Hihi, people! I hope you all liked the last chapter, even if you didn't review. HINT HINT! Ehem…anywho! Here's the 40th chapter! Yay! Forty chapters…wow…Hehe. And we still got a little while to go! Huzzah!
Okay, I ask everyone again: Please, tell me which story after this would you like to see? I have a whole list of planned stories on my bio but I need to know which ones you want to read. I also have two other stories that aren't posted: A) One that follows the epilogue of 'Call of the Red Bird' or B) the sequel to this!
Alright! Let's get on with the chapter! PLEASE remember to let me know!
'…' represents Tarmikos mouthing his words…Man, I really need to think of something else for that. Any suggestions?
XXXXX
Chapter 40- Coming Back to Haunt
The bright rays of the sun peeked over the mountaintops in the east, coloring the sky in a beautiful pink and orange scheme. As it rose higher into the sky, light filtered down upon the still bodies of two elves, both wrapped tightly in their blankets. The remains of a fire still smoldered slightly, sending a thin fog of smoke into the air. A small falcon was perched upon a small boulder that jetted out from the ground, the remnants of an animal in its talons. Its head quirked slightly when the bright sun casted light on its golden feathers, and it cackled.
Norui had slept very little that night, kept awake by the nightly noises and the dreams that ran rampant in his mind. It was an ongoing process: hover between sleep and consciousness, have rest for an hour or so, then jolt awake by a dream that was all too vivid. Normally, elves did not dream, unless it was foretelling something, and the only thing that occupied the ellon's dreams was the one back in Mirkwood that he loved, Glithiel, and the one who slept only a few feet away, Iaurtondariel. More then once he found himself jerking awake with the feeling of his lover beside him.
A sigh from the elleth a few feet away caught his attention and he looked over at her tiredly. Her eyes unglazed as her long arms stretched over her head, shaking away the last remnants of sleep. A muffled groan escaped her lips as the light entered her eyes and she rolled over hurriedly.
"Blasted sun." She muttered under her breath, draping one arm over her face. The Crown Prince chuckled softly and he sat up on his elbows.
"Good morning, my lady." He said quietly, followed by a large yawn. A grunt was her response and he raised his eyebrow, "What is this? An elf who dislikes mornings? That is most unusual."
"It is not the morning I dislike." She retorted, "It is the sun glaring in my eyes as soon as I wake up." A grin split across the ellon's face.
"Well, then perhaps you shouldn't look at the sun as soon as you wake up." He said and the elleth turned sharply to look at him, "It is not the sun's fault that you just happened to look up." Iaurtondariel growled at him between her teeth and he chuckled.
"It's not funny, my lord."
"Oh, of course not. Forgive me." He could not help another grin and he stood up before she had a chance to argue, "I am going to prepare everything to leave; get ready." And with that, he strode off without another word. The elleth continued to watch him through narrowed eyes as he picked up their scattered items from the ground.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Within an hour, the two elves had started out once again. They let their pace lessen some and, instead, they enjoyed talking leisurely and carelessly. The events of the night before did not pass their lips and if either of them thought about it, they said nothing. As the ellon said, what's done is done. It is best forgotten.
Though it was certainly on the elleth's mind as the Crown Prince laughed and talked animatedly to her about the antics of his youth. He had not really answered her question but she would not mention it, not yet. For once, he seemed truly happy and she had no desire to mess that up. Before we get to the city, she told herself, I will find out what he meant last night.
"Are you listening, my lady Rusc?"
Iaurtondariel looked up quickly at the ellon's questioning eyes and she nodded vigorously, "Yes, of course I am." She lied. A smirk slowly grew upon his lips.
"Oh really? What did I just say then?" The smirk turned into a grin when she opened her mouth to speak, then closed it again. She cleared her throat softly.
"You were speaking of your childhood in Mirkwood." She answered, praying she had guessed right.
"No, I finished talking of that about twenty minutes ago." He replied and she flushed from embarrassment, "I was talking about green mûmak dancing in the gardens of Imladris."
"What?" She questioned, furrowing her brow in confusion.
"Just to see if you were paying attention." Her blush deepened and he smacked his shoulder playfully.
"Forgive me, my lord." She said hastily and he smiled gently.
"Are you alright, Iaurtondariel? You seem troubled. What's on your mind?"
All right, this was her chance. Now was the time to ask him, no matter the consequences. She may never have the same opportunity again. With this in mind, she straightened up and sighed deeply.
"I was-" She saw the ellon look over to her expectantly and she found her resolve failing. She looked between him and the ground, her fingers fidgeting, "Nothing. It is nothing."
