Chapter 29
It wasn't until a few days later that a scout came back with Persephone's reins, and the bow Adrianna had lost. The Princess had burst into tears upon spotting the mauled reins that had once been on her precious mare, and had snatched them from her brother before running into the awaiting arms of her father.
Tobias merely rolled his eyes at his sisters' childish antics, and left to go to the archery range to practice his impressive skills and to avoid his emotional sibling for the remainder of the afternoon. The Prince knew his father would give Adrianna his undivided attention until she, at least, had ceased her crying. Tobias hoped Legolas would visit the Glade soon, and wished it to be as soon as possible. How the elven Prince managed to put up with the selfish Princess he would never know, but he had to admire him despite his own thoughts.
Tobias had noticed a change in his sister when he had been reunited with her in Helms' Deep all those years ago. Although she had still been stubborn, Tobias had noted that she had become more independent, cared more for others and less of herself, and he had admired her for wanting to stay behind rather than return home, because of her promise to protect her friends and not for selfish reasons. But he had still not forgiven her for shooting him in the foot with an arrow.
When she had eventually returned to The Glade of Tarasara, the independence she had grown to be accustomed too had vanished within two years. But Tobias supposed the King was to blame, he had always spoiled her and obviously couldn't help himself as soon as she had returned. And since Adrianna had turned back into her selfish and spoilt self, she had lost his well-earned respect.
Tobias notched an arrow into his bow and took careful aim at the target the other end of the field ahead of him. Time seemed to stand still, all sounds around him suddenly ceased as though life itself had been put on pause. Tobias took a deep breath, and released the arrow as he exhaled.
Time and sound returned, and Tobias looked at the target in approval as the arrow sat protruding from the centre of the target, just as it should be. The Prince smirked as he drew another arrow from the quiver on his back, notched it and fired again with the same result as before. It wasn't dead centre of the target - like the aim the Mirkwood Prince would receive - but it was still centre target all the same, and good enough for the Faye Prince.
Meanwhile, Legolas was still settled in Rivendell, and had no intention of riding out to Lothlorien. The Lady Galadriel had foreseen his need to speak with her a few weeks prior to his and Adrianna's leave from Mirkwood, and had ridden out to meet him in Rivendell at foreseeing the Faye Princess's demand that he remained in Imladris for a few days to rest before he even thought of starting his long trek from one elven Kingdom to the other.
"Le suilon, Legolas Greenleaf. (I greet thee, Legolas Greenleaf.) I know the desire in which you wish to speak with me." The Lady stated as she slowly walked around Lord Elrond's meeting room.
"Mae govannen, my Lady. (Well met, my Lady.)" The Prince replied, bowing his head towards her. "Then you must know the circumstances which we face, for us to be in need of your council."
A light smile graced the fair lips of the Lady of the Golden Wood as she turned to face the Prince, "Indeed I do." She replied, "I must congratulate yours and Princess Adrianna's engagement."
"Hannon le, my Lady. (Thank you, my Lady.)"
She smiled at him for a moment before beginning to speak again, "You wish to ask me, where it is best to be wed...I cannot decide this for you, but merely give advice."
"Yes, my Lady." Legolas replied, "I understand."
"It is the son who will rule his father's kingdom," She began. "And not the Princess, therefore being married in Mirkwood would be dutiful to you and your people." She explained, "However, the Faye are a very temperamental and proud race, Legolas. And Royals - even Princesses - are accustomed and expected to marry in their own Kingdom." Slowly, the Lady climbed the steps to where Elrond once stood at his own council, which had led to the becoming of the Fellowship. "King Adrias wishes for both his children to be married upon the Moonlit Pools," She explained. "Adrianna does not wish this, but merely feels the need to, as to not disappoint the King or the Faye people. You both wish for your fathers' to be happy."
Legolas nodded, "Both our fathers' wish for us to marry in their Kingdoms. We do not wish to choose one over the other."
Galadriel nodded, but remained silent and deep in thought for a while before speaking again. "I cannot inform you which Kingdom is best, Legolas. It is to be decided between you both, neither I nor anyone else can make a decision for you on this, but merely give the advice that you must choose carefully and wisely, so as not to cause distaste between the two Kings."
