Chapter Fifteen - Something to Think About

Is there a sight more majestic than Eryn Lasgalen at dawn? This was the thought that went through Legolas' mind as he watched the sunrise over the Greenwood from the top of his favourite Beech tree. As usual a fine mist hung over the forest, but it was no longer threatening as it had been when the shadow had hung over Mirkwood. Instead it had a sort of clam, other-worldly quality. He imagined that this is how Valinor looked at daybreak. Despite the fact that it was well into the Spring season, there was a chill in the air, which the sun had yet to remove. He pulled his cloak around him a little and breathed deeply. The air of his home was sweet. There was nowhere in Middle-Earth where he would rather call home.

There was suddenly some movement below him. He peered down through the mist and saw Thrimalia standing there with a few males. He recognised them all as members of the guard. In particular, he recognised one of them as Isàl. When he had asked Ariel and Thrimalia to gather a party to journey out of the Kingdom, he had not thought that he would be one of them. He would have to keep an eye on him during this journey. If he did have any dishonourable intentions towards her, then a month away from home, sleeping out under the stars, would be the ideal time to attempt a seduction.

"Are we early?" He heard one of the guardsmen asking Thrimalia.

"A little. We are supposed to depart at first light. I am sure the others will be here soon. His Highness was quite insistent that we leave early."

"Do not be surprised if we are still here at lunchtime then. I do not believe I remember him ever rising with the dawn." Legolas recognised this voice as belonging to Aniolad , Captain of his second battalion.

"You may not remember that, but please remember that he is your Prince, heir to the throne of this kingdom, and commander of the army in which you serve, therefore I think a little more respect is due when you speak of him." Thrimalia reprimanded him. Legolas smiled at this display of loyalty towards him. His smiled widened even more when he realised that Aniolad had actually listened to her. She was a born leader and would do her King proud when it eventually became her turn to take on the responsibilities of the General.

He heard more movement coming up from behind him. He silently turned and saw Ariel heading towards the soldiers with a small group of her own in tow. He scanned the small crowd to see who was there. Numbor and Hebrimbor, Sons of Calilmal and members of his father's personal guard were directly behind her. Thriwien, Beléwien and Isáwien, the healing sisters of the North chatted gaily with Elaviel of the King's council and her husband Gebririand the poet.

He thought that was all until one more pair came round a corner. His breath caught in his chest as Valmari came into view alongside her brother. Even though she had been gone from the city for just a few weeks, he had forgotten how beautiful she was. How was he supposed to keep his head when he was to travel half way across the world in the company of the Valars' three most beautiful creations.

He watched the group for another few minutes before deciding to make his presence known. He swung from branch to branch until his feet landed firmly, yet silently, on the ground. Nobody had noticed that he was there. They were all too busy either chatting, or looking for his approach from the city. He whistled loudly, startling everybody. Arod came bounding out of the woods towards his master. The horse stopped beside Legolas, rubbing his nose against his cheek in an affectionate gesture. The two of them, along with Gimli, had been through so much together, Legolas did not think he would be able to live without him.

"Your Highness, we did not realise that you were here," Ariel said, walking up to him. "We have all of the supplies ready and we are ready to leave on your word."

"We should leave now," he said looking over the party. It truly was a collection of the finest elves he had ever seen. There was warriors, healers, poets and statesmen. His father could not ask for a better delegation to represent Eryn Lasgalen, even if the event was just a wedding.

Everybody mounted their horses. Even Ariel, much to Legolas' surprise, quickly and gracefully mounted a black mare. He checked once more that everybody was ready before turning asking Arod to turn and to lead them to The Shire.

The Elves rode bareback, as was their custom, but Ariel rode on a beautiful tooled leather saddle. Legolas recognised some of the markings as being of the Rohirric tradition, but the others, he did not know. They had a vague look of some of the symbols he had seen painted on the faces of tribesmen in the far North, but he could not say that he knew what they meant.

It took the group most of the day to make it to the Western borders of Mirkwood. Legolas led alone all the way. Occasionally Thrimalia would check that there was nothing he needed, but he was enjoying the solitude. Hw knew that it was going to be a difficult journey when Ariel Thrimalia and Valmari were all in such close proximity. He wanted to make it easier on himself, by not having to see them too much. His plans were somewhat upset however, when Ariel rode up to join him about 2 miles away from the border.

