Chapter 5
"Whoa, boy, steady now," Totholain said. His silver stallion slid to a halt and snorted. Totholian had decided to go for a ride on Gloried, for he felt that if he stayed in the palace he might suffocate. He had not been in to see Laurelin yet, but he knew that he owed her an explanation for his actions at the very least. He just didn't know how to present himself. Everyone had been crowding around her room ever since she woke up. Legolas was always in there, and Thranduil visited her often.
Laurelin's father was coming home tonight, and Totholian cringed at the thought. He would not be happy that he was called home from a hunting trip just because his daughter hit head on with an Elf-lord.
Totholain sighed. Thranduil had understood, and so had Legolas, once things were explained to him. But the rest of the Elven community was now wary of the Elf. "He could have killed her!" they whispered when Totholain walked by. "Why did he do it?" they pondered.
Totholian could take their stares and gossip, but only for so long. Now, he was out in the wilderness, with only his beloved horse to keep him company. At least the air wasn't as tense.
"Well, Gloried, what should I do?" he said, not expecting an answer. The horse looked around, and nodded his head towards a field, full of logs and rock walls. "You want to practice your jumping skills today, don't you? We haven't done that in a while. That does sound good." Totholain clucked to the horse, and they galloped towards a small log. Gloried, though, had other plans. He raced towards the highest fence, a red wall made of old, decaying stone. Without anything more than a neigh of triumph, he jumped the obstacle cleanly, with room to spare. Totholain smiled. He hadn't felt so at ease in a long time.
****
"I've been stuck in this bedroom for three weeks! It would be nice to get out, you know?" Laurelin inquired of the guard who had stopped her from leaving her chambers. He stood firmly in front of the door, his arms crossed over his chest.
"My Lady, you are not allowed to leave so soon! You are to stay here for at least another week. It is against the wishes of the Healer and Thranduil to even be out of bed."
Laurelin's blood boiled. How dare this guard tell her she couldn't go at least for a stroll in the gardens? But as she looked at him, she knew it was not wise to argue. He was tall, broad, and could probably pick her up and put her back in her room faster than she could say, "Valar." Laurelin groaned. "Well, if you are going to be so stubborn, could you at least send Saris up here?" The guard nodded.
He waved a warning finger. "Don't go anywhere, young Lady." He walked down the hall and went downstairs. Laurelin leaned against the wall, fuming.
All she wanted was to get out of the stuffy room. It reminded her too much of the disturbing thoughts she had when she had been unconscious and half- awake. She couldn't remember the thoughts any more, but she could recall that they were troubling. She missed Galada, the forests, and the palace courtyard.
Above all, she missed her archery lessons she used to have with Totholain. She didn't want to admit it, but she was upset that the general had not come to see her yet. "An apology is all I want. He wasn't at fault, but he does need to learn how to control his temper. I could've gotten killed," she thought.
After a long time of standing out in the halls, she decided to go back into her room and wait for Saris. What more could she do?
*****
"Father, I need to speak with you." Thranduil looked up and saw his son standing in the doorway to his spacious bedroom. "Come, sit down," he motioned with a wave of his hand. Legolas took a seat in a comfy red-oak chair.
"Father, I was wondering when you were going to announce the wedding."
Thranduil sighed. " I was going to do it this week, but with Laurelin's. um. situation, I obviously cannot. I have decided to tell everyone in four weeks, on this very day, Wednesday."
"I do not mean to be too forward, but could we shorten the length of time?"
"The townspeople are trying to get over the fact that the daughter of my Chief Guard was almost fatally wounded by my general. They cannot take too much excitement at once."
" I understand that, really I do. It's just. I want to get married as soon as possible. I love her a lot."
Thranduil laughed. " A little too eager there, my boy! I can guess what is on your mind. But, I'll make you a deal. You stop pestering me about it, and I will do everything in my power to relay the information as soon as possible."
"Thank you Father. You have no idea how much this means to me."
Legolas stood up to leave. "I swear that I will leave you alone from now on."
Thranduil smiled. "Good-night, my son."
"Good-night, Father."
****
"How much longer, Legolas?" Laurelin inquired of him. The Elf Prince stared out her bedroom window.
"I talked to my father. He is going to try to plan the proclamation as soon as possible."
"So there is no definite time?"
"No, I am sorry. I cannot give you a date."
