NOTE: Thanks to klaw and ElveNDestiNy for the reviews!! Hope you guys enjoy
this one!
VISION OF TOMORROW: 24
"Excuse me, but can you tell me where I would find the Captain of Arlen's army?" Laurelas asked a rather stout woman who was putting away the bread on the stands outside what he assumed to be her bakery.
He had arrived in Arlen just as the sun set, and many of the townspeople were closing their shops for the night. One by one he noticed people coming out of their shops and homes and lighting the small lanterns that hung in front of each small structure. He admitted the city had a certain feel to it as its streets were being lighted. The stones that made up the homes seem to glow from the golden fires within the small confinements.
"An outsider are ya boy?" the woman asked him, squinting her eye to look at him closely, as she wiped her hands on her apron.
"Yes. Is it so plainly seen?"
"A bit. That cloak on your back gives it away. We've no thread like that here in Arlen. Besides, Arlenans know that the Captain makes his home up at Arminas with the King himself."
"Is Arminas far from here?"
"Tis not far at all boy. See that stone path right there; the one thicker in width than all the rest? It is the main road, and it is straight in shape. Follow it, and it will lead right to the palace gates. You will find the Captain within those gates."
"Oh, so Arminas is a citadel?"
"Yes, boy. We are a small kingdom. We've only one city, and are working to expand our land. Why, the king announced only days ago that he hopes for the building of a new city to start within the next month. He says it will be grand, and the streets will shine more so than the ones here in Arlen."
"Have you not been in existence for many, many years now? Why do you only recently start a new city?"
"Look around boy, we've worked hard to try and perfect our first born city. Imagine it, our dear old monarch starting the kingdom from nothing but a few stones and his dream. He's come so far to try and have the city flourish, to provide his people with a better life. It's not easy boy! I'd like to see you give it a try!" The woman's tone began to become defensive, and Laurelas took a small step back for he thought the woman was going to come at him. But she eased up, as did Laurelas and continued to speak, now her tone seemingly going from defensive to a bit emotional. "But old King Elemmíre is such a kind soul. I only wish he had an heir to take over Arlen after he passes. We townspeople feel it will only be a year or so, but we dare not speak of it often. Eru knows we dread the day."
"So he has no heir? No one at all?"
"Oh there is someone that court has in mind. It is the Captain's boy, Taemyr Triggleif."
"Triggleif?"
"Yes, a title given to the young hopeful. It means 'true descendant'. Imagine giving him a title already? He hasn't even been named heir yet! And a title like that? He hasn't a wee pinch of Elemmíre's blood flowing in em! Making him like he's the replacement for Elemmíre's real descendant. It is his father's doing, I tell you.." the woman began to finish her work, as she placed her golden brown breads in the basket provided, and headed inside, holding the door open for Laurelas to follow, as he did, and she continued with the conversation. "..but that is something we townspeople only speak of in secret. The Captain gets a bit bad-tempered if he hears anything negative towards his son's chance at the throne. Usually it is talk about the true heir returning to Arlen that gets him the most." She held out the bread-filled basket, a sign to Laurelas that she wished for him to hold it for her. Laurelas obliged, as the woman began to put the bread in the pantries provided.
"The true heir?" Laurelas asked politely completely curious. The basket was still half filled, for the woman seemed to slow down as she spoke. Laurelas could tell the woman was a conversationalist, maybe even a gossip amongst her female fellow townspeople. In only a few moments she began to reveal so much to him, never giving him a hint of suspicion or doubt or hesitation even to tell him all she knew. He figured she liked the company and the chance to speak to anything that had ears, for he realized she was alone in her shop that also provided her home at the second level.
