light breeze blew around them, bringing the loose strands of
her hair around to caress her face. Just as she reached up to push them back
behind her ear, Beleathion reached over and moved them from her face. This
startled Nienna at first, for she was not expecting his touch.
She looked over at him, and he smiled. She returned his smile, but hers was a bit more nervous. Sighing, Nienna looked up at the stars again as she leaned up against the balcony railing.
"They're beautiful, are they not?"
"You are beautiful," was his reply.
Nienna raised her brows and looked at him. She had to force herself not to laugh at his sweet gesture.
"Thank you, my lord," she said simply.
He nodded his head and smiled again.
Nienna grinned and turned back to her stargazing. Suddenly, Beleathion took her hand in his, squeezing it gently. Her eyes widened and she yanked her hand back.
"My lord, I do not think that we know each other that well just yet," she said as she backed away from him slightly before turning back to gaze at the stars.
"On the contrary…I feel as if I have known you forever," Beleathion said in almost a whisper as he moved up to her again.
"Yes, my lord, you may feel as if we have, but we haven't." She backed away from him again.
"Why do you recoil from me my lady," he asked as he once again moved up to her.
Nienna sighed and turned to him. "Well frankly for the reason that you are making me terribly uncomfortable," she said honestly. She felt not the reason to lie and make him feel better about what he was doing.
Beleathion's smile faltered and she saw anger flash in his eyes before disappearing just as quickly as it appeared. "In what way am I making you feel uncomfortable, my lady," he asked through gritted teeth as he once again reached out and took her hand.
Nienna glared at him as she yanked her hand away. "I should think that obvious, my lord," she answered with just as much heat in her words.
At this, Beleathion grabbed her arms and yanked her towards him until she was up against his chest. "I should warn you, my lady, that I am not an Elf lord who is used to being rejected in such a way."
Nienna's crystal blue eyes burned with anger as she tried to pull away from him, but with no success. "I can see that! And I think that I should warn you, my lord that I am not an Elf maiden who is used to being treated in such a way by any male! Nor do I tolerate it," she declared, but just as she did, Beleathion quickly leaned down to consume her lips with his.
Nienna acted fast and turned her head, but as she did she also lifted her right knee fast and hit her target. Beleathion let out a small cry of pain, and loosened her arms. When he did, Nienna pushed back from him, and without missing a beat she reared back her fist and brought it forward swiftly, hitting him square in the nose.
Beleathion stumbled back from the blow, and caught himself on the railing. He brought his hand to his now bleeding nose and looked up at Nienna in shock. Her gaze was nothing less then murderous as she glared down at him.
"And I guess I should also warn you, that I am no fool when it comes to ignorant bastards such as yourself. For my father has taught me well." And with that, she turned on her heels and walked hastily back into the dinning hall, leaving a very shocked and sore Elf lord behind.
*~*~*~*
Estel was now socializing with some maidens who were nothing short of annoying. They giggled and laughed at everything he said, if he could say anything at all and he wished for nothing more then to run and hide from them forever. However, he gave into duty and being the soft heart that he was, he just couldn't be so rude as to interrupt them and walk off.
So he plastered on a big fake smile and nodded his head as if to make them think that he was listening. And he would've been, if he could actually understand the words that flowed like a rushing river from their mouths.
Estel could not have loved his father more when Legolas walked up to them and placed a hand on his son's shoulder.
"Will you excuse my son ladies? For I need to have a word with him," he asked with a smile.
Both girls looked disappointed, but bowed to their King and walked away.
"I thank thee Atar. I do not know how much more of that I could stand!"
Legolas laughed as he led Estel to the table so they could sit.
"Aye, I could see your suffering. And understand it, for it was much the same way for me when I was a young prince."
Estel shook his head as he cast a glance in the direction of the two maidens that helped in making the life of a prince a living hell.
"And how did you handle it," he asked as he turned his attention to his father.
Legolas chuckled as he picked up his wine glass. "Far less patiently as you seem to handle it, my son," he said before taking a sip.
Estel shook his head again. "I cannot understand half of what they say…they talk far too fast."
Legolas laughed at his son as he placed his crystal cup back down on the table. "Aye…I used to hide from them. 'Twas not worth the headache, I told myself."
Estel smiled at his father. "I am beginning to see what you mean," he said as he raised his hand to massage his temple.
Both father and son laughed at this, until a figure appeared hastily beside Estel. They both turned and Estel smiled as he stood.
