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Taming The Wild	By : Mel99Moe Category: -Multi-Age > Het - Male/Female Views: 5199 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own any places or characters of Lord of the Rings. No money is being made. This is strictly for personal enjoyment.

Chapter List
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Chapter 25 – Mysterious Travelers

A couple weeks passed by with no incidents or attacks on the border. Haldir had been given instructions to stay put at the camp by the Lady Galadriel. She would say no more, but the Marchwarden could feel a change in the air. Evil came and it was strong yet small. He could not explain the feeling but decided to keep his warriors on guard at all times.

Then, one bright crisp day, a scout relayed a message back to the camp. “A group of travelers approach the borders. They travel on foot and should reach us in less than an hour.”

Haldir questioned the elf as he grabbed his bow. “How many are there?”

“It looks to be eight, but they are an odd group. Two men there are; four small beings that look like children, an elf and we think… a dwarf.” said the messenger seemingly confused.

Haldir’s brow furrowed. This seemed a very odd selection of travelers. And what was a dwarf doing in this part of Middle Earth. “Do they have weapons?”

“It seems like all but the child-like beings carry some form of weapon yet they are sheathed and not in plain sight. What would you have us do, fire a warning shot above their heads?”

Haldir slowly shook his head. “No. Let us keep an eye on them. Let them enter the woods, but stay hidden. We will subdue then once they are far enough into our border. Then we will confront them.”

The scout nodded in acceptance and left to give the orders to the other Galadhrim. Then he went to find Rumil and Orophin. He did not have to look far. They were sitting in one of the talans and Rhavaniel was with them. He had not had any dealings with her since they talked. Haldir gave her all the time and space she needed to deal with her confusion, but now she was needed. They all turned their heads toward the Marchwarden as he entered the talan hastily. “It seems we may have visitors.”

Rhavaniel’s eyes lit up. “Orcs?” she questioned anxiously.

“No. Just a group of travelers. They may be lost or in need of supplies. We will not know until they approach. Now grab your weapons and come with me.” He looked towards Rhavaniel.

Now would be about the time she would have been told to stay put, but this was not the case any more. “Rhavaniel, you come with us. I want my best archers by my side when we seize them. I want arrows drawn as usual. But do not fire unless I signal. I do not think they are harmful, yet I cannot help but feel they bring danger with them.”

The Lorien elves waited in the canopy of the trees. They watched as the strange group carefully walked along the forest floor, each signaling to the other when the travelers passed below. They got to where they were just below Haldir and the rest.

Rhavaniel gasped silently so as not to draw attention. Haldir took his eyes from the travelers and studied her stunned expression. He signaled for them to climb to the forest floor. Orophin and Rumil started but Rhavaniel stood still merely shaking her head. Haldir gave her a menacing look, demanding that she follow his orders. Her eyes, normally full of fire were now fearful. She seemed to turn pale even for an elf. Haldir looked down again. He was drawn to the flaxen haired elf and suddenly realized who he was and who he traveled with. This was the group that left Imladris and the elf was Legolas. He looked back to Rhavaniel with disappointment and silently signaled for her to stay in the tree. Then she backed up until she was huddling against the massive trunk.

She was stunned. What was Legolas doing here? Why were any of them here? Should they not have been close to Mordor by now? Rhavaniel slowly made her way to the edge of the talan and looked down. She could see Orophin and Rumil with their arrows notched and pointing toward Legolas, his own bow raised and pointing back at them. Haldir was speaking to them and shaking his head. The conversation seemed to go on for quite a while. She recognized each of them from Elrond’s counsel. The fellowship of the ring he had named them as they all swore to guide and protect the hobbit Frodo. Her blues eyes scanned them until she reluctantly came to Legolas. Never had he looked so forlorn. Never had he looked as regal as he spoke to Haldir. It had been months since her eyes fell upon him. The Prince was just as handsome as he had ever been. Visions of their last night together in Rivendell clouded her mind. Her heart longed to be back in his loving arms. And then she glanced at Haldir. Soon Legolas would find out about her unfaithfulness. Never had she been so ecstatic and fearful at the same time. Haldir’s words came back to haunt her. She could have bonded to him but she refused. Becoming a princess was not what she wanted. She would never have married him and was only fooling herself to think she would. Her choice had been made. Despite all that had happened, this was her life now. Her father would not give her freedom. Legolas, though he said he would not hinder her, did not consider her in his decisions and begged for her to return to the safety of Mirkwood. They were only looking out for her well-being, she told herself. Still, she could take care of herself.

