Chapter 11: Chapter 11

And then Mistril found herself in front of Thranduil's room. He was inside for sure, or he was on his mighty stage of stone, sipping on his precious wine. But it was quite late for a drink even for him.

Preparing herself mentally, she knocked twice. A clear yet tired voice allowed her to enter and Mistril gaped at the sight. He was dressed only in a tunic that reached his knees and still it was a very interesting sight. Looking up at his face, his crown was missing and his hair was slightly pulled up. He was getting ready to sleep or maybe for a bath but whatever that was, he was glowing in her eyes.

Mistril could feel her heartbeat again, so fast and loud that she hoped Thranduil couldn't hear it. She swallowed nervously and took a step forward. It was such a difference between king Thranduil and the elf Thranduil that it always took Mistril aback.

"What is so important that you had to come to my room for?" He asked in the usual sassy manner.

"Um- well, I wanted to report on my activities for the day and some other stuff..." It sounded a lot like a child's banter rather than a serious adult. 

Thranduil raised an eyebrow curiously. Her eyes were wandering all over the room yet not on him. It was intriguing how she could act so nonchalant whenever she wanted something, talking to the king as if he was her friend, and then whenever they'd meet in the halls or outside in the forest, she'd blabber like an elfling. Although he had watched her closely for the past years, she never gave a glimpse of her true self until recently.  

"Well? What's so important that it cannot wait until morning?" He asked sounding more and more annoyed even if he wasn't.

"I entered the fortress, as you know already. Someone was there, someone who I believe was expecting the orcs." She started hoping Tudor's report involved that detail, "I haven't had any memories disturbing me granted to Hinnorbes and her mixture. I have gone to Gaebern's store several times even after you ordered me not to and I have been going around the kingdom doing everything that you told me not to. I won't apologize, though." Again she finished without adding any type of word of respect for the king. 

"And? Did you come here to get yourself punished for your lack of proper behavior?" Thranduil was losing his patience although it was rather amusing seeing her act so unguarded.

"I'm sure Glorfindel's stories did not change your perspective over me so I want to inform you that he asked me to go with him to Imladris," she said, having this little grain of expectancy. For what exactly, it was hard to say. Maybe understanding or maybe finally sincerity from the doubtful Elvenking.  

The truth was that Thranduil was surprised by the news but kept himself in check.

"And I suppose you have already made your choice. Why come and inform me then? You should go and see Legolas. I'm sure it will break his heart." He said in an icy tone as he looked at her with cold grey eyes.

"I don't mean to do so! Legolas is a wise elf, he will understand why I have to do this." She said feeling really bad now that he mentioned the prince.

"Will he?" 

"We both know you don't trust me so you send me only to dangerous places around the kingdom. No elf goes patrolling in the south, except for me and Faervel." She pointed out the truth. "I am also the only one sent to inspect Dol Guldur and your suspicion only draws the suspicion of the other wood elves. I appreciate their efforts to make me feel welcomed but I am still just a stranger." 

Thranduil's cold façade melted as he listened to her. She wasn't as dense as he believed, on the contrary, she was aware of every detail concerning her status in the kingdom.

"I do not know much of Lord Elrond but Glorfindel will gladly accept me for who I am." She said particularly emphasizing what she knew would piss Thranduil off. "I'm just glad I could prove to you that I treasure Legolas just as much as you do."

"What will you tell Legolas, then? That you'll leave him as soon as someone from your past appeared? That you care for him and yet still abandon him?"

"Legolas is not a child anymore." She hissed, taking a step closer. "When you care about someone, you respect them and their decisions and you only wish for them to be happy." 

For a moment she saw real raw emotion in Thranduil's eyes. He seemed angry and he was almost regretting what he said before. Yet he couldn't help but still doubt her. 

"Do whatever you want. You were never a prisoner in Greenwood, you can leave and return as you desire." He said, looking into those green eyes of hers with so much intensity that even Mistril was confused. Was he being nice or was he just eager to get rid of her? 

