Disclaimer: Tolkien has everything. I have nothing. Zero. Zip. Nada.
Unfair.
Author's Note: PLEASE READ! MUCHO IMPORTATANTE!!! Sorry if the last chapter bored you. Not a lot going on. Anyways, I've decided to skip the marriage part cause it's boring. All you need to know it that they're married and that Hithiel really hates Ambaril and is not going to bear him an heir to the throne. Sayda means Stone Warrior. Ok, got that? On to the next chapter!
We Are One
Unbreakable Spirit
The next few days were hell - for both Ambaril and Hithiel. Ambaril wedded her and tried again and again to get her to bear him an heir to the throne but she managed to evade him again and again. She avoided the soft bed like poison ivy and made a sport out of mocking other royal subjects.
Hithiel was now a Wood-Elf. She longed for the warmth of the sun and the smell of trees around her but the dream shattered at one look at the cold barren stone that surrounded her. The palace was lifeless, made of stone. Each step echoed in the empty rooms. The guards barred her from the outside world, no longer able to walk among the trees. She had considerable power but Ambaril over-ruled her every time. She couldn't go outside not even for a moment. He knew that she would attempt an escape and placed guards at every door. Hithiel sighed in frustration when yet another guard came to stop her flight to freedom. "Step aside, sir," she said in a commanding voice. Her piercing green eyes bored into his startled blue.
"I'm sorry, your Highness, but I cannot. The order remains." He glanced nervously from side to side, avoiding her gaze.
Hithiel glared at him. Anger coursed through her veins. She knew that it wasn't the guard's fault he was there but she couldn't help but think about attacking him. She turned and slammed the door into his face. 'So close... I was so close.'
She started to walk to the throne room to talk to Ambaril. She turned the corner and found Ambaril sitting comfortably in his new throne. Her hands balled into fists when he turned around and smirked at her. "How's palace life suiting you?" he asked conversationally.
"You know perfectly well that I hate it," she said coldly. "Let me out of the cave! I need to feel the sun again. It has been so long."
"You know that if I let you out, you will get on your horse and run away. I cannot allow that, especially now when there is no heir."
She glared daggers at his stupid smirking face and without knowing it, she walked over to him and drew back her arm as if to punch the life out of him. But before her fist could make contact with him, another Elf grabbed her arm and stopped the punch. Hithiel turned and met with Sayda, Captain of the Elves of Mirkwood. "Well met, Sayda," she said politely, regarding a suddenly wary female Elf. "You know that orcs penetrated the borders right?"
The female's eyes narrowed. "I know it. I was there until the final battle ended."
"Yes, I have heard minstrels sing that tale," Hithiel said. "Paid minstrels. There are others, though, whose stories claim that you ran like a rat." She looked around the elegant throne room. "Of course, such as they would never perform in so fine an establishment as this."
Sayda's face flushed with outrage. "How dare you! Never in my life have I been so insulted!"
"Actually, that is not entirely true. You really ought to listen to a wider range of tales," Hithiel said helpfully.
One of the guards leapt of his feet and stood menacingly over he diminutive Elf Queen. "Have care how you speak. Sayda is my kinswoman," he said in a low, ominous tone.
"You have my sympathy," the Queen returned. "Of course, since none of us can chose our kin, I shall not hold that against you."
The Elf scowled and reached for his sword with a slow, dramatic flourish. A look of utter befuddlement crossed his face when his fingers closed around an empty scabbard. His puzzled frown was chased away by an expression of sheer panic as he regarded the length of steel at his throat. It was very familiar steel. Hithiel had beat him to the draw - with his own sword.
The Imladris Elf lifted the 'borrowed' blade to her forehead in a mocking salute.
Sayda hissed with rage and leaped to her feet. Before she could draw her weapon, Hithiel tossed her the stolen blade. Instinctively, she caught it, and then lunged. The Queen dodged, and spun, and parried Sayda's second attack - with her sword.
With her free hand, Sayda groped at the scabbard at her hip, unwilling to believe the evidence of her eyes. It was indeed empty. Her eyes narrowed with malevolence. "You are quick, Elf," the captain admitted as she shifted into battle stance. "But when I'm finished with you, you'll think you've been stomped by a warhorse!"
"I've heard that," Hithiel said conversationally. "You really ought to choose lovers less inclined to bemoan their experiences."
"Enough!" snarled the guard whose sword Sayda wielded. "By the Valor, you shall pay for that insult!"
The enraged Elf leapt at Hithiel but stopped when King Ambaril held up a hand. "Wait and watch," he said coolly watching his captain and bride fight.
Hithiel and Sayda were fully engaged now, and the ring and clash of their weapons filled the room with grim music. Their feet touched the ground for a split second before shifting to another position. The swords danced in the air, wielded by two skilled fighters, neither side willing to give ground. The ringing of the swords filled the air as the King and guard watched with fascination. At that moment, a sharp thud resounded through the room. The King observed as Sayda gritted her teeth and tugged at the blade embedded in the wall. Hithiel, who had just sidestepped her lunge, was examining her fingernails in an exaggerated gesture of patience. "Hold!" said Ambaril finally ending the fight.
Sayda, who finally got her blade out of the wall stood still, her sword poised for a strike and her entire body quivering with rage and indecision.
"I said hold!" snapped Ambaril. He strode over to the Elf woman and seized her wrist. Sayda's gaze snapped onto his face. Her eyes grew wary, then guarded.
"On your command, milord," she agreed, then added, "I would not have struck."
