Helloooo Everyone, I apologise for the delay in posting...I am unhappy...I cannot work this chapter out properly. I have tried and tried and tried to improve it, what I have in my head is not coming out right on paper...does this ever happen to you guys? Any tips? Anyway I am posting it because I just have to bite the bullet and get it out there. So please reviews, feedback and questions all very welcome.
Thank you to everyone who reviewed; Win Lockwood, ZabuzasGirl, Celticank, DreamingIn2Enternity and...
to my unsigned fan reviewer...who always writes me the most wonderful reviews...so as a thank you Cendir is in this chapter and will play a bigger role in later chapters, because you got me thinking and Im not ready to say goodbye to him just yet...annoying little know it all that he is :P hehe glad you liked the drunk Legolas/Elladan interactions, I just had to write it, those two will need each other as time goes on so it will be fun to explore that relationship :) Relieved you enjoyed Elrien's character, she had a long way to go and I have so much to write about her but I am trying not to overload the story, hence my difficulty writing this chapter. So please let me know what you think :)
Also thank you new followers :)
So here is chapter 23...I am not even sure :S But please let me know what you think...
23. Connections
"Elrien this is Ellenya," Elladan proudly gestured to his very tense wife, when she made no response he gently nudged her forward.
With a disinterested sniff, Ellenya rolled her eyes and sighed; "Hello Elrien."
Elrien slowly looked from one elf to the other, she recognized Ellenya immediately as the elleth who was not happy with her presence, and judged she still was not fond of her. Elrien sat on the edge of her bed and played absently with the material of the long, shapeless dress she had been given, deliberating if it was wise to look the other elleth in her unfathomable silvery blue eyes.
Elladan sighed and glanced upwards muttering a prayer of patience, Ellenya was not going to make this any easier. It was early dawn and acting on his wife's remorse he had coaxed her into meeting the strange elleth, under the pretense he needed her to help him care for her.
"Ellenya will help you get ready this morning, if you are feeling well enough to go outside then we need to get you cleaned up and dressed in more sensible clothing. I highly doubt you want me helping you with that so my wife has graciously offered her assistance," Elladan continued, giving Ellenya a warning look.
"Your wife?" Elrien murmured and peeked up at the pair unable to hide the shock in her eyes, Elladan was kind and warm and his wife was like ice.
"Yes his wife!" Ellenya snapped, "I cannot understand why this surprises outsiders!"
"Keep to the task at hand love," Elladan prompted through gritted teeth.
"Fine! Come with me" Ellenya commanded haughtily and sauntered over to the elleth with an outstretched hand. Elrien eyed the other elleth with trepidation and bit her lip. Ellenya rolled her eyes and sighed with impatience, "I will not bite, I poured you a bath."
"It is okay Elrien, I promise you she is safe," Elladan encouraged and smiled triumphantly when Elrien tentatively grasped his wife's hand. Ellenya pulled Elrien to her feet and briskly exited the room, towing the dazed elleth behind her.
"Have fun ladies," he called after them with mild amusement, the comment only received a snort from Ellenya.
xXx
"Hold your breath," Ellenya commanded Elrien just before she doused the elleth with a pitcher of water, then worked sweet smelling soap through her thick and tangled mass of curls.
Elrien gasped and choked at the onslaught of cool water, huddling her knees closer to her bare chest and shivering with the sensation of warm water and the cold air. She self-consciously gripped the sodden, sheer, linen sheet closer to her body which Ellenya had provided her with to maintain her modesty. Thus far she had every inch of her scrubbed and inspected by the stern she elf, it had been the most bizarre experience of her existence! However Ellenya was not intrusive and always asked permission to touch her or inspect any wounds; Elrien was sure that although Ellenya was coarse, she was also sympathetic but just struggled to express it.
"I swear I have never seen hair so knotted and in such bad condition, have you ever heard of comb?" Ellenya scowled as she finished washing the thick mop of curls. The confused look of the elleth answered her question, and with a sigh she gestured for Elrien to get out of the bath; "Out, we have work to do!"
Elrien did as she was bid and stumbled out of the copper tub, shyly gripping the material around her and trying to cover herself. Ellenya bit down on her lip, realizing that this was just as awkward and upsetting for Elrien as it was for her. Softening to the elleth's plight, Ellenya wrapped her in large robes and brought her close to the fire to dry. She instructed Elrien to sit on the ground and pulled up a stool behind her, perching there with a comb she began the arduous task of bringing order to the untameable curls. Elrien did not complain or flinch as Ellenya worked through the tangles, even though she was certain it must have been painful for the her.
"You know I hated this as an elfling," Ellenya began, deciding the silence was too stifling. "I always got my hair into the worse knots imaginable and Ada literally had to wrestle me to the floor so he could comb them out!"
Ellenya laughed at the memory of many tantrums and tears in her childhood, refusing to let her Ada brush her hair, she really was handful her poor Ada must have been incredibly stressed.
"Do Father's do those sorts of things," Elrien asked innocently with a hint of confusion, "I just assumed it was a Mother's role."