Laurelin groaned. Fluffing her pillow, she settled deep into her bed. "I have been in here for 23 days. 23 days, Legolas! I have been counting for like, ever. And I feel great, too!"
"Yes, I know you feel fine. But we do not want to take any chances, now do we? I know I certainly don't."
"Okay, Mr. Tough. If it makes you happy, I guess I can endure another week. But that's it! If I can't get out, I think I am going to go crazy!"
"You already are."
"Be quiet! You are ruining the moment."
Legolas grinned. "That's not such a nice thing to say to someone who got you a rose, now is it?"
"Oh, well. I guess not," she said sarcastically. " Sorry. But still, here you are, laughing at my situation! It is not at all funny!"
"I didn't say it was. All I said is you better be nice to me. Or else."
"Or else what?"
"Or else, I'll have to go on an abstinence vow. after the wedding!"
Laurelin threw a pillow at him. "Oh, you are so hilarious. Too bad. I really wanted some little ones around the house to help me torture you."
Legolas chucked the pillow right back at her. "No, I think not. Who would want to hang out in a drab old palace when they can go hunting with dad?"
"Funny," she said as Legolas came over and sat next to her." Thanks for trying to cheer me up. I think it made me feel a tiny bit better."
"Allow me to make you feel even more better." He wrapped her in an embrace and kissed her. She tried to put all of her love and appreciation for him in the kiss. She wanted him to know how much she really did care for him. When they pulled away, Legolas eyes were full understanding of her intent. He stroked her cheek tenderly
"Wow. Next time, you make sure you kiss me like that again!" he said jokingly. Laurelin smiled.
I'll try."
****
Laurelin dressed happily into a green gown and attempted to comb all the tangles out of her hair. Tonight, for the first time in five weeks, she was allowed out of her chambers. Thranduil was holding a huge dinner party to announce the engagement between his son and Laurelin. She wanted to make sure that she looked her best.
She was rummaging around for her silver belt when a soft knock on her door interrupted her. "Yes?" she said, not even glancing up from the trunk she was searching through. "What do you wish?"
"A brief word with you, my Lady, if that is okay." Laurelin froze. Totholain was standing in her room, seeming rather uncomfortable. He wore a silver tunic and little white stars crowned his head. At his belt was an Elvish blade, Glamdrigul, mate to Glamdring. He cleared his throat.
" I wanted to, um, apologize for my rather reckless behavior."
"Apology accepted Totholain," she said hesitantly. "I don't think I could hold a grudge against you even if I did want to. But please, never, ever again do that sort of thing to me. It was a horrible experience, if I may say so."
Totholain's mind clouded. Here he was, apologizing for the actions of Elbereth, not himself. He would have NEVER done that to Laurelin. It made him sad to know that she thought that he was actually capable of doing that to her.
" I am truly sorry. I was just upset with how my work was going as a general." ~ Liar, his brain hissed. You dirty rotten liar. You know that your work as a general is fine. It's who you are that hurt her. How can you lie to her? ~
" I understand. But if you don't mind me saying, I would like if you would take your leave. I have to finish getting ready for the party. You are coming, aren't you?"
"Yes my Lady, I am," Totholain managed to say.
"Good. I will see you there."
****
Laurelin stepped into the bright lights of the palace ballroom. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and the walls were dotted with paintings. The floor was a type of bronze that was no longer available to Elven-kind. At the back of the ballroom were two long, white tables. That was where the feast was to be held before the dancing. Laurelin made her way over to her seat, her footfalls making hardly a sound. She had wanted to arrive early, so she could sit next to Legolas.
She was almost there when a painting of two Elves caught her eye. She looked closer. The one Elf, who was sitting down, was dressed in a green robe. He held a silver staff, and a crown was on his forehead. "That's Thranduil," she thought. The second Elf was a female. She had on a yellow gown, and stood behind Thranduil, her hand resting on his shoulder. Her hair was long, and wound down to her waist. She wore a very somber expression, but at the same time, she was beautiful. Laurelin pondered about who she was and why she looked so familiar. Then, it hit her.
"By the Valar, that is Legolas's mother!" she thought. Laurelin had never met her, for she had gone to Valinor long before she was born. Legolas never talked about her, but it was obvious that he missed her a lot.
"She was so pretty," thought Laurelin. "I wonder why she left?"
