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HELP ME TO UNDERSTAND: 17
Laurelas walked down what seemed to him to be the longest hall he's ever been down. His eyes wandered to observe the stone, when to his surprise the elf that had been leading him stopped. The elf signaled for Laurelas to enter into the room he had led him to, as Laurelas slowly entered. He found the room to only be occupied by one elf; fair-haired and in Laurelas' opinion majestic in poise. Laurelas didn't know whether or not to speak, for the elf seemed to be occupied with looking at the magnificent weaponry collection that decorated the room. The elf turned to notice Laurelas there, waiting. He placed down the small dagger he had been examining, and approached the boy.
"Laurelas, is it?"
"Yes. How did you know, and if I may inquire to your name as well, my Lord?"
"Your companion, Nestor daughter of Elessar informed me. I am Thranduil, son of Oropher, though it would not surprise me if you didn't know who I am."
"I beg your pardon, my Lord, but I do not." The elf nodded in acknowledgement, as he began to wander the room, his hands clasped behind his back. He raised his voice as he began to move farther away from Laurelas.
"I suppose you know nothing of your kin, Laurelas, either side?"
"I'm afraid not. My mother died when I was but only a newborn, and my father abandoned me."
The elf quickly turned to the boy, eyes questioning. "Abandoned? Who told you such nonsense?"
"Well, no one, I only assumed."
"But you assume wrongly, falsely accusing your father. Tell me, Laurelas, have you made no effort to search for him?"
"For my father? I admit I haven't. In truth, my Lord, I do not wish to."
"Do not wish to? Why ever not? Don't you desire to lay to rest what has been haunting your heart?" Laurelas looked to the elf, dead in the eye.
"How do you know what haunts me?"
"It is of little importance. But if you must know, I feel it in you." Laurelas only looked to him, even more confused. Thranduil sighed, and took a seat in a chair and beckoned Laurelas to sit in the one across from him.
"Laurelas, I wish to tell you something. Brace yourself, for there is much to tell. Years ago, my son had left home at my own request. He was sent to Imladris, and from there his duty lead him to travel with Nine Companions, partaking in a quest that at the time very much determined the fate of Middle earth. I thought he would never return, but to my surprise, he did, some years later. With him, he brought a young maiden, and announced they had been married. You could imagine my shock, but I accepted her and loved her as if my own daughter.
Only months after they had arrived I found out her class: an Easterling. I could not figure out how why her nature was different than those of her kin, who were Wainriders. She was simple and kind hearted, her good nature felt the moment she smiled, and her ability to hunt was exceptional for a woman. It was when I took the time to speak with her, that I found out her mother was a Silven elf, such as myself. Though she chose the life of a mortal, she was no less graceful than any elf. I had the opportunity to meet with her father, who was the king of a land in the east that I knew nothing of: ARLEN, as I remember him telling me. Apparently they were descendants of Wainriders, but this king wished to change his people, so he brought them to new territory, and began to start anew. Her father was as kind as she, though I felt his spirit to be weak. I noticed a gruff, quiet but proud man who would accompany him everywhere, never leaving his side. He would whisper things in the king's ear in the middle of conversations, and the king would suddenly change his opinion on whatever discussion was occurring. This man, as I later found out, was the leader of his army. He was betrothed to the king's daughter, but his engagement was thwarted when they discovered she had married my son. Her mother and father willingly approved of the marriage, or so it was thought, but this lurking captain was bitter, and wanted revenge.
Almost a year into the marriage, my daughter-in-law received word that her father wished her to return to her home for a visit. She went alone, for that was what was instructed of her. When she returned to Arlen she did not receive the warm welcome home she so expected. Once inside the city, she was chained, and dragged to her people's court and held on trial. The captain of the army had finally completely brainwashed his king, and convinced him his daughter had committed treason by disobeying her parents and withdrawing from an already settled engagement. Her mother was devastated, begging her husband to reconsider, but it is in my opinion the ringleader of all the madness planned for the Queen's disapproval, and made sure nothing could stand in his way. My son's wife was sentenced for death the next morning, but before she was put away, she declared she was with child, and by her luck there was an edict amongst their people that stated if a woman was with child, she would not experience the consequences of a sentencing until after her child's birth. So she was safe, for nine months. Within those nine-months, she attempted numerous times to reach my son, who was in the city of Gondor at the time. But on many occasions her messengers were discovered and murdered, so the message could never get to my son. The girl must have considered it hopeless. However, her mother offered to bring my son to her, but she rejected, saying it would be of no use. The only promise she held to her mother, was to care for her child after she had gone.
