The Lost City Of Cirus
Author's Note:
Ok I got this out as fast as I could cause it might be a little while before I can update as I'm going on a short holiday, yay! This is also a longer chapter to make up for the last one being so short.
Anyway enjoy and please review.
Twenty-three
The City Of Cirus
As he slowly drew his arm back from his face Legolas' eye widened as time seemed to move slower. All around them rose the mountains and below them stretched a deep valley, overrun with thick foliage and a small river running through it. But to their right, tucked up against the mountain's wall, on a vast plateau rising up from the valley, was a silver city that glittered in the suns rays that filtered down into the valley.
The Elven Prince held his breath as he took in the glorious sight before him. Not only had they moved their city to where no one would ever think to look for it, but they had made it more beautiful then he ever imagined.
Silver towers rose from its center, the tallest of which Legolas guessed belonged to the palace. Larger buildings petered out to small houses as the city's borders approached the edge of the plateau. Jutting out all about the plateaus edge were large platforms, paved with white stones and bordered by silver rails.
Aquila headed for one and before Legolas realized they'd gotten so close to the city they had landed. He quickly slipped from her back and as she transformed back into her Half form another Roc came running up out of a tunnel.
He stopped suddenly upon seeing Legolas and as his eyes flicked to the approaching form of Aquila he bowed low.
"Princess Aquila, you have returned. Your father will be most pleased."
The Roc straightened and smiled warmly at Aquila. He had a deep red sash tied about his waist with both a sword and a Scimerang hanging from it, it was him who had taught Aquila how to use hers.
"Sphenurus how has my father been?" She asked slyly.
"You know I wont answer that unless you say it with sincerity my dear child."
"I am not a child."
"No, clearly you are not." He glanced passed her at Legolas. "You have brought a pretty Elf back with you then?"
Aquila turned back to Legolas and grasped his hand, pulling him forward.
"You remember Prince Legolas of Mirkwood don't you Sphenurus"
Sphenurus looked surprised and made no effort to hide it.
"Of course I remember Legolas, though when I last saw you, you were…this high." He indicated with his hand.
"It has been awhile Sphenurus. I'm pleased to see you're well though."
The male Roc smiled at him before turning back to Aquila.
"You know there's a law against bringing outsiders into Cirus."
"I am well aware of my father's law and if he wishes to cast us both out then he is most welcome to."
"Well then, I best take you both to see him. It is a task I am bound to by duty."
He bowed elaborately and Legolas chuckled quietly at the Roc's antics, he'd forgotten the fun they'd had with Sphenurus. He'd always looked out for them, kept them safe, while still helping them get into as much mischief as possible. Legolas could recall more than one occasion when the Roc had taken the blame for encouraging something particularly naughty they'd done.
"Now, if you'll both follow me."
Sphenurus turned and headed back down through the tunnel he'd come from. Aquila followed obediently and Legolas was quick to comply also.
As they emerged from the tunnel Legolas gasped at the unexpected size of the hidden city. Even from the sky it had not looked this big.
"We have expanded since you saw us last, yes Legolas?" Sphenurus asked over his shoulder.
The Prince simply nodded, still gazing about him with wide eyes. Aquila smiled and Sphenurus gave her a suggestive look, which she waved off. Aquila also couldn't help but notice the number of Rocs who had begun to line the streets, pointing at the Elf and whispering to one another.
Legolas soon noticed the unusual amount of attention he was drawing and felt humbled by it. It was the kind of attention Aquila had drawn when he'd taken her to Mirkwood; he now knew how it had made Aquila feel. The way she'd felt upon arrival in Minas Tirith however, that he hopped he'd never have to feel.
They continued through the city in silence and all too soon the large silver palace Legolas had seen from the sky loomed up before them. On closer inspection he could see that the building was, in fact, not made from any sort of metal, but from white stone. It was the palace's trimmings that were made of some sort of silver metal that caught the suns rays and made it seem as if the whole building shone.
Sphenurus stopped outside the large wooden double doors that lead into the palace.
"Well, this is as far as I go. I'm afraid I have work to attend to so I bid you farewell until later."
He bowed gracefully before disappearing around the corner of the palace.
