Chapter 18
Lizule went outside for a breath of fresh air. Dawn had come, and it left the world in a sense of peacefulness. Everything was still, and Rivendell was wrapped in contentment. Or that is what Lizule thought as she made her way down to the endless fields where the horses were grazing. She saw Legolas was stroking Arodas and all the time talking to him in his ear. She approached stealthily, trying not to make a sound, but Legolas caught her before she could hear his conversation with the horse.
"Lizule, what are you doing here?" The Prince of Mirkwood said as he ran his hand along Arodas's glossy coat. "I thought you, at the very least, would still be resting."
"I couldn't sleep," Lizule said, knowing that wasn't the entire truth. She had slept, but she had been troubled my many fearsome dreams. Some were so real that it seemed like they had actually happened.
"And you, my prince, I thought you would be in your chambers as well. We attack tomorrow, do we not?"
"Yes," he said bitterly. "We do. I was just explaining to Arodas the plan on how to overcome this foolish Balrog. He agrees with me, it seems."
"Horses can't talk," laughed Lizule. "You know that better than anyone else."
"They may not be able to talk, but they can listen. They are the best listeners anywhere."
"I see. Well, I was just going to take Gloried out for a ride. Do you care to join me?" Lizule hadn't been planning to take him out, but she felt like she needed a ride at the moment.
"I thank you, but I don't want to tire out Arodas before the attack."
"You are just making up excuses. One little trail ride will not affect Arodas at the least. We could ride bareback, if you like. I know that tradition has grown old, but I still enjoy it now and then."
"I am not really up to a trail ride today, to tell you the honest truth. Maybe."
"I could go with you?" said Elladan. He came up next to them, with a gorgeous flea-bitten gray in tow. "My stallion, Orion, could use the exercise."
"Um, of course, if you wish," Lizule said slowly. "Just let me call Gloried." She put two fingers to her mouth and whistled an ear-splitting whistle. Gloried came thundering over the fields, a wonderful gleam in his bright eyes. He stopped right in front of the Elf maiden and nudged her gently. Lizule put her hand on his muzzle and stroked him.
"I was planning to ride bareback. Is that all right?" Lizule tentatively asked.
"No problem." Elladan swung up on the huge stallion as if he had been doing it all his life. Orion pranced beneath him, but Elladan steadied him with naught but a word.
Lizule followed in suit, but Legolas had to give her a leg up. Gloried was much bigger than she.
"Um, Legolas?" she whispered so that Elladan wouldn't hear. "What shall I do if Glorfindel sees us?"
"Just keep on riding and pay him no heed. You are with Elladan now, He has no power to change that." Something in Legolas's voice caught, but he continued on as if nothing had happened. "Just play it by year and don't get into trouble." He patted Gloried and walked over to Elladan.
"I don't know if you are going to tell her about your power, but I suggest that you do, so that she finds out from you and not someone else. My Lord, do I make myself clear?"
"Clear as crystal," Elladan said coldly. He moved Orion away from Legolas, and Lizule followed, smiling at the Wood-Elf as she passed. Legolas walked back to Arodas, murmuring softly.
"So what do you think?" he inquired of the horse, although he knew he would receive no answer. "What shall I do?"
****
"I thought we might ride up to the archery range. Does that suit you?" Elladan asked as his mighty horse picked up a trot.
"I don't have a bow or a quiver," Lizule said, thanking the Valar that her voice actually was working.
"That's fine. We have spare ones there."
"Okay. I'll go. But I must warn you, I can't shoot an arrow to save my life."
"Legolas hasn't taught you? I find that very surprising. I mean, he is an expert with the bow."
"I never asked him to teach me. I believe he thought I wouldn't want to learn."
"No matter. I will teach you instead. It isn't really that difficult, once you understand how to do it."
They rode in silence for the remainder of the trip. When they finally arrived at the archery range, Lizule was surprised to see someone else there. It was Gabriel. His back was to them, and he was stringing a mighty bow. He released the arrow and it hit the outer rim of one of the closest targets. Clearly frustrated, he threw the bow down in despair.
