Chapter 5: Afraid To Feel
Legolas dismounted his horse and gazed about in delight at the beautiful elven refuge that was beheld to him, he had not been to the valley of Rivendell since he was very young, hardly up to his father's waist. He led the horse to the lower stables and climbed the steps eagerly, coming to a halt at the very top, Legolas breathed in the sweet, enchanting air, this was truly a home away from home.
'Vedui' Legolas' (Greetings) a deep and elegant voice spoke from the open hall; Elrond, Lord of the elves of Rivendell came forward to greet the newly arrived traveler.
'Mae govannen, Elrond' (Well met) Legolas placed a hand upon his chest and bowed slightly.
Elrond smiled and stretched his arms open, embracing the young prince in a warm and friendly hug. 'It has been many years young one. how old are you now?' Elrond raised a dark eyebrow and smiled.
'Two thousand, one-hundred twenty six, my lord' Legolas responded.
'Ah, time does indeed travel quickly. sometimes even for elves.' The dark haired elf chuckled softly to him self. 'Come, a letter was sent ahead of you telling me of your arrival so there has been time to prepare a room and food for you, I think you shall enjoy a few weeks of rest and relaxation. Besides, it has been long since you last came to visit me. but first you shall tell me some news.' Elrond draped an arm around Legolas's shoulder and they walked slowly down the lofty hall.
'How is your father. I trust he is holding up fairly well?' Elrond asked.
'Aye, he is doing very well, he does long desperately to depart for the Grey Havens, though he has made no such plan to do so at the present time.' Legolas sighed and grew silent.
Elrond gazed at the Elf thoughtfully, 'You seem troubled young one. what is the matter?'
Legolas shook his head, 'It's just that. my father recently spoke with me and informed me that I have been chosen as the next Lord of Mirkwood. even though I am the youngest of my siblings.'
'You do not wish for this blessing?' Elrond asked, surprised.
'I do not know what I want. I am honored by my father's request and will take the responsibility when the time calls for it. but at the same time I. I just don't know if I can do it. take on the role as king, and still manage to keep a sane head.' Legolas laughed softly.
Elrond smiled and rubbed the elf's shoulder, 'You need not dwell on that now Legolas. when the time comes to rule Mirkwood. you shall be ready for it. Now, on to a lighter subject, what have you been doing? Your father tells me that you spend very little time at home these days. that you are often making trips to Lothlorien. any. particular reason as why you are going there?' Elrond smiled, there was a slight glitter in his eye as he spoke, he knew more than he was letting on.
Legolas turned to face him, staring into the face of the Rivendell lord. 'No real reason. I often go to speak with Haldir. and. Aireromen.'
'Ah' Elrond's face brightened and he nodded. 'The Princess Aireromen, you go to see her often?'
Legolas stopped walking and leaned against a rail, Elrond stood behind him. 'Aye, she is a dear friend of mine.'
'Only a friend?' Elrond came forward and leaned against a pillar close to Legolas, with his arms folded.
Legolas turned to the elven lord, 'Why do you press me so?' he asked
Elrond chuckled and raised a hand, 'I see more that is in you're heart than you would have me see Legolas. your father and others see it too.'
'See what?' Legolas questioned
'I should think it was quite obvious. the two of you were meant for each other, there is friendship, yes, but much more than that.' Elrond gazed at Legolas.
'Lord Elrond. I assure you that Aire and I are friends and nothing more. I care for her dearly and would give anything for her, but we are just friends. I do not. I do not love her.' Legolas knew, deep within his heart that he was lying, but he refused to believe it.
'Are you so sure of that?' Elrond asked, seeing right through Legolas's protective shield.
Legolas opened his mouth as if to speak but said nothing, he sighed deeply and slowly sank to the ground, bringing his legs up to his chest and leaning his head on his knees. 'No,' he answered finally 'I am not sure. I don't know what I feel' Elrond came and sat down next to the prince.
'Its as if. when I see her, everything seems to light up, I can't take my eyes off of her, I even sometimes have trouble breathing when I'm around her. And yet. and yet at the same time, I'm afraid. I don't want to spoil the bond we have.' Legolas groaned and buried his face in his lap. 'I don't know what is the matter with me.' He muffled.
Elrond laughed and stood up, lowering a hand to help the prince to his feet, Legolas took the hand gratefully.
'Nothing is the matter with you Legolas, what you feel is quite normal. I can understand why you would be confused' Elrond said softly as they started walking again down the hall, 'Come, let us go and eat, it will help to take your mind off of things.'
* * * * * *
Aireromen sat by the rushing river reading a book; Morwing, her beloved horse, stood close by nibbling at some newly grown grass.
Siril approached slowly from behind a cluster of trees, Morwing's head shot up quickly and he let out a loud snort that startled Aireromen.
'Easy there Morwing, It is just me' Siril raised a hand and came closer, she approached the giant black horse warily and lightly stroked his strong, black neck.
Aireromen smiled brightly at her friend, 'Good evening Siril'
Siril knelt down next to her and rested her golden-brown head upon Aireromen's shoulder. 'I thought I would find you here. what are you reading?'
