The Lost City Of Cirus
Author's Note:
I felt so inspired by your kind words I got the next chapter done as soon as I could. Thank you so much for reviewing, please keep it up and I'll keep writing.
minervads: Thank you for your suggestion, I might try and incorporate the Roc's background into the story but there were some things in the Prologue that I needed to clarify that I thought would be best to take care of at the beginning instead of later. Constructive criticism is always welcomed and I will definitely ponder the thought.
Moonjava: Always good to hear from you.
Legolas-Obessesionist: Please don't kidnap Legolas, Elladan and Elrohir!!! Without them I will have no story! I promise to try and write faster.
Racer38: Glad you love the story and I promise I'm updating as fast as possible.
Zammy: I'm very sorry you feel that way but slash really isn't all that bad is it? I didn't initially plan it but it just sort of crept its way into the story. I promise you this is the only slash pairing and there will be lots of non-slash love too.
Sixteen
Home ComingLegolas and Aquila rode hard down the path that would inevitably lead them to the King's Halls. Legolas could only hope that whatever Elves had been posted to keep watch for his return we're either dozing or didn't have…
His thoughts were cut off as horn sung clearly to their left.
'Darn, they've got horns.' Legolas thought to himself as he urged his horse on. Maybe they could still get there before his father had enough time to prepare himself.
Soon after the first horn sounded another followed, then another, as the call of the Prince's arrival was relayed back to the King.
"They know I'm here, we're going to have to hurry if we hope to get to the Halls before my father has a chance to compose himself." Legolas yelled over his shoulder.
"Well then you'd best stop talking and start riding Prince of Mirkwood." It felt odd to have her address him as such but he didn't have time at the moment to complain.
A few whispered words and the horse beneath him flew into and even faster run. Aquila urged hers to keep up and it wasn't long before the two burst out of the thick foliage and headed straight for the entrance to the King's Halls, which lay across the bridge before them.
As the reached the other side of the bridge and slowed their horses to a walk the gates were flung open by the Elven guards to either side. Legolas swiftly dismounted and handed the reins of his horse to the stable hand and motioned for Aquila to do the same.
She did so quickly and moved to follow Legolas through the entrance to the cave system that served as the King of Mirkwood's palace.
It did not escape Legolas' attention that her presence was received by odd looks and hushed whispers, but that was of little concern to him now as he saw his father pick himself up out of his throne.
"Wait here." He whispered to Aquila before continuing on into the vast room to confront his father.
As told to she remained just inside the throne room, close to the door. She could hear the guards whispering about her clothing and the feather in her hair but she was far more interested in what was about to pass between Legolas and his father.
"So you finally return to me my son. You were gone longer than expected?" Thranduil met his son halfway with arms outstretched, welcoming the Elf home.
"I'm sorry I was kept from you father but an unexpected turn of events required my presence for longer than I originally anticipated." He bowed low to his King and then embraced his father.
Thranduil hugged him back before releasing his son, who took a step backwards.
"So Legolas, what brings you charging back to Mirkwood without announcement and with a stranger?" The King's eyes flicked to Aquila standing by the door. Legolas followed his father's gaze over his shoulder before turning back to the King.
"She is not important at the moment, what is however is why I have arrived so unexpectedly and in such a hurry."
The King raised a questioning eyebrow and waited for his son to continue.
"I have ridden from Gondor to retrieve their allies and prepare for battle. I will require that two thirds of Mirkwood's forces return with me."
"That sounds like an order Legolas and I believe only the King or the Prince of Mirkwood has the authority to carry out such an order."
"But his is the Prince of Mirkwood." Aquila called out as she strode towards them. She stopped, still a short distance behind Legolas, she did not want to reveal herself to the King just yet and she knew if he could see her eyes she would be recognized.
"I'm not sure who you think you are miss but I can assure you he gave up his right to that title a long time ago." Thranduil's eyes were fixed upon his sons as he spoke those words. He was shocked to see defiance displayed clearly in those blue eyes.
"Yes he did" Aquila stepped forward to stand just before Legolas. "And I have returned it to him."
The King's eyes snapped from his son's to the girl before him. She dressed as though she were and Elf from Lothlórien, yet she looked like a human. What right she thought she had to begin telling him what his son was and was not entitled to though he did not know.