Norui frowned at her and looked forward again, "Oh, alright."
It was a war zone in the elleth's head. Why didn't you tell him, she screamed at herself, that was the perfect chance! It may never come again and she blew it! She struggled to not smack herself in the face.
But the ellon knew what it was that was running through his companion's head. He knew exactly what it was and he found himself blaming his own actions for the tension between them. He should have told her the night before that he had someone already. That would have rid them of unease and they wouldn't be as they were now.
'Now is the right time, just do it.' He told himself, 'It is nothing to be nervous about at all.'
"My lady?" He began quietly, watching her out of the corner of his eye. She seemed to tense for a moment, her hands brushing her hair behind her in a sense of anxiousness.
"Yes, my lord?" Norui opened his mouth to continue but found he could not. A long scar running up her neck had captured his eyes. He furrowed his brow.
"What happened?" He asked, "Where did that scar come from?" Iaurtondariel looked at him in confusion, her heart still fluttering from anticipation, and she quirked her head. When he motioned towards her neck, she laughed softly and nodded.
"Oh, that." She said, "It happened many years ago. Maladiel and I were practicing magic and such and she got a little carried away. That is all, really. No harm done."
"Ah, I see." He murmured, "Is it alright?"
"Yes, it happened a long time ago, my lord. I assure you it causes me no pain." She grinned but it was returned with a small frown.
"Why do we address each other as such, Iaurtondariel? Why is it 'my lord' and 'my lady' between us?" The elleth glanced at him out of the corner of her eye.
"It is out of respect, my lord. We are friends though I feel indebted to you."
"But that is not good enough for you, is it?"
The elleth paused in her steps to look at him curiously. His frown had deepened as he came to a halt beside her. She studied his face, searching for any clues of his meaning. She willed herself to keep from cowering under the tension that had sparked between them.
"What do you mean?" She questioned, her heart pounding in her chest.
"It is more then friendship that you seek."
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The silk curtains billowed gently as the cool wind wafted into the room. The sun casted light in a long beam into the room, which landed on the opposite side of the silver walls. A bird called softly outside the window, alerting the inhabitants of the forest of the dawn. All was silent in the room, and nothing stirred. The breeze continued to blow into the room, brushing past the elleth sleeping on the bed.
Jaimea sighed softly, wrapping her arms around her body. She was barely aware of her surroundings, only knowing that either the wind was excruciatingly cold or the blankets covering her were not that thick. The breeze blew across her feet and she quickly recoiled her legs up to her chest. She patted around behind her in an attempt to claim more of the blankets but found only a sheet. The elleth furrowed her brow and focused her eyes; the covers had completely disappeared.
With a groan, she rolled over quickly to see the golden haired ellon cocooned tightly in the fluffy blankets. She stared at him for a moment in annoyance, shock and confusion. The prince was in a complete state of dishevelment, his long hair spread wildly on the pillow and only the top of his head visible from under the wrappings. Jaimea muttered under her breath and tugged on the blankets.
"Legolas, give me some of those." She grunted in a very un-elflike way.
"Mmph…" Was his reply and he tightened his hold on the blankets.
"I'm cold, Legolas!"
"No, you're not."
"Yes, I am! Now give them to me!" She growled. He groaned and shook his head, scooting away from her and balancing precariously on the edge of the bed, "Legolas!"
The ellon's eyes shot open when there was a massive shove on his back and he found himself toppling over the edge. He cried out in shock when he slammed against the floor, unable to shield his fall.
"Now, Legolas, are you ready to give them up?" She questioned, grinning, and she looked over the bed. But he had disappeared and she furrowed her brow, "My lord?" She called, leaning over the side.
A pair of arms suddenly slipped around her waist and she found herself crying out in surprise as she was flipped over onto her back. Hair tousled, she looked up with wide eyes into the sparking cerulean ones of Legolas, grinning down at her. She continued to stare at him in shock for a moment until a scowl formed on her face.
"Good morning, my lady." He greeted, almost too cheerfully.
"You insufferable elf." Suddenly, she shoved her knee into his stomach and he gasped in pain. With a triumphant grin, she promptly shoved him off the edge.
Before they knew it, they found themselves engaged in a playful tussle on the bed that the maids would find very entertaining trying to put together again. Growls and scratches turned into excited laughter and playful tackling. Sure, it may not be the best of things for one to stumble upon but what did that matter? It certainly didn't matter to them.
And that is exactly what happened.
