The Jewel of Mirkwood

(A/N) Ladies and Gentleman welcome to the major Climax of this story. I told you not to miss this post cause basically it's fucking important and a damn good read! BRACE YOURSELVES.........

Chapter 39

Glorfindel sat on the large tree limb, which held the guard outpost above the ground. In his rage he had hastily joined up with the current patrol on the Lorien boarder eager to take his frustration and anger out on the unsuspecting orcs. Like an elf possessed Glorfindel had thrown himself into all of the battles the guard had encountered during the day. While the small groups of orcs would have been easily overpowered by thilleilled Galadhrim Glorfindel still found it necessary to hack and chop his way through each and every being. The guards had been quite stunned by the conviction with which Glorfindel fought along side them but all of them understood that other matters other than raiding parties of orcs were what drove Glorfindel’s fighting.

Glorfindel had hardly spoken to any of the guards keeping to himself as the group moved along the boarders. Occasionally he’d replied politely to questions and requests but other than that he had not said a word save for fighting and tactic instructions barked out during battle.

Now however the sun was setting behind the mountains to the east and the patrols were bedding down for the evening in the outposts scattered along the boarders. On the thick branch below him in the roughly camouflaged hut Glorfindel watched as the guards sat around the small rock fire warming soup, herbal tea and eating lembas as the chatted among themselves. Glorfindel however did not join them, he was neither hungry nor willing to join the conversation. Instead he wrapped his coat tightly around himself and leaned back against the thick trunk of the tree to watch the slow creep of night as it descended upon the land.

While he himself had left Celeborn’s chamber a long time ago his mind had still been there all day. The word’s he’d spoken in haste as he’d left the talon haunting his mind like a casting chant. He did not know what had made him speak such horrible words. It was not the young prince’s fault that all the Lords of elves were incoherent and it certainly didn’t warrant totally forgetting about Legolas. After all Glorfindel had spent nearly two whole months chasing after Legolas and the warrior kind of owed it to the prince to at least stay faithful to his cause or until reunited with hitherther. Yet that was another thing bothering Glorfindel. If Elrond and Celeborn knew Legolas’ position within his family and how badly he was being treated, why on earth would the two lords wish for them to be itedited? Glorfindel wanted to save Legolas from the undeserving King Thranduil yet right before his very eyes both of his friends had turned on him basically accusing him of being selfish.

Sighing heavily Glorfindel buried his face into his hands. The little consolation he now had was that Legolas had not been witness to his outburst. With luck the prince would go home with his family and forget all about Glorfindel. There was no point in kidding himself. However pretty findfindel had thought Legolas was, the warrior realistically hadn’t stood a chance with the youngster. Everything was against any such union, even the friendship they had struck up. Thranduil and his son’s obviously thought Glorfindel the enemy and quite rightly so after the debacle of the Last Alliance. Erestor had obviously deemed it too much effort to chase the young prince himself and had firmly warned Glorfindel about it the very first night they’d met the prince. Celeborn had made it quite clear Glorfindel was no good for the young prince and after the scene in the council chamber it was clear also where Elrond’s loyalties lay, with his father in law. Even Haldir captain of the Lorien guard was against him.

To top it all they all knew something he didn’t about the prince and had kept it quite literally a secret for years, treating him like he wasn’t trustworthy to know. He, Glorfindel of Gondolin, a member of the first born, balrog slayer and the only reborn elf in all of Middle Earth, was it too much to ask for a little trust? In frustration Glorfindel pounded his fists into the branch below him and cursed loudly to the valar above who had plagued him with this terrible fate.

The sound of horse drawing up at the base of the tree drew Glorfindel out of his fuming revere and the blonde seneschal glanced down at the forest floor. With mild disapproval Glorfindel watched as a familiar blonde figure dismounted and greeted the patrol captain. Glorfindel watched them exchange greetings and conversation for a moment before the patrol captain pointed up at the branch Glorfindel sat on, drawing the other elf’s attention to it. Groaning in the back of his throat Glorfindel rolled his eyes and sunk back against the trunk of the tree as he watched Haldir of Lothlorien begin climbing the tree towards him. Haldir was really the last person Glorfindel wanted to see. As much as the seneschal liked Haldir and admired the elf’s strength and skill as a warrior and leader of his men, trrogrrogance and air of almost snobbery that surrounded Haldir was really not what Glorfindel wanted to deal with right now. Normally Glorfindel would have been able to put up with Haldir’s haughty personality but especially now after their last meeting on the southern boarders Glorfindel was just not in the mood to deal with his friends trying attitude.

