1 Chapter Two
Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood, galloped through the gates of Rivendell on his regal and imperial looking steed. He dismounted gracefully, but as soon as his nimble feet touched the earth, he froze as if he had stepped upon sacred ground. And indeed, the ground to him held a hushed holiness.
His adept eyes filled with a masked sadness as he gazed at the glorious city before him. His eyes had seen many beautiful things in his lifetime, and Rivendell was, no doubt, the most brilliant.
The cool autumn breeze rustled the leaves on the ground and all about him they swirled in the air and fell from the trees like snow. There was nothing but the sound of the wind, just a peaceful and divine silence.
He shut his eyes and breathed in the enchantment of his surroundings.
Then suddenly, in the silence, a voice echoed throughout the forests of Rivendell. It floated upon the wind and its beauty surpassed even the nightingale. The voice, clear and sweet, haunted him. Though it was gentle and in the distance, the sound pounded Legolas's heart with a force like none other; piercing him like not even the sharpest sword ever could.
As he stood frozen in reverence, his heart wrenched with pain beyond words. He was enraptured by the melodious voice, unable to move. He ached with regret and sorrow. He never should have come! A mistake! He felt like a deer caught in the aim of a deadly arrow and could not escape!
His brow furrowed and his eyes full of suffering, Legolas began to follow the voice that plagued his heart. It called to him, beckoning him to follow. The voice was etched with the same suffering and pain Legolas felt. It was the other half of his heart calling to him.
Unable to resist, Legolas journeyed through the pathways of Rivendell as if caught in a dream. He sauntered towards the sound with a sense of dread of what may lay ahead, but also with determination to discover the source of the majestic voice, that broke his heart so.
He crossed over a bridge and found himself in front of a grand building. The singing echoed from the dome-roofed temple and Legolas felt his heart pounding in his chest. His heart knew that voice.
He wandered closer without a sound and stepped through an archway.
A large set of stone steps led down into a circular hall. The granite walls and pillars were embellished with elvish carvings.
He stared down into the gigantic hall and in the center sat an exquisite young woman. Her small hands moved gracefully along the strings of an ornate harp. Her back was turned from Legolas and he could not see her face, but her long, golden brown hair blew in the breeze that swept into the open building and her voice sailed among the holy atmosphere of the temple.
Legolas moved gently behind a pillar at the top of the staircase so that he was unseen. Then he peered out from behind it and her face was in full view.
He felt his heart cry in agony as he whispered inaudibly, " Nin firieth..."
As she sang the mournful song, her face reflected the pain and anguish of Legolas's own heart.
He shut his eyes slowly, but her astounding voice still reached his ears. She was so beautiful it made his heart ache. Her face was angelic and pure; she radiated innocence and grace, yet her eyes displayed wisdom that was rare in one so young. And her voice! A voice so divine and celestial, yet also sweet and innocent.
Ah, the times when that voice had sang to him beautiful words. Their voices had united together in harmony, just as their hearts had. And now, the voice that had once sang to him and the heart that had once been a part of his, was now filled with grief and torment.
He watched her, utterly captivated, as she sang:
I can't breathe
It's agony
Wondering where you are
Picture me on my knees
Have you run too far?
Can you hear?
Can you hear the sound of my heart break
With each step you take
Can you feel?
Can you feel me when I say?
Please come back to me
I await the day when I prepare a feast
And I embrace you running to me
All I am
All I have
Is yours to find
I can hear
I can hear the sound of footsteps pounding
Regret resounding
I believe
I believe the hour is near
What would you give for a ransomed heart?
Would it cost too much?
You'll be running, you'll be running back to me…
Legolas fought the urge to run down to her! Oh his heart yearned to sing with hers once again!
Unable to stay any longer without revealing himself, Legolas fled noiselessly from the temple.
When he returned to his abandoned horse, his face was masked and unemotional. None would guess the storm that raged inside of him.
~~~~~~~
Legolas sat upon a stone near the riverside and pondered the day's painful events. He knew he should not have come, but one did not have a choice when summoned by Elrond. He did not know that Leannan would be in Rivendell. If he had, Legolas would have made every effort possible to not come. Just the thought of returning to Rivendell without Leannan being there had been disturbing to him. He had known it would bring back intense memories. He had spent many nights back in Mirkwood preparing himself for the pain he would feel when he returned, but he had not prepared himself for seeing Leannan again.
Legolas shifted upon the rock and gazed out at the darkening sky. He saw the bright lights in the house of Elrond, but did not go to join the feasting. Leannan would be there. He did not want her to know that he was in Rivendell.
A sigh escaped his lips. What a terrible dilemma he was in! What was he to do now?
His heart ached. He longed to see Leannan, but did not wish to bring any more grief than she already felt. He knew that she must be in agony already.
The sky was completely dark and the river looked mysterious and cold. The forests were silent except for the sound of the wind blowing through the trees and leaves rustling.
Legolas shuddered as the cold darkness crept around him and clenched at his heart. The silence was both irksome and tranquil. The wind whistled in his ear and a shiver ran through him as he felt the whispers deep in his soul, all around him. The wind, it told of his beautiful and sorrowful past. The trees, they mocked him, and the mysterious waters accused him. Ah, why did they torment him so!
