Melanira of Doriath - Chapter 7 - The Daemoth

Melanira of Doriath Legolas spun into the room startling Melanira and Haldir who put his hand to his belt..and then realized he was no longer armed. The prince closed the door swiftly but quietly, then beckoned them both around a large cabinet. On the other side was a large alcove which was used to prepare tinctures, poultices and such It was redolent of the scent of lavender, Athelas, honey and an earthy scent she could not identify. Legolas pulled a sheet of paper from his sleeve. "This is it, I haven't had time to look at it yet"! Eagerly they all scanned the paper. Nothing seemed at odds though. Most gifts were the kind of things you would expect, a robe each for Thranduil and Nienna from the Silk weavers Guild, Some fine (extra large) goblets from the Citizens of Laketown ...Legolas smirked at this "Feathering their own nests at the same time I see. The more my father drinks, the more money they make". Next was a Mithril handled knife for Thranduil and a Mithril circlet for the queen from the Dwarves of the Grey Mountains..."Hmm" mused Legolas..this is interesting. It says by the side of this item 'plus commissioned item'..that's interesting I don't remember seeing anything unusual among the gifts, I have seen all these items displayed in the treasury but non extra. " He gazed at Haldir's face but didn't really see him.

"This commission must be the odd gift". Melanira and Haldir glanced at one another "Well" Haldir mused, "if the King had something made by the Dwarves it would have had to be transported and delivered by someone. The Grey Mountains are close by and it would not take long, and, there are few enough of those folk living there still. We could go and ask!" Melanira spoke. "Well, we could start by asking the most obvious person who may know...Nienna!" Haldir looked aghast at this but, before he could speak Melanira put her hand on his arm "I know you are worried about her Haldir, but she knows Thranduil better than any of us except Legolas, and he seems to have taken against his son..no doubt due to the influence of this malign gift" she added swiftly, seeing the pain that crossed Legolas's face."Yes, we must tell Nienna." He sighed "If it comes to the worst we may have to remove her from Mirkwood, and she will go the more willingly, to protect her child , if she is told the truth!"

Legolas Prince of Mirkwood:-With a last sigh he glances over them both, still feeling his own tension growing. What will happen next? He hopes that not everything has changed against him."Gohenno mellyn nin (forgive me my friends) but one question remains, I forgot to tell you something...I told you about the spider attacks and the glimmering eyes which were always present there if a new attack started, do you think that the glimmering eyes, the spiders and the behaviour of my father are related"? Looking more serious he left the room again only to come back again a few minutes later and lays something on the desk, swathed in a scrap of cloth. He pulls it away and a long dark arrow with barbs and blood red and black springs could be seen.

"This arrow was shot at me as the spiders attacked the last time only a few centimetres and it would have directly hit me ,as I turned in the direction where it was shot I only saw a dark clothed person but he disappeared as fast as he appeared...I tried to hunt him but vainly."With a dark look on his face he watched them both."I have never seen such arrows, I tried to find something out about but till today I found nothing and since this day I have the feeling that someone observes our every step, I'm really worried and I fear for my father, I won´t let him get hurt or worse." He was really puzzled about the whole situation and he felt helpless . Never before had such strange things happened in the Mirkwood forest.

Nienna Eryn Lasgalen:-A maid came up to her and bowed "My Queen, Your Father is asking for you. He asked could you meet him in the garden."The maid quickly left .That got her thinking why the garden, Why didn't he come to her chambers. Nienna went to meet him there "Ada,why here and not my chambers?What is so important to get me here alone, tell me please"? Haldir started to explain about Thranduil and the exchange between him and Legolas. The shocked look on her face when Haldir explained that Thranduil had struck Legolas. "Ada,he thinks the world of Legolas. I can't believe he would do something like that but I know you would not tell lies to me. I just can't believe he would do that not to his own ion" Haldir carried on explaining about the wedding gifts and that there is one that they can't find, that as far as they know it could be cursed."What do you mean could be cursed? You think he has been taken over by dark forces"?"Exactly that my little elfling. Have you noticed any changes in him, towards you maybe? I fear for you Nienna and my Grand-ion".

