A/N: WHOHOOOO!! SEQUEL!!!! Whoa, sorry. Just a little excited. Ok. Here it is folks! The sequel to "From Beneath the Depths of Shadow"!!!! For all of you who DID review, thankyou. For all of you who DID not review, but still read it, MAY FERRETS EAT YOUR LIVER. No, just kidding! For all of you who read it, but did not review, please take the time to go back and do so before reading this. Please. Anywayz, here it is! Enoy! R&R!!!!
Disclaimer: sigh.....you all know the drill, right? I DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT OWN ANY OF TOLKIEN'S MASTERPIECE. Spare me your wrath. This applies to every chapter, title, and author's note in this fic, so CHILL OUT.
Note: YES, Eldarion "is" Aragorn's son's real name. Want to challenge me? READ THE APPENDIX!!! It will tell you all you need to know. Also, somewhere, it says Eldarion has many sisters, though not a precise number. I will be taking the liberty of making up a number. Do not bite my head off. K? Anyway, on with the fic!
Chapter One
Soft waves lap the sandy shores, pure white clouds caress the blue sky, trees sway gently in the afternoon breeze. For many, this would be an ideal location. For the inhabitants of the Haven, this day was just another day in their endless lives. Picturesque views, inky sunsets, and warm winds are the things that the Elves had grown to just expect. Never was there a day when the sky clouded over, or thunder boomed in the distance. The Haven was a place of tranquility and peace, where they could spend their days in happiness and relaxation.
Though there are few, and very few at that, who do not enjoy such things.
Few feel restless, unhappy, uncomfortable.
Few desire to return to Middle-Earth.
In the end, perhaps it will be those few who turn the course of fate, and once again, Elves will walk the earth of lands long forgotten.
*********
The sun was already high in the sky, when Eomynne decided she needed a walk.
Sitting alone in the shade of her sand-stone home, the wind bekoned her forth. Shrieks of laughter carried on the wind, ticked her sensitive ears, and the warm breeze soothed her tightly strung muscles. Her misty blue eyes scanned the vast field at her feet, roving across the sea of green, to land on a high tower on the distance. The corners of her moutn curved into a smile, white teeth flashing in the mid-afternoon sun. Slowly, she stood, a silky white gown flowing in folds around her hidden feet. Smoothing the fabric slightly, Eomynne started forward, pading softly over to a glass table, where she retrieved a glittering saphire pin, placing it securly in the long golden tresses of her hair that hung loosely down her back. Her ivory skinned hand paused there, a memory flashing before her eyes.
Smiling again, Eomynne continued on, stepping from the stone steps onto the rich green grass, breaking into a run. Though before she could get far, a firm hand gripped her wrist, pulling her into a warm embrace. She did not feel the faintest bit surprised, inhaling the sweet scent of the man that held her close.
"Where are you going?"
The voice is smooth and melodic, sending shivers down her spine.
"Nowhere really, Elleduil." She replied, sighing contentedly.
A gentle hand tipped her head up, to meet clear emerald eyes. His gaze is searching, never breaking contact with Eomynne's. For a while they are silent, until she pulls away, starting forward once again. The man follows her, always a few steps behind.
"You have no need to follow me." Eomynne said firmly, though gently, not looking behind her.
Elleduil stopped, smiling softly. "That's what brothers do, am I right?"
Eomynne sighed, turning around to face him. "Perhaps, but both you and I know well enough that the Haven is safe. If we were on Middle-Earth, I would let you, but not here."
Returning to her pace, the tower looming closer with every stride, she did not need to look back to see that her brother had stopped following her, and was returning home. Hopefully, she would not run into Caelidur along the way. Though younger than Elleduil, he was not easy to shake off. He had a fierce protectiveness towards her, that she knew he would never grow out of.
