Chapter 23 – Eryn Lasgalan

As far as Fuineth knew the wedding was arranged for a little over a week away. Aragorn and Arwen had sent word that they would be arriving the day before the nuptials and would then continue on to Rivendell. Túveren was thinking of going with them to show Elsbeth something of the North, but had not yet reached a decision. Preparations were already underway and they would continue despite the uncertainty that now lay over the wedding. King Thranduil had not yet decided but, even though his son was convinced he would not now stop the proceedings at such a late juncture, it was still a possibility.

In the meantime Legolas showed Fuineth the forest and his father's realm. It reminded her very much of Ithilien but even she could tell this forest was older. The trees seemed more gnarled, thicker in their trunks and when she commented on how large and beautiful many of the beech trees were Legolas smiled broadly.

"They are a favourite amongst my people here in Eryn Lasgalen."

She could see why.

Amongst the many talans in the forest round the Halls was one like that which he had taken her to in his own realm in that it stood tall and high in the trees so that there was a superb view from it. From there Legolas pointed out to her the expanse of the forest below that stretched out to the South and the Emyn Duir, whose tops could be seen rising through the trees in the centre of the forest, as well as the Hithaeglir tall and close with their snow-capped peaks. Then he pointed North and she could see the grey line of the Ered Mithrin and, nearer now, the glint of water of a great lake and just beyond it a single lonely peak.

"That is the Lonely Mountain where is the dwarf kingdom of Erebor."

He fell silent for a moment and, looking up at him, she could see he was remembering the battle and the loss.

"You fought there, did you not?"

He nodded. "Not as great a battle as that on the Pelennor or in front of the Black Gate, but terrible enough, Fuineth. It was a dark day and many were lost. There was peace here for many years after that day till the War, yet were it but for the eagles I do not know that we should have succeeded. Certainly many more would have fallen."

She nodded, and reached for his hand while he stood there silent and lost in his memories for a moment.

When at last he shifted and turned to look and smile at her she asked him of the eagles.

He indicated the Misty Mountains once more, "Many live there amongst those high peaks. I have seen them in battle twice, and it was fearsome indeed, or else on the wing high in the skies. There was one, Gwaihir, who watched the Fellowship as we travelled South from Moria and Lorien. He it was who told Gandalf of our travels and how we fared." He looked at her, "That is what they are, in truth: observers and gatherers of news for Manwe. It is only out of dire necessity and their own volition that they ever choose to intervene in our affairs."

She nodded, well aware of all this. She looked toward the mountains then as if scanning them for the merest hint of a wing.

"If I saw one I would point it out to you, meleth nin," he smiled and she blushed a little.

It was nearing sunset and so they stayed there to watch the sun sink behind the mountains, just as they had done in Ithilien. He held her close and kissed her and they murmured their love for each other. As their kisses began to intensify, and his tongue found hers, she ran her fingers through his hair that gleamed still in the last orange glow of the sky.

He was kissing her neck and his hand was on her waist and moving upwards when he stiffened, listening. He groaned and put his head on her shoulder.

"What? What is it?"

"You cannot hear it?"

She shook her head.

"A messenger from the halls, shouting up that we are wanted inside." He looked at her and kissed her tenderly, "Love will have to wait, meleth nín, forgive me."

She giggled, "We are to be married soon enough, Legolas. We shall have plenty of time then."

He grinned, "Yes indeed."

He kissed her once more and as he did so she remembered that wonderful moment they had shared in Lothlorien when he had held her and loved her and taught her to do the same to him. She moaned quietly at the memory and he pulled back from her to look into her eyes.

He knew perfectly well but he murmured, "What are you remembering, meleth nín?" She blushed and he had his answer, and he kissed her laughingly. "Come, we needs must descend, my love."

He stood and held out his hand for her and, as she took it and stood to join him, he pulled her to him to murmur in her ear and nibble it slightly, "We can save memories for another time." She blushed again but grinned.

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They tried to go riding every day if they could. Fuineth had finished Legolas's riding tunic and he wore it with pride and was clearly delighted with it which pleased her greatly. On occasion Túveren and Elsbeth would come with them but Gimli always declined and would go wandering off to find Naril at such times.