"Well it would be if I had a Mother!" Ellenya answered sharply and worked hard to remember Elrien knew nothing of her past. "But since my Nana died when I was very young, Adar had to take over those maternal roles, I think he got more than he bargained for with me."
Elrien smiled and turned her head to look up at the other elleth, who's eyes were not cold anymore and held in them a deep love; "It must be nice to have a parent that loves you that much, that they would try and fill that void for you."
"It is," Ellenya murmured in reply as her features softened, and she altogether morphed into a tender and caring elleth.
"I am envious of such a love, I have no parents, no-one has cared for me like that," Elrien replied sadly and slouched forward.
Ellenya blinked and regarded the other elleth truly for the first time and mused over how lost and lonely she must truly feel. Ellenya felt she was misfortunate because she was robbed of her Naneth, but here was one who had no memory of family or the love of a parent, at least she had her Adar who had shown her so much love that really she had no right to complain;
"Well I know it is not much but you have us," Ellenya heard herself respond, "Legolas, Elladan and I we can care for you, you will not be lonely."
Elrien chuckled softly and quickly wiped at the tears threatening to spill over; "I am sorry I sound like a child when I speak. Truly I do not wish to be a burden but I am most thankful for all your kindness."
Ellenya laughed too, yes Elrien's innocent and naive aura made her almost childlike and in need of care; "No need to thank us Elrien, it is given freely."
With that said the two ellith continued to chat softly about inconsequential things, and Ellenya found herself enjoying Elrien's company. Her sweet personality and wonderment over everything was endearing, the Princess felt like she was seeing life from a new more appreciative perspective and it challenged her. However Ellenya was not yet convinced of the elleth's usefulness, in fact she was more questioning of it, how could someone so weak and feeble minded help in a war? She felt no power from this she elf, and she was doubtful she ever would find the evidence she was searching for. Nevertheless Elrien had tugged on her heartstrings and she would not see her go without care and protection, as was the duty of any elf to provide care for their kin.
xXx
"Ssshh, you will wake him?"
"Can you wake an elf; I mean do they really sleep?"
"Pippin don't be ridiculous of course they sleep!"
"But his eyes are open?"
"Are you going to do this or not?"
"Give me the piece of coal!"
Meriadoc Brandybuck grinned impishly as he slipped the dusty lump of coal into his friend's eager hands. The two mischievous and excitable prankster halflings were hoping to creatively decorate the unconscious elf prince with smudges of dark coal on his perfect, unblemished, skin. After word had reached their curious ears of Legolas' wild night, they had decided to seize the opportunity to indulge in a little fun, after all the elf was the only one who had yet to be on the receiving end of their practical jokes.
Peregrin Took, satisfied that Legolas was indeed trapped in some kind of strange elf induced sleep state, crept up the pallet whilst Merry kept a vigil. Both hobbits stifled sniggers and made wild gesturing motions to each other to quieten down. Once within reach of the elf's face, Pippin rubbed the coal dust over his fingertips and cautiously stretched out his hand deciding a false beard would look incredibly fetching on the fair haired prince. With bated breath and intense focus Merry watched on, if Legolas awakened they would be strung up by their very breeches and at that very thought the elf took a deeper breath startling them both!
"Is he?" Pippin questioned with eyes shut tightly expecting the full force of an elven punch.
"No! I think he was just dreaming or something, go on hurry up before he really does wake up!" Merry hissed and waved his hands in a shooing motion indicating their need to be hasty.
Opening his eyes slowly and then sighing with relief the younger hobbit turned back to wink at his friend. Obliviously he reached out to resume his task and stifled a giggle at the mere thought of Legolas' reaction, it would be memorable and at last he, Peregrin Took, would be able to say he tricked an elf. A wide, self-satisfying, grin spread across his face at the thought but it was quickly replaced with shock! Somehow Pippin had found his outstretched hand seized in an iron grip, he yelped and tugged his arm trying to ascertain how he was restrained.
"You come an inch closer Halfling and I will break your arm off!" Legolas mumbled with an edge of irritation in his voice. He still appeared to both Merry and Pippin to be sleeping, but in a movement so fast that it was barely discernible he had seized Pippin's hand.
"I knew he wasn't asleep!" Pippin squeaked and shot Merry a frantic looks, they were both in trouble now.
"On the contrary Master Took," Legolas sighed in mild annoyance as he slowly inclined his head to glare menacingly at the bold hobbit. "I was indeed dreaming but you scheme and plot so loud I am certain I could hear the very cogs turning in your heads! Now drop the coal and run!"
In one graceful and fluid movement Legolas came to his feet, and stood towering over the two terrified halflings. They both mewed apologies and offered high praises to the disgruntled looking elf as they backed up towards the door. Legolas took one stride forward and clenched his fists and in an instant both hobbits crashed out the door, narrowly missing Aragorn who had been just about to enter. The man staggered back and watched with amusement at the disappearing figures before turning to give the elf an inquisitive look.
"Never disturb an elf when he slumbers," Legolas replied with a smirk and casually stretched his limbs.