Before Glorfindel could think about escaping Haldir was already hauling himself up onto the thick branch Glorfindel sat upon.

“I would say it is nice to see you Haldir but I would be lying.” Glorfindel sighed heavily as he calmly addressed Haldir. The captain of the guard took a deep breath and snorted in mock amusement of Glorfindel’s welcome before the elf perched himself comfortably on the branch in front of Glorfindel. Glorfindel rolled his eyes as he watched Haldir settle himself comfortably with his legs crossed in front of him. It was obvious that the silver haired elf in front of him had ntenntentions of leaving any time soon and Glorfindel resigned himself to having Haldir’s company for the evening.

”Well it is good to see you too Glorfindel, though I am not lying. From what my guards tell me you have helped dramatically with today’s patrols and I am glad to see you are uninjured after your effort.” Haldir beamed uncharacteristically happy at Glorfindel and the blonde seneschal raised his eyebrows in suspicion. Haldir was hardly happy to see anyone apart from his brothers, the cold facade of the march warden was widely known and so Haldir’s sudden happiness at seeing Glorfindel was certainly suspicious. Knowing full well what Haldir had been sent here to do Glorfindel cut straight to the conversation, for the moment ignoring the smile on the Lorien elf’s face.

”I will not go back if that is what you have been sent here to convince me to do. I meant what I said to Celeborn and the others. I wash my hands of Legolas Greenleaf. He and his life have caused me nothing but trouble.” Glorfindel paused and looked away from Haldir’s face unsure he wanted to see Haldir’s expression in regards to the conversation. “I will meet Lord Elrond on the boarders when he is ready to leave and will escort him back to Imadris when he is ready but while ever he remains in Lothlorien I will stay with the boarder patrols.” Glorfindel could feel Haldir staring at him but refused to acknowledge the others gaze and instead stared off into the distance night. For a moment neither elf spoke only the sounds of their breathing signs they were both still there. Glorfindel was surprised that Haldir had put up no objections to his declaration it was certainly out of character for the march warden not to argue the point fiercely. Haldir’s silence began to get to Glorfindel and before to long Glorfindel could stand it no longer and turned his gaze back to the elf in front of him. “What?!” Glorfindel exclaimed in frusitration as he gazed sternly into Haldir’s pale blue eyes, which stared at him unwavering from an emotionless face. “Say something Haldir. I know you desire to, you can’lp ylp yourself. I dare say the gossip between the guards has told you most of what has happened and what you don’t know from them I’m sure Celeborn has been more than helpful to provide. I dare say you know more than I do about any of this and I give you free reign to gloat. You can not possibly make me feel any worse than I already do, so go ahead and spout all you like!” Like a child throwing a tantrum Glorfindel folded his arms across his chest and pouted dramatically, his forehead furrowed in a scowl and his lips tightly pursed together. He knew he must look like an elfling not getting his own way but quite frankly he did not care. Haldir however continued to stare in silence at Glorfindel who was almost beside himself and getting angrier by the minute.

Sensing his friend was going to explode any moment Haldir calmly took a deep breath and cocked his head to the side in inquiry.

“Are you finished ranting now? Or do you wish to insult me further? You may continue if you like, I can handle it, I’ve heard much worse from my boarder patrols.” Glorfindel’s face went almost purple in anger as Haldir calmly addressed him with not hint of smugness in his voice. Infuriated Glorfindel went to scream at Haldir but realised in his moment of enlightenment that he was indeed taking his frusitration out on the wrong person. With a deep calming breath Glorfindel relaxed and slumped depressively back against the tree trunk without so much as a sigh. Seeing realization set into his friends expression Haldir allowed himself to smile inwardly and reached out a gentle hand to place upon Glorfindel’s knee. “Now do you feel a little calmer?” Reluctantly Glorfindel nodded his gaze fixed on the bark of the tree branch, which he had peeled off in little bits with his fingers. So wSo what do you want and who sent you… as if I don’t know?” Defeated Glorfindel looked sheepishly up at Haldir feeling suddenly foolish and very childish for having thrown a tantrum in front of Haldir. Not that hen’t n’t have the right too considering what was going on around him but still it was directed at the wrong person and that was what Glorfindel was guilty about.

