Disclaimer: see part one)
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"The Haldir was the one who saved you, was it not?" Frodo asked curiously as he started to bite his nails in his habit.
"Yes, he was, little one. The Haldir was my savior that day."
"So what happened between you two in the past. What did you do to him?"
"I will get to it later in the story. There is more to be told before I come to that part. Shall I proceed or should we take a rest for the night. What do you say?"
"No, I am not tired. Please proceed, I want to hear more." Frodo anxiously replied with a pleading expression on his face, hoping that the elf would continue.
"All right little one I will continue. I am not so tired myself either, and I don't think the others will miss us that much. They too have a lot on their minds and they need to deal with the sorrow their own way. But enough about present, I shall return us now to my past.
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"Are you all right" Silver haired figure spoke to me as I tried to regain my breath. He was dressed in the simple gray tunic with the matching leggings and boots. I never saw him in these parts before so I assumed that he was from Lothlorien. He was probably an escort to Lord and Lady of the Golden Woods, because today they were expected to show up as the guests for my birthday celebration. I stood there not replying, transfixed by those piercing eyes ,but the sound of his second question, pulled me over.
"I said are you all right, pen-neth. Can you hear me?" He asked again with a loud voice, but this time my mouth opened in reply.
"Yes, I can hear you. I am not deaf. There is no need to shout." I rudely replied but I was not finished yet." I am not pen-neth, I am a thousand years old. That doesn't classify me as a youth anymore, and I would appreciate if you don't call me by that name." I turned myself angrily and stormed down the path, leaving a very confused elf behind me.
I could hear him approaching me again and I spun around to tell him to leave his own way.
"Wait" He said "I didn't mean to offend you by raising my voice at you or by calling you a pen-neth. I am sorry if I did. I was just being polite when I asked you if you are fine. My words didn't mean no harm."
"I am fine" I said somewhat irritated by the other. I didn't know what came over me, was it fear that was still in me and the need to defend myself, or something else. I was unforgivably rude towards that stranger that day, but looking at it now I wish that I could take it away. I didn't even say any thank you to him because I was so proud to look at my savior with the kind eyes.
" I bid you good day" I turned, and left the silver one behind me again.
After a few moments I could hear the horse footsteps behind me, but I couldn't see him in the sight. I knew that he was following me, probably making sure that I arrive safe at home in one peace. I was somewhat relieved that somebody is making sure that I am all right, and I promised myself never to leave a home without any weapons by my side. When I arrived at the halls I met my fathers angered face.
"Legolas I need to talk to you. Please follow me." He said with a harsh voice and I knew what this was all about.
"Yes, father." I followed him to his study and took the seat on the chair beside the window.
"Legolas how many times have I told you not to leave the safety of our home without any weapons or at least an escort by your side. Son, these are dangerous times and I advise you to take a precaution. I don't wish to lose you or any of my children" My father replied softly with a glimmer of hidden emotion in his eyes and that surprised me a little. When did Thranduil start to care for his children? This was something now. This was a change.
"Father you know perfectly well that I am not child anymore. I can take care of myself and I don't need any escorts to disturb me in my walks. Can I go now?"
"You can go but after I tell you this. I know that you are not child, but an adult elf who has come to his age. I advise you to act mature and responsible in the future, and not the way you are acting now. If you are not careful, your quick wits can cost you more than you can pay, some day. Think with your head, son. That is the only advice I can give to you. You may go now, you are dismissed."
I just looked at my father with my mouth opened wide. Could it be that Thranduil changed into the caring elf all of the sudden. I could see that something was different about him, something that was very strange to me. His eyes were softer then before and for the first time in his anger he didn't strike me across my face.
My fathers concern was something me and my siblings didn't share. Only our mother cared enough for us until the day she died, and we were left alone to grow into this world. We were all elflings when she had faded, some say from the broken heart, some say from the arrow that pearced her heart. I found out myself the true cause of my mothers death and I kept it in the secret from my siblings. She had died from the broken heart indeed, because my father chose the other lover over her, his advisor.
