I love Legolas!
Chapter 2: The Threat Forgotten
"My Lord, the outskirts of Gondor has been attacked," Faramir spoke silently standing in a room darkness enveloped, a room in Gimli, son of Gloin's dwelling. Three candles stood upon the table. The table was long and made of stone, sturdy and adorned with jewels. The golden light of each candle lit the place and made the hall glitter brightly, but not burning as strongly as the two gray gems that stared back at Faramir.
"How are our people? Where are they? Where do they stay now?" he was asked, the voice calm but his face fierce.
"They have been sent to Anduin, kept in their houses of healing."
"And their livestock? Their homes?"
"There are none left. Their livestock have been butchered, slaughtered, and wasted. Their homes were burned."
"Why only now has this reached me?" the king asked in a dead calm voice and seated though he was he seemed to grow taller and so, loomed over all.
"I am sorry my Lord, I have failed to come earlier. I had to the citadel and not found you there, so I followed you here. Again, I am sorry my Lord," Faramir answered.
He blinked and slunk down his chair and the tension eased. "I am sorry my friend. It is not your fault, I was angered by the hurt of my people. When did this happen? Who are responsible?"
"A week now has passed, I had sent men to guard our borders. My Lord, all that was left of the village was... my Lord, here is a token from our rapists," Faramir withdrew a bulk form the insides of his cape. It was wrapped in the green of Gondor. He unwrapped it and out came a single black arrow, sleek and fine. "It cannot have been the orcs. Their craftsmanship, or lack thereof, doesn't fit these designs," Faramir said, handing the black arrow to Elessar.
Aragorn eyed it carefully, thoughts running through his head. "Goblins? No, too detailed. Harad? No, there is no coloring, no paint, and no henna. What could this..." he brought the arrow to his nose and sniffed, carefully taking in every detail. "...The corsairs of Umbar. This arrow smells of the salty waters. It all makes sense, all the villages attacked were down south of Gondor, but why? We cannot leave this as it is. They must have left this on purpose."
"For us to find my Lord?" Faramir asked.
"I am uncertain my friend. Let us wait, we might be mistaken, but let us not leave Gondor unguarded. Set men to watch and scout our borders, but do not be obvious. If these attacks come at least we are prepared."
"Yes, my Lord," Faramir answered.
The wind blew and put out all three candles. Moonlight entered the room. They looked up and the moonlit sky blanketed them. "That day is near again, her eyes are in the sky," Elassar whispered.
Elassar entered their room. Arwen sat on the bed braiding Elleonar's hair while Eldarion's head was laid on her his mother's lap.
"Good evening father. Can we stay until the next full moon?" Elleonar asked sitting up as her hair was bound by Arwen.
"I'm afraid not dear child. Something is amiss, we cannot linger here," Elassar answered as he untied his cape and hung it.
"Oh but father..." she started but was silenced by Arwen and she whispered, "Yes father, I understand. But please think about it. Let's talk about it tomorrow, you seem troubled."
"Well, father will not change his mind whatever you try to do sister! Might as well give up. There is no use in frolicking around here while we are being attacked by the corsairs ¾" Eldarion stopped.
"I guess you would be blaming Legolas again?" Elassar asked, his expression unreadable.
"Well...yes father, it was his idea," he answered sitting up.
Arwen smiled secretly and Elleonar pursed her lips to stop herself from giggling. She lifted her ring finger and signed it at Elassar. Elassar looked at Eldarion's hand and in his ring finger was a ribbon, a pink one from the candles earlier.
"Eldarion, might I ask, since when have you become fascinated by pink colored rings?" Elassar raised a brow.
Eldarion flushed. "I, uh, somebody asked me to hold it for him," he answered lifting his chin higher.
"Her," Elassar corrected.
"Well, at least I don't go sneaking out trying to tame horse tamers ¾" Eldarion was cut off by Elleonar's fast elbow jab.
"Father, mother is it not late? We will be withdrawing to our quarters. Good evening." She put an arm around Eldarion and dragged him out of the room. The door closed with a thud.
Elassar shook his head and brought his hands upon his temples, massaging them. "What horse tamers?" he asked.
"They are growing up fast," Arwen whispered, avoiding the question, saving Elfwine from her husband's wrath. She chuckled. "This is but a stage, I can't believe it."
"Well, they better grow out of this stage fast. If they don't, I'm afraid I will grow more gray hair," he said as Arwen stepped in front of him, massaging his head.