"Yes, the son of his only daughter may her soul rest in peace. The poor child never got to see that babe of hers. I remember the day of her beheading; tragic day, truly tragic. We Arlenans never approved of it, but what could we do? We could only speak of the horror of it amongst ourselves. No one knew what happened to that baby, but we're all hoping he finds his way back here to take his grandfather's place, lest his body be rested in the soil. We all know that our King hopes to find him before he dies, though he tries to hide it." Laurelas hadn't known what to do. It was himself she was speaking of, and she hadn't a clue. When she finally put the last piece of bread away, he gently took his leave of the woman, thanking her for her kindness. The woman only nodded and offered him a room if he hadn't a place to stay for the night. Laurelas smiled warmly and said he would surely take her up on her offer, if the opportunity should arise. He bowed his head in thanks, and followed the path she had pointed out to him.
When he reached the gates, two guards stood in front of the main entrance, and questioned his business there. Laurelas paused for a moment, knowing he couldn't say he was the son of Legolas and Laurelen their deceased princess, but if he didn't' give a title of importance he knew they wouldn't let him in.
"I..I am a messenger from Eryn Lasgalen. King Thranduil wishes for me to relay an important message to your King," he lied, but the title was important enough. In truth seeing the king really wasn't urgent for him, he wanted to see Rhaemyr. He figured if there was no sign of Arodiel, or Rhaemyr truly knew nothing, he would leave without fuss. It was only Laurelas' gut feeling that brought him to Arlen. He had to see if Arodiel was within the city or not, he had to.
"State your message, and we will give it to the King," one of the guards commanded.
"I cannot. The King has given STRICT orders that I and I alone will give the message to Elemmíre." The guards looked to one another, and Laurelas was in luck, for both guards were a bit tired and didn't want much trouble to brew. So, they removed any weapons Laurelas had, and let him proceed to enter the gates, and ascend the steps to the entrance of Arminas. Another set of guards were at the door of the palace, but instead of halting him they opened the doors to let him enter. Laurelas' eyes widened, for the hall was made from stone that seemed to shine with brightness. The lit candles that provided light were placed at exactly the right spots to make the stone glimmer.
"What is your purpose boy!" yet another guard who stood before him called. Laurelas snapped out of his trance and stumbled with his words.
"O-oh. I have a message for Elemmíre, a-and Rhaemyr," he added. "From King Thranduil of Eryn Lasgalen. If it is possible to speak with the two in private?"
"The message is of that much importance? For the King is soon to retire to his room, and Rhaemyr is attending to some business, but if I inform both of them of the urgency then they will surely meet with you."
"Yes, it is of great importance."
"Then give me but a moment, and I will call for you when they are ready." Laurelas nodded and thanked the guard. He wandered the main hall, which was grand in size, too grand almost. It appeared that the hall served as the room connecting the different sections of the castle, for there were a series of entryways to the sides of where the King and Queen's throne sat in the middle of the room. Laurelas halted suddenly, as he heard a faint but angry yell come from one of the halls. His curiosity got the better of him, and he approached to where the cry had come from, going down halls and searching rooms to see or hear if anything else would follow. He finally reached one room where the door was left slightly open. He could hear voices speaking, arguing really and he opened the door just a little further to peak inside. To his complete amazement he found Arodiel. Her cheek was newly bruised and the right half of her lip bleeding slightly. Someone had hit her, and Laurelas discovered that someone was Taemyr. He pushed open the door and revealed himself, to Taemyr and Arodiel's surprise.
"Laurelas! How did you... What are you doing here?" Arodiel asked surprised running to him and embracing him.
"I came here on my own. I couldn't accept that you just ran off. I didn't believe it, and a feeling that you were here, is what lead me here, and I was right," he said, as he looked up at Taemyr, his eyes glaring. Taemyr realized that Laurelas being there was a threat. If Elemmíre found out this were his grandson, Taemyr would surely not be named heir. Quickly Taemyr called for a guard, but Laurelas grabbed Arodiel's hand and ran out of the room, making their way down every hall that was not yet blocked. He searched frantically for the hall that would lead him back to the main room, but he could not find it. He halted in the middle of an intersection that had four other halls protruding from it.
"Which one Laurelas?" Arodiel asked frantically.
"I do not know. They all look the same. It doesn't look like they lead to anything in particular."
