Denied Rights

AN: Okay this chapter may be a little abrupt, but I’m trying to get ready for my first year of college, and it’s a lil’ harder then I thought, and I don’t have as much time as I would like (to spend on writing and reading). Well, her is! is!!

***Entering the woods of Lothlorien***

The party had barely entered the woods when the command came. "Daro!" (Halt) A hooded elf stepped out of the shadows, his bow drawn, and pointed at Legolas, who rode at the head of the group. Looking over their clothing, he said, "What business does a party from Mirkwood have within the Golden Woods?"

Legolas turned to Haldir and murmured, "Perhaps you would like to diffuse the situation?" Haldir snorted, and, in turismoismounted.

"Do not move!" came from the hooded elf as he took a step closer to Haldir. "Identify yourself!"

Haldir threw back his own hood. "Come now, Orophin, do not tell me that you have forgotten me already?" he said smiling. The other hooded elf dropped his bow.

"Haldir? Is it truly you? Ai how we feared for you!" said the elf as he revealed his own matching silver hair. "Rumil greatly eased my heart when he told us that Thranduil had approved a rescue, but it isn’t until now, when I finally lay eyes upon you, that I am able to cease my worrying," he said as he embraced Haldir. Orophin was angered when he saw Haldir wince. "Have our brethren not tended to your wounds, brother?" he asked as he put an arm around the elder elf.

Legolas, who had been contently watching the brothers reunite, spoke up, "We bound his wounds the best that we could, although none among us are skilled healers. We hastened here, so he could receive better treatment."

Orophin touched his heart and then his forehead in as show of respect. "I thank you, Legolas, advisor to Thranduil of Mirkwood. Now, will you and your company please follow us to Caras Galadhon, for the Lady much desires to speak with you."

Legolas shifted uncomfortably on his mare, and then spoke, "I am afraid that we must decline. We must hurry back to Mirkwood. Thranduil will be most disgruntled if we linger."

At this, Orophin frowned. "I am afraid that I cannot allow you to leave without seeing the Lady." His words were firm, and Legolas was dimly aware that the Galadhrim had surrounded his company.

When one of them reached for Lhagrhiril, Veryaserko drew his sword and pushed his horse in front of the advisor’s. Immediately the Galadhrim had arrows pointed at every member of the rescue party. The company in turn, had drawn their own bows.

Legolas held up a hand. "This is not necessary." Turning to his captain he said, "This is not our land. We are guests, and as such we will submit to the demands of our hosts." Softly he said, "We cannot change what we have already done. Staying will not change my punishment." Louder he said, "We must take this opportunity to repair the relations between our realms, and if there is strife, it will not be our side. Lower your weapons."

His company immediately did as he said. Veryaserko looked pleadingly in Legolas’ direction, "But my lord, he will be most displeased with you!"

Legolas smiled sadly. "Indeed he will be, but there is naught we can do about it now." He began to follow his guides, motioning for his company to do the same.

And so it was, once again, that Legolas of Mirkwood would speak with the Lady of the Wood, but in doing so, would start a sequence of events that would lead to an unpredicted ending……