'ello friends :) So it has been a crazy week but I think...I hope...this chapter is right! Can't wait for you all to return to Mirkwood...I miss Thranduil *cries*
Right well thank you to everyone who reviewed, because honestly I would not be writing this story without you guys, and to hear things like you love to read back again :') tears of happiness! Virtual hugs for everyone! So thank you ZabuzasGirl, Celticank, DreamingIn2Eternity and fan reviwer; Thank you and YES Thranduil is back...happiness thy name it :D And thank you followers! :D
So as some of you know I was really struggling to write the past little while and I think that is because I had too many ideas swimming around in my head, absolutely frying it and distracting me from writing this story...which is my baby and my one true love XD...So I've started a few stories on the side and actually posted another Lotr fanfic. Its completely for the entertainment value and I actually started writing it when I had an accident and was cooped up feeling blue. Its called "To Live Again," and is one of those, I landed in Mirkwood/ I believe people call it 'MarySue' stories, but with a personal touch! So IF those stories appeal to you please read for the giggles at least BUT please know this is my main story and I shan't be neglecting it. :)
I am gonna stop blabbering on and let you read...cause I am so excited to share...really hope you like :D
25. My Homeland Calls
Belan stamped restlessly as his mistress smoothed her hands over the length of his body and long limbs. She had strong hands, wise hands; his mistress was proficient in the ways of his kind he trusted her entirely and without question for she never lay on him any bonds or restrictions. Belan was free to come and go as he pleased within his home territories, if his mistress required his service over stretches of time he gladly obliged for she never neglected him. Though the great, grey, stallion felt from his mistress's spirit that trouble lay ahead and that she would require much more of him than she had ever asked before.
"Easy my friend," Ellenya whispered and stroked his proud muzzle, "Take rest while you can for tomorrow we ride for home, and I am afraid we will need to be swift there is no time to spare!"
Belan whickered softly and lowered his head in acceptance of the command; he was ready and willing to do his lady's bidding even if it cost him. The road home was long he knew this well, but it could be done in a shorted expanse of time if he was willing to push himself. Ellenya praised his loyalty and understanding in soft elvish tones as she continued to rub his joints and muscles, ensuring he was fit for the mammoth challenge.
Satisfied that her beloved horse was settled and well informed of his duties, Ellenya turned her attention to checking his tack. Usually she traveled with no such devices cumbering Belan, but long journeys required provision especially for battle. When she had left Imladris Belan had carried weapons, armor and other necessary rations but now there was no need to burden him any more than was necessary. Ellenya planned to ride straight and fast to her home with no delay's any food or water carried would be consumed whilst on horseback. She reckoned Elrien would have no such ability to ride unaided and so Belan would be required to carry them both as far as he was able. With this in mine she kept the saddlebags lightly stocked with limited rations and she would make do with little armor.
"My lady can I not do this for you?"
Ellenya startled and frowned at the approaching elf who offered her aid, she was perfectly capable of managing herself;
"It is quite alright Cendir I can manage, your services are no longer required I am taking Elrien to my home instead." Ellenya replied in a cold and indifferent tone.
"Yes I have heard Prince Legolas broke the news to us at supper," Cendir replied unperturbed by the elleth's tone. "But with all due respect I still plan to ride out with you in the morning."
"Why? It is not necessary," Ellenya questioned her voice remaining flat and her hands busy.
"I wish to offer my help!" Cendir answered with a nod this gaining Ellenya's full attention; "I will ride with you as far as Lorien from there I will seek out the Lord and Lady and advise them of the events that have passed. Lord Elladan would also bid me to bring them news of Elrien and to ensure his Grandfather holds to his word to assist you Father in battle if it should be required."
"That is…incredibly thoughtful of you Cendir I am grateful," was all Ellenya managed to reply with , truly she was stumped as to why this elf would put himself forward to help her in any way. She had terrorized him and possibly gave his sweetheart the fright of her life.
"It is nothing Lady Ellenya it is the least I can do," Cendir insisted with a nod. "If time is in my favor then I shall ride to Imladris and attempt to gather any willing volunteers. I would imagine your people will need healers when this war starts!"
"If it has not already started," Ellenya sighed and felt a twinge of panic take hold of her. "Cendir you are a blessing from Eru thank you! Though I must ask, did my husband put you up to this?"
Cendir chuckled and shook his head; "No this was originally my idea but he certainly was rather keen on it."
