CHAPTER 1 – 'Bound as Brothers'
The blue of the sky was reflected in the depths of their sapphire eyes, twinkling with mirth as they raced through the trees, after the prey that had twice eluded them earlier. No sound could be heard of their rush through the woods; they were much too light-footed and swift to disturb any of the creatures dwelling within. Yet now and again impish laughter would burst out of their lips, finding immense enjoyment in the hunt.
However swift the two elves were, the deer was quicker. It was heading straight into the land outside Greenwood where the Wood-elves, however brave, would not venture into without first having second thoughts.
True to the deer's estimation, the two young elves halted upon reaching the line of trees marking the borders of Greenwood and the southern wastelands. Catching their breath, they watched the animal amble away, as if gleefully taunting them for their failure to catch it.
"And there it goes again," the older, and taller, of the two, rasped between ragged breaths. "Only this time there is no hope of us ever catching it. He has sought refuge in the wastelands."
"Not if the Dwarves get to it first," the younger elf said smugly.
"Haven't you learned a thing from your instructions? Dwarves do not hunt for food. It is more likely it will be snared by humans."
The younger elf visibly blanched at the mention of humans. They gave one last look at the deer and the vast expanse of the wasteland before turning back into the woods.
After a few moments of walking wordlessly under the shelter of trees, the younger elf spoke. "What do you think they would do with the deer when they get their hands on it? The humans, I mean."
"I despair to even contemplate what fate awaits the creature when it falls into mortal hands." His voice showed concern as he spoke. "Already my heart goes to the animal. I know not what they would do, Legolas, but trust the humans to be none too kind about it. At least elves would show more mercy."
Legolas, the younger elf, shuddered. He has a slight fear of humans, and so did his older companion, Lehramie. Although Lehramie was older by eighteen years, he, like Legolas, had never set foot outside of Greenwood or laid eyes on humans. From everything they have been told about the ways of the mortals, Legolas reckoned not seeing any of them was not entirely a bad idea. News of men pillaging and wreaking havoc in the borders of Greenwood reinforced that thought.
Lehramie noticed the younger elf's shift in mood. "Lift your spirits, my friend! There's no need to look so downcast!" A tiny smile played at the corners of his mouth. "You know if you had only let me have my way with that deer instead of trying to outshine me with your mediocre skills with the bow, we would not be in this predicament right now and we would not be having this conversation at all!"
"Is that right?" Legolas replied, worry and fear momentarily forgotten. "And what made you so sure?"
Lehramie gave him a superior look. "I never miss, Legolas," he said with mock severity. "Race you to the horses!" He took off on a run.
Youthful hoops and laughter filled the air as the two elves sped through the trees, one as swift as the other. They reached their small camp with Legolas winning the race by a few strides.
"You may never miss, yes, but I am the faster elf," Legolas stated proudly as he mounted his horse.
They rode their steeds at an easy pace, all thought of hunting abandoned. It had been a delightful day, especially for Legolas. It started out well enough. He woke up to find the weather had been most favorable, a perfect day for hunting, indeed. Then his father, Thranduil the Elvenking, had agreed to forego his son's instructions for the day and let him go out hunting with his closest friend Lehramie.
It was midmorning when they set out from the palace, the sun was just trekking its path up into the sky. Now as they made their way home the sun had already began its descent into the west. Neither cared much if they had no game to bring before the King. As far as they were concerned, they had a wonderful day and that was it. Neither did the King expect the two young elves to bring home anything from their so-called 'hunt', anyway.
They looked so much alike; so much that one could mistake them for brothers. They were, undeniably, a sight to behold, and everyone at the gates leading to the palace bowed their heads slightly to show their respect to the two. Legolas sat on his horse with such stately grace, there was no mistaking his noble birth. The way he held his chin up and gracefully acknowledged everyone he sees was proof enough of his royal breeding. Underneath his now-grubby raiment of green and brown laid the elegance and refinement that is unmistakably that of King Thranduil's household, inimitably of Prince Legolas of Greenwood.
