Twilight and Greenleaves
Disclaimer: Don't own it
A/N: Hello everyone. This is a rewrite of my old story that I've posted before, so please read it again. Thank you!
Chapter One
Any normal mortal who passed beneath those leafy boughs at that moment and hearing the whispering, clear bell like voices that came from the treetops would have thought it to be merely their imagination, perhaps a side affect from drinking too much wine. But others, well versed in the lore of Middle Earth would know better, for after all, the greenwood was the fabled dwelling of the Elves of Mirkwood. It was their melodic voices that wafted through the trees, singing softly in their own tongue, a language that brought to mind nostalgic memories of a time that was fading.
However, not all the Elves had passed across the seas. Here in the realm of the Elven King Tharanduil, they still lingered on. Yet even they would not last long, as the time of the Elves was over. The world was moving towards an age of men, and would become wholly so after the last members of the Fellowship of the Ring had departed from Middle Earth.
That time had not come, nor would for quite some time, for several members yet remained in Middle Earth. And there in the deep forests of Mirkwood, dwelled one of them. He sat perched high in the thick foliage of a tall tree, his clear crystalline blue eyes bright as he sang softly in his own language. His name was Legolas, the only son of the Elven king of Mirkwood, one of the legendary Nine Walkers who had escorted Frodo Baggins part of the way to Mount Doom.
The Elf had his bow in his lap, but it was held loosely without any sense of urgency. For though he was on patrol for orcs, there had not been many seen these past few years since the fall of the dark lord Sauron. Legolas seemed content and at peace, his golden hair glinting in the last rays of sunlight that filtered through the thinner upper canopy.
Are you paying any attention at all to what goes on in the forests Legolas?But of course, the Elven Prince responded with laughter in his tone as he looked down through the leaves at his fellow who stood at the base of the tree. Why do you worry? You know that the dark times have passed us.
The Elf had quickly mounted the tree to perch beside Legolas. He had the look of an Elf who was one of the elders, which came through from the gleam in his eyes, though he was still as youthful as ever in his physical appearance. He was slender in the manner of all Elves with chestnut colored hair and bright green eyes.
It's easier for you to say elfling, he retorted as he settled himself comfortably. After all, you did not live during the Dark Lord's first reign. It is easier for you to dismiss the past.
Legolas raised an eyebrow. I am not so young that I do not remember his uprising, he reminded the other quietly. But there is no need to fear the shadows any longer Brethil.Perhaps not, he agreed. But old fears die hard.
Companionable silence fell between the two Elves as they carried out the remainder of their shift as the sky became a darker shade of navy blue, hovering on the edge of becoming black. When dusk had deepened and the stars were aglow in the heavens, they were relived by two other of the guard. Legolas and Brethil walked the paths towards the center of the forest, each lost in their own thoughts.
Why are you so silent? Brethil remarked suddenly. You are adrift young Prince. Surely you are not yet so weary as such as I.
Legolas managed to smile. The days do grow longer, he answered thoughtfully. It feels like the days simply meld together. Time doesn't seem to have meaning for me any longer.You are far too young to be feeling so old, the other Elf declared with feeling. At Legolas' raised eyebrow, he rethought his words. Young by our standards at least. Two thousand years is not a long life for our kind Legolas. What makes you feel this way?
The Elf considered this a moment, fingering the shaft of his bow idly. Many things I suppose, he replied at last, his deep sapphire eyes as brilliant as the stars. The effects of my travels press upon me greatly, and then there is my Father.
Brethil chuckled softly, emerald eyes filled with amusement. Yes, I have heard that King Tharanduil is anxious for you to wed.Who hasn't heard? Legolas responded wryly.
He has been ever since you refused to marry the Lady Evenstar, Brethil remarked quietly. I don't believe he's ever gotten over that, you being his only child and still unmarried.My Father would have had me marry her and betray my friendship to Aragorn. Legolas' fair face darkened slightly at the memory. He had never understood how his Father had managed to arrange the marriage, considering the tension that existed between Elrond and Tharanduil to begin with. Perhaps the leaders had decided that it was time to patch the rift, most likely it had been Elrond's idea. Either way, Legolas was fairly certain that it had been intended to unite the two families at last.
