Chapter 12: Come Back To Me.
The dark, foreboding forest flashed by, trees and bushes blending together, creating a dark net, trapping out the light from the moon. Quick elven feet scrambled over stumps and up grown roots, around rocks and through walls of branches.
Time seemed to flash forward, and now, a clearing in the woods was visible.
The tall, horribly strong figure of the creature standing there was terrifying to the blue eyes that stared at it. Then there was a scream, blood curdling, and haunting, a flash of silver steel, and of blood, hot and thick, rolling down the slender, fair body that lay now, sprawled out on the grassy floor.
Aireromen screamed and woke with a jolt, her heart pounded and her face was beaded with sweat. She breathed heavily, her eyes darting around the darkness of her room. It had been a terrible vision, but what did it mean?
She sat up slowly, throwing the covers back, standing and coming to her balcony window; she opened the thick, heavy blue curtains and breathed in the fresh, cold night wind that blew all around her.
She walked to the rail, her eyes moving up, to stare the silver moon in the face. An unnerving feeling washed over her, something was going to happen, something was happening, and she had a sense that it would somehow determine the fate of her, and those she knew.
Aireromen shivered, although she was not cold. She rubbed her arms, and sighed, shaking her head. 'Get a hold of yourself, Aire. It was just a dream, nothing more.'
She went back inside, throwing a black, silky robe over her silver nightgown. She was awake now, and she might as well stay that way. Aireromen opened the door of her room and walked out quietly, heading to the stables to visit with Morwing. He was often her source of comfort when she was not feeling right.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
'Malnier, I don't thing that your dinner plate was intended for that.' Legolas remarked as he watched the golden haired twin toss it up into the air and catch it repeatedly like a ball.
'Says who?' Malnier smiled, continuing in his sport.
Legolas sighed, shaking his head and banging it on the dinner table. 'It's hopeless.' He muttered.
Falnier came striding into the room, a mouth full of fruit stuffed into his cheeks, making him look like an overgrown, auburn haired squirrel. 'Wa are you taken abou?' he muffled out through his food.
Legolas raised a dark eyebrow at the other twin, amused. 'Nothing. Nothing at all.'
Both elves jumped slightly as a loud crash and the sound of something shattering into a million pieces sounded in their finely pointed ears. They snapped their heads around quickly in Malnier's direction.
'Oops!' Malnier said, scratching his head, amazed. 'I didn't see that one coming.'
'You idiot.' Falnier shook his head, stuffing his face some more.
Legolas sighed and stood, walking over and picking up the broken shards of the dinner plate. Malnier started to help him, but lost interest and started spinning a drinking glass around on the table.
Legolas placed the shards in a cloth and stood, snatching the glass from Malnier and walking through the door into the kitchen.
Malnier glared at the prince for taking away his "toy"
Legolas came back in with a tray, placing the left over food upon it and then sitting down again at the table.
Falnier, now that he felt he had eaten his fill, sprawled out on the floor by the prince's feet.
'Tell me again why we are still in here?' Falnier asked from the ground.
'Because there is nothing better to do.' Malnier answered.
'I can think of loads of things to do that would be more amusing than this.' Falnier played with the fringe from the carpet that lay under the table.
Legolas stared down at him. 'Like what?'
'I don't know, I said I can think of better things to do.... I didn't say that I actually had thought of anything at this moment.'
Malnier jumped up in the air, 'OH! I know! Let's go swimming!'
'In the middle of the night?' Legolas protested.
'Why not?' Malnier placed a hand on his hip.
Although Legolas didn't have anything as far as being for that idea, he also didn't have anything to say that would oppose it. 'Fine, let's go swimming.'
Falnier and Malnier smiled in unison and jumped happily to the door, with Legolas following close behind.
Thranduil lay in his room, the king's chamber, reading peacefully to himself. He lay barefooted, a pair of grey leggings and an opened, unclasped green tunic on, revealing his chest.
There came a low knock on his door.
'You may come in.' He called from where he lay.
The door opened and a servant entered, carrying a letter.
'My Lord, this comes most urgently from Elrond of Rivendell.' The servant handed the letter to Thranduil and bowed, leaving the king to his privacy.
Thranduil opened the letter curiously, his eyes scanning down the paper, turning into narrow slits in his face when he was finished. He stood quickly; folding the letter back up and swinging his door open, turning down the long corridor to catch up to the servant.