Riding closely beside him, Lehramie, son of Gerian the healer, received almost the same reverence as the Prince. Older than Legolas, he looked very much like the King's son, only taller and of leaner build. They had the same coloring and intense blue eyes. Although he was no child of nobility, he was no less dignified. He carried with him such a regal air that alongside the Prince he looked as majestic.
But the people respected him not only for his close friendship with the Prince. His father, Gerian, was one of the well-loved elves in the kingdom when he was with them still. No one dared to speak ill of the gentle healer Gerian, whose loving hands and soothing ministrations saved the lives of many an elf. When he passed on to the Undying Lands, all the elves of Greenwood mourned. But there was hope yet. His son, the equally gentle Lehramie was with them.
Lehramie had inherited most of his father's healing skills, but first and foremost he was a warrior. At his young age of sixty-seven years, he was accomplished with the bow and skilled with a sword, a weapon only a few of the other warriors take up. In fact, his skill with these weapons was such that the King personally handpicked him to train Legolas with the use of such weapons.
The elves of Greenwood all have one thought: one day, their Prince and his friend Lehramie will be the best warriors their race had ever known. Why, just look at the skills that they possess at such tender ages! Imagine what they would be like when they grow a bit older. They would be unstoppable!
And so it was that the people followed the two's progress towards the palace with reverent and hopeful eyes. Greenwood the Great's two Princes...
* * * * * * * * * *
They barely even lived a thousand years in Middle-earth, these two young elves. They were mere children - my children, the Elvenking of Greenwood the Great thought with proud satisfaction as he awaited Legolas and Lehramie in the stately hall of the palace. Their young age, as well as the King's affection for them was perhaps the reasons why everyone tolerated their childish plays and foolish pranks, all in good fun. As long as no one got hurt, it was quite fine for the King. His son, the young Prince Legolas, seemed happy enough. In fact, looking at Legolas' face right now, King Thranduil knew his son was more than happy.
The King had a hard time keeping his face straight and voice steady as his gaze swept over the two younglings' appearances. They have gone into the woods for some game this morn and have just returned before dinner - as he expected - without any catch. They were a sorry sight, both of them: their clothes soiled and filthy, those long golden locks disheveled, their faces smudged with sweat and grime. Legolas and Lehramie looked thoroughly dirty and worn out, but for the silly grins on their vibrant faces.
"How was the hunt?" the King asked, pointedly gazing at their empty hands.
The two exchanged impish glances then turned innocently to Thranduil. It was Lehramie who spoke first. "Well, see here, your Highness, we spotted a deer---"
"But it got away," Legolas interrupted.
"---because Legolas here missed his shot and scared it away." Lehramie rolled his eyes, making Thranduil bite his lower lip to keep from laughing. The other elves in the hall within earshot were also amused, hiding their smiles.
"Then we spotted it again a little later," Lehramie continued, only to be cut short again by Legolas.
"Oh, that got away, too." The young prince's smile was now sheepish.
Lehramie ignored the younger elf. "I aimed for it but your son stayed my hand, proudly declaring that he shall take down the deer. But you know how poor a shot he is. He brags better than he wields a bow."
"The deer was moving so fast! I could swear it had magical speed!" Thranduil was now smiling at his son's protests, complemented with a dirty look towards his friend.
Lehramie regarded Legolas as a father scolding his ill-behaved son. "Your arrow swung two feet above the animal's head!" He then turned back to the King, who stood there, watching the interplay with amusement. "He tried to chase it through the forest, and I had to go after him lest he get himself into another scrape! Hence, the sorry state of our raiment. But even before we saw the deer, a hare crossed our path---"
It was the King who disrupted him. "Let me guess. It got away."
Lehramie nodded with an indulging smile. "Legolas made such a ruckus he could waken the dead!"
An elbow jabbed sharply at his side made Lehramie cry out in mock pain. "That is what you are here for, right? To train me?"
The older elf faced Legolas, his arms across his chest. "Exactly. But ever since you decided that you have grown, my task became harder. Now I am supposed to make sure you stay out of trouble and well out of harm's way. Believe me, that's a much tougher task than merely teaching you how to use a bow or a blade."
