The Mystery of Love
~S: I have reformatted POVs and POV changes so I hope it will help. Thank you for alerting me of this and for the review. ^-^
~Katherine: Thank you for the review, and the enthusiasm. Hir Lindele will get his just deserts.*evil grin* It's all in my mind.
~Independent woman: Yes she is, I am glad someone picked up on that. ::smiles:: Thanks for the review and enjoy!
~Legolas lover: Thanks for the support; I need it after a rude review I got yesterday. Oh well, I hope you enjoy this chapter too.
Chapter Eight
Deceit
~~POV-Reyna~~
The sun rose peacefully over the trees as I woke. I had fallen asleep on my balcony. I glanced over to see Legolas, on his balcony . . . shirtless. I blushed a vibrant red when I saw how built he was. His muscles were very alluring and he chest looked very comfortable. I turned away shyly and ran into my room to dress. I choose a plain dress. It was colored a sunlit yellow, slightly pastel and very complimenting to my skin tone. I put it on quickly and braided my hair all the way down to the end of my shoulder blades. I slipped my headpiece on, bearing a sapphire to signify my strongest link. There were six Links of Mother. There was Fire, Water, Earth, Sky, Wind, Darkness, and Light. Most Fae had two branches, one stronger than the other. I had three, all equally powerful. I possessed the power of Water, Sky and Light. Hence my Fae name was Muse. Water sings to the Fae, the sky sings to the Fae and Light is the soul of the Fae. Many thought my name was predestine and I was going to do great deeds, so far all I have done with my magic is heal and kill. N'uma ner, N'uma n'ner. {Nothing more, nothing less.} I sighed, "As if I will ever amount to more than the wife of some man." As I said this I thought of why I left Glacia to begin with. One my first night out I had my vision and got side tracked but the journey was initially intended to find a man. I sighed, "Nothing ever goes right with me." I shrugged, smiled at the mirror and walked outside. I knocked on Legolas's door.
A serving maid answered, "He has already departed Miss Reyna."
I smiled, "Diola lle." {Thank you.} She nodded and I walked down to the dining hall, he was not there. I searched the courtyard, not there. I glanced into the library, beautiful but empty. I finally walked towards the archery field to see him with a girl. She had her arms around his neck and was kissing him. I knew there had to be a mistake but I could not look at them long enough to figure it out. I fled. I ran to the stables and mounted Kemi. I rode deep into the forest. A creek trailed on the border of Rivendell and I decided to practice my powers. I closed my eyes, I couldn't think of him and summon the Mother simultaneously. I struggled to think solely of the water trickling over my bare toes. The sandals were getting wet but it mattered not. I smiled, "Soothing mother, I summon you." I raised my hands and pushed them apart, the water parted around my feet. I smiled, "I am getting better." I then turned to the sun, "Soothing mother, I call upon you." I concentrated hard and put both my hands out to my side. I whispered, "Huine luka." {Darkness swallow.} The light stopped shining on everything within a yard of my body. I smiled, "Good, better than I had anticipated." Lastly I picked up a pile of dirt in my hand, "Greatest Branch of the Mother, soil of her soul, I summon you." I let it trickle from my left hand as I lifted my right arm up to my eye level, "Reveal to me the Mother's Hearth." A soft pool of spinning dirt appeared. I smiled, "Mother, hear my plea for help and aide me. I am confused about my task. I do not know if I have strayed or if I have failed you my mother. I ask that you answer me, mother of all I plead."
A soft voice I recognized well spoke, "Young Reyna. All is going accordingly. You are close to your mate, and soon you will return to take up your tasks as Queen. Your dreams will stop when you sing."
My brow furrowed, "Sing? Sing what, and for who?"
A chuckle rose, "Sing for Middle-Earth and be confident. Your voice is the greatest gift I bestowed upon you."
I blushed, "Yes my mother, until we meet again." I bowed and let the last grains of dirt fall from my hand, the small puddle of dirt vanished. I turned to mount Kemi when I saw him.