"She was bored with life here. Even Legolas could not convince her to stay."
Laurelin turned around. Totholain was sitting at the table, watching her. Ignoring the fact that he had slipped in unnoticed and had read her mind, she said, "How old was Legolas when she left?"
"40, from what I can recall. He was young and naïve. He did not expect his mother to go so soon. But she was summoned, so she went."
" I could never imagine abandoning my child. How could she do such a thing?"
Totholain shrugged. "Being immortal has its disadvantages. She was so upset with the wars, and the killing, and the hatred, she could not take it. Thranduil told her to leave before it was too late. She wanted to take Legolas, but his time had not come yet to sail over the sea. So, she went alone."
"Did you approve of this?"
" It was her destiny, my little one. At the time I accepted fate. Now, I am not so sure."
Laurelin had no idea about what he was talking about. "Totholain, I do not understand what you mean by that."
"All in good time."
Laurelin ran her hand along the canvass, thinking about her own mother. "She was so kind," Laurelin murmured quietly to herself, so even Totholain could not hear. "How could such a thing happen to her?"
*~ The cool breeze hit Laurelin's face hard as she rode her pony, Snow- wind, through the forest. "Mother!' she called out, in a clear voice. "Mother, where are you?" Panic rose up inside her. The little girl stopped her pony and listened. All she heard was silence. No birds, no insects, nothing. It was too eerie.
"Oh, why did I ever agree to go on a trail ride with her?" Laurelin wailed. She was lost, confused, scared, and alone. Worst of all, she had no weapons. She looked through the trees, trying to see if she could find the path home. A sudden growl from behind her made her blood run cold. She turned around in the saddle to see an Orc coming straight at her, sword in hand. Laurelin screamed and kicked Snow-wind into a gallop. The tiny mare took off, extremely frightened. Laurelin gripped Snow-wind's mane, praying that someone, anyone, would rescue them. She leaned forward, urging the pony to go faster. They slowly drew away from the Orc, and soon, it was far behind, engulfed by the woods.
They kept on running, till the sun went down and the moon rose. Laurelin drew the pony up to a walk. The moon gave off hardly any light, and soon all was dark. Laurelin dismounted Snow-wind and patted her flank. "We must find our way home," she told the pony. Snow-wind shook her head. The pony was just as scared, but she seemed to know it was useless to try in the shadow. "Mom!" Laurelin cried. "Mom, please, somebody, help me!"
Her voice rang out and echoed all the way back to the palace. Totholain had been out in the gardens, thinking, when he heard her cry. He knew that voice. It was Laurelin! He ran towards the stables, readied his horse, and took off towards the gloom.
Laurelin sat down on a tree stump and put her head in her lap. She couldn't do anything. Snow-wind was right. They had to stay in one spot till the morning. She tried to get some sleep, but the constant howling of the wind intervened her attempts. She sat up and stared wide-eyed into the fog, searching for her mom. Finally, after many hours, her salvation came.
A gray horse came bursting through the bliss with her mom astride it. "Mom!" Laurelin cried. She bolted towards the horse and clung to its neck. "I was so scared!"
Her mom, Laimia, leaned down and picked the child up. "Shhhh, sweetheart, it is okay. Mom is here now. It is going to be okay." Laurelin closed her eyes and rested her head on her shoulder.
"Mom, I am ready to go home." Laimia smiled, and turned the horse around.
She cried out with pain as an Orc arrow hit her square in the shoulder. Laurelin screeched and lunged for her mom, who was sliding to the ground. The mighty gray horse reared up as an arrow pierced him in the side. Laurelin fell to the dirt and withdrew her mom's sword from its sheath. The Orc let out a laugh of mockery and started towards her. Laurelin closed her eyes and prayed for a miracle. By the will of Elbereth, she got one.
Totholain rode in through the trees, and with one clean sweep of his sword, he wiped the Orc's head off its shoulders. Laurelin opened her eyes to see him bent over her mom, attempting to wake her up. Laurelin felt light-headed as she made her way over to Laimia and Totholain.
"Totholain? Will she be okay?" Totholain looked up at the Elf-girl. He knew he could not say that she was alive.
"Totholain? Is she okay?" Laurelin repeated.
"No. She is dead." Laurelin felt her eyes fill up with tears.
"It is my fault. I was so loud. All I was concerned with was getting home and not being quiet."
