Adult-FanFiction.org : Lord of the Rings

Unanswered prayers	By : Nuredhel Category: -Multi-Age > AU - Alternate Universe Views: 2298 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings, it belongs to Tolkien, and i do not earn any money from this work of fiction, it is solely written for entertainment and not for profit at all.I do not own Lord of the Rings, it belongs to Tolkien,

Chapter List
- 1
- 2
- 3
I do not own any of the characters except my own ones, and this is written solely for entertainment. This story is a bit AU.

This chapter contains some more mature scenes but nothing too bad. I chose the lyrics to a song by nightwish to start it because I thought it fitted this part of the story somehow. Things are not looking very good, no they aren’t. You are warned, somebody is gonna get it, character death.
Chapter Two: Darkness unveiled
Cherish the moment

Tower the skies

Don't let the dreamer

fade to grey like grass

No falling for life

A gain for every loss

Time gathered me

But kept me flying

"For this gift of dream I must pay the price

with the loss of life's pleasures"
Nightwish: Away

The party had lasted well into the night but Thranduil went to bed early, he saw no reason to stay up late just because everybody else were. He looked forward to returning to the normal routine and hoped that his father would leave him alone. He had seen his fair share of suitable ellith that evening and none of them had been able to catch his interest. They were all so darn dull, he wondered if they really were as dimwitted as they appeared to be. Did they really believe that that kind of behavior was what ellyn sought after? It seemed as though dresses, hairstyles and gossip was the only thing they could discuss with confidence.
The next days were also busy, the servants were removing the equipment that had been used during the party and cleaning up and there were many walking around looking as though they had tasted something rather sour. Thranduil heard that the wine cellar was almost empty and he did not doubt that, most had probably gotten more than their fair share of his father’s strong wine. Thranduil was not bothered with hangovers, he felt fine and grinned to himself whenever he met someone who probably should have taken it a bit more easy. He had never liked wine that much and only pretended to be drinking whenever he could. He didn’t see Teren or his other friends for many days, there were some meetings being held concerning the rising threat and Thranduil did understand that this was getting serious. The leaders of the other realms were trying to make Oropher join their alliance and Thranduil knew that Oropher was a bit reluctant. He didn’t really trust neither of them and their realm was not well equipped for a real war. It would be a hard to convince his father of the necessity of joining their forces with those of the others.
Thranduil had almost forgotten about the mysterious elleth in the garden when Teren approached him one afternoon, the prince had just finished a lesson in quenya and he had a throbbing headache, the ellith responsible for teaching the young elves this old language was so boring to listen to he barely had been able to stay awake. Teren looked a bit sly and he had a peculiar grin around his mouth. Thranduil stared at his friend with a puzzled expression and Teren grinned even wider. He grasped the prince by the shoulder. “Thran, follow me, I want to show you something.”
Thranduil frowned but followed willingly, he could see that Teren was serious. The young ellon walked through the palace and as they approached the herbal garden behind the structure he pressed a finger to his lips to signal for Thranduil to remain silent. They walked through some huge bushes and Thranduil felt silly, here he was in his own home, sneaking forth like a thief in the night. It would have been such a very silly sight if anyone were to see him. Teren stopped and pointed. “Is that her?”
His voice was a mere whisper and Thranduil took a quick peek from behind a tree, he nodded. It was really her, the strange elleth and she was sitting on a bench with a very pretty female that had to be her mother and a tall dark haired ellon stood there and he was obviously showing the ellith some herbs. Teren squinted and retreated, he walked back into the palace and Thranduil started to feel a bit confused but also a bit irritated. “So, what was this about?”
Teren shrugged. “Wasn’t really sure if this was the one you meant after all, there are plenty of pretty blondes here now you know. But I was right, I am glad.”
Thranduil raised an eyebrow and sighed. “So?”
Teren sat down on a bench and lowered his voice, took a look around to make sure that nobody was eavesdropping. “Well, her name is indeed Vanima and yes, she is of Imladris. Her family has stayed there for only the Valar know how long. She has got quite a reputation for insulting nearly everyone and she is afraid of nothing.”
Thranduil just gave Teren a somewhat wry grin. “That much I could guess on my own yes.”
Teren continued. “Her family is rather large, she has got at least five siblings and the female you saw with her is her mother. She is of sindar origin but Vanima’s father is a noldo, his grandfather was among those who crossed the ice desert with Galadriel and her kin.”
Thranduil frowned. “A possible kinslayer?”
Teren shook his head. “No, just a servant to some important person in the household of Finwe. But they take pride in that and I am loathing to say it but her parents are very hungry for influence and power. She is not on the other hand, she is very untraditional and I have managed to learn a thing or two about her that is a bit strange. She prefers the ways of the silvan and never agrees with her parents in any way. She is a bit rebellious.”
Thranduil had to grin. “No kidding!”
Teren continued. “She is very well educated, smarter than most and she has impressed many a scholar already, but she has a tongue sharper than a good sword and I bet she has learned how to use a real blade too. She is bold enough for that.”
Thranduil was thinking. “The ellon, was that her father?”
Teren shook his head. “No, her father is busy with some work for Gil-Galad, he is a scribe after all. The ellon we saw was Feanuldo, a friend of the family. I didn’t learn a lot about him but he was captured by orcs once and thought to be dead but they found him as a prisoner a couple of centuries later, only the Valar knows what the poor fellow had been trough but he survived. After that he has been followed by tragedy, his fiancé died suddenly in a terrible accident and then he mourned for a long time. The next time he met someone he liked she disappeared and nobody was able to find her. I guess the gods can be cruel at times.”