'Hamloth, I wish to speak to my son, as soon as possible. Tell him this is urgent.' Thranduil nodded to the servant and turned, walking back to his chambers.
The water in the lake was icy cold to the touch; Falnier was the only one to jump in without a second thought, Legolas and Malnier, held back.
The water splashed out around the elf as he did a sort of cannon ball into the deep, dark waters. Though it was night, the elves could see Falnier's form pop back up, sputtering and spitting.
'Sweet Eru! This is cold!' his teeth clattered against eachother.
Legolas and Malnier glanced at eachother, undecided.
'Well? Common girls! In the water with you!' Falnier cupped his hands around his mouth, speaking to his brother and his friend who still stood on dry land.
Legolas undid the clasps of his silver tunic and shed the piece of clothing, taking off for the water at full speed, splashing in next to Falnier, who received a mouth full of water.
Malnier, still stood, trying to undo his boots. He was successful at last and with a yell, jumped in after the others.
The three elves splashed and played in the dark lake for what seemed like only minutes before Hamloth came cantering up on a horse.
'Prince Legolas! Your Heinis.' Hamloth dismounted, his raven black hair falling around him.
The twins continued to splash one another, as it was clearly not their names that were being addressed. Legolas swam to the shore, wading out and onto the grass. His pale, lean, and strong chest seemed to glow in the moonlight.
Hamloth bowed and walked to him. 'Your father, the King, wishes to speak with you immediately. You must return to the palace now. Take my horse. Your father is waiting in his chambers.'
Legolas sighed, gazing back over his shoulder at the twins, he wanted to stay. 'Thank you Hamloth' Legolas gathered up his tunic and threw it over his damp leggings, he walked to Hamloth's horse and sprang lightly upon it's back, setting off at a quick trot for home.
'Hey, Hamloth!' Falnier called as he swam around in circles.
'Come on in and join us!' Malnier finished for his brother.
Hamloth smiled and tore off his tunic, jumping in alongside the twins.
Legolas walked nimbly up the stairs to the main hallway. He reached his father's chamber door and knocked lightly. 'Ada? Ada are you still up?'
'Yes, come in Legolas.' Thranduil's deep voice came from behind the door.
Legolas nodded and opened the door, stepping inside.
Thranduil stood just by the foot of his bed, shirtless and reading the letter over again. He glanced up at his son, raising a golden eyebrow. 'Why are you wet?'
Legolas gazed down at himself, shrugging. 'Malnier, Falnier, and I were swimming in the lake.'
'At midnight?'
''Twas Malnier's idea. It sounded good at the time.'
Thranduil nodded and motioned for his son to sit down.
Legolas plopped onto his father's bed.
'AI! Not my bed! You're all wet! Go sit by the fire place.' Thranduil scolded.
Legolas got up with a grin and went to sit infront of the roaring fire to dry off.
Thranduil sighed, pacing a little. 'I sent for you because I have a letter here from Elrond of Rivendell, there is a council in a few weeks. A very important council that requires all free races of Middle-earth to attend. There will be representatives from all the remaining elven kingdoms, along with those for the dwarves and men.
Legolas scoffed at the word "dwarves" (Disgusting little buggers he thought)
His father continued. 'I have already had a message sent telling Elrond that I cannot attend.'
Legolas glanced up at his father. 'Why not?'
'Because, my son, if you hadn't noticed, a shadow has begun to fall on our land. The spiders have multiplied, and the mists around the woods are thicker that before. My strength and guidance is more needed here. That is why I ask you here tonight, I told Elrond that I would send some one to represent the Mirkwood elves in my place.
Legolas's blue eyes widened. 'You wish to send me?'
Thranduil nodded.
'How long will I be there?'
'I do not know my son, but it is not the council that will keep you idle from home, it is the mission that shall be discussed and formed there. It may be many many months until your return.' Thranduil sat down on his bed.
'But Ada! Aireromen and I plan to wed in a few months!'
Thranduil shook his head. 'Son, this council is far more important-'
'NOT TO ME! I want to marry Aireromen!' Legolas said standing up quickly.
Thranduil remained calm. 'I am sorry, my son. But soon you will see, that this council IS very important. This meeting, may well determine the fate of our world.'
Legolas said nothing.
Thranduil stood, walking to his son and placing a hand upon his shoulder. 'Aireromen will understand, my son. You must do this, not only for me, but for your people as well.'
Legolas looked into his father's eyes, he sighed in defeat and nodded. 'I shall go, Ada. If it is what you ask of me, then I shall go.'
