Break This Crown | Legolas/OC

Chapter Four: Lothlorien and Revelations

Chapter Four: Lothlorien and Revelations

The Fellowship continued on until they reached some sort of meadow in the woods.

"Stay close, hobbits," Gimli said, pulling Frodo forward. "They say a sorceress lives in these woods."

Madelyn, who was next to Legolas, knew something wasn't right but she couldn't place it. Deciding she was just being paranoid, Madelyn dismissed these thoughts when she looked around and saw nothing. However, she proved to be right when the Fellowship was suddenly surrounded by elves with arrows pointed at them. Legolas drew an arrow and Madelyn was about to do the same when Aragorn held up a hand. 

One of the elves stepped forward. "The dwarf breathes so loud we could've shot him in the dark," he spoke. 

~

The Fellowship looked on as Legolas, Aragorn, and the other elf, now known as Haldir, had a conversation in elvish. Madelyn, from her place next to Boromir, could only understand a little of what they were saying.

Gimli was getting fed up with the fact that he couldn't understand anything they were saying. "So much for the legendary courtesy of the elves! Speak words we can also understand!" he said, rudely. 

"We have not had dealings with dwarves, since the dark days," Haldir replied.

Gimli continued to rage. "And do you know what this dwarf says to that? Ishkhaqwi ai durugnul!" 

Madelyn's eyes widened in amusement, having understood what the dwarf spoke, and she bit her lip to hide a smile. 

Apparently Aragorn did not find it as humorous as she did as he clapped a hand on Gimli's shoulder. "That was not so courteous!" he scolded the dwarf.

Suddenly, Haldir turned to Madelyn.

"Madelyn Auvray," he began. Madelyn's eyes widened, wondering how he could've known her name. "It is a shame we are meeting under these circumstances."

Madelyn's eyes hardened, trying to mask her confusion. Her only response was to take a step back, slightly behind Boromir, who glared at the elf.

Haldir continued on, as if he was unaffected by her response. "You bring great evil with you," he said, looking at Frodo. "You can go no further."

Once again, Aragorn and Haldir launched into a conversation Madelyn could barely understand. However, she wasn't paying attention anyway. Madelyn had no idea how Haldir had known her name. 

She was brought out of her thoughts when Boromir gently nudged her with his elbow. She looked up and met his concerned gaze. 

"Are you alright?" he asked quietly. 

Madelyn nodded. "It's probably nothing," she murmured, looking over at Haldir. She didn't trust him at all. 

Boromir was about to reply when Haldir spoke up, "You will follow me." 

Madelyn unconsciously stepped closer to Legolas as they were led to a large set of stairs. Even though her leg wasn't as sore as it had been, Madelyn knew there was no way she would make it up those stairs. Nevertheless, she tried, only to slip and be caught around the waist by Legolas. Without a word, he gently swung her into his arms and carried her the rest of the way.

~

"Nine there are, yet ten there were set out from Rivendell," Celeborn began, walking down the stairs next to Galadriel. The Fellowship were lined up before them, Madelyn in between Legolas and Boromir, behind Aragorn. "Tell me, where is Gandalf, for I much desire to speak with him." 

Madelyn looked at the ground as Galadriel spoke for the first time. "Gandalf the Gray did not pass the borders of this land. He has fallen into shadow," the elf said quietly. When Madelyn looked up, she found herself caught in Galadriel's gaze. Taking a deep breath, Madelyn broke the eye contact by looking back down at her shoes. 

"He was taken by both shadow and flame," Legolas said. 

Galadriel continued, "Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life."

Madelyn had begun to tune everything out as she focused on the ground, until Boromir, to the left of her, started trembling under Galadriel's gaze. Madelyn slowly and subtly nudged his arm and offered a small smile, to which he found it difficult to return. 

"What now becomes of this Fellowship?" Celeborn wondered aloud. "Without Gandalf, hope is lost."

Madelyn didn't believe that. By the look on Aragorn's face, she could tell there was a part of him that didn't either.

"The Quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all," Glandriel paused. "Yet hope remains while the company is true. Go now and rest, for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight you will sleep in peace."

The Fellowship were once again led away, this time to an area where they could rest. Around them, elves were leaving various food for them to enjoy. Madelyn touched none of it, instead she surveyed the area. Lothlorien was new to her and she felt very anxious. 

She looked up when Aragorn sat next to her. "You've been very quiet," he stated, looking down at her. 

Madelyn nodded. "Did you know?" she asked, but seeing Aragorn's face she elaborated. "About Boromir and my father, I mean."

Aragorn hesitated before replying, "Yes, but not right away. It wasn't until just after you left that Legolas and I found out."

"I'm sorry I left, Aragorn," Madelyn said, looking down ashamed. "My thirteen-year-old mind thought that was the best thing to do. It was stupid and I should have returned."

Aragorn gently grabbed her chin and tilted her head up so she was looking at him. "Where did you go?" he asked quietly.

Madelyn's eyes glassed over as she relived memories she had tried to block out. She opened her mouth to reply but nothing came out. Tears filled Madelyn's eyes and she desperately tried to blink them away. 

"I was a thirteen-year-old girl out in the woods by myself, Aragorn. What do you think happened?" she whispered, a lone tear running down her cheek.

Aragorn's eyes darkened in rage as he stood up, towering over Madelyn. She watched as he put as much distance between them as possible. Apparently their interaction had also caught the attention of Legolas and Boromir, as they looked over at Madelyn with concern. Legolas's expression contained more shock because he was able to hear every word they said. 

"Madelyn?" Legolas questioned softly.

She shook her head, standing up. "I don't want to talk about it," Madelyn said retreating into the safety of the sleeping area provided by the elves and climbing into bed.

Hi guys! So that chapter sort of took a turn... I also changed who plays Madelyn and I've put a picture of her on the side. I recently discovered the band Against the Current and I thought their lead singer, Chrissy Costanza, would be perfect for Madelyn. I definitely think you should check them out. Lastly, I reached out to a few of you for ideas on a certain part of the story coming up so I just want to say thank you for your responses! I hope you enjoy my story so far and have a lovely day!

-Renee