When Will the Sun Shine Again?
Chapter 6- Messages
A.N: Saw the Two Towers on Wednesday and Thursday night, yay! Lots of Leggy to inspire me so here is the new chapter, with a little Arwen too, just to tide you over, somehow I don't think the story will be very long (are those sighs of relief I hear?!) but we'll see how we go. Oh and if you like Legolas angst you should go check out my new fic Darkness in the Deep but it has major TTT movie spoilers, just to warn you. Anyway, Love and Legolas to you all! Enjoy!
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Arwen awoke with a start, fitful dreams had plagued her rest all through the moonless night, and she was exhausted though she had encountered no exertion.
Her elder brother Elledan had been nearby passing when Arwen's moans and shifts had become audible from the hallway so he knocked soundly on the door- which had in fact been the cause of her waking, more than her dreams- and was met with a slightly shivering Arwen, the coverlets snugly pulled around her slender form.
"Arwen. Is all well? What ails you?" He came into the room and perched lightly on the side of his sisters bed.
"Dreams and visions, of what import I know not."
"Lord Elessar?" Elledan asked hesitantly.
"Nay, many twisted things, of Orc and Warg and darkness that should have dispelled. I fear all does not go well in Mirkwood."
"Legolas?" Elledan frowned. "He has been gone but a day."
"I know. But that is of little comfort. We have received no word that he has arrived safely, no word from Thranduil for some time now. What if Legolas has not arrived yet?"
"Then it is of no worry, the journey to Mirkwood is long and we must forgive him a rest before we jump to conclusions dear sister."
"Long and treacherous, what if he was waylaid, he is but one and there are many Orcs and all manner of evil things still roaming without their Dark Lord's guidance."
"Is this because of Elessar?" Elledan asked and Arwen was confused.
"How?"
"Ever since the rider came with confirmation of his pass, and because of your earlier vision do you think you have the gift of foresight? That every dream is fact? Sweet Arwen you think too much of your dreams, pay them no heed unnecessarily, it will do you more harm than good." He placed a hand on Arwens stomach and looked at her meaningfully.
"You think I would lie? That I want peril to befall those I care for most? I do not wish to see such horrible things, but I cannot control them, and I am scared for sweet Legolas, to lose him too… but I swear on this-" she placed a hand on her heart "-that I do not lie of what I saw, and my heart will carry a great burden until I am assured Prince Legolas' safety. I pray you dear brother, believe me, and help." Elledan wrapped his arms around Arwen and held her tightly in reassurance.
"I do not doubt you sister. Let us send word to Mirkwood, if there is no reply, then I myself shall helm a group of us to go and we will find the answers to your vision. But for now sleep, gather your strength, you shall need it in coming months and we can do naught til morn. And next week Father is throwing a gala to bring joy and celebration back to our halls with all of elven-kind, you will need your strength then." And with those parting words and a kiss to her fair brow, Elledan bid her goodnight and Arwen tried to find refuge in her dreams once more.
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Legolas woke to find his temple throbbing and his arm stiff, he did not wish to open his eyes for fear of the fell Orcs that would greet him in consciousness. But a gentle but firm tap on his cheek soon made unconsciousness an impossibility and he shot his hand out quick as lightning to catch the hand before it hit again.
He opened his eyes gingerly, but it was not a despicable Orc sat in front of him, but an elf, with long black hair and quiet reflective eyes. It was a Mirkwood elf, one of his fathers guards in fact.
"Naurgolf?" Legolas squinted and lifted his head from the earth. Glancing around he saw the band of Orcs were no more, their twisted carcasses littered the forest floor.
"Aye, 'tis me Prince Legolas. It lightens my heart to see you again. We worried that the Orcs would ambush you and it seems they did, the stars shine on you- that much is true- as we came scouting for you once more and we happened upon this sorry scene. Despicable wretches, your father was beside himself with worry."
"He is alive then? I had held hope in my heart that somehow you had survived, but upon encountering these fell fiends, I feared the worst. Did you retreat to the underground halls?"
"We did, but alas not quick enough, many fell at the surprise assault, though thankfully not as many as it could have been if the situation was worse. Only fifty or so injured, seven lost, though that is loss enough. Still more bands of Orcs roam this area, 'twas for your peoples safety that your father had to sacrifice this part of the woods to them, or the casualties could have been far greater."
"Is my father well?"
"A slight injury while helming the defence, his heart will be brighter with your safety assured."
"Then make haste my friend, I have much to speak of and much to hear."
