The Light in the Darkness ~ A Legolas Greenleaf Love Story

Chapter 7

We all gathered at the very edge of the forest of Lörien; the sun had barely risen from above the horizon and the birds were still roosting in their trees. The empty plain that stretched out before us, covered in yellowing grass, was wet with the dew of the previous night and far off into the distance a mountain range extended for miles, even the eyes of an elf could not see the end of it. Fresh rabbit diggings littered the ground around us and if you glanced up, just for a second, you could perhaps catch sight of a few pairs of ears poke up out of the earth and then disappear shortly afterwards. Figwit and about six other elves from my kingdom were ready to leave on their seemingly impossible task of locating the only one that could help us; Gandalf the Grey.

Seven pearly white horses were saddled up and ready to leave immediately, bags hanging from their shoulders that were stuffed with small amounts of food and water. Each of the elves were wearing sky blue tunics and riding boots, they were armed with the finest bows of Lothlörien and quivers that were filled with enough arrows to last them a fair amount of time. They sat upon their horses, looming over everyone else as they waited for Figwit to finish speaking with my father.

“Send for Gwaihir,” advised my father, he was referring to the giant eagles that had a close alliance with Gandalf. I had heard many legends about Gwaihir the Windlord, but I had never seen him before, although I admit, would like to. “He will have a better chance at finding Gandalf then just you alone. And if you hear anything of Mordor, you must send word of it to Elrond or I.”

“Yes sir,” replied Figwit as he mounted his horse.

“You know how important this quest is, so do not make it in vain. We need Gandalf’s help as quickly as possible,” said Elrond and Figwit nodded. They turned their horses to face East and began to pick up speed.

“Farewell and may you return successful!” called Elrond as they rode off into the distant as quickly as they could. I watched them wistfully, imagining that it was I who was riding towards an adventure. I continued to gaze eastwards until they disappeared over the horizon, I could hear everyone stirring beside me; they were heading back into the safety of the forest. I drew my green cloak tighter around my shoulders as an icy breeze blew through the air as I heard my father call my name.

“Ninothriel, you must come inside now,” he called, “you are not permitted to stay out here alone.”

“I know father, just a moment longer,” I replied, not drawing my eyes away from the horizon.

“Legolas!” I heard my father yell over the sound of the breeze. “Stay with her, make sure she does not leave your sight.” Then he turned and followed the other elves towards the palace, deep in conversation with Thranduil and Elrond.

I remained standing there, unblinking, as I heard Legolas step beside me. He too was wearing a travelling cloak, although unlike mine, his was a more earthy brown. I took a glimpse of him in the corner of my eye; he did not say anything, he just stood and stared off into the direction of Figwit and his company.  I eventually broke the silence.

“I sometimes wish that it could be me… me who completes the difficult quest to save Middle-Earth,” I whispered. “But my father always insists that my safety is more important.”

There was more silence for a few moments until Legolas spoke, “you should achieve your dreams, Princess, as you only have one life to complete them.”

I smiled at what he had said, it was true I knew, but we elves were immortal, unless of course we die in combat or of a broken heart, both however seemed unlikely.

“One should be able to do that, Legolas,” I replied in a low voice. “But for me that seems quite impossible.”

“Nothing is impossible if you feel that strongly about something.”