"Nienna!" His smile faltered when he saw her sour expression and the anger that boiled in her eyes. "What has happened," he asked, worry very clear in his bright green orbs.
"Dance with me," she said simply as she grabbed hold of his hand and began pulling him towards the dance floor.
Estel threw a confused look to his father, who only shrugged at him. When they got out to the dance floor, they began in the traditional dance, but Nienna hardly looked at him. Estel wouldn't take his eyes off her as he waited for her to speak.
Finally he asked with a hint of a smile on his face, "Well, are we seeking solitude from a certain Elf lord?"
Nienna sighed and looked up at him. She couldn't help the smile that spread across her face. He always seemed to make things better, and she felt safe now.
"Aye…it seems that as beautiful as the Elf lord is, he has no sense of boundaries," she said dryly.
At this, Estel's smile faltered and his expression went serious. "What do you mean," he asked.
Nienna shook her head and smiled at him as if to reassure him.
"Nothing," she said simply.
"Nienna, what happened," he asked as he reached out and lifted her chin until she was looking into his eyes. They dared her to tell him anything but the truth, and she sighed. Estel knew that Nienna had never before been touched in any wrong way by a male before. She was pure, and he would have it no other way, for the mere thought of it drove him to the desire of ripping that male to pieces.
A smile spread across Nienna's face and she laughed lightly.
"Estel…'twas nothing that I could not handle. Believe me." She looked over to the left, and Estel followed her gaze until he saw Beleathion limping in from the terrace. His expression contorted into a look of pain at each step.
Estel could not contain the wide smile that formed on his lips. He turned back to Nienna with a look of pride in his eyes. "Very well done little Nien. I do not think that I could have done a better job myself!"
Nienna grinned at him. "Nor could you have," she said with a nod of her head.
Estel laughed as he twirled her around, as it was the next step in the dance.
When the song ended, Legolas stood from where he sat at the table, and all eyes turned to him.
"Now, let us eat," he said loudly, and at these words everyone rushed to their seats while Elf servants began to bring out trays upon trays of the rarest foods found in all Mirkwood.
Estel walked Nienna to her seat and pulled it out for her to sit, and then he gently helped her scoot in. He then sat in the seat between her and his father. So he now sat at Legolas' right hand, and his mother sat on the left.
Soon everyone was enjoying their meals as the room was suddenly filled with laughter and the noise of clanging dishes.
In the middle of the fabulous meal, Nurtuar turned to his daughter, who was on his left, and smiled.
"So how are you and Beleathion getting along?" He asked.
Nienna quickly shot Estel a look, for she knew him well enough to know that he was about to answer that question for her. Estel quickly closed his mouth and looked back down at his plate.
Nienna turned to her father with a sweet smile.
"Quite alright atar…however, I fear that we have nothing in common, and therefore I shall not be seeing him again."
Her father looked at her in shock. Nienna ignored his look as best she could as she pushed a small bite of food into her mouth.
"Nienna that is not a good excuse to ignore Beleathion his entire trip," he said quietly, but sternly.
"Well, to me it is! If I have nothing in common with a male, then there is nothing to talk about…and if there is nothing to talk about, then I shall get bored with him. And you know how things are with me when I am bored with them Atar," Nienna whined.
"Nienna, you are exceedingly spoiled," Nurtaur said with a hint of a smirk on his face.
Nienna smiled fully and patted his shoulder. "All in thanks to you."
"Aye, true 'tis my fault, but I think I shall remedy that."
Nienna turned to him, dread etched clearly across her face. "What do you mean?"
"I mean simply that I will not allow you to ignore Beleathion on this trip of his…you shall read with him in the gardens tomorrow." Nurtaur stated and then picked up his glass and took a sip.
Nienna's eyes widened. "Atar please! Do not force me to spend time with him," she pleaded, but Nurtaur took it as no more then another dramatic fit from her, and sighed.
"Nienna, my mind is made up."
"But-" she started, but stopped when her father turned to her with a stern look. She sighed and looked back down at her plate.
Estel, who had kept silent through the whole conversation, decided to speak up.
"With all do respect my lord, I would speak on Nienna's behalf and say that I do not think Beleathion to be an entirely proper suitor for her," he said and Nurtaur looked up at him in surprise, but then sighed.