The King finally decided to put a stop to the bantering of the two young elves he holds most dear. "And how very well you do so, Lehramie. Now if I may suggest that both of you go and clean up for supper? I want you to at least be presentable."
In a blink of an eye, the two were gone, leaving the King shaking his head, staring at the wide doorway they had just disappeared into.
Children, he thought to himself. Now what would this place be without those two causing mayhem?
"Where do they get their energy, I wonder?"
Thranduil turned at the sound of a subdued voice from behind to find Feniel, his sister-son, standing not a few steps away. "Why do you wonder? You are of the same age as Lehramie. You should know." Thranduil turned to look out the high window overlooking the courtyard.
Feniel shook his head, mild disdain visible in his brown eyes. "Of the same age, yes. But he is nothing like me. Or us."
"Oh?" The King quirked a brow, eyes settling on a couple of guards elves talking. "How so?"
Hesitation could be noted on the young elf's face but he went on all the same. "We are royals. Lehramie is but the son of an elvish healer. He should not be allowed to join us at our dinner table, or share the Prince's, shall we say, amenities?" The two elves Thranduil had been watching headed for the stables. When they disappeared from view, he spoke. "Your point being?'
All hesitation seemed to have fled Feniel. "I am uncomfortable, as most of your loyal subjects are, about this...special treatment granted by our household to this commoner's son. Particularly his closeness to my cousin."
Thranduil turned and regarded his nephew silently, then said, "Since when have you harbored this...discomfort towards Lehramie?"
Feniel shifted awkwardly at the question. "Quite a while now, my King."
"I see. And you decided to tell me about this only now?"
"It is getting out of hand, my King." Feniel suddenly became defensive. "Now Legolas spends every waking hour, every minute, with Lehramie. I, and the others, fear the commoner's son will be a bad influence to he Prince."
"And how is that possible? Lehramie is an honorable young man, he respects everyone, never attempted to cause harm upon another...I do not believe he had in any way caused trouble within Greenwood ever since he saw the light of day." He sighed. "These...others that you speak of. Who are they?"
Feniel suddenly became even more ill at ease. "I beg your pardon, my King?"
"Their names. What are their names?"
"I cannot betray confidences, my King," Feniel replied, shaking his head.
Thranduil glanced at the several elves that lingered about in the great hall without really seeing them. He knew of Feniel's disfavor, even mild dislike for Lehramie, but he had dismissed it as childish jealousy. From the beginning, Legolas had gotten on with Lehramie without the slightest problems; while towards his cousin Feniel he had never been close, only congenial and polite.
The King voiced that thought aloud. "I somehow sensed the animosity that you seem to hold for my son's friend. Why?"
"I just don't trust him."
"Has he given you reason to warrant such distrust? He has never given me cause to be wary of him, so do most of the elves in the kingdom. Otherwise I would have known about it sooner." He gave a small sigh and lowered his voice. "I trust Lehramie completely, and my son adores him. Truth be told, I look upon that young boy as if he were my own. He may be the child of a commoner, but a most dear commoner he was, and he too, was a friend I cherish. Gerian took care of my father, as well as countless others, including my sister, your mother."
Feniel could not seem to look the King in the eye. Instead he looked down at his feet. "I apologize. That was ungrateful of me, to speak of Lehramie in such a manner."
Thranduil smiled. "Come, there's no need for that. You are still so very young, so much to learn still. I have no doubt you will grow to be as wise as your mother was." He laid a hand on his nephew's shoulder. "I will see you at dinner." Then he walked away.
Feniel turned to see if others overheard their conversation and felt relieved that no one seemed to. His mouth set in a grim line he turned to the window, his mind in turmoil, jealousy eating at his insides, a thousand unpleasant thoughts brewing in his mind, all because of that commoner. Lehramie! Well, he will have none of it. Not anymore. Somehow Lehramie took Feniel's rightful place in the kingdom, including Legolas' and the King's heart. No longer, he thought. I will find a way. I will take what is rightfully mine. No commoner would usurp my place!
He turned away from the window and walked out of the great hall to his elegant rooms at the back of the palace. He has to do something...but what?
