AUTHOR'S NOTE: Sorry it took me a long time to release this one. This story was so much harder to write than the last one. This one is about the fate of Legolas's mother. Since there is absolutely nothing said about her in the history of Middle-Earth, it was something I was able to do whatever I honestly wanted to do with it, but I also had to keep continuity in check at the same time. All of this is building up to something big that I'm currently working on for the end. Enjoy! The asterisk (*) used once means the start of a new scene, and the asterisk symbol used twice signals the END of a scene.
*Tauriel's eyes glistened with tears as she headed towards her room. Legolas had gotten frustrated with her again to the point where he was yelling. He complained that her flow with a dagger was not clean or graceful enough, but rather sloppy instead. It was odd to Tauriel that such a little problem was such a big deal to Legolas. After all, it wasn't like they ever had to fight any foes in the forest. The Greenwood Forest was a safe haven and free of enemies.
"What do you expect from me? To be perfect?" Tauriel had asked Legolas.
"You're far from perfect, and I fear you always will be," Legolas replied. The words pierced Tauriel like an arrow to the heart.
"You don't have faith in me?" She asked. Legolas didn't answer, but instead stalked off back into the kingdom, leaving Tauriel out in the forest.
As Tauriel got closer to her room, she bumped into Legolas's father Thranduil.
"Forgive me, my king. I did not see you there," Tauriel apologized. Thranduil tilted his head and stared at her in thought.
"What troubles you, Tauriel?" He asked.
"It is Legolas. I can never seem to please him, and today he became very angry with me when my training was inefficient," Tauriel explained.
"Dealings with my son requires great patience. He has still not quite gotten over the death of his mother."
Tauriel's eyes widened. Obviously, Legolas had to have had a mother at some point, but she had never given it a second thought that Legolas's mother was nowhere to be seen. Now she had the answer to that mystery.
"Come with me Tauriel, and I will explain," Thranduil offered. Tauriel wasn't sure what to think. If Legolas felt truly comfortable about her hearing what happened to his mother, he would have told her himself. On the other hand, this was his father who was offering to tell the story and he was the ultimate authority. With that in mind, Tauriel nodded and followed Thranduil outside. Thranduil sat down on a large stone and Tauriel sat on the ground with her legs folded.
"It happened a good number of moons ago, when my wife departed to face a threat we did not see," Thranduil started.**
*Legolas's mother was Elbes, named after the Sindarin word for 'star'. She was the fairest Elf maiden in the entire kingdom. She always wore a crown of colored autumn leaves and her dress was a pure white to imitate the light of the stars. When Legolas was just a child, Elbes would take him out into the peaceful silence of the night to show him the stars. Legolas didn't have the same fondness for the stars as much as most of the other Elves did. He acknowledged the stars' history, how the starlight was the first light before the sun and the moon even existed, but his passion was for archery and riding his own horse. Though Thranduil felt disgusted that Legolas didn't have the same fascination for starlight, Elbes loved Legolas all the same and even saw to it that a new bow was made for him.
"This bow is for you, my son. Treat it with care and use it responsibly," she instructed Legolas upon giving it to him.
"I will take care of this as if it is my own life," Legolas promised.
"Your own life is also important to take care of. I believe that you will be involved in what will result to be the fate of not just our race, but also of the fate of Middle-Earth itself," Elbes said. Legolas didn't understand what she meant by that. Somehow, her mother had the ability to know things that nobody else within the kingdom knew about. Most of it was centered around the future. The only other Elf known to possess that kind of power was Elrond from Rivendell. Elbes only spoke her predictions in the form of vague riddles. She said that if she gave specific details, then the person would try to take advantage of the knowledge prematurely. Legolas trusted his mother, and never questioned her knowledge.
At least that's what it was like for a while, but the riddles began to irritate Legolas and cause him to doubt that his mother was even telling the truth.
"Your mother knows what she is doing," Thranduil told Legolas one day when they walked through the Greenwood.
"She tells me things, and they haunt me," Legolas admitted.
