The Golden Ones

XI - The Arrow's Mark Pt. 2

Not once in her life had Tauriel ventured far from Mirkwood. She had never been so far from her home than she was now. Worst of all, she was alone. Tauriel knew her direction, but the path was not easy. To reach the Lonely Mountain, she had to trek through the forest. On horseback, it would have been an easy journey. However, she left immediately following her brief conversation with Legolas. Though she was known in the stables, she did not want to risk being caught and questioned. Tauriel had left with naught but the quiver on her back and the bow in her hands. It was truly a foolish move, but how many good decisions are made when fleeing one’s home in a flood of tears?

Tauriel’s heart broke for the dwarves, for the ruin that would come to the Lonely Mountain, for herself, and for Legolas. Perhaps, she thought, this will be my last journey. A wave of sadness rushed at her. No, she chided herself, this is not the time for tears. 

Though her legs did not ache and she did not grow short of breath, her mission had made her weary. Strange, I begin to even imagine strange noises, she thought with a little laugh. A louder noise from behind her, the crunching of leaves, cut her laughter quickly. In an instant, an arrow was notched in her bow, and she was prepared to shoot. 

“Show yourself.” She demanded to the shadows. The offender stepped from the bushes. “Legolas?” Tauriel asked in alarm. Legolas lead a horse and carried his own weapons. “Why have you come?” 

“To bring you home.” Legolas said. “Come, ride with me, we can return.” Tauriel shook her head sadly.

“I am not sure you understand, Legolas. I cannot return. My duty, it lies with the dwarves.”

“You are sure?” Legolas asked.

“I am.” Tauriel replied. She watched Legolas carefully. He drew a deep breath.

“I will accompany you. I am sure an extra bow and set of daggers would be of aid.” Legolas said.

“Your father. He will not allow this.” Tauriel insisted.

“My father,” Legolas said, “has no matter in this.” He led his horse forward. The magnificent beast was enormous and a beautiful white. At its sides hung bags - presumably filled with supplies. “Come.” He said. Legolas mounted his horse, and offered his hand down to Tauriel.

“You do this for me, why?” Tauriel asked. She was very apprehensive.

“You already know.” He replied quietly. “Please, come.” Legolas said. Tauriel took his hand and allowed him to pull her up on the horse behind him.

-+-+-+-

Thranduil placed a hand on his forehead. “Please humor me. I cannot handle another issue at this time.” He said, crumpling in on himself.

“It would be a lie, my Lord.” Galadir said, looking down.

“Why did he not seek out my word on this?” Thranduil shouted. “I am his father!” 

“My Lord, perhaps he feared what you would say.” 

“He did not know what I would have said!” 

“Legolas may have. He knows you do not approve of her. I must ask you, as your advisor and friend, why is it that you feel this way?” Galadir asked. Thranduil pushed a strand of hair from his face.

“I cannot,” said Thranduil shakily, “see him hurt. When you hold love in your heart for another, you put them in the greatest position to harm you.” He desperately tried to remain stable. Galadir softened, and began to speak softly. 

“Tauriel has a very good heart. She would not see him heart, my Lord.” Galadir said.

“You are incorrect - she has already inflicted damage upon him.” Thranduil replied.

-

Thranduil retired early that day. His mind had been screaming ever since his talk with Galadir. What did his son know of marriage? Legolas knew only what he had been taught by his father. So why would he turn from him when finally considering it? 

It would be very easy to object to the marriage. Thranduil could claim infertility, lack of noble blood, or nearly anything of the girl. No one could dare deny him, no one but his son. Unfortunately, that was the only voice that mattered in this situation. Thranduil could not stop Legolas from pledging himself to Tauriel. However, if he truly wished it, he could sway the young elves from this decision. He would have a year.

Yes, Thranduil thought, surely the thoughts of Legolas can be changed. His eyes dropped to his right hand. Thranduil eyed the two identical rings, and slid off the smaller of the two. When he blinked, he saw it on Tauriel’s hand. Thranduil quickly jerked his eyes open. He pushed the ring back on to his fourth finger, and held it there. He closed his eyes again.

-

Gilrin stood with Tauriel. With a brush, Gilrin gently combed the fiery hair of the younger elf. 

“Are you nervous?” She asked, laying the brush aside. Gilrin began to braid Tauriel’s hair very intricately. Tauriel’s cheeks reddened. 

“That could be said, yes. I am very nervous.” Tauriel admitted. Gilrin smiled. 

“Do not be. I remember the nervousness of Thranduil on the day of our wedding. You will enjoy yourself much more if you are calm. As you requested, it is to be a small affair. Few will be in attendance, only those that you requested.” Gilrin reassured Tauriel. She stepped back to examine her work. “Yes, I think that this shall do.”

Tauriel stood, and turned to Gilrin. “Thank you very much. I am sure it is very beautiful.” She looked to her wardrobe, where she knew her gown resided. “I am ready.” She said. Gilrin crossed the room, and brought the dress from the wardrobe

“Come, I shall help you dress.” Gilrin insisted.

Tauriel admired herself in a mirror. “I do not look like myself.” She said breathlessly, eyeing her gown of a light champagne color. Gilrin simply shook her head. Tauriel, along with Gilrin, made her way to the grand hall, on her way to marry his son.

Gilrin stared up into her husband’s eyes. “They are a beautiful couple.” She said with a smile. “It saddens me to know that I will not see that day.” She placed her hand on his cheek. “Tauriel is a lovely girl. I have watched her. She is gentle. She values others so much more than she values herself. She is a rarity. Legolas is fortunate to have her love.”

Thranduil opened his mouth, but he could not speak. 

“You will not see me at the feast.” Gilrin said, perhaps a little sadly, “But I will be in attendance.” She slid her hand down. Thranduil wanted to beg her to stay. “We will meet again, in another day, in another time. Until then, please know that I still hold your heart. Wake now, my husband.” Gilrin said. Thranduil obeyed, with wet cheeks and shallow breaths.