The King searched her face. "I wonder," he murmured. Then he rounded on Hithiel. "What was that for?" he demanded.
"I want out," she replied calmly. "And I want this stupid collar off. I'm not some thing you can just claim for yourself."
Ambaril sighed. "I can't give you that. You wasted your time provoking my guards."
"Fine," she said coldly. "Fine." She turned on her heels and walked swiftly out the throne room to her bedchamber.
Hithiel let the excitement of the battle drain out her anger of captivity. That was the only way she kept herself sane during the last few days - by provoking others to let her anger drain off on them. She glanced around her room and her eyes rested on the window. She walked over to it and looked down. The ground was a long way down. With a little smile, she took out several dresses and tied them together. Just when she was finishing the last knot, she heard Ambaril's heavy footsteps outside. She quickly tied one end to the bedpost and dropped the other end out the open window. Instead of climbing down the makeshift rope, she hid herself under her bed. The doors of her chamber flew open and Ambaril walked in. His eyes took in the rope and open window. "HITHIEL!!" he yelled.
He ran to the window and looked down but saw no one. Under the bed, Hithiel tried hard not to laugh at his stupidity. He was falling into the trap perfectly. Now he left the room to summon all his guards to go on a search party, leaving the palace empty. A few seconds passed and Hithiel pressed her delicately pointed Elven-ears to the floor. She heard nothing.
Carefully, she eased herself out from under the bed. The rope on the window was gone. Ambaril probably took it with him. She didn't mind. She quickly went and packed all her weapons, the only thing she took with her to Mirkwood. She went down the silent hallway, ducking into the shadow whenever a servant went by. She reached a door and pulled it open. The smell of the fresh air renewed her will to live. The cool wind whipped passed her, making her golden hair float like a majestic banner. She ran to the stables and found Gwathir pawing the ground impatiently for his rider to mount him. "It has been long, my friend," she murmured stroking his silky mane.
The great stallion snorted and jerked his head at her. She laughed for the first time since she got here and mounted him. "Quickly, to Lothlorien. May the Valor give you wings."
Gwathir reared up and galloped smoothly out the gates of the palace and towards Lothlorien, towards her one love, towards her freedom.
~*~*~In Lothlorien~*~*~
Haldir gazed out towards the dark shadow that was Mirkwood, knowing that Hithiel was somewhere in there, veiled by the shadow of Mordor. Mordor was regaining its power. Attacks were now more frequent and Mirkwood's borders already fell to them. He leapt gracefully from tree to tree and gazed out towards Mirkwood again, hoping with all his heart that Hithiel will come back to him. It had only been a couple of days since she left but it seemed like eternity. Days passed like years. Time was never an enemy of Elves - until now.
Suddenly, Haldir's far-seeing eyes saw a dark figure coming swiftly towards him. He focused on it and strained his eyes to see whom it was coming from Mirkwood. The wind whipped passed the rider and swept back the hood of its cloak and a mass of golden hair cascaded down the rider's back. Haldir recognized her at one. 'Hithiel!'
He jumped out of the tree landing awkwardly. He threw out a hand to regain his balance and he ran towards the rider. Yes, it had to be her. No one else had that slender figure and beautiful hair that was so much like his own. The black stallion raced towards him and stopped at the last moment. "Haldir!" cried a familiar voice.
She leapt off the stallion and into his warm embrace. "You came back," he whispered into her hair. "You came back. I missed you so much."
"Ai, I had to. I can never leave you, Haldir." She pulled back and looked up at his beautiful face. "I love you so much. I will never leave you." And she fell into his embrace once more.
Gwathir, who was circling the young lovers, neighed impatiently. Hithiel looked up and laughed. "Come on, Gwathir. You need some rest."
She started to lead her horse into the Golden Woods but as soon as she set foot inside, a wave of pain swept over her. She cried out and fell to her knees. Haldir was at her side in an instant. "What's wrong, Melamin?" he asked, his voice filled with worry.
"No-nothing," she replied shakily as she was helped to her feet. She shook her head, trying to get rid of the dizzying after effects.
She tried to walk on into Lothlorien but another wave of pain came over her even greater then last time and she fell to her knees again. She looked up at Haldir, her eyes filled with pain and worry. "What's wrong with me?"
He knelt down gently beside her and pulled her to his lap. He stroked her glossy hair and said, "It's the necklace. It will cause you pain until you go back to the one whom you are bound to." His voice was soft and sad. He knew she had to go back or she wouldn't survive. Each wave of pain will be of greater intensity until she can bear it no longer.
"I will NOT go back to Mirkwood," she gritted out stubbornly. "I don't care about the pain. I will give anything just to be with you."
"As would I, my love but if you don't go back, the necklace will kill you." He lifted her chin and kissed her softly on the lips. "You cannot die. For me."
Hithiel shuddered in his arms as pain swept threw her. 'Curse this collar. Curse Ambaril.' "I know I must return, but I just want to be with you for a little bit longer." She closed her eyes and leaned back into his strong chest. Warm arms encircled her and held her protectively against him.
She knew not for how long she was like that. When she finally opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was her amulet hanging around her lover's neck. She reached up and touched it with two fingers and felt a pulse of magic flow through her arm. The sun had set a long time ago and it was past time to head for Mirkwood. She gently eased her self from Haldir's embrace and called to her horse. "Remember me, Haldir," she whispered.
Haldir only nodded silently, torn at her departure. "Until we meet again." With that she kicked her horse into a gallop that took her away from him again.