"No, of course not. It could not be helped. You were scared. Stuff like this just happens, I guess." He laid a hand on her shoulder. Sighing, he picked Laimia up gingerly and put her on his horse.
"She was the only one who ever loved me." Totholain turned around.
"What?"
"Daddy never wanted me. He always wanted a boy. Said I was useless. Now, I have no family. He is going to say it is my fault. He will hate me."
Totholain bent down and wiped away Laurelin's tears. "I'll make sure that he never harms you. I love you, and so do Thranduil and everyone else."
Laurelin smiled faintly. "Will she be with the angels in heaven?"
Totholain nodded. "You can bet she is as happy as she will ever get." ~*
Laurelin felt her throat clog up. She had believed in angels and heaven then, but now, she knew that there was no such thing. Heaven was made up, and once you lose someone, no matter what the cause, it left a huge dent on your heart. She had been too young to understand, to really understand her mother's death. It had not hurt her then they way death hurt her now. Laurelin let out a wail of distress and bowed her head.
Totholain got up from his seat and came over to her. He raised her chin and looked into her eyes. "Your mother is always with you," he said softly. "She loves you even now, though you cannot see it."
Laurelin smiled through her tears. "Hannon lee, my father." Totholain gave her a hug. Laurelin felt all of her fears wash away. But there was one, nagging thought in her mind. As she was in his arms, she could feel that something bad was going to happen to him. Much sooner than she would be prepared for. "No," she told herself. "Nothing will happen." She drew away from his embrace. Totholain smiled down at her after their hug. He had to act like nothing was the matter, that he had not read her thoughts.
"Allow me to escort you to your seat?" he said, offering her his arm.
"Certainly." He led her over to her chair and sat her down. He then sat down in the chair across from her. It was just in time. Guests of the King started to flood in, and took their seats accordingly. Laurelin was amazed at the amount of Elves that had come. She unexpectedly felt nervous.
"What if they don't think I am fit to be a Princess? What if they like me?"
Laurelin nodded to a couple as they passed by. "Oh, why doesn't Legolas get here with haste?"
"Laurelin!" a warm, female voice rang out. Retkia was running towards her, her face all glowing. "I have not seen you since your.um.accident." she said, casting a glance at Totholain. Laurelin swallowed hard.
"Me neither. How are you?" she said, trying to cover up the awkward statement. Fortunately, Retkia launched into a full description of her love life with her new husband, Gabriel, and Laurelin listened attentively. It was when Legolas arrived in the ballroom that she tuned her loyal friend out.
He was dressed in a blue shirt and had on brown trousers. His crown was not the ordinary one he usually wore, but instead, it was the crown his father had bore in the painting. His ageless face was so. perfect and angelic she could not stop herself from staring. Retkia finally caught on to her gaze and laughed. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bore you. Go over there and say hi to him! Oh come on, don't be shy!" It was then Laurelin realized Retkia had not a clue that she was marrying the Prince of Mirkwood. She probably thought Laurelin was just dreaming about him, nothing more.
"Will tonight's news be interesting to her," Laurelin thought, as she went over to Legolas. When he saw her, he grinned broadly. "You look beautiful," he said, taking her hand in his. Laurelin blushed. "Thank you." Legolas would have kissed her, if Thranduil had not walked into the room. The whole place started to buzz with excitement as everyone went over to worship him. Thranduil chuckled and waved them away with his hand. He did not like being idolized by his subjects.
"My fellow citizens, welcome to the party!" he thundered. Legolas took Laurelin back to her seat and sat beside her. Thranduil slowly made his way to his chair. When he sat down, glasses of wine were brought in. All of the Elves drank to the health of the King. After the wine, there was bread, along with cheese and ham. Laurelin enjoyed all of it. When they were all finished supping, Thranduil stood up.
"My most humblest people, I have an announcement to make." He bellowed. Instant silence. You could have heard a pin drop.
"I have been under the understanding that we need some feminine influence in this palace. So, with those suggestions, I proudly announce the engagement between my son, Prince Legolas, and Lady Laurelin."
Laurelin held her breath, expecting an onslaught.
She got the exact opposite. Everyone stood up and started to clap. Voices of congratulation rang out. Retkia beamed from he seat next to Totholain and Gabriel. Laurelin breathed a huge sigh of relief. She could now halfway relax and enjoy the rest of the evening.