Thranduil felt a bit stunned by this information. “Darn, there aren’t that many who has survived being held captive by the orcs, what does he do for a living?”
Teren made a grimace. “He is a poet, yeah, I know, a freaking poet. But his work is nice I have heard and Vanima is very fond of him.”
Thranduil suddenly got a strange feeling, like someone had poured cold water down his back. Why he did not know but he got a sense of urgency and he got onto his feet, feeling restless. “You have really been working hard Teren, but do you think she is going to stay here for much longer?”
He shook his head, shrugged. “Nope, I don’t think so. They will leave with the others, why? Don’t tell me she has caught your interest Thran?”
The prince shook his head. “No, I don’t think so, it is just…”
He didn’t really find the words to say. “I felt something weird, like there is some sort of danger lurking, and it is somehow connected with her.”
Teren looked like he didn’t really believe a word Thranduil was saying. “Well, she is kind of menacing but I don’t think she is a danger to this realm nor to its inhabitants, her tongue may be poisonous but not to such a degree.”
Thranduil just sighed. “I know damn it but I can’t get rid of this feeling, something is amiss. And I hate to feel like this not knowing the cause.”
Teren looked a bit sly. “Are you sure that you aren’t misinterpreting some other signals? She was very pretty indeed.”
Thranduil blushed. “No, Teren, stop joking! I am not interested in her, not like that. I was just curious about who she was.”
Teren smiled. “Right, and now, with that curiosity of yours sated what are you going to do next?”
Thranduil just stared at Teren. “Next? What do you mean next? I am not going to do anything, I know who she is now and that was all I wanted.”
Teren raised an eyebrow. “Sure? I bet she would be an interesting challenge.”
Thranduil pressed his eyebrows together and sent his friend a rather threatening glance. “No Teren, I am not joining some stupid challenge or contest. I am not interested in that elleth, so if you find her so fascinating go seek her out. I am not standing in your way.”
Teren sighed. “You really are serious? You are not interested in her?”
Thranduil nodded. “Nope, absolutely not. The only thing about her is that feeling I got of unease, otherwise go ahead, court her if she allows it. But be aware, I think a she dragon would be far more courteous than her.”
Teren grinned widely and got on his feet. “Yes I know, and that is thrilling!”
Thranduil just shook his head, Teren was just like normal, he was almost an optimist and Thranduil was looking forward to hearing about Teren’s attempt at charming that spitfire!
Vanima was not really enjoying her stay at Greenwood, she was missing her home and her books and so she was thrilled when Feanuldo mentioned that Oropher had a huge library, and the poet had managed to get her permission to visit it while her stay lasted. Vanima didn’t waste any time, she found the library and it was even more impressive than the one at Imladris. She spent most of the days there and just emerged from the rooms to spend some time with her mother who was endlessly complaining about Vanima’s lack of proper behavior. Vanima was so tired of her mother’s endless nagging, in her eyes every elleth should sew, weave and sing and that was it. To be reading that much was not very feminine and could deter possible suitors. Vanima could not have cared less, sometimes Feanuldo would visit her and they would spend some time discussing interesting topics, she really enjoyed those conversations.
She was trying to find some books about the history of the dwarves when a stranger entered the library, it was a rather young ellon with a certain mischievous glimpse within his green eyes and he was whistling. Vanima felt a bit annoyed, she preferred to be alone down there and although he was handsome she didn’t like to be interrupted. He was obviously looking for something and she sighed to herself and put on a friendly and yet not too inviting expression. “May I help you?”
He turned around and looked a bit surprised. “Ah, yes, do you know this place well? I am looking for something rather special.”
Vanima didn’t really know what to think about this one, he was in fact rather cute and she liked the boyish grin and the fact that he wasn’t too tall. Something special? That sounded like a challenge and she always liked having her knowledge tested. “I know it fairly well yes, what is it that you are looking for?”
He blushed and bit his lower lip. “Oh, a book about poems, and I do also need a book about disease in animals. I have a horse and it is ailing and I have no idea of what it is that is causing the problem.”
Vanima’s curiosity was awakened. “Well, what type of poems?”
He looked down, she could see a pretty shade of red across his cheeks. “Naughty ones, yes I know! But I lost a bet to some friends and I have to come up with something rather shocking or else I will have to read the ones they find out loud in the middle of the dining hall!”
Vanima had to giggle, she could understand that he needed those poems yes. “Right, I think there may be some books like that here somewhere, and what is it that is ailing your horse?”
He bit his lower lip. “She won’t eat, and she acts as if her hind quarters are a bit stiff sometimes. And she hurts when being ridden.”
Vanima nodded. “Sounds serious, but I think there are books here about the care of equines, written by some fellow of Rohan if I am not mistaken.”
The ellon smiled and looked grateful. “That would be wonderful, thank you. My name is Teren by the way, with whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?”
Vanima felt a bit annoyed still but also curious, he was so different from the ellyn she knew, he acted in a more unrestricted manner and he didn’t seem to care about the fact that she was a female. Vanima liked that. “I am Vanima.”
Teren bowed and grinned. “Pleased to meet you, and now, books and scrolls please.”
