Hello again! I'm back with yet another chapter! Wow, this updating pattern is keeping me working, lol.
XXXXX
Chapter 9- You Are Breaking My Heart
Nendir stood rigidly as his father spoke words for the . Most of the elves in Mirkwood were gathered in the courtyard where all of the passed elves slept for eternity. Many elleths wept on their husbands' shoulders and cradled their children. The prince's own siblings stood next to him, their faces unreadable and emotionless. It was not permitted for them to show any of their thoughts during this time. They were to give hope and courage to their people but, inside, their hearts and minds battled endlessly.
Lothron and Melyanna took up a sorrowful song and the other elleths joined in. The ellons sung in their deeper voices, creating a beautiful yet haunting melody for the deceased. Tears streamed down their cheeks and dripped onto the green grass. It seemed that no matter what they did, they could not stop the .
IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
The door creaked open slowly and light footsteps trailed into the room. Nendir paused in what he was doing as the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. His heart began to pound and he flexed his fingers on the quill that he held. His eyes glanced up to the knife he had on his desk and his heart begged him to grab it while his body kept him frozen. He had locked the door, he was sure.
He heard the person come up behind him slowly and then they placed a hand on his shoulder. As quick as lightning, Nendir's hand ed the dagger in a vice grip and he spun to face the person, placing the blade to their neck. His eyes glinted with anger and even a touch of fright in their depths.
Nendir let out a sigh of relief and exasperation when he met eyes with the frightened eyes of his younger brother, Norui. The younger prince held up his hands in surrender as Nendir backed away, letting the knife clatter back onto the desk.
"Are you trying to give me a heart attack!" The Crown Prince exclaimed, plopping back down into his seat. Norui smiled apologetically at his brother.
"Forgive me, I did not mean to frighten you. I thought you would recognize my presence." He said.
"Not when my senses are blurred by worry for my family, my wife and for myself!" He replied slightly harsher then he intended. The young prince frowned and took a step back.
"I am sorry, brother." He said quietly. Nendir's face softened and he stood up when he saw the hurt look upon his brother's face.
"No, it is alright. I should not have spoken so harshly. I know that you did not mean to startle me." He amended and Norui smiled slightly as he approached his brother again.
"What are you doing?" He asked as he leaned over his shoulder. Nendir took up his quill again and resumed his writing.
"Something that I heard; a poem."
"Oh? Let me read it." Without waiting for consent, Norui swiped it from the Crown Prince and walked away from him. Nendir growled silently and watched his brother read his scrawled handwriting. The young prince read aloud.
"Bright young suns, swift nightfalls. Until the day the red bird calls. Tomorrow will bring those you love. Yet that day the red bird calls. Over hill and under tree you will play. Until the day the red bird calls. ones in not your nature but. In time the red bird will call. Let yourself be at rest and run freely for. Later the red bird will call. Earth you love and enjoy 'till the. Day the red bird calls. Heed your mother and do as she bids for.
Everyday the time draws closer for the red bird's call. Run in the fields and bathe in the streams. Praying the day doesn't come for the red bird to call."
Norui laughed and sat the paper back down on the desk.
"Do you need to go through our studies again?" He asked laughingly, "Your grammar is atrocious!" Nendir scowled and turned away from him.
"I am writing it as I heard it." He replied through gritted teeth.
"You heard all of those periods?" Norui laughed. The older prince slammed his fist on the table and spun around to face the other elf. Mirth was wiped clean off his face when he caught sight of the infuriated elf. He took a step back as Nendir advanced on him.
"Get out of my room!" He shouted, pointing angrily towards the door. Norui swallowed hard as he nervously backed out of the room.
"I-I'm sorry, Nendir, just calm down."
"Calm down!" He scoffed, "How in all of Arda do you expect me to do that when you come trudging in here, scaring me to , and then you insult my intelligence! Just get out of here, Norui!" To prove his anger, he quickly ed up his dagger again and held it towards the young elf threateningly. Norui gasped and stumbled out of the room.
"You've ed!" He exclaimed as he slammed the door behind him.
Nendir dropped back down into the chair with a sigh. He set the knife in his lap and cradled his head in his hands. How could he have gotten so angry? Norui was only jesting. He ran his hand down his face and his gaze rested on the dagger. Gingerly, he picked it up and held it in the light.