Aquila took a deep breath before pushing one of the double doors open and stepping into the marbled hall. King Audax, always being one for presentation, had had all the lower floors of the palace done in marble. With the exception of areas such as the kitchen, which no one but the servants would see, had marble floors and, if the room was large enough to warrant their presence, marble columns.
Aquila's clawed feet clicked loudly as she hurried down the hall, heading straight for her father's throne room. Legolas followed swiftly, his feet moving silently across the smooth floors, gazing about him as he went. If he wasn't careful he could easily become lost in this place.
The pair reached the throne room, never being located too far from the main hall, in no time but Aquila paused outside its doors. Her hand hovered over its handle before slowly dropping to grip the cold metal.
She jumped as Legolas placed a hand on her shoulder. She turned only her head to look up at him. He smiled reassuringly down at her and bent to brush his lips against hers.
Turning back to the door she straightened her back and held he head up before opening the door and striding into her father's throne room.
King Audax looked up in surprise from his spot, perched upon his throne, as his daughter burst through the door. He leapt up from the throne and ran to meet his daughter half way. Aquila was quite shocked as her father lifted her up in his arms and crushed her to him, her feet no longer touching the floor.
"Oh Aquila. Why did you go? Why did you leave me my precious daughter?" He stroked a large hand over her brown hair as if she were a child again. "I didn't mean to drive you away, I know I did but that's not what I meant for you. I just wanted to keep you safe, you and your brother, and then you both left me…I was alone, so alone."
He lowered her back to the ground but did not relinquish his hold on her as he gently rocked her back and forth in his arms. She too had her arms around him and her head rested against his shoulder.
Legolas had remained a few paces behind Aquila and stood now with a smile across his face, touched by the reunion. Despite the difference himself and his father had he knew deep down he loved him as much as she did her father, he wished sometimes he knew how to show it as she did.
"I'm sorry for leaving you like I did but I'm not sorry for what I've done."
The King drew back from Aquila as she said this and his features hardened.
"So you have not returned to me then have you?"
"No father I've come to ask for your help."
"No you haven't!"
His voiced boomed throughout the marble room and both Aquila and the so far unnoticed Elf flinched.
"You've come to me, your father, to ask me to help them!" He spat the final word and Aquila lowered her gaze to the floor.
Legolas was pained to see her defeated so easily, but then fathers did seem to have that effect, and was even more determined not to leave without the army they'd come for.
"No, she's come to ask you if you'll help us."
The Prince stepped forward and Audax regarded him with cautious eyes until they widened with disbelief as he realized whom it was that he found himself confronted with.
"Prince Legolas…what are you doing here?"
"I've come to ask for the Rocs to aid us King Audax."
"Yes…but what I meant was what are you doing in this city?"
The King's voice took on a dangerous tone but Legolas was resolved not to back down. It was Aquila, however, who answered her father's question before he had a chance to.
"I brought him here. What are you going to do, cast him back out? That would only make him bitter enough to tell everyone where we are. They used to be our friends father, why does that have to change!"
"You know why and I will not discuss it again." He growled at his daughter.
"So you will not send help then?"
Aquila already knew the answer to her question but she asked anyway. Her father looked her straight in the eye as he spoke, his eyes were cold and his tone was no different.
"No, I will not."
All three fell silent for sometime before Audax sighed heavily and returned to his throne, once seated he looked back at Aquila.
"Legolas I have no ill feelings for you son but I'm afraid outsiders are just no longer welcome here and that includes even old friends. You will be forced to return to Mirkwood as soon as it can be arranged."
Legolas moved to protest but the King held up a hand to silence him.
"You, my daughter, shall remain here. I will not have you running off again."
"You can't do that!"
"I can and will."
It was no empty threat either; she knew very well he could keep her locked up in her room until she decided to be more agreeable. She would not stand for it though and was about to berate him for even thinking of denying her freedom when Legolas approached her father.
"If I may have a moment of your time your Majesty I would like to speak with you."
"Very well Prince of Mirkwood. It will be sometime before I can arrange a suitable companion to return you to your home."
He turned his attention back to his daughter and gave her a stern look.
"To your room."
"What? You can't order me around like a child!"