"She never intends to haunt you. She loves you more than you know, and she only wants to see you make a difference," Thranduil replied.
"It is the greed of Men that has led to the slow decay of this world, as well as the unnatural evil that stalks many parts of this world. We on the other hand have nothing to do with it."
"We played a part, whether you choose to accept that or not," Thranduil insisted. He spoke in a firm but kind voice. His expression was stone cold like it normally always was.
"My mother told me I will play a part in the fate of all Middle-Earth. What does she mean by that?" Legolas asked.
"That is for you to find out. All your mother is doing is trying to lead you down the right path. It is up to you whether or not you do what you are destined to do."
"I understand, father."
"No. You don't," Thranduil said.**
*A day afterwards, Elbes invited Legolas to travel with her to Rivendell, an Elven homeland ruled by Elrond. She was to meet with Celebrian, Elrond's wife, and her mother the Lady Galadriel. This would be the first time Legolas has met Elrond and Galadriel. He had heard many stories about them, and the idea of finally getting to meet them and see them for himself was overwhelming. So Elbes and Legolas, along with several Wood-Elf escorts traveled to Rivendell.
Elbes took Legolas directly to Elrond and Galadriel. Elrond had long eyebrows that were arched downwards as if he was upset, causing his eyes to appear as though they were attempting to pierce Legolas's heart. Galadriel was a sight to behold. She was the most beautiful Elf that Legolas had ever seen. Even more beautiful than Elbes. Celebrian had long silver hair and wore a pale blue dress.
"Welcome to Rivendell Elbes, it is an honor for you to be with us," Elrond said with a warm voice, despite his expression.
"Thank you Elrond. This here with me is my son Legolas," Elbes said. Elrond bowed to Legolas, which surprised him. The Elves had such great honor for each other, even the younger ones like him.**
Legolas later sat with Elbes, Galadriel, Elrond, and Celebrian underneath a pillar outside. The evening sun glowed a dark orange, reflecting off of Galadriel's and Celebrian's beautiful faces.
"Your intentions concern me Lady Elbes. What about your son and the king Thranduil? What if you were to fail?" Elrond asked.
"I must do this. Legolas can come with me," Elbes said.
"Why take Legolas with you?" Galadriel asked.
"I don't trust Thranduil. His heart is hard, and his intentions for Legolas are not in his best interest," Elbes explained.
"What do you mean, mother?" Legolas asked.
"Your father carries many scars and many pains. His heart is growing harder with each passing day," Elbes said.
"He cares for me."
"He does. But I fear that he will choose a life for you that I don't want you to have," Elbes warned. Legolas was confused, and didn't know what to think. His mother and father had opposite intentions and hopes for him.
"I will leave tomorrow and take Legolas with me. I will fight to my last breath if I have to," Elbes said.
"It is unlike the Elves of the Greenwood to be involved in outside affairs," Elrond pointed out.
"But I want to be. Are we not part of this world?" Elbes asked. Silence settled over everyone as they pondered this. Finally, Elrond spoke again.
"You do not need my leave to make your decision. You must do what you feel is right."
"I know it's right."
At the time, Legolas didn't know that his mother's decision would lead to her fate.**
*As the sun was setting, Elbes stood alone with Galadriel. They had both slipped away from supper to talk in private.
"You know that you will die in this fight," Galadriel said.
"I know. Legolas must not know about this," Elbes replied. Galadriel's expression turned grim, her eyes displayed sadness.
"Why are you doing this?" Galadriel asked.
"I'm doing it to send a message to my people, to Thranduil. I want them to know that they are not destined to stay isolated from the rest of the world."
"You are brave and this is a very courageous act. But are you thinking about your son and your husband in this matter?" Galadriel asked.
"They will see me again. They will see me in the West when it is time."**
*The night sky revealed many stars in Rivendell. Legolas stood outside wearing a hood over his head. A slight chill penetrated the otherwise humid air. It was a chill that Legolas had become familiar with outside the Greenwood, but he didn't know why it was always around. It was like a darkness lingered in the shadows. It reminded Legolas of something his father had said to Elbes once.