She felt a single tear slip down but it quickly got swept away by the wind of her own speed. "Come back to me!" Haldir's final anguished cry faded in the distance but Hithiel heard. 'Always,' she vowed silently.
~*~*~With Haldir~*~*~
He watched as the one thing he loved left him, again. The cry ripped out of him before he could stop himself. He watched until Hithiel was swallowed by the darkness. No stars shone tonight. He sighed and slowly started to go back to his post.
He walked under the fading gold of the mallorn trees for a while, dwelling in his grief until the sound of horse hooves awoke him. 'What? Hithiel?' he raced back to the edges of the western borders and gazed outwards for the second time that day.
Yes, there was another rider approaching. He rode awkwardly as if carrying a heavy burden, his head lolling from side to side, and giving total control to his horse. The horse approached him swiftly and Haldir was able to see who the rider was. It was Legolas, the youngest son of Thranduil.
~*~*~With Legolas~*~*~
"Search all the grounds for Hithiel! Death shall come swiftly you if she should come to harm!" ordered Ambaril.
Legolas smothered a grin. He knew that Hithiel would not linger in Mirkwood. She would make for Lothlorien and he had no intention of making her come back. She deserved happiness in her life. "You," Legolas's head snapped up at the sound of his brother's voice. "You, take a horse and search for her. Don't come back if you don't find her." Ambaril's voice was cold and commanding. Legolas knew that he meant every word so he started to walk towards the stables.
Just as he expected, Hithiel's stallion was gone. He quickly saddled up his horse and kicked it into a gallop. Legolas expertly steered his mount onto the pathway leading to the Golden Woods and gave free rein to his horse. His mount knew this path well and would never do any harm to him. After a while, Legolas fell into the rhythm of the pounding of horse hooves and started to doze.
Legolas was jerked roughly awake when his horse suddenly stopped and reared its proud head into the air, refusing to budge. The white horse tossed its wild mane into the air and reared again. Legolas's azure eyes widened and he unsheathed his white knives. He could see nothing but he trusted his horse when it came to danger. The air was still and quiet but all of a sudden, a twang of a bowstring broke the silence and an orc arrow pierced the air.
Legolas rolled off his horse to avoid it and quickly regained his footing. All around him, orcs jumped out of the trees, swords and spear tips flashing in the dying rays of the sun. The white mount reared high in the air and flailed its diamond-hard hooves at the leading orcs. They fell with their skulls dented by horse hooves. The kingly horse neighed and pummeled at the orcs around Legolas, trying to defend its master.
Legolas was a skilled warrior but he could not hold off an entire army by himself. A shriek of metal against metal sang out over the dark trees of Mirkwood. Legolas barely managed to catch the orc blade with his own. He quickly flung the enjoined blades high. Before the stupid orc could recover from the parry, he barreled in, driving his forehead into its face and then bringing his knee up hard. He danced back. The orc folded, bleating out a strangled oath. The Elven warrior lifted his knives high, swept it down viciously at the back of the orc's neck. Even as he brought the bloody knives up, he kicked another orc down. It stumbled; its arms wind milling as he sought to regain his balance. Before it could get its feet firmly beneath him and its weapon into a guard position, the Elf whirled in a tight, precise circle. The orc fell, its throat sliced cleanly across.
Despite his victories, the numbers were too great for him. As more and more dead carcasses piled up around his feet, he got more and more injuries. An orc sprang at his ankles and tripped the young Prince. Legolas fell with a cry onto his left wrist. It twisted beneath him and there was a sickening crack. He forced the pain away and threw one of his knives at his enemy. It embedded itself deep in the orcs chest and it fell dead.
Legolas fought his way to his horse, knowing that he would never survive if he fought them. The white horse shone like a beacon amid all the foul creatures. Just then, another orc came and buried its knife into his side. A cry came to the fair Elf's lips and he stumbled onto his knees. The orc gloated and went in for the kill but it never touched Legolas. A small but powerful hoof came crashing down on its already disfigured head. Legolas looked at his horse with gratitude. He weakly clung onto its mane and pulled himself up, wincing as pain coursed through his tired limbs. He managed to get on the horse and the beautiful creature tossed his head and galloped away, pushing the foul creatures aside and paving a path to Lorien.
~*~*~In Lorien~*~*~
The horse saw Haldir and turned towards him, galloping swiftly across the forest. It pulled up beside the Guardian and he gasped when he saw Legolas's state. The young prince's elegant hair that was usually so neatly cared for was thrown messily about his shoulders. Dried blood plastered it to his head. His tunic was ripped so that it barely clung on to his slim form, exposing his pale skin marked with knife wounds. His wrist was twisted at an odd angle and blood ran down a cut on his forehead to his chin. Legolas was still beautiful but terrible to behold.
"Haldir," gasped the prince weakly. "I- I- was ambushed." With that, he fell unconscious and slipped off his horse into Haldir's waiting arms.
"Legolas," he whispered. He balanced the lithe form in his arms, careful not to touch the wounds on his back, and ran back into the forest. He sprinted as fast as he could towards the Healers. "RUMIL!" he cried desperately when he reached the pavilion. "RUMIL!"
Rumil stuck his head out the door of his talan. "What?" he asked, annoyed.
"It's Legolas! He's injured!"
Rumil's eyes grew wide and finally traveled to the limp body that Haldir was carrying. "Legolas!" he cried in heartbreak. "Is he still alive?" he asked fearfully as he leapt down the talan, not bothering to use the stairs.