“It may surprise you but no one sent me Glorfindel, I came and found you under my own influence.” Glorfindel frowned but said nothing surprised at hearing a warm quality to Haldir’s tone of voice that the Imadris elf had never heard in his friend before. “I came to make sure you weren’t taking foolish risks being blinded by your frustration.” Glorfindel went to argue but again fell silent as Haldir raised a knowing eyebrow. It was true what Haldir was saying and Glorfindel had to admit he’d taken a few risks during the battles of the day due to his anger and frusitration.

“Well thank-you for checking on me but as you can see I am just fine so you can leave now.” Glorfindel regretted the sarcasm and spitefulness he spoke with as it seemed Haldir was genuinely making the effort to be calm and friendly towards him. Haldir sighed as Glorfindel looked away from him again. This really hadn’t been what he’d expected upon finding Glorfindel and it was proving more difficult to communicate with the stubborn elf than he’d bargained for.

“The prince was devastated when he found out about your abrupt departure, I believe he was quite looking forward to spending the day with you this morning.” Changing tact a little Haldir shifted closer to Glorfindel and the trunk of the tree trying to get out of the wind which had picked up considerably since his arrival at the outpost. Glorfindel snorted at the mention of Legolas and shook his head in refute.

“I dare say Thranduil took delight in retelling his son what I said in the council chamber. Besides it is for the best that I disengage the friendship now when he hardly knows me. It is better for him in the long run if we are not acquainted. Our separate realms are ene and and it would do naught but cause problems for both he and myself.” dir dir rolled his eyes. Erestor had told him upon leaving in search of Glorfindel that his friend was stubborn and difficult in this kind of situation and only now was Haldir beginning to see the extent of the truth.

“Thranduil did not tell Legolas what you said, both the prince and I were there to hear it for ourselves.” Shocked by the news Glorfindel turned and glared almost horrified at Haldir. What little hope he’d held out to spare Legolas the pain had gone in an instant.

”How?was was still deep in the healing sleep when I checked on him in the morning, how is it possible he heard what I said?” Haldir sensed Glorfindel’s growing anxiety and placed another soothing hand upon his friend’s knee trying to calm the worried elf.

“He awoke shortly after you left him and I encountered him wandering the market place, confused and alone. Celeborn had instructed me to escort him to the chambers and it was just unfortunate that we entered when we did. You were too busy ranting as usual to notice our presence.” Glorfindel sighed and hung his head in his hands. He had not meant for Legolas to hear anything that he had said and it hurt in his chest to know that he’d potentially wounded the prince by his harsh words.

”And what of the prince? How does he fare after such an outburst from me?” Glorfindel looked sheepishly through his fingers at Haldir who smiled sadly at the sorry picture Glorfindel made. The 4759-year-old elf looked all the world like an elfling as he peeped gingerly through the cracks in his fingers

“He does not understand why you are angry with him and wishes only that you would return so he could talk with you.” Haldir paused for a moment watching in success as the information about the young prince began to break through Glorfindel’s shell. “I was forced to aid Lord Elrond and Tutor Filgree in a procedure to rid the young prince of an severe infection before I left to come and find you.” Glorfindel frowned in worry and concern as he moved his hands away from his face.

“What infection?” Satisfied that he’d gained Glorfindel’s undivided attention and willingness to participate in the conversation Haldir continued.