"Such is the nature of evil, out there in the vast ignorance of the world it festers and spreads. A shadow that grows in the dark. A sleepless malice as black as the oncoming wall of night. So it ever was, so it will always be. In time, all foul things come forth."
Legolas almost leaped out of his skin when he felt a hand touch his shoulder. He spun around to see Elrond standing over him.
"Forgive me Lord Elrond, I was unaware of your presence," Legolas said.
"You have nothing to apologize for young Legolas. I could not help but sense the uneasiness within you," Elrond replied. Legolas stared back at the view of Rivendell from the balcony.
"Is it true what they say? Can you see glimpses of the future?" He asked.
"Yes. Sometimes it is clear, and sometimes not at all. I feel that over time, my ability to see the future is becoming weaker," Elrond admitted.
"Why?" Legolas asked.
"I do not know. It's like a darkness has been slowly creeping in, and it is becoming stronger every day."
Legolas shivered when he remembered his father's words. He always said them with a cold, ominous voice. He couldn't help but admit that his father made him feel nervous.
"My mother tells me that I shouldn't prod her to know what my future holds," Legolas said.
"She's right. You must learn to choose your own path. You decide your own future."
"Can you at least tell me one thing?" Legolas asked.
"What is it?"
"Is there hope for my future?"
A small smile slipped from Elrond. He placed a warm hand on Legolas's shoulder.
"There is always hope for your future, no matter how dark things may seem."**
*"You never did tell me where we were going," Legolas told his mother when they were walking away from Rivendell. Legolas felt a tug of sadness that he was leaving such a beautiful place. He would never forget Elrond, and he hoped to see him again.
"We are going farther west from the Greenwood. Orcs are gathering together and marching straight towards our home. I must hold them off as much as I can," Elbes explained.
"Why not tell father?" Legolas asked.
"He would wait until the Orcs cross our borders. We must keep them away from the forest, our home," Elbes said. Legolas decided it was best to not argue with her mother. Maybe she was right. Maybe the best thing to do was take action against any possible threats. He was willing to be by his mother's side as much as he can. It made him feel sad to think this, but he valued his mother more than his father. His mother was more interested in her son's affairs than his father was. His father had some specific expectations that Legolas knew he couldn't fulfill, because he wasn't his father. He wasn't the same elf. Legolas wasn't sure whether or not he wanted to be the next king of the Wood-Elves, should something happen to his father. He knew he was the next heir, thus the rightful one, but that didn't mean he felt compelled to have the throne. Besides, even if he felt like having the throne, he would never have it unless his father is killed.**
*The evening sun was slipping away, leaving a blood-red impression over the fields stretching out before Legolas and Elbes. They were in the fields that belonged to the Skin-Changer Beorn who lived close to Greenwood. Beorn was an ancestor of the Skin-Changer by the same name who dwelled by the Greenwood during Tauriel's days in the Woodland Realm.
"You are not thinking of asking the Skin-Changer for help are you?" Legolas asked.
"That is exactly my intention," Elbes replied.
A few minutes later, they approached Beorn's home. Several horses stood by the house, whinnying at Legolas and Elbes' arrival. The door opened, revealing a tall man with grayish-brown hair with a long brown beard. He was bulky, having long and large arms.
"I thought I smelled elves a minute ago. But the reason I didn't like the smell was because it was coming from Wood-Elves," the man, who was obviously Beorn, said. Legolas frowned. That wasn't the kind of welcome he was expecting, but then again he wasn't sure what he was supposed to expect.
"I am Elbes, the Queen of the Greenwood, and this is my son Legolas Greenleaf," Elbes said.
"I know who you are. It isn't every day that a Wood-Elf comes to my door. What is it that you need?" Beorn asked.
"We need your help. A pack of Orcs are coming in this direction and are coming for the Greenwood. We need to confront them and make sure they don't come any closer," Elbes said.