"Yes, I think so."
"Legolas?" whispered Rumil passionately.
Legolas's bright azure eyes opened slightly and regarded his friend. "Rumil," he whispered so softly that it almost lost in the wind.
"What happened?"
"Orcs... and ambush. On the path from here... to Mirkwood..." Each word seemed to cause him a great deal of effort. He opened his mouth to say more but Rumil quickly put a finger to his bow-shaped lips.
"Not now. Rest. You're injured," he said stroking his silken hair.
Legolas's eyes rested on Rumil for a couple of seconds before nodding weakly. "I will leave you in Rumil's care," said Haldir gently handing over the unresisting body to his brother. He rested a hand on Rumil's shoulder and nodded his support. "Take care of him, Brother."
He turned around, his long cloak swishing around him as he made his way to his own talan. No doubt, the Lady already knew about Legolas's arrival and his state. But something that Legolas had said troubled him.
An orc ambush on the path from Mirkwood to Lorien... That was the path that Hithiel was taking! His heart nearly stopped beating. Legolas was one of the greatest warriors of all Middle-Earth. If he barely survived the attack, then Hithiel will have a very small chance of survival. His mind reeled, trying to think of a way to stop her from going on the path. He would not be able to catch her. She had left hours ago. How? How could he prevent this? If she died, then he would die too even if grief did not claim him. His eyes rested on his desk. He thought hard. 'Would Ambaril save her? Does he even care enough to help?'
He had no choice. Only Ambaril can save her now. He whistled a low note to summon one of the messenger eagles. They were specially trained to deliver messages and Haldir did not doubt their speed. A moment later, a gorgeous golden eagle landed on the window of his talan. He quickly scribbled a note to Ambaril, asking for help to save Hithiel from the ambush. He stuffed the note into a leather strap attached to the eagle's talons. "Fly to Mirkwood. And make haste!" he threw her out the window and watched as it flew towards the shadowed realm.
Haldir started to pace back and forth with worry. 'Please let her be alright. Please let her be alive and unharmed.' As he was pacing across his talan, he felt a small throb on his left forearm. He looked at his arm but there was nothing. The skin was a bit redder then his usual pale skin. Haldir looked out the window again, knowing that Hithiel was injured. He would feel everything that she felt. 'Please, Ambaril, help her!'
The sound of wings filled the air and Haldir quickly looked up to see the golden eagle he send with a new message bound to its foot. Haldir ushered the magnificent eagle in and took the message off. He quickly scanned it and his blood ran cold at what he saw.
'I will send out riders to aid your precious Hithiel but for a price. You swore an oath to us saying that the White Lady will also help us. I want you to go and ask her for a potion that will make Hithiel hold no image in her heart but mine, so she would conceive and heir to Mirkwood's throne. Swear that you will do it and bring the potion by the same eagle when it is ready. If you don't, Hithiel will die in the hands of orcs. Her life is in your hands. -King Ambaril'
Sorry that this chapter took so long! I needed some inspiration. I got one vote to make it a sad ending and about four for the happy ending and one vote to make someone, anyone die. Still undecided. Anyways, replies for reviews are below.
DarkCoudSurfer: Uh-uh. Hithiel is mine. Mine! Lol You like her? Thanks for your kind reviews!
Poor Bum: There's your action! Hope that was enough for you. There's more up ahead and MAYBE some slash. Just maybe.
The Llama: Yeah, there's your battle scene. Sheesh. And you say I'M violent.
KeeperOfNenya: Yes, Ambaril should die but he's the main bad guy - besides another one that's gonna come out soon. *wink wink*
Mithithil: Hmmm... That's nice. I guess. Heehee. I like making people evil. Fun torturing readers.
Melia: Thank you!! You're too nice! *hugs* I might do a happy ending... Maybe.
LotrFreak: I'm trying!! This one is nine pages! Happy? I think I'm updating pretty fast for me.
Mellonim: Here's the next chappie! Hope you like it! The necklace is the only thing that is holding them together. Without it, Hithiel can escape and never go back to Ambaril again.
Haldir's Heart and Soul: Haldir should have all the good things in the world! He rox!! And should've died in the movie!! *sobs* Peter Jackson sux!!! I'm so sad now!
Miriellar: Oh thank you so much!! I'll try to make this a happy ending but it's gonna get sadder before it gets any better for Haldir. Poor him. Poor Hithiel. Kick Ambaril.
Dudette: I don't think I'm gonna stop anytime soon. *grins* And about the slash, there's gonna be some later but I can't help it! Sorry! That's the way my weird mind works.
Tinuviel88: Nice name. Hey, I updated pretty fast! You try writing it and doing homework at the same time!
Isdule07: You think it should be sad? Hmm... I got some death threats that said if I made it a sad ending they will kill me. Oh well, I'll try to make it as sad as I can just for you. Feel special? You should!
Kaya-chan- Thank you for reading my story! I left a review on yours too.
Aragorns-gurl33- Update soon!! I love your story! And I really like Boromir too now! At least your version of Boromir. Lol Update!
Crazed Reader: Thank you! You're too nice!! *blushes*
Cherryfaerie: Haldir's better!! Lol Just kidding! Legolas is awesome too! Legolas is so cool when he does his sliding move!! *drools* But I get Haldir!
Rlenavampyre14: Don't be prejudiced against bisexuals!!!! That's not nice!
