A/N: Chapter 4 is up...I hope you're all still interested with the story.
I've got a hard time thinking about the plot and I keep changing it that in
the end I don't know what I ought to write down. But I guess the story
would unfold itself as I write. Thanks to all who reviewed...and special
thanks to Barnacle Bill for the advice (more advises please. I really need
to learn how to write a good fan fiction). I made this chapter very much
longer to compensate for the last oh so sort chapter... =D Enjoy the story!
Oh and please visit my website at helyanwe.pitas.com
"Hush, hush! Good People! And good night!" said Gandalf, who came last. "Valleys have ears, and some elves have over merry tongues. Good night!" -The Hobbit, A Short Rest
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Lalaith awoke and found herself all alone but fear had not reached her. Not yet. She sat up and her hands caressed the withered grass. Perhaps the poison of the ground would be lifted and this realm would once again be green. She wished she could dance as Legolas had and restore the beauty of the forest, her home. Everything around her was black, yellow, brown and tinges of white. Death hung heavily in the air and it crushed her to look at the things she once loved, gone. It felt as if a great part of her heart was cruelly torn off and it hurts so much. The dead trees loomed around her, tall, majestic but life was gone from them forever and it is the life that made her heart rejoice at the sight of them.
Lalaith tried to look away from all the silent trees and saw a pot of steaming stew above the fire near where she sat. She wondered where Legolas went as she began to pour some of it into a bowl. Lalaith decided not to wait for him and started eating. The stew tasted wonderful but Lalaith was beginning to worry. Where has Legolas gone to and is he ever coming back? She ate only a quarter of what was in her bowl and stood up. Perhaps Legolas has gone on his road. Perhaps he felt that she did not need his aid anymore and left her.
The thought of it was unbearable. Lalaith had grown fond with the elf- prince. Though she would not allow it, she had trusted him and would follow him wherever he lead her to. She was lost without him. Where would she go if he had departed from her? She had not give any thought to these things when she was with Legolas before and now she realised that she needed him dearly.
Lalaith searched anxiously for any trace of the path Legolas has taken. She did not know of his ability to walk without living any mark on the ground where he had trodden. He must really be gone for his bow and arrow was not seen anywhere. She began to walk. Aimlessly searching for her companion. Something followed close behind her. Carefully remaining out of sight.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Legolas returned and saw that Lalaith was missing. He couldn't believe it. They took her back? Legolas considered going back to where the goblins lived under the ground and through the mouth of a dark cave. But before he started on that way, he saw fresh footprints on the ground. "Goblins," he said with utter dislike and followed the footprints. He hoped that he was not too late.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Lalaith walked forlornly. Memories long forgotten returned to her. She remembered the day of the big feast to welcome the elves from the north. The Halls were brightly lit and the huge table laden with all kinds of luxurious food and wine. It was the biggest event she had ever seen and she had anticipated for the coming of the elves for a whole week since the herald came with news of the northern elves approach.
Lalaith had never seen any other elves except those who lived in the Everglades. She envied the royal family for they could have the chance to meet the strangers. All were invited to the feast, of course, but she longed to get to know these guests and it would never be possible for they are of royal blood and she is but another ordinary elf-girl.
Lalaith rushed along with the preparations for the feast. Well, the best she could do is get the place looking as grand as possible to welcome the elves for she was among those chosen to decorate the halls. She was glad to help out and perhaps get the opportunity to meet the elves. She was known all around the Everglades for her curiosity and her ever-carefree ways and her beautiful laughter for which she was named.
The massive curtains were hung and all the torches were lit. Soft music was heard in the air and she sang softly to the melody for she was glad.
Bells are tingling
Harpers singing
To the greatest feast of the Everglades
Curtains hung all around
And mirth to all was found
At the big Halls of the Everglades
Who are they?
I asked and say
Those who come to the gates of Everglades
Alas, none would tell
Of all who dwell
In the beautiful land of the Everglades
So, I would wait and see
Who the northern kin are, patiently
Dancing in the Gardens of the Everglades
When all preparations are done, Lalaith ran back to her home, singing and dancing merrily. The feast that night would be a masked ball and all maidens were required to wear a veil. Lalaith loved going to masked balls for she could walk around the castle grounds freely and slip away easily without anyone knowing it was her who sneaked into all the forbidden places. She liked to go into the Forbidden Garden to watch the twinkling stars and hear the gurgling water from a lovely fountain in the middle of the garden.
