Dear Readers,

Again, thank you so much for the wonderful feedback. This entry is rather long and you will see the wild goose chase all the characters are on. I sincerely hope that you enjoy it. Please let me know what you think. I would love to hear from you. Any questions, comments, thoughts, suggestions, et cetera. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for your support in my writings.

Warmly,

~Anariel RR

550 Years Ago…

"For the love of the stars, Tauriel. That isn't how you hold a knife. You can hold a bow surely yet your attacks are weak." Brethil had pinched the bridge of his nose, staring at me closely, seemingly irked about something. Of what I remember of Brethil, he was eternally annoyed during that time of our friendship. Laerorn, who had been looking on, clapped a hand over his mouth to stifle a bout of frenzied laughter. I shot him a quick look and he glanced away suddenly, wearing upon his face the most innocent of expressions as if he was blameless. Ninimmien, who stood beside him, did not hesitate to give him a sharp nudge of her elbow, staring all the while at him.

"Man? Brethil speaks the truth." He motioned over to me as I obviously held the sword rather incorrectly, his tone cynical as ever.

"How do you expect her to hold a sword if she hasn't the faintest idea how to fight?" She retorted in my defense, the only person there mindful of my inferiority when it came to the arena of battle. We were located a little ways south from the south bank of the Forest River, a place where I learned to fight for over a hundred and fifty years.

"We should not be here." Ninimmien breathed, her eyes oddly alert for some reason as if she sensed something looming off in the distance. Something of wicked make…some evil being.

"Am man sen pedech?" I tilted my head a little as I glanced amongst the leafy foliage of the forest. We were in the midst of a most glorious Laer and the sun blazed through the trees in all her fury, determined to touch the forest floor. However, despite the lovely emerald-hued foliage and the flowers of many colors that charmed our eyes, there lingered in the forest something sinister. I felt a chill shiver up my spine and I clutched the sword tightly. I had but little practice with the sword yet I knew upon intuition that something was awry. Something haunted these woods…far to the South.

"I ngollor…" Ninimmien whispered under her breath, her sharp gray gaze scanning the woods behind us in a slow manner. The way that she did it creeped me out completely.

"They say that he wanders the southern woods of Taur-e-Ndaedelos…polluting our sacred woods…not only bringing death with him wherever he goes…but that he possesses great dark powers to resurrect the dead." Laerorn answered quite soberly, his generally comical manner vanished from him altogether.

"You joke with us, mellon." I cried in response, hoping that it was all a joke. However, when he shook his head and his face remained as stone, my skin felt as goose skin. By now, he would have grinned and been like, "Haha! We tricked you!" He must have read the expression upon my face, for her remarked, "I am utterly serious. There are legends of i ngollor and the great death that he brings with him. Little creatures native to these woods die out one after another after another."

"Thand?" I cried in wonder, my mouth hanging open as if I was an ill-mannered child. Laerorn scowled, "Unfortunately, no."

"'Tis why Aran vín has forbidden to wander thus into such a realm." Brethil piped up suddenly, lacking his usual robust vigor. He looked almost drained as he shook his head, "I have a brother, Mallfast…at least he calls himself thus…is a hermit in the southern woods and he spends most of the time speaking with himself as it is. He claims that the stars speak with him directly…anyway, I am getting off track here. He has seen this creature by himself…a creature in long dark robes, wandering throughout the woods of the southern realm. In accordance with what he saw, he moved off to the northwest so as to escape the pollution of the woods." I shivered at his words.

"Why do we converse of such things when we have the glory of a splendid Laer day. The sun glistens as gold and its rays warm our heads. Nature is abloom around us and yet here we stand thinking of dark times." Ninimmien was quick to change the conversation to something else, an uneasy smile present upon her features.

"Perhaps that is wise, meleth nín. We need not tarry here long." Laerorn beamed at his lovely maiden with her long flaxen hair that fell abundantly around her like a silver waterfall. He offered her his arm and she took him, smiling warmly at him. We made our way back to the King's Hall.

Present – Southwestern Mirkwood

Dearest Book,

It is a fortnight until the sacred feast of Mereth-en-Giliath. It seems very unlikely that there is to be a wedding upon that eve for we have wandered a whole day. We have seen neither hide nor hair of Orc filth. There are no footprints and the only way we can discern that they exist is the fact that branches are broken and weeds have been trampled upon. Oh it feels fruitless…so hopeless. When I expressed my frustration in such a way, folding my arms tightly against my chest, Prince Legolas regarded me gravely. It was the two of us standing some part away from the rest of the group. We had been travelling for two days now astride the great elks but we have nothing to go by except the words of some errant malignant Goblin.