A red gemstone was placed as the eye of some flying creature and it glinted in the light, forming patterns on the wall. The handle was made of pure ivory and carved expertly, suitable only for a prince. Nendir smiled at it fondly and then set it back in its rack. He turned back to the paper in front of him and read it over in his mind again. It meant nothing to him.
IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
The royal family was to sleep in Lord Daeron's room yet again. The two eldest brothers tried to stay clear of one another but it could not be helped once Thranduil announced that he was locking all of the doors, including the balcony's, and that no one was to leave the room. Period.
Daeron had scavenged up all of the food that he could find and set it on a large platter in the center of the room. The younger elves of the family ate at the fruits and cheese eagerly and the older ones laughed. Despite their age, they could still act like elflings.
Nendir sat away from his family and from Daeron, pondering over the day's happenings. The fact that he lost his temper over such a thing unnerved him. He wanted to talk to someone about it but he wasn't sure who. His attention was drawn to his youngest brother, Legolas, as he laughed loudly and tackled Ethiriel to the bed.
All of his siblings, Glithiel and Ethiriel were happily jumping on Daeron's large bed, laughing at the new source of entertainment. Even Espenshade had joined in the fun by pulling at their hair and screeching excitedly. They had eaten their fill, leaving the remains to the others, and were burning off the energy together. Nendir smiled at them, his thoughts drifting to happier times. Daeron walked past the group, ducking to avoid being hit by Norui's flailing arms, and sat down beside the Crown Prince with a smile.
"Good evening, Prince Nendir." He said, "Why don't you play with your siblings?"
"I am troubled, my lord." The prince responded, "It unnerves me."
"Would you like to talk about it?"
"I do not know. I would rather be by myself right now." Nendir replied, smiling at the lord, "Thank you for the offer."
"Of course. I am here to talk anytime." Daeron replied. He clapped the elf on the shoulder and then stood to join the others.
Nendir sighed tiredly and stood to go into the bathing chambers. No one watched him leave. He closed the door behind him and began to draw a bath for himself. As the tub filled with water, he stripped his tunic from his body and took a quick glance in the mirror. Much to his dismay and fright, he once more looked like that white being. Long white hair, pointed teeth and clear eyes.
He rubbed his eyes with his fists and blinked. His reflection has changed to its normal self. A growl escaped from his throat as he glared at the mirror, his bath long forgotten. Only the quiet opening of the door brought him back from his thoughts and he glanced over at who interrupted him. He smiled.
Ethiriel.
"Hello, my love." He greeted, striding over to her and closing the door again. She stepped around him with a nervous smile.
"Hello." She said meekly. Nendir furrowed his brow.
"What is wrong?" He asked with a frown and he moved towards her. The elleth chewed on her bottom lip.
"Norui told me about what happened today." She said, "About how angry you got. Is everything alright?"
The Crown Prince sighed and leaned up against the wall. He traced the in the tile with his foot with a worried frown marring his face.
"I do not know what came over me, Ethiriel. I do not know why I acted as I did. I certainly did not mean anything I might have said." He said softly, keeping his eyes on the floor.
"You threatened him with a knife, Nendir, and that scares me." Ethiriel breathed, "I am afraid that you might hurt him or Legolas or your sisters. Even me." The prince looked up at his wife his disbelieving eyes. He strode to her quietly and wrapped his protective arms around her body. She held onto him, gripping hard on his back. Nendir buried his face in her hair and lovingly kissed her neck. A tear escaped the elleth's eye and her body slowly began to rack with sobs.
"I would never hurt you, Ethiriel," He said, "I swear to you that I would never ever do that to you or anyone else."
"I know." She whispered between sobs. Nendir tenderly captured her lips with his and he kissed her lovingly and gently. Her hands moved to brush through his mahogany locks. Their tears mingled together as they trailed down their faces. After a moment, Ethiriel pulled away but he came back with more kisses.
"Nendir, that is enough." She said breathlessly but he gripped tighter, shaking his head.
"No, no, not yet." He mumbled against her as he pressed his lips on her harder. She pushed back against his chest yet he did not yield.
"Nendir, let me go!" She managed to gasp as he backed her up against the wall, blocking her escape. His lips ravished hers hungrily and viciously as his hands went to the laces on her gown. She gasped and struggled against him, causing him to growl. He pinned her arms above her head and she took this vulnerable moment to knee him in the groin.