"Gabriel? Is everything okay?" Lizule said, frowning. She did not understand why he shooting so badly. He usually had a pretty good aim.
Gabriel stood, his face gaunt and drawn. It looked like he had not slept for weeks.
"Did you see the sword Legolas has?" He cried. "It's Totholain's sword, Glamdrigul. How he dared to disturb the peace of the dead!"
Shocked, Lizule looked over at Elladan. He didn't appear to be surprised. On the contrary, his dark eyes were glittering maliciously at Gabriel. He was stroking Orion's neck and murmuring softly to himself.
Lizule looked back at Gabriel. He seemed to be confused by Elladan's reaction too.
"What is it, Prince of Rivendell? Do you not care? How can you not show any respect for the dead?"
"Gabriel," Elladan said slowly as he dismounted from Orion's back. "Legolas did not take it. At first he would not even touch it. Only after my father explained to him its purpose would he receive it." Elladan hitched Orion's leather bridle on to a post that was standing outside of a supply closet, apparently believing this explanation would be good enough for Gabriel. However, it was not.
"I saw the sword in his own hands when he was going back to his chambers! He looked mighty proud of receiving such a terrible yet splendid sword."
Elladan opened his mouth as if to say something, but he thought better of it, and quickly closed it. Shaking his head, he turned to Lizule.
"Would you like to get down from that horse and practice?" he said, with no emotion in his voice.
Lizule swallowed hard and nodded. She slid off and gave Gloried to Elladan. Gabriel's mouth was hanging open and he was glaring at the Elf-Prince. Lizule didn't know what to say or do to comfort the enraged soldier. True, the sword had once been Totholain's, but if Legolas needed it, then by all means let him use it. She was not going to argue with Elladan either.
Without another word, Gabriel spun on his heel and stalked off to his horse, which was tied at the other end of the archery range. He mounted and galloped away.
"Well, well," Elladan said. "I guess this means we have the range all to ourselves."
The Elf maiden walked over to the quiver of arrows and the bow Gabriel had left lying in the long grass. She picked them up and gave the bow to Elladan.
"There is no possible way I could string that," she said. "I need a much smaller bow."
Elladan smiled and went into the supply closet. He came out with two bows, one was slightly bigger than the other, and a quiver of arrows. He gave the smaller bow to Lizule. The bigger one he stringed easily and fitted an arrow to it. Walking over to the shooting range, he let go of the arrow and it hit one of the targets right in the middle. Beckoning Lizule to come forward, he showed her how to string the bow.
"Okay, now put an arrow up to the string and hold it between two fingers, your index finger and middle finger. Good. Now, aim for the closest target. Try aiming up a little bit, or your arrow will end up hitting the grass."
Lizule positioned the arrow and released it. The arrow hit the target on the outer rim.
"Good job. Next time, try aiming a little bit more to the left. You'll find the wind will carry it to the middle."
Lizule nodded and did as he instructed. This time, she hit the target square in the center. Smiling gleefully, she picked up another arrow.
"May I attempt the next one?" she inquired, hoping that he would give her permission.
Elladan nodded as he hit yet another target dead center. "Of course."
They practiced for more than an hour. Her fingers were aching terribly, but by the time the sun was starting to set, Lizule could hit all of the targets except one. Not even Elladan could get a bulls-eye on it. It was positioned at least two hundred feet away and was on a tiny hill.
"Has anyone ever hit the center on that target?" Lizule said, exasperated as she picked up yet another arrow. "It seems impossible."
"Only Legolas has ever been able to do it. He got it on his second try. He tried to teach me, but to hit it requires great skill and lots of practice. I just don't have the time."
"I presume he used an powerful bow?"
"No, actually. He used his old Mirkwood bow, which was the one he owned before receiving his Lothlorien bow. But speaking of power." Elladan stopped abruptly, debating whether or not he should tell her. If he did inform her, she might shun him and return to Glorfindel, and then be emotionally hurt. Also, his father had warned him about telling anyone. But if he didn't tell her, she would sooner or later figure it out and be wounded by his lie. He took a deep breath.