The Prince looked up, "What if we decided to marry in neither Kingdom?"
Galadriel appeared confused for a second, and Legolas felt the strange pulling sensation in his mind which informed him of her curious prying. The Lady eventually smiled and her light eyes brightened with recognition, "Under a blanket of stars shall to races unite." Her eyes took a distant look, as if she had also foreseen this as well. "Both your fathers' will be disappointed," She stated. "But they will also be proud that you have not chosen one Kingdom as a priority over the other." Her eyes were almost unseeing as she stared at the Prince, "Hebo estel, (Have hope,) that everything will be as you please." A small smile appeared on her face as her eyes returned to their original, wise and beautiful appearance. "But perhaps fate will chose its own path for you both?"
The Prince appeared to be confused about her final statement, but bowed low towards the Lady of the Golden Wood, and she nodded her head towards him, signifying that their council was over and that she had no more to say.
"Im gelir an le, Legolas. (I am happy for you, Legolas.)" She stated. "And I do hope to see you again. Mara mesta. (Goodbye.)"
"Hannon le a navaer, my Lady. (Thank you and Farewell, my Lady.)" The elven Prince left the company of the Lady of the Wood before coming to stand at the top of a flight of stairs overlooking the courtyard of the Homely House. And there, he saw a white rider making their way into Imladris, atop a beautiful pure white stallion. "Gandalf." The elf whispered, beginning to descend the stairs into the courtyard to greet his wizard friend.
Legolas waited patiently upon the stairs, and watched Gandalf and Shadowfax ride into the elven stables. It wasn't much longer until the wizard appeared outside and brushed off his white cloak as he stepped into the courtyard. The elf slowly began to descend the stairs as he greeted his friend,
"Suilaid, mellon nin. (Greetings, my friend.)" The Prince stated with a small smile as soon as the wizard had noticed his presence.
"Legolas, mellon nin. (Legolas, my friend.) I believe you to be well?" Gandalf asked, embracing his friend quickly in greeting.
"Mae, hannon le. (Yes, thank you.) Where have you been riding this past year?"
Gandalf chuckled, "Here and there, I suppose. Mainly I have been visiting The Shire, I passed through Mirkwood just a few days ago actually. Your father informed me of some absolutely tremendous news!"
Legolas smiled, "We were supposed to be informing everyone in writing, my guess is that your letter had not reached you before your visit to Mirkwood?"
Gandalf chuckled, "I was probably unable to be found." The wizard stated, "No matter, I am very happy for you both."
"Thank you." The elf replied. "Gandalf, I am quite happy I have met you here."
"As am I, Legolas."
"It would please both Adrianna and I, if you would be the one to marry us."
Gandalf's old and wizened face softened happily as he looked at the Prince standing before him. "I would be honoured, Legolas." He replied, "Where will I be riding too?"
The elf hesitated, where would Gandalf be riding? "Neither of our Kingdom's." Gandalf raised his eyebrows in surprise, as Legolas continued, "We cannot chose either as a priority, so we will marry under the gaze of the stars."
"You both share such fondness for their beauty." Gandalf stated, "I'm sure your fathers' will respect your decisions."
"I do hope that will be the case." Legolas replied with a nod of his head. "It was great to see you again, Gandalf. But I must be leaving, and return to The Glade of Tarasara. Adrianna and I have been apart for far too long."
Gandalf bowed his head in understanding, "It was wonderful to see you again, Legolas. Ride safely, I've heard news that the Wargs patrolling the boarders of the Glade had almost nabbed Faye scouts the other day, and had captured one of the Royal horses."
The Mirkwood Prince nodded his head before going in search of Lord Elrond, to thank him for his hospitality and to bid him farewell.
A/N: Sorry for the delay in updating, but I've been preparing myself to move to University! It's so stressful, I cannot even begin to descirbe it!
The Poll is still open, in case anyone was wondering ;)
I hope everyone has enjoyed reading! Please review and let me know what you think xx