Overwhelmed, Legolas hopped up from the stone and ran swiftly into the forest behind him. He ran deep into the wood, but found no escape from the hushed tones that haunted him.
Once again, he felt trapped and unable to escape. Regrets filled his mind. He repeatedly asked himself why he had come and admonished himself for being so foolish.
His heart full of suffering, Legolas came upon a clearing in the forest. He halted and took several deep breaths, trying to control the turmoil inside of him. But he could not stand the silence, the trees gawked at him with mocking eyes and the wind carried distressing memories.
He dropped to his knees and the wind whisked his wheat colored hair in all directions. His crystal eyes betrayed his pain and anguish.
Legolas lifted his face to the heavens and cried out from the very depths of his aching heart. A cry that was so distressing it would pierce the heart of any soul listening. A cry so etched with torment that it silenced even the wind.
" Leannan...perin o guren!"
A deathly silence followed. Nothing could be heard but the sound of his voice echoing throughout the dark forest.
Legolas dropped his face into his hands, still kneeling in the moonlight, and the forest stood still in reverence as the brokenhearted elf wept.
~~~~~~~
The moonlight reflected off the silvery waters and its shimmering light glowed upon the divine face of Lady Arwen, daughter of Elrond.
Aragorn felt his breath leave him at her beauty. She reflected a sparkling light that was so pure and noble it made his heart ache. Her eyes bore into him and burned his soul.
" Luthien..." He heard himself whisper.
She made no reply, just gazed at him with her penetrating eyes as they strolled along a path that wound up into a hillside that overlooked the eminent city of Rivendell. A stream that flowed from the grand river trickled below them as they stood upon a bridge.
"Aragorn..." She finally spoke and caused his heart to leap with joy at the splendor of her harmonious voice.
He was unable to speak, unable to break the holy spell.
She gazed up at him and spoke once more, " Aragorn, there is something you must know."
" What is it?" Came the inaudible whisper.
At the look on Arwen's face, Aragorn immediately snapped out of his dreaming and asked again, now with more practicality, " What is it, Arwen?"
Arwen tore her eyes away from his and looked down at their entwined hands. Aragorn tried to wait patiently while she chose her words, but her behavior disturbed him greatly.
" Arwen, something is on your heart. Tell me." He quietly begged.
She lifted her eyes to meet his and spoke with a deep sadness. " You should have known long ago, my friend."
She paused and Aragorn waited in anticipation.
" She did not want you to know. The grief was still fresh for her, even now, and she did not want to trouble you with the bothers of her beautiful heart."
Frowning, Aragorn did not question, but let Arwen continue with whatever it was that concerned her heart.
" I should not tell you this, but you must know."
" What must I know, Arwen, who is this that you speak of?" Aragorn asked finally, somewhat perturbed.
" I speak of Leannan."
Aragorn blinked in surprise. " Surely not?"
Arwen nodded. " I'm afraid so."
Aragorn face was full of confusion and his brow furrowed. " I do not understand. What is this grief you speak of that has troubled my beloved Leannan?"
Arwen took a deep breath and assured herself that she was doing the best thing.
" You know Legolas Greenleaf of Mirkwood?" She asked.
" Yes, of course."
Aragorn knew the prince because he had spent some time in Mirkwood after the capture of Gollum, who was now being held in Mirkwood. But he did not understand why Arwen would mention the elf because Leannan had refused to travel with him and would not know who Legolas was.
" Leannan has never met Legolas, why would you mention him?" Aragorn questioned.
" Oh but she does know him, Aragorn." Arwen whispered mournfully.
Aragorn fell silent and his expression was of bewilderment. After giving him a moment of silence, Arwen began the sorrowful tale of Aragorn's dear Leannan.
" Over two years ago, an imperial elf fell in love with a beautiful maiden. She lit a fire of passion in the heart of the elf; she was like a rainbow, filling every moment with color. He was a solid cornerstone in her life, calming her radiant soul and filling her with peace. He was utterly captivated by her and she with him. Their voices would make music together in brilliant harmony, a beautiful sound known throughout all Rivendell. But during the entire splendor, the young maiden realized a dreadful thing. Their love, as beautiful as it was, could never be. It was a distressing fact never spoken aloud by a soul. The two lovers could never live together in the harmony they had, for the lovely maiden was but a mortal. The elf insisted that he cared not of her mortality and swore his heart to her, but the young woman would not allow it, it just could not be. And so, the voice of the lovers was silenced and the doleful tale was kept secret, only whispered behind closed doors. The brokenhearted prince fled from Rivendell never once accusing his beloved, he merely left in silence, without a word. Unable to bear the blissful memories that haunted her, the young woman, also, fled Rivendell and took up traveling with a ranger. And now, after so much heartache and pain...both have returned...and both will face their hurtful past."
Speechless, Aragorn followed the sorrowful gaze of Arwen and there, below them in the moonlight, sat Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood, on the terrace of Leannan's chamber. His face, so full of agony, rested upon the peaceful and angelic face of Leannan as she slept in her bed. Her soft hair was feathered upon her pillow and she looked so tranquil, unlike Legolas who sat upon the terrace with his arm rested upon one knee and a far away look in his eyes as he watched his beloved.
" Why did she never tell me?" Aragorn asked, his heart hurting. Leannan was nearly his daughter, and she did not even tell him! Two years! And he never knew.
