They had started their journey very early for Lalaith did not like to
stay any longer than needed in the cave. It reminded her too much of the
cave of the goblins. Their pace was quick as they jogged on the lifeless
ground. Both of them wanted to be out and away from this gloomy forest as
soon as possible. But that was not to be for a spell lay heavily around the
woods that allowed living things in but never out. So they came near the
borders heading northwards and turned unknowingly towards the West, getting
nearer to the dangerous swamplands.
The earth below their feet turned from red to brown and to moss covered. Wild plants grew around them. Legolas and Lalaith walked swiftly over the uneven and soggy ground. Then Legolas halted all of a sudden. "We must walk no further. Even the ground is hazardous here." Lalaith nodded for she too had felt distrust for the moss-covered earth. They stood worriedly, looking around them. They knew not what to do next. Lalaith looked at the many puddles of murky water on the ground. One of them bubbled suspiciously. She walked closer to Legolas and clung to his arm. Legolas smiled down reassuringly at her.
They have only two choices now - to turn back where they came from or to walk into the mire. Legolas decided to take the risk and walk the marshland. He didn't want to go back for fear that they might meet the hoard of goblins and the orc. He stepped carefully, testing the ground before putting his weight on it. Lalaith followed close behind, holding his hand tightly.
As he moved with care, Legolas' mind wandered and memories of last night flowed into his mind. He tried to shake them of but Lalaith words continued to ring "...I do not love you..." "No...," he said, unaware that he uttered it out loud. Lalaith squeezed his hand and looked into his eyes, questioningly. "No, I mean...nothing...," he managed to say, "Do not worry. It has been long since I've heard any other sound. The fell creatures had not followed us." Lalaith turned her gaze from him and said, "It is too quiet here for my comfort."
Legolas skipped over a few patches of grass. Then vines, like evil hands, grew from the muddy ground and gripped his ankles. The vines began to pull with unearthly strength as soon as they encircled his feet. Legolas slashed at the plant with his white knife but it pulled harder and dragged him into the mud. He began to sink. Lalaith held on to Legolas and tried pulled him out. Her necklace gleamed slightly and the vines' strength lessened. Legolas cut the vines that bound his feet and crawled back onto safe ground. He jumped up and ran with Lalaith over the sinking ground. Vines shoot up around them and pursued the two elves. Legolas attacked them but they shrivelled and grew anew like they had never been hurt. The vines groped for their ankles. More and more perilous plants began to grow around them, awakened by their footfalls. Soon, they were cornered and could go no further. Legolas stepped backwards and his foot slipped. He looked behind him and saw a trough on the earth. It was deep.
Legolas scooped Lalaith up in his arms and jumped over the great slit on the ground. The gap was wide but he managed to clear it and they both tumbled onto safe ground. The vines stretched and warped but were unable to reach them. They gathered themselves and ran over fresh grass. The ground they tread now was lush and green but no other living creature could they see. There were no trees to hide them, just a long stretch of open land. If there were any goblins or orcs around, they would certainly be easy targets. Legolas led on anxiously, looking as far as his acute vision allows him for any sign of cover. He found none.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
They had been running over the mysterious grassland for hours and yet the land still stretched on. Lalaith frowned and stopped abruptly. Legolas halted as well when he found out that she was not following. "What is it?" he asked. She stooped down and touched Legolas' feet. "You're hurt," she said looking at the countless scratches on his ankle where the thorns of the vines had pierced. "It is nothing. Do not worry yourself over it. We have to get out of this treacherous land before the sun sets." Legolas took her hand and pulled her up but she refused to stand. Lalaith examined his feet with her hands gently. When she is certain that there were no poison in the wound, she untied her flowing hair and ripped the white ribbon into two with which she wrapped his bleeding ankles.
Lalaith sat down and asked Legolas to do so as well. "It is no use. Do you not feel the heavy enchantments all around you? These grounds are cursed and we will never be able to go past the borders if It does not will it."
"It?" Legolas asked. He refused to sit.
"Yes, It." Lalaith pulled her knees close to herself
"What do you mean?" Legolas asked but Lalaith remained silent. He finally sat down beside her and looked at the direction she is staring. He thought he saw a glimpse of a dark figure pass swiftly by but he dismissed it as an illusion. Legolas touched her long midnight hair. "Do you mean to give up hope now and to stay, waiting to be caught by the orc and the goblins? Let us not stop trying to cross the borders of enchantment or all we had done would be in vain."