"Lizule, there is something I have been meaning to tell you." The Elf maiden looked at him with a searching expression on her face.
"Yes?"
"I have an extraordinary gift, Lizule. I do not know if you have discovered it, but I am highly skilled with plants, especially flowers. We could be out in the wild wandering about and I would know the name of every single bush and shrub we pass, regardless of whether or not I have seen it before. I know which flowers are poisonous and which ones are helpful. It comes to me like second nature. Unfortunately, it is a very bizarre and unheard of talent, but I do have it. I just wanted to tell you so you can understand that I want to be open in this relationship. I don't want to have to speak of lies to cover up something you deserve to be aware of. I humbly ask for your pardon, since I did not inform you sooner."
Lizule cocked her head and smiled. She felt relieved that it was something as trivial as this.
"I completely understand. And of course you have my pardon, you foolish Prince! But there is one thing that is vexing me. If you have a gift with flowers, than what is Glorfindel's secret power? I heard him talking about it when we were coming from Mirkwood."
Elladan grimaced. His father's voice rang in his head: "Do not tell anyone or anything about the powers possessed within all of us who are here at this council. Legolas and Isitur might not have anything "special" about them, but we do not know for certain. Therefore, do not inform a single soul about the Council's powers. It could destroy our entire plan." The Elf-prince flinched. He had disobeyed his father severely, yet, what harm could come from just telling Lizule?
"Come here," he instructed as he sat down on the grass. Lizule sat beside him, a questioning look on her face. She was looking around and through the woods, like she had heard something. She dismissed it with a brief grin at Elladan.
Elladan smiled back and then shook his head, trying to get rid of his father's voice, which was pounding in his ears.
"I will tell you everything," he said, his voice faltering slightly. "Everything I know."
****
Legolas looked out over the descending sunset. The day had passed extremely fast. Too fast, in his opinion. For tomorrow, they were going to attack the Balrog and the remaining Orcs that the Fire Demon had under his command.
Fingering his sword, Legolas pulled Glamdrigul out of its sheath. He remembered Totholain telling him that when the sword's master was stressed or upset, the blade would glow red. But at the moment, it was just a silver blade with beautiful Elvish script written along the edges. The Mirkwood Prince lifted it up in the air, admiring the inscriptions along the sides. He then noticed, for the very first time, what the writing said:
" Hope is not a trite word: It is a word of rendering significance, and within hope courage will always prevail."
Legolas smiled weakly at the quote. It did make him feel a tiny bit better inside. He sheathed the sword and continued to watch the sun set below the tree line, making a splendid horizon. After several minutes, he noticed something was coming through the trees. He strained his eyes and saw Gabriel mounted on a dark black horse, galloping with all speed toward the Rivendell stables. Although it was dark, and Gabriel and the stallion were far away, Legolas saw heavy sweat marks on the horse's chest and flanks. It looked exhausted. The Elf-prince watched attentively as Gabriel and the horse disappeared from view. He did not understand why Gabriel was racing his horse that hard at night, especially when it needed its strength for tomorrow!
Legolas glanced back over at the woods and saw what had made Gabriel run. Elladan and Lizule were coming up the path, deep in conversation. They seemed unaware that Gabriel had been in front of them. Lizule was nodding thoughtfully, and the Rivendell Prince appeared to be explaining a complicated theory to her. That was when Legolas noticed that they were holding hands.
"So, Gabriel, my friend, I presume you have been spying. But for what reason? Why would it concern you so?" Legolas thought while grinning to himself. "You foolish trickster."
He shook his head with disapproval. Nothing agitated him more than when an Elf was untruthful. It bothered him to the greatest extent. But what could he do? The precious traditions of his own beloved race were failing, diminishing in the Fourth Age of Middle-earth. Change was hardly ever a good thing in Legolas's opinion.
He sighed and sat down on his bed. He then noticed that his book, There and Back Again, was open and lying on the oak table over by his fireplace. He furrowed his brow, remembering that he had closed the book and put it in his drawer. It seemed odd that it was there, but he had no more time to think about it, for Gabriel burst into his room, his usually calm eyes raging with fire and spite.