He gasped, finally backing away and she leapt towards the door, glaring at him.
"You filthy animal!" She hissed, "And you just finished telling me you would never hurt me!" With that, she stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her and alerting the attention of her family.
Nendir fell to his knees, wincing in pain. His thoughts were jumbled and he couldn't think clearly. His eyes were hazed and he mumbled gibberish words. He took a sharp inhale of breath.
"Oh, what have I done?" He cried.
"I can answer that for you." Said a harsh voice. Nendir's head snapped up to see Norui standing above him, glaring daggers, "You have frightened your wife, that is what! She is currently crying her eyes out because of you!" The Crown Prince stared at him unblinkingly, "She thinks you have gone mad! And I, for one, am starting to believe that, too!"
"But Norui, I swear I didn't-"
"Be silent!" Norui cut him off with a growl, "I do not know what has gotten into you but you best cut it out and make up to Ethiriel!" With that, he left and slammed the door behind him.
The prince stared unseeingly at the tile. Water from the tub overflowed onto the floor and drenched his leggings but he was oblivious. He truly did feel like a mad man. Something had to be wrong with him. He would never attempt such a thing with her. They made a promise.
And now he almost blew it.
He was not sure if he should be angry with himself or not. But slowly thoughts began to form in his mind. His breathing quickened and his brow slowly knitted into a glare. His head snapped back up to the closed door and he growled.
"I will get you for this, Norui."
IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
Norui sighed as he slept and he rolled over to his side. He found himself pressed up against something warm and he smiled, recognizing it as Glithiel. She slowly turned towards him and he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close and he fell back to sleep.
The Crown Prince had not yet come out of the bathroom and no one made a move to check on him. They all had heard about what had happened between him and Ethiriel and they were all greatly appalled. They were confused by it as well. Nendir was not one to do something like that. He had more honor and care.
The family had formed a protective circle around the distressed elleth. Her two sister-in-laws laid on either side of her, followed by Legolas, Thranduil and Ithilwen on one side and then Daeron, Norui and Glithiel on the other. Espenshade was perched on the headboard in a deep slumber. Ethiriel had cried herself to sleep.
The room was eerily silent. A small gust of wind found its way inside somehow, blowing the curtains away from the walls. Hidden in the shadows though stood a tall figure, glowing brightly in the dark.
He quickly strode over towards the bed without hesitation and immediately drew his dagger from its sheath. His thumb traced over the markings along the blade and he glared at the second eldest Prince of Mirkwood. He glanced at the lady he held in his arms with a malicious smile.
Daeron jolted suddenly and the other person dropped to the ground, rolling under the bed. The lord sat up quickly and gazed around with wide eyes. His navy blue orbs pierced the darkness, searching for the thing that disturbed him from his sleep. He had sensed something with evil intent hovering over him and his thoughts strayed to the worst possible thing. Upon seeing nothing, Daeron sighed nervously and laid back down to sleep.
After a few moments, the person slid out from under the bed slowly and peered up at the lord. His eyes were closed in sleep once more. He stood up fully and brushed his hair out of his eyes. But something flickered out of the corner of his eye.
Upon the headboard sat the Peregrine Falcon, puffed up and hissing softly.
"Silent, bird." He spat, raising his dagger. Espenshade screeched suddenly and Daeron jumped up again. The lord gasped as he took in the sight before him.
"Elinyro!" He exclaimed quietly, "How did you get in here!"
"And why should I tell you that?" He answered with a smirk. He leapt forward and thrust his dagger towards the lord. Daeron quickly rolled out of the way just as the blade dug itself in the mattress. The others awoke quickly and they all gasped. Thranduil shot up from his spot and stood protectively in front of his family.
"What do you want now, Elinyro, and how did you get here!" He growled. He quickly took a glance around for a weapon but the room seemed to be empty of such things as if it were childproof. Elinyro smirked and quickly pulled his dagger from the bed.
"That is for me to know and for you to never find out." He replied, grinning evilly. Suddenly, he leapt up and crashed down onto the bed. The elleths screeched and struggled madly to get away. Elinyro made a grab for Glithiel but was met with a sharp kick to the face from Norui. He growled and lunged for the ellon but he was pulled back by Legolas who grabbed his hair.