Ellenya smiled fondly if only in attempt to hide the anguish of having to leave Elladan behind. When she had left her brother and Gandalf she had meant to go straight to him and tell him of her plans, but she could not face him not just yet. She hated farewells and was never very gracious about them but this one was worse for she knew her husband's heart, she knew he was just as committed as Legolas was to the final acts of the dark lord's war. Ellenya knew it would always come to this, their love and their survival was never guaranteed to last it was only a fleeting gift, but one she would cherish forever.
"My Lady you should go I can ready the horses and see to the provisions," Cendir's voice was calm but with a slight commanding tone. He drifted to Ellenya's side and removed the leather saddlebags from her hands. "You must say goodbye if not for you then for him."
The princess let go of the objects she carried and woodenly nodded, muttering her gratitude as she made for the heavy wooden door which was the exit to the stables. Quietly she eased it open and slipped outside; her eyes downcast for she knew she really ought to have went straight to Elladan and told him her plans. It was hard to remember she was now answerable to another, but when that other was her closest friend and only other living soul that could track her whereabouts with ease, it should have come to no surprise that Elladan waited patiently outside the stable entrance.
"I should not have to hear from someone else that my wife intends to leave at dawn!" Elladan spoke first, he stared at the ground and his jaw was taut. Ellenya went to speak but he silenced her with a flick of his hand. "Furthermore I should not be the last person that my closest friend chooses to confide in! Ellenya why do you insist on putting up these frustrating walls? Why am I the last one you think of? It is already past midnight! You should have come straight to me like I would have done for you?"
"I needed space to think!" Ellenya defended herself; it was an automatic thing she did not like having the finger of blame pointed at her, even when she was at fault. "The time escaped me I am sorry but I wanted to be alone for a while, to mentally prepare you should understand this!"
"No I do not, I really do not understand the need you have to be alone?" Elladan stepped forward his eyes betraying the hurt he tried to disguise. He did not want to start a war not now, but he had so little time left with her. There was no guarantee that when she left at first light that he would ever see her again and this drove him to distraction!
"I cannot say goodbye!" Ellenya cried in frustration, "I do not want to say goodbye! If I went straight to you then I would have to accept it, as of tomorrow I am completely alone, with little hope that I shall ever see you or my brother again! Elladan I am sorry it was wrong and immature of me but I hate this, I hate living with this constant fear."
Ellenya was visibly weeping, shaken by the violence of her memories and the darkness that constantly threatened her mind. It was easy to pretend they were nothing but a distant memory when she was among the ones she loved, but remove them and she was terrified, alone and vulnerable. Everyone spoke of hope and encouraged her to have faith but the truth was she was fearful to do so, for there was no certainty in things such as hope and faith. The only thing she knew was her ability to survive, her ability to deal out death and her strength of will, her determination had seen her through all these years and that was what she trusted.
Elladan was quick to act he had seen this side of Ellenya a few times before; when old memories drifted too close to the surface and made her admit she was not in control of her fate. It was always the simplest things that set her off, he remembered finding her curled on the floor of her chambers when she resided in Lorien, because a stupid comment had been made over supper about how the touch of evil can forever corrupt an elf, and one should never trust an elf that had been tortured. Elladan cursed himself for being so tactless and letting his own selfish emotions ruin this time, it was always difficult to remember that though Ellenya appeared well her mind often was not.
He spoke softly and in words his Adar had taught him to use in cases such as these; soothing words that calmed the mind and spirit, words that he had used more times than he could have cared to count when his Naneth was tormented by her flashbacks. They had their desired effect and Ellenya soon melted into his arms all traces of tears vanished and in their place a peaceful silence.
"I am sorry," Elladan muffled an apology into Ellenya's hair and sighed heavily, "I do not want to let you go either."
"Then don't," Ellenya murmured and locked her arms around his neck curling herself closer to him; "At least for now."
Without another word, for there was nothing that needed to be said aloud anymore, the pair kissed long and slow. Lingering over each other not allowing any small detail of themselves to be missed, if this was the last time they could be together as lovers then they would commit every last inch of themselves to memory. It was Ellenya that broke the bittersweet kisses first and inbetween longing looks and soft whispers she led her husband away to a quieter place where they could say farewell more privately. Where they could hold each other for the last time and eventually come to terms with the impending separation, for there was no point in hiding it this time it would hurt to be apart now. But this was the price they had agreed to pay and it was now time to start paying for their stolen moment of contented happiness.
xXx
Legolas watched as the night sky slowly lightened heralding in the start of another day, it was a cold dawn and the ice wind that bit through Edoras was unforgiving. He absently checked and re-checked a small cloth bag that he has assisted Elrien to pack. Knowing his sister would be scant on provisions and registering the half-starved appearance of his friend, the Prince had swaddled up extra pieces of cured meats and whey breads to assist Elrien on her journey, she would need the energy and sustenance. He had also purchased her a woollen scarf and sheep skin padded bracers for her wrists; not that he expected her to start wielding a bow anytime soon but a sturdy bracer could deflect a nasty blow and only the Valar knew what lay ahead in Mirkwood.
