Between the Lines
By penpunk
Disclaimer: All that is created by Tolkien does not belong to me.
Thanks Nikkei
Chapter 6: Avari
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"Mirkwood?"
Legolas nodded and looked out at the elf-city surrounded by the dark woods. The elven buildings provided the surroundings with a little beauty and fairness, but other than that, Mirkwood lived up to its name.
"But we were at least four days away. How'd we. . . what happened? I don't remember anything," Kat turned from the window and sat down on the large bed.
"You remember nothing?" asked Legolas, his tone less biting than in the previous days. Kat nodded.
"You had a fit of some kind. I have never seen such happen to an elf before. I feared for you life so I rode-."
"Fear for my life?" asked Kat in a dry tone. Ah, the power of speech. Now she could really put the elf boy in his place. "Fear for my life or fear for your own reputation. From the way you've treated me the last two weeks, I see no reason why you should care for me in the least."
"I rode for four straight days to bring you here. I stayed with you during the night to make sure you would be okay," said Legolas in an icy tone. "But I guess I was wrong to think I could earn any thanks from you Lady Elenril. I guess I should have left you to die. Left you as a feast for the orcs, though I don't even think they would be desperate enough to feast on your flesh."
Legolas kept his cold blue eyes locked on Kat. She literally shrunk under his gaze.
'Stupid Kat! Why did you say that?' asked Kat to herself. She remembered waking up next to Legolas, cuddled on his chest, a rag in his hand. 'He must have fallen asleep out of pure exhaustion. Stupid Kat! You were better off without a voice.'
"Legolas," began Kat. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize-."
"Save it Elenril," hissed Legolas. He turned from her and walked towards the door.
"No, please Legolas. I'm sorry. I am so sorry. I was wrong, I didn't know," said Kat as she ran after him. She grabbed his arm, trying to stop him from leaving. Legolas, in all of his rage and fury, threw off her arm, causing Kat to stumble backwards and fall. Legolas looked down at Kat, who looked up at him with a face mixed with fear and shock.
Legolas, whose eyes were still burning with blue fire, slowly realized how he had acted in a moment of rage. His face softened as he moved toward Kat. She, still sitting, moved away as he came closer to her. She backed up until she came to the edge of her bed, and used it to pull herself back into a standing position. Legolas continued to slowly move towards her, obviously sorry for what he had done, but Kat still moved away from him. She looked behind herself, and saw a small room adjacent to the one she was in. Without a word to the blonde elf, she backed into the room and shut the door. Kat could hear Legolas sigh as she locked the door behind her. She took a deep breath to calm herself as she crossed her arms and slid down the door in to a sitting position again it. She sat there in silence for a while, going over what had just happened. All the joy from discovering her voice was gone.
"How could I be so stupid?" said Kat aloud to herself in English. She hit the back of her head against the door in frustration. "I had may voice back for two minutes and already I've caused problems. I'm alone with no one to talk to. Stupid Kat!"
Kat dropped her head into her hands and sighed out of frustration and loneliness. She let a few sobs escape, but stopped herself from falling into a full out tear-fest.
"I will not do this to myself," she whispered, still speaking in English. "I must be strong. I must find a way out of this God forsaken place."
Kat brought her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around her legs. She rocked herself slowly and started to sing to comfort herself.
When I close my eyes I can see for miles There's comfort in my dark seat And chaos in the aisles These eyes are not your eyes And these eyes are not the color That your arid eyes might be No, I was not around When those eyes of yours decided so I refuse to kneel before the Sight you choose to see When I close my eyes I remember how to smile Under my umbrella I'm an accomplished exile
Kat let a small smile form on her lips. Something familiar. And what an appropriate song as well. But it didn't matter. She found comfort in it.
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Legolas turned to walk out the door, full out shame for what he had done falling onto his mind. In one moment of rage, he. . . he couldn't even think about. And the look on Elenril's face! The face that he had once seen only harshness in, showed only fear and vulnerability. Her face flashed in his mind and he cringed to think that he had caused it. He thought twice before walking out the door, and turned back, hoping that he could possibly apologize.