Both Daeron and Thranduil lunged, knocking him clear off the bed and they crashed to the floor. Ithilwen ushered all of the elleths behind her and away as her two sons leapt to the ground with the other three males.
Elinyro growled and struggled to get free but the two had him pinned completely. Norui and Legolas came over to them, each carrying one of the fire pokers. They pointed them at his face, gritting their teeth and glaring.
"You are finished." Thranduil spat, "You have been caught. You will be placed in the dungeons and you will be tried tomorrow evening." Elinyro scoffed.
"I think not, my lord." He hissed.
Before anyone noticed, the elf knocked the king on the head with the butt of his dagger with a great force that left Thranduil in a daze. Having now only Daeron covering him, he spun, shoving the lord off roughly and kicked the legs out from underneath the princes. The two fell to the ground in a heap as Elinyro sprang up.
The elleths shrieked again as he leapt towards them with his dagger outstretched, grinning maliciously. Then something happened that no one expected.
Espenshade screeched as she hurtled towards the elf, talons outstretched. His eyes widened and she shot past him, digging her claws into his flesh. He cried in pain, holding his now bleeding arm. The falcon came at him again but he saw it coming and he ducked. She turned sharply before hitting the wall and she fell to the ground in a heap. Daeron gasped and rushed over to her, forgetting all that was around him. The only thing he saw was his falcon laying battered on the ground.
No one moved a muscle for some odd reason. Elinyro seemed to have stopped his attack and was staring intently in one spot. Thranduil made no move towards him as he checked on his two sons and the elleths watched him nervously. The fight seemed to have been put on hold.
Ethiriel watched the elf carefully and sadly as he watched her as well. Ithilwen noticed this and stood in front of her daughter-in-law but she simply stepped back to see him again. Elinyro no longer had the evil glint to his eye and he appeared to be a normal elf. His dagger hung loosely in his hand, dangling at his side.
To everyone's surprise and confusion, he spread his arms out to her. Ethiriel leapt over the bed and ran into his waiting embrace. He gripped onto her tightly, clenching his eyes tight, as he rocked her gently. She stroked his back as tears began to drip onto his snow white tunic.
Her family watched in shock and even Daeron had turned his attention to them, his mouth agape. Was this not the same elf who had just tried to ? Espenshade had sat up again, trying desperately to recover her senses.
"Oh, Ethiriel, I am sorry…" Elinyro whispered to her so only her ears could hear. Norui and Legolas watched with the most puzzled expressions as their thoughts strayed back to their brother, Nendir. What would he think of this? Elinyro kissed her nape gently, "I am sorry it had to be this way."
Thranduil gasped as he saw the grip the elf had on Ethiriel tighten and the dagger was held tighter in his hand. The elleth vaguely noticed this.
"Ethiriel," The evil tone in Elinyro's voice had returned as he glared maliciously at the elleth, "How foolish you are!"
"Ethiriel, move!" The king shouted, as did everyone in the room, but it was too late. The elf had already dug the blade deep into her back.
The elleth's eyes widened and she gasped, unable to form words. It felt as if all of the air was sucked from her body and she couldn't breathe. But the blade was pulled out roughly as the two princes attacked the elf brutally. Ethiriel fell to the floor, gasping desperately for breath.
Elinyro screamed in rage and immediately began punching and kicking the young ellons. They cried out in pain but continued fighting for their sister. Daeron leapt forward, followed by Espenshade and knelt beside Ethiriel. Without a word, a bright light formed from the falcon's mouth and entered the elleth's gaping wound. The wound was deep and most likely but the falcon put all of her strength into healing.
Legolas hopped onto Elinyro's back and bit his shoulder angrily. The elf growled in pain and gritted his teeth, then backed up as hard as he could into the wall. The young prince gasped and slipped to the floor but not after knocking his temple on the corner of a desk, leaving a little bit of trickling out of the side of his head. Elinyro snorted but was soon kicked in the groin by Norui. He growled yet again and returned it with a kick to the stomach. The prince made an 'oof' sound and clenched his arms around his stomach. Elinyro smirked and spun on his foot, knocking Norui in the jaw. He fell to the ground and the elf raised his arm to thrust his dagger down upon him but something stopped him.
He glared over his shoulder to see Glithiel holding onto his arm, glaring hard but beneath her eyes he could see fear and worry. He smirked.