Aragorn groaned. Two years and he never even guessed the pain she had been feeling. No wonder she had refused so adamantly when he begged her to come with him to Mirkwood. Many nights Aragorn had wondered at the mournful tunes she had sang by the fire, many nights Aragorn had wondered at the aching loneliness in her beautiful voice. She had been incomplete, and he had never known.
" Oh my dear beloved Leannan." Aragorn whispered ruefully and turned his gaze away from the aggrieved elf sitting in the pale moonlight.
~~~~~~
" Leannan! Leannan!" Came the excited voices of two hobbits as they pounded on Leannan's chamber door.
Leannan squinted at the bright sunlight as she heard the racket outside her door. She lifted herself out of the bed and slipped into her silk dressing gown. She swiftly unlocked the door and was greeted by the grinning faces of Merry and Pippin. They were nearly dancing for joy before her eyes, their mops of curly hair flying in all directions.
" Good morning, hobbits! Why so cheerful?" Leannan smiled warmly at them and motioned for them to come into the room.
" Leannan! Frodo has awakened!" Pippin cried and clapped his hands.
" Lovely! When shall we see him?" Leannan asked.
" Whenever you are ready. All three of us will go to see him." Merry informed her.
" Well then wait outside my door while I dress. I will only be a moment." Leannan waved Merry and Pippin out of her bedchamber, instructing them to stay put until she finished.
She silently told herself to get ready quickly because the hobbits wouldn't wait long for her, they were eager to see their dear friend, Frodo.
It was a bit more than a moment when the door opened and Leannan found the hobbits gone. She looked down the hall, but there was no sight of them.
" Hmm…where did they run off to?" She wondered aloud.
Leannan gave a laugh, suspecting they had been too impatient, and shut the door behind her.
She made her way down the open hall that led her to an arched walkway exposed to the beautiful fresh air. The sun was shining brightly and she lifted her hand up to her forehead to block the light. What a cheerful day! She placed her hands on the vine covered siding of the bridge and leaned over to look. Below her, walking swiftly on a pathway, was Glorfindel. His flaxen hair blew in the warm breeze and he seemed deep in thought as he strided confidently along the trail.
Feeling bold, Leannan called down from her perch, " Beautiful day, is it not?"
Glorfindel stopped abruptly and looked up. He shielded his eyes from the sun also, and Leannan noticed a small smile on his face as he gazed up at the exquisite maiden nearly hanging from the bridge above him.
" Beautiful, indeed, but Leannan, pen tithen, step back before you fall off." The elf replied dryly.
Leannan grinned roguishly. " But if I fall, I have a noble elf to catch me. Most ladies would be delighted to fall into the arms of such an admirable elf." She teased.
Glorfindel chuckled. " You flatter me, Leannan, but I have no wish to catch you, or any other lady at that. And who knows, this admirable elf you speak of could always miss!"
" Well then, with that possibility, I shall not lean too far."
Leannan smiled and stepped away from the edge of the bridge. " Good day, Glorfindel. I hope you have no need to catch any falling ladies on this beautiful day."
A laugh echoed up to the bridge and Glorfindel called. " Farewell Leannan!"
Leannan hummed softly to herself as she promenaded down the paths, stopping occasionally to observe her surroundings and ponder her circumstances.
If Frodo was awake and on the road to healing, then that would mean the secret council would be held possibly very soon. Leannan was anxious to learn what she did not know, but the thought of attending Elrond's council worried her a bit. Many important people would be there. Leannan was merely an orphaned human with no importance at all, why must she attend? She supposed it was because she was considered Aragorn's daughter and companion. Whatever course Aragorn was sent on, Leannan would follow. That was probably why she was to sit in on the council. Aragorn had instructed her to keep silent; she had a tendency to always voice her opinions and cause a riot. Leannan suspected she would not be able to obey Aragorn no matter how hard she tried.
" Ah, Leannan, there you are!"
Leannan stepped into Frodo's chamber and replied to Gandalf, " That I am, just barely. Two hobbits forgot about me and left me to navigate myself. " She looked accusingly over at Merry and Pippin who cowered from Frodo's bedside.
Leannan noticed Frodo and was quickly by his side. " Ah my hobbit friend, how do you feel now? Better I pray!"
Frodo smiled reassuringly from his sitting position in the bed; Leannan was glad to notice some color in the hobbit's cheeks. " I am much better, Leannan. I have been blessed, indeed."
" Indeed you have. It does my heart good to see you well."
Gandalf boomed from the foot of the bed, " Very good! Thanks to Elrond."
Leannan nodded at Gandalf's comment. Yes, definitely thanks to the healing hand of Elrond.
" Frodo, when shall you leave your bed?" Asked Merry. " I am dying to show you this splendid place!"
" Hopefully very soon, Merry. In fact, I feel strong enough to get up now, but I should wait still."
Leannan patted Frodo hand. " You need your rest. You aren't fully healed yet. In good time, hobbit."
