Title:
Greenleaf
Written By;
LegolasLover2003
Timeline:
Post-ROTK.
Not long before Aragorn's death in 1541 S.R. (Shire Reckoning)
Genre:
Romance/Drama
Rating:
PG-13.For some Adult Situations, Themes, and/or References.
Disclaimer:
Please refer to Chapter 1 for this.
Greenleaf
Chapter 3: Henneth Annun
After passing from the gates of Minas Tirith and journeying across the Pelennor Fields, Greenleaf came upon the land of Ithilien. 'Twas a haven of the Rangers of Gondor, lead by Steward Faramir's guidance. He recalled the Halfling, Frodo's, tale of his time in Ithilien among Faramir's men. Frodo had spoken that the land, though harsh and nearly barren, was beautiful in its own way. It was a testament to the hardiness of the land. Long had Ithilien been under Sauron's gaze, under the shadow of Mordor and the Ephel Duath.
Now however, Ithilien was beautiful again. Thanks to the efforts of the Elves, under Greenleaf's leadership, the once hopeless forest was healed. The blooms of the flowers brought a sweet fragrance to the air. The trees, full of life and home for many different animal species, had grown powerful and tall again.
The Elf took a deep breath, basking in the warmth of the sun upon his fair face. It was indeed a lovely day, for bright rays slanted down through the tree tops, giving the forest a near radiant glow.
How Greenleaf loved to be out among the flora and fauna of Middle-earth.
As he drew closer to the Henneth Annun, he could hear the crisp and clear sounds of that waterfall, splashing into the pond and stream below. Henneth Annun had been the last remaining outpost, for the Rangers, in defense against Sauron. Now, it was a place of great joy, no longer forbidden to those who wish to see its beauty.
The Elf's horse came to a sudden stop, not far from the side of the great waterfall. With a sudden twitch, Greenleaf knew his mount was agitated about something. He leapt from the animal's back, gracefully landing beside the gently creature and stroking his horse's mane.
"Sidh, mellon nin. There is nothing to fear in these great woods any longer. The evil here has long been vanquished."
But the noble steed would not be quieted. He continued to paw the ground nervously, almost anxiously.
Greenleaf smiled, coming around the horse to place a hand on the animal's nose. "Do you wish to explore this beauty?" he asked, seeing the flicker of excitement in the creature's eyes. The Elf laughed merrily, "Very well, my noble friend. Take you leave of me. I shall wait by the stream's edge while you graze and play." He said with a smile.
The horse neighed loudly, pressing its large nose closer to the Elf's slender frame, as if in an embrace of parting. Quickly however, the gallant white steed rushed away through the trees, and toward a large patch of green grass.
Greenleaf looked about himself, watching the Henneth Annun, whose waters would flow down into the mighty Anduin and out to sea.
'Ai, the sea!' the Elf thought, sitting himself upon the stream's grassy bank.
He reached his hands to the delicate leaf brooch about his neck. Unclasping the pin, the Elf drew his cloak from about his shoulders, folding it and setting it upon the grass. With a sigh borne partially of resignation and partially of contentment, he lay back upon the cloak, using it as a pillow for his head.
The sounds of the forest whirled about him. The sharp chirp of a baby swallow, the rustle of the leaves as a squirrel passed overhead, the hopping of a rabbit in the undergrowth of the bushes… it was all so comforting to Greenleaf. Not only that, but the continual bubbling and splashing of the waterfall into the pond by which he sat, put his weary soul at rest.
Closing his eyes in content, the Elf nearly fell asleep. However, the nearby clip clop of a horse's hooves assaulted his ears. He sat, thinking it to be his mount, return from grazing.
What he saw could never have prepared him for what would come next.
TBC...
REVIEWS:
lanna710: Thanks very much! I just needed to find my inspiration for this once again. And it looks like I have!
merrymagic: I hope it's never been done before. Thanks ever so!
angelbird12241: I know it wasn't soon, but I needed to find the inspiration for it once more. I hope you liked the update! Thanks!
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
I plan on updating this story a lot over this week, because I'm trying to get it finished. That way, Merry won't be mad at me for leaving things unfinished. Well, at least for finishing this story. I know I've got other stories that need updates too, and I promise I'll get to them all once I'm finished with this.
Also, I've typed up Alfred Davis' translation of 'Lanval' and I'll be putting it up, once this story is finished, on my website for everyone to read. This is so people can compare my LOTR version to the original version, and so they can read the work as well!
As a side note, this story will not contain my highly acclaimed, "Muse Moments". Sorry guys!
Until next time everyone...
Laters!