Eyes wide, he looked up at me. He choked out, "What was that?"
I smiled, "I was praying to Mother. The Mother always answers her true daughters. I must be going before the new year for I must claim my throne."
Legolas nodded, "I thought she said to wed first."
I nodded, "The man I fancy has eyes set elsewhere."
He looked at me, "What is that supposed to mean?"
I snarled, "It means I caught you. You deceiving brute! How could you lie so? Lead me to believe your affections were for me when truly a she-elf owns your heart! I cannot believe you!" I mounted my horse and left him to ponder his actions.
I walked into Elrond's room and he smiled, "HÃril Reyna, good to see you."
I nodded, "And you too."
He motioned for me to sit out on the balcony with him. I sat and he smiled, "Sut naa lle?" {how are you?}
I smiled, "Quel." {Good.} I held back, as I knew I should. Dammed up, as I should be. I looked him in the eye, "Ar lle?" {And you?}
He stood, preoccupied. "Amin naa quel, diola lle." {I am well, thank you.}
A soft knock on the door alerted us of Elladan's presence though I had heard him approach, "Dinner in twenty minutes my friends."
I nodded, "Diola lle mellon." {Thank you friend.}
He walked off and Elrond eyed my dress, "Such a dress is not what you need, you need a dress befitting of a Lady."
I blushed, "I am in no mood to impress Lord. I am sure black would be befitting of my mood though. Bleak times arise with the Uruk-hai. I wish to be with Arwen but I cannot leave Rivendell with Legolas here to defend it."
He smiled, "You mean you cannot leave Legolas."
I bit back the anguish, "I leave when I will. I shall leave tomorrow night. After the festivities and celebrate the final day in Mirkwood with Arwen."
Elrond nodded, "As you wish Reyna. Legolas will miss you."
I rolled my eyes. I replied dryly, "I am so sure my Lord." He gave me a quizzical look as we headed for the dining hall.
~~~POV CHANGE-LEGOLAS GREENLEAF~~~
I wandered the halls, slightly dazed. She thought that I had kissed an elf? What was she talking about? I have never kissed a maiden to be frank, though the obnoxious she-elves always following me were a slight deterrent. I glared at the guard as I headed into the dining hall. She sat in between Elrond and Elladan. Well, if she was going to be an immature little girl then I would ignore her in turn. I sat across from Elrond, "Lord."
He smiled, "Legolas, sut naa lle?" {How are you?}
I smiled, "Well thank you. How is your meal?"
He drank from his glass, "The Saerloonian Glowfire is exquisite. I love the lingering taste."
I took a sip of it and nodded, "Yes, like pears." He nodded and continued to enjoy his meal. We ate quietly, commenting once in a while. Reyna spoke not once. She smiled when Elladan or Elrond made a comment but otherwise made no effort to comment. Elladan dragged her in to conversation.
He smiled, "So, how was your day Reyna?"
She smiled formally, "Good, I practiced my magic until late afternoon. It was rather tiresome though, I think I shall retire after dinner."
He nodded, "I see. What magic do you possess?"
She bloomed with excitement. "Three branches of the Mother. Water, Light and Sky are my branches. Every Fae controls the Earth to the extent that they may summon the mother."
I glanced up, "It's quite amazing really, Elladan. She is very powerful." I looked for a slight blush from her but received a detached nod. Part of me saddened at this. She smiled weakly at Elladan and stood up. Elrond, Elladan and I stood after her.
She smiled, "Why, I am just retiring! No need to leave yourselves!"
I smiled, "It is only proper to stand when a lady leaves the table, especially a queen."
She flushed lightly at all of us, but that still wasn't the same. She curtsied and drifted soundlessly down the hall. My eyes followed, and my heart hurt. She did not come out of her room all day the next day.