The door swung upon to reveal a very bedraggled and tired Estel, his eyes still hazed from sleep. Both elves stopped in mid-action at his arrival, Jaimea's fingers wrapped around the prince's neck and the ellon's teeth clamped onto her upper arm. The human froze in the doorway, his eyes suddenly gone wide. He looked between the two and cleared his throat.
"I won't ask." He muttered, shaking his head. Legolas grinned and let the elleth go who promptly removed her hands from the ellon and hurriedly covered herself with the pillows scattered on the bed.
"Yes, Estel?" The ellon said, crossing his legs and leaning back on his hands.
"Lady Leneya informed us breakfast will be served shortly." He said, keeping his eyes averted, "Afterwards, the King and Mithrandir have called a meeting that you will be expected to attend." He glanced at them up and down once more, "And I suggest you prepare yourselves for the day." And with that, he shut the door behind him with a soft click. Once out of the hearing range of the two, he muttered under his breath, "Crazy elves."
The golden haired ellon continued to grin as he turned to face the blushing elleth. She looked at him, the elated twinkle still in her eye, and she returned his smile.
"Well, that was interesting." She said softly and he laughed.
"Hmm, indeed it was, my lady." He replied, moving to sit beside her. She quirked her brow at him when he rested his head on her shoulder, wrapping his arms around her waist. It suddenly occurred to her that it wasn't the most proper thing in the world, to be tussling with an ellon while in a nightgown, but she did not mention it. For the moment, she was content to just rest her cheek on the top of his head.
"Ai, Jaimea, where is it that you have been hiding for all of those lonely years?" He whispered after a moment, reaching out to take her hands in his.
"Waiting for you, my prince." She answered just as softly, "Waiting for you to come out of that shell you encased yourself in, allowing the world to pass you by." He smiled at this and lifted his head, bringing his hands to her cheeks.
"You have given me much, my lady, and I will always love you for that. My savior in the form of an innocent elleth." She smiled as he placed a kiss on her forehead, then rose from the bed, "Come, we should get ready as Estel said." He grinned cheekily, "Besides, we've destroyed this room. Why not move on to destroying the bath chambers?" The elleth laughed at this and the prince found himself grinning wider. It pleased him to hear her and see her so carefree. For a moment, he almost forgot that his last brother had perished.
Almost.
What he did notice, though, was that the pain of his passing seemed to subside not too many nights ago. He no longer felt that empty void in his soul that would normally be filled with his brother's presence. This feeling confused him to no end. The only thing that could come to his mind was that he had been restored but it was too soon for that. Elves would wait years, ages, for a second chance at life if that chance came at all. But what was this feeling then?
Breakfast proved to be quite interesting and refreshing. Various exotic fruits and biscuits were scattered in wicker baskets along the fine tables. The sweet smells of pastries floated down the expanse of the table and they all made a note not to drool over the crispy bacon and steaming eggs being served around. Of course, the elves in the group didn't touch either one but they sure looked delicious, meat or not. Aromas, both spicy and sweet, wafted gently out from what they assumed were the kitchens and danced enticingly under their noses. At the far end of the table sat the silver haired King of the city, garbed in a robe of pale blues and his hair braided intricately down his back. The old wizard sat beside him, talking idly, along with Leneya at his other side. Much to their surprise, the two twin princes were nowhere to be seen.
There were more then a few people that shot the company curious looks throughout the event. Whispers and murmurs were spread all along the tables until the whole population, those in the room that is, knew of them. As is expected, those oblivious to their purpose quickly took up crafting their own guess at why they were there. After all, it is not everyday a group of elves, a human, and a wizard show up with the princes as their guide.
The companions couldn't help but notice the tension that seemed to be radiating off of the Noldor twins. Elrohir seemed to shrink in his chair, taking small bites out of his meal. Elladan, on the other hand, seemed very much alive and livid. He would stab at the fruit on his plate with his knife and shove it in his mouth roughly, then glance at his younger brother with a scowl. They found they were very much amused by it though the Muru beside him didn't seem to find it funny at all; there was a constant look of disgust on his face and he tended to have his nose lifted in the air in a sense of superiority.
"What is wrong with you?" Estel questioned, watching his cup as he swirled the orange liquid it contained. It smelled sweet but, as he had already found from experience, its scent was deceiving.
"Nothing." Elladan grunted, slamming his glass on the table. The Muru beside him growled under his breath.
"It sure seems like something." The man continued, looking at him with raised eyebrows.
"It is nothing."
"No, it's not."
"Yes, it is."
"No, it is not!"