"Estel, I know you are my daughters best friend, and would be on her side in everything. Which I am grateful for, but in the matters of who is a proper suitor for her, I would kindly advise you to keep your opinions to yourself. Unless, you mean to court her yourself," he stated with argument.
Estel's face went red and he cast his glance to his plate.
Nurtaur smiled and nodded. "As I thought. Please Estel, understand that I wish for my daughter the very best, and would see that she is safe just as you would."
At this last remark Estel felt the anger burn in him, and he decided to tell Nurtaur about this suitor he thought so safe for his daughter. "Well in that case my lord, there is something I think you should know about this…Beleathion of yours-" he started heatedly, but just as he did Nienna stood suddenly and turned to him.
"Estel, would you care to dance with me?" She glared down at him.
"Aye, I would care Nien…I am eating." He glared right back, for he knew well of what she was doing.
"You can eat later," she declared as she reached for his hand.
"Nienna! What has come over you child? Do leave the prince alone and let him eat! He does not wish to dance at the moment," her father demanded.
"Oh but he does…do you not, my dear Estel?" The glance that she gave him was a fair warning, and he took it.
He sighed and nodded slowly, grumbling, "Aye, I do."
He stood and threw his napkin on his chair angrily as he took Nienna's arm and began to drag her to the dance floor. He had a very stern look on his face, as he began to stiffly dance with her. Nienna gave him a look, and he relaxed a little, and so did she.
"Estel, I know you mean well, but I do not want you to tell my atar about Beleathion's actions," she said softly.
"But why Nien," he whispered earnestly, they were talking in hushed voices as too keep the other dancing Elves from hearing.
Nienna sighed. "Because…it's embarrassing," she said as she lowered her head to look at her feet.
Estel couldn't help the soft smile that formed on his lips. He reached over and gently lifted her chin until she was looking at him.
"Oh, my little Nien…forgive me for being so insensitive."
Nienna laughed out loud at this comment. "On the contrary Estel, I think you highly incapable of being insensitive at all!"
Estel laughed softly, but then his face grew serious. "Nienna, you must tell your atar about Beleathion, or he shall force you to spend time with that…that…" he sputtered in anger, but Nienna quickly lifted her hand to cover his mouth.
She looked around to make sure no one heard his outburst and then looked at him with a soft smile on her lips. "Do not worry for me so my dear Estel. I do not think that Beleathion would try anything after what I did to him. He might not even agree to read with me in the gardens, and besides maybe you can come with us!"
At first Estel smiled, but then sadness crossed his face as he realized that he would be far off into another part of the world come the next morn. He sighed.
'I shall worry for you little Nien, I shall worry until I return to you safely,' he thought to himself, but he did not say this; he only forced another smile upon his lips and nodded to her.
Nienna stared hard at him. She had seen a mix of emotions flood his face in mere seconds. They passed so fast that she could hardly read them, but she had seen one very clearly.
Sadness. But when Estel smiled at her - a forced smile –she knew that he was not going to explain anything at all, and so she sighed and glanced back down at the floor.
What was it Estel was hiding that he thought too secret to tell her? He had never kept a thing from her in his life - not even his intimate moments with other females.
It made her sad that he did not trust her enough to tell her.
Estel was looking down at her and even though he could not see her face, he still felt the sadness radiating off of her, and it grabbed at his heart. He knew why she was sad, but Estel just couldn't bring himself to tell her that he was leaving. It would either make her sadness increase abundantly, or she would insist he take her with.
He did not think he could stand either.
It was then that Estel noticed his father standing, and the entire room grew quiet as the musicians ceased their playing when their king stood.
Legolas held a smile on his lips and gripped his wine glass. "A toast," he announced, and every Elf moved to his and her seats as to fetch their wine glasses.
Estel smiled as he reached his fathers side and picked up his wine glass. Nienna also smiled at her best friend's father, her king who was more like a second father to her, as she picked up her glass as well.
Legolas turned to his son and spoke in his bold, but musical voice: "To my son Estel! May the roads of his life be prosperous and fulfilling, and may the journeys that he may take in life be as adventurous as he wishes them to be. And may they also be safe…and may the valar have a constant eye upon him, blessing him in all he does." While Legolas spoke, he never once took his eyes off his son, and Estel saw the small tremors of sadness and worry that flashed across his strong and handsome features.
"To Estel," everyone shouted in unison and then drank from their cups.
After Nienna sipped hers, she watched father and son intently as she placed her cup back in its place. She just had to find out what was going on.