In what seemed like no time at all, Eomynne was standing on the threshold of the mighty pinacle, looking beyond the giant hill down into the widely swept fields and valleys below, other homes catching her eye here and there. Even farther beyond, she could see the shoreline, gulls weeling and diving around the docks that awaited new vessels. One such vessel was pulling in at that very moment, laden with only a few passengers. Soon, Eomynne knew, no more boats would arrive at the Haven. Soon, all the Elves would be in the West.
Gaze returning to her present location, she approached the tall doors, little intricacies carved into the smooth stone. They might have seemed daunting for any normal Elf, but for Eomynne, she knew the secret. Running a single slender finger along them, she whispered one word, and they flew open, amidst much swirling of dust.
Smiling to herself, Eomynne entered, immediately being plunged into cool shadow, shafts of light penetrating the darkness in places where windows lined the walls. The entrance hallway separated off into two doors on the far side, where she could hear soft voices eminating, but her attention was on the towering stairwell that circled up into the farthest heights of the tower. Almost without thinking, Eomynne began the ascent quickly, the air cool and refreshing on her soft skin. For a long while she continued up, occasionally pausing to glance out a side window, each time higher and higher above the ground far below.
Finally, the staircase ended, rather abruptly, and she was faced with yet another door. This one though, was open a crack, and a silverly trail of light ran along the floor. Slowly, she approached it, pulling the heavy stone open farther, until there was room enough for her to slip through.
Once inside, her eyes landed on a slender figure standing tall by yet another window, which was much larger than the rest. They were looking outside, still as stone, until by accident, Eomynne's foot disturbed a small pebble, sending it skittering across the floor. The figure stiffened, wheeling on his heel, though his eyes lit up immediately when he saw her.
"Eomynne!" he laughed, normally stern brown eyes bright.
"Good-afternoon Haldir." Eomynne replied, smiling broadly. "I thought I would come to visit you."
Haldir grinned coyly, stepping forward, taking her hand and pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. "It is a pleasure indeed to see you, my Lady. How long has it been since I gazed upon your beauty last?"
Eomynne frowned playfully. "Too long, old friend." She sniffed, tears jumping into her eyes. "I cannot bear the time that separates us so."
Dramatically, she collapsed in his embrace, unable to keep a smile from her lips.
"Ah, your words ring true." Haldir replied, lifting Eomynne to her feet once more. "I hardly see you now. It was much easier when you were little. Now your brothers would hew the limbs from my body if I touched you while they are around. I saw how Elleduil stopped you on your way."
Eomynne nodded, sighing softly. "Yes, they are more protective of me now. Elleduil is not as bad, though I believe one of these many days, Caelidur will drive me to insanity."
Haldir chuckled. "Perhaps he will, but for now, let us enjoy the time that we have, before one of your brothers notices how long you have been gone."
Eomynne nodded in agreement, finding a nearby chair and seating herself in it. Haldir did not sit, returning to his place by the window. He glanced out briefly, something catching his eye, then his eyes found their way back inside to the woman before him.
"So Eomynne, tell me how you are. I much desire to know what pushed you to come."
Eomynne sighed, folding her hands neatly in her lap. "Well Haldir, to be truthfull, I am very unhappy."
Haldir gave her a look of pure shock, his eyes questioning her further.
"I feel....uncomfortable," she continued, "unsatisfied with my life. I do not know what it is....I just, wish to do something more. Life is so normal here in the Haven. I sometimes long to know what lies beyond these sandy shores. My mother never talks of her life on Middle-Earth, for my father tells me it was a horrible time. He never says anything either, always changing the subject when I bring it forward. I am unhappy here. I need something more."
As her voice died away, silence settled in. Uneasy silence. Haldir did not respond, he just kept staring at the floor, or out the window again, unable to meet Eomynne's gaze. Tension made the air heavy, so heavy the two could almost feel it press down on their shoulders. For a long while, the stillness stretched out awkwardly, drawing thinner until finally Haldir snapped it in two.