He glared dangerously at her and took a purposeful step forward but stopped dead. His features blank as recognition washed over him. He titled his head to the side and took a more tentative step closer.
Those eyes, he knew those eyes too well. It was then that the feather Legolas had secured in her hair caught his eye. He gasped softly as he realized there was only one bird that feather could have possibly come from. He gently ran his fingertips down the length of the brown and white feather before he cupped her cheek.
"Aquila?"
She placed her hand over his and, removing it from her face, held it as she curtsied low.
"It is wonderful to see you again King Thranduil."
Tear pricking the corners of his eyes the king swept her up into his arms and enveloped her in a crushing hug. She laughed and wrapped her arms around him. As he released her he held her at arms length so he could get a good look at her.
"Little Aquila. How you've grown, you're father must be so proud of you. It's wonderful to have you back amongst us. What are you doing here? Have the Roc's returned? Where are your father and brother?"
After the flurry of questions had erupted passed the king's lips he released the Roc and turned to his son.
"Why did you not tell me she was here?"
"Father…"
"When I asked who she was you said she wasn't important. I consider this very important."
"More important then sending Gondor the forces they have called for. If you will not allow me to take our armies I will leave now and return without them."
Thranduil then moved to stand before his son, his hands clasped together before him.
"If what Aquila says is indeed true, and I can see it is as the ring has been returned to your finger, then you do not need my permission to order our armies." Thranduil smiled as his son's eyes brightened. "Take as many soldiers as you require Legolas, I trust you will make a wise decision as to how many need to be left behind to defend Mirkwood, should it come to that."
"Thank you father." He bowed and turned to leave.
"Where are you going?" Thranduil sounded confused at his son's sudden retreat. Legolas turned back to him, looking equally as confused.
"I have to go ready our armies. If we are to leave before nightfall they need to be properly…"
"Nightfall! You do not intend to stay then?"
Just as Legolas was about to open his mouth and scold his father for being so selfish and thoughtless Aquila spoke up.
"I'm afraid we cannot stay. Time is running short and we have promised King Elessar that forces would be sent as soon as possible. We must leave before nightfall you see or it may be too late by the time your armies reach Minas Tirith."
Thranduil turned back to her looking quite surprised, Legolas smiled from behind his father. Aquila remained unmoving, eyes locked with Mirkwood's King's.
"So you see, we are in quite the hurry." Legolas broke the silence for all three of them.
"Surely you have time to have lunch with me?" The King looked hopeful.
Legolas looked like he was going to come up with an excuse to avoid the invitation but Aquila, knowing it was out of place but hoping her friend would forgive her for it later, stepped in.
"If Legolas alerts the guards as to how many soldiers are needed and at what time they will be required to be ready to leave I'm sure we could dine with you King Thranduil."
Legolas looked none too pleased by his friend's actions but when his father turned back to him he nodded his approval of the idea and the King clapped his hands together loudly.
"Well then Legolas, you go organize the Elves you need and I shall organize and impromptu banquet for us. I'm afraid it wont be up to Mirkwood's usual standards Lady Aquila but hopefully it will be enough to your liking."
"I'm sure it will be delightful." She said as the King placed a large hand on her back and led her slowly into the palace. She looked back over her shoulder at Legolas and attempted an 'I'm sorry' look, which he waved off as he began to discuss preparation details with the head of Mirkwood's guard.
King Thranduil lead her from the main throne room into a large hall where several caves, both large and small, branched off. The King stopped them in front of a single wooden door.
"I trust you'll want to wash up and change before lunch Princess Aquila. I don't imagine you've had much time for such pleasantries over the past few days."
"No I haven't. That's very thoughtful of you, thank you." She smiled up at the Elven King and he smiled warmly back.
"I'm afraid our guest quarters are all taken up by visiting Elves, the only free room we have available is Legolas'. It has an adjoining bathroom where you can bath if that pleases you. I'll be sure to inform Legolas that you're using his room."
"Oh I wouldn't want to intrude…"
"Don't be silly he won't mind and besides, he can use my quarters to change if he so desires."
Having said that Thranduil opened the door to his son's room and ushered Aquila inside. Upon entering she noticed her bags had been placed against the wall beside the door. She smiled as she remembered the room from when she was a child.