She stood there for a moment taking it all in what he just said"Yes, when I think off it he has been different towards 's been colder, not so loving with me and started sleeping in the other room in our chambers ,that used to be mine before we married" she blushed while telling him this"He says he sleeps in there as not to disturb me. Ada there is something else you are not telling me, isn't there. Please tell it has anything to do with me,my unborn ion,Legolas or Thranduil,I need to know". Haldir tell her about his fears for his Grand-ion. Nienna stood there in shock when it dawned on her tears started to fall"You think they could be something wrong with him?Oh Ada i couldn't bear that". She placed a hand on her pregnant belly. Haldir went and cuddled her "We just don't know,it may be that what is affecting Thranduil could affect him may need you to leave Mirkwood"."Leave? Why? You will need my help to find this thing that Thranduil is hiding. He will not find it so strange me searching our chambers. I can always make some excuse up but not just anyone can do that and you want Legolas to stay away from him. If it comes to the worse then i will leave to protect my ion. Just give me some time Ada to search my chambers if i can't find it Thranduil must have it on him but give me time to find out".

Legolas Prince of Mirkwood:-After he has departed from Melanira for the day he went out in the gardens and found his friends Haldir and Nienna. They both looked at him a little confused as he appeared. "Mellyn nin, Gohenno (my friends I apologize) for disturbing you both I will leave you directly but may I have a word with you"? He received a short nod from Haldir and a light smile from Nienna and started to explain to them."I talked to Melanira then I sent her to rest because it´s late and everyone of us had a hard day, I only wanted to tell you that we should maybe meet tomorrow again, it would be helpful if you can find out something Nienna. I trust you and I need your help as well". Apologetically glancing at her he bows lightly with all his respect for her."I will going to rest too. I don´t feel well and I think Haldir mellon nin (my friend) you should do the same, you deserve it" lowering his voice he continues talking" I think we shall meet tomorrow in the early afternoon to talk about our next action, I will arrive there a bit earlier. You know the western part of my father´s palace? If you go there you will find a secluded room, In silver, a big feature of the white elk of the king is depicted, it´s easy to find trust we will meet" Looking from Haldir to Nienna he adds."The room is empty for some years now, no one will enter it and it´s also unguarded, the perfect place for us".

With a sad look he watches them both as he tries to smile gently way" I'm proud that I can you both call friends, without you I would be doomed and sorry for my situation, see you tomorrow mellyn nin, (my friends) rest well ". Amicably he put his hand on Haldir´s shoulder and pressed it before he leaves ,nodding at Nienna he left them both, as he left and them before entering the palace again he felt the same dark feeling like a few days before. He stopped and turned around searching with his eyes for anything and only a second he discovered the same red eyes again which bored through him as the attack of the spiders happened. He blinked and narrowed his eyes, his hands on the hilts of his daggers, but as he looked again in the same direction the eyes had finally disappeared. Legolas shook his head and made his way to his chambers, his heart beating faster, he feels really unwell and thinks he may be hallucinating.

Haldir O Lórien:-After Legolas left ,he turn to Nienna hugged her and kissed her forehead with soft words "Boe annin gwad(I must go) be careful Henig nin (my child) we do not know anything yet for sure, but please do nothing to put you self in danger. No galu govad gen (May blessings go with you) ...with you and my grand-ion".She kissed his cheek"I promise I will be careful, do not worry for us. You have enough on your mind Ada. Be careful too, as you said you still do not know how dangerous the situation is. Belain na le Ada (The Valar be with you). He anxiously watched her leaving and then with a sigh went to the dungeon. He was hoping that he will be able to overcome his anger and will not kill Bolg when he arrived there without any evidence of his guilt. When he got there, he sat down on a stone bench, leaned against the wall and tried to sleep. But serious thought did not give him peace, nor sleep, no matter how much he tried. Bolg was sleeping peacefully unaware of the danger that hung over his head. With a hard struggle with himself, Haldir managed to overcome his anger, so they both greeted the morning alive.

With relief he greeted the familiar voice in his mind, when he was called by his lady. He closed his eyes and opened his mind to tell her everything he'd found out. After all eternity or so it seemed to him, he finally heard her voice in his mind again"It is a very dangerous situation Haldir. You all have to be careful with it. I'll try to find out the truth of what is happening there. Meanwhile you can try to find out which is the gift in question and who has delivered it. Dark power may be there and I do not think that Dwarves have anything to do with it. I will contact you again as soon as possible...and Haldir, take back your weapons. It is not wise to be without them in a situation when you do not know who is friend and who is not"."I will Hiril vuin" (beloved lady) he answered in his mind, and she broke contact with him. He looked at Bolg who just woke up and started stretching and then the guards who brought them food. He silently thanked him with slight nod, but he was to worried to eat."You kept your word" he said to Bolg as he walked out from the cell, but turned to him and met his gaze "Thank you for that and I ask you again to stay here as I have to leave again". Bolg just shook his hand with the words "Just go,I do not care if you are here or not. I said I will be here and I will not break my word". "As you wish"said Haldir coldly, but for a moment before he turned, Bolg had seen is his eyes covert respect.