"Does the king know your intentions?"
"No. He does not. This fight is only meant for me, my son, and a few of my people who have agreed to stand with me," Elbes said. Beorn heaved a heavy sigh.
"Your son looks ill prepared and weak."
Legolas immediately grabbed his quiver and had an arrow strung inside before Beorn could blink. The arrow's tip was just inches from Beorn's forehead.
"If I couldn't do this, my mother would not have brought me," Legolas insisted. A deep growl like a beast rumbled inside Beorn's throat. He finally nodded.
"I will help you. But your effort, though courageous, is not wise."**
*In the dead of night, Legolas, Elbes, and Beorn waited. A group of birds desperately flew up into the sky, shrieking in terror. Legolas tensed, his grip on his bow so tight that his knuckles whitened. He could already hear the chanting and grunting of Orcs. Over a mound, they appeared, gnashing their teeth and howling. Their black blades were already drawn. The number of Orcs was almost overwhelming. Legolas counted about ninety. Some of them rode on Wargs. Beads of sweat stuck to Legolas's forehead and sent shivers down his entire body.
"Shoot the first arrow, Legolas," Elbes instructed. Legolas put an arrow in his quiver, aimed at one of the Orcs in the front of the group and released the arrow. The arrow flew and struck the Orc square in the forehead. It shrieked and fell forward. The other Orcs roared and charged faster. Elbes had her sword out and ready. Legolas heard a deep growl from Beorn. He turned to look at him and his eyes widened at the sight of him changing. Beorn was transforming into a bear. When the transformation was finally finished, he looked up at the sky, let out a loud roar, and leaped towards the Orcs. He fell on top of several, embedding his teeth in one's throat and then slashing another across the face.
Legolas couldn't believe this was happening. This was actually happening. This was the first time he had ever faced an Orc pack. This had to be his moment. Maybe by helping his mother defeat these Orcs, he can prove to his father that he was worthy to be his son. He continued unleashing arrow after arrow, some made the mark and others missed completely.
He watched his mother cut through Orc after Orc. Despite how many she killed however, more seemed to come. Legolas noticed one Orc that was larger and taller than the rest. It was barking orders at the Orcs in the Black Speech. That meant he was the leader.
Legolas had the opportunity to kill the leader.
From a small sheath hooked to his belt, he removed a long dagger and twirled it in his hand, feeling the texture of the hilt. There were runes carved into it. He could feel the runes as his fingers wrapped themselves around the hilt. He then charged after the leader. The Orc leader spotted him and managed to parry Legolas's death blow. The loud clanging sound that followed rang through Legolas's head and pinched the skin around his eyes. He quickly shook his head to get rid of the headache, and spun around to deliver another blow. The leader roared and caught the dagger again with his long blade. The Orc laughed, revealing rotten, gore-stained teeth. Legolas's dagger slid off the Orc's blade and Legolas raised it again to parry the Orc's attempt to slash his throat.
The two opponents continued to swing their blades at each other. As they fought, Legolas heard something run close behind him. He spun around and managed to slash his dagger across his attacker's neck. The headless Orc fell off its feet. Black blood dripped from Legolas's blade and ran down the hilt. He returned his attention back to the leader, whose sword was plunging towards Legolas's head. Legolas dropped and rolled. He looked up to see the leader walking towards him. Before he could get up, the leader stomped on his chest, pinning him there. It raised its blade with both hands to stab down. Legolas's dagger was lying just a few inches from him, but he couldn't reach it no matter how hard he pushed. The Orc spoke something in the Black Speech, and was about ready to stab downwards, until suddenly the tip of a sword protruded out from his throat. The leader's hold on Legolas's chest loosened, allowing him to escape from underneath its foot. The leader fell to the ground dead. Legolas looked up from the corpse and gasped to see his own father standing where the leader was standing just a few seconds ago. Orc blood oozed down his blade, and Thranduil's eyes contained a fire that was in danger of bursting out.
