You know, I really need to learn to manage my time better. This chapter is going to be skipping around a lot so I hope you can still understand it.
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Chapter 11- Falling of a Lord
Nendir and Ethiriel walked hand in hand down the corridor, both lost in their own thoughts. The face of Nimedhel haunted the elleth's mind constantly; how innocent and playful he seemed then suddenly turned horrible. The prince read through the messages over and over but still did not come to any conclusion about it. Ethiriel sighed for some unknown reason and her husband leaned over slowly and planted a light kiss on her cheek. She smiled softly and rested her head on his shoulder.
"Maybe I should talk to Lord Elrond." Nendir thought aloud. The elleth furrowed her brow and looked up at him.
"For what?" She asked.
"About this message." He replied.
"The Lord Elrond is, in fact, visiting and should be here later today." Said a cold voice behind the couple. Not even looking back, Nendir frowned. He knew who it was without even bothering to check.
"Thank you, Norui." The Crown Prince said monotonously, then continued to walk. Ethiriel looked back at the younger elf and smiled softly.
"Will you walk with us?" She asked, forcing Nendir to stop. Norui frowned and shifted on his feet hesitantly.
"I suppose." He said quietly and went into step with the two elves. Ethiriel could feel the tension radiating between the two elven brothers and it made her uncomfortable. She glanced back and forth between the two anxiously, hoping they would have the courage to speak to one another.
A few moments passed and, still, they did not speak. The elleth cleared her throat loudly but they did not notice. Finally, she sighed in agitation.
"Are you two going to speak to each other?" She asked, coming to a halt. Both ellons stopped and turned to look at one another, then they glanced to her. Norui snorted in a very un-elflike way and Nendir frowned deeply, "Have you two noticed that everything is fine? Norui, Nendir and I are fine now. We have discussed what has happened and we have gotten over it. You must understand that."
"Just because it has been forgiven does not mean that it has been forgotten." The young ellon scoffed, crossing his arms.
"I did not know what I was doing, Norui. I lost control of my emotions." The Crown Prince assured the ellon, taking a step towards him. Norui only scoffed.
"She is your wife, Nendir. You should have known what you were doing." He growled.
"Norui, he didn't have control over himself! You must understand this!" Ethiriel shouted desperately, "Please, forgive him."
The young prince crossed his arms and looked between the two elves. Both had a look of anxiety on their pale faces. For a brief moment, Norui felt regret wash over his body and he wanted to forgive his brother. But he was too proud to admit it. Instead, he just snorted and stormed off down the hallway.
Ethiriel felt a lone tear slip down her cheek and she could feel the anxiety radiating from Nendir. She felt him wrap his arms around her waist and she rested her head on his shoulder.
"Why is he acting this way?" She whispered.
"I do not know." Nendir replied, "I hope the others are not like him, though."
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Heavy rain drops pelted against the glass windows, obscuring the view of the palace courtyard to even the elves. Lightning and thunder cracked in the heavens, sending all of the elflings into the protecting embraces of the parents and causing couples to group with one another to seek out warmth and comfort. It had been dreary all day.
Daeron strode cautiously down the corridor, his navy blue eyes constantly flicking side to side. His sharp ears picked up the slightest sound, causing the hair on the back of his neck to stand on end.
Finally, he came to the stairway that led to his chambers. He went in and closed the door behind him with a sigh, then headed up the stairs. He went inside to find it empty and he strode over to the roaring fireplace.
"Espenshade?" He called, rearranging the logs so that they were able to burn once again, "There is a storm raging out there. How about a flight?"
From within the closed canopy of the bed, flew the Peregrine Falcon with a soft chirp. She landed on his outstretched arm and sighed heavily. Daeron smiled sadly, noticing that even the falcon had taken on a melancholy demeanor.
"Would you like that, my girl?" He asked, already walking towards the door. Espenshade cackled in her throat and he laughed quietly, striding down the steps and down the hallway.
Though, they were unaware of the silvery eyes watching their every movement with utmost hatred and malice.
