LEGOLAS
TITLE:Elenath
AUTHOR:Emily Kinsman
RATING:PG
FEEDBACK: emilyk@apptechnc.net 
DISCLAIMER:The characters from Lord of the Rings, their wonderful 
world, and the Elf-lore are all borrowed from J.R.R. Tolkien. I wish he 
were 
alive to see the LOTR pandamonium! The plotline and all other 
characters are copyright 2002 Emily Kinsman. 'Nuff Said
SUMMARY:I don't want to ruin any surprises, but an Elf-babe is 
abandoned in our world (through a nexus of sorts) to be raised by a 
human 
woman. This is the story of her return to her true home.
FEEDBACK: Please Please, Pretty Please tell me what you think! I'm new 
at this.
ARCHIVE: YES
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Chapter 18.

Elenath leaned over gingerly and picked up the envelope, turning it 
over in her hands slowly.

"The Prince is waiting eagerly for you," David said. "Surely the letter 
can wait until after-"

"No." Elenath sighed. "I've been far too confused for far too long 
already. I'm sure Pastor Mike will shed some light on my situation. 
After 
all he knows and has always known what I am."

David crossed his arms and tapped his foot. "You've got a lot of nerve 
making two kings and a prince wait for you while you read a letter."

Kara laughed. "She's allowed. After all she is a princess!"

"By marriage and birth, apparently," added Elenath as she sat down and 
carefully tore into the thick envelope. Her friends watched over her 
shoulders as she pulled the letter out and unfolded its many pages. 
Elenath planned to read it slowly and glean all of the knowledge she 
could 
from it. Her eyes hungrily found the first line of ink and her heart 
fell. "Oh no!"

"What?" asked Kara. "What is it?" Elenath handed the letter to her. "Oh 
no!"

"What is that?" asked David, pointing to the strange almost 
Arabic-looking characters on the page.

"Feanorian script," sighed Elenath. "The alphabet of the Elves."

"Can you read it?" asked Kara.

Elenath shook her head. "I can't remember the characters. I have been 
trying and Legolas has tried to help but their meanings remain clouded 
to me."

David took the pages and folded them carefully, tucking them back into 
their envelope. "My Lady," he said, "The Prince was almost bored to 
tears listening to his father and Lord Elrond. Perhaps we should-"

"Okay, okay!" she interjected grumpily, "Let's go!"

***
The three made their way slowly toward the Great Hall. Every 20 feet or 
so, Elenath stopped to rest, leaning her head against a column and 
murmuring a prayer for strength. She had never been so tired. Finally 
when 
they were about halfway there, she sank to the floor, rested her head 
in her hands, and tried not to cry.

"This is crazy, Elenath," said Kara gently, hugging her friend. "You 
should be in bed resting. Let's go back."

"I can carry you," agreed David.

"No," she said weakly. "Just... I think I just need a little something 
to eat. Maybe an orange or something."

"I know just where to get one," he said, and walked off quickly toward 
the Great Hall.

***
David found the Prince sitting in a throne to the right of his father, 
tossing grapes into a goblet on the floor a few feet away. Each one 
landed with a muted splash that sent droplets of wine into the air. 
David 
could tell Legolas did not want to be there and chuckled at the 
contrast between the two noble kings and the melancholy prince.

"Your Highnesses," said David as he entered the hall.

Legolas sat up straight quickly and tried to hide the grape in his 
hand. "My friend! How is she?"

"She has requested an orange. And I believe that your presence would be 
helpful as well, Prince Legolas."

Thankfulness showed in the Elf's eyes as he picked an orange up from 
the platter. "Of course. Where is she?"

"About halfway here, my Lord." And the two marched out of the Hall as 
if on a mission of utmost importance.

***
Kara and Elenath sat quietly on the Palace floor, gazing out into the 
late summer splendor of Mirkwood. 

"So... what was Jesus like?" asked Kara.

Elenath smiled and said, "Wonderful."

"Wonderful. Is that it?"

The princess thought for a moment. "Awesome."
Kara laughed. "Wonderful and awesome."

"He is everything the Bible says he is. He is Love in its purest form. 
Love, righteousness, holiness, and peace," said Elenath. Then she began 
to sing softly. 

"O Lord, our Lord,
How majestic is your name in all the earth!"

Kara joined in, singing harmony, their voices blending and echoing, 
weaving to and fro like the threads of a tapestry.