*~*~*~*
Estel realized that the time was growing late. He hated the thought of leaving, and yet, a growing excitement began to move in his stomach. He sighed as he stood to his feet.
Legolas looked up at him, and at once knew. He stood as well to embrace his son.
"Have a safe journey, my son. And remember, wait until all is still…let us not risk on you getting caught now," he whispered in his ear.
Estel smiled at his father when they pulled away and nodded his head in silent answer. He walked over to his mother and bent down to where she sat. He placed his hands on her shoulders and kissed her softly on the cheek. She turned to him with a warm smile.
"I'm retiring for the night," he whispered to her.
She leaned up and kissed his cheek and then placed her hand where she had kissed him. "Sleep well."
Estel quickly straightened and began to walk away. He had always been incredibly close to his mother, and he found himself fighting against his decision. He had just walked out of the massive dinning hall, and started down the hallway when he heard a soft voice.
"What? Are you going to retire without saying goodnight to me?"
He stopped and mentally slapped himself before turning around. "Forgive me, my dear Nien…I know not of where my head is tonight," he said with a smile as he turned to embrace her.
"Neither do I," she said dryly.
He walked to her and hugged her deeply.
"I do wish you would just tell me what is bothering you Estel and get it over with." She whispered in his ear.
Estel's smile faded and he pulled back from her. He sighed when he saw the sadness in her face. Lying was one of the hardest things Estel could ever do, but even more so when it was Nienna that he was lying to. However, he was going to have to even if he knew she would not believe him.
"Nothing is bothering me Nien, I am merely very tired."
Nienna sighed and looked at him in confusion. He had lied again, and this time she could tell that he knew that she didn't believe him.
"Goodnight then," she said heatedly before pushing by him and running swiftly down the hall.
"Wait Nien," he called out, but she kept running.
Estel sighed and hit the wall lightly, with his balled up fist in regret. He did not want to leave with Nienna mad at him, but he felt as if he had no choice. He took one last long look in the direction that Nienna had run before he turned down another hall that led to the room where the wooden trunk sat.
When Estel entered the room, he quickly opened the trunk and took out its entire contents. He then quickly rushed out, and to his chambers. When he entered his room, he locked the door and at once began to ready himself.
He undressed in a hurried fashion, even though he knew he had plenty of time, but the excitement was beginning to rush through him in waves. He picked up the leggings and pulled them onto his legs. They fit perfectly. He could not hinder the smile that crept onto his lips as he reached into one of his drawers and pulled out a pale, silver shirt. He slid this on before he reached for the tunic. He pulled it over his head and once again smiled. He picked up the leather belt and tied it around his slender waist. He then reached for the boots and hurriedly slipped them on. He stood and walked around his room to get the feel of them. They were extremely comfortable.
"No wonder Atar wore them so much," he mumbled to himself as he peered down at them.
He walked over to his bed and picked up the wrist guards. Placing them securely around his wrists and clasping them, Estel moved his arms out before him and began to twist his wrist so he could admire them. Beautiful pieces they were, very much fit for a prince of Mirkwood.
'Atar was just a prince when he wore them himself,' he thought to himself as he examined them.
He sighed and then reached over for one last article of clothing, and his smile widened as he picked up the earth colored cape, allowing it to unravel until it flowed out before him.
Estel noted that there was no sign on the garment of being folded and placed in a trunk for centuries.
It was a custom for Elven threads to stay nice and neat, even if they were thrown on the floor for the entire night, but this cape was no ordinary Elvish thread…it was magical, he could feel it.
He flipped it back around to come over his shoulders, then picked up the leaf claps and securely fastened the fabric together. Lastly he picked up the Elvish knives, that were safely tucked away in their sheaths, and strapped them over his shoulder.
A light grew in his bright green orbs as he picked up the quiver full of arrows and the bow. He carefully strapped the quiver onto his back, and then placed the bow around them. Turning to the full-length mirror in his room, he stood proudly and admired himself.
Estel looked just as he imagined his father looked in the time of the Ring. He sighed again as a slight frown formed on his bow shaped lips.
He decided to write Nienna a letter, for he feared she would be very angry with herself and with him when she awoke in the morning and he was not there. He turned to his writing desk and sat, pulling out a silver sheet of paper and began to write.
When he finished, he sat back in his chair and closed his eyes. Once again he saw the endless plains of Rohan, and the excitement that was there burned even fiercer. He began to feel anxious, and he hated that feeling.
