Chapter two: Love's First Gaze.
'Legolas, I'm not waiting around all day, it's a two days journey to Lothlorien and it's already late into the morning. At the rate you're moving we wont reach the Golden Woods until next week!' Thranduil leaned on the doorframe of his son's room, watching his son move like a slug. 'Teenagers' he mumbled.
Legolas grumbled, packing his bow and arrows slowly, strapping them to his back. He moved with the typical speed of a 450 (18 in human years) old male elf. 'Coming' he mumbled, walking across the room to his father.
Thranduil smirked at Legolas as his son trudged slowly down the hall, closely followed by his father. 'Did you remember you're pack?' he asked.
The young elf stopped short, smacking his forehead with the palm of his hand. 'Ai!' he turned and ran past his father to his room with a quickness Thranduil never knew his son possessed. Within minutes he was back at his father's side, holding his brown leather pack in one hand.
They emerged from the palace and down the steps, below their horses stood, waiting for them. Thranduil hopped lightly onto his horse's back, Legolas took his time, strapping his pack around himself before jumping lightly onto his own horse's back. They set off at a quick pace.
'Why must I go Atari?' (Father) 'You are the only one actually going to this meeting. 'Legolas complained, looking back over his shoulder as his home drew further and further away in the distance.
'Because Legolas, one day you will rule Mirkwood and whether you want to or not, you will have to make such trips as this one to councils with the other lords of the elven rhelms. Besides, now is as good a time as any to start bringing you along.' Thranduil glanced at his son as they rode. (And perhaps you'll meet someone there who will capture your heart.) He thought, though he did not speak it aloud.
* * * * * * * * *
Aireromen sat by the river with Siril, a close friend of hers, listening to her ramble on about Haldir, the young Lorien guard.
Aireromen sighed; she found it difficult to listen to Siril, since she did not share in this infatuation of hers.
'Aire, are you even listening to me?' Siril's voice broke through Aireromen's daze.
'What?' Aireromen blinked and gazed at her dark blonde friend.
Siril folded her arms. 'You weren't listening to me were you?' she raised an eyebrow.
'Of corse I was.' Aireromen lied.
'Right, probably thinking about some elf weren't you?' Siril smiled.
Aireromen glared at her, she stood up quickly, brushing the dirt and grass off of her leggings. 'I was no!' she said sharply.
'You know, If you were, it would be all right.' Siril stood up and stared at her friend. Aireromen was always quick to anger when talking about male elves, she seemed to despise them, preferring to go exploring or hunting, or even simply going out for a ride that to be around the opposite sex. She was only 400 (16 in human years) but she seemed wise far beyond her years. She had a restlessness in her that most female elves did not possess, which was part of the reason she never could get along with the male elves. they simply did not understand her.
Siril could tell that Aireromen did not wish to discuss this topic any further. She never quite understood just why Aireromen was so afraid to love, maybe it was because she was so independent, and maybe she thought that if she gave her heart away, the love might not be returned. Whatever the reason was, Aireromen was determined to keep it to herself.
* * * * * * * * *
The king and prince of Mirkwood entered quietly into the forest of Lorien, Legolas eyed the ancient, mossy trees with distrust. Thranduil however, was content and relaxed.
'How much longer is it?' Legolas asked, turning his head to face his father.
'Very soon, we are to meet Haldir near the river.' Thranduil stated.
'And how far away is that?' Legolas asked impatiently.
'Only another two miles or so.' Thranduil shook his head, never had he known an elf more impatient that his son.
They came at last to the river, an elf stood, leaning against a tree; he smiled and waved at the sight of them. 'Welcome Lord Thranduil and Prince Legolas of Mirkwood! We have been expecting you!' The tall blonde, muscular elf came to them as they approached.
Thranduil swung his legs over his horse, landing lightly on his feet. 'Greetings Haldir, how are you enjoying your new job?' He embraced the elf in a friendly hug.
'Quite well actually and how are things in Mirkwood? Still have that giant spider problem?' Haldir laughed.
'You remember my son, Legolas?' Thranduil turned his gaze to the elf that still sat on his horse.
Haldir smiled. 'Legolas! It has been awhile!'
Legolas jumped down and shook Haldir's hand. 'Indeed, it has been awhile my friend!'
