Heart Like Yours

Chapter 19: mirkwood

"No sign of the Orcs. We have luck on my side." Elanor said as she walked closer to the forest of Mirkwood. Now the nerves were setting in. Elanor also felt stronger, weirdly. It's dark by the time she reached the main gates and she can see a familiar face. "What are you doing here!?" The voice demaded as he turned back around from once facing the palace gates. "Weren't you just in Lake Town?" The voice demaded again. Elanor stuttered. "Yes, I-I have to come to see your King, I need to speak to him."

"You have come to meet with my father..?" The elf questioned slowly. Elanor nodded quickly. The elf then turned away and began to walk through the gates, "Follow me, then." Elanor followed the younger elf through the main gates, along the narrow pathway which she distinctly remembered from earlier, towards the Kings throne.

"Ada.." The elf started. "We have an intruder."

"Aredhel..?" The King whispered before looking down at her torn dress and her leg which had just started to heal. "Take her to her chambers, make sure she's catered for.. and find her a new dress." Thranduil demanded as Elanor was escorted out of the room by a guard. The elf looked shocked and confused at his father. "Do you know this woman?" He questioned. His father didn't take long to answer. He stepped forward, "Legolas, that is your mother."

"But she doesn't remember us." Legolas was left stunned as Thranduil left the room with a swish of his cloak to talk to her.

"My mother..?" Legolas mumbled, now he knew why he sort of remembered her. "We have to help her." Legolas decided but his father had already left the room.

...

"I missed you so much!" Thranduil exclaimed as he entered Elanor's chambers. Elanor stood looking out of the window at the vast forests below, that stretched for acres. She kept silent as she played with the hem of her dress. "You still don't remember me.., don't you." Thranduil sighed as he began to turn away. "It's not that." Elanor started but couldn't finish as she didn't know the answer.

"Aredhel, darling.."Thranduil moved closer. "Why did you run away?" He questioned looking hurt. "I-I didn't plan on running away. I-I was captured by your guards and then thrown in your cells.." Elanor started but she stopped as she felt the Kings breath drawing close to hers. "I-I... don't remember much." Thranduil looked up and they locked eyes. "What can you remember..?" Elanor gulped, "I recognise you and I sort of remember the elf from earlier."

"Legolas,.. our son?" Elanor nodded.

"I will find a way to get all your memories back, I promise meleth nin." Thranduil said as he kissed the top of Elanor's head as she smiled. "I had a vision-like dream.. and I saw a long blonde haired elf who claimed to be my mother." Elanor started. "She told me to return here and to see Lord Elrond, she will arrive here soon"

"Lady Galadriel.." Thranduil murmured to himself. "I'll send someone to go and get him, right away."

...

The days grew longer and Elanor was still in Mirkwood waiting for the arrival of Lord Elrond. She was kept under complete surveillance by palace guards and was frequently visited by her supposed 'husband'. 

"The guards are watching her?" The King asked the captain of his guards. "Yes, the guards are keeping a close eye on her." Tauriel replied as she had seen how Elanor couldn't go anywhere without being watched. "Good." The King replied. "Now I have to find a way to restore her memory." Legolas spoke up from the other side of the room, "We should check when Lord Elrond will arrive." Tauriel nodded. "Do you think he will help us?" The King questioned as he turned around to face the other two elves.

"You said they were friends.. she was his sister-in-law." Legolas pointed out. "You're right. Tomorrow we'll set off for Rivendell." The King ordered.