"Savo amdir." He whispered softly in my ear. We stood against a tree, our shoulders well-nigh a finger's length from one another.

"I have no hope. If we cannot find Galhanar then I shall have no way of exonerating myself in the eyes of arn adar lín. I hope that he can forgive me. And that you can forgive me, mellon nín. Gin iallon." I slumped a little, trying my best to comport myself but failing miserably in doing so. As if to make my day even worse than it already was, a bird that must have been perched upon a branch above us flew downward at us. It successfully careened down onto my head, flatly missing Legolas, and I scrambled to push it away from me. It squawked, I nearly screamed but it was caught in my throat. Finally I did scream, utilizing my hands to bat it away as best as I could. He was aiding me the entire time, trying to push the bird away but to no avail. Finally it had the good graces to fly away, leaving an enraged me. Unbeknownst to me, the others who looked on started laughing, Legolas was snickering good-naturedly. I sighed. So much for being graceful and a good leader. Not only was I shamed and dishonored to no end, but I was now a laughingstock, something of great ridicule.

"Emlin." He spoke his words gently. He was now beaming warmly at me the way that he does, as a friend does. However, for some reason, I feel that he smiles at me only in that way.

"Besides…" He smiled still at me as he reached a hand forward, hesitant at first but awkwardly swift as he plucked a shard of dry grass out of my hair. I stared at him utterly dumbstruck like some moronic fool, blinking slowly. He laughed his throaty laugh as he spoke the last words, "Tauriel…le gohenon. Always…le beriathon. Ci vellon nîn n'uir. I know that you have done no wrong. You had erred only in your steadfastness in your desire to save a most beloved friend." He whispered those last words gently. I took comfort and solace from them. We were still standing exactly next to each other and I say it now that I was so close to him that I felt his body heat. My cheeks flushed a deep red. I didn't quite know how to react and instead, I drew away a little, gazing off to the west.

"Ni 'lassui, mellon." I smiled warmly at him then motioned towards the others gathered around the fire. "Nan naur menon. Tolathech?"

"No…" He offered a nod, obviously having noticed my standoffish manner. I was inviting but not exceedingly so, wandering away from that tree.

Now as the fire dies down in the night, I have to finish writing now. We shall reach Amon Lanc in two days and I dread it. However, although we face great evil wandering in these lands, all I can think of was the conversation with Prince Legolas. I know not what to make of it. It frightens me. What frightens me more? I ngollor or Legolas?

Tauriel

Two Days Later – A Day from Amon Lanc

Dearest Book,

Two days have come and gone. Last night I attempted to write but I was called away. Again, I was watched by my comrades and friends, especially Legolas. He spoke with me so much yesterday and would not suffer to part from my presence. Thus I am only able to write this day.

Currently we seek respite in the home of the brother of Brethil. He calls himself Mallfast and even though his brother reassures us that his actual name is Haldorn. He is odd and refuses to answer to such a name. In fact, he speaks very rarely, he spends the majority of his time in meditation (talking to creatures that are not there), he swears that the birds tell him the future, and it looks as if he hasn't run a brush through his hair in centuries. He is of middling height (towered over by his brother), as thin as a spear, and he possesses the same chestnut locks as his brother.

"Im Mallfast i ngoll." He had introduced himself but he looked anything but wise. Despite the fact that he lives in such a strange way and that he is eccentric himself, his home is very well-kept and rather comfortable. Although he proclaims himself to be a hermit who lives alone, he has a young Elven maiden by the name of Dumloth who keeps the house tidy and comfortable while he talks to invisible (or imaginary) beings. While he rarely speaks two words together, she can talk the ears off a bat. Truth be told, Ninimmien finds competition in speaking too much as Dumloth can honestly out-talk. When I made a small joke of it, Ninimmien simply gave me a look and uttered the words, "I think that to naught but an easy challenge." Before I continue on with explaining our strange experience here, I will speak a little of Mallfast's home itself. He calls it "I Coll" because it literally is an ancient hallowed out oak tree that looks like any other tree to strangers who wander by. It is deliberately so, for these woods in the south are dangerous. Not only are they dangerous but they are darker. The vast green woods of the north sprawl over leagues and leagues of land whereas in the south, many a tree has met its demise, animals lie dead upon the ground, and yet we have not spotted an Orc. We have spent only one night in this house. For such a beautiful old tree, it has several rooms in which we can relax or seek any slumber.

