Story Downloaded from Open Scrolls Archive (https://www.openscrolls.net)

Title: Silverpath: The Calling (#4092)
Author: BearerofLight
Chapters: 8

Archive: Tolkien
Category: Lord of the Rings
Description: Lekrisa lives a normal life in Mirkwood until a tragic accident happens, causing her to lose her memory. As she tries to recall her forgotten past, she is adopted by a lone wolf known as Zelkier. But dark secrets meant to be kept hidden are suddenly revealed, and a dark figure slowly emerges… changing Lekrisa’s life forever.
Book One of Three in The Silverpath Chronicles
Published: 24 Jul 2009
Updated: 24 Jul 2009
Warnings: Character Death
Type: Action/adventure
Characters: Legolas; Original Character; Thranduil


Chapter 1 - Chapter One: Sacred Peace

Author's Chapter Notes:
This takes place in Mirkwood, just a few weeks before the Council of Elrond occurs. And this is not a Legomance! Please review.


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Lekrisa stared outside the window, watching as the little yellow-blue birds fleeted among the branches, chirping their lovely songs. The sun was starting to set, turning the sky blood red. How peaceful, the elleth thought, slowly closing her eyes. A quiet rustle nearby made her perk her ears, her eyes still closed.
“You were never good at keeping silent,” she suddenly spoke in a teasing tone.
“You always had such good hearing.” A man muttered and Lekrisa listened as he pulled himself up onto the balcony. Her lips turned up into a slight smile. 
“What are you doing here anyway, Legolas?” She opened her eyes and gazed at the figure standing nearby. “Isn’t there a feast tonight where your presence is necessary?”
“Why weren’t you there?” The elf asked, his azure colored eyes sparkling as he neared her.
“Father will kill you if he knew you were here. He would think it unsafe for a man to be alone with his daughter in her room.” She stood from the foot of her bed and walked over to her large oval mirror that hung near her table. The young woman watched her friend in the mirror, making sure her face was expressionless.
“Your father told me that you were working in the gardens, and my father excused your absence. But I checked and instead I find you here.” Legolas stood by her, staring at her reflection. “Why weren’t you there? Is something troubling you?”
As she watched him closely, Lekrisa noticed that a stray leaf had been caught in his neatly plaited hair. It took all of her effort not to chuckle. “You’re leaving,” she said quietly, knowing that what she said was true. 
Her companion paused before answering. “Yes, but only for a short while.”
“You don’t know how long it will be.”
“No, I don’t. It’s only Rivendell.”
Lekrisa placed her hands on the edge of the stone table. “You’re leaving tomorrow, in the morning.”
“Yes.” Legolas swallowed. “But we can do something before we leave. I’ve been feeling up to some target practice. Would you care to join me?”
Lekrisa sighed. “You’re actually trying to spend some of your time with me, Lord Prince.” She smirked as she saw him groan at hearing his ‘royal address’. “I remember when we were young, you always spent every single waking minute with me,” she paused. “But as we grew older and started maturing, we found it hard to spend anymore time together. Now you have your duties to do in the court and I have to help my father around the house.”
Silence suddenly filled the room. The sun had already set, engulfing everything in darkness. “Lekrisa, we’ve gotten older and I…” Legolas’ hands trembled a little. “I was wondering if you would be my partner-”
“Well of course I’ll be your partner!” She turned to him with amusement in her eyes. “Who else would be practicing at this time?” 
“That’s not what I mean,” he said under his breath as she grabbed her bow. 
“Curse it all!” Lekrisa grumbled as she looked at her empty quiver, “I’ve run out of arrows!”
“You can use mine. I’ve left my bow in my room so I’ll meet you there.” He disappeared as quickly as he came. 
Lekrisa frowned at his quick departure. She had noticed that his voice had quivered a little as he spoke his leaving words and she slightly wondered about it. Has he been frightened by something? After a while, she decided to shrug her question away. She grabbed her quiver and left.

~()~

The bowstring stung her fingers as she pulled it back. By the torchlight, she focused her eyes on the center of the target. She finally loosened her fingers, but the arrow, to her disappointment, landed in the closest ring. At the exact moment that the shaft met the target, there was a quick whistling sound and Legolas’ arrow dug itself into the center.
“You must be fooling, Lekrisa!” He said with shock as he pulled the shafts out. 
“I’m not.” Lekrisa replied, “You’re just getting better than me. That’s really hard to believe.”
“I know, especially after you just missed the last five shots.” The elf grabbed some items out of the supplies. He tossed a wooden blade at her feet. “Let’s see if you’re still good at this.”
Not hesitating, she quickly grabbed the sword and swung at him. As she expected, he warded off the attack, striking a blow at her, which missed. As the two dodged and swung, neither of them brought harm to their opponent. The two were equal, and if both of them had been enemies, they would have fought for many days without anyone losing.
“You haven’t changed much since the last time I challenged you.” Legolas remarked, pressing his blade against hers. 
“I never change!” Lekrisa gritted her teeth and pushed him hard. She quickly walked back, her sword ready to strike.
Suddenly, her mind filled with darkness, causing her to drop the blade. She didn’t hear it fall to the ground and she didn’t feel herself fall. All she could hear were these long, dark howls joined by many screams of fear and death. A cold shiver crept up her spine and her arm burned with unbearable pain. Then, there was a quick flash and a faint image entered her sight. She couldn’t tell what it was, but what she felt at seeing it made her not want to know. Fear crawled through her mind as she heard the dark screams again, and she fought to escape them.
Lekrisa? All of a sudden, a familiar voice echoed in her mind and she quickly opened her eyes. Legolas was staring down at her with worry etched on his face. 
“Are you alright?” he asked her softly. 
Lekrisa blinked, trying to find the words. “I’m fine,” she spoke her lie quietly. “Just took a small fall, that’s all.” She couldn’t tell him about it, and she wouldn’t cause him to also be troubled with her.
“Are you sure?” He asked again with uncertainty. 
“Yes, I’m certain.” The floor underneath her was making her pain from the fall worsen. She met her friend’s gaze and forced a smile. “Did I lose?” She questioned him with fake eagerness. Legolas did not answer, but instead, just continued to stare down at her. Something about the way he looked at her made her feel uneasy. “You know, I think I sh-”
Before she could pull herself up into a sitting position, the elf leaned down and kissed her. Alarm filled her as she unexpectedly felt his lips against hers, and she quickly pulled away from him. Standing up, she looked away with her slender hand against her mouth with surprise. Lekrisa did not know what filled her at this moment, for too many emotions were running through her mind. In the end, she decided not to say anything and sat against the base of a statue in the far corner of the room.
She stared down at her hands, her lush blonde hair falling down her face, acting like a shield against him. After a few moments, she heard Legolas get up and walk over to her. He sat next to her and Lekrisa pretended to continue staring at her hands as if she found something interesting in them. She felt his gaze on her, and to her shame, she could not bring herself to look at him.
Legolas sighed, seeing that she would not face him. “Lekrisa, I-”
“I’m sorry I reacted so badly.” Lekrisa told him slowly, her face still lowered. “It’s just that…”
She paused, taking a breath of air. “It’s just that,” she continued, “I never thought you thought of me that way.”
“Lekrisa, I thought you knew that I loved you since-”
She turned to him angrily. “Then why do you choose to tell me now?” she asked, “Do you expect me to run after you tomorrow, saying that you shouldn’t go because I love you and am in need of you to stay? What if you-” Her voice faltered and she lowered her eyes with anger. Not at him, but at herself. Why did she yell at him when all he did was kiss her? She stole a glance at him and saw that he was quietly sitting next to her, his head lowered in his hands.
It took a while for her to regain her thoughts. Unknowing to her, Lekrisa felt herself take off the necklace she was wearing. She stared deep into the moonstone amulet that hung from the silver chain. Quietly, she placed it around Legolas’ neck, quickly turning away. Legolas gazed at her with confusion, holding the amulet gently in his fingers.
“This is your mother’s. It means everything to you.” He told her with a question in his voice. “Why?”
“It will protect you on your journey; I feel that the road to Rivendell is no longer safe as it used to be. You’ll need it more than me.” Lekrisa stared up at the starlit sky. She didn’t mention anything about her somehow knowing that he wouldn’t be back for a long time. 
“Thank you.” He tucked it underneath his tunic. The two gazed up at the sky, each filled with different thoughts.
“What time are you leaving?” Lekrisa finally asked. 
“At sunrise,” he replied slowly. 
“Aren’t you supposed to be going home now?” she said, turning to him. 
“No, I’m staying right here.” Legolas avoided her eyes as he spoke with a slight challenge in his tone. He probably expected her to leave, but she decided to stay. 
Father will be mad at me once he finds out I lied to him, she told herself. But maybe he would understand.
“Is Arodras coming with you?” She said, placing her head on his shoulder. 
He chuckled. “Even if my father told him to stay, he would still come. It’s not everyday that he gets a chance to visit Rivendell,” he answered. “And won’t they all dread his coming.”
Lekrisa laughed. Very few people were fond of the talkative elf prince. “I wonder how Lord Elrond will react when he finds out that he’s coming,” she commented, smiling at the thought.
“He’ll probably lock him in a room to keep him from disturbing the council,” Legolas said, his eyes sparkling with amusement. The elves continued to laugh softly until the torch ran out. Lekrisa shivered and Legolas carefully wrapped his cloak around her, making her feel warm again.
“This seems very familiar,” Legolas spoke after a while. “Do you remember when we always snuck out of our lessons?” 
She did remember. They had been young then and had approached the age of lessons. Both of them had skipped their classes once a week, meeting in a secret place that only they knew of. The two hung out there for many hours, talking and eating the food that Legolas had stolen from the kitchens. But this scheme of theirs did not last very long, due to Arodras who had cleverly followed them once and told Thranduil of it right away. Both of them were punished, told off by their parents that skipping their lessons was bad and shameful.
“We spent all of our free time working in the kitchens,” Legolas added. 
“I hated washing those dishes!” Lekrisa scowled, “I was trying to encourage you to protest with me, but you wouldn’t.”
“What could I do? They told me that if I did something bad again, I wouldn’t be allowed to go on the hunting party!”
“Well, you still didn’t. If I knew you were just going to stay with me that day, I would have added you into that food fight!”
Legolas wrapped his arm around her and she placed her head at his chest, their brief argument a while ago completely forgotten. “Lekrisa, you were always a troublemaker,” he whispered in her ear. “I wonder why you changed.”
“I had to grow up, and besides, I got sick and tired of being a bad person.”
After a while, drowsiness finally entered her and Lekrisa’s eyes began to close. “I’m going to miss you,” she muttered. 
“Me too.” Legolas replied and smiled when he realized that she had fallen asleep. “Lekrisa,” he whispered softly, closing his eyes, willing for sleep to come over him.