"Hurry Laurelas." But Arodiel's pleas were of no use. Before long guards came running down from each hall and the two were surrounded. Laurelas and Arodiel stood with their backs against one another's and Laurelas reached to hold onto her two hands. Rhaemyr emerged from the crowd, and stood before Laurelas, Arodiel turning to face Rhaemyr as well, still holding tightly to Laurelas' hand.
"So, you managed to find out our little secret," he said calmly. The calm in his tone was a complete annoyance to Laurelas. It was as if the man was sure that nothing could stop him.
"I did. I knew you were behind this, because you've been the one behind everything that has gone wrong in my family! My mother's death, my father's complete lack of knowledge of me, and now you try to steal from me what isn't yours. You will not get away with your crimes. I have returned to Arlen, and your son will not come close to being heir now."
"You've figured it out haven't you? No doubt a little songbird from the town has told you? Well, believe me Laurelas when I tell you that my son will sit on that throne, your throne. He will rule with this girl, your girl, and he will carry this kingdom, your kingdom, the one you know nothing of." Rhaemyr stepped back and raised his voice to the guards. "Take him in chains, make sure he stays away from the King and Queen. Bring him to the cell, for he will meet with his death tomorrow morn." Arodiel went after Rhaemyr and turned him around to face her, as the guards restrained Laurelas behind her.
"You've no right to kill him! He has done nothing!"
"I have the power to kill trifling riffraff if I wish to, I need no reason."
"He is not unimportant and you know it! That is why you condemn him!" Arodiel turned to address the guards and raised her voice so anyone could hear her. "He is Legolas' son!!!! He is the heir to this kingdom!!! Release him he is.." but before she could finish Rhaemyr struck her with his fist. The impact was so great that Arodiel fell to the ground, and for a few moments did not get up. Laurelas called to her, and tried to free himself from the guards' grasps to see to her, but he was held onto tightly. Rhaemyr ordered for the boy to be taken away immediately, and the guards followed. Laurelas was struggling with everything he had, but the number of guards restraining him began to increase and it became more and more difficult. Before he knew it he was thrown into a damp cell and the doors were locked to keep him in. He banged on the bars, angry that he could do nothing to protect Arodiel. It was uncertain what exactly would happen to her, but he knew it would be something to his dismay. Taemyr wanted her as a wife, and it seemed like his mind was determined.
Laurelas began to pace within the cell, anxiety flowing in his veins, making his nerves unhealthily uneasy. He paused when a voice called to him, and looked to see a figured hidden within the shadow; the cell being fairly large that he hadn't noticed another prisoner had accompanied him.
"Sit and calm yourself, friend. We've no way of getting out." The voice was calm, but a calm that was hopeless. He could see the figure was leaning against the wall, but that was all he could see. He took no importance from it that the fellow wished to keep hidden.
"You do not understand, I must get out of here. I cannot let him get away with it, I cannot let Rhaemyr destroy my future for he's already scarred my past."
"Then we are on common grounds, friend. Rhaemyr keeps me from my future, for what reason I do not know, and I feel he is hiding from me a part of my past."
"Tell me, friend, for what purpose are you here?"
"My purpose here in this cell matters not. My reason for being in Arlen was to find a sense of closure in my life. I feel something is calling to me. I feel like something is missing, a hidden piece of my life that I cannot seem to find no matter what I do. I thought that coming back to Arlen would cure my quench, but it seems my plans have taken a turn for the worse." Laurelas only gave a look of curiosity to the figure, wanting to know whom it was that was hiding from him.
"Tell me friend, who are you?" Laurelas asked, as he could hear the figure shift to lean forward. The man stood from where he sat, and approached Laurelas, but before he could answer he only stared at the boy, eyes filled with shock. Laurelas also stared, for the man was an elf, and the elf looked a lot like himself.
"I must insist on asking you the same question, friend."
"My name is Laurelas, son of Legolas.." Laurelas said softly, as he slowly began to realize the possibility that stood before him.