Legolas looked around him and realized that all the remaining Orcs were either dead or fleeing while Wood-Elves chased them. He then saw a sight that to this day he wished could be unseen. His mother was lying on the ground with a bloody wound in her throat. It was the very first time Legolas saw blood that wasn't from an Orc or another creature.
Legolas ran over to his mother and fell to his knees. Grief swept over him like a massive tidal wave. All of the noise of horses' hooves and flying arrows felt like they were muted so that the only sound remaining was the beating of Legolas's heart. His mother opened her blood-stained eyelids. Her face was paling quickly.
"Someone please help!" Legolas shouted. Elbes took Legolas's hand and firmly held it. For a split second, Legolas could see images flash through his mind. Most of them made no sense to him, but the last image lingered just a few seconds longer. The image was that of a great eye wreathed in flame. Along with it, Legolas felt the same chills he had felt at Rivendell.
"It's alright. It's alright, Legolas. Go. Leave me," Elbes said.
"No. I cannot. I won't!"
"You must."
"I can't leave you, mother!" Legolas turned to his father, his eyes begging for any kind of help. Thranduil however stood rigid where he was. His expression was cold and furious.
"Remember what I told you...about your future...never lose hope. Don't be angry with your father. Continue to serve him, and one day, you will realize the role you will play on this earth," Elbes said. She then closed her eyes, and breathed her last breath.
"Mother? Mother! No, no, no!" Legolas wept. He gently picked up Elbes' head and laid it on his lap. Tears fell from his eyes and splattered his mother's chest. He then felt his father's hand rest on his shoulder. He wrenched his shoulder away, fury building up within his throat.
"You could've saved her yourself had you stayed with her during the fight," Thranduil said. Legolas leaped to his feet and spun around to face his father. Scarlet exploded across his face.
"She would not have died had you decided to face the Orcs outside our borders!" Legolas screamed. Beorn then appeared next to Thranduil, back in his normal form.
"You Wood-Elves are all the same. I do not trust your kind, and you are not welcome in my home again," he insisted. He then turned and walked away back in the direction of his home.
"We will take her body with us back to the kingdom and have the funeral tonight," Thranduil said.
"You will not touch her," Legolas shot back, venom choking his voice. Violent anger flared in Thranduil's eyes, and for a brief second, Legolas thought he could see his father's cheek begin to open up, revealing bone and torn tissue, but it disappeared as quickly as it came.
"She is my wife! Her body will be properly dealt with. We are taking her back," Thranduil insisted. Legolas had no more words to say. His father had rendered him speechless yet again. He didn't want to be with his father any longer, but his mother had told him to stay, and now that she was dead, it was best to honor her final wishes. Ever since then, Legolas had never traveled outside Greenwood.**
*Tauriel listened to Thranduil finish telling her what had happened. Learning this story shed new light on Legolas's personality and where the impatience and frustration was coming from.
"My lord, may I ask, do I remind Legolas of her?" She asked. Thranduil frowned.
"You don't remind me of Elbes. But maybe Legolas sees something about you that I do not," he replied. Tauriel stood up and smoothed her robe with both her hands.
"I'm going to go talk to him," she said. Thranduil didn't reply. Even when she walked away.
She found Legolas standing in front of Thranduil's throne staring up at it.
"I'm not angry at you," Legolas said without turning around to face her.
"I know."
"You wish for me to continue your training," Legolas said, not as a question.
"If I may, I must know. Do I remind you of your mother?" Tauriel asked. Legolas finally turned around and looked her right in the eye. Tauriel held her breath, waiting for an answer. She wasn't sure which answer to expect or which one she really wanted to hear.
"It was as if my mother was reborn and is standing in front of me right now," Legolas answered.
"Is that an ill fact?" Tauriel asked.
"It makes it harder for me to let go of my mother's passing. That is why I cannot train you anymore, and Alagos will be the one to train you now from this day forth," Legolas replied. Tauriel felt her shoulders sink and her heart almost stop. All of a sudden, she didn't feel like she belonged in the kingdom.**
End of Story 2