He stopped before the closed door and laid the side of his head on it. He was about to speak, but stopped when he heard her start to talk. Legolas stood there, puzzled by the language the she-elf was talking in. It wasn't any form of elvish he knew, nor was it a language he had even heard in Middle-Earth. The words were strange and slightly harsh on his Elven ears.
Then the talking stopped and was replaced by several sobs. When those stopped, there was the strange language again. Then Elenril started to sing. Even though he couldn't understand the words, the song sounded sad. It was an odd tune, nothing like the songs he had sung and heard himself.
Legolas moved away from the door, not wanting to disturb Elenril. He would apologize later.
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Kat emerged from the tiny room sometime later. She had fallen asleep, leaning against the door, and now had a nasty kink in her neck. Two elf ladies were waiting for her and both stood quickly as she walked in the large room. She looked at them while she tried to loosen her neck muscles.
"Um. . . is my Lady well?" asked the blonde one. Actually they were both blonde, but Kat was beyond caring. She was aching and her throat was still on fire. She merely nodded as she took a seat on the edge of her giant bed.
"King Thranduil wishes to see you now that you are well and able to speak," said the other one. Kat looked up at both of them as if to say "so what?" The two elves looked at each other before looking back at Kat.
"We are here to dress you for the meeting that is to take place momentarily," said the first one, or was it the second? Kat didn't know, nor did she care.
"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" asked Kat, her voice on the edge of annoyance. She looked down after she spoke and realized why. Her dress was wrinkled and was more of a sleeping gown than anything else.
"Take no offense, my Lady, but you are far from presentable for the King of Mirkwood."
Kat started to speak, but instead waved her hand in consent and the two elves began to dress her for the meeting. As she thought about the upcoming situation, Kat grew to be slightly nervous. After all, this was the father of the man she had completely rejected totally unhonorablly. Things could get very awkward.
The elves dressed Kat in a blue dress that matched her eyes and made them look like azure jewels. She hated dresses. One of the elves played with her hair for a while, trying different braids, but deciding ultimately to just leave it down. It looked better that way anyway.
"Prince Legolas will be along shortly to escort you Princess," said one of elves as both women bowed their way out of the room. A few more butterflies joined the herd already zooming around her stomach. How could she face him? She had totally accused him of being a prick when he had actually saved her life.
"I want to go home," said Kat aloud to herself.
"I can have that arranged Elenril."
Kat turned to the direction where the voice had come from. Legolas was standing in the doorway. His voice was less icy than earlier.
"I am ready to see your father, Prince," said Kat as she walked toward the door. Legolas started to speak, but thought better of it. He held out an arm for Kat to wrap hers around and led her out the door.
They walked silently down the long corridor. Kat took in the sight of the elven kingdom of Mirkwood. Everything was definitely darker here than in Rivendell. While Rivendell was full of color and warmth, Mirkwood was green. Everything was green. Shades of green and brown Kat had never seen. The woods and buildings definitely had it's own sense of beauty, but were noticeably darker and with that came a sense of sadness to the place.
Legolas stopped Kat in front of a large door and released her arm to knock on it. The door opened and he motioned for Kat to enter, Legolas following behind her. The room was much grander that her own, and for good reason. This was the King of the Northern Realm, King of all the elves of Mirkwood. King Thranduil walked from the door to a chair at the front of the room and sat down. Kat stopped walking forward as she took in the sight of the great king. He was blonde like his son and one of the most beautiful beings she had ever laid eyes on. He was dressed in finery of dark greens and blues and wore a small silver crown atop his golden head. Only when Legolas gave Kat a gentle push in the small of her back did she realize that she had been staring like an idiot at the elf for a few moments. She followed Legolas and they both took a seat in front of the grand elf.
"Legolas has told me that you have regained your voice Lady Elenril," said Thranduil as he folded his hands in his lap.
"Yes my Lord, I have," replied Kat as formally as she could.
"Legolas, make sure to have one of the scholars document the procedure for the recovery of a lost voice," said Thranduil before returning to face Kat. "Legolas told me of the sickness the overcame you on your journey here. Do you have any recollection of it?"
Kat shook her head.
"Well, I have come to believe that it was part of the process to regaining your voice. Still, the sickness you experienced is baffling. Let us just hope that it has taken its course and you to be healthy once again."