"Well, I hope you just enjoy them. And besides, I think gray hair is attractive," she smiled and led him to the terrace, wrapping his arms around her. For a while they fell quiet, looking at the star blanketed sky, looking into midnight's eye.
"It is near, the day we left her," whispered Elassar.
"Oh but we never did. She is out there somewhere. Do you not see her eyes looking at us now?'
"Looking, ever watching, always." He kissed her forehead and they stood a little more in silent understanding.
Music filled the night air, joyous and bouncy, urging all to dance and clap. Drinks ran free and continuous, food was spread on all tables. The crowd danced and laughed happily, all of them around their own corners except the crowd in the center, cheering loudly, most of them men, for the wonderfully beautiful and slender woman dancing in the center. All of them struggling to come in front, to get a glimpse of the ever intriguing eyes of the dancer, all of them hoping.
The dancer stood at the center, skin tanned, wild hair falling freely, her face hidden but her eyes, her eyes of midnight blue that twinkled slyly as she caught the eye of another, and with a nod, she ended the dance and walked straight away from them. They all made way for her. She didn't look back until she was near the woods, and with a shake and wink, walked into it.
"What took you so long? Those men there were almost getting out of hand," she hissed, undressing while waking.
Faurdaniel, a man taller and of muscular build followed, catching the clothes she was throwing off. "I am sorry my lady, I had had a hard time picking their pockets, some have lots and lots of them."
"I was kidding you, Faurdaniel! I would never get mad at my ever-dearest friend. And, I gave you leave to call me Karimlan."
"Of course my Karimlan." He started towards a tree and picked up a bag. "Might I ask again, why you must wear those things?" he asked, referring to the accesories she put on. He handed them to her.
"Because I want to, need to. So, what are you up with, might I ask?" she looked at him and he stared blankly at her.
"Why don't you-- why don't we go back to the camp." he said after a while.
"The night is young Faurdaniel. Why don't we visit your ever-dearest nightingale?"
"Who?" he asked knowing full well who she meant.
"Why, Kundiman of course. Let us go hear her sing."
"Might I ask why call her 'my nightingale'? "
"Because, my friend, whether you would speak of it or not, I know your heart longs for her. Why, I see the way you look at her, the way you glow in her presence. Faurdaniel, do not deny it," Karimlan stopped to look at him.
"Perhaps I won't. But we both know we cannot be. It is only in my eyes that we glow."
"Well, my friend, have you not been looking at her? She blushes under your eyes, she returns the glow you share with her. Does matters of the heart blind you?"
"Perhaps it does, but Karimlan, my Lady, I am of Ecija, and to it and for it shall my loyalties lie. So does my body and soul," he answered. Karimlan looked him in the eye. He found it hard to stay still.
"Perhaps yes my friend, but your heart, ah, your heart belongs someplace else," she smiled. "It shall belong to her."
Faurdaniel was silent for a while and started walking towards the left, going towards the castle where Kundiman was.
"My Lady Karimlan, let me assure you though my heart lies with another, I shall do what is right. Always."
"Then let me tell you this. Do not do what is right, do what your heart whispers," she tilted her head and with that she stepped out of the woods and into the vast garden of the castle.
Faurdaniel followed and lifted his head to the left wing tower and found no lights. "I wonder where my nightingale is..." he whispered.
"Perhaps somewhere in the garden. Come on, let us go. Ah! Perhaps you can invite her. Is not my birthday near? Go on, I'll meet you around camp. I'll cover for you."
"Thank you my Lady," he answered, quite unsure of himself.
Karimlan slipped into the woods and let Faurdaniel be. He bowed then walked towards the garden and indeed, a familiar soprano greeted him. A warm voice filled the air and made the ends of his hair tingle. He took a sharp intake of breath as he saw his nightingale.
Fair skinned, auburn haired and green eyed, she stood, singing to the air, beckoning all things to her, beckoning him to her.
She caught his presence and for a moment alarm flashed on her features, alarm that was quickly replaced by a smile that took another breath away. "Agila," she whispered, calling him for the first time, looking into the deep black eyes of Faurdaniel, called him 'eagle' as he looked to her as graceful and strong as one.
Days passed and it was time to depart for all their homes.
"Come visit us dear ones," Eomer said as he helped Lothliriel mount her horse and on his own.
"As soon as we can," Magra answered with a bow.
"My Lord and Lady," Eomer bowed to Elassar and Arwen. "Sister, brother," he said referring to Eowyn and Faramir. "My friends," he smiled at Frodo, Sam and Pippin. "So long. Elfwine? Let us go." He kicked and galloped forward with Lothliriel and Elfwine. Elfwine looked back and waved. All waved back, all but one, Eleonar. She was standing sadly with all of them.
