A/N: First of all, I would like to apologise for taking such a long time to update. I have been really busy with life for the whole of last month, since mid July. I had my aunt and cousins from LA came to visit me here in TX. On top of which, my sister and her boyfriend also joined them on the trip here. The biggest surprise was a visit from my mom and youngest sister from back home, Malaysia where I came from. It has been 2 yrs since I last saw both of them. It was a fun 2 weeks while they were here visiting. My aunt and uncle from Colorado came a week after their arrival. It was busy and hectic having 13 people in the house altogether.
We caravan to San Antonio and Galveston, which was a lot of fun. But all came to an end when they have to go back to their respective states and country. It was hard on me when I have to say goodbye to my mom and youngest sister for it will be another 2 yrs or so before I will be able to see them again. It took me a whole week to recover after they left. I tried to write but the inspiration wasn't there. I was depressed and I miss my family. I hope you guys understand why, it took this long to write this chapter. I try to be smooth sailing from here on but no promises as college is starting in a week's time.
Enough of the rambling and on with Chapter 13. I hope the style and standard of writing is still the same and remember to leave me reviews for they inspire me to write better. There won't be personal thank you to the wonderful reviewers in this chapter because I'm rushing to get this chapter out to you. To the wonderful new readers (you know who you are) thank you for discovering my fic from the big pile of fictions in FF.net and I hope you will hang in there till the end.
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Chapter 13
"Haldir!" exclaimed Celeborn as he tried hard to catch up with the Marchwarden. To his surprise, Haldir entered the kitchen.
Ignoring Lord Celeborn's call, Haldir went straight for flour, eggs, sugar, cinnamon and a mixing bowl. He folded his sleeves up to his elbows and began to mix the ingredients.
"Oh, Valar, not this again," answered Celeborn as he clearly recognised those ingredients. "Although I must say I do miss your version of lembas bread. If my memory serves me correctly, the last time you made those bread was when Aurwen was given her first try at sword play, in which you forbade from the very beginning. By the time you were done baking, Lorien had enough supplies to last for months." Seeing that the Marchwarden was still silent, Celeborn continued, "Haldir, you do know that Aurwen did not mean what she said, about you not being her Ada? She has been through a lot and…"
"My lord, you do not have to say any further. The anger faded when I left her chamber. I love her too much, although she is not my flesh and blood, she is my legacy, but letting her go to Legolas would be like a father sending his daughter to her death," Haldir sighed as he blew strands of hairs off from his face. "Aurwen loves this bread, especially with crème in the centre and I hope to have some ready for her before she goes back to sleep," said Haldir as he proceeded to knead the dough.
"Not only that you are a great warrior, but an excellent father too. I have never seen you faltered nor have you once loose your temper at her. Although I can not say the same when you were with your pupils," Celeborn concluded.
"It is hard to stay angry with that child. She is special and a wonderful daughter, one that I am proud to claim as my own. I only want what is best for her, my lord," mentioned Haldir.
"I know you do. She reminds me of Celebrian. If I had a son, it would have been different but having a daughter, even the strongest of ruler would tend to go soft at heart," said Celeborn as Haldir was about to reach for the loaf pans. "Let me help you, old friend," said Celeborn reaching for the pans and greasing them. Once readied, Haldir placed the dough into the pans before putting them to bake over low heat. "I see you have made a special one for her," mentioned Celeborn as he saw Haldir putting final touches to the last dough, with Aurwen's name 'carved' into it.
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"Dun, before you plan to run any further, it would be wise for you to change into something more comfortable," I suggested. All Dunhirion had was white satin sheet draped around his body.
It was unusual to see the hallway empty without guards walking up and down. Dunhirion lowered me to the ground as we reached his chamber door. We wasted no time and entered immediately.
"Dun! What are you waiting for? Time is precious and the more you stand there, no magic in Lorien is capable to put your tunic on for you." My voice was coarse and demanding.
"Au-r-wen," stammered Dunhirion, "could you turn around?"
"For the Valar! Dun, it is not like I have not seen you in the flesh. For centuries, we swam naked in the river and you have never once ask me to turn away," I yelled before turning around to face the wall. "I allowed you to help me dress a moment ago and I was not even embarrassed about it. Why the sudden change of attitude?" I felt my temper rising and I felt sorry for my dear friend for I have never treated him this way before.
Satisfied over my actions, Dunhirion stripped himself off those sheet and began to put on his tunic. "Thank you, Aurwen. As for the sudden change, it happened when you professed your love for Legolas. You do not want him to find out that you have seen another besides him or for the fact I have seen you in the flesh before him. Legolas is not the only one I fear, I am afraid of Elladan too. I do not want either of them to hunt me down." Dunhirion was quiet after his last comment.
It did not take Dunhirion long to dress up but he did a terrible job hiding his fears from me. We had shared so much time together, that it was hard to miss that fear in his eyes. Could not blame him for being afraid, as father will have his life, if I should end up dead with this plan and having him to assist me with it.