"If you need anything don't hesitate to call upon one of the staff, they'll be more than happy to help. Nothing much has changed since you left. Lunch will be served at noon in the main dinning hall. Do you remember where it is?"
Aquila smiled and shook her head. Thranduil smiled back before closing the door and leaving her to ready herself for lunch. By the fact that he'd gone to all the trouble of bringing her here so that she could change from her riding clothes suggested that this was going to be a rather formal lunch. But then most things concerning Mirkwood's King were formal affairs.
She felt quite strange being alone in Legolas' room. It seemed unusually tidy but it had been empty for the past week or so, seeing as Legolas had been away from Mirkwood on matters that involved the same thing that had brought her to Middle Earth.
After a quick glance around she returned to the door where she retrieved her bags and set them on Legolas' bed. She tried to recall all the different garments the Lothlórien Elves had made for her and eventually settled on one of the more formal dresses they'd made for her. She removed it from the bag it had been packed away in and laid it out on the bed. She wandered over to the door she remembered opened onto the connecting bathroom. Opening it she smiled to see that hadn't changed either.
She filled the bath with hot water and, after closing the door, stripped off her riding gear. She was not used to being confined to clothing and it had felt odd to be dressed even for a few days. She slipped into the water and lay back, allowing the waters warmth to sooth tired muscles. She began to wish they could spend the night but knew they could not afford that luxury. Maybe once they arrived at Aglarond they would have time to rest properly.
After seeing to it that Aquila had a place to ready herself for lunch Thranduil returned to the throne room in hopes of catching Legolas before lunch. As it were he almost collided with his son as he rounded the corner.
"Careful Legolas, there's no need to run about like the palace is on fire." The King said with a smile as he caught his son by the shoulders. "Did you organize the soldiers you need?"
"Yes…"Legolas trailed off as he eyed his father suspiciously. "Why are you being so unobjectionable to this?"
"Well if Gondor has asked for our help who am I to refuse?"
Legolas gave his father a blank look. Surely the King could see the irony in his own words. After a few seconds had passed and the King had still added nothing to what he'd said Legolas spoke up.
"I've organized for two thirds of our forces to ride with myself and Aquila to Minas Tirith this evening. The remaining third will stay behind to defend Mirkwood, should that be necessary."
"You plan to take Aquila with you to Minas Tirith!?" Thranduil appeared not to have heard anything in regards to the division of his forces.
"We have just come from there, granted Aragorn was not particularly comfortable with her presence but he will not have her harmed." Legolas was both shocked and confused by his father's outburst before it all slowly sank in. "Besides, I do not govern what Aquila does."
He then stormed, as convincingly as an Elf can, past his father. Thranduil was quick though and managed to grab hold of his son's arm as he passed him. Legolas turned and shot him a dangerous look.
"You can't help yourself can you father?" He shook his arm free and continued off down the hall.
Luckily on his way to his room Legolas ran into one of the palace staff who was quick to inform him that Aquila was using his rooms to change for lunch and that he was to use his father's. An appropriate outfit had been moved there for him and Legolas was pleased to see that it was to his liking. A delicate light green tunic that was slightly longer than the one he currently wore was to be worn over a fine silver undershirt. Pretty golden clasps fastened the green tunic at the front and golden stitching emblazoned pretty leaves across the shoulders and back. Darker green breeches were worn with brown boots made from soft leather.
Legolas bathed quickly before dressing himself. He then sat down and carefully braided his long golden hair before pulling the boots on and heading off for the main dinning hall, in which he knew his father would be hosting the lunch.
He was not at all surprised to find King Thranduil already in the dinning hall, speaking quietly with one of the palace staff. The King looked up as Legolas entered the room. A few more words to the Elf he had been speaking with and the other hurried off, leaving the King and his son alone to await Aquila's arrival. Not something Legolas particularly wanted and it was still several minutes before noon, he only hoped that Aquila would arrive early.
"There you are Legolas" The King called out as he crossed the floor to the foot of the steps his son had just descended. "You look the picture of a prince. Splendid choice of outfit."
"Funny, it would seem it was chosen for me." Legolas did not sound the least bit amused at his father's latest attempt to set him up.
