The Mystery of Love
THANK YOU ALL FOR THE REVIEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Twenty-Six
Trying Times for Mirkwood
~~~POV-REYNA LINDELE~~~
I sighed as I left Serina's room. I was exhausted. Legolas took me into his arms and held me tightly. "It will be okay Cathelle."
A smile crossed my face, "Thank you for the support. I do hope it everything works out."
He took my hand and we walked towards our chambers. When we walked up to Legolas's door there was an Elf waiting. He had long black hair and piercing green eyes. He wore the vestments of Mirkwood but was clearly an elf from Rivendell. He had a piece of rolled up, sealed parchment in his hand. He stood at attention as we approached. "Legolas Thranduillion. I am here to personally escort you home."
Legolas looked exhausted. I glared icily at the herald, "I will go with him and we will leave at dawn."
The herald stood firm, "It is a matter of grave importance."
Legolas rolled his eyes, "Involving whom?"
Mirkwood's herald bit his lip, "King Thranduil was assassinated yesterday."
I raised a hand to my mouth as Legolas's knees buckled. I slid my shoulder under his arm to support him. He gasped for breath and began to shake. "Ada . . ." {Father.} Crystalline tears formed on his lashes and spilled over the brim of his eyes, down his deathly pale cheeks and clung to his chin. I walked him into my chambers and sat him on my bed.
"Legolas, amin hiraetha. Amin . . .amin mela lle." {Legolas, I am sorry. I...I love you.} I wrapped my slender arms around Legolas's body and embraced him. I kissed his cheek and forehead several times, "N'uma nalla. Saese, n'uma nalla." {Please, don't cry.} I kissed his cheek again and kissed his ear. I kissed all the way up his ear to the sensitive pointed tip. I stop and wrapped him in my arms tighter, "We will do this together. We will get through this together."
Legolas wiped his eyes, "Don't say you love me! I will have none of it! My father died because he loved my mother! I won't have you lingering on and wasting away like my father did!"
I held him; "Your father is with your mother now, in the halls of Mandos. They are together."
Legolas sighed and his eyes clouded. He stopped blinking and his breathing was not audible anymore. I put a finger to his jugular, "Legolas? Legolas! " I slit a thin cut in my wrist with an arrowhead. I put the laceration against Legolas's opened lips and allowed the blood to flow into his mouth. "Please let this work! It always works when a heart is searching for the halls of Mandos! You can't leave me behind Legolas! I need you in my life because without you the fire in my soul will extinguish and leave my spirit dead. Your parents have one another and without you I am alone! Please come back to me." His soul longed for his parents and was being pulled to Mandos.
Legolas took in a deep breath. "You mean all that Reyna?"
A sole tear trickled down my cheek as I nodded fiercely. "Yes I do."
He embraced me tightly, "Lle naa estelamin." {You are my hope.}
I patted him on the back, "Uma. Lle naa meleamin." {Yes. You are my passion.} I took both his hands in mine and walked with him out to onto the balcony. Night had settled in and I looked up at the stars. "My mother used to tell me that our ancestors watched us from above. Do you think Serlia and adalle {your father} are there now?"
"Uma Cathelle." He gripped my hand tightly as we curled up under his blanket. "The blanket smells of you. I wonder how." I blushed furiously and shrugged.
"Who knows? Maybe it just a coincidence." I put on my most innocent face.
He fell silent for a moment, "There are no coincidences. We will get through this together Cathelle."
I nodded, "Of course. When are you going to return to Mirkwood?"
"I will be leaving tomorrow afternoon."
A grim expression overcame me, "I will come with you."
"No, you must stay here and guard your people. I will tell Loraine and Ariane to watch over Mirkwood. Loraine will be a good queen until I return."
I looked up sadly, "Why can't I come with you?"
A loud sigh escaped his lips, "I do not want you to be around such sadness. Enjoy the merriment and peacefulness that resides here."
I looked at the ground woefully, "You mean the peace that 'was' here, before the Uruk-hai came."
