Disclaimer – I don't own LOTR, any part of it either. It belongs to Peter
Jackson, New Line Cinema and J.R.R Tolkein.
I do own Arweni and the two horses.
Arweni gazed out the open window. It was so dark in Mirkwood, which made sense, as the forest was so thick and dense around them. But she longed to explore. So she slipped out the window and found a series of ledges, which aided her. When her feet landed firmly on the ground she began to wander. She walked along the river for awhile, enjoying the feel of the cool night air on her skin. She slipped off her shoes and dangled her feet in the cool water.
Legolas headed up the stairs, hoping to find Arweni still awake.
"Arweni?" He knocked. No answer. He knocked and called again. Still nothing. Hoping she wasn't asleep, he pushed the door open. She wasn't in her bed. In fact, she wasn't there at all. Legolas scrambled over to the window. She must've climbed out! He scanned the area outside. Suddenly, his eyes snagged on a dark figure by the water. Suddenly, he tensed. He could hear the cry of something, the distant shouting of guards in the woods. A creature was heading for them, and a lonely maiden would be easy prey. Frantic, Legolas reached for his blades and was realized to find them there. He hear the cry of the animal, but it was still quiet enough that Arweni wouldn't hear it. Legolas jumped out the window and quickly made his way down, then began to run towards her. Meanwhile, Arweni heard something rustle deeper in the forest. She stopped making tiny splashes in the creek and looked up, alarmed.
"Arweni! Get down!" She heard from behind. She turned to see Legolas sprinting towards her. She stared, puzzled at him. Suddenly, the cry of some wild thing reached her ears, jagged and harsh. Something large with wings swept down upon her, raking it's talons across her chest. Arweni gasped as the pain seared through her. The creature turned and headed for her again. This time, she rolled down, landing in the river, but avoiding the sharp talons. Legolas was upon the creature now, his silver blades flashing as they sliced across the beast's belly. The thing screamed and flew off, it's wings flapping frantically, black blood falling down onto Arweni as it flew off in retreat. Legolas grabbed Arweni around the waist and pulled her out of the river.
"Are you all right?" He asked. Arweni looked down at the water, where it was red from her blood. Her stomach lurched violently, threatening to empty itself.
"I'm fine." Legolas looked at her chest, where two deep cuts bled, an inch down from her collarbone. "Burns a bit, but I'm still living." Arweni said dryly. Legolas shook his head and picked her up off the ground.
"You humans. So careless. Learn a lesson from this, Arweni. The forest is dangerous. Don't go out alone at night. If possible, don't go out alone in the daylight either." He said to her. She nodded, feeling dizzy. The blood had collected in a pool on her chest and was now dripping down to Legolas's hands and the floor beneath them. By the time they were in the palace, even Legolas couldn't stand the sight of the blood. Arweni shut her eyes and tried to keep still. Despite the effort, the blood trickled down onto the tiles below, leaving a trail as Legolas carried her back to her room. He put her down on the bed and ran off, looking for a healer. He found one and brought him back to where Arweni lay in a sweaty state of confusion.
"I need peace and quiet, you must go, my Prince." The healer ordered, locking Legolas out. Hours later, he emerged smiling.
"She'll be fine. But she should be more careful." He ordered sternly. Legolas nodded and as soon as the healer was out of sight, slumped against the wall. He tiptoed into the room where Arweni was sleeping peacefully, her breathing smooth and even. Legolas sank into a chair and slept, his eyes open.
Arweni opened her eyes and looked around. She sat up and stretched after a minute, nearly screaming when she saw Legolas sitting in a chair, watching her. But he didn't speak, or move. In fact, he looked dead. It was then Arweni realized he was sleeping. Still, she was only in her shift. She quietly got out of bed and pulled on her spare dress and left. She passed a servant carrying a bowl of apples and snatched one, munching it on her way out of the palace. Legolas's warning was still in her head, so she stayed close by. She sat on a bench watching the river. It was then she realized not all elves were kind. A group of five elves approached her. Feeling shy, she hunched over and busied herself with eating.
"Are you Arweni?" One of the elves, a tall, bossy looking Elven maiden with dark hair asked.
"Yes, I am. Who are you?" Arweni asked shyly. The Elf looked down haughtily upon her.
"Lady Rietlyn. What business do you have in Mirkwood?" She asked.
"I'm merely visiting from Gondor, Lady Rietlyn." Arweni explained. Another Elven maiden stepped forward.
"And make sure it's just that...a visit. Stay away from our prince, he is spoken for already. By real Elves, his own people. Not an imposter with pointed ears." The new one sneered. The entire group laughed. Arweni felt her face burn.
"I assure you I am not after Legolas." She said to them. Rietlyn's eyes narrowed and her hand flashed out and slapped Arweni across the face. Arweni froze, startled by the sudden surge of viciousness.