"Legolas!" He boomed, his voice echoing against the walls. "If you are such a good friend to Lizule, then why is she off gallivanting with the insane?"
The Mirkwood Prince's eyes popped wide open. So Elladan had told her. "What are you talking about?" He asked, trying to forge his innocence of the matter.
Gabriel shot daggers at Legolas. He clearly was not convinced. "What do you mean, what am I talking about? I overheard Elladan telling Lizule about his "secret" power and how she could not inform a single soul. She promised, of course. And as soon as I heard it I knew that you were aware of it, for they must have told you and everyone else at the Council. That is irrelevant, though. What I really want to know is if anyone else in this place has some other peculiar thing about them?"
Legolas gulped. He now realized whom Gabriel sounded like. Gabriel reminded Legolas of himself.
"Uh, um, well, Gabriel, I can't explain this to you, but all I can say is that you must trust Lord Elrond and the Generals, especially Glorfindel. They know what they are doing, and I have placed my fate in their hands. Just do not violate their suggestions."
~ Legolas , how can you be saying this, when just a day ago you were convinced that you would not accept it? ~
Gabriel looked livid. He stormed out of the room and shut the door, apparently to make a silent statement to Legolas. The Mirkwood Prince groaned and sat down in his chair. So much was going wrong. He missed his home and Laurelin, he wasn't even sure if this sword was going to protect him and her life, Gabriel was in a fit of rage, Lizule couldn't figure out who she wanted to love, what else could happen? What else could possibly go astray?
He dropped his head into his lap, closed his eyes, and let his soul sink into a world with no problems, back such a long time ago, when he still had his mother.
****
"Master Legolas?" a timid voice said. "Master Legolas, it is time to wake up now."
Legolas moaned and rolled over. He didn't want to get up. He didn't want to face the world. But with dread, he knew that he had to. Clearing his eyes, he focused his stare on a tiny Elf-girl who was standing in his doorway. She was the same Elfling who had given the Evenstar to him. He sat up with a start, realizing he must have went to sleep and fallen to the floor. He rubbed his eyes and said,
"What do you want?" in his most polite tone. He did not want to scare her off again.
The girl smiled nervously. "My Lord Glorfindel and King Elrond wish that you would report to them immediately. Your horse has been readied and his waiting outside. We are going to war today."
Legolas grimaced. His old despair came rushing back to him like a tidal wave. "Wonderful. War is the last thing I want to think about. However, that is not important to you in the slightest way," he said, sensing the questioning in her mind. "Tell your "Lord" I will be down there soon. I just have to get dressed and put on my sword."
The Elfling nodded. "Yes, Master Legolas." She turned to leave. "Oh, the reason your book is open is because I was supposed to give you the message yesterday, but you were not here. I am ashamed to say I went searching through your cabinets and I found your book. I read it for two hours. It is very good. I am sorry for plundering through your stuff. I know it was not right of me." The Elf girl bowed to him and closed his door with a soft bang behind her.
Legolas shook his blond head with distaste. Children were full of curiosities, that was for sure. It irked him in the slightest way.
"Oh well," he thought. "There is nothing you can do about it. All Elflings go through that phase."
The Mirkwood Prince stood and rubbed his back. He was sore all over. It certainly wasn't a good thing. With a tiny limp in his walk, he went over to his drawers. He yawned as he put on his tunic, and then he strapped on his arm guards. Over that he put a light shirt of mail, but he suspected he would not need that much protection. He was invincible as long as he had his sword, and there was no way he would allow it out of his sight. He strapped it on, letting it hang at his waist. To his surprise, it was not that heavy.
Legolas picked up his bow and quiver of arrows which were lying on the table and put the quiver on his back. He felt a lot better now, he guessed it was because he had finally woken up. Bow in hand, he strode from his room looking like a youthful spirit going to his doom. He shut his door hurriedly and rushed downstairs to meet with Lord Elrond and Glorfindel. War had begun.