~~~POV CHANGE-LEGOLAS GREENLEAF~~~
I put my arm around her and brought her closer to me. I kissed her cheek softly. "Esta sii' Cathelle." {Rest now Kitten.} She nodded and curled up in my lap. Her soft hair fell down my arm as she rested her head on my shoulder. I stroked her cheek and whispered elvish blessings in her ears. We both fell asleep quickly in each other's company.
~~~Nine hours later~~~
I woke a bit after dawn and lay where I was. Reyna was on top of me, her arms wrapped around my torso and her head comfortably settled on my chest. I smiled and kissed her forehead. She did not wake so I just ran my fingers through her thick tresses and watched the orange sun rise over the land. Arwen came in, her eyes red with tears. I smiled, "I cannot get up to greet you but you can come to meet me."
She walked out onto the balcony and smiled weakly at the sight of Reyna. "I heard about your father. Amin hiraetha." {I'm sorry.}
I shifted uncomfortably, "I am sorry too."
Arwen took a breath, "Have you seen Serlia lately? She hasn't shown up to help me with Eldarion since two nights ago. I am beginning to worry if she is ill."
I took a deep breath, watching Reyna's figure rise and fall. "Serlia is dead. She was raped and killed by Uruk-hai. Cathelle found her and her funeral is being held two hours from now. I am sorry I could not tell you earlier but I wished not to wake the kitten."
A gasp escaped Arwen's no longer composed figure, "What? What has become of Middle Earth?"
I shook my head, "I do not know but it is definitely not the place I want to raise my children."
Arwen sighed, "I wish I could take Aragorn to Valinor. Aragorn is to weak to fight but he will if anything threatens me." Cathelle stirred.
"Aragorn is weakening already you say? Then the time has come." Cathelle stood and allowed me to get up. She walked over to her vanity and brushed her hair as she spoke. "Arwen, get Aragorn and Serina and tell them that I need to call a meeting. Legolas, will you ride down the left side of the Peak and alert everyone that I am calling a meeting? Arwen, make sure Serina rings the bell. I need to ride down the right side. There is much I need to talk about and little time to get it done."
I nodded and led Arwen out. Arwen left to find Serina and I saddled Kemi and Arod. Reyna emerged from the palace with a forlorn look on her face. "We must do what must be done, which is what is expected of a queen." I nodded, trying to encourage her.
~~~POV CHANGE-REYNA LINDELE~~~
I rode hard down to the first landing. The first Fae I met was a young woman I had trained with when I first cam here. "Wirial, please ring the bell. Alert all the Fae that there will be a meeting at nine and Serlia's funeral will follow." I left before she could ask about Serlia and rode to the next landing.
I met up with a young Fae of about one thousand elven years. I smiled at her, "Dianiel, you must ring the bell. A meeting will be held at nine and make sure everyone knows it. Following the meeting I will make Serlia's funeral an optional attendance but it is recommended."
Dianiel's bright face sunk, "As you wish Queen Reyna."
I smiled, "It's just Reyna." She nodded and ran towards the bell. I could hear a bell from above and a bell from the other side of the mountain ringing loudly.
I rode to the last landing. "Terreal! Hurry and ring the bell, there will be a meeting in an hour and Serlia's funeral will follow." Turreal's shining blue eyes dulled.
"Of course Reyna. We will all be there." I smiled and rode hard back to the palace. I could hear all seven bells ringing when I reached the peak. Each bell had a distinct tone but when all were rung it was a gorgeous chorus of unity.
Legolas rode up to me, "You must dress out of those riding clothes." I nodded and dismounted. He took both the horses and I ran into the palace. In my room I pulled on a black blouse that was tight fitting on my arms and torso and a black skirt that came to my knees. I pulled a pair of tight shorts underneath the skirt, just in case. I looked forlorn as I watched myself in the mirror. I forced a smiled on, "I must be happy for my people." I ran to the massive conference room. The Peak and the two highest landings were already filing in. I put my hand against my pocket to make sure everything was ready. Yes, the powder was there. The south doors of the conference room were opened and Serlia's casket lay on the altar. Dozens of flowers surrounded it and I almost cried staring at what had become of my vivacious friend. I smiled again when I noticed Legolas, Arwen, and Aragorn walk in. I stood tall when I saw Turreal's face. The furthest colony had arrived.
