Aeweth could never begin to think of a way to repay her brother for his kindness. He'd finally granted her his permission to travel to Lothlórien and to stay within the Golden Wood for an extended period. For as long as she could remember, Aeweth had wished with everything within herself to be able to go to the foreign Elven realm. It was there that she wished to study the ancient tomes that she could not see anywhere else. With the Lady Galadriel gone, there were only a few beings remaining that even wished to read such things. Aeweth had always dreamed of being able to heal and to be knowledgeable in the histories of their world.
Knowing that she even had the slightest chance at her dreams coming true, Aeweth found herself rather excited though forced herself to remain composed before those she was traveling with. Her brother had sent several guards to escort her, though they would return once she was safely with the small group that was supposed to be meeting them at the border. The only other Elf that had joined Aeweth on her journey was her maid, Melda. The maid was Aeweth's closest thing to a friend. Aeweth had asked the younger Elf to join her, not wanting to leave her behind.
Legolas had been far too kind to Aeweth. Though, the Princess knew that he had just wanted her out of Mirkwood. As of late, it had become quite obvious that the older Elf was growing power hungry. Aeweth had begun questioning him when they were alone and they had quickly gotten into arguments over their discussion. It was only a few weeks later that Legolas had brought up the trip. Aeweth had not cared what his reasons were but she was happy.
She had been informed that Haldir would be meeting them at the border. Aeweth suspected that the King had asked his friend to watch over her. Not that she minded. She'd always liked Haldir. Though many thought him rather cold..he'd never been that way with her. As a child, Aeweth would often ask him of the battles he'd been in or any other stories that he knew. That had been when her Atar had not been able to see her Naneth every time he looked at her.
Aeweth had not seen Haldir since those times. Once her father had begun seeing his deceased wife in Aeweth's face, their time spent together son came to an end. She'd heard of the Battle at Helms Deep. Her brother had told her what had happened there. Of how close to death Haldir had come. She was quick to push those thoughts from her mind.
The Princess was currently sitting atop her horse, Gilroch. She rode, surrounded by guards with Melda slightly behind her. The two women had been fairly silent for most of the day. Aeweth's mind had been far too preoccupied to speak with anyone. "My Princess, the border approaches."
Aeweth had to admit that at hearing those words she became slightly nervous. She straightened out invisible creases in her dress. She then made sure that her long hair looked presentable as well. She tried to convince herself that she needed to represent her realm.
Within a few minutes, they'd reached the border. The small group from Mirkwood brought their horses to a stop. Aeweth knew that they would have to get all the normal pleasantries out of the way before they could continue on to Caras Galadhon. One of her guards approached Haldir, giving the other Elf a slight bow. They spoke for a moment and Aeweth was glad that she was hidden from the older Elf. However, that did not last long. Soon, the guards were moving out of the way. Aeweth moved her horse forward, coming to stop before Haldir. Her blue eyes took him in, eyeing him. "Greetings to you, Marchwarden. The King sends his regards and would like to thank you for allowing me to stay within your realm."
She was being formal with him. Acting as if she'd never met him before. However, she suddenly smiled at him slightly. She nudged her horse into a slow walk, moving past the older Elf. She knew that if he followed her suddenly, then her brother had asked him to watch her. She was curious. However, she allowed her gaze to rise to the trees above them. It had been far too long since last she'd visited this beautiful place. Aeweth found herself wanting to speak with Haldir though had no idea what to say to him. Melda soon appeared off to her side, eyeing the Princess. Aeweth knew that her maid would likely ask her what was wrong..at least they would be in private before that would happen.
It had been so hard for him to send Aeweth to Lothlórien. However, he could not have her getting angry with him for his current plans. He had far too much to worry about without having to worry for her as well. Which is what had led Legolas to offer to send her to the Golden Wood. At first, he'd simply written to Haldir. He'd asked the older Elf how safe their realm was right now, where his sister would stay, and if the Marchwarden would watch over Aeweth. Only once he'd received a letter from Haldir back had he finally confirmed the trip with his sister.
The way her face had lit up had made it worth it. He'd been more than happy to give her what she wanted. Legolas knew that she'd been trying to get their father to allow it for a long time. With Aeweth gone from Mirkwood, Legolas could not concentrate on more pressing matters. He turned from the railing on the balcony, heading back into the palace. There were many within the large palace but..it seemed almost empty inside. Without his sister's light, he was alone.
He pushed the thought from his mind, quickly making his way to the throne room. He took a seat, relaxing into the large seat. It still amazed him that he was now King. His Atar had stepped down, wanting to have some time to cope with all that had happened. The darkness that had tried to take over the world had taken its toll on the older Elf. Currently, his Atar had taken to locking himself within his rooms. Legolas had tried speaking to the older Elf but to no avail.
However, he planned to continue trying. It was his hope that by the time Aeweth returned to Mirkwood that their Atar would be moving about the Palace and would want to see his daughter. Legolas was not blind. He knew that his Atar did not bother much with the youngest of their family..and he knew why. Even Legolas could see their Naneth in Aeweth's appearance. He just wasn't bothered by it in the same way that the former King was.
That morning, Legolas saw quite a few different beings. The most important, though, was the Captain of the Guard. Legolas sent all from the throne room save for his Captain. They remained alone together for a long time. Legolas was wanting his Elves to push farther into neighboring land. He wanted more...no. Needed more power..and he would have it.
The Elven King suddenly rose from his seat. "You will bring news of victory to me...or you are not to return at all. This is a most important task that I have given you. Do not fail me." Legolas walked off then, knowing that he would have his victory soon. The King walked slowly through the Palace. He did not have any other plans for the day. Something he was glad of.
It had been some time since he'd had any free time. Legolas made his way through the more..unused routes in the Palace. He felt no need to be found by anyone right then. He soon found himself in the Royal Garden. It was a beautiful area, surrounded by trees and brightly colored flowers. The King moved slowly, taking in the scenery. He and Aeweth would often take strolls together through the beautiful area.
It was relaxing, something that he needed. Legolas suddenly found himself at the small pool of water that was filled with fish. He stopped at the edge, looking down. His Naneth had been the one that had filled the pool..had kept this garden beautiful. After her passing, Aeweth had taken it upon herself to oversee its caretaking. With her gone now, he would need someone else to do that. He could not bear to see the Garden wither away.
It was something he would set about looking into later on in the day. A look of deep concentration suddenly graced his features. The path that he was now going down would not be an easy one. It was a path that he would have to walk down alone. Yet, if anyone could do it..it was Legolas.
He suddenly sunk to the ground, landing on knees. He continued watching the water. How much easier life was before he'd become King. Now, he had so much more to worry about. Not that he truly minded. He rather enjoyed his new position but it was tiring. Of course, he also missed adventuring as he had with Aragorn and Gimli. Perhaps in the near future he'd be able to get away to visit with them..and perhaps he'd be able to see his sister as well. He would see.