Summary: When put into a situation where the bonds of friendship are tested, two Elves must make the ultimate decision; should they put their own lives at risk to help each other.
Disclaimer: Anything you recognize isn't mine – it belongs to the Tolkien Estate. I will be receiving no money for this fanfiction, this story is simply being written to amuse myself, and hopefully a few of you as well.
Note: For some reason parentheses aren't copying over to fanfiction. So words in italics will be the English conversion of what little Elvish I use.
Author's Note: I'm going to be honest with all of you; I have absolutely no idea where this story is going. The summary is based off of the smallest idea that I came up with, and I have decided to begin writing based on that idea. So as this story progresses, I would be more than happy to receive any suggestions or ideas you all may have, seeing as how this isn't written out before hand. And as is only right, proper credit shall be given for any suggestions I use. Feel free to Email me; myangryromanceaol. Also, I have no beta – obviously – so forgive grammatical mistakes, spelling errors and the such.
Also, if you should see any similarities between my story and someone else's, please understand that it isn't like that for a reason. I've simply been inspired by a number of authors who are exceptionally talented at Elf Torture and the such.
Secondly, I'm not ignorant to the world of Tolkien, but I'm not one of those people who have a running knowledge of Elvish. I'd like to, but I don't. And I should probably explain my view of Elves. I see Elves as having a strong connection to nature - obviously, and because of such I believe that they are highly sexual. Given, I don't expect them to run around complimenting each other on their shoes as a pickup line, but I don't picture them being with only one Elf before forming a bond. Make sense?
On that note, don't expect every cannon character to be in character at every moment. It's my belief that if I wanted to see cannon's being completely in character at every moment, I should just reread the books. Perhaps even a few concepts from the books will be altered as well. In regards to my original female character, I will do my absolute best to keep her from appearing Mary-Sue, if she should at any point in time please feel free to throw stuff at me. ;)
And before I forget, I'm thinking that Legolas should have a brother. The purpose of this isn't yet known, I'm still throwing ideas about him around in my head. ) But as I said above, certain ideas and concepts are going to be altered.
So that should give you a basic idea as to if you even wish to begin reading this story. It takes place before the War of the Ring.
Rating: This story is rated R ( M ) due to future themes of abuse, torture, mature language and adult situations.
The small party of Elves couldn't help but notice that it seemed to be exceptionally beautiful day. There wasn't a cloud as far as the eye could see, and the sun laid its golden kiss softly upon their skin as the warm summer breeze ran its invisible fingers through their hair. But perhaps it simply seemed better than usual because the efforts to create a new alliance between Mirkwood and Imladris were going better than ever before.
Five Elves in total rode together, each undeniably Noldorin; dark hair and grey eyes, each Elf wearing the colors of Imladris; russet and gold. Three of the Elves were warriors, quivers full of arrows strapped to their backs and small Elven blades tucked safely away. The other two appeared to be of high importance, the male wearing heavy robes and the female wearing a gown made from the softest of silks.
Manáre, a trusted member of Elrond's council, was as beautiful as all Elves, and his many years of wisdom shone brightly in his grey eyes.
For years Imladris and Mirkwood had spoke of attempting an alliance, and finally Thranduil had agreed to allow Elrond to send one of his council members over. So that was why they traveled, Manáre and his daughter would be moving into the palace, the guards following them would be returning home to their families and duties.
Manáre's daughter, Calamilya, rode at his side, her youth still evident by the way she looked around in awe, a questioning look given to her father every time they would pass through a new village or land. The top half of her hair was pulled back by small twists and held together by a leather tie, and while she too carried the grace of Elves there was nothing exceptional about her beauty - if stood in a line she certainly wouldn't outshine many She-Elves.
"Tiro (look), we are here." The small party slowly came to a halt at the gates of the palace, watching as they opened. When the gates were fully opened three Elves dressed in green and grey stepped forward, each offering a small smile of greeting.
"Suilaid (greetings), welcome to Mirkwood." The Elf offered them another smile. "Our King has been awaiting your arrival; he wishes to meet with you at your earliest convenience." Manáre gave a small tilt of his head then, followed by a smile. "Hannon le (Many thanks)."
The small group of Elves followed their greeters, but Calamilya's attention wasn't on the path before them. A group of warriors were practicing off in an empty field, two of them sparring as the other Elves cheered them on, laughing when one of the Elves took a punch to the jaw, cursing a bit loudly in turn.
One Elf, she believed to be the captain, was watching closely for any mistakes he saw so that he could later point them out. The Elf was dressed in a simple green tunic with brown leggings that tucked into supple brown leather boots. His brow was furrowed in thought as he continued to watch, and his golden hair was pulled back by two small braids on the side – the traditional style of Mirkwood warriors.
The Captain glanced up then, looking straight at the new arrivals, and Calamilya could have sworn she saw a small smile play at the corner of his lips.