"Would you please be quiet, just for a moment!" The Muru exclaimed, slamming down his cup in much the same manner the dark haired Peredhil had done. His pale face had gone flushed from annoyance as he glared daggers at the ellon. Elladan gritted his teeth, returning the Muru's glare with his own.
"Would you please mind your own business or would you prefer to wear this fork in your forehead?" He snapped.
"Elladan!" They admonished simultaneously, glaring fiercely at him. The Muru seemed taken aback but did reply, only snorting and holding himself even higher. The elf grunted under his breath, then continued stabbing at his food.
"What has gotten into you?" Arwen hissed, "What is wrong?" The ellon looked up at her quickly, a scowl on his face.
"It is nothing you should be concerned about, sister." He answered, clearly struggling to keep his temper in check.
"But we are worried about you, Elladan. You have not been yourself ever since we came to this city." Melyanna commented. The ellon glanced over to her, his face strained. He fought within himself, his mind racing. It could be nothing, really. Perhaps he was just getting a little homesick.
"You've been very irritable and angry."
The clanking of the silverware on the plates echoed in his ears, drowning out the chatter in the halls and the concerned voices of his companions. Panic began to rise up at this realization and his eyes grew wild with fear. The scratching of fork and knife on plate resonated painfully until that was all he could hear. He looked up in desperation at the other's worried faces, their lips moving though he could not make out a sound of it. A dark haze began to form around the edges of his sight and there was a prickling sensation on his skin, slowly creeping up his arms and down to his stomach. He saw the frown on his friends' face deepen and Arwen stood.
"Elladan, perhaps you should rest." She suggested but he could not reply, "Elladan?"
Elladan, Elladan, Elladan. It boomed in his ears and he gritted his teeth, clamping his hands over his sensitive ears. Elladan? The calls grew louder as his sister grew more frightened. Those around him stopped their meal and watched on in confusion and curiosity. Elladan!
"Elladan?" A voice suddenly called behind him and a hand rested on his shoulder. The elf jolted forward, bracing himself on the smooth table. His breath came short and ragged, a cold sweat running down his forehead. His dilated eyes gazed around quickly at those along the table. Even the King and Mithrandir had stopped to watch him, "My lord Elladan, are you alright?"
The elf turned to look up at the one behind him. He was met with the worried blue eyes of the Muru prince, Ricamros. A small frown was on his face as he took his hand away.
"Is something wrong?" The ellon swallowed hard then shook his head.
"No, I'm fine, just tired." He replied weakly, looking back down at his food. He did not look back up at his companions, just spending the rest of the meal in silence. His siblings continued to watch over him with concern and fear in their eyes. What had just happened? They looked to the Muruien twins who had taken a seat across from them. They only frowned and shook their heads, unable to give them an answer.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
By mid-day, the group found themselves being led down a large corridor and through a set of large doors. Once again, Elrohir couldn't help but notice the brass handles shaped into that of the large cat he had seen upon arrival in the forest. He seemed to have developed a phobia of the creature. Upon entering, they were surprised to see Mithrandir was already seated, taking quietly with the King who sat behind an ornately decorated desk. Papers were scattered messily on the table, some having already slipped to the floor, and a ink pot sat precariously on the edge. A white plumed pen was mixed in with the mess. Leneya sat in a burgundy colored chair off in the corner, watching them carefully as they entered and took a seat upon the various chairs in the room.
Judeqir smiled slightly at the sight of them and they returned it, bowing their heads. He looked them over quickly, as did the old wizard, and he frowned.
"I thought there were more of you." He stated, "Where are the others?"
"My brother is…occupied at the moment, my lord." Elrohir answered, bowing his head again, "My sister is tending to him in his chambers." The Muru's frown deepened and he placed his fingers to his lips in thought.
"Would it be better to discuss these matters at another time?" He suggested.
"No! No, of course not, my king." The ellon said hurriedly, "Please, now is fine." Judeqir nodded once, then leaned back into his seat. He glanced over to the Istar and Mithrandir smiled slightly, and then turned to his companions. They gave him their full attention.
"I must ask for your forgiveness that I have not spoken with you since our arrival." He began and they smiled, some shrugging it off, "But I have been discussing our problem with the King, as you might have imagined. He knows of our intent though I am not sure of his decision just yet." He glanced over to the silver haired Muru who was watching his fingers weave together, deep in thought, "We thought it appropriate that you'd be here when he announces his answer."
The company watched with baited breath as the tall Muru rested his arms on his desk, his head hanging. A deep sigh escaped his lips as he ran his hands tiredly over his face and through his hair. He seemed to age right before their very eyes and Leneya squirmed anxiously in her seat.