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Elinyro grumbled as he drew his light yet warm cloak around his body with one hand, trying to hide from the rain. His white hair clung to his pale face and it would have been a comical sight if not for the dragon dagger her held between his teeth. The elf gripped tightly onto the thick vines that grew down from the palace walls, gradually pulling himself closer to the top of a tall tower. Once he reached the top, he peeked over the edge and spotted two elves, one blonde and one chocolate, sitting side by side and sharing a flask of warm wine. Elinyro smirked and, before they knew what happened, the two elves lay on the floor with blood seeping out of their necks.
The elf pulled himself over the edge of the wall and landed with a soft thud. He glanced around once more and then brushed a few locks of hair from his face and picked up the knife that had skidded across the floor. Shaking his cloak from his shoulders, he sighed and gazed out into the sea of trees.
"Those elves could have at least put up a ladder." He mused, "Not even a door to get in here! I cannot believe they climb up that cursed vine every time." Elinyro turned his gaze from the trees and up into the sky, enjoying the feeling of the rain pelting against his skin. The slightest hint of a smile graced his full lips and he shivered, "I love the rain." He thought out loud, "Now, where is that Daeron?" Like an eagle hunting for its prey, his silver eyes expertly pierced the curtain of falling water and stared into the distance.
Sure enough, there was a screech followed by a golden Peregrine Falcon. Elinyro smirked.
"And he must be close by."
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Legolas knocked quietly on the door to Lord Daeron's chambers. When no one answered, he began to grow panicked. He was supposed to be at the meeting with his brothers and ada but had skipped it in hopes Daeron would take him in for the time. The young prince knew, though, that if he was caught wandering without a guard, there would be some serious punishment following.
With no one answering, Legolas gulped nervously and pushed the door open slowly and he cringed when it creaked slightly. He stepped inside the dimly lit room and gazed around.
"Lord Daeron?" He called, "Espenshade?" There was no response and he shivered when there was an especially loud crack of lightning, "I am in so much trouble." He said, mentally smacking himself for leaving in the first place.
There was a high pitched screech and Legolas immediately jumped to attention. The golden haired prince recognized it as his newfound companion, Espenshade. Skipping a few steps at a time, the ellon charged down the staircase and followed the frantic screeches of the falcon.
But he soon realized that there was not one falcon but two.
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Elinyro chanted, in a deep voice, an exotic beat and he raised his arms above his head towards the gray skies. His hands rotated as he closed his eyes and relied on his balance to keep him from falling off the railing he was perched upon. Slowly, the storm clouds began to swirl and a large lightning bolt shot from the sky and cracked down onto the earth.
Panicked screeches erupted from the two falcons as they weaved in between trees and narrowly avoided being struck by the lightning. Flying during storms had become a passion for them but they had never encountered a storm like this.
A screech from her partner sent Espenshade spiraling to the ground and she flew at full speed back to the palace. She heard the other falcon shrieking and she circled back so she could see what was happening. She flew to the top of a tower where she was able to see her mate clawing and slashing something. She then realized that there was someone inside of the tower: Elinyro.
Espenshade shrieked in fright and flew up to the two as fast as her nimble wings could carry her. The male falcon was hissing angrily as he tried to slash up the elf's face with his sharp talons. Elinyro growled in frustration as he tried to block the falcon's attacks.
"Get back, you blasted bird!" He hissed, drawing his dagger. The falcon made a shocked screech and flew back out to his mate. Espenshade soared straight back to the palace when she saw that the other falcon was following behind her at the same speed. But Elinyro was not about to give up now.
Growling, the elf thrust his hands forward and a huge bolt of lightning struck in front of the birds. He could barely make out their terrified shrieks from the echoing of the lightning and the thunder it created. The elf smiled maliciously when he saw the two falcons desperately trying to weave through a thicker area of trees. He shot another bolt down into the forest and it instantly caught fire, sending other birds and creatures scurrying away, the two falcons being some of them. The birds shot each desperate glances as they made one more charge to the palace but they were again cut off by the lightning.
But both elf and falcon were unaware of a certain elven prince making his way to the base of the tower.
