Chapter 5

A few days passed since Glorfindel arrived and unlike her original plan, Mistril followed him everywhere. Dinners were especially interesting because she'd stay next to him and eat silently while Glorfindel would speak to Thranduil about their issues.

Thinking about it, Glorfindel came to Greenwood with a reason and she wasn't interested in it until now. The two must have spoken about it but none said a word to her. Even Faervel seemed well informed; he'd lock himself in his office or with the king and talk for hours.

But Glorfindel was keeping her busy. He had many stories to tell and Mistril was eager to hear them all, particularly the ones about her family.

"Your mother played the harp. She was disappointed that her oldest daughter was so bad at it." He said as they were taking a stroll through the kingdom.

"What about my father?"

"Valdaglerion was a wise elf. He taught you how to hold a sword but never how to wield it. He believed it would be better for you to live a peaceful life rather than sacrifice it by my side." Glorfindel said with a tinge of melancholy. He could still hear Valdaglerion's worry in his husky voice as he came to the palace and vehemently urged Glorfindel to stop Mistril from ever getting into battle or even petty fights.

Glancing at the elleth, he was quite glad he didn't listen to the blacksmith or else she would have been dead.

"And yet you didn't listen to him." She said sounding like she was just as glad as him with the results.

"You used to spare with my men. I always wondered if those fights were just a game or you were developing your own fighting style."

"I'm sure whatever it was, it made an amusing sight." She commented trying her hardest not to smile. She was still fairly disappointed with him.

"It wasn't amusing but amazing. That helped you fight your way through those orcs."

"Yet they still caught me." She said meekly. It was still uncomfortable just thinking about those times.

"You were outnumbered. Even so, you escaped and we are able to have this discussion because of your swordsmanship." Glorfindel added turning to look into those green eyes. "Come with me to Rivendell."

"Why would I?" She asked rising an eyebrow suspiciously.

"I will not disappoint you or myself a second time. Lord Elrond will welcome you gladly." He said, his eyes sparkling with genuine care.

"What will king Thranduil say?" She asked receiving a confused expression from the Balrog killer. "I mean, I have lived here for so long and I'm sure he will prefer to be informed of any change that might take place." she said randomly, always growing polite in her speech when she was nervous.

"I'm sure that won't be a problem." Glorfindel said slowly, watching her with a brotherly glow. "I can talk to him, if you want."

"No! No, no, it's fine. Let me do it." she interfered with wide alert eyes. If Glorfindel had known better, which he did, he would have gone and talked to the king himself, assured that Thranduil wouldn't deny him this favor. But she seemed so keen on doing it herself that he decided he'd let her do so first and then have his personal conversation. 

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It was past dawn when Mistril wandered around the halls, trying to avoid Thranduil as much as she could because if they'd meet then she'd have to talk to him. If she were to stay in her room, Gweluven would come and ask questions and then report everything to his king. If she were to go out, Tudor and Maerdor and the rest would crowd for answers about the Balrog slayer. There was also Legolas, to whom Mistril felt rather guilty. She wanted to leave with Glorfindel and yet there was a part of her that knew she would miss Greenwood.

Wandering the halls, she ended up in front of the stairs down to the prison. She never went there but it seemed like the only place she could hide for a while. Step after step, it got colder and as she opened one cell and sat in, she realized it felt familiar. It was not traumatizing and it wasn't bringing up any memories but that might have been because she was focusing on the king. 

Ever since Mistril became part of Greenwood, Thranduil did nothing but send her on long errands and have her inform him wherever she was going, with whom, establish many reasons why she needed to do this or that and eventually bicker on those reasons. She chuckled as she remembered how he reacted when he found out that she begun working at Miluinir's father's forging shop.

"What have I told you, Mistril?" the king asked, already tired of the discussion. Only seeing her face made him tired and he couldn't move over the fact that she seemed to defy him for her own amusement. "You do what I order you to. Afternoons should be have been spent with Dorondir as of last week."

"I went with him to protect a few men that came with provisions. Nothing happened on the way here so I went and met Gaerben (Miluinir's father) at his store. I watched him and it seems I am quite handy." she smiled after complimenting herself. "And anyway, I do everything you order me so I might as well enjoy myself in my free time."

"Should I take that free time away then?" he asked glaring at her even though it wasn't as imposing as before. 

"No," but her answers were still not containing that respectful word that he wanted to hear, in his position as king. "But as long as I do my chores and I do them well, I'd like to have control over what my hobbies could be. Besides, it's Miluinir's father which means you will still get a report from him on what I did that day." 

Mistril was an adult that knew how to sweet talk people into agreeing with her and yet Thranduil was so stubborn.

She laughed as she leaned back and enjoyed the silence until someone else made a bit of noise. Interesting enough, it was Faervel. He was a ball of glum no matter how much Hinnorbes explained how he was actually a gentle and thoughtful elf. He might have been for all Mistril knew but she never saw anyone disobeying Faervel, not even LEgolas who was the prince. 

