Chapter 1
Spring is finally here, birds singing while trees showing signs of life, baring new leaves on its branches; wild flowers blooming, covering the bare grounds which winter left behind. While laying on the soft carpeted grass, I closed my eyes; Lothlorien looks even better with my eyes close. Soon after, I fell asleep. I saw myself running freely in the woods, grass tall and soft, tickling my bare feet. Nothing smells fresher than Spring but everything was short lived when I heard my name being called from far away.
"Aurwen! Aurwen!" exclaimed Dunhirion. "Were you day dreaming again?"
"I was, sort of," I said after been awakened by my best friend. "You know Spring does this to me all the time, Dunhirion. What is it that you have to tell me?" I asked sounding a little annoyed.
"Have you not heard?" asked Dunhirion, sounding a little frustrated.
"Of what my friend? What seems to excite you this late in the day?" I asked, still trying to shake the sleepiness away.
"Heard that Legolas, Crown Prince of Mirkwood, will be visiting Lothlorien tomorrow."
Legolas, the son of King Thranduil, member of the Fellowship, who helped Frodo in the quest to destroy the Ring of Power. So many tales of his adventures had been shared among the Lothlorien elves. I remembered them like it was yesterday. Dunhirion and I had spent many winter nights at Haldir's place, listening to his tales of adventures which he had shared with the Prince.
Not only do both of us spent time listening to tales, he is also our teacher in the arts of war. Still, not many elf maidens are interested in this physical challenge. For me, it is more of a personal gain. I was told that I was born in Lothlorien and that both my parents were slain by Orcs when I was a baby and Haldir stumbled upon me in the woods while he was out patrolling the perimeter. He sought permission from Galadriel to care for me as of his own and he is more of a father than a teacher to me.
Having Haldir as my foster father was great. I do not have many memories of my real parents, and the only thing that reminded me of them is the mithril necklace which I still wear around my neck. At times, I would have dreams of that ill-fated day but Haldir was always there to comfort me, like a father comforting his child.
I was never interested in the arts of war until I was about five hundred years old. That is when I met my best friend, Dunhirion, who happened to be one of Haldir's students. Haldir had always encouraged me to take up the art, so the least I could do was defend myself. It did not take me long to master the bow, as I have a personal love for that weapon. Haldir said that I was born with the gift of archery and it came to me quite naturally. But the sword is something that I have yet to master, it is always a challenge to wield a sword.
"Hey Aurwen, are you listening," exclaimed Dunhirion again.
"Yes, I am. Just thinking of the past, that is all. Hey, are you not supposed to meet my father for sword training? You better go now before he hunts you down."
Dunhirion left immediately, knowing how Haldir dislikes lateness. No one dares to make him angry except me, for he loves me more than anything.
It had been a long day and I had not much to do except read up on some old elven war histories so I decided to stop and head back to my chamber. On my way in, I passed the training hall and decided to stop by. As I walked in, I saw my dear friend getting some word bashing from my father in his sword handling. I stifled a laugh and that was when my father heard me.
"Aurwen, my dear child. Is something a matter?" he asked, surprised to see her here.
"No father, I am fine. I know that it is rather unusual of me to come here but I am rather bored and sicken to the stomach, having to read old histories. I was on my way back to my chamber but instead, I decided to come here to see you spar with your students."
"Do you care to join us, since you are in your usual outfit? I have tried hard to make you more of a lady but you were quick to dismiss those dresses," continued Haldir while shaking his head.
"I would love to, father. I might even learn something here," I said as I set my books aside before grabbing a sword from the cabinet.
My father had me partnered with Galin, one of his top students. I had partnered with him many times before and had learned much from him. No wonder father always spoke highly of him. While we were practicing, my concentration ran astray and before I realize the mistake I made, Galin's sword came down hard on me.
"Ai!" I shrieked, followed by clattering sound of my sword as it hits the ground.
"Aurwen! I am so sorry. I could not avoid it until it was too late," said Galin with much sympathy in his voice.