"May I ride with you for a while my lord?" she asked as she came alongside him.

"Of course."

"You are very quiet today. I do not believe I have seen you spend so much time in such solitude, especially when in the company of so many people. Are you alright?"

"Yes I am fine. I simply wanted to take this opportunity to enjoy the sights and sound of the forest. I have not been this far away from the city for quite some time. It is a beautiful morning. Do you not think?"

"Oh yes, although I have yet to see an unpleasant day. I cannot imagine what these woods were like when the shadow hung over the trees."

"It was heartbreaking." Ariel looked at Legolas and saw the pain in his eyes at the thought of the state of his birthplace for the last 1000 years.

"I can understand how that would be the case." Ariel realised that she should change the subject as memories from the War clearly caused him distress. "Do you approve of the party Thrimalia and I have assembled milord?"

"Yes, you have surpassed yourselves. Everyone you have chosen will represent the Green Wood admirably."

"I am glad you think so. Have you had a chance to look at the gifts we have arranged?"

"No, but I am sure they will be beautiful. You have exquisite taste."

"Actually it was not I who chose them. I thought it best that an elf of the forest undertake that responsibility. Lady Valmari was kind enough to select some pieces that would represent the race of Elves. I think it more fitting than it would have been for me to do the choosing. I am of the race of Men, what do I know about elvish customs?"

"You may be human, but you were raised in the Last Homely House, I think that more than qualifies you to select elven wedding gifts."

"I will remember that for next time." They rode for a few minutes in silence before Ariel decided to broach a new subject. "Lady Valmari looks well do you not think?"

"Yes, she does. When did she arrive in the city?"

"Yesterday. She travelled to the city with her father. They brought the message about Mr Gamgee's marriage."

"But her brother is the messenger. Why did she have to travel?" He knew perfectly well why, but he wanted to hear it from her lips.

"Herdrin had left for the city before the message arrived."

"He had already brought a message to the court?"

"No, he was in the city on personal business." He could sense that she was uncomfortable. Did that mean that she really was in a relationship him. Was her silence a sign that she really had taken the Elf for her lover?

Suddenly Thrimalia overtook the two and rode to about twenty feet ahead of the group. She stopped her horse and raised her hand to stop the group. Legolas rode up to her.

"What is it Thrimalia?"

"We are not alone," she whispered. "I have been sensing something following for some time, but now it is very close?"

"Are you sure." Legolas sensed or heard nothing. He was sure that she was simply being over cautious. It was her natural vigilant instincts coming into play. "I think perhaps you are simply being…" Before he could finish his sentence a Warg came running out of the undergrowth and straight at him. He instinctively went for his long bow, but before he could get hold of it, Thrimalia had ridden her horse in front of him and had drawn her sword. She swung the blade at the beast, slashing across it's back. It turned its ugly head towards her and bared its black teeth. She narrowed her eyes and moved her mount towards it when suddenly another appeared, and another, and another until there was a pack of 8 Wargs facing the group.

The guard members who travelled with them rode forward to join their future General in the face of their enemy. "Draw your weapons!" she cried. "Glil-Ganduil, escort the Prince and the ladies out of the forest."

"That isn't necessary," Legolas said, moving out from behind his pupil.

"Sire, I do not think this is the time to argue. Please, go with Glil-Ganduil and take those who cannot fight. There is another path that will take you across the border a few miles away. Take it and do not stop until you are out of the forsest. We will catch up with you once we have taken care of this."

"I will not flee from my enemy!" At this she turned slightly, so that she was still watching the Wargs, who were just watching and snarling at the elves, but so that she could see her master.

"Legolas, this is not about fleeing. This is about being sensible. There is no need for you to fight when you are surrounded by so many of your guard. Take the ladies and go. This is not something that I will discuss with you. It is my job to protect you." He looked at her before calling to the ladies to follow Glil-Ganduil.

"Be careful," he whispered to her, before turning and riding away. The beasts, on seeing part of their dinner leave, charged. They tried to break through the defensive line that Thrimalia had made, but they could not. The elves stabbed at the monsters with their swords, and shot them with poisoned arrows and eventually they were overcome. After Thrimalia slaughtered the sixth wolf, the final two turned tail and fled.