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Chapter End Notes:
This first chapter is a little shabby. Trust me, this is all the romance I have in this story. The next few chapters will be more exciting and appetizing. Please review, and thank you for reading!


Chapter 2 - Chapter Two: The Approaching Fate

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Lekrisa woke to the high chirping of many birds. The sun was high in the air, telling her that it was morning. To her surprise, Legolas was gone. Disappointment flooded through her for not bidding him farewell. She yawned and stretched out her arms. That was when she felt something enclosed in her left hand. She opened it to reveal a silver necklace with a golden leaf on it. 
“What a fool,” she muttered. “Why did he have to give me this?” 
After a few moments of staring at it, she realized that she held the charm that identified Legolas as a prince of Mirkwood. Why did he give me this? She asked herself again in her thoughts.
In the end, she decided to wear it, thinking that Legolas only gave it to her as a token of friendship and safety. She hid it underneath her tunic and quickly grabbed her bow. Oh no! My father's going to suspect my absence!
Not wanting to waste anymore of her precious time, Lekrisa raced through the trees. Crossing the bridge, she bowed before the guards that stood near the huge, stone doors that opened into the grand cave of the elven king.
“Who is this lady that wishes to enter into our king's chambers?” One of the guards teased her, his gray eyes sparkling as he gazed down at the woman before him. He turned to his companion. “Surely she is not well dressed to enter into the house of our king?”
The other guard chuckled, and Lekrisa turned to the first guard with anger in her eyes. 
“Why do you waste your time bothering me?” she snapped, “You know that I am the kind of person you don't want to mess, Jioda.”
“Oh yes, I remember you.” Jioda smiled. “You went off into the forest with the heir of Mirkwood. What were you two doing?”
Lekrisa shoved him roughly. “Let me in!” she argued, trying to move past him. 
Jioda sighed. “Fine. Let her through, Striad.” His companion slowly opened the doors. 
“Lekrisa, just let me know when you're free to run off into the woods with me.” Jioda grabbed her chin gently, forcing her to return his gaze. “Now go and take your pretty face out of my sight.” She glared at him, then swiftly ran inside. 
She hardly noticed the citizens of Mirkwood as she walked to the familiar stone settlement near the king's halls. Quickening her pace, she quietly entered, only to find Keldar waiting for her. 
“Did he leave?” 
Lekrisa stared back at him with surprise. She wasn't expecting this!
“Yes,” she answered knowing that her father spoke of Legolas. Keldar watched his daughter closely. 
“You must be starving,” he told her softly, “Go and have yourself some breakfast.” Lekrisa settled her bow against a chair and went into the kitchen. She grabbed an apple from a basket and bit into it.
“Do you have anything for me to do today, Ada?” she asked in between bites. Keldar came in the kitchen with a breastplate in his hands. 
“Visit King Thranduil and present this to him. Make sure he replies back,” he paused. “Then after doing that, you can take the week off.”
Lekrisa's eyes widened, swallowing the apple seeds unknowingly. “Really, Ada?” she asked with surprise in her tone. 
“Lekrisa, you deserve it.” Keldar smiled as Lekrisa grabbed the armor from his hands with excitement. 
“Thank you, Ada!” The elleth kissed her father on the cheek then quickly rushed out of the room. 
She's grown so much. Keldar said to himself. She really looks like you, Keslya. The elf placed his hands on the stone table. 
Someday I'm going to have to let her go. 
~()~
Lekrisa had adorned herself in the best dress she had. It was a simple dress, light green and soft. Since the piece of armor was rather light, she held it in one hand as she walked to the king's hall. 
After the guard had welcomed her in, she couldn't help but stare at the marvelous room. Even though she had been here before, each entry always seemed as if it were the first.
As she quietly strode down the hall to the wooden thrones, her light footsteps echoed noisily against the stone walls. King Thranduil looked up from a parchment that he was holding. 
“Ah, it is Lady Lekrisa,” he spoke, turning his gray gaze on her. His wife, Queen Taléra, smiled gently at her. 
They both wore a crown of berries and red leaves which announced that it was near mid-autumn. Lekrisa stopped a few feet from them and bowed. 
“Greetings, Lekrisa. What can we do for you on this lovely morning?” Taléra asked her, the queen's gentle voice ringing in the room. “Indeed, it is a beautiful day today, my lady.” Lekrisa turned to Thranduil. “I come before you, my lord, because my father wishes to show you an example of a special piece of armor he made. He says that he has been telling of it to you last night.”
“Oh yes! Your father boasted that he once made armor that was both light and well-protective.” The king stood and walked towards her, his golden hair glowing slightly. “Here, let me see if your father's bragging is true.” 
She gave it to him quietly and watched as he held it in his hands. “It's very light, so he is right there,” the king murmured.
Unlike his sons, Legolas and Arodras, Thranduil had a stern personality. There was talk in the kingdoms of how he mistreated Bilbo Baggins and his dwarf companions. Many said that the elven king imprisoned Thorin Oakenshield because of some treasure that the dwarf kept secret. Others also spoke about Thranduil throwing Thorin's company in the prison underneath the king's halls. They said that the king did this because he loved riches and didn't want anyone else to have a higher amount than he did.
Of course, all this was true, but Lekrisa did not want to believe it because her king had always treated his people with kindness. Besides, Queen Taléra was visiting Lothlórien at that time and both of their sons went also. Probably this was why the king acted badly, she reasoned
“I'll take two hundred.” Thranduil's voice tore her away from her thoughts. 
“Two... Two hundred?” she asked with her mouth wide open. The king's gray eyes stared down at her with deep confusion. 
“What? Can your father not make that much?”
“No, it's just that I never expected you would order that many.” Lekrisa replied, impatient to tell her father.
“How much time would he need?”
“About two months and a half.” Lekrisa nodded to the piece of armor the king still held. “You may keep that one.” She bowed again and turned to go.
“Lekrisa, wait!” Taléra yelled out her name, making her stop in her tracks. The queen quickly walked to her, a basket held in her hand.
“Here, take this,” she said, handing it to her. “I have noticed that your father is forgetting about his daughter's needs; I have noticed that you have so few dresses. He'll appreciate my giving of these to you.” 
Lekrisa took the basket, touching one of the soft, lilac dresses inside. “Thank you, my lady,” she said gratefully, her cheeks red with embarrassment. The queen is giving me dresses!
Saying her farewell, she walked quickly out the door, a basket in one hand, and happiness that would not last long in the other.