With her veil on, Lalaith looked almost like the princess herself. She would have to hide her black hair for the princess has beautiful, golden hair. Lalaith laughed at the thought. Everybody would be busy entertaining the guests and she would be able to stay as long as she wants to in the Royal Gardens. Of course, she would like to see how the northern elves looked like first.
A horn was blown, indicating the arrival of the guests of honour and the royal family into the Banqueting Hall. Lalaith put on her formal wear hurriedly. She had on a long flowing gown of silver and sky blue with intricately woven lace around the long skirt and tiny jewels decorating the neckline. Then she put on her veil carefully so that it covered her face, revealing only her charming brown eyes. Lalaith rushed to the feast as quickly as she could in the long dress without tripping.
The Elven-king was already there at the head of the long table looking as majestic as ever in his purple robe and crown of silver and gold. He was just in the middle of a long speech when Lalaith entered the Hall all flushed and panting. She found herself a place to sit at the far end of the table for all the other seats were taken.
"...and we are all very pleased to welcome the honoured elves from the distant land, Mirkwood." The king went on for a long time. Telling how flattered he was to be visited by such noble elves and how he hoped they would feel at home here. Lalaith wondered how long he would speak before introducing them to the listeners. She was eager to know more about them.
"...King Thranduil, me and my people welcome you to our land. It has been long since our kindred travel such great a distance to set foot on the Everglades. We welcome Legolas, son of Thranduil and Vilya, son of Viresse. Your presence is greatly appreciated. May we start with the feast before the clouds pass in front of the moon and light is not as brilliant as it is now?"
Everyone started eating the food laid on the table gratefully. Joyful music was heard and soon, the feast is over and the dancing and merry-making began. Lalaith peered among the heads of countless elves at the feast to have a better view at the guests. Then she saw him, the prince of Greenwood the Great. He was sitting among the dais looking vague, sipping wine from a delicate wineglass. His mind seems to be elsewhere as he was staring at the dance floor unblinkingly.
Lalaith noticed his long, golden hair that glimmered as the moonlight touched it gently. She looked at his fair face. At that moment, he looked up and their eyes met. Lalaith found it hard to break away from his gaze. She stared into his impossibly blue eyes and felt her cheeks redden. He gave her a wide smile, holding up his glass and said something inaudible. She smiled back politely and held up her own glass. A few elves stopped in front of her, chattering away and blocking her view. She sighed and sipped her wine.
Lalaith decided that it was time to sneak away into the Gardens. She stood up and walked away silently. Then an elf-girl ran towards her.
"Lalaith, Lalaith...!" she cried urgently. "Are you going to the Forbidden Gardens again tonight?"
"Yes, it is long since I've heard the night larks in it sing," Lalaith replied. It was Wilwarin, her best friend and she is worried.
"Then be very careful for the guards are wary tonight. I do not wish for them to catch you in the Gardens without leave," she whispered.
"I thank you for your counsel but the night is still young and the wine is strong. I do not believe that the guards would pass without having a taste from the barrels. By then they would not be so watchful." Lalaith said, laughing.
"I think so too but there is an uneasiness I feel tonight that is bothering me. Perhaps you have set foot on the Gardens too many a time and it worries me."
"Then do not be troubled and enjoy the feast while you can." With that, Lalaith walked away from the Halls quickly, heading straight towards the Gardens.
She was having the greatest time exploring the grounds of the Royal Gardens when the night larks started singing. They sang with great mirth and Lalaith danced to the beautiful music they made. She remembers all her worries and concerns not when she hears their lovely singing.
Ethereal minstrel! Pilgrim of the sky!
Dost thou despise the earth where cares abound?
Or, while the wing aspire, are heart and eye
Both with thy nest upon the dewy ground?
Thy nest which thou canst drop into at will,
Those quivering wings compose that music still!
Leave to the nightingale her shady wood;
A privacy of glorious light is thine;
Whence thou dost pour upon the world a flood
Of harmony, with instinct more divine;
Type of the wise who soar, but never roam;
True to the kindred points of Heaven and home!
Lalaith sang to the night larks and their music bond with hers in a lovely symphony. Suddenly, all was silent and the sound of clapping was heard. Lalaith turned around and saw Legolas applauding. She almost fainted at the sight of him and all the birds flew away, startled by his sudden appearance.