"It is not my wont to be caught but the powers of the Shadow are weakest when the moon is high in the night sky and when the stars of Varda look down upon the earth."
"What Shadow is this that you speak of? Is not a shadow strongest when the sun is down? Pray tell what it is that has been bothering you."
Lalaith sighed and buried her face in her hands. Her heart is greatly troubled and the presence of the Creature is near. She could almost feel its cold touch. "Do you remember the day when you stood at the door of the prison?" she asked. Her voice is shaking and her heartbeat quickened.
"Yes." Legolas answered. He recalled the dark moments. Though it was brief, he could remember every detail clearly.
"Did you not see the Shadow in the room? It is that of which I speak now," Lalaith said. Her voice failing her. "It is weakest when the sun is down."
Legolas placed his hand on her quivering shoulder. "Do you know It?"
"Know? I do not know much about It and yet I am one who knows most."
"I do not understand."
"Neither do I."
The two elves waited. They sat on the soft grass together and watched as Arien shifted the sun and soon began to disappear beyond the horizon. The earth was washed in a golden light and the sky darkened slowly with the arrival of night. A dark figure slinked away and disappeared with the remaining light. A little thrush flew near them and sang softly. The enchantments are beginning to fade.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Legolas and Lalaith ate a little and rested. Lalaith took off her necklace and stared at the gem as she had always done when she was alone in the dungeons. It was never a magical jewel but because of her long imprisonment, Lalaith had put all her hope, her joy and even her life into it. She had let her whole being flow into the green gemstone for it was the only thing that she had that could help her hold on to the world and not fade into darkness. Her powers shifted from her body into the stone. It was a very dangerous thing to do but Lalaith couldn't help herself. The gem reminded her of Legolas and it had kept her mind save from the ensnaring darkness around her. At first, the Shadow knew nothing about it but soon, It found out about the powers the jewel held and the Shadow forced Lalaith to channel the flow into Itself.
Legolas looked at her. She seemed so distant, a great mystery, which held thousands of secrets and he yearn to find out about them. He was curious as a child would be when he confronts a new thing, such as he had never seen before. Perhaps this is how elf-girls are, secretive and enigmatic but he was certain that none was as mysterious as Lalaith is.
The night clouds scattered and the moonlight shone through. Everything was painted in silver and grey by the radiance of Isil and Elen. Legolas noticed with unease a thrush, brown and common looking, swirl in the sky above him. It flew close by and then swooped and disappeared far into the night sky. It seemed to be spying on them and was the only living creature that came not from the dark realm.
When the light of the celestial beings shine the brightest, Legolas and Lalaith stood up and continued their journey. Their pace was fast and soon, to the surprise of Legolas, they reached a very thick forest and there, they rested while the night lasted.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A/N: Oppsie, another late update...don't blame me, blame it on school and kenshin. Sigh, it is examination time AGAIN and I've got so much to do I couldn't find the time to sit and think about this fan fiction. I hope you won't get too angry with me that you'll not read my ff anymore @_@ (pleading eyes)
Dear Laura, Oh uh, I missed you at the last 'reply to reviewers'...Hope you won't mind. Hmm...I don't think I can guarantee this story ends with a happy ending but we shall see when it comes. I hope you'll like it any way it ends.
Not so dear kenshin, Please DON'T read my fan fiction!!! Get outta here PLEASE!!! I thought you never liked this kind of fanfic...Let me read your fanfic and visit your website first. It's not fair ya know...
Dear Adrienne-Lillian/plushies, You're scaring away all the orcs and goblins. Which perhaps is a good new for you but not for me...hehe...gotta have some bad guys here to make the story more interesting.
Dear Lady Gwen of Avalon, So sorry...the story is getting more confusing by the minute. Phew, it is hard work ya know, with my bad grammar and jumbled up plot. And hey, Legolas is a blond too...( in the movies, that is)
Dear Snowmane, Did I see wrongly or did you review twice? Well, here's the update. Hope you like it. I sure enjoy writing this fanfic. Thanx for your double reviews =)
Dear Ariach, Wow, thanx. I'm so flattered. Well, I can't update in ten minutes so perhaps you shouldn't do so =P Anyway, thanx You really get me going with your praises and all *blushes* Oohhh...I'm so honoured that Legolas' wife is reading this (hope you won't get jealous with Lalaith..hehe...)
