Twilight and Greenleaves

Disclaimer: Tired of writing this. . . I don't own it!

A/N: Revisions continue! Please review!

Chapter 3

Morning came, and with it Legolas arose. Though he did not need to sleep the way that mortals did, he found that it often eased the weariness that plagued his heart, though nothing could dispel that for long. He moved quietly through the halls, passing very few people as he went, his thoughts troubled as they touched briefly on his homeland of Mirkwood. They were erased quickly though, for he trusted in his Father's will to protect their people.

As he neared the courtyard, the Elf noted that many of the men were hurrying about, arrayed in hunting apparel. This was not so unusual, but when he reached the courtyard, the sight of Adúriel among them was. She too was dressed in the manner of a hunter, her long raven tresses bound back into one single braid this day.

What is going on? Legolas wondered, remaining in the shadow of the doorway as he continued to watch.

I'm not sure I want you to go on this hunting trip, Aragorn told Adúriel, a frown flickering across his face.

Adúriel felt a twinge of disappointment. She hardly ever got to go anywhere outside of Minas Tirith, and certainly never without her Father's watchful eye on her. Yet she had prepared herself for him balking and rethinking his previous decision.

Ada, I promise to be safe and careful. Adúriel slipped her arms around her Father, resting her head against his chest. I'll be fine. She held her breath, praying that he would not change his mind.

Aragorn sighed deeply, holding her tightly in return. Forgive me Adúriel. It's a father's nature to worry about his daughter. He looked over her dark head at his son Eldarion, who was waiting patiently. Look after your sister, will you?

The young Prince nodded seriously. Tall, dark haired and gray eyed, Eldarion reminded Aragorn of the boy's grandfather, Elrond. The young man was wise, patient, and strong, ready to be king after his father.

Don't worry Father. She'll be fine, Eldarion assured him calmly. There are plenty of others going with us. What could happen?Oh, very well. Aragorn sighed, bending to the inevitable, knowing that Adúriel would keep pleading anyway if he refused. He placed a soft kiss to her brow, patting her dark head, a glitter of worry in his eyes.

Adúriel pulled back from Aragorn's embrace, beaming up at him happily. Instead of the fine silk garments of a Princess, she wore the forest clothing of a Ranger. A cloak of Lorien was about her shoulders, and at her waist was an Elven blade, Hadhafang, the sword that her mother had once carried. She also carried a bow and quiver, prepared for the hunt.

Thank you Ada! she cried happily, sapphire eyes aglow.

Soon after, the hunting party bid farewell to the king, departing then for the stables. Their jubilant voices faded as the doors swung closed behind them. Legolas at last stepped into the light of the hall, his fair face filled with concern as he watched the group leave.

Aragorn, are you certain that it was wise to let her go? the Elf inquired as he moved to stand beside the King. She is a young girl, and the orcs are running loose. I do not wish to have you worry, but it is Elves that they have been killing.You sound more worried than I, Aragorn remarked as he rubbed his brow wearily.

Legolas ignored this comment, his voice holding a sense of urgency. It is not too late to forbid her to go.

A look of amusement passed over the other's face. You tell her not to go, if you think she'll listen to you. Adúriel is as stubborn as her parents; she won't let anyone tell her what she can or cannot do.So you're going to let her go and get herself killed? Legolas demanded in astonishment, wondering if age was making his friend loose his sanity.

If you're so worried, why don't you go after her? Aragorn suggested as he seated himself on his throne with a sigh. Go on. If you're that concerned, then follow them and keep an eye on her. He leaned back in his seat, fighting to hide his smile at the startled look that crossed the Elf's features.

If I didn't know any better, I'd think that you had arranged all of this, Legolas muttered, shaking his head as he strode out of the hall.

&&&&&

Adùriel's clear bell-like laughter rang out as she rode along beside her brother. A few wisps of black hair had come free from her braid and were now whipping around her cheeks. It was a beautiful spring day, not a cloud in sight anywhere in the azure sky. Smiling brilliantly, she glanced over at Eldarion who rode to her left.

The two royals had been chosen to ride at the front of the party, since being half Elves they had better eyesight than any man in Gondor. The Prince was shading his eyes as he scanned the area for any signs of the deer herd they had been tracking. Adúriel admired her older brother, who reminded the girl of her father in so many ways. Eldarion in turn seemed to enjoy her company, and was always patient with his younger sister. They were extremely close, something that Adúriel valued, though lately he had become more and more busy with preparing to become King.

Over there! Eldarion shouted unexpectedly, pointing straight ahead. Towards the trees! If we don't hurry, the deer will hide themselves and we won't be able to find them!

The hunting part spurred their horses forward with shouts, galloping towards the grazing deer. Adúriel bent low over her horse's neck as they raced along the plains. She was the only woman in the party this day, but that did not bother her. All the men of Gondor respected her and her abilities. None of them would dare suggest that she would be bothersome to them on this trip.