Nienna Eryn Lasgalen:-She went back to her chambers to search for the gift. The first place she went to was the room Thranduil was now occupying. She thought it was best to start there before he came back. She searched all the obvious places but found nothing. She went to the room she so recently shared with him and searched all the places she could think of. Even the hidden compartment that Thranduil had shown her but again she came up with nothing. She went to the sitting area of the chambers. As she was searching she felt someone watching her and when she turned Thranduil was there watching her "My love I am silly. I have misplaced a ring you got me. I was searching this cabinet to see if it was here".

He looked at her so coldly and then walked out without a spoken word. She heard him shouting at one of the guards. Nienna sighed with relief and sadness. She hoped he believed her lie. The only conclusion she could come up with was that Thranduil had the item on him. She would have to go to the meeting with a heavy heart and tell them all that she suspected. She placed a hand on her stomach and vowed to her unborn ion, she would protect him at all costs even if it meant she had to leave Thranduil and Mirkwood. But she knew she would not go alone ,she will take Legolas with her even if he did not want to leave his Father but she will beg him if she had to. To protect him as well. He was part of Thranduil too as the ellon she was carrying was part of him. She would not see either of Thranduil's ions in danger.

Melanira of Doriath :The morning came too early for Melanira. As the grey green light filtered down through some aperture high above she rose, washed and dressed in a simple, comfortable garb of leggings tunic and boots. Today would require her to be properly focussed, and tight waists, trailing skirts or draping sleeves however elegant would as always, require concentration to manage. She checked on Sirilhith who had slept peacefully through the night, then made her way to the food hall. Taking a plate of bread cheese and fruit, and a beaker of hot sage tea she sat down and ate. Most tables were unoccupied, only a handful of guards coming off night duty. She ate the food and sat with the beaker in her hands watching the door, waiting for Legolas, Nienna, Lindir ot Tari to appear.

An older elf came in and she recognised the healer Glaewdir. seeing him gave her an idea! As he came toward her, his plate rather full, Melanira waved him over to her table. at first his eyes narrowed but then his expression cleared and he sat down opposite her. " Good morning my Lady, I see you are dressed for action, are we expecting an attack?" The elderly elf smiled and winked. "Not so Master Glaewdir do not let my apparel concern you. I am promised an archery lesson by Prince Legolas when his duty permits, I want to be ready. A lesson from one of the most celebrated archers in Arda does not occur every year!" Melanira matched his light hearted tone but she watched him carefully. While the healer tucked into his breakfast Melanira continued; "I have not forgotten my promise to you Master I will bring Sirilhith to see you later, though I do not want to overburden you, as the Kings healer you have a great responsibility on your shoulders especially since the latest news." She winked conspiratorially and lowered her voice and leaned forward, trying to appear a little like a kitchen gossip. "So soon after the wedding, a new elfing .. there is clearly nothing wrong with the King eh!"

She grinned and watched his face. Under normal circumstances Melanira would not have dreamed of saying such a crude almost scandalous thing about Thranduil and her niece. These were not however, ordinary circumstances and she wanted to shake this old ellon up a little, in the hope of prising information out of him. Glaewdir, clearly a little disconcerted, stopped chewing for a second and stared at her, then, hiding his shock as best he could said "Well, of course, I am aware of the queen's condition, I am glad all appears well with her."

"The king must be overjoyed, another ion or iell after all this time. He must be as happy as a Stag in spring". The old healer, made a non-committal sound that could have meant anything, but which suggested he was not so certain of Thranduil's level of joy! " The king has said nothing of it to me, of course..." he hesitated..."eh but then, he is not obliged to." Glaewdir's tone implied some irritation that Thranduil had not spoken to him at all about it even to enquire after the queen's health! He went on "" Well as a matter of fact he has missed two of his regular checks, I've asked to speak to him but... too busy no doubt, with all the celebrations and all. I've been very busy myself what with folk from all over visiting, wanting potions, simples etc. I've hardly had a moment..." He looked a little uncomfortable at his own outspokenness . I'm sure all is well with the King, he will see me when he has the time.". With that Glaewdir bustled away leaving Melanira to her now empty beaker and a great deal of thought.