She smiled and went to work and she found it a bit thrilling to be able to help someone finding the information they needed. She was running around looking for books and Teren was helping her and before long she forgot about time and place and just enjoyed herself. Teren was funny, he was making jokes about the high lords and shared some rather juicy gossip with her and she laughed and was shocked by her own mood. She really liked Teren, she had never met anyone that charming before and he wasn’t some high ranking person either. He was just perfect really and as they searched through the shelves she started to hope that he would meet her again. Vanima hadn’t really cared that much about ellyn before, she was an adult but she was too much of a loner to care about the traditions. She had never let anyone court her and she hadn’t even kissed someone. Teren was nice, she would not mind kissing him, she was getting rather sure of that.
They did find some books and he was very grateful and they did agree to meet again, Teren wanted to show her some of the secrets of the great Greenwood and he knew of some very rare species of flowers she wanted to see. Vanima knew that her parents probably would get a bit angry if she allowed Teren to court her and the idea of pissing them off was actually very tempting. He wasn’t someone in power and although his father was a counsellor to King Oropher he had no influence to speak off. Vanima had a wicked grin on her face when she returned to her reading, she was starting to hope that Teren could be the right one for her. And if he was then screw her parents, she would not give in to their wishes. She too whistled when she went to get some food, suddenly she was looking forward to the rest of her stay there.
Thranduil was in the stable grooming his horse when Teren showed up, he had a strange glimpse within his eyes and he was grinning constantly, a rather sheepish grin that made the prince drop the brush he was using and stare at his friend. “Teren, you look like a moron, what’s the matter?”
Teren blushed and leaned back towards the wall, he petted Thranduil’s grey gelding absentmindedly. “I am in love Thran!”
Thranduil just stared at Teren with wide eyes and his mouth open. “What?”
Teren smiled, a very pleased smile. “The right way to approach any game is to know of its preferred habitat and I found just the right way to approach her, and damn Thran, she is wonderful! Yes, not like the rest of the ellith but so much smarter, and funny and I am able to really speak with her.”
Thranduil sighed. “Oh Teren, I think you really are in trouble, listen to yourself! I can’t remember you ever speaking of an elleth like that. What happened to the fire breathing dragon I met?”
Teren just sniggered. “Gone, I found her weak spot and attacked it and it worked like a charm. I am gonna meet her again tomorrow, I can’t wait. I think she may be my one!”
Thranduil felt a little worried but he could not help but feeling happy for his friend. Maybe Teren’s charm really was what was needed to bring down her defenses. And he only wished for the best for his friend, if Vanima was the right for him then Thranduil would congratulate them both. Teren grinned again, looking even more sheepish. “I bet she has got a lot of passion stored up, temperamental females usually does. I hope this goes well, I am really ready to settle down.”
Thranduil reached out, placed his hand on Teren’s forehead. “No fever? Strange, I could have sworn that you have fallen seriously ill all of a sudden, did I really hear those words from your lips? Settle down? You once swore that it would happen when the sun and the moon switches place in the heavens and the Anduin starts flowing in the opposite direction.”
Teren blushed again. “Thran, I am serious. I think she is wonderful, oh Valar help me, I am going to count the hours until I can see her again.”
Thranduil picked up the brush again and sniggered. Yes, his friend was in love and he just prayed that this would bring them both joy and happiness, Teren did not deserve anything less.
He felt his good mood disappear, it still didn’t solve his own problem. What in the name of the Valar was he to do? Should he just go to his father, announce his defeat and allow Oropher to pick a suitable bride for him? It would be the easiest thing to do, in some ways. And yet the most terrible defeat of all times, how could he possibly hope to become happy with someone he hadn’t chosen with his own heart and soul? He didn’t want an ordinary wife, he needed someone with fire, with a fea just as strong as his own. Someone like Vanima, it was so ironic but she could have been a perfect match for him if she had not been so darn hostile.
He finished his work and went to his rooms, spent some hours reading before he went to have a bath and something to eat. He stared at the darkness that was falling, it was a very dark night since there was no moon and the skies were cloudy. He wondered why he had gotten such a feeling of impending doom when he spoke with Teren, something was wrong but what? By the Valar themselves, what?
Vanima had managed to hide her excitement from everybody else, she was feeling so much more alive than before, and she had to make sure that nobody saw her smile and the sparkle within her gaze. She was going to meet him again the next day and she was looking forward to it, he was like a breath of fresh air and she still grinned when she thought of his jokes and cheerful personality. If he was her one then she would never have another boring day, of that she was completely sure. Her mother looked a bit suspicious but Vanima claimed that her unusual good mood was caused by some very rare and ancient books she had found and she knew that it was believable. Feanuldo on the other hand seemed to see through her lies and he grinned and winked at her, she was glad she had such a good friend. He would support her, of that she was very sure. She didn’t sleep very much that night but she didn’t mind at all, her thoughts were thoroughly occupied by the idea of Teren and the time they would spend together.
Teren was nervous when he waited for her by the gates, he had saddled two horses and hoped that Vanima could ride, not everybody was accustomed to this form of transport and he was glad when she showed up and immediately fell in love with the peach colored mare he had picked out for her. It was a docile animal and very friendly, the stable master had sworn that it never had tried to throw anyone and he believed that. Vanima was filled with a strange excitement, to be out in the woods alone with an ellon, without a chaperone was considered scandalous at the best but she didn’t really care. To hell with her reputation, and the same to her parents. This was her life after all and she wanted some fun.