"I cannot express how thankful I am to both of you," said Kat as she looked from Thranduil to Legolas. "I don't know how I can possibly repay you for all you have done."
Thranduil held up a hand.
"No thanks is needed, nor is repayment. Now, I am guessing that you desire to return home."
Kat started to speak but was cut off by Legolas.
"As a matter of fact, father, she was just expressing that exact sentiment to me a few moments ago," Legolas looked over at Kat. His expression was hard to read. Success? Relief?
"Wonderful," said Thranduil. "Now that you're healthy enough, I see no reason why the journey should not take place in the next few days. I will begin the preparations."
Thranduil stood as did Legolas and Kat. He looked over to the door, which an elf had silently walked through.
"Lady Elenril, this is Nenwen. She will escort you to where ever you would like to go. I need to speak with Legolas."
Kat nodded and followed Nenwen out the door.
**************************************
"Does her memory still seem incomplete?" asked Thranduil as he returned to his seat. Legolas remained standing, leaning his shoulder against on of his father's giant bookshelves.
"It does," said Legolas. "But there is something else about her, something I cannot put my finger on. She is not the same elf I remember."
"How so?" asked his father with mounted interest.
"I do not know. She. . . She seems less. . . vindictive? Less scheming?"
"Less uncaring?" added Thranduil, trying to help his son.
"Yes, I guess you could describe it like that. She's more emotionally open as well. Is it his sickness that is bringing about this change?"
"Possibly," answered Thranduil thoughtfully. "Along with other things."
Legolas looked at his father with puzzlement.
"What do you mean?"
Thranduil took a deep breath and looked at his son.
"Will you promise not to be angry with me my son?" asked the king in a sad tone. Legolas walked over and sat in front of his father.
"What is it?"
"There are certain things about Elenril that I purposely kept from you," said Thranduil. He didn't think he would ever have to revel this information to his son. He had always felt dishonorable by keeping this information from his son, but now was as good a time as any to reveal it. "Things that you probably will react at, and you will probably be very angry at me because of it."
Legolas let out a slight laugh.
"Come, father. When have I ever been angry at you?" Legolas said wryly. However, Thranduil's still saddened face brought the mood in the room down to a very serious level.
"How much do you know about Elenril's family?" asked Thranduil.
"Her family and people live in Aelin-Brethil. Her mother's name is Luinuial. Her father's name is Celeborod. She has one brother, Carandil, who is older than her. . .um, her father left for the Undying Lands not long after she was born."
"What else do you know?"
Legolas couldn't answer. He knew of her people and family, but he couldn't provide any more information. He didn't know any.
"What is it that you want to tell me father?" asked Legolas impatiently.
"Elenril's father is a Lorien elf. I knew him well. Quite well, actually. When he told me about this marriage plans, I tried to talk him out of is."
"Why on Middle-Earth would you do that?" asked Legolas.
"Because of who Luinuial was. . . is. Luinuial's mother was princess of Aelin-Brethil, which then was a small kingdom. An unprotected kingdom. So, her father arranged a marriage between her and an elf named Gondring. Gondring was Avari." (For full info on Avari, see the index)
"Avari?" said Legolas. "But that would mean. . ."
"Luinuial is half Avari, making Elenril part Avari as well. You see, Avari are skilled fighters. The arranged marriage brought protection to Aelin- Brethil, but it also injected the royal line with the blood of the Dark Elves."
"And you would have allowed me to marry her still?" asked Legolas in surprised shock and disgust.
"Legolas, listen. It is not as simple as that. . ."
"Are you sure she is Avari? I thought they were no longer in Middle- Earth."
"Yes, I am sure. The Avari keep to themselves. They are seldom seen by outsiders, but they do exist."
"So you would protect you friend over me? Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because it isn't that simple. I tried to keep Celeborod from marrying Luinuial because I knew that Luinuial would refuse the Valar. She is half Avari, therefore she is given the chance to accept the light. But she wouldn't. She was too much her father's child. Elenril, on the other hand, is less Avari than her mother. She still has the chance to accept the Valar. I thought that you marrying her would bring her to her decision."
