Couldn't leave you hanging, so I thought I'd put you out of your 'Illadris' misery! Hope it meets with your satisfaction – please let me know!

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Forever Yours

Chapter 16

Illadris lay alone in her bed; Doriath, her newest conquest had left sometime during the night whilst she slumbered. She did not mourn his leaving but rather felt satisfied at her achievement. She felt the trial would be difficult but resolved to face it with emotional detachment. She would give no hint of regret or repentance as she truly felt neither.

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The sun was at its height as the elders of Lothlorien arrived at the Council Chamber, resplendent in robes befitting their office and took their places in seats lined along the walls at each side. When all were present, Galadriel, Celeborn and Thranduil made their way solemnly to a raised dais on which stood three high-backed intricately carved chairs. When all formality had been observed, the order was made for Illadris to be brought forth. She entered flanked by Doriath and another warden; she wore the greys of the Guardians and held herself proudly, her focus fixed straight ahead as she pointedly refused to meet the gaze of any. Their progress halted at the centre of the room and Thranduil stared at the elleth with revulsion as he beheld the perpetrator for the first time. Celeborn stood to address Illadris;

"You are brought here in accordance with the laws of the Eldar to be tried by council for your deeds. When all evidence has been given you have the right to speak in your defence and to question any of those who will testify against you but be warned, your crime is great and the evidence irrefutable."

Illadris looked directly into the face of the Lord and replied, defiantly;

"Begin your trial! It is merely a formality since my guilt is predetermined. I feel sure I will be shown no mercy. I will say only I regret nothing, save the continued existence of a pitiable, tiresome elleth."

Thranduil flew from his chair and made toward the miscreant but was restrained by Celeborn who seized his arm and said, calmly;

"Please, return to your seat! Justice will prevail in due course. We must not permit our emotions to fuel her malevolence!"

Thranduil retreated, reluctantly, as the trial commenced and one by one, witnesses were called upon to relate all which had passed, from the time of Arien's disappearance to her safe return. He was visibly pained as his son narrated the events at the inn; however, nothing had prepared him for the agony of hearing Arien relate the horrors of her torment at the hands of the humans. He gripped the arms of the chair tightly, his knuckles white, as twice she was reduced to tears by the ordeal. Finally, Haldir entered the chamber, his testimony endorsing all which had gone before, culminating with the execution of the men.

Celeborn rose to address Illadris who had remained impassive throughout;

"The testimony against you is complete. However, what is yet to be established is why you felt such hatred toward Arien as to wish her dead! You have no history with the princess and we are at a loss to comprehend your motives."

Illadris remained silent for a few moments as her gaze swept over the gathered Elves. She gave a cruel laugh and said with a sneer;

"You have only to question your Marchwarden to gain the answers you seek. He more than any other should understand my motivation as he too desires power and influence but chooses to further his illustrious career by more peaceful means. He led me to believe we were destined to be together but surrendered to the frailty of his own ambition, as in Arien he saw an easy path to his goal. He cast me aside and instead, turned his attention to the malleable, naive princess."

Illadris paused and turned her gaze on the king. She hoped for a reaction to her words and was not disappointed as he looked first to Arien then Haldir and his eyes widened with incredulity. Haldir leapt to his feet in protest;

"You lie! I have never felt love for you! Do you now seek to destroy my life as you have your own?"

Rumil grasped his brother's shoulders firmly; he feared Haldir's legendary reserve would fail and he would resort to physical rather than verbal means to silence Illadris' venomous tongue.

Celeborn arose suddenly, refusing to allow Illadris to continue her cruel taunts;

"Enough! We will suffer your iniquity no longer! You are without shame or hope of redemption; your derision only serves to damage your cause. This trial is at an end. You will be removed to a nearby talan whilst we consider our verdict."

Illadris' guards escorted her from the chamber followed by all save those who would decide Illadris' fate.

Legolas escorted Arien to her rooms and was hesitant to leave her with her thoughts. She had suffered greatly throughout the trial and her humour was low;

"Today has been difficult for you. Please, let me stay, at least for a short time that I may share your thoughts and perhaps ease your mind."

"I thank you, Legolas," she replied, with a small smile," but I truly wish to be alone. I will be well; time and solitude are all I require."

Legolas yielded and kissed her head tenderly before taking his leave. Unlike Arien he did not find the prospect of hours spent in solitary contemplation appealing, and determined to seek the company of his friend. He turned onto the path he knew would lead him to Haldir's talan and tapped lightly on his door. Haldir appeared in the doorway and said flatly;

"I have been expecting you!"

Legolas was surprised by the statement and by the morose tone of Haldir's voice. The Captain continued;

"Please come inside as there is much to discuss!"

A table with two chairs stood by a window and Haldir gestured Legolas to be seated. Taking a bottle of wine and two goblets from a small dresser, he placed them on the table before seating himself opposite the prince. Legolas was reluctant to break the tense silence and watched as his friend poured the wine, lifted the cup to his lips, and took a large draught before saying;

"We have known each other for many years, Legolas. During that time, have you ever had cause to question my actions or motives?"