Several days after their arrival, on just such an excursion, they had stopped in a clearing near the river and Túveren and Legolas sat and watched as Elsbeth and Fuineth wandered amongst the trees nearby picking flowers and talking.

Túveren sighed, "I am glad to have come here at last. It is everything you and Aragorn have told me."

Legolas nodded, "I am glad it has lived up to your expectations. I am only pleased you have seen it as it should be, not as it was before the War, full of darkness and fell creatures."

Túveren nodded, his face serious now, "Yes indeed."

They were silent for a little while. Fuineth and Elsbeth were now sitting by the side of a stream that fed into the river, their feet dangling into the water laughing and giggling as they plaited each other's hair with the flowers they had collected.

Legolas spoke, "Some of the Dúnedain will be coming to the wedding, will they not?"

Túveren nodded, "Yes indeed. Calloneb told me in Minas Tirith that he would attend."

Legolas grinned, "You haven't told Fuineth, have you?"

Túveren smiled, "No. I thought it would be a nice surprise for her."

Túveren then said quietly, "Fuineth told me your father doesn't approve. I am sorry to hear that."

Legolas nodded, "It wasn't unexpected, in all honesty. I had warned Fuineth of it myself even before we left Minas Tirith. He is set in his ways and has fixed ideas on the order of things. Even the fact that I have Gimli as a friend still sets his teeth on edge."

Túveren nodded, "I am only sorry our father and mother cannot be here to see her married."

Legolas looked at him now, "You had to raise her yourself, did you not, after your mother died? We have never spoken much of it you and I."

"That is true. She was still quite young when our mother took ill: not yet a maid, yet no longer a child. It was not easy for her. Rohan is a hard place for women. Not like the North. I would travel often also so she spent much time with my uncle. He and his wife brought her up, in part, as much as I or our mother did. It hurt her greatly when he fell at Helm's Deep."

Legolas nodded, his face grim with the memory of it.

Túveren stirred slightly. "My father would approve, you know. Not simply because he was of the Dúnedain and loved the elves as all do in the North. His closest companion was an elf. An elf of Rivendell. It is his ring that you wear as a betrothal gift."

Legolas looked at him. "Fuineth said she knew little of this ring. Why have you never told her if you knew something of its history?"

Túveren looked down and sighed, "In part because I know little more than she; in part because it hurts me still to think of it." He paused and then said quietly, "I was there, Legolas. I saw them die. He and my father both." His voice faltered slightly as he spoke.

Legolas had not known this: neither that Túveren had seen his father's death nor that this other elf had been there also. He sat now watching the young man fight to bring his feelings under control.

"Elenros he was called. He was a tall, fine elf. I can remember him very clearly. He was Sindarin, from Doriath. Elladan and Elrohir could tell you more of him than I. He, my father and I were out riding near to Rivendell when we were attacked. I do not know by how many. I did what I could, being but a boy, but my father insisted I stand behind them and hide myself and Elenros agreed. I was wroth and tried to argue but even as I did so an arrow pierced my father's neck. I was frozen with shock and horror. I could not move. Elenros fought, but was outnumbered. They fell together, side by side. They fell defending me. Twenty-one orcs they slew between them. Elladan found me, weeping. Our horses, scared by the melee, had returned riderless to Rivendell and they came to look for us. I was covered in their blood from when I had held first one then the other, hoping desperately they might yet live, and then I sat between the two in a near swoon from my grief. They left Rivendell to look for three and found only one."

Túveren fell silent, his cheeks wet with his tears. Legolas understood why he had not spoken of this to his sister. It would have distressed her to hear it, let alone to know the history of the ring, and he guessed that Túveren felt guilty for not having done more, though it was clear enough he could have done nothing to save either his father or the elf. Legolas felt prouder still to now own such a thing, borne by two such noble warriors.

Túveren continued, "My mother kept it not just as a memory of my father but also of him who had sacrificed himself for my sake by my father's side. She wanted me to have it but it bore too painful a memory for me. Fuineth would always play with it when she was young: taking it off father's finger and running around with it. She nearly lost it once. It was only because I was watching her and knew where it had fallen that it was found once more." Túveren laughed softly at the memory and Legolas smiled. "So mother gave it to her." He paused and looked at Legolas, "I am glad you have it. It was right, somehow, that Fuineth gave it to you. It is very precious to her, to us both, but I am glad it is with an elf once more and such a one as you."