Did I miss anyone? Tell me if I did!! And pLeAsE rEvIeW!!!!!!
Author's Note: PLEASE READ! MUCHO IMPORTATANTE!!! Sorry if the last chapter bored you. Not a lot going on. Anyways, I've decided to skip the marriage part cause it's boring. All you need to know it that they're married and that Hithiel really hates Ambaril and is not going to bear him an heir to the throne. Sayda means Stone Warrior. Ok, got that? On to the next chapter!
We Are One
Unbreakable Spirit
The next few days were hell - for both Ambaril and Hithiel. Ambaril wedded her and tried again and again to get her to bear him an heir to the throne but she managed to evade him again and again. She avoided the soft bed like poison ivy and made a sport out of mocking other royal subjects.
Hithiel was now a Wood-Elf. She longed for the warmth of the sun and the smell of trees around her but the dream shattered at one look at the cold barren stone that surrounded her. The palace was lifeless, made of stone. Each step echoed in the empty rooms. The guards barred her from the outside world, no longer able to walk among the trees. She had considerable power but Ambaril over-ruled her every time. She couldn't go outside not even for a moment. He knew that she would attempt an escape and placed guards at every door. Hithiel sighed in frustration when yet another guard came to stop her flight to freedom. "Step aside, sir," she said in a commanding voice. Her piercing green eyes bored into his startled blue.
"I'm sorry, your Highness, but I cannot. The order remains." He glanced nervously from side to side, avoiding her gaze.
Hithiel glared at him. Anger coursed through her veins. She knew that it wasn't the guard's fault he was there but she couldn't help but think about attacking him. She turned and slammed the door into his face. 'So close... I was so close.'
She started to walk to the throne room to talk to Ambaril. She turned the corner and found Ambaril sitting comfortably in his new throne. Her hands balled into fists when he turned around and smirked at her. "How's palace life suiting you?" he asked conversationally.
"You know perfectly well that I hate it," she said coldly. "Let me out of the cave! I need to feel the sun again. It has been so long."
"You know that if I let you out, you will get on your horse and run away. I cannot allow that, especially now when there is no heir."
She glared daggers at his stupid smirking face and without knowing it, she walked over to him and drew back her arm as if to punch the life out of him. But before her fist could make contact with him, another Elf grabbed her arm and stopped the punch. Hithiel turned and met with Sayda, Captain of the Elves of Mirkwood. "Well met, Sayda," she said politely, regarding a suddenly wary female Elf. "You know that orcs penetrated the borders right?"
The female's eyes narrowed. "I know it. I was there until the final battle ended."
"Yes, I have heard minstrels sing that tale," Hithiel said. "Paid minstrels. There are others, though, whose stories claim that you ran like a rat." She looked around the elegant throne room. "Of course, such as they would never perform in so fine an establishment as this."
Sayda's face flushed with outrage. "How dare you! Never in my life have I been so insulted!"
"Actually, that is not entirely true. You really ought to listen to a wider range of tales," Hithiel said helpfully.
One of the guards leapt of his feet and stood menacingly over he diminutive Elf Queen. "Have care how you speak. Sayda is my kinswoman," he said in a low, ominous tone.
"You have my sympathy," the Queen returned. "Of course, since none of us can chose our kin, I shall not hold that against you."
The Elf scowled and reached for his sword with a slow, dramatic flourish. A look of utter befuddlement crossed his face when his fingers closed around an empty scabbard. His puzzled frown was chased away by an expression of sheer panic as he regarded the length of steel at his throat. It was very familiar steel. Hithiel had beat him to the draw - with his own sword.
The Imladris Elf lifted the 'borrowed' blade to her forehead in a mocking salute.
Sayda hissed with rage and leaped to her feet. Before she could draw her weapon, Hithiel tossed her the stolen blade. Instinctively, she caught it, and then lunged. The Queen dodged, and spun, and parried Sayda's second attack - with her sword.
With her free hand, Sayda groped at the scabbard at her hip, unwilling to believe the evidence of her eyes. It was indeed empty. Her eyes narrowed with malevolence. "You are quick, Elf," the captain admitted as she shifted into battle stance. "But when I'm finished with you, you'll think you've been stomped by a warhorse!"
"I've heard that," Hithiel said conversationally. "You really ought to choose lovers less inclined to bemoan their experiences."
"Enough!" snarled the guard whose sword Sayda wielded. "By the Valor, you shall pay for that insult!"
The enraged Elf leapt at Hithiel but stopped when King Ambaril held up a hand. "Wait and watch," he said coolly watching his captain and bride fight.
Hithiel and Sayda were fully engaged now, and the ring and clash of their weapons filled the room with grim music. Their feet touched the ground for a split second before shifting to another position. The swords danced in the air, wielded by two skilled fighters, neither side willing to give ground. The ringing of the swords filled the air as the King and guard watched with fascination. At that moment, a sharp thud resounded through the room. The King observed as Sayda gritted her teeth and tugged at the blade embedded in the wall. Hithiel, who had just sidestepped her lunge, was examining her fingernails in an exaggerated gesture of patience. "Hold!" said Ambaril finally ending the fight.
Sayda, who finally got her blade out of the wall stood still, her sword poised for a strike and her entire body quivering with rage and indecision.
"I said hold!" snapped Ambaril. He strode over to the Elf woman and seized her wrist. Sayda's gaze snapped onto his face. Her eyes grew wary, then guarded.
"On your command, milord," she agreed, then added, "I would not have struck."
