Fan Fiction ❯ Wild Blue Yonder ❯ Mirkwood Welcomes ( Chapter 30 )

A/N: Well here it is, the next chapter. But, remember if you haven't already done this, be sure to go back and review the **REVISIED** chapters in the book, since this chapter will have part of the new plot in it and I wouldn't want you to get confused.

Disclaimer: As I have always said, I don't own LOTR, only my own characters and story line.

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Chapter 30 - Mirkwood Welcomes

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Why is it that everything in life that should go right, doesn't and that everything that shouldn't go wrong, does? It's as if life itself was playing a cruel joke upon itself. One would think that even once in a lifetime something would go right without fail. But then again, life sometimes had a funny sense of humor.

The funny sense of humor for today was the mysterious arrival of Legolas's long-time friend and fellowship companion, Gandalf. 'It had been more than twenty years since the destruction of the one ring and he was still kicking around.' she thought as she watched Legolas and Elrohir talking animatedly with the distinguished wizard. Her curiosity was peaked, for as Elrond had seemed to know a great deal about her, so too it seemed that Gandalf did also. The cruel joke was that she didn't know how they knew so much.

"Hey, guys. Don't you think we should be heading on, before any more of your wonderful world of spiders decide to return with reinforcements?" Rain called out to the trio in front of her. They turned and looked at her. She was leaning against Arod's shoulder, arms crossed over her chest, with Nanook perched on her feet.

"You're right, we should get moving before they return." Legolas said, turning back to Gandalf. "Do you have a horse or will you need a ride with us?"

"I will need a ride, as I do believe that my horse decided three spiders were three too many for it's taste." Gandalf chuckled as looked back over at Rain appraisingly. Rain hackled slightly at the look in his eyes, unable to determine what it meant. There was a calculating gaze to his deep dark eyes, a measuring glance that told too much, but yet not enough. A tendril of cold snaked lazily down her spine as she turned and broke away from his gaze to mount up on Arod.

Legolas scooped up Nanook and settled him behind Rain on Arod's rump, before laying a hand on Rain's thigh. She looked down into his bright blue eyes understandingly, as she laid her hand over his and squeezed gently.

"Let's get going, all right." he said softly. She nodded, watching as he swung up on Hasufel's back, pulling Gandalf up behind him.

~*~

The remainder of the trip to Mirkwood palace passed quickly and without incident, and just before midnight they arrive at the gates to the palace. Torches lit up the stone entryway carved into the hillside, intricate runes highlight by the golden glow. Two great trees framed the arch leading into the gloomy looking tunnel, so old and strangled by ivy and moss, few leaves could be made out in the flickering light.

Two palace guards stood beneath the great trees, dressed in dark brown and green garb. They bowed formally to Legolas as they passed through the archway. The tunnel wound for ages, countless other openings leading to many passages and halls, were cut into the underground dwelling.

One would think that such a wonder would be dark and damp, but yet it was lighter and beautiful to behold. Torches burned brightly along the passageway, yet it was not smoky. Intricate carvings and designs graced the wall, providing a warmth to the cold stone. As they rounded the end of the passage, a set of large stone doors stood in relief of the bright light cast by the torches. Several guards, clad in the same deep brown and greens as the others they had seen stood at attention before the doors. One stepped forward to kneel at Legolas's feet.

"My Prince, your father awaits your return in the throne room." he said, his head bowed.

"Thank you, Huor. We shall see him immediately." Legolas replied as he strode forward towards the stone doors that the other guards were opening.

Rain gasped in surprise at the beauty of the throne room, a large open space decorated with column of black granite, the floor a golden marble. And there seated at the far end on a raised dais, was Legolas's father, King Thranduil. His golden hair was long and wild, flowing down past his shoulders was the same color as Legolas's. His skin fair and ageless, he seems almost a natural force, his countenance wise yet a supressed mirth strained at his lips. His garb a deep green, prominent with silver and gold designs, likes the stars dancing through the misty moonlight. Upon his brow, a crown of fall leaves bound red, orange and brown with chains of emerald green, barely contained the wild fall of his hair. Around his neck hung a necklace of opal and mithril, glinting in the torchlight as he shifted from his seat to stand. A scabbard of a long sword, hilt worn from centuries of use, hung from slim hips. Overall the picture was stunning, an older version of Legolas, the similarities were striking.

"My son, welcome home." boomed his voice across the open space, striding quickly across the gap the separated him from the others. He swept Legolas up into a tight embrace, before stepping back to survey the other behind him. 'So this was the Lady Rain, that we summoned.' he thought as he held out a graceful hand towards her.

"Lady Rain, welcome to Mirkwood. It is our pleasure that you have joined us here." he said as he bent forward and placed a light kiss on the back of her hand.

She looked warily at the man before her, wondering how he knew her name also. 'How is it that every elf lord that I meet seems to know all about me?' her mind screamed in frustration. Her military protocol covered her confusion and frustration as she replied. "My pleasure, your highness."