And so, the day came when the child was born, and my daughter-in- law only had but an hour or so to hold her own baby, enough time to give the babe a name. She was taken in chains, and brought out to the city's center courtyard; her beheading was to be a site for all to see. It was only a few days after the death that they sent word to my son that his wife had died, never telling him he had a child. They also hid from him the fact that his wife had been unjust fully murdered, saying she had been killed by wandering orcs. You could imagine my son's grief, and took his leave of Gondor, not really telling anyone where he would go. It is my own opinion that traveling with a good companion of his was his own therapy. It was days after my son left Gondor that the Queen of Arlen snuck the child away from under the eyes of the mad Captain, who wished the murder of the innocent child as his next task. She knew she could not care for him in Arlen, for he would be murdered the day the babe grew into a young boy. So, she entrusted the care of the babe to a friend of the baby's father. That friend, Laurelas, was Elessar of Gondor. And to this day, it is of my own knowledge that Elessar has come to consider the boy his own family, and nothing less. Do you understand what I am saying, Laurelas? My son is Legolas of the Woodland realm; your father. His wife, Laurelen the Beloved, your mother, was my daughter-in-law. I am your kin, Laurelas, your grandfather."
Laurelas was speechless. Even if he had something to say, the tears falling from his eyes and the emotion that clogged his voice was enough expression for Thranduil. Within only a few minutes the entire story was revealed. Laurelas knew now his father had not abandoned him, and that his father still didn't know he had a son. He understood why Aragorn could not tell him, for Thranduil also revealed his mother's dying wish before her decapitation had been to keep the sad story secret from her newborn son. Thranduil knew his grandson needed time to gather himself, so the elf exited the room. Before he left, he placed a hand atop Laurelas' shoulder, and that was enough for Laurelas to begin to sob. He was left in the room with his plethora of thoughts and emotions.
Back in Laurelas' room, Nestor entered to check on her patient, but found him to be nowhere in site. Instead, she found Arodiel, who was crept in the corner, crying.
"Arodiel?? What ever is the matter?" Nestor asked as she quickly made her way to her friend.
"I am a fool, Nestor," she replied in between sobs.
"Arodiel, I do not understand?"
"I had the chance to tell Laurelas. I wanted to tell him that I.."
"That you love him, Arodiel?"
"Yes. But I didn't. There was a knock at the door, and I panicked. But it hadn't made a difference that someone interrupted, for I hesitated before. I feel it even harder for me to say it now."
"Why do you torture yourself so? If you choose to tell him at any given moment, it would be all the same."
"But in truth, Nestor, I cannot bring myself to say it. I am afraid."
"For Eru's sake, Arodiel, afraid of what?"
"I do not wish to say."
"Then you burry yourself in your own secrecy and pride."
"I am not proud, it is nothing like that."
"Then what is it?"
"It is....I, I feel as if, as if I am not worthy enough for him."
"WHAT? Are you mad, girl? Laurelas has loved you for as long as I can remember, before my own birth I believe. How can you think such nonsense?"
"That's just it, Nestor, he's loved me and never has been afraid to tell me, to show me. But as for myself, I ashamed when I think of the way I would act to him, stubborn and cruel."
"And he still loves you, despite the fact. Arodiel stand up. Wipe your tears. Now, you will go find Laurelas, look him straight in the eye, and tell him how you feel, and nothing will stop you. Now, go!" Nestor commanded. Arodiel jumped in the surprise to Nestor's commanding tone, but did as she was ordered to do, making her way down the stone halls in search of Laurelas.
TBC.. yay, I revealed Laurelas' story. Hope it wasn't too long, or confusing, if it was just let me know and I'll explain everything. Hope you enjoyed! And please review!