Aragorn nodded in understanding and stifled a chuckle as he sauntered into the room and took a seat on a free pallet. Covering a yawn with his hand, the ranger sighed and rubbed his neck and shoulder feeling a dull ache there; sadly he felt he was beginning to feel his age.
"Are you well?" Legolas asked the slightest flash of concern lighting his features.
"Yes, just some fatigue in the old joints," Aragorn replied with a weary smile.
"But you have rested?" the elf continued to question, "Are you not recovered by now, I am confused?"
"Ai! Legolas I am mortal I do not recover at the rate of elves," Aragorn shook his head and laughed at the alarmed look on his friend's face. "I am not as young as I used to be."
"I do not like this aging condition you men are plagued with, it seems unfair that you must suffer, is there anything I can do?" Legolas frowned, he grasped the fact that men were mortal and thus death was guaranteed, but aging? Well this did not sit well with the Prince; he did not like the thought of Estel growing weaker through no fault of his own but by the cruel hands of time.
"I am afraid not," Aragorn chuckled, "do not fret my eternally youthful friend, I am not decrepit yet, I can still beat you in a brawl!"
Legolas snorted in amusement and turned to rifle through his belongings, if Estel still had energy to threaten him then there was nothing to fear.
"How is the head?" Aragorn called and smiled wryly at the suddenly frozen form of the elf, "I have to say you can be one foul mouthed and egotistical elf Legolas, I was astounded!"
"I owe you an apology," Legolas replied as he turned around and ashamedly avoided his friend's gaze.
Aragorn grinned a wicked grin before answering; "Nonsense, I found it quite enjoyable! It is good to know the perfectly controlled and mild mannered woodland prince is able to loosen up and enjoy himself. You should do it more often! However you probably owe Elladan an apology and maybe even Elrien?"
"Yes I suppose I do," Legolas sighed grumpily but paused momentarily before he paled and shot Aragorn a worried look, "What did I do to Elrien?"
"Where you not supposed to meet her this morning for a walk about?" Aragorn replied with a confused expression, he had just assumed the prince had changed his mind about the meeting.
"ESTEL WHAT TIME IS IT?" Legolas shrieked and whirled into motion, only succeeding in nearly choking the ranger with laughter.
"Late morning, and did the elven prince forget a very important date?" Aragorn teased in a patronizing tone, ducking only to miss a flying boot. "Stop throwing things at me! You are worse than an elfling!"
"Then keep your snide comments to yourself!" Legolas spat as he hastily retrieved the boot and pulled it on. "You forget I could have you arrested for such slandering."
"Aw but you care for me," the ranger beamed up at the elf who scowled in return, "and I am your closest friend."
"You are lucky that I have a soft spot for you Ranger," Legolas smirked as he strode toward the door.
"Yes but I fear I am being replaced by Elrien," Aragorn called after the distracted elf.
"Thin ice Estel, thin ice!" was all Legolas shouted back in return, making the man erupt into a further fit of laughter.
xXx
"I am so very sorry, I lost track of time! I hope I am no-" Legolas stopped dead in the doorway of Elrien's chamber, suddenly transfixed by the blooming shrub in the corner. Twice the size of the withered and dying plant he had brought the day before, with leaves gleaming green and flowering with the most exquisite hews of lilac he had ever seen.
"No you are just in time Lady Ellenya was helping me dress," Elrien's strange lilting voice broke through the Prince's hypnosis and he quickly blinked, mustering a kind smile to hide his awe.
True enough there was his sister expertly running her long fingers through the other elleth's curls, neatly lifting and braiding as appropriate. Elrien had also come into possession of better, sturdier looking garments; a woven tunic burgundy in colour, that looked suspiciously similar to one owned by Ellenya, and brown, thick, leggings paired with light boots. All the garments were far too large on the painfully thin she elf, but at least there was a flush of warmth to her cheeks, and her hair shone a beautiful golden hue with tones of cooper, extenuating her amber eyes that were much too large in her pinched heart shaped face.
"You have the most beautiful hair Elrien, I am jealous," Ellenya praised adoringly as she twined a lock of springy curls around her finger. "I always wished for curls like yours."
Elrien blushed and smiled shyly at the other elleth, to her she was still frighteningly intimidating but there was a softer side to Ellenya, a flicker of warmth somewhere deep in the cold expressionless eyes. That warmth grew when she smiled genuinely and Elrien noted she did so only twice, once in the presence of her mate and secondly when Legolas had entered the room. Elrien greatly hoped she could melt the icy exterior of the she elf, for she yearned for the softness of another female and to learn from Ellenya's elegant femininity, something Elrien had never had the chance to learn.
"I hardly recognised you Elrien, you are not the same elleth I found mere days ago," Legolas finally spoke; the compliment made the elleth blush further and she nervously diverted her gaze. With a chuckle he continued; "Are you ready for another adventure?"
Elrien let out a peal of singsong laughter and nodded, "Yes these little trips feel like great adventures to me, I surely amuse you with my wonderings."
