A Silver Lining (Lord of the Rings) [Legolas]

XXIII. Wedding Crashers

XXIII. Wedding Crashers

            The wonderful music that had been playing stopped abruptly. Screams were now the music in our ears as was panicked murmurs. Loud shouts from the Men told me that there were not just a few crashing this event.

            Legolas left my side, most likely searching for his father or Nikita. I blended into the crowd, hoping to find Halian. Others bumped into me, trying to flee from the threats around them. I was nearly knocked to the floor but was caught by Halian. I gave her a watery smile.

            The familiar noises of battle made Halian and I look. We watched in horror as the king and Legolas were torn apart from each other, herded away by several armed Men. Legolas had a rare look in his eye, one that his father looked to have more often. Halian cried out in agony, burying herself into me. I pulled her away as I saw what she did.

A guard lay limp, his blood pooling on the floor. I bet he is not the only one. But the guards should be experienced fighters. How can the Men have an advantage over them?

The king shouted something in Elvish, but he stopped when he noticed he was circled by Men, one with a whip, an archer, and one that was ready to pull out a sword he had hung on his side.

            Panicked Elvish ran through the air around us. They have hostages. I swallowed, trying to see if I could spot any. Halian grabbed my arm, clinging to me as though I were the only thing separating her from death.

            “Call whatever is left of your guard off or we’ll kill them,” a low voice growled. It belonged to the archer.

            The king did not meet the archer’s eye but did as he was told. My heart leaped in pain. They had control of the room.

            “No Man should be able to breach the security here,” the king spat. His body looked extremely stiff, like he was dying to have a weapon in his hand to dispose of the Men surrounding him. “How is it possible?”

            “We had a little help from the inside. One of your own, I believe.”

            “She was taken care of. She is most likely driving herself mad in the forest right now.”

            The archer looked puzzled. “I think you and I aren’t talking about the same She-Elf. She’s here with us.”

            “What do we do?” Halian whispered to me.

            “Keep calm,” was all I told her.

            “But something has to be done!”

            “Someone will do something.”

            “No one would dare rebel against their king,” the king said strongly, bringing me back to the tense situation. “None have ever tried.”

            “I think you are missing one tiny detail, Thranduil,” a new voice spoke, a female voice. This was the first I had heard the king’s real name. “You were never my king.”

            A terrified group of Elves parted as Nikita came onto the scene. Her wedding gown was marvelous, bringing out her body. Her hair was done up nicely. She looked like royalty. I stole looks at other Elves; they were confused and stunned by Nikita’s statement.

            Legolas’ lips parted, as though he too was caught off guard. The king did not show his surprise on his face, but I was sure his ice-blue eyes would give him away.