After two days I had the locksmith unlock the door. Her room was empty. A note lay on it and it read:
'Dearest Friends,
I regret that I cannot stay any longer. Past and foreseen events deter me from doing so. I must return to Mirkwood, Arwen is only eight months from delivery. After her babe is born I will take leave with her to return to Glacia. I am sorry that I have missed your celebration and I hope to see you in the future.
Almaarea ari a' lle, Reyna'
I was aghast. She had seen gone since that night. I ran to Elrond's chambers and knocked on the door. "Lord Elrond, may I have a word with you?"
He opened the door, "What has you so worried Lord Legolas?"
I gave him the letter and watched, as his eyes grew wider with fright. He looked up, "I want you to go to Mirkwood and assure that you both arrived safely with a messenger. That girl is so frivolous that I often wonder what has kept her alive all these years." He laughed weakly and granted my leave.
I bowed, "Thank you Lord Elrond, I shall send word to arrive in five day's pass." He nodded and I departed for my chambers once again.
When I arrived, I packed swiftly, only the things that were necessary. I gave strict orders to the servants to pack my stuff away if this chamber were needed for another's company. As I headed towards the stables I heard someone mutter the word 'Lindele.' I turned, "What of Lindele?"
The stable hand glanced up, "Lord Lindele left only two hours before Mistress Lindele did, sir."
I pondered, Sir Lindele. I remember Reyna's father. He had escaped; I supposed most would assume a blond haired and blue-eyed elf to be nothing out of the ordinary. Lindele had lengthy blond tresses straight as my own, and skin like that of a Woodland Elf. I paused; he might resemble me slightly at first glance from behind. Maybe to a girl's mind, when she is too emotional to glance twice he looked a lot like me. I thanked the stable hand and mounted Arod. I stopped once so that Arod could rest. I paced during that time, across the plush meadows. I glanced up at the stars, wondering where she could be. I valued her as a friend, but what other affection was there has been shattered by her distrust. I sighed, mounted Arod again and rode hard. When I arrived Ariane was waiting in the stables.
He approached, "Good friend, right on time. She told me you would be here two hours before dawn. Quite precise I should say. She is not here, I am afraid that Arwen, Aragorn and her departed for Glacia about a day go. Reyna told me to tell you one last thing. She said that 'he is loose' and to 'beware' though I know not what she meant."
I headed towards her chambers and Ariane turned. "She is gone Legolas, I told you that. What are you up to?"
I laughed, "She has deceived you my friend, she is back in Rivendell."
Ariane gave me a quizzical look, "You know this how?"
I smiled, "The man she was referring to is her father. He was captured in Rivendell and now is slyly living among them. She would never leave him there alive. She may have given Arwen and Aragorn directions and told them that she would meet them there but she is not on her way to Glacia quite yet. Listen, you hear the water singing in the brook? How soft and gentle it is, when normally it is so bold? You see how muted the light is as it shines through the trees? You feel how smooth and silky the wind is as it blows in your face when all too often it is harsh and cold? That is her scent. I have noticed it many times when she is near, and the difference when she leaves my presence. Those are her branches of the Mother, up until dinner last night where she told me so; I was befuddled and thought myself a mad man. Now I understand, if the land is still so rich with her touch then she has departed only hours ago. To Rivendell I shall ride once more, thank you for the information and take care of Mirkwood during my leave." I rode towards Rivendell again, I had to find her and explain. I had to know what the truth would lead to, but most of all; I had to traverse this gap that was thrown between us in the haste of her anger. I am sure she felt it too, the coldness between us was that of a mid-winter's chill when I longed for a sultry summer's night.
~~END~~
Ok, ok, ok. I am guilty of making that last part a bit romantic but oh well. Things will change. You will all see, anyway keep the reviews coming. I try to keep you all happy if I can. Reyna had a small role in this chappy but the next one will have her in a dominant role. This chapter was also all too peaceful, but the violence is to come. In the next chapter: 'Ode to Lindele.' Namarie!