TBC. hope you liked! sorry so long!
VISION OF TOMORROW: 24
"Excuse me, but can you tell me where I would find the Captain of Arlen's army?" Laurelas asked a rather stout woman who was putting away the bread on the stands outside what he assumed to be her bakery.
He had arrived in Arlen just as the sun set, and many of the townspeople were closing their shops for the night. One by one he noticed people coming out of their shops and homes and lighting the small lanterns that hung in front of each small structure. He admitted the city had a certain feel to it as its streets were being lighted. The stones that made up the homes seem to glow from the golden fires within the small confinements.
"An outsider are ya boy?" the woman asked him, squinting her eye to look at him closely, as she wiped her hands on her apron.
"Yes. Is it so plainly seen?"
"A bit. That cloak on your back gives it away. We've no thread like that here in Arlen. Besides, Arlenans know that the Captain makes his home up at Arminas with the King himself."
"Is Arminas far from here?"
"Tis not far at all boy. See that stone path right there; the one thicker in width than all the rest? It is the main road, and it is straight in shape. Follow it, and it will lead right to the palace gates. You will find the Captain within those gates."
"Oh, so Arminas is a citadel?"
"Yes, boy. We are a small kingdom. We've only one city, and are working to expand our land. Why, the king announced only days ago that he hopes for the building of a new city to start within the next month. He says it will be grand, and the streets will shine more so than the ones here in Arlen."
"Have you not been in existence for many, many years now? Why do you only recently start a new city?"
"Look around boy, we've worked hard to try and perfect our first born city. Imagine it, our dear old monarch starting the kingdom from nothing but a few stones and his dream. He's come so far to try and have the city flourish, to provide his people with a better life. It's not easy boy! I'd like to see you give it a try!" The woman's tone began to become defensive, and Laurelas took a small step back for he thought the woman was going to come at him. But she eased up, as did Laurelas and continued to speak, now her tone seemingly going from defensive to a bit emotional. "But old King Elemmíre is such a kind soul. I only wish he had an heir to take over Arlen after he passes. We townspeople feel it will only be a year or so, but we dare not speak of it often. Eru knows we dread the day."
"So he has no heir? No one at all?"
"Oh there is someone that court has in mind. It is the Captain's boy, Taemyr Triggleif."
"Triggleif?"
"Yes, a title given to the young hopeful. It means 'true descendant'. Imagine giving him a title already? He hasn't even been named heir yet! And a title like that? He hasn't a wee pinch of Elemmíre's blood flowing in em! Making him like he's the replacement for Elemmíre's real descendant. It is his father's doing, I tell you.." the woman began to finish her work, as she placed her golden brown breads in the basket provided, and headed inside, holding the door open for Laurelas to follow, as he did, and she continued with the conversation. "..but that is something we townspeople only speak of in secret. The Captain gets a bit bad-tempered if he hears anything negative towards his son's chance at the throne. Usually it is talk about the true heir returning to Arlen that gets him the most." She held out the bread-filled basket, a sign to Laurelas that she wished for him to hold it for her. Laurelas obliged, as the woman began to put the bread in the pantries provided.
"The true heir?" Laurelas asked politely completely curious. The basket was still half filled, for the woman seemed to slow down as she spoke. Laurelas could tell the woman was a conversationalist, maybe even a gossip amongst her female fellow townspeople. In only a few moments she began to reveal so much to him, never giving him a hint of suspicion or doubt or hesitation even to tell him all she knew. He figured she liked the company and the chance to speak to anything that had ears, for he realized she was alone in her shop that also provided her home at the second level.