“The wound around his neck where he was bound has become severely infected. I was forced to sit upon the young prince, along with another of the servants in an effort to hold him still while Filgree assisted Elrond in reopening the wound so it could be thoroughly cleansed and properly tended too.” Glorfindel sighed unable to imagine the pain Legolas must have been in during such a procedure to require being restrained by two elves. “I have never heard an elf scream so much in my life. If I had not been among those in the room I would have believed him to be murdered.” Glorfindel closed his eyes and swallowed the lump of sympathy that had slowly risen in his throat at Haldir’s tale. “When I left he was resting comfortably though. The worst of the pain has passed and Elrond’s healing potions should aid his quick recovery.” Glorfindel nodded in understanding relived that at least now the infection had been cure that Legolas in the long run would be healthy and well again.

“Well that is good to know I would not wish him to be in pain unnecessarily.” Haldir smiled to himself at Glorfindel’s comment. Despite how much the seneschal denied and rejected it with his words, Haldir knew that the blonde elf still cared deeply for Legolas. The warrior was waging an inner battle with his emotions over leaving Legolas and his own pride in the situation. Sensing the moment was right Haldir ventured cautiously into the conversation topic he had truly souGlorGlorfindel out to discuss.

“I wish to tell you something Glorfindel but I do not know how to put it into words.” Glorfindelchedched as Haldir lowered his head to his chest trying in vain to tuck his cloak about himself in order to keep warm. There was something about Haldir now that Glorfindel found strange. It was almost as if the great Captain of Lorien Guard was scared of something as his pale blue eyes slowly rose to meet Glorfindel’s sapphire blue ones.

“Do not try too hard and it will happen easily.” Glorfindel smiled reassuringly at Haldir and shifted across on the wide tree branch gesturing for Haldir to come and sit next to him out of the wind. Thank-fully Haldir shifted and sat next to Glorfindel content now he had the warmth of his friend next to him.

“There are very few people who know Prince Legolas Greenleaf well.” Haldir paused and glanced up from where he was fiddling with his hands in his lap to gauge Glorfindel’s reaction. Glorfindel confused shrugged his shoulders blankly not understanding Haldir’s statement.

“Of course not if Thranduil keeps him locked in a room in the palace unable to converse with strangers. It is hardly surprising that no one gets the chance to get to know him well.” Haldir sighed heavily and Glorfindel began to get the impression he’d said the wrong thing. Yet it was difficult to know what to say considering the circumstances. Haldir was not like the Haldir Glorfindel had known from the past. The cold unfeeling mask the march warden usually wore now discarded for a wealth of emotion and Glorfindel did not know how to react. He had been so used to sparing and jesting with the fellow warrior that faced with a new prospect of Haldir’s emotions it was difficult to grasp.

“You have to understand that Thranduil has Legolas best interests at heart. It may seem cruel and barbaric to lock the prince away but in Thranduil’s eyes it is the only way to protect his son.” Glorfindel was utterly dumbfounded by what he was hearing. If he hadn’t know Haldir better Glorfindel would have sworn that it was Haldir who was Legolas’ tutor and not Filgree, the way the blonde elf was talking so explicitly about the young prince and his life.

“But that is what I don’t understand? What is he protecting him from? Surely putting him in a bedroom in the far wing of the palace, prohibiting him from attending family functions and even so much as ignoring his coming of age is not good for him no matter what the protection necessary?” Glorfindel stared at his friend’s face unknowingly voicing all the questions he desperately wanted answers for. Not that he expected Haldir to be able to answer them. After all Haldir was only the march warden of Lothlorien not King Thranduil’s personal advisor or anything. “We are social creatures Haldir, tell me what threatens the life so much of the prince that it requires a total disregarding of his nature and needs as an elf?” Glorfindel could not keep the desperation out of his voice no matter how hard he tried but for the first time since meeting Legolas did he believe he was close to finding answers for the riddles he’d been told surrounding the young prince. Haldir took a deep breath trying to calm his racing heart. He had no idea how hard this would be and looking back he wished he’d planned it in advance but there was no turning back now he had to continue.

“Thranduil protects his son from himself and from everyone else in the world who desires the prince for themselves.” Haldir looked up hopefully to his friend, hoping that Glorfindel understood what he’d just explained. However Haldir was not so lucky and Glorfindel shook his head his expression blank.