You did not protest much at the time of the engagement, the other Elf pointed out.
Arwen and I are friends, Legolas answered softly, as if trying hard to keep anger from his voice. He had never understood nor shared his Father's dislike of Lord Elrond, and could remember making friends with both him and Arwen quite easily, while Tharanduil was still very cold towards them both.
At the time, we did not see a reason to argue the matter, as marriages take quite some time to arrange. He was quiet for a moment, sighing gently. That changed when Aragorn met Arwen that day in Rivendell.
He could still remember the events surrounding those days. When Aragon had come for one of his regular visits to the greenwood, he had been strangely distant, as if enchanted. Eventually Legolas had gotten the reason for this daze out of his friend: Aragorn was in love with Arwen. It was not hard to tell from his tone of voice and the wistful glitter in his eyes. After his Ranger friend had departed yet again, Legolas was left in deep thought.
Without a word to anyone, not even his father, the young Elven Prince had departed for Rivendell. It had taken several days of hard riding when he had at last reached that fair valley. After taking the time to rest, Legolas went in search of the one person he had come to see: Arwen Evenstar.
she cried in surprise, rising from her bench where she had been seated until his appearance. Elen sila lumenn omentilmo! ( A star shines on the hour of our meeting!)
They had embraced warmly, as dear friends do after a long parting. After an exchange of traditional greetings and questions, Legolas had joined Arwen on the bench, admiring her gardens.
What brings you to Rivendell? she inquired after a time, her eyes as brilliant as stars.
A matter that I think is most urgent, he answered somberly. Arwen, you and I are good friends, are we not?
She examined him closely, her eyes filled with the wisdom of the Elves. Yes, of course we are, and shall ever remain so. But this is not why you have come Legolas. Is it in regards to the marriage our fathers have arranged for us?Indeed. Arwen, I see the answer to my question in your eyes, but I shall ask anyway. You are in love with Aragon, are you not?
For the first time, Arwen appeared startled. The raven haired Elven woman studied him for a long moment; even with her great wisdom she was unable to understand his motives. Yes, I believe I am. Yet it seems there is little I can do at this point, Legolas.
The Elf rose, shaking his head. Arwen, do not fear. He bent, kissed her on the cheek, and was gone as quickly as he had come.
When Legolas had arrived home a week later, it was to find Tharanduil in a rage. He had discovered this after weary and exhausted he had gone to his chambers. There his Father awaited him, his navy blue eyes filled with something akin to rage. The conversation that followed was one that still caused tension between father and son to this very day.
You went to Rivendell.
Legolas eyed his father as he deposited his quiver and bow, bracing himself for the storm that was certain to come. A message from Lord Elrond preceded your arrival, Tharanduil stated icily, holding up a sheet of parchment. He says that you broke off your engagement with Arwen. Why?She doesn't love me, nor I her, Legolas replied tiredly as he removed his leaf green cloak, still damp from dew. It would be a great betrayal to marry the woman my dearest friend loves. I have an obligation to my friends.What about your obligation to your people?! The Elven king thundered angrily, eyes flashing with his rage.
Everyone always said that Tharanduil has a strong will, Brethil remarked suddenly. Up until your argument. Now everyone claims that yours is the stronger, cousin.
A rueful smile flickered over the other's face. Perhaps it is because I inherited it from him.
Legolas sighed, knowing that his father had never forgiven him or Aragorn for the broken engagement. If it weren't for the fact that Legolas was Tharanduil's only son, the Elf was certain that he would have been banished from Mirkwood.
Now his father pestered him almost daily to start considering marriage, in compensation for loosing the argument with his son. Legolas refused to discuss it, and found himself avoiding Tharanduil more and more often.
You know Legolas, you need to get away from your father for awhile, Brethil remarked suddenly. Go for a trip, visit your friends in Gondor.I won't escape from the urges to marry there, Legolas replied with a sigh, though he had brightened slightly at the thought of a visit to Gondor. Aragon and Gimli will be encouraging almost as badly as Ada (Father).At least you know its because they care about you, the elder Elf pointed out. Go, shed some of your weariness with young folks.That does sound like a good idea, the Elven prince admitted.
Brethil suddenly smirked, his jade green eyes glittering. Who knows? Perhaps you'll really find someone for you in Gondor, someone who even your father would find suitable.