It didn’t take long before they both were enjoying themselves and she impressed Teren with her knowledge and wisdom. She laughed and just relaxed and after a while Teren tried to teach her how to imitate birds. Vanima was rather good at it already but she had huge problems with the blue pretty little birds which usually nested in hollow trees and hunted moths and mosquitos by the streams. She wasn’t able to finish their call in the proper way, her tongue didn’t want to create the right sounds and the birds were flying around their heads making indignant complaints about her abuse of their language. Teren laughed and did it perfectly and she pretended to be angry at him and he saw through it immediately. She felt so at ease with him, so at home. He told her stories and he was very good at it, he made the past come to life in front of her very eyes and she loved the way he got caught by his own tales and used his voice and body to show her the emotions and events he spoke of. When they returned to the palace late in the afternoon she knew that she was falling in love and falling fast too. There was no denying it, she could not hide it at all. Teren had very politely kissed her cheek before they parted and she could feel her skin burn where he had touched it. It felt so very exciting and she giggled and could not help but touching the spot. It made her wonder what it would feel like if she allowed him to touch more of her, the idea almost made her want to swoon but it also made her heart beat faster and she had to admit to herself that she was ready to take her vows if he wanted to. She had found her one, of that she was sure and she saw no point in denying it or prolonging the wait. The truth was something that could not be hidden, they were meant for each other and they could as might as well just do it and make it official.
She spent the rest of the evening in the library, she didn’t want to meet anyone because she knew that they would notice the strange light within her eyes and her constant grin. She was rather sure she looked like a moron and had to grin to herself. At least she still had enough of her intelligence left to be able to be honest with herself. He hadn’t completely clouded her mind. She was going through books containing old maps when Feanuldo came wandering into the library, he looked a bit stressed out and Vanima hid her smile as well as she could. The poet smiled at her, petted her hair absentmindedly and appeared to be deep within his own thoughts. Vanima was getting curious. “Is something wrong?”
Feanuldo just sent her a strange smile. “Ah, maybe and maybe not. The leaders are so busy with the orc situation and the preparations for war they fail to notice anything else. Someone told me there have been sightings of monsters near the borders, it could be just rubbish but on the other hand, the enemy has got some very sinister servants indeed.”
Vanima frowned. “This realm is very well guarded, I know that for sure.”
Feanuldo nodded. “Of course my dear, now, how has your day been?”
Vanima just shrugged. “Ok I guess.”
He raised an eyebrow and looked at her as though he didn’t really believe her words. “Ok? You look like you have had a very pleasant day?”
Vanima had to smile and she knew that he would have to see the expression upon her face and within her eyes. “Fine, it has been more than just pleasant. It has been wonderful, I think I have found my one Feanuldo”
He gasped and looked a bit shocked but he was smiling. “Is that true? That is wonderful my dear, I know that your parents are very eager for you to marry someone of status and social power but if I know your right, and I do, that would be a disaster. So, who is the lucky ellon?”
Vanima giggled. “His name is Teren and his father is a counsellor to the king. I just know it, our hearts beat as one.”
Feanuldo patted her hair and his smile was very warn and filled with joy. “I am sure he is a perfect match for you, you would never go for anything else my dear. But remember, do not let your heart run amok, these things are always best enjoyed in a slow pace. You deserve to be pampered and courted, don’t rush it.”
Vanima laughed. “Oh I bet I can make him wait but why should we? I know that this is right, there is no lies when you are bonding with someone. I want to become his wife as soon as possible, and I don’t care what my parents will say about it.”
Feanuldo laughed too, a rich warm laughter. “Now that’s the spirit my dear, I bet there will be an uproar but it is your life, remember that. They are far too eager to find a perfect spouse for you as it is. I would love to see their faces when you announce that you’ve already gotten married!”
Vanima had a mischievous glimpse within her eyes. “Maybe I’ll do that, just show up and tell them that I’ve gotten married? Well, I am not so sure that he will agree on doing it so fast, I bet he is a bit old fashioned and wants to woo me for a while. But that is alright with me, I have never felt so at ease with anyone before.”
Feanuldo hugged her gently. “For whatever it is worth child, you have my blessing. When are you going to meet next?”
Vanima looked down, blushing. “Tomorrow evening, we’ll go for a ride along the river I think.”
Feanuldo sighed. “Oh to be young and in love, I remember that… But remember what I told you, there may be dangers out there so be aware and make sure that he is armed.”
Vanima just nodded. “Of course, I am so glad you approve, but please keep it a secret.”
He pressed a finger across his lips. “Fear not my dear, I will not tell anyone. I want to see your mother’s face when you show up wearing a wedding ring!”
Vanima just laughed and Feanuldo gave her a grin filled with mirth. “And now my dear, I have to get to work. Your father wants some books about some long forgotten laws and it has fallen on me to find them”
She nodded. “Good luck, I think I will retire for the day.”
Feanuldo stared at the long line of bookshelves and sighed, but there was still mirth within his eyes. He did like to work and there were many interesting books down there.
Thranduil was sitting by the fireplace with a very rare book about the forging of blades, he was so far into it he didn’t notice that Teren was sneaking up on him and he almost dropped the book when his friend suddenly shouted “Boo!”right behind him.
Thranduil turned his head around with a curse not very fitting for a prince and Teren just grinned and grasped a chair, pulled it closer to Thranduil and sat down, there was no doubt about the condition Teren was in. His eyes were shining and he had a nice blush constantly showing on his cheeks. Thranduil sighed inwardly, no more reading tonight! “So, how did your day go?”