"It is not your fault but rather mine. I lost my concentration," I said, trying hard to hide the pain in my voice.
"Clear the way." I heard my father's voice. "Aurwen, what happened? Let me have a look at your injury." I winced in pain as my father took a better look at the wound.
"Adar, it was an accident. I was not concentrating hard enough," I said with a pleading voice.
"I am not blaming anyone. Now let me take you to the healer. It is quite a deep gash," said Haldir. "The rest of you, I shall see you tomorrow. Galin, make sure everything is in it's respective place before you leave. I know you did not mean it, accidents do happened." By placing a hand on his shoulder, Haldir gave Galin the assurance that he was not angry with him.
"Can I come by and see her later, my lord?" asked Galin.
"Yes, you may. Now will you excuse me, I need to take her to the healer," said my father as he carried me to the healer's room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*** At the healer's room ***
"How bad is it, Glebril?" asked Haldir with much concern in his voice.
"Nothing to worry, old friend. The wound will heal in two to three days time. Try to keep the dressing dry, at least until tomorrow and have her take it easy. It is quite a gash and it required several stitches," said Glebril as he handed the ointment over to Haldir.
"Thank you, Glebril. She had me worried, for a moment," said Haldir as he took the ointment from him. The healer left the room and my father walked towards where I was seated. "All mended and new," he said jokingly. "Can you walk?"
"Yes, Adar. You have embarrassed me enough by carrying me here. I am no princess, you know."
As we were making our way to my chamber, we came across Dunhirion and Galin whom were actually making their way to my chamber.
"My lord," greeted the two of them before turning over to me. "How are you my friend?" asked Galin, concern shown in his face.
"I am fine. My first 'battle' wound," I said jokingly. I lifted my arm up for them to have a better look. It was a bad decision and before I realized, "Ai!"
"Aurwen, what did the healer say? It's quite an injury you have sustained there and I do not want you to put any more stress on it. Am I clear?" exclaimed Haldir.
"Yes, Adar. I did not mean to make you angry. I just want them to have a better look, that is all."
"I am not angry with you, Aurwen. You know it pains me seeing you hurt or unhappy."
"I know that you care for me, Adar, as if I am your very own. To me, you are my father." I walked towards him and embraced him.
"You can stay for a while to chat. Make it short, both of you, as she needs the rest", said Haldir to his students.
"Yes my lord."
"And you my dear, I will be back to 'tuck' you into bed," he said and left a kiss on my head.
"We had better keep this short then. Don't want to make him angry. Wow, a 'battle' wound. Honestly, Aurwen, how do you feel?"
"Terrible actually but do not tell my father, I do not want him to worry. Moreover, Legolas will be here in two days time and I have this thing to deal with," I said. Of all days, I chose this time to sustain this injury.
"I am sure your father has something planned for you. He and Legolas are best of friends. We had better leave you now. I think I hear 'his' footsteps approaching. Rest well, my friend." They each gave me a hug before walking out of my chamber.
I managed to change into my night gown when my father entered the room. "Adar, I see that you have brought something for me," I said looking at the teacup his hand was holding.
"It is some tea that will help you sleep better. Remember to drink it all before you go to bed." He left the tea on the table and walked towards where I was seated. "Here, let me help you. It felt like it was just yesterday when every night, I would come by and unbraid your hair. You have always liked it when I am here to tuck you in. Now, you have grown into a beautiful maiden."
"Oh, Adar, I will always love you. I sometime wished that I could be young forever, so that I can have all the attentions from you. I do feel like a child at times when you are around."
"I will always be here for you, Aurwen."
"Adar?"
"Yes, my daughter?"
"I heard from Dun that the Prince of Mirkwood will be here in Lothlorien, two days from today."
"It is true. Why? Do you have some interest in Legolas? He is a fine choice and is still unattached", said Haldir with a teasing smile.
"Adar! It is not funny, to tease me with the Prince. I am just inquiring," I said with a pout.