He stood quickly and walked out onto his balcony where the wind, stars, and the nature of his beautiful home soothed him. Letting out another deep sigh, he opened his eyes and gazed at the stars glistening above.
It was then that he began to think of the dangers of this journey.
He was about to travel into a world where he had never been before, at a time when he knew not if the people were harsh, or as kind as his father remembered them. He wondered if he would ever return to this peaceful place again, and seek comfort from his home.
Suddenly, a soft knock on the door shook him out of his thoughts. His eyes widened in alarm as he turned to stare at the door. If it were his mother or Nienna, then they would most certainly not believe that he was heading to bed fully dressed, with a quiver and bow strapped to his back.
He walked slowly back into his room.
"Who is it," he asked softly, almost cautiously.
"'Tis I Estel…"
Estel sighed in relief and relaxed at the sound of his father's voice. He smiled as he walked to the door, and unlocked it. He opened it a sliver, and then all the way when he saw his father standing there with his back turned towards him.
Legolas turned when he heard the door behind him open. He stopped suddenly when he saw his son. Estel stepped back and smiled slightly as he saw his father's shocked expression.
A smile spread slowly over Legolas' face as he observed his son, and he stepped into the room, closing the door behind him before once again turning to his son with a look of wonder.
"I have dreamt of this day Estel, but never had I imagined it so grand…" he said as he stepped forward and placed his hands on his son's shoulders. "You look magnificent!" A look of pure pride etched all across his handsome features.
"Thank you atar…" Estel whispered.
When Estel met his gaze, he saw a look of reminisce in his father's eyes, and knew that his father must have been thinking back to the time where he himself used too wear these things.
"Atar…was there something important you wished to tell me," Estel asked at last.
At his son's words, Legolas shook himself from his thoughts. He smiled at his son and nodded. "Aye, I have come to tell you that your horse is groomed and ready. I had an order sent down to the stable hand. Your steed will be waiting for you, just below your balcony." Legolas held an arm out towards the open doors of the balcony.
Estel smiled and walked through them to take a look. And sure enough, his mare stood just below his balcony feeding on the deliciousness of Mirkwood grass.
"Luinfalath…a true beauty she is," Estel said still looking down at his mare.
"Aye, and has earned the meaning of her name truly," Legolas said as he walked up behind his son to look down at the horse.
"I praise the day you gave her to me atar," Estel said as he turned to his father with a smile.
"Aye, the purest of white she is…I knew at once she was meant for my only son." Legolas smiled back. Then his expression grew serious. "Estel, the time has come where I must retire. Your Atara awaits me, but I must ask you to please take all caution. The lands of Rohan have no doubt ably changed in these past centuries…we cannot be certain of what kind of people, or creatures dwell there now…" Legolas advised his son as he took hold of his shoulders. "And come back to us safely. I do not think that I would be able to forgive myself should something happen to you on this pursuit of hearts happiness that you feel you must take."
Estel noticed moisture in his father's eyes and he smiled reassuringly. "Atar, you have taught me well in archery, daggers, and travels, along with scouting, hiding, and running even. I know how to protect myself. I will return to you safely…I promise."
Legolas pulled his only son into a strong embrace. "I love you, my dear Estel. And I am deeply proud of you," he said rather huskily, and Estel smiled.
"I love you too," he said as he pulled away.
"Now go before atara suspects something!" Legolas chuckled lightly, as he patted his son on the arm.
"Namarie Estel," Farewell he said before turning quickly, and leaving Estel's chambers.
"Namarie…atar," Estel whispered after him, almost sadly.
He walked over to the door and locked it once more, before walking hastily over to his bed and slumping down on it. He thought he would try to sleep for a few hours until all was safe, and he closed his eyes as he laid his head back onto his pillow. However all he could do was toss and turn restlessly while he thought of what he might be leaving behind.
*~*~*~*
Estel's eyes blinked a few times before he sat up in the darkness of his room. He had fallen asleep, and now he knew it was time. He couldn't help the smile that appeared on his lips as he jumped up and walked hastily to his closet. There he pulled out the bag that he had packed the day before and then turned towards his balcony.
As he passed his small desk, he stopped suddenly and walked over to it, taking out the letter he had addressed to Nienna. After reading over it one last time, he gently folded it and placed it in a silver envelope. He wrote her name on it and then placed it on his desk, knowing that she would find it.