"It is important to consider the wider implications of making such a decision." He said slowly, "Should you fail, the whole race of Muruien will crumble into nothing. If this task is not complete in one day, the lords, ladies, and children will fall. Innocence has nothing to do with it. This could bring the death of us all." His voice spoke of power and authority, so strong that no one would question it. His words were grave and they felt doubt instill itself in their hearts.
"Aye, we know of this." Legolas answered. He felt the responsibility to take up his brother's role of leadership now that he was gone though he felt himself failing miserably at it. His fears had subsided slightly but they were not yet completely gone.
"And yet you are still willing to risk our world to save yours." The king directed at him, his blue eyes fierce. The young prince did not waver.
"Realms will fall, either way. Should we fail, both will perish. If you do nothing, it is imminent that Mirkwood will collapse." He stated and Judeqir frowned.
"You are only adding to my reluctance to lower our powers. What are you trying to say, my lord?"
"Even if we do fail, your dying memory will be that at least you tried. You fell doing a good deed, helping those who seek your aid. You tried to make a difference in the fate of both peoples. That, in itself, should inspire you."
The king tapped his chin in thought, watching the golden haired ellon with careful eyes. Legolas did not let his eyes fall from the Muru's, determined to show his strength, though he felt his innards flipping in his nervousness. This was a complete change in his demeanor and he only prayed the King did not notice it. He was barely aware of his companions staring between him and the Muru with hopeful eyes.
"Do you even have the faintest idea of where to begin your search for that demon?" He spat in distaste, not at the elf but at the thought of the one who betrayed his people. Legolas faltered slightly but did not le how.
"No, my lord. We do not."
"Do you think it would be more wise, perhaps, to find where he is hiding before blundering into the forest as we sit here and twiddle our thumbs, watching as the sun falls behind the mountains, waiting for the grip of death to claim us as it appears once again?"
The prince paused before saying, "That would be folly. We would not risk that."
"At least, you are not blind to the dangers presented in doing this." Judeqir said with a smile, his face relaxing slightly.
They sat in nerve-racking silence once more as the King fell into deep thought again. Legolas watched him expectantly, holding his breath, and he vaguely felt someone slip their hand into his. He looked over to see his eldest sister gazing at him, a small yet meaningful smile on her lips. The corners of his mouth turned up into a smile and he gave her hand a gentle squeeze.
"Though my mind tells me not to, my heart has its own will." He began, looking up at them all with a smile, "I will accept your request and drop the powers of the Muruien so that you may attempt to take back your kingdom."
Relieved gasps and sighed echoed throughout the room. Grins split upon their faces as their bodies visibly relaxed, slipping down in their seats as the tension left them.
"Thank you so much, my lord." Was said over and over from the companions, bringing a huge grin to the Muru. He shrugged it off as if it were nothing, then placed his hands on his desk.
"Of course, there is one condition." He said and they silenced.
"Anything, my lord." Legolas said, still grinning.
"I would prefer it if the ladies in your group stayed behind on this one." The excitement quickly died down and the smiles faded. They looked between one another, whispering and frowning. Judeqir watched them patiently.
"But they have been with us the whole time. Surely, we can not exclude them at the final stage." Estel commented softly, looking up at the silver haired lord, his forehead creased into a frown, "We cannot forget them. They have as much strength and courage as we do."
"I understand your concern, my lord, and be assured that I mean no offense." He stated, "But you do not realize the danger you place yourselves in. This Muru is deadly and unpredictable. He cannot be found if he does not want to be and if he does, you can be guaranteed he will find you first."
"But, my lord-"
"I do not want the death of a lady on my hands, my friends. I am sorry but that is final. They either stay or no deal."
Two identical scowls appeared on the Mirkwood princesses' faces, crossing their arms over their chests angrily, while Jaimea seemed to be impassive about it. Thinking back on every other time she had been forced to engage in battle, she always ended up needing rescue. No, better to stay safe and wait in the palace.
"My sister will not agree to this lightly." Elrohir muttered, "She is a warrior and cannot be kept behind to watch."
"I can say nothing except I am sorry." The Muru said again, folding his hands on the table, "I do not do anyone's skill but I would prefer it if they were safe, as I have repeatedly said."
"I suppose we must agree." Legolas answered finally though not without a frown, "It is either that or return to Mirkwood with this mission only half complete, accepting the death of our people."
"So then you agree to this?"