Aireromen laughed softly, 'A book, its about the Halflings. it seems that all they do is eat, drink. and then eat some more. oh! And did I mention that they really like to eat?' she giggled.
Siril laughed and took the book, examining it. 'What is it about the Halfling race that fascinates you so?' she lifted her head from Aireromen's shoulder.
Aireromen shrugged, 'They are like. children in a sense, so innocent and yet they seem to be so wise in the ways of the land. They value the simple things in life, their very goal in life is just to simply be happy and live in peace.'
Siril nodded and smiled a little.
'Oh all right. I can clearly see that this subject does not interest you. and since your so pressing to know what I have been up to may I then ask where you have been?' Aireromen asked.
Siril shrugged casually, 'Around' she answered.
Aireromen raised a golden eyebrow, 'Around where?'
'Around as in out for a ride. through the woods of Lorien.' Siril smiled and there was a glitter in her eyes.
Aireromen scanned the eyes of her friend, searching for the answer she desired, a slight grin spread on her face. 'With whom?' she finally asked.
'I never said I was with anyone!' Siril answered quickly.
'You did not need to,' said Aireromen, 'I can see it in your eyes and they speak to me of the truth. besides, you cannot fool the daughter of Galadriel'
Siril smiled brightly, 'I went on a ride with Haldir' she confessed.
'You two are getting very close, I always knew and hoped that you would be together.' Aireromen sighed deeply and stared off into nothingness.
'What is the matter Aire? Are you feeling well?' Siril asked concerned.
Aireromen shook her head; 'I am not ill. just.' her voice trailed off and died away.
'Just what?' Siril asked, placing a hand on Aireromen's arm. 'You can tell me'
'Legolas-' Aireromen started to say.
'Ah!' Siril broke in, 'I thought it was him, what is wrong?'
'I. Im confused, Siril. he is a close friend to me and I love him dearly. but-'
'But you feel that your love for him might go beyond that of friendship' Siril looked her in the eye, a placid but knowing expression on her pale face.
Aireromen shook her head desperately, 'I don't know Siril, thus my problem arises. I don't know what to think of him, I've known him for so long. for nearly my entire existence, and yet.' she let out a long and frustraighted sigh.
Siril embraced her in a hug; Aireromen leaned into her friend. 'I understand Aire, trust me. I do.' She pulled Aireromen away from her and held her face in her hands, looking sternly into her sapphire blue eyes. 'But don't try to hide it, Aire. don't be afraid to feel.'
Legolas dismounted his horse and gazed about in delight at the beautiful elven refuge that was beheld to him, he had not been to the valley of Rivendell since he was very young, hardly up to his father's waist. He led the horse to the lower stables and climbed the steps eagerly, coming to a halt at the very top, Legolas breathed in the sweet, enchanting air, this was truly a home away from home.
'Vedui' Legolas' (Greetings) a deep and elegant voice spoke from the open hall; Elrond, Lord of the elves of Rivendell came forward to greet the newly arrived traveler.
'Mae govannen, Elrond' (Well met) Legolas placed a hand upon his chest and bowed slightly.
Elrond smiled and stretched his arms open, embracing the young prince in a warm and friendly hug. 'It has been many years young one. how old are you now?' Elrond raised a dark eyebrow and smiled.
'Two thousand, one-hundred twenty six, my lord' Legolas responded.
'Ah, time does indeed travel quickly. sometimes even for elves.' The dark haired elf chuckled softly to him self. 'Come, a letter was sent ahead of you telling me of your arrival so there has been time to prepare a room and food for you, I think you shall enjoy a few weeks of rest and relaxation. Besides, it has been long since you last came to visit me. but first you shall tell me some news.' Elrond draped an arm around Legolas's shoulder and they walked slowly down the lofty hall.
'How is your father. I trust he is holding up fairly well?' Elrond asked.
'Aye, he is doing very well, he does long desperately to depart for the Grey Havens, though he has made no such plan to do so at the present time.' Legolas sighed and grew silent.
Elrond gazed at the Elf thoughtfully, 'You seem troubled young one. what is the matter?'
Legolas shook his head, 'It's just that. my father recently spoke with me and informed me that I have been chosen as the next Lord of Mirkwood. even though I am the youngest of my siblings.'
'You do not wish for this blessing?' Elrond asked, surprised.
'I do not know what I want. I am honored by my father's request and will take the responsibility when the time calls for it. but at the same time I. I just don't know if I can do it. take on the role as king, and still manage to keep a sane head.' Legolas laughed softly.
Elrond smiled and rubbed the elf's shoulder, 'You need not dwell on that now Legolas. when the time comes to rule Mirkwood. you shall be ready for it. Now, on to a lighter subject, what have you been doing? Your father tells me that you spend very little time at home these days. that you are often making trips to Lothlorien. any. particular reason as why you are going there?' Elrond smiled, there was a slight glitter in his eye as he spoke, he knew more than he was letting on.