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Legolas watched the two Peregrine Falcons in shock and worry. They were coming too close to being struck by the bolts and it sent panic through his body. He noticed that there was an elf atop the tower who seemed to be controlling it and he made his way to the base, hiding himself in the shadows. He grabbed hold of the vines and scaled the side of the tower as if he had down it a million times before and barely poked his head over the side, just enough to see who was in there. He let out a quiet gasp of shock when he saw that it was the same person who had tried to kill his brother and sister-in-law.
He suddenly realized that he had brought no weapon and he cursed himself. He watched the elf manipulate the storm to his liking, trying to bring down the falcons for a reason the prince knew not. Without thinking, he threw himself upon the tower and managed to land without the elf hearing him. For a moment, he stood there and watched him, cursing once more and thinking that if he had have been smart enough to bring a weapon, he could end this murdering. Legolas looked over Elinyro's shoulder and gasped when he saw the sight.
A wall of lightning seemed to have been put up somehow and it was blocking the two falcons from each other. Espenshade was shrieking wildly while her mate had to suffer the brunt of most of the shocks. He twisted and dived to try and escape the lightning bu eemed to be in vain. Then he looked up to the tower tiredly and saw the silhouette off a figure behind Elinyro. Worried cerulean eyes flickered to him and he instantly recognized it as the youngest prince. He screeched in relief but he was off guard.
The largest bolt of lightning so far struck down right on top of the falcon. He shrieked as he was thrust down to the ground and Espenshade screamed in horror, instantly flying down to the ground and trying to find a way to get to her mate. She swooped down beside him and shrieked when she saw his blackened body. He managed a weak call to her and she immediately stood over him protectively.
Legolas lost control of himself when he saw the falcon hurtle towards the ground. Without a second thought, he thrust himself to the elf and smashed him against the rock wall. Elinyro cried out in surprise and turned to look at him with a growl.
"You!" He spat, "Have you come to let me kill you as well?" He grinned maliciously at the prince and Legolas immediately regretted his action. Here he was with no weapon and he just attacked a murderer. He mentally smacked himself.
"Why are you here, Elinyro? What do you want from us?" The golden haired prince asked shakily.
"What do you think?" The elf replied, taking a step towards the young ellon.
"Just tell us what you want and we may be able to help you! We just want to be left alone." Legolas said as he backed away. Elinyro grinned evilly as he drew the dragon dagger from its sheath and advanced slowly.
"Why should I tell you, princeling?" He asked, "I think this method of getting my way is much better."
"Please, we will give you anything you want! Just take it and leave!"
"Well, that is what I have been trying to do! But you and your family keeps getting in the way!" Elinyro spat, "You came through when I attacked you in the halls! Your idiotic brother did not die when I stabbed him and your oldest brother did not drown in the lake! His wench of a wife was supposed to die of heart break! You elves will just not die!"
Suddenly, Elinyro sprang forward and clasped his hand around the prince's neck tightly. Legolas gasped and tried to wrench the hand off but it was no use. He could already feel the air being cut off from his lungs.
"But I have you now. You are in trouble again, Legolas, and this time no one is here to save you." Still holding the prince around the neck, he lifted him up and hung him over the side of the tower. Legolas gasped as it became even harder to breathe. His legs flailed out beneath him, trying frantically to find a footing. He grabbed onto Elinyro's wrist and looked at him desperately.
"Please, tell me what you need. I can relay it back to my ada and we can sort this out!" He choked, gasping for breath. Elinyro seemed to pause for a moment.
"Hmm, well, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to let you know why you are dying." He said, then pulled the ellon closer in but not enough so that he could catch himself, "I want the throne! I want the entire royal family dead so I will be in charge of this pathetic realm!"
"But why?" Legolas wheezed.
"Power." He replied, "Why else? Now, if you are quite finished…" His hands loosened and Legolas clung onto him tightly.
"Lord Elinyro!" Someone called from behind the two. The elf growled and spun around, still holding the prince out. Elinyro smirked.
"Ah, Prince Norui. What a pleasant surprise." He said, "Wait just a moment. I will kill you next." Norui gritted his teeth and took a step forward.