"While you continue to act like one, with these silly plans of running away and saving Middle Earth, I will continue to treat you as one. Off with you then."
She knew there was no point arguing with him and if she did continue he'd call a guard or two in to have her hauled off to her room. Which, she decided, was far more embarrassing than walking out of her own accord with a small amount of dignity still intact. Besides guards would be sure to take her to her room, this way she could hang outside the doors and eavesdrop on what Legolas and her father were discussing.
"Alright then Legolas, what is it you wished to speak with me of?"
Audax sounded worn thin and Legolas almost contemplated not bringing up the topic again but he had to try one last time, they needed the Rocs help.
"Please King Audax will you reconsider our request for the Rocs help."
"I'm afraid this topic tires me Legolas. I have said no and I would like it to be left at that."
"What if I told you that my father has sent Mirkwood's forces to aid Gondor and the others?"
"Many years ago your father and I would have made a joint decision on whether or not to send our troops but unfortunately things have changed my boy, you should know this."
"My father would…"
"This topic of discussion is closed Legolas" he cut the Elf off. "Now, unless there's something else you wish to discuss with me young Prince, I suggest you enjoy the city while you can and say your farewells to my daughter."
King Audax's hazel eyes were fixed upon Legolas' and the Elf knew that he had defiantly pushed the King further than he should have.
However, instead of turning and leaving Legolas took a few more bold steps towards the Roc King's throne.
"Actually King Audax there is something else I wish to speak with you of…and it's in regards to your daughter."
This certainly seemed to gain Audax's attention and he lifted his head from its slumped position.
Before him stood the poised form of Mirkwoods Prince, closer then he remembered him being, and for the first time since he'd beheld him in his halls he noticed how much the small Elf had grown. He was an adult now, that was obvious, and not just from the way he talked and moved. He was taller and larger, having filled out into the muscular frame that he displayed now. He dressed as the Prince of Mirkwood now and judging from the bow, hunting knives and quiver full of arrows slung across his back he had spent many years training in their uses.
It suddenly occurred to him that he wasn't speaking with the small Prince of Mirkwood who barely came up to his chest, which up until this point had escaped him entirely. He was speaking with a very mature, all grown up version of that same Prince. One who undoubtedly would soon be made King of Mirkwood, if he hadn't been already.
"Tell me Legolas…has your father made you King of Mirkwood yet?"
Legolas looked thoroughly confused, having been just about to launch into some sort of previously thought out speech, which he had spent his time perfecting on his way here, he shook his head.
"No he hasn't. He plans to soon though, I imagine."
"Yes…" Audax seemed to drift off for a moment before his eyes came back into focus. "I'm sorry Prince Legolas, you wanted to ask me something about Aquila."
Legolas quickly composed himself and managed to pick up his speech where he'd been cut off without too much trouble.
"King Audax, I would like to ask your permission to take Aquila for my wife."
That really got the King's attention and he lent forward in his seat resting an elbow on its arm and his chin on his fist.
"You wish marry Aquila?"
"Very much your Majesty. I love her." He smiled and looked away for a moment before returning his eyes to the King's. "I think I always have, I just didn't realize it. And now that I'm sure of my feelings for her…I don't think I could live happily without her by my side."
Legolas couldn't stop smiling and it seemed to be contagious because the corners of the Roc's mouth tugged up into a smile of their own. Legolas coughed into his hand and added quickly.
"Plus it would be most beneficial for both your kingdom and mine."
Audax chuckled quietly and nodded before he spoke.
"And your father…?"
"What of my father?"
"What is his position on this?"
"He has given his blessings…or at least I think he has."
This time Audax fell back against his chair and laughed.
"Yes, that sounds like Thranduil. Always the cryptic…how is he?"
"He's well, eager to retire his throne soon though I think."
Audax nodded and smiled at the look of confusion on the Prince's face.
"So your father has approved…" Legolas nodded and waited for the Roc King to continue. "And my daughter, what are her feelings on the matter."
"She feels the same way."
Legolas spun around and Audax flicked his gaze to the door. Aquila stood just inside the throne room with her back pressed to the door. She'd been listening in on their conversation since she'd left the room and as they'd been discussing Legolas' proposal of marriage she'd slipped into the room without them noticing.