"Yes, the son of his only daughter may her soul rest in peace. The poor child never got to see that babe of hers. I remember the day of her beheading; tragic day, truly tragic. We Arlenans never approved of it, but what could we do? We could only speak of the horror of it amongst ourselves. No one knew what happened to that baby, but we're all hoping he finds his way back here to take his grandfather's place, lest his body be rested in the soil. We all know that our King hopes to find him before he dies, though he tries to hide it." Laurelas hadn't known what to do. It was himself she was speaking of, and she hadn't a clue. When she finally put the last piece of bread away, he gently took his leave of the woman, thanking her for her kindness. The woman only nodded and offered him a room if he hadn't a place to stay for the night. Laurelas smiled warmly and said he would surely take her up on her offer, if the opportunity should arise. He bowed his head in thanks, and followed the path she had pointed out to him.
When he reached the gates, two guards stood in front of the main entrance, and questioned his business there. Laurelas paused for a moment, knowing he couldn't say he was the son of Legolas and Laurelen their deceased princess, but if he didn't' give a title of importance he knew they wouldn't let him in.
"I..I am a messenger from Eryn Lasgalen. King Thranduil wishes for me to relay an important message to your King," he lied, but the title was important enough. In truth seeing the king really wasn't urgent for him, he wanted to see Rhaemyr. He figured if there was no sign of Arodiel, or Rhaemyr truly knew nothing, he would leave without fuss. It was only Laurelas' gut feeling that brought him to Arlen. He had to see if Arodiel was within the city or not, he had to.
"State your message, and we will give it to the King," one of the guards commanded.
"I cannot. The King has given STRICT orders that I and I alone will give the message to Elemmíre." The guards looked to one another, and Laurelas was in luck, for both guards were a bit tired and didn't want much trouble to brew. So, they removed any weapons Laurelas had, and let him proceed to enter the gates, and ascend the steps to the entrance of Arminas. Another set of guards were at the door of the palace, but instead of halting him they opened the doors to let him enter. Laurelas' eyes widened, for the hall was made from stone that seemed to shine with brightness. The lit candles that provided light were placed at exactly the right spots to make the stone glimmer.
"What is your purpose boy!" yet another guard who stood before him called. Laurelas snapped out of his trance and stumbled with his words.
"O-oh. I have a message for Elemmíre, a-and Rhaemyr," he added. "From King Thranduil of Eryn Lasgalen. If it is possible to speak with the two in private?"
"The message is of that much importance? For the King is soon to retire to his room, and Rhaemyr is attending to some business, but if I inform both of them of the urgency then they will surely meet with you."
"Yes, it is of great importance."
"Then give me but a moment, and I will call for you when they are ready." Laurelas nodded and thanked the guard. He wandered the main hall, which was grand in size, too grand almost. It appeared that the hall served as the room connecting the different sections of the castle, for there were a series of entryways to the sides of where the King and Queen's throne sat in the middle of the room. Laurelas halted suddenly, as he heard a faint but angry yell come from one of the halls. His curiosity got the better of him, and he approached to where the cry had come from, going down halls and searching rooms to see or hear if anything else would follow. He finally reached one room where the door was left slightly open. He could hear voices speaking, arguing really and he opened the door just a little further to peak inside. To his complete amazement he found Arodiel. Her cheek was newly bruised and the right half of her lip bleeding slightly. Someone had hit her, and Laurelas discovered that someone was Taemyr. He pushed open the door and revealed himself, to Taemyr and Arodiel's surprise.
"Laurelas! How did you... What are you doing here?" Arodiel asked surprised running to him and embracing him.
"I came here on my own. I couldn't accept that you just ran off. I didn't believe it, and a feeling that you were here, is what lead me here, and I was right," he said, as he looked up at Taemyr, his eyes glaring. Taemyr realized that Laurelas being there was a threat. If Elemmíre found out this were his grandson, Taemyr would surely not be named heir. Quickly Taemyr called for a guard, but Laurelas grabbed Arodiel's hand and ran out of the room, making their way down every hall that was not yet blocked. He searched frantically for the hall that would lead him back to the main room, but he could not find it. He halted in the middle of an intersection that had four other halls protruding from it.
"Which one Laurelas?" Arodiel asked frantically.
"I do not know. They all look the same. It doesn't look like they lead to anything in particular."