Thranduil smiled and cupped his son's face in his hand, kissing his forehead. 'Thank you.'
Legolas turned and left the king's chamber, heading to his own room to sleep the rest of the night away. In the morning he would pack his things and head to Lothlorien to speak with Aireromen, before continuing on his way to Rivendell.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Aireromen was tense, and unsure as what to say in response to what she had been told.
'It will only be for a little while my love, a year at the most. We have plenty of time to wed.' Legolas looked into her eyes, stroking her cheek with the back of his hand.
'I feared as much.' She said softly. 'Dark have been my dreams of late and I fear for what is to come.' She locked eyes with Legolas. 'Many will die.'
Legolas was not entirely sure as what to make of all that she had said, he narrowed his eyes. 'What have you seen Aire?'
Aireromen shook her head, walking to the balcony rail of her room. 'A growing threat and death. Though it is unclear to me who it is, but many nights I have had the same dream, and every time.... I never see the face, just, screaming, and pain, and blood, flowing like a crimson river.'
She turned and faced him. 'Legolas, I do not wish for you to go.... I fear that it will be you.'
Legolas walked to her, taking her hands in his. 'I must go, this is my fate. I promise Aire, I will return.' He kissed her lightly on her lips, and ran a hand through her long hair. 'Will you see me off? I must leave immediately or I shall never reach Rivendell in time for the council.'
Aireromen nodded and they walked down from the elven city in the trees to where Legolas's horse stood obediently, waiting for him.
He pat the strong neck a few times, and turned one last time to Aireromen. 'I shall see you again.' He kissed her quickly and jumped up onto the horse's back.
Aireromen said nothing, but nodded, forcing a smile to spread on her pale face.
Legolas turned his horse and sped off through the trees, the thundering beat of the horse's hooves fading away to nothing.
The wind picked up and blew across Lothlorien so strong, sending Aireromen's hair whipping back from her face, flowing freely like a golden banner in the wind. She sighed heavily, a strong feeling of fear, slowly creeping into her thoughts. A great war was coming and she knew, that she herself would see and experience it before it was over.
She said a silent elven prayer of protection for her love, and kissed the ring he had given her. 'Come back to me' she whispered.
The dark, foreboding forest flashed by, trees and bushes blending together, creating a dark net, trapping out the light from the moon. Quick elven feet scrambled over stumps and up grown roots, around rocks and through walls of branches.
Time seemed to flash forward, and now, a clearing in the woods was visible.
The tall, horribly strong figure of the creature standing there was terrifying to the blue eyes that stared at it. Then there was a scream, blood curdling, and haunting, a flash of silver steel, and of blood, hot and thick, rolling down the slender, fair body that lay now, sprawled out on the grassy floor.
Aireromen screamed and woke with a jolt, her heart pounded and her face was beaded with sweat. She breathed heavily, her eyes darting around the darkness of her room. It had been a terrible vision, but what did it mean?
She sat up slowly, throwing the covers back, standing and coming to her balcony window; she opened the thick, heavy blue curtains and breathed in the fresh, cold night wind that blew all around her.
She walked to the rail, her eyes moving up, to stare the silver moon in the face. An unnerving feeling washed over her, something was going to happen, something was happening, and she had a sense that it would somehow determine the fate of her, and those she knew.
Aireromen shivered, although she was not cold. She rubbed her arms, and sighed, shaking her head. 'Get a hold of yourself, Aire. It was just a dream, nothing more.'
She went back inside, throwing a black, silky robe over her silver nightgown. She was awake now, and she might as well stay that way. Aireromen opened the door of her room and walked out quietly, heading to the stables to visit with Morwing. He was often her source of comfort when she was not feeling right.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
'Malnier, I don't thing that your dinner plate was intended for that.' Legolas remarked as he watched the golden haired twin toss it up into the air and catch it repeatedly like a ball.
'Says who?' Malnier smiled, continuing in his sport.
Legolas sighed, shaking his head and banging it on the dinner table. 'It's hopeless.' He muttered.
Falnier came striding into the room, a mouth full of fruit stuffed into his cheeks, making him look like an overgrown, auburn haired squirrel. 'Wa are you taken abou?' he muffled out through his food.
Legolas raised a dark eyebrow at the other twin, amused. 'Nothing. Nothing at all.'
Both elves jumped slightly as a loud crash and the sound of something shattering into a million pieces sounded in their finely pointed ears. They snapped their heads around quickly in Malnier's direction.