"You have set your glory
Above the heavens.
From the lips of children and infants
You have ordained praise (from the Psalms)..."

Elenath heard footsteps approaching and cut her song short, looking up 
just in time to see Legolas kneel down next to her with an orange in 
his hand.

"David," she said, "You always go above and beyond. I asked for an 
orange and you bring me a prince with an orange. Thank you."

Legolas laughed. "I think that he was as concerned about me as he was 
about you. I was dying of utter boredom in there. Here." He handed her 
a 
slice of the fruit and she ate it slowly. When she finished, he handed 
her another. 

Finally, she had eaten the whole thing and leaned her head back against 
the column again. "Give me just a moment..."

Legolas gently took her face in his hands, his thumbs resting on her 
temples. "Elenath, look at me... in my eyes."

She did so and smiled, warmed by the very sight of him. 

"Ama poldora," he whispered.

She suddenly felt stronger - certainly not strong enough to run a 
marathon, but definitely strong enough to walk down the hall. "What? 
What 
was that?"

"Do you feel better?" he asked.

"Yes, but-"

"It is the way of the Elves to bring strength and healing, Elenath. You 
will remember this soon." He helped her to her feet. "Come, your 
grandfather awaits."

**********************************************

Chapter 19. 

The Elf on the throne to the left of King Thranduil would have 
terrified Elenath if she had not seen something rather familiar in his 
eyes. He 
had the air of one who was used to commanding and being obeyed; one who 
she would not want to anger. She felt as if she should fall on the 
floor before him, but settled for a small curtsy next to her husband 
instead.

Lord Elrond was taken aback by the beauty of the creature before him. 
Was this really Elenath? It must be. He could see a slight resemblance 
about the eyes and mouth, but she was much more fragile-looking than 
she 
had been in her previous form. About three inches shorter and with a 
much more delicate frame, she gazed at him with eyes the color of 
spring 
leaves flecked with amber. Eyes that regarded him with curiosity and 
reverence. She received his embrace graciously, even kissing him 
lightly 
on the cheek as he drew away.

"I do not remember you," she said to him quietly.

"But I do remember you," he replied, "You were born Princess Elenath of 
Rivendell to my daughter Llilwen." He motioned her to sit in the throne 
next to Legolas'.

She eyed the chair warily and sat instead at Lord Elrond's feet, on the 
floor. Her grandfather sighed. "Always the reluctant princess."

"What do you mean?" she asked, reaching for another orange and rolling 
it gently around in her hands.

He just chuckled. "You never were much for sitting on thrones and 
wearing pretty gowns. You were always learning some new craft or 
weapon. It 
was because of this that you were chosen as the first female to carry 
the Sword."

She looked at him with questions in her eyes. "The sword.... It speaks 
to me. Can you tell me about it?"

Elrond's eyes widened and he leaned forward. "It speaks to you?"

"Yes," she replied, peeling the orange. She noticed that suddenly 
everyone was staring at her as if she'd made some kind of earth-
shattering 
revelation. 

"And what does it say?" asked Lord Elrond.

"It speaks Truth and encouragement to me."

"Truth?" asked King Thranduil.

She nodded. "The word of God our Creator and of His Son Jesus Christ. 
Words of hope."

They looked blankly at her and she sighed. "You don't understand, do 
you?" She felt very alone at that moment, wishing that Kara and David 
were with her to help explain. "I have a book in my chambers that 
contains 
the history of the world from which I came and tells a story so amazing 
that few believe it, though many seek after its Truth. Many who were 
inspired by God himself wrote it. The Sword speaks to me mostly using 
the 
words of this book." 

"What story is this?" asked Elrond thoughtfully.

"It is a long tale," she replied slowly, "About God who created the 
world and everything in it, but the most precious of these creations 
were 
Man and Woman. He loved them very much and they were like His children 
until they rebelled and disobeyed Him, causing all kinds of terrible 
trouble and trials for themselves. Worst of all, they so distanced 
themselves from God that they no longer remembered His awesome love or 
desired to be with Him. It is hard to explain fully in a short time, 
but 
suffice it to say that God sent His own Son, Jesus, to make things 
right 
again. Jesus sacrificed Himself, taking all of the punishment that 
should 
have been given to Man and Woman so that they could have a relationship 
with God again. He died a terrible death at the hands of those He had 
come to help."

