Chapter Six
There was a chill in the morning air when the people of Rivendell awoke. Leannan sniffed the air as she lay in bed and smelled the coming of winter. The goldenness of the autumn was fading away and the silver winter was descending. A wind blew into the open room, its frigid whispers speaking of the Misty Mountains. The Company would be leaving soon. Much time had already passed since she had arrived in Rivendell and attended the council. Scouts had been sent out, including Legolas and Glorfindel, and they would be returning very soon, perhaps this day. Leannan had spent much of her time in Glorfindel's absence preparing for the upcoming journey. She awoke before daybreak some days to practice the sword. She would find a secluded spot and go over all the maneuvers Aragorn had taught her. On some occasions, Boromir would join her and Leannan was grateful for his instruction and advice, and could not help giving her own at times. She also spent much time studying maps, sometimes with Gandalf, often when she was sitting in the dark of the evenings by the great fire. Aredhel came by Leannan's quarters frequently. She was very downcast about Legolas' leaving with the other elves, but Leannan was oblivious and did not notice the hidden feelings behind the other elf's words.
Her own mind was often dwelling on her farewell to Glorfindel nearly a month ago…
Many elves crowded in the courtyard of Rivendell, near the gates. Not many relatives and friends were gathered to say farewell, for a couple months was not considered a long time to the elves. But it was to Leannan, and she could not help feeling doleful as she stood upon the steps to see the elves off. There was a nip in the air and she wrapped her arms around her waist as she watched. Her silky nightgown was certainly too thin for the now cold weather. She had awakened very early by the sound of horses and bustling outside. So it was time. She felt the vivid nearness of her dark journey creeping into her, sending a chill up her spine and dread in her heart. So soon. It had seemed too distant, almost unreal, for the past months of merriment in Rivendell, but now, reality was sinking in. The laughter would only last for so long; mourning was just around the corner. Leannan felt it inside her. The yearning for moments to never end. Yes, the time was near.
Leannan lifted her hand to her brow to shield the morning sunlight that shined brightly through the large trees and cast shadows upon the ground. The light bounced off the golden hair of Legolas as he brushed his horse's coat with smooth, even strokes. Leannan felt her heart lurch and quickly glanced away. Glorfindel was slipping a sack around the neck of his elegant mount, whispering something to his horse in his graceful tongue. He looked up and caught Leannan's gaze. His eyes flickered and bore into her. Leannan blinked quickly and then turned away, a slight blush creeping up her neck.
"You are awake early. May I presume that you're here to see us off?" A soft, deep voice spoke from the step below her.
"Aye, you assume right, my friend." Leannan replied, tilting her head slightly to block the sun from her eyes. Glorfindel reached up and gently grasped Leannan's hand that hung limply at her side.
"We will not be gone long." He tried to console her, for her disappointment was evident in her stormy colored eyes.
"Perhaps not to you." She replied in her low voice, not musical like the elves, but still beautiful. Her gaze was not fixed directly on his face; she shyly kept her eyes on the steps below her.
"Leannan. The time draws near. My heart would be at peace if I were to return from this trip with the assurance that you would not leave me soon thereafter; that you and I could have a future together."
Leannan met Glorfindel's eyes. He truly wanted her to stay in Rivendell with him; the desire was simmering in his eyes. Leannan stared at him with deep regret. She wished he could understand that there was no way she could stay. Not only was she determined to go on this journey with Frodo, but also, she knew that Glorfindel had hopes of something that her heart could not bear. The past was still too fresh. Yes, though the time drew closer and closer and her heart began to fill of a dark dread, she could not stay in Rivendell. It was her calling to leave; danger or no.
She raised her delicate hand and rested it on Glorfindel's cheek. Her eyes were grayer than ever, revealing to Glorfindel that stormy times lay ahead of her. Times she could not avoid. "I am sorry, my dear…" Her voice cracked. "…dear friend."