We left his chamber in a haste but with caution as we did not want to be caught by any of my father's guards. It was hard indeed for me to move with vigour; with every stride, I could feel liquid sliding down between my legs. However, I kept quiet about my discomforts, knowing that Dunhirion will abandon the plan if he finds out about my current condition. Thank the Valar for the shades of dark blue on Dunhirion's legging, as much cannot be seen.
It did not take us long as we arrived at the stable shortly. Andune gave a soft neigh when he felt my presence.
"I miss you too, Andune. I thank the Valar that you came home safely. You are one fine stallion." I gave Andune a rub on his snout before nuzzling him on his neck. I owe my life to him, for he was the one that brought me home, weak but alive. "Andune, I hope that you will aid me. I need you to go with Dun and to follow his every instruction. I will join you later. Behave yourself," I cautioned my horse. As I put on my cloak I turned to Dun and said, "Thank you my friend. I owe it to you," I said before giving him a big hug.
Soon after, Dunhirion helped me up his horse. "I will bring Andune there to meet you. Good luck at passing the guards." Dunhirion made some final check before giving his horse a light pat on its hind.
As we galloped away, I made a final turn and waved at Dunhirion. I prayed to the Valar for a smooth execution to my plan and hoped that I will arrive in time to Legolas and his friends. I could see the gates ahead of me. I slowed the horse down as I got nearer and took a deep breath.
"Why Dunhirion, what business do you have to go past the gates at this time of the day?" asked one of the guards as he recognised the horse I am riding.
Keeping my head low and hidden underneath the hood, I spoke in a low voice. "My business is my own. Now are you letting me go or do I have to seek for some permission from the Marchwarden?" It was a fun thing to do, when you try to pull rank with the guards as they knew that Dunhirion and I are best of friends.
"Nay, you do not have to seek for anything. I was just doing my duty," answered the guard.
"That is if, you consider being nosy as a duty," I said coldly. "Now open the gates," I demanded.
As the gates began to open, I instructed the horse to move and once out in the open, I made a turn and rode to find Dunhirion and Andune at the secret meeting place. As I was about to reach the spot, I was surprise to see Dunhirion on Andune's back, all geared up with bow and quiver full of arrows.
"Dun, I thought we have agreed that I was going alone," I said.
"Nay, Aurwen, not this time. Believe me, you will need my help. You are too weak to even use a bow. There is no way that you will survive. I beg of you, let me go with you." Dunhirion was right but I fear for his safety, even having the best did not secure safety as I found out just last night.
"All right, Dun. You can come along but please be careful. I do not know how I will handle the situation, if something happens to you. As it is, I almost lost Elladan," I sighed. "Do not bother about changing horses, Dun," I continued as he was about to dismount from Andune. "if you managed to get on his back without my help, you should be able to ride him all the way, with ease." What Dunhirion did not know was that, I had bled so much that if I were to dismount, he will sure to see the stained blood on the saddle.
"Are you sure, Aurwen, as it is not difficult to help you dismount-"
"I am fine, Dun," I interjected. "Can we go now? Legolas and friends need us. We have to ride really hard in order to catch up."
Dunhirion could tell that my patience was running thing. He nodded obediently to my pleas.
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"I can hear the river, Anduin is near but I fear that danger draws near as well. The trees are warning us," said Legolas.
"I feel it too, my friend. We have got to stay close," remarked Lundil. "There must be some dark magic going on, for I can not see any danger near us, Legolas."
"I know, Lundil, so close and yet so far. Moreover, we are too far from getting any aid from the Galadrim. We will have to find a way to get to Anduin and cross it, as night draws nearer." Legolas had an uneasy feeling since he left Lorien; a feeling in which he could not explain. Already he misses Aurwen.
On the night of his departure, he wrote two letters, one for Aurwen and another for his father. He could still remember what he wrote to Aurwen.
Aurwen melamin,
By the time you read this letter, firstly, you must have recovered from your injuries and secondly, I am back in Mirkwood. Initially, I did not want to leave you, knowing that you are still fighting for your life but being a Prince, I have my duties to perform. It is tearing me apart, having to choose between you and my people but your father was wise to send me home instead, since no one knows when you will wake.
However, even though the time we had spent together were short, deep down, my heart tells me that you are the one in which I have been spending four thousands years to find. The necklace which you are holding in your hand, represent my troth to you, should you accept it or not. I have sent a similar letter to my father informing him of my decision. I pray to the Valar for your recovery and I hope to see you soon.
Yours lovingly,
Legolas
Reality sank back to Legolas when he heard Lundil calling for him.
"Legolas, dreaming again I see," mocked Lundil. "You will see her again, my friend. Your father is going to be a happy king when he finds out about her."
"Go ahead, mock me. You have been waiting for this opportunity for centuries. Why stop there? Loss of words?" Legolas fought back. Lundil has been his best friend for centuries and truthfully, he meant no harm with his words. However, something was not right for Lundil to be this quiet and not retaliating. "What is it, my friend?"
"Orcs, a big group of them, heading towards us. Legolas, we are outnumbered," answered Lundil.
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"Mela, how is Elladan?" asked Erestor as he was getting of from the bed.