~S: I have reformatted POVs and POV changes so I hope it will help. Thank you for alerting me of this and for the review. ^-^
~Katherine: Thank you for the review, and the enthusiasm. Hir Lindele will get his just deserts.*evil grin* It's all in my mind.
~Independent woman: Yes she is, I am glad someone picked up on that. ::smiles:: Thanks for the review and enjoy!
~Legolas lover: Thanks for the support; I need it after a rude review I got yesterday. Oh well, I hope you enjoy this chapter too.
Chapter Eight
Deceit
~~POV-Reyna~~
The sun rose peacefully over the trees as I woke. I had fallen asleep on my balcony. I glanced over to see Legolas, on his balcony . . . shirtless. I blushed a vibrant red when I saw how built he was. His muscles were very alluring and he chest looked very comfortable. I turned away shyly and ran into my room to dress. I choose a plain dress. It was colored a sunlit yellow, slightly pastel and very complimenting to my skin tone. I put it on quickly and braided my hair all the way down to the end of my shoulder blades. I slipped my headpiece on, bearing a sapphire to signify my strongest link. There were six Links of Mother. There was Fire, Water, Earth, Sky, Wind, Darkness, and Light. Most Fae had two branches, one stronger than the other. I had three, all equally powerful. I possessed the power of Water, Sky and Light. Hence my Fae name was Muse. Water sings to the Fae, the sky sings to the Fae and Light is the soul of the Fae. Many thought my name was predestine and I was going to do great deeds, so far all I have done with my magic is heal and kill. N'uma ner, N'uma n'ner. {Nothing more, nothing less.} I sighed, "As if I will ever amount to more than the wife of some man." As I said this I thought of why I left Glacia to begin with. One my first night out I had my vision and got side tracked but the journey was initially intended to find a man. I sighed, "Nothing ever goes right with me." I shrugged, smiled at the mirror and walked outside. I knocked on Legolas's door.
A serving maid answered, "He has already departed Miss Reyna."
I smiled, "Diola lle." {Thank you.} She nodded and I walked down to the dining hall, he was not there. I searched the courtyard, not there. I glanced into the library, beautiful but empty. I finally walked towards the archery field to see him with a girl. She had her arms around his neck and was kissing him. I knew there had to be a mistake but I could not look at them long enough to figure it out. I fled. I ran to the stables and mounted Kemi. I rode deep into the forest. A creek trailed on the border of Rivendell and I decided to practice my powers. I closed my eyes, I couldn't think of him and summon the Mother simultaneously. I struggled to think solely of the water trickling over my bare toes. The sandals were getting wet but it mattered not. I smiled, "Soothing mother, I summon you." I raised my hands and pushed them apart, the water parted around my feet. I smiled, "I am getting better." I then turned to the sun, "Soothing mother, I call upon you." I concentrated hard and put both my hands out to my side. I whispered, "Huine luka." {Darkness swallow.} The light stopped shining on everything within a yard of my body. I smiled, "Good, better than I had anticipated." Lastly I picked up a pile of dirt in my hand, "Greatest Branch of the Mother, soil of her soul, I summon you." I let it trickle from my left hand as I lifted my right arm up to my eye level, "Reveal to me the Mother's Hearth." A soft pool of spinning dirt appeared. I smiled, "Mother, hear my plea for help and aide me. I am confused about my task. I do not know if I have strayed or if I have failed you my mother. I ask that you answer me, mother of all I plead."
A soft voice I recognized well spoke, "Young Reyna. All is going accordingly. You are close to your mate, and soon you will return to take up your tasks as Queen. Your dreams will stop when you sing."
My brow furrowed, "Sing? Sing what, and for who?"
A chuckle rose, "Sing for Middle-Earth and be confident. Your voice is the greatest gift I bestowed upon you."
I blushed, "Yes my mother, until we meet again." I bowed and let the last grains of dirt fall from my hand, the small puddle of dirt vanished. I turned to mount Kemi when I saw him.