Teren bit his lower lip. “There is no doubt Thran, she is the one. May the Valar strike me dead if not. I have had a most wonderful day and she is just…perfect.”
Thranduil gave his friend a warm smile. “I am truly happy for you Teren, what are the others saying?”
Teren just kept that foolish grin and he was constantly playing with his sleeves, he seemed to be filled with some sort of restless energy. “Antarar was congratulating me and Langorion claimed that I have been bewitched. But in a good way that is”
Thranduil nodded. “Thought so, he is unable to understand such deep emotions. So what did you do?”
Teren stared at the flames dancing around in the fireplace, he had a faraway look within his eyes. “We rode around, looked at the forest. Well, I must admit that I looked mostly at her. Hard not to really, she is wonderful.”
Thranduil grinned. “I have understood that much by now thank you. But did you just ride around?”
Teren shook his head. “Oh no, we talked about everything and I tried to teach her how to imitate birds. She is good at it but she is unable to mimic those blue stream singers, it sounded awful.”
Thranduil rolled his eyes but smiled. “So she is not entirely perfect after all, good to know.”
Teren sent him a scowl and imitated Vanima’s attempts and Thranduil had to laugh. “Darn, I bet the birds were angry at her.”
Teren smiled and his eyes were filled with a strange sort of tenderness. “Indeed they were, but I love her nonetheless. I hope she don’t mind a rather quick courtship, I don’t think I can wait all that long to make her mine.”
Thranduil whistled. “That bad ha? I am glad I am not in your shoes Teren.”
Teren just smiled and Thranduil had a hard time believing what he was seeing, Teren was completely transformed. If falling in love did that to people then he was glad he never had, it seemed to remove every tiny ounce of wisdom and self-control. Teren did look very happy though, and he still had that foolish grin. “I am going to meet her again tomorrow, I plan to take her riding along the river. It is beautiful now at this time of the year and I want to show her the waterfall.”
Thranduil just nodded. “Do that, but be careful. And don’t get too hot headed, you don’t want to scare her away.”
Teren just scoffed. “Scaring her away? You have got to be kidding me, I would like to see the thing that can scare her.”
Thranduil grinned widely. “Oh you might, if you go all emotional on her and start becoming melodramatic.”
Teren laughed, he patted Thranduil on his shoulder. “No chance mellon, I know how to behave!”
Thranduil smiled back. “I am glad to hear that, just promise to tell me when you have tied the knot, I would very much like to be the first one to congratulate you two lovebirds.”
Teren nodded and wandered off, it was rather obvious that his head was filled with sweet dreams and Thranduil picked up the book and tried to read some more but the words became a blur before his eyes. He still had that uneasy feeling, as if thought something was about to happen, something bad. He had to give up his reading after a while and he just sat there, staring at the flames. When he went to bed that night he felt very tired and he did not manage to get any sleep at all, he was just tossing around and he felt as if some strange darkness was ascending upon them all, like a dark veil smothering all light. He just prayed that his mind was being led astray by his own worries, that this was the response of the stress he was under and that there was nothing to it.
She had been seen, with that darn whelp. It had to be stopped before it was too late, before her powers were lost. He had to intervene, before he was prepared to. But there was no other way, such a reckless child, she would probably go ahead and marry the ellon and then she would be lost to him. The sacrifice had to be pure, she had to be only his. He would have to come up with a plan, had to get that darn suitor of hers out of the way. Yes, he had to be gone, the faster the better. There would most certainly be a chance soon, the young were reckless, naïve, not aware of the dangers. To spill some blood was no problem, after all he had done that before. She would suspect nothing, of that he was sure. He would have to exploit that fact for all that it was worth, he knew just where to strike and how, and where to keep her too. There would be no escape this time, he could not wait any longer.
The next day Vanima and Teren met rather early and Vanima had sneaked out, she had put on a dress suitable for riding and she was really looking forward to a day with him. They left the palace and talked as they rode along the paths. Vanima told him of the stories she had read and Teren was really paying attention to her, he found her knowledge fascinating and he on the other hand was telling her of the many animals and plants of the forest and of how the healers used them. They were laughing and joking and Vanima had never felt this happy before, the future suddenly seemed like a glorious day filled with only sunlight and whatever worries she had had were gone like dew for the suns power.
They reached the waterfall by midday, it wasn’t very tall but impressive and a very beautiful place. Teren had brought some food and a small flask of wine and they sat on the grass and just relaxed as their horses grazed. Teren told her of his childhood and Vanima had a feeling of having known his forever. Before long they were sharing some very shy and delicate kisses and Vanima thought that she had to be blushing from her head to her feet. She felt so safe with him, and the tentative touches and caresses slowly became bolder. He was really kissing her and Vanima had never thought that it could feel so good, and so frightening at the same time. There was as if some new hunger had awakened within her, one she never had experienced before but it was almost burning and so demanding and it left her without any sort of control. They lay close together on the grass and she felt his body pressed against hers and she could feel that he desired her, there was no doubt about that. She blushed and felt so shy and yet so eager.
Hands were exploring and touching and she wanted it, she wanted to pull him even closer, to let him take her, make her his. She could feel that something deep within her was contracting and she realized that it was her womb, begging to be filled, to bring forth new life. She whimpered, by the Valar, having his child would make her complete, would make them complete. It was suddenly all that she could think about and she gasped and let her hands run through his long dark hair. “Teren, please, I am ready, let us make our vows here and now.”