"… Calamilya?" The voice sounded impatient, and when she turned to look at her father he quirked a brow in her direction. "Cala," he said then, referring to her fondly by her nickname "I am going to meet with the King, will you be fine on your own?" Calamilya dismounted – as did all the Elves in her party – and allowed the stable hands to take their mounts.
She nodded. "Of course, Ada (father)." She gave her father another nod to reassure him. "I promise I will find someone who can show me around."
"Suilaid! (Greetings)" The party from Imladris looked to where the voice had come from and Calamilya recognized the Elf who was jogging over in their direction as the Captain she had been watching.
Upon closer inspection she noticed that his hair, which had looked golden from a distance, actually appeared to have shades of silver in it as well. His eyes were a deep blue, though when the sunlight hit them just right it looked as if there were tiny flecks of gold and green in their depths.
When he finally reached their side he took a moment to compose himself. "Le hannon a tholel. (thank you for coming) I am Legolas, son of Thranduil. He asked that when you arrived I show your daughter around and make sure she is settled into her chambers." He glanced over to Calamilya. "That is, if she does not mind."
Manáre gave a curt nod. "Gen hannon (I thank you), Legolas." He then looked to his daughter. "Enjoy your day, my child. I will see you at the evening meal."
With that he and the others continued on, leaving Calamilya in the company of Legolas.
Legolas smiled, offering a small bow of his head. "As I said, I am Legolas, son of Thranduil and one of many Captains of the border guard. And you, Mani naa essa en lle? (what is your name)"
"Calamilya eneth nÎn. (my name is -- )" Legolas smiled when she spoke her name before he took her hand and placed a light kiss to the knuckles. "Gentle Light? It is a beautiful name, it fits you well." Legolas laughed softly at the slight blush that crept into her cheeks and quirked a brow in her direction "Surely you have been given such a compliment before?"
When Calamilya shook her head Legolas smiled before motioning for her to follow. "Come, I'll show you to your chambers."
He led her into the palace and up a winding flight of stairs and followed the hallway, taking a right, another right and then a left. Finally they came upon a large wooden door that had a scene carved into it; a magnificent forest with mountains in the background surrounding a lake which reflected the moon and stars that were high in the sky.
Legolas pushed the door open and stood aside so that Calamilya could enter, remaining in the doorway while Calamilya looked around.
There was a large four poster bed against one wall, sheer grey drapes hanging from the canopy, the sheets of the bed were pale green and the pillows were covered in a dark green silk. Across from the bed was a large dresser, and on the wall opposite of the doorway was a balcony with drapes to offer privacy.
Calamilya took a few minutes to acquaint herself with the room before turning to Legolas with a smile. "I hadn't expected such chambers. But I thank you."
In return Legolas smiled before waving her thanks off with his hand. "It is no trouble. Your father and you are here for good cause, and beside.. if something were to happen you're only a door down from my own chambers."
He motioned across the hall with a nod of his head before smiling once more. "Now come, there are many things I wish to show you."
After Legolas had shown her around the palace – library, kitchens, dinning hall, etc.. – they returned to the palace grounds where Legolas began explaining the dangers lurking in the forests.
Everyone knew of the giant spiders and wild wolves that wandered in the forests, but there was one danger that was considered a myth. A river ran through the forests of Mirkwood, crystal clear water that held a slightly green tint. One sip of the water would send the drinker into a deep sleep that could last up to a hundred years. Another threat was Orcs, they were increasing in number by the month, it seemed.
"The Orcs are the worst as of late, though. We all guard the border in shifts, and it used to be that we would only have month long shifts. But now we've had to triple our defenses, so we're there anywhere from three to five months at a time."
Calamilya furrowed her brow. "Three to five months at a time? Then how do you spend time with your family?" Legolas smiled at this comment. "It isn't hard, at least for me. My Father is often busy with politics, or off working on contracts to trade with other lands. And my brother, we don't get along.." he hesitated for a moment before shaking his head with a small laugh. ".. at all."
Seeing her look of confusion he continued on. "I enjoy being a warrior, I've never liked the thought of being cooped up inside the palace in front of a desk writing all day. I told my Father that I didn't want to be King, which was fine because my brother – Lómëloth – has always wanted to be." His smile grew then. "My brother was happy when he received the news, yet now he always calls me weak, says that I wasn't worthy of being King."
Calamilya rolled her eyes. "I've known people like that before, but there is nothing weak in wishing to be a warrior. You protect your home, and I am sure the Valar smile down on you for that."
The day continued on like that, each sharing stories of their homes and pasts. A strong friendship was begun that day, and for good reason.
Well, that's chapter one. Reviews are always welcome, constructive criticism is cherished. Ideas, suggestions – send them my way as well and I'll get working on another chapter.
Randi