"We'll be going off too," Frodo smiled.
"Yes, we hope to see you all soon," Pippin added.
"Congratulations Gimli and Magra." Sam waved and all their company in the carriage waved too as they trodded along with their wives.
"See you all soon," Eowyn bade them all, both arms on the newly weds.
"I will come to report, my Lord, as soon as word comes," Faramir bowed as he helped Eowyn (who needed none) up her steed. He helped Dallamir too, who looked longingly back.
"Fare thee well for now," Dallamir bade them all and before they reached the gates, waved back.
"Was that not a blue ribbon around her finger?" Elassar whispered.
"Yes, it was my darling," Arwen whispered back.
"I believe, we too, should be going," Eldarion suggested after clearing his throat.
"Of course... see you all soon dear ones," Eleonar smiled and kissed them both on their foreheads before mounting her steed.
"Indeed, Legolas, I will be awaiting you after a few days," Elassar came and with a nod, he called out and their horses came forward.
"Well, my love, we are once again alone with Legolas," Gimli cheerfully said.
"Yes, I believe we will all be seeing each other soon, let us hope it is for the good," Magra answered.
"Perhaps," Legolas answered them and ushered them inside the cave.
"Well, I hope I packed enough ginatan for my Lord Elassar and my Lady Arwen. Are two sack-size pots enough?" Magra asked. "Well, it just might fit them all," Gimli answered, chuckling.
"Yes, especially Lady Arwen," Legolas answered.
They went back inside Gimli's house.
"Soon my plans shall all be fulfilled, all of them shall be caught unaware. They will taste the bitterness of my revenge, all of them, all shall suffer," the woman's voice filled the room. Candles, the only thing that brought light to the room, flickered as she passed.
"Where, my Lady, shall we strike first?" came another, as she spread maps on the table, maps of Gondor. A long and slender finger trailed around the map. North of Ithilien, it went, down, east. It went around in circle and stopped abruptly above a name.
"Why don't we pay our friends in Dol Amroth a little visit, a surprise little visit," she smiled tapping a long nail on the map.
"Of course, my Lady, "shall call upon the troops."
"We will go out at night on the morrow," and with that the woman blew out all candles.
"My Lord, the outskirts of Gondor has been attacked," Faramir spoke silently standing in a room darkness enveloped, a room in Gimli, son of Gloin's dwelling. Three candles stood upon the table. The table was long and made of stone, sturdy and adorned with jewels. The golden light of each candle lit the place and made the hall glitter brightly, but not burning as strongly as the two gray gems that stared back at Faramir.
"How are our people? Where are they? Where do they stay now?" he was asked, the voice calm but his face fierce.
"They have been sent to Anduin, kept in their houses of healing."
"And their livestock? Their homes?"
"There are none left. Their livestock have been butchered, slaughtered, and wasted. Their homes were burned."
"Why only now has this reached me?" the king asked in a dead calm voice and seated though he was he seemed to grow taller and so, loomed over all.
"I am sorry my Lord, I have failed to come earlier. I had to the citadel and not found you there, so I followed you here. Again, I am sorry my Lord," Faramir answered.
He blinked and slunk down his chair and the tension eased. "I am sorry my friend. It is not your fault, I was angered by the hurt of my people. When did this happen? Who are responsible?"
"A week now has passed, I had sent men to guard our borders. My Lord, all that was left of the village was... my Lord, here is a token from our rapists," Faramir withdrew a bulk form the insides of his cape. It was wrapped in the green of Gondor. He unwrapped it and out came a single black arrow, sleek and fine. "It cannot have been the orcs. Their craftsmanship, or lack thereof, doesn't fit these designs," Faramir said, handing the black arrow to Elessar.
Aragorn eyed it carefully, thoughts running through his head. "Goblins? No, too detailed. Harad? No, there is no coloring, no paint, and no henna. What could this..." he brought the arrow to his nose and sniffed, carefully taking in every detail. "...The corsairs of Umbar. This arrow smells of the salty waters. It all makes sense, all the villages attacked were down south of Gondor, but why? We cannot leave this as it is. They must have left this on purpose."
"For us to find my Lord?" Faramir asked.
"I am uncertain my friend. Let us wait, we might be mistaken, but let us not leave Gondor unguarded. Set men to watch and scout our borders, but do not be obvious. If these attacks come at least we are prepared."
"Yes, my Lord," Faramir answered.