"I am ready," Elrien called anxiously as she timidly stepped into the hallway to meet Legolas.
"Good! I have your bag," he grinned and wandered over to her side to assist her to sling the cloth bag over her shoulders. At least she was dressed in sturdy clothes and a warm cloak though he was still dubious if she could survive the journey.
"I will miss you," Elrien spoke softly but kept her eyes downcast.
"As will I," Legolas answered feeling a little uneasy with truth of the statement, he would miss her more than he dared to recognize.
"I understand why you must stay and I will pray incessantly every day for your safe return, but I wish you to know something before we part ways," Elrien lifted her gaze and settled the fair haired ellon with a meaningful look. "I wish I could have known you before such evil times, I wish we had the time to become true friends for I do not think I will ever meet another quite like you Greenleaf."
Elrien smiled and held up a sprig from the potted plant Legolas had first presented her with; it had one long and slender deep green coloured leaf and a small and every so perfect lilac bud. She handed it to her new friend and chuckled as he curiously observed it;
"It will not perish or wilt with time, I have placed an enchantment on it, it is frozen in this state a timeless memento, something to remember me by." Elrien dropped her gaze shyly and blushed when Legolas gave her that awestruck look again.
"Thank you, I shall treasure it!" Was all the prince managed to mumble as he held the green sprig up and turned it around in the light of the approaching dawn.
"I hoped that it would remind you of your home so that you may be comforted on your journey, it is always nice to remember the places that you love." She grinned back delighted that he had liked her gift.
Legolas smiled his soft and carefree smile and opened his arms wide;
"This is an appropriate time and place," he laughed at Elrien's brief indecision before she threw her arms around him. Generally he was against any unnecessary displays of affections but spending time with so many emotive races had a softening effect on the elven prince, though for his own kind he was considered quite expressive it was out of the ordinary for him to be so tender. He blamed Elrien and her sweet charms and innocence for chipping away at his usually professionally exterior, but in honesty he was just too fond of the amber eyed elleth.
"Come, you do not want to keep my sister waiting," Legolas quickly ended the warm embrace and let Elrien take his arm, as he led her to the city's main gate and the confirmed departure point. He could not be sure but there was a marked look of anxiety on Elrien's face and he certainly did not blame her, for this journey would not be easy on her and again he questioned his resolve for allowing this. He had to have faith that was what was meant to be, and at this point there was very little else he had left to take courage from. The pair did not hold conversation as they made for their destination both preferring the solace of their own thoughts.
As they approached the gates the still form of a dark blonde ellon and two magnificent stallions caught their attention and Legolas felt his chest constrict with worry. One last time he turned to Elrien and caught her hand giving her almost pleading look;
"Elrien Mirkwood is a dangerous place you will not have encountered anything like it before, please be certain of your decision before your enter it!"
"I am certain Legolas, it is where I must go," Elrien replied with a determined look, "I must got where I am needed, a forest should not be dangerous it should be free and wild."
"The wood is ill, poisoned from the roots with black magic. You will only be safe when you reach my father's kingdom and even then it is a precarious situation." Legolas continued she had to know the danger; "The roads in and out are not safe anymore, I doubt even the elven road is now passable, there are wargs and great spiders that roam wild be watchful. I have taught Ellenya other ways to pass unseen through the woods do not stray from her and do exactly as she tells you, your life depends on it."
Elrien nodded as her heart sank to the pit of her stomach, what such a place was she wandering into? How could a forest be so dark? Legolas made it sound like the enemy she was beginning to doubt if she could be of any use at all. She pushed the negative thoughts from her mind she needed to remain positive she had to convince the King of her usefulness, she had to believe she had purpose.
"Here take this," Legolas pulled from his belt a small yet deadly looking dagger. " If the worst should befall you and you find yourself separated from Ellenya this blade will be useful in more ways than one. It will not only be a weapon but if you are discovered by any one my people they will know to trust you and will assist you."