'Remember the last time we were together? When we were little. We were in Mirkwood and we snuck into the kitchen before the banquet? When you poured that entire sleeping potion into the drinks?' Haldir and Legolas laughed at the memory. 'And. and then, you wanted to know if it tasted any good to make sure that no one would tastes the potion so you took a sip and it was so good that you couldn't stop drinking it! You ended up passing out on the kitchen floor!'
Legolas and Haldir were gripping their sides, bent over laughing.
'Did I miss something?' Thranduil stared at the two young elves.
Legolas shook his head and waved his father off, unable to speak for lack of breath.
'All right. All right, you two can visit later, right now we need to get going, I have a meeting to attend.' Thranduil got back onto his horse.
'There is a shallow part over here for your horses to cross.' Haldir managed to say when he had finally controlled his laughter.
'Very well.' Thranduil replied.
They crossed the river, Haldir's horse waited on the other side, he jumped lightly upon his back and led the two companions into the great Elven City of Lothlorien.
Legolas stared in wonder at the city of the Golden Woods, he had never actually been here before and he found himself dumbstruck by its beauty.
* * * * * * * * *
'Aire! Wait! I cannot keep up with your pace!' Siril called out to her friend, who despite the fact that she wore a gown, was moving much faster than she did.
'You move too slow Siril.' Aireromen teased, slowing down for her friend to catch up.
'Why are we doing this anyway? Is it absolutely necessary?' Siril complained. 'I'm really not dressed for an evening ride!'
'Neither am I, you don't need to wear leggings to ride a horse without a saddle Siril.' Aireromen walked down the path, she noticed a group of three riders approaching and recognized one of them as Haldir. She smiled and looked at Siril.
'What are you smiling for?' Siril's face was puzzled.
'Oh, just checking to see if you're looking your best for when Haldir passes by.' Aireromen laughed when Siril stopped dead in her tracks, checking her hair and gown to make sure nothing was out of place.
Haldir came to a stop in front of the two elven girls.
'Hello Haldir.' Aireromen smiled up at the Lorien guard.
Haldir returned the smile, 'Good evening Princess, where are you off to?'
'Out for a ride, Siril and I are going together.' She pushed Siril out in front of her.
'Hello Siril' Haldir beamed brightly.
'Hi' Siril squeaked.
'Oh! I nearly forgot, Princess Aireromen, this is Thranduil, King of the elves of the Mirkwood Rhelm and this is his son, Prince Legolas.' Haldir motioned towards the two male elves. Legolas gazed down at the princess for the first time; his heart leapt at what he saw. Her hair was that of burning gold, her eyes were as blue as the lakes of Middle-earth, and her perfect skin was as white as the snow covered mountains. He breathed in quickly, never had he seen a creature more graceful and beautiful as she.
Aireromen too, felt a strange new feeling for him, in a moment he seemed to have captured her heart, his lean shoulders, those piercing blue eyes. They stared at each other for a long while, neither one ever saying a word.
'Princess?' Haldir's voice brought them both back to the present.
Aireromen's eyes widened, she realized what had just happened, she had let him in. No, she can't possibly be feeling this way for him. 'I'm sorry Haldir, I. I. had better be leaving. Good bye!' Aireromen glanced at Legolas quickly and walked away.
Siril said fairwell to Haldir and ran quickly to catch up to Aireromen. 'What was that all about?' she asked when she returned to Aireromen's side.
'Nothing' Aireromen shot back. 'It was nothing.'
'Yes it was, something happened just then between you two, and I think I know what it-' she was broken off by Aireromen.
'No! Don't even say it! Whatever you were going to say. Don't' Her eyes drove into those of Siril. 'There was nothing, just leave it at that.' She whirled around and continued walking.
Siril stared at Aireromen, running up and cutting her off, her face close to hers. 'What are you so afraid of?'
* * * * * * * * * *
They returned from their ride late into the night, the council was already in progress. Aireromen bid Siril good night and walked along the bridges and buildings of the tree top city that was Lothlorien.
Aireromen walked carelessly along, gazing up through the giant branches to see the stars. She came to a stop in the middle of one of the bridges, leaning against the rail, breathing in heavily. She did not notice the figure that approached from the side; his soft footsteps went unheard.
Legolas notices immediately that the woman in front of him was the Princess Aireromen, whom he had met earlier that day.