"How did he die?" asked Legolas.

She took a deep breath. "They made a cross of wood and...." She shook 
her head. She had told this story so many times before, but now that 
she 
had seen Him, touched the scars in His hands, and heard His voice full 
of love for her, it seemed so much more real; so much more terrible. 
She whispered, "They drove nails through His hands and feet into the 
cross and put a crown of thorns upon His head. They raised the cross up 
and 
let Him hang there until He died, mocking Him and spitting at Him even 
as he said, 'Father forgive them for they know not what they do.'" 
Elenath set the orange she had been peeling aside and wiped her tears 
away 
without apology.

Elrond shook his head in astonishment. "So the slain Son's words were 
recorded along with the words of the Father into a book, and the Sword 
speaks these words to you?"

She looked up at the three Elven Lords and mustered a smile. "Yes. But 
my story is not finished yet."

"Please continue, then," prompted Thranduil.

She nodded. "Jesus conquered death. He rose from the dead three days 
later and appeared to those who had followed Him and who had loved Him. 
Then He returned to the Heavenly Realms to sit at the right hand of His 
Father where He lives still, to this day. I saw Him there after I 
remembered my own death. He greeted me as His child and I touched the 
scars 
in His hands. He is just as alive as you and I, and He sees and hears 
everything that happens everywhere."

Her audience was quiet, mulling this over for a long moment before 
Elrond finally spoke. "The Sword, which is called Calmacil, was given 
to 
the Elves at the beginning of time by the Valar himself. Its bearer was 
to be a guardian and protector of our people, taking insight and 
direction from the blade. It has, however, remained mostly silent for 
many 
thousands of years, speaking only the name of its bearer for all to 
hear. 
No one knows why."

"It speaks to me," she said, unsheathing it. "It speaks to me even 
now."

"What is it saying?" asked Legolas, leaning near as if trying to hear 
it for himself.

"It says," Elenath replied,
"'Lift up your heads, O you gates; 
Be lifted up, you ancient doors, 
That the King of Glory may come in. 
Who is this King of Glory? 
The Lord strong and mighty, 
The Lord mighty in battle. 
Lift up your heads, O you gates; 
Lift them up, you ancient doors, 
That the King of Glory may come in. 
Who is He, this King of Glory? 
The Lord Almighty - 
He is the King of Glory (Psalm 24:7-10).'"

"But what does it mean?" asked King Thranduil.

"It sings the ancient songs," Elrond answered. "Songs long ago 
forgotten by most of our kind. I only recognize this one because I read 
it in 
an old book not long ago. I do not know what it means."

"The meaning is unclear to me as well," said Elenath. "I am confused 
about many things right now, My Lords. Much has changed in my life in a 
very short time and I am still trying to make sense of it all." She 
leaned on one arm and closed her eyes for a moment, the weariness she 
had 
felt in the corridor welling up within her anew. "Legolas, if you are 
able to help me later, I have a letter from Mike that will, I hope, 
explain things to me. But it is written in the alphabet and language of 
the 
Elves."

Legolas had left his throne and now sat at his father's feet next to 
Elenath. He reached for the orange and put it gently into her hand. "Of 
course I will help. Now eat, Melamin (My Love). You have not had 
sustenance for three days except for the water Kara somehow managed to 
give 
you." 

She obeyed, savoring the sweet taste of the fruit. "Where did these 
come from?" she asked Legolas. "Mirkwood does not seem the right 
climate 
for growing oranges."

He smiled. "They are sent often as gifts from Lothlorien. The Lady of 
the Wood grows them in her magical gardens." Then he rang a large bell 
next to them and a servant appeared at once. "Please bring a meal for 
the Princess."

"Bring one for all of us," amended King Thranduil. "The hour grows nigh 
for luncheon."
***

Elenath almost fell fast asleep face-first into her food twice during 
the meal, though she tried valiantly to pay attention to the talk of 
her 
Grandfather and King Thranduil and eat as much as was polite. Elrond 
watched her with concern in his eyes until finally he said, "Ed iear ar 
elenea (By the sea and stars), Legolas! She is exhausted! Take her to 
bed and go there yourself. You are looking quite weary as well."

"Diola lle, Heruamin (Thank you My Lord)," replied Legolas, standing up 
and gently lifting Elenath into his arms. He realized just how tired 
she was when she did not protest but lay her head against his shoulder 
and promptly fell asleep.