Frodo thought it interesting how Leannan called him "Hobbit" as if she was calling him a name. He wasn't sure why, but he rather liked it. During their trip to Rivendell, Frodo had come to love the lady Leannan. She was very enthusiastic and joyful, but Frodo had discovered a masked sadness in her eyes and voice that she revealed in the evenings when she sang to them. He did not believe the others noticed it, but he had and was curious. When he had first seen her in Bree, he had been terribly cautious for she had looked dangerous. Though she was very gentle and kind-hearted, a stranger would never know by her outward appearance. Frodo supposed that since she'd spent most of her years with the ranger, she had been well trained and accustomed to harsh surroundings. But she had also spent several years with the elves, and that, Frodo suspected, was where she gained her gentleness and grace.
Frodo sighed.
" Have we exhausted you, hobbit?" Leannan asked.
Exhausted? Frodo hadn't even realized that they had been prattling away all the while he'd been contemplating the lady Leannan.
" No, I am not weary at all. I was just thinking about something." He said after a moment of hesitation.
" Care to share?" Pippin asked expectantly, causing the others to chuckle a bit.
" Not really, Pip, but I am curious about something. Leannan, if you don't mind, I have a question."
Leannan leaned forward. " What is it, hobbit?"
" I hope this is not something I shouldn't speak of, but I am curious as to how you came under the care of Strider."
" Do not worry, I do not mind speaking of my past..." She paused for a moment, a far away look in her eyes, and Frodo wondered if he had brought up a subject that should be left buried.
Leannan pulled herself back to the present and buried her hurtful past deep in her heart.
" Aragorn, whom you call Strider, found me alongside a deserted road. I do not know who my parents were or what came of them. Though, we suspect I fell from a wagon, because I suffered from a concussion that resulted in a memory loss. That is the reason that, at nine years old, I could not remember who my family was or how I had come upon the road. Unable to leave me there alone, Aragorn took me and I traveled with him for years. He raised me and taught me things that I treasure now. I have always viewed him as the father that I never had."
" Amazing. One would never have guessed Strider capable of raising a child." Sam commented.
" I know! I just cannot picture Strider with a child!" Merry exclaimed with Pippin nodding at his side.
Gandalf chuckled. " Well, I must admit it shocked me as well when I found out, but Leannan was a good child. She learned survival quickly and was eager to obey Aragorn. Except of course, when he instructed her to keep silent."
Frodo laughed. " That makes me remember when we were at the Prancing Pony. Strider had told Leannan not to say a word and I could see her cringing in her seat."
Frodo blinked a couple times, feeling weary from all the commotion going on in his bedchamber. He couldn't help it when a yawn escaped him.
" Oh dear, we have worn Frodo out." Sam announced apologetically.
Frodo waved his hand. " I am fine."
Leannan stood and kissed him atop his head. " You are not. Take some rest, we will all leave you now."
Frodo smiled sheepishly and bid everyone else farewell.
The other hobbits ran ahead of Gandalf and Leannan who walked from the chamber with linked arms. And when the others were out of earshot, Gandalf announced something that caused both Leannan and Frodo to flinch. " Now that Frodo, the dear lad, is nearly healed, we shall have a council to attend!"
Leannan and Frodo exchanged a glance and both saw that each other wasn't in favor of the secret council of Elrond.
~~~~~~~~
As Frodo continued to heal, the day of the secret council grew closer. It was three days after his arrival in Rivendell and Legolas was eager to get the approaching council over with. His heart yearned for his home and to escape this place. He was anxious, as well, for he was afraid that Leannan would accompany Aragorn at the council. He suspected she would and that bothered him tremendously. He did not want to shock her by suddenly being at the council, but he cared not to see her unless he absolutely must.
He sighed as he walked lazily along a pathway.
" Something a matter?" Someone asked.
Legolas stopped in his tracks and without turning replied, " Good evening, Aragorn son of Arathorn."
Aragorn moved to the side of Legolas and remarked, " Good ears, you knew it was me without even looking."
Legolas did not comment, but remained silent, which wasn't unusual for the elf.
He began walking again and Aragorn followed, matching the long strides of the graceful elf. The two walked in silence for some time until Aragorn grew uncomfortable and finally asked, " At least tell me how you are faring, Legolas."
The elf ignored Aragorn's request and instead asked casually, " The woman that usually travels with you, is she here?"
Aragorn blinked. So the elf was going to pretend he didn't know who Leannan was. Deciding to play along, Aragorn replied curtly, " She is."
Legolas nodded and Aragorn admired his performance. The refined elf was unemotional and nonchalant. If he hadn't already known of the past, Aragorn never would have guessed the pain that tore at Legolas's heart.
The silence was irksome, but didn't seem to bother Legolas at all. Aragorn just followed the elf along the pathway until they stopped on a bridge. The elf walked to the edge and placed his hands on it. With a large sigh he finally spoke, " You know of the past, Aragorn?" It was said more like a statement than a question, but Aragorn answered still.
" Yes I do, just recently."
Legolas turned to look the ranger in the eyes and the sadness in his eyes was evident. " So Leannan never told you herself?"
The ranger shook his head. " I was told just last evening by Lady Arwen."
" Will she be at the council?" The elf asked turning back to gaze out from the bridge.
" Yes."
Silence followed and Aragorn shifted uncomfortably.
" Would you care that I tell her you are here?" Aragorn asked, trying to hide the irritation in his voice.
" No. Do not tell her anything."
Aragorn was not sure if that was best. How would Leannan react after finding Legolas at the council? Would she cause a scene? No, Leannan would control herself in front of so many people of importance. She knew better. At least, Aragorn hoped.