”Oh come on Haldir do not start this riddle and secret debacle again, I can not bear it. My sanity already wavers on a thin ledge do not push me further.” Haldir swallowed as Glorfindel suddenly snapped at him having read Haldir’s intentions all the wrong way. “I don’t know why I bothered to talk to you, you are just like the rest of them. Keep your secrets I don’t care and why do you presume to know so much about Legolas and his life anyway? I dare say this is the first time you have even seen him!” Glorfindel snapped again loosing his patients again with the march warden. He had hoped to have a reasonable conversation but it seemed just like the rest of the elves around him Haldir was no more capable of reasonable conversation than a dragon with a sore tooth.

“It is not the first time I have seen him I have seen him once before.” Glorfindel stood from the branch already fed up with Haldir’s presence as the march warden tried to continue the conversation.

“So you’ve seen him twice? Well that is a lot of times isn’t it?” Glorfindel bit in sarcasm over his shoulder at Haldir who had also risen from the tree branch the soft emotional face Glorfindel had had the privilege of seeing now once again covered by a suddenly cold regard and glare. “Consider yourself lucky then marchwarden many don’t even know the prince exists!” Haldir watched as Glorfindel walked steadily out to the end of the branch, his face turned up towards the moonlight as he stood precariously on the end of it. The wind was growing in strength and whipped Glorfindel’s long golden strands around his face tangling it in knots. Glorfindel didn’t seem to care though as he outstretched his arms and allowed the wind to hit his body. “We are done talking marchwarden leave me be. You know nothing but what idle gossip among your foolish lords has informed you of.” Haldir began to grow angry and curled his fists into tight balls having heard the stubbornness return to Glorfindel’s tone.

“No! You are the foolish one Glorfindel! You disregard my knowledge but forget how little you yourself know. I will tell you now that I know more than any of them.” Haldir screamed to be heard over the rush of the wind as he moved slowly along the branch towards where Glorfindel was still standing his arms outstretched. At the sound of Haldir’s comment however Glorfindel spun around on the end of the branch keeping his balance perfectly despite the way the wind tried to push him from his perch. Twin blue eyes shone in the darkness as both elves eyed each other off on the branch both fighting to keep their balance as the fury of the wind picked up strength.

“Why do you know so much! Tell me now!” Glorfindel screamed back at Haldir his own anger returning as he glared into the eyes of the warrior. He was sick of questions and riddles all he now wanted was a straight answer. Without thinking Haldir replied.

“Because Legolas is my son!!” The sentence was out of his mouth before he could stop it and Haldir watched in horror as Glorfindel was taken off his guard and involuntarily took a step backwards at the declaration.

It was if the world spun on its axis as Haldir watched Glorfindel lose his footing on the branch and helplessly begin falling backwards. With no concern for his own safety, Haldir launched himself towards the end of the branch his arms outstretched towards Glorfindel’s to try and catch the falling warrior but it was in vain. Haldir landed awkwardly on his stomach at the end of the branch his head dangling over the edge only to watch in horror as Glorfindel’s body fell to the darkened forest floor. The sickening thud as Glorfindel hit the floor sent a jolt of pain through Haldir’s body.

The wind rang in Haldir’s ears and whipped his hair about his face but he was frozen to the spot desperately clutching to the end of the branch. Through the darkness Haldir’s eyes stared directly into Glorfindel’s. The seneschal was sprawled unmoving on his back on the forest floor below. Haldir did not dare shift his gaze from Glorfindel’s below him but even as he prayed the seneschal’s gaze slowly became vacant and the eyelids involuntarily closed over the sapphire blue eyes. Haldir screamed Glorfindel’s name and continued to scream even as the guards from the outpost came to his rescue and descended the tree to Glorfindel’s body………


TBC?>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(A/N) I fully expect everyone who's been reading this story to review this chapter if no other chapter in the entire story. Did you see it coming? I hid it pretty well. Still there's lots more to come as you've gathered and there are a few more bits and peices of the big secret still to reveal themselves and a couple more twists to the story that will really fucking blow you away. The next two chapters are again MUST READS so don't stray too far away from the computer cause the next one's on it's way soon.

God I love being the author rather than the reader. I so couldn't handle the stress I'm putting you guys through. :)