SHADOW IN THE TREES
By : mirkwood-elf-2931 & Thala


CHAPTER 5


The air whistled as the blade slashed through it. Its thin, whetted edge, sharp as dragon's teeth, was aimed and jabbed at a nonexistent enemy.
           
All five foot eleven of she-Elf moving through the motions beneath Arwen's window at the House of Elrond, was graceful and lightning quick.
           
Thalawen's knee-high black boots were spotted with mud from jumping the stones across the river to sit on her rock bench in front of the waterfall earlier that morning. She had contemplated what was happening around her.

Something new was going to come to Rivendell. She'd had this feeling for some time now and it would never leave her thoughts. Always lingering in the back of her mind, to be brought forth when she was alone and thinking about nothing in particular. It was most disturbing to her.

She was about to do a quick practice with her bow. Arwen had sent her a message earlier in the day about meeting near Bruinen for something. Thalawen faintly wondered what she was being called upon for.

She rarely received a summons from the princess, only when there was something important was going to happen. This led back to her thoughts of the events to come in Rivendell.

Forget it, she told herself.

Thalawen pulled her bow off her back and was just reaching for an arrow when she felt a presence among the trees, the water, the ground itself.

Something not of Rivendell was treading in her territory.

She put the bow back around her shoulders and stood still, facing into the trees. It was then that the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. Someone was behind her!

She whirled around and brought her sword down on the intruder, only for it to be blocked by two white, bone-handled knives.

The attacker and her stood eye to eye. The leaves that had fallen to the ground and in mid-flight were picked up in the heavy breeze and swirled about their bodies, in a sort of tornado. In a daze she heard a faint, weak voice on the air, whispering something incoherent to her, but the moment passed as quickly as it began

Finally realizing that this man was an Elf and meant no harm to her. His fair, white-blue eyes were smiling mischievously into hers, their faces only inches apart over their weapons. His mouth curved in amusement. She drew back her sword and he, in turn, sheathed his knives behind his back.

"Be not afraid, for I mean you no harm, my fair lady."

"I am not afraid of you, fair sir. I just prefer not to be sneaked upon from behind," said Thalawen calmly, almost lazily, as if he were taking up her time and she did not wish to be bothered by the likes of him.

"I'm very sorry to bother you, but you must know its very dangerous for a beautiful maiden, such as yourself, to be playing with such a large and deadly weapon. Tell me, does the owner of this fine blade know you are in possession of it?" he asked bemusedly.

"Actually, if you must know, I am the owner of this sword. My father passed it down to me, from my grandmother, when I was a small child." She had said this in a way that made him feel very foolish and oddly embarrassed.

He then looked upon her clothing. She was wearing a brown jerkin, with a light-gray under-tunic, brown vambraces, light gray pants, and soft leather boots. Hunting clothes. In fact, clothes more befitting a man. But this Elf was definitely female.

She faintly reminded him of a woman at home, but he tucked that thought quickly away. This woman's eyes were hard and uncaring, cold to him, but he could tell she was a passionate lady.

Just what she was passionate about he would soon have to find out, for she seemed a great puzzle to him, and he loved puzzles.

Bringing his focus back to her and away from his thoughts, he saw a slight smirk, small but nevertheless there, playing across her perfect lips. He hadn't known he was staring at her this whole time, but she did. Thalawen raised the sword playfully in her right hand and brought it so close to his face, he had to cross his eyes to see the edge.

He could see the deep etches that were written into it in Sindarin. Close to the hilt was written, 'I lagor maethor.' In a curvy pattern traversing its way up the length of the blade was 'Im an i thala adaneth uin i faen elin.'

Legolas was muttering this to himself as he took the sword from her grip, translating the Elvish tongue. "'The swift warrior'," he said, his gaze moving up. "'I am for the steady woman of the white stars'."

This seemed to confuse him, for his forehead wrinkled in such a way. He quickly turned the weapon to the other side. "'im Carafang'" was all that was written. He murmured something that was inaudible to Thalawen.

Looking the sword up and down again he could only marvel at its beauty and craftsmanship. This sword clearly belonged to the maiden in front of him, for the sword was an exact replica of her.

They were one and the same. Strong and sturdy, cold when needed to be, and precise in their workings.

A grin slowly crept across his mischievous face. "Carafang…Thalawen. Your name is Thalawen?" he asked, deciphering the language.

"Yes, it is. And yours would be?" she asked, no smile on her lips now. She took her blade back and sheathed it.

"I am Legolas, from Mirkwood."

Thalawen had been picking a stray leaf from her jerkin when her eyes popped back to his face. "You've heard of me?" He sounded very amused at her reaction when he asked this.

"Aye, I know you. I've heard much about you from Arwen. What are you doing so far from your home, my lord?" He was surprised that her demeanor was no longer cold, but serious, inquisitive, and respectful.