A maidservant waited in her room and removed Elenath's gown as the 
Prince gazed out into the hazy afternoon. Leaving the Princess wearing 
only 
a silken chemise, she nodded to Legolas and left the room. "The 
Princess should be comfortable now."

Legolas waited for the maidservant to leave and then sat on Elenath's 
bed. He arranged the blankets snugly around her, remembering how cold 
she had been just hours earlier, and kissed her whispering "Quel kaima, 
Ai Lirimaer (sleep well, Little Lovely One)" before starting toward the 
door and his own room.

"Legolas?"

Her voice was barely audible, but he heard it and turned to face her 
again. "Mani naa ta, Melamin (What is it, My Love)?"

"Must you go?"

He smiled. "Do you wish for me to stay?"

"Yes."

"Are you sure?"

"It was wonderful to wake up next to you this morning," she replied. "I 
hope it is not customary for Elven husbands and wives to sleep in 
separate rooms."

He chuckled and touched her cheek softly. "No, Elenath, it is not 
customary. I waited only for your invitation as is the tradition for 
newly 
married couples."

"But we aren't newly married."

"No," He agreed, "I must admit that I remember every moment of our 
thousand years together before you died. But at least for now I am new 
to 
you, and that is enough to prompt me to wait."

"Well, you are invited, My Prince. Come and sleep next to me."

"Sleep?" he asked with a chuckle, his eyes gleaming.

She unabashedly watched as he removed his boots and outer clothing and 
folded it neatly on her chair. He was beautiful - all smooth creamy 
skin and muscle. "I fear that I haven't any choice in that matter, My 
Love. You saw me almost fall asleep in my lunch."

He slid under the covers with her and wrapped her in his arms. "So be 
it. I shall rest here next to you, Elenath, and keep you safe from all 
harm." He smiled as she nuzzled closer to him and closed her eyes, 
sleep 
claiming her almost at once.


*******************************************************
Chapter 20.

Elenath woke up the next morning to a pair of blue eyes staring 
intently into hers. She had woken up in the dead of night to find 
Legolas 
looking at her in the same way, and now warmth filled her as she 
remembered 
the sweet kisses, warm caresses, and the passionate love they had 
shared in the moonlit room.

"Quel amrun (Good morning)," he whispered.

She smiled, twining her fingers in his silken hair, toying with the 
braids there. "Good morning, Legolas." 

They could hear someone in Elenath's bathing chamber drawing a bath for 
them. Legolas chuckled. "We've been seen," he said. "News will be all 
over the kingdom that Mirkwood truly has a princess again by the time 
we 
arrive for breakfast."

"I thought I already was Princess of Mirkwood."

"In our hearts, yes. But by law, you were not until..." he smiled, 
"about midnight last night."

"I see," she giggled.
***

Kara did not come in to help her that morning. Neither were any 
maidservants sent. In fact, it seemed as though everyone purposefully 
avoided 
Elenath's chambers after the one who drew their bath had retreated in 
delighted silence. That was fine with the royal couple as they helped 
each other get ready for the day. They took their time with lingering 
touches and not a few kisses. Legolas sighed as she brushed and braided 
his hair, still wet from the bath. Then he turned and did the same for 
her. 

When they were both ready, she leaned back in his arms and closed her 
eyes. "I would be happy just to stay here with you forever."

"I as well, Amaelamin (My Beloved)," he agreed. "But I can guarantee 
that the entire Kingdom awaits us in the Great Hall. Our union is truly 
a 
gift to them in this time of mourning for your father."

She sighed, her heart longing to see her Ada again. "Would he be 
pleased, Legolas?"

"Yes," he whispered. "Even when your Grandfather disapproved, your 
father and mother both knew that your heart had found its home with 
mine."

"Lord Elrond did not approve?"

Legolas laughed. "Not at first for a long while, but we have resolved 
our differences. I am sure you will remember it eventually."

"What's so funny?" she asked him.

He shook his head. "I was just remembering the argument you had with 
him when I left Rivendell to return to Mirkwood. He swore you would 
never 
see me again and you told him he would have to shackle and chain you to 
make you stay. When you were not there to bid me farewell the next 
morning, I came in search of you, much to the chagrin of Lord Elrond. I 
found you chained by your wrist to one of the pillars in your room, 
weeping bitterly. Your father was with me and he was furious."