Legolas turned to face him, staring into the face of the Rivendell lord. 'No real reason. I often go to speak with Haldir. and. Aireromen.'
'Ah' Elrond's face brightened and he nodded. 'The Princess Aireromen, you go to see her often?'
Legolas stopped walking and leaned against a rail, Elrond stood behind him. 'Aye, she is a dear friend of mine.'
'Only a friend?' Elrond came forward and leaned against a pillar close to Legolas, with his arms folded.
Legolas turned to the elven lord, 'Why do you press me so?' he asked
Elrond chuckled and raised a hand, 'I see more that is in you're heart than you would have me see Legolas. your father and others see it too.'
'See what?' Legolas questioned
'I should think it was quite obvious. the two of you were meant for each other, there is friendship, yes, but much more than that.' Elrond gazed at Legolas.
'Lord Elrond. I assure you that Aire and I are friends and nothing more. I care for her dearly and would give anything for her, but we are just friends. I do not. I do not love her.' Legolas knew, deep within his heart that he was lying, but he refused to believe it.
'Are you so sure of that?' Elrond asked, seeing right through Legolas's protective shield.
Legolas opened his mouth as if to speak but said nothing, he sighed deeply and slowly sank to the ground, bringing his legs up to his chest and leaning his head on his knees. 'No,' he answered finally 'I am not sure. I don't know what I feel' Elrond came and sat down next to the prince.
'Its as if. when I see her, everything seems to light up, I can't take my eyes off of her, I even sometimes have trouble breathing when I'm around her. And yet. and yet at the same time, I'm afraid. I don't want to spoil the bond we have.' Legolas groaned and buried his face in his lap. 'I don't know what is the matter with me.' He muffled.
Elrond laughed and stood up, lowering a hand to help the prince to his feet, Legolas took the hand gratefully.
'Nothing is the matter with you Legolas, what you feel is quite normal. I can understand why you would be confused' Elrond said softly as they started walking again down the hall, 'Come, let us go and eat, it will help to take your mind off of things.'
* * * * * *
Aireromen sat by the rushing river reading a book; Morwing, her beloved horse, stood close by nibbling at some newly grown grass.
Siril approached slowly from behind a cluster of trees, Morwing's head shot up quickly and he let out a loud snort that startled Aireromen.
'Easy there Morwing, It is just me' Siril raised a hand and came closer, she approached the giant black horse warily and lightly stroked his strong, black neck.
Aireromen smiled brightly at her friend, 'Good evening Siril'
Siril knelt down next to her and rested her golden-brown head upon Aireromen's shoulder. 'I thought I would find you here. what are you reading?'
Aireromen laughed softly, 'A book, its about the Halflings. it seems that all they do is eat, drink. and then eat some more. oh! And did I mention that they really like to eat?' she giggled.
Siril laughed and took the book, examining it. 'What is it about the Halfling race that fascinates you so?' she lifted her head from Aireromen's shoulder.
Aireromen shrugged, 'They are like. children in a sense, so innocent and yet they seem to be so wise in the ways of the land. They value the simple things in life, their very goal in life is just to simply be happy and live in peace.'
Siril nodded and smiled a little.
'Oh all right. I can clearly see that this subject does not interest you. and since your so pressing to know what I have been up to may I then ask where you have been?' Aireromen asked.
Siril shrugged casually, 'Around' she answered.
Aireromen raised a golden eyebrow, 'Around where?'
'Around as in out for a ride. through the woods of Lorien.' Siril smiled and there was a glitter in her eyes.
Aireromen scanned the eyes of her friend, searching for the answer she desired, a slight grin spread on her face. 'With whom?' she finally asked.
'I never said I was with anyone!' Siril answered quickly.
'You did not need to,' said Aireromen, 'I can see it in your eyes and they speak to me of the truth. besides, you cannot fool the daughter of Galadriel'
Siril smiled brightly, 'I went on a ride with Haldir' she confessed.
'You two are getting very close, I always knew and hoped that you would be together.' Aireromen sighed deeply and stared off into nothingness.
'What is the matter Aire? Are you feeling well?' Siril asked concerned.
Aireromen shook her head; 'I am not ill. just.' her voice trailed off and died away.
'Just what?' Siril asked, placing a hand on Aireromen's arm. 'You can tell me'
'Legolas-' Aireromen started to say.
'Ah!' Siril broke in, 'I thought it was him, what is wrong?'
'I. Im confused, Siril. he is a close friend to me and I love him dearly. but-'
'But you feel that your love for him might go beyond that of friendship' Siril looked her in the eye, a placid but knowing expression on her pale face.
Aireromen shook her head desperately, 'I don't know Siril, thus my problem arises. I don't know what to think of him, I've known him for so long. for nearly my entire existence, and yet.' she let out a long and frustraighted sigh.
Siril embraced her in a hug; Aireromen leaned into her friend. 'I understand Aire, trust me. I do.' She pulled Aireromen away from her and held her face in her hands, looking sternly into her sapphire blue eyes. 'But don't try to hide it, Aire. don't be afraid to feel.'