"Use his title, you fool! He is out of your league, foeg sereg!" (Bad blood)
"Leave me alone!" Arweni snapped. The girls left her alone, sniggering. Feeling angry, Arweni looked down into the cool water and tossed in the apple core. She looked around and saw no one, so stripped off her outer dress and waded into the water. Her dress rose up in billows around her, but the water was cool and reassuring against her skin. She sank down up to her neck and let her hair float as well. Her toes sank into warm silt and in mud, burrowing down into it. She took a deep breath and ducked down to the bottom. Her fingers moved lazily through the silt, occasionally finding smooth stones. When the air in her lungs was gone, she kicked off the bottom and broke the surface. The water supported her as she floated on her back. Very faintly, she could hear murmurings. Ignoring them, she ducked under the water again and then returned to the surface, using her hands to brush away the water that streamed down her face.
"Arweni!" Arweni turned at hearing her name shouted. Her eyes widened, her jaw dropped, she sank down into the water with her arms crossed over her chest. Gathered on the bank of the river was what seemed like half the population of Mirkwood. The great group of Elves was staring fixedly at her, curiously, like she was some rare, strange bird. The group of cruel Elf girls was gathered in front, looking smug and angry at the same time. The blonde prince was running towards her once more. He reached down into the river, grabbed her by her arm and pulled her out.
"Come!" He ordered, running towards the palace, still holding her arm. She followed, her legs moving clumsily, the brown dress clinging and tripping her. Still, she was moving fast, her embarrassment helping to get her moving. Her cheeks flamed as she thought of them all staring. When they reached the palace, Legolas dragged her to the stairs and pulled her up to a floor she hadn't yet been in. He yanked her over to a door and pulled her through, shutting it firmly behind him. Then he flung her away, his face hard as stones. He looked more angry than she had ever seen. Shivering on the floor, Arweni stared down at her feet.
"I'm sorry, Leg- my prince. I didn't know I was doing something wrong! I promise I'll be gone by morning, my lord!" She stuttered. Legolas had been staring at the wall over her head during the time which she had spoken through. Suddenly, he looked down startled, his face softening.
"I'm not angry with you, Arweni. Forgive me for making you think that. You should not have been in that river, true enough. There are areas clearly for swimming. And barrels occasionally come down that river, and they could hit you. But they were being mean by watching you. I'm sorry. I suppose they aren't naturally accepting, some of us." Legolas said sympathetically, sinking down to sit next to her.
"Were they laughing at me?" She asked softly, now facing that same wall Legolas had stared at.
"No, they were not laughing." Arweni gave a short laugh.
"That's something then. I think it's best if I go, Prince." She told him shortly, rising to her feet. Legolas grabbed her arm.
"Go? Why go? Stay here, you can't go back yet!" Legolas blurted out. "And you must not call me Prince." Arweni looked from the door and back to the prince.
"I can't stay here forever."
"But for now, you can." He insisted. Arweni sighed.
"I'll stay."
For a few days after that, Arweni stayed indoors. Her only visitor was Legolas, but it didn't bother her. Finally, she left, heading to the stables and saddling Bragol Gil. They rode alongside the river, then through the village and were on their way back when a rock flew out of nowhere and hit Bragol Gil in the shoulder. The horse reared in surprise and would've thrown Arweni had she not been leaning forward. Out of the bushes stepped Rietlyn, her mouth curled into a sneer.
"Forgive me; I aimed not for the horse, but the rider."
"Your aim is terrible." Arweni snapped when Bragol Gil had finally settled. Rietlyn glared at her.
"I told you to leave the prince alone."
"And if the prince does not wish to be left alone?" Rietlyn's eyes flashed fire and ice.
"He is not as rude as you; he would not hurt your feelings, foeg sereg." (Bad blood, in case you forgot!) Rietlyn sneered.
"Leave me alone!" Arweni ordered. Rietlyn drew closer; her hand reached out and stroked Bragol Gil's neck. The horse snorted and sidestepped. Rietlyn closed the distance and continued to slide her hand along its neck.
"Daro!" (Stop) Arweni commanded forcefully. Rietlyn grinned, her teeth flashing in the dim sunlight that managed to filter through the forest.
"I think not, mortal." Rietlyn reached up and pushed Arweni out of the saddle. Arweni managed to land on her backside, but Rietlyn climbed up into the saddle and spurred Bragol Gil, who galloped off in panic.
"DARO! DARO DARO DARO!" Arweni bellowed in anger. But the disturbed horse kept running. And so Arweni picked up her skirts and began to run. Her speed was obviously no match for her horse, but she ran to the palace and up to her room. For awhile she sobbed in anger, but finally got up and went to find Legolas. By now she had learned where his room was, and she bolted down to it. She was about to knock, but it wasn't necessary. What she heard there was enough for her.