"No, my lord, that is not what I seek." He began, "I wish to aide you."
Legolas's mouth fell agape and Elinyro's gaze hardened. Norui remained as straight faced as ever.
"Thank you for the offer but I would much rather kill you." He replied and turned back to Legolas.
"No, please, hear me out." With a growl, Elinyro turned back to Norui with an expectant glare, "I am willing to give up my title so I may aide you. I know all of the secrets in the royal family and I will use my knowledge to help you."
"Why should I believe you?" The elf growled, clenching and unclenching his fists on Legolas's neck.
"Would you have me prove it to you?"
"Yes."
"Then give me the princeling." Norui said, stretching his hand. Elinyro glanced between him and the ellon he held. The prince's face had begun to turn a light purple from lack of air, "I will drop him myself."
Legolas gasped as best as he could as he was handed off to his brother, the one he looked up to the most when he was still an elfling. The same elf who had taught him all he knew in the ways of battle and the same one who comforted him when it was needed. And now the same elf was about to kill him.
Norui stepped up to the side of the tower, holding his brother the same way Elinyro just had. He wore a malicious smile on his face as he stared at the elf.
"Any last words, my brother?" He asked.
"Why are you doing this?" Legolas rasped, giving the older prince a desperate look.
"Nobody and nothing is what they may seem, Legolas." Norui replied and did something that surprised the younger ellon.
He winked.
But before the golden haired prince could say anything more, the grip on his neck loosened and he felt himself falling towards the ground below.
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The two falcons were completely oblivious to the happenings up in the tower. Espenshade stood over her mate, crying in the way only animals could. The male falcon still lived but what hanging on by a thread. He glanced up at his partner and gave her a quiet cackle. She cooed in response and nuzzled her head against his.
They went on like this for a few moments, talking to each other in their own language. The female looked down sadly at him but felt her heart drop when she felt the connection she and him had developed snap in her soul. Grief and loneliness washed over her small form and she called out in despair. Her mate was dead.
Carefully, she scooped up the body onto her back and took off towards the palace and into the room where she and her master would sleep.
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Legolas screamed as he hurtled towards the earth. Nothing was below him except dirt and grass and he knew this. He saw his life flash before his eyes until something knocked him off of his course. Instead of falling straight down, something had hit him and he flew towards the side. He skidded to the ground with a grunt and maybe only a broken bone or two at the most.
He lay there a moment until he heard the hoof beats of a horse coming towards him. He lifted his head slightly and sighed in relief at the sight. Ithilwen.
The Queen hopped off of her horse and leapt to Legolas's side, cradling him in her arms. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she rocked her youngest child, whispering soft and comforting words.
"You have a tendency to get in trouble, my little Greenleaf." She whispered, kissing his forehead.
"What do you mean 'little', naneth? I am not a child." He replied mirthfully.
"You are to me and so are your brothers and sisters. You will always be my little one." Ithilwen said, smiling, "Are you alright?"
"Yes, I feel fine. My side hurts and I might have broken something but I am not sure." He replied, "How do you feel?" The Queen furrowed her brow.
"What do you mean?"
"My sister. How is she?" He asked. The elleth smiled warmly at him, touched that he was already protective of his little sister.
"She is in good health and is expected in a few months, actually." She replied, "Why do you ask?"
"Because you should not be riding out in the middle of a storm while you are pregnant." He replied, earning him a chuckle and playful slap, "Wait, where is Norui?"
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Elinyro growled as he slammed the prince against the rock wall. Norui gasped as the air was sucked out of him and he looked up tiredly at the elf. The prince now sported a black eye and a bloody lip while Elinyro's jaw was swollen to the point where he could barely open and close it.
The elf grabbed the young ellon and hauled him to his feet only to send him spiraling back against a pillar in the center. Norui cried out in pain and regretted not bringing a weapon with him. He, of course, did not know that that was what caused Legolas to be in the predicament he was previously in.