"It is refreshing to see someone so curious, but I promise you today will be quieter in the city many are still resting from the party," Legolas replied cheerily and assisted Elrien to put on a warm, woolen cloak.
"Yes I am surprised to see you so bright eyed Legolas after your riotous behaviour last night?" Ellenya commented hiding a smirk as she turned to fix up the bedding. Elrien paused to give her a puzzled look.
"Right let's be on our way before this dangerous elleth fills your hide with silly stories," Legolas scowled and offered Elrien his arm which she gratefully took. "Goodbye Ellenya!"
Ellenya grinned wickedly and dismissively waved off her brother, she would tease him later when they were with familiar company. Meanwhile the Princess considered a walk about in the fresh air would do her some good too, let her think through this whole dilemma. It was clear Elrien was something different, but to Ellenya there was still no evidence to suggest she would be useful? Nevertheless she could not be left in Rohan but perhaps Cendir could travel back with her and take Elrien to Imladris that would be the caring and most responsible thing to do. With that idea firmly taking root in her mind the Princess left the small chamber to seek out Cendir and put the proposition to him. Ellenya was admittedly restless now she wanted to return home, her heart longed to be reunited with her Adar and her people, and she believed Cendir too felt the same.
Swiftly Ellenya followed the pathways through the royal halls of Edoras that led to the guest quarters, one such small building was offered to the remaining elves, Cendir had stayed here during his recovery wanting to be closer to his own kind. The news of Haldir's passing as well as the large number of his comrades had put the ellon into a deep melancholy, and he found comfort among what was left of his kin. He had chosen to remain to himself and Ellenya had only seen him briefly since the battle, when she had assisted Elladan to pass on the sad news. As she neared the barracks she spied the lithe figure of the familiar ellon leaning against a wall, as he turned his head to greet the new Lady of Imladris;
"Good morning Lady Ellenya to what do I owe the pleasure?" he greeted and bobbed his head in acknowledgement of her rank. He smiled and his voice was pleasant, but there was still a deep sadness in his eyes which he did not bother to hide.
"Good Morning Cendir," Ellenya replied brightly and came to stand at his side, "I come only to seek out a familiar face."
"If I may be so bold," Cendir gestured and Ellenya nodded, "You never come to seek simple company, what is it you require my lady?"
Ellenya pursed her lips and nodded in agreement at the ellon's accurate appraisal, "You are sharp Cendir, I am not one to waste time on small talk, but I resent the insinuation that I only bother with others for what I can gain from them."
"Yes but it is the truth," Cendir replied with a sly smile making Ellenya snort with laughter.
"You are probably right," the elleth sighed and narrowed her eyes as she scanned the horizon, "I should probably work on that most regrettable trait, be more thoughtful or something to that effect?"
"It is a start," the ellon chuckled, "sometimes it is considered polite to enquire as to the health of the other in your presence."
Ellenya turned to look at Cendir fully in the face and tilted her head thoughtfully for a moment before speaking; "Are you well? How are the injuries faring?"
The other elf shook his head as he laughed heartily; "I thought we established you do not indulge in small talk?"
"I was trying to be interested and thoughtful," Ellenya scowled and folded her arms tightly about her chest unhappy with the ellon's response.
"Ah I see," Cendir answered, "Well in that case my injuries do not bother me any longer and I am fit to go about normal duties, no lasting damage or at least that is what your husband said."
"He is generally right about these things," Ellenya added positively and gestured for the ellon to continue as she attempted to try her most interested look.
"Indeed, but I suppose I do not feel myself," Cendir replied with a sigh, "I guess this is what they refer to as grief?"
Ellenya watched as the ellon's face crumpled and his eyes became rimmed with red as he fought the tears threatening to escape them. Biting her lip the elleth outstretched her hand and awkwardly patted his shoulder in a comforting gesture;
"Yes that is what it is called," she whispered softly and continued to pet his upper arm and shoulder.
"How do I make it stop?" was the surprising response Cendir hit Ellenya with causing her to pause for a moment. She could plainly see the pain and hurt in the younger elf's eyes; it touched her heart for he was so innocent and untouched by the wider world. It occurred to Ellenya that Cendir had probably never came across death before, to him his kin still remained untouchable and invincible, Helm's Deep was an incredible wake up call to the naive and over confident ellon.
"You cannot make it stop, it is normal," Ellenya replied as gently as she could, "It hurts to be parted from the ones we call family, but they rest now safe and faraway from this dark world. It is okay to feel sorrow Cendir, it is better to feel pain than nothing at all and I speak from experience."
"I should have stayed with him," Cendir sucked in a sharp breath, "If I had of stayed, Haldir could have lived, it should have been me! He is beloved to his people, a great warrior and now they are robbed of him and I am nothing just an insignificant youngster."
"Stop it Cendir!" Ellenya warned and in something rare for the Princess she embraced the ellon that was moments from tears, "It is for the likes of us that Haldir gave his life, to defend the insignificant youngsters so that we can have freedom. Do not sully his memory with such selfish thoughts!"