~~~~~~~
Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood, galloped through the gates of Rivendell on his regal and imperial looking steed. He dismounted gracefully, but as soon as his nimble feet touched the earth, he froze as if he had stepped upon sacred ground. And indeed, the ground to him held a hushed holiness.
His adept eyes filled with a masked sadness as he gazed at the glorious city before him. His eyes had seen many beautiful things in his lifetime, and Rivendell was, no doubt, the most brilliant.
The cool autumn breeze rustled the leaves on the ground and all about him they swirled in the air and fell from the trees like snow. There was nothing but the sound of the wind, just a peaceful and divine silence.
He shut his eyes and breathed in the enchantment of his surroundings.
Then suddenly, in the silence, a voice echoed throughout the forests of Rivendell. It floated upon the wind and its beauty surpassed even the nightingale. The voice, clear and sweet, haunted him. Though it was gentle and in the distance, the sound pounded Legolas's heart with a force like none other; piercing him like not even the sharpest sword ever could.
As he stood frozen in reverence, his heart wrenched with pain beyond words. He was enraptured by the melodious voice, unable to move. He ached with regret and sorrow. He never should have come! A mistake! He felt like a deer caught in the aim of a deadly arrow and could not escape!
His brow furrowed and his eyes full of suffering, Legolas began to follow the voice that plagued his heart. It called to him, beckoning him to follow. The voice was etched with the same suffering and pain Legolas felt. It was the other half of his heart calling to him.
Unable to resist, Legolas journeyed through the pathways of Rivendell as if caught in a dream. He sauntered towards the sound with a sense of dread of what may lay ahead, but also with determination to discover the source of the majestic voice, that broke his heart so.
He crossed over a bridge and found himself in front of a grand building. The singing echoed from the dome-roofed temple and Legolas felt his heart pounding in his chest. His heart knew that voice.
He wandered closer without a sound and stepped through an archway.
A large set of stone steps led down into a circular hall. The granite walls and pillars were embellished with elvish carvings.
He stared down into the gigantic hall and in the center sat an exquisite young woman. Her small hands moved gracefully along the strings of an ornate harp. Her back was turned from Legolas and he could not see her face, but her long, golden brown hair blew in the breeze that swept into the open building and her voice sailed among the holy atmosphere of the temple.
Legolas moved gently behind a pillar at the top of the staircase so that he was unseen. Then he peered out from behind it and her face was in full view.
He felt his heart cry in agony as he whispered inaudibly, " Nin firieth..."
As she sang the mournful song, her face reflected the pain and anguish of Legolas's own heart.
He shut his eyes slowly, but her astounding voice still reached his ears. She was so beautiful it made his heart ache. Her face was angelic and pure; she radiated innocence and grace, yet her eyes displayed wisdom that was rare in one so young. And her voice! A voice so divine and celestial, yet also sweet and innocent.
Ah, the times when that voice had sang to him beautiful words. Their voices had united together in harmony, just as their hearts had. And now, the voice that had once sang to him and the heart that had once been a part of his, was now filled with grief and torment.
He watched her, utterly captivated, as she sang:
I can't breathe
It's agony
Wondering where you are
Picture me on my knees
Have you run too far?
Can you hear?
Can you hear the sound of my heart break
With each step you take
Can you feel?
Can you feel me when I say?
Please come back to me
I await the day when I prepare a feast
And I embrace you running to me
All I am
All I have
Is yours to find
I can hear
I can hear the sound of footsteps pounding
Regret resounding
I believe
I believe the hour is near
What would you give for a ransomed heart?
Would it cost too much?
You'll be running, you'll be running back to me…
Legolas fought the urge to run down to her! Oh his heart yearned to sing with hers once again!
Unable to stay any longer without revealing himself, Legolas fled noiselessly from the temple.
When he returned to his abandoned horse, his face was masked and unemotional. None would guess the storm that raged inside of him.
~~~~~~~
Legolas sat upon a stone near the riverside and pondered the day's painful events. He knew he should not have come, but one did not have a choice when summoned by Elrond. He did not know that Leannan would be in Rivendell. If he had, Legolas would have made every effort possible to not come. Just the thought of returning to Rivendell without Leannan being there had been disturbing to him. He had known it would bring back intense memories. He had spent many nights back in Mirkwood preparing himself for the pain he would feel when he returned, but he had not prepared himself for seeing Leannan again.
Legolas shifted upon the rock and gazed out at the darkening sky. He saw the bright lights in the house of Elrond, but did not go to join the feasting. Leannan would be there. He did not want her to know that he was in Rivendell.
A sigh escaped his lips. What a terrible dilemma he was in! What was he to do now?
His heart ached. He longed to see Leannan, but did not wish to bring any more grief than she already felt. He knew that she must be in agony already.
The sky was completely dark and the river looked mysterious and cold. The forests were silent except for the sound of the wind blowing through the trees and leaves rustling.
Legolas shuddered as the cold darkness crept around him and clenched at his heart. The silence was both irksome and tranquil. The wind whistled in his ear and a shiver ran through him as he felt the whispers deep in his soul, all around him. The wind, it told of his beautiful and sorrowful past. The trees, they mocked him, and the mysterious waters accused him. Ah, why did they torment him so!