The King searched her face. "I wonder," he murmured. Then he rounded on Hithiel. "What was that for?" he demanded.
"I want out," she replied calmly. "And I want this stupid collar off. I'm not some thing you can just claim for yourself."
Ambaril sighed. "I can't give you that. You wasted your time provoking my guards."
"Fine," she said coldly. "Fine." She turned on her heels and walked swiftly out the throne room to her bedchamber.
Hithiel let the excitement of the battle drain out her anger of captivity. That was the only way she kept herself sane during the last few days - by provoking others to let her anger drain off on them. She glanced around her room and her eyes rested on the window. She walked over to it and looked down. The ground was a long way down. With a little smile, she took out several dresses and tied them together. Just when she was finishing the last knot, she heard Ambaril's heavy footsteps outside. She quickly tied one end to the bedpost and dropped the other end out the open window. Instead of climbing down the makeshift rope, she hid herself under her bed. The doors of her chamber flew open and Ambaril walked in. His eyes took in the rope and open window. "HITHIEL!!" he yelled.
He ran to the window and looked down but saw no one. Under the bed, Hithiel tried hard not to laugh at his stupidity. He was falling into the trap perfectly. Now he left the room to summon all his guards to go on a search party, leaving the palace empty. A few seconds passed and Hithiel pressed her delicately pointed Elven-ears to the floor. She heard nothing.
Carefully, she eased herself out from under the bed. The rope on the window was gone. Ambaril probably took it with him. She didn't mind. She quickly went and packed all her weapons, the only thing she took with her to Mirkwood. She went down the silent hallway, ducking into the shadow whenever a servant went by. She reached a door and pulled it open. The smell of the fresh air renewed her will to live. The cool wind whipped passed her, making her golden hair float like a majestic banner. She ran to the stables and found Gwathir pawing the ground impatiently for his rider to mount him. "It has been long, my friend," she murmured stroking his silky mane.
The great stallion snorted and jerked his head at her. She laughed for the first time since she got here and mounted him. "Quickly, to Lothlorien. May the Valor give you wings."
Gwathir reared up and galloped smoothly out the gates of the palace and towards Lothlorien, towards her one love, towards her freedom.
~*~*~In Lothlorien~*~*~
Haldir gazed out towards the dark shadow that was Mirkwood, knowing that Hithiel was somewhere in there, veiled by the shadow of Mordor. Mordor was regaining its power. Attacks were now more frequent and Mirkwood's borders already fell to them. He leapt gracefully from tree to tree and gazed out towards Mirkwood again, hoping with all his heart that Hithiel will come back to him. It had only been a couple of days since she left but it seemed like eternity. Days passed like years. Time was never an enemy of Elves - until now.
Suddenly, Haldir's far-seeing eyes saw a dark figure coming swiftly towards him. He focused on it and strained his eyes to see whom it was coming from Mirkwood. The wind whipped passed the rider and swept back the hood of its cloak and a mass of golden hair cascaded down the rider's back. Haldir recognized her at one. 'Hithiel!'
He jumped out of the tree landing awkwardly. He threw out a hand to regain his balance and he ran towards the rider. Yes, it had to be her. No one else had that slender figure and beautiful hair that was so much like his own. The black stallion raced towards him and stopped at the last moment. "Haldir!" cried a familiar voice.
She leapt off the stallion and into his warm embrace. "You came back," he whispered into her hair. "You came back. I missed you so much."
"Ai, I had to. I can never leave you, Haldir." She pulled back and looked up at his beautiful face. "I love you so much. I will never leave you." And she fell into his embrace once more.
Gwathir, who was circling the young lovers, neighed impatiently. Hithiel looked up and laughed. "Come on, Gwathir. You need some rest."
She started to lead her horse into the Golden Woods but as soon as she set foot inside, a wave of pain swept over her. She cried out and fell to her knees. Haldir was at her side in an instant. "What's wrong, Melamin?" he asked, his voice filled with worry.
"No-nothing," she replied shakily as she was helped to her feet. She shook her head, trying to get rid of the dizzying after effects.
She tried to walk on into Lothlorien but another wave of pain came over her even greater then last time and she fell to her knees again. She looked up at Haldir, her eyes filled with pain and worry. "What's wrong with me?"
He knelt down gently beside her and pulled her to his lap. He stroked her glossy hair and said, "It's the necklace. It will cause you pain until you go back to the one whom you are bound to." His voice was soft and sad. He knew she had to go back or she wouldn't survive. Each wave of pain will be of greater intensity until she can bear it no longer.
"I will NOT go back to Mirkwood," she gritted out stubbornly. "I don't care about the pain. I will give anything just to be with you."
"As would I, my love but if you don't go back, the necklace will kill you." He lifted her chin and kissed her softly on the lips. "You cannot die. For me."
Hithiel shuddered in his arms as pain swept threw her. 'Curse this collar. Curse Ambaril.' "I know I must return, but I just want to be with you for a little bit longer." She closed her eyes and leaned back into his strong chest. Warm arms encircled her and held her protectively against him.
She knew not for how long she was like that. When she finally opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was her amulet hanging around her lover's neck. She reached up and touched it with two fingers and felt a pulse of magic flow through her arm. The sun had set a long time ago and it was past time to head for Mirkwood. She gently eased her self from Haldir's embrace and called to her horse. "Remember me, Haldir," she whispered.
Haldir only nodded silently, torn at her departure. "Until we meet again." With that she kicked her horse into a gallop that took her away from him again.