"Attention!" Everyone hushed and looked straight at me. There hadn't been a meeting called since the war of the ring. "I need to talk to you all. As you all know, we are immortals and have the option of sailing to Valinor. There have been several attacks by Uruk-hai in Rivendell, Mirkwood and our own Glacia."
Many hushed whispers filled the room and I continued. "You may leave if you wish but I want you all to know that I will stay and fight for what is ours."
Arwen and Legolas approached the podium, "As will we! We are with you Reyna."
I smiled, "For those of you who do not know these two this is Princess Arwen of Rivendell and King Legolas of Mirkwood." Legolas looked down at this, but he 'was' king. Arwen stood on my left and Legolas took up my right side. Serina stood and took her place next to Arwen.
Aragorn started to approach and I shook my head. "There is one man here who wishes to aid us and he is a mortal man. The stars have shone on him for many years now and he is aged. I will allow him up here because at the end of this meeting he will be given the option of going to Valinor." Aragorn stopped dead and Arwen gasped. She started to cry and ran up to Aragorn. She hugged him tightly and led him up. Aragorn stood next to Legolas. I sighed, "Is there anyone out there who wishes to leave for Valinor?"
One Fae stood, "I think we should have two or three Fae take the children somewhere safe, whether that is Valinor or the Hollow is your choice." I nodded and thought hard for a moment. The Hollow was a place deep into the woods that no enemy had ever found. It was through a tunnel deep under the ground. After you made it through the tunnel there was a village the size of one landing. It had water and food sources and everything we would need.
I nodded, "Thank you. You, Dianiel, and Wirial please take all Fae under one thousand elven years of age to the Hollow tomorrow morning."
Dianiel stood, "Please, let me stay and help you!"
I shook my head, "You are strong and brave and that is why I assigned you there." She nodded and sat back down. Wirial walked over to her and they started to talk quietly.
I sighed, "Anyone else wish to leave?" No one moved. A grin lit my lips, "Great! For the Mother!" Every Fae stood and yelled back. "I want you all to put the landings on high alert and no magic will be used except for fighting or healing until we defeat this. You are dismissed." They all turned and went through the south doors to Serlia's casket.
My eyes were wide with awe at the sense of love these women held for their fellow Fae, their land, and their queen. I turned to Aragorn, "King Aragorn of Gondor. I have a choice for you."
Aragorn walked up and bowed to me. "What is this choice for me to make?"
I took a purple velvet pouch out of my pocket. "I will make you immortal but if you wish to continue your mortal life then speak now."
Arwen smiled through the joyous tears streaking down her face. Aragorn genuflected before me and I smiled. "Then let it be done." I looked over at Serina and she lit a fire in the air above him. I poured half of the powder into the fire and watched as light radiated from Aragorn.
He stood and the youth returned to his face. "Thank you Reyna. I will now be able to see Eldarion grow. I will be able to love my lovely wife until we sail to Valinor. As a display of my eternal gratitude I will give you my sword whenever you ask for it."
I hugged him; "It is merely a gift from a sister to a brother." He hugged my tightly and turned to Arwen.
I smiled and we walked into the south doors. I blessed Serlia's casket and carried it with the help of Serina, Aragorn, Legolas and Arwen outside to the burial grounds. We slowly lowered the casket in and Arwen threw a white flower into the hole. I tossed a red rose in and Legolas tossed a yellow honeysuckle. Aragorn kissed the forget me not in his hand, "You saved my wife and son yet I failed to save you. I am sorry."
I looked up, surprised and saw Aragorn wiping tears away. We all turned and Serina began to bury Serlia. It was tradition that a family member buries them. It usually gave the person private time to say goodbye. I took Legolas's hand and smiled, "When are you leaving?"
He looked up at the sun, "In two hours."
I smiled again, "Ok. Let's go swim until then. Arod is already saddled so you have nothing to worry about. You can take Kemi if you want to return quickly." He laughed and turned towards the forest.
"Let's swim."
