The King's Gem

Chapter 13 - Adventures

TA April 26th, 2941

Your POV

The Edge of the Shire...

You and Morarquen hang your heads as you just relaxed. You knew it would be a long journey and you have already prepared for the tax it would take on you both. Gandalf was to your right and the dwarves were behind you. You saw the beginning of a smile on his face and you raised an eyebrow to acquire to his smoldering state but you were interrupted. Your keen eyes picked up the sound of someone running the distance and not so gracefully. You could hear the padding of heavy feet and the faint yelling of an adventure. You quickly snapped your head to see none other than Bilbo Baggins practically tumbling down the path.

"Wait, wait!" The rest of the company heard Bilbo's cry and turned to see the small figure. "I signed it" Bilbo stated as he handed the long parchment to Balin. He seemed so ecstatic over his decision. Balin looked it over and he smiled a little too. "Everything appears to be in order. Welcome, master Baggins, to the company of Thorin Oakenshield."

You turned to Gandalf and you realized he never doubted that Bilbo would come around to his decision. Thorin seemed less thrilled about this but you could tell deep down he was relieved. "Give him a pony." He stated. "No, no, no, no. That...that won't be necessary. Thank you. I'm sure I can keep up on foot. Yeah, I...I've done my fair share of walking holidays, you know? Even got as far as Frog Morton once." Bilbo hurriedly said. You couldn't laugh at his talk, of course, he needed a pony. He looked at you quizzically but you only smiled genuinely. Oin bellowed "Come on, Nori. Pay up!" A burst of full laughter boomed from the company.

"What's that about?" Bilbo asked. "Oh, they took wagers on whether or not you'd turn up. Most of them bet that you wouldn't." He looked between you and Gandalf. "And what did you two think?" He looked at you expectantly. "Well... My dear fellow, I never doubted you for a second." Gandalf said as he caught a bag of coins. You crossed your arms and held your hand out to Gandalf. "Actually he did, now pay up wizard," Gandalf grumbled and handed you the bag.

"Oh, it's horse hair. Having a reaction. Uh...wait, wait. Stop! Stop! We have to turn around." He frantically turned his pony to the side. "What on earth is the matter?" Gandalf exasperated. "I forgot my handkerchief." Everyone grumbled and you rolled your eyes.

"You'll have to manage without pocket handkerchiefs, and a good many other things, Bilbo Baggins, before we reach our journey's end. You were born to the rolling hills and little rivers of the Shire. But home is now behind you. The world is ahead." Gandalf said as he rode ahead. You looked at the shocked hobbit and in return slipped him a handkerchief from your home. He held it to his heart. The dramatics.

"Oh thank the Valar."

Meanwhile in the Mirkwood...

Legolas POV

It's strange not having her here. Cold and sorrowful. I see Ada is less than immaculate in his battle over his emotions. Though he is King he lets his façade slip under my soft gaze. I watch him from the corner as he orders the forest guard to do this and do that. His red velvet robes sprawled everywhere. He always insists on the theatrics. There is no doubt in my mind that he could have been in those plays that humans like to do if he were not an elf.

"Ada," I call to him hoping to bring him from his treacherous thoughts. "May I have a word?" I start walking toward the far wall where we may have coverage from prying eyes. His eyes reach mine, though, I feel he does not understand the worry in my voice. He places the parchments down and dismisses his council. I have always hated that council. When I was an elfling it took up a majority of my fathers' attention but I was not burdened in my heart for my Naneth was there. After her passing, I despised the council for taking away the only source of love I had left.

I watched as he uncharacteristically threw himself into his chair and let out a breath I knew he must have been holding for a long time. He couldn't meet my eyes and I wish I could tell what was going on in his mind. "Adar " I repeated after a long while.

"Yes, Legolas." He responded defeatedly. "How long are you to stay in this room?" After a moment of silence I continued, "It is not healthy this way. The White Council is to meet any day now and there is still hope to find Daevina. I wish you would just-" "You wish I would do what, Legolas?" My father cut me off. "You wish I would just forget everything that has happened with Elrond? Do you wish that I would set aside my grievances with the Elder Council? Or would you rather me forget my stance on Sylvan and Sindarin elves?"

I knew he would lash out at some point but I was relieved he was not overcome with silence. "I wish nothing of you. Only happiness for you and this kingdom." I decided to stay neutral even though I wished for a lot of things from my father. "Happiness?" He remarked. "Happiness!" He rose his voice toward me and whipped his platinum locks over his shoulder to look me deep in the eye. "You think I would ever be able to find happiness again? After your mother? The sickness of the forest? The falling of the elves? My people?" He breathed harshly. "You do not know me if you believe I could ever find happiness again, Legolas." His voice was softer now.

I looked ashamed at my father's outburst but I realized he was correct. How could he ever find happiness? I surely was not living to my standards. I had barely fought in battle and I couldn't even save my naneth. "I am sorry. I did not mean to offend you, My Lord." I backed out of the room and that was when I took my leave. I had to contemplate all that my father said and devise my own plan to get Daevina back.

I made it to my quarters and pulled out a scroll and began writing.

Daevina,

I am writing this under the most unfortunate circumstances. You left us. Or as my father would say, you left him. I don't care to know what has occurred between the two of you I just want you safe and happy. That also means I want you back in Mirkwood where I can have your companionship whenever I wish. I will even consider an image of life continuing here without you. You are destined for greatness Daevina.

I am glad that we shared that moments in the gardens these last few months, Daevina. I have so much to tell you, things I have wanted to tell you for what feels like centuries. So please, forgive my father or not, but come home.

With all of my love,

Your Prince

Words: 1253

I'm sorry there isn't much in this chapter I just wanted to update! I am thinking about continuing the book in 3rd person and trying to updated regularly.

Let me know what you think!