Lost in thought, Rhavaniel hadn’t noticed a pair of bright blue eyes searching the canopy where she hid. Then something called to her, an emotion not felt in a long while, love. Legolas was searching for her. He had probably been searching since she left. Sensing him, she tried to build a protective wall around her mind and heart. Whether she would go to him or remain hidden was still to be decided.

After a while, Haldir came up the ladder. He could tell right away that Rhavaniel was uneasy with this situation, but did not say anything. He had other things to deal with; one being the fact that this group carried the weapon of the enemy with them. It would surely bring unwelcomed attention to Lothlorien. Haldir was uneasy with this new revelation. It was evident in the tone of his voice as he spoke to Rhavaniel.

“You disobeyed a direct order. Is this how you plan to defend Lorien? If so you might be better use as a wine wench in the city.” There was an undertone of malice in his voice that Rhavaniel had never heard before.

“You know the reason I could not go down there. If it had been any other situation, I would have been the first one with my weapon notched.” she shot back. “What is wrong with you Haldir? I have never felt such hate and fear before.”

He had no answer for her for he himself did not know the reason for this outburst. He went to her and touched his finger to her chin. “I am sorry. I did not mean what I said. I do not know what has come over me, but I fear for the safety of my home. Something evil stirs and these travelers have brought it with them. I do not trust them.”

“Legolas would never bring harm deliberately.” she said defending him. She knew what it was that affected Haldir but it was not her place to discuss it with him.

“I do not know or trust these beings, but I know of the integrity of your Prince. I will speak with him and we will then see what shall happen.” Haldir put his hand on her arm in a caring manner. “I will not tell him you are here. You can trust me on this. What will you do now that he is here?”

“He looks for me. I cannot hide. I will have to face him, though I am not sure what will happen.” she said sadly.

“I will be here later if you should need me.” Haldir’s tone was soft, unusual for his demeanor.

* * *

Finally it was arranged for the fellowship to follow Haldir and the Lorien elves to Caras Galadhon so as to speak to the Lady Galadriel. It would be half a day’s journey and it was already nighttime. They would begin their retreat in the morning. They were offered talans where they would be safe off of the ground. All slept peacefully but for one.

Legolas did not stay with the others; rather he would enjoy the company of his own kind. He had met Haldir and spoken of parts of their journey thus far. He was careful not to divulge too much information. The Marchwarden was already unusually suspicious.

It was sometime late into the night when Rhavaniel was out on patrol. She heard the light movement of booted feet somewhere in the distance. Peering into the night, her sight fell upon Legolas as he wandered among the trees. Moonlight shone down accentuating his features. He had seemed to mature much since the last time she saw him. He no longer had that air of youth about him. Much had changed in these past months and she wondered what all he had seen. She let down her defenses and reached out to him with her heart.

Like a sudden cool breeze on a warm summer night, Legolas had felt the sudden change around him. He looked in the direction in which it came. A lone Galadhrim stood on the edge of a lookout talan, hooded and cloaked.

Rhavaniel breathed deep and cleared her mind. She slowly lowered her hood watching Legolas’ reaction.