Overwhelmed, Legolas hopped up from the stone and ran swiftly into the forest behind him. He ran deep into the wood, but found no escape from the hushed tones that haunted him.
Once again, he felt trapped and unable to escape. Regrets filled his mind. He repeatedly asked himself why he had come and admonished himself for being so foolish.
His heart full of suffering, Legolas came upon a clearing in the forest. He halted and took several deep breaths, trying to control the turmoil inside of him. But he could not stand the silence, the trees gawked at him with mocking eyes and the wind carried distressing memories.
He dropped to his knees and the wind whisked his wheat colored hair in all directions. His crystal eyes betrayed his pain and anguish.
Legolas lifted his face to the heavens and cried out from the very depths of his aching heart. A cry that was so distressing it would pierce the heart of any soul listening. A cry so etched with torment that it silenced even the wind.
" Leannan...perin o guren!"
A deathly silence followed. Nothing could be heard but the sound of his voice echoing throughout the dark forest.
Legolas dropped his face into his hands, still kneeling in the moonlight, and the forest stood still in reverence as the brokenhearted elf wept.
~~~~~~~
The moonlight reflected off the silvery waters and its shimmering light glowed upon the divine face of Lady Arwen, daughter of Elrond.
Aragorn felt his breath leave him at her beauty. She reflected a sparkling light that was so pure and noble it made his heart ache. Her eyes bore into him and burned his soul.
" Luthien..." He heard himself whisper.
She made no reply, just gazed at him with her penetrating eyes as they strolled along a path that wound up into a hillside that overlooked the eminent city of Rivendell. A stream that flowed from the grand river trickled below them as they stood upon a bridge.
"Aragorn..." She finally spoke and caused his heart to leap with joy at the splendor of her harmonious voice.
He was unable to speak, unable to break the holy spell.
She gazed up at him and spoke once more, " Aragorn, there is something you must know."
" What is it?" Came the inaudible whisper.
At the look on Arwen's face, Aragorn immediately snapped out of his dreaming and asked again, now with more practicality, " What is it, Arwen?"
Arwen tore her eyes away from his and looked down at their entwined hands. Aragorn tried to wait patiently while she chose her words, but her behavior disturbed him greatly.
" Arwen, something is on your heart. Tell me." He quietly begged.
She lifted her eyes to meet his and spoke with a deep sadness. " You should have known long ago, my friend."
She paused and Aragorn waited in anticipation.
" She did not want you to know. The grief was still fresh for her, even now, and she did not want to trouble you with the bothers of her beautiful heart."
Frowning, Aragorn did not question, but let Arwen continue with whatever it was that concerned her heart.
" I should not tell you this, but you must know."
" What must I know, Arwen, who is this that you speak of?" Aragorn asked finally, somewhat perturbed.
" I speak of Leannan."
Aragorn blinked in surprise. " Surely not?"
Arwen nodded. " I'm afraid so."
Aragorn face was full of confusion and his brow furrowed. " I do not understand. What is this grief you speak of that has troubled my beloved Leannan?"
Arwen took a deep breath and assured herself that she was doing the best thing.
" You know Legolas Greenleaf of Mirkwood?" She asked.
" Yes, of course."
Aragorn knew the prince because he had spent some time in Mirkwood after the capture of Gollum, who was now being held in Mirkwood. But he did not understand why Arwen would mention the elf because Leannan had refused to travel with him and would not know who Legolas was.
" Leannan has never met Legolas, why would you mention him?" Aragorn questioned.
" Oh but she does know him, Aragorn." Arwen whispered mournfully.
Aragorn fell silent and his expression was of bewilderment. After giving him a moment of silence, Arwen began the sorrowful tale of Aragorn's dear Leannan.
" Over two years ago, an imperial elf fell in love with a beautiful maiden. She lit a fire of passion in the heart of the elf; she was like a rainbow, filling every moment with color. He was a solid cornerstone in her life, calming her radiant soul and filling her with peace. He was utterly captivated by her and she with him. Their voices would make music together in brilliant harmony, a beautiful sound known throughout all Rivendell. But during the entire splendor, the young maiden realized a dreadful thing. Their love, as beautiful as it was, could never be. It was a distressing fact never spoken aloud by a soul. The two lovers could never live together in the harmony they had, for the lovely maiden was but a mortal. The elf insisted that he cared not of her mortality and swore his heart to her, but the young woman would not allow it, it just could not be. And so, the voice of the lovers was silenced and the doleful tale was kept secret, only whispered behind closed doors. The brokenhearted prince fled from Rivendell never once accusing his beloved, he merely left in silence, without a word. Unable to bear the blissful memories that haunted her, the young woman, also, fled Rivendell and took up traveling with a ranger. And now, after so much heartache and pain...both have returned...and both will face their hurtful past."
Speechless, Aragorn followed the sorrowful gaze of Arwen and there, below them in the moonlight, sat Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood, on the terrace of Leannan's chamber. His face, so full of agony, rested upon the peaceful and angelic face of Leannan as she slept in her bed. Her soft hair was feathered upon her pillow and she looked so tranquil, unlike Legolas who sat upon the terrace with his arm rested upon one knee and a far away look in his eyes as he watched his beloved.
" Why did she never tell me?" Aragorn asked, his heart hurting. Leannan was nearly his daughter, and she did not even tell him! Two years! And he never knew.