Lizule went outside for a breath of fresh air. Dawn had come, and it left the world in a sense of peacefulness. Everything was still, and Rivendell was wrapped in contentment. Or that is what Lizule thought as she made her way down to the endless fields where the horses were grazing. She saw Legolas was stroking Arodas and all the time talking to him in his ear. She approached stealthily, trying not to make a sound, but Legolas caught her before she could hear his conversation with the horse.
"Lizule, what are you doing here?" The Prince of Mirkwood said as he ran his hand along Arodas's glossy coat. "I thought you, at the very least, would still be resting."
"I couldn't sleep," Lizule said, knowing that wasn't the entire truth. She had slept, but she had been troubled my many fearsome dreams. Some were so real that it seemed like they had actually happened.
"And you, my prince, I thought you would be in your chambers as well. We attack tomorrow, do we not?"
"Yes," he said bitterly. "We do. I was just explaining to Arodas the plan on how to overcome this foolish Balrog. He agrees with me, it seems."
"Horses can't talk," laughed Lizule. "You know that better than anyone else."
"They may not be able to talk, but they can listen. They are the best listeners anywhere."
"I see. Well, I was just going to take Gloried out for a ride. Do you care to join me?" Lizule hadn't been planning to take him out, but she felt like she needed a ride at the moment.
"I thank you, but I don't want to tire out Arodas before the attack."
"You are just making up excuses. One little trail ride will not affect Arodas at the least. We could ride bareback, if you like. I know that tradition has grown old, but I still enjoy it now and then."
"I am not really up to a trail ride today, to tell you the honest truth. Maybe."
"I could go with you?" said Elladan. He came up next to them, with a gorgeous flea-bitten gray in tow. "My stallion, Orion, could use the exercise."
"Um, of course, if you wish," Lizule said slowly. "Just let me call Gloried." She put two fingers to her mouth and whistled an ear-splitting whistle. Gloried came thundering over the fields, a wonderful gleam in his bright eyes. He stopped right in front of the Elf maiden and nudged her gently. Lizule put her hand on his muzzle and stroked him.
"I was planning to ride bareback. Is that all right?" Lizule tentatively asked.
"No problem." Elladan swung up on the huge stallion as if he had been doing it all his life. Orion pranced beneath him, but Elladan steadied him with naught but a word.
Lizule followed in suit, but Legolas had to give her a leg up. Gloried was much bigger than she.
"Um, Legolas?" she whispered so that Elladan wouldn't hear. "What shall I do if Glorfindel sees us?"
"Just keep on riding and pay him no heed. You are with Elladan now, He has no power to change that." Something in Legolas's voice caught, but he continued on as if nothing had happened. "Just play it by year and don't get into trouble." He patted Gloried and walked over to Elladan.
"I don't know if you are going to tell her about your power, but I suggest that you do, so that she finds out from you and not someone else. My Lord, do I make myself clear?"
"Clear as crystal," Elladan said coldly. He moved Orion away from Legolas, and Lizule followed, smiling at the Wood-Elf as she passed. Legolas walked back to Arodas, murmuring softly.
"So what do you think?" he inquired of the horse, although he knew he would receive no answer. "What shall I do?"
****
"I thought we might ride up to the archery range. Does that suit you?" Elladan asked as his mighty horse picked up a trot.
"I don't have a bow or a quiver," Lizule said, thanking the Valar that her voice actually was working.
"That's fine. We have spare ones there."
"Okay. I'll go. But I must warn you, I can't shoot an arrow to save my life."
"Legolas hasn't taught you? I find that very surprising. I mean, he is an expert with the bow."
"I never asked him to teach me. I believe he thought I wouldn't want to learn."
"No matter. I will teach you instead. It isn't really that difficult, once you understand how to do it."
They rode in silence for the remainder of the trip. When they finally arrived at the archery range, Lizule was surprised to see someone else there. It was Gabriel. His back was to them, and he was stringing a mighty bow. He released the arrow and it hit the outer rim of one of the closest targets. Clearly frustrated, he threw the bow down in despair.