"Oh, Aurwen. You are beautiful and you too will have the chance to meet him. I can arrange for him to meet you and I am sure that he will be thrilled. It is about time for you to be betrothed to someone. You are almost two thousand years old," he said. "It is late and you need the rest. Drink the tea and we shall continue this conversation tomorrow."
He carried me to my bed and made me drink the tea before tucking me in. I felt like a child all over again. Father kissed me on the forehead before bidding me goodnight and left my chamber. The tea was a real help as I went straight to sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*** While in Mirkwood ***
"Legolas, must you leave tomorrow?" questioned Thranduil.
"Yes, father. It has been a long while since I last rode into Lothlorien. I miss my friend, Haldir, and I wish to see the Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel again. Moreover, Mirkwood still has it's King", said Legolas.
"Indeed, I am still King of this realm but I do miss my son. You were away for a long time; after the quest to destroy the Ring of Power, you went with Gimli to see places you have longed to explore. I also longed for a grandchild, Legolas. You are over four thousand years old and still unattached."
"Father, you have grandchildren. Ralas and Halgos, each bore you a grandson and a granddaughter. You have enough heirs to keep Mirkwood alive."
"I want yours, Legolas. You are a fine warrior and to have an heir from your line will do wonders for Mirkwood. Think about it, my son," said Thranduil while patting Legolas on the shoulder. "Since you will be away visiting Lothlorien, make a point to meet some elf maidens there. A marriage will strengthen the ties of both realms. I want to see you back here with someone, if possible. No more excuses as you are on an unofficial visit."
"No promises, father, but I will look into it. Now if there is nothing more to discuss, I bid you goodnight."
"I will see you off tomorrow. Rest well, my son."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*** Back in Lothlorien ***
The next morning I was awakened by a glare of the morning sun beaming through my window. That was odd, I remembered having the drapes shut. Before I could think further, I heard a familiar voice.
"Good morning, Aurwen. Seems to me you had a good rest."
"Morning, Adar, the tea helped a lot. How late in the morning is it?" I asked while rubbing my eyes, trying hard not to go back to sleep.
"It is still early," replied Haldir. "Here, let me have a look at your wound." Haldir was happy to see that it was healing as it should be. "You will be able to wield your sword as well as use your bow by the time Legolas arrives."
"What has that got to do with me, Adar? You are not going to do something without telling are you?"
"My daughter, do not ask that many questions. Here let me help you get dressed as well as braid your hair. It will be another day before he arrives."
"Adar, remind me not to get into this conversation regarding the Prince of Mirkwood with you anymore." Having his name mentioned, my face turned bright red.
"I see that your face turns red every time Legolas's name is being mentioned. You had a dream of him last night, did you not? Is there something that I should know about?" questioned Haldir with a quizzical look.
"Adar! This is going too far and I am not discussing this with you right now. Are you going to help me with my hair or not, as I can always ask Mani and she will be happy to help me."
"All right then, we will discuss this later," said Haldir, hiding a smile as he continued to braid my hair.
While father was helping with my hair, there was a knock at the door. "My lord, it is I, Gallos. I need to speak to you regarding this afternoon's patrol."
"I will be right back," said Haldir as he headed for the door.
I was all alone again in my chamber, while father attended to his guard's questions. I took a closer look at my arm, Looks like it is healing well. I would love to be able to use my arm fully when the Prince arrived. I am sure that father already had things planned and was not sharing it with me.
"Aurwen, I have to go. Will you be alright?"
"I will be fine, Adar. You are still Lorien's Captain and they need you. I understand the urgency."
"I will see you later this afternoon. Oh yes, there is a surprise waiting for you in the garden. Have a wonderful morning." He gave me a kiss before taking leave.
Not long after father left, I was all ready and made my way out to the kitchen. Everything smelled good and I could not resist taking a piece of bread with me before heading to the garden. What I saw was indeed a surprise.
tbc......