Cendir pulled back and sniffed swiftly scrubbing his eyes with the back of his hand; "You are right Ellenya, I apologise I should not burden you so, I should be assisting you."
Ellenya arched an eyebrow in disbelief; "I do not believe you are recovered so quickly nor do I think you believe my words. I think you and I should have a chat maybe a walk in this fresh air, get a weight off our shoulders?"
Cendir paused for a moment considering the best way to decline the offer, he did not feel like embarrassing himself any further but the understanding look in Ellenya's eyes changed his mind and he nodded in agreement.
"Good!" Ellenya replied brightly and held out her arm patiently waiting for Cendir to assist her, which he dutifully did; "We have a lot to catch up on."
xXx
Legolas and Elrien had returned to the peaceful plains of the valley at the foot of Edoras, although Elrien had fared much better this morning with the quieter less bustling city. She had taken her time to observe odd sights and smell strange foods and plants, but she was happier in nature and predictably became more settled when they left the confines of the city. She walked closely with Legolas now taking great interest in all that he had to say, and she questioned him incessantly on his home and how he came to be so far away from it.
Thus far she had learned only that he lived in an elven stronghold located in the north of the forest now known as Mirkwood and that Ellenya was his sister. Elrien had also been quick to gather the information of the one ring and astounded Legolas on her grasp of the seriousness of the matter; this was no simple elleth he spoke with. For all her purity and innocent ways Elrien was wise and deeply understanding of why Legolas had chosen to help in the war effort. When he had questioned her as to how she knew so much of the world around her, she had explained that in her enslavement to Saruman she had learned a great deal from his maps and books, but of this she spoke no more and only changed the subject if he pried too much.
"Tell me of your kin Legolas," Elrien chirped brightly avoiding another personal question Legolas had tried to ask; "Do they all look like you and your beautiful sister? What of their history and what elves rule your land?"
"No not really," Legolas sighed in defeat at another of his deflected attempts to piece together the past of this mysterious elleth. "Ellenya and I are descended from the Teleri, Sindar or grey elves you may have known us as."
"Yes I know this term, but not all of your people are sindar?" Elrien continued with vested interest.
"No most are silvan elves, woodland folk, but there are sindar elves too just not as many," Legolas replied and awaited the next onslaught of questions.
"And what makes them special? Tell me something of their history," Elrien's eyes danced in her head as she and Legolas settled on a patch of soft grass. Here Legolas provided a hastily put together brunch, which consisted of just bread and cheese which he gave the most too Elrien, in an attempt to feed her up.
"A story from our past? Hmm they are not very pleasant" Legolas mused as he ripped a piece of bread and thoughtfully examined it, an idea suddenly forming in his mind. It was a bit manipulative of him to think of telling Elrien this, but she needed to know why she was important to them, and admittedly he was curious to know how much she knew of the amber stone.
"I have a tale to share, but it is a sad one though I think maybe you might affiliate with it?" Legolas continued, Elrien nodded enthusiastically and gestured for him to continue;
"Quite some time ago Mirkwood was known by a different name, Greenwood the Great, it was an enchanted and beautiful forest filled with animals and plants the likes of which had never been seen before. The trees grew tall and the plants bloomed with the most vivid and unimaginable flowers, that were so rare that many travelled for miles just to behold such colours. It was said that the wood grew like this because of the elven Queen that dwelt under the trees; you see she possessed a jewel that was allegedly blessed by the Valar, and gifted to those of her Teleri ancestors that had made the journey across the sea and seen the light of the trees."
"She sounds wonderful; did the forest wither when she left? Tell me more of her?" Elrien asked curiously, the story of such an elleth who protected the forests struck a chord with her and she wished to know more.
"I am afraid the tale is much more sorrowfully than that," Legolas warned and took a settling breath before he continued;
"The Queen lived harmoniously with the forest and in turn it protected her people and her from the outside world. For the longest time she lived happily by the side of her husband, a famed elf warrior and benevolent King of the Woodland realm, which he still resides over to this very day. They had a family, a son and daughter, whom were showered with love and affection because of the great joy and life the Queen brought. Everything seemed for a while just perfect, the Royal family were so beloved and honoured by their people that the wood elves prospered and grew strong. The woods flourished and for a time the King and Queen believed they were safe, but darkness crept into the woods and rumours spread of a sickness that was choking the life from the very roots of the trees."
"That is horrible surely the Queen would have foreseen such darkness? Could she not have done something to repel it?" Elrien was enthralled now and slightly alarmed as to where this dark twist was taking the story. Legolas sighed and dropped his gaze to the ground, absently picking at the blades of grass before he carried on with the tale;
"Both the King and the Queen knew something dark and more sinister encroached on them, the King had seen the evil of Mordor before and feared it. Attacking Orc were a regular occurrence and a menace to the elves who constantly tried to rid their beloved forest of such vile creatures, the Queen was troubled because the orcs ruined her woods and brought despair to the trees, sometimes her power was not even enough to revive them. But little did she realise that this was the least of her concerns, unbeknownst to either the King or the Queen a pack of highly skilled orc plotted to steal the jewel from the Queen, for with it they could corrupt the forest and bring it under their command."