She didn't deserve that, that kind soul she possessed can never be replaced. I found this out from my mother's friend, and all the truth that was kept from me and my siblings. Arimen, my mother, loved Thranduil more than anything in this world, but her love was unfortunately never returned. My father lost his heart long time ago, before he met my mother, to his advisor Elilen and he only married her because his duty asked him to. I could only imagine all the years of the despair and anguish she went through, but the babies she bore were her only comfort in the lonely nights. My mothers friend told me that all the years she lived, she lived for her children, but suddenly one day her heart shattered and she was gone. Keeping all the hurt feelings inside finally caught up with her and nothing could save her from the fate that she encountered. She left us that one sunny day with a smile on her lips as she finally found her peace. My father didn't even bother to be at her funeral, but she was still loved and cherished queen by all people in our kingdom even if the king didn't give her any mind. I still remember the last words my mother gave to me: 'Love freely, little one. Love with all your heart and be happy.' Those words I didn't listen and as the days passed from year to year I was becoming more like my father. Part of me hated my mother for leaving us with Thranduil, but part of me wished that her warm arms were here to pull me into the comforting embrace.
"Legolas, Son do you hear me. You seem lost in your thoughts." My fathers voice brought me back from the land of the thoughts and I looked at him, meeting his gaze.
"I was just thinking about something. Father I have a question for you. It is strange but I have to know. Father... Did you love my mother?"
My fathers jaw dropped opened and sudden flash of fury in his eyes appeared.
"What kind of question is that Legolas? Where did that question suddenly come from? Leave now, because I cannot give you reply to it." Thranduil said with a cold voice, his finger pointing at the door. This Thranduil was just like my father I known and it was not surprise to me that his temper was almost gone. But I couldn't leave without telling him these words, without hurting him just a little bit.
"Of course father I will leave"I shot challenging look at my sire "I know you didn't love her father, because you don't have any heart. If you did have any kind of feelings for her, she wouldn't have died. Her death is your fault and I hope you are happy father " With that I stormed out of the door, slamming it behind me in anger. Why did I ask that last question I didn't know? But I knew this. I would never fall in love and have my heart torn out of my chest. I was not my mother and nobody would play the games with my feelings.
That is why I had broken to many hearts in the past only to get some kind of revenge or the feeling of satisfaction in my life. But that didn't return my mother to me and I was still lonely without comfort, without love. Did I love my father? The answer was NO. My heart couldn't forgive him because I blamed him for my mothers death, but the respect I did feel for him. My feelings in the young days were confused and my emotions were closed just like my fathers. On the way to my room I bumped into somebody, and that pulled me from my musings. There he stood, the silver haired one with a partial smile on his face.
"Well, Well we meet again. I hope this time I will have pleasure knowing your name, little one." The stranger said with a soft voice that sounded just like a melody, but my temper diminished as I met his eyes and started to speak.
"Watch where you are going, you big oaf. And for the last time DO NOT to call me a little one or pen-neth. I have my own name"
"I kindly ask you, what is it then. My own name is Haldir of Lorien and not big oaf or such things that you had just called me." Stranger replied with a smirk and I suddenly had a need to wipe it off his face. I calmly said those words to him while in my mind I was strangling his pretty neck. (Pretty! where did that come from)
"I don't see why should I tell you my name , and I have no need to know yours. Have a great stay at Mirkwood and Good-bye." I turned on my heels and ran to my rooms slamming the door behind me. I had a feeling that this coming night would be too long for me, and I wanted to escape it but that was not possible in any way.
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The half of the feast had already passed and I stood there in the center of the room, ignoring everybody on my way. There were elves in cheerful mood, dancing, celebrating my birthday but my mood was dark this night as the thoughts of my mother, and wishing that she was here took me away.
I received my full share of the gifts and well wishes but I took it all with a fake smile upon my face. And then I saw him again. This time the stranger who saved my life was clothed in the elegant attire of the gray color and he flashed me a smile, while his form approached me fast. I was about to get away from him but he pulled my arm lightly, keeping me in place.