"You know very well you cannot leave the Haven." He began, tone controled, though wavering slightly. "I-I cannot say whether it is right or wrong to think such things, or desire them, but what I do know-"
His unsteady voice was interupted, as the door opened, another slender figure appearing.
"Haldir?" Legolas' tone was questioning, his brows raised in amusement.
Haldir smiled warmly, and bowed low in respect. Eomynne however, did not look at her father, her eyes fixed on the woman behind him.
Bren, her mother, stood erect and tall like the Queen she was, a single dainty hand upon Legolas' shoulder. Her now incredibly long, fiery copper hair fell in thick strands down her back, almost to the floor, little silver clips placed here and there with trails of multi-coloured beads. She wore a flowing golden gown, pinned just below her shoulders, drooping down low in a semi-circle that exposed much of her glowing porcelain skin. She was smiling at Eomynne, with the same amusement shown on Legolas glowing in her emerald eyes.
"We did not expect to find you here daughter." Legolas continued, turning to face her. "Your mother and I wished to have a private meeting with Haldir before the day was through. If you are busy though...."
Haldir shot Eomynne a pleading look. She could see the same feelings on his face that she felt in her heart. They needed this time now.
"If it would not be to much trouble." She answered finally, gaze shifting uncomfortably from one person to the next. She could feel her mother's eyes on her, a searching sensation that Eomynne had grown to dislike. It seemed to her no matter how well she kept things inside, Bren would always sniff her out.
Her suspicions were confirmed, as Bren opened her mouth to speak.
"I know how much you enjoy spending time with Haldir." She began, removing her hand from Legolas' shoulder. "But I sense some tension that we need to resolve. I believe we interupted an important conversation, did we not?"
Eomynne sighed, nodding sullenly. She had wished to keep the feelings of discomfort from her parents. She did not want to upset either of them, and we was certain hearing such news would bring much toil to their hearts. She knew as well as anyone, as Haldir had commented, that she could not ever leave the Haven. Such a thing was unimaginable. Never had it been done before, for no one had desired it. Having a child that wished to leave would bring shame to the family. It could be considered rude, or selfish to give up such a life. Eomynne did not ever want to disgrace her family name. Not ever.
Legolas approached her, still much taller than his daughter. His knowing gaze looked down upon her, bringing a slight flush to Eomynne's cheeks. Without even saying anything, she felt embarassed.
"What is it that you keep from us?" he asked slowly, a gentle hand coming up to caress her face.
Eomynne leaned into the touch, closing her eyes.
"I-I...." She muttered, her throat seemingly drying up and twisting into a horrible knot. "I....wish to leave the Haven."
Legolas drew in a sharp breath, his hand tensing slightly.
Eomynne felt Haldir draw in close behind her, a steadying hand on her waist. She shivered slightly at his touch, opening her eyes. Legolas looked as calm as ever, his brows drawn together in deep thought. For a while everyone was silent, and Eomynne risked a look at her mother, waiting for the worst.
Much to her surprise, Bren was still smiling, a twinkle in her eye. There was a brief hint of sorrow on her features, though the happiness that shone there overshadowed it greatly.
Eomynne's heart eased, though not fully. There was still her father to contend with.
"Your desires bewilder me," he said, laughing a little. "Though I can understand why. Your brothers have too approached me with this longing in their hearts. I know that being born in the Haven, is being brought into the sheltered life, and staying here, you could never know adventure, freedom, the thrill of battle surging through your veins...." Legolas paused there, a sudden darkness coming over his features. The light in his clear blue eyes went out, his lips pressed firmly together. Eomynne felt a chill run down her spine, the hairs on her neck standing. The room seemed to chill, a cloud passing over the sun, the rays dissapearing.
"And it is on that note, that I came to see Haldir."
Almost immediately, Haldir let go of her. Eomynne could feel the sudden shift of the air, from awkwardness, to anger, and she suddenly felt weak, collapsing in a nearby chair.