HELP ME TO UNDERSTAND: 17
Laurelas walked down what seemed to him to be the longest hall he's ever been down. His eyes wandered to observe the stone, when to his surprise the elf that had been leading him stopped. The elf signaled for Laurelas to enter into the room he had led him to, as Laurelas slowly entered. He found the room to only be occupied by one elf; fair-haired and in Laurelas' opinion majestic in poise. Laurelas didn't know whether or not to speak, for the elf seemed to be occupied with looking at the magnificent weaponry collection that decorated the room. The elf turned to notice Laurelas there, waiting. He placed down the small dagger he had been examining, and approached the boy.
"Laurelas, is it?"
"Yes. How did you know, and if I may inquire to your name as well, my Lord?"
"Your companion, Nestor daughter of Elessar informed me. I am Thranduil, son of Oropher, though it would not surprise me if you didn't know who I am."
"I beg your pardon, my Lord, but I do not." The elf nodded in acknowledgement, as he began to wander the room, his hands clasped behind his back. He raised his voice as he began to move farther away from Laurelas.
"I suppose you know nothing of your kin, Laurelas, either side?"
"I'm afraid not. My mother died when I was but only a newborn, and my father abandoned me."
The elf quickly turned to the boy, eyes questioning. "Abandoned? Who told you such nonsense?"
"Well, no one, I only assumed."
"But you assume wrongly, falsely accusing your father. Tell me, Laurelas, have you made no effort to search for him?"
"For my father? I admit I haven't. In truth, my Lord, I do not wish to."
"Do not wish to? Why ever not? Don't you desire to lay to rest what has been haunting your heart?" Laurelas looked to the elf, dead in the eye.
"How do you know what haunts me?"
"It is of little importance. But if you must know, I feel it in you." Laurelas only looked to him, even more confused. Thranduil sighed, and took a seat in a chair and beckoned Laurelas to sit in the one across from him.
"Laurelas, I wish to tell you something. Brace yourself, for there is much to tell. Years ago, my son had left home at my own request. He was sent to Imladris, and from there his duty lead him to travel with Nine Companions, partaking in a quest that at the time very much determined the fate of Middle earth. I thought he would never return, but to my surprise, he did, some years later. With him, he brought a young maiden, and announced they had been married. You could imagine my shock, but I accepted her and loved her as if my own daughter.
Only months after they had arrived I found out her class: an Easterling. I could not figure out how why her nature was different than those of her kin, who were Wainriders. She was simple and kind hearted, her good nature felt the moment she smiled, and her ability to hunt was exceptional for a woman. It was when I took the time to speak with her, that I found out her mother was a Silven elf, such as myself. Though she chose the life of a mortal, she was no less graceful than any elf. I had the opportunity to meet with her father, who was the king of a land in the east that I knew nothing of: ARLEN, as I remember him telling me. Apparently they were descendants of Wainriders, but this king wished to change his people, so he brought them to new territory, and began to start anew. Her father was as kind as she, though I felt his spirit to be weak. I noticed a gruff, quiet but proud man who would accompany him everywhere, never leaving his side. He would whisper things in the king's ear in the middle of conversations, and the king would suddenly change his opinion on whatever discussion was occurring. This man, as I later found out, was the leader of his army. He was betrothed to the king's daughter, but his engagement was thwarted when they discovered she had married my son. Her mother and father willingly approved of the marriage, or so it was thought, but this lurking captain was bitter, and wanted revenge.
Almost a year into the marriage, my daughter-in-law received word that her father wished her to return to her home for a visit. She went alone, for that was what was instructed of her. When she returned to Arlen she did not receive the warm welcome home she so expected. Once inside the city, she was chained, and dragged to her people's court and held on trial. The captain of the army had finally completely brainwashed his king, and convinced him his daughter had committed treason by disobeying her parents and withdrawing from an already settled engagement. Her mother was devastated, begging her husband to reconsider, but it is in my opinion the ringleader of all the madness planned for the Queen's disapproval, and made sure nothing could stand in his way. My son's wife was sentenced for death the next morning, but before she was put away, she declared she was with child, and by her luck there was an edict amongst their people that stated if a woman was with child, she would not experience the consequences of a sentencing until after her child's birth. So she was safe, for nine months. Within those nine-months, she attempted numerous times to reach my son, who was in the city of Gondor at the time. But on many occasions her messengers were discovered and murdered, so the message could never get to my son. The girl must have considered it hopeless. However, her mother offered to bring my son to her, but she rejected, saying it would be of no use. The only promise she held to her mother, was to care for her child after she had gone.