Legolas smiled his thanks. He was moved by what Túveren had shared with him. Elladan had told him something of the story the day of Túveren's marriage when he had seen the ring on Legolas's hand. Legolas had not mentioned it to Fuineth only because he did not want to upset her, but now Túveren had told him all he thought perhaps she should know.

"May I tell her, Túveren? I think she would want to know, though I well understand why you have not spoken of it to her before now."

Túveren nodded and smiled, "I thank you Legolas. She should know. I have regretted not finding the courage to speak to her of it before now. I always promised myself I would, but never found the moment to do so."

Legolas nodded and it was agreed.

Later that evening he took her walking in the forest and the tale was told. He held her as she wept, but she was glad that she knew. She too said she was pleased he had the ring from her, that it was right that he should have it.

Legolas smiled, "That is exactly what your brother said to me." He added, "Father too was moved by such a gift. He may have known Elenros, I shall ask him if you like."

She smiled. "Thank you. It would be nice to know a little more of him," and then she kissed him.

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King Thranduil watched the two return from their walk from the window of his chambers. He had to admit that he liked Fuineth very much and he could well understand Legolas's love for her. The only thing he could fault her on was her race.

He sighed and shook his head. It was less than a week before the wedding date and he knew it would be getting late to send messengers out even now. His son had made it clear they would marry no matter whether he allowed the ceremony to take place here or not. Thranduil balanced the ignominy of barring his son and his bride from his doors with the pain of allowing the ceremony to take place here. Better to save face, perhaps, than have others muttering behind his back in Ithilien while they married there. Legolas was determined, that much was clear. They had spoken often and Thranduil knew his son too well to think there was any way he could persuade him from this course. He had even discussed it with Naril. He had been surprised at Naril's ready approval of the union and his stolid defence of Legolas's decision. He had given the King much to think over.

Legolas left Fuineth at her chambers and came to see his father. He knocked on the door and heard a grumbled 'Enter'.

"Forgive me, father, it is not too late to speak with you I trust?"

Thranduil shook his head, "Not at all, Legolas. Would you care for a drink?"

Legolas smiled, "Thank you, yes."

He poured a cup of wine for his son, handed it to him and then, picking up his own cup from the window sill, indicated the two chairs on either side of the window for them to sit. He sipped his wine.

"Well, what did you want to see me about?"

Legolas did not answer immediately but drank a little wine first.

"I have discovered more of the history of this ring today," he said at last indicating his right hand where the silver band glinted in the moonlight.

"Indeed? You said it was from Doriath and that was all Fuineth knew of it."

Legolas nodded, "Yes. But it appears her brother knew more and never told her. The elf who gave it to their father was from Doriath himself and died with their father defending Túveren during an orc attack. Elenros he was called."

Thranduil gasped. "Elenros?"

Legolas smiled slightly, "So you knew him? I wondered if you might."

Thranduil nodded, his eyes wide with surprise and his voice quiet, "Yes indeed. Naril would remember him too, I do not doubt. He was a friend of both our fathers." He paused looking at Legolas in astonishment, "And it was Túveren he died defending? I knew he had fallen in an orc attack with a Dúnedan, that there had been a child, a boy, with them but I never knew the Dúnedan's name, nor indeed the boy's."

Legolas let his father sit in silence for a while mulling over this news. He was not surprised his father knew him. Not many elves who had survived the attack on Doriath had remained in the West after the loss of Beleriand so they were, or had been, all very well known to each other.

At last his father shifted in his seat, "It moves me much to know it is his ring you wear, Legolas. He was a good and noble elf. A great warrior. I was told the same was true of the man he fell with, Fuineth's father."

Legolas nodded, "Beriorgan he was called. Yes, both Aragorn and Calloneb, Halbarad's brother, have told me as much also. I am honoured to wear such a ring, and even more now I know something of its history."

The King nodded. He had been just as impressed by Túveren as his sister and Legolas had told him much of his exploits during the war. Now he had some idea of who their father was, and the company he had kept, the brother and sister went up even further in his estimation. It still did not change the fact of Fuineth's mortality, though.

