"So what do you want with us?" Fathiel asked bluntly.
The ice elf simply smiled and gestured the other southern elven children around him suddenly moving as he walked through them. Curious as to what had just happened, but without other direction Fathiel fell into step behind the foreign elven child following the fall of icy hair a pearl of bleached paleness in the soft fall of browns.
The beach was empty in moments only their guide and four other southern children dutifully guiding them farther and farther from the city. He followed silently, knowing that Legolas was in turn following him with an equally cautious step.
He had known Legolas only a short while before they had become friends. They saw in each other themselves and it made them partners in almost everything. He had been with the boarder group long before the heir to the throne decided that he was going to live the years instead merely watching them.
They had accepted the kings heir with evident unease. He had long known of the Prince, there had been a celebration throughout the land when he was named heir to a kingdom whose ruler never intended to give up the throne. Still it was a momentous event and the regal figure in silver and fern green crowned with the circlet of silver leaves seemed as high as the king himself, untouchable. There would be a great commotion should he take hurt while part of their group.
However it became evident that although Prince Legolas had never been in a boundary group before his skills were far from lacking. He excelled in all skills even remotely related to hunting and many others that time had allowed him to learn and blood had enabled him to acquire. It had been a great surprise to the group to find that he was the most learned among them when it came to healing as well. Yet for all his attributes he was quiet, solemn and there was that decisiveness about him that even Holil, the group's leader gave credit to. Listening to the softly spoken advice when it was given.
He was the closest in character to the prince though, so their bond formed strongest between all other friendships. Legolas would often make choices that he would, and vice versa also. The proverb that read 'if you want something done, do it yourself.' Was ineffective when it concerned them. For if Legolas needed something done or he needed something done they could just as easily send the other and almost the exact same decisions would be made. He understood the prince best by understanding himself.
When Legolas nearly fell off the flet while the group of southerners passed beneath he knew that something was different. Indeed he knew exactly what was different for when he had caught sight of Lilluil he had been quite distracted by her presence himself. But it was a passing sensation, a whim he already had found his heart. When he followed his friend though, to find him tenderly kissing the southern maiden it was beyond evident that Legolas was deeply enraptured. Knowing that Legolas, like himself would try to hide the connection as much as possible due to the political issues he announced it to the group where Legolas couldn't deny it. It had done them all a favor.
With Legolas fully focused on the abduction it took them less than a day to set up a flawless plan. The tactical mind that was honed by the most renowned strategists in the realm was something that even he couldn't match. It was almost fascinating watching the Prince discuss his idea aloud verbally fixing the problems, working out the exact positions timing and even arranging it so it would be he that led her away. He had great respect for the Prince that day.
The following days he had seen more of the Legolas that he suspected existed than he had in the last hundred years. Excitement at finding her, anticipation of the capture, depression following her stony rejection logical panic when she escaped, fear when they didn't find her relief when they did. The royal indifference that had secluded him was torn away in one great moment and these last few weeks the heir seemed more elven than ever before, on the same level as he not the ethereal Prince that he had always been. He wasn't sure if he ought to thank Lilluil for releasing Legolas emotions at last or scorn her for tearing away the invincible image Legolas had portrayed.
Since that day they had followed the group of southerners everything had changed. From normal scouting to an ice elf child. The chest high boy with hair that shamed the whitest of cloth and skin pale enough to rival the dead. Eyes the chilly depths of glaciers. It was little wonder they were referred to as ice elves. But what would an ice elf be doing so far south? Even Legolas appeared surprised and if an elf from the farthest north had passed through their domain which they would have had to in order to get to the south the Prince would have been informed. It was very strange and mildly frightening. The ice elves only came south when their skill of purifying was needed, for fighting the dark.
The lands were still healing from the downfall of the dark lord. Another uprising of the dark could crush the lands completely. The ice elves hadn't even sent a representative when the ring was to be destroyed. This new turn of events was something that would require much thought, and consideration.
They traveled into the forest and then halted in a small secluded alcove against one of the large rough boulders that sloped inwards from the ocean. The ice elf walked right in and planted himself into the rock sitting easily on a slight outcropping, his arms resting on lateral ledges. It was a natural imposing throne a few feet off the ground so he was eye level with the taller northern elves, a tactical trick that Fathiel recognized and Legolas used when it suited him. A political trick. He was only mildly surprised that the young elf knew of it.
"I am Parthoel, I'll answer your questions now that we won't be overheard."
I was obvious the lesser between us who was skilled at inquiry so Legolas spoke. "Who are you exactly?"
"Third child of Tession and Linuwen, first apprentice to the Master Librarian, second class prophecy translator and secondary master ambassador."
"Why are you here, in the south without the knowledge of the southern or northern hierarchy?"
"It is far simpler to travel incognito and it aides my current task much more than a public appearance. As for the why, I am here to right a wrong and my cousin invited me."
"Your cousin.?"
"Simvynel first daughter of Luineroth and Inneil"
"The problem you are here to correct is what?"