The hand dropped and Glorfindel let out a breath. So, this was her fate. She would go, and leave him in Rivendell. She would save Middle-Earth and he would watch from a distance. Legolas would be at her side, and not he.
He bent his head down and his lips met her forehead. "Good-bye, beloved pen tithen."
He quickly turned and nimbly descended the stairs. Leannan watched him hop up onto his horse and steer it towards the gate. When he looked over his shoulder one last time, Leannan gave him a warm smile and wave, with a prayer in her heart for his safety and the ache of remorse deep in her heart. If only it could have been. How she would have welcomed it, if circumstances had been different and she did not suffer from memories of the past.
With her gaze removed from the gate of which Glorfindel had ridden through, Leannan caught sight of Aredhel moving towards Legolas. So, Leannan was not the only one up early today. Aredhel gracefully walked over to Legolas and rested her elegant hand on his horse. Leannan watched her profile as she smoothed her hand over Legolas' horse. Her cherry colored hair shimmered like gold in the sun and her intricate elvish ears looked so perfect to Leannan, while she felt shame crawling up her spine for staring to intently. But there was something in the stunning elf's green orbs that stirred something inside of Leannan and she couldn't tear her gaze away. The she-elf said something and Leannan noticed Legolas' short reply, only glancing up from his work on the horse. Leannan wished she could hear what they were saying, and then regretted her nosy feelings. She tore her gaze from the two elves conversing and ran up the steps. She was appalled that a small flame of jealous bothered her and she clenched her fists as she walked swiftly away from the gate yard. She stopped for one rapid glance behind her shoulder and found Legolas' gaze intently fixed on her. Aredhel gently turned her regal head to meet Leannan's eyes as well. An alarm sounded inside of her as she felt the searing glare that came from Aredhel and Leannan's eyes frantically gave Legolas a questioning look before she swiftly turned and fled the scene…
That had been a day of battle in her heart, Leannan remembered. There had been so many emotions raging, yet her fate had stood clear, like a light in a storm. Deep inside of her, she knew that this journey was her calling, her fate. She could not run from it, for it was destined.
And so, Leannan awoke each morning with the day of her departure imminent. Just as the season around her changed, so she was changing. Her heart felt solemn and stilled. As if the evil lurking in the world around her was quieting the song of her soul. Leannan had spent much time pondering the changes inside of her and obtained that it was due to the deviation of the world around her. That perhaps the evil that is awakening is now affecting her. Never would Leannan allow evil to triumph, principally not to dim the light of her soul. No, she was determined to keep on shining. She would fight to keep the light inside of her burning, and the light in the world. Darkness could not prevail; evil cannot prevail. Not in this world and not inside the hearts of the inhabitants. And so, this was why Leannan felt a powerful force bidding her to embark on this journey; this journey against evil, against the darkness that threatened the world, of which Leannan was determined to triumph.
~~~~~~~
The sun was sinking behind the mountains and a light mist enveloped the forest as the darkness of night approached. Legolas stared off into the distance and pondered the colorful streaks in the sky, the last rays of sunlight peeking through the purple clouds. 'Twas a beautiful thing, the sunset. He felt a twinge in his soul when he thought of how many sunsets he had seen in his lifetime. And how many more he would set eyes upon.
He gently shut his eyes. So many more than Leannan would ever witness. All the sunsets in her entire lifetime were just a speck compared to his. How does she carry on? Knowing that one day her eyes would see no more. How does she awake each morning, knowing that someday she will never walk this earth again?
A painful look flashed across his fair features as he sat upon his horse in the middle of a pathway, his face lifted to the sky and the breeze toying with his flaxen hair. This world held an abundance of joy and goodness, but alas, along with them came sorrow and evil.
~~~~~~~
"I can't believe you talked me into this!" A distressed voice shouted.
"Now, don't go blaming us, missy." Sam called back, smothering a grin. The four hobbits stood at the foot of a large tree, listening to branches cracking and the shuffling of leaves, which rained down on them in great abundance.