"I do not want to claim a life," Elrien felt her voice tremble but she clutched the small dagger regardless. "How will they know? What will I tell them if they believe it is stolen?"
"And I hope you never do have to take a life but Elrien you may well need to defend yourself. Do not fret they will not believe it is stolen, the dagger was a gift from my parents when I was only a youngster, it is engraved in my family emblems and only I carry it. They will recognize it and know you are messenger from their Prince."
"I pray they do," she murmured uncertainty saturating her voice, "Your Adar how will I present myself to him?"
Legolas smirked and considered the best way to describe his dear eccentric Father; "My Adar is wild and unpredictable present yourself with care and good manners. Though if he is in good spirits he might be as sweet and endearing as a young deer?"
"And if he is not?" Elrien dared to ask.
"Then he is bear with a volatile temper to match, he could maul you were you stand without asking a single question!"
Legolas laughed loudly at the horror filled expression on the elleth's face and shook his head; "I may be over-exaggerating his personality a little; he has a temper but he is wise and generous to his people, he will take care of you I promise you that."
"Let us hope then that I catch him on a good day," Elrien replied and the two chuckled in unison breaking the heavy tension from before.
xXx
"Ellenya wait!" Elladan protested quietly and pulled his wife back to him, kissing her again with a possessive force as he gently pressed her back against the stone wall of a random building. Though it was morning and he knew she must leave now without delay, he still could not let go.
"I have to go; you know I have to go!" Ellenya groaned and tried to struggle away from him but was silenced by another weighted and emotional kiss. She felt tears brim on the edge of her eyes and she worked hard to maintain composed, she would not cry, she would not leave Elladan with sadness.
"I know," he whispered his voice barely audible as he strained against his own grief; he had said goodbye to Ellenya many times but none felt quite so final as this one. He would not believe for one second that he would never see her again, he had hope that they would survive this, though it was a fools hope and he knew that.
He pulled away and rested his forehead against hers for a moment, drinking in the last of her strong spirit and storing it in his memory so that he could call upon it when he needed it most. Ellenya did the same and dreaded the days ahead when she could not have him near her, though she knew that while Elladan lived she would continue to feel his healing spirit surround her own and that brought her comfort, it would be enough to see her through.
"I will come back for you I swear it Ellenya!" Elladan vowed as he clasped her face gently in his hands and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. "Do not dare leave this world without me!"
"I promise you I will wait for you, but if you do not come back I will hunt you down Elladan! I swear it I really do!" Ellenya answered disguising her sorrow with anger, evoking a rough laugh from her beloved.
"I will be a sorry elf if I cross you my love," he grinned though it did not reach his eyes.
The two embraced each other tightly stealing one last kiss before Elladan with a defeated sigh tugged Ellenya forward. They moved quickly through the city for if they paused for the briefest of moments they only risked postponing the journey, and Ellenya could not afford to do that even though her heart ached and she felt like her spirit was being cloven in two. She was leaving apart of herself behind today and she would not be the same again until she and Elladan were reunited. They reached the gate all too soon but there was a task to be completed and a difficult journey to undertake, from this point on Ellenya was a Princess and a warrior there was no more room for emotion or doubt only action. She felt her mask of indifference and steely determination settle on her features as she strode towards Belan, who was in the safe and capable hands of her brother.
The two siblings came to stand opposite each other and the two took a moment to commune silently with each other, before Ellenya gripped her brother in a tight embrace and he responded by wrapping his arms protectively around her and pecking her on the cheek;
"Remember your promise brother," Ellenya whispered into his ear through gritted teeth and she felt him nod once in return.
Elladan had dutifully helped Elrien to mount Belan and she graced the handsome ellon with a warm smile, catching his hand and squeezing it in encouragement for she seen the despair in his eyes. Elladan returned in kind by placing a kiss on her hand and whispering his well wishes to the strange elleth, for the road ahead was perilous but she was in safe hands whilst with his wife.
Ellenya nodded once to Cendir who sat atop his mount with a serious expression, the kind worn by a warrior awaiting his commands. In one swift movement she mounted Belan, keeping Elrien in front of her at least until the elleth was comfortable enough to ride without support. Legolas gripped his sisters arm and squeezed it tightly causing Ellenya to pause for moment her eyes flashed over his features registering the vengeful look etched there;
"Do not let them take our home Ellenya, Do not let them have what is left of us!" his voice was quiet but the words were like ice, cold and commanding. She bobbed her head in acknowledgement of his plea for she intended to see it through, her mind was now fixed on her goal; to return home and do what she must to ensure its survival.