Aragorn groaned. Two years and he never even guessed the pain she had been feeling. No wonder she had refused so adamantly when he begged her to come with him to Mirkwood. Many nights Aragorn had wondered at the mournful tunes she had sang by the fire, many nights Aragorn had wondered at the aching loneliness in her beautiful voice. She had been incomplete, and he had never known.
" Oh my dear beloved Leannan." Aragorn whispered ruefully and turned his gaze away from the aggrieved elf sitting in the pale moonlight.
~~~~~~
" Leannan! Leannan!" Came the excited voices of two hobbits as they pounded on Leannan's chamber door.
Leannan squinted at the bright sunlight as she heard the racket outside her door. She lifted herself out of the bed and slipped into her silk dressing gown. She swiftly unlocked the door and was greeted by the grinning faces of Merry and Pippin. They were nearly dancing for joy before her eyes, their mops of curly hair flying in all directions.
" Good morning, hobbits! Why so cheerful?" Leannan smiled warmly at them and motioned for them to come into the room.
" Leannan! Frodo has awakened!" Pippin cried and clapped his hands.
" Lovely! When shall we see him?" Leannan asked.
" Whenever you are ready. All three of us will go to see him." Merry informed her.
" Well then wait outside my door while I dress. I will only be a moment." Leannan waved Merry and Pippin out of her bedchamber, instructing them to stay put until she finished.
She silently told herself to get ready quickly because the hobbits wouldn't wait long for her, they were eager to see their dear friend, Frodo.
It was a bit more than a moment when the door opened and Leannan found the hobbits gone. She looked down the hall, but there was no sight of them.
" Hmm…where did they run off to?" She wondered aloud.
Leannan gave a laugh, suspecting they had been too impatient, and shut the door behind her.
She made her way down the open hall that led her to an arched walkway exposed to the beautiful fresh air. The sun was shining brightly and she lifted her hand up to her forehead to block the light. What a cheerful day! She placed her hands on the vine covered siding of the bridge and leaned over to look. Below her, walking swiftly on a pathway, was Glorfindel. His flaxen hair blew in the warm breeze and he seemed deep in thought as he strided confidently along the trail.
Feeling bold, Leannan called down from her perch, " Beautiful day, is it not?"
Glorfindel stopped abruptly and looked up. He shielded his eyes from the sun also, and Leannan noticed a small smile on his face as he gazed up at the exquisite maiden nearly hanging from the bridge above him.
" Beautiful, indeed, but Leannan, pen tithen, step back before you fall off." The elf replied dryly.
Leannan grinned roguishly. " But if I fall, I have a noble elf to catch me. Most ladies would be delighted to fall into the arms of such an admirable elf." She teased.
Glorfindel chuckled. " You flatter me, Leannan, but I have no wish to catch you, or any other lady at that. And who knows, this admirable elf you speak of could always miss!"
" Well then, with that possibility, I shall not lean too far."
Leannan smiled and stepped away from the edge of the bridge. " Good day, Glorfindel. I hope you have no need to catch any falling ladies on this beautiful day."
A laugh echoed up to the bridge and Glorfindel called. " Farewell Leannan!"
Leannan hummed softly to herself as she promenaded down the paths, stopping occasionally to observe her surroundings and ponder her circumstances.
If Frodo was awake and on the road to healing, then that would mean the secret council would be held possibly very soon. Leannan was anxious to learn what she did not know, but the thought of attending Elrond's council worried her a bit. Many important people would be there. Leannan was merely an orphaned human with no importance at all, why must she attend? She supposed it was because she was considered Aragorn's daughter and companion. Whatever course Aragorn was sent on, Leannan would follow. That was probably why she was to sit in on the council. Aragorn had instructed her to keep silent; she had a tendency to always voice her opinions and cause a riot. Leannan suspected she would not be able to obey Aragorn no matter how hard she tried.
" Ah, Leannan, there you are!"
Leannan stepped into Frodo's chamber and replied to Gandalf, " That I am, just barely. Two hobbits forgot about me and left me to navigate myself. " She looked accusingly over at Merry and Pippin who cowered from Frodo's bedside.
Leannan noticed Frodo and was quickly by his side. " Ah my hobbit friend, how do you feel now? Better I pray!"
Frodo smiled reassuringly from his sitting position in the bed; Leannan was glad to notice some color in the hobbit's cheeks. " I am much better, Leannan. I have been blessed, indeed."
" Indeed you have. It does my heart good to see you well."
Gandalf boomed from the foot of the bed, " Very good! Thanks to Elrond."
Leannan nodded at Gandalf's comment. Yes, definitely thanks to the healing hand of Elrond.
" Frodo, when shall you leave your bed?" Asked Merry. " I am dying to show you this splendid place!"
" Hopefully very soon, Merry. In fact, I feel strong enough to get up now, but I should wait still."
Leannan patted Frodo hand. " You need your rest. You aren't fully healed yet. In good time, hobbit."
Frodo thought it interesting how Leannan called him "Hobbit" as if she was calling him a name. He wasn't sure why, but he rather liked it. During their trip to Rivendell, Frodo had come to love the lady Leannan. She was very enthusiastic and joyful, but Frodo had discovered a masked sadness in her eyes and voice that she revealed in the evenings when she sang to them. He did not believe the others noticed it, but he had and was curious. When he had first seen her in Bree, he had been terribly cautious for she had looked dangerous. Though she was very gentle and kind-hearted, a stranger would never know by her outward appearance. Frodo supposed that since she'd spent most of her years with the ranger, she had been well trained and accustomed to harsh surroundings. But she had also spent several years with the elves, and that, Frodo suspected, was where she gained her gentleness and grace.