"You don't think we should get help, do you?" Asked Pippin, worriedly glancing up the tree where only a faint sight of Leannan's bare feet could be seen. He winced at the sound of her grouses and grunts. "She doesn't sound very happy."
"She'll be even more cross with us if we leave her." Merry leaned over and told Pippin. Frodo propped himself against another tree and laughed at his friends. "I suspect she'll give you three a good beating when she gets back on solid ground, no matter what."
Merry rolled his eyes at Frodo. "How were we to know she couldn't climb a tree like an elf?!"
"Yeah," said Sam. "You'd think she'd know how to, being that she grew up 'round here."
All the heads turned up towards the giant tree again as the young woman called down, cantankerously. "Don't you hobbits go leaving me alone up here now. I'll figure out how to get down and when I do…"
They exchanged glances.
"We wish we could help you, Miss Leannan…but us hobbits…well, we're not very skilled in the art of climbing trees." Merry yelled back, glancing at his friends and grinning. They all shrugged and positioned themselves for a long wait. It was then that they heard the sound of horse hooves and the crunch of leaves. They scrambled up just as a horse burst through the bushes. They let out a yelp and covered their heads. They heard Leannan slip and struggle around inside the great tree. Their heads snapped up.
"Legolas!" They all looked around, sheepishly. The elf sat, rather dumfounded the hobbits thought, upon his horse. Evidently, he was not expecting to come upon the four hobbits.
He cleared his throat and answered their surprised exclamation. "Greetings, Forgive me for…" He began to say, but a frustrated scream pierced the air and his head shot up towards the tree. More rattling was heard and the four hobbits looked sheepishly at the ground. Legolas turned wide eyes upon them.
"HOBBITS! I don't think I'll ever forgive you for this!" Leannan cried out, her voice wavering as she slipped again. The look upon Legolas' face was thunderstruck as he glared down at the hobbits.
"How was we to know she couldn't climb a tree?!" hissed Sam to the elf.
The corners of Legolas' mouth twitched. "It's okay Samwise, I'll get her." He slid down from his mount and moved towards the great tree. In one nimble leap, he was inside the tree and pulling himself up towards Leannan's perch.
"Who's that?!" She screeched.
Legolas' eyes were dancing with mirth as he climbed from branch to branch with graceful and able movements. His elven feet never slipped upon a single branch and he had no trouble reaching the limbs. The hobbits were quite overcome, to think that this elf would accompany them on the journey to destroy the ring! Why, it was quite exciting! Soon though, Legolas was out of view and they heard voices coming from above, but couldn't quite make out the words.
"Where did you come from?" Leannan groaned at the site of Legolas looking up at her from below. His deep blue eyes watched her with amusement.
"Now now, how did you get up here, milady?" His brows shot up and his forehead wrinkled as he gave her a questioning look. Goodness, she looked sweet, crouched upon a branch, her white skirts tangled and bare feet hanging. Golden leaves were caught inside her hair, which fell freely about her shoulders. And the look she gave him! Her features were twisted into an irritated expression and rage burned inside her gray eyes. Ah yes, the lass was indeed in a foul mood.
She lifted her chin. "Doesn't matter. Let's just get down from here."
"Whatever you say, milady." Legolas held up a hand. Her eyes turned cool and she stared at his outstretched palm. "Come now, you want down, don't you?"
She reached out and clasped his hand. He felt her wince and her hand felt cold and unresponsive. He helped her climb down to a lower branch and then looked closely at her. She refused to meet his probing eyes, just staring coolly off into the distance. A wind swept through the tree, rattling branches and sending leaves swirling. A look of fear passed over her features and she hugged a large branch. She looked so innocent and childlike, crouching on a large branch and clinging for her dear life. Her face was a tirade of mixed emotions, a fire of passions lit behind her eyes. He loved it; he loved her passionate spirit. She was full of emotions that could sprout at any moment; it was always fascinating when in her presence, for you never know what's coming next. There were so many wild ideas and thoughts flowing through her mind, which seemed to never rest.