Elladan stood blocking Belan, running a hand down his regal muzzle and whispering instructions to the great stallion, blessing their journey. Satisfied he had did all in his power to ensure the first half of Ellenya's journey would be as safe as was possible in this unpredictable world, he smiled encouragingly and stepped aside narrowing his eyes at Ellenya as he spoke;
"Rain down fire on them she-dragon!"
Ellenya felt her lips twitch into a smile and she haughtily raised her chin, clicking her tongue Belan turned briskly. She threw her head back towards Elladan, flashing him a glittering smile and blowing him a kiss. A vision of the charismatic and passionate Princess he knew well, for Ellenya would not leave him with any sorrowful or doubtful images of her, she was not that elf! She was a formidable force with centuries of experience at her command, fear would not control her not now!
Without another look behind them Cendir and Ellenya guided their horses northward, descending from Edoras and picking their way through the plains of the valley before really pushing their animals on. Belan was an elvish horse his bloodline was stronger and hardier than that of ordinary horses, the stallion held a steady pace bearing the weight of both his passengers with ease. His speed never lessened and he never complained, to him this flight was thrilling and he enjoyed the challenge. Cendir and his white stallion struggled at times to match the pace set by Ellenya and Belan, but they took comfort in the fact they only had to try and keep up as far as Lorien were they would all part ways.
Elrien was quick to learn the basics of riding or more importantly was quick to recognize that Ellenya did not intend on making resting a regular occurrence. For the most part the two ellith remained quiet, Ellenya only speaking to inquire of her state and if she was well, however when their landscape changed the Princess began to point out landmarks of interest. Soon the two were much more comfortable with one another, which were a blessing, for once Cendir departed on the fringes of Lorien all they had was each other for company. It was at this point that the pace picked up, Belan had really found his stride and seemed in just as much of a hurry as his mistress to reach the borders of their home, if he could help it he would complete this journey sooner than even Ellenya had hoped for.
xXx
"This is madness!" Arystor grouched as he waded through a particularly water logged and boggy stretch of infected forest. He scowled furiously as he attempted to brush off some of the slick and sludge like forest debris from himself. It was entirely pointless everything was too damp and too sticky, he had to accept facts he was walking magnet for all the dirt and grime of the day!
"Your Majesty can we please stop?" The advisor pleaded to the treetops above him, the last time he had seen the king was about half a mile back when he had caught wind of something and trailed after it, like a wild cat prowling his next victim. However none of this Thranduil shared with his faithful servant and Arystor was left to guess the approximate whereabouts of their mildly eccentric monarch.
Arystor sighed when he received no reply and decided he had had enough of this wearisome job, Thranduil was perfectly capable of fending for himself and would find his own way back to his own realm hopefully before nightfall! Yet the advisor knew once the King got something wedged in his mind he would not rest until he had finished the task. His current task was seeking out a nest of abnormally large spiders, which was not he original plan. The original plan was for Arystor to escort the King to the perimeter and have him engage in talks with the guard, gather intelligence and return home. Clearly Thranduil had other intentions, once out in the wild his instincts seemed to be heightened and before Arystor could protest he was off on his own little excursion. Oh yes Arystor had questioned the King's ability to take on a nest of spider by himself, his reply had simply been he was not by himself. Arystor believed that in some social circles this King – advisor relationship verged on abusive, he doubted Lindir ever had to put up with this kind of reckless behavior from Lord Elrond.
"Sulking again Arystor?"
The dark haired ellon frowned in the direction of the King's voice and crossed his arms grumpily about his chest;
"No I am merely debating the usefulness of this little venture!" he snapped not one bit concerned what way his King read the attitude in his voice. "And why I have put myself in danger for one your hunting whims?"
"Because it is a whim and you are employed to suffer my impulsive whims," Thranduil answered nonchalantly and dropped from a low branch with a smirk.
"I thought I was employed to guide your decision making processes, well I must protest I do not think this wise and advise you to abort this ridiculous venture immediately!" Arystor growled and scowled at the unperturbed look on the King's face.
Thranduil shrugged and started intensively observing an intricate work of webbing that choked a dying sycamore sapling. He was disgusted by the vile creatures that left so much devastation in their wake and frankly could not wait to end their miserable existence.
"Are you even listening?" Arystor snapped and stalked toward the King, "It will be sunset soon and I do not like the idea of travelling in the dark, not now with the orc armies patrolling,"
"Then go back," Thranduil muttered and sighed when he heard his advisor draw a sharp breath in disbelief. "If you are worried go back, I will be fine."