'Good evening Princess.' He called to her softly.
Aireromen turned around, she did not know this voice, when she saw who it was, the smile that was on her face quickly faded. 'Good evening Prince Legolas' she noticed that in the moonlight his beauty was far greater. He thought the same thing about her. 'What are you doing? Shouldn't you be at the council?' she asked him softly.
Legolas leaned against the rail next to her, gazing off into the dark distance. 'No, Atari is the only one going to the meeting, he just brought me along for the experience.' He turned to her, looking her up and down. 'And what are you doing out? Isn't it a little late for you?' He cringed at his own words, he had slipped up and he expression upon her face confirmed it.
Aireromen's eyes narrowed, just because she was the youngest, did not mean that she liked being treated like a little baby by everyone else. especially strangers who knew nothing about her. 'What are you saying? She tried to be polite.
'I was only saying that maybe you should not be out so late' Legolas didn't seem to realize what kind of a mess he was getting himself into. 'And why do you go for rides at night?'
'Why shouldn't I?' she shot back.
'Well, it's just something that normal female elves don't do' Legolas replied.
'Are you saying that I'm abnormal? That I shouldn't be allowed to ride? To hunt? Oh yes, I hunt.does it surprise you?' Her blue eyes were steeling over.
'Well, you ARE a female, and it is too dangerous for-' he was broken off by Aireromen.
'Dangerous? Listen prissy boy! I can hunt and ride better than any elf in Lorien, male or female! I can take care of myself, and I don't need some pampered little daddy's boy coming here and telling me that what I do and don't do is wrong and unnatural!' her fists were clenched with rage.
Legolas glared down at her. 'Pampered? Prissy boy? At least I'm not some spoiled rotten, stuck-up little snob like you!'
They stood toe to toe, giving each other death looks.
'Good night, Prince Legolas, I hope your stay here is a short one!' Aireromen stormed off. (I can't believe that I actually thought he would be worth the effort, worth sacrificing my heart to. A pretty face with a despising personality, that's all he is!) 'I hate him.'
Legolas stared at Aireromen as she walked quickly away. 'I hate her.' He muttered.
'Legolas, I'm not waiting around all day, it's a two days journey to Lothlorien and it's already late into the morning. At the rate you're moving we wont reach the Golden Woods until next week!' Thranduil leaned on the doorframe of his son's room, watching his son move like a slug. 'Teenagers' he mumbled.
Legolas grumbled, packing his bow and arrows slowly, strapping them to his back. He moved with the typical speed of a 450 (18 in human years) old male elf. 'Coming' he mumbled, walking across the room to his father.
Thranduil smirked at Legolas as his son trudged slowly down the hall, closely followed by his father. 'Did you remember you're pack?' he asked.
The young elf stopped short, smacking his forehead with the palm of his hand. 'Ai!' he turned and ran past his father to his room with a quickness Thranduil never knew his son possessed. Within minutes he was back at his father's side, holding his brown leather pack in one hand.
They emerged from the palace and down the steps, below their horses stood, waiting for them. Thranduil hopped lightly onto his horse's back, Legolas took his time, strapping his pack around himself before jumping lightly onto his own horse's back. They set off at a quick pace.
'Why must I go Atari?' (Father) 'You are the only one actually going to this meeting. 'Legolas complained, looking back over his shoulder as his home drew further and further away in the distance.
'Because Legolas, one day you will rule Mirkwood and whether you want to or not, you will have to make such trips as this one to councils with the other lords of the elven rhelms. Besides, now is as good a time as any to start bringing you along.' Thranduil glanced at his son as they rode. (And perhaps you'll meet someone there who will capture your heart.) He thought, though he did not speak it aloud.
* * * * * * * * *
Aireromen sat by the river with Siril, a close friend of hers, listening to her ramble on about Haldir, the young Lorien guard.
Aireromen sighed; she found it difficult to listen to Siril, since she did not share in this infatuation of hers.
'Aire, are you even listening to me?' Siril's voice broke through Aireromen's daze.
'What?' Aireromen blinked and gazed at her dark blonde friend.
Siril folded her arms. 'You weren't listening to me were you?' she raised an eyebrow.
'Of corse I was.' Aireromen lied.