"Legolas." Her impatient voice broke through his musings. She turned exasperated eyes towards him. "I'd like to get out of this blasted tree."
He felt cross at himself for allowing his thoughts to run so wildly. Perhaps for him it was pleasant to sit in a tree and meditate, but not for Leannan. No, she wanted out of this magnificent growing thing that had seen more years than even he. Her chest was heaving as she breathed deeply with anxiety and she was struggling to keep her gaze away from the ground below, and from him. He moved nimbly through the branches with such grace and ease while Leannan followed after him, tightly clasping his hand and lowering herself to branches that Legolas appointed with much less poise than he. He did not attempt to keep his eyes from her, but beheld her closely with his profound eyes. She kept her chin raised proudly, however would not meet his bold gaze. As they came closer to the ground, she began to regain her confidence and Legolas sensed her earlier fear leaving with each branch she cleared. She could hear the hobbits and felt comfort at their voices and faces that appeared suddenly through the leaves. They looked up through the branches with anticipation and called out support. Legolas held back and let her finish the rest of the climb down on her own. He lingered a bit in the grand tree, drinking in it's ambiance of wisdom and listening to it's groaning and creaking, as Leannan clambered down to the ground with the cheers of the hobbits to urge her on.
"Come on, Leannan, you're almost there!" They cried and the lady was grinning now as she pushed branches out of the way, not caring as they caught in her hair and tangled in her skirts. Finally, her feet touched ground, in actual fact her bottom, as she lost her footing and tumbled the short distance to the forest floor. She gave a startled laugh and fell back into the abundant leaves, her melodic laughter rising up into the treetops and begetting a soft breeze that swayed through the grand old trees and whirled leaves from their resting.
Legolas, his feet dangling as he sat upon a limb, gently craned his neck up towards the canopy of the forest, which was beginning to bare and show the sky. His eyes took in the comforting panorama of the forest. The wise oaks with their magnificent limbs reaching out to each other in accord, and the silvery birches standing tall and proud with their mystical sighing in the winds. The eerie beeches, with their claw-like branches reaching in all directions and the weeping willows, flowing upon the ground with their little leaves flittering like a bunch of tiny wings, scattered about the lush woodland that awakened at the sound of a maiden's laughter. Their creaking and groaning echoed softly with the wind, so quiet and so in harmony with the other sounds of the forest, that only his acute elvish ears could appreciate the beauty, and only his heart could feel the wisdom and knowledge of their songs. He breathed in the frosty, moist air that turned Leannan's cheeks a shade of pink and caused the ground to crunch beneath their feet. Their coming journey was to be a frigid one and he felt a deep anxiety for Leannan.
"Legolas?" Frodo's questioning voice floated up through the branches.
With quick movements, Legolas lowered himself out of the tree, dropping ably onto the forest floor amidst the hobbits and woman, who were talking of things.
"Truly Pip, I don't think weasels know how to squawk…" Leannan was saying. Pippin, evidently doubtful and with many gestures, attempted to persuade Leannan of his encounter with the animal. Legolas moved through the group to his horse.
"Are you leaving us, Master elf?" Sam suddenly asked, interrupting the interesting discussion taking place.
"I am, for the moment, Samwise." Legolas replied, mounting his horse.
"Thank you for your help." Leannan called to him without meeting his eyes. Legolas gave a nod and then moved his steed away from the clearing and through some shrubbery, where he disappeared suddenly with barely a sound.
~~~~~~~
Leannan unclasped the door to her chamber and tossed aside her sunhat. She stretched and stepped further into the room. Her climbing escapade had taken place early that morning when she and the hobbits had settled on exploring the forestland surrounding Imladris. They had poked around in pools and streams and trampled through vines and thorns mostly talking to each other as they went along. Leannan knew the woods quite well for she had spent much of her earlier years exploring through the ancient forestland and had an enjoyable time leading the hobbits to all the intriguing spots.