"What are you doing. Please release my arm this instant." I harshly whispered to him as I tried to jerk my arm from his grasp. I could see my father watching me and furrowing his brow at the sight that he saw. I didn't care what my father thought of me this night and I did my best to escape him and his efforts to make peace with me. I turned to a stranger giving him a warning look, as I tried to move away from him.
"No, you are not escaping me this time, prince Legolas. Why didn't you tell me that you are prince? Come to think of it you even didn't want to tell me your name, at first place."
"I said release my arm, you fool. I see that you are drunk, and with drunken slugs I don't share to many words." I said with hissing voice while I shot him a dangerous look. I didn't know why I didn't like him and why every encounter with him made me irritated and angry. I didn't want to have anything with him and I wanted him gone from Mirkwood. He was arrogant and self-assured elf and something about him warned me to stay away.
"Well, I can see that for princeling you are very rude, my dear. I now know that the rumors about you being cold as your father are true. Excuse me if I disturbed you in any way. I should have known better. Have a pleasant night, your highness"
With that he released my arm and left. I was furious at his words and I clenched my fists together, surprising my anger that way (How dare he) I thought (I am a prince and nobody talks to me that way. He shall pay for this. I swear.) I made my way to my friend's side and I pulled him away from the maiden that danced with him, telling him that we needed to talk.
"Legolas, What is it now. Why do you disturb me in my dance?"
"You shall dance later, Irlun. I've got something for us to do first, and I need your help in this."
"Ahhh, Who is the unfortunate one this time"
"Someone called Haldir of Lorien. At first I didn't think of doing anything to him, but now he must pay"
"What did he do to you, Legolas."
"He didn't do nothing physically, but his words offended me. He shall learn his place, that arrogant piece of orc poo.I don't like him at all."
Irlun just smirked at me, not giving me any reply, as he probably thought.( So it had started again)
TBC................................................
(This chapter sucked a bit ,so don't shoot me or yell. I was writing this while I was suffering a hangover*gigles)
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"The Haldir was the one who saved you, was it not?" Frodo asked curiously as he started to bite his nails in his habit.
"Yes, he was, little one. The Haldir was my savior that day."
"So what happened between you two in the past. What did you do to him?"
"I will get to it later in the story. There is more to be told before I come to that part. Shall I proceed or should we take a rest for the night. What do you say?"
"No, I am not tired. Please proceed, I want to hear more." Frodo anxiously replied with a pleading expression on his face, hoping that the elf would continue.
"All right little one I will continue. I am not so tired myself either, and I don't think the others will miss us that much. They too have a lot on their minds and they need to deal with the sorrow their own way. But enough about present, I shall return us now to my past.
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"Are you all right" Silver haired figure spoke to me as I tried to regain my breath. He was dressed in the simple gray tunic with the matching leggings and boots. I never saw him in these parts before so I assumed that he was from Lothlorien. He was probably an escort to Lord and Lady of the Golden Woods, because today they were expected to show up as the guests for my birthday celebration. I stood there not replying, transfixed by those piercing eyes ,but the sound of his second question, pulled me over.
"I said are you all right, pen-neth. Can you hear me?" He asked again with a loud voice, but this time my mouth opened in reply.
"Yes, I can hear you. I am not deaf. There is no need to shout." I rudely replied but I was not finished yet." I am not pen-neth, I am a thousand years old. That doesn't classify me as a youth anymore, and I would appreciate if you don't call me by that name." I turned myself angrily and stormed down the path, leaving a very confused elf behind me.
I could hear him approaching me again and I spun around to tell him to leave his own way.
"Wait" He said "I didn't mean to offend you by raising my voice at you or by calling you a pen-neth. I am sorry if I did. I was just being polite when I asked you if you are fine. My words didn't mean no harm."
"I am fine" I said somewhat irritated by the other. I didn't know what came over me, was it fear that was still in me and the need to defend myself, or something else. I was unforgivably rude towards that stranger that day, but looking at it now I wish that I could take it away. I didn't even say any thank you to him because I was so proud to look at my savior with the kind eyes.
