ʙᴀᴄᴋ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪɢʜᴛ [ᴀ ᴛʜʀᴀɴᴅᴜɪʟ x ᴏᴄ]

Chapter 20: A new Adventure

Time seemed to fly by quickly. Everyone got into a routine.

Legolas began going to his lesson in a more timely manner though he still didn't seem too fond of them typically coming to me to complain about his lack of interest in politics. But despite his dislike for them, he was good.

Laeanna continued to do exceptional work as the Captain of the guard as was Astra with her work on relations between lands.

On this particular day, Legolas was quite excited for it was one of the first times he would be travelling outside of Mirkwood. I had sent him to pack what things he would need for the two-month journey ahead of us.

"I'm still not sure about this decision Araniel," Thranduil sighed crossing one leg over the other as he sat on his throne. He held concern on his blue eyes as he looked at me as I stepped closer to him climbing the steps up to his grand chair.

"It will be fine Melamin," I assured placing a hand on his arm. "You trust my skill and Legolas is beginning to have some of his own. Astra is coming too," I added settling down on to his lap with a small smirk dancing over my lips.

He wrapped an arm around my waist pulling me closer to his side.

"I wish I could come with you," He admitted brushing some black and white strands of hair behind my pointed ear.

"I wish that too but you have a kingdom to run and to protect," I reminded pressing a kiss to his lips.

"Gin melin, Araniel,' he spoke softly cradling my jaw in his large hand. I leaned into his touch for a moment.

"I love you too my king but we must be going soon if we are to arrive on time." He gave me one last kiss before finally relinquishing his grip on my waist. I stood slowly not quite wanting to leave any more it was the first time since we were wed that we would be.

I met Astra and Legolas at the gate.

"Ready to leave, Astalder (valiant one)?" I asked looking down at Legolas. He was only 43 years of age and so wasn't quite fully grown yet.

"Ai Naneth," He replied slinging his bag on his back as Astra picked up hers.

The guards opened the large front gate of Mirkwood and we headed out into the forest. Of course, it had been sick for some time now but still, I felt as of there was a newer more evil presence here from time to time when Laeanna and I would scout the area.

I looked to Legolas who had been the first out of the gate heading in to the forest with enthusiasm.

"How much will power are you using to stop yourself from dragging Legolas back?" Astra teased noting my minor discomfort.

"Far too much," I laughed shaking my head as I saw Legolas spring up into the nearest tree and climb to the next through the branches.

"Far too much," I laughed. "I swear he's too pile me sometimes. Forever, having an answer and always eager to run off and take action."

"Well what did you except Ara, he's your son and not to mention the King's. Who is also not exactly known for his constant level head," Astra laughed.

"Astra! How dare you say such a thing about my husband?" I joked overdramatically. "You know I could probably have you arrested for slandering him in such a way."

"Well, it's not as if I'm lying," She challenged with a grin. "You should've seen it when you first arrived. A few people had come to him with complaints about your arrival including your mother." She laughed. "You really should have seen him. I don't think I'd ever seen him so furious in my life."

"You know, I'd quite forgotten about my mother. I mean it's not like she ever really meant anything to more not to mention I'm sure even given my new status she still wants me dead."

"She's just afraid Ara that's all," Astra reasoned. "We all fear what we don't understand."

"As wise as you are Mellon I do believe I know her a little better than you. After all, she abandoned me when I was a child and when she saw me for the first time since she ignored me and began to profess how evil I was to the King. I mean she isn't exactly wrong I'm still dark but far less than I once was," I replied.

"Ara," Astra frowned. "You're many things but evil is not one of them. Sure you're annoying, far too mischievous for you're good and gave a tendency to go charging headfirst into danger without second thought. But you're not evil," She reasoned.

I shot Astra half offended look but couldn't help the smile that made its way onto my face.

"I really wish I could say you're wrong," I half sighed and half laughed. "Honestly I think you know me too well."

A sudden rustle in the shrubbery behind me caught my attention. I whipped around my white hair, with a few black strands intertwined with it, flew around with me.

"Ara, are you alright?" Astra placed a hand carefully on my shoulder.

I narrowed my eyes and scanned the area. I heard something, I know I heard something but where was it.

"Didn't you hear it?" I questioned still staring out over the forest. We were too near the edge of the forest for it to be spiders.

"Hear what Araniel?"

"The noise over there. I swear I..." I trailed off. I felt like I was going mad. It was happening more and more I'd see something out of the corner of my eye or hear something. But only me, only ever me.

"Legolas, where are you?" I yelled into the trees. If there was anyone else out here I wanted him right by my side. Branches shook above before he dropped down elegantly to the ground his long blonde hair still looking perfect as he came to stand in front of me mirroring the look of concern Astra had etched on her face.

"I'm here Naneth, what's wrong?" His eyebrow furrowed in a mix of confusion and concern. Again I took one last look about the forest but found nothing to answer the burning question I had had for what seemed like a century. What was it or rather who was it?

"Nothing Legolas, I'm probably just tired and you know this forest has a tendency to mess with the mind from time to time." I tried to offer him a reassuring smile this was supposed to be a fun time for him not stressful. "Come on I'll race you to the edge!" I called with a laugh racing off into the forest.

I heard Legolas laugh and give chase he was fast but I was still fast, all that running away from problems had to be good something. The golden glow of the sun shone through the trees ahead and I dived through them just as Legolas caught up. We both half rolled onto the soft green grass laughing as we basked in the sun.

"I think that was a tie!"