Title: Shadows of Gold
Authoress: Ladya C. Maxine
Rating: PG-13
Summary: see chapter one
Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings or any of its characters. Any unrecoginzable characters belong solely to me and are not to be touched. I am not making any money off of this and I writw the sole intention to entertain.
*************
The silence of the forest was disturbed by tentative footsteps as a large stag entered the clearing, its bluish-black coat blending it in well with the shadows of the ancient trees though its intricate antlers gleamed like ivory pearl in the few rays of sunlight that broke through the vast canopy above. Bulbuous dark eyes darted about before it lowered its head to drink from the almost perfectly circular pond, causing small ripples to spread out over the smooth surface.
As it quenched its thirst it failed to take heed that it was not alone.
Before and above the magestic beast, a shadowed figure crouched hidden in the tangles of large branches. Steady hands aimed the sword-sharp point of the arrow, fixing it between the stag's massive shoulder blades. Bright blue eyes narrowed as he prepared to fire the fatal projectile...
"What are you doing?"
Startled by the other's undetectable approach and sudden voice, he released the arrow with a soft curse. It streaked through the air and embedded itself in the soft ground before the stag's feet. With a surprised bleet, the creature bolted, black body quickly engulfed by the shadows once more. The light of the antlers sparkled a final time before it too was gone.
Whispering another curse, he turned guiltily to meet the inquiring eyes of his mentor.
"Well?" Glorfindel folded his arms in waiting when no explanation came. "You said you would only be gone for half an hour. Your tutors have been waiting for two!"
"I got distracted," Legolas said lamely, now avoiding the elder's eyes. "It just appeared out of nowhere. Very few have ever seen a Yena."
"And was it simply a coincidence that you juts happened to have your weapons with you?"
"One never goes into the woods unarmed," he defended himself though he knew the older blond was not believing him.
Glorfindel regarded the youngster for a moment before sighing dissapointedly. Bright green eyes studied his charge's stunning blue ones.
"Aren't you a bit too old to be making such childish excuses?"
When the prince chose to leap out of the tree instead of answering, Glorfindel sighed again but followed him. Landing on the moss covered ground softly, he straightened, sharp eyes easily catching the shimmering gold of the young noble's golden hair as the prince walked. Catching up, he walked in stride with the prince.
A few moments passed before Legolas spoke.
"I had gone hunting for the Yena," he finally admitted.
"I see. Indeed, such a task is very difficult. Catching a Yena proves one's skills. And strength. Qualities that prove that one knows how to take care of oneself..."
Legolas' head lowered as he pretended to check the end of bow silently.
"You were trying to prove something. To someone," Glorfindel said insightfully.
"He treats me like a child, Glorfindel!" Legolas gave in to what was bothering him.
"You *are* his child."
"I reached my majority 50 years ago. I think I have the right to decide my own life."
"You can, mellonin. But your father is doing what he believes is best for you--"
"Giving my hand to Haldir of Lorien?!" Legolas asked increduously, voice carrying frustration and helplesness. "That's what's best for me?"
"What is wrong with Haldir? He is brave, intelligent, dependable..."
"....has no sense of humor, cares only for diplomacy, is full of himself--"
"He's not full of himself," Glorfindel cut him off.
"Well...not yet."
"I know he isn't your idea of a perfect mate, but atleast give him a chance. He really loves you, Legolas," he said, tone sincere.
Legolas slowed his walk to a halt, blue eyes filled with confused emotions.
"I...," he sighed and shut his eyes, "I...I know that Haldir means well and he would no doubt make a good husband. But not for me. We are so different from one another. I cannot begin to imagine spending the rest of my life with a mate who doesn't even enjoy a walk amongst nature. His mind is set only on political things or other dull subjects."
"He *is* the heir of Lothlorien. Should his father cross the waters the remaining Elves would need to depend on him. He needs to be able to lead them and support you as well, should you agree to the marraige arangements, of course."
"Which I won't, of course."
"Prince Legolas, you are being very unreasonable," Glorfindel chastised softly. "You father is to ail to the west soon with Elrond but he refuses to leave until he is assured that he would be leaving you in good hands."
A new thought came to mind and Glorfindel narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Haldir is just one of the many potential mates you've turned down. You simply refuse to accept another." Studying the blue eyes, he asked, "Are you doing this to keep your father here?"
His breath caught in his throat with a guilty sob and after a long moment's hesitation, he nodded.
Glorfindel sighed, something he was doing a lot lately.
"You are denying him his happiness. The sea calls him, as well as his lover, but he wants to be sure that you will be happy until you too set sail in the future."
"But I *am* happy. I'm happy with him here. I don't want him to leave...I don't want to lose another one. He's all I have left from our family."
Cupping a smooth cheek, Glorfindel watched with sympathy as large tears rolled down.
"It is hard to let go of someone you loves, especially when you are not ready to do so. But your father has raised you with all his strength, love and time. Now it is his time."
"Why can't I sail with him then? Why must I stay?"