"Firstly to aide in clearing the remaining taint that was left by the dark forces and secondly the younger daughter of Luineroth and Inneil was promised to us indefinitely."
He flinched and glanced at Legolas who didn't seem to register the comment as anything more than a remark about the weather. It was times like these that he could sense the royal blood seeping through into his personality, the firmness with which he could stand and the confidence, the utter assurance that he was infallible. It lent emanated poise and he returned his attention with renewed composure.
"Would you care to elaborate on those?" Legolas asked mildly.
Parthoel cocked his head slightly. "The lingering taint of the darkness still impedes much of the land south of our realm and our king in a stroke of generosity decided to send forth those of us who had talent and capabilities for healing the land, gardeners basically. As for the latter, in accordance with her father and mother's wishes she was to travel to our realm to be apprenticed by our master weaver for various cloth and needlework matters."
"And you are here to collect her." Legolas confirmed.
"Among the other things, yes." He nodded.
"So which of those other things are we required for you don't need our help for either of the two."
"Quite right actually. You'll aide in a third objective that I'm also engaging in."
"That would be what?"
"A creature of the darkness escaped past our realm some weeks ago and I tracked it down here. Just in case I'll have the two of you to distract it while I dispel it."
Legolas's cool composure didn't even break under that news, calmly watching the ice elf with complete control. "What manner of creature are we dealing with?"
"Spectral I believe it may be able to travel physically for short periods of time but normally we have to expel from one of our own. We can sense it with our brand of magic but neither the north nor the south have the capabilities don't even try to assume humans can do anything concerning them. I followed the trail of sickness that it lead down to the south, conveniently I was going in the same direction."
"Why haven't you informed the southern aristocracy?" Legolas asked. "Surly their knowledge and help would only benefit your search this seems rather ill planned for one who poses to be so intelligent as you."
His diplomatic smile disappeared behind the cool solemn mask of experience. "The southerners are not completely happy with our magic, although it is true it can only harm the dark it is neither pleasant to watch, inflict or receive. It is actually our personal believe that you, the northern elves were the only elves that inherited magic that didn't require a toll of the caster."
"So what would you need us for then exactly."
"To hold the possessed individual still while I used my power or to distract it so I could get close enough again to use my power."
"We are not on best terms with the southern elves right now. I don't know if we would be the best for this task."
Parthoel didn't blink. "I have discussed this with the southern children who can feel it for they are purest among elves, it is not something we have time to neatly plan out. And if you are not on best terms with the southerners then you will do a better job of watching out for them for my presence too is unknown and most likely unwelcome however graciously they'd receive me."
The ice elf simply smiled and gestured the other southern elven children around him suddenly moving as he walked through them. Curious as to what had just happened, but without other direction Fathiel fell into step behind the foreign elven child following the fall of icy hair a pearl of bleached paleness in the soft fall of browns.
The beach was empty in moments only their guide and four other southern children dutifully guiding them farther and farther from the city. He followed silently, knowing that Legolas was in turn following him with an equally cautious step.
He had known Legolas only a short while before they had become friends. They saw in each other themselves and it made them partners in almost everything. He had been with the boarder group long before the heir to the throne decided that he was going to live the years instead merely watching them.
They had accepted the kings heir with evident unease. He had long known of the Prince, there had been a celebration throughout the land when he was named heir to a kingdom whose ruler never intended to give up the throne. Still it was a momentous event and the regal figure in silver and fern green crowned with the circlet of silver leaves seemed as high as the king himself, untouchable. There would be a great commotion should he take hurt while part of their group.
However it became evident that although Prince Legolas had never been in a boundary group before his skills were far from lacking. He excelled in all skills even remotely related to hunting and many others that time had allowed him to learn and blood had enabled him to acquire. It had been a great surprise to the group to find that he was the most learned among them when it came to healing as well. Yet for all his attributes he was quiet, solemn and there was that decisiveness about him that even Holil, the group's leader gave credit to. Listening to the softly spoken advice when it was given.
He was the closest in character to the prince though, so their bond formed strongest between all other friendships. Legolas would often make choices that he would, and vice versa also. The proverb that read 'if you want something done, do it yourself.' Was ineffective when it concerned them. For if Legolas needed something done or he needed something done they could just as easily send the other and almost the exact same decisions would be made. He understood the prince best by understanding himself.
When Legolas nearly fell off the flet while the group of southerners passed beneath he knew that something was different. Indeed he knew exactly what was different for when he had caught sight of Lilluil he had been quite distracted by her presence himself. But it was a passing sensation, a whim he already had found his heart. When he followed his friend though, to find him tenderly kissing the southern maiden it was beyond evident that Legolas was deeply enraptured. Knowing that Legolas, like himself would try to hide the connection as much as possible due to the political issues he announced it to the group where Legolas couldn't deny it. It had done them all a favor.
With Legolas fully focused on the abduction it took them less than a day to set up a flawless plan. The tactical mind that was honed by the most renowned strategists in the realm was something that even he couldn't match. It was almost fascinating watching the Prince discuss his idea aloud verbally fixing the problems, working out the exact positions timing and even arranging it so it would be he that led her away. He had great respect for the Prince that day.
