The Last Light of the Star

32 - Emptiness is the Cruelest Void

A year had past since the Ranger left Mirkwood and it would be a lie to say that the atmosphere had not been affected by her lack of presence. Meals were quieter, battles were harder, and training sessions were much more boring. But most of all, Legolas changed. His heart hardened as he put up a facade—much like his father. He was cold and resentful. He distanced himself from everyone, even his friends—no more joyous jokes, no more loud laughter, no more annoying banter. He had turned into one who showed no emotions—his expression blank.

Making matters worse, as the months went on, the spiders and orcs had closed in greatly. It was to the point where there was an entire army at the edge of the elven territory. The elves of surrounding villages had been brought into the castle for protection and the warriors were required to be armored and weaponized at all times. Furthermore, the attack patterns of the vile beasts changed rapidly. They were unpredictable and erratic. War would come at full force or in waves—waiting mere hours or long weeks between strikes. Now, there was no room for error or neglectfulness. The elves had a duty and they must abide by it. No more feasts or parties, only sharp steel and armor. No more laughter or giggles, only screams and pain. No more training or preparation, only life or death. The time for pleasure was over; the age of war had come.

To say the least, Arryin's plan to lead the orcs and spiders away from the Woodland Realm obviously did not work. If Legolas had to guess, it was because Greenwood was the last known place of her residence; and, due to her many power explosions, there was enough magical residue left to make them think she was still here. But she wasn't. She was gone.

The Prince, decorated in battle armor and steel, was on his way to his father's private study. They received reports from their scouts that an army— bigger than anything they had seen upon their walls before—was making way towards the castle. Legolas suspected this would be their final push and the Woodland Elves would have to be ready. However, deep down, anxiety and regret settled. Legolas knew they couldn't win this fight—not with their already dwindling numbers. They had lost some and so many were already injured and unable to fight. How were they supposed to push back this army of darkness without aid? In two weeks time, the dark creatures would clash against their walls and the Mirkwood castle would surely be overrun. The end was nearing indeed.

The blond ellon sighed.

They really could use Arryin right now. Legolas could practically hear her voice in his head: 'Really Princeling? You're giving up before it's even started?! What are you?? A dead orc?' She would have come up with a plan to slay all the vile beings. She would have wild ideas that somehow ended up working. She would be persistent and ruthless. He smiled at these thoughts, but the small amount of happiness it brought sulked away quickly, for she wasn't coming back. She left. She abandoned them.....she abandoned him. She was gone.

"Prince Legolas!" A singsongy voice called out, pulling him from the darkness of his mind.

The blond elf clenched his jaw and released a deep exhale. Now was not the time.

"The food storage is dwindling and the supplies—"

The Prince inhaled deeply in attempt to control his irritation as she spoke. But, quite frankly, he didn't want to deal with her....not at all. Ever since Fraeya had moved into the castle, she was like a shadow to Legolas—always seeming to be near him; and, to be honest, it was incredibly aggravating.

—are running low. I was wondering—"

The blue-eyed ellon spun around and snapped at her with a tone full of annoyance. "Then tell Asteren and Ristala to open the second locker! Must I need to direct you on everything?!"

Fraeya's eyes widened slightly in shock as she froze. Everyone was contributing somehow, including the village refugees. She, of course, saw it as an opportunity to get closer to the Woodland Prince, but this wasn't what she excepted. When they were brought into the palace and provided shelter, she had anticipated a warm welcome from Legolas given that they were previously acquainted; but all she received was a chilling emptiness. He was cold-hearted and stern, nothing like the gentle person she had met when her village was raided. Obviously, Fraeya had heard the whispers from the maids and guards—the unspoken reason of his unsympathetic attitude. His heart had been broken when the Ranger discreetly departed and it left him stoney and joyless. The young maiden knew she could cure him of this ever present sadness, if only he would let himself give in. But, no matter what she tried, it seemed as if she was invisible to him and her attempts at seduction failed. He just didn't seem to care....about anything.