"What are you doing down here?" he asked looking down at her sitting figure. 

"Taking important decisions."

"Daughter of Valdaglerion," He started sounding impressed which was an improvement compared to how monotone he was usually. "Who would have imagined you come from the Fallen City." 

"I'm sorry I caused you trouble with the documents." she said, thinking that she might as well apologize if she were to leave. "I'm sorry for any type of trouble you had to go through and I'm also thankful. Maerdor told me later on that it was you who assured the king I am fit to be on guard duty."

Faervel didn't deny or agree. It was always a mystery what he was thinking about.

"You fight well. I sent you to Dol Guldur because I knew nothing will happen." he said as he took one step closer. "I read your reports but I only gave Tudor's forward to the king. He is aware of what happens around his kingdom but he doesn't know everything the orcs mentioned in their conversations." he admitted making Mistril suddenly get on her feet.

"There is a shadow that's brooding over the fortress and it's drawing them all to it." she said growing serious.

Faervel seemed to have come with expectations of what the two will talk about; if she was careful enough she might have noticed that his posture was more relaxed than on many occasions they had met. 

"I know. Glorfindel said the same thing and yet nobody but you and I know what truly happened."  

"Why? I saw a cloaked figure that seemed to envelop me in a thick veil of some strange power. It hissed to me." she said approaching him cautiously. But Faervel didn't move an inch, instead he leaned against the cell door. 

"That's not what I'm talking about. It's the fight you had with the orcs. The king must never know what they told you or peace will be threatened inside the kingdom and suspicion will arise."

"You won't have to worry. I'll leave soon for Rivendell." she said her eyes glinting with the same type of distant and controlled emotion as Faervel's. "Glorfindel came for the same reason, didn't he? He was sent to check if the rumors are true."

"Lord Elrond is a wise elf. He will know how to manage you." it almost sounded like he cared enough to mention she could be safe there.

"Did you know we would meet orcs on the way back?"

"Or on the way to it," Faervel said bluntly. "I sent my best archer with you just in case."

"What did he write in his report?" She asked suddenly growing curious what Tudor avoided to mention.

"Darkness drawing you to it. Orcish. You're not getting any brighter. But that doesn't matter as long as he is gone." he emphasized, his tone rising a bit in power.

"And if he returns?"

"Let's hope he won't. For both our safeties," He said as he turned around and left, although he did not go up into the halls but deeper down into the prison. 

At least somebody's sincere, she thought, feeling like she has been both threatened and advised by the same person. 

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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, it seemed like he was glowing in her eyes.

Mistril could feel her heart beat 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 my activities for the day and some that will happen in the future..." 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 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 in a dark cloak that 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 si I want to inform you that he asked me to follow him to Rivendell." 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.  

"And what makes you believe he hasn't told me already?" he asked not moved at all by her confession. The truth was that he didn't know but he could see it in Glorfindel's attitude during their personal meetings. 

"He promised he will let me tell you first. He listens to me, unlike others." she said, realizing she might have crossed the line a bit. But Thranduil didn't sketch a single expression. "It seems Lord Elrond would 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 him then? That you'll leave him as soon as someone you trust appeared?"

"Legolas is not a child anymore. He will understand."

For a moment she saw real raw emotion in his eyes. He was regretting what he said before and yet he couldn't help but still doubt her.

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On the days that followed, the rumor that Mistril will leave was spread throughout the kingdom. Legolas got mad for approximately two days before he understood family was important and Glorfindel was like a brother to her. Miluinir stood at her side by all costs and the king let her do whatever she wanted without repercussions. On the day that Mistril left Greenwood, it rained. However, many wood elves 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 his acceptance of her and seeing just how deep was his interest for her fate made her feel like she truly lived happily for a while.

Faervel did not say a word but it felt more like a friend rather than a commander. Hinnorbes and Miluinir walked up to her and the elleth handed her a few phials containing what Mistril 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.

"We'll meet again." she assured him, "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 skilful 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 sword 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 Thranuil 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.

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Since Glorfindel came on his beautiful white horse, he assured her there was no need for another 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 Rivendell 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.

"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."

"And what did he say? Did he jump in joy?" she 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 sorrow, "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 comfortable because as many other elves, they didn't use much gear on their horses. There was such a strong bond between the rider and its horse that there was no need to control but just understand one another.

From Greenwood to Rivendell 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 she'd 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 too 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 felt loneliness 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 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 camp fire burning.

"I have, yes. 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 and I couldn't stand being there." 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 purposes." 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 and dark red. Grabbing a hand through her short locks it felt like her head was lighter and she could fight better without being careful of her hair. Her eyes narrowed as her mind unveiled yet another painful memory.

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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 bare back 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 an 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.

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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. She 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.

Misril decided to keep that as 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 Rivendell, 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 as Asflaoth slowed down his pace and eventually stopped. Three men 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 Rivendell, Lady Mistril. It's my pleasure to have another Gondolindrim pass my threshold." He said in a low yet very comforting tone of voice.