Frodo sighed.
" Have we exhausted you, hobbit?" Leannan asked.
Exhausted? Frodo hadn't even realized that they had been prattling away all the while he'd been contemplating the lady Leannan.
" No, I am not weary at all. I was just thinking about something." He said after a moment of hesitation.
" Care to share?" Pippin asked expectantly, causing the others to chuckle a bit.
" Not really, Pip, but I am curious about something. Leannan, if you don't mind, I have a question."
Leannan leaned forward. " What is it, hobbit?"
" I hope this is not something I shouldn't speak of, but I am curious as to how you came under the care of Strider."
" Do not worry, I do not mind speaking of my past..." She paused for a moment, a far away look in her eyes, and Frodo wondered if he had brought up a subject that should be left buried.
Leannan pulled herself back to the present and buried her hurtful past deep in her heart.
" Aragorn, whom you call Strider, found me alongside a deserted road. I do not know who my parents were or what came of them. Though, we suspect I fell from a wagon, because I suffered from a concussion that resulted in a memory loss. That is the reason that, at nine years old, I could not remember who my family was or how I had come upon the road. Unable to leave me there alone, Aragorn took me and I traveled with him for years. He raised me and taught me things that I treasure now. I have always viewed him as the father that I never had."
" Amazing. One would never have guessed Strider capable of raising a child." Sam commented.
" I know! I just cannot picture Strider with a child!" Merry exclaimed with Pippin nodding at his side.
Gandalf chuckled. " Well, I must admit it shocked me as well when I found out, but Leannan was a good child. She learned survival quickly and was eager to obey Aragorn. Except of course, when he instructed her to keep silent."
Frodo laughed. " That makes me remember when we were at the Prancing Pony. Strider had told Leannan not to say a word and I could see her cringing in her seat."
Frodo blinked a couple times, feeling weary from all the commotion going on in his bedchamber. He couldn't help it when a yawn escaped him.
" Oh dear, we have worn Frodo out." Sam announced apologetically.
Frodo waved his hand. " I am fine."
Leannan stood and kissed him atop his head. " You are not. Take some rest, we will all leave you now."
Frodo smiled sheepishly and bid everyone else farewell.
The other hobbits ran ahead of Gandalf and Leannan who walked from the chamber with linked arms. And when the others were out of earshot, Gandalf announced something that caused both Leannan and Frodo to flinch. " Now that Frodo, the dear lad, is nearly healed, we shall have a council to attend!"
Leannan and Frodo exchanged a glance and both saw that each other wasn't in favor of the secret council of Elrond.
~~~~~~~~
As Frodo continued to heal, the day of the secret council grew closer. It was three days after his arrival in Rivendell and Legolas was eager to get the approaching council over with. His heart yearned for his home and to escape this place. He was anxious, as well, for he was afraid that Leannan would accompany Aragorn at the council. He suspected she would and that bothered him tremendously. He did not want to shock her by suddenly being at the council, but he cared not to see her unless he absolutely must.
He sighed as he walked lazily along a pathway.
" Something a matter?" Someone asked.
Legolas stopped in his tracks and without turning replied, " Good evening, Aragorn son of Arathorn."
Aragorn moved to the side of Legolas and remarked, " Good ears, you knew it was me without even looking."
Legolas did not comment, but remained silent, which wasn't unusual for the elf.
He began walking again and Aragorn followed, matching the long strides of the graceful elf. The two walked in silence for some time until Aragorn grew uncomfortable and finally asked, " At least tell me how you are faring, Legolas."
The elf ignored Aragorn's request and instead asked casually, " The woman that usually travels with you, is she here?"
Aragorn blinked. So the elf was going to pretend he didn't know who Leannan was. Deciding to play along, Aragorn replied curtly, " She is."
Legolas nodded and Aragorn admired his performance. The refined elf was unemotional and nonchalant. If he hadn't already known of the past, Aragorn never would have guessed the pain that tore at Legolas's heart.
The silence was irksome, but didn't seem to bother Legolas at all. Aragorn just followed the elf along the pathway until they stopped on a bridge. The elf walked to the edge and placed his hands on it. With a large sigh he finally spoke, " You know of the past, Aragorn?" It was said more like a statement than a question, but Aragorn answered still.
" Yes I do, just recently."
Legolas turned to look the ranger in the eyes and the sadness in his eyes was evident. " So Leannan never told you herself?"
The ranger shook his head. " I was told just last evening by Lady Arwen."
" Will she be at the council?" The elf asked turning back to gaze out from the bridge.
" Yes."
Silence followed and Aragorn shifted uncomfortably.
" Would you care that I tell her you are here?" Aragorn asked, trying to hide the irritation in his voice.
" No. Do not tell her anything."
Aragorn was not sure if that was best. How would Leannan react after finding Legolas at the council? Would she cause a scene? No, Leannan would control herself in front of so many people of importance. She knew better. At least, Aragorn hoped.
~~~~~~~