"None I have heard could sing as well as you did, my lady." Legolas praised, advancing towards her. Lalaith started to run away and left him, surprised and very much puzzled.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A/N: Actually, this flashback here takes only a few minutes but I decided to write it more detailed so that my beloved readers would understand it better. The flashback would continue in the next chapter where I'll try to explain how Legolas and Lalaith had met before though Legolas doesn't know it. (Wilwarin means butterfly and Vilya means air)
"Hush, hush! Good People! And good night!" said Gandalf, who came last. "Valleys have ears, and some elves have over merry tongues. Good night!" -The Hobbit, A Short Rest
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Lalaith awoke and found herself all alone but fear had not reached her. Not yet. She sat up and her hands caressed the withered grass. Perhaps the poison of the ground would be lifted and this realm would once again be green. She wished she could dance as Legolas had and restore the beauty of the forest, her home. Everything around her was black, yellow, brown and tinges of white. Death hung heavily in the air and it crushed her to look at the things she once loved, gone. It felt as if a great part of her heart was cruelly torn off and it hurts so much. The dead trees loomed around her, tall, majestic but life was gone from them forever and it is the life that made her heart rejoice at the sight of them.
Lalaith tried to look away from all the silent trees and saw a pot of steaming stew above the fire near where she sat. She wondered where Legolas went as she began to pour some of it into a bowl. Lalaith decided not to wait for him and started eating. The stew tasted wonderful but Lalaith was beginning to worry. Where has Legolas gone to and is he ever coming back? She ate only a quarter of what was in her bowl and stood up. Perhaps Legolas has gone on his road. Perhaps he felt that she did not need his aid anymore and left her.
The thought of it was unbearable. Lalaith had grown fond with the elf- prince. Though she would not allow it, she had trusted him and would follow him wherever he lead her to. She was lost without him. Where would she go if he had departed from her? She had not give any thought to these things when she was with Legolas before and now she realised that she needed him dearly.
Lalaith searched anxiously for any trace of the path Legolas has taken. She did not know of his ability to walk without living any mark on the ground where he had trodden. He must really be gone for his bow and arrow was not seen anywhere. She began to walk. Aimlessly searching for her companion. Something followed close behind her. Carefully remaining out of sight.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Legolas returned and saw that Lalaith was missing. He couldn't believe it. They took her back? Legolas considered going back to where the goblins lived under the ground and through the mouth of a dark cave. But before he started on that way, he saw fresh footprints on the ground. "Goblins," he said with utter dislike and followed the footprints. He hoped that he was not too late.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Lalaith walked forlornly. Memories long forgotten returned to her. She remembered the day of the big feast to welcome the elves from the north. The Halls were brightly lit and the huge table laden with all kinds of luxurious food and wine. It was the biggest event she had ever seen and she had anticipated for the coming of the elves for a whole week since the herald came with news of the northern elves approach.
Lalaith had never seen any other elves except those who lived in the Everglades. She envied the royal family for they could have the chance to meet the strangers. All were invited to the feast, of course, but she longed to get to know these guests and it would never be possible for they are of royal blood and she is but another ordinary elf-girl.
Lalaith rushed along with the preparations for the feast. Well, the best she could do is get the place looking as grand as possible to welcome the elves for she was among those chosen to decorate the halls. She was glad to help out and perhaps get the opportunity to meet the elves. She was known all around the Everglades for her curiosity and her ever-carefree ways and her beautiful laughter for which she was named.
The massive curtains were hung and all the torches were lit. Soft music was heard in the air and she sang softly to the melody for she was glad.
Bells are tingling
Harpers singing
To the greatest feast of the Everglades
Curtains hung all around
And mirth to all was found
At the big Halls of the Everglades
Who are they?
I asked and say
Those who come to the gates of Everglades
Alas, none would tell
Of all who dwell
In the beautiful land of the Everglades
So, I would wait and see
Who the northern kin are, patiently
Dancing in the Gardens of the Everglades
When all preparations are done, Lalaith ran back to her home, singing and dancing merrily. The feast that night would be a masked ball and all maidens were required to wear a veil. Lalaith loved going to masked balls for she could walk around the castle grounds freely and slip away easily without anyone knowing it was her who sneaked into all the forbidden places. She liked to go into the Forbidden Garden to watch the twinkling stars and hear the gurgling water from a lovely fountain in the middle of the garden.
With her veil on, Lalaith looked almost like the princess herself. She would have to hide her black hair for the princess has beautiful, golden hair. Lalaith laughed at the thought. Everybody would be busy entertaining the guests and she would be able to stay as long as she wants to in the Royal Gardens. Of course, she would like to see how the northern elves looked like first.