"Whoa, boy, steady now," Totholain said. His silver stallion slid to a halt and snorted. Totholian had decided to go for a ride on Gloried, for he felt that if he stayed in the palace he might suffocate. He had not been in to see Laurelin yet, but he knew that he owed her an explanation for his actions at the very least. He just didn't know how to present himself. Everyone had been crowding around her room ever since she woke up. Legolas was always in there, and Thranduil visited her often.
Laurelin's father was coming home tonight, and Totholian cringed at the thought. He would not be happy that he was called home from a hunting trip just because his daughter hit head on with an Elf-lord.
Totholain sighed. Thranduil had understood, and so had Legolas, once things were explained to him. But the rest of the Elven community was now wary of the Elf. "He could have killed her!" they whispered when Totholain walked by. "Why did he do it?" they pondered.
Totholian could take their stares and gossip, but only for so long. Now, he was out in the wilderness, with only his beloved horse to keep him company. At least the air wasn't as tense.
"Well, Gloried, what should I do?" he said, not expecting an answer. The horse looked around, and nodded his head towards a field, full of logs and rock walls. "You want to practice your jumping skills today, don't you? We haven't done that in a while. That does sound good." Totholain clucked to the horse, and they galloped towards a small log. Gloried, though, had other plans. He raced towards the highest fence, a red wall made of old, decaying stone. Without anything more than a neigh of triumph, he jumped the obstacle cleanly, with room to spare. Totholain smiled. He hadn't felt so at ease in a long time.
****
"I've been stuck in this bedroom for three weeks! It would be nice to get out, you know?" Laurelin inquired of the guard who had stopped her from leaving her chambers. He stood firmly in front of the door, his arms crossed over his chest.
"My Lady, you are not allowed to leave so soon! You are to stay here for at least another week. It is against the wishes of the Healer and Thranduil to even be out of bed."
Laurelin's blood boiled. How dare this guard tell her she couldn't go at least for a stroll in the gardens? But as she looked at him, she knew it was not wise to argue. He was tall, broad, and could probably pick her up and put her back in her room faster than she could say, "Valar." Laurelin groaned. "Well, if you are going to be so stubborn, could you at least send Saris up here?" The guard nodded.
He waved a warning finger. "Don't go anywhere, young Lady." He walked down the hall and went downstairs. Laurelin leaned against the wall, fuming.
All she wanted was to get out of the stuffy room. It reminded her too much of the disturbing thoughts she had when she had been unconscious and half- awake. She couldn't remember the thoughts any more, but she could recall that they were troubling. She missed Galada, the forests, and the palace courtyard.
Above all, she missed her archery lessons she used to have with Totholain. She didn't want to admit it, but she was upset that the general had not come to see her yet. "An apology is all I want. He wasn't at fault, but he does need to learn how to control his temper. I could've gotten killed," she thought.
After a long time of standing out in the halls, she decided to go back into her room and wait for Saris. What more could she do?
*****
"Father, I need to speak with you." Thranduil looked up and saw his son standing in the doorway to his spacious bedroom. "Come, sit down," he motioned with a wave of his hand. Legolas took a seat in a comfy red-oak chair.
"Father, I was wondering when you were going to announce the wedding."
Thranduil sighed. " I was going to do it this week, but with Laurelin's. um. situation, I obviously cannot. I have decided to tell everyone in four weeks, on this very day, Wednesday."
"I do not mean to be too forward, but could we shorten the length of time?"
"The townspeople are trying to get over the fact that the daughter of my Chief Guard was almost fatally wounded by my general. They cannot take too much excitement at once."
" I understand that, really I do. It's just. I want to get married as soon as possible. I love her a lot."
Thranduil laughed. " A little too eager there, my boy! I can guess what is on your mind. But, I'll make you a deal. You stop pestering me about it, and I will do everything in my power to relay the information as soon as possible."
"Thank you Father. You have no idea how much this means to me."
Legolas stood up to leave. "I swear that I will leave you alone from now on."
Thranduil smiled. "Good-night, my son."
"Good-night, Father."
****
"How much longer, Legolas?" Laurelin inquired of him. The Elf Prince stared out her bedroom window.
"I talked to my father. He is going to try to plan the proclamation as soon as possible."
"So there is no definite time?"
"No, I am sorry. I cannot give you a date."
