The Jewel of Mirkwood

Chapter 22

Erestor groaned as he gingerly sat down on a deliberately selected soft patch of grass. His rump had never been so saddle sore in all his life. Glorfindel had insisted they ride day and night to try and catch up with the party of men in front of them. They had picked up their trail last week along the boarders of the mountains and now after another week of travelling the edge of Lothlorien the pair found themselvet a t a mere two days behind the party in front. For the first time Glorfindel had allowed them to rest for the night after Erestor’s complaining had become desperate pleas to his friend.

“Here have some lembas and sip some of this brew, it will ease the numbness.” Glorfindel moved away from the fire and over to his friend offering the food as small penance for having worked his friend too hard for the last two weeks. Erestor smiled mildly through his pain and gratefully accepted the offering. The pair had hardly spoken to each other during the ride Glorfindel too focused on the task at hand to notice his friends need for conversation. Only now as he sat and watched his friend uneasily sip from the brew and chew small bites of lembas did Glorfindel realise just how he had neglected Erestor.

“I am sorry Erestor I have neglected you this last week we should have rested more than we did.” Erestor nodded not willing to argue with what Glorfindel had just said.

“I want to save Legolas too but I am no good to you tired and sore Glorfindel. I have not ridden like this in decades.” Sadly Glorfindel rested his head against his friends shoulder feeling thoroughly guilty for having caused Erestor pain. Erestor smiled and drained what remained of the tasteless healing brew Glorfindel had concocted for him before leaning back tiredly against the base of the malorn tree he had chosen to sit under. They were camped on the very southern end of Lothlorien not more than a few days ride from Rohan and its centre Edoras. The pair sat in silence for a few moments listening to the bird songs echoing from deep within Lothlorien. Occasionally an elvan voice pitched in song could be heard but it was cold comfort to the elves who were too far away to appreciate it. Erestor had had enough of silence though and set about establishing a conversation determined to draw his friend into chatter, even if it was a topic of conflict for the pair. “What happens if we do not catch up with this party Glorfindel what then do we do when we reach Edoras?” Glorfindel smiled at his friend and accepted the half loaf of lembas Erestor broke off for him.

“I have a friend in Edoras, or more a man who owes me a debt. We will seek him out and ask for his help in finding this party. There cannot be many Lord’s of Rohan who have just acquired a new elf slave.” Erestor looked a little doubtful at Glorfindel’s last statement having seen first hand the corruption in Sailston but he did approve of Glorfindel’s plan.

“That seems like a strategy well worth backing my friend, but tell me do you think Talion and Hale are still following us, spreading the word of their lost prince brother?” Glorfindel shrugged his shoulders indifferently seemingly as if not to care about the elder brothers whose presence was more an irritating hassle than anything else.

“I doubt very much they have been able to follow us our pace is too swift and they are too young to know the intricacies of tracking.” Erestor shifted uncomfortably on the grass his rear still sore despite the softness of the grass. Glorfindel chuckled at his friend and pulled the blanket from his pack offering it to his friend as a cushion against his pain. Gladly Erestor accepted the blanket and settled back against the tree his head resting against Glorfindel’s shoulder in mutual friendship. “I do not doubt however that Thranduil has sent word out of his lost son and if he has offered a reward there will be more than a few trackers looking out for Legolas.” Erestor nodded in agreement.

“Yes it does not seem right though, this idea that Thranduil treats his youngest son with little respect yet still appears to care enough for him as to offer a reward for his safe return. It intrigues me also that this scroll you have been given might be some how connected to the young prince when the scroll itself is nearly 10,000 years older than the prince is.” Glorfindel hummed in thought for a moment processing what his friend had just spoken of.

“Indeed these inconsistencies have plagued me also. There is something we are missing, a secret of some kind. Thranduil is not stupid, Legolas must be of some worth to him, if not as a son but as something else.” Erestor nodded in thought having also come to the same conclusion as Glorfindel had.

“And the scroll?” Erestor nudged on.

“The scroll I do not know yet. Although it is obvious that Filgree knew of its existence and my possession of it. And it must be of importance to bear Celeborn’s seal, which also suggests he too knows of its existence.” Glorfindel sighed heavily already confusing himself with the twists and turns that this mystery was taking him on.