~()~
“Are you sure you won't be needing any help, Elkaye?” Lekrisa asked her friend as she munched on a strawberry.
“Lekrisa, you don't need to worry. I can handle things on my own.” The dark-haired elf said while she straightened up the small room. “Just because Ledar's not here doesn't mean that I can't take care of everything by myself.”
After leaving the throneroom, Lekrisa had headed straight home. She found her father in his forge and told him of the news. After hearing this, Keldar automatically started to make the armor, telling his daughter that he wouldn't be needing her help for a while. 
Lekrisa did not mention anything about Taléra's gift, knowing that her father would make her return it out of embarrassment. Instead, she had hid the dresses in her room, safe from her father's knowing. It would take her father a long time to notice that his daughter's clothes had mysteriously multiplied.
Since she had the day off, Lekrisa decided to spend it at Elkaye's dwelling. “Mellon nin, I feel rather useless watching you work all day long! Tell me what I can do to help you.” Lekrisa demanded, standing to face her friend. Elkaye watched her with a stern look. 
After a while, she sighed. “Fine. The dishes are in need of a wash.” She pointed to a neatly stacked pile of dirty dishes in a little square container. “I would have had time to do them if Ledar was here. You do know where to wash them, right?” Lekrisa nodded, thankful that her friend would let her help. She couldn't help but worry for her friend while Ledar was away.
Ledar was Elkaye's husband, and a faithful messenger of Thranduil's court. He had been sent to Esgaroth to tell the lord there of wargs sighted in the east ends of Mirkwood. Ledar had been gone for three weeks, leaving his nearly two months pregnant wife at home. Sadly, it would be four months later before Elkaye got word of her husband's death, and unfortunately, Lekrisa would not be there to comfort her.
Grabbing a rag and some soap, Lekrisa opened the door, and walked out of Elkaye's small dwelling inside a tree. Thranduil had told her that she could live inside the cave for a while, but she denied the offer, saying that she would wait for Ledar in their home. 
Walking past the woods, Lekrisa headed to the small stream nearby, holding the container filled with dishes in her hands. Rubbing the soap onto the cloth, she dipped the dishes individually in the water and began washing. 
She scrubbed at the dishes, unaware of Ledar's death and of her disappearance a few months later to that day. In fact, Lekrisa didn't know that her strange vision yesterday was mysteriously linked to her dark future. Rather, all she did know was that she, and her father, would earn a large amount of money, and that Legolas was in love with her, causing her to form a plan to avoid him when he returned. Or perhaps, his love for her would disappear when he came back.
After all the dishes had been washed and dried, she went back inside Elkaye's home, only to find that she was resting. 
“So, why weren't you there last night, Lekrisa?” Elkaye asked, handing her a cup of water. Lekrisa took the drink and sat down in the seat next to her. “Your father said that you were tending to the garden, but I got rather suspicious when Legolas left and didn't come back,” she added. “You weren't in the gardens, were you?”
Lekrisa sighed. “No,” she said truthfully, “I just stayed home because I felt rather sick. My foresight came back last night.”
Elkaye's eyes widened with curiosity. “Your foresight came back?”
Lekrisa nodded quietly and found herself telling her friend about what happened. She carefully left out the parts of Legolas kissing her, only saying that he simply asked to go shooting arrows with her. “I'm telling you Lekrisa, he has feelings for you,” her friend commented.
Then Lekrisa told her about the strange foresight that she had. After hearing this, Elkaye stayed silent. “Your mother also had the gift of foresight, didn't she?”
Lekrisa cringed as if her friend had struck her. Her mother, Keslya, had the gift of foresight too, like her daughter. Except her foresight was whole, unlike Lekrisa, who only saw fragments.
Keslya died suddenly when Lekrisa was just a child and still lived in Rivendell. It was said that wargs killed her when she was journeying to Lothlórien. Whether she had known of her death or not, no one knew. 
Even though Lekrisa hardly remembered her mother, whenever someone mentioned her, it felt like they were reopening the wounds from the past that she kept hidden. She placed her head in her hands, trying to keep hold of her emotions.
“This foresight of yours must be serious. Remember what happened last time?”
Lekrisa nodded in reply of her friend's question. She remembered that day like it was just yesterday. She had been near the age of maturing then, and was at the winter feast when it suddenly came. Searing pain suddenly slashed at her leg and she heard a few wild cries that chilled her to the bone.
A few weeks later, her foresight forgotten, Lekrisa went hunting in the western woods. Foolish as she was, she did not heed the warning of a few orcs sightings in the area. When the orcs attacked, she had no knowing. One of the orcs slashed out at her leg, causing her to fall helplessly to the ground. She would have been killed if it weren't for Legolas and his brother, who had followed her. Even though the princes finished off the orcs, a long scar left on her right leg reminded her of the early warning.
After that day, she had other foresights, which only announced births or the visitations of important people. She had not had a warning foresight until now.
“From the way you described that howl, it sounds like a warg,” Elkaye suggested.
She shook her head. “It was something else; it sure didn't sound like a warg. And besides,” Lekrisa paused, “I wasn't frightened by it.”
Her friend shrugged. “In that case, it was probably something else. Are you sure that's all?” Lekrisa swiftly nodded.
“Hmm... I think you should tell King Thranduil of it. It seems to be warning you of an attack.” Elkaye drank some water from her cup.
“Maybe it is,” Lekirsa spoke thoughtfully. Or it could be something that already happened, she thought, or maybe it's something in the future that none of us can stop from happening.
Trying to erase these thoughts, Lekrisa pulled out a random book from the shelf. It turned out to be 'The Tale of Túrin and Niënor', the story that she knew by heart. Flipping it open to a random page, she glanced at it with dismay. 
“The death of Beleg,” she said quietly.
Elkaye suddenly sighed. “The Tale of Túrin and Niënor, how sad and dreadful,” she stopped. “Wait, wasn't your mother related to Beleg?”
“Yes, I think they were distant cousins.” Lekrisa let her eyes linger over the words on the page. How horrid it was to kill your friend by mistake!
Beleg was Túrin's closest, and trustworthy companion. After Beleg freed him from the orcs, Túrin accidently killed the elf by mistake, thinking that he was an enemy trying to kill him. After finding out that it was his friend he killed, Túrin mourned his death, disappointed of his own foolishness. Lekrisa closed the book shut, not wishing to read any of it anymore. 
After their short break, the two friends busied themselves by cleaning Elkaye's dwelling. Three hours later, Lekrisa went back home, unaware of the danger coming closer in her future.

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Chapter End Notes:
Oh yes, it gets darker.


Chapter 3 - Chapter Three: Dark Tragedy

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The loud sounding of hooves against the cave floor jerked Lekrisa away from her sleep. The she-elf quietly glanced out her window, sighting four elven riders riding up the road.
The messengers of the council have returned! She thought, wondering if she should hide or not. She decided to follow, quickly throwing her cloak on and ran outside. She wasn't the only one who was curious; many elves also followed the returning elves to the throneroom. Quickening her speed, she followed the group quietly as they walked past the tall doors into the king's halls. Lekrisa stood on the tips of her toes and saw King Thranduil and Queen Taléra addressing the horsemen.
“We bring word from the council!” The lead elf said, dismounting from his horse. The king simply stared back at him questioningly.
“You return with four, not five,” Taléra started to say, “Where is Legolas?” Lekrisa's heart stopped suddenly. She never realized that one of the horses was riderless. No, she thought, he couldn't be.
“He has went on a quest with eight others.” The leader replied. Legolas' brother was still seated on his black stallion, his head slightly lowered. “They have found the one ring of power,” he suddenly said. “Sauron is reawakening.”
A gasp aroused in the crowd, and many murmured in fear. Lekrisa, who had just recovered from learning that Legolas was not dead, drew in a deep breath.
Thranduil, noticing the small audience's reaction, turned his attention on them. “Please, leave and take your rest. All of you will be hearing of this news tonight, for we will hold a feast for the return of our messengers!” he said, seeming to note that he didn't want his people to hear any of this right now. The group started to fall apart, walking back out the door with fear crackling in the air. The guards took the horses, leading them to their stables.
Lekrisa had instead decided to stay, hiding behind a door. She didn't care if they didn't want her here; she was going to know about what happened at the council now.
“Now we can talk in peace,” Thranduil said, sighing lightly.
The leader started to speak, telling them about the hobbit named Frodo that brought the ring to the council. Lekrisa listened in silence, daring to peek out from behind the door. She heard about Elrond's decision to send someone to Mordor and cast the ring into Mount Doom in order to destroy it. The council had decided to choose Frodo as the ringbearer since he had traveled from the Shire to Rivendell safely. They chose eight members to travel with him: three hobbits, two men, a dwarf, Mithrandir, and Legolas. 
As the elf told of him joining the group, Arodras seemed to turn his head away with shame. Unfortunately, he turned to look in Lekrisa's direction. He immediately caught her eyes, and he narrowed his eyes with confusion, Lekrisa stared back, not knowing what to do. She quickly pulled back behind the door. Surely he wouldn't give away her position! She hoped to herself, clutching the chain around her neck. To her dismay, she noticed that she had not kept the necklace hidden. She tucked the charm under her dress, once again listening in on their conversation.
“... What should we do for the time being?” The elf finally finished his speech and now asked the king a question. 
“We should keep an eye out for any danger, and be ready if battle approaches.” Thranduil answered.
“What about Legolas?” Taléra asked, her voice filled with worry for her child. 
“Perhaps we should ask Lekrisa about that,” her husband said.
Surprise filled Lekrisa when she heard her name. In fact, Thranduil seemed to direct that question to her. “What do you think, Lekrisa?” Thranduil asked again.
Not wishing to get into anymore trouble than she was already in, she quietly stepped out from behind the door. The six elves all gazed at her, and she blushed with embarrassment. How foolish she was to think that no one would notice her.
“I really don't know. He has made a very difficult decision,” she began to say, “But he is strong, and I highly doubt that death would take him this early. If he were to die, he would go down fighting.”
“And do you think that Lord Elrond's decision was right?”
“Yes, I believe that no one could have made a wiser decision.”
“Thank you for answering my questions,” Thranduil said softly. “You are dismissed.” Lekrisa bowed quietly and quickly left, still blushing brightly with embarrassment.