"Never, Haldir!" replied Legolas, firmly.

"Then you will believe me when I tell you my feelings for Arien are heartfelt and without ulterior intention?" continued Haldir. "I have never considered her title or status save when you first arrived in Lothlorien. I was reluctant to presume she would still regard me as a friend after all the years which had passed. I was overjoyed when she sought me out. When I saw the truly beautiful elleth she had become, my heart was over-whelmed; I allowed it to lead me and permitted the feelings of friendship we once had to become so much more."

"I am aware of all these things, Haldir, for you told me of them. Do not concern yourself because of the cruel words of a twisted mind. You are a most honourable Elf, none who know you would ever doubt this!" affirmed Legolas.

Haldir relaxed at the reply, visibly relieved;

"Thank you, my friend. Your words are most comforting; however, I fear great damage may have been done regarding your father's opinion of me. The words of Illadris cut deeply into his awareness. Did you not see his eyes dart to us both at the revelation?"

"Aye, I did, though you should not overly concern yourself. After all, you are not betrothed!" laughed Legolas.

Haldir looked earnestly at his friend and replied, quietly;

"No, not yet, but it had been my intention to speak with the king regarding this very matter as soon as the trial is over. How will I now face him if he suspects my reasons?"

Legolas starred blankly at the Marchwarden as he had no answer.

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Illadris paced across the floor of the talan, pausing to glance occasionally through the window for any sign the Council had reached a verdict. She saw only the solitary figure of Doriath's companion; he had volunteered to watch the door as opposed to spending time in the company of so disagreeable an elleth. Doriath watched her progress with increasing concern. He regretted the ease with which he had succumbed to her advances, especially after witnessing her vitriolic outburst at the trial, but despite his misgivings, wished to offer her some word of comfort. He advanced toward her but as he neared, she whispered;

"Find some way to remove the guard outside that we may have some time alone!"

Doriath assumed she desired comfort of a physical kind and it was a simple matter to send the warden for food and drink as they had not eaten since the morning. Doriath watch him depart and returned to his charge. He was not surprised when she threw her arms around him and pressed her body tight against his. She felt the hammering of his heart and knew she was achieving her aim. She nuzzled his neck and he tentatively wrapped his arms around her, tightening his embrace as her lips moved slowly upwards to nip the delicate tips of his ears.

"There is little time!" she whispered. "We must leave now!"

Doriath pushed her away and held her at arms length;

"What do you mean? Surely you are not suggesting I aid in your escape?"

Illadris regarded him with a pained expression and replied;

"Did last night mean nothing to you? Are you so cold as to stand aside and do nothing? The Lady told me I will probably face imprisonment in Eryn Lasgalen. Can you imagine what it means to be imprisoned indefinitely within the cold, dark confines of a cell? To forget the joyous sense of grass beneath your feet; the sweet smell of earth after the rain? Imagine, Doriath, to be unable to revel in the delight of warm sunshine or gaze in wonder at the stars? Only you can save me and deliver me from this fate!"

Doriath pulled away from her even further;

"You ask too much! You are asking me to give up all I hold dear and for what; gratitude for one night of passion? I feel for your plight but you should have thought of these things before you committed your foul deeds. You are clever, Illadris, but I fear you over-estimated the appeal of your charms if you assumed my loyalty could be swayed by lust!"

Illadris graced him with a disappointed look and once more advanced upon him. His retreat was hindered by a table directly behind him and she slipped her arms around his waist. She located the small dagger he carried concealed in his belt and quickly withdrew it, drawing away from him as she did so. She extended her arm and wielded the weapon but a few inches from his face. He closed his eyes in disbelief at his stupidity of not relieving himself of the knife along with his other weapons prior to entering the talan.

"What a pity, Doriath! So pretty and yet so foolish! I knew full well you would be reluctant to disarm yourself completely."

"Would you add kin-slaying to your list of misdeeds?" he snarled at her.

"Of course!" she replied "I would have already committed this particular delight if it were not for the interference of our gallant Marchwarden and his friends. I will do anything to escape my situation. Now remove your belt that I may restrain you err I depart!"

Doriath regarded her with undisguised loathing as he feigned to unfasten the buckle. Suddenly, he lunged at her and attempted to wrench the dagger from her grasp but with cat-like grace, she side-stepped and slashed across the top of his arm as he flew past. Doriath clasped his hand over the gash and watched as blood seeped through his fingers. Anger washed over him as he sprang at her again; once more she anticipated his attack and used his own momentum to throw him against the wall. Doriath lay too stunned to react as she knelt before him and held the blade to his throat;

"Enough of these games! You always were a weak excuse for a Galadhirim! They will not suffer from your demise!"