* * * * * * * * * *
The blue of the sky was reflected in the depths of their sapphire eyes, twinkling with mirth as they raced through the trees, after the prey that had twice eluded them earlier. No sound could be heard of their rush through the woods; they were much too light-footed and swift to disturb any of the creatures dwelling within. Yet now and again impish laughter would burst out of their lips, finding immense enjoyment in the hunt.
However swift the two elves were, the deer was quicker. It was heading straight into the land outside Greenwood where the Wood-elves, however brave, would not venture into without first having second thoughts.
True to the deer's estimation, the two young elves halted upon reaching the line of trees marking the borders of Greenwood and the southern wastelands. Catching their breath, they watched the animal amble away, as if gleefully taunting them for their failure to catch it.
"And there it goes again," the older, and taller, of the two, rasped between ragged breaths. "Only this time there is no hope of us ever catching it. He has sought refuge in the wastelands."
"Not if the Dwarves get to it first," the younger elf said smugly.
"Haven't you learned a thing from your instructions? Dwarves do not hunt for food. It is more likely it will be snared by humans."
The younger elf visibly blanched at the mention of humans. They gave one last look at the deer and the vast expanse of the wasteland before turning back into the woods.
After a few moments of walking wordlessly under the shelter of trees, the younger elf spoke. "What do you think they would do with the deer when they get their hands on it? The humans, I mean."
"I despair to even contemplate what fate awaits the creature when it falls into mortal hands." His voice showed concern as he spoke. "Already my heart goes to the animal. I know not what they would do, Legolas, but trust the humans to be none too kind about it. At least elves would show more mercy."
Legolas, the younger elf, shuddered. He has a slight fear of humans, and so did his older companion, Lehramie. Although Lehramie was older by eighteen years, he, like Legolas, had never set foot outside of Greenwood or laid eyes on humans. From everything they have been told about the ways of the mortals, Legolas reckoned not seeing any of them was not entirely a bad idea. News of men pillaging and wreaking havoc in the borders of Greenwood reinforced that thought.
Lehramie noticed the younger elf's shift in mood. "Lift your spirits, my friend! There's no need to look so downcast!" A tiny smile played at the corners of his mouth. "You know if you had only let me have my way with that deer instead of trying to outshine me with your mediocre skills with the bow, we would not be in this predicament right now and we would not be having this conversation at all!"
"Is that right?" Legolas replied, worry and fear momentarily forgotten. "And what made you so sure?"
Lehramie gave him a superior look. "I never miss, Legolas," he said with mock severity. "Race you to the horses!" He took off on a run.
Youthful hoops and laughter filled the air as the two elves sped through the trees, one as swift as the other. They reached their small camp with Legolas winning the race by a few strides.
"You may never miss, yes, but I am the faster elf," Legolas stated proudly as he mounted his horse.
They rode their steeds at an easy pace, all thought of hunting abandoned. It had been a delightful day, especially for Legolas. It started out well enough. He woke up to find the weather had been most favorable, a perfect day for hunting, indeed. Then his father, Thranduil the Elvenking, had agreed to forego his son's instructions for the day and let him go out hunting with his closest friend Lehramie.
It was midmorning when they set out from the palace, the sun was just trekking its path up into the sky. Now as they made their way home the sun had already began its descent into the west. Neither cared much if they had no game to bring before the King. As far as they were concerned, they had a wonderful day and that was it. Neither did the King expect the two young elves to bring home anything from their so-called 'hunt', anyway.
They looked so much alike; so much that one could mistake them for brothers. They were, undeniably, a sight to behold, and everyone at the gates leading to the palace bowed their heads slightly to show their respect to the two. Legolas sat on his horse with such stately grace, there was no mistaking his noble birth. The way he held his chin up and gracefully acknowledged everyone he sees was proof enough of his royal breeding. Underneath his now-grubby raiment of green and brown laid the elegance and refinement that is unmistakably that of King Thranduil's household, inimitably of Prince Legolas of Greenwood.