He then picked up his bag and walked out onto the balcony. He stopped and turned slowly, letting out a long sigh as he let his eyes travel around his room and the surroundings of his home. He dipped his head slightly in the direction of his room, as if he were saying goodbye, then within a blink of an eye he jumped off the balcony.
*~*~*~*
Light Elven feet caressed the dark wooden floors of the palace of Mirkwood, as Nienna crept swiftly down one hall after another. Her white Elven-sewn nightgown flowed out behind her as she quickened her pace.
She had promised herself that she would get to the bottom of Estel's behavior tonight, she only waited for all to be still until she jumped out of bed and headed for his chambers.
When she reached his room she looked around just to make sure, before she reached out and tried the doorknob.
Locked.
She sighed in frustration before rattling the knob a little more.
"Estel," she whispered through the crack. When silence was all that met her ears, she sighed again and knelt down. She pulled the lone pin, which she had stuck in her hair for this very reason, out of her long, golden locks and stuck it into the key hole as she had done millions of times before in their lifetime as friends.
She was just thinking on why Estel would even bother to lock his door, when he knew so vividly that even that couldn't keep her out, when she heard the familiar 'click' of the lock. Smiling, she stood to her feet, and placed the pin securely in her hair once again before she reached out and slowly turned the knob. She pushed open the door and poked her head into the dark room.
"Estel."
No answer.
"Estel," she whispered more harshly, and when no answer came to her again, she pushed open the door with a sigh of annoyance.
She closed the door quietly behind her, even though she didn't believe that he could still truly be sleeping, and walked over to his bed. Her brows narrowed as she saw that the massive bed was empty. She placed her hand on one of the posts as she stepped closer. Signs of someone lying once amongst the blankets were still clear, but this only confused her more. She turned to the balcony and walked hastily out into the cool night air.
"Estel," she whispered again, and once again no answer.
Fear for her friend gripped her slightly and she turned in every direction, her bright blue orbs in desperate search of her best friend.
"Est-" she started to call again, when a horse's gentle neigh cut her off.
She turned in the direction from where it had come, and ran to the other side of the balcony. Squinting, her eyes she caught a glimpse of golden hair, highlighted a pale silver from the bright moon. This hair belonged to a tall Elf that was leading a horse through the brush of the garden that was just below Estel's balcony.
Without thinking twice, Nienna quickly leapt from the tall balcony and landed softly, and silently on her light Elven feet. She winced slightly when she landed; for the height was great and she had no shoes on to protect her feet. However, she quickly brushed it off and ran after the figure. She knew that the tall blonde Elf was Estel, and she could not let him go, wherever he thought suitable to venture to at such an hour, without an explanation.
When she rounded the corner of the palace, she stopped suddenly. Estel stood just a little ways from where she now hid. He was turned towards the great palace and seemed to be staring at it sadly.
'What is the matter with him,' she wondered.
Suddenly Estel turned to his mare and mounted her flawless back swiftly before urging her in a soft trot. That was when Nienna quickly left her hiding spot and bounded quickly out into the open.
"Estel," she whispered harshly as she ran after him.
Estel reacted immediately. He grabbed one of his father's Elvish knives with such speed and turned swiftly, ready for anything. Nienna stopped at this gesture of his and crossed her arms, a clear scold on her pretty face. Estel's eyes widened in unbelief and he sat backing on his mare.
"Nienna," he asked in a way that begged it all to be unreal.
"Estel, where in all Valinor are you going? And in what way has your mind distorted into making believing that you could get away with it without me finding out first," she asked angrily as she walked up to his horse.
Estel didn't answer; he only stared down at her in wonder.
He chuckled lightly as the words she had just spoken hit home. He knew naught of what possessed him to think he could get away with it without her knowing first. He had thought himself a little wiser.
The look on her face however, was far from humorous and it drove a sigh from Estel as he looked down at her. "My dear Nienna…" He let the sentence trail for a little while. "…I am going on a long travel, and do not suppose I shall return for many years," he said at last.
A sarcastic snort left Nienna as she stood looking up at him. Then realizing that he was serious, her eyes grew wide. "But Estel…Where are you going," she asked.
Estel looked down at his hands and pressed his lips together in thought. Finally he pushed the words forth until they came out: "The plains of Rohan." He met her gaze, expecting her reaction to be anything but accepting.