~~~TO BE CONTINUED~~~
R&R! Is war upon them? Will the young Fae make it to the hollow? What will become of the unprotected elves? Find out in chapter twenty-seven: Traveling
Vanya Sulie,
~Tainted Elf~
THANK YOU ALL FOR THE REVIEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Twenty-Six
Trying Times for Mirkwood
~~~POV-REYNA LINDELE~~~
I sighed as I left Serina's room. I was exhausted. Legolas took me into his arms and held me tightly. "It will be okay Cathelle."
A smile crossed my face, "Thank you for the support. I do hope it everything works out."
He took my hand and we walked towards our chambers. When we walked up to Legolas's door there was an Elf waiting. He had long black hair and piercing green eyes. He wore the vestments of Mirkwood but was clearly an elf from Rivendell. He had a piece of rolled up, sealed parchment in his hand. He stood at attention as we approached. "Legolas Thranduillion. I am here to personally escort you home."
Legolas looked exhausted. I glared icily at the herald, "I will go with him and we will leave at dawn."
The herald stood firm, "It is a matter of grave importance."
Legolas rolled his eyes, "Involving whom?"
Mirkwood's herald bit his lip, "King Thranduil was assassinated yesterday."
I raised a hand to my mouth as Legolas's knees buckled. I slid my shoulder under his arm to support him. He gasped for breath and began to shake. "Ada . . ." {Father.} Crystalline tears formed on his lashes and spilled over the brim of his eyes, down his deathly pale cheeks and clung to his chin. I walked him into my chambers and sat him on my bed.
"Legolas, amin hiraetha. Amin . . .amin mela lle." {Legolas, I am sorry. I...I love you.} I wrapped my slender arms around Legolas's body and embraced him. I kissed his cheek and forehead several times, "N'uma nalla. Saese, n'uma nalla." {Please, don't cry.} I kissed his cheek again and kissed his ear. I kissed all the way up his ear to the sensitive pointed tip. I stop and wrapped him in my arms tighter, "We will do this together. We will get through this together."
Legolas wiped his eyes, "Don't say you love me! I will have none of it! My father died because he loved my mother! I won't have you lingering on and wasting away like my father did!"
I held him; "Your father is with your mother now, in the halls of Mandos. They are together."
Legolas sighed and his eyes clouded. He stopped blinking and his breathing was not audible anymore. I put a finger to his jugular, "Legolas? Legolas! " I slit a thin cut in my wrist with an arrowhead. I put the laceration against Legolas's opened lips and allowed the blood to flow into his mouth. "Please let this work! It always works when a heart is searching for the halls of Mandos! You can't leave me behind Legolas! I need you in my life because without you the fire in my soul will extinguish and leave my spirit dead. Your parents have one another and without you I am alone! Please come back to me." His soul longed for his parents and was being pulled to Mandos.
Legolas took in a deep breath. "You mean all that Reyna?"
A sole tear trickled down my cheek as I nodded fiercely. "Yes I do."
He embraced me tightly, "Lle naa estelamin." {You are my hope.}
I patted him on the back, "Uma. Lle naa meleamin." {Yes. You are my passion.} I took both his hands in mine and walked with him out to onto the balcony. Night had settled in and I looked up at the stars. "My mother used to tell me that our ancestors watched us from above. Do you think Serlia and adalle {your father} are there now?"
"Uma Cathelle." He gripped my hand tightly as we curled up under his blanket. "The blanket smells of you. I wonder how." I blushed furiously and shrugged.
"Who knows? Maybe it just a coincidence." I put on my most innocent face.
He fell silent for a moment, "There are no coincidences. We will get through this together Cathelle."
I nodded, "Of course. When are you going to return to Mirkwood?"
"I will be leaving tomorrow afternoon."
A grim expression overcame me, "I will come with you."
"No, you must stay here and guard your people. I will tell Loraine and Ariane to watch over Mirkwood. Loraine will be a good queen until I return."
I looked up sadly, "Why can't I come with you?"
A loud sigh escaped his lips, "I do not want you to be around such sadness. Enjoy the merriment and peacefulness that resides here."
I looked at the ground woefully, "You mean the peace that 'was' here, before the Uruk-hai came."