Laurelin groaned. Fluffing her pillow, she settled deep into her bed. "I have been in here for 23 days. 23 days, Legolas! I have been counting for like, ever. And I feel great, too!"
"Yes, I know you feel fine. But we do not want to take any chances, now do we? I know I certainly don't."
"Okay, Mr. Tough. If it makes you happy, I guess I can endure another week. But that's it! If I can't get out, I think I am going to go crazy!"
"You already are."
"Be quiet! You are ruining the moment."
Legolas grinned. "That's not such a nice thing to say to someone who got you a rose, now is it?"
"Oh, well. I guess not," she said sarcastically. " Sorry. But still, here you are, laughing at my situation! It is not at all funny!"
"I didn't say it was. All I said is you better be nice to me. Or else."
"Or else what?"
"Or else, I'll have to go on an abstinence vow. after the wedding!"
Laurelin threw a pillow at him. "Oh, you are so hilarious. Too bad. I really wanted some little ones around the house to help me torture you."
Legolas chucked the pillow right back at her. "No, I think not. Who would want to hang out in a drab old palace when they can go hunting with dad?"
"Funny," she said as Legolas came over and sat next to her." Thanks for trying to cheer me up. I think it made me feel a tiny bit better."
"Allow me to make you feel even more better." He wrapped her in an embrace and kissed her. She tried to put all of her love and appreciation for him in the kiss. She wanted him to know how much she really did care for him. When they pulled away, Legolas eyes were full understanding of her intent. He stroked her cheek tenderly
"Wow. Next time, you make sure you kiss me like that again!" he said jokingly. Laurelin smiled.
I'll try."
****
Laurelin dressed happily into a green gown and attempted to comb all the tangles out of her hair. Tonight, for the first time in five weeks, she was allowed out of her chambers. Thranduil was holding a huge dinner party to announce the engagement between his son and Laurelin. She wanted to make sure that she looked her best.
She was rummaging around for her silver belt when a soft knock on her door interrupted her. "Yes?" she said, not even glancing up from the trunk she was searching through. "What do you wish?"
"A brief word with you, my Lady, if that is okay." Laurelin froze. Totholain was standing in her room, seeming rather uncomfortable. He wore a silver tunic and little white stars crowned his head. At his belt was an Elvish blade, Glamdrigul, mate to Glamdring. He cleared his throat.
" I wanted to, um, apologize for my rather reckless behavior."
"Apology accepted Totholain," she said hesitantly. "I don't think I could hold a grudge against you even if I did want to. But please, never, ever again do that sort of thing to me. It was a horrible experience, if I may say so."
Totholain's mind clouded. Here he was, apologizing for the actions of Elbereth, not himself. He would have NEVER done that to Laurelin. It made him sad to know that she thought that he was actually capable of doing that to her.
" I am truly sorry. I was just upset with how my work was going as a general." ~ Liar, his brain hissed. You dirty rotten liar. You know that your work as a general is fine. It's who you are that hurt her. How can you lie to her? ~
" I understand. But if you don't mind me saying, I would like if you would take your leave. I have to finish getting ready for the party. You are coming, aren't you?"
"Yes my Lady, I am," Totholain managed to say.
"Good. I will see you there."
****
Laurelin stepped into the bright lights of the palace ballroom. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and the walls were dotted with paintings. The floor was a type of bronze that was no longer available to Elven-kind. At the back of the ballroom were two long, white tables. That was where the feast was to be held before the dancing. Laurelin made her way over to her seat, her footfalls making hardly a sound. She had wanted to arrive early, so she could sit next to Legolas.
She was almost there when a painting of two Elves caught her eye. She looked closer. The one Elf, who was sitting down, was dressed in a green robe. He held a silver staff, and a crown was on his forehead. "That's Thranduil," she thought. The second Elf was a female. She had on a yellow gown, and stood behind Thranduil, her hand resting on his shoulder. Her hair was long, and wound down to her waist. She wore a very somber expression, but at the same time, she was beautiful. Laurelin pondered about who she was and why she looked so familiar. Then, it hit her.
"By the Valar, that is Legolas's mother!" she thought. Laurelin had never met her, for she had gone to Valinor long before she was born. Legolas never talked about her, but it was obvious that he missed her a lot.
"She was so pretty," thought Laurelin. "I wonder why she left?"