~()~
Once she got home, Lekrisa visited her father in his forge. After nearly two months since King Thranduil had ordered for the armor, Keldar had made one hundred and twenty. He worked all day and night, only taking time off to eat a meal. He now listened as his daughter related to him of what she heard.
“We live in dark times,” he said quietly. He placed a hand in his soot covered, blond hair. Lekrisa watched her father, placing a hand on his shoulder like she always did when she was small.
“Well, perhaps we will prevail this time.” He smiled up at his daughter.
Lekrisa seated next to him on the stone. “I'm going to go hunting today, Ada,” she told him. “I plan to hunt in the southern woods, and come back in time for dinner. I noticed that our food supply is slightly running low.”
“Oh, is it?”
“Yes, Ada.”
“In that case, go ahead. Just make sure you'll be back on time.”
Lekrisa stood up, getting ready to leave. Keldar stopped her by grabbing her arm. “Be careful.” He said, gently squeezing her hand. She nodded and quickly ran back upstairs to her room.
When she reached her room, she changed into her hunting clothes, placing her quiver on her back. 
“You're going hunting?” Someone suddenly spoke, making her head jerk up with surprise. She instantly spotted Arodras standing in her doorway.
“What are you doing here?” she asked with suspicion.
“I wanted to talk to you.” Arodras stepped into her room, seeming as if she invited him, of which she did not. “Legolas only went on that quest because of me. I wanted to go instead, but he told me not to.” He walked closer to her. “So I told him that I would only stay if he went in my place. He had no choice, and it wasn't his decision to go on that mission, so you must not be mad at him.”
“Why would I get mad?” Lekrisa asked, slightly uncomfortable.
“Because you wear this,” Arodras pulled out the necklace from its hiding. “Unless you don't know what it means.”
“It's his birthright-”
“If he does return and the ring destroyed, he will ask you to marry him. But according to what I see, he has already asked and you had accepted.”
“What? I had no-”
“I'm slightly surprised that you keep it hidden. Someone else would have wore it proudly, since they were chosen to provide the heirs of the kingdom.”
“What do you mean by 'providing the heirs of the kingdom'?” Lekrisa asked softly.
“Don't you know? Sons, daughters. Bearing his children.”
“Wait, bearing his-”
“You'd be his wife and the future-”
“Wife?!” Lekrisa gasped, her eyes widened with horror. “But he never asked me, and I never knew... Oh no! Are you the only person that knows about this?”
“I think so. I didn't notice anyone else looking at you with surprise. But why would you wear the birthright if he didn't ask you yet?”
“Even if he did ask me, I would have said no.”
“But he chose you of all people,” Arodras paused. “Well really, who wouldn't?”
“Maybe he gave it to me for a different reason,” Lekrisa said, trying to reassure herself. “I need to start hunting.” She grabbed her bow, her hand shaking slightly.
“You know that Legolas would be heartbroken if you said-”
Lekrisa quickly ran out, not wishing to hear anything else Arodras had to say.

~()~
A few branches snapped as she walked through the trees. Even though she was an elf, she was extremely noisy when she was angry. All the prey that she could have easily hunted, fled from her path. Lekrisa trampled along, an arrow notched in her lowered bow.
She stopped by a small river and splashed the cool water on her face. It was near lunchtime, and her stomach growled with hunger. She glanced down at her reflection, only to splash the water angrily. Get a hold of yourself, she thought. How are you going to catch some prey when you're angry?
Lekrisa took the silver chain off. This is what causes me anger. This and that stupid person who gave it to me. She tossed it in the stream, wishing that the waters would take it away. But to her disappointment, the necklace sunk to the bottom, unaffected by the current. She looked away, turning her gaze on the trees.
Why did I even wear that stupid thing? She asked herself. Wife, princess of Mirkwood. I'd be nothing but a slave to him. In fact, she did have feelings towards him, but she just didn't want to admit it. When I became friends with him, I never expected to marry him. I always thought I would just spend time with him and help him with advise, nothing more than that.
She would be giving him her freedom, her body, her life, everything. She'd be expected to bear him children, live with him, and sleep with him by her side. She didn't expect any of this to happen in their friendship, and she would make sure that it wouldn't happen at all.
Lekrisa again splashed some water on her face, washing her anger away. She decided to put the necklace back on, saying that she would give it back to Legolas when he returned. She continued to walk south, her steps now soft and silent.
After several hours of walking, Lekrisa had shot six rabbits. She was about to head back home when she spotted a medium-sized brown bird not standing but a few feet away from her. Grabbing another arrow, she notched it on her bow. The stupid thing saw her and instead of running, it just stared back at her. As far as she could see, the bird didn't have a tail and it seemed to be flightless with its small wings. Lekrisa quickly shot the bird, placing it in her pack along with the rabbits. That was the strangest bird I've ever seen, she said to herself, I wonder if there are anymore. 
She headed south for a little bit, knowing that if she just took a quick look she could be back home on time. To her dismay, there were no more of the strange birds, and she stopped by a stream nearby to take a drink.
As she bent down to scoop some water in her hands, she heard a loud crack nearby. She slowly turned her eyes towards the sound and saw an elk also drinking near her. The bull was huge, and Lekrisa quickly noticed his antlers. There were only three, confirming her thought that the elk was Paun.
Paun was the oldest elk in the forest, known as the Lord of the Wildlands. It was said that if anyone was able to kill the elk, great wealth and luck would come to them. Lekrisa watched the bull quietly. Paun was rarely seen by others, always hiding in his woods at day. 
She slowly grabbed an arrow and quietly notched it. I could take him down easily. She thought, pulling the bowstring back. I could kill him.
She loosened the string and her arrow dug into the elk's shoulder. The animal bellowed in pain, then turned towards her. To her surprise, it let out a roar and ran towards her. She shot another arrow into its shoulder, but it didn't even stop. Lekrisa started to run, quickly heading back to the trees. Oh help me Valar, she prayed silently, scrambling through the trees.
But to her dismay, she could not outrun it. Should I climb a tree? She wondered. But it was too late to do that, for at that very moment, her foot caught on a tree root, causing her to trip. The elk caught her in its antlers before she even reached the ground and swung its head, tossing her against a rock. Her body slammed against the stone like a ragdoll, and she felt her arm break underneath her. Sudden pain rushed through her body and she saw blood drip down into her eyes. Behind the blood, she saw the elk rearing up, ready to kill her. Why did I have to be so foolish?
The last thing she felt was the cold chain fall against her breast. 

~()~
At that same time, but many miles away, Legolas flinched suddenly. Aragorn noticed it and gazed at him with worry. 
“Are you alright?”his friend asked. The elf nodded, not so sure why he had suddenly felt cold for a moment.
“I'm fine. I just got, uneasy for a while,” he said.
Aragorn placed his hand on the elf's shoulder. “It will wear away,” the man said.
Legolas nodded and slowed down to the end of the group. He pulled the moonstone amulet out and stared at the stone. For some strange reason, the stone's light was starting to fade slightly. Worry filled him and he gazed northwards.
Lekrisa.


Chapter 4 - Chapter Four: The Reawakening

Get up. 
Lekrisa struggled, her body filled with pain. “It hurts,” she groaned.
Get up.
She couldn't see anything in front of her and her head was throbbing with unbearing pain. “It hurts,” she said again.
Get up! 
She groped her hands in front of her, trying to sit up. “I can't!” she cried.
Try harder!
Lekrisa used all her strength left, trying to pull herself on her feet. In the end, she couldn't stand and instead was on both her hands and knees. She tried to open her eyes, but the pain was too much.
Now come. Follow me. Fur brushed up against her side, and she only managed to open her eyes a little bit. Blood still clouded her vision, but she was still able to see things around her. The fur against her side pushed in a direction, whatever it was that owned it, telling her to go that way.
If anyone had seen Lekrisa crawling under the trees in the mud, they wouldn't have been able to recognize her. Her once blonde hair was now covered with mud and blood, and her left arm hung down from her shoulder. She was able to travel a short distance with support from the furred creature. All she could see were long lines in front of her, so she decided to close her eyes.
Now come. Over here, underneath this tree. The creature guided her at her side, now telling her with its tail which way she had to go. She crawled under the small gap in the bottom of the tree, shivering uncomfortably. She felt several slippery things crawling on her hands which she could not name.
Now... Safe... Rest... was all she heard from this creature who saved her. She dropped her body down, wrapping her arm around her legs in order to stay warm. Fur brushed against her, making her warm. She snuggled closer towards it, then fell unconscious.