“That is assuming that Celeborn himself sealed the scroll? The seals of Lothlorien are kept openly in the lord and lady’s library, anyone, such as a servant, allowed into the royal talon would be able to access the seals.” Glorfindel frowned at Erestor’s new added complication to the saga, his mind having only just grappled with Celeborn’s input without putting that in a cloud of mystery also.

“That is true Erestor but it complicates the issue further and I am not in any mood to be unravelling cryptic mysteries when the task at hand is difficult enough.” Erestor noted with sadness the despair and confusion in his friends eyes. It was true Glorfindel had enough on trying to rescue Legolas without unravelling the prince’s life mystery as well. Sensing that particular conversation had come to an end Erestor struck up a new topic although only slightly changing the subject. “Tell me Glorfindel do you believe Legolas is still innocent?” Erestor was expecting a long pause before his friend answered but Glorfindel’s instant reply was quite unexpected.

”Very much so Erestor. His eyes tell me so. It’s in the way he walks also, he’s not aware of the attention he receives due to his pretty appearance. Then his isolation, if he has spent nearly 500 years within the boarders of Mirkwood, not permitted to converse with outsiders then I am sure he has not been exposed to things normal elves entering their majority would have been. Add to that Filgree’s ever lingering protectiveness and presence along with his fathers heavy controlling hand I doubt very much if the prince has even experienced his first kiss yet, let alone lost his innocents.” Erestor sighed heavily at Glorfindel’s observations. Everything about Legolas pointed to his innocents and Erestor shuddered to think what would happen at the hands of the Rohan lord.

“You are truly besotted by him, aren’t you Glorfindel?” Glorfindel graciously blushed under his friends steady gaze sure already that he had lost his heart to an elf he hardly knew.

“Yes I confess I have become attached to Legolas even knowing so little about him as I do. There is something about him I have fallen for and even I am still searching to understand how I could lose my heart so easily to one so young, I did not set out to do so.” Erestor chuckled and shook his head in refute of his friends naivety and foolishness. Glorfindel was a skilled warrior, trusted confident, brave protector and valiant friend but he was sorely never cut out to be a lover.

“No one sets out to fall in love Glorfindel. The valar have fates for us all perhaps this is their way of rewarding you for your years on middle earth selflessly defending others. Maybe you were meant to find Legolas and in turn he was meant to make you happy.” Glorfindel blushed a deep crimson colour at Erestor’s words embarrassed by his friend’s high praise of his life. The conversation however did not go any further as several sounds were heard above them in the trees and surrounding them in the glade. Jumping from their position under the tree both elves grabbed for their bows and notched an arrow each their backs pressed against one another’s as they hastily scanned the darkness. Movements to their right sent both elves attention in that direction and Glorfindel was ready to loose an arrow at a moving shadow when from behind the nearest malorn tree an elf appeared his hand raised in greeting.

“Be at ease my friends, I am Haldir of Lothlorien, Captain of the royal guard and I humbly welcome you to the woods of Lorien.” The golden haired elf moved forward out of the shadow behind him two other elves appeared of similar appearance. Glorfindel smiled widely at Haldir and lowered his bow so that he could embrace his long time friend. Erestor, who had paled visibly at the unforseen enemy sighed audibly with relief and slumped thankfully against a nearby tree, much to the other elves amusement. “Erestor looks tired Glorfindel, could it be Elrond’s advisor is a little out of shape having spent most of his years behind a desk in Imaldris?” Glorfindel chuckled at Haldir’s dry sense of humour however Erestor did not find it amusing at all and glared at the marchwarden contemptibly. Erestor had never gotten along with Haldir, their priorities in life were different as were their jobs and the clash of personalities had often left Glorfindel squarely in the middle of their arguments and fights.

“So lovely to see you too Haldir.” Erestor muttered quietly to himself as he moved back over to the fire in order to keep warm.

“We have been tracking you for five days along the boarders Lord Celeborn was expecting a visit but I see you are not intending to venture into the wood on this occasion.” Haldir and Glorfindel joined Erestor around the fire and the three elves sat down comfortably in it’s warming glow. The rest of the guard were still keeping watch from the trees and shadows around them but Glorfindel was thankful of his friends company all the same.

“What a pity you did not make yourself known to us before now, we could have been such a merry party these last few days.” Erestors’ mood had suddenly darkened considerably in the presence of Haldir and Glorfindel felt the tension between his two friends acutely as they glared at one another across the fire. Erestors’ sarcastic comment had done nothing but irritated the proud marchwarden who sneered at the advisor in reply.