Her mouth formed a small smile at the memory of her previous time in Rivendell. A feeling of amusement swelled over her as she pictured herself three years ago cavorting through the woods in pants and tunic with her sword slung over her shoulder, dodging trees and climbing rocks, pretending she was in all types of situations. She still remembered very well the day she had daringly leaped into a waterfall and survived. What a feat that had been! She also remembered how angry Legolas had been.
Leannan laughed aloud this time. The picture of Legolas' furious face as she was carried into the streets upon the shoulders of her colleagues grinning triumphantly amid her dripping condition was so vivid in her mind.
"May I inquire what amuses you so?" A voice spoke from within the room. Leannan's heart leapt quickly inside of her until she realized that it was only her friend Aredhel sitting in a chair near to the balcony, watching out at something with an impassive expression.
"Oh Aredhel, I did not see you there!" Leannan exclaimed, approaching the elf.
Aredhel looked up and gave a thin smile, taking Leannan's hand affectionately. "You seem quite engrossed in your thoughts; I did not want to interrupt. Pray tell, what were you thinking of?"
Leannan felt herself immediately shutting away her pleasant memories of the elapsed. Her gaze uncomfortably shifted to the horizon out through the balcony. "Oh nothing, just old memories," she replied, her mind seeming far away from the present moment. Aredhel became curious, but did not probe. She was very aware of Leannan's past, having secretly looked into all particulars that she could uncover. The people of Rivendell were not swift to speak of the tale of the mortal lady.
"I see," the elf commented with understanding. "So, dear Leannan, where were you this morning? I looked for you for brunch but could not acquire you anywhere. What adventures have you this day?" Aredhel questioned the young woman with a smile and Leannan gave into the elf's deep, musical voice sodden with consideration and affection that Leannan naively thought genuine.
"I went hiking." Leannan replied, moving away from the balcony to sit on the bed. "I led the hobbits to some locations I thought they might find exciting."
Aredhel nodded and said, "You must have had a fair time. You were gone quite a while; the evening meal is approaching."
"Oh yes, it was quite enjoyable," Leannan replied as she pulled off a muddied boot. "For the most part."
She had looked somewhat silly walking around in a gown and her brown boots, but it had been a much more comfortable trek with them on. Aredhel was watching with reserved amusement as the young woman yanked off another boot and then attempted to disrobe herself of her equally soiled dress.
"And what did you do all day?" Leannan lifted her eyes and asked as she attempted to untie the back of her gown. Aredhel gave an unexcited look and replied, "I made some calls."
"Oh?" Leannan moved about the room.
Aredhel was standing now, away from the window. "Pithien's youngest son was wounded while playing; I stopped by to check on him."
"Oh the dear child, he is well then?" Leannan stopped to inquire the elf; her brow furrowed in concern and her eyes lit with compassion. She was next to the bureau, dressed only in her chemise, while she hung up her gown.
Aredhel nodded quickly, moving towards the chamber door. Leannan was too busy trying to smooth out her recently worn gown and fix it upon the hook to notice the strange tension in the lady elf.
"Aredhel, did you pass Viola on your way…" Leannan was saying as she stepped out from behind her bureau door, but her voice died down as she moved into view of the rest of the chamber. Her heart leapt into her throat as she confronted the stunned form of Legolas standing in front of Aredhel, who seemed oddly unsurprised but wasn't noticed by the other two persons in the chamber.
A small, surprised yelp escaped Leannan as she covered her throat with her white hands. Legolas' gaze fell upon the young woman in her undergarments and then quickly darted about the room as his face filled with surprise. His eyes rested on Aredhel, avoiding Leannan with painful endeavor. He gave a hasty bow and a soft apology and gracefully moved from the chamber; the click of the wooden door sounding like thunder in the mortified silence of the room, and startling Leannan.