---

In the days that followed, the rumor that Mistril was to leave Greenwood spread like fire throughout the kingdom. Her presence wasn't important for most wood elves, she barely knew half of them and most were warriors that she had direct contact with but the rest, the elves at court or the ones having no relationship with the army, she didn't know.

Legolas got mad for approximately two days before he understood family was important and Glorfindel was like a brother to her. He could also understand her position in the kingdom and how it was only natural for Mistril to follow the only person with whom she had any type of connection.

Miluinir stood by her side at all costs and the king let her do whatever she wanted without repercussions. On the day that Mistril left Greenwood, it rained cats and dogs. However, many soldiers and healers came to say their farewell including Gweluven whose feelings were mixed.

"Are you sure it is better to leave? What if there is a higher reason for you to be here?" the healer asked looking at her with skepticism.

"If the Valar plans for me to return, then I will. For now, it's best for me to leave," she answered, finding it impossible to hide her smile.

It wasn't often that Gweluven showed any type of acceptance and understanding for elves outside Greenwood and seeing just how worried he was made her feel like she truly lived happily for a while.

Faervel did not say a word and he didn't have to. His presence felt more like a friend rather than a commander. Hinnorbes and Miluinir walked up to her and the elleth handed Mistril a few vials containing what she hoped was the mixture that seemed to calm her down and let her sleep. Legolas hugged her tightly and walked with Tudor and Maerdor up to the end of the elven path still not ready to let his companion go. Thranduil wasn't there, he excused himself from the early morning and did not come out of his study.

"We'll meet again." she assured Legolas, "I'm sure you'll become a greater ruler than any of us had seen. Don't lose your purity, Legolas." She said softly, almost tearing up at her own words while looking into his grey eyes.

"We'll meet again one day and you may not even recognize me then." He said his voice on the edge of crying.

"Farewell prince of Greenwood." She said waving at the three skillful wood elves.

"Will she be alright? Even the king seemed uncertain of this sudden change of heart that she had." Maerdor started on their way back to the palace. Legolas sighed for the sixth time in ten minutes but didn't utter a word. "She's a great fighter, it's such a pity she chose to use her skills for Glorfindel."

"She didn't choose to fight for him but to go and experience something new. Just like you and your constant desire to fight, she probably needed a reason to go out in the world. Lord Elrond will give her more freedom than our king would allow." Tudor answered, far too serious compared to his usual loose personality. Then, realizing that he might have said something too provocative while the prince was so gloomy, he added, "King Thranduil couldn't keep her happy here. My prince, you will meet her again and you will see that your father was wise in his decision."

"He wanted her gone anyway." Legolas mumbled grumpily, "He believed she was evil and that she would have only drawn darkness to us."

"Only time will tell," Tudor concluded the discussion, placing a comforting hand on Legolas' back.

---

To Mistril's surprise, Glorfindel did not make the journey to the forest by foot but with the help of a beautiful white horse. Apparently, while fighting the orcs, Glorfindel ordered Asfaloth to ride to Greenwood and wait for him there. He assured her there was no need for another horse because Asfaloth was strong enough to carry them both. That was how she ended up staying in front of him with his arms safely secured around her.

"What's Imladris like?" She asked trying to reassure herself that she took the right decision.

"Peaceful. You will love it there and they will welcome you too. I already sent word to Lord Elrond so everything will be prepared for when we arrive." He sounded incredibly serene for what a change it was for Mistril.

There was silence until Glorfindel looked down at the thoughtful elleth. He tried entering her mind once but it was like a wall well guarded.

"Are you thinking about Legolas? I heard you were his most trusted companion before the king started to send you on tiresome errands." Glorfindel said bemusedly, already imagining the scene.

"He found me in the forest and insisted that I was alive. I will forever be grateful to him." She said looking down at her hands. "You know about my wrists, don't you? I'm sure the Elvenking told you about them."

"He did not, actually. Gweluven is the one that gave me a full report on your state of mind and body. Thranduil only talked to me about state affairs and rumors that have been spreading all through Middle earth. The only time he mentioned you, was after you talked to him about your leave." He replied thinking about the moment Thranduil himself barged into his room with many questions.