'Oops!' Malnier said, scratching his head, amazed. 'I didn't see that one coming.'
'You idiot.' Falnier shook his head, stuffing his face some more.
Legolas sighed and stood, walking over and picking up the broken shards of the dinner plate. Malnier started to help him, but lost interest and started spinning a drinking glass around on the table.
Legolas placed the shards in a cloth and stood, snatching the glass from Malnier and walking through the door into the kitchen.
Malnier glared at the prince for taking away his "toy"
Legolas came back in with a tray, placing the left over food upon it and then sitting down again at the table.
Falnier, now that he felt he had eaten his fill, sprawled out on the floor by the prince's feet.
'Tell me again why we are still in here?' Falnier asked from the ground.
'Because there is nothing better to do.' Malnier answered.
'I can think of loads of things to do that would be more amusing than this.' Falnier played with the fringe from the carpet that lay under the table.
Legolas stared down at him. 'Like what?'
'I don't know, I said I can think of better things to do.... I didn't say that I actually had thought of anything at this moment.'
Malnier jumped up in the air, 'OH! I know! Let's go swimming!'
'In the middle of the night?' Legolas protested.
'Why not?' Malnier placed a hand on his hip.
Although Legolas didn't have anything as far as being for that idea, he also didn't have anything to say that would oppose it. 'Fine, let's go swimming.'
Falnier and Malnier smiled in unison and jumped happily to the door, with Legolas following close behind.
Thranduil lay in his room, the king's chamber, reading peacefully to himself. He lay barefooted, a pair of grey leggings and an opened, unclasped green tunic on, revealing his chest.
There came a low knock on his door.
'You may come in.' He called from where he lay.
The door opened and a servant entered, carrying a letter.
'My Lord, this comes most urgently from Elrond of Rivendell.' The servant handed the letter to Thranduil and bowed, leaving the king to his privacy.
Thranduil opened the letter curiously, his eyes scanning down the paper, turning into narrow slits in his face when he was finished. He stood quickly; folding the letter back up and swinging his door open, turning down the long corridor to catch up to the servant.
'Hamloth, I wish to speak to my son, as soon as possible. Tell him this is urgent.' Thranduil nodded to the servant and turned, walking back to his chambers.
The water in the lake was icy cold to the touch; Falnier was the only one to jump in without a second thought, Legolas and Malnier, held back.
The water splashed out around the elf as he did a sort of cannon ball into the deep, dark waters. Though it was night, the elves could see Falnier's form pop back up, sputtering and spitting.
'Sweet Eru! This is cold!' his teeth clattered against eachother.
Legolas and Malnier glanced at eachother, undecided.
'Well? Common girls! In the water with you!' Falnier cupped his hands around his mouth, speaking to his brother and his friend who still stood on dry land.
Legolas undid the clasps of his silver tunic and shed the piece of clothing, taking off for the water at full speed, splashing in next to Falnier, who received a mouth full of water.
Malnier, still stood, trying to undo his boots. He was successful at last and with a yell, jumped in after the others.
The three elves splashed and played in the dark lake for what seemed like only minutes before Hamloth came cantering up on a horse.
'Prince Legolas! Your Heinis.' Hamloth dismounted, his raven black hair falling around him.
The twins continued to splash one another, as it was clearly not their names that were being addressed. Legolas swam to the shore, wading out and onto the grass. His pale, lean, and strong chest seemed to glow in the moonlight.
Hamloth bowed and walked to him. 'Your father, the King, wishes to speak with you immediately. You must return to the palace now. Take my horse. Your father is waiting in his chambers.'
Legolas sighed, gazing back over his shoulder at the twins, he wanted to stay. 'Thank you Hamloth' Legolas gathered up his tunic and threw it over his damp leggings, he walked to Hamloth's horse and sprang lightly upon it's back, setting off at a quick trot for home.
'Hey, Hamloth!' Falnier called as he swam around in circles.
'Come on in and join us!' Malnier finished for his brother.
Hamloth smiled and tore off his tunic, jumping in alongside the twins.
Legolas walked nimbly up the stairs to the main hallway. He reached his father's chamber door and knocked lightly. 'Ada? Ada are you still up?'
'Yes, come in Legolas.' Thranduil's deep voice came from behind the door.
Legolas nodded and opened the door, stepping inside.