"You are not very bright, my young she-elf." He sneered and promptly threw her back onto the floor. He pounced towards her but Norui grabbed him around the waist, pulling him back. Elinyro screamed in frustration and grabbed the prince's head, thrusting it back against the wall. Norui's head swam as he lost control of his senses. The dagger was held above his heart and he finally got a glimpse of it.
The white hilt was carved expertly into the shape of a winged dragon with a red stone set on either side for the eyes. Amidst all that was happening, he was able to recognize it. His eyes widened. It was Nendir's.
Norui yelled as he felt the tip of the dagger begin to embed itself in his chest. It dug deeper and deeper until he felt faint but it was pulled out suddenly, followed by an angered hiss. He weakly opened his eyes to see Elinyro backing away and sheathing the dagger.
"Rac en Anor!" (Curse the Sun!) He spat. Suddenly, a torrent of wind gusted through the room, followed by a bright flash. When the light subsided, he was gone.
The whole family seemed to snap into action. The elleths, excluding Glithiel who was knocked out on the floor, rushed over to Ethiriel. Espenshade was still working diligently on healing her wounds and she appeared a little better but they could not get their hopes up. Thranduil and Daeron rushed over to the two princes and elleth.
Legolas, having regained consciousness, crawled weakly over to his brother. was spilling out of his chest, staining his tunic, and the younger ellon couldn't help but let a few tears spring out the corners of his eyes. He stroked the stray hairs out of his pale face and smiled slightly at him.
"You will be fine, my brother." He said quietly and Norui managed to a smile.
"Check on Glithiel." He said, motioning towards the limp elleth. Legolas nodded hesitantly and crawled quickly over to her. He bent down over her and placed a hand gently on her forehead. Her eyes sprang open suddenly and she glanced around worriedly.
"Norui!" She cried and sprang up, knocking Legolas to his bottom, then dashed over to her beloved where she kissed him passionately yet in relief. The golden haired prince shook his head in disgust, then went to his sister-in-law's side.
Espenshade was growing weak and Daeron could sense this but the falcon would not stop filling the elleth with her magic. Legolas's eyes widened as he saw this, noticing it for the first time.
"Naneth, what is she doing?" He asked curiously yet worriedly. The Queen looked over at him with tears in her eyes.
"I will tell you later, my son." She whispered and continued to squeeze the hand of Ethiriel. The prince glanced at his sisters who were sitting next to their mother, crying silently. Thranduil was holding Ithilwen to him as he struggled to keep his emotions in check as well.
"Legolas, how is Norui?" The king asked without taking his eyes off of Ethiriel.
"He is in need of healers." The prince answered.
"Go see to that." Thranduil replied. Legolas needed no further telling. He glided over to his brother and bent down to pick him up. Glithiel stood up with them.
"Where are you going?" She asked worriedly and he smiled sadly at her.
"I am taking him to the healers. You may come if you wish." He replied and the elleth nodded vigorously.
"You don't have to carry me, Legolas." Norui said weakly though laughingly. The younger prince only smiled.
"I am going to carry you whether you like it or not." He said and the three of them left the room in a hurry.
The bleeding had stopped but the wound was still tender. Espenshade's magic had been able to heal any internal injuries she might have acquired but there was no guarantee. The blade went deep into her back and then was pulled out roughly, adding more damage.
Suddenly, the beam from the falcon's mouth vanished and she collapsed to the floor, completely exhausted. Daeron gasped and scooped her up in his arms, stroking her head tenderly. Thranduil gritted his teeth and glared at the bird.
"She is not done yet." He said bitterly and reached for the falcon but the Queen slapped his hand away and glared at him.
"Yes, she is." Ithilwen retorted, "We can now leave her in the hands of the healers." She glanced to her daughters, "Can you manage to bring her there?"
"Of course, Naneth." Melyanna replied, wiping the tears away with her sleeve.
"Anything we can do to help, we will." Lothron added. The two princesses carefully lifted Ethiriel up, putting her arms around their shoulders, and they carefully yet swiftly made their way to the Healing Wing.
Thranduil growled as he watched Daeron stroke Espenshade lovingly, whispering soft words to her. His temper had soared. With Nendir making advances on Ethiriel, Elinyro appearing and escaping again, Ethiriel hanging on by a thread and his second eldest son in the Healing Wing, he was not a very happy elf. Not very happy at all.