"Legolas this is a terrible tale please tell me they did not succeed?" Elrien cried and gripped his arm, she treasured nature just as much as this Queen, she could feel real pain for the suffering of a wood that she had no memory of.
"In a way they did not succeed," Legolas replied evenly and shifted his gaze away from Elrien and the elleth noted a subtle change in his countenance, an anger rolled across his usually cheerful features.
"What do you mean?" She questioned considering for a moment that this story was maybe more personal to the ellon than she first anticipated.
"The commanders of the orc armies drew up a plan to take something precious from the King and Queen, something that would force them into surrendering the jewel. For the Queen always kept it around her neck and it would be too risky to attempt to take it from her, the King was never too far from her and would slay any that came too close, for his wife was everything to him. Yet the orcs knew there was something more precious to them both, and so in the dead of the night a band of trained orc slipped into Kingdom through a carefully planned route and kidnapped the little princess, who was only a small elfling, from her very bed."
Legolas stopped briefly in attempt to keep his composure; he had never spoken of that night to anyone in such a long time that it physically hurt him to remember. However it was important, Elrien had to learn the truth of her connection to the stone and she had to understand her importance. The look of pure horror on her face made it difficult for him to continue but he did nevertheless;
"As you can imagine the King and Queen were inconsolable but they wasted no time on grief, the Kingdom was heavily attacked in order to distract and confuse the people making it difficult to search for their missing Princess. The King in his panic ordered his wife to stay within the safety of their home whilst he and their son, just a youth at the time, went in search of the little one. However the Queen could not settle herself and she escaped the safety of the kingdom and beseeched the forest to guide her too her baby. The son learned of his Mother's escape and he along with his comrades went to find her, believing in her power and knowing the woods would help them find his little sister."
"And did the Prince find them and what of the King?" Elrien was panicked by the emotion in the other elf's eyes, he was close to tears and she could not place why? Legolas cleared his throat and tried to keep his face expressionless as he finished the story;
"Yes the young prince found his Mother who in turn had retrieved the little Princess, but she was badly wounded and unable to escape the clutches of a rather brutish orc commander. The prince tried to fend off the attacker but he was too young, too inexperienced and just not strong enough. The King was close by searching now for his entire family, but not close enough. The Prince killed the orc but not before it delivered a mortal wound to the Queen. She sent her son back to their home with her daughter, who was badly traumatised and had suffered minor cuts and burns that would never fade a reminder of the evil she injured. Later the Prince discovered his Mother had died in the King's arms, but before she died she told of how Valar had visited her and claimed back the jewel, an amber stone, to keep it safe. Some say it has vanished forever, others believe it will be returned when it is needed, but the fact remained that woods suffered and the light left Greenwood."
Legolas remained silent for the longest time when he finished the tale, a few stray tears freely falling from his eyes. Elrien observed him closely as she tried to wrap her mind around what she had just been told, he spoke of a jewel and said it was amber, she knew well what he implied. However the greater part of her mind tried to work out why Legolas was so affected by the story, and suddenly out of nowhere she could see the connection. Her mouth popped open in shock and her eyes widened as she tried to articulate her theory;
"Ellenya is your sister…the elleth with the strange scars…I seen them, I seen her pain?" Elrien searched for the words and gawped at Legolas who nodded once, his eyes willing her to come to her conclusion; "She is the Princess of whom you speak and you…you are he….and the Queen she is your Mother."
"Yes," Legolas admitted sadly and continued to pick anxiously at the blades of grass, "My mother was Lairiel, Queen of the Woodland Realm and she had in her possession a powerful amber stone. Something Ellenya believed had come back to us through cryptic dreams that lead her to me, she said I would know when I saw it and I believe I have seen it."
"You believe it is me!" Elrien stated evenly and stood swiftly to her feet, taking a few strides away from him.
"Where are you going?" Legolas asked suddenly panicked that he had went about this all the wrong way, and he jumped up to follow her. "I am sorry but I had to find a way to tell you!"
"You have come to claim what rightfully belongs to your family," Elrien replied sadly as she turned back towards the startled Prince, her eyes filled with tears. "You have the right to take me, but tell me why did you create these notions of freedom in my head when that was not your intention all along?"
"No Elrien I have no right, my family has no right you are still free to choose!" Legolas cried in dismay, "Your existence changes everything, I do not even know for certain what you are? But I believe you can help my people and I would only ask that you would consider our plight? I would be forever in your gratitude if you would assist us, but I would not forsake you if you decided not to."
"Why?" Elrien asked in confusion, surely if she disagreed she would be of no further use to this elf or his people.
"Are we not friends?" Legolas questioned, "I did not rescue you from that tower because I knew who or what you were? I rescued you because I could, because you are elf kind and should never have been subjected to such pain and suffering. I am going to help you regardless of your decision, I heard a voice in the trees that only stopped when I found you, and it was nothing connected to the stone not even my sister knows of that. So you see I was meant to find you and free you."