He was obviously well aware that something was wrong with the king! It was not just Legolas's fancy, or an over anxious pregnant wife, there was something wrong!

Legolas Prince of Mirkwood:-The next day started for him no better than the others, really distracted, he walked his way to the appointed place. Some guards who passed him looked at him with strange glances, he can´t imagine what they think about him, was it hatred, fear, doubt, distrust,he didn't know, but their faces show him that they don´t think well of him. Sighing deeply and feeling disappointed about it, he starts walking faster,he won´t see any more guards,it makes him only angry. As he passed the throne room he takes a look inside, seeing his father sitting on his throne, majestic like always.

For a moment he wanted to enter, to ask him anything but just then his father looked directly in his direction and with a cold look stares at Legolas. The prince stopped breathing for a moment before he turned his head and walks away cold eyes again, really shocked, his pace gets quicker, he doesn't know him any more and his heart becomes harder. Before he entered the chamber where the others will arrive later, he takes a deep breath and enters, closing the door behind him and sat down in a chair. He wants to see no one now, hoping that he could hide the extent of his true condition from his friends later,he leans back closing his eyes."Where will it all end" he whispers to himself while he puts one hand to his forehead.

Tari Telemnar:-She sits under a tree with her head in her hands. She could only find a few ellon that were willing to talk about Thranduil. What she could take to the coming meeting was nothing of importance. Blast these elves ,they are quick to criticise him when they think no one is around, but when asked about him, well that was different . No one could talk about him, she ones who would talk all said the same, they noticed he had become cold towards the Queen and the talk around the realm that he struck Legolas. She would ask one of the others if that was all said they noticed a difference in Thranduil himself but they couldn't quite make out what it was. What a big help that is,she shook her head. Her thoughts turned to Nienna and unborn elfling she carried. She thought of what the others had said, that the thing that was affecting Thranduil could it affect the elfling. Tari hoped for her sister's sake that it didn't. Time was going slow, it seemed she would have to go to the meeting at the chambers Legolas had told them about, with the useless information she'd received.

Legolas Prince of Mirkwood:-Still sitting in the chamber, he opened his eyes as he heard some noise behind the door. Turning his head to the door he saw Melanira, Haldir, Tari and Nienna. Relieved about their presence he looked at them with a smile."Mellyn nin, hannon le for your time" (my friends, thank you) he pointed at the chairs which are standing around a desk and gestured them to sit down. He didn't feel well but he knew that he needed to tell them about everything. He looked from one to other asking them if they had found something what could help. A hint or something else, but all of them shook their heads and explained that there was nothing special to find. With a deep sigh he stood up and started walking around. Nervous and scared to tell them what he must. "Mellyn nin... I think I must explain something to you, I don´t know why but I have the feeling that there is much more behind the whole situation" he said, hesitating a moment aware of their inquiring looks. "I don´t know if some of you have ever heard of them, they appear almost like us, but are fundamentally different. Cruel,cold and dangerous, merciless! Always ready to kill, torture and harm "he raised one brow asking them if they could follow his words but he only saw their interested looks and so went on with his explanation "I told you that someone had shot at me in the forest, while the spiders attacked me, the dark arrow I think you will remember I believe that it was one of them, one of the Daemoth! "

He sat down again, trembling a little inside, but he tried not to show his concern or that he is scared. "But all of you have to know something before you can understand my suspicion... some months ago the Daemoth were able to capture me, I was with a few guards on patrol as they appeared, we fought against them, but then they threatened to kill all of my guards if I won´t come with them. I couldn't risk the life of some brave and honest guards so I agreed and they brought me to their lair. Bad things happened to me there, things I had never experienced before. Gohenno nin (forgive me) that I can´t tell you more about it but I'm not able to speak about their methods of making someone talk". He glanced over at them. "I didn't tell them a word of course, I'm loyal and I would never tell them about the plans of my king, I hope you know that, but the point is, as I was attacked by the spiders I noticed the same red glimmering eyes in the darkness that I saw everyday the Daemoth had me under their control". He sighed lightly and the thought of the Daemoth sent chills up and down his spine. They look like the moriquendi, but with wings sprouting out of their back, sharp and dangerous claws which could easily kill any of us". He opened his leather armour and his tunic so that they could see his chest. A big scar spreads across it, an impression of claws. "One of them has done this to me, look what they are able to do. I fear they are guilty of my father´s changed behaviour and all the strange things which have happened in the realm". He watched them calmly but his heart had begun beating so hard

"Now you know all that I wanted to tell you".