He had been kissing her neck, nuzzling it and she could feel his hot hard breath against her skin. It made her shiver to the bone with an almost burning desire. His hands had already touched her almost everywhere, even slid over the sensitive skin of her upper inner thighs but she needed him elsewhere now. She needed him more than anything and she knew she had been a fool before for having laughed at others when they told of the power of passion. She had thought it was a lie, now she knew that it wasn’t. She didn’t care if it would hurt, she needed him like she needed air to breathe. Teren moaned and she could feel him pressing his hips against hers, there was no doubt about it, he was more than ready too. “Vanima, I want you too, by the gods I do.”
She kissed him eagerly, tried to reach his belt to unbuckle it. “Then do it, let me be yours”
He gasped for air, shuddered. “My dearest, I do not want to hurt you, and if we do it now I have no chance of being able to control myself. You deserve better than that, you deserve to be courted properly, at least for a week or two.”
She groaned in frustration, she could almost see their children with her inner eye, lovely dark haired angels begging to be born. “I do not fear pain Teren, don’t reject me!”
He kissed her hard. ”I am not rejecting you my dear, I am protecting you. One week, please. That is all I ask for. Although I ache for you and your sweet body I would feel like a bastard for having taken advantage of you like this.”
Vanima had to swallow a squeak of pure disappointment, she knew that she would conceive if they did it this day, every instinct told her so. The power of the bond growing between them was so very strong, it would ensure the creation of a new soul for sure. “You are not taking advantage of me my love, you know this just as well as I do. I hear our children calling to us, asking to be brought to life.”
He nodded, there was a glimpse of immense joy in his eyes. “I hear them too my love, but do not rush things. We have plenty of time, all the time we would ever need.”
She had to surrender, his voice was so soft and filled with such love. She smiled and kissed him softly. “Alright then, but no more than a week, promise me that. I don’t think I can hide this from my parents any longer.”
He grinned and nuzzled her again, his hair tickled her and she giggled and put her arms around him, enjoyed the feeling of his warm hard body. He was no scholar, she could feel how the harsh training had shaped him and the thought of seeing him undressed made her almost drool. “Are you sure that it is the right choice, to keep this from them?”
Vanima giggled. “Yes, it is easier to be forgiven than to get permission isn’t it? They will be so shocked, oh I cannot wait to see their faces.”
Teren sighed and stared her deep into her eyes. “Are you sure that there won’t be any consequences? I mean, if they get really really mad?”
Vanima just laughed. “What sort of consequences? I do not fear being disowned or anything, I can barely stand them and my siblings are so darn posh you could believe they were next to the valar themselves in might and splendor.”
Teren laughed and embraced her and they just lay there for a while, still aching from their lack of release but feeling happy still. The skies were darkening with a promise of heavy rain and so they got back onto their horses and rode back towards the palace. Vanima was almost in a daze, she was so happy she felt just plain silly and Teren was making jokes and reaching over between their horses and touching her every now and then. She felt sorry for the fact that they hadn’t done it but Teren promised her a real wedding ring and a better bed for their consummation than a somewhat cold meadow, it was no comfortable layer no matter how beautiful it was. She was looking forward to it, their wedding. She was sure it would be just marvelous. The rain started pouring down and when they reached the palace they were both soaking wet but they had barely even noticed that in their state of intense emotions. Teren kissed her outside of the gates and they promised to meet again the next day. Teren went to put the horses on the stable again and Vanima rushed across the courtyard and almost collided with Feanuldo who stared at her in shock. “Dear child, you are soaking wet! By the Valar, you cannot let your mother see you like this, she will be all over you like a bloodhound, demanding to know where you have been and I know you child, you are a lousy liar.”
Vanima just giggled and Feanuldo sent her a glance that was a bit worried. “Don’t tell me you have…ah…done the deed so to speak?”
She shook her head. “No, he is too much of a gentleelf, but gods, I wanted to.”
Feanuldo chuckled and took her by the arm. “I do not doubt that, that fire in your eyes is very telling. But come now, I have a dry cloak you can borrow and a towel too, that hair of yours must be tamed or you will be faced with every sort of question I fear.”
She nodded and followed him through the corridors, she would get dry again and then she would return to her own chambers and dream of Teren and that wonderful moment when they finally could become as one.
Teren groomed the horses and then he went to get some food, he was hungry and thirsty and he wanted to speak with Thranduil but he was unavailable. His other friends were out on patrol and the only one he found worthy of a chat was one of the squires with whom he often sparred. The young ellon was if not a close friend at least someone he knew fairly well and they sat there drinking and discussing females for a while before Teren went to his small room to sleep. He was about to pull his clothes off when there was a knock on the door. He went over and opened it and found nobody there but a small note lay on the floor with his name on it and he frowned and picked it up. What was this? He turned the note around and it was neatly folded, he opened it and he could see a very neat written message, it had to be Vanima’s handwriting because it was most certainly a females. “Meet me by the old oak by the pond when the moon rises, I have something for you”
Teren just grinned. So his little vixen had not yet given up? Oh he was so tempted, he was aching for her and he knew that it would be too darn easy to fall prey to the temptation. She wanted him, he did not doubt that but they had only know each other for a few days, he felt as though he was rushing headlong into this but was that really such a bad thing? There was no denying it, she was his one, they were meant for each other. Right, he could face a week of constant longing and ache or give in and probably have the night of a lifetime with her. The choice wasn’t really that hard to make. He grinned to himself and took a look out at the skies. The moon would rise soon and he grasped some blankets and a pillow and stuffed it into a small bag together with a wineskin and a warm cloak lined with fur. Suddenly he felt very excited and he hurried out through the garden entrance, he didn’t want anyone to see him. He was so sure that this was the night, their night. They would spend eternity together and his heart was leaping with joy whenever he thought of that. He speeded up as he approached the old oak, he could see her standing by the pond and he dropped the bag and smiled, she stood there with her back turned to him but he could recognize her no matter where she was. “Vanima?”