~()~
She awoke a few hours later, not only feeling pain, but also hunger and thirst. She opened her eyes to darkness. “Where am I?” she asked, her voice hoarse.
You're safe. A voice filled her mind, startling her slightly.
“Who are you?” Lekrisa turned her head painfully in the dark, trying to find the person who had just spoken to her.
Speak in your thoughts, it said again. Then she saw it, hiding in the darkness nearby. It was a four legged creature, and it stood on all of its feet. Right now it was staring at her, nearly reaching her height when seated. It had amber eyes, and its gray and black fur shined slightly in the dark.
“Who are you? What are you?” She said out loud, gazing straight at the creature with both fear and curiosity.
I am Zelkier, and a wolf, Please, you do not have a need to fear me. The reply came. The wolf stared back at her, its eyes not blinking. Now tell me, why did you try to kill the great elk of the forest?
Lekrisa shook her head with confusion. “What?” she asked, having no slight idea of what it meant.
Oh, of all the creatures, you must be the most foolish of them all. The wolf sniffed. Tell me why you nearly killed yourself, in your thoughts!
I don't know what you mean. Her head ached when she thought this. 
How can you not know? The wolf let out a small growl. It seemed to calm down after a while. Let's start out simple: What is your name?
Name? What do you mean?
The creature seemed to sigh. I mean what you are called, like I'm Zelkier, for example.
Lekrisa lay on her side, her eyes knotted with confusion. She tried to think about it, but she couldn't remember anything. It was like searching for light in a deep darkness; there was nothing.
I'm sorry, but I don't know.

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Chapter End Notes:
The lines without any quotations are thoughts. Please review!


Chapter 5 - Chapter Five: Zelkier

What do you mean you don’t know?
I… I don’t know.
You don’t know? The wolf quickly stood and faced her. Are you trying hard, or are you just fooling?
I really don’t know.
Where are you from? The wolf asked her frantically, nosing her gently.
I don’t remember.
Well then, what do you remember? Zelkier demanded.
Lekrisa tried to remember all she could. I remember running from some kind of beast with branches in its head, and then I fell. She answered slowly. Then you took me here.
That’s all you remember?
Yes.
Silence filled the little haven, and Lekrisa painfully placed her hand on her face, touching something dry. 
Oh this is going to be fun. The wolf sat next to her, gently placing its paw on her hand. That means you don’t know how to heal yourself. What a pity. You’ll have to trust me in order to survive.
I don’t even know you. Should I name you as a friend or as an enemy?
Both.
Then why should I trust you?
Because I’m the only one nearby who’s willing to help you! Zelkier growled. I’m the only one that you can trust to help you escape from the hands of death!
What if I wanted to die? What if I chased after that beast with branches because I was looking for death?
What if, what if! He mocked her. So many questions, but such little wisdom. From what I saw, you didn’t chase it; it chased you. And if you had wanted to die, you wouldn’t have run. And by the way, the beast with branches is an elk. Zelkier nosed her. Come, take this off and you’ll feel better.
The wolf was talking about her quiver and pack. Lekrisa turned her head towards it and groaned. What is it? She thought.
Well I don’t know, but if you take it off, I know you’ll feel a little bit better. Come, I’ll help you. The wolf pawed at the quiver around her shoulder. 
Lekrisa tried to move her left arm, but stopped when pain burned through it. She yelped with pain, making Zelkier jerk his head up. He sniffed her arm. It’s broken, he told her. 
What does that mean? She asked with her voice filled with pain.
He ignored her and instead sniffed the rest of her body. Oh Esteml! The wolf turned to face her. You’re wounded in many places; wounds that can be deadly if not cared for. But you’ve only broken a few bones. Can you get up?
Again Lekrisa tried to stand, but pain crackled instantly down her body, making her not even able to move into a sitting position. She yelled, gasping as she set her broken arm back down. I can’t, she thought, even if I try hard, I still can’t!
Well, we still have to take it off.
It took a lot of effort and pain for Lekrisa to take off the quiver and pack from her back. Zelkier pushed them to the ground. I don’t suppose you… He suddenly sniffed the air. Where is that smell coming from? The wolf nosed her pack open. Oh, what juicy rabbits those are!
What? Lekrisa strained her eyes in the dark, trying to see what was in the pack. What did you find?
Food. Zelkier dragged the corpse of the mysterious bird out. Thank Esteml that you hunted before you lost your memory.
And what’s food?
Zelkier dropped the body near her. You don’t know what food is? I am really in for it-
Lekrisa’s vision unexpectedly blurred and she groaned softly, feeling the pain worsen.
It hurts, she thought before she blacked out.

~()~

It was a few hours later when she awoke. Zelkier lay beside her, causing a little warmth to flow in her body.
Wh- what happened?
You fell unconscious, blacked out, as you would say. He replied, opening his amber eyes. But I suppose you don’t know what that means.
Lekrisa stirred a little. I’m hungry, and my throat is dry.
Zelkier snorted. How can you know what hungry means when you don’t even know what food is? The wolf stood on his feet. Come, I’ll take you to the stream so you can drink.
I can’t come. I can’t get up.
Oh how I wish I never followed you! Zelkier circled the small room. It was no longer dark and a little light filtered into the room, letting Lekrisa see a little bit. She noticed that part of the wolf’s fur near its leg was matted with dried blood. In fact, she noticed that he was limping a little. She decided not to ask him about it in case she was just seeing things.
Well, I guess I can get you some water and those plants they call herbs. But which ones, and how am I supposed to carry the water back?
Lekrisa laid her head on the ground, watching quietly as the wolf grabbed the long rectangular object. This might work. He turned back to her. You stay here and don’t leave… Oh who am I kidding?! You can’t even move! In that case, stay there and don’t make a sound. He dragged the quiver outside, leaving a small trail of arrows in the exit as he left.
Lifting her right arm from under her painfully, she slowly brought her hands to her face. Her fingers lightly touched the dried blood on her forehead, bring it down to her disarrayed hair. What happened to me to cause this? She asked herself. Oh yes, that ‘elk’ thing chased after me. But why am I here in the first place, and what am I? She raised her fingers to her face and stared at her hand.
Who am I? Her eyes suddenly filled with water and she felt tears fall down her face. Why can’t I remember anything?
Something cold against her neck made her stop her tears. She placed her fingers at her neck and pulled out the silver chain from beneath the ragged tunic. What is this? She thought, gazing at the odd looking charm. Perhaps it’s something I can eat. She bit down on it and jerked when her teeth clenched down on the hard object. It’s definitely not food. Perhaps it isn’t anything but just a thing I wore. Lekrisa tucked it back underneath her tunic, setting her head back on the ground.
She had to wait a few moments before she heard a rustling outside. I wish you could give me a hand here. Zelkier returned, dragging the quiver alongside him. Oof! His paw slipped, causing a little water to spill out onto the ground. He pulled the thing through the hole under the tree, his mouth clamped tightly on the strap of the arrow case. The wolf dragged the soaked quiver near her. Come. Drink.
Lekrisa pulled herself up while Zelkier dropped the quiver against a root and supported her side. Grab the thing and drink from it, he told her. Using her unbroken arm, she tilted the quiver up, gulping down the sweet contents. 
Now, now, don’t finish all that water! Zelkier chided her softly. It’s awfully hard to fetch water with that thing!
After she had finished drinking, she pushed it against the inside of the tree. I’m still hungry, she complained. 
Eat later. Look at these herbs I found. Zelkier spat out the leaves from his mouth onto her lap. Can you identify them? He asked, turning to pick up the arrows in his mouth.
The she-elf stared at the green mush on her lap. No, I’m afraid I can’t. 
Well in that case, we’ll just use them and see if they work. He dropped the arrows down, then licked the greens up and sniffed her body, spitting the herbs onto her wounds. Being as gentle as he could, he rubbed them into her dried wounds with the pads of his paws. Lekrisa winced a few times when she felt a stinging sensation flow through her as the herbs were rubbed in.
Now lay down. She did as the wolf told her and she lay down on the cold, dirt floor. Oh how is this supposed to work? He grumbled. All of a sudden, Zelkier jerked his head up.
Stay low, he growled, standing near her with his eyes focused outside. Lekrisa kept still, watching through the small exit. They only had to wait a while before twigs broke on the forest floor.
“Lekrisa! Where are you? Lekrisa!” A voice called, echoing in the air. 
Lekrisa cowered at hearing the loud voice. Who are they looking for?
Quiet! Zelkier snapped.
“Lekrisa!” The first voice called again. “Lekrisa, wh-”
“You must not yell so loudly, Keldar,” another voice said softly. “I understand that your daughter is missing, but please don’t yell. These woods aren’t as safe as you think.”
“Lekrisa!” The crunching grew louder and a few booted feet entered her vision. There were six pairs of boots, which meant that six people stood outside their hideout. But unfortunately, Lekrisa did not remember that two boots equal a pair, and on the other hand, she also couldn’t count. However, Zelkier could and he crouched down near the exit.
There are six people outside. He told her. I think they’re elves. The wolf stole a quick glance at her. He knew that she was an elf too, except he didn’t know if she belonged to them.
Is that you name? He asked her quietly. Are you Lekrisa?
She shook her head. I do not recall.
“Are you sure that she went hunting in the southern woods?” The second voice asked.
“Yes, Thranduil. She told me-”
“Ada! Look over here!” A different voice called from far away.
The figures quickly ran away from them. Zelkier moved closer to the hole, making sure that he was still hidden.
“Is this not Lekrisa’s bow?” A faint voice asked.
“Why, yes. It is.” Keldar said quietly.
“Keldar, look over here!” Thranduil called.
There was a long silence and Lekrisa could hear a couple feet walk farther away. After hearing no sound for a while, Zelkier thought that they had left. He stuck his head outside.
I think it’s-
“No, this can’t be her blood!” A loud voice wailed sorrowfully, making Zelkier pull his head back inside again. “It’s not true!”
“There’s just too much blood. She couldn’t possibly have survived-”
“Of course she survived! She has to be alive!”
“If she were alive, she wouldn’t be far away. Let us go look!”
Zelkier turned to Lekrisa again, studying her silently. It could be her, he thought to himself quietly so she couldn’t hear him. It could be… But he knew that if it really was her, he wouldn’t take her to them in fear of being killed. There was talk among his pack whenever someone was missing that the elves killed them. The elves thought wolves brought harm to them and attacked before the creatures could even have a chance to react.
But this one is different… he thought quietly. She’s not like the rest, and she smells different too. If I do the right thing, I would surely get killed for it. But if I made the wrong decision, I’d survive…
He sensed somehow that she would be safer with him. The reason was unknown to him, but he still sensed it. He felt it like he could sense both prey and danger before others knew of it themselves. It was just a feeling he had every time…