A horn was blown, indicating the arrival of the guests of honour and the royal family into the Banqueting Hall. Lalaith put on her formal wear hurriedly. She had on a long flowing gown of silver and sky blue with intricately woven lace around the long skirt and tiny jewels decorating the neckline. Then she put on her veil carefully so that it covered her face, revealing only her charming brown eyes. Lalaith rushed to the feast as quickly as she could in the long dress without tripping.
The Elven-king was already there at the head of the long table looking as majestic as ever in his purple robe and crown of silver and gold. He was just in the middle of a long speech when Lalaith entered the Hall all flushed and panting. She found herself a place to sit at the far end of the table for all the other seats were taken.
"...and we are all very pleased to welcome the honoured elves from the distant land, Mirkwood." The king went on for a long time. Telling how flattered he was to be visited by such noble elves and how he hoped they would feel at home here. Lalaith wondered how long he would speak before introducing them to the listeners. She was eager to know more about them.
"...King Thranduil, me and my people welcome you to our land. It has been long since our kindred travel such great a distance to set foot on the Everglades. We welcome Legolas, son of Thranduil and Vilya, son of Viresse. Your presence is greatly appreciated. May we start with the feast before the clouds pass in front of the moon and light is not as brilliant as it is now?"
Everyone started eating the food laid on the table gratefully. Joyful music was heard and soon, the feast is over and the dancing and merry-making began. Lalaith peered among the heads of countless elves at the feast to have a better view at the guests. Then she saw him, the prince of Greenwood the Great. He was sitting among the dais looking vague, sipping wine from a delicate wineglass. His mind seems to be elsewhere as he was staring at the dance floor unblinkingly.
Lalaith noticed his long, golden hair that glimmered as the moonlight touched it gently. She looked at his fair face. At that moment, he looked up and their eyes met. Lalaith found it hard to break away from his gaze. She stared into his impossibly blue eyes and felt her cheeks redden. He gave her a wide smile, holding up his glass and said something inaudible. She smiled back politely and held up her own glass. A few elves stopped in front of her, chattering away and blocking her view. She sighed and sipped her wine.
Lalaith decided that it was time to sneak away into the Gardens. She stood up and walked away silently. Then an elf-girl ran towards her.
"Lalaith, Lalaith...!" she cried urgently. "Are you going to the Forbidden Gardens again tonight?"
"Yes, it is long since I've heard the night larks in it sing," Lalaith replied. It was Wilwarin, her best friend and she is worried.
"Then be very careful for the guards are wary tonight. I do not wish for them to catch you in the Gardens without leave," she whispered.
"I thank you for your counsel but the night is still young and the wine is strong. I do not believe that the guards would pass without having a taste from the barrels. By then they would not be so watchful." Lalaith said, laughing.
"I think so too but there is an uneasiness I feel tonight that is bothering me. Perhaps you have set foot on the Gardens too many a time and it worries me."
"Then do not be troubled and enjoy the feast while you can." With that, Lalaith walked away from the Halls quickly, heading straight towards the Gardens.
She was having the greatest time exploring the grounds of the Royal Gardens when the night larks started singing. They sang with great mirth and Lalaith danced to the beautiful music they made. She remembers all her worries and concerns not when she hears their lovely singing.
Ethereal minstrel! Pilgrim of the sky!
Dost thou despise the earth where cares abound?
Or, while the wing aspire, are heart and eye
Both with thy nest upon the dewy ground?
Thy nest which thou canst drop into at will,
Those quivering wings compose that music still!
Leave to the nightingale her shady wood;
A privacy of glorious light is thine;
Whence thou dost pour upon the world a flood
Of harmony, with instinct more divine;
Type of the wise who soar, but never roam;
True to the kindred points of Heaven and home!
Lalaith sang to the night larks and their music bond with hers in a lovely symphony. Suddenly, all was silent and the sound of clapping was heard. Lalaith turned around and saw Legolas applauding. She almost fainted at the sight of him and all the birds flew away, startled by his sudden appearance.
"None I have heard could sing as well as you did, my lady." Legolas praised, advancing towards her. Lalaith started to run away and left him, surprised and very much puzzled.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A/N: Actually, this flashback here takes only a few minutes but I decided to write it more detailed so that my beloved readers would understand it better. The flashback would continue in the next chapter where I'll try to explain how Legolas and Lalaith had met before though Legolas doesn't know it. (Wilwarin means butterfly and Vilya means air)