He wondered what poor Elven maid had been roped into his scheme this time. What was worse though was that his father was making him suffer through the discomfort and embarrassment of the situation in front of Aquila. Probably hoped the Roc would talk some sense into him, though he knew Aquila would never side with his father unless he himself were outrageously wrong and his father was obviously right. However after their discussions on the way here he knew Aquila was very much on his side regarding the matter.
"Don't be silly, you would have worn that anyway. I hope you don't mind my offering your room to Aquila so that she could change?"
"Not at all. Why, should I have?"
His father shook his head and Legolas eyed him suspiciously. He hated having to be constantly suspicious of his father's intentions but lately it had become a necessity.
He did not have time to push the matter further as the two heard the click of the door opening and both turned to see if it was Aquila. Sure enough she slipped through the door, opening it only just enough for her to get through. With her back to them she closed the door as quietly as possible. As she turned she caught sight of them out of the corner of her eye and jumped.
"Oh! You startled me. I didn't realize anyone else was here yet, I thought I was early." Her smile touched her eyes and made them sparkle. Both the Elves at the foot of the stairs remained frozen in stunned silence.
She was wearing a form hugging dress that flowed down her legs and pooled at her feet. It was made from delicate Lothlórien silk and shimmered as the light caught it. It had a low neckline that accentuated the curve of her breasts well and the fitting material sensually hugged every curve. Most striking though was the choice of colour; it was a light leaf green. One of Mirkwood's colours, especially of its royalty.
While Legolas gazed in awe at the way the dress hugged her feminine curves so perfectly King Thranduil thought only of how perfectly the colour suited her, how regal she looked.
She gave the two Elves an odd look that went completely unnoticed. When they still remained unresponsive she sighed and bent down to pick the hem of her dress up off the floor. Doing so allowed Legolas and Thranduil an unobstructed view of her breasts down the top of her dress. Thranduil politely averted his eyes while his son bit down on his lower lip in order to suppress a moan, as his eyes remained trained on Aquila.
She gathered the hem of her dress up in one hand and pulled it up above her feet. They were bare as the Lothlórien Elves hadn't given her any shoes besides the riding boots, but then it wasn't unusual for Elves to go bare foot about the palace. She then gracefully descended the stairs where King Thranduil, who had managed to gather his wits together, was waiting for her. He took her hand in his and kissed the back of it.
"You look stunning Princess Aquila, Mirkwood's colours suit you." There was a glimmer in his eyes that she couldn't pinpoint the cause of but she smiled at his flattery.
"Thank you King Thranduil. I must say you and your son are looking particularly fine as well." She added with a swift glance over at Legolas that went completely unnoticed by the Prince but not by his father.
What also didn't fail to gain Thranduil's attention was the fact that his son was still frozen to the spot. He was thankful though that Legolas had managed to stop staring.
"Legolas, would you like to escort your guest to the table? I think we're about ready to begin." That said Thranduil turned and walked to the table, taking his place in the large chair at its head.
Legolas promptly regained his composure and walked up to Aquila, head held high, back straight with one arm held behind his back, the other folded across his stomach. He smiled and bowed formally; she curtsied in return before he offered her his arm. She slipped her arm through his and he drew his other arm out from behind his back to cover her hand with his.
Thranduil smiled as he watched the pair gracefully make their way to the table. They made such wonderful couple, not to mention a union between the two would mean great things for both kingdoms, and he almost couldn't believe the notion had escaped him for all this time. He couldn't help but wonder if King Audax would be at all objectionable if he requested Aquila for his son.
"Father" Legolas' voiced roused him from his thoughts where he found his son seated to his left and Aquila to his right.
"Yes Legolas?"
"The waiters were wondering whether or not to begin serving."
"Oh, yes. Of course, bring the food out! I wouldn't want to starve you my dear." He directed his attention to Aquila.
"I can assure you your Majesty, you will be accused of doing no such thing."
Legolas was furious with his father, to say the least. He couldn't believe his father would embarrass him in front of Aquila like this. Whenever he was invited to a formal lunch with his father lately it had been, without fail, so he could set him up with whatever Elf maiden he desired him to marry that week. It annoyed him enough that his father would hold such lunches but to have to put on such an act as he usually did in front of Aquila infuriated him. He glanced about, waiting for her to walk in and for Thranduil to introduce her.