-----------------------------------------


Chapter 6 - Chapter Six: Through A Wolf's Eyes

-----------------------------------------


Zelkier could hear the noisy scrambling of the elves outside, thankful that he had erased the bloodtrail that would have led them right to their hiding place. He nearly got killed last night doing so. Last night when unwanted, dark creatures were stamping around the woods, seeming to be looking for something.
The wolf was busy licking away the blood on the ground when he heard loud footsteps coming towards him. Quickly urinating on the blood to erase the scent, he his behind a tree. Oh how he grew fearful when the creatures emerged out, trampling carelessly on the undergrowth that were near their feet. They had the same form as the elves but were far more ugly and spoke in a dark tongue.
But then, he noticed that he had accidentally forgotten to wash away some blood that was near their refuge. Thinking of only one thing then, he quietly crawled over to the area. Hoping that he would be kept hidden in the dark, he snuck over to the blood, quietly spraying the area. When he was certain that he had erased the scent he walked silently over to a bush. 
But, one of his paws got snagged in a tree root, making him stumble and yelp with surprise. One of the creatures heard his cry and shot a sharp object at him. The arrow drove into his leg and he quickly ran away with pain flowing into him. But, he remembered Lekrisa and instead laid low under a nearby bush, watching as the dark figures started sniffing the air.
He laid there for what seemed like forever before they finally left. Zelkier had bit off part of the arrow, leaving the arrow’s point still in the wound to still the bleeding. Sensing that it was now safe to leave, he made his way to the cold stream that was nearby. He stepped into the freezing water, knowing that it would stop the bleeding and numb the wound.
As he listened quietly to the elves’ conversation, he knew that the blood they had found was his. The wolf laid on his belly, watching as the elves wandered around the forest as if they were searching for something. 
One of the elves drew closer to them, making Zelkier lower his head closer to the ground. It stood there for a while (he couldn’t tell whether the elf was a male or female), gazing at something near their hideout.
“Ada! I’ve found something!” It suddenly called out, half running to the bush where the wolf had hidden the past night. Zelkier then came to the conclusion that the elf was a man after hearing its voice.
How can they tell the difference? He thought with a sniff. The elves, to his dismay, moved out of his view and he could only hear what was happening.
“It’s an orc’s arrow,” Thranduil spoke. “It looks like the kind they spread wolfsbane on. Good find, Arodras.” Silence followed afterwards and Zelkier could just hear the faint scraping of a boot against stone.
“Does this mean that Lekrisa’s… dead?” The one called Arodras asked.
“No! It can’t be! Lekrisa was always very careful; she wouldn’t get shot so easily!” Keldar said with his voice slightly trembling. “It must have been something else. I don’t believe-”
“Even if she didn’t get shot, the orcs would have found her. It’s either she’s dead, or she’s captured, which is worse than death itself.” Thranduil said quietly. “I am sorry for your loss, Keldar. I know what she meant to you. In fact, I saw her as my own daughter, so I too feel your pain.”
“I’m telling you she’s not dead!” Keldar’s cry echoed through the trees. Zelkier could hear something heavy fall to the ground, quickly followed by quiet sobs.
The wolf turned to the young woman again, who was staring back at him with both fear and curiosity shining in her eyes. After a few seconds, he turned away, this time gazing down at his paws thoughtfully.
I must do the right thing, he thought to himself. But I just can’t.
“…past noon. We must return back before nightfall.” Thranduil paused. “I will tell my patrols to lookout for her and I’ll send out another search party when we get back. Will that please you, Keldar?”
“That isn’t enough!” The elf growled. “It would be better if you would send an army out and find these orcs.”
“And risk losing more men? War already approaches our land and we will need all of our men in order to survive. And what if we do attack the orcs only to find that Lekrisa’s not there?” he sighed. “I’m afraid that’s a risk I don’t want to take. Now come, Keldar. We must leave now so we can get back home before the sun sets.”
Moving closer into the shadows of their shelter, Zelkier watched as the small group left, heading back north. One of the elves was hesitant and slowed down until he was the only one left in the wolf’s view. The elf gazed around him with a determined look, seeming to study his surroundings. He stood there for a while, then ran off to join his companions.
He’s definitely up to no good. Zelkier listened as the footsteps started to get farther and farther away, only feeling safe when nothing but silence rang though the forest. They’re gone.
Zelkier, I’m hungry. The young woman’s thought came into his head, making him turn around to face her.
Ah! The little birdie now wishes to be fed. He padded over to the cloth bag and nosed it open. Pulling out one of the rabbits out, he bit into it.
Now don’t tell me I’ll have to feed you myself, he said as he spat the meat out in front of her. There. Eat it!
He watched as she grabbed the raw meat in one hand. Zelkier, it doesn’t feel right. She thought, staring at him with doubt. It doesn’t leek too good either.
Eat it if you want to live.
She examined the meat for a while, then slowly placed it in her mouth. Zelkier walked around the small room, feeling the pain in his leg worsen. He tried to force himself not to limp because he knew that that would worry her.
There. That wasn’t too bad, was-
Suddenly, he felt a shock run through his body, making him collapse to the ground.
Zelkier! He heard the woman cry out with concern.
The wolf drew in a small breath, which he found rather hard to do. Oh no. He felt his eyes begin to roll to the back of his head and his heartbeat began to slow.
Zelkier, what’s wrong?
Wolfsbane. Poison. He quickly thought before he blacked out.

-----------------------------------------


Chapter End Notes:
A picture of wolfsbane. Looks pretty but is very poisonous. Hmm.. Doesn't work. Well, you can go to this site to see a picture of it: http://www.lazyssfarm.com/Plants/Perennials/A_files/Ac-Ag%20Images/aconitum_carmichaelii.htm


Chapter 7 - Chapter Seven: The Dream

Author's Chapter Notes:
My apologies for taking SO LONG to post up another chapter!! :( Hope you enjoy these chapters I've been working on!!


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Zelkier? Lekrisa thought frantically, staring at the limp form of the wolf that lay near her. Worry filled her when she heard no response, making her grit her teeth with anger. She swallowed the last bit of meat, forcing herself not to throw up at the bitter taste.
What is poison? She asked herself. Of course, the word was unfamiliar to her and she sighed. Why can’t I remember anything?
Because of that elk, she answered her own question with another sigh. She continued to gaze at Zelkier’s still body. I feel so useless. He helps me and cares for me, but I can’t help him when he is in need of it!
You can try, the voice inside her head whispered.
With her unbroken arm supporting her, she crawled over to the wolf’s side and placed her hand on his back. She didn’t understand why he was not breathing, but she somehow knew that something was wrong.
I have to do something! She raised her eyes to the outside and saw that the light was starting to disappear. As the darkness started to descend on the forest, Lekrisa heard many wild cries and squeals of the many creatures that dwelled in the blackness of the night. A shiver crept down her spine and she snuggled against Zelkier. There was little warmth in him to comfort her and her eyes began to water.
I’m useless, she thought with her eyes tightly shut. Completely useless. Perhaps if I get some sleep, I’ll be able to remember what poison is…
But it would be too late. The thought struck her hard and she struggled against it.
I might as well try, was her last thought before darkness fell upon her.