Legolas was talking once more. "I told Fuineth I would ask you of Elenros and if you knew him. It would please her greatly if you could tell her something of him, perhaps. Her brother has never spoken of it to her because it is too painful a memory for him." Legolas paused, his voice quiet now, "His pain is still very great and I do not blame him."

Thranduil's face was grim, "No indeed. It must have been truly terrible for him to witness such a thing." Legolas nodded but said nothing.

"Of course I will tell her of Elenros, and you must get Naril to speak to her also. I am sure that would please her."

Legolas looked at his father as he said this and a smile flickered across his lips. Thranduil caught his look.

"Why do you smile, Legolas?"

His son shook his head. "Oh nothing. Except it is clear you almost approve of her, do you not?"

Thranduil flushed slightly and looked uncomfortable. "I would not go that far precisely."

"But?" Legolas was grinning now.

"There is no 'but'. She is mortal. That is an end to it."

"And let us say, for the sake of argument, that she weren't a mortal. What would you think of her then?"

"It was only ever her mortality that was the issue," countered Thranduil gruffly.

Legolas laughed softly, "Come now, father. If I had been betrothed to anyone other than a Sindar you would have had your reservations." He held up a hand to stop his father's interruption, "Don't try and deny it. You won't admit it to me, I know, but we both know that to be the case. I want you to tell me, irrespective of her mortality, what do you think of her?"

"I have already told you I like her."

Legolas raised an eyebrow but said nothing, but his eyes were full of amusement.

Thranduil sighed, "Yes, very well. I think she is marvellously suited to you. There. I have said it. Are you satisfied? It still does not change anything but she is fair, charming, and intelligent and has a spirit that one cannot help but admire. Her family and their history please me much, even for a human. This news you have given me tonight of her father's friendship with Elenros in particular."

Legolas beamed but he did not press his father further. He knew that was a great admission for the King to have made.

The King continued, "But it changes nothing. I still do not approve."

Legolas sighed, even though he smiled still, "I know, father, have no fear. I know it all too well."

Fuineth was delighted to learn the next day that the King had known Elenros and he was clearly pleased by her interest and her questions of him. Every afternoon when he was free of the day's business she would sit next to him in the Throne Room, or else they would walk in his garden, as he told her tale after tale and his memories of the elf. A few days passed and still the King had made no decision. Legolas and Naril felt that he really had left it too late and there would be no going back now, but the King did not say anything to them or give any indication of which way his mind was going.

Then, in one of their talks, the subject having diverted onto other things, the King bade Fuineth sit upon a bench amid some flowering shrubs in his garden and sat next to her.

"Lady Fuineth I find you pleasant company indeed, I must confess. I can well understand my son's love for you."

She blushed and smiled, "I thank you, my liege. You are too kind."

She looked at him, her eyes twinkling a little.

He laughed softly at her unasked question, "No. I will never approve, but I think I cannot stop the ceremony now. It is already too late, and besides you will marry whether here or elsewhere, Legolas has made that clear. Now I have got to know you also I would prefer to be here to witness it than cause division between myself and my son."

Only now did he see the shock in her face. He realised what had happened. He said quietly, "Legolas did not tell you. Forgive me, for having upset you, then. It was thoughtless of me, perhaps, to have mentioned it. If I had stopped to consider I should have guessed he would not have told you since no decision had been made." She nodded, dumbly, but he could see the tears in her eyes.

When she finally spoke her voice betrayed none of the emotion she was feeling, "You said you only 'think' you cannot stop it. Is it still a possibility then?"

He looked at her, and seeing her distress, could not help but feel remorse for having hurt her. He understood now why Legolas had not told her.

"You have to understand how difficult this is for me, Fuineth."

She nodded, "I do understand. As does your son, though I do not know if you realise how much. I notice you did not answer my question. I will not press you. It is your realm, these are your Halls. We cannot impose our will upon you, nor would it be right for us to do so. I am only sorry to have caused you so much distress, your highness."

She stood to leave now, her emotions getting the better of her. She knew she was about to cry and did not want to break down in front of him.