Elena had woken from her dreams with a feeling of unease, she saw that her husband had left already, he was always up so early to be able to do his masters bidding and she felt a bit proud of him. He was so good at what he was doing, so dedicated. He would surely be promoted soon, she was certain of it. She got up and got dressed, still that strange feeling lingered and she felt how a weird fear slowly came creeping into her very core. Something was wrong, were her family alright? She walked towards the door when there was a knock on it and Feanuldo entered, he looked a bit pale and confused. Elena cocked her head, it was not like him to just burst into someone’s private chambers like that. “Ah my lady, have you seen Vanima? I have some scrolls she asked for and she wasn’t in her rooms?”
Elena frowned but she felt how a cold chill ran down her back, her child, something had happened to her child! “No, I haven’t seen her since yesterday?!”
Feanuldo bit his lower lip, he looked very worried all of a sudden. “Oh gods, I have to check if…”
He shook his head. “Never mind, I will go looking for her, maybe she has gone to meet some friends or something.”
Elena looked confused. “Friends? Does she have friends here?”
Feanuldo cringed, he realized that he maybe had said a bit too much. “Ah, well, she has a friend here, she could be with him.”
Elena stared at Feanuldo in shock. “Him?! What are you talking about? Is something going on of which we haven’t been informed? Who is it?”
Feanuldo was pale now, he backed away from the rather angry elleth. “My dear lady, I have sworn to not say anything, please do not make me break my oath. I am on my way, worry not, I will find her!”
Elena just gaped as Feanuldo ran out through the door as if he had a balrog at his heels, she had to sit down. What in the name of all the realms was going on, and where was her daughter? If she was just staying with some secret lover Elena wouldn’t have felt this strong sensation of dread, something was really very wrong and she gathered her strength and got back on her feet, she would have to find her husband and then they would go looking for her. Elena choked a sob, it didn’t matter what she was doing as long as she was safe, Elena could forgive the elleth anything as long as they found her safe and sound. She prayed feverishly to the Valar as she ran to find her husband.
Thranduil was sitting in a meeting with his father and some of the counsellors when Teren’s father arrived, he was a bit late and he looked worried. Oropher lifted an eyebrow to indicate that he was far from pleased with the late arrival and the ellon bowed and wiped his brow. “My apologies my lord but I cannot find my son, he isn’t in his rooms.”
Thranduil had to pinch himself underneath the table to stop himself from giggling. There was no doubt about where Teren where, he was probably resting happily within the arms of his beloved and Thranduil was rather certain that they this day would have a newlywed couple among them. He was wondering if he should get them something, yes, that would be the right thing to do. Teren was after all his best friend, maybe a nice sword? That was a good idea. Oropher made a grimace. “Your son is young, I am sure he will show up again soon, he is probably just having fun with some pretty young thing”
Teren’s father grinned but the expression within his eyes was a bit sinister, there was a dark fear there that made Thranduil stare at the ellon again. He felt that unease creep in again and he swallowed hard and shook it away. Nothing was wrong, why should anything be wrong? Soon Teren would appear again, probably as happy as a cat with a huge bowl of cream and Vanima at his side and there would be cheers and congratulations and then things would return to normal. Oropher went on with his discussions and Thranduil was soon paying attention to him and forgot everything about Teren and his newfound love.
A few hours later things had changed, Teren was nowhere to be found and soon they discovered that this also was the case with Vanima, Feanuldo was put under quite a lot of pressure from Vanima’s parents and he revealed everything he knew about the two lovebirds and their newly found love. For a while everybody was relieved, the two of them had probably just gone into hiding after having consummated their union, they probably were too scared to tell her parents about it to come forth and although both Elena and her husband was a bit angry with her choice of husband they didn’t show it. Teren’s father was happy too, he had had no idea that his son was seeing an elleth and that he was serious about it too. He was looking forward to meeting her and Thranduil and Antarar and Langorion joined the group waiting for the two, they were making a lot of jokes and tried to hide their worries. Thranduil found it a bit peculiar, why would Teren hide with her? Teren was no coward and Thranduil would have anticipated him to show up proudly and announce their marriage to everybody. Maybe Vanima was scared of her family’s response to her choice? Teren would most certainly support her and give her strength to face them and as the hours passed by everybody got more and more nervous. Some suggested that they maybe had left for Imladris or Lindon and the idea made Elena almost swoon. The forests were not safe any longer and Oropher became visibly worried too. That two young elves disappeared like this was worrisome and he ordered several patrols out to search the area. Accidents do happen and they all feared that something had befallen one of them or both. Feanuldo was close to tears, he told them that he had met her late the evening before and that he had given her his cloak and some dry towels before he followed her to her rooms. After that he had not seen her and he hadn’t seen Teren at all.