"Hardly," Arystor spluttered, "I swear the older you get the more you regress to your youth! Is this a crisis or some sort of rebellion against responsibility?"
"Sometime I wonder if I am a little prone to rebellion," Thranduil turned to his friend with an easy smile, "Just admit it Arystor you are here not because it is your duty but because you want to be."
"What is that supposed to mean?" The advisor huffed and looked his King up and down accusingly.
"Brotherly bonding? I enjoy your company to old friend," Thranduil added with a smirk and watched with amusement as Arystor attempted to remain professional but was obviously thrilled with the compliment. "Now quieten down and do something useful, like, keep watch or go advise something."
"And this is why you struggle to actually maintain friendships Thranduil," Ayrstor replied as he spun on his heel and began sweeping his eyes around the forest; "Only the thickest skinned of our kind can tolerate your inherent lack of charm! I mean honestly you really need to sta-"
"Would you just shut up!"
Arystor jumped at the annoyance in the King's voice, fighting the urge to remind him that good manners go a long to achieving what one wants, but he risked losing a limb for such a suggestion. However the perplexed look on Thranduil's face soon ended any further conversation;
"What? What is it?" Arystor squeaked and ripped his sword from its sheath and flanking the King protectively.
"Something approaches? A horse?" Thranduil guessed and quickly raced forward with a confused Arystor on his heel.
True enough within a few moments a smoke grey stallion broke through the thickets, rider less and suffering exhaustion. Thranduil recognized the beast immediately and expertly caught him, running his long hands along the horse's sweat soaked coat and shuddering muscles. The animal whickered anxiously and skittishly pranced on the spot, despite his obvious exhaustion he still remained bright and full of fight.
"Where is she Belan? What has happened?" he asked the great horse, pain and panic twisting in his stomach. Without another thought he mounted Belan and the horse instinctively spun in the direction he had just come from and in almost pleading voice the King commanded. "Take me too her Belan!"
"Sire is that Ellenya's horse?" Arystor gasped as he watched the unfolding events with shock.
"Yes!" Thranduil responded his usual mask of calm slipping to show the visage of a distressed Father, "Arystor go back and alert the guard and have them follow my trail…NOW! GO!"
The advisor did not wait for another command and quickly took off in a straight sprint in the direction of the closest camp. Ripping his horn from his waist he blew repeated warning blasts to alert the nearest guards to act. There was no time to waste, with orc armies running most of Mirkwood any amount evil could have befallen the Princess, but that was a thought the advisor would not entertain for his own sanity's sake.
xXx
"Ellenya!" Elrien screamed as she felt her grip loosen on Princess's arm, the slick film of mud and rain making her grip slippery. She scraped her feet against the crumbling walls of disintegrated forest floor, where it gave way to a sharp drop, the kind of drop not even an elf could survive.
"Hold on," Ellenya grunted as she staked a dagger deep in the ground, to give her leverage, something to pull against as she urgently attempted to hoist Elrien to safety. "Stop struggling and focus! You won't fall I will not let you, I swear it!"
Elrien's terror filled eyes became resolute as she tightened her grip on Ellenya and with a shriek of effort she threw all her strength upward clawing the earth with her other hand.
"That is it! I have you!" Ellenya cried as she took most of Elrien's weight and pulled her back onto the ledge. Both ellith gasped for breath and shivered against the lashing rain as it hammered down hard on them, their muscles protesting from their excess usage.
Hisses and unnatural movements against the forest floor had both Ellenya and Elrien scrambling to their feet in an instant. The Princess clamping her hand tightly around Elrien's wrist and half running half dragging her through the poisonous wood. Spiders were hunting them and at this present time Ellenya did not have the strength to fight them all off at once, flight was their best option but the rain was making everything difficult. Elrien had already slipped and nearly tumbled to her death when the water logged ground gave way from beneath them.
"Ellenya we will never make it they are gaining on us!" Elrien called, exhaustion evident in her voice, she was unsure how long she could keep this pace. The Princess never answered her and only pulled her harder forcing her to run faster.
Mirkwood was truly a terrible place, Elrien believed Legolas to have been too kind in his descriptions. She could feel the sickness of this wood; she could hear the trees cries they longed for death to bring ease to their suffering. The air was thick and toxic it hurt even to breathe, the poison slowly choking Elrien. Her head felt light and she struggled to maintain her balance as waves of nausea washed over her. Her heart was broken and she had done nothing but shed tears for this place from the moment she entered it, for it suffocated her spirit with tones of despair, death and corruption, the cruel knife of evil piercing her strange and sensitive soul.
