Echoes Beyond

Soon the War Will Come

Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.

Neerin stormed into the library, her heart racing with worry and regret. She found Legolas and Calessus there, deep in discussion. The sight of Calessus beside Legolas stirred a mix of emotions in her—disappointment that she couldn't have Legolas to herself and a pang of guilt for dragging him into this mess.

     "What's going on?" she demanded, trying to steady her voice despite the turmoil within.

Legolas met her gaze somberly, his usually bright eyes shadowed. 

     "Celeborn is coming to Mirkwood," he said quietly, his voice carrying the weight of the news.

Neerin felt the floor tilt beneath her. 

     "With an army?" she whispered, her worst fears confirmed.

Legolas nodded gravely.

     "Yes. It seems there will be a reckoning, and we must prepare."

She sank into a nearby chair, her mind racing with the implications of her actions. 

     "What have I done..." she murmured, more to herself than to them. 

Not only she had made the issue to herself, but to the people who accepted her as well... She slowly lifted her head and looked at Legolas. This man was going to go to war because of her. She knew she meant nothing to him. But he'd decide to go to war for her anyway. Gods, what had she done... 

Calessus, usually stoic and reserved, spoke up.

     "We'll need to fortify our defenses, prepare our forces," he added, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.

Neerin looked at them both, a mix of fear and determination in her eyes. 

     "I won't let anyone harm Mirkwood," she vowed, her voice steady now with resolve.

Legolas nodded, a small smile touching his lips despite the gravity of the situation. His gaze was now on Neerin. He gave her a warm smile, one that he didn't give to many. He knew what it meant to her, to be on his side, while her father was going to attack. 

     "We'll protect our home," he assured her, his gaze unwavering. "And Aragorn has informed me that the dwarves, led by Gimli, will join our side in this conflict."

"Neerin," the prince turned to her once again, his voice soft, "I understand the burden this must place upon you. Celeborn is your father, and yet he now comes as an enemy to my home."

Neerin met Legolas' gaze, her eyes resolute. 

     "My loyalty lies with Mirkwood and with you, Legolas," she said, her voice unwavering. "Celeborn may be my father, but I left Lothlorien to forge my own path, to live as I choose. I will not let his actions divide me from that purpose."

Calessus nodded, his admiration for Neerin's strength evident in his expression. 

     "Then we shall stand with you. Celeborn may be a formidable foe, but with the dwarves at our side and Aragorn's allegiance, we have a chance to defend our home."

Legolas placed a hand on Neerin's shoulder, his eyes filled with respect and understanding. 

      "You have always been a true friend and ally, Neerin. We will face this challenge together, and emerge victorious."

Neerin's lips curved into a small, determined smile. 

But, without a warning, Thranduil, the Elvenking, swept into the library, his robes billowing behind him. His piercing gaze fell upon Legolas and the two elves, who stood before him.