“Oh your wit astounds me Erestor, could it be you are still as miserable as you’ve always been. I have told you before you must get a lover so we do not have to suffer the consequences of your sexual frustration.” Haldir’s retort was sharp and cruel and Glorfindel instantly stepped into the rapidly deteriorating argument. The elves had hardly been in each other’s presence but a moment and all ready they were at each other’s throats.

“Stop it both of you, you are worse than elflings with your bickering.” Glorfindel snapped sharply at both his friends in no mood to mediate an argument. “Now what can I do for you Haldir or have you merely come to visit us to taunt Erestor?” Haldir smiled smugly and removed a small rolled parchment from his coat before handing it to Glorfindel.

“Lord Celeborn wishes me to advise you that he knows of your task and offers help if you require it. Thranduil has sent word to almost every realm in Middle Earth begging for them to help find his son.” Glorfindel gritted his teeth in anger at Thranduil’s stupidity. Never had he had the misfortune of knowing such a stupid elf king, it was no wonder the last alliance almost fell with him in charge.

“Thranduil is a fool the men will barter with Legolas’ life if the find out who he is.” Glorfindel hastily unrolled the parchment Haldir had handed him and quickly scanned the note written in Celeborn’s own hand. It spoke of nothing new just that Thranduil had begged for the Lord and Ladies help in returning his son.

“The party of men you track have only just passed here not even a day ago. I believe the young prince is well, although it is obvious that he has withdrawn into himself, hardly noticing that we were there.” Glorfindel sighed heavily at the new news of Legolas’ condition. It had been a fear of his that Legolas has still been injured when sold but Haldir had now confirmed otherwise much to Glorfindel’s relief.

“He would not have noticed anyhow Haldir. Prince Legolas has led a very sheltered life he knows little of elvan ways outside his own realm and has not the skill to listen for friends.” Haldir frowned a little and Glorfindel caught a strange emotion that filtered across Haldir’s features at the mention of Legolas’ name. It was an unidentified inner emotion but it was there all the same, something Haldir rarely showed upon his hard exterior.

“The prince rides upon the horse of their leader and is bound by the hands. I can not tell you much about the men, we have little dealings with riders from Rohan now days, their corruption stretches far wider among them then in previous times.” Glorfindel nodded and gently reclined back against the cool grass in order to calm himself a little at having heard news of Legolas’ condition and state of affair. Erestor sensed Glorfindel’s inner distress and continued the conversation with Haldir, with as much civility as possible.

“What help does Lord Celeborn offer us?” Haldir paused for a moment wary of talking to Erestor after the last outburst. However when he was sure that Erestor was serious in his inquiry the marchwarden replied.

“He offers the food and provisions I have brought with me for you both, and should you require it upon reaching Edoras he also offers a company of armed elves if things turn nasty.” Erestor nodded in acceptance as Haldir called over one of his guards who promptly sat two heavy satchels of food next to the fire for Glorfindel and Erestor.

“And what in exchange does he ask for providing us with this help?” Glorfindel sat up from the grass having sufficiently calmed himself enough to continue the conversation with his friend. Haldir looked awkwardly across at Glorfindel, momentarily avoiding eye contact with his friend. The look stunned Glorfindel a little, the proud captain would never show such a weakness in front of his men let alone his friends and it was extremely out of character.

“He asks for little in return, merely that upon finding the prince that you bring him to Lothlorien and present him before the Lord and Lady. They greatly wish to make his acquaintance, having been forbidden to greet the youngest prince of Mirkwood by his father in the past.” Haldir shifted his gaze between Erestor and Glorfindel suddenly seeming nervous about something. The march warden’s change in mood did not go unmissed by the other two elves who looked at each other in confusion.

“It is a strange request your Lord asks of us.” Glorfindel watched closely as Haldir swallowed hard his face emotionless despite the fact his eyes swam with uneasiness.

“It is no stranger my friend, than bribing Thranduil with the permission to court his son in exchange for saving his son’s life.” Haldir stared directly at Glorfindel who clenched his fists in silent rage. It was obvious that Thranduil had not only told Celeborn of his dilemma but also of his agreement with Glorfindel.

“Very well if we succeed we shall return to Mirkwood via first Lothlorien. Tell Lord Celeborn that we will only stay for a week and no longer, he must make his acquaintance with Legolas in that time frame or not at all. The prince is young and has never been separated from his father for long I will wish to reunite them as soon as possible.” Glorfindel stared pointedly at Haldir who merely stared directly back at him.