"And that is why you introduced me to her?" asked Legolas, still unable to believe what his father was telling him.
Thranduil nodded.
"She seemed so innocent," he said, trying desperately to explain everything and not anger his son any further. "I was certain she would chose Valar. I thought you would help her cement that."
"But obviously, she does not seem to want the light."
"Are you so sure?"
"Well, I was. Now I'm not so sure. But her being Morquendi does not explain everything she has ever done. Even dark elves have some honor. What she did to me. . . it was so un-elflike. You surprised me father. You were so calm around her. I was certain you would have been angry or at least cold towards her."
"You are right Legolas. What she did to you was unforgivable and wrong, but I do not feel anger. At first I did, but anger has turned to pity. She is involved in a bitter and cruel fight against the toughest enemy: herself. The Avari part of her is fighting with the Silven and because of the battle, she is unusual. Does not her actions almost seem human? The way she acted towards you after the wedding, did it not seem totally unfeeling? That is what this battle has done to her."
"So maybe, in the years we were apart, her Silven side has gained an advantage?" asked Legolas, anger gone from his voice.
Thranduil nodded.
"What of her eyes then?" asked Legolas.
"I'm afraid I do not follow Legolas," said Thranduil as he cocked an eyebrow at his son.
"Did you not notice her eyes?" said Legolas. "The last time I saw her, many many years ago, her eyes were dark green. Black almost from a distance. They had always been that color. When we found her semiconscious in the forest outside Rivendell. . . she opened her eyes and I though was looking in a mirror. Her eyes are now as blue as mine, if not bluer."
Thranduil rested his chin on his fist, contemplating this new information.
"This puzzles me greatly my son."
"Well, that is what she has become to me lately, father," said Legolas. "One big puzzle."
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Hey everyone. Thanks for waiting so patiently for this chapter. I have been so busy lately. I've decided to put an index as the last chapter for all updates so all responses to reviews and additional information about this fic will be in there. Sorry this is so short, but it was the best place to stop.
Thanks
Penpunk
The song Kat sings is from the song Under My Umbrella by Incubus
By penpunk
Disclaimer: All that is created by Tolkien does not belong to me.
Thanks Nikkei
Chapter 6: Avari
***************************************************************************
"Mirkwood?"
Legolas nodded and looked out at the elf-city surrounded by the dark woods. The elven buildings provided the surroundings with a little beauty and fairness, but other than that, Mirkwood lived up to its name.
"But we were at least four days away. How'd we. . . what happened? I don't remember anything," Kat turned from the window and sat down on the large bed.
"You remember nothing?" asked Legolas, his tone less biting than in the previous days. Kat nodded.
"You had a fit of some kind. I have never seen such happen to an elf before. I feared for you life so I rode-."
"Fear for my life?" asked Kat in a dry tone. Ah, the power of speech. Now she could really put the elf boy in his place. "Fear for my life or fear for your own reputation. From the way you've treated me the last two weeks, I see no reason why you should care for me in the least."
"I rode for four straight days to bring you here. I stayed with you during the night to make sure you would be okay," said Legolas in an icy tone. "But I guess I was wrong to think I could earn any thanks from you Lady Elenril. I guess I should have left you to die. Left you as a feast for the orcs, though I don't even think they would be desperate enough to feast on your flesh."
Legolas kept his cold blue eyes locked on Kat. She literally shrunk under his gaze.
'Stupid Kat! Why did you say that?' asked Kat to herself. She remembered waking up next to Legolas, cuddled on his chest, a rag in his hand. 'He must have fallen asleep out of pure exhaustion. Stupid Kat! You were better off without a voice.'
"Legolas," began Kat. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize-."
"Save it Elenril," hissed Legolas. He turned from her and walked towards the door.
"No, please Legolas. I'm sorry. I am so sorry. I was wrong, I didn't know," said Kat as she ran after him. She grabbed his arm, trying to stop him from leaving. Legolas, in all of his rage and fury, threw off her arm, causing Kat to stumble backwards and fall. Legolas looked down at Kat, who looked up at him with a face mixed with fear and shock.