"I'm here to inform Lord Elrond of an event that has recently taken place and of most importance. I'm sorry to say that I can tell you no more, as we're to have a private council over this matter."

"Are you the only one in attendance for this council?" she asked. "I know not. My father sent me as messenger, that is all I know," he replied.

Thalawen thought about this. More people would come. So many new faces would surely make her nervous. She decided she'd better stay close with Arwen for the next couple of days.

"So, what have you heard about me from Lady Arwen? Nothing bad, I hope," he said grinning boyishly.

Thalawen narrowed her eyes at him, figuring him out easily. "She has told me that you are a prince and that your skill with a bow is much renowned." She paused a moment and returned his grin. "And that you have a great way with women," she said, raising one black eyebrow at him in questioning, a flirtatious smile played her lips.

He smiled broadly and took a step closer.

Her arm shot out and she splayed a hand on his chest, keeping him where he was. There was no smile on her face now. "But you will not have a way with me. If you so much as try, we will see if your fighting skills truly live up to their reputation," stated Thalawen quietly, so only he could hear.

His smile seemed to drop off his face faster than a rock sinking in the river. This pleased her immensely.

Without a backward glance at the prince, she turned and walked away in search of Arwen to give her the news that they would soon be having company in Rivendell.

The stone bench had elaborate leaf carvings and whimsical patterns set in it.

Thalawen traced these patterns with her index finger, softly singing to herself. It was a song her grandmother had taught her, about lost love and hope. She had sung it to Thalawen after her grandfather had died in battle. She could remember the look in her Grandmother Thalawen's eyes when the notes came from her throat, the sorrow that she would be alone from now on.

Soon after, she had accompanied Thalawen's parents on the journey to the Grey Havens. Afterward, Lord Elrond, Arwen, Elldan and Elrohir were the only family she had, but it would not last forever. She knew this better than anyone.

She had been so relaxed from singing that she didn't even hear Arwen coming down the path toward her. She then saw Arwen's robes in her field of vision on the bench next to her and looked up. The song extinguished immediately.

"I always wondered why you sang that particular song," said Arwen.

"There is no reason in what I sing. I sing whatever comes to me." She looked up and first saw the long gash on Arwen's right cheekbone.

Thalawen sat up straighter and looked Arwen in the eyes. "Where did you get that?"

Arwen reached up to touch the bleeding line. "I got it riding Asfaloth through some woods. I had a Hobbit who had been stabbed by a Morgul blade with me, and the Nazgul chasing me." Thalawen could tell Arwen was a little shaken.

"Hobbit? What were you doing with a Hobbit?" asked Thalawen.

Arwen filled Thalawen in on the story of finding Aragorn with four Hobbits, the one stabbed being Frodo. How they made it past the Wraiths and Frodo was now resting in the Last Homely House.

Thalawen did not question Arwen further. "I met Prince Legolas today. He is just as you told me. Long silvery blond hair, light blue eyes, as light as a cloudless sky, and beautiful fair skin. I never dreamed he'd be that handsome," this was said ponderously. Thalawen was looking at the water rushing by, but not really seeing it.

Slowly, she looked back at Arwen "What did you want to see me about?"

"It was to tell you about Frodo," she said, then paused.

"That's it?" asked Thalawen. Arwen looked uncomfortably at her. "What is the rest?" she implored.

"Its about the Ring, Thalawen. Frodo carries it. There is to be a secret council over who will take the Ring to Morder and cast it into the fires of Mt. Doom." Arwen was speaking quietly, in a hushed tone. "That's why Legolas is here, and why many others will come. My father has told me who is to be present: the Elf Prince and one of his companions, along with an Elven councilor from the west, four Dwarves, six men including Aragorn, Gandalf, Frodo, my father as head advisor, Figwit representing Rivendell with four others, and Eristor as advisor to my father."

A shadow fell upon Arwen before Thalawen could respond. They both looked up to see Aragorn. Arwen smiled up at him. "Hello, Aragorn," Thalawen smiled.

"Hello, Thalawen. You are well? It has been a long time."

"Aye, it has. But I have been fine," she replied.

"I'm sorry, but I must steal Arwen for a moment. I have much to say to her," he said, looking at the princess. He took her offered hand and they walked silently away, leaving Thalawen to her thoughts once more.

She didn't know what she'd do when Arwen left her forever to be with Aragorn.

Thalawen got up to go to her waterfall rocks. There she would be able to think clearly about what was going on. She needed this time to herself to sort out what she was feeling and would feel in the days to come.

Legolas followed from afar. Wondering what she was being troubled by, wanting to comfort, but knowing she would never accept solace from him. So he sat hidden beneath a tree, watching her skip the rocks across the rushing water to sit upon a stack of boulders in the middle of the river, right in front of the waterfall.

He watched her all through the day. How the mist settled, dampening her clothes. How the wind lifted the many long braids adorning her black hair. He watched her well into the night, until she finally arose and went home, leaving him alone.