Now, I must go as the "great" Mallfast requests our company downstairs for a feast. The "feast" last night cannot even compare with the food served to servants in the King's Hall back at the Capitol. I shall write later.

Later this day – Evening

Dinner passed in uneventfulness. We all sat around a large square table with Legolas at one end – the seat of honor, whereas Mallfast presided over the feast in the seat of authority. When we were to sit down at the table, I made my way over to Ninimmien yet before I could do so, I felt a hand light upon my arm. I stared with shock, half-expecting it to be Laerorn who so desired the seat beside Ninimmien his beloved, but it was Legolas. Look some foolish child, I stared at him with my mouth hanging open and I could do little to mask my astonishment. When he had witnessed the astonishment upon my face, Legolas withdrew his hand and smiled an apologetic smile.

"Goheno nin, Tauriel. Guren glassui…pe hafo na enni." He sounded courtly and his tone was so gentle as well as the look in his eyes. He wore a small smile, largely unreadable. His hand was motioning out to the seat to the right of him.

"I 'ell nîn." I declared in an equally courtly manner, settling down carefully into the seat. There were twenty-two of us at the table and fortunately there was enough food to go around. There were times when Mallfast shouted rather uncouthly across the table at Legolas. He was quick to get into the good graces of our most beloved Prince. Legolas accepted all conversation with such grace and such dignity, smiling when he knew to, and making pleasant enquiries when necessary. There were times when Legolas and I would lock eyes for only a moment, exchanging knowing smiles as we both suffered through Mallfast's boorish behavior. One of the men sitting across from me, Ethuilion muttered the words, "Man nogoth." He then gave a roll of his eyes. I smiled at him, giggling at little at his words then nodded in agreement.

"Ethuilion…Mallfast is our host. Show him the courtesy that he deserves." Legolas spoke authoritatively but slightly firm as he then took a sip from his wine goblet.

"No, ernil vuin." Ethuilion muttered dutifully, his face exhibiting his lack of excitement in the fact that he was chastised.

"Ahh the young…" Laerorn, who sat beside me, sighed, shaking his head slowly. "How quick they are to think themselves right in all things." I shot him a quick smirk before consuming a little of leafy salad upon my plate. It was reluctant to eat because the salad was not as green as I would have desired it to be. In fact, the salads in the King's Hall are of the best quality. Dinner ended soon and we adjourned to a grand sitting room where we could gather around the fire to tell stories. By way of looking at the great oak abode, I was quick to think myself inside of a Human home because it lacked the elegance of an Elven place. I retired early, wishing to be away from the others. I have to share my room with Ninimmien but I cannot say that I mind. Legolas announced that we are to leave tomorrow. Tomorrow cannot come soon enough.

Tauriel

The Next Day – Home of Mallfast

Dearest Book,

By luck, we have found Galhanar! Not far from the strange home of this most un-Elfish Elf, we had discovered a large gaping cavern that has been the center of the Orcs. This morning we had set out as we had planned. Mallfast had given us a couple days' worth of food, even if it was mediocre quality at best. We are nonetheless thankful for the great way in which our most benevolent host has treated us.

Unfortunately when we came to Mallfast's home, we had to set loose our elks. If we had left them tethered outside of the oak, we would have placed Mallfast in great danger and we would have drawn attention to ourselves. Therefore, when we set out this morning, we did so on foot. Due to the fact that Ninimmien and myself as lighter than the males, we traveled from tree to tree, swinging from branch to branch in a light and agile manner. This was the mastermind of Ninimmien herself, who declared that we could scout out more territory if we had someone traveling through trees. It was a splendid idea but after an hour of leaping from tree to tree, I had begun to feel very much like an acrobat at some Hobbit or Man Faire. We wanted to scream from loping from one tree to the other when I froze all of a sudden, gripping the branch to steady myself. I was ready to push my body onto the next tree.

"Nini…Daro." I muttered in a breath of a whisper. I glanced down quickly to ensure that the menfolk hadn't caught up with us and fortunately, they were still behind by several trees. Spinning about quickly to regard was rested before us, I saw the dreadful faces of Orcs as they stood outside of a cave. Clearly there was some altercation occurring for one Orc accused the other of stealing his man flesh. I gave a slight shiver at this.