"She was bored with life here. Even Legolas could not convince her to stay."
Laurelin turned around. Totholain was sitting at the table, watching her. Ignoring the fact that he had slipped in unnoticed and had read her mind, she said, "How old was Legolas when she left?"
"40, from what I can recall. He was young and naïve. He did not expect his mother to go so soon. But she was summoned, so she went."
" I could never imagine abandoning my child. How could she do such a thing?"
Totholain shrugged. "Being immortal has its disadvantages. She was so upset with the wars, and the killing, and the hatred, she could not take it. Thranduil told her to leave before it was too late. She wanted to take Legolas, but his time had not come yet to sail over the sea. So, she went alone."
"Did you approve of this?"
" It was her destiny, my little one. At the time I accepted fate. Now, I am not so sure."
Laurelin had no idea about what he was talking about. "Totholain, I do not understand what you mean by that."
"All in good time."
Laurelin ran her hand along the canvass, thinking about her own mother. "She was so kind," Laurelin murmured quietly to herself, so even Totholain could not hear. "How could such a thing happen to her?"
*~ The cool breeze hit Laurelin's face hard as she rode her pony, Snow- wind, through the forest. "Mother!' she called out, in a clear voice. "Mother, where are you?" Panic rose up inside her. The little girl stopped her pony and listened. All she heard was silence. No birds, no insects, nothing. It was too eerie.
"Oh, why did I ever agree to go on a trail ride with her?" Laurelin wailed. She was lost, confused, scared, and alone. Worst of all, she had no weapons. She looked through the trees, trying to see if she could find the path home. A sudden growl from behind her made her blood run cold. She turned around in the saddle to see an Orc coming straight at her, sword in hand. Laurelin screamed and kicked Snow-wind into a gallop. The tiny mare took off, extremely frightened. Laurelin gripped Snow-wind's mane, praying that someone, anyone, would rescue them. She leaned forward, urging the pony to go faster. They slowly drew away from the Orc, and soon, it was far behind, engulfed by the woods.
They kept on running, till the sun went down and the moon rose. Laurelin drew the pony up to a walk. The moon gave off hardly any light, and soon all was dark. Laurelin dismounted Snow-wind and patted her flank. "We must find our way home," she told the pony. Snow-wind shook her head. The pony was just as scared, but she seemed to know it was useless to try in the shadow. "Mom!" Laurelin cried. "Mom, please, somebody, help me!"
Her voice rang out and echoed all the way back to the palace. Totholain had been out in the gardens, thinking, when he heard her cry. He knew that voice. It was Laurelin! He ran towards the stables, readied his horse, and took off towards the gloom.
Laurelin sat down on a tree stump and put her head in her lap. She couldn't do anything. Snow-wind was right. They had to stay in one spot till the morning. She tried to get some sleep, but the constant howling of the wind intervened her attempts. She sat up and stared wide-eyed into the fog, searching for her mom. Finally, after many hours, her salvation came.
A gray horse came bursting through the bliss with her mom astride it. "Mom!" Laurelin cried. She bolted towards the horse and clung to its neck. "I was so scared!"
Her mom, Laimia, leaned down and picked the child up. "Shhhh, sweetheart, it is okay. Mom is here now. It is going to be okay." Laurelin closed her eyes and rested her head on her shoulder.
"Mom, I am ready to go home." Laimia smiled, and turned the horse around.
She cried out with pain as an Orc arrow hit her square in the shoulder. Laurelin screeched and lunged for her mom, who was sliding to the ground. The mighty gray horse reared up as an arrow pierced him in the side. Laurelin fell to the dirt and withdrew her mom's sword from its sheath. The Orc let out a laugh of mockery and started towards her. Laurelin closed her eyes and prayed for a miracle. By the will of Elbereth, she got one.
Totholain rode in through the trees, and with one clean sweep of his sword, he wiped the Orc's head off its shoulders. Laurelin opened her eyes to see him bent over her mom, attempting to wake her up. Laurelin felt light-headed as she made her way over to Laimia and Totholain.
"Totholain? Will she be okay?" Totholain looked up at the Elf-girl. He knew he could not say that she was alive.
"Totholain? Is she okay?" Laurelin repeated.
"No. She is dead." Laurelin felt her eyes fill up with tears.
"It is my fault. I was so loud. All I was concerned with was getting home and not being quiet."
