The Jewel of Mirkwood

Chapter 43

Legolas stood silently outside the chamber door listening to the arguments and insults being thrown backwards and forwards inside. As an elfling he used to sit outside the great hall listening to Thranduil arguing with Hale and Talion after one of their expeditions had gone astray. Legolas hated it. He hated the shouting and the screaming, he hated the sound of his fathers hand as it struck one of his brothers across the face as punishment for disrespect. He had never been forced to argue with his father, merely following Thranduil instructions and rules without question or reluctance to fearful to do anything else. Now however as he listened to this argument his body began filling with rage rather than fear. They were arguing over him, like a piece of property bartered on an open market. Those who did not have a right to say or do anything concerning his life where fighting over the ownership of him like a head of cattle.

Gandalf had told him everything.

At the time he’d shaken with fear and shock unable to convince himself that it was all true but as the Istari had continued he’d begun to see the truth for what it really was. Everyone had lied to him, his whole existence up until now had been a complete and utter lie. He’d been speechless, unable to form coherent words as Gandalf had told him of Haldir and of his true parentage. Legolas had found himself staring into the a small pool of water they’d passed on their walk to stare at his face having seen if for the first time. Everything was there. The likeness to Haldir was uncanny and had he not known the truth he would have concluded that they were brothers. Legolas felt betrayed by his family, especially Thranduil. While he’d never been a favourite of his fathers he’d still looked up to the King for acceptance. Considering now what he knew it had hardly been surprising he’d never been given that acceptance that his brothers had received, being thstarstard son and all. Gandalf had told him quietly of what Filgree’s task through the years had been and while Legolas felt a twinge of mistrust towards his tutor now nothing was going to affect the way he felt for his oldest friend. Filgree had obviously tried to get Thranduil eveaeveal everything and for that Legolas was glad that at least Filgree had tried. He would be mad at Filgree for a while but it was nothing as serious as what he felt towards Thranduil.

As for being told he was the one to reunite all the elvan races, he’d done little but laugh hysterically. Gandalf had been displeased by his display but Legolas had found the notion laughable to considering himself so very important to everyone’s survival. He’d spent the last 500 years of his life being locked away from the world outside, his importance less than that of the courtiers and now to have a wizard telling him of his great destiny was unbelievable and certainly a joke. Gandalf had tried to explain it to him but he just didn’t understand and in the end the Istari had given up, telling him that it would all become apparent in time. Legolas had secretly not believed him and it was only now as he stood outside the chamber listening to them arguing about him did he begin to realise just how important he might well be.

“And I say he should stay in Lothlorien he can be better protected here than in Mirkwood or Rivendell.” Lord Celeborn’s voice rose above the rest of the arguments all but shouting to be heard above the din in the room.

“He does not need your protection Celeborn, he can fight as well as any warrior his own age if not better with his archery skills. Filgree said himself he has not seen skill as well developed in one so young as he has with Legolas. Legolas should return with me to Mirkwood and be with his family. Besides I would not trust you with his life considering how you ruined Haldir’s in much the same manner.” It was Thranduil’s voice that was the first to argue against Celeborn and was met with many elvish curses. Legolas stepped quietly forward to peek around the edge of the tapestry. The chamber was full of all types of dignitaries and councillors from all the elvan realms. It seemed now that the secret had well and truly been openly brought into discussion for everyone who was powerful enough to debate it with force.

“That is untrue Haldir lives with much distinction and luxury here in Lothlorien, he is well respected by his peers and commands a great boarder patrol. Legolas would have the same fortune if he were to stay here if not better.” Celeborn began to defend his realm against the accusations laid at his feet but Elrond had quickly cut his father in law off.

“We are arguing over a prince that has still not been found, we should be concentrating on finding him rather than discussing his future which many never happen.” Elrond was the rational voice among the crowd but was instantly dismissed with a wave of Thranduil’s hand.

“No Elrond, you wish only to have Legolas to yourself. I dare say you have plans for him marrying one of your own sons if not that wench of a daughter of yours!” Legolas watched as the Rivendell council’s all drew their weapons having heard Thranduil’s insult of their Lord’s children. Thranduil merely laughed in Elrond’s face as the Lord of Imaldris calmed his councillors only for the arguments to again start up around them. Legolas sighed heavily in the corner of the chamber he noticed Filgree and Haldir sitting side by side, their hands interlinked on Filgree’s knee as they watched as the arguments continued. Two other elves stood silently by Haldir’s chair each of them with a hand upon Haldir’s shoulder in comfort. Legolas did not know who they were but considered them friends for having comforting his father. Haldir looked positively sick and Legolas felt the pain in his heart at having never known the march warden was his true father. He could not help but wonder what his life would have been like if Haldir had disagreed with Thranduil’s demands and raised him himself.