Dear Sake Girl Duelist, I don't like kenshin as in my friend, who's crazy about him not kenshin as in Rurouni Kenshin. ARGH!!! She's so annoying (my friend). Glad you like the chappie...
The earth below their feet turned from red to brown and to moss covered. Wild plants grew around them. Legolas and Lalaith walked swiftly over the uneven and soggy ground. Then Legolas halted all of a sudden. "We must walk no further. Even the ground is hazardous here." Lalaith nodded for she too had felt distrust for the moss-covered earth. They stood worriedly, looking around them. They knew not what to do next. Lalaith looked at the many puddles of murky water on the ground. One of them bubbled suspiciously. She walked closer to Legolas and clung to his arm. Legolas smiled down reassuringly at her.
They have only two choices now - to turn back where they came from or to walk into the mire. Legolas decided to take the risk and walk the marshland. He didn't want to go back for fear that they might meet the hoard of goblins and the orc. He stepped carefully, testing the ground before putting his weight on it. Lalaith followed close behind, holding his hand tightly.
As he moved with care, Legolas' mind wandered and memories of last night flowed into his mind. He tried to shake them of but Lalaith words continued to ring "...I do not love you..." "No...," he said, unaware that he uttered it out loud. Lalaith squeezed his hand and looked into his eyes, questioningly. "No, I mean...nothing...," he managed to say, "Do not worry. It has been long since I've heard any other sound. The fell creatures had not followed us." Lalaith turned her gaze from him and said, "It is too quiet here for my comfort."
Legolas skipped over a few patches of grass. Then vines, like evil hands, grew from the muddy ground and gripped his ankles. The vines began to pull with unearthly strength as soon as they encircled his feet. Legolas slashed at the plant with his white knife but it pulled harder and dragged him into the mud. He began to sink. Lalaith held on to Legolas and tried pulled him out. Her necklace gleamed slightly and the vines' strength lessened. Legolas cut the vines that bound his feet and crawled back onto safe ground. He jumped up and ran with Lalaith over the sinking ground. Vines shoot up around them and pursued the two elves. Legolas attacked them but they shrivelled and grew anew like they had never been hurt. The vines groped for their ankles. More and more perilous plants began to grow around them, awakened by their footfalls. Soon, they were cornered and could go no further. Legolas stepped backwards and his foot slipped. He looked behind him and saw a trough on the earth. It was deep.
Legolas scooped Lalaith up in his arms and jumped over the great slit on the ground. The gap was wide but he managed to clear it and they both tumbled onto safe ground. The vines stretched and warped but were unable to reach them. They gathered themselves and ran over fresh grass. The ground they tread now was lush and green but no other living creature could they see. There were no trees to hide them, just a long stretch of open land. If there were any goblins or orcs around, they would certainly be easy targets. Legolas led on anxiously, looking as far as his acute vision allows him for any sign of cover. He found none.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
They had been running over the mysterious grassland for hours and yet the land still stretched on. Lalaith frowned and stopped abruptly. Legolas halted as well when he found out that she was not following. "What is it?" he asked. She stooped down and touched Legolas' feet. "You're hurt," she said looking at the countless scratches on his ankle where the thorns of the vines had pierced. "It is nothing. Do not worry yourself over it. We have to get out of this treacherous land before the sun sets." Legolas took her hand and pulled her up but she refused to stand. Lalaith examined his feet with her hands gently. When she is certain that there were no poison in the wound, she untied her flowing hair and ripped the white ribbon into two with which she wrapped his bleeding ankles.
Lalaith sat down and asked Legolas to do so as well. "It is no use. Do you not feel the heavy enchantments all around you? These grounds are cursed and we will never be able to go past the borders if It does not will it."
"It?" Legolas asked. He refused to sit.
"Yes, It." Lalaith pulled her knees close to herself
"What do you mean?" Legolas asked but Lalaith remained silent. He finally sat down beside her and looked at the direction she is staring. He thought he saw a glimpse of a dark figure pass swiftly by but he dismissed it as an illusion. Legolas touched her long midnight hair. "Do you mean to give up hope now and to stay, waiting to be caught by the orc and the goblins? Let us not stop trying to cross the borders of enchantment or all we had done would be in vain."
"It is not my wont to be caught but the powers of the Shadow are weakest when the moon is high in the night sky and when the stars of Varda look down upon the earth."