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There, the 1st chapter. Tell me what you think by clicking the review button below. First time writing, so be *gentle*
Spring is finally here, birds singing while trees showing signs of life, baring new leaves on its branches; wild flowers blooming, covering the bare grounds which winter left behind. While laying on the soft carpeted grass, I closed my eyes; Lothlorien looks even better with my eyes close. Soon after, I fell asleep. I saw myself running freely in the woods, grass tall and soft, tickling my bare feet. Nothing smells fresher than Spring but everything was short lived when I heard my name being called from far away.
"Aurwen! Aurwen!" exclaimed Dunhirion. "Were you day dreaming again?"
"I was, sort of," I said after been awakened by my best friend. "You know Spring does this to me all the time, Dunhirion. What is it that you have to tell me?" I asked sounding a little annoyed.
"Have you not heard?" asked Dunhirion, sounding a little frustrated.
"Of what my friend? What seems to excite you this late in the day?" I asked, still trying to shake the sleepiness away.
"Heard that Legolas, Crown Prince of Mirkwood, will be visiting Lothlorien tomorrow."
Legolas, the son of King Thranduil, member of the Fellowship, who helped Frodo in the quest to destroy the Ring of Power. So many tales of his adventures had been shared among the Lothlorien elves. I remembered them like it was yesterday. Dunhirion and I had spent many winter nights at Haldir's place, listening to his tales of adventures which he had shared with the Prince.
Not only do both of us spent time listening to tales, he is also our teacher in the arts of war. Still, not many elf maidens are interested in this physical challenge. For me, it is more of a personal gain. I was told that I was born in Lothlorien and that both my parents were slain by Orcs when I was a baby and Haldir stumbled upon me in the woods while he was out patrolling the perimeter. He sought permission from Galadriel to care for me as of his own and he is more of a father than a teacher to me.
Having Haldir as my foster father was great. I do not have many memories of my real parents, and the only thing that reminded me of them is the mithril necklace which I still wear around my neck. At times, I would have dreams of that ill-fated day but Haldir was always there to comfort me, like a father comforting his child.
I was never interested in the arts of war until I was about five hundred years old. That is when I met my best friend, Dunhirion, who happened to be one of Haldir's students. Haldir had always encouraged me to take up the art, so the least I could do was defend myself. It did not take me long to master the bow, as I have a personal love for that weapon. Haldir said that I was born with the gift of archery and it came to me quite naturally. But the sword is something that I have yet to master, it is always a challenge to wield a sword.
"Hey Aurwen, are you listening," exclaimed Dunhirion again.
"Yes, I am. Just thinking of the past, that is all. Hey, are you not supposed to meet my father for sword training? You better go now before he hunts you down."
Dunhirion left immediately, knowing how Haldir dislikes lateness. No one dares to make him angry except me, for he loves me more than anything.
It had been a long day and I had not much to do except read up on some old elven war histories so I decided to stop and head back to my chamber. On my way in, I passed the training hall and decided to stop by. As I walked in, I saw my dear friend getting some word bashing from my father in his sword handling. I stifled a laugh and that was when my father heard me.
"Aurwen, my dear child. Is something a matter?" he asked, surprised to see her here.
"No father, I am fine. I know that it is rather unusual of me to come here but I am rather bored and sicken to the stomach, having to read old histories. I was on my way back to my chamber but instead, I decided to come here to see you spar with your students."
"Do you care to join us, since you are in your usual outfit? I have tried hard to make you more of a lady but you were quick to dismiss those dresses," continued Haldir while shaking his head.
"I would love to, father. I might even learn something here," I said as I set my books aside before grabbing a sword from the cabinet.
My father had me partnered with Galin, one of his top students. I had partnered with him many times before and had learned much from him. No wonder father always spoke highly of him. While we were practicing, my concentration ran astray and before I realize the mistake I made, Galin's sword came down hard on me.
"Ai!" I shrieked, followed by clattering sound of my sword as it hits the ground.
"Aurwen! I am so sorry. I could not avoid it until it was too late," said Galin with much sympathy in his voice.