Anger again rose in Legolas’ body as Thranduil callously threatened Filgree demanding the tutor stand up for himself and agree with Thranduil’s argument. Filgree determinedly shook his head and it was then that Legolas found the courage to step boldly through thpestpestry.

“STOP IT!” Legolas screamed at the top of his lungs his hand shaking with both rage and fear as the room fell into deathly silence. Legolas had never shouted at any of his elders ever before and the prospect of the repercussions was constantly in his mind. Gandalf had brought him hear at the end of their talk informing him that he had to put and end to this conflict or he would never had peace. Steeling himself against the gazes now pointed in his direction Legolas took a deep calming breath, the voice in his head reminding him constantly that he was no longer a helpless elfling but that he was a warrior or would be in two days time.

“Where have you been! How dare you run off like that!” Legolas hard hardly time to react before his fathers stinging hand came slamming across his cheek, the rage in Thranduil’s eyes very obvious. The force of the slap sent Legolas back into the wall of the talon with a thump. “Do you know how much trouble you have caused me!” Thranduil raised his hand again to slap Legolas much to the horror of those around him but despite preparing himself for another one Legolas never received it.

“Do not ever hit my son again or I will cut your hands off and feed them to the wargs.” Legolas froze still cowering against the wall as he watched through his cupped hands as Haldir slowly drew his sword from Thranduil’s neck. Slowly Legolas stood up straight from the wall and watched as Thranduil backed away from him his eyes never ceasing their angry glare upon him. Haldir put himself carefully between Thranduil and Legolas his sword poised in front of him ready to defend Legolas if need be. Legolas breathed out raggedly as he watched the shocked faces of the council chamber turn to him having heard Haldir’s hasty words to Thranduil. Slowly Legolas drew his eyes around the chamber staring at each stunned face in turn before finally coming to rest upon King Thranduil’s again.

“I am tired of not being listened to and I am tired of being kept in the dark but you will all listen to me now and what I have to say.” Legolas paused his voice trembling even as he watched Thranduil’s fury growing. Behind him Legolas could see Filgree standing also at the ready with his sword, as were the two elves who had been comforting Haldir earlier. Filgree allowed himself a brief encouraging smile and Legolas returned it his confidence building. “I will go no where with any of you. All my life I’ve dreamed of being able to see beyond Mirkwood but was never allowed. You forget that I watched you all march to war as a child wishing I was among you to see what lay beyond the boarders.” Legolas paused watching as some he Lhe Lord’s in the room had the good grace to lower their heads having also been witness to the war Legolas was referring to. “Well you have all deprived me of my right as an elf because none of you had the guts to tell me who I was. All these years I’ve been living in a lie and I will go no further under this pretence.” Over the course of Legolas’ speech Haldir had lowered his sword and turned slightly to face his son. Legolas fought back tears determined not to look weak rontront of everyone as he continued on. “I will come of age in two days time. I am not expecting a gala affair like the rest of you had but it would be nice that at least some of you acknowledge it instead of pretending it doesn’t exist. Until then I will stay with Haldir and Filgree wherever they deem fit for me After then I will stay in Lothlorien until Lord Glorfindel is well enough to travel, I do not know what he has in mind and I will discuss it with him but wherever he goes I will be going too.” Legolas swallowed hard around the lump in his throat as he heard chatter begin to break out around the room at his declaration. Before it could get out of hand Legolas continued instantly silencing the noise. “There will be no arguments I have made up my mind and it will not be changed. If you persist in continuing this feud I will take it upon myself to leave without telling you my whereabouts. What I do with my life is now my decision, knowing full well the risks and responsibilities associated with it. If I require assistance and guidance I will come to you for it. Now please mup yup your differences and leave, arguments will solve nothing and if we are ever to reunite as a race we must forgive past grievances. Now if you will excuse me I have to see Lord Glorfindel.” Legolas turned to exit the room leaving the shocked and stunned silence in a deathly wake behind him.

Avoiding eye contact with everyone in the room Legolas lowered his head and swiftly began walking down the corridor. Tears were already streaming down Legolas cheeks as he descended from the council talon to the forest floor below. With little regard Legolas kicked off his shoes and pulled out the royal braids from his hair. Then with a few of the villages looking on Legolas took off at a sprint into the woods ignoring the cries of his name behind him. The wind felt good against his skin cooling his anger and calming his fear. He had done nothing but shake during his declaration knowing full well that every elf lord within the room had been considerably older than him and considerably more powerful. Yet he didn’t care if they didn’t approve. He had sought his fathers approval for years but had never gained it, having not known what was holding him back. Now he had a chance to be free from restraint and he would take the gift the valar had given him and use it to it’s full potential. He was a warrior, not a little elfling destined for nothing. He would show them all! Legolas laughed through his tears as he continued to run. He did not care were he went only that he was going somewhere, unlike the last 500 years of his life. He was going somewhere and he was going to do something with his life…….with or without everyone’s approval.

TBC>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>