Startled, the deer raised their heads from the grass that they had been grazing upon, their bright eyes lighting on the group of hunters fast approaching. Quickly, the whole herd turned tail and began to leap away towards the tall trees. They were fleet and graceful, racing against the horsemen who pursued them. Eldarion managed to shoot one deer, and another man brought down another one. But the herd was moving quickly, seeking the shelter of the trees.

Adúriel was certain that her brother would call a halt, as it would be most difficult to find any deer in the cool, lush green shadows of the forest. But he surprised her, shouting for them to keep following them. She had pulled out her own bow and was ready to fire. Yet an arrow whistling past her ear caused her aim to go horribly awry in her shock.

She gasped, turning slightly in the saddle. The girl thought perhaps that one of the hunters behind her had been off target a bit, but what she saw made her blood freeze. Chasing after them were swarms of orcs, some riding wargs. They cackled, continuing to shoot more of their black arrows at the hunting party. One arrow hit a rider in the back of the group, and he fell with a scream.

Into the trees! Eldarion bellowed above the racket of the battle. Adúriel! Stay close! He urged his black stallion faster, heading deeper into the forest.

With a soft curse under her breath, Adúriel mimicked his actions, turning her mare to follow her brother's lead. She was vaguely aware of the others in the hunting party scattering through the trees in all directions in an effort to confuse the orcs so that the royalty could escape. Eldarion was surging far ahead of her, and she called out desperately for him to slow down. Either he could not hear her, or simply had lost control of his horse, but he did not slow.

There was a twang of a bow, and Adùriel's horse pitched beneath her, falling in a heap to the ground. The girl flew out of her saddle, and she heard a snap as she hit the ground. She bit back a cry as she realized her arm had broken and was hanging uselessly. Sitting up, the Princess saw her horse lying dead with an arrow in its side. Coming quickly through the trees were more warg riders, and they had seen her.

Get her! the leader shrieked, pointing to the injured girl. It's an Elf! Kill her!

Cursing under her breath, Adúriel sprang to her feet, fleeing into the forest on foot. Her stride was smooth and effortless as any Elf, but alas, she did not naturally have their silence, making loud crashing sounds as she ran. She heard the orcs pursuing her, and her fear mounted. The girl winced in pain, cradling her arm against her body as she ran swiftly and silently into the dark of the tall trees. She didn't know how she was going to loose them, and she couldn't keep running forever. Yet all she could do was flee through the woods, hearing them coming closer and closer.

Without warning, Adúriel felt a hand grasp her good arm and jerk her back, yanking her down to the fern strewn ground. Startled, the girl started to cry out in fear, but a hand came over her mouth to muffle the sound.

a voice murmured softly in her ear. Be still aranelle.

She then was pressed against the ground so that the vegetation of the forest floor concealed her. Adúriel obeyed, remaining still and silent. She heard snuffling sounds, and saw two warg riders enter her line of sight. Their evil eyes flickered everywhere, seeking her. The Princess held her breath, praying they would not find her and her rescuer, whoever it was. For several long moments, the orcs poked around the area, then left, grumbling in their own tongue. The hand left her mouth, and the person spoke again in a low voice.

Stay down for a moment. They might not be gone.

At last she recognized the voice, but she remained quiet on the forest floor for what seemed an eternity. Her heart was still racing fast, though she wasn't entirely certain it was because of her flight. Adúriel more sensed than heard her rescuer walk away a few steps, before coming back to stand over her.

It's all right Adúriel, they're gone now.

Pushing herself upright on her good arm, Adúriel lifted her young face to gaze up at Legolas. Still stunned by his unexpected appearance, she managed to find her feet, rising to face him. What are you doing here?

For a moment the Elf did not answer, his keen azure eyes scanning her face. I was feeling restless inside the city walls, he said at last. I saw your hunting party and decided to follow. Reaching out, Legolas gently pulled a dry leaf from her dark hair.

She flushed slightly, taking a small step backwards to put some distance between them and in doing so to recover her senses. It was a good thing you did. Almost inaudibly, she continued. Thank you, for saving my life.

The Elf nodded in response, then seated himself on the ground with a sigh. We might as well rest. There is no sense in searching for your companions while those orcs are still nearby.

Adúriel seated herself across from him, but accidentally jostled her injured arm in the process. She had forgotten about her injury in all the excitement, but was now acutely aware of it. She managed to muffle her cry of pain, but before she could do anything else about her predicament, Legolas had taken her arm and was examining it closely.

You've broken it, he stated flatly. It needs to be taken care of. His touch was gentle as he felt along her arm for the break, causing her to wince again.

Father's never going to let me out again after this, she said bitterly, tears of pain springing to her eyes. Yet she controlled herself fiercely, not wanting to cry in front of Legolas.

Do not trouble yourself with such thoughts, the Elf said calmly, carefully rolling up her sleeve to get a better look at her arm. Aragorn will understand. He is not one to overreact.

She blinked back the moisture, her voice low. When it comes to me, he overreacts all the time. Adúriel flinched again as he touched a particularly tender spot on her arm. He will not allow me to leave the city again for quite sometime.

Legolas looked up at her briefly. Parents tend to worry Adúriel, but Aragorn understands better than anyone the need for freedom to roam. He set her arm gently down in her lap once more, rising gracefully to his feet. Wait here while I get my horse and pack.