"It is not your fault but rather mine. I lost my concentration," I said, trying hard to hide the pain in my voice.
"Clear the way." I heard my father's voice. "Aurwen, what happened? Let me have a look at your injury." I winced in pain as my father took a better look at the wound.
"Adar, it was an accident. I was not concentrating hard enough," I said with a pleading voice.
"I am not blaming anyone. Now let me take you to the healer. It is quite a deep gash," said Haldir. "The rest of you, I shall see you tomorrow. Galin, make sure everything is in it's respective place before you leave. I know you did not mean it, accidents do happened." By placing a hand on his shoulder, Haldir gave Galin the assurance that he was not angry with him.
"Can I come by and see her later, my lord?" asked Galin.
"Yes, you may. Now will you excuse me, I need to take her to the healer," said my father as he carried me to the healer's room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*** At the healer's room ***
"How bad is it, Glebril?" asked Haldir with much concern in his voice.
"Nothing to worry, old friend. The wound will heal in two to three days time. Try to keep the dressing dry, at least until tomorrow and have her take it easy. It is quite a gash and it required several stitches," said Glebril as he handed the ointment over to Haldir.
"Thank you, Glebril. She had me worried, for a moment," said Haldir as he took the ointment from him. The healer left the room and my father walked towards where I was seated. "All mended and new," he said jokingly. "Can you walk?"
"Yes, Adar. You have embarrassed me enough by carrying me here. I am no princess, you know."
As we were making our way to my chamber, we came across Dunhirion and Galin whom were actually making their way to my chamber.
"My lord," greeted the two of them before turning over to me. "How are you my friend?" asked Galin, concern shown in his face.
"I am fine. My first 'battle' wound," I said jokingly. I lifted my arm up for them to have a better look. It was a bad decision and before I realized, "Ai!"
"Aurwen, what did the healer say? It's quite an injury you have sustained there and I do not want you to put any more stress on it. Am I clear?" exclaimed Haldir.
"Yes, Adar. I did not mean to make you angry. I just want them to have a better look, that is all."
"I am not angry with you, Aurwen. You know it pains me seeing you hurt or unhappy."
"I know that you care for me, Adar, as if I am your very own. To me, you are my father." I walked towards him and embraced him.
"You can stay for a while to chat. Make it short, both of you, as she needs the rest", said Haldir to his students.
"Yes my lord."
"And you my dear, I will be back to 'tuck' you into bed," he said and left a kiss on my head.
"We had better keep this short then. Don't want to make him angry. Wow, a 'battle' wound. Honestly, Aurwen, how do you feel?"
"Terrible actually but do not tell my father, I do not want him to worry. Moreover, Legolas will be here in two days time and I have this thing to deal with," I said. Of all days, I chose this time to sustain this injury.
"I am sure your father has something planned for you. He and Legolas are best of friends. We had better leave you now. I think I hear 'his' footsteps approaching. Rest well, my friend." They each gave me a hug before walking out of my chamber.
I managed to change into my night gown when my father entered the room. "Adar, I see that you have brought something for me," I said looking at the teacup his hand was holding.
"It is some tea that will help you sleep better. Remember to drink it all before you go to bed." He left the tea on the table and walked towards where I was seated. "Here, let me help you. It felt like it was just yesterday when every night, I would come by and unbraid your hair. You have always liked it when I am here to tuck you in. Now, you have grown into a beautiful maiden."
"Oh, Adar, I will always love you. I sometime wished that I could be young forever, so that I can have all the attentions from you. I do feel like a child at times when you are around."
"I will always be here for you, Aurwen."
"Adar?"
"Yes, my daughter?"
"I heard from Dun that the Prince of Mirkwood will be here in Lothlorien, two days from today."
"It is true. Why? Do you have some interest in Legolas? He is a fine choice and is still unattached", said Haldir with a teasing smile.
"Adar! It is not funny, to tease me with the Prince. I am just inquiring," I said with a pout.