~~~POV CHANGE-LEGOLAS GREENLEAF~~~
I put my arm around her and brought her closer to me. I kissed her cheek softly. "Esta sii' Cathelle." {Rest now Kitten.} She nodded and curled up in my lap. Her soft hair fell down my arm as she rested her head on my shoulder. I stroked her cheek and whispered elvish blessings in her ears. We both fell asleep quickly in each other's company.
~~~Nine hours later~~~
I woke a bit after dawn and lay where I was. Reyna was on top of me, her arms wrapped around my torso and her head comfortably settled on my chest. I smiled and kissed her forehead. She did not wake so I just ran my fingers through her thick tresses and watched the orange sun rise over the land. Arwen came in, her eyes red with tears. I smiled, "I cannot get up to greet you but you can come to meet me."
She walked out onto the balcony and smiled weakly at the sight of Reyna. "I heard about your father. Amin hiraetha." {I'm sorry.}
I shifted uncomfortably, "I am sorry too."
Arwen took a breath, "Have you seen Serlia lately? She hasn't shown up to help me with Eldarion since two nights ago. I am beginning to worry if she is ill."
I took a deep breath, watching Reyna's figure rise and fall. "Serlia is dead. She was raped and killed by Uruk-hai. Cathelle found her and her funeral is being held two hours from now. I am sorry I could not tell you earlier but I wished not to wake the kitten."
A gasp escaped Arwen's no longer composed figure, "What? What has become of Middle Earth?"
I shook my head, "I do not know but it is definitely not the place I want to raise my children."
Arwen sighed, "I wish I could take Aragorn to Valinor. Aragorn is to weak to fight but he will if anything threatens me." Cathelle stirred.
"Aragorn is weakening already you say? Then the time has come." Cathelle stood and allowed me to get up. She walked over to her vanity and brushed her hair as she spoke. "Arwen, get Aragorn and Serina and tell them that I need to call a meeting. Legolas, will you ride down the left side of the Peak and alert everyone that I am calling a meeting? Arwen, make sure Serina rings the bell. I need to ride down the right side. There is much I need to talk about and little time to get it done."
I nodded and led Arwen out. Arwen left to find Serina and I saddled Kemi and Arod. Reyna emerged from the palace with a forlorn look on her face. "We must do what must be done, which is what is expected of a queen." I nodded, trying to encourage her.
~~~POV CHANGE-REYNA LINDELE~~~
I rode hard down to the first landing. The first Fae I met was a young woman I had trained with when I first cam here. "Wirial, please ring the bell. Alert all the Fae that there will be a meeting at nine and Serlia's funeral will follow." I left before she could ask about Serlia and rode to the next landing.
I met up with a young Fae of about one thousand elven years. I smiled at her, "Dianiel, you must ring the bell. A meeting will be held at nine and make sure everyone knows it. Following the meeting I will make Serlia's funeral an optional attendance but it is recommended."
Dianiel's bright face sunk, "As you wish Queen Reyna."
I smiled, "It's just Reyna." She nodded and ran towards the bell. I could hear a bell from above and a bell from the other side of the mountain ringing loudly.
I rode to the last landing. "Terreal! Hurry and ring the bell, there will be a meeting in an hour and Serlia's funeral will follow." Turreal's shining blue eyes dulled.
"Of course Reyna. We will all be there." I smiled and rode hard back to the palace. I could hear all seven bells ringing when I reached the peak. Each bell had a distinct tone but when all were rung it was a gorgeous chorus of unity.
Legolas rode up to me, "You must dress out of those riding clothes." I nodded and dismounted. He took both the horses and I ran into the palace. In my room I pulled on a black blouse that was tight fitting on my arms and torso and a black skirt that came to my knees. I pulled a pair of tight shorts underneath the skirt, just in case. I looked forlorn as I watched myself in the mirror. I forced a smiled on, "I must be happy for my people." I ran to the massive conference room. The Peak and the two highest landings were already filing in. I put my hand against my pocket to make sure everything was ready. Yes, the powder was there. The south doors of the conference room were opened and Serlia's casket lay on the altar. Dozens of flowers surrounded it and I almost cried staring at what had become of my vivacious friend. I smiled again when I noticed Legolas, Arwen, and Aragorn walk in. I stood tall when I saw Turreal's face. The furthest colony had arrived.