'Right, probably thinking about some elf weren't you?' Siril smiled.
Aireromen glared at her, she stood up quickly, brushing the dirt and grass off of her leggings. 'I was no!' she said sharply.
'You know, If you were, it would be all right.' Siril stood up and stared at her friend. Aireromen was always quick to anger when talking about male elves, she seemed to despise them, preferring to go exploring or hunting, or even simply going out for a ride that to be around the opposite sex. She was only 400 (16 in human years) but she seemed wise far beyond her years. She had a restlessness in her that most female elves did not possess, which was part of the reason she never could get along with the male elves. they simply did not understand her.
Siril could tell that Aireromen did not wish to discuss this topic any further. She never quite understood just why Aireromen was so afraid to love, maybe it was because she was so independent, and maybe she thought that if she gave her heart away, the love might not be returned. Whatever the reason was, Aireromen was determined to keep it to herself.
* * * * * * * * *
The king and prince of Mirkwood entered quietly into the forest of Lorien, Legolas eyed the ancient, mossy trees with distrust. Thranduil however, was content and relaxed.
'How much longer is it?' Legolas asked, turning his head to face his father.
'Very soon, we are to meet Haldir near the river.' Thranduil stated.
'And how far away is that?' Legolas asked impatiently.
'Only another two miles or so.' Thranduil shook his head, never had he known an elf more impatient that his son.
They came at last to the river, an elf stood, leaning against a tree; he smiled and waved at the sight of them. 'Welcome Lord Thranduil and Prince Legolas of Mirkwood! We have been expecting you!' The tall blonde, muscular elf came to them as they approached.
Thranduil swung his legs over his horse, landing lightly on his feet. 'Greetings Haldir, how are you enjoying your new job?' He embraced the elf in a friendly hug.
'Quite well actually and how are things in Mirkwood? Still have that giant spider problem?' Haldir laughed.
'You remember my son, Legolas?' Thranduil turned his gaze to the elf that still sat on his horse.
Haldir smiled. 'Legolas! It has been awhile!'
Legolas jumped down and shook Haldir's hand. 'Indeed, it has been awhile my friend!'
'Remember the last time we were together? When we were little. We were in Mirkwood and we snuck into the kitchen before the banquet? When you poured that entire sleeping potion into the drinks?' Haldir and Legolas laughed at the memory. 'And. and then, you wanted to know if it tasted any good to make sure that no one would tastes the potion so you took a sip and it was so good that you couldn't stop drinking it! You ended up passing out on the kitchen floor!'
Legolas and Haldir were gripping their sides, bent over laughing.
'Did I miss something?' Thranduil stared at the two young elves.
Legolas shook his head and waved his father off, unable to speak for lack of breath.
'All right. All right, you two can visit later, right now we need to get going, I have a meeting to attend.' Thranduil got back onto his horse.
'There is a shallow part over here for your horses to cross.' Haldir managed to say when he had finally controlled his laughter.
'Very well.' Thranduil replied.
They crossed the river, Haldir's horse waited on the other side, he jumped lightly upon his back and led the two companions into the great Elven City of Lothlorien.
Legolas stared in wonder at the city of the Golden Woods, he had never actually been here before and he found himself dumbstruck by its beauty.
* * * * * * * * *
'Aire! Wait! I cannot keep up with your pace!' Siril called out to her friend, who despite the fact that she wore a gown, was moving much faster than she did.
'You move too slow Siril.' Aireromen teased, slowing down for her friend to catch up.
'Why are we doing this anyway? Is it absolutely necessary?' Siril complained. 'I'm really not dressed for an evening ride!'
'Neither am I, you don't need to wear leggings to ride a horse without a saddle Siril.' Aireromen walked down the path, she noticed a group of three riders approaching and recognized one of them as Haldir. She smiled and looked at Siril.
'What are you smiling for?' Siril's face was puzzled.
'Oh, just checking to see if you're looking your best for when Haldir passes by.' Aireromen laughed when Siril stopped dead in her tracks, checking her hair and gown to make sure nothing was out of place.
Haldir came to a stop in front of the two elven girls.
'Hello Haldir.' Aireromen smiled up at the Lorien guard.
Haldir returned the smile, 'Good evening Princess, where are you off to?'
'Out for a ride, Siril and I are going together.' She pushed Siril out in front of her.