"Go. Give the call!" I was hasty to whisper then witnessed as Ninimmien swung away from me, waiting until she was above the menfolk to give the bird call. Glancing back around, I regarded the conflict closely. One orc was pointy-faced, orange, and his eyes were a nauseating green – he was the taller one. The other one was significantly smaller, large-eared with a scarred face, and one eye looking like it had been cut out. The two were charging at one another.

"Lat!" The Orc hissed in Black Speech, its eyes glowing with rage as it delivered a swift punch into the bulbous belly of the one-eyed Orc. "Golug…ûk izub!" The one-eyed Orc fell back from the impact of the punch but had enough energy to pick his corpulent body up from the ground.

"No…lat…dirty piggy wiggy. The Golug is fors the Darks Lord. You can't eats him." The one-eyed Orc responded, this time, taking his heavy wooden club and attempting to bash it over the head of his opponent. All of a sudden I felt someone nudge me lightly, causing me to give a brief shriek before a hand was clapped over my mouth quickly. I calmed down when I realized that it was Prince Legolas himself. He drew his hand back awkwardly then held a forefinger over his lips, motioning subtly over to the cave. We both froze for a moment in trepidation as we saw the Orcs freeze themselves.

One uttered the words, "Did ye 'ear that?"

"Maybe it's that pretty lil Golug they's been torturin' for days. Let's go see if we can gets a taste for ourselves." The Orcs wandered back into the cave leaving the two of us alone.

"Of what I know of Black Speech…there are two Orcs here who are fighting to consuming an Elf. I know that Golug translates to Elf in Black Speech." I offered hopefully through a very clandestine whisper, leaning away from him a little. Our bodies were close again and I still felt that strange feeling, glancing away awkwardly as if I could escape the oddness of it all.

"Good! Gwêm hi!" He spoke in his generally authoritative manner before he began with his descent from the tree's canopy, skilfully swinging and skidding from branch to branch until his feet rested upon the forest floor. I made the bird call one more time which was our final signal before I too swung about like some squirrel from branch to branch until I was upon my feet. When all nineteen of us were gathered together near an area of tall shrubbery, Legolas spun around to regard his subjects, friends, and comrades in arms.

"These are no mere Goblins…but Orcs who are smarter than average. Do not expect an easy fight, mellyn. Tolo!" He spoke as a true leader and his words were so powerful that we would have followed him even until the edge of doom. Legolas was correct in every way. The Orcs not only were much more difficult to combat than our average Orcs, but they were smarter for some reason as well. When we had made our way into the cave, we found only a hand full left, as we slew the others back in the northern part of the Wood. This time, we lacked mercy in every way – slaying, spearing, and shooting in every way that we knew how. We were well aware of what was at stake and we weren't going to let a good opportunity to pass us by. When we were about to leave the cave, we heard cries of great anguish and pure agony. After some exploring of a side cave into what looked to be a terrible makeshift prison cell, we found Galhanar. It well-nigh brought tears to my eyes. He was stretched out on a rack, his arm nearly out of his socket that we were so apprehensive to move him from his place. Sorrow and horror was written upon everyone's face as we witnessed the gruesome sight. As always, Legolas knew exactly what to do – efficient, quick thinking, and a good leader.

"Brethil…Noro…hasten to your brother's home and convey to him our most grievous situation." His face exhibited some small bit of pain as he shook his head. Brethil was quick to bow, mumble, "No, ernil vuin" then set off at such a pace that it was as if he had vanished into thin air. When that had attempted to move Galhanar from the rack, having removed the rope bound around his wrists and ankles, he cried out in such great pain that I had to look away. I am tough as stone and hard-hearted have I been called. Yet glimpsing such a great young warrior under such pain, it darkens my heart with sorrow. I had to leave the cave for I was shaking.

"Are you well, Tauri?" Ninimmiens soft voice crooned behind me as I turned to face her. My jade green eyes glistened with tears as I slowly shook my head, my entire body shivering. I felt rage…sorrow. Yet the assailants were dead…there was naught I could do to exact revenge.

"No, Ninimmien…please return to the cave. I shall be fine." I replied robotically, gazing off into the distance rather bitterly. The idea of not being able to exact vengeance infuriated me.

"You say that you are well but you are not, my friend. I know the anguish that swells in your breast. Tears sting your eyes and yet you are thrall to your rage." She spoke the words of a wise woman for once, lacking her usual madwoman veneer.

"I said that I am fine, Ninimmien." I spoke the words firmly, giving her a serious expression that suggested that I did not wish to be bothered at the moment.