"Aye, we do." He sighed, slumping in his chair. He could feel the glares of his sisters boring into his head. He cringed when he caught Melyanna's glinting eyes and he sunk even lower. They had to agree, he told himself, or Ada will perish, if he hasn't already. He willed this thought away, shaking his head, and then looked back to the King, "We are forever in your debt, my lord. Thank you."
"Is it nothing, I assure you." He replied, smiling slightly, "Would you like my sons to accompany you? I would myself, as eager as I am to finally find that foul creature and serve him his rightful punishment for his crime, but I fear I am becoming too old for such things. Tarmikos and Ricamros are still young and full of vigor; they would be a valuable asset." Leneya seemed to sit up quickly at this suggestion, her heart pounding in her chest. That was certainly not something she expected and was not particularly fond of the idea either. What if something happened to them? But despite her inner battle, she remained silent, her lips thin.
"I suppose if they are able." The golden haired prince said softly, glancing between his companions. He kept his eyes away from his sisters, shivering every once in a while from their harsh gaze, "They would be very helpful, indeed."
"I, too, have something to announce." The old wizard, still sitting beside the Muru's desk, suddenly said. Everyone looked to him in surprise as if they had forgotten he had even been there.
"Yes, Mithrandir?" Estel said.
"I regret to say that I will not be able to join you in your search."
"What!"
"Mithrandir, you cannot be serious!"
"We need you!"
Mithrandir chuckled softly as pleading words were thrown at him from the shocked group. Their faces were a mixture of shock, disbelief, and anger. The Istar had traveled with them this whole time and kept them safe. Why would he leave now? It was unheard of that the powerful wizard could be frightened. What was it, then?
"Please, my friends, you do not need me to guide you. I have done nothing to help you the whole time we have traveled together. You never needed me to begin with."
"Of course we did, Mithrandir!" Melyanna cried, "We would have gotten no where without your direction."
"You doubt your judgment, my lady. I am positive you would have arrived with no difficulties. Your own love and hope would have been your guide. You do not need me; this is your task, and yours alone." He explained, "I have made my decision and cannot be swayed otherwise."
They all opened their mouths to retort once more but quickly thought better of it. They knew from experience that what he had said was true: he could not be swayed. So, with some grunts of disappointment, they relaxed into their seats once more. His long, grey beard muffled Mithrandir's chuckle; his eyes alight with mirth. Judeqir smiled once more and fell back into his chair.
"I suppose it is settled then. I release my powers, the ladies and wizard stay behind, and you defeat the Muru before the next day." He said slowly, "I wish you luck." They inclined their heads, muttering their thanks under their breath, "You are excused."
"Thank you ever so much, my lord." They said, smiling. He only shrugged and rested his head on his fist.
But they were unaware of two people listening outside the door.
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"What are they saying?"
It went ignored.
"Tarmikos, what's going on?"
He was answered with a smack on the arm and he went silent for a moment. When his brother made no signs of answering him, he sighed in annoyance.
"Tarmikos?" And, once again, he went ignored. He growled, "Give me that!" He reached quickly for the glass the younger Muru had pressed to the door, his ear on the other end as he listened in on the conversation. When he saw his brother reaching for the glass, he quickly rolled out of the way with a glare on his face. He mouthed to him, 'No.' And he clutched the glass protectively. Ricamros scowled.
"Please?"
'No.'
"Why?"
'No.'
"Blast it, Tarmikos! Give me the glass!"
And so any secrecy of their doings went fluttering out the window as the older Muru prince tackled his silent brother to the ground with a yell. Tarmikos grit his teeth together, kicking the Muru over his head to land with a grimace on the marble floors behind him. His hand gripped tightly on the crystal glass, nearly shattering it in his own hands. He sprang up quickly and found his brother still lying on the floor, growling under his breath.
As if sensing Tarmikos coming to a stand, Ricamros leapt up as quickly as he could without injuring himself anymore and glared. It did not occur to them how childish this was- both were as stubborn as a mule and were not prepared to accept defeat.
All because of a drinking glass.
Without warning, Ricamros charged forward, catching the younger prince off guard as he collided with his stomach. Tarmikos let out an 'oof', sending the glass flipping through the air and everything seemed to freeze.
It was almost a surreal image to the twins, watching the delicate glass tumble head over heels through the air as if in slow motion. The sunlight pouring in through the window glittered off its rim, twinkling back at them. Paintings were distorted through the cup and slowly, their faces twisted to that of panic.