Riding closely beside him, Lehramie, son of Gerian the healer, received almost the same reverence as the Prince. Older than Legolas, he looked very much like the King's son, only taller and of leaner build. They had the same coloring and intense blue eyes. Although he was no child of nobility, he was no less dignified. He carried with him such a regal air that alongside the Prince he looked as majestic.
But the people respected him not only for his close friendship with the Prince. His father, Gerian, was one of the well-loved elves in the kingdom when he was with them still. No one dared to speak ill of the gentle healer Gerian, whose loving hands and soothing ministrations saved the lives of many an elf. When he passed on to the Undying Lands, all the elves of Greenwood mourned. But there was hope yet. His son, the equally gentle Lehramie was with them.
Lehramie had inherited most of his father's healing skills, but first and foremost he was a warrior. At his young age of sixty-seven years, he was accomplished with the bow and skilled with a sword, a weapon only a few of the other warriors take up. In fact, his skill with these weapons was such that the King personally handpicked him to train Legolas with the use of such weapons.
The elves of Greenwood all have one thought: one day, their Prince and his friend Lehramie will be the best warriors their race had ever known. Why, just look at the skills that they possess at such tender ages! Imagine what they would be like when they grow a bit older. They would be unstoppable!
And so it was that the people followed the two's progress towards the palace with reverent and hopeful eyes. Greenwood the Great's two Princes...
* * * * * * * * * *
They barely even lived a thousand years in Middle-earth, these two young elves. They were mere children - my children, the Elvenking of Greenwood the Great thought with proud satisfaction as he awaited Legolas and Lehramie in the stately hall of the palace. Their young age, as well as the King's affection for them was perhaps the reasons why everyone tolerated their childish plays and foolish pranks, all in good fun. As long as no one got hurt, it was quite fine for the King. His son, the young Prince Legolas, seemed happy enough. In fact, looking at Legolas' face right now, King Thranduil knew his son was more than happy.
The King had a hard time keeping his face straight and voice steady as his gaze swept over the two younglings' appearances. They have gone into the woods for some game this morn and have just returned before dinner - as he expected - without any catch. They were a sorry sight, both of them: their clothes soiled and filthy, those long golden locks disheveled, their faces smudged with sweat and grime. Legolas and Lehramie looked thoroughly dirty and worn out, but for the silly grins on their vibrant faces.
"How was the hunt?" the King asked, pointedly gazing at their empty hands.
The two exchanged impish glances then turned innocently to Thranduil. It was Lehramie who spoke first. "Well, see here, your Highness, we spotted a deer---"
"But it got away," Legolas interrupted.
"---because Legolas here missed his shot and scared it away." Lehramie rolled his eyes, making Thranduil bite his lower lip to keep from laughing. The other elves in the hall within earshot were also amused, hiding their smiles.
"Then we spotted it again a little later," Lehramie continued, only to be cut short again by Legolas.
"Oh, that got away, too." The young prince's smile was now sheepish.
Lehramie ignored the younger elf. "I aimed for it but your son stayed my hand, proudly declaring that he shall take down the deer. But you know how poor a shot he is. He brags better than he wields a bow."
"The deer was moving so fast! I could swear it had magical speed!" Thranduil was now smiling at his son's protests, complemented with a dirty look towards his friend.
Lehramie regarded Legolas as a father scolding his ill-behaved son. "Your arrow swung two feet above the animal's head!" He then turned back to the King, who stood there, watching the interplay with amusement. "He tried to chase it through the forest, and I had to go after him lest he get himself into another scrape! Hence, the sorry state of our raiment. But even before we saw the deer, a hare crossed our path---"
It was the King who disrupted him. "Let me guess. It got away."
Lehramie nodded with an indulging smile. "Legolas made such a ruckus he could waken the dead!"
An elbow jabbed sharply at his side made Lehramie cry out in mock pain. "That is what you are here for, right? To train me?"
The older elf faced Legolas, his arms across his chest. "Exactly. But ever since you decided that you have grown, my task became harder. Now I am supposed to make sure you stay out of trouble and well out of harm's way. Believe me, that's a much tougher task than merely teaching you how to use a bow or a blade."