" I bid you good day" I turned, and left the silver one behind me again.
After a few moments I could hear the horse footsteps behind me, but I couldn't see him in the sight. I knew that he was following me, probably making sure that I arrive safe at home in one peace. I was somewhat relieved that somebody is making sure that I am all right, and I promised myself never to leave a home without any weapons by my side. When I arrived at the halls I met my fathers angered face.
"Legolas I need to talk to you. Please follow me." He said with a harsh voice and I knew what this was all about.
"Yes, father." I followed him to his study and took the seat on the chair beside the window.
"Legolas how many times have I told you not to leave the safety of our home without any weapons or at least an escort by your side. Son, these are dangerous times and I advise you to take a precaution. I don't wish to lose you or any of my children" My father replied softly with a glimmer of hidden emotion in his eyes and that surprised me a little. When did Thranduil start to care for his children? This was something now. This was a change.
"Father you know perfectly well that I am not child anymore. I can take care of myself and I don't need any escorts to disturb me in my walks. Can I go now?"
"You can go but after I tell you this. I know that you are not child, but an adult elf who has come to his age. I advise you to act mature and responsible in the future, and not the way you are acting now. If you are not careful, your quick wits can cost you more than you can pay, some day. Think with your head, son. That is the only advice I can give to you. You may go now, you are dismissed."
I just looked at my father with my mouth opened wide. Could it be that Thranduil changed into the caring elf all of the sudden. I could see that something was different about him, something that was very strange to me. His eyes were softer then before and for the first time in his anger he didn't strike me across my face.
My fathers concern was something me and my siblings didn't share. Only our mother cared enough for us until the day she died, and we were left alone to grow into this world. We were all elflings when she had faded, some say from the broken heart, some say from the arrow that pearced her heart. I found out myself the true cause of my mothers death and I kept it in the secret from my siblings. She had died from the broken heart indeed, because my father chose the other lover over her, his advisor.
She didn't deserve that, that kind soul she possessed can never be replaced. I found this out from my mother's friend, and all the truth that was kept from me and my siblings. Arimen, my mother, loved Thranduil more than anything in this world, but her love was unfortunately never returned. My father lost his heart long time ago, before he met my mother, to his advisor Elilen and he only married her because his duty asked him to. I could only imagine all the years of the despair and anguish she went through, but the babies she bore were her only comfort in the lonely nights. My mothers friend told me that all the years she lived, she lived for her children, but suddenly one day her heart shattered and she was gone. Keeping all the hurt feelings inside finally caught up with her and nothing could save her from the fate that she encountered. She left us that one sunny day with a smile on her lips as she finally found her peace. My father didn't even bother to be at her funeral, but she was still loved and cherished queen by all people in our kingdom even if the king didn't give her any mind. I still remember the last words my mother gave to me: 'Love freely, little one. Love with all your heart and be happy.' Those words I didn't listen and as the days passed from year to year I was becoming more like my father. Part of me hated my mother for leaving us with Thranduil, but part of me wished that her warm arms were here to pull me into the comforting embrace.
"Legolas, Son do you hear me. You seem lost in your thoughts." My fathers voice brought me back from the land of the thoughts and I looked at him, meeting his gaze.
"I was just thinking about something. Father I have a question for you. It is strange but I have to know. Father... Did you love my mother?"
My fathers jaw dropped opened and sudden flash of fury in his eyes appeared.
"What kind of question is that Legolas? Where did that question suddenly come from? Leave now, because I cannot give you reply to it." Thranduil said with a cold voice, his finger pointing at the door. This Thranduil was just like my father I known and it was not surprise to me that his temper was almost gone. But I couldn't leave without telling him these words, without hurting him just a little bit.
"Of course father I will leave"I shot challenging look at my sire "I know you didn't love her father, because you don't have any heart. If you did have any kind of feelings for her, she wouldn't have died. Her death is your fault and I hope you are happy father " With that I stormed out of the door, slamming it behind me in anger. Why did I ask that last question I didn't know? But I knew this. I would never fall in love and have my heart torn out of my chest. I was not my mother and nobody would play the games with my feelings.