"Grab it, Tarmikos!" The prince cried, hurrying forward and reaching blindly into the air. The younger Muru didn't need telling twice as he, too, charged forward. As if teasing them, it slipped through Ricamros's fingers as he grabbed for it. And just as it was about to crash to the ground, Tarmikos made a dive for it and he felt it fall into his awaiting hands. The breath was sucked out of him as he skidded onto the floor, the sound of his brother's relieved shouts in his ears.
With a grin, he hopped to his feet once more and turned to his brother with a superior look on his face. The older Muru rolled his eyes with a smirk and patted him on the shoulder.
"Well done, my brother." He grinned.
"What is this!" Someone shouted from the doorway and Tarmikos yelped, unable to stop the glass from flinging from his fingers once more. They watched it with jaws agape as it shattered into countless pieces on the stone floor.
"Uh…nothing, Father." Ricamros said, willing his voice to stop from shaking, "We were just having a little fun, is all."
"Fun! You call this fun?" The King cried, red in the face, " Look at what you have done!"
"But, Father, it was just-"
"I do not care what it was! You have just succeeded in disrupting a very important meeting and disgraced yourselves and your name! What, pray tell, is your explanation for that?" Ricamros quickly shut his mouth, letting his head fall. Judeqir kept his steely eyes on his eldest for a moment longer, and then snapped his head in the other prince's direction. A deadly defiance was in Tarmikos's glaring eyes, matching the fire in his father's, "Well? What about you? Care to explain?"
He only raised his hand and pointed it directly at his older brother.
"What!" Ricamros cried, gaping at the silent Muru, "Why, you insolent little-"
"Elrohir!"
The said ellon perked up at the sound of his name and hurried out to see who it was. The king looked up from his argument, staring down the corridor as the voice grew closer. Within a few moments, the dark haired elleth sped around the corner, her blue eyes glittering with fear. Elrohir gasped and ran to his sister who promptly grabbed his hands in her own at their meeting.
"Hurry!" She cried, "Something is wrong!"
"What is it?" The ellon questioned, following her down the hall at a quickened pace.
"Something is wrong with Elladan!"
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Iaurtondariel froze, her heart constricting in her chest. It is more then friendship that you seek. He had guessed! Was it that obvious? She felt the blood slowly drain from her face and she swallowed hard, struggling to keep her eyes level with his. She could show weakness, not now. Everything around her seemed to silence itself; even the loyal Peregrine Falcon had stopped moving and was watching both elves intently.
"W-What?" Was the only thing that could come through her lips as her legs trembled.
"You heard me." Norui replied softly with no bitterness.
"But I don't understand…" She breathed, her eyes wide, and the ellon sighed as he ran his fingers slowly through his mahogany hair. His emerald eyes pleaded with her to figure out but she only stared back, unmoving in her stupor.
"Not long after I met you, I felt something coming from you. I did not know what it was at first but over time, it became clear." He began in a slow voice, "I knew your heart stirred upon seeing me."
The elleth swallowed hard once again, the blood rushing back up into her face to give off a dark blush. Her fingers began to play with the hem on her sleeve and she bit her lip. The Crown Prince continued to stare into her eyes, a frown on his lips.
"Iaurtondariel, I am sorry, but-"
His eyes widened as he found himself silenced by the elleth's lips on his own. His mind instantly flew back to his own lover in Mirkwood and he felt deep regret. He desperately wished that he never had to tell her anything and break her heart. When he made no signs of returning the kiss, Iaurtondariel pulled away quickly and turned away from him, tears brimming in her eyes. Norui watched her sadly, shuffling his feet.
"My lady?" He questioned gently, biting his bottom lip.
"Please, forgive me." She whispered, "That was bold of me."
"Iaurtondariel…"
And she did the only thing she could think of to do- run. Run as far away from the ellon and everything in the world as fast as she could. She had made a complete fool of herself and now he probably hated her. He never said he loved another but…he never said he didn't either. She heard him calling out her name, asking her to come back, but she did not reply. Her feet flew over the rocks and through the thick grasses, running blindly in no certain direction. She just wanted to be alone.
She cried out suddenly when her foot caught on a boulder peeking out of the earth, just waiting for a distracted traveler to trip himself. She landed on the ground with a thud, her breath leaving her body as tears started to fall. The soft footfalls of the ellon vibrated in the ground as he comes towards her; quickly bending down to set her up and she shoved him away.
"Stay away from me!" She cried, struggling to get on her feet though getting nowhere.
"Please, Iaurtondariel, listen to me for a moment." Norui said, grabbing onto her arm and pulling her back to his side.
"No, I want to be alone!" She breathed as she found herself enveloped in the ellon's arms, being rocked from side to side. She let her hands grip onto his tunic, burying her face in his shoulder.