"He is healing well. Both his grandparents are with him. They are taking him to see Aurwen." Elrond made his way towards the bed. "It has been a long night. How are you taking it?" Elrond asked as he planted a kiss on Erestor's lips. Elrond was tired, hungry and missing Erestor. It was wonderful to taste his lips again. Elrond could not help but moaned.
"To be honest, I am fine, although that was indeed a lovely gesture," said Erestor after the breathtaking kiss. "Have you talk to Elladan?"
"Erestor, melamin, can we forget about my son for this short moment. I have miss you so much and I want to spend this moment with you." Elrond did not wait for an answer but instead, he silenced Erestor by locking his lips to Erestor's and tasting his sweetness with his tantalising tongue. "This must be the magic of Lorien that people talked about. You are just too hard to resist."
Erestor was beyond ecstasy as Elrond ravaged him with much love and passion. None of the words that came out from his mouth were coherent, indicating that Elrond was doing everything right. Ever since they became lovers, they did nothing but pleased each other, in other words, being young adolescence all over again. With the magic of Lorien mixing with their heated passion, it did not take Elrond long before he sowed his seeds of love into Erestor. Spent from their love making, the two Eldar lay on the bed panting and breathing hard before a low rumble from Elrond's stomach made the two of the laugh.
"Let us head for the kitchen and find some food for your stomach," suggested Erestor before detaching himself from Elrond's warm embrace. "You need to eat, my love."
Elrond could only nod his head in agreement to Erestor's suggestion. They did not take a long time to get dressed and were out from their chamber shortly. They could smell something cooking as they neared the kitchen entrance. However, both were surprise to see Haldir and Celeborn in the kitchen, with remnants of flour on their faces and hair.
"Elrond, Erestor, nice to see both of you here," greeted Celeborn. "You are just in time to savour Haldir's cinnamon lembas bread."
"Well this really surprises me, that Lorien's toughest Marchwarden can cook or should I say bake," taunted Erestor.
"Do not taunt him, Erestor. Haldir usually bake when he is down and out. He had a minor disagreement with Aurwen," explained Celeborn. "Baking some how seems to calm him down."
"My apology, Haldir, for I was merely jesting," said Erestor.
"It is all right, my lord. Besides, I am baking my daughter's favourite bread. Here, have some of these, they are ready to eat." Haldir offered the bread to them. "Lord Elrond, have you talk to Elladan?"
"What is this thing with Elladan? Both you and Erestor have been breathing down my neck about him," asked Elrond, looking perturbed and confused.
"Did he not tell you about Aurwen?" questioned Celeborn.
"What about, Aurwen and no, he did not share anything with me and neither did Elrohir. What is the matter?" By now, Elrond began to sound agitated.
"Elladan fell in love with Aurwen, just before Legolas arrived. It was an accidental love but Aurwen has made it clear to him of whom she has chosen," a soft angelic voice answered Elrond's query.
Everyone turned to greet the mystery. It was Galadriel. "Elladan is resting in his chamber while Aurwen sought for some time alone. Dunhirion is with her," continued Galadriel. "I have spoken with Elladan and rest assured that he is taking this fairly well. I believe the Star of Luthien is causing this sudden feel of passion and love in Lorien. Elladan's peculiar behaviour started right after I gave the necklace to Aurwen. However the necklace's magical effect will stop once it is given to her true love. We are all being affected by its power. We all knew the about Luthien's tales and love."
"Well I thank you, Galadriel, for talking care of Elladan's needs. I thank the Valar that my son will recover from this ordeal without any harm. He and Aurwen have always been close, like siblings, I would have never expected him to fall for her. There were no signs nor indications that Elladan had the eyes for Aurwen. However, Aurwen is a good, kind hearted being and I must say that you, Haldir of Lorien have been doing an excellent job." Elrond reached over for Haldir and gave him a huge embrace.
Not long after, Celeborn broke the silence in the kitchen. "Since the bread are still warm, why not we bring the goodies to the healing 'princess' before it gets too cold."
"Great thinking there, Celeborn. You can also include my share since I have yet to check on her condition," commented Elrond.
Haldir nodded in agreement before getting a tray to help carry loaves of bread to Aurwen's chamber. The special made lembas bread was among them. He then reached for the special envelope in his tunic and placed it on the tray.
It was unusual to see that many elves, making their way down the corridor, carrying a tray full of lembas bread. Soon after, they reached the healing wing and continue walking till they reached the forth door on their right. Haldir gave a soft rap to the door before reaching for the knob and pushing it open. Everyone was shock to see the room empty and deserted.
Before Haldir could utter a word, Celeborn sounded his concern to the nearest guard. As the guard ran down the hallway, Haldir voiced his concern. "Aurwen, why are you doing this to me? Ai, Elbereth, please look after my foolish daughter, who choose to lead with her heart rather than her head." Turning over, his gaze was met by four pairs of concerned eyes. "I know of a place where she could have left without being caught and I am very sure that Dunhirion is aiding her with her plans. My only hope is that we get to them in time."
tbc……..
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A/N: For an unedited version, visit the website indicated at my profile for I do not want to break any rule FF.net had already issued to the users. Thank you.