"Must your daughter hear such things?" Haldir questioned, though Eomynne knew not what he meant.
Legolas nodded grimly, his now icy gaze shifting to her.
"Eomynne." He murmured. "You must know of the events on Middle-Earth, before you decide your true intentions. Perhaps hearing my grave news will quench the fire of longing."
Eomynne shivered. "Of what do you speak father?"
"Of muder, hatred, and revenge." Once again he paused, glancing to Haldir, who was trembling slightly, gaze on the floor. The blonde elf sighed, then continued. "Twelve years ago, when Aragorn's son, Eldarion, was crowned King of Gondor at age seventeen, his sister Mirwen was murdered by a band of Elves while staying in Lothlorien. Driven by rage, he sent a great army, and slaughtered every Elf in the Golden Wood, brutally transforming the magical place into a graveyard of the dead. Not soon after, yet another blow was sent to the young King, as the remaining Elves of Rivendell grouped together and attacked a camp near the borders of Gondor, and Eldarion's close friend Immodis was killed in the onslaught. Such a great grief was laid on his heart, and soon, because of the power of Gondor, Elves were forced into hiding. Eldarion enforced upon his people the idea that Elves were evil creatures, and were to be wiped out at all costs.
`'For many years since then, the Elves have been hunted, killed on sight. Many innocent have died because of Eldarion. He has become corrupted by power, and hardened by his anger. Few Elves are still alive on Middle-Earth today, and they cannot escape to the West. All ships have been burned by order of Eldarion, and every port and dock guarded by sentries of Gondor. There is no way out for them. And there will be no way out for you daughter, if you decide to take such a trip, and give up the life that has been given to you."
Eomynne felt as though she'd swallowed a stone. She could not believe that such acts were being commited to her people. The thought of such brutal murders chilled her blood. She just could not believe that the son of Aragorn could be driven to the extremes he had taken. It was simply unimaginable.
But within her heart, rage dwelt aswell.
The burning hatred she now felt towards men surged in her veins and clouded her mind.
There was only one thought, that resonated above:
Eldarion had to be stopped.
"I will go." Eomynne said sharply, standing stiffly. "I will not allow such things to be commited while I am safe in the Haven. Eldarion cannot be allowed to continue this act of evil. He must be stopped."
Legolas nodded, an aura of acceptance about him. He knew that his children would not stay in the Haven. He had always known they would eventually leave, under harsh circumstances or not. It was slightly painfull to think about loosing them, but they were still incredibly young in Elvish ways, and had eternity to live. They could never know the true extent of life staying in the West. Legolas had to let them go.
Haldir on the other hand, was feeling things on the exact oposite side. He had grown to love Eomynne above all his friends, all his merry companions. He could not imagine living life without her close by. She was not considered as beautifull as her mother, not many Elvish men looked at her twice, but to him, she shone brighter than that of Galadriel herself. To many, it was the gruesome scar on her left cheek that turned most away. She had received it while still young. Whilst swimming in the sea, the tide had caught her, pulling her already frail form under. One sharp piece of coral had gashed her, and she had almost drowned. Luckily, Elleduil had been close by, saving her from the turbulent surf. The cut had not healed properly afterwards, leaving the horrid red scar on her once beautifull skin.
Perhaps his feelings toward the princess had escalated to a higher level, now that he really thought about it. Haldir was many thousand years older than her, but she seemed wise beyond her meager age. She would speak of things many know naught of, and council even the wisest of scholars. Eomynne was all he strove to be, and loved her presence above all. Haldir could not live without her.
Bren looked at her daughter, the light of a thousand years in her young eyes. She was awed by Eomynne's courage, and felt a pang of sorrow, knowing how much responsibility she would bear once on Middle-Earth. Elleduil and Caelidur could only do so much. There were only three of them, where hundreds of thousands of Gondor men stood. They had so little of a chance, to save the Elves from the torture they were forced to endure. There was so little room for error. And yet, all the same, Eomynne had decided to take up the impossible task, to free her people. To allow the Elves that remained safe passage to the West.