"Hello to you too, Elvenking. Yes, I slept well and will soon depart if that's what you want to hear. I do not want to burden you further with my presence now that we have finished our meeting." Glorfindel began, aware that was not what Thranduil wanted. It was rather amusing, seeing the cold king act on impulses. "Or maybe that is not why you are here...?"

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"I hear you will not depart alone. Lady Mistril decided to join you back to Imladris."

"So she did talk to you about it. And? Is there something wrong? I thought it would bring you relief to finally be released of her." Glorfindel continued, his amusement growing as he saw the way Thranduil was looking at him. "Do you not want her gone, maybe?"

"She is the most insufferable elleth I had ever met, she does everything I tell her not to, she does not respect me as a king and she has no manners. Her favorite hobby is to egg me on."  Thranduil explained, sounding very much like Mistril. 

"One would have the impression that you do not want her to leave after speaking so passionately of her," Glorfindel said surprising the king, who seemed to have realized how silly he reacted. "You don't really hate her, do you? You welcomed her in Greenwood, you didn't cast her away even after seeing her marks."

"Legolas cares for her, of course, I couldn't just throw her out. He will miss her greatly and we both know Mistril will not return to him." 

Glorfindel chuckled and placed a friendly hand on Thranduil's shoulder. The king flinched, not happy with this interaction. 

"A strong bond is impossible to break." 

Now that he thought back on it, Glorfindel couldn't help but find both elves a bit childish. Although it was fun teasing them, all those years spent together in the Halls didn't just pass by. Mistril used to pick fights with the ellons that she liked, to the point she always made the wrong impression.  

"And what did he say? Did he jump with joy?" Mistril asked sarcastically making him laugh.

"No, but I think, and this is only my opinion, that he regretted it. He might be doubtful and selfish and overly suspicious but that is how a king should be, especially one who suffered as he did." Glorfindel explained, his voice growing sorrowful, "Maybe one day he will tell you everything. One day you might find that you two have more in common than you expect." 

"What if these green eyes will turn black by then?" She asked, remembering her memories and dreams.

Glorfindel didn't answer but he tightened his grip on the reins. It was a lot more comfortable because, like many other elves, they didn’t use much gear on their horses. There was such a strong bond between the rider and his horse that there was no need to control but just understand one another.

---

From Greenwood to Imladris was quite a distance and yet the journey was shorter than she expected. She was excited to meet what Glorfindel called the Last Homey House of the Eat Sea and its lord. Glorfindel told her much about Elrond and his bravery in the war. He was also a friend to each and every race that needed his counsel, compared to Thranduil who seemed to strongly dislike everyone, especially dwarves.

“He is not the only one but he does seem to have a tendency to overreact over that matter. I heard his business with the dwarves of Erebor did not end well.” Glorfindel commented when she opened up the subject.

By day they would speak about everything and anything and by night Glorfindel could see a change in Mistril’s demeanor. She either had nightmares, or she’d prefer not to sleep at all and train with her daggers, or simply stand by the river and look back at the way they came from.

“What made you decide so fast that you wanted to come with me?” He asked one night.

“You know me,” was her simple answer.

 “So did the people of Greenwood. You opened up to them and they did so in return. They seemed to like you.”

“But the feeling of belonging appeared only when you arrived. It might sound childish but I feel this strong sense of safety and family when I am around you. I’d like to cling onto it for as long as I can.”

Hearing her words, Glorfindel’s eyes softened and he wrapped an arm around her figure. She leaned her head against his chest and listened to his beating heart. It was calming and it reminded her of her father for some reason.

“You must have been alone for a long time.” He said nuzzling his nose into her hair, “I’m sorry. You shouldn’t have gone through such experiences.”

“I suppose more important battles had to be fought. I vanished in the middle of the war and was forced to fight my own battle.”

She was not necessarily blaming Glorfindel anymore. She felt that if she blamed everyone, it would just pull her back to where she escaped from and she didn’t want that. She shuddered at a quick flash of a tall and sinister man in her mind.

“You went inside the fortress as well, haven’t you?” she asked after a quick pause in which she could only hear his steady breathing and the campfire burning.