"No, of course not. It could not be helped. You were scared. Stuff like this just happens, I guess." He laid a hand on her shoulder. Sighing, he picked Laimia up gingerly and put her on his horse.
"She was the only one who ever loved me." Totholain turned around.
"What?"
"Daddy never wanted me. He always wanted a boy. Said I was useless. Now, I have no family. He is going to say it is my fault. He will hate me."
Totholain bent down and wiped away Laurelin's tears. "I'll make sure that he never harms you. I love you, and so do Thranduil and everyone else."
Laurelin smiled faintly. "Will she be with the angels in heaven?"
Totholain nodded. "You can bet she is as happy as she will ever get." ~*
Laurelin felt her throat clog up. She had believed in angels and heaven then, but now, she knew that there was no such thing. Heaven was made up, and once you lose someone, no matter what the cause, it left a huge dent on your heart. She had been too young to understand, to really understand her mother's death. It had not hurt her then they way death hurt her now. Laurelin let out a wail of distress and bowed her head.
Totholain got up from his seat and came over to her. He raised her chin and looked into her eyes. "Your mother is always with you," he said softly. "She loves you even now, though you cannot see it."
Laurelin smiled through her tears. "Hannon lee, my father." Totholain gave her a hug. Laurelin felt all of her fears wash away. But there was one, nagging thought in her mind. As she was in his arms, she could feel that something bad was going to happen to him. Much sooner than she would be prepared for. "No," she told herself. "Nothing will happen." She drew away from his embrace. Totholain smiled down at her after their hug. He had to act like nothing was the matter, that he had not read her thoughts.
"Allow me to escort you to your seat?" he said, offering her his arm.
"Certainly." He led her over to her chair and sat her down. He then sat down in the chair across from her. It was just in time. Guests of the King started to flood in, and took their seats accordingly. Laurelin was amazed at the amount of Elves that had come. She unexpectedly felt nervous.
"What if they don't think I am fit to be a Princess? What if they like me?"
Laurelin nodded to a couple as they passed by. "Oh, why doesn't Legolas get here with haste?"
"Laurelin!" a warm, female voice rang out. Retkia was running towards her, her face all glowing. "I have not seen you since your.um.accident." she said, casting a glance at Totholain. Laurelin swallowed hard.
"Me neither. How are you?" she said, trying to cover up the awkward statement. Fortunately, Retkia launched into a full description of her love life with her new husband, Gabriel, and Laurelin listened attentively. It was when Legolas arrived in the ballroom that she tuned her loyal friend out.
He was dressed in a blue shirt and had on brown trousers. His crown was not the ordinary one he usually wore, but instead, it was the crown his father had bore in the painting. His ageless face was so. perfect and angelic she could not stop herself from staring. Retkia finally caught on to her gaze and laughed. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bore you. Go over there and say hi to him! Oh come on, don't be shy!" It was then Laurelin realized Retkia had not a clue that she was marrying the Prince of Mirkwood. She probably thought Laurelin was just dreaming about him, nothing more.
"Will tonight's news be interesting to her," Laurelin thought, as she went over to Legolas. When he saw her, he grinned broadly. "You look beautiful," he said, taking her hand in his. Laurelin blushed. "Thank you." Legolas would have kissed her, if Thranduil had not walked into the room. The whole place started to buzz with excitement as everyone went over to worship him. Thranduil chuckled and waved them away with his hand. He did not like being idolized by his subjects.
"My fellow citizens, welcome to the party!" he thundered. Legolas took Laurelin back to her seat and sat beside her. Thranduil slowly made his way to his chair. When he sat down, glasses of wine were brought in. All of the Elves drank to the health of the King. After the wine, there was bread, along with cheese and ham. Laurelin enjoyed all of it. When they were all finished supping, Thranduil stood up.
"My most humblest people, I have an announcement to make." He bellowed. Instant silence. You could have heard a pin drop.
"I have been under the understanding that we need some feminine influence in this palace. So, with those suggestions, I proudly announce the engagement between my son, Prince Legolas, and Lady Laurelin."
Laurelin held her breath, expecting an onslaught.
She got the exact opposite. Everyone stood up and started to clap. Voices of congratulation rang out. Retkia beamed from he seat next to Totholain and Gabriel. Laurelin breathed a huge sigh of relief. She could now halfway relax and enjoy the rest of the evening.