Legolas' clear laughter rang out like bells. I seriously doubt that cousin, he said as they parted ways.
Nae saian luume', Legolas (It has been too long, Legolas), Aragorn greeted warmly, placing a hand on the Elf's shoulder.
Elen sila lumenn omentilmo (A star shines on the hour of our meeting). Indeed it has, Legolas agreed as he returned Aragorn's gesture. Forgive me for staying away so long.You are indeed forgiven, the King responded, a hint of amusement in his tone. As long as you tell me exactly what you have been doing the past eleven years.
The Elf chuckled as he sat beside Aragorn on the steps of the back garden, looking out over the lush greenery that both Arwen and Legolas had brought to Gondor with them. With a weary sigh, Aragorn stretched his legs out in front of him, smoking his pipe contentedly. He blew perfect smoke rings as he listened to Legolas' tales of what had occurred the past few years.
As he spoke, it pained the Elf to note how his dear friend was ageing. Aragorn's hair was now more gray than brown, and there were lines around his eyes that hadn't been there before. Legolas concealed his dismay, knowing in his heart that the time would soon come when Aragorn would be called to the halls of his ancestors, but he prayed it was not for quite some time.
Are the orcs causing any trouble in Mirkwood? Aragorn inquired after Legolas had ceased speaking.
The Elf shook his golden head. No, not since I have departed. It is vary rare that we even see them. Ever since the Shadow's fall, they have been scattered and divided against each other. You have done a good job of keeping them that way.
The former Ranger blew out a long stream of smoke, chewing on the end of his pipe absently. I hope to wipe them out during my reign, so that I might leave the land with peaceful times.
Legolas nodded quietly, drawing his knees up to his chest in Elven fashion. I do not doubt that you will. Whenever you have set your mind to something, you have always accomplished it.Once the same could be said of your Father, Aragorn remarked slyly. But the rumors from Mirkwood say that the Elven Prince refuses to do what his Father the King commands any more and nothing can turn his mind otherwise.He treats me as if I was still nine hundred years old, the Elf stated with a faint sour note in his tone, not catching the odd grin that twitched Aragorn's lips. Did you hear that Ada tried to arrange yet another marriage for me? Aragorn shook his head as he put his pipe in his pouch. Doesn't Tharanduil learn? Who was it this time?
A scowl twisted Legolas' fair face. An Elven Lady from Lothlorien, one of the former attendants of Galadriel I believe.What was wrong with her?She was interested in nothing but her wardrobe and her lap dog. The Elf sighed. A pleasant woman, but tiresome.I can't say I blame Tharanduil for being impatient, Aragorn said solemnly. I've been wondering for quite some when some young enchantress would ensnare you.I thought it was the Elves who enchanted the mortals, Legolas retorted with laughter in his tone.
But Aragorn was spared from responding as the soft voices of women coming through the garden. Both the Elf and the King rose to their feet just as they rounded the corner, and followed by five young women, Queen Arwen Evenstar came into view.
Her radiant face fairly glowed and she hurried forward to embrace Legolas. Cormamin lindua ele lle!(My heart sings to see thee!) Arwen took a step backward, smiling as she regained her ladylike composure. You have been gone too long, nin mellon(my friend).Mae govannen, Arwen. Amin hiraetha ( Well met Arwen. I'm sorry). Legolas held her at arms length, taking in the appearance of she who was said to be the loveliest woman in all of Middle Earth.
Around her neck was the familiar pendent, a sparkling white star in a setting of silver. Arwen still was as youthful and as beautiful as an evening filled with stars, her long raven black hair arranged simply, yet elegantly, and her bright eyes shining. Truly, Arwen was indeed the light of her people.
I forgive you, of course. Arwen smiled gently. It is good to hear the tongue of my birth again, she declared, moving to kiss Aragorn.
Yet Legolas was no longer paying attention to the King and Queen, but to one of the slender young women who had come with the Lady Evenstar. She was young, surprisingly young, perhaps only sixteen years old. It was such a brief lifespan to one such as him, making her little more than a child. The girl had pointed ears and elegant sculpted features that were Elven, leading Legolas to assume that she was one of Arwen's companions from Rivendell. Long dark hair fell in loose waves down her back, her skin pale, looking as beautiful as the twilight hours when the beloved star of the Elves appeared in the sky.