~()~

“Wake up, my child! Wake up!” A soft voice called out making Lekrisa open her eyes. She immediately covered them from the bright light that engulfed the small room.
“Look at me, my child!” The soft voice ordered. “It’s alright. Look at me.”
There was such gentleness in the person’s voice that Lekrisa opened her eyes, removing her hand so that she could see the figure more clearly. At the moment she gazed upon the figure, she gasped. The figure that stood before her was a woman, tall with bright blue eyes that stared back at her fondly with her long, blonde hair slightly swaying in the breeze. But what really caught Lekrisa’s attention was that there was a faint, but bright light surrounding her.
She’s so perfect and beautiful, she thought with envy. There’s not a single flaw in her body. But why does she look so familiar?
“It has been long since I saw you last, my daughter. And you have grown so much!” The elf murmured. “But come! There is no time for talk. Your friend is in the hands of death and is in need of your help.” She motioned towards the still wolf that was covered in blackness.
“But there is nothing I can do,” Lekrisa said with her eyes focused on the ground. “How can I help him when I cannot even get up?”
To her surprise, the woman laughed softly. “This is a dream, my child. You can do anything while you’re dreaming,” she spoke with her soft voice echoing in the room. “Follow me, O daughter of mine. But I must warn you: I walk awfully fast, so make sure you keep up!”
Still doubting the woman’s words, Lekrisa carefully pulled herself up onto her feet with a hand against the tree. The figure watched her in silence with no expression on her face.
“You do not need to do that,” she spoke. “Look at your arm. It is not broken anymore.”
Glancing down at her arm, her eyes widened in surprise at seeing that what the woman said was right. She raised her arm up to her face and stared at it with her mouth open in awe.
“Time is being wasted. You want to save your friend, don’t you?” The woman asked with her eyes narrowed.
“Yes.”
“Then follow me.” The alighted figure went outside, turning her head to see if she was following. Lekrisa began taking small steps, watching her feet with wonder. She glanced up only to see that the woman had left and she quickly ran outside to join her.
The woods were still dark and the only light came from the woman she followed. Lekrisa didn’t find it very hard to keep up with her and found that her footsteps were exactly matching the elf’s. Shiny, glittering eyes that belonged to many creatures hid as they walked past. The faint screech of a winged beast echoed through the trees, making Lekrisa unknowingly jump up in fear.
“It’s just an owl,” the woman told her gently. “You do not have to be frightened of them.”
She led her to a tree where large clumps of plants were growing near the roots. Bending down, the woman brushed the grass away to reveal a small plant full of green, oval leaves. Lekrisa kneeled at her side and eyed the plant with a question on her face.
“This is basil,” she said as she plucked off a couple leaves and handed them to her. “The leaves heal poison wounds like the one the wolf has. Smell it!”
Not understanding why she was ordered to do so, Lekrisa brought one of the leaves up to her nose and inhaled the scent. Instead of smelling something sour like she had expected, Lekrisa caught the faint scent of a strong, but sweet smell.
“Basil has a sweet scent to it that makes it different from other herbs and easy to identify,” the woman spoke. “Use that to help your friend get better.” She stood and motioned for Lekrisa to follow.
After a few minutes, they stopped by a few brambles where a few plants grew. “This is marigold,” she said, pointing to a plant with flat yellow flowers that grew outwards in a ray, “and that is comfrey.” She nodded to another plant with broad leaves and bell shaped flowers that grew beside the marigold. She pulled a few leaves off of the first plant and gave them to Lekrisa.
“Marigold leaves are small and feel slightly hairy. Use them to heal your wounds and stop the infection before it spreads,” she told her. Then she took some leaves from the second plant and once again passed them to Lekrisa.
“Comfrey leaves are large and very broad. They will help mend the bones in your arm,” the woman continued, “Now in order for you to apply these herbs onto the wounds, you have to chew them up until they turn into liquid, but not too watery that it will just slide off!” She paused as she stuck a leaf into her mouth and chewed it.
After a few seconds, the woman spat them into her hand. “You see? If you feel that there aren’t any solid parts anymore, you just spit it out and rub it into the wound.” She shook the chewed up herbs off of her hand and turned to face Lekrisa. “Now repeat to me everything I said.”
Trying to remember everything she had been told, Lekrisa slowly repeated them word for word. “Finely done,” the woman praised her. “Now will you remember where these herbs are when you wake?”
“I’ll try.” Lekrisa closed her hand over the herbs and gazed up at the elf. “But why will I need comfrey? My arm isn’t broken anymore.”
“Have you forgotten that this is just a dream?” she asked. “Dreams aren’t reality.”
Reality… Reality…
The word echoed in Lekrisa’s mind and her vision began to darken. A shadow came across her, filling her sight in nothing but darkness. With her hands held out before her, she began to step ahead with caution.
Then, she saw a faint light ahead and she started running towards it. As she drew closer, the light began to darken until she found herself staring into an eye that was like the very depths of a fire. Lekrisa took another step closer, her gaze focused on nothing but the eye before her.
“Come closer!” A dark voice spoke with a sharp edge to its tone.
Even though the voice frightened her to the very bone, she obeyed and continued coming towards it until she could see nothing but the dark orb surrounded by many bright flames.
“Yes,” the dark voice hissed. “You are the one.”
She felt the heat scorch her arms and she didn’t even move when she felt an invisible hand brush her cheek. “Bow before me!” The voice growled. “Bow, or you shall suffer!”
With the wind whipping her hair against her face, she kneeled down with her eyes still focused on the eye before her. She began to dip her head to the floor…
“…isa, wake up!” A figure jumped out from nowhere and pushed Lekrisa to the ground. The figure turned out to be the woman who had spoken to her earlier, but she now stared down at her with fear in her eyes.
“Wake up! You’re not supposed to be here!” she cried. “Wake up!”
Lekrisa jerked awake and cried out as she slammed her broken arm against a tree root. She sat up and pulled her arm against her stomach, gritting her teeth in pain.
It was just a dream, she thought as she gazed down at her arm with anger. Just a stupid…
Her hand touched something leafy and she glanced down at it. Shock filled her as she saw that she still held the herbs that the woman had given her in the dream. Turning her eyes outside, she raised an eyebrow as she noticed that the sun was just starting to set, leaving a little of its light still shining into their haven.
I was only asleep for a few minutes! She realized. But it felt like I was sleeping for several hours!
Time is being wasted.
Remembering what she had been told, Lekrisa grabbed a few basil leaves and started chewing. When she felt that the leaves had a slight liquid texture, she spat the juices out into her hand. After she found the small arrow wound near Zelkier’s leg, she began rubbing the poultice in.
There, she thought when there was nothing left of the poultice. I do hope it will help him!
Seeing that there was still a little sunlight left, Lekrisa began to tend to herself, rubbing some marigold into her wounds and layering her broken arm with comfrey. A yawn escaped her mouth and she realized that she was still tired. She carefully laid down, trying to make sure that none of the poultice would touch the ground.
Please get better, Zelkier, she thought as she closed her eyes. Please.

~()~

The small, rays of sunlight shone over Lekrisa’s face, telling her that it was morning. The elf groaned tiredly and covered eyes from the brightness.
“Too tired,” she grumbled. “Want more sleep.”
Why? Haven’t you had enough?
Zelkier! Her eyes quickly opened as she recognized his voice and she turned her head in the wolf’s direction. Zelkier watched her through narrow slits with his head lying on his paws.
Oh Zelkier! I thought you would die-
Die? The wolf pulled his head up and barked with amusement. You thought I, Zelkier, would die from a mere poison wound? I am too strong to die because of a small thing!
Lekrisa’s eyes dropped down with sadness and she frowned. Zelkier cocked his head when he heard no reply form his companion.
Ah, so you do care about me, little pup. Alright, so maybe I could have died from that poison. He gently licked her hand. Thank you for saving me. That makes us even, right?
I guess so. Lekrisa watched as the wolf turned to sniff his leg.
So tell me, how did you manage to heal me if you can’t remember anything? He asked, placing his head back on his paws. You didn’t lie to me, did you?
No, I didn’t. Lekrisa began relating to him everything of her dream the other night, telling him of the area the plants were and even describing the eye at the end of it. The wolf listened in silence, his eyes closed in concentration.
The woman. Zelkier said when she finished. Describe her again.
She had hair like the sun and eyes like the sky. She was… Lekrisa paused. Perfect.
Oh Esteml! Zelkier tried to stand but his leg brought him back down.
Zelkier, your leg-
My leg will be just fine! The wolf snapped as he tried standing again. After he managed to do so, he faced Lekrisa with a serious look on his canine face.
In two days do you think you’ll be able to walk?
What? Lekrisa’s eyes filled with confusion.
Will you be able to walk in two days? Zelkier asked again sharply.
I’ll- I’ll try. She paused and stared at the wolf without blinking. But why? Can’t we just wait until I’m fully healed?
If we stay an extra day, they’ll find you. The wolf began circling around her.
They? Wh- who will find me?
The orcs and goblins.
Lekrisa narrowed her eyes, not knowing what the wolf was talking about. But can’t we just hide like we did yesterday? Can’t we-
No, we cannot! He stopped and faced her. They know where you are and they’re coming to get you.