Elrien smiled a broken smile, and tears freely sprang from her eyes, which only alarmed and confused Legolas further;
"I am sorry, I should never have told you that!" he cried again and bit his lip deeply concerned that he had successfully unravelled the elleth's already ragged mind.
"No it is not that!" Elrien held out her hands apologetically and let a strangled chuckle; "You heard my song Legolas, you responded to my plea for help! I knew you would come! In the darkness when I thought I would be consumed by sorrow, something gave me hope that you would come."
"I do not understand?" Legolas moved uncomfortably at the suggestion, he was unsure of the adoration in her tone.
"I am sorry I am explaining it wrong," Elrien soothed realising how she sounded to him, "I am not saying that I knew it was you, but I believed hope would come and free me. I prayed that whoever found me would give me a purpose and a reason to live again, that they would take me far away from that place."
"I think you need to explain this to me Elrien?" Legolas asked as he sat back down on the ground again, feeling like something unseen was at play here. "I know you do not wish to talk of your time in the possession of the wizard, but I believe it might help answer both our questions."
The elleth nodded solemnly and settled down beside the Prince once again; "I shall tell you because you have shared difficult things with me."
"I am honoured that you would trust me," Legolas replied with a soft smile and prepared himself to hear the tale.
"You are easy to trust," Elrien said with a grin and took a settling breath before she spoke;
"I did not lie when I said I just came to be, for I did, I awakened in the woods you know as Fangorn only a few hundred years ago by the reckoning of men. Yet I was fully matured, an adult in the respects to the kind I bear resemblance too, but I feel that I am much older than this age. I have memories, flickers of dreams and images of the histories of this world eons before I ever came to be. It is a strange thing to be half of something and half of another."
"I do not understand, what are you half of?" Legolas asked his brows knitting together as he attempted to understand. Elrien laughed softly and continued on ignoring the question;
"When I came to be my purpose came to me in a song from the creator, Illuvator told me I concealed the heart of the forest and my existence was to protect the natural world that was created. I was not to fear for in time my path would become clear, but until then I had much to learn. And so for many years I lived peacefully in the woods communing with it and learning its ways, it was a very simple life and I wish now I could return to those days. But the wizard did find me and appeared to know who I was almost instantly; Saruman was very wise indeed, though I was initially frightened for I spoke with no one but the Valar in my prayers and to the trees in song. He took his time visiting regularly until I trusted him and soon I found I craved the company of another being."
"It sounds as though Saruman was good to you, at least for a while?" The ellon spoke more in disbelief than anything else.
"Yes he was very kind to me for the longest time," Elrien smiled fondly. "He brought me books and maps so I could learn of the world beyond my home, and taught me how to read them, and to speak in the tongues of men and elves. I had only spoke the old language before that time, it is the language understood by the woods. It was through these regular encounters he brought to my attention the amber stone, he told me that is what I was, that my existence was only a covering for the jewel that I did not really exist as an elf. He was adamant that I must remain hidden and apart from the world where much evil now thrived. I was blind and trusting, I believed that this was my path and I heeded the wizard, after all he was the greatest representation of the Valar even they trusted him!"
Elrien paused only to observe that Legolas had turned white with anger, his face was expressionless but his taut jaw gave away his frustrations. She lowered her gaze searching for the words that would ease the sudden tension;
"Saruman is very clever in how he speaks; his lies are fluid and appear like truths it took me a very long time to unearth who he really was. One night I was set upon by orcs only to have Saruman conveniently find me just in time to spare my life. He offered me sanctuary in Orthanc and I was so frightened that I went willingly and with much gratitude. I soon realised that the wizard had no intention of freeing me, he had changed he was filled with a madness, he told me he was the most powerful istar and it was his right and responsibility to claim me and control me. I was filled with dread and tried to escape many times but this only angered him, I soon learnt it was easier to be compliant at least then I could walk in his gardens. But when the orcs came to Orthanc my fears were confirmed. He was possessed by evil and tried to use my power to heal parts of the wood he had destroyed, only so he could use its resources and destroy it again. But I feel the pain of the natural world and I could not do his bidding. He like the orcs in your story believed that he could corrupt me and twist my mind, giving him the power to control the forests and in turn bend them to his will, but I could not and would not yield. You see, if I fade so does the power within me, so if Saruman tried to corrupt me he only lost the power he so deeply craved, so he kept me alive and untouched by his wicked schemes. But I was so distressed and convinced that he would destroy the entire living world I escaped one night and sang a prayer to the trees believing it would reach the ears of someone who would help me. I was found of course and severely punished, I was gagged and bound and sent to live out the rest of my existence in the cellars in which you found me."
"Elrien, how did you not know there were others of your kind, we would have come for you long ago, If you had the ability to alert us why did you not do it sooner, surely you knew other elves existed?" Legolas was at a loss as he shook his head vehemently at the thought.