DUN DUN DUN!
I do own Arweni and the two horses.
Arweni gazed out the open window. It was so dark in Mirkwood, which made sense, as the forest was so thick and dense around them. But she longed to explore. So she slipped out the window and found a series of ledges, which aided her. When her feet landed firmly on the ground she began to wander. She walked along the river for awhile, enjoying the feel of the cool night air on her skin. She slipped off her shoes and dangled her feet in the cool water.
Legolas headed up the stairs, hoping to find Arweni still awake.
"Arweni?" He knocked. No answer. He knocked and called again. Still nothing. Hoping she wasn't asleep, he pushed the door open. She wasn't in her bed. In fact, she wasn't there at all. Legolas scrambled over to the window. She must've climbed out! He scanned the area outside. Suddenly, his eyes snagged on a dark figure by the water. Suddenly, he tensed. He could hear the cry of something, the distant shouting of guards in the woods. A creature was heading for them, and a lonely maiden would be easy prey. Frantic, Legolas reached for his blades and was realized to find them there. He hear the cry of the animal, but it was still quiet enough that Arweni wouldn't hear it. Legolas jumped out the window and quickly made his way down, then began to run towards her. Meanwhile, Arweni heard something rustle deeper in the forest. She stopped making tiny splashes in the creek and looked up, alarmed.
"Arweni! Get down!" She heard from behind. She turned to see Legolas sprinting towards her. She stared, puzzled at him. Suddenly, the cry of some wild thing reached her ears, jagged and harsh. Something large with wings swept down upon her, raking it's talons across her chest. Arweni gasped as the pain seared through her. The creature turned and headed for her again. This time, she rolled down, landing in the river, but avoiding the sharp talons. Legolas was upon the creature now, his silver blades flashing as they sliced across the beast's belly. The thing screamed and flew off, it's wings flapping frantically, black blood falling down onto Arweni as it flew off in retreat. Legolas grabbed Arweni around the waist and pulled her out of the river.
"Are you all right?" He asked. Arweni looked down at the water, where it was red from her blood. Her stomach lurched violently, threatening to empty itself.
"I'm fine." Legolas looked at her chest, where two deep cuts bled, an inch down from her collarbone. "Burns a bit, but I'm still living." Arweni said dryly. Legolas shook his head and picked her up off the ground.
"You humans. So careless. Learn a lesson from this, Arweni. The forest is dangerous. Don't go out alone at night. If possible, don't go out alone in the daylight either." He said to her. She nodded, feeling dizzy. The blood had collected in a pool on her chest and was now dripping down to Legolas's hands and the floor beneath them. By the time they were in the palace, even Legolas couldn't stand the sight of the blood. Arweni shut her eyes and tried to keep still. Despite the effort, the blood trickled down onto the tiles below, leaving a trail as Legolas carried her back to her room. He put her down on the bed and ran off, looking for a healer. He found one and brought him back to where Arweni lay in a sweaty state of confusion.
"I need peace and quiet, you must go, my Prince." The healer ordered, locking Legolas out. Hours later, he emerged smiling.
"She'll be fine. But she should be more careful." He ordered sternly. Legolas nodded and as soon as the healer was out of sight, slumped against the wall. He tiptoed into the room where Arweni was sleeping peacefully, her breathing smooth and even. Legolas sank into a chair and slept, his eyes open.
Arweni opened her eyes and looked around. She sat up and stretched after a minute, nearly screaming when she saw Legolas sitting in a chair, watching her. But he didn't speak, or move. In fact, he looked dead. It was then Arweni realized he was sleeping. Still, she was only in her shift. She quietly got out of bed and pulled on her spare dress and left. She passed a servant carrying a bowl of apples and snatched one, munching it on her way out of the palace. Legolas's warning was still in her head, so she stayed close by. She sat on a bench watching the river. It was then she realized not all elves were kind. A group of five elves approached her. Feeling shy, she hunched over and busied herself with eating.
"Are you Arweni?" One of the elves, a tall, bossy looking Elven maiden with dark hair asked.
"Yes, I am. Who are you?" Arweni asked shyly. The Elf looked down haughtily upon her.
"Lady Rietlyn. What business do you have in Mirkwood?" She asked.
"I'm merely visiting from Gondor, Lady Rietlyn." Arweni explained. Another Elven maiden stepped forward.
"And make sure it's just that...a visit. Stay away from our prince, he is spoken for already. By real Elves, his own people. Not an imposter with pointed ears." The new one sneered. The entire group laughed. Arweni felt her face burn.
"I assure you I am not after Legolas." She said to them. Rietlyn's eyes narrowed and her hand flashed out and slapped Arweni across the face. Arweni froze, startled by the sudden surge of viciousness.