Thranduil stood just by the foot of his bed, shirtless and reading the letter over again. He glanced up at his son, raising a golden eyebrow. 'Why are you wet?'
Legolas gazed down at himself, shrugging. 'Malnier, Falnier, and I were swimming in the lake.'
'At midnight?'
''Twas Malnier's idea. It sounded good at the time.'
Thranduil nodded and motioned for his son to sit down.
Legolas plopped onto his father's bed.
'AI! Not my bed! You're all wet! Go sit by the fire place.' Thranduil scolded.
Legolas got up with a grin and went to sit infront of the roaring fire to dry off.
Thranduil sighed, pacing a little. 'I sent for you because I have a letter here from Elrond of Rivendell, there is a council in a few weeks. A very important council that requires all free races of Middle-earth to attend. There will be representatives from all the remaining elven kingdoms, along with those for the dwarves and men.
Legolas scoffed at the word "dwarves" (Disgusting little buggers he thought)
His father continued. 'I have already had a message sent telling Elrond that I cannot attend.'
Legolas glanced up at his father. 'Why not?'
'Because, my son, if you hadn't noticed, a shadow has begun to fall on our land. The spiders have multiplied, and the mists around the woods are thicker that before. My strength and guidance is more needed here. That is why I ask you here tonight, I told Elrond that I would send some one to represent the Mirkwood elves in my place.
Legolas's blue eyes widened. 'You wish to send me?'
Thranduil nodded.
'How long will I be there?'
'I do not know my son, but it is not the council that will keep you idle from home, it is the mission that shall be discussed and formed there. It may be many many months until your return.' Thranduil sat down on his bed.
'But Ada! Aireromen and I plan to wed in a few months!'
Thranduil shook his head. 'Son, this council is far more important-'
'NOT TO ME! I want to marry Aireromen!' Legolas said standing up quickly.
Thranduil remained calm. 'I am sorry, my son. But soon you will see, that this council IS very important. This meeting, may well determine the fate of our world.'
Legolas said nothing.
Thranduil stood, walking to his son and placing a hand upon his shoulder. 'Aireromen will understand, my son. You must do this, not only for me, but for your people as well.'
Legolas looked into his father's eyes, he sighed in defeat and nodded. 'I shall go, Ada. If it is what you ask of me, then I shall go.'
Thranduil smiled and cupped his son's face in his hand, kissing his forehead. 'Thank you.'
Legolas turned and left the king's chamber, heading to his own room to sleep the rest of the night away. In the morning he would pack his things and head to Lothlorien to speak with Aireromen, before continuing on his way to Rivendell.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Aireromen was tense, and unsure as what to say in response to what she had been told.
'It will only be for a little while my love, a year at the most. We have plenty of time to wed.' Legolas looked into her eyes, stroking her cheek with the back of his hand.
'I feared as much.' She said softly. 'Dark have been my dreams of late and I fear for what is to come.' She locked eyes with Legolas. 'Many will die.'
Legolas was not entirely sure as what to make of all that she had said, he narrowed his eyes. 'What have you seen Aire?'
Aireromen shook her head, walking to the balcony rail of her room. 'A growing threat and death. Though it is unclear to me who it is, but many nights I have had the same dream, and every time.... I never see the face, just, screaming, and pain, and blood, flowing like a crimson river.'
She turned and faced him. 'Legolas, I do not wish for you to go.... I fear that it will be you.'
Legolas walked to her, taking her hands in his. 'I must go, this is my fate. I promise Aire, I will return.' He kissed her lightly on her lips, and ran a hand through her long hair. 'Will you see me off? I must leave immediately or I shall never reach Rivendell in time for the council.'
Aireromen nodded and they walked down from the elven city in the trees to where Legolas's horse stood obediently, waiting for him.
He pat the strong neck a few times, and turned one last time to Aireromen. 'I shall see you again.' He kissed her quickly and jumped up onto the horse's back.
Aireromen said nothing, but nodded, forcing a smile to spread on her pale face.
Legolas turned his horse and sped off through the trees, the thundering beat of the horse's hooves fading away to nothing.
The wind picked up and blew across Lothlorien so strong, sending Aireromen's hair whipping back from her face, flowing freely like a golden banner in the wind. She sighed heavily, a strong feeling of fear, slowly creeping into her thoughts. A great war was coming and she knew, that she herself would see and experience it before it was over.
She said a silent elven prayer of protection for her love, and kissed the ring he had given her. 'Come back to me' she whispered.