Aredhel turned her neck to give Leannan quick look; her green eyes simmering with something unknown to Leannan. Perhaps not dislike? No, 'twas more like a harsh approval. Leannan stared into the fiery green eyes of the elf like a vulnerable prey and her heart thumping with fearful wonder. Suddenly, Aredhel reached for the chamber door and rushed out with a swish of her elegant skirts. Leannan heard the footsteps echoing down the hall after the diminishing ones of Legolas.
She stood on the cold stone floor of the chamber in bare feet and chemise, frozen there in dismay. A chill ran through her body as if a chill from the despair that plagued her soul. She closed her eyes steadily and sank to the floor. With her back against the wall she hugged her knees in a cloud of confusion.
~~~~~
"Legolas." Aredhel called out, trotting after him. He was walking quickly away down the open hallway, his strides swift and his fists clenched at his sides. "Come to me." She beckoned him, reaching out an arm. He turned slowly and faced her; they were several feet from each other but Aredhel could see the fire burning in his eyes with indignation. His stared at her incredulously. "How dare you." He finally spoke to her in a measured, vehement tone and Aredhel drew back, stunned. He moved towards her now slowly. "Why do you interfere?" He asked her in a slightly raised voice. "What is it that you want?"
Aredhel watched him carefully. Though she was taken aback at first, she was recovered now and contemplating on her approach. He was obviously miffed and the cunning lady elf would find a way to use that to her advantage. She turned her sultry eyes of so many years upon him and said in her musical voice, "You are angry, master elf." Her mouth curved into a smile. "Perhaps, you still love this mortal, eh?" Now that hit him hard and something flashed in his eyes. He moved even closer and said, "That, my noble lady, is none of your business."
"Oh, but it is. Leannan is a dear friend of mine and I am concerned for her." She replied smoothly. He scoffed at that. He pointed his arm in the direction of Leannan's chamber. "I would not call that incident something a friend would do."
She stared at him unknowingly. "Pray, what do you mean, master elf?" She inquired innocently, toying with a fold of her elegant dress.
His eyes narrowed. "Do not play innocent with me, Aredhel. I know what you were doing back there." She pursed her lips and folded her arms, glaring at him. He let out an exasperated breath and turned around to leave.
"Legolas, please no!" Aredhel suddenly cried out and clung to his arm. "You know you want me. You cannot still love that babe." She looked up at him with her deep eyes, desperately trying to convince him. "She does not posses the great wisdom of the elves, she is but a child; a pretty flower..." Her gaze darkened intently and Legolas was entranced by her earnest words and simmering eyes. "…but flowers fade, Legolas."
Something deep inside of him snapped and he abruptly jerked away. His forehead creased as he fought the rising turmoil inside of him. "Do not beckon me so, milady!" he cried incredulously. "Leave me be." A muscle in his jaw flexed and his eyes turned dark. "And stay away from Leannan." With that, he turned swiftly on his heels and strode away from the other elf.
Aredhel let out an infuriated cry as she watched him walk out of sight. How dare he! He was meant for her, they were meant for each other. How could he be so foolish as to let the mortal woman dominate him? Couldn't he see that she loved him? Wanted him? She had even befriended the girl. She grit her teeth. The little scamp, she didn't deserve the prince.
Aredhel noticed the sun sinking below the hills and quickly moved down the hallway. She was of the race of elves, the most noble and outstanding. Why, she was of the wise, she was of the eternal. No, this would not do.
******
Leannan hugged herself against the stiff, cold air as she walked along with slow, even footsteps. She fought the stinging tears that threatened to fall once more. Dusk was sweeping over the city and her heart felt glum as the day's sun sank behind the mountains, snatching away its warmth. Her spirit felt cold and numb. She gripped her arms tighter around herself as the ache of her wound enveloped her. Had Aredhel's friendship all been a lie? She felt so ignorant and naïve. Could Aredhel truly have befriended her only to capture the prince? Why had she been so foolish, to actually believe that a powerful and lovely elf like Aredhel would want something to do with a mortal? Aredhel had always treated her like a child, and Leannan fumed at herself for being so willing and oblivious!