Her usually pale complexion went slightly deeper as her eyes widened. This worried Estel and he reached down to touch her face. She grabbed a hold of his hand and held onto it tightly.
"Estel…Estel you cannot go…you cannot go without me!" Her words were filled with anguish, and this drove Estel to pull his hand back from her grasp.
"Nay Nienna, you cannot go with me. The road is too dangerous-"
"Oh, do not speak to me about danger Estel! I live it with you," she practically yelled at him.
Estel winced and looked around. He sighed as he looked back down at her.
"Please Estel…if you were to leave me here all on my own, who's to say that it would not force me into a state of grief…" she whispered, almost painfully.
At these words, Estel's eyes widened in alarm. "No Nienna…" he whispered. He closed his eyes as his mind went wild with the need to make a decision.
The right decision.
"And besides…" he heard her continue, "…If you leave, who will be there to protect me from lord Beleathion's cold…wandering hands?" A slight smile graced her lips, knowing exactly what she was doing.
Estel's eyes flew open as anger flashed in the deep green of them. Nienna chuckled lightly, and Estel glared at her slightly. She stopped and placed her hands on her slender hips once again.
"Well, you know it is true," she stated.
Estel sighed and nodded his head. He rolled his eyes and looked down at her. She had a way…
"Alright tithen pen, You win." He reached his hand down to help her up, but she stepped back slightly.
"Wait, can't I at least run in and change quickly? And pack a few things?"
Estel shook his head firmly. "Nay Nienna! We cannot risk you getting caught! We must go…now."
Nienna looked longingly at the palace doors. "But…" she whimpered.
"Nienna, I am not your atar. That will not work with me, now either come now or do not come at all," Estel said, still holding his hand out to her.
She sighed knowingly. She should've known better for trying that with Estel. She turned and grabbed hold of his hand. Estel quickly pulled her up behind him and turned Luinfalath towards the gates.
He heard Nienna sigh as she wrapped her arms around his waist tightly and placed her chin on his shoulder.
"So you expect me to take this entire journey in no more then my night dress?" She asked dryly.
Estel felt a smile tug at his lips until he gave way to it and smiled. "Oh, my little Nien fear not. I have a spare tunic and leggings for you to change into once we are a little ways from the palace.
He felt Nienna stiffen behind him.
"Tunic? Leggings," she asked, almost in disbelief.
Estel laughed as they passed through the gate. "Aye, but do not think of it in such a way tithen pen, think of it as a way out of those damned dresses…or so as you call them." He turned his head and grinned at her.
Nienna rolled her eyes, but laughed herself.
Silence overtook them both, as Estel urged his steed on harder when they passed the gates.
Both were thinking on the decision they had just made, and prayed to the valar that it was the right one.
*~*~*~*
From the window that overlooked the gates to the entry of his beautiful and magnificent palace, stood Legolas Greenleaf. The pale moon cast her lonely light down across the half of his face that was not consumed by shadows. A lone tear streaked down his face as he watched his only son ride out of the gates, and out of his sight.
Suddenly, he jumped slightly as he felt two slender arms slip between his arms and cross his bare chest. He relaxed and leaned back into the slender figure that stood behind him.
"What ails you mela," she whispered in a sleepy tone.
Legolas closed his eyes. "Nothing, I only couldn't sleep."
He heard her yawn and couldn't help but smile.
"Why," she asked as she laid her cool cheek against his bareback.
"I'm not certain," he lied.
"Then come back to bed, for you know it is difficult for me to sleep unless you are there beside me," she said and Legolas laughed lightly.
"Aye melima, I am coming," My Love he said softly.
She lifted one of her hands up to his face and turned his head so she could capture his lips in a passionate kiss. When she pulled away she smiled up at him.
"I love you," she whispered before turning and walking back to their bed.
Legolas sighed as he watched his wife's delicate body slip back under the covers of their bed and smiled when she sighed softly in utter content. His face then grew grave again as he turned back to look out the window. He let out a long, heavy sigh as he stared at the gate that Estel had exited just moment's before.
He had not expected him to take Nienna with him, but Legolas knew that a lot of good could come from that. With that thought, Legolas let himself relax.