The young girl raised her gaze, and their eyes met. Her eyes were a startling sapphire hue, filled with both an innocence and wisdom that he felt strangely compelling and familiar at the same time. Legolas couldn't move, staring at her, feeling as if he had wandered into a dream, one from which he did not wish to wake. A shrill cry broke through the normal bird chattering, and Legolas from the corner of his eye saw a white gull drift by. The sea bird gave another call, then went silent.
He was filled with despair as suddenly Arwen stepped away, beckoning, and the women followed her. The lovely girl with the Elven features hurried behind, casting one last glance at him before she vanished from his sight into the palace of Gondor.
Aragorn was watching his friend with some amusement, a small smile beginning at the corners of his mouth. The Elf stood as if paralyzed, still staring after the departed Ladies. Never before had Aragorn ever seen his friend show such strong emotion in their entire friendship. She's lovely, isn't she? he asked softly, startling the Elf out of his daze.
Shaking the fog from his mind, Legolas finally came back to his senses. No words in any language would do her justice, he managed to say at last. Never before have I seen a woman more captivating in all of Middle Earth.
Aragorn looked even more entertained then ever, his clear gray eyes dancing. She's my daughter. Surely you remember Adúriel.
Instantly, Legolas was thrown into a flashback, his azure eyes widening with shock. How could he have forgotten?
A tiny dark haired girl clad in blue silk came running towards where Legolas and Aragorn stood on a balcony, her arms outstretched. Aragorn picked her up, hugging her tightly. She giggled, sapphire eyes sparkling.
How's my Adúriel? he asked her.
Fine Ada. Then the little girl turned her bright smile on the Elf who stood beside her father. There was laughter in his bright blue eyes as he watched them. Ada, who's that?
Her father set her down with a grin, giving the Elf a wink. This is my friend Legolas, Adúriel.Hello Leglas, she said with a giggle. Will you toss me? She held up her arms to him, her expression sweet and innocent.
He obliged, picking her up and tossing her high into the air. She squealed happily, her eyes shining with joy. He caught her, holding her safely in his arms.
How old are you aranelle (Little Princess)? Legolas smiled at her, amused by her antics.
Adúriel blinked up at him shyly, twisting locks of her black hair around her fingers. I'm five, she whispered, ducking her head slightly, gazing coyly up at him through her dark lashes. How old are you?
Both Aragorn and Legolas chuckled softly at this, but he answered her seriously. I'm over two thousand years old.
Her eyes grew large. You're old! After her father and the Elf had stopped laughing, she became serious. Can I ask you a question?
He became somber too, looking down at her gravely. You can ask me anything aranelle.
Glancing at her father, the child slipped her arms around the Elf's neck, whispering softly in his ear. Will you marry me?
Legolas bit back a chuckle as she pulled back, not wanting to offend her child's pride. He sat her down, kneeling so that he was at her level. When you get old enough aranelle, we'll see.
No wonder the girl had seemed so familiar to him! Adúriel was a mirror image of her mother Arwen, but with the eyes of her grandmother Galadriel. Legolas began in stunned disbelief, Don't, you'll only make it worse, the King cut in, shaking his head as he tried to hold back laughter. Why shouldn't you think she's beautiful?Your Highness? A page had appeared, holding out a piece of parchment. I'm sorry to interrupt, but this has come for you, and King Eomer has sent an emissary to report on the orc populations.
Aragorn sighed, suddenly appearing much older than he had a few moments before. Yet he smiled at the page and accepted the paper. Very well, I'm coming. He glanced at Legolas ruefully. Forgive me, I hate to leave after not seeing you for so long.Fear not, the Elf assured with a faint smile. I think I shall wander through the gardens for awhile. I'll meet with you later.
As soon as the King had departed with the young page, Legolas began to walk through the gardens aimlessly. He had helped Arwen bring Elvish plants here, creating the once dull, neglected and lifeless gardens of the royal house to rich green foliage. Legolas had brought, at Arwen's request, elanor and niphredil flowers and mellyrn trees from Lothlorien, and they had flourished under her care.