"I trust you've been taking good care of her Legolas." His father's voice pulled him from his thoughts.
Legolas looked at his father oddly and Aquila's face bore a similar expression. The Prince was not sure how to respond to that. He wasn't even sure why his father was so concerned with his treatment of Aquila all of a sudden.
"Don't worry King Thranduil, Legolas has taken every measure to ensure my safety and well being." She smiled across the table at Legolas before turning the smiled on his father.
"That is most pleasing to hear my dear. Please help yourself." He gestured at the spread of food as it was laid out before them.
All three went about filling their plates while others filled their glasses. Thranduil didn't revive the odd conversation he had started before the meals commencement, instead he asked Aquila of her people and how they had been over the some two thousand years since they had left. Thranduil seemed most interested in how herself and her brother had been keeping, as well as her father. He seemed legitimately concerned when she told him of Audax's waning spirit.
Lunch lasted longer than Legolas had wanted it to but it had been enjoyable, one of the few meals he and his father had shared recently which hadn't ended in a fight. That could have been due to that fact that no Elven maid ever showed up. For once it would seem that his father had not been trying to set up a marriage for him.
Aquila excused herself so that she could go pack her things in order to be ready in time for their departure. The two males stood as she hurried off up the stairs and through the door.
Once the door was closed behind her they sat again and Thranduil called for their wine glasses to be filled again.
"You have been keeping yourself busy then?"
"I have been travelling from one side of Middle Earth to the other for the past few days. This has kept me busy, yes but I have already told you this father."
Thranduil chuckled and shook his head at the comments loss on his Legolas.
"So you have my son. I believe I'm getting quite forgetful in my old age. Time, perhaps for you to take my place on Mirkwood's throne?"
"Please don't start with this again." Legolas grumbled as he placed both his hands over his face.
"We do not have time to discuss anything right now. You have to go change back into something more suitable before you ride off."
No more was said between the two and Legolas soon retreated to his father's chambers to change back into his riding gear. Which, to his delight, had been washed during lunch.
He strode out through the palace's huge gates into the afternoon light. There a vast assembly of Elven soldiers had been gathered. Stretching along the banks of the river on both sides of the bridge. His father stood before them with Aquila, now in her Half from but with the brown cloak about her shoulders, to his left. Legolas smiled to see that despite her transformation and the return of her own feathers to dress her hair she had chosen to leave his feather and the braid holding it in her hair.
"You soldiers await your command Prince Legolas" Thranduil said as he placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "Keep yourself well my son." He looked his son straight in the eye before he continued. "I love you, you do know that don't you?"
Legolas nodded swiftly and his father embraced him. Legolas too wrapped his arms around his father's broad back.
"Be careful Legolas. Promise me you'll do this."
"I promise you father."
As Legolas said this Thranduil slipped his hand into the pocket of Legolas' tunic and deposited something before withdrawing his hand. As they parted Legolas' hand went to the pocket to see what his father had hidden in there but before he could his father took his hand in his and shook his head slowly.
"If you must look, look later, when you are alone." The King whispered so low even Legolas had trouble hearing the message. He nodded and parted with his father's company.
Aquila was already mounted upon her horse; all her bags had been reattached to the saddle. The rest of the Elven army were all also on horse back and only awaited their Prince to lead them.
Legolas swung himself up onto his horse and quickly rode to the head of the group.
"Middle Earth needs our help and we shall provide it! We ride hard and we ride fast. We ride to Minas Tirith!" His voice rang out as it reverberated off the mountains behind him.
Legolas set the pace through the forest with Aquila at his side but she soon dropped back as some of the soldiers turned out to be old friends and Legolas had no objection to the Elves talking, so long as the current pace was kept. He began to feel, like Elrond had, that time was running out and they still had to convince the Dwarves to join them, which would likely be more difficult than it had been asking the Elves.
To be continued…
Disclaimer:
I do not own Lord of the Rings or any of the places, characters, items, etc associated with it. I am not making any money from this piece of fiction and am merely borrowing these places and characters to place in a new situation for your and my amassment.
However, the Rocs, the City of Cirus, Aquila, Pandion, Audax and any other characters, weapons, places, etc associated with the Rocs are my own creation and I lay full claim to them.