"What Shadow is this that you speak of? Is not a shadow strongest when the sun is down? Pray tell what it is that has been bothering you."
Lalaith sighed and buried her face in her hands. Her heart is greatly troubled and the presence of the Creature is near. She could almost feel its cold touch. "Do you remember the day when you stood at the door of the prison?" she asked. Her voice is shaking and her heartbeat quickened.
"Yes." Legolas answered. He recalled the dark moments. Though it was brief, he could remember every detail clearly.
"Did you not see the Shadow in the room? It is that of which I speak now," Lalaith said. Her voice failing her. "It is weakest when the sun is down."
Legolas placed his hand on her quivering shoulder. "Do you know It?"
"Know? I do not know much about It and yet I am one who knows most."
"I do not understand."
"Neither do I."
The two elves waited. They sat on the soft grass together and watched as Arien shifted the sun and soon began to disappear beyond the horizon. The earth was washed in a golden light and the sky darkened slowly with the arrival of night. A dark figure slinked away and disappeared with the remaining light. A little thrush flew near them and sang softly. The enchantments are beginning to fade.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Legolas and Lalaith ate a little and rested. Lalaith took off her necklace and stared at the gem as she had always done when she was alone in the dungeons. It was never a magical jewel but because of her long imprisonment, Lalaith had put all her hope, her joy and even her life into it. She had let her whole being flow into the green gemstone for it was the only thing that she had that could help her hold on to the world and not fade into darkness. Her powers shifted from her body into the stone. It was a very dangerous thing to do but Lalaith couldn't help herself. The gem reminded her of Legolas and it had kept her mind save from the ensnaring darkness around her. At first, the Shadow knew nothing about it but soon, It found out about the powers the jewel held and the Shadow forced Lalaith to channel the flow into Itself.
Legolas looked at her. She seemed so distant, a great mystery, which held thousands of secrets and he yearn to find out about them. He was curious as a child would be when he confronts a new thing, such as he had never seen before. Perhaps this is how elf-girls are, secretive and enigmatic but he was certain that none was as mysterious as Lalaith is.
The night clouds scattered and the moonlight shone through. Everything was painted in silver and grey by the radiance of Isil and Elen. Legolas noticed with unease a thrush, brown and common looking, swirl in the sky above him. It flew close by and then swooped and disappeared far into the night sky. It seemed to be spying on them and was the only living creature that came not from the dark realm.
When the light of the celestial beings shine the brightest, Legolas and Lalaith stood up and continued their journey. Their pace was fast and soon, to the surprise of Legolas, they reached a very thick forest and there, they rested while the night lasted.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A/N: Oppsie, another late update...don't blame me, blame it on school and kenshin. Sigh, it is examination time AGAIN and I've got so much to do I couldn't find the time to sit and think about this fan fiction. I hope you won't get too angry with me that you'll not read my ff anymore @_@ (pleading eyes)
Dear Laura, Oh uh, I missed you at the last 'reply to reviewers'...Hope you won't mind. Hmm...I don't think I can guarantee this story ends with a happy ending but we shall see when it comes. I hope you'll like it any way it ends.
Not so dear kenshin, Please DON'T read my fan fiction!!! Get outta here PLEASE!!! I thought you never liked this kind of fanfic...Let me read your fanfic and visit your website first. It's not fair ya know...
Dear Adrienne-Lillian/plushies, You're scaring away all the orcs and goblins. Which perhaps is a good new for you but not for me...hehe...gotta have some bad guys here to make the story more interesting.
Dear Lady Gwen of Avalon, So sorry...the story is getting more confusing by the minute. Phew, it is hard work ya know, with my bad grammar and jumbled up plot. And hey, Legolas is a blond too...( in the movies, that is)
Dear Snowmane, Did I see wrongly or did you review twice? Well, here's the update. Hope you like it. I sure enjoy writing this fanfic. Thanx for your double reviews =)
Dear Ariach, Wow, thanx. I'm so flattered. Well, I can't update in ten minutes so perhaps you shouldn't do so =P Anyway, thanx You really get me going with your praises and all *blushes* Oohhh...I'm so honoured that Legolas' wife is reading this (hope you won't get jealous with Lalaith..hehe...)
Dear Sake Girl Duelist, I don't like kenshin as in my friend, who's crazy about him not kenshin as in Rurouni Kenshin. ARGH!!! She's so annoying (my friend). Glad you like the chappie...