"Hurry Laurelas." But Arodiel's pleas were of no use. Before long guards came running down from each hall and the two were surrounded. Laurelas and Arodiel stood with their backs against one another's and Laurelas reached to hold onto her two hands. Rhaemyr emerged from the crowd, and stood before Laurelas, Arodiel turning to face Rhaemyr as well, still holding tightly to Laurelas' hand.
"So, you managed to find out our little secret," he said calmly. The calm in his tone was a complete annoyance to Laurelas. It was as if the man was sure that nothing could stop him.
"I did. I knew you were behind this, because you've been the one behind everything that has gone wrong in my family! My mother's death, my father's complete lack of knowledge of me, and now you try to steal from me what isn't yours. You will not get away with your crimes. I have returned to Arlen, and your son will not come close to being heir now."
"You've figured it out haven't you? No doubt a little songbird from the town has told you? Well, believe me Laurelas when I tell you that my son will sit on that throne, your throne. He will rule with this girl, your girl, and he will carry this kingdom, your kingdom, the one you know nothing of." Rhaemyr stepped back and raised his voice to the guards. "Take him in chains, make sure he stays away from the King and Queen. Bring him to the cell, for he will meet with his death tomorrow morn." Arodiel went after Rhaemyr and turned him around to face her, as the guards restrained Laurelas behind her.
"You've no right to kill him! He has done nothing!"
"I have the power to kill trifling riffraff if I wish to, I need no reason."
"He is not unimportant and you know it! That is why you condemn him!" Arodiel turned to address the guards and raised her voice so anyone could hear her. "He is Legolas' son!!!! He is the heir to this kingdom!!! Release him he is.." but before she could finish Rhaemyr struck her with his fist. The impact was so great that Arodiel fell to the ground, and for a few moments did not get up. Laurelas called to her, and tried to free himself from the guards' grasps to see to her, but he was held onto tightly. Rhaemyr ordered for the boy to be taken away immediately, and the guards followed. Laurelas was struggling with everything he had, but the number of guards restraining him began to increase and it became more and more difficult. Before he knew it he was thrown into a damp cell and the doors were locked to keep him in. He banged on the bars, angry that he could do nothing to protect Arodiel. It was uncertain what exactly would happen to her, but he knew it would be something to his dismay. Taemyr wanted her as a wife, and it seemed like his mind was determined.
Laurelas began to pace within the cell, anxiety flowing in his veins, making his nerves unhealthily uneasy. He paused when a voice called to him, and looked to see a figured hidden within the shadow; the cell being fairly large that he hadn't noticed another prisoner had accompanied him.
"Sit and calm yourself, friend. We've no way of getting out." The voice was calm, but a calm that was hopeless. He could see the figure was leaning against the wall, but that was all he could see. He took no importance from it that the fellow wished to keep hidden.
"You do not understand, I must get out of here. I cannot let him get away with it, I cannot let Rhaemyr destroy my future for he's already scarred my past."
"Then we are on common grounds, friend. Rhaemyr keeps me from my future, for what reason I do not know, and I feel he is hiding from me a part of my past."
"Tell me, friend, for what purpose are you here?"
"My purpose here in this cell matters not. My reason for being in Arlen was to find a sense of closure in my life. I feel something is calling to me. I feel like something is missing, a hidden piece of my life that I cannot seem to find no matter what I do. I thought that coming back to Arlen would cure my quench, but it seems my plans have taken a turn for the worse." Laurelas only gave a look of curiosity to the figure, wanting to know whom it was that was hiding from him.
"Tell me friend, who are you?" Laurelas asked, as he could hear the figure shift to lean forward. The man stood from where he sat, and approached Laurelas, but before he could answer he only stared at the boy, eyes filled with shock. Laurelas also stared, for the man was an elf, and the elf looked a lot like himself.
"I must insist on asking you the same question, friend."
"My name is Laurelas, son of Legolas.." Laurelas said softly, as he slowly began to realize the possibility that stood before him.
TBC. hope you liked! sorry so long!