'Hello Siril' Haldir beamed brightly.
'Hi' Siril squeaked.
'Oh! I nearly forgot, Princess Aireromen, this is Thranduil, King of the elves of the Mirkwood Rhelm and this is his son, Prince Legolas.' Haldir motioned towards the two male elves. Legolas gazed down at the princess for the first time; his heart leapt at what he saw. Her hair was that of burning gold, her eyes were as blue as the lakes of Middle-earth, and her perfect skin was as white as the snow covered mountains. He breathed in quickly, never had he seen a creature more graceful and beautiful as she.
Aireromen too, felt a strange new feeling for him, in a moment he seemed to have captured her heart, his lean shoulders, those piercing blue eyes. They stared at each other for a long while, neither one ever saying a word.
'Princess?' Haldir's voice brought them both back to the present.
Aireromen's eyes widened, she realized what had just happened, she had let him in. No, she can't possibly be feeling this way for him. 'I'm sorry Haldir, I. I. had better be leaving. Good bye!' Aireromen glanced at Legolas quickly and walked away.
Siril said fairwell to Haldir and ran quickly to catch up to Aireromen. 'What was that all about?' she asked when she returned to Aireromen's side.
'Nothing' Aireromen shot back. 'It was nothing.'
'Yes it was, something happened just then between you two, and I think I know what it-' she was broken off by Aireromen.
'No! Don't even say it! Whatever you were going to say. Don't' Her eyes drove into those of Siril. 'There was nothing, just leave it at that.' She whirled around and continued walking.
Siril stared at Aireromen, running up and cutting her off, her face close to hers. 'What are you so afraid of?'
* * * * * * * * * *
They returned from their ride late into the night, the council was already in progress. Aireromen bid Siril good night and walked along the bridges and buildings of the tree top city that was Lothlorien.
Aireromen walked carelessly along, gazing up through the giant branches to see the stars. She came to a stop in the middle of one of the bridges, leaning against the rail, breathing in heavily. She did not notice the figure that approached from the side; his soft footsteps went unheard.
Legolas notices immediately that the woman in front of him was the Princess Aireromen, whom he had met earlier that day.
'Good evening Princess.' He called to her softly.
Aireromen turned around, she did not know this voice, when she saw who it was, the smile that was on her face quickly faded. 'Good evening Prince Legolas' she noticed that in the moonlight his beauty was far greater. He thought the same thing about her. 'What are you doing? Shouldn't you be at the council?' she asked him softly.
Legolas leaned against the rail next to her, gazing off into the dark distance. 'No, Atari is the only one going to the meeting, he just brought me along for the experience.' He turned to her, looking her up and down. 'And what are you doing out? Isn't it a little late for you?' He cringed at his own words, he had slipped up and he expression upon her face confirmed it.
Aireromen's eyes narrowed, just because she was the youngest, did not mean that she liked being treated like a little baby by everyone else. especially strangers who knew nothing about her. 'What are you saying? She tried to be polite.
'I was only saying that maybe you should not be out so late' Legolas didn't seem to realize what kind of a mess he was getting himself into. 'And why do you go for rides at night?'
'Why shouldn't I?' she shot back.
'Well, it's just something that normal female elves don't do' Legolas replied.
'Are you saying that I'm abnormal? That I shouldn't be allowed to ride? To hunt? Oh yes, I hunt.does it surprise you?' Her blue eyes were steeling over.
'Well, you ARE a female, and it is too dangerous for-' he was broken off by Aireromen.
'Dangerous? Listen prissy boy! I can hunt and ride better than any elf in Lorien, male or female! I can take care of myself, and I don't need some pampered little daddy's boy coming here and telling me that what I do and don't do is wrong and unnatural!' her fists were clenched with rage.
Legolas glared down at her. 'Pampered? Prissy boy? At least I'm not some spoiled rotten, stuck-up little snob like you!'
They stood toe to toe, giving each other death looks.
'Good night, Prince Legolas, I hope your stay here is a short one!' Aireromen stormed off. (I can't believe that I actually thought he would be worth the effort, worth sacrificing my heart to. A pretty face with a despising personality, that's all he is!) 'I hate him.'
Legolas stared at Aireromen as she walked quickly away. 'I hate her.' He muttered.