“I have, yes. It was silent as if something was lurking in the shadows and through the ruins but it could feel me and it hid on purpose. On my way back I met a group of orcs, slightly bigger than the last time I saw some. They were expected, from what I understood.” He explained before he asked, “What did you see in Dol Guldur?”

“Nothing, or maybe it was something. I felt a thick veil of darkness fall over me." She answered, getting quite comfortable in his arms.

“There are rumors about a wizard hiding in the fortress. Men spread them so they may not be accurate. Maybe orcs are invading it for their own pleasures.” He muttered before he glanced at her hands. “Do you remember how you got those?”

“I don’t want to.”

---

The last night before they arrived was particularly strange for Mistril. Glorfindel was sleeping and his horse was resting nearby. She went and placed her feet in the water, looking at her reflection carefully. Her hair used to be long, luscious, and a dark red color. Grabbing a hand through her short locks it felt like her head was lighter and she could fight better. Her eyes narrowed as her mind unveiled yet another painful memory.

She was chained to a wall and she was half naked. Voices were yelling at her but she could hardly hear them. Something hard and cold touched her bareback before it hit her making her scream. It happened a few more times and her screams became louder until she could hardly keep herself awake. It wasn’t just that moment but all those that came before; she has been in there for so long that she could barely remember how her language sounded or how the sun felt on her skin. Water and food were nice dreams for her but there was always a gleam of hope in her eyes. Maybe he will save her. Maybe her hero will come and ease the pain. But darkness was lurking in her heart. Or maybe he won’t, it said. Maybe he is dead or maybe he doesn’t care about a fallen elfling. Why would he? He was a lord while she was the blacksmith’s daughter. She was nothing. Those thoughts ate her soul bit by bit. One final hit sent her into unconsciousness but the orcs were not yet satisfied. They threw muddy water over her face and she did wake up but she didn’t open her eyes.

“Wake her up, wake her up! Come on! I want my turn!” One filthy orc shouted.

“Wait in line! We have enough time. She won’t go anywhere.” Another said.

Those words stung. They were right and she was doomed to infinite torture. Death was too good at that point. No, she was angry. She was broken, disappointed in her own kin and her elvish light diminished to the point it transformed into something else. Mistril’s once deep green eyes became pitch black and she lost all there was that made her an elf.

Mistril opened her eyes and gasped at not only what she saw but also what she felt. So much anger, so much pain and they led her to become a monster.

The wind blew softly and urged her to look up. On the other shore, she noticed someone standing, or hiding in the shadows of the trees. His form was hard to distinguish but his eyes were bright and they were staring at her. Those eyes…

“Daewen,” He whispered making a chill go down her spine. “Daewen.” He repeated that name two more times and the water around her started to boil.

Mistril pulled her legs out and backed away but one glance down and her hands started to burn. She gasped and looked up at him again but he was gone. Or maybe he was never there, to begin with, and this was just another memory. But no, the burning sensation was real and her marks grew darker and more accentuated than before.

Mistril decided to keep that a secret. Nobody could understand it anyway so it was better to keep it all to herself for now. The last day was silent and eventless which let her think freely about what happened. Glorfindel glanced at her every now and then but it was difficult to get a picture of what was going through her mind.

Getting closer to the gates of Imladris, she started to feel nervous. She woke up in Greenwood and her friendship with Legolas kept her there but now she wasn’t so sure. She was awake when Asfaloth slowed down his pace and eventually stopped. Three elves were waiting for them, all dressed in elegant robes with dark long hair that reached their mid-back and quite intimidating in expressions.

Sensing her anxiety, Glorfindel reached out to help her get off the horse. She didn’t even notice when he did so but then again, her eyes were locked on the elves. Very slowly, she used Glorfindel’s help and decided to keep her hands alongside her body at all costs. The elf standing in the middle smiled softly and waited for the two to reach him.

“I’m glad to welcome you to Imladris, Lady Mistril. It’s my pleasure to have another Gondolindrim pass my threshold.” He said in a low yet very comforting tone of voice.

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