The situation turned dire when on rounding a corner they were faced with a great spider as it launched at them, hissing and spitting venom. Elrien cried breathlessly and staggered clinging to the other elleth for support. Ellenya acted quickly and pushed Elrien down and away from her, unsheathing her sword and slicing at the murderous beast catching its front legs, disarming it for a moment;
"Elrien run! And keep running until the air is clearer! We are close!" Ellenya shrieked and dodged another swipe from the spider.
"I will not leave you!" She called back as she rolled onto her back just in time to scramble to her feet, as another spider ploughed through the overgrowth.
"You do not have a choice! Go!" Ellenya commanded as she launched over the first spider and embedded her dagger in its head, killing it instantly, its horrified wails sending a chill up her spine. The Princess ripped the dagger from its disgusting carcass and threw it at the second spider, wounding it enough to slow it down. Others were approaching soon this place would be crawling with the ugly spider spawn, and there was nothing Ellenya hated fighting more than spiders.
Elrien did not have much of a choice, the second spider and successfully pushed her back making her slip again on the moving earth. It gave way sending her flying downwards at a slope until she hit the base of a rock formation. Dazed for a moment she shook her head and nervously grasped the dagger Legolas had given her. A rustle to her left suggested another spider hunted her and she quickly crawled around the rocks trying to move unseen, but it was folly. The wicked looking creature descended from the rocks above taking the elleth by surprise and forcing down and into a crevice, trapping her. It raised its ugly pincers and snapped at her as it tried pry its meal from the crack in the rock.
Determined not to be spider fodder Elrien kicked violently at the beast and slashed the dagger at it, catching its front legs. The spider hissed and spat angrily and Elrien seized her chance darting away from it and attempting to outrun it, but it was too fast. Quickly overtaking her and rising up on its back legs it produced a vicious looking stinger and the elleth yelped bracing herself for the deadly blow. Suddenly the spider let out a shrill and bone chilling cry, its legs crunching up beneath itself as it clawed at the shiny steal that protruded from its middle.
Elrien watched in wide eyed disbelief as the steel blade slid out of the beastly creatures flesh and in an instant it collapsed lifeless on the forest floor. She sucked in a sharp breath as her amber eyes landed on the warrior that had spared her life. He was tall, taller than any elf she had met, with a presence that was even more terrifying than the spiders that had chased them down. He emanated strength and power, ancient power that was something akin to her own in that it was a natural force, a birth right. He could have been good or he could have been evil there was no way of telling, his eyes were veiled and guarded and his expression void of emotion. Yet there was no doubting who he was; she has seen similar eyes in Ellenya only not quite as old or as skilfully guarded. The shape of his jaw, his posture, his platinum hair and the small yet familiar physical similarities that reminded her of Legolas all confirmed to her that she was gazing upon the King of this realm.
Thranduil's eyes flickered to the dagger she still dripped tightly in her right hand, crouching down he took it from her and examined it without a word of explanation;
"I did not steal it!" Elrien blurted out, "He gave it to me so you would know he sent me!"
His jaw was taut as he continued to stare at the familiar blade and then he snapped his head back to the strange elleth before him. Elrien gasped in fright as he clamped a strong hand around her jaw and tilted her face toward the light. She did not dare struggle as the King scrutinized her odd coloured eyes with such an intense stare that she could not look at him, she heard his breathing hitch as recognition set in he had seen such a shade before. Thranduil released his iron grip on her jaw and instead, much to Elrien's shock and not helping in any way to calm her, he cupped her fragile face with his hands smoothing away the tears and dirt from her cheeks with his thumbs. The beginnings of a smile playing on his lips, and the once ice like eyes melted revealing a softness about the King that would never be obvious unless one was paying close enough attention. Elrien felt instantly lulled and entranced by the hypnotic stare, he was welcoming her and she knew not to be afraid anymore.
A defiant shriek not far from them instantly changed the King, the briefest spasm of panic shot through his features but it disappeared behind a mask of steely determination. He was suddenly frozen again and untouchable, Elrien found herself being lifted from the ground in a swift movement and she knew not to leave his side. Thranduil stalked up the steep hill she had just cascaded down and once at the top he pushed her down at the base of a tree handing her back Legolas' dagger.