He promised himself he would get to know her. He needed to know her.

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Sitting on her balcony, over looking the River Bruinen, she saw a figure with pale blond hair beneath the trees. She knew who this person was. He was the man who'd been watching her ever since he'd arrived. Thalawen wondered why, but reminded herself she didn't care. She chose to look the other way when he was around.

He thought she didn't see him. What a blind woman he must think me, she thought to herself. Before she knew what she was doing she looked between the leaves, straight into his ever-widening eyes.

"Must you do this? It becomes very tedious to be stared at, at all times."

Legolas came out from beneath the foliage. "I'm sorry, but if I look when you know it, I would surely receive a slap in the face, or in your case, a fist in the stomach," he said, looking up at her.

"Ah, that you would, fair prince, but tis rude to stare." She had a faint smile on her face. She was so lonely with Aragorn back for Arwen she actually wanted his company. Needed it. "Come up, Legolas. I promise no fist of mine will harm you," she paused. "in this house." He laughed and disappeared from below.

A moment later, she heard his footfalls in the hallway, finally in her room.

Without looking at him, she extended her hand in welcoming. "Come. Sit," she commanded. He came forth and sat on the balcony railing with her. "Talk."

"What shall I talk about?" he asked.

"Anything you wish, nothing at all. The possibilities are endless. You choose," she said quietly, looking out over the treetops.

"Okay, I want to know something."

"About what?" she asked, still not looking at him. "About you," he said simply.

"And what would that be?"

"Why are you sad?"

Her eyes lowered to the water below. Closed for a minute and opened. Never looking at him.

"Why are your eyes always so sad, Thalawen. Only rarely have I seen a true smile touch your eyes. Even when you are angry, there is a sadness that I feel." But he didn't stop there. "And why are you alone, always alone. In this house, in the woods, on your rocks over the water."

"How did you know about the rock bench?" she asked, looking at him questioningly and surprised.

"It seems like every spare minute of your time is spent there. I thought you knew I was watching you?" he asked.

"Well, I did, but I…I guess that's always been my private place. I never even realized you'd watch me there."

He shrugged and looked over the trees. "It was the best place to watch you. Your face shows everything when you're out there." She noticed he didn't apologize for intruding on her space, but refused to care.

"Are you bored?" he asked a moment later, breaking the silence.

"Yes," she said it before she could stop herself. He saw the look on her face and read her mind. Before she could say different he grabbed her hand and was pulling her toward the door.

"Come. We will ride though the woods. That always makes me happy." he said.

"I am happy," she said, grinding her teeth. All he did was turn and look her in the eyes. "Oh, alright, let's go. I have to borrow Asfaloth though," she said exasperated and headed in the direction of the stables. Legolas grinned at her retreating back and followed.

The target nailed on the tree was an old cloth with a black dot drawn in the middle. It was ripped and tattered, its frayed ends flapping in the breeze.  

Thalawen laughed as another of Legolas' arrows missed the target completely and hit the tree. "Renowned skills, eh?" She suppressed her laugher.

He only grinned and stuck another arrow in and pulled the bowstring back to his cheek and let it fly. Again, like the first fifteen, it missed, now the tree entirely. This time Thalawen couldn't hold back her laughter. It was a small bubble at first and then finally she dropped to her knees.

"You know I'm just letting you win, right?" he said, laughing himself. It was quite some time before the laughter died.

She sat down and crossed her legs at the ankles. Looking up at him while he pulled their arrows out of the tree. Most of them hers, as his were in several different trees.

Finally, he came back and sat with her. "You greatly remind me of someone in Mirkwood. I noticed it when I first arrived, but could never figure out who it was." She looked at him. "And now you know who?" He nodded at her, but didn't seem inclined to say more.

She watched him for a moment, when five minutes turned into eight she couldn't stand it any longer. "Okay, Legolas, who?" she asked, rather more forcefully than she'd meant.

He laughed and explained. "My royal guard captain. You are very much alike. You are strong, she is strong. You make laugh, she makes me laugh," he said.

"She?" This surprised her a great deal. "Yes. She. I trust her very much and not just because I've know her for what seems forever, but because she has integrity and loyalty." He went back to square one. "But mostly she makes me laugh."

"I see," said Thalawen.

So there was another woman in Legolas' life. This seemed to take her by surprise, though she knew it shouldn't. She wondered what he felt for her. Thalawen suddenly felt a new emotion which she would never admit to as jealously.

She then heard a strange whispering on the faint breeze, but it died down as quickly as it began and she forgot it. 

Next to her, Legolas sighed. "Let's do something." He searched for something to do. Something he could be very bad at so she would win. He loved her laugh.

"Race you to that tree?" he asked. But before she could say a thing, he was up in a flash and running away.

"Hey! That's cheating!" she called as she tore after him.


TBC …