Thranduil was feeling more and more afraid, the darkness was getting so much closer and he somehow knew that this would end very badly. He didn’t like Feanuldo, why he had no idea but he had a feeling that the ellon was a bit false, that he was showing just a little bit too much emotion for it to be real. Where could they be? A servant went through Teren’s room and found the note and Oropher immediately sent a patrol towards the old oak, Elena saw the note and claimed that the handwriting looked a lot like her daughters but it wasn’t hers. It was too rounded and looked as if someone had tried to copy her daughters writing. That information made everybody feel even more worried.
Nothing was being done that day, everybody was either out looking for the two missing lovers or gathering in small crowds, airing their worries. The sun was setting when one of the soldiers returned in a gallop. He stopped his horse right outside the gate and he was looking as though he had seen a ghost. Oropher rushed forth and grasped the shivering ellon by his elbow, steadied him. “What is it soldier, speak!”
The soldier panted. “Teren, we have found him, he is…”
There was a scream, Teren’s father had collapsed and Elena and her husband were close to swooning too. Some servants rushed to their aid, Oropher was very pale by now. He cared deeply for his people and when something happened to someone it became his problem as their king. “What has happened, what about Vanima?”
The soldier gasped for air. “We haven’t seen her but there is so much blood, I…”
He turned around and retched and Elena screamed and fell into her husband’s arms, Thranduil just stared, his mind blank and his heart beating like drum. Teren was dead? No, it could not be, not Teren, not his cheerful jolly friend who had found true love? It was impossible. Oropher grasped Thranduil by the shoulder. “Come son, we have to go and see for ourselves, saddle our horses!”
Thranduil got a grip on himself. “Yes adar, right away!”
He just ran, not wanting to think about what it was that could have happened to his best friend and Vanima.
Half an hour later Thranduil was standing by the oak, puking until he had emptied his stomach of everything he had eaten for the last days or at least so it felt. He was crying and he wasn’t the only one, he had never seen his father look so grim before, nor as scared. The small meadow in front of the mighty old tree was red with blood and it was already stinking. Blood had stained even the branches of the tree and it looked almost as if it had been raining blood there. But that wasn’t the worst thing, Thranduil had not been able to understand what it was that he saw at first and he wished that he had remained in that state of ignorance. When he did understand it caused his almost explosive case of vomiting.
One of the healers had followed them and the elderly ellon was in obvious shock. He was shivering and tears were streaming down his cheeks as he examined the sad remains of Teren. The most terrible thing was that the poor ellon’s head was almost unharmed and his face had an expression of both shock and disbelief that was just terrible to behold. The healer swallowed hard. “This is really the worst thing I have ever seen, I cannot explain what has happened to him, this should not be physically possible, I hope you all understand that. He has been practically ripped and twisted apart, there isn’t a single bone in his body that isn’t quite literally pulverized.”
Oropher closed his eyes, his breath shallow and unsteady. He could not lose his cools in front of everybody, as a king he would have to remain strong and composed, be the face of true strength. “Did…Did he suffer?”
The healer shook his head. “No, he was dead within seconds, he probably never had time to understand what it was that happened to him. But who or what it was that murdered him I have no idea of.”
Oropher almost growled and Thranduil had to close his eyes, he was still nauseous. “I hereby declare a state of emergency, nobody is to leave our realm, nobody is to go anywhere without at least two soldiers escorting them.”
Thranduil stared at his father with pleading eyes. “Adar, what could have done this? What about Vanima?”
Oropher tried to smile to his son. “Do not worry Ion nin, we will find her, I am sure of it. She will be alright.”
Thranduil felt tears running down his face like ice cold rain. “Don’t say that Ada, we both know it, she is probably dead. Only something truly evil could have done something like this, only a servant of Sauron himself!”
Oropher didn’t meet his son’s glance, he just stared down at the bloodstained grass. “Yes, a servant of evil, but do not let hope die Thran, then evil has truly won.”
Thranduil just stared as they wrapped Teren’s twisted and mangled body into some blankets, the darkness had fallen and its smothering embrace was choking the very light out of him, he suddenly couldn’t stay any longer. He turned around with a yelp and sprang unto his horse, kicked it into a gallop and rode back to the palace with a feeling of having death itself snapping at his heels. Death had come to their realm, to their home and he just knew that the grim reaper wouldn’t be satisfied with just one victim. He screamed Teren’s name in sorrow and anger and despair as soon as he was out of hearing range from the others, be it the devil itself, he would not rest until Teren was avenged in full and Vanima found, alive or dead. That was a sacred oath and even thought his father had taught him the severity of taking an oath he didn’t fear it, this oath would only bring the death of the one or ones responsible for the loss of his best friend. No, he would not be his father’s son if he didn’t do whatever he could to make sure that Teren could rest in peace. His eyes got hard and ice cold as he rode, the gentle and well behaved young prince was slowly being transformed, what emerged was something new, something that would have frightened his father if he had seen it. Oropher would have seen that expression before, within the eyes of the Fêanorians as they brought death and destruction, bound by that terrible oath they had sworn. But to Thranduil that didn’t matter, all that mattered was to forget what he had seen and to find Vanima, he knew that Teren would have wanted him to find her and find her he would, he would never stop searching until he had brought Teren’s beloved back and discovered what it was that had happened to them both.
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Unanswered prayers