"You care more for that blasted bird then you do your own princess." He spat. Daeron flinched and looked up at him slowly, his eyes glinting with malice.
"I have you know, my lord, that Espenshade is not a mere bird. She is, in fact, a-" He was cut off when a hand was slapped over his mouth. He glared at the hand and turned to face the one who it belonged to.
"Lord Daeron, do you not remember our agreement?" Ithilwen asked softly yet tensely. The lord looked at her with apologetic eyes.
"Forgive me, my lady." He said. Thranduil eyes the two carefully and intensely. Ever since he met him, the Elvenking had not been particularly fond of the…well, whatever he was. Daeron opened his mouth to speak again but quickly closed it, his eyes widening, "Where is Nendir?" He asked worriedly.
Thranduil and Ithilwen exchanged worried glances and dashed off to the bathing chambers. He had not yet come out since that night. The king swung the door open only to have water wash over his feet. They all gasped.
Nendir lay in a lake of , unconscious.
Ithilwen immediately ran in and scooped up her son, cradling his head against her bosom. Tears immediately began to stream down her cheeks and her shoulders racked with sobs; she thought the worst. Thranduil slowly came into the room and knelt beside her. All negative thoughts towards his son diminished as he looked into his glazed eyes.
Daeron knelt down and dipped his fingers in the liquid. He furrowed his brow.
"My lord, my lady, I think Prince Nendir is alright." He said. The two looked at him with unbelieving eyes.
"Do you not see what he lays in, you fool!" Thranduil exclaimed.
"This cannot be , if that is what you think. Look at it. It's not thick enough to be . It appears only to be water dyed red." He replied. Carefully, the Elvenking scooped his hand in the 'blood' and raised it to his nose. He sniffed it curiously and furrowed his brow.
"It is only water." He said. Ithilwen smiled and sighed in relief, "But what is going on?"
"I wish I knew, my lord."
"Well, I do not want to take any chances." The Queen said, "I still wish to take him to the healers just to be safe." Daeron opened his mouth to object but quickly shut it when he noticed the warning glare the elleth was sending him. He smiled weakly.
"I will get Espenshade and then we can head down there." He said and dashed off, muttering things about having to get new tile put in.
IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
After putting up much of a fight, Norui was finally laying in a hospital bed. A healer had taken care of him and he was restricted to bed rest for a week. A bandage had been wrapped around his chest and he was currently having a pity party.
"Norui, suck it up." Legolas said, grinning, as he sat a tray with a biscuit and fruits on the nightstand next to his brother's bed. Norui scoffed.
"Be quiet, Legolas." He replied with a pout, "How is Ethiriel?"
"She is better." He replied as his face lit up, "I have heard that she will be released before you!" The older prince's jaw dropped.
"What!" He exclaimed. The golden haired ellon simply grinned and walked out of the room, "Legolas, come back here!" Norui shouted but he was already gone.
Norui growled and slammed his fist on the nightstand. Of course, this caused the tray laded with food to flip off the table and into the air, landing plop on the prince's head with a clang.
"Ow!" He moaned and promptly flung the tray across the room, mumbling something about it being cursed by his younger brother.
IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
Ethiriel slept peacefully in her bed with a frown on her lips. Her dream was of Elinyro and what she saw in him.
When she gazed into his eyes, she saw the one ellon that she loved. Nendir. Those eyes belonged to him and, despite the color difference, she was positive. His eyes begged for forgiveness from her for what he had done.
But at the same time, it was not Nendir. The Crown Prince would never do that to her or to anyone. But he did.
Silent tears began to stream down her face when she saw him stabbing her in the back. How she felt, what she was thinking, all came back to her. Her body shook from the crying as the thought entered her mind that he didn't love her anymore.
She was shaken awake by Ithilwen, staring down at her with worried eyes.
"Ethiriel, sweetie? Are you alright?" She asked softly as she stroked the tears from her cheeks.
"Yes, I think so." The elleth replied though it hurt to do so. The Queen smiled sympathetically at her and kissed her forehead, "Where is Nendir?"
"He is in another room." Ithilwen replied, surprised that she would even ask about him.
"Is he awake?" The Queen nodded, "May I see him?"
"If you feel up to it, dear." She replied with a smile. Ethiriel nodded and pushed the blankets off of her. She gasped when a sharp pain coursed through her body. Ithilwen moved to lay her back down but she shook her head.