As she turned to leave he said softly, "I have not said 'no', Lady Fuineth. It is near enough too late now as it is. In fact I feel sure I will allow it and attend."

She turned, struggling to keep herself calm. "I do not blame you, my liege. But it may interest you to know something I have not even told Legolas. Not yet."

He looked at her now, his brow creased with incomprehension.

"I will tell you if I have your promise you will not tell him but will allow me to do so in my own time."

He nodded, "But of course, my dear. What is it?"

She paused, then, "It was something the Lady Galadriel said to me. She spoke privately to me and this is why I have not told Legolas even though it concerned him." She looked him straight in the eye. "She told me that he would grieve long, but that the memory of what we would share would temper his sorrow and would give him a joy he would never lose. She told me we had made the right decision."

Thranduil sat astonished at her words. He turned his gaze away from her trying to take this in.

She hesitated, uncertain whether she should still leave or not.

At last he spoke quietly. "Lady Fuineth your words have moved and surprised me. Legolas said as much to me himself as to why he chose the way he did. To have it confirmed by the Lady of the Wood is a comfort to me." He looked at her. "I had feared the grief would be too much for him."

She nodded, a tear upon her cheek, "That was my fear too and her words gave me great comfort also."

He smiled at this shared understanding between them and in that moment he knew she loved Legolas just as much as he did, and that she was as concerned for his son's well-being as Thranduil was himself. He held out his hand to her and she took it and came to sit next to him, this noble, slightly arrogant, elf: an Elvenking with his crown of flowers about his golden locks.

"I will allow it. I cannot approve, but I will allow it. I ask the Valar to bless this union."

She caught a sob in her throat at his words and, forgetting herself entirely, she threw her arms about his neck and kissed his cheek. Thranduil laughed. She let him go, blushing furiously, "Forgive me, my liege, I.."

But he just laughed once more and kissed her hand. "It is quite alright my dear. Now go. Go and find your betrothed, my son, and tell him."

She nodded, smiling and stood to leave. Then she turned back to him, "Thank you, my liege. Your words and blessing mean more to me than I can say and I know they will to Legolas too." He smiled and nodded and watched her run to find her love.

She found him in one of the antechambers chatting to Gimli and Naril. She beckoned him over. He could see she was excited by the flush in her cheek and looked at her quizzically.

"You should have told me of your father's possible intentions," she scolded him.

He looked at her wide-eyed. "What?! How do you.." Then he groaned, "He told you! He had no right." He held her hands now, his voice concerned, "I did not want to worry or upset you, Fuineth, please forgive me. I did not believe he would truly stop the ceremony so thought perhaps you need never know. I did not mean to hide it from you as such."

She nodded, "I know. And I thank you for you consideration but you still should have told me all the same. You father was most upset when he realised I hadn't known. He was very apologetic and worried he had distressed me."

Legolas nodded. "So he should have been," he murmured.

"Now, Legolas, don't. He is not nearly as bad as you grumble to me that he is. I like him. And I have news. We spoke a little about how he felt and that he was still not certain as to his decision." Legolas looked at her now as she continued, "But he ended by saying he will not stop us and then he asked for the blessings of the Valar upon union. I do not think we could ask for more from him, indeed I was astonished and moved to hear him say such a thing."

Legolas's eyes were wide with amazement now, "And so am I, meleth nín. I am pleased, but surprised. He gave no indication of such a sentiment whenever he spoke with me of this before." He stopped, looking at her more closely, "What exactly did you say to him, Fuineth, for him to have said such a thing?"

She smiled, "I think I made him realise I felt the same as he about you. What I said to him comforted him and allayed some of his concerns I think. I don't think I said anything wrong, or I hope I did not."

"No indeed, you can't have done."

Legolas said no more though he still looked at her with a wondering curiosity.

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Emyn Duir = Elvish name for the Mountains of Mirkwood that only became so- called after the darkness came to Greenwood. Seems reasonable to think they were once again being called by their old name.

Hithaeglir = Elvish name for the Misty Mountains

Ered Mithrin = the Grey Mountains

I have written a ballad on the deaths of Elenros and Beriorgan as witnessed by Tuveren. If anyone is interested then it is posted here at ff.net