The following days he had seen more of the Legolas that he suspected existed than he had in the last hundred years. Excitement at finding her, anticipation of the capture, depression following her stony rejection logical panic when she escaped, fear when they didn't find her relief when they did. The royal indifference that had secluded him was torn away in one great moment and these last few weeks the heir seemed more elven than ever before, on the same level as he not the ethereal Prince that he had always been. He wasn't sure if he ought to thank Lilluil for releasing Legolas emotions at last or scorn her for tearing away the invincible image Legolas had portrayed.
Since that day they had followed the group of southerners everything had changed. From normal scouting to an ice elf child. The chest high boy with hair that shamed the whitest of cloth and skin pale enough to rival the dead. Eyes the chilly depths of glaciers. It was little wonder they were referred to as ice elves. But what would an ice elf be doing so far south? Even Legolas appeared surprised and if an elf from the farthest north had passed through their domain which they would have had to in order to get to the south the Prince would have been informed. It was very strange and mildly frightening. The ice elves only came south when their skill of purifying was needed, for fighting the dark.
The lands were still healing from the downfall of the dark lord. Another uprising of the dark could crush the lands completely. The ice elves hadn't even sent a representative when the ring was to be destroyed. This new turn of events was something that would require much thought, and consideration.
They traveled into the forest and then halted in a small secluded alcove against one of the large rough boulders that sloped inwards from the ocean. The ice elf walked right in and planted himself into the rock sitting easily on a slight outcropping, his arms resting on lateral ledges. It was a natural imposing throne a few feet off the ground so he was eye level with the taller northern elves, a tactical trick that Fathiel recognized and Legolas used when it suited him. A political trick. He was only mildly surprised that the young elf knew of it.
"I am Parthoel, I'll answer your questions now that we won't be overheard."
I was obvious the lesser between us who was skilled at inquiry so Legolas spoke. "Who are you exactly?"
"Third child of Tession and Linuwen, first apprentice to the Master Librarian, second class prophecy translator and secondary master ambassador."
"Why are you here, in the south without the knowledge of the southern or northern hierarchy?"
"It is far simpler to travel incognito and it aides my current task much more than a public appearance. As for the why, I am here to right a wrong and my cousin invited me."
"Your cousin.?"
"Simvynel first daughter of Luineroth and Inneil"
"The problem you are here to correct is what?"
"Firstly to aide in clearing the remaining taint that was left by the dark forces and secondly the younger daughter of Luineroth and Inneil was promised to us indefinitely."
He flinched and glanced at Legolas who didn't seem to register the comment as anything more than a remark about the weather. It was times like these that he could sense the royal blood seeping through into his personality, the firmness with which he could stand and the confidence, the utter assurance that he was infallible. It lent emanated poise and he returned his attention with renewed composure.
"Would you care to elaborate on those?" Legolas asked mildly.
Parthoel cocked his head slightly. "The lingering taint of the darkness still impedes much of the land south of our realm and our king in a stroke of generosity decided to send forth those of us who had talent and capabilities for healing the land, gardeners basically. As for the latter, in accordance with her father and mother's wishes she was to travel to our realm to be apprenticed by our master weaver for various cloth and needlework matters."
"And you are here to collect her." Legolas confirmed.
"Among the other things, yes." He nodded.
"So which of those other things are we required for you don't need our help for either of the two."
"Quite right actually. You'll aide in a third objective that I'm also engaging in."
"That would be what?"
"A creature of the darkness escaped past our realm some weeks ago and I tracked it down here. Just in case I'll have the two of you to distract it while I dispel it."
Legolas's cool composure didn't even break under that news, calmly watching the ice elf with complete control. "What manner of creature are we dealing with?"
"Spectral I believe it may be able to travel physically for short periods of time but normally we have to expel from one of our own. We can sense it with our brand of magic but neither the north nor the south have the capabilities don't even try to assume humans can do anything concerning them. I followed the trail of sickness that it lead down to the south, conveniently I was going in the same direction."
"Why haven't you informed the southern aristocracy?" Legolas asked. "Surly their knowledge and help would only benefit your search this seems rather ill planned for one who poses to be so intelligent as you."
His diplomatic smile disappeared behind the cool solemn mask of experience. "The southerners are not completely happy with our magic, although it is true it can only harm the dark it is neither pleasant to watch, inflict or receive. It is actually our personal believe that you, the northern elves were the only elves that inherited magic that didn't require a toll of the caster."
"So what would you need us for then exactly."
"To hold the possessed individual still while I used my power or to distract it so I could get close enough again to use my power."
"We are not on best terms with the southern elves right now. I don't know if we would be the best for this task."
Parthoel didn't blink. "I have discussed this with the southern children who can feel it for they are purest among elves, it is not something we have time to neatly plan out. And if you are not on best terms with the southerners then you will do a better job of watching out for them for my presence too is unknown and most likely unwelcome however graciously they'd receive me."