Suddenly he paused, his Elven ears catching a faint thread of song somewhere within the gardens. After a slight moment's hesitation, he slipped forward along one of the paths of cobblestone. It was cool and shady, the soft melody growing stronger as Legolas moved silently nearer. As with all Elves, he had the art of making no noise as he moved, even walking across a carpet of dry leaves. It served him well, allowing him to get near enough to see the ethereal young woman beneath one of the mellyrn trees.
His heart leapt with recognition: it was Adúriel.
Adúriel lay on her back, staring dreamily up at the sky. She sang softly under her breath, plucking one of the tiny star shaped golden blossoms near her. She sat up, long dark hair spilling down her back as she raised the elanor flower to her nose, closing her eyes as if in some heavenly imagining.
Legolas edged closer, wishing he could penetrate her thoughts, to know what it was that made her smile so sweetly. He watched her as her eyes opened again, appearing thoughtful as she sang softly, a melody that the Elf was certain he had heard before.
Nai iire mori lanta (May it be when darkness falls)
lle hoon enna anwa (Your heart will be true)
lle vanta ereb malle' (You walk a lonely road)
Aiya haesut llenal tuulo' eska (Oh how far you are from home)
A younger girl with dark brown hair appeared suddenly, looking like a feminine version of Aragorn. Adúriel, Atara(Mother) has been looking everywhere for you!I'm coming Elen, she called with a sigh, rising elegantly from her carpet of elanor and niphredilflowers, tucking her plucked blossom behind her ear.
Then the young Princess was gone, leaving Legolas with much to ponder. Again in his mind, he heard the cry of the sea birds and heaved a little sigh. Under his breath, the Elf chanted the prophecy Galadriel had sent him all those years ago.
Legolas Greenleaf long under tree
In joy thou hast lived. Beware of the sea!
If thou hearest the cry of the gull on the shore,
Thy heart shall then rest in the forest no more. Legolas repeated sharply, his azure eyes becoming as hard as chips of ice.
According to Eomer's reports, Aragorn muttered angrily, staring at the map of Middle Earth on the table before him. They've been massing east of Edoras in the Brown Lands. He tapped a point on the parchment, his brows gathered in a scowl.
Then that means they have a leader, the Elf speculated, his arms folded across his chest. Orcs do not unite unless they have someone powerful enough to keep them under control. The question is, who is it?
The King of Gondor ran his hand though his graying dark hair distractedly. There are only rumors of shadow and flames. Not Sauron, but something akin in spirit to his cause. Aragorn lifted his head to look at his friend. Legolas, there have been killings of Elves.
A chill ran through the Elf, but his expression never flinched. How many?Fifty deaths that Eomer can confirm. Aragorn's eyes became pained. The other hundred bodies were mutilated beyond recognition to tell what race they were.
Legolas stalked over to the window. He stood there for several moments in silence, staring at nothing. Did he know where they came from?
Aragorn hesitated before responding. There were possessions that held markings from Mirkwood.
The Elf closed his eyes, a look of despair washing over his fair features. He couldn't help but imagine some of them that might have been friends of his, maybe even cousins. Will you send warnings to my Father?It has been done. The King rose, coming to place his hand on Legolas' shoulder. Fear not my friend, their deaths will not go unpunished. Eomer already has patrols and scouts out searching for the orcs and their nameless leader.I know, Legolas answered quietly. Ada will take care of it. He has never lost the greenwood, and he never will.
Aragorn nodded absently. Tharanduil is strong willed and powerful. It will be all right. On a happier note, he suddenly remarked, his tone lighter, Arwen is planning a celebration in honor of the defeat of Sauron.Are you suggesting I go? Legolas glanced over at Aragorn. To forget about my responsibilities for a night? You know I have little interest in such events.I know that, the man replied vaguely. Faramir and Gimli are coming, and I know you enjoy spending time with them if nothing else. With a casualness that Legolas recognized at once as false, he continued. Adúriel is attending.
Legolas' head came up, meeting Aragorn's bright gray eyes, sparkling with mischievousness that he was certain his friend had learned from Arwen. He knew at once what Aragorn was trying to do, and that he had been trapped.
Are you going to attend? Aragorn asked calmly, still smirking.