"Use his title, you fool! He is out of your league, foeg sereg!" (Bad blood)
"Leave me alone!" Arweni snapped. The girls left her alone, sniggering. Feeling angry, Arweni looked down into the cool water and tossed in the apple core. She looked around and saw no one, so stripped off her outer dress and waded into the water. Her dress rose up in billows around her, but the water was cool and reassuring against her skin. She sank down up to her neck and let her hair float as well. Her toes sank into warm silt and in mud, burrowing down into it. She took a deep breath and ducked down to the bottom. Her fingers moved lazily through the silt, occasionally finding smooth stones. When the air in her lungs was gone, she kicked off the bottom and broke the surface. The water supported her as she floated on her back. Very faintly, she could hear murmurings. Ignoring them, she ducked under the water again and then returned to the surface, using her hands to brush away the water that streamed down her face.
"Arweni!" Arweni turned at hearing her name shouted. Her eyes widened, her jaw dropped, she sank down into the water with her arms crossed over her chest. Gathered on the bank of the river was what seemed like half the population of Mirkwood. The great group of Elves was staring fixedly at her, curiously, like she was some rare, strange bird. The group of cruel Elf girls was gathered in front, looking smug and angry at the same time. The blonde prince was running towards her once more. He reached down into the river, grabbed her by her arm and pulled her out.
"Come!" He ordered, running towards the palace, still holding her arm. She followed, her legs moving clumsily, the brown dress clinging and tripping her. Still, she was moving fast, her embarrassment helping to get her moving. Her cheeks flamed as she thought of them all staring. When they reached the palace, Legolas dragged her to the stairs and pulled her up to a floor she hadn't yet been in. He yanked her over to a door and pulled her through, shutting it firmly behind him. Then he flung her away, his face hard as stones. He looked more angry than she had ever seen. Shivering on the floor, Arweni stared down at her feet.
"I'm sorry, Leg- my prince. I didn't know I was doing something wrong! I promise I'll be gone by morning, my lord!" She stuttered. Legolas had been staring at the wall over her head during the time which she had spoken through. Suddenly, he looked down startled, his face softening.
"I'm not angry with you, Arweni. Forgive me for making you think that. You should not have been in that river, true enough. There are areas clearly for swimming. And barrels occasionally come down that river, and they could hit you. But they were being mean by watching you. I'm sorry. I suppose they aren't naturally accepting, some of us." Legolas said sympathetically, sinking down to sit next to her.
"Were they laughing at me?" She asked softly, now facing that same wall Legolas had stared at.
"No, they were not laughing." Arweni gave a short laugh.
"That's something then. I think it's best if I go, Prince." She told him shortly, rising to her feet. Legolas grabbed her arm.
"Go? Why go? Stay here, you can't go back yet!" Legolas blurted out. "And you must not call me Prince." Arweni looked from the door and back to the prince.
"I can't stay here forever."
"But for now, you can." He insisted. Arweni sighed.
"I'll stay."
For a few days after that, Arweni stayed indoors. Her only visitor was Legolas, but it didn't bother her. Finally, she left, heading to the stables and saddling Bragol Gil. They rode alongside the river, then through the village and were on their way back when a rock flew out of nowhere and hit Bragol Gil in the shoulder. The horse reared in surprise and would've thrown Arweni had she not been leaning forward. Out of the bushes stepped Rietlyn, her mouth curled into a sneer.
"Forgive me; I aimed not for the horse, but the rider."
"Your aim is terrible." Arweni snapped when Bragol Gil had finally settled. Rietlyn glared at her.
"I told you to leave the prince alone."
"And if the prince does not wish to be left alone?" Rietlyn's eyes flashed fire and ice.
"He is not as rude as you; he would not hurt your feelings, foeg sereg." (Bad blood, in case you forgot!) Rietlyn sneered.
"Leave me alone!" Arweni ordered. Rietlyn drew closer; her hand reached out and stroked Bragol Gil's neck. The horse snorted and sidestepped. Rietlyn closed the distance and continued to slide her hand along its neck.
"Daro!" (Stop) Arweni commanded forcefully. Rietlyn grinned, her teeth flashing in the dim sunlight that managed to filter through the forest.
"I think not, mortal." Rietlyn reached up and pushed Arweni out of the saddle. Arweni managed to land on her backside, but Rietlyn climbed up into the saddle and spurred Bragol Gil, who galloped off in panic.
"DARO! DARO DARO DARO!" Arweni bellowed in anger. But the disturbed horse kept running. And so Arweni picked up her skirts and began to run. Her speed was obviously no match for her horse, but she ran to the palace and up to her room. For awhile she sobbed in anger, but finally got up and went to find Legolas. By now she had learned where his room was, and she bolted down to it. She was about to knock, but it wasn't necessary. What she heard there was enough for her.
DUN DUN DUN!