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Chapter 8 - Chapter Eight: Broken Promises

Author's Chapter Notes:
It's gets really tiring just writing about Lekrisa all the time. I decided to experiment on this one. It's in Arodras' POV for this chapter. ;)


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“I’m sorry, but we didn’t find her,” the leader of the last search party said to Keldar. “We’re sorry for your loss. We will all mourn her death greatly.” The elf bowed before Lekrisa’s father and turned to leave.
Arodras listened to the retreating footsteps of the elf as they echoed in his father’s halls. He did not have to look to know that Keldar was crying. The elf prince kept his eyes focused on Lekrisa’s bow that he held in his hands, pondering whether he should comfort him or not.
It had been two days after he had found the bow and his father had sent out ten parties of five to search for Lekrisa. Nine of them returned without seeing any sign of her, and Arodras had placed all of his hope on the last group that had just returned. But now, all hope seemed to be lost.
He ran his fingers down the wood of the bow, the bow that Legolas had made for her. Arodras rolled his eyes at the memory. It had been only a few years ago when Lekrisa’s original bow had snapped in half during an archery competition. His brother decided to make her another bow, carving it out of the finest wood in the land and even using several strands of hair from a horse as the string. Of course, Lekrisa had accepted the gift and used it ever since.
Arodras had also made a bow for her, which unfortunately broke on her first try. He had never shared the same skills of his brother. Legolas could make anything out of wood while Arodras could craft anything out of metal. Legolas was quiet and only spoke important things while Arodras was too talkative and mostly talked nonsense. His brother could shoot anything from a far distance while Arodras couldn’t even shoot the target if it was only two feet away. Legolas was good at anything from taking care of children to shooting an army of orcs by himself without even missing. Arodras, however, wasn’t good at anything except crafting swords. It was no wonder that Lekrisa had chosen Legolas over him.
The brothers were always trying to compete with each other- well at least Arodras was. He had to admit that he was always trying to be better than Legolas whenever it came to Lekrisa. If Legolas did one thing, he always had to do something better. It came to the point when his brother questioned him of it and Arodras confessed that he loved Lekrisa.
“Did you tell her how you feel?” Legolas had asked him.
“I haven’t had the chance. She spends every single minute with you.” Arodras had replied with a sour tone.
After that conversation, Legolas left to go hunting, saying that he would return in a week. But Arodras knew that hunting wasn’t the real reason his brother left; it was because of him. He knew that Legolas was giving him a chance to talk to Lekrisa. But he later regretted it…
One night, he found her standing by herself near a small stream that ran near his father’s halls. He had snuck up on her, which happened rarely since she had sharp hearing. But as Arodras looked back upon that day, he realized that she wore a troubled look as she gazed up at the stars in empty silence.
He began a conversation with her about the stars, later telling her that he loved her. Lekrisa stared back at him with no expression on her face.
“Arodras, do you remember what they say about there only being one person right for someone?” she had asked him. “About how everyone has someone out there that is perfect for them?”
“Yes, I remember. What about it?” Arodras said with his fingers shaking with nervousness.
“Arodras, I don’t want to hurt you, but…” she hesitated. “I’m afraid that you’re not the person that is right for me.”
Arodras had clenched his hands at his side with anger. “It’s my brother that is right for you, isn’t it?”
“Arodras, Legolas is my friend. I- I couldn’t possibly allow him to mean anymore than that to me. And I’m certain that he wouldn’t allow that either-“
“Are you blind?! Haven’t you seen the way he acts around you?”
She had bit her lip and stared up at him with her eyes shining. “I’m not the one for you, Arodras, and I don’t love you. I never had, and I never will.”
Those words had stung Arodras and he didn’t even raise a finger as she left. The following days were worse. Lekrisa avoided him and ran away whenever he approached. What was even more surprising was that Lekrisa had decided to help her father in his forge instead of filling out duties in Thranduil’s court. This caused her to be busy all the time, and when Legolas returned, they barely talked to each other, and when they did have a chance to, Lekrisa always said she was needed elsewhere. Arodras knew this because he followed his brother, helping out with the duties their father sent them on.
She’s avoiding him too, he had noted silently.
Feeling bad for what he did, Arodras apologized to her. Even though Lekrisa said there was no reason for him to apologize, she forgave him. After he had apologized, Lekrisa began talking to him like she always did before, but he noticed that she was still avoiding his brother.
Perhaps she knew what she was going to do, Arodras pondered, or perhaps not.
It did not surprise him one bit that Legolas had asked her, but what really surprised him was that she would reject him. When he told her that the necklace she wore represented that she was the betrothal of Legolas, she grew pale and ran out as if she were being chased by a thousand wargs.
But why didn’t she know? He asked as he ran his fingers along the string.
Lifting his eyes away from the bow, he watched as Keldar stood with his head in his hands. Standing up from his seat, Arodras came to his side with the bow in one hand.
“I do not believe that she is dead,” Keldar said softly as he raised his head to meet his gaze. “She is alive.”
Arodras nodded silently. “Her loss is… hard to believe,” he began to say slowly. “But I am afraid that my father is right. There is nothing else we can do.”
Keldar stayed silent for a while, his eyes no longer shining with tears. “Yes, there’s nothing else that can be done,” he murmured as he turned towards the door. Arodras raised an eyebrow and watched as Lekrisa’s father left without another word.
He sighed and stared up at the ceiling. Before he had left to return home, Legolas made him promise that he would do one thing for him: Protect Lekrisa. But already, that promise was broken. She was gone and he didn’t even have a chance to fulfill it.
She’s dead. Arodras realized as he closed his eyes. Legolas will die when he hears about this.
But what if she’s not dead? The voice inside his head whispered. What if she’s still alive and captured by orcs or wounded so greatly that she can’t move?
His eyes opened at this. Wait for me, Lekrisa. I’m going to find you.

~()~()~()~

Arodras watched in silence as the sun started setting, casting a pale, red light over the land. Dark clouds were already closely approaching the woodland skies, telling all who saw that darkness was coming. But it was not just the kind of darkness that came during nightfall. This darkness came from Sauron.
War approaches our land. Arodras thought with sadness. He did not wish to see battle scar the forests he was raised in and he didn’t want many elves to lose their lives protecting their homes. Most importantly, he wished that his brother never went on a quest that he might never return from. But he knew that even if Legolas were home, he would be too busy filling out their father’s orders to look for Lekrisa.
Arodras scanned his eyes in the dark, jumping when he saw a small creature leap in the trees near him. It turned out to be a black weasel and he sighed with relief. Already they had lost a lot of men guarding the creature called Gollum, who ended up escaping after many orcs attacked the elves. Arodras shuddered at the memory. The attack was quick and took them all by surprise that none of them had time to react.
There was so much blood spilt that night that the ground beneath the trees was still stained red months later. He should have fought, but he couldn’t. The cries of his kin and the clash of many swords forced Arodras to flee. He was a coward. Even though it was his kin who were dying, he still ran off without even running his blade into a single orc. Arodras always bragged about how he could win any battle, but when a battle really happened, he always fled. It was all just too much for him. The cries… The blood… The pain…
Arodras’ hand touched the hilt of his sword, the sword that he had never used. Perhaps if it’s Lekrisa’s life at stake, I’ll be able to fight, he thought. Doubt filled him at this thought and he shook his head. It’s not going to happen…
Then, he heard a twig snap nearby and he saw the long shadow of a figure coming towards hem. He could tell that the figure wasn’t supposed to be out there because a still silence quickly followed after the snap. Arodras watched the shadow without breathing, noting that the being didn’t notice his presence when it continued coming towards him.
“Does my father know of your leaving, Lord Keldar?” he asked quietly.
The cloaked figure froze and turned around. “Where are you?” it hissed, “What do you want?”
“It is I, Arodras Thranduilion.” He stepped out of the shadows and Keldar gazed at him with a bewildered look.
“What are you doing here?” Lekrisa’s father asked in a whisper.
“Waiting for you,” Arodras replied. “You’re going to look for Lekrisa without my father’s permission.”
The elf stayed silent before he spoke again. “Your father doesn’t need to give me permission to look for my daughter!” Keldar turned around and started walking away. “Go back home, Arodras.”
Arodras ran up to his side and walked alongside him. “Ah, so you do admit it,” the elf prince said. “Then in that case, I’m going to accompany you.”
Keldar stopped and turned to him with his eyes blazing with anger. “Go home! I am not in need of your help!” He spat and then continued to walk away again.
“Do you trust me that much? How do you know that I won’t just run back home this very second and tell my father of your doing?” Arodras asked with his back against a tree. “And may I also add that you won’t be far from here in the morning. I know several shortcuts that could help you get there faster, but you don’t want me to join you-”
“Fine, you can come with me, “ Keldar spoke without even stopping. “But if you slow down, I’m leaving you behind.”
“Well done, sah. I knew you wouldn’t be that foolish to travel by yourself,” Arodras commented as he raced up to his side in a flash. “And I must say that you are awfully slow. A snail could outrun you, I bet. And did I mention that you’re loud? I’m surprised that no one else could hear you. They must be awfully deaf. Oh, turn here! You want to go to the same area we found Lekrisa’s bow, right? I reckon we’ll be there by sunrise tomorrow. Oh, do you want to hear a story while we’re traveling? Legolas and I played this prank on Elrond-”
The two companions traveled beneath the trees that shone by the faint light of the moon. Arodras glanced up at the moon, not realizing that his brother and Lekrisa were looking upon it at that very same moment. He looked forward to the next day, hoping that they would find Lekrisa. The only thing he knew was that she was not dead. 
But he did not know that they would arrive in the area where Lekrisa hid only to find her gone… He did not know then that they would meet someone else there who would bring much dread to their lives… And he did not know that only one of them would return back home alive…

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Chapter End Notes:
Nasty cliff- hanger!! I'll try to get more chapters posted next Friday. Perhaps five.
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