Eyes wide, he looked up at me. He choked out, "What was that?"
I smiled, "I was praying to Mother. The Mother always answers her true daughters. I must be going before the new year for I must claim my throne."
Legolas nodded, "I thought she said to wed first."
I nodded, "The man I fancy has eyes set elsewhere."
He looked at me, "What is that supposed to mean?"
I snarled, "It means I caught you. You deceiving brute! How could you lie so? Lead me to believe your affections were for me when truly a she-elf owns your heart! I cannot believe you!" I mounted my horse and left him to ponder his actions.
I walked into Elrond's room and he smiled, "HÃril Reyna, good to see you."
I nodded, "And you too."
He motioned for me to sit out on the balcony with him. I sat and he smiled, "Sut naa lle?" {how are you?}
I smiled, "Quel." {Good.} I held back, as I knew I should. Dammed up, as I should be. I looked him in the eye, "Ar lle?" {And you?}
He stood, preoccupied. "Amin naa quel, diola lle." {I am well, thank you.}
A soft knock on the door alerted us of Elladan's presence though I had heard him approach, "Dinner in twenty minutes my friends."
I nodded, "Diola lle mellon." {Thank you friend.}
He walked off and Elrond eyed my dress, "Such a dress is not what you need, you need a dress befitting of a Lady."
I blushed, "I am in no mood to impress Lord. I am sure black would be befitting of my mood though. Bleak times arise with the Uruk-hai. I wish to be with Arwen but I cannot leave Rivendell with Legolas here to defend it."
He smiled, "You mean you cannot leave Legolas."
I bit back the anguish, "I leave when I will. I shall leave tomorrow night. After the festivities and celebrate the final day in Mirkwood with Arwen."
Elrond nodded, "As you wish Reyna. Legolas will miss you."
I rolled my eyes. I replied dryly, "I am so sure my Lord." He gave me a quizzical look as we headed for the dining hall.
~~~POV CHANGE-LEGOLAS GREENLEAF~~~
I wandered the halls, slightly dazed. She thought that I had kissed an elf? What was she talking about? I have never kissed a maiden to be frank, though the obnoxious she-elves always following me were a slight deterrent. I glared at the guard as I headed into the dining hall. She sat in between Elrond and Elladan. Well, if she was going to be an immature little girl then I would ignore her in turn. I sat across from Elrond, "Lord."
He smiled, "Legolas, sut naa lle?" {How are you?}
I smiled, "Well thank you. How is your meal?"
He drank from his glass, "The Saerloonian Glowfire is exquisite. I love the lingering taste."
I took a sip of it and nodded, "Yes, like pears." He nodded and continued to enjoy his meal. We ate quietly, commenting once in a while. Reyna spoke not once. She smiled when Elladan or Elrond made a comment but otherwise made no effort to comment. Elladan dragged her in to conversation.
He smiled, "So, how was your day Reyna?"
She smiled formally, "Good, I practiced my magic until late afternoon. It was rather tiresome though, I think I shall retire after dinner."
He nodded, "I see. What magic do you possess?"
She bloomed with excitement. "Three branches of the Mother. Water, Light and Sky are my branches. Every Fae controls the Earth to the extent that they may summon the mother."
I glanced up, "It's quite amazing really, Elladan. She is very powerful." I looked for a slight blush from her but received a detached nod. Part of me saddened at this. She smiled weakly at Elladan and stood up. Elrond, Elladan and I stood after her.
She smiled, "Why, I am just retiring! No need to leave yourselves!"
I smiled, "It is only proper to stand when a lady leaves the table, especially a queen."
She flushed lightly at all of us, but that still wasn't the same. She curtsied and drifted soundlessly down the hall. My eyes followed, and my heart hurt. She did not come out of her room all day the next day.