"Gabriel? Is everything okay?" Lizule said, frowning. She did not understand why he shooting so badly. He usually had a pretty good aim.
Gabriel stood, his face gaunt and drawn. It looked like he had not slept for weeks.
"Did you see the sword Legolas has?" He cried. "It's Totholain's sword, Glamdrigul. How he dared to disturb the peace of the dead!"
Shocked, Lizule looked over at Elladan. He didn't appear to be surprised. On the contrary, his dark eyes were glittering maliciously at Gabriel. He was stroking Orion's neck and murmuring softly to himself.
Lizule looked back at Gabriel. He seemed to be confused by Elladan's reaction too.
"What is it, Prince of Rivendell? Do you not care? How can you not show any respect for the dead?"
"Gabriel," Elladan said slowly as he dismounted from Orion's back. "Legolas did not take it. At first he would not even touch it. Only after my father explained to him its purpose would he receive it." Elladan hitched Orion's leather bridle on to a post that was standing outside of a supply closet, apparently believing this explanation would be good enough for Gabriel. However, it was not.
"I saw the sword in his own hands when he was going back to his chambers! He looked mighty proud of receiving such a terrible yet splendid sword."
Elladan opened his mouth as if to say something, but he thought better of it, and quickly closed it. Shaking his head, he turned to Lizule.
"Would you like to get down from that horse and practice?" he said, with no emotion in his voice.
Lizule swallowed hard and nodded. She slid off and gave Gloried to Elladan. Gabriel's mouth was hanging open and he was glaring at the Elf-Prince. Lizule didn't know what to say or do to comfort the enraged soldier. True, the sword had once been Totholain's, but if Legolas needed it, then by all means let him use it. She was not going to argue with Elladan either.
Without another word, Gabriel spun on his heel and stalked off to his horse, which was tied at the other end of the archery range. He mounted and galloped away.
"Well, well," Elladan said. "I guess this means we have the range all to ourselves."
The Elf maiden walked over to the quiver of arrows and the bow Gabriel had left lying in the long grass. She picked them up and gave the bow to Elladan.
"There is no possible way I could string that," she said. "I need a much smaller bow."
Elladan smiled and went into the supply closet. He came out with two bows, one was slightly bigger than the other, and a quiver of arrows. He gave the smaller bow to Lizule. The bigger one he stringed easily and fitted an arrow to it. Walking over to the shooting range, he let go of the arrow and it hit one of the targets right in the middle. Beckoning Lizule to come forward, he showed her how to string the bow.
"Okay, now put an arrow up to the string and hold it between two fingers, your index finger and middle finger. Good. Now, aim for the closest target. Try aiming up a little bit, or your arrow will end up hitting the grass."
Lizule positioned the arrow and released it. The arrow hit the target on the outer rim.
"Good job. Next time, try aiming a little bit more to the left. You'll find the wind will carry it to the middle."
Lizule nodded and did as he instructed. This time, she hit the target square in the center. Smiling gleefully, she picked up another arrow.
"May I attempt the next one?" she inquired, hoping that he would give her permission.
Elladan nodded as he hit yet another target dead center. "Of course."
They practiced for more than an hour. Her fingers were aching terribly, but by the time the sun was starting to set, Lizule could hit all of the targets except one. Not even Elladan could get a bulls-eye on it. It was positioned at least two hundred feet away and was on a tiny hill.
"Has anyone ever hit the center on that target?" Lizule said, exasperated as she picked up yet another arrow. "It seems impossible."
"Only Legolas has ever been able to do it. He got it on his second try. He tried to teach me, but to hit it requires great skill and lots of practice. I just don't have the time."
"I presume he used an powerful bow?"
"No, actually. He used his old Mirkwood bow, which was the one he owned before receiving his Lothlorien bow. But speaking of power." Elladan stopped abruptly, debating whether or not he should tell her. If he did inform her, she might shun him and return to Glorfindel, and then be emotionally hurt. Also, his father had warned him about telling anyone. But if he didn't tell her, she would sooner or later figure it out and be wounded by his lie. He took a deep breath.