Legolas’ lips parted in surprise. His eyes suddenly came to life as he realized who this warrior was. “Rhavaniel.” he whispered in astonishment. He made his way along the narrow pathways to where she stood. Never had his heart soared so high. For months he had worried for her, missed her and now she was standing before him. He did not skip a beat as he embraced her in his strong arms. He buried his face in her neck and inhaled, letting it out with a sigh of relief. “Oh Rhavaniel, to have you in my arms again is like waking up to a bright spring day. You soothe my aching soul.”

Tears instantly flooded her eyes. She was overjoyed to be in his arms once again, but darkness shrouded the back of her mind. Wiping these thoughts from her head, she cupped her hands to the sides of his face and stared into his blue eyes. There she found his unchanging love and relief washed over her. He leaned forward and captured her lips, tasting the sweetness of her kiss and the saltiness of her tears. For the longest time they just held onto each other and let their hearts remember the comfort they once shared.

Legolas released her and Rhavaniel examined his fair face. She saw a bruise to the side of his forehead and minor cuts here and there. She furrowed her brow and realized she had never even seen a light scratch on his body before.

“What happened Legolas? You’ve been injured. Your head… you’ve…” she said reaching up to touch his head.

Legolas caught her hand and brought it to his lips. “It is nothing.” he breathed onto her smooth skin. “It has been a long and tiring journey. Many things happened that were out of our control.” His eyes bore into her soul.

She felt his pain, his hurt and loss. “Someone is not here now. Who?”

Legolas’ gaze fell to the talan floor. “Mithrandir fell… in the mines.”

“I am so sorry Legolas.” she said as she tucked his braid behind his ear. As she did, her finger slightly caresses it. He closed his eyes and inhaled. “What in the name of Eru were you doing in Moria? You should be close to Mordor by now.” she said with concern.

“We could not pass the mountain Caradhras and we had few choices of where to go.” Now, he turned from her as he remembered the foe that dwelt in the deep recesses of the dwarven city. “Such evil as I hope I had never laid eyes upon took Gandalf from us. I don’t know how we will continue. He was our guide and gave us counsel.”

“Who led you to Lothlorien?” she asked.

“Aragorn led us on. Gandalf lectured with him about some of his intent and the Ranger leads us on according to his advice. But I’m afraid it only took us as far as Lorien.”

Rhavaniel touched his long golden hair as it cascaded down his back. “The Lady Galadriel will give you counsel, I’m sure. She sees much.”

Legolas turned back to Rhavaniel, a new expression on his countenance. This one was of concern and a spark of resentment. “Why did you leave Imladris? Why did you flee in the night without so much as a word to me? I was so worried.”

Rhavaniel heard the hurt in his tone. “You are upset with me also. Do not deny this feeling. You have every right to be mad, but I had to leave. I could not return to Mirkwood. I cannot be myself there.”

“When have I ever made you feel this way? I love you Rhavaniel. I want you to have everything you desire.”

“When you gave an oath to Frodo, you gave no thought to us. When you told me to return to Mirkwood, you were telling me to hide away and be safe.” Rhavaniel spun away from his concerned stare. “When you asked me to bind, you…”
Legolas’ anger suddenly became very apparent. “When I asked to bind it was because I loved you. It was you who turned away, running off like a coward in the middle of the night.”

Slowly, Rhavaniel came back to face him. “A coward, is this what you think of me?” She nodded her head as a forced smile spread across her lips. “You are a fool Thranduilion. You say you gave me the right to be my own self.” Her eyes turned to slits. “You lie. Do you really think you would have let me remain a warrior after we married? No. You would have me tucked away in that castle, wearing dresses and making tapestries while you were out killing and slaying, blood running down your sword.”

Legolas watched as her bright blue eyes turned dark. He felt something surface in her, something lustful. It frightened him. She had changed since leaving him. “I feel as though I do not know you anymore.”

“Have you ever truly felt the thrill of impaling your sword into the black flesh of evil? Tell me Thranduilion, does it not feel desirable to want them all dead or do you play it safe and not think about what you are doing? I have found this lust and I crave to kill. But you have never seen this before. You pity them; probably even say a prayer for them as they lay motionless from your arrows.” As she spoke, the tone of her voice turned to malice and her eyes were completely black. The battle-lust had returned and for good reason. Evil approached once more.