Legolas, whose eyes were still burning with blue fire, slowly realized how he had acted in a moment of rage. His face softened as he moved toward Kat. She, still sitting, moved away as he came closer to her. She backed up until she came to the edge of her bed, and used it to pull herself back into a standing position. Legolas continued to slowly move towards her, obviously sorry for what he had done, but Kat still moved away from him. She looked behind herself, and saw a small room adjacent to the one she was in. Without a word to the blonde elf, she backed into the room and shut the door. Kat could hear Legolas sigh as she locked the door behind her. She took a deep breath to calm herself as she crossed her arms and slid down the door in to a sitting position again it. She sat there in silence for a while, going over what had just happened. All the joy from discovering her voice was gone.
"How could I be so stupid?" said Kat aloud to herself in English. She hit the back of her head against the door in frustration. "I had may voice back for two minutes and already I've caused problems. I'm alone with no one to talk to. Stupid Kat!"
Kat dropped her head into her hands and sighed out of frustration and loneliness. She let a few sobs escape, but stopped herself from falling into a full out tear-fest.
"I will not do this to myself," she whispered, still speaking in English. "I must be strong. I must find a way out of this God forsaken place."
Kat brought her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around her legs. She rocked herself slowly and started to sing to comfort herself.
When I close my eyes I can see for miles There's comfort in my dark seat And chaos in the aisles These eyes are not your eyes And these eyes are not the color That your arid eyes might be No, I was not around When those eyes of yours decided so I refuse to kneel before the Sight you choose to see When I close my eyes I remember how to smile Under my umbrella I'm an accomplished exile
Kat let a small smile form on her lips. Something familiar. And what an appropriate song as well. But it didn't matter. She found comfort in it.
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Legolas turned to walk out the door, full out shame for what he had done falling onto his mind. In one moment of rage, he. . . he couldn't even think about. And the look on Elenril's face! The face that he had once seen only harshness in, showed only fear and vulnerability. Her face flashed in his mind and he cringed to think that he had caused it. He thought twice before walking out the door, and turned back, hoping that he could possibly apologize.
He stopped before the closed door and laid the side of his head on it. He was about to speak, but stopped when he heard her start to talk. Legolas stood there, puzzled by the language the she-elf was talking in. It wasn't any form of elvish he knew, nor was it a language he had even heard in Middle-Earth. The words were strange and slightly harsh on his Elven ears.
Then the talking stopped and was replaced by several sobs. When those stopped, there was the strange language again. Then Elenril started to sing. Even though he couldn't understand the words, the song sounded sad. It was an odd tune, nothing like the songs he had sung and heard himself.
Legolas moved away from the door, not wanting to disturb Elenril. He would apologize later.
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Kat emerged from the tiny room sometime later. She had fallen asleep, leaning against the door, and now had a nasty kink in her neck. Two elf ladies were waiting for her and both stood quickly as she walked in the large room. She looked at them while she tried to loosen her neck muscles.
"Um. . . is my Lady well?" asked the blonde one. Actually they were both blonde, but Kat was beyond caring. She was aching and her throat was still on fire. She merely nodded as she took a seat on the edge of her giant bed.
"King Thranduil wishes to see you now that you are well and able to speak," said the other one. Kat looked up at both of them as if to say "so what?" The two elves looked at each other before looking back at Kat.
"We are here to dress you for the meeting that is to take place momentarily," said the first one, or was it the second? Kat didn't know, nor did she care.
"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" asked Kat, her voice on the edge of annoyance. She looked down after she spoke and realized why. Her dress was wrinkled and was more of a sleeping gown than anything else.
"Take no offense, my Lady, but you are far from presentable for the King of Mirkwood."
Kat started to speak, but instead waved her hand in consent and the two elves began to dress her for the meeting. As she thought about the upcoming situation, Kat grew to be slightly nervous. After all, this was the father of the man she had completely rejected totally unhonorablly. Things could get very awkward.
The elves dressed Kat in a blue dress that matched her eyes and made them look like azure jewels. She hated dresses. One of the elves played with her hair for a while, trying different braids, but deciding ultimately to just leave it down. It looked better that way anyway.