"Lizule, there is something I have been meaning to tell you." The Elf maiden looked at him with a searching expression on her face.
"Yes?"
"I have an extraordinary gift, Lizule. I do not know if you have discovered it, but I am highly skilled with plants, especially flowers. We could be out in the wild wandering about and I would know the name of every single bush and shrub we pass, regardless of whether or not I have seen it before. I know which flowers are poisonous and which ones are helpful. It comes to me like second nature. Unfortunately, it is a very bizarre and unheard of talent, but I do have it. I just wanted to tell you so you can understand that I want to be open in this relationship. I don't want to have to speak of lies to cover up something you deserve to be aware of. I humbly ask for your pardon, since I did not inform you sooner."
Lizule cocked her head and smiled. She felt relieved that it was something as trivial as this.
"I completely understand. And of course you have my pardon, you foolish Prince! But there is one thing that is vexing me. If you have a gift with flowers, than what is Glorfindel's secret power? I heard him talking about it when we were coming from Mirkwood."
Elladan grimaced. His father's voice rang in his head: "Do not tell anyone or anything about the powers possessed within all of us who are here at this council. Legolas and Isitur might not have anything "special" about them, but we do not know for certain. Therefore, do not inform a single soul about the Council's powers. It could destroy our entire plan." The Elf-prince flinched. He had disobeyed his father severely, yet, what harm could come from just telling Lizule?
"Come here," he instructed as he sat down on the grass. Lizule sat beside him, a questioning look on her face. She was looking around and through the woods, like she had heard something. She dismissed it with a brief grin at Elladan.
Elladan smiled back and then shook his head, trying to get rid of his father's voice, which was pounding in his ears.
"I will tell you everything," he said, his voice faltering slightly. "Everything I know."
****
Legolas looked out over the descending sunset. The day had passed extremely fast. Too fast, in his opinion. For tomorrow, they were going to attack the Balrog and the remaining Orcs that the Fire Demon had under his command.
Fingering his sword, Legolas pulled Glamdrigul out of its sheath. He remembered Totholain telling him that when the sword's master was stressed or upset, the blade would glow red. But at the moment, it was just a silver blade with beautiful Elvish script written along the edges. The Mirkwood Prince lifted it up in the air, admiring the inscriptions along the sides. He then noticed, for the very first time, what the writing said:
" Hope is not a trite word: It is a word of rendering significance, and within hope courage will always prevail."
Legolas smiled weakly at the quote. It did make him feel a tiny bit better inside. He sheathed the sword and continued to watch the sun set below the tree line, making a splendid horizon. After several minutes, he noticed something was coming through the trees. He strained his eyes and saw Gabriel mounted on a dark black horse, galloping with all speed toward the Rivendell stables. Although it was dark, and Gabriel and the stallion were far away, Legolas saw heavy sweat marks on the horse's chest and flanks. It looked exhausted. The Elf-prince watched attentively as Gabriel and the horse disappeared from view. He did not understand why Gabriel was racing his horse that hard at night, especially when it needed its strength for tomorrow!
Legolas glanced back over at the woods and saw what had made Gabriel run. Elladan and Lizule were coming up the path, deep in conversation. They seemed unaware that Gabriel had been in front of them. Lizule was nodding thoughtfully, and the Rivendell Prince appeared to be explaining a complicated theory to her. That was when Legolas noticed that they were holding hands.
"So, Gabriel, my friend, I presume you have been spying. But for what reason? Why would it concern you so?" Legolas thought while grinning to himself. "You foolish trickster."
He shook his head with disapproval. Nothing agitated him more than when an Elf was untruthful. It bothered him to the greatest extent. But what could he do? The precious traditions of his own beloved race were failing, diminishing in the Fourth Age of Middle-earth. Change was hardly ever a good thing in Legolas's opinion.
He sighed and sat down on his bed. He then noticed that his book, There and Back Again, was open and lying on the oak table over by his fireplace. He furrowed his brow, remembering that he had closed the book and put it in his drawer. It seemed odd that it was there, but he had no more time to think about it, for Gabriel burst into his room, his usually calm eyes raging with fire and spite.