Thrimalia surveyed the slaughter. Even though they were her enemy, she took no pleasure in the bloodshed she had been a part of. Even though she knew that she had helped rid Middle-Earth of one more piece of evil, she wished that this clash had never taken place. She had never told anyone, lest they think less of her as a warrior, but the sight of blood sickened her. Black or red, It made her feel physically ill, but this is a cross she must bare, if she is to make Legolas proud of his choice.

"Everybody, back on your horses," she called. "We must catch up with the rest of the group."

"What about the carcasses?" Isàl asked.

"Leave them," she replied. "We cannot burn them, not here in the forest, and I will not do them the honour of burying them. Come, we do not want to get too far away from the others." She turned and they rode quickly along the path.

While this was happening the rest of the party were heading back into the forest. Legolas knew of the path Thrimalia talked of. He lead the group towards it. When they were far enough away from the fighting, he stopped. "Is anyone injured?" he said, frantically looking around.

"No sire," Ariel said. "I do not think so. Should we not continue? Lady Thrimalia told us not to stop."

"I think we are safe here. The guard will not let the Wargs through."

"Valmari?" someone among them shouted. Ariel looked around and saw that Herdrin was looking around the group frantically. "Valmari!"

"Herdrin, what is it?" Ariel called over to him.

"I cannot find my sister. She should have rode away with us. She must be lost in the forest. I must go and find her."

"I will go with you," Legolas said, pulling his steed round.

"No!" Ariel said sharply. "We cannot be split up. If, by some miracle, any of those monsters made it through the defense, they will be waiting to pick us off one by one. We must wait here. I am sure the guard will find her when they ride back."

"I must find her," Legolas said. "I will not leave her out there alone and you cannot expect me to." She was about to argue with him, when they heard the sound of hooves coming up behind them. They both turned in their saddles to see Thrimalia and the guardsmen thundering towards them. Legolas dismounted and stood waiting to receive his victorious general. Thrimalia brought her horse to a quick stop and got down to be face to face with her master. Instead of allowing her to give her report however, Legolas took two steps forward and tightly hugged her. He knew her to be the most proficient fighter of her generation, but for a moment while he was riding away, he had feared that he would lose her. Seeing her now brought warmth to his heart.

"You have returned to me and for that I thank the Valar."

"It will take more than a few slobbering beasts to stop the Mirkwood guard," she said, returning the hug.

Meanwhile, Herdrin was going out of his mind when he realised that his sister was not under the protection of the warriors. Ariel was trying to calm him, knowing that his hysteria would not be helpful in finding her.

"Herdrin," she said as he spun around wildly, looking for his lost kin. He did not hear her. "Herdrin," she cried grabbing hold of his arms and shaking him. "Calm down, your panic does your sister no favours. Come we will gather the party and go back to…" She stopped on hearing the sound of hooves. Everyone turned and saw Valmari riding towards them. Herdrin broke away from Ariel's hold and ran towards his sister.

"Where were you?" he cried, pulling her into an embrace as she dismounted.

"Do not be angry with me brother, I stayed with the warriors. And laid in wait a little behind them."

"Why did you do that? Why ever would you do such a foolish thing?" She drew a white handled long knife from a carefully concealed scabbard under her cloak.

"I feared that if the Wolves of Isengard broke through the defense, they would come after you. I am well trained in the use of this weapon, I thought I could lie in ambush for any that tried to follow you."

"How could you be so stupid? You are not a warrior Valmari. Did you not think what it would have done to our parents had you been hurt? What it would have done to me. You are trained with your weapon, but you are not trained to take on such opponents."

"I am sorry," she said, her head hung. "I could only think of what would happen if the Wargs attacked this group. What we would all lose." At this point she looked to Legolas, and Legolas was looking back at her. This was not missed by Ariel, and she realised that there was more to this seemingly bland lady, than she had originally thought.

"We should make camp for the night here," Aniolad declared, breaking the growing tension.

"I think you are right, we must rest if we are to reach Imladris by the next sunset. I doubt we will be disturbed tonight," Thrimalia chipped in.

So they quietly set about setting up camp, but no one, especially not Ariel could forget what they had seen that day. She had seen things that were going to make her think for some time to come.