It would be a daunting mission.
Legolas thought.
Haldir sighed.
And Bren prayed.
Disclaimer: sigh.....you all know the drill, right? I DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT OWN ANY OF TOLKIEN'S MASTERPIECE. Spare me your wrath. This applies to every chapter, title, and author's note in this fic, so CHILL OUT.
Note: YES, Eldarion "is" Aragorn's son's real name. Want to challenge me? READ THE APPENDIX!!! It will tell you all you need to know. Also, somewhere, it says Eldarion has many sisters, though not a precise number. I will be taking the liberty of making up a number. Do not bite my head off. K? Anyway, on with the fic!
Chapter One
Soft waves lap the sandy shores, pure white clouds caress the blue sky, trees sway gently in the afternoon breeze. For many, this would be an ideal location. For the inhabitants of the Haven, this day was just another day in their endless lives. Picturesque views, inky sunsets, and warm winds are the things that the Elves had grown to just expect. Never was there a day when the sky clouded over, or thunder boomed in the distance. The Haven was a place of tranquility and peace, where they could spend their days in happiness and relaxation.
Though there are few, and very few at that, who do not enjoy such things.
Few feel restless, unhappy, uncomfortable.
Few desire to return to Middle-Earth.
In the end, perhaps it will be those few who turn the course of fate, and once again, Elves will walk the earth of lands long forgotten.
*********
The sun was already high in the sky, when Eomynne decided she needed a walk.
Sitting alone in the shade of her sand-stone home, the wind bekoned her forth. Shrieks of laughter carried on the wind, ticked her sensitive ears, and the warm breeze soothed her tightly strung muscles. Her misty blue eyes scanned the vast field at her feet, roving across the sea of green, to land on a high tower on the distance. The corners of her moutn curved into a smile, white teeth flashing in the mid-afternoon sun. Slowly, she stood, a silky white gown flowing in folds around her hidden feet. Smoothing the fabric slightly, Eomynne started forward, pading softly over to a glass table, where she retrieved a glittering saphire pin, placing it securly in the long golden tresses of her hair that hung loosely down her back. Her ivory skinned hand paused there, a memory flashing before her eyes.
Smiling again, Eomynne continued on, stepping from the stone steps onto the rich green grass, breaking into a run. Though before she could get far, a firm hand gripped her wrist, pulling her into a warm embrace. She did not feel the faintest bit surprised, inhaling the sweet scent of the man that held her close.
"Where are you going?"
The voice is smooth and melodic, sending shivers down her spine.
"Nowhere really, Elleduil." She replied, sighing contentedly.
A gentle hand tipped her head up, to meet clear emerald eyes. His gaze is searching, never breaking contact with Eomynne's. For a while they are silent, until she pulls away, starting forward once again. The man follows her, always a few steps behind.
"You have no need to follow me." Eomynne said firmly, though gently, not looking behind her.
Elleduil stopped, smiling softly. "That's what brothers do, am I right?"
Eomynne sighed, turning around to face him. "Perhaps, but both you and I know well enough that the Haven is safe. If we were on Middle-Earth, I would let you, but not here."
Returning to her pace, the tower looming closer with every stride, she did not need to look back to see that her brother had stopped following her, and was returning home. Hopefully, she would not run into Caelidur along the way. Though younger than Elleduil, he was not easy to shake off. He had a fierce protectiveness towards her, that she knew he would never grow out of.
In what seemed like no time at all, Eomynne was standing on the threshold of the mighty pinacle, looking beyond the giant hill down into the widely swept fields and valleys below, other homes catching her eye here and there. Even farther beyond, she could see the shoreline, gulls weeling and diving around the docks that awaited new vessels. One such vessel was pulling in at that very moment, laden with only a few passengers. Soon, Eomynne knew, no more boats would arrive at the Haven. Soon, all the Elves would be in the West.