She felt a single tear slip down but it quickly got swept away by the wind of her own speed. "Come back to me!" Haldir's final anguished cry faded in the distance but Hithiel heard. 'Always,' she vowed silently.
~*~*~With Haldir~*~*~
He watched as the one thing he loved left him, again. The cry ripped out of him before he could stop himself. He watched until Hithiel was swallowed by the darkness. No stars shone tonight. He sighed and slowly started to go back to his post.
He walked under the fading gold of the mallorn trees for a while, dwelling in his grief until the sound of horse hooves awoke him. 'What? Hithiel?' he raced back to the edges of the western borders and gazed outwards for the second time that day.
Yes, there was another rider approaching. He rode awkwardly as if carrying a heavy burden, his head lolling from side to side, and giving total control to his horse. The horse approached him swiftly and Haldir was able to see who the rider was. It was Legolas, the youngest son of Thranduil.
~*~*~With Legolas~*~*~
"Search all the grounds for Hithiel! Death shall come swiftly you if she should come to harm!" ordered Ambaril.
Legolas smothered a grin. He knew that Hithiel would not linger in Mirkwood. She would make for Lothlorien and he had no intention of making her come back. She deserved happiness in her life. "You," Legolas's head snapped up at the sound of his brother's voice. "You, take a horse and search for her. Don't come back if you don't find her." Ambaril's voice was cold and commanding. Legolas knew that he meant every word so he started to walk towards the stables.
Just as he expected, Hithiel's stallion was gone. He quickly saddled up his horse and kicked it into a gallop. Legolas expertly steered his mount onto the pathway leading to the Golden Woods and gave free rein to his horse. His mount knew this path well and would never do any harm to him. After a while, Legolas fell into the rhythm of the pounding of horse hooves and started to doze.
Legolas was jerked roughly awake when his horse suddenly stopped and reared its proud head into the air, refusing to budge. The white horse tossed its wild mane into the air and reared again. Legolas's azure eyes widened and he unsheathed his white knives. He could see nothing but he trusted his horse when it came to danger. The air was still and quiet but all of a sudden, a twang of a bowstring broke the silence and an orc arrow pierced the air.
Legolas rolled off his horse to avoid it and quickly regained his footing. All around him, orcs jumped out of the trees, swords and spear tips flashing in the dying rays of the sun. The white mount reared high in the air and flailed its diamond-hard hooves at the leading orcs. They fell with their skulls dented by horse hooves. The kingly horse neighed and pummeled at the orcs around Legolas, trying to defend its master.
Legolas was a skilled warrior but he could not hold off an entire army by himself. A shriek of metal against metal sang out over the dark trees of Mirkwood. Legolas barely managed to catch the orc blade with his own. He quickly flung the enjoined blades high. Before the stupid orc could recover from the parry, he barreled in, driving his forehead into its face and then bringing his knee up hard. He danced back. The orc folded, bleating out a strangled oath. The Elven warrior lifted his knives high, swept it down viciously at the back of the orc's neck. Even as he brought the bloody knives up, he kicked another orc down. It stumbled; its arms wind milling as he sought to regain his balance. Before it could get its feet firmly beneath him and its weapon into a guard position, the Elf whirled in a tight, precise circle. The orc fell, its throat sliced cleanly across.
Despite his victories, the numbers were too great for him. As more and more dead carcasses piled up around his feet, he got more and more injuries. An orc sprang at his ankles and tripped the young Prince. Legolas fell with a cry onto his left wrist. It twisted beneath him and there was a sickening crack. He forced the pain away and threw one of his knives at his enemy. It embedded itself deep in the orcs chest and it fell dead.
Legolas fought his way to his horse, knowing that he would never survive if he fought them. The white horse shone like a beacon amid all the foul creatures. Just then, another orc came and buried its knife into his side. A cry came to the fair Elf's lips and he stumbled onto his knees. The orc gloated and went in for the kill but it never touched Legolas. A small but powerful hoof came crashing down on its already disfigured head. Legolas looked at his horse with gratitude. He weakly clung onto its mane and pulled himself up, wincing as pain coursed through his tired limbs. He managed to get on the horse and the beautiful creature tossed his head and galloped away, pushing the foul creatures aside and paving a path to Lorien.
~*~*~In Lorien~*~*~
The horse saw Haldir and turned towards him, galloping swiftly across the forest. It pulled up beside the Guardian and he gasped when he saw Legolas's state. The young prince's elegant hair that was usually so neatly cared for was thrown messily about his shoulders. Dried blood plastered it to his head. His tunic was ripped so that it barely clung on to his slim form, exposing his pale skin marked with knife wounds. His wrist was twisted at an odd angle and blood ran down a cut on his forehead to his chin. Legolas was still beautiful but terrible to behold.
"Haldir," gasped the prince weakly. "I- I- was ambushed." With that, he fell unconscious and slipped off his horse into Haldir's waiting arms.
"Legolas," he whispered. He balanced the lithe form in his arms, careful not to touch the wounds on his back, and ran back into the forest. He sprinted as fast as he could towards the Healers. "RUMIL!" he cried desperately when he reached the pavilion. "RUMIL!"
Rumil stuck his head out the door of his talan. "What?" he asked, annoyed.
"It's Legolas! He's injured!"
Rumil's eyes grew wide and finally traveled to the limp body that Haldir was carrying. "Legolas!" he cried in heartbreak. "Is he still alive?" he asked fearfully as he leapt down the talan, not bothering to use the stairs.