"Your duties in Middle Earth have not yet been completed. You are still bound to these lands." When the younger blond didn't reply he wrapped an arm around the slender shoulders. "And I will be here with you. I know I can never live up to your father, but I will try. I have helped raise you since you were a mere babe and I have never cared for another as much as I care for you."
Through his tears, he finally smiled. A smile that had captured, and still held, the hearts of all with its honesty and beauty.
"I truly appreciate that. And don't underestimate how important you are to me. You have been my closest friend since the day I was born." His smile grew wider as the tears dried. "Infact, had this not been the case, I would have happily bound myself to you 50 years ago."
"Don't jest this ancient heart, my prince; the temptation is too great," Glorfindel laughed.
In the darkening night the torches that lined the forest paths slowly blazed to life as if by magic, throwing them into flickering shades of yellow and red that danced over their golden hair.
"Legolas, I grew worried."
Forcing himself not to groan, Legolas smiled and turned to face the silver-haired Elf who walked down the palace steps to meet them. Light gray eyes held years of experience but no mirth. In the twenty years he had known him, Legolas had never seen the prince of Lothlorien smile; small smirk once every two moons, but nothing more.
"No one could find you," Haldir said, coming to stand before the younger royal, a good five inches taller than Legolas and his body not as slender due to centuries of battles and training. There was no doubt that Haldir was exceptionally handsome, but his face was always so serious...
"I needed some fresh air," Legolas half-lied. Beside him he heard Glorfindel snort softly but the elder said nothing more. "Perhaps you could join me tomorrow? It is very relaxing," he informed, hoping to break the ice though so far he had never been succesful.
And his luck wasn't about to change anytime soon.
"My duties call upon me. I am needed for a council with Lord Celeborn and his advisors tomorrow," Haldir replied, not at all thinking it queer to adress his own father by his title.
Legolas often wondered at the relationship between parents and child. Celeborn and Galadriel were good and decent beings but they had raised Haldir to be their heir, not their son. The bond he himself treasured with his father had never formed amongst the Lothlorien royals. Perhaps this was the reason why Haldir lacked most, if not all, emotions.
"However, dinner will soon be served and I would very much appreciate you company."
Sighing inwardly in defeat, Legolas nodded mutely and allowed the mithril-haired Elf to escort him towards the great dining hall. Glorfindel followed them, silently symphasizing with his blond charge.
tbc............
************
I know, I know: How can there be Lothlorien Elves in this story when in chapter one it was said that the only Elves remaining were those of Mirkwood? Simply put; Mankind doesn't really know much about them. Even Aragorn doesn't know all the details.
Read & Review, please.
Authoress: Ladya C. Maxine
Rating: PG-13
Summary: see chapter one
Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings or any of its characters. Any unrecoginzable characters belong solely to me and are not to be touched. I am not making any money off of this and I writw the sole intention to entertain.
*************
The silence of the forest was disturbed by tentative footsteps as a large stag entered the clearing, its bluish-black coat blending it in well with the shadows of the ancient trees though its intricate antlers gleamed like ivory pearl in the few rays of sunlight that broke through the vast canopy above. Bulbuous dark eyes darted about before it lowered its head to drink from the almost perfectly circular pond, causing small ripples to spread out over the smooth surface.
As it quenched its thirst it failed to take heed that it was not alone.
Before and above the magestic beast, a shadowed figure crouched hidden in the tangles of large branches. Steady hands aimed the sword-sharp point of the arrow, fixing it between the stag's massive shoulder blades. Bright blue eyes narrowed as he prepared to fire the fatal projectile...
"What are you doing?"
Startled by the other's undetectable approach and sudden voice, he released the arrow with a soft curse. It streaked through the air and embedded itself in the soft ground before the stag's feet. With a surprised bleet, the creature bolted, black body quickly engulfed by the shadows once more. The light of the antlers sparkled a final time before it too was gone.
Whispering another curse, he turned guiltily to meet the inquiring eyes of his mentor.
"Well?" Glorfindel folded his arms in waiting when no explanation came. "You said you would only be gone for half an hour. Your tutors have been waiting for two!"
"I got distracted," Legolas said lamely, now avoiding the elder's eyes. "It just appeared out of nowhere. Very few have ever seen a Yena."
"And was it simply a coincidence that you juts happened to have your weapons with you?"
"One never goes into the woods unarmed," he defended himself though he knew the older blond was not believing him.
Glorfindel regarded the youngster for a moment before sighing dissapointedly. Bright green eyes studied his charge's stunning blue ones.
"Aren't you a bit too old to be making such childish excuses?"
When the prince chose to leap out of the tree instead of answering, Glorfindel sighed again but followed him. Landing on the moss covered ground softly, he straightened, sharp eyes easily catching the shimmering gold of the young noble's golden hair as the prince walked. Catching up, he walked in stride with the prince.
A few moments passed before Legolas spoke.
"I had gone hunting for the Yena," he finally admitted.
"I see. Indeed, such a task is very difficult. Catching a Yena proves one's skills. And strength. Qualities that prove that one knows how to take care of oneself..."