"Namarie, my son. May the valar protect you," he whispered softly before turning and walking back to the bed that held his now sleeping wife.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Review Replies:
Melanie: awww Mel! You're so shweet! Thank you SO much for everything! And for the kind words on my story! And your tres welcome! Your stories rock! So keep them comin! lol…And I didn't know that you read FW! Dude, Imma have to do some SERIOUS redo work on that baby…do ya think you'd wanna help me? ::grins:: that wouldn't be of course until after The Plains of Rohan is finished…hehe. Well I love ya hun! And thanks again! *Mwaz*
Peppermint187: LOL! Thanx hun! I'm glad you like...er…I mean LOVE it!…lol
ElvenPrincessOfLegolas: lol, I know…it took me a while! But better then not at all! And I'm glad you enjoyed! ::smiles::
princess of mirkwood: lol…doesn't Legolas make a fine daddy? He also seems to make fine children! Ha! And yesh, The Estel in this story is his son, NOT Aragorn. Estel was born some years after Aragorn passed away…so that is why Legolas named him as such. ::smiles::
Lhamyr: Awww, thanks for the kind words! And yes, this story is gonna be geared more towards Estel and Nienna, though I will be popping back to Mirkwood now and then, to show yall what is going on there through the whole thing. Hehe…though Estel is hot, so I didn't think yall would mind very much! ::wink::
(I think my wink is stuck!)
Elfgirl2005: Aww thank you very much! And was this fast enough? ::smiles::
Lindelea: Awww, thanks hun! I'm so glad you enjoy my stories! And as for M.E. I am sad to say that that one has been put on hold for a little while. I have been extremely busy lately, and so have only been able to keep up with one story, and this one seemed in a more critical situation…lol…but I promise you that me and Dani will have that story up and running after a while! But I'll deff be keeping this story going! Thanks again hun!
Crystal: Yup it is!…lol…and thanks! ::smiles::
Youko Demon: Lol, thank you! And no, Beleathion is in NO WAY related, or fashioned after the character Malfanion. He was just another prick in the story. ::wink:: Thanks again! ::smiles::
Fruity: Thank you so much! I greatly appreciate your complement! This story is gonna be geared more towards Estel, as I have said. But Legolas and Neveth will be making their frequent appearances ::smiles:: Keep on smiling hun!
BrdgMnk: Heehee, thanks hun! You are a great support and kept on my tail until I posted it! So thanks a lot! You rock! ::smiles::
DayDream: lol…yeah I know! Estel does seem hot doesn't he? ::wink:: She must be blind! Lol…and dude, was that a buncha ppl talking? Or just you? Thanks so much for the kind words! ::smiles::
Passion Lover: heehee, even more jealousy in this one! Is thou pleased? Lol…I'm glad your enjoying it! ::smiles::
ladymiaka11: lol, thanks so much hun! I hope I did not make you wait too long! I did my best! I hope you enjoy this chap as much as you did the first! Peace out!
Emily: LOL! As weird as your review was, it made me laugh! Which scared me more…lol. Yesh, this is AFTER the trilogy, as was FW ::smiles:: I hope those blue men in your head will give ya a break! ::wink::
WaNaKiSsLeGoLaS: Aww, thanks Becca! You're a GREAT supporter! Thanks so much! ::smiles::
LOTR FREAK: Hiya! Yes this story as you can see is gonna be more bout Estel and Nienna, but as I have also said, Legolas and Nevethiriel WILL be making their appearances! Hehe, thanks!
ayumi-dono: LOL! Your hysterical! I guess this chapter kinda answered all your questions! All but one, no Beleathion is in no way, shape, or form a likeness of Malfanion…and like I also said before…he's just another prick in the story…::wink::
(I think I have a winking problem…)
Kelly(swingkt18@hotmail.com): Hiya Kelly! Thanks a lot! And to answer your questions…I am not entirely certain if I will get into Nevethiriel's return, or what happened to the real one…but we'll see how the story goes! ::smiles::
Heather(NFanatic@aol.com): Lol! I know! 'Tis nice…is it not? ::grins:: Thanks for reviewing hun!
Darkcherry: Awww, thanks hun! I am sooo happy that you liked my other story, and that you are open to liking this one as well! Keep up the awesome reviews, and I'll DEFF keep up da chaps! Ciao!
And if I missed anyone's post, I am SO SORRY! I opened a few when I was in NJ and wasn't sure if I had saved them all! IF I did miss you then I'm sorry, and thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to review my story! And to all who reviewed…thank you SO MUCH! I love yall! You rock! Please keep them up! And I'll ttyl! God Bless! And Ciao! P.L.R.R.4.J.C.!!!