A surge of exasperation consumed her and she madly kicked at a stone wall. It had all been a game! All of it! Moreover, she had played along stupidly gullible! How was she supposed to make the journey to Mordor if she was mindless enough to trust in Aredhel…and Legolas, he was probably involved in this too!
"Aaargh!" She cried out as her foot hit a protruding rock in the wall and with a vehement expression whirled around to stalk away. But her heart went up into her throat as the steal gaze of an elf unexpectedly pierced her and she sucked in a quick breath. He was standing but a couple feet from her and watching with a deep frown; he was in his usual stance, erect and regal with solemn eyes focused upon her. She immediately flushed with being caught in a fit of temper. She ducked her head away and said, "What are you doing here?" Her face reddened even more as she remembered their earlier encounter in the chamber. Ah, this was humiliating.
He moved a bit closer, but saw the alarmed look on her face and halted. He then realized her unease and smiled thinly. "Forgive me, but I could not help seeking you out." She felt the stab of his formality and sniffed at him.
"Sorry my foot, you and she planned that whole thing and I know it!" She exclaimed at him, preparing to run off but he grabbed her arm and cried with all formality gone, "Nay! Leannan, poikaerea, I did not even know of it!" He stared at her with pleading eyes and she stopped trying to yank away and melted into his distressed gaze. "Ed' I' ear ar' elenea By the seas and stars, I have not even spoken with her, much less conspired against you!" He said to her, his voice dropping with fervor.
A tremor ran through her but she turned her head away from his profound eyes. She could not let herself succumb. He detected the resentful jerk of her head and relaxed his grip. He looked away from her and said quietly, "Forgive me." He let go of her and moved back a step. She self-consciously lifted a hand to her face and said, "I understand." Did she really? Leannan thought to herself. Even he seemed to look at her as if he doubted the words as well. She was so confused! Her throat constricted with a sob. She did not know! She did not understand! Certainly, Legolas was involved in Aredhel's plot. Leannan was convinced she had felt the tension in the chamber, Aredhel's conniving eyes dancing at Leannan's mortification. Now that she truly thought about all the times, Aredhel's eyes had been on Legolas, her remarks praising him. In addition, what of that day in the women's gallery? She had put off the lady elves' discussion, but now…it came back to mind.
"You are bold, Aredhel."
"Yes, but wait and see how I fare. You will be jealous someday."
Snickers followed and another elf said, "He would be foolish not to choose you."
"I know. Just you see, my friends. That child doesn't deserve him."
Leannan had found the bit of conversation intriguing, but now she truly wondered. She had already disrespected the prince, not to mention soiled part of his reputation with their sad past; she could not mention her suspicion of his involvement in Aredhel's plans to humiliate her. He claimed he was not and Legolas of Mirkwood was not one known to lie, but the bitterness in Leannan's heart would not allow her to acknowledge that point. Instead, she fumed at him while they stood awkwardly silent.
Finally, using his wise judgment, which Leannan found insufferable, Legolas began to move away. His head was ducked and his expression troubled as he slowly made his way from her. Leannan grit her teeth and squeezed her eyes shut against the burning tears.
"Legolas." She moaned, yielding to her grief, "I do not understand." She stared at him intently, unleashing her tears that streamed freely down her red-splotched cheeks. "I never will."
His brow furrowed and he gazed at her, distraught. After a brief moment, he turned away silently and Leannan stared at his erect back until he passed from view.
That was the last time they spoke.
*******
Aredhel moved smoothly through the arched doorway, her silken skirts swaying silently about her ankles and her glowing complexion illuminating in the evening darkness. She ran her hand along the carved features in the stone walls of the temple. Her profound blue eyes discreetly watched the young woman moving her fingers adeptly about a harp in the center of the room. The candles had been lit for the night and cast shadows along the walls and the face of the maiden. Although she was adorned in candlelight, it was dull compared to the light of Aredhel. And though her hands moved with poise, the elf's entire movements were full of grace. The maiden was simple, a mere dandelion among roses.