Legolas' head lowered as he pretended to check the end of bow silently.
"You were trying to prove something. To someone," Glorfindel said insightfully.
"He treats me like a child, Glorfindel!" Legolas gave in to what was bothering him.
"You *are* his child."
"I reached my majority 50 years ago. I think I have the right to decide my own life."
"You can, mellonin. But your father is doing what he believes is best for you--"
"Giving my hand to Haldir of Lorien?!" Legolas asked increduously, voice carrying frustration and helplesness. "That's what's best for me?"
"What is wrong with Haldir? He is brave, intelligent, dependable..."
"....has no sense of humor, cares only for diplomacy, is full of himself--"
"He's not full of himself," Glorfindel cut him off.
"Well...not yet."
"I know he isn't your idea of a perfect mate, but atleast give him a chance. He really loves you, Legolas," he said, tone sincere.
Legolas slowed his walk to a halt, blue eyes filled with confused emotions.
"I...," he sighed and shut his eyes, "I...I know that Haldir means well and he would no doubt make a good husband. But not for me. We are so different from one another. I cannot begin to imagine spending the rest of my life with a mate who doesn't even enjoy a walk amongst nature. His mind is set only on political things or other dull subjects."
"He *is* the heir of Lothlorien. Should his father cross the waters the remaining Elves would need to depend on him. He needs to be able to lead them and support you as well, should you agree to the marraige arangements, of course."
"Which I won't, of course."
"Prince Legolas, you are being very unreasonable," Glorfindel chastised softly. "You father is to ail to the west soon with Elrond but he refuses to leave until he is assured that he would be leaving you in good hands."
A new thought came to mind and Glorfindel narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Haldir is just one of the many potential mates you've turned down. You simply refuse to accept another." Studying the blue eyes, he asked, "Are you doing this to keep your father here?"
His breath caught in his throat with a guilty sob and after a long moment's hesitation, he nodded.
Glorfindel sighed, something he was doing a lot lately.
"You are denying him his happiness. The sea calls him, as well as his lover, but he wants to be sure that you will be happy until you too set sail in the future."
"But I *am* happy. I'm happy with him here. I don't want him to leave...I don't want to lose another one. He's all I have left from our family."
Cupping a smooth cheek, Glorfindel watched with sympathy as large tears rolled down.
"It is hard to let go of someone you loves, especially when you are not ready to do so. But your father has raised you with all his strength, love and time. Now it is his time."
"Why can't I sail with him then? Why must I stay?"
"Your duties in Middle Earth have not yet been completed. You are still bound to these lands." When the younger blond didn't reply he wrapped an arm around the slender shoulders. "And I will be here with you. I know I can never live up to your father, but I will try. I have helped raise you since you were a mere babe and I have never cared for another as much as I care for you."
Through his tears, he finally smiled. A smile that had captured, and still held, the hearts of all with its honesty and beauty.
"I truly appreciate that. And don't underestimate how important you are to me. You have been my closest friend since the day I was born." His smile grew wider as the tears dried. "Infact, had this not been the case, I would have happily bound myself to you 50 years ago."
"Don't jest this ancient heart, my prince; the temptation is too great," Glorfindel laughed.
In the darkening night the torches that lined the forest paths slowly blazed to life as if by magic, throwing them into flickering shades of yellow and red that danced over their golden hair.
"Legolas, I grew worried."
Forcing himself not to groan, Legolas smiled and turned to face the silver-haired Elf who walked down the palace steps to meet them. Light gray eyes held years of experience but no mirth. In the twenty years he had known him, Legolas had never seen the prince of Lothlorien smile; small smirk once every two moons, but nothing more.
"No one could find you," Haldir said, coming to stand before the younger royal, a good five inches taller than Legolas and his body not as slender due to centuries of battles and training. There was no doubt that Haldir was exceptionally handsome, but his face was always so serious...
"I needed some fresh air," Legolas half-lied. Beside him he heard Glorfindel snort softly but the elder said nothing more. "Perhaps you could join me tomorrow? It is very relaxing," he informed, hoping to break the ice though so far he had never been succesful.
And his luck wasn't about to change anytime soon.
"My duties call upon me. I am needed for a council with Lord Celeborn and his advisors tomorrow," Haldir replied, not at all thinking it queer to adress his own father by his title.
Legolas often wondered at the relationship between parents and child. Celeborn and Galadriel were good and decent beings but they had raised Haldir to be their heir, not their son. The bond he himself treasured with his father had never formed amongst the Lothlorien royals. Perhaps this was the reason why Haldir lacked most, if not all, emotions.
"However, dinner will soon be served and I would very much appreciate you company."
Sighing inwardly in defeat, Legolas nodded mutely and allowed the mithril-haired Elf to escort him towards the great dining hall. Glorfindel followed them, silently symphasizing with his blond charge.
tbc............
************
I know, I know: How can there be Lothlorien Elves in this story when in chapter one it was said that the only Elves remaining were those of Mirkwood? Simply put; Mankind doesn't really know much about them. Even Aragorn doesn't know all the details.
Read & Review, please.