Legolas was beside himself. This was not the same elleth he had known his whole life. This was a killing machine. He did not understand this new behavior, though he had heard of it before. But not Rhavaniel, not his lovely beautiful Rhavaniel. “Please do not do this. I love you so much.” he begged.

She seemed not to hear him as she looked out from her position in the watch talan. An evil dark smile grew upon her face. “Now Thranduilion, watch and see what you have been missing.” she growled. Then she whistled, calling attention to the other Galadhrim.

Legolas unhooked his bow from his back and peered out into the darkness. The smell of rotting flesh invaded his nostrils. “Orcs.” he whispered.

Rhavaniel smiled. “Yes orcs.” she murmured as if in a trance.

Haldir called across from the next talan. “Rhavaniel… time to go.”

She started off but stopped. “We shoot from the canopy. Go back to your companions. Make sure they are protected. Alert them of the danger but do not let them go to the ground. You too would be wise to stay away from the danger… and from me. This is still new to me and I have not gained control of it yet.” Rhavaniel sprinted off to join Haldir, leaving Legolas completely stunned.

There were orcs of course and on the command of the Marchwarden, they notched their arrows and began the killing spree. Legolas remained with the fellowship and watched the carnage below. He fired a few arrows of his own until he found the shape of a small warrior a few trees over. Her stance and skill was excellent as she fired from her Lorien bow. One would never have known she was of Mirkwood heritage. He had seen her ability to learn quickly and knew it did not take her long to achieve this goal amongst the Galadhrim. He also noticed that she fought alongside Haldir. Neither one left the other the entire time. This did not sit well with him and jealousy rose within his gut.

Soon, the orcs lay dead on the forest floor. Rhavaniel and Haldir along with some of the other Lorien warriors climbed down to inspect the evil filth. Those that were still alive were quickly abolished by swords and daggers. The Marchwarden stayed close to Rhavaniel, still feeding off of her battle-lust. He noticed how she took control of her awareness for her actions. “You see, I told you it would be like this. Your mastery of the battle-lust has greatly improved already. How do you fair?”

Rhavaniel pulled her sword from the neck of a dead orc. “There is still pain but not like before.”

Haldir strolled up behind her, his loins pressing into her backside. He brought his hands to her shoulders and pulled her into him. “I can help relieve this pain if you like.” His hot breath caressed her ear and she felt him harden against her. She was still in a state of furious ecstasy and could easily be seduced by his smooth voice and musky scent. Just as she was about to let this dark side have its way, she caught movement from the corner of her eye. Legolas came out of the shadows, revealing himself in the silver moonlight.

He thought his eyes were deceiving him for a moment. This could not be, he thought as he watched the Marchwarden shamelessly grind his hips against her body. He felt his heart sink to the pit of his stomach as she seemed to respond to his touch. What was happening to them? Had they grown this far apart since separating in Rivendell? Did she not love him anymore? Emotions ran rampant; from shock to fear and sadness to loathing anger.

It all happened so fast and all Rhavaniel could do was watch the hope and love in Legolas’ beautiful blue eyes fade to emptiness. She quickly regained her control. “Legolas.” she called desperately. He took off in a sprint, not paying any attention to her.

Rhavaniel spun on her heal, raising her hand at the same time and swinging it at Haldir’s face. A loud smack echoed through the small glade where they stood. “You bastard.” she spat. Without waiting for a response, Rhavaniel stormed off in the opposite direction that Legolas went. This was not the time to confront him. She was still too affected by the recent fight and by Haldir. She needed to be alone to gather herself. Then she would seek out Legolas. There was much to explain, but would he listen or was it now too late? Had she just lost her true love, the only one she ever could love?
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Taming The Wild