"Prince Legolas will be along shortly to escort you Princess," said one of elves as both women bowed their way out of the room. A few more butterflies joined the herd already zooming around her stomach. How could she face him? She had totally accused him of being a prick when he had actually saved her life.
"I want to go home," said Kat aloud to herself.
"I can have that arranged Elenril."
Kat turned to the direction where the voice had come from. Legolas was standing in the doorway. His voice was less icy than earlier.
"I am ready to see your father, Prince," said Kat as she walked toward the door. Legolas started to speak, but thought better of it. He held out an arm for Kat to wrap hers around and led her out the door.
They walked silently down the long corridor. Kat took in the sight of the elven kingdom of Mirkwood. Everything was definitely darker here than in Rivendell. While Rivendell was full of color and warmth, Mirkwood was green. Everything was green. Shades of green and brown Kat had never seen. The woods and buildings definitely had it's own sense of beauty, but were noticeably darker and with that came a sense of sadness to the place.
Legolas stopped Kat in front of a large door and released her arm to knock on it. The door opened and he motioned for Kat to enter, Legolas following behind her. The room was much grander that her own, and for good reason. This was the King of the Northern Realm, King of all the elves of Mirkwood. King Thranduil walked from the door to a chair at the front of the room and sat down. Kat stopped walking forward as she took in the sight of the great king. He was blonde like his son and one of the most beautiful beings she had ever laid eyes on. He was dressed in finery of dark greens and blues and wore a small silver crown atop his golden head. Only when Legolas gave Kat a gentle push in the small of her back did she realize that she had been staring like an idiot at the elf for a few moments. She followed Legolas and they both took a seat in front of the grand elf.
"Legolas has told me that you have regained your voice Lady Elenril," said Thranduil as he folded his hands in his lap.
"Yes my Lord, I have," replied Kat as formally as she could.
"Legolas, make sure to have one of the scholars document the procedure for the recovery of a lost voice," said Thranduil before returning to face Kat. "Legolas told me of the sickness the overcame you on your journey here. Do you have any recollection of it?"
Kat shook her head.
"Well, I have come to believe that it was part of the process to regaining your voice. Still, the sickness you experienced is baffling. Let us just hope that it has taken its course and you to be healthy once again."
"I cannot express how thankful I am to both of you," said Kat as she looked from Thranduil to Legolas. "I don't know how I can possibly repay you for all you have done."
Thranduil held up a hand.
"No thanks is needed, nor is repayment. Now, I am guessing that you desire to return home."
Kat started to speak but was cut off by Legolas.
"As a matter of fact, father, she was just expressing that exact sentiment to me a few moments ago," Legolas looked over at Kat. His expression was hard to read. Success? Relief?
"Wonderful," said Thranduil. "Now that you're healthy enough, I see no reason why the journey should not take place in the next few days. I will begin the preparations."
Thranduil stood as did Legolas and Kat. He looked over to the door, which an elf had silently walked through.
"Lady Elenril, this is Nenwen. She will escort you to where ever you would like to go. I need to speak with Legolas."
Kat nodded and followed Nenwen out the door.
**************************************
"Does her memory still seem incomplete?" asked Thranduil as he returned to his seat. Legolas remained standing, leaning his shoulder against on of his father's giant bookshelves.
"It does," said Legolas. "But there is something else about her, something I cannot put my finger on. She is not the same elf I remember."
"How so?" asked his father with mounted interest.
"I do not know. She. . . She seems less. . . vindictive? Less scheming?"
"Less uncaring?" added Thranduil, trying to help his son.
"Yes, I guess you could describe it like that. She's more emotionally open as well. Is it his sickness that is bringing about this change?"
"Possibly," answered Thranduil thoughtfully. "Along with other things."
Legolas looked at his father with puzzlement.
"What do you mean?"
Thranduil took a deep breath and looked at his son.
"Will you promise not to be angry with me my son?" asked the king in a sad tone. Legolas walked over and sat in front of his father.
"What is it?"
"There are certain things about Elenril that I purposely kept from you," said Thranduil. He didn't think he would ever have to revel this information to his son. He had always felt dishonorable by keeping this information from his son, but now was as good a time as any to reveal it. "Things that you probably will react at, and you will probably be very angry at me because of it."