And so, the day came when the child was born, and my daughter-in- law only had but an hour or so to hold her own baby, enough time to give the babe a name. She was taken in chains, and brought out to the city's center courtyard; her beheading was to be a site for all to see. It was only a few days after the death that they sent word to my son that his wife had died, never telling him he had a child. They also hid from him the fact that his wife had been unjust fully murdered, saying she had been killed by wandering orcs. You could imagine my son's grief, and took his leave of Gondor, not really telling anyone where he would go. It is my own opinion that traveling with a good companion of his was his own therapy. It was days after my son left Gondor that the Queen of Arlen snuck the child away from under the eyes of the mad Captain, who wished the murder of the innocent child as his next task. She knew she could not care for him in Arlen, for he would be murdered the day the babe grew into a young boy. So, she entrusted the care of the babe to a friend of the baby's father. That friend, Laurelas, was Elessar of Gondor. And to this day, it is of my own knowledge that Elessar has come to consider the boy his own family, and nothing less. Do you understand what I am saying, Laurelas? My son is Legolas of the Woodland realm; your father. His wife, Laurelen the Beloved, your mother, was my daughter-in-law. I am your kin, Laurelas, your grandfather."
Laurelas was speechless. Even if he had something to say, the tears falling from his eyes and the emotion that clogged his voice was enough expression for Thranduil. Within only a few minutes the entire story was revealed. Laurelas knew now his father had not abandoned him, and that his father still didn't know he had a son. He understood why Aragorn could not tell him, for Thranduil also revealed his mother's dying wish before her decapitation had been to keep the sad story secret from her newborn son. Thranduil knew his grandson needed time to gather himself, so the elf exited the room. Before he left, he placed a hand atop Laurelas' shoulder, and that was enough for Laurelas to begin to sob. He was left in the room with his plethora of thoughts and emotions.
Back in Laurelas' room, Nestor entered to check on her patient, but found him to be nowhere in site. Instead, she found Arodiel, who was crept in the corner, crying.
"Arodiel?? What ever is the matter?" Nestor asked as she quickly made her way to her friend.
"I am a fool, Nestor," she replied in between sobs.
"Arodiel, I do not understand?"
"I had the chance to tell Laurelas. I wanted to tell him that I.."
"That you love him, Arodiel?"
"Yes. But I didn't. There was a knock at the door, and I panicked. But it hadn't made a difference that someone interrupted, for I hesitated before. I feel it even harder for me to say it now."
"Why do you torture yourself so? If you choose to tell him at any given moment, it would be all the same."
"But in truth, Nestor, I cannot bring myself to say it. I am afraid."
"For Eru's sake, Arodiel, afraid of what?"
"I do not wish to say."
"Then you burry yourself in your own secrecy and pride."
"I am not proud, it is nothing like that."
"Then what is it?"
"It is....I, I feel as if, as if I am not worthy enough for him."
"WHAT? Are you mad, girl? Laurelas has loved you for as long as I can remember, before my own birth I believe. How can you think such nonsense?"
"That's just it, Nestor, he's loved me and never has been afraid to tell me, to show me. But as for myself, I ashamed when I think of the way I would act to him, stubborn and cruel."
"And he still loves you, despite the fact. Arodiel stand up. Wipe your tears. Now, you will go find Laurelas, look him straight in the eye, and tell him how you feel, and nothing will stop you. Now, go!" Nestor commanded. Arodiel jumped in the surprise to Nestor's commanding tone, but did as she was ordered to do, making her way down the stone halls in search of Laurelas.
TBC.. yay, I revealed Laurelas' story. Hope it wasn't too long, or confusing, if it was just let me know and I'll explain everything. Hope you enjoyed! And please review!