"Legolas you must understand by now?" Elrien questioned tilting her head to the side, "Saruman controlled what knowledge I had, he told me there were few elves left and that they could not be trusted. After all they had carelessly led to the stone's destruction, they did not want its power, he claimed that if they found me they would only destroy me in their greed."
Legolas opened his mouth to roar a slew of insults but was quietened by a pleading look from the elleth before she continued;
"When I realised the change in Saruman I knew then to question all he had taught me, I stole books on the histories of elves and men, I learned that most elves were not capable of such things. Yet I could not be sure how many existed and if they could even find me, but I had to try, and you did. And now you tell me of elven Kingdoms, great rulers and elven powers that still dwell in Arda, that if they had known of me they would have wanted me to join with them? Legolas do you know how much that fills my heart with joy and a sense of purpose?"
Elrien did not let Legolas answer she stretched over and took his hands in hers, looking him dead in the eye;
"If I can assist you and your people in any way I shall, though I do not know what strength I have and if it is even enough to repel the darkness from you home, but I will try and set right a wrong! I believe that is my purpose. It is the very least I can do to repay the kindness you have shown me."
"You owe me nothing Elrien, it is I and my kin that owe you a great debt." Legolas answered the elleth but he was suddenly filled with concern, after what she had been through could he live with himself asking her to go back into the heart of evil again? "Elrien I must warn you, my home is covered in darkness, there will be war and death. After what you have seen I do not believe it is even wise of me to ask you to do this."
"I understand, but Legolas I have seen the heart of darkness and I know that there will no land left untouched if it is not challenged. I will not be held captive by it again, it will not control me! It is my duty to defend the natural world and that is what I must do." Elrien replied resolutely, to her hearing the plight of Mirkwood meant that she could not ignore its plea. It was laid upon her heart and her spirit to go where she was needed, and now she was free to do that.
"Then I have no words to express my gratitude," Legolas just about managed to reply as he worked hard to stop a sob. This was the aid he had hoped for, the aid Ellenya had searched for, even in his absence he could send help to his people, let the forest be their ally again instead of their enemy.
"There are just a few problems?" He sighed and scowled at something in the distance, Elrien gave him a questioning look; "I believe you, I believe everything about your tale, but Ellenya is not so easily swayed she will want evidence. Even if she does believe you, my Adar is not keen on strangers he will automatically be distrustful and I fear your existence might dredge up old memories that could hurt or confuse him."
"Then I shall do my best to win their approval, maybe when the King see's my willingness to help he will not be so distrustful?" The elleth replied brightly, obviously unaware of the family she spoke of.
"Perhaps that will be so," Legolas replied and squeezed Elrien's hands tightly, he was hopeful. Elrien was so bright and pure he was unsure how anyone could not trust her entirely, even after all her trauma she remained unscathed and her heart was open. He knew his Adar was difficult but he was also wise enough to recognise a kind soul, he hoped that Thranduil would see what he seen in the strange amber eyed elleth. Ellenya on the other hand was a different story, but he had to try and convince her to believe this tale and if she could not, then at least talk her into bringing Elrien before their Father for him to judge.
xXx
Gandalf ambled along the fringe of Edoras, hands clasped behind his back, enjoying the still quietness of the late afternoon, The sun was beginning to set and it turned the sky brilliant colours of pink and orange. The wizard was praying, for he had much to decipher, the riddle of Elrien was priority in his mind. He felt he was missing a piece of the puzzle, and if he could only gain some divine insight he might just be able to solve it? Yes he was in agreement with Legolas, Elrien was a connection to the amber stone, but how and why was she created? Why the form of an elf and why did she fall into the hands of Saruman? What was the purpose of all this?
With a defeated sigh Gandalf found a comfortable rock to rest upon and took out his pipe, though his new body struggled to accept the art of smoking pipeweed, it did not stop him from craving the familiar comfort of it. For a long time he sat like a statue, still and unmoving, trying to decipher the will of the Valar. He greatly wished for the Vala Nienna's sympathy, if she at least took pity on his searching heart he may stand a chance at answering his questions.
The sunrise faded and the first stars of evening took to the sky, all the while Gandalf remained still, his eyes far off and unseeing. Soon he felt the chill of night air and with a shiver he made to stand, alas tonight he would find no help! As he got to his feet and made to turn, sighing at the prospect of negotiating the steep hill that led up to the city, the wizard caught a glimpse of something in the distance. He paused and peered into the night, there illuminated by the cool light of the moon and stars was a grey hooded figure. The figure remained still and only moved to raise a delicate hand in welcome, such hand could only belong to a fair maiden;
"Who goes there?" Gandalf called as he took a step forward, squinting his eyes to make out the form.
The maiden began to walk forward until she came within a few meters of the wizard;
"Olorin do you not recognize your own teacher?" came the sad and otherworldly voice of the maiden, as she gently removed her grey hood and let her tear stained eyes land on the white wizard.
Gandalf let out a cry of disbelief and fell to one knee, "Queen Nienna! Forgive me!"
A/N So yea...hmmm Im not sure...views and questions most definitely welcome! :)