Gaze returning to her present location, she approached the tall doors, little intricacies carved into the smooth stone. They might have seemed daunting for any normal Elf, but for Eomynne, she knew the secret. Running a single slender finger along them, she whispered one word, and they flew open, amidst much swirling of dust.
Smiling to herself, Eomynne entered, immediately being plunged into cool shadow, shafts of light penetrating the darkness in places where windows lined the walls. The entrance hallway separated off into two doors on the far side, where she could hear soft voices eminating, but her attention was on the towering stairwell that circled up into the farthest heights of the tower. Almost without thinking, Eomynne began the ascent quickly, the air cool and refreshing on her soft skin. For a long while she continued up, occasionally pausing to glance out a side window, each time higher and higher above the ground far below.
Finally, the staircase ended, rather abruptly, and she was faced with yet another door. This one though, was open a crack, and a silverly trail of light ran along the floor. Slowly, she approached it, pulling the heavy stone open farther, until there was room enough for her to slip through.
Once inside, her eyes landed on a slender figure standing tall by yet another window, which was much larger than the rest. They were looking outside, still as stone, until by accident, Eomynne's foot disturbed a small pebble, sending it skittering across the floor. The figure stiffened, wheeling on his heel, though his eyes lit up immediately when he saw her.
"Eomynne!" he laughed, normally stern brown eyes bright.
"Good-afternoon Haldir." Eomynne replied, smiling broadly. "I thought I would come to visit you."
Haldir grinned coyly, stepping forward, taking her hand and pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. "It is a pleasure indeed to see you, my Lady. How long has it been since I gazed upon your beauty last?"
Eomynne frowned playfully. "Too long, old friend." She sniffed, tears jumping into her eyes. "I cannot bear the time that separates us so."
Dramatically, she collapsed in his embrace, unable to keep a smile from her lips.
"Ah, your words ring true." Haldir replied, lifting Eomynne to her feet once more. "I hardly see you now. It was much easier when you were little. Now your brothers would hew the limbs from my body if I touched you while they are around. I saw how Elleduil stopped you on your way."
Eomynne nodded, sighing softly. "Yes, they are more protective of me now. Elleduil is not as bad, though I believe one of these many days, Caelidur will drive me to insanity."
Haldir chuckled. "Perhaps he will, but for now, let us enjoy the time that we have, before one of your brothers notices how long you have been gone."
Eomynne nodded in agreement, finding a nearby chair and seating herself in it. Haldir did not sit, returning to his place by the window. He glanced out briefly, something catching his eye, then his eyes found their way back inside to the woman before him.
"So Eomynne, tell me how you are. I much desire to know what pushed you to come."
Eomynne sighed, folding her hands neatly in her lap. "Well Haldir, to be truthfull, I am very unhappy."
Haldir gave her a look of pure shock, his eyes questioning her further.
"I feel....uncomfortable," she continued, "unsatisfied with my life. I do not know what it is....I just, wish to do something more. Life is so normal here in the Haven. I sometimes long to know what lies beyond these sandy shores. My mother never talks of her life on Middle-Earth, for my father tells me it was a horrible time. He never says anything either, always changing the subject when I bring it forward. I am unhappy here. I need something more."
As her voice died away, silence settled in. Uneasy silence. Haldir did not respond, he just kept staring at the floor, or out the window again, unable to meet Eomynne's gaze. Tension made the air heavy, so heavy the two could almost feel it press down on their shoulders. For a long while, the stillness stretched out awkwardly, drawing thinner until finally Haldir snapped it in two.
"You know very well you cannot leave the Haven." He began, tone controled, though wavering slightly. "I-I cannot say whether it is right or wrong to think such things, or desire them, but what I do know-"
His unsteady voice was interupted, as the door opened, another slender figure appearing.