Eventually, Legolas emerged from the cave as well as the 18 other individuals. It looked like they had found a wooden board to put the limp and almost lifeless Galhanar on. All of the males held it and with that, we immediately set back to "I Coll", hoping that Mallfast would welcome us once more. Staying once at one's house is expected…staying twice is tolerated…but staying thrice causes one to be infuriatingly a nuisance.

We had arrived when the sun had sunk in the sky, afternoon having begun as we conducted poor Galhanar to a bed. Mallfast apparently did not mind at all, surprisingly. He played every bit the attentive host and then Ninimmien and myself set to work focusing upon the healing process. We gathered the herbs (including our beloved Athelas and several other weeds), garnered the fresh water, took hold of some towels, and then we spoke the spells over our friend. We had offered a brief prayer before our task. Galhanar's energy was weak and he lay there almost as a corpse. Corpses scare me for they remind me of my own lifeless parents and the funeral at which we had honored their lives. To glimpse a corpse reminds me of that cold, lifeless yet glassy stare that was so evident in my own father's eyes as they brought him into the King's Hall after they had found him. Later on, his eyes were closed as he rested upon soft white cushions. Aran Thranduil spoke beautiful words over his life, honoring his contribution, his splendid personality, and the fact that he was a credit to his realm. I had wept terribly. When it came to my mother, she looked peaceful yet dismally pale – as white as snow but all of the light had gone out of her. Her energy was no longer there. I couldn't bear it. I wanted to go running from the room.

"He responds ill to our attempts at healing." Ninimmien sighed tearfully, shaking her head slowly. "I pray that we can save him." I stared at her and my stubborn side finally surfaced. Turning to regard the incapacitated Galhanar with his ragged breaths, I whisper, "I won't let you die, damn you. Your energy darkens but I will be damned if I allow such a thing. You were made to life, Galhanar. Tolo, mellon. You can do this!" We had spoken the spell two more times before we noticed a gradual improvement in his condition. We were utterly jubilant at this. Our friend is in safe hands and he yet lives. He will stand in the presence of his father and live a full life.

Later

A rider has reached us at "I Coll", bearing news that a small army of Aran Thranduil wander through the woods in search of us. They seek to drag me off and to save Legolas from my enchantments apparently. I was livid when I heard such a thing. When Legolas heard of this, he immediately spoke with Mallfast. We had expected him to turn us away as we have nowhere to go inside of Taur-e-Ndaedelos. We could always go further south or out of Mirkwood completely, but both are not safe or viable options.

"You will stay here of course, as my guests. Any friend of gwador nín is a friend of my own. Please…stay as long as you like." He said most graciously. Now that we are invited to stay longer, I am grateful but at the same time, I am drained. I have every intention of seeking slumber for I desire to dream if even for a little while.

Fare thee well.

Tauriel

Sindarin Translation:

Am man sen pedech? – Why do you say that?

Amon Lanc – Dol Guldur

Aran vín – Our King

Arn adar lín – Your Royal Father

Ci vellon nîn n'uir. – Forever you are my friend.

Daro! – Stop!/Halt!

Emlin – Yellow bird [Yellow Hammer]

Ernil vuin – Beloved Prince/My Prince

Goheno nin – Forgive me.

Gin iallon – I beg of you.

Guren glassui… pe hafo na enni. – My heart is glad[Mostly an appreciative phrase]…if you could sit with/by me.

Gwador nín – My brother.

Gwêm hi. – [Let's] go now.

I coll – The Hollow

I 'ell nîn. – It is my pleasure.

I ngollor – The Magician/Sorcerer

Im Mallfast i ngoll. – I am Mallfast the Wise.

Laer – Summer

Le beriathon – I will protect you.

Le gohenon – I forgive you.

Man? – What?

Man nogoth. – What a Dwarf. [Insult]

Meleth nín – My love

Mellon / Mellyn – Friend / Friends

Mereth-en-Giliath – Feast of Starlight [Autumnal/Harvest Festival]

Nan naur menon. Tolathech? – I am going to the fire. Are you coming?

Ni 'lassui – Thank you.

Nín – My/Mine

No – Yes

Noro! – Run!

Savo amdir – Have hope.

Taur-e-Ndaedelos – Greenwood the Great

Thand? – Truth/Truly?

Tolo! – Come!

Black Speech Translation:

Lat – You

Golug – Elf

Golug…ûk izub. – The Elf is all mine.

Izub – Mine

Ûk – All