"I can manage. Just help me walk."
Ever so slowly, the Queen guided the injured elleth down the bright hallways of the Healing Wing. They stopped at a door in the far corner with names engraved on it. She smiled.
The names of her three brothers-in-law were scratched into the center. Notches were made under each name and she remembered that the three had told her they were there to keep record how many times they were stuck inside for healing purposes. Fifteen notches were under Nendir's, twenty one were under Norui's and a whopping thirty seven were under Legolas's.
Ithilwen gently pushed the door open to reveal a large, white room with a bed in the far corner. Cabinets lined the walls and even a bathing chamber was included. Ethiriel took a few tiring steps inside, followed by the Queen, and closed the door.
The elf that lay in bed had his back towards the two elleths. Ethiriel gulped and went over to him.
"Nendir?" She asked nervously. Without a word, the prince slowly turned to face her. His eyes were shot from crying and they mirrored sorrow and regret. His face appeared chapped from where the tears had run and he was a ly pale. He glanced at his wife.
"Oh, Melleth-nín, I am so sorry…" He breathed. Ethiriel's breath caught in her throat. That was the exact same thing Elinyro had said to her when he embraced her. All doubts left her mind now. Nendir had indeed tried to her.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she backed away.
"How could you do that, Nendir?" She asked quietly.
"Please forgive me, Ethiriel, I do not know what came over me." The elleth only backed further away. Ithilwen watched this exchange anxiously, kneading her hands on her gown.
"Forgive you? You expect me to forgive you?" She breathed as she hit the door. Nendir watched her with confusion. He never imagined he would get that reaction.
"Ethiriel, please, I wish it were not this way but…"
"How can I forgive you when you tried to me!" She shrieked. Ithilwen furrowed her brow, as did the prince.
"What are you talking about?" He asked as he sat up on his elbows, "I would never do that to you."
"That is what you said right before you tried to force me into something we agreed not to do, Nendir! Why should I believe you now?"
Nendir's faced truly etched confusion. What in Arda was she talking about?
"Do not play dumb with me! You know what you did!" The elleth spat. The Queen took a step towards her.
"Dear, please, he didn't-"
"And now you lie to me! You think I am stupid!" Ethiriel suddenly dropped to the floor, holding her arms around herself, "You are breaking my heart, Nendir." She breathed, "I thought you loved me."
Nendir shoved the blankets off himself and strode quickly to his wife. He knelt down before her, taking her head in his hands. She met his gaze with puffy eyes.
"I swear by my life, Ethiriel, that I never tried to you. No matter what might have happened before this, I love you and I always will. You are my life, Ethiriel, and I could not live without you." He said softly, brushing away her tears with his thumb. Her face remained expressionless as she stared at his handsome face. A small smile crept up on his face, "I love you so very much."
Before anything could be said or done, Ethiriel raised her hand and slapped him hard against the cheek, sending him onto the floor. His ears rang in his head, the slap was so hard. Ithilwen gasped and stepped in between the two.
"I think that is quite enough!" She exclaimed.
But Ethiriel heard nothing of it. Nothing buck emptiness was in front of her eyes. Her world was crashing down around her and, slowly but surely, her heart was breaking in two. She could barely make out the Queen picking her up and leading her back to her healing room.
XXXXXXX
Wow, that was a long one I hope. Hehe. Fifteen pages! I think that is pretty good! And wow again, this was a pretty intense chapter, I think. Hehe, I like angst. Muahaha. Anywho!
Swasti- Hehe, lol. No, that is okay! Questions are good! I like to know what my readers think. Hehe. Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Vanaloth- Aw, no, I would never kill Legolas! He is too cuddly! (Besides, he needs to be there for the War of the Ring and he has to sail to Valinor with Gimli… But after that, he is aaaall mine >:D ) Yup, this be a prequel! You can go to my bio and check out the order of my stories and the ones that are coming up in the future! Yay! YES! Creepy is what I am aiming for! Muahaha! Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Okay, you all. My beta and I have made another account and we posted a story called "Twisted Fates". It is about a few teenage s who get together with some guys they met on the internet. The guys start to go through some changes and memories come back to them and they realize that they were characters from LOTR in the past life. Please go check it out! Our name is HyperCheese. Thanks!
That be about it! See you next Saturday!
Until Next Time,
Manwathiel