"Haldir?" Legolas' tone was questioning, his brows raised in amusement.
Haldir smiled warmly, and bowed low in respect. Eomynne however, did not look at her father, her eyes fixed on the woman behind him.
Bren, her mother, stood erect and tall like the Queen she was, a single dainty hand upon Legolas' shoulder. Her now incredibly long, fiery copper hair fell in thick strands down her back, almost to the floor, little silver clips placed here and there with trails of multi-coloured beads. She wore a flowing golden gown, pinned just below her shoulders, drooping down low in a semi-circle that exposed much of her glowing porcelain skin. She was smiling at Eomynne, with the same amusement shown on Legolas glowing in her emerald eyes.
"We did not expect to find you here daughter." Legolas continued, turning to face her. "Your mother and I wished to have a private meeting with Haldir before the day was through. If you are busy though...."
Haldir shot Eomynne a pleading look. She could see the same feelings on his face that she felt in her heart. They needed this time now.
"If it would not be to much trouble." She answered finally, gaze shifting uncomfortably from one person to the next. She could feel her mother's eyes on her, a searching sensation that Eomynne had grown to dislike. It seemed to her no matter how well she kept things inside, Bren would always sniff her out.
Her suspicions were confirmed, as Bren opened her mouth to speak.
"I know how much you enjoy spending time with Haldir." She began, removing her hand from Legolas' shoulder. "But I sense some tension that we need to resolve. I believe we interupted an important conversation, did we not?"
Eomynne sighed, nodding sullenly. She had wished to keep the feelings of discomfort from her parents. She did not want to upset either of them, and we was certain hearing such news would bring much toil to their hearts. She knew as well as anyone, as Haldir had commented, that she could not ever leave the Haven. Such a thing was unimaginable. Never had it been done before, for no one had desired it. Having a child that wished to leave would bring shame to the family. It could be considered rude, or selfish to give up such a life. Eomynne did not ever want to disgrace her family name. Not ever.
Legolas approached her, still much taller than his daughter. His knowing gaze looked down upon her, bringing a slight flush to Eomynne's cheeks. Without even saying anything, she felt embarassed.
"What is it that you keep from us?" he asked slowly, a gentle hand coming up to caress her face.
Eomynne leaned into the touch, closing her eyes.
"I-I...." She muttered, her throat seemingly drying up and twisting into a horrible knot. "I....wish to leave the Haven."
Legolas drew in a sharp breath, his hand tensing slightly.
Eomynne felt Haldir draw in close behind her, a steadying hand on her waist. She shivered slightly at his touch, opening her eyes. Legolas looked as calm as ever, his brows drawn together in deep thought. For a while everyone was silent, and Eomynne risked a look at her mother, waiting for the worst.
Much to her surprise, Bren was still smiling, a twinkle in her eye. There was a brief hint of sorrow on her features, though the happiness that shone there overshadowed it greatly.
Eomynne's heart eased, though not fully. There was still her father to contend with.
"Your desires bewilder me," he said, laughing a little. "Though I can understand why. Your brothers have too approached me with this longing in their hearts. I know that being born in the Haven, is being brought into the sheltered life, and staying here, you could never know adventure, freedom, the thrill of battle surging through your veins...." Legolas paused there, a sudden darkness coming over his features. The light in his clear blue eyes went out, his lips pressed firmly together. Eomynne felt a chill run down her spine, the hairs on her neck standing. The room seemed to chill, a cloud passing over the sun, the rays dissapearing.
"And it is on that note, that I came to see Haldir."
Almost immediately, Haldir let go of her. Eomynne could feel the sudden shift of the air, from awkwardness, to anger, and she suddenly felt weak, collapsing in a nearby chair.
"Must your daughter hear such things?" Haldir questioned, though Eomynne knew not what he meant.
Legolas nodded grimly, his now icy gaze shifting to her.
"Eomynne." He murmured. "You must know of the events on Middle-Earth, before you decide your true intentions. Perhaps hearing my grave news will quench the fire of longing."