"Please, you do not have to be so formal with me. Call me Thranduil." he said, a smile coming easily to his face. 'Yes, this one is quite strong. She shall be able to do it.' he thought as he watched with amusement at the frown on his son's face. 'So, Legolas has fallen for her, this couldn't get any better.'

The short message that he had gotten from Elrond was confirmed by the displeasure he saw on his son's face. He grinned again as he stepped back and turned towards his son.

"I know that it is late, and you all must be tired. We can catch up on the events that have happened since you left later. Legolas, why don't you show Lady Rain to the green chamber so that she may rest. Elrohir, you are welcome to your usual room." Thranduil said before turning away from the group. Stopping in the arched doorway he turned back, "I bid you good night."

Rain blinked at the unexpected departure of the King, before looking confusedly up at Legolas. He shrugged, his glance telling her that this was normal behavior for his father.

"Elrohir, you know your way to your room, right." Legolas said as he led them from the throne room.

"Yes, I will see you all in the morning then, good night." Elrohir said as he disappeared down a side passageway.

Legolas swept out a hand, motioning for Rain to follow him down. Rain had to tear her gaze away from the jet black walls gilded in gold as he led the way out of the room. Their footsteps echoed loudly in the vastness of the room, and Legolas hid a smile as he watched Rain out of the corner of his eye.

Her wide eyes darted around the huge room, taking in the elaborate decorations that seemed commonplace to him after centuries. Tension hummed from her body, a slight frown marring her soft brow. The flames from the torches glittered brightly against the gems embedded in the stone, their reflections dancing in her midnight hair.

Rain gasped as Legolas pushed open what appeared to be solid gold doors, to reveal an elaborate spiral staircase. The steps shone in the light of many torches mounted on golden pillars and as they ascended, Rain ran her fingers lightly up the golden banister, marveling at the detail in the delicate scroll.

Another set of golden doors stood at the top, and once again Legolas pushed them open. They moved without sound to reveal yet another lavishly decorated hallway.

This one was a rich, deep pine green, the gold filigree replaced by silver threads. Huge silk screens hung on the dark walls, each depicting a great moment of some elvish battle. Silver wall scones held candles flickering in the darkness, and Rain was vaguely aware of the sweet scent of mint.

Again their footsteps echoed as the walked down the seemingly endless hallway, making Rain start when Legolas' voice cut into her inspections.

"I hope you're pleased with the room my father has chosen for you," he spoke softly, a slight frown of worry on his face.

"I'm sure I will be," Rain replied, slightly distracted by the lavish surroundings. Once again they lapsed into silence and she became aware of a building tension in the set of Legolas' broad shoulders. Uncomfortable with the silence, Rain tried to draw him into conversation, hoping he would reveal the cause of his distress.

"Your father seems to be a very nice person, Legolas," she said, following his long strides with a little difficulty as he walked quickly down the hall.

"Yes, he had always had a kind streak, but he can be fierce and protective of his kingdom and its people. I can only hope that if I am ever called upon to rule that I can follow his example." he replied as he stopped in front a carved doorway.

"This is your room, I am right across the hall if you need me." he said as he gestured to a door behind him. He bent slightly and placed a gentle kiss upon her lips, "Good night Rain."

"Goodnight, Legolas," she replied as she backed into the room, Nanook bounding past her, her worried gaze never leaving Legolas. Without a second glance, he opened his door and vanished inside. Sighing deeply, Rain silently closed her own door and turned around.

Her jaw dropped as her eyes took in the elegance of the massive room. Muted light from an unknown source shone gently against the glossy walls and floor. Dark green silken drapes hung at the window, open slightly to allow entrance to the soft breeze. Elaborate golden tables and a matching armoire sat around the room, a settee lounging just in front of the open balcony in the far wall. But that was not what claimed Rain's attention, nor that of the stunned dog. It was the bed.

Rain had never seen anything so huge. She was sure it was far beyond king sized as she walked slowly across the room. The golden canopy soared into the muted darkness of the room, the silken green drapes fluttering gently in the warm breeze.

Nanook stood next to the bed, a look of hope in his eyes. He whined softly as his eyes flicked up to his master. Rain tentatively touched the coverlet, her fingers caressing the cool silk. Pushing against the mattress, she was not surprised to find it soft and inviting. Suddenly she felt exhausted.

Suppressing a yawn, she began to drag off her dirty clothes. She didn't even mind the silken gown of the purest silver which waited for her at the foot of the bed. Shaking out her braid, she carefully pulled back the covered and slipped between the cool sheets with a sigh. Laying her head against the soft pillow, she stretched out her legs, and gently patted the bed beside her.

Nanook jumped up carefully and settled against her back. Reaching behind her, she caressed his fur as the both slipped away into a deep sleep. The last thing she heard was the contented sigh from Nanook.

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A/N: Well, let me know what you think so far? Rain is finally in Legolas's territory and feeling, well a little intimidated I would think. So, let's see what shall happen while they are in Mirkwood. . . .

Thanks for reading ~ DBZ Vegeta