That is why I had broken to many hearts in the past only to get some kind of revenge or the feeling of satisfaction in my life. But that didn't return my mother to me and I was still lonely without comfort, without love. Did I love my father? The answer was NO. My heart couldn't forgive him because I blamed him for my mothers death, but the respect I did feel for him. My feelings in the young days were confused and my emotions were closed just like my fathers. On the way to my room I bumped into somebody, and that pulled me from my musings. There he stood, the silver haired one with a partial smile on his face.
"Well, Well we meet again. I hope this time I will have pleasure knowing your name, little one." The stranger said with a soft voice that sounded just like a melody, but my temper diminished as I met his eyes and started to speak.
"Watch where you are going, you big oaf. And for the last time DO NOT to call me a little one or pen-neth. I have my own name"
"I kindly ask you, what is it then. My own name is Haldir of Lorien and not big oaf or such things that you had just called me." Stranger replied with a smirk and I suddenly had a need to wipe it off his face. I calmly said those words to him while in my mind I was strangling his pretty neck. (Pretty! where did that come from)
"I don't see why should I tell you my name , and I have no need to know yours. Have a great stay at Mirkwood and Good-bye." I turned on my heels and ran to my rooms slamming the door behind me. I had a feeling that this coming night would be too long for me, and I wanted to escape it but that was not possible in any way.
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The half of the feast had already passed and I stood there in the center of the room, ignoring everybody on my way. There were elves in cheerful mood, dancing, celebrating my birthday but my mood was dark this night as the thoughts of my mother, and wishing that she was here took me away.
I received my full share of the gifts and well wishes but I took it all with a fake smile upon my face. And then I saw him again. This time the stranger who saved my life was clothed in the elegant attire of the gray color and he flashed me a smile, while his form approached me fast. I was about to get away from him but he pulled my arm lightly, keeping me in place.
"What are you doing. Please release my arm this instant." I harshly whispered to him as I tried to jerk my arm from his grasp. I could see my father watching me and furrowing his brow at the sight that he saw. I didn't care what my father thought of me this night and I did my best to escape him and his efforts to make peace with me. I turned to a stranger giving him a warning look, as I tried to move away from him.
"No, you are not escaping me this time, prince Legolas. Why didn't you tell me that you are prince? Come to think of it you even didn't want to tell me your name, at first place."
"I said release my arm, you fool. I see that you are drunk, and with drunken slugs I don't share to many words." I said with hissing voice while I shot him a dangerous look. I didn't know why I didn't like him and why every encounter with him made me irritated and angry. I didn't want to have anything with him and I wanted him gone from Mirkwood. He was arrogant and self-assured elf and something about him warned me to stay away.
"Well, I can see that for princeling you are very rude, my dear. I now know that the rumors about you being cold as your father are true. Excuse me if I disturbed you in any way. I should have known better. Have a pleasant night, your highness"
With that he released my arm and left. I was furious at his words and I clenched my fists together, surprising my anger that way (How dare he) I thought (I am a prince and nobody talks to me that way. He shall pay for this. I swear.) I made my way to my friend's side and I pulled him away from the maiden that danced with him, telling him that we needed to talk.
"Legolas, What is it now. Why do you disturb me in my dance?"
"You shall dance later, Irlun. I've got something for us to do first, and I need your help in this."
"Ahhh, Who is the unfortunate one this time"
"Someone called Haldir of Lorien. At first I didn't think of doing anything to him, but now he must pay"
"What did he do to you, Legolas."
"He didn't do nothing physically, but his words offended me. He shall learn his place, that arrogant piece of orc poo.I don't like him at all."
Irlun just smirked at me, not giving me any reply, as he probably thought.( So it had started again)
TBC................................................
(This chapter sucked a bit ,so don't shoot me or yell. I was writing this while I was suffering a hangover*gigles)