After two days I had the locksmith unlock the door. Her room was empty. A note lay on it and it read:
'Dearest Friends,
I regret that I cannot stay any longer. Past and foreseen events deter me from doing so. I must return to Mirkwood, Arwen is only eight months from delivery. After her babe is born I will take leave with her to return to Glacia. I am sorry that I have missed your celebration and I hope to see you in the future.
Almaarea ari a' lle, Reyna'
I was aghast. She had seen gone since that night. I ran to Elrond's chambers and knocked on the door. "Lord Elrond, may I have a word with you?"
He opened the door, "What has you so worried Lord Legolas?"
I gave him the letter and watched, as his eyes grew wider with fright. He looked up, "I want you to go to Mirkwood and assure that you both arrived safely with a messenger. That girl is so frivolous that I often wonder what has kept her alive all these years." He laughed weakly and granted my leave.
I bowed, "Thank you Lord Elrond, I shall send word to arrive in five day's pass." He nodded and I departed for my chambers once again.
When I arrived, I packed swiftly, only the things that were necessary. I gave strict orders to the servants to pack my stuff away if this chamber were needed for another's company. As I headed towards the stables I heard someone mutter the word 'Lindele.' I turned, "What of Lindele?"
The stable hand glanced up, "Lord Lindele left only two hours before Mistress Lindele did, sir."
I pondered, Sir Lindele. I remember Reyna's father. He had escaped; I supposed most would assume a blond haired and blue-eyed elf to be nothing out of the ordinary. Lindele had lengthy blond tresses straight as my own, and skin like that of a Woodland Elf. I paused; he might resemble me slightly at first glance from behind. Maybe to a girl's mind, when she is too emotional to glance twice he looked a lot like me. I thanked the stable hand and mounted Arod. I stopped once so that Arod could rest. I paced during that time, across the plush meadows. I glanced up at the stars, wondering where she could be. I valued her as a friend, but what other affection was there has been shattered by her distrust. I sighed, mounted Arod again and rode hard. When I arrived Ariane was waiting in the stables.
He approached, "Good friend, right on time. She told me you would be here two hours before dawn. Quite precise I should say. She is not here, I am afraid that Arwen, Aragorn and her departed for Glacia about a day go. Reyna told me to tell you one last thing. She said that 'he is loose' and to 'beware' though I know not what she meant."
I headed towards her chambers and Ariane turned. "She is gone Legolas, I told you that. What are you up to?"
I laughed, "She has deceived you my friend, she is back in Rivendell."
Ariane gave me a quizzical look, "You know this how?"
I smiled, "The man she was referring to is her father. He was captured in Rivendell and now is slyly living among them. She would never leave him there alive. She may have given Arwen and Aragorn directions and told them that she would meet them there but she is not on her way to Glacia quite yet. Listen, you hear the water singing in the brook? How soft and gentle it is, when normally it is so bold? You see how muted the light is as it shines through the trees? You feel how smooth and silky the wind is as it blows in your face when all too often it is harsh and cold? That is her scent. I have noticed it many times when she is near, and the difference when she leaves my presence. Those are her branches of the Mother, up until dinner last night where she told me so; I was befuddled and thought myself a mad man. Now I understand, if the land is still so rich with her touch then she has departed only hours ago. To Rivendell I shall ride once more, thank you for the information and take care of Mirkwood during my leave." I rode towards Rivendell again, I had to find her and explain. I had to know what the truth would lead to, but most of all; I had to traverse this gap that was thrown between us in the haste of her anger. I am sure she felt it too, the coldness between us was that of a mid-winter's chill when I longed for a sultry summer's night.
~~END~~
Ok, ok, ok. I am guilty of making that last part a bit romantic but oh well. Things will change. You will all see, anyway keep the reviews coming. I try to keep you all happy if I can. Reyna had a small role in this chappy but the next one will have her in a dominant role. This chapter was also all too peaceful, but the violence is to come. In the next chapter: 'Ode to Lindele.' Namarie!