Eomynne shivered. "Of what do you speak father?"
"Of muder, hatred, and revenge." Once again he paused, glancing to Haldir, who was trembling slightly, gaze on the floor. The blonde elf sighed, then continued. "Twelve years ago, when Aragorn's son, Eldarion, was crowned King of Gondor at age seventeen, his sister Mirwen was murdered by a band of Elves while staying in Lothlorien. Driven by rage, he sent a great army, and slaughtered every Elf in the Golden Wood, brutally transforming the magical place into a graveyard of the dead. Not soon after, yet another blow was sent to the young King, as the remaining Elves of Rivendell grouped together and attacked a camp near the borders of Gondor, and Eldarion's close friend Immodis was killed in the onslaught. Such a great grief was laid on his heart, and soon, because of the power of Gondor, Elves were forced into hiding. Eldarion enforced upon his people the idea that Elves were evil creatures, and were to be wiped out at all costs.
`'For many years since then, the Elves have been hunted, killed on sight. Many innocent have died because of Eldarion. He has become corrupted by power, and hardened by his anger. Few Elves are still alive on Middle-Earth today, and they cannot escape to the West. All ships have been burned by order of Eldarion, and every port and dock guarded by sentries of Gondor. There is no way out for them. And there will be no way out for you daughter, if you decide to take such a trip, and give up the life that has been given to you."
Eomynne felt as though she'd swallowed a stone. She could not believe that such acts were being commited to her people. The thought of such brutal murders chilled her blood. She just could not believe that the son of Aragorn could be driven to the extremes he had taken. It was simply unimaginable.
But within her heart, rage dwelt aswell.
The burning hatred she now felt towards men surged in her veins and clouded her mind.
There was only one thought, that resonated above:
Eldarion had to be stopped.
"I will go." Eomynne said sharply, standing stiffly. "I will not allow such things to be commited while I am safe in the Haven. Eldarion cannot be allowed to continue this act of evil. He must be stopped."
Legolas nodded, an aura of acceptance about him. He knew that his children would not stay in the Haven. He had always known they would eventually leave, under harsh circumstances or not. It was slightly painfull to think about loosing them, but they were still incredibly young in Elvish ways, and had eternity to live. They could never know the true extent of life staying in the West. Legolas had to let them go.
Haldir on the other hand, was feeling things on the exact oposite side. He had grown to love Eomynne above all his friends, all his merry companions. He could not imagine living life without her close by. She was not considered as beautifull as her mother, not many Elvish men looked at her twice, but to him, she shone brighter than that of Galadriel herself. To many, it was the gruesome scar on her left cheek that turned most away. She had received it while still young. Whilst swimming in the sea, the tide had caught her, pulling her already frail form under. One sharp piece of coral had gashed her, and she had almost drowned. Luckily, Elleduil had been close by, saving her from the turbulent surf. The cut had not healed properly afterwards, leaving the horrid red scar on her once beautifull skin.
Perhaps his feelings toward the princess had escalated to a higher level, now that he really thought about it. Haldir was many thousand years older than her, but she seemed wise beyond her meager age. She would speak of things many know naught of, and council even the wisest of scholars. Eomynne was all he strove to be, and loved her presence above all. Haldir could not live without her.
Bren looked at her daughter, the light of a thousand years in her young eyes. She was awed by Eomynne's courage, and felt a pang of sorrow, knowing how much responsibility she would bear once on Middle-Earth. Elleduil and Caelidur could only do so much. There were only three of them, where hundreds of thousands of Gondor men stood. They had so little of a chance, to save the Elves from the torture they were forced to endure. There was so little room for error. And yet, all the same, Eomynne had decided to take up the impossible task, to free her people. To allow the Elves that remained safe passage to the West.
It would be a daunting mission.
Legolas thought.
Haldir sighed.
And Bren prayed.