"Oh, Aurwen. You are beautiful and you too will have the chance to meet him. I can arrange for him to meet you and I am sure that he will be thrilled. It is about time for you to be betrothed to someone. You are almost two thousand years old," he said. "It is late and you need the rest. Drink the tea and we shall continue this conversation tomorrow."
He carried me to my bed and made me drink the tea before tucking me in. I felt like a child all over again. Father kissed me on the forehead before bidding me goodnight and left my chamber. The tea was a real help as I went straight to sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*** While in Mirkwood ***
"Legolas, must you leave tomorrow?" questioned Thranduil.
"Yes, father. It has been a long while since I last rode into Lothlorien. I miss my friend, Haldir, and I wish to see the Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel again. Moreover, Mirkwood still has it's King", said Legolas.
"Indeed, I am still King of this realm but I do miss my son. You were away for a long time; after the quest to destroy the Ring of Power, you went with Gimli to see places you have longed to explore. I also longed for a grandchild, Legolas. You are over four thousand years old and still unattached."
"Father, you have grandchildren. Ralas and Halgos, each bore you a grandson and a granddaughter. You have enough heirs to keep Mirkwood alive."
"I want yours, Legolas. You are a fine warrior and to have an heir from your line will do wonders for Mirkwood. Think about it, my son," said Thranduil while patting Legolas on the shoulder. "Since you will be away visiting Lothlorien, make a point to meet some elf maidens there. A marriage will strengthen the ties of both realms. I want to see you back here with someone, if possible. No more excuses as you are on an unofficial visit."
"No promises, father, but I will look into it. Now if there is nothing more to discuss, I bid you goodnight."
"I will see you off tomorrow. Rest well, my son."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*** Back in Lothlorien ***
The next morning I was awakened by a glare of the morning sun beaming through my window. That was odd, I remembered having the drapes shut. Before I could think further, I heard a familiar voice.
"Good morning, Aurwen. Seems to me you had a good rest."
"Morning, Adar, the tea helped a lot. How late in the morning is it?" I asked while rubbing my eyes, trying hard not to go back to sleep.
"It is still early," replied Haldir. "Here, let me have a look at your wound." Haldir was happy to see that it was healing as it should be. "You will be able to wield your sword as well as use your bow by the time Legolas arrives."
"What has that got to do with me, Adar? You are not going to do something without telling are you?"
"My daughter, do not ask that many questions. Here let me help you get dressed as well as braid your hair. It will be another day before he arrives."
"Adar, remind me not to get into this conversation regarding the Prince of Mirkwood with you anymore." Having his name mentioned, my face turned bright red.
"I see that your face turns red every time Legolas's name is being mentioned. You had a dream of him last night, did you not? Is there something that I should know about?" questioned Haldir with a quizzical look.
"Adar! This is going too far and I am not discussing this with you right now. Are you going to help me with my hair or not, as I can always ask Mani and she will be happy to help me."
"All right then, we will discuss this later," said Haldir, hiding a smile as he continued to braid my hair.
While father was helping with my hair, there was a knock at the door. "My lord, it is I, Gallos. I need to speak to you regarding this afternoon's patrol."
"I will be right back," said Haldir as he headed for the door.
I was all alone again in my chamber, while father attended to his guard's questions. I took a closer look at my arm, Looks like it is healing well. I would love to be able to use my arm fully when the Prince arrived. I am sure that father already had things planned and was not sharing it with me.
"Aurwen, I have to go. Will you be alright?"
"I will be fine, Adar. You are still Lorien's Captain and they need you. I understand the urgency."
"I will see you later this afternoon. Oh yes, there is a surprise waiting for you in the garden. Have a wonderful morning." He gave me a kiss before taking leave.
Not long after father left, I was all ready and made my way out to the kitchen. Everything smelled good and I could not resist taking a piece of bread with me before heading to the garden. What I saw was indeed a surprise.
tbc......
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There, the 1st chapter. Tell me what you think by clicking the review button below. First time writing, so be *gentle*