Legolas was relieved to hear of his peoples safety, and above or below ground Mirkwood was still the same, though probably not as tranquil as the havens of Rivendell or Lorien, there was a rustic charm and comfort that Legolas could only find among these great trees, green as leaf as was his name. He travelled with eight others, Naurgolf's party was the King's main scout party, adept at blending in with the shadows of Mirkwood and skilled at dispatching the dark creatures that dwelled within. As they reached the main entrance into the underground portion of Thranduil's realm, the king himself was stood in the hall and the Legolas' keen hearing could pick up his father enquiring anxiously whether they had had any luck in locating the young Prince yet, or if there were any signs of his trail around to indicate something could have befallen him.
"Why do you not ask him yourself my lord?" Legolas smiled and approached Thranduil, whose face cracked with a smile of relief as his son bowed in front of him and then embraced him.
"Too long it seems since I last looked upon you my son, and my heart sings at your safe return."
"Much we have to discuss adar (father)"
"Aye. Come, let us do it properly then, over a grand feast, to welcome you safely home. Take your rest first and thereafter we may talk at your leisure."
The banquets at Mirkwood were rivalled by none, for none enjoyed the same pleasure from food and drink as the Woodland folk. It would probably be a fine place for dwarves to visit, with the hospitality of the sweet forest wines and strong malt ales.
After eating his fill, Legolas had described Arwen's tenuous condition as the reason for his prolonged stay much to Thranduil's dismay. He was quite fond of Arwen, knowing her from the various times she and Legolas had spent together in earlier brighter times, and was concerned at her state, understanding his sons reasons for staying.
"It is good you have rekindled the bond between you that once was, much has changed since then, for better and for worse. Lord Elessar's passing pained us all. 'Tis a pity we cannot attend Lord Elrond's ball celebrating Sheelala (Spring Festival) next Elenya (Monday) but I fear we must do what we can to rid our land of these disgusting creatures that plague us so, you understand don't you my son?"
"Aye adar, I am disappointed, but it is to be expected, and I have spent many days in Rivendell as of late, a few days of festivities are naught to lose sleep over. Our people's safety is of greater import, I would not like to rejoice while so many of our own are in danger still. We will make up for it at Faradome (summer solstice)"
"Spoken like a true ruler." Thranduil said proudly squeezing Legolas' shoulder. They were then interrupted by a servant with long blonde hair who carried a piece of parchment in one hand.
"My lord, there is a message from Rivendell, Lady Undomiel wishes assurance of Prince Legolas' safety, she was concerned." The servant handed the parchment to Thranduil, who in turn handed it to Legolas. His eyes scanned over it quickly and a small smile creased his lips.
"Her concern is touching. May I have some parchment and means to reply to her, to set her mind at ease?" The servant bowed and scurried off to find what the Prince had requested.
"Perhaps your relationship is different from what I assume?" Thranduil asked, with a hint of amusement in his voice.
"Nay, friends still, forever friends alone." Legolas said, trying not to sound too wistful. His father did not look convinced, but did not pursue the matter.
Upon the servants arrival, Legolas wrote back in his own flowing script.
Sweet Arwen
I hope you are not worrying needlessly on my behalf. I arrived at my fathers halls last eve, my journey was incident free so do not fret, I would hate to cause you injury on my account. It is regretfully that I must tell you that we cannot travel to your Sheelala celebrations which causes me sadness, but circumstances at home make it impossible. I am sure you shall have a fine time without me in any case, forget your troubles and have fun, you laugh too little these days! We will see each other soon, rest assured, and now you know I am safe.
Lissenen ar' maska'lalaith tenna' lye omentuva (Sweet water and light laughter till next we meet)
Legolas
Legolas handed the letter to the waiting servant who went to attach it back to the swift messenger bird that had carried it hither and now forthwith to Arwen back in Rivendell.
"Father, I think I may go and take some rest and cleanse myself once more, alas I fear it takes more than one bathing to rid myself of the stench of Orc."
"As you wish ionn (son)"
So Legolas retired to his quarters, more to reflect on his feelings towards the Lady Evenstar than to cleanse the Orc stench. And on the other side of the Misty Mountains, Arwen reflected also, on whether Legolas was alright, and what she would wear to the ball!
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I didn't like that chapter, as much, seemed a little fragmented. I have decided to go with my original vision for this story, and you'll just have to see which pairing that is! But rest assured everyone will get what they want with my alternate endings in any case, it's getting there that is the hard part! Next chapter will focus more on Arwen, but of course how could I do it without snippets of the lovely Legolas? I hope to see you all next chapter, please review and tell me what you thought!
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