She then strolled over to where Legolas was standing and snaked her arms about his waist. She lent up and kissed him gently on the cheek before continuing.
"I love him father and I can't imagine I would be bearable to live with if I had to spend the rest of my immortality without him."
The Elf smiled down at her and slipped an arm around her thin waist. King Audax smiled at the pair and rose from his throne. He walked towards them and embraced both before stepping back and placing a large hand on Legolas' shoulder.
"You, Prince of Mirkwood, have both my permission to marry my daughter…and my blessing."
"Thank you King Audax."
Legolas then removed Aquila's arms from about his waist and held them in his hands as he turned her to face him.
"Will you marry me Aquila?"
She threw her arms around his neck and pressed her lips close to his ear.
"Yes Legolas."
She then pulled back slightly in his arms and looked up into his bright blue eyes and saw nothing but love and adoration in them.
"Of course I will." She finished.
"Well," King Audax said as he took each of their hands in his "this is most wonderful news. However…"
Legolas paled and worry crept over his features, chasing away the joy he'd felt only moments before.
"This means you'll be taking her with you when you return to Mirkwood, yes?" The Roc King continued.
"Yes, she would come back with me as Mirkwood's Princess and when the time comes, it's Queen."
Aquila suddenly realized the enormity of her decision as Legolas spoke but found that she rather like the thought of ruling beside the handsome Prince.
"Hmmmmmmm….."
Audax stepped back from the two, releasing their hands from his, and began to pace slowly before them. He halted to their left and looked back to Legolas.
"Will 15,000 do?"
"I'm sorry," the Elf shook his head in confusion, "15,000 what?"
"Rocs. You asked that I send as many as I can spare to aid the peoples of Middle Earth and I am asking if 15,000 will be enough."
Legolas could barely contain himself and Aquila emitted a small yelp of excitement and her eyes lit up as they filled with tears.
"15,000 will be more than sufficient you Majesty." Legolas bowed low in gratitude before he continued. "We were expecting significantly less, your generosity will forever be remembered my Lord."
"Well…if my daughter is to live peacefully in Middle Earth then I shall have to do all within my power to protect it."
Both Legolas and Aquila smiled at him before the Roc threw her arms about her father's neck and hugged him tightly.
"Thank you father. Pandion will be so happy."
The King drew back from her and she too stepped back as she noticed the change in his expression. His features were now cold and his eyes seemed to stare off into nowhere.
"There is one condition on me sending my troops."
"Name it." Legolas said carefully as he noticed Aquila slowly backing away from her father as she shook her head from side to side.
"When this war is over Aquila you will bring your brother back here to me."
"No…" she whispered softly, still shaking her head. "You can't ask me to do that. Pandion is his own person I cannot force him to return against his will."
"You can and will Aquila or I will not send the warriors you need to win this war."
Both knew he was right and both knew they were trapped with few options. They desperately needed the forces the Roc King could provide but neither wanted Pandion's freedom to be the price.
Just as Legolas was about to turn the offer down Aquila took a step towards her father and lifted her eyes to his.
"Alright father. You allow us to take 15,000 Rocs of our choosing and when the war is won…I will return Pandion to you."
She had to choke out the last part, it hurt terribly to have to betray her brother's right to freedom like that, but she knew, deep down, that if Pandion were standing with them he would have given up anything to help. Just as she would have given up her won freedom to aid those who she once thought of as an enemy.
"Excellent. I will leave you to select your army and I trust you'll want to leave as soon as possible."
"Yes that would be most desirable. How quickly can 15,000 Rocs be assembled?" Legolas enquired and it was Aquila who answered, not her father.
"I'll ask Sphenurus to select the city's finest warriors. He is second in command after Pandion and I would much like to take him with us as well."
She then turned to address her father.
"Thank you father for the use of your forces, I'm sure the peoples of Middle Earth will be most grateful."
She curtsied and turned to leave, Legolas following, but stopped as her father spoke.
"Of course you will have to convince 15,000 to fight in a war with the Men of Gondor and I'm sure others."