"Leannan, daughter of Rangers." The elf finally declared as she moved further in the room. Leannan's head snapped up at the sound of the voice.
"Look at you; you could almost pass for an elf." Aredhel smiled and Leannan stared at her steely. The elf circled the instrument, running a hand along the intricately carved surface. "I wonder, pen tithen," Leannan flinched at the elf's use of her childhood nickname. "I wonder…if you've ever dreamed of what it would be like…" Leannan turned her head away from Aredhel's intent gaze. "I wonder…"
"Stop!" Leannan exclaimed before Aredhel could say any more. The girl lifted her eyes and stared directly at Aredhel. "I will not hear it." She said. Leannan clenched her eyes shut. "What do you want from me?" She cried, distraught.
Aredhel remained unmoved. "You know what I want." She said softly.
"I thought you were my friend. What is it that you're trying to do?" Leannan whispered, looking intently at the elf.
Aredhel smiled wryly. "What am I trying to do? Leannan, child, I'm trying to get what I want." She replied, her eyes growing dark and unwavering. Leannan shrunk away and slipped out her seat.
Walking towards an open window, she looked out into the night and said, "Then I don't know why you bother me and led me on, because I have nothing that you want." Her voice was a distant musing, for she was thinking of what she knew Aredhel sought.
Aredhel moved up behind her. "No, you do not have it, but you stand in my way of it." She told Leannan in her silky, melodious voice. Leannan felt a shiver down her spine.
Leannan struggled with her desire to rid herself of Aredhel's schemes and her dread of Aredhel having Legolas. He did not know her ways; he did not realize that she had used Leannan's friendship for her own gain or whatever wicked thing she had done.
"Then I freely step from your way." Leannan finally whispered, glaring at Aredhel.
Aredhel's jaw tightened and her gaze turned angry. She curled her fists at her sides and hissed, "It's gone beyond that, you scamp! You know he's chosen you over me!"
Leannan's eyes grew wide and she stammered, "No….I…no, don't say such things!" She turned away from the elf. "Leave me alone! I don't care about him and I want you stop it!"
Aredhel's featured calmed and she smiled, her conniving eyes dancing. "Then do something for me."
Leannan looked at her miserably. "Please no…" She began to say, but Aredhel cut her off with a complacent look and said, "You will draw out of the fellowship and worry no more of my involvement."
"My ties to the fellowship have nothing to do with Legolas!" Leannan exclaimed incredulously.
Aredhel looked at her with a doubtful smirk on her beautiful face. "Come now, Leannan."
"And what will it gain you, anyhow?" Leannan retorted.
Aredhel stepped away from the window while saying, "More than you know, echil." She was moving away from Leannan, towards the door of the temple and Leannan wretchedly watched her leave. How could she do this! Leannan was appalled that the elf would even suggest such a thing. Did she have no idea of the danger of Middle-Earth? Did she not care? Leannan frowned at the retreating back of the glorious elf. This was incredibly wrong and she could not stand it!
"Stop!" Leannan cried out, her voice echoing in the dome chamber. Aredhel swirled around, a questioning look on her pretty face.
"I will not allow you to torment me so! I do not care about your mean threats, Aredhel! I will not draw out of the Fellowship for your wicked schemes. Have Legolas for all I care, though I do not see why he would take your horrible heart; if he did not know it now he would find out someday! Go away from me and do not trouble me with your false friendships! I am disgusted with myself for not seeing it sooner!"
With that, Leannan walked briskly from the room, not looking back to see the furious look on the elf's face. No, Leannan did not care. All she wanted was to be rid of her, all she wanted was peace. She was in enough turmoil as it was, and once she had thought Aredhel was a pleasant distraction from her pain, but all it ended with was more hurt and humiliation.