"You're joking. Lord Elrond had me chained?"

"He did, though I never could figure out how he managed to do it. It 
must have been while you were asleep."

"Well, what happened then?" 

"My father was summoned from Mirkwood and a great council was held 
between the high-ranking Elves of both kingdoms. I tell you, Elenath, 
war 
almost broke out. Rivendell did not want to let you go, and Mirkwood 
could not let the only heir to their throne walk away, even though I 
offered to give up my crown and my throne for you. The conclusion was 
reached that nothing could be done. I would return to Mirkwood and you 
would 
remain at Rivendell. It was to be for the good of both of our 
kingdoms."

"What changed their minds?" she asked.

"You did, Melamin (My Love). You fell ill that very day from the grief 
of knowing we could never be together. 'Why must I stay here?' you 
asked them, 'I will never sit on the throne of Rivendell. There are 
many in 
line before me for that honor.' They thought that you would recover, 
but you grew weaker and weaker until Elrond finally gave in. Since your 
birth, you have always been his light and his joy, Elenath. He could 
not 
bear to see you suffer so. He came to you on his knees begging for your 
forgiveness and giving you permission to come to me if that was what 
you wished."

Elenath could not imagine Elrond coming on his knees to anyone, begging 
for forgiveness. He was far too regal and powerful. "On his knees?"

"I know, it is hard to believe. But, I saw it with my own eyes. You 
recovered quickly and we were wed at Rivendell not a month later. Even 
that was an ordeal. We had the ceremony at Rivendell but you did not 
truly 
become my wife until we arrived at Mirkwood nearly a month later. That 
was the deal that was struck at yet another council."

She shook her head in disbelief and stood. "Unbelievable. Shall we go?"

He nodded and offered his arm. "I'm afraid there will be no more 
sitting on the floor for you now, Elenath. Your throne awaits, along 
with 
your kingdom."

They walked leisurely down the winding corridor until they came to the 
entrance of the great hall where they were stopped by Thorondil.

"Come," he said motioning them to a side room. "The entire Kingdom has 
arrived to greet you, but I have gifts for you from Lord Elrond." He 
regarded Elenath with pride. "I'm glad to see that you are armed."

The Sword, Calmacil rested at her left side. "I learned my lesson from 
a certain ruffian named Estel," she replied. "You shan't catch me 
unarmed outside the Palace again."

"Good," he replied. "The orcs have retreated for now, but it is almost 
certain that they will return." He turned to a small box on the table 
behind him and pulled out two crowns, similar in style to the one of 
woven silver worn by Lord Elrond. One was larger and thicker than the 
other and he handed it to Legolas. The more delicate one he gave to 
Elenath. "The Elves in the Great Hall expect to see their Prince and 
Princess 
crowned properly this morning, it seems."

And indeed they did expect it. When Legolas and Elenath entered the 
Great Hall, they were greeted by the cheers and well-wishes of their 
subjects who threw flower petals over them and danced for joy. "Long 
live 
the Prince!" they shouted, "Long live Princess Elenath!"

She could not believe it when Kara, her best friend, curtsied before 
rushing to give her a gentle hug. "I guess I won't get to be your 
matron 
of honor," she whispered happily.

Elenath laughed. "First of all, don't be curtsying me, and second of 
all, I'm sorry. Apparently the ceremony took place over a thousand 
years 
ago at a place called Rivendell. Now I'll never get my revenge for that 
horrible dress you made me wear at your wedding!"

The merriment went on all day, and it was early evening before Legolas 
finally took Elenath back to his chambers where all of her belongings 
had been placed. The Bible lay in the middle of their bed with the 
letter from Pastor Mike next to it. David had left a note there as 
well. It 
read: "Thought you might want to read this, El. Also wanted to let you 
know that I've already threatened Legolas' life if he ever hurts you. 
Ha ha. Seriously, he is one lucky Elf and now I have two of you to look 
after. Just don't make it three for a while yet, okay? I am only one 
man, after all. Love, David."

She chuckled and showed the note to Legolas who laughed as well, 
saying, "I am glad that David came here. I might have been in worse 
shape 
than my father after that battle if it were not for him."

Elenath raised her eyebrows. "Really? No one ever told me. I'll have to 
thank him."

"But for now," replied Legolas, sitting on the bed and reaching for 
Pastor Mike's letter, "Is this the letter you wanted me to read to 
you?"
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