The wind blew and put out all three candles. Moonlight entered the room. They looked up and the moonlit sky blanketed them. "That day is near again, her eyes are in the sky," Elassar whispered.
Elassar entered their room. Arwen sat on the bed braiding Elleonar's hair while Eldarion's head was laid on her his mother's lap.
"Good evening father. Can we stay until the next full moon?" Elleonar asked sitting up as her hair was bound by Arwen.
"I'm afraid not dear child. Something is amiss, we cannot linger here," Elassar answered as he untied his cape and hung it.
"Oh but father..." she started but was silenced by Arwen and she whispered, "Yes father, I understand. But please think about it. Let's talk about it tomorrow, you seem troubled."
"Well, father will not change his mind whatever you try to do sister! Might as well give up. There is no use in frolicking around here while we are being attacked by the corsairs ¾" Eldarion stopped.
"I guess you would be blaming Legolas again?" Elassar asked, his expression unreadable.
"Well...yes father, it was his idea," he answered sitting up.
Arwen smiled secretly and Elleonar pursed her lips to stop herself from giggling. She lifted her ring finger and signed it at Elassar. Elassar looked at Eldarion's hand and in his ring finger was a ribbon, a pink one from the candles earlier.
"Eldarion, might I ask, since when have you become fascinated by pink colored rings?" Elassar raised a brow.
Eldarion flushed. "I, uh, somebody asked me to hold it for him," he answered lifting his chin higher.
"Her," Elassar corrected.
"Well, at least I don't go sneaking out trying to tame horse tamers ¾" Eldarion was cut off by Elleonar's fast elbow jab.
"Father, mother is it not late? We will be withdrawing to our quarters. Good evening." She put an arm around Eldarion and dragged him out of the room. The door closed with a thud.
Elassar shook his head and brought his hands upon his temples, massaging them. "What horse tamers?" he asked.
"They are growing up fast," Arwen whispered, avoiding the question, saving Elfwine from her husband's wrath. She chuckled. "This is but a stage, I can't believe it."
"Well, they better grow out of this stage fast. If they don't, I'm afraid I will grow more gray hair," he said as Arwen stepped in front of him, massaging his head.
"Well, I hope you just enjoy them. And besides, I think gray hair is attractive," she smiled and led him to the terrace, wrapping his arms around her. For a while they fell quiet, looking at the star blanketed sky, looking into midnight's eye.
"It is near, the day we left her," whispered Elassar.
"Oh but we never did. She is out there somewhere. Do you not see her eyes looking at us now?'
"Looking, ever watching, always." He kissed her forehead and they stood a little more in silent understanding.
Music filled the night air, joyous and bouncy, urging all to dance and clap. Drinks ran free and continuous, food was spread on all tables. The crowd danced and laughed happily, all of them around their own corners except the crowd in the center, cheering loudly, most of them men, for the wonderfully beautiful and slender woman dancing in the center. All of them struggling to come in front, to get a glimpse of the ever intriguing eyes of the dancer, all of them hoping.
The dancer stood at the center, skin tanned, wild hair falling freely, her face hidden but her eyes, her eyes of midnight blue that twinkled slyly as she caught the eye of another, and with a nod, she ended the dance and walked straight away from them. They all made way for her. She didn't look back until she was near the woods, and with a shake and wink, walked into it.
"What took you so long? Those men there were almost getting out of hand," she hissed, undressing while waking.
Faurdaniel, a man taller and of muscular build followed, catching the clothes she was throwing off. "I am sorry my lady, I had had a hard time picking their pockets, some have lots and lots of them."
"I was kidding you, Faurdaniel! I would never get mad at my ever-dearest friend. And, I gave you leave to call me Karimlan."
"Of course my Karimlan." He started towards a tree and picked up a bag. "Might I ask again, why you must wear those things?" he asked, referring to the accesories she put on. He handed them to her.
"Because I want to, need to. So, what are you up with, might I ask?" she looked at him and he stared blankly at her.
"Why don't you-- why don't we go back to the camp." he said after a while.
"The night is young Faurdaniel. Why don't we visit your ever-dearest nightingale?"
"Who?" he asked knowing full well who she meant.
"Why, Kundiman of course. Let us go hear her sing."
"Might I ask why call her 'my nightingale'? "
"Because, my friend, whether you would speak of it or not, I know your heart longs for her. Why, I see the way you look at her, the way you glow in her presence. Faurdaniel, do not deny it," Karimlan stopped to look at him.
"Perhaps I won't. But we both know we cannot be. It is only in my eyes that we glow."