Legolas let out a slight laugh.
"Come, father. When have I ever been angry at you?" Legolas said wryly. However, Thranduil's still saddened face brought the mood in the room down to a very serious level.
"How much do you know about Elenril's family?" asked Thranduil.
"Her family and people live in Aelin-Brethil. Her mother's name is Luinuial. Her father's name is Celeborod. She has one brother, Carandil, who is older than her. . .um, her father left for the Undying Lands not long after she was born."
"What else do you know?"
Legolas couldn't answer. He knew of her people and family, but he couldn't provide any more information. He didn't know any.
"What is it that you want to tell me father?" asked Legolas impatiently.
"Elenril's father is a Lorien elf. I knew him well. Quite well, actually. When he told me about this marriage plans, I tried to talk him out of is."
"Why on Middle-Earth would you do that?" asked Legolas.
"Because of who Luinuial was. . . is. Luinuial's mother was princess of Aelin-Brethil, which then was a small kingdom. An unprotected kingdom. So, her father arranged a marriage between her and an elf named Gondring. Gondring was Avari." (For full info on Avari, see the index)
"Avari?" said Legolas. "But that would mean. . ."
"Luinuial is half Avari, making Elenril part Avari as well. You see, Avari are skilled fighters. The arranged marriage brought protection to Aelin- Brethil, but it also injected the royal line with the blood of the Dark Elves."
"And you would have allowed me to marry her still?" asked Legolas in surprised shock and disgust.
"Legolas, listen. It is not as simple as that. . ."
"Are you sure she is Avari? I thought they were no longer in Middle- Earth."
"Yes, I am sure. The Avari keep to themselves. They are seldom seen by outsiders, but they do exist."
"So you would protect you friend over me? Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because it isn't that simple. I tried to keep Celeborod from marrying Luinuial because I knew that Luinuial would refuse the Valar. She is half Avari, therefore she is given the chance to accept the light. But she wouldn't. She was too much her father's child. Elenril, on the other hand, is less Avari than her mother. She still has the chance to accept the Valar. I thought that you marrying her would bring her to her decision."
"And that is why you introduced me to her?" asked Legolas, still unable to believe what his father was telling him.
Thranduil nodded.
"She seemed so innocent," he said, trying desperately to explain everything and not anger his son any further. "I was certain she would chose Valar. I thought you would help her cement that."
"But obviously, she does not seem to want the light."
"Are you so sure?"
"Well, I was. Now I'm not so sure. But her being Morquendi does not explain everything she has ever done. Even dark elves have some honor. What she did to me. . . it was so un-elflike. You surprised me father. You were so calm around her. I was certain you would have been angry or at least cold towards her."
"You are right Legolas. What she did to you was unforgivable and wrong, but I do not feel anger. At first I did, but anger has turned to pity. She is involved in a bitter and cruel fight against the toughest enemy: herself. The Avari part of her is fighting with the Silven and because of the battle, she is unusual. Does not her actions almost seem human? The way she acted towards you after the wedding, did it not seem totally unfeeling? That is what this battle has done to her."
"So maybe, in the years we were apart, her Silven side has gained an advantage?" asked Legolas, anger gone from his voice.
Thranduil nodded.
"What of her eyes then?" asked Legolas.
"I'm afraid I do not follow Legolas," said Thranduil as he cocked an eyebrow at his son.
"Did you not notice her eyes?" said Legolas. "The last time I saw her, many many years ago, her eyes were dark green. Black almost from a distance. They had always been that color. When we found her semiconscious in the forest outside Rivendell. . . she opened her eyes and I though was looking in a mirror. Her eyes are now as blue as mine, if not bluer."
Thranduil rested his chin on his fist, contemplating this new information.
"This puzzles me greatly my son."
"Well, that is what she has become to me lately, father," said Legolas. "One big puzzle."
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Hey everyone. Thanks for waiting so patiently for this chapter. I have been so busy lately. I've decided to put an index as the last chapter for all updates so all responses to reviews and additional information about this fic will be in there. Sorry this is so short, but it was the best place to stop.
Thanks
Penpunk
The song Kat sings is from the song Under My Umbrella by Incubus