It's not like I could go far anyway, she thought sourly as she watched his retreating form. Sighing, she bowed her head, her long dark hair falling like a curtain around her face.

Tears finally slipped down her pale cheeks, not of pain, but of unhappiness. Once again she would prove to her Father that she was far too young to do anything. How long will it be before he does not think me a child anymore?

A gentle touch on her cheeks caused her head to snap up in surprise. Legolas had returned so silently that she had not noticed, not until he knelt in front of her. His fair face was filled with concern as he tenderly wiped the tiny droplets of moisture from her face.

Do not weep Adúriel, he soothed softly. Your Father will understand.

The Elf's kindness touched her heart, and she nodded, forcing herself to stop the tears. Forgive me, I do not mean to be such a child.There is nothing to forgive, Legolas replied with a smile as he began to open his pack and sort through its contents.

He crushed some sweet smelling herbs and placed them between layers in the linen bandage he wound neatly around her slender arm. Two smooth sticks served as a splint, sticks that he carved to fit her arm perfectly. She could only watch him work in silence, wondering how he came to know such skills. When he spoke again, she started, having been so lost in her own private musings.

Do you remember the last time we met? He glanced up at her briefly, cerulean eyes questioning. Perhaps you do not. You were so young at the time.I do remember, vaguely, she replied with a slight smile. I was . . . six? Or was it five?I believe you were five. Legolas was concentrating on his task, but glanced up at her momentarily.

Adúriel grinned at the memory, her eyes glowing like stars. That's right. You and Ada were talking on his balcony, something about Ithilien. When I came in, you picked me up and tossed me.

He smiled slightly. I had almost forgotten that.

Her cheeks flushed as she lowered her head slightly. Do you remember what I asked you?

The Elf chuckled softly, tying off a section of the bandage. You asked if I would marry you, he answered, his sapphire eyes sparkling with amusement. You were a tiny little imp with long dark hair then, and now you're all grown up, a lady, just like you mother.

Adúriel shifted her weight slightly. And you have not changed at all, she murmured, more to herself than to him.

Those with the starlight in their eyes rarely do, he responded gently. Surely you have noticed it in your mother in comparison to your father. She has not aged a day since you were born, has she not?

Her eyes clouded slightly. Yes, I have noticed.

The young girl bit her lip, lowering her eyes. Arwen had told her and her brother and sister when they were young of the choice she had made. With the explanation of her choice came the explanation of the consequences. They knew what would happen to their mother after their father passed on, but none of them were looking forward to it.

Shuddering, she sought to banish the chill of death, speaking again. Will you tell me of Mirkwood?

His fair face shone with surprise at this unexpected request. You wish to know of my home?

Adúriel nodded. Ada has spoken of it occasionally, but as I have often heard, no descriptions can match that of the Elves.

Legolas laughed softly. Aragorn has said that many times. He closed his star bright eyes in thought. Have you seen Fangorn, Adúriel? At her nod, he continued. Then I suppose it would be best for you to imagine something akin to that forest. The trees that grow there are old and tall, twisting their way to the heavens. I'm afraid though the only way to understand Mirkwood would be to see it with your own eyes.It would be something to see, she returned softly. How I wish I could.Perhaps I shall take you there someday, Legolas declared as he fashioned a sling for her bandaged arm. You will then be one of the last mortals to see the realm of my Father.What do you mean? she inquired.

Legolas only shook his head. Now is not a time for such sorrowful thoughts. Your brother and the others will be frantic by now.

She gasped, scrambling to her feet. Eldarion will be terribly vexed!

Legolas rose with more grace than she. Come, I shall take you back to him.

Adúriel followed him over to where his white horse waited for them. Arod was calm, completely docile. There was no reason for the Elf to tie him, for he was loyal to his master and would never wander far. With a low whicker the horse greeted Legolas, gently butting his nose against the Elf's chest. He smiled, whispering softly to Arod in his own tongue before coming to help Adúriel up, then mounting in front of her. She quickly wrapped her good arm around his waist, nervous, as she had never ridden Elven fashion before.

Can you hold on well enough? Legolas glanced back at her, momentarily.

Yes, I'm fine, she assured him, though she still had misgivings.

Yet she needn't have worried about falling. Arod's stride was smooth and Legolas attentive. They retraced Adùriel's path through the forest, heading back to the area she had fallen from her horse. Soon enough they heard the voices of men, and found the hunting party there, Eldarion's face pale and troubled.

When his gray eyes lit on the new arrival and his sister riding behind, his expression lightened. Adúriel, thank the Valar that you are safe, he sighed, the relief clearly written across his face. Eldarion then turned to Legolas, nodding gratefully to his sister's rescuer. You have my eternal gratitude. I offer you my thanks.It was my pleasure, Legolas answered, inclining his head respectfully in return.

Eldarion nodded, then glanced at the men of Gondor who were awaiting instructions behind them. Come, it isn't safe to continue hunting. We must return to Minas Tirith and tell my Father of this attack.