"Well, my friend, have you not been looking at her? She blushes under your eyes, she returns the glow you share with her. Does matters of the heart blind you?"
"Perhaps it does, but Karimlan, my Lady, I am of Ecija, and to it and for it shall my loyalties lie. So does my body and soul," he answered. Karimlan looked him in the eye. He found it hard to stay still.
"Perhaps yes my friend, but your heart, ah, your heart belongs someplace else," she smiled. "It shall belong to her."
Faurdaniel was silent for a while and started walking towards the left, going towards the castle where Kundiman was.
"My Lady Karimlan, let me assure you though my heart lies with another, I shall do what is right. Always."
"Then let me tell you this. Do not do what is right, do what your heart whispers," she tilted her head and with that she stepped out of the woods and into the vast garden of the castle.
Faurdaniel followed and lifted his head to the left wing tower and found no lights. "I wonder where my nightingale is..." he whispered.
"Perhaps somewhere in the garden. Come on, let us go. Ah! Perhaps you can invite her. Is not my birthday near? Go on, I'll meet you around camp. I'll cover for you."
"Thank you my Lady," he answered, quite unsure of himself.
Karimlan slipped into the woods and let Faurdaniel be. He bowed then walked towards the garden and indeed, a familiar soprano greeted him. A warm voice filled the air and made the ends of his hair tingle. He took a sharp intake of breath as he saw his nightingale.
Fair skinned, auburn haired and green eyed, she stood, singing to the air, beckoning all things to her, beckoning him to her.
She caught his presence and for a moment alarm flashed on her features, alarm that was quickly replaced by a smile that took another breath away. "Agila," she whispered, calling him for the first time, looking into the deep black eyes of Faurdaniel, called him 'eagle' as he looked to her as graceful and strong as one.
Days passed and it was time to depart for all their homes.
"Come visit us dear ones," Eomer said as he helped Lothliriel mount her horse and on his own.
"As soon as we can," Magra answered with a bow.
"My Lord and Lady," Eomer bowed to Elassar and Arwen. "Sister, brother," he said referring to Eowyn and Faramir. "My friends," he smiled at Frodo, Sam and Pippin. "So long. Elfwine? Let us go." He kicked and galloped forward with Lothliriel and Elfwine. Elfwine looked back and waved. All waved back, all but one, Eleonar. She was standing sadly with all of them.
"We'll be going off too," Frodo smiled.
"Yes, we hope to see you all soon," Pippin added.
"Congratulations Gimli and Magra." Sam waved and all their company in the carriage waved too as they trodded along with their wives.
"See you all soon," Eowyn bade them all, both arms on the newly weds.
"I will come to report, my Lord, as soon as word comes," Faramir bowed as he helped Eowyn (who needed none) up her steed. He helped Dallamir too, who looked longingly back.
"Fare thee well for now," Dallamir bade them all and before they reached the gates, waved back.
"Was that not a blue ribbon around her finger?" Elassar whispered.
"Yes, it was my darling," Arwen whispered back.
"I believe, we too, should be going," Eldarion suggested after clearing his throat.
"Of course... see you all soon dear ones," Eleonar smiled and kissed them both on their foreheads before mounting her steed.
"Indeed, Legolas, I will be awaiting you after a few days," Elassar came and with a nod, he called out and their horses came forward.
"Well, my love, we are once again alone with Legolas," Gimli cheerfully said.
"Yes, I believe we will all be seeing each other soon, let us hope it is for the good," Magra answered.
"Perhaps," Legolas answered them and ushered them inside the cave.
"Well, I hope I packed enough ginatan for my Lord Elassar and my Lady Arwen. Are two sack-size pots enough?" Magra asked. "Well, it just might fit them all," Gimli answered, chuckling.
"Yes, especially Lady Arwen," Legolas answered.
They went back inside Gimli's house.
"Soon my plans shall all be fulfilled, all of them shall be caught unaware. They will taste the bitterness of my revenge, all of them, all shall suffer," the woman's voice filled the room. Candles, the only thing that brought light to the room, flickered as she passed.
"Where, my Lady, shall we strike first?" came another, as she spread maps on the table, maps of Gondor. A long and slender finger trailed around the map. North of Ithilien, it went, down, east. It went around in circle and stopped abruptly above a name.
"Why don't we pay our friends in Dol Amroth a little visit, a surprise little visit," she smiled tapping a long nail on the map.
"Of course, my Lady, "shall call upon the troops."
"We will go out at night on the morrow," and with that the woman blew out all candles.