The King finally decided to put a stop to the bantering of the two young elves he holds most dear. "And how very well you do so, Lehramie. Now if I may suggest that both of you go and clean up for supper? I want you to at least be presentable."
In a blink of an eye, the two were gone, leaving the King shaking his head, staring at the wide doorway they had just disappeared into.
Children, he thought to himself. Now what would this place be without those two causing mayhem?
"Where do they get their energy, I wonder?"
Thranduil turned at the sound of a subdued voice from behind to find Feniel, his sister-son, standing not a few steps away. "Why do you wonder? You are of the same age as Lehramie. You should know." Thranduil turned to look out the high window overlooking the courtyard.
Feniel shook his head, mild disdain visible in his brown eyes. "Of the same age, yes. But he is nothing like me. Or us."
"Oh?" The King quirked a brow, eyes settling on a couple of guards elves talking. "How so?"
Hesitation could be noted on the young elf's face but he went on all the same. "We are royals. Lehramie is but the son of an elvish healer. He should not be allowed to join us at our dinner table, or share the Prince's, shall we say, amenities?" The two elves Thranduil had been watching headed for the stables. When they disappeared from view, he spoke. "Your point being?'
All hesitation seemed to have fled Feniel. "I am uncomfortable, as most of your loyal subjects are, about this...special treatment granted by our household to this commoner's son. Particularly his closeness to my cousin."
Thranduil turned and regarded his nephew silently, then said, "Since when have you harbored this...discomfort towards Lehramie?"
Feniel shifted awkwardly at the question. "Quite a while now, my King."
"I see. And you decided to tell me about this only now?"
"It is getting out of hand, my King." Feniel suddenly became defensive. "Now Legolas spends every waking hour, every minute, with Lehramie. I, and the others, fear the commoner's son will be a bad influence to he Prince."
"And how is that possible? Lehramie is an honorable young man, he respects everyone, never attempted to cause harm upon another...I do not believe he had in any way caused trouble within Greenwood ever since he saw the light of day." He sighed. "These...others that you speak of. Who are they?"
Feniel suddenly became even more ill at ease. "I beg your pardon, my King?"
"Their names. What are their names?"
"I cannot betray confidences, my King," Feniel replied, shaking his head.
Thranduil glanced at the several elves that lingered about in the great hall without really seeing them. He knew of Feniel's disfavor, even mild dislike for Lehramie, but he had dismissed it as childish jealousy. From the beginning, Legolas had gotten on with Lehramie without the slightest problems; while towards his cousin Feniel he had never been close, only congenial and polite.
The King voiced that thought aloud. "I somehow sensed the animosity that you seem to hold for my son's friend. Why?"
"I just don't trust him."
"Has he given you reason to warrant such distrust? He has never given me cause to be wary of him, so do most of the elves in the kingdom. Otherwise I would have known about it sooner." He gave a small sigh and lowered his voice. "I trust Lehramie completely, and my son adores him. Truth be told, I look upon that young boy as if he were my own. He may be the child of a commoner, but a most dear commoner he was, and he too, was a friend I cherish. Gerian took care of my father, as well as countless others, including my sister, your mother."
Feniel could not seem to look the King in the eye. Instead he looked down at his feet. "I apologize. That was ungrateful of me, to speak of Lehramie in such a manner."
Thranduil smiled. "Come, there's no need for that. You are still so very young, so much to learn still. I have no doubt you will grow to be as wise as your mother was." He laid a hand on his nephew's shoulder. "I will see you at dinner." Then he walked away.
Feniel turned to see if others overheard their conversation and felt relieved that no one seemed to. His mouth set in a grim line he turned to the window, his mind in turmoil, jealousy eating at his insides, a thousand unpleasant thoughts brewing in his mind, all because of that commoner. Lehramie! Well, he will have none of it. Not anymore. Somehow Lehramie took Feniel's rightful place in the kingdom, including Legolas' and the King's heart. No longer, he thought. I will find a way. I will take what is rightfully mine. No commoner would usurp my place!
He turned away from the window and walked out of the great hall to his elegant rooms at the back of the palace. He has to do something...but what?
* * * * * * * * * *