She didn't give him the satisfaction of turning to face him but continued calmly from the room. Once Legolas was out the door she turned and slammed it, venting her anger somewhat and feeling slightly better. She had thought finally that her father had put all this hatefulness behind him but clearly; he had not. He was probably resolved to remain bitter about it till death finally claimed him.
Aquila threw her arms up in the air and began to stalk off. Legolas followed, hurrying to keep up with her as she ranted on about her father.
"I can't believe him! He can't help himself and this absurd need to always be in control of everything, including Pandion and me! Why can't he just forgive…"
She was cut off as Legolas grabbed her wrist and pull her to him, claiming her mouth in a tender kiss.
"Enough." He whispered against her lips. "Don't give your father the pleasure, I'm sure he'd love to know he'd upset you this much."
Aquila smiled as his warm breath whispered across her lips. She lent up and kissed him again before resting her head against his chest and sighing heavily.
"You're right. Let's get out of here and find Sphenurus."
She took his hand in hers and led him from the large palace. The sun was bright as they stepped out into the crisp air and the entire city glittered with silver light.
Sphenurus stood before them as they blinked in the bright light, a large smile plastered across his face.
"I thought you said you had some work to attend to?" Aquila folded her arms across her chest and gave the other Roc and accusing look.
"I lied." He stated matter-of-factly and shrugged his shoulders.
"Well seeing as you've been so conveniently found I have a favor to ask you."
The Roc glanced down at his hand and began to examine his nails with boredom before looking up again.
"You want me to rally 15,000 Rocs together to join you and the peoples of Middle Earth in battle."
Both the Elf and Aquila stared blankly at him, clearly confused.
"You my dear of all people should know how quickly news travels about this palace, and the city for that matter. Especially news of this caliber."
"Seeing as you already know what my request is can I trust that you will be able to achieve this goal by tomorrow?"
"Without a doubt Princess. You and your brother's departure caused quite a stir within the city and now more Rocs than ever are warming to the idea of returning."
"Yes but will they fight?" Legolas jumped in.
"Prince of Mirkwood, that is like asking a fish if it will swim. Of course they will fight."
"That is excellent news Sphenurus I hope to hear from you by this evening as to the number or Rocs who will be flying with us tomorrow."
Aquila then turned to go back inside the palace when Sphenurus quickly stepped around her and blocked her path.
"Before you go Princess I was wondering if you could confirm another rumor for me that's currently floating around the palace."
Sphenurus didn't give her time to respond before he continued, a smirk evident upon his face.
"Is it true that you and Legolas are to be married?"
Aquila looked surprised to say the least. The palace servants were nosier than she'd ever imagined and to say that word traveled fast was a gross understatement.
"Yes that too is true." She finally answered.
Sphenurus responded by embracing the younger Roc before pulling back and flashing her a brilliant smile.
"I best go start rallying the troops. I hope you enjoy your stay in our city Legolas."
He said as he walked up to the Prince and clasped his shoulder. The Elf placed his hand over the Roc's briefly before Sphenurus removed it.
"Thank you Sphenurus. I'm sure my stay will be most enjoyable."
He couldn't help the smirk that tugged at his lips and Sphenurus winked knowingly. He then turned and bowed extravagantly to Aquila.
"I will see you in the morn then Princess."
As he began to walk off down the city's main cobbled stone street he called back over his shoulder.
"Try not to wear yourself out too much tonight! You have six days of flying ahead of you remember!"
Aquila glared at the retreating Roc's back before she felt a hand placed on each of her shoulders. She turned her head to look up at Legolas who smiled down at her with his sparkling blue eyes. His soft lips parted slightly before he pressed them to the shell of her ear.
"How about we skip the tour of the city. Sphenurus is right, you must be exhausted from the flight here and you have to do it all again tomorrow."
Aquila was about to protest when she stopped and suddenly realized just how tired she really was. Her muscles ached with every movement and it was only through some miracle that she was still standing.
"I think you're right."
She even sounded exhausted now, as if everything had finally caught up with her and this certainly didn't escape Legolas.
He bent slightly and scooped her up into his arms and, once he was sure she had her arms wrapped securely around his neck, he carried her back into the palace. Once they stood in the large marbled hall again he bent his head to whisper to her sleepy form.
"Which way is your room?"
To be continued…