So saying she drew the razor-sharp weapon across his throat in a sweeping arc and watched with malicious satisfaction as he clutched ineffectually at his neck in a vain attempt to stem the flow of his life's-blood. After a few moments, his eyes dimmed as he was claimed by death. Illadris wiped the blood from the dagger on his tunic and placing it in her own belt, turned her attention to the door. Ensuring the way was clear, she slipped stealthily from the talan and followed a course she knew would lead her unseen to the gates. Once there, she paused to observe to activity of the guards and when she saw they were engaged deeply in conversation, slipped silently through the gate and into the verdant safety of the Golden Wood.

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Laden with food and drink, the guard returned to the talan and stared in astonishment at the open door. He dropped his burden and with dread filling his heart, ran inside only to stop abruptly at the sight of his friend's body. He did not doubt but he was dead and swiftly ran to raise the alarm.

Word spread swiftly and the paths of Caras Galadhon were soon teeming with concerned Elves. Haldir and Legolas quickly joined them and attempted to ascertain the reason for the commotion. As soon as he heard the news of Illadris' latest crime, the Marchwarden summoned every warden in the city to hunt down and capture Illadris. As the northern borders were closest, he determined it most likely she would head in that direction. The Galadhirim spread out to scour the woods in a wide arc to ensure no place was left unsearched. They made swift progress through the forest and Haldir felt it would be but a short time before the elleth was caught.

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Illadris ran swiftly and surely through the places she knew so well. She did not pause to listen for sounds of pursuit; the Galadhirim would give no warning before they were upon her. Her only hope was if she were far enough ahead so as to outrun them. She careered unheedingly through the dense undergrowth, cursing the low branches as they lashed her face and body relentlessly. She felt almost they were attempting to retard her flight. Finally, bruised and bleeding, she saw her target. The border lay but a short distance ahead and beyond it, a rocky outcrop where she hopped to lose her pursuers. She ran on, swiftly skirting the flets where she knew the wardens kept their guard. The trees began to thin and she sought to quicken her flight before as she would surely be spotted quickly in the sparse foliage. She stopped abruptly as she heard the echo of bird calls from all around her as the wardens signalled the presence of imminent danger. She thought she was undone, then realised it was the call used to signal an Orc attack. Peering out to the plain ahead, she saw a large band of Orcs fast approaching and threw herself from sight behind the trunk of a large tree. She smiled with satisfaction as she knew the Guardians would soon be absorbed in repelling the creatures, leaving her free to continue her escape. Answering calls reverberating from the direction she had come indicated the arrival of the search party from the city and she watched delightedly as the Elves quickly ascended to the safety of the talans.

In no time, the band of Orcs was upon the borders. A barrage of white fletched arrows flew from the trees and found their marks with deadly accuracy. Many Orcs fell from the first volley but they would not be deterred. The trampled their fallen comrades beneath their feet, driven by their timeless hatred of Elves. Seizing the opportunity, Illadris broke cover and weaved her way through nearby trees to distance herself from the mêlée. She looked behind her as she ran just as the limp body of one of the wardens fell to the ground, a thick, black arrow protruding from his chest. A smile of satisfaction found its way to her lips as suddenly, she was grabbed roughly by her hair and jerked backward, painfully, to the ground. She looked up into the face of one of the Orcs, his grotesque features contorted into what, for them, represented a grin.

"Not often we see one of you running away!" he spat at her.

"Unhand me, you filthy scum!" yelled Illadris, twisting and turning in an attempt to break his hold.

"Stinking Elf!" he snapped back, kicking her viciously in her ribs.

Illadris grasped herself instinctively at the sudden jarring pain, as the Orc looked around and signalled to a companion, who hurried to join him.

"Look what I found!" said the first.

"A She-Elf!" stated the second, his repulsive black tongue sweeping licentiously across his lips.

"You'll entertain us plenty and be good eating, I reckon!" said the first to Illadris; and was greatly satisfied by the look of sheer terror upon her face.

Making no further comment he threw her over his shoulder and swiftly headed toward the outcrop, followed by his friend.

Rumil had observed Illadris' abduction and alerted Haldir. The Marchwarden watched for a few fleeting seconds and determined he could not allow any Elf, regardless of circumstances, to be subjected to the degradation and torture the Orcs would surely inflict. He realised Illadris was lost to them as pursuit would be impossible, given the large number of Orcs still assailing their borders. Without further thought, he withdrew an arrow from his quiver and knocked it to the string of his bow. He took careful aim and released, following the flight of the projectile as it closed on its target. He watched as Illadris jerked from the impact and her body became limp. He tore his gaze from the sight and hung his head in sorrow. Rumil placed an arm around him and said softly;

"You did what had to be done, my brother. You gave her an easy death; it is more than she would ever have granted."

Haldir raised his head and replied;

"The killing of one Elf by another is never to be commended. My heart is heavy with guilt for the act I have committed and I fear I will face many questions when I return to Caras Galadhon!"

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Tbc.

Are you glad she's gone?

PLEASE, R&R! Thanks.

Chapter 17 soon!