"Hush, Lady Rusc, it is alright. Shh." He whispered into her ear, rubbing her back in comforting circles, "You have done no wrong. It is not your fault."
"How can you say that? I just kissed you!"
"It does not matter, I am not angry with you. I should have talked to you earlier, told you everything when you asked me that night." He ran his fingers through her dark hair comfortingly, slowly pulling her to rise. He whispered soothing words into her ear and he took her hands in his.
"What do you mean?" She asked, looking slowly up into his emerald eyes. He paused for a moment, biting his lips, as he rubbed his thumbs over the tops of her hands.
"The day that we first found Mirkwood was under this Muru's power, I was…I was going to propose to an elleth that I had loved since I was only an elfling. She and I were very much in love and had been dreaming of one day calling one another husband and wife." He started, feeling the elleth take a deep breath, but he continued, "Had the Muru never appeared when he did, I would have been a married elf by now."
"Why didn't you tell me this before?" Iaurtondariel asked, frowning as the tears continued to fall down her cheeks.
"Because I was afraid to. I was afraid of hurting you."
"It would have made things a lot easier." She muttered sadly and even more guilt washed over his heart.
"Oh, I am so sorry, Iaurtondariel. I know I should have told you; it was wrong of me to give you the wrong impression." He said quickly, hugging her tighter, "I would never have been able to make you happy- Valar, I do not know if I will ever be able to make my lady happy."
Slowly, he took his hands away and put them on her cheeks, staring into her tearful eyes, and he said, "I know that there is some ellon- or maybe even a Muru- out there who would love you rightly, forever and a day. One who would fall asleep with you in his thoughts and wake up to find you still dancing over his mind.
"But I am not that ellon. I am sorry that I cannot make you happy but another has stolen my heart. And nothing can ever change that."
Slowly, the elleth took a deep breath and averted her eyes from his. She felt her heart tear apart though it did not feel as she thought it would. Instead of the despair and agony she was expecting, it was just a small pang of pain in the pit stomach. She chewed on her lips, allowing her fingers to play with the edge of her tunic.
"I understand." She said quietly, looking back up at him, "It would be wrong of my to try to turn you in another direction, if it were possible. Who is she? Who is the one who claimed your heart?"
"Her name is Glithiel, daughter to Rahir; she is a noble lady and one that I love very much." He replied, smiling despite himself as his mind crept back to the dark haired lady awaiting his arrival. He could picture her slim body dancing along in the crowds, her hair flying around her head and gown billowing and twirling around her. He could see the glitter in her emerald eyes as she grinned at him, her cheeks rosy. A warm feeling set inside his heart and he closed his eyes, smiling to himself.
"She sounds wonderful." Iaurtondariel said quietly, bringing the Crown Prince back to reality and he frowned slightly.
"I cannot begin to explain how sorry I am, my lady." He said, "I hope things will not change between us."
She looked away from him before answering, "Of course."
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Arwen burst through the chamber doors, her companions hot on her heels. She did not even bother to brush away her hair sticking to her face as she hurried to the edge of the bed where Elladan lay as if sleeping. The elleth stroked a quaking hand over his heated brow and she bit her lip anxiously. She was barely aware of her other brother coming to sit by her side, his eyes gazing over his twin's motionless form worriedly. The others stood in the doorway, watching.
"What is wrong with him?" Elrohir questioned, placing the back of his hand on the ellon's forehead but pulled it back with a hiss. He was burning up!
"I don't know." The elleth replied, trembling, "Perhaps he really wasn't feeling well at breakfast."
Judeqir pushed through into the room suddenly and hurried over to the ellon. The two siblings looked up at him desperately and he frowned. The elves moved out of the way as he bent down beside the dark haired elf, running his hand over his face. Carefully, he opened one eye and found the iris had rolled back into his head. His face visibly paled and he swallowed hard.
"My lord?" Elrohir questioned, reaching out to grab his sister's hand.
"It is as I feared, just by the sight of him." The king breathed.
"What? What is it?"
"I am afraid your brother is… under the power of the same Muru you are trying to hunt down."
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Ah! Look how long! Nineteen pages, almost! GASP! These are just getting longer and longer! Sorry in advance, Ty, for such lengthy chapters to correct. I assure you, it is not my intention! ;)
Alright, please review people! And don't forget to tell me which story you'd like to see next! And, if you don't really care, just give me a review anyway! It is much appreciated! Thanks for reading and I hope you liked this chapter!
Until Next Time,
Manwathiel