"Yes, I think so."
"Legolas?" whispered Rumil passionately.
Legolas's bright azure eyes opened slightly and regarded his friend. "Rumil," he whispered so softly that it almost lost in the wind.
"What happened?"
"Orcs... and ambush. On the path from here... to Mirkwood..." Each word seemed to cause him a great deal of effort. He opened his mouth to say more but Rumil quickly put a finger to his bow-shaped lips.
"Not now. Rest. You're injured," he said stroking his silken hair.
Legolas's eyes rested on Rumil for a couple of seconds before nodding weakly. "I will leave you in Rumil's care," said Haldir gently handing over the unresisting body to his brother. He rested a hand on Rumil's shoulder and nodded his support. "Take care of him, Brother."
He turned around, his long cloak swishing around him as he made his way to his own talan. No doubt, the Lady already knew about Legolas's arrival and his state. But something that Legolas had said troubled him.
An orc ambush on the path from Mirkwood to Lorien... That was the path that Hithiel was taking! His heart nearly stopped beating. Legolas was one of the greatest warriors of all Middle-Earth. If he barely survived the attack, then Hithiel will have a very small chance of survival. His mind reeled, trying to think of a way to stop her from going on the path. He would not be able to catch her. She had left hours ago. How? How could he prevent this? If she died, then he would die too even if grief did not claim him. His eyes rested on his desk. He thought hard. 'Would Ambaril save her? Does he even care enough to help?'
He had no choice. Only Ambaril can save her now. He whistled a low note to summon one of the messenger eagles. They were specially trained to deliver messages and Haldir did not doubt their speed. A moment later, a gorgeous golden eagle landed on the window of his talan. He quickly scribbled a note to Ambaril, asking for help to save Hithiel from the ambush. He stuffed the note into a leather strap attached to the eagle's talons. "Fly to Mirkwood. And make haste!" he threw her out the window and watched as it flew towards the shadowed realm.
Haldir started to pace back and forth with worry. 'Please let her be alright. Please let her be alive and unharmed.' As he was pacing across his talan, he felt a small throb on his left forearm. He looked at his arm but there was nothing. The skin was a bit redder then his usual pale skin. Haldir looked out the window again, knowing that Hithiel was injured. He would feel everything that she felt. 'Please, Ambaril, help her!'
The sound of wings filled the air and Haldir quickly looked up to see the golden eagle he send with a new message bound to its foot. Haldir ushered the magnificent eagle in and took the message off. He quickly scanned it and his blood ran cold at what he saw.
'I will send out riders to aid your precious Hithiel but for a price. You swore an oath to us saying that the White Lady will also help us. I want you to go and ask her for a potion that will make Hithiel hold no image in her heart but mine, so she would conceive and heir to Mirkwood's throne. Swear that you will do it and bring the potion by the same eagle when it is ready. If you don't, Hithiel will die in the hands of orcs. Her life is in your hands. -King Ambaril'
Sorry that this chapter took so long! I needed some inspiration. I got one vote to make it a sad ending and about four for the happy ending and one vote to make someone, anyone die. Still undecided. Anyways, replies for reviews are below.
DarkCoudSurfer: Uh-uh. Hithiel is mine. Mine! Lol You like her? Thanks for your kind reviews!
Poor Bum: There's your action! Hope that was enough for you. There's more up ahead and MAYBE some slash. Just maybe.
The Llama: Yeah, there's your battle scene. Sheesh. And you say I'M violent.
KeeperOfNenya: Yes, Ambaril should die but he's the main bad guy - besides another one that's gonna come out soon. *wink wink*
Mithithil: Hmmm... That's nice. I guess. Heehee. I like making people evil. Fun torturing readers.
Melia: Thank you!! You're too nice! *hugs* I might do a happy ending... Maybe.
LotrFreak: I'm trying!! This one is nine pages! Happy? I think I'm updating pretty fast for me.
Mellonim: Here's the next chappie! Hope you like it! The necklace is the only thing that is holding them together. Without it, Hithiel can escape and never go back to Ambaril again.
Haldir's Heart and Soul: Haldir should have all the good things in the world! He rox!! And should've died in the movie!! *sobs* Peter Jackson sux!!! I'm so sad now!
Miriellar: Oh thank you so much!! I'll try to make this a happy ending but it's gonna get sadder before it gets any better for Haldir. Poor him. Poor Hithiel. Kick Ambaril.
Dudette: I don't think I'm gonna stop anytime soon. *grins* And about the slash, there's gonna be some later but I can't help it! Sorry! That's the way my weird mind works.
Tinuviel88: Nice name. Hey, I updated pretty fast! You try writing it and doing homework at the same time!
Isdule07: You think it should be sad? Hmm... I got some death threats that said if I made it a sad ending they will kill me. Oh well, I'll try to make it as sad as I can just for you. Feel special? You should!
Kaya-chan- Thank you for reading my story! I left a review on yours too.
Aragorns-gurl33- Update soon!! I love your story! And I really like Boromir too now! At least your version of Boromir. Lol Update!
Crazed Reader: Thank you! You're too nice!! *blushes*
Cherryfaerie: Haldir's better!! Lol Just kidding! Legolas is awesome too! Legolas is so cool when he does his sliding move!! *drools* But I get Haldir!
Rlenavampyre14: Don't be prejudiced against bisexuals!!!! That's not nice!
Did I miss anyone? Tell me if I did!! And pLeAsE rEvIeW!!!!!!