Sorry it has taken so long to update, I've been busy (I know that's no excuse). Also sorry this is kinda short. I just wanted to write and it seemed like a good place to begin and end. Enough apologies. Enjoy!

Chapter Eight

Years passed like weeks with Vanmoriel. I could not remember a time in my life when I had been so happy. She was my shining light in the dark forests of Mirkwood, as some were beginning to call it rather than Greenwood the Great. It was rumored that evil creatures were lurking in our lands and our archers had encountered some such things. Huge, vicious spiders had begun to encroach upon the Elvish settlement.

One day I was sitting in the gardens with Vanmoriel, just chatting merrily as we enjoyed doing as often as possible. To my surprise, Vanmoriel had begun to get herself involved with our community shortly after we were wed. She learned everything she could about the history of Greenwood and was weaving it into a tapestry for all to admire. It was very pleasing to behold and it was something new I learned about my wife. I had no idea that she possessed such talent.

"Legolas, Ada wishes to speak with us," Calanon said, coming up behind us on our bench. "Good afternoon, Vanmoriel," he greeted her politely. "I am afraid I must steal my brother."

"Do not apologize for I was beginning to tire of him anyways," she laughed.

I rolled my eyes and kissed her gently on the mouth before following my brother into the palatial cave and to our father's study.

"My sons," my father looked up from what he was reading. "We have much to discuss."

Calanon and I took a seat across from him and waited eagerly to hear the news.

"It seems we have an unwelcome visitor in our midst," he began.

Calanon and I both stared back at him, puzzled. Surely we would have known of any visitor.

"It has been rumored now for a while that the Dark Lord Sauron has settled in Dol Guldur in our south western region. I sent a troop of guards to confirm this. It is true, unfortunately."

There was disbelief on both mine and Calanon's parts. "How could this have happened?" I finally asked.

"I cannot say for sure, but our home is becoming a dangerous place for our people," my father responded.

"What are you proposing to do?" Calanon asked.

"I am proposing that we move our settlement northward, away from this threat, for the time being at least, until a more permanent resolution can be reached. I will have to counsel with those much wiser than myself on what to do." He took a deep breath and rubbed his temples. "Calanon, I will send you northward with a company of men to begin building our new settlement. It must be done so that we can move as quickly as possible." My father then turned to me. "You will be staying here to help me with our people. They must be brave now. They will need us."

Later that night, after I had made love to my wife, I lay awake processing what had been discussed in my father's study. My mind was racing. I had never before known Greenwood, as a dark, dangerous place. It had always been a safe haven, away from the rest of Arda when a person most needed the solitude of the thick trunked trees.

"What are you thinking about, Legolas?" Vanmoriel asked me, her head a comforting weight on my chest.

I sighed deeply. "What my father wanted to talk about this afternoon," I replied.

"Well it seems to be troubling you," she stated. She knew me so well. I had not said a thing about what had transpired earlier in the day, but she knew there was something wrong.

"It was not good news," I began. "Apparently, Sauron has positioned himself at Dol Guldur in the south. That is why there have been reports of new and vicious beasts roaming this region. My father has proposed that we move north. Calanon is leaving in the morning to begin work on the new settlement."

She did not speak for a moment. "I see," she finally said. "And you will stay here to help the people, I suppose."

"Yes, that is to be my task," I answered. I ran my fingers through her thick, fragrant hair to calm myself. It was a tactic that worked every time.

"How can I help?"

ooooOoooo

Over the next few months I acted as an envoy between my father and the people of Greenwood. I informed them, in several small meetings that it would be in their benefit to remain calm and do exactly as we suggested. If they did so it would make it easier on everyone and the transition would be that much smoother.

As it came closer to time to actually depart, Vanmoriel could be found in many people's homes. She was helping decide what they should take and the most efficient way their belongings could be transported.

My father pulled me aside one evening after watching Vanmoriel leave the palace with a basket full of sweets for the children on her arm.

"I hope you know how very fortunate you are, Legolas. Vanmoriel is a wonderful woman with such a good heart. It is hard to find someone like that," he said.

My father was rarely emotional so I took it to heart.

When we were finally ready to leave, Vanmoriel, my father, and myself, at the head of the procession he spoke to our people.

"Good people of Greenwood! Please do not fear on this journey! We shall fare just fine if we all remain brave in the face of this adversity! Before we begin, I would just like to recognize and thank my son and daughter-in-law for all of the hard work they have put into preparing us all!" There was applause and cheering and I wrapped my arm around Vanmoriel.

Before we knew it we were setting off north to see what Calanon had accomplished. It was a long journey, taking several days because of our slow pace. Luckily, as Elves, we did not necessarily need to stop and sleep. Everyone would be alright until we reached out destination.

I was dismayed at what I saw when we finally reached the clearing and our new home. It was nothing compared to the glory of our previous home. The homes for the people were much smaller and much more basic, not to mention the slightly larger building that would house the royal family.

I overheard Vanmoriel talking about some of the disappointed woman as everyone began to settle in. "Do not worry. These are only to provide shelter in the beginning of our time here. As time goes on you can make them your own and add the comforts you previously had," she was encouraging them, easing them into this new, unfamiliar situation.

"You will make a magnificent queen someday," I said with a smile when she returned to my side.

"Do not be silly, Legolas. I am merely helping the people. And besides your father will rule for much longer."

We found our room in the small "palace" and began to unpack our things. As I was folding some clothes, I could feel her watching me. I turned to meet her gaze. "What?"

"I am with child," she said with a brilliant smile.

My face smiled reassuringly at her, but my heart sank. I could not have come up with a more unfortunate time for such news.

I hope you enjoyed it! I would love to know what you think! Reviews make my day!

Happy reading,

Avonmora