"Attention!" Everyone hushed and looked straight at me. There hadn't been a meeting called since the war of the ring. "I need to talk to you all. As you all know, we are immortals and have the option of sailing to Valinor. There have been several attacks by Uruk-hai in Rivendell, Mirkwood and our own Glacia."
Many hushed whispers filled the room and I continued. "You may leave if you wish but I want you all to know that I will stay and fight for what is ours."
Arwen and Legolas approached the podium, "As will we! We are with you Reyna."
I smiled, "For those of you who do not know these two this is Princess Arwen of Rivendell and King Legolas of Mirkwood." Legolas looked down at this, but he 'was' king. Arwen stood on my left and Legolas took up my right side. Serina stood and took her place next to Arwen.
Aragorn started to approach and I shook my head. "There is one man here who wishes to aid us and he is a mortal man. The stars have shone on him for many years now and he is aged. I will allow him up here because at the end of this meeting he will be given the option of going to Valinor." Aragorn stopped dead and Arwen gasped. She started to cry and ran up to Aragorn. She hugged him tightly and led him up. Aragorn stood next to Legolas. I sighed, "Is there anyone out there who wishes to leave for Valinor?"
One Fae stood, "I think we should have two or three Fae take the children somewhere safe, whether that is Valinor or the Hollow is your choice." I nodded and thought hard for a moment. The Hollow was a place deep into the woods that no enemy had ever found. It was through a tunnel deep under the ground. After you made it through the tunnel there was a village the size of one landing. It had water and food sources and everything we would need.
I nodded, "Thank you. You, Dianiel, and Wirial please take all Fae under one thousand elven years of age to the Hollow tomorrow morning."
Dianiel stood, "Please, let me stay and help you!"
I shook my head, "You are strong and brave and that is why I assigned you there." She nodded and sat back down. Wirial walked over to her and they started to talk quietly.
I sighed, "Anyone else wish to leave?" No one moved. A grin lit my lips, "Great! For the Mother!" Every Fae stood and yelled back. "I want you all to put the landings on high alert and no magic will be used except for fighting or healing until we defeat this. You are dismissed." They all turned and went through the south doors to Serlia's casket.
My eyes were wide with awe at the sense of love these women held for their fellow Fae, their land, and their queen. I turned to Aragorn, "King Aragorn of Gondor. I have a choice for you."
Aragorn walked up and bowed to me. "What is this choice for me to make?"
I took a purple velvet pouch out of my pocket. "I will make you immortal but if you wish to continue your mortal life then speak now."
Arwen smiled through the joyous tears streaking down her face. Aragorn genuflected before me and I smiled. "Then let it be done." I looked over at Serina and she lit a fire in the air above him. I poured half of the powder into the fire and watched as light radiated from Aragorn.
He stood and the youth returned to his face. "Thank you Reyna. I will now be able to see Eldarion grow. I will be able to love my lovely wife until we sail to Valinor. As a display of my eternal gratitude I will give you my sword whenever you ask for it."
I hugged him; "It is merely a gift from a sister to a brother." He hugged my tightly and turned to Arwen.
I smiled and we walked into the south doors. I blessed Serlia's casket and carried it with the help of Serina, Aragorn, Legolas and Arwen outside to the burial grounds. We slowly lowered the casket in and Arwen threw a white flower into the hole. I tossed a red rose in and Legolas tossed a yellow honeysuckle. Aragorn kissed the forget me not in his hand, "You saved my wife and son yet I failed to save you. I am sorry."
I looked up, surprised and saw Aragorn wiping tears away. We all turned and Serina began to bury Serlia. It was tradition that a family member buries them. It usually gave the person private time to say goodbye. I took Legolas's hand and smiled, "When are you leaving?"
He looked up at the sun, "In two hours."
I smiled again, "Ok. Let's go swim until then. Arod is already saddled so you have nothing to worry about. You can take Kemi if you want to return quickly." He laughed and turned towards the forest.
"Let's swim."
~~~TO BE CONTINUED~~~
R&R! Is war upon them? Will the young Fae make it to the hollow? What will become of the unprotected elves? Find out in chapter twenty-seven: Traveling
Vanya Sulie,
~Tainted Elf~