The SONGS of SPRING

BEHIND BARS

Legolas hurried back to main hall, he must get to Beren and pull him out of the crowd somehow. He should not see the girl at all or his plan could turn sour, but just before he entered the main door someone called his attention and he halted.

'Ernil Legolas!'

Legolas wasn't surprised to hear Galdohir's voice somewhere near a corner. Wearing gray cloak that came from Lothlorien he stood invisible to unwary eyes, yet Legolas could see his faint gray shape standing beside his hound.

'Is he gone?'

'It pains me to tell a lie but yes, Beren went off as soon as I told him Safirah was in trouble.'

'And did he believe you?'

'Every word.' Galdohir stepped out of the shadow and came forward. 'Beren is a dangerous man Legolas, I do not wish to see my daughter suffer again. If you are to ask, I am thinking of taking Safirah back to Meere where she can be safe.'

'You know I cannot let that happen.'

'But what would you do, I cannot guess.' Galdohir pleaded. 'The dawn of Men has come, rebels are growing bolder in the North and East, and my daughter is plotting to kill you. I will not risk and let her be.'

'I will find a way.'

And he turned his back and entered the hall. Inside the King's hall the show was about to end. At length he stood from afar watching Raen dance  in her deep blue and silvery dress until the music slowly faded away. He made his way through the crowd and sat beside King Aragorn, who had been very pleased since the start of the show. As the noble guests started to leave their seats, Legolas whispered his thoughts to the King. It was no later when the King called Curumir the Mummer and asked a favor the later couldn't have denied.

The night was deep and the King's throne room was almost empty, save King Aragorn who was sitting on his high white throne, below him stood Legolas on his silvery robe. Two guards came holding back a handcuffed  woman dressed in black, she was disrobed of her blue skirt and silvery mantle. King Aragorn's eyes were fixed to her, until the guards brought her to her knees and she stumbled to the floor.

'It this the woman you talked about?' he asked. Legolas stirred to help Raen stand in which she pridefully refused.

'Yes, my Lord.'

'She is an Elf!'  King Aragorn stood and took careful steps down his throne.

'Half an Elf,' Raen declared with all his wits. 'Pardon me your Majesty, but I deserved to know why I am summoned at this very late hour.'

'I've heard rumors.' King Aragorn held his thoughts as he finally reached the bottom of the stairs.

He circled round her, searching for clues that could prove she was the same woman he was told about - a vicious dragonrider who burned an impenetrable colony and the one who dared to mock the great Elving King Thranduil. And the deeper he think of it the more he couldn't believe - for what he saw was a young woman slim and fair skinned, graceful and sublimely beautiful. Yet when their glances meet she would cast her face away to hide the resentment in her pale lavender eyes, and he couldn't help but wonder if this woman was capable of something more than she appears to be.

At last King Aragorn halted in front of her, he gave Legolas a sideway look and a faint smile.

'This is Legolas Greenleaf, son of King Thranduil of Eryn Lasgalen, Lord of the Elves in South Ithilien. It came to my ears that you came from the North, your employer told us so.'

Raen stood stone still, breathing long and tucking her hands to her side.

'Few days ago the guards pursued two rebels across the Townlands, one was captured the other one was pierced by an arrow and escaped by the river. Rumors of this other rebel reached my ears and she has entered Minas Tirith to free her rebel friend.' Aragorn lifted her chin with his thumb and with a sober tone he added, 'tell me you are not her.'

Raen gasped, looking into his eyes she knew she was doomed but just before she could utter a word Legolas spoke.

'Let me take the truth out of her, my Lord. She is confused and afraid, it is too early to make hasty judgement.'

'Very well,' King Aragorn released her. 'I shall leave her to you. Five days is all you have to capture this rebel and bring her to me.' He stepped aside and slowly climbed back to his throne. 'I hope not to ask you again,' he said to Raen.

Legolas took Raen out of the Throne Hall and into the dungeons. She scanned every cell they walk passed by hoping to see Beren but empty cells came after another and she despaired. A guard opened her cell but Legolas insisted he should give them time to discuss. Raen was silent, gazing at the Elflord as he unlocks her handcuffs.

'After entertaining the crowd, this is how Gondorians treat a woman?' Raen hissed as Legolas pushed her  behind the iron bars. 'Curse you Elf!' Driven by anger Raen cussed some more, shouting many insults as Legolas walks away.

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A/N

Why is he locking her up? Legolas surely has a better idea in mind. And where is Beren? The next chapters will tell you so.. Happy reading :)