Norui was hovering between consciousness and could vaguely make out the elf moving towards him. Elinyro grabbed him by hair and pulled him up. The prince cringed in pain and tried to swat him away but it was no use. The elf crushed him against the wall and bent him backwards, still pulling on his hair. He snatched his dragon dagger from his belt and held it against the prince's neck.
"You let one go but you will not be so lucky this time!" He hissed, pressing the dagger against his skin. A trickle of blood escaped and trailed down his neck. Norui stole a glance at the elf and his eyes widened.
"What is happening to your hair?" He asked, despite the situation. Elinyro growled.
"Quiet you!" He spat, pulling on his locks.
"It is mahogany." Norui continued, ignoring the pain in his head. This statement caused the elf to stop and look up. He gasped quietly when the faintest hint of sunlight escaped through the clouds. The storm had faded without them even noticing it.
Elinyro jumped away from Norui who promptly slumped down to the ground and groaned in pain. He took a quick glance at Elinyro…but he was already gone.
Slowly, Norui felt blackness form in his eyes and it obscured his vision. With one last groan, he fell into oblivion.
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Legolas rushed down the hallway the next morning in the direction of the Healing Wing. Word had come to him that Norui was found in the tower during the night and he was desperately trying to get to him. He rounded a corner but was almost pushed to the ground.
A woman gasped as she looked back at the prince and she skidded to a halt. Legolas studied her for a moment. She had auburn hair that cascaded down her back in soft curls. Her eyes were of a deep emerald and shimmered with tears. The prince took a step towards her and she rushed forward, clasping his shoulders.
"My prince, you must show me to the Queen! Please!" She begged. He glanced at her up and down, and then nodded.
"Come." He said and dashed off to his parent's chambers where he knew she would be. He was vaguely aware of the noise she made from her quickened pace. Once they came to the doors, the lady did not even knock. She barged straight in and Legolas winced.
Thranduil and Ithilwen looked up quickly to the intruder. The King just furrowed his brow and opened his mouth to speak but was cut off when his wife leapt from the bed and rushed towards the woman. They spoke in hushed tones so that the ellons could not hear. Finally, Ithilwen turned back to Thranduil.
"Thranduil, Daeron is dead."
Without a word, the King leapt up and sprinted towards the lord's chambers, the two females and the prince followed. Thranduil skipped a few steps at a time and then barged into the room. He glanced around and saw the lord lying on his bed. He strode over and placed an ear to his chest. Just as the woman had said, he was not breathing.
Thranduil stared at the lord in shock as the woman cried onto his wife's shoulder. Legolas had a look of disbelief in his eyes and he did not move an inch. Finally, the king turned towards the others.
"Who is this woman?" He asked.
"This is Lady Nindë." She replied, stroking the woman's back comforting, "She is Lord Daeron's lover." The king's face fell at this. He was hoping it was just one of the lord's good friends but he was not at all prepared to comfort the lord's lover.
"When did this happen?" He asked.
"Last night." The woman choked, "I was asleep and when I woke up, he was dead."
"What has happened to Espenshade and her friend?" Legolas asked suddenly. Nindë looked back at him with a frown.
"That friend was her mate and he is dead as well. She has left the palace and I do not expect her to return." She replied, "I have nothing else here either."
"What do you mean?" Ithilwen asked, "You have us."
"I wish to go back to my own people." She said and spoke no more.
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There you go! Once again, sorry for all of the skipping around. I definitely like this chapter better then the last one. I hope you all liked it.
PLEASE READ
Would it be alright with you guys if I took this week off of writing? I am getting really busy around the house and everything and it is getting hard to find time to write. So I would be posting Saturday the 16th.
Swasti- Hehe, I am glad you like that. I wanted to be sure that they were really attached by the time Lost in My Mind happens so this is the result, lol. Once again, I am glad you like it! Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Vanaloth- Hmm…well, I could tell you but that would ruin the story for you. Hehe. You can think that if you wish but just be ready to be surprised, lol. I hope you liked that chapter. Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Well, that is about it! Tell me if it would kill you or not if I didn't post next Saturday, lol. See you later!
Until Next Time,
Manwathiel