Disclaimer: See prologue.

Chapter 17

Early Farewells


Arodwen merely sat on the edge of her bed for the rest of the day, not knowing or caring that she missed the evening meal. Her mind was upon so many other thoughts... Her anger at Legolas mainly...

Nearing the hour of sunset, Arodwen heard many shouts echoing down the corridors. The tone of the voices were all worried and anxious. With curious haste, she stepped out into the hall, looking for the source. A group of patrol elves, splattered in some kind of black liquid, were speaking with a stern Thranduil.

"We had no warning."

"They took it, and ran off."

"How did they get so close to the kingdom?"

"My King, what importance did the creature have?"

"Dina!" (silence) shouted Thranduil, holding up his hands against the babbling of the soldiers before him. They all fell quiet at once, staring at the elder lord with anticipation.

Thranduil gave a deep sigh, "Firstly, where is my son?"

Arodwen felt a strange lurch in the pit of her stomach...

A platinum-blonde haired ellon answered, "He is taking council with Celion, and his advisors that are to travel with him to Rivendell. With the capture of Gollum, he thought it best to leave for Imladris now."

Her stomach's lurching doubled, and she felt her head spin at the idea of leaving so early...

"He is unharmed? No one was hurt during the attack?" Thranduil pressed, his eyes dark, and his posture and expression that of the concerned king he was.

"Two casualties, and a few minor injuries, milord. Your son is well." the same elf answered, his expression becoming somber and grief-stricken.

Arodwen jumped when someone laid a hand on her shoulder from behind. Stifling a shriek, she whirled around to see Mariel standing there, looking grim.

"Come child, we must pack your things quickly." the surrogate-like mother whispered, pulling her back into the room while the discussion outside continued.

Mariel shut the door behind her, before going hurriedly to the wardrobe and pulling out a few tunics, leggings, vests, etc. The maid tossed the olive green riding dress to Arodwen saying, "Quickly. Put this on, and I'll put your hair in a long braid after I've finished packing."

Arodwen caught the dress deftly, but stood still. She was shocked, and confused. What had happened? What had caused Legolas to suddenly decide to leave so early? Did he perhaps want to be rid of her so soon?

"Arodwen make haste!" Mariel scolded, putting the lady's things into the small traveling pack with such quickness, that Arodwen couldn't help but wonder how she could do it and keep the clothes looking so neatly ordered.

She shed her other gown, and donned the dress behind the changing screen with what she considered 'haste'. When she emerged, Mariel pushed her into the vanity's chair, her hands fastening the toggles on the back of her dress without her looking.

As the grave maid began brushing out the many intricate braids, Arodwen found her voice. "Please, tell me what has happened! Why does the prince plan to depart so early and with no warning?"

Mariel shook her head, her nimble hands working through Arodwen's hair and weaving it into a tight braid. "Orcs attacked the patrol watching the creature that Mithrandir left in our charge. The prince was supposed to deliver the thing, Gollum, at the council in Rivendell. Now that the thing has been captured, there is no reason to wait. He wants the news to reach Elrond as quickly as possible."

"But-" Arodwen began, wanting a million more of her questions answered, but Mariel hushed her, tying the end of the braid with a thin black ribbon.

"I have no time, little one. Legolas said to have you read as quickly as possible." Mariel said, pulling Arodwen to her feet, and thrusting the pack into her hands.

"He shant tell me anything! Mariel! I do not want to leave!" Arodwen cried desperately, suddenly wrapping her arms around the elf like a child would their mother. "Please don't make me go! You are all I have..."

"Legolas will be with you, Arodwen." Mariel reassured, taking the elleth by the shoulders, and willing confidence into her.

"I don't want to be near him anymore Mariel! I cannot stand it!" she whimpered, her head falling upon Mariel's shoulder as she let her fearful tears come. "I'm so confused. And scared."

Mariel raised the young elf's head, giving her a motherly kiss on the forhead. "No fear now child. You are strong, fear is not in you. You are the daughter of Yavanna and Aüle. Do not falter in your steps, for they watch over you, and guide your spirit. Trust in them, and you will not be led astray, I promise you." She carefully swept the tears away from Arodwen's eyes with an encouraging smile.

Arodwen shakily returned it. "I don't want to leave you..."

"I will see you again, little one." Mariel promised lightly. "And until then, do not despair. Whatever happens, be brave, strong, and the noble maiden you are called."

Arodwen's feeble smile quivered, but vanished as a light cough sounded behind her. Both looked to the doorway to see a travel garbed Legolas, bow and quiver in hand. He was looking at Mariel. "Is she ready?" he asked, his tone indifferent.

Mariel answered, "I suppose so..." while slipping the pack onto Arodwen's shoulders. She hastily dried her face to hide the tears from the warrior prince standing before her.

He noticed them, but said nothing for fear of delaying further.

Legolas stepped forward to Mariel, and embraced the motherly maid. "I'll watch over her, fear not." he whispered so quietly, that Arodwen did not hear.

Mariel answered with, "She will not admit it, but she needs you..."

Legolas felt his heart soar, but kept his air unchanged as he broke away from Mariel and turned to Arodwen. "Follow me, milady." he said gently, leaving the room.

With one last heart-wrenching look to Mariel, Arodwen followed...

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