"Legolas!" He boomed, his voice echoing against the walls. "If you are such a good friend to Lizule, then why is she off gallivanting with the insane?"
The Mirkwood Prince's eyes popped wide open. So Elladan had told her. "What are you talking about?" He asked, trying to forge his innocence of the matter.
Gabriel shot daggers at Legolas. He clearly was not convinced. "What do you mean, what am I talking about? I overheard Elladan telling Lizule about his "secret" power and how she could not inform a single soul. She promised, of course. And as soon as I heard it I knew that you were aware of it, for they must have told you and everyone else at the Council. That is irrelevant, though. What I really want to know is if anyone else in this place has some other peculiar thing about them?"
Legolas gulped. He now realized whom Gabriel sounded like. Gabriel reminded Legolas of himself.
"Uh, um, well, Gabriel, I can't explain this to you, but all I can say is that you must trust Lord Elrond and the Generals, especially Glorfindel. They know what they are doing, and I have placed my fate in their hands. Just do not violate their suggestions."
~ Legolas , how can you be saying this, when just a day ago you were convinced that you would not accept it? ~
Gabriel looked livid. He stormed out of the room and shut the door, apparently to make a silent statement to Legolas. The Mirkwood Prince groaned and sat down in his chair. So much was going wrong. He missed his home and Laurelin, he wasn't even sure if this sword was going to protect him and her life, Gabriel was in a fit of rage, Lizule couldn't figure out who she wanted to love, what else could happen? What else could possibly go astray?
He dropped his head into his lap, closed his eyes, and let his soul sink into a world with no problems, back such a long time ago, when he still had his mother.
****
"Master Legolas?" a timid voice said. "Master Legolas, it is time to wake up now."
Legolas moaned and rolled over. He didn't want to get up. He didn't want to face the world. But with dread, he knew that he had to. Clearing his eyes, he focused his stare on a tiny Elf-girl who was standing in his doorway. She was the same Elfling who had given the Evenstar to him. He sat up with a start, realizing he must have went to sleep and fallen to the floor. He rubbed his eyes and said,
"What do you want?" in his most polite tone. He did not want to scare her off again.
The girl smiled nervously. "My Lord Glorfindel and King Elrond wish that you would report to them immediately. Your horse has been readied and his waiting outside. We are going to war today."
Legolas grimaced. His old despair came rushing back to him like a tidal wave. "Wonderful. War is the last thing I want to think about. However, that is not important to you in the slightest way," he said, sensing the questioning in her mind. "Tell your "Lord" I will be down there soon. I just have to get dressed and put on my sword."
The Elfling nodded. "Yes, Master Legolas." She turned to leave. "Oh, the reason your book is open is because I was supposed to give you the message yesterday, but you were not here. I am ashamed to say I went searching through your cabinets and I found your book. I read it for two hours. It is very good. I am sorry for plundering through your stuff. I know it was not right of me." The Elf girl bowed to him and closed his door with a soft bang behind her.
Legolas shook his blond head with distaste. Children were full of curiosities, that was for sure. It irked him in the slightest way.
"Oh well," he thought. "There is nothing you can do about it. All Elflings go through that phase."
The Mirkwood Prince stood and rubbed his back. He was sore all over. It certainly wasn't a good thing. With a tiny limp in his walk, he went over to his drawers. He yawned as he put on his tunic, and then he strapped on his arm guards. Over that he put a light shirt of mail, but he suspected he would not need that much protection. He was invincible as long as he had his sword, and there was no way he would allow it out of his sight. He strapped it on, letting it hang at his waist. To his surprise, it was not that heavy.
Legolas picked up his bow and quiver of arrows which were lying on the table and put the quiver on his back. He felt a lot better now, he guessed it was because he had finally woken up. Bow in hand, he strode from his room looking like a youthful spirit going to his doom. He shut his door hurriedly and rushed downstairs to meet with Lord Elrond and Glorfindel. War had begun.