“To reunite him with his father only to take him away again to Imaldris with you but a short time later.” Glorfindel suddenly offended stood from the fire and angrily glared down at Haldir who still sat calmly next to the fire. This nastiness from Haldir was quite unexpected and Glorfindel did not know what had caused the change in Haldir’s attitude towards him. They had been friends through the ages, and fought side by side in wars, as brothers would do, yet all of a sudden this change had come about.

“I beg your forgiveness for being so blunt Haldir but that is none of your business and if we are done here I would ask you to leave. The night wares on and Erestor and I require rest for the days that are to come.” Erestor could hardly believe his eyes. Never in his life had he seen Glorfindel asserting his authority over Haldir like that, let along getting mad with him.

“Perhaps but you know very little about Prince Legolas Greenleaf my friend and it would do you good to discover the truth before you claim your prize as your own.” Glorfindel was stunned as Haldir stood up in front of him and gently pressed his hand against Glorfindel’s cloak directly over the hidden pocket that contained the scroll Glorfindel had been given. Haldir’s eyes locked with Glorfindel’s for a long moment and Glorfindel struggled to read the emotions he saw drifting through the other elf’s eyes but before he could question it Haldir had taken his leave.

“I wish you well Lord Glorfindel of Gondolin as do I you, Lord Erestor.” With a curt bow Haldir signalled for his still concealed contingent guard to move out and with a flash of blonde hair Haldir disappeared up the nearest malorn tree and away into the darkness. For a while both Imaldris elves stood in silence shock on both parts clearly evident. Glorfindel felt his breathing notch up a bit as he drew his hand up to place it over the scroll in his cloak, where only a moment ago Haldir’s hand had rested.

“What was that all about?” It was Erestor who broke the silence first and turned slowly towards his friend who looked suddenly pale and not at all well. Moving quickly around the fire Erestor placed a gentle hand upon Glorfindel’s shoulder in worry. “Glorfindel are you well? What is the matter?” Urgently Erestor slowly helped Glorfindel sit upon the ground, sure his friends legs would collapse under him at any moment if he did not sit him down. Glorfindel shook his head for a moment almost in disbelief before he lowered his hand from his chest and placed it shaking over Erestor’s which was now clutching his knee.

“I suddenly feel as if I am not in control here. As if I have missed something in my life that is now affecting everything I do. There are things I do not understand Erestor and I fear them greatly, there is something missing in this puzzle I have yet to discover and when I do I do not think I will like the outcome.” Erestor sighed and wrapped his arm comfortably around Glorfindel’s shoulders, pulling his friend in close to him in comfort.

”Well there are lots of things we are not supposed to understand Glorfindel, that ie wae way they are meant to be. Perhaps we should just concentrate on the task at hand and worry about the unforseen future when it happens.” Glorfindel nodded understandingly. He felt safe in Erestor’s arms. It was not often he would be the one receiving comfort but even the strongest of warriors occasionally needed a hug. “Now let us get some sleep for I have no doubt you will work me again tomorrow, I am beginning to wonder if you are a worse task master than Lord Elrond is.” Glorfindel chuckled guiltily at Erestor’s jest before willingly lying down next to the fire as Erestor covered him with one of their blankets and lay down beside him. Even though Glorfindel knew he would find little rest in his sleep, for the sake of pleasing his friend he silently drifted off into the elvan dreamscape if only for a short while.

TBC>....................


(A/N) *blushes and twiddles fingers* Awwww you've all been awfully kind. I really didn't know this kind of suspense could make so many people litterally beg me to continue. Sorry these are only three short chapters once again uni calls. Also I appologise for spelling errors and such but I am currently investing in a betta reader who when she is done will let me update the whole story so that it reads without mistakes. BUt until that happens you'll have to live with my atrocious spelling.


Also some things to note.........Yes Glorfindel is on his way............You'll all find out later what Legolas ran into, while trying to escape it's part of the plot..........and you'll also find out why everyone seems to know where Glorfindel keeps this scroll of his.........and on a final note the secret really will totally be unepected but not unseen if you've been reading the underlying plot of this entire story.

Okay once again thanks for the reviews hope you enjoy this update and I shall endeavour to get some more up when I finish my assignments at the end of the week

Thankies

RIFFRAFF