Elrien watched awestruck as the King raced head on to meet an attacking spider, without the hint of concern or anticipation. He dispatched it in one fluid movement, his blows so precise and fast that it appeared like he was putting in little to no effort, this elf was dangerous, a deadly warrior graced with ability to bring ruin to his enemies. It was plain to see his aim, he was going to claim his daughter from the grasp of a group of the wretched creatures. Ellenya was struggling to fight them off and much to Elrien's horror was being pushed further back against a great oak, if they cornered her she would be easy to dispose of.
In fear that the King would not make it in time and determined to break the choke-hold that evil had on this forest Elrien hunched down on the ground. Letting her hands stretch out before her as she felt the earth beneath her hands, she felt the life that grew within it and beseeched it to fight back against the wickedness that terrorized it. She spoke aloud an enchantment in an ancient language, her voice growing louder and more commanding as she poured her energy into her plea. With a weary groan and the high pitched cry of shifting bark, the tree that Ellenya was now pinned against began to move. Its roots stretching out and breaking through the earth, taking the spiders by surprise and sending them screaming and crawling away from the abnormal sight, but some were unlucky. Two of the creatures were caught in the roots and crushed to death under its weight, as the roots settled back into the ground and the tree was once again silent.
Ellenya remained still for a moment, trying to contemplate what had just taken place, her eyes automatically locking with Elrien's and knowing instantly that it was she that had commanded such a spell. What was left of the giant spiders had now gone, with several bodies now littering the forest floor but not all of them could have been killed at her hand. Ellenya held her breath for a moment as she let her gaze sidle sideways, when it landed on her Adar she transported back a millennium and was a terrified elfling again.
"Ada!" She stifled a cry of exhaustion and disbelief as she staggered forward.
At the word Thranduil needed no more encouragement for it was instinctual to respond to that cry; he ripped across the distance between himself and his youngest child. Reaching her he pulled her into him and protectively encircled her with his arms. Ellenya threw her arms around his neck and buried her face in his shoulders, weeping for both joy and pain; for the road had been long and she had seen so much destruction that it was only natural for a child to come undone in the safety of their parent's embrace.
A few moments later Arystor and the quickest members of the guard appeared on the battle scene, the advisor said a prayer of thankfulness aloud for the return of their Princess; whilst the guard scouted the area, securing it and being on the lookout for the next attack. Elrien remained still and quiet by the tree where Thranduil had placed her, unsure of her next moves and suddenly distressed by the crowd of strange elves that all watched her with quizzical expressions. It was the dark haired ellon that spoke to her first;
"What is your name child? What is your purpose here?"
"I…I uh…I am El..el..ri..ri en," she just about managed to stutter out, alarmed by the serious tone and unfriendly gestures.
"Arystor it is alright she came with me!" Ellenya spoke as she pulled away from her father and held out a hand in warning to the elf that had questioned Elrien.
"By who's authority? Is she safe? She is not one of our kin, nor is she yours!" Arystor answered Ellenya without taking his eyes from the strangest she elf he had ever encountered. "Sire I suggest we have her placed in custody and vetted."
"Arystor there is really no need she is harmless!" Ellenya snapped growing impatient with the advisor and registering the wild and terrified look in Elrien's eyes.
"You have no proof!" Arystor continued and shot his King a pleading look, in these evil times he trusted no outsider that wandered into their kingdom no matter how innocent they appeared.
"You need no proof!" Thranduil spoke his voice sharp and commanding as he glared at both Arystor and his daughter; "Ellenya peace child you are home but a moment and you are already causing strife."
Thranduil turned his weighted gaze on Elrien and again the subtle softness entered his features as he approached her and held out his hand, gesturing for her to take it. Elrien obliged and was gently hoisted to her feet locked in that strange hypnotic gaze once again;
"Welcome Elrien, I have been waiting for you." With that statement the King placed a kiss on the back of her hand, smiling a faintly amused smile.
The action took both Ellenya and Arystor by complete surprise, Ellenya had not predicted this she had thought a far more disturbing reaction from her Adar. Yet here he seemed to be acutely aware of who or what Elrien was, and revealed he had been waiting for her? This was indeed a strange turn of events but the ways of Valar were always a mystery to Ellenya and the princess was in no doubt she would soon hear her Adar's opinion on the whole matter. But right this minute she was just delighted to be home and relieved to be with her Ada; though she could tell by the way the guards moved that things were much more dangerous than when she had first left. Ellenya was unsettled, war was looming, she could feel it in her very bones.
A/N and they're back! :) And I plead..if you feel kind please review, I love hearing from you guys! :)
