Spring Shadows

Chapter 1 - Spring Shadows

Spring had finally arrived in Gondor and she wasn't shy about showing herself. Minas Tirith blossomed in the sunshine. An array of colors had begun to spread over the trees and in the gardens, colors that were strictly reserved for this time of year, some even appeared to be showing their tone for the first time.

Th beauty of the White City dims to that of home. Legolas stretched his long arms over his golden head, stifled a yawn and took in the magnificence of the sunrise. Though he did have his own room in the citadel of Minas Tirith and he spent equal amounts of time between here and Ithilien, he still considered the elven colony his home.

Leading the restoration of the forests of Ithilien had been an interesting and disquieting challenge, one that Legolas had accepted reluctantly. As a prince he had spent his entire adolescence under the tutelage of scholars in Mirkwood, preparing himself for just such an occasion, although he doubted that one could ever be fully prepared to guide such noble people through life. When he had reached adulthood, he had then spent his days in defense of his father's realm and dealing with minor affairs of government.

At times he resented his status, at times he was bored with the idea of being "trapped" in an office making decision after decision, scared of giving up the adventures that he thrived on. At times he was frightened that such a large responsibility would be placed on him, sure that there were other elves better suited for the job.

But he had come to really love it. He loved the elves who had come to help in the restoration. He loved the trees amongst which he dwelt. Even on the days in which the sea would call to him so strongly that it took all of his strength to withstand the pull, he knew that he had made the right choice.

Yet now he wondered about that decision once again. Ruling was not such a difficult task when things were running smoothly and good staff and advisors were standing behind you. But the peaceful, unobtrusive lives of the elves of Ithilien had been shattered and Legolas had no answers to the cause. Three of his people had vanished, taken or killed, Legolas didn't know. There were no signs, no clues, and fear and frustration was mounting in the fair colony.

Legolas leaned lightly against the balustrade of the balcony outside of his bedroom and relished in this rare moment of solitude and quiet. The light whisper of a morning breeze melted perfectly with the enthusiastic singing of a pair of sparrows perched overhead. He tried not to think of the troubles in Ithilien, hoping for a few moments of ignorant peace, but they were the cause of his journey to Minas Tirith and its nagging existence couldn't be ignored.

A light knocking on his bedroom door brought Legolas from his brooding and letting out a soft sigh he turned from the beauty of the dawn and the darkness of his thoughts.

"Come," he called as he walked back into the room.

The door swung slowly open and Legolas raised his eyes to see Arwen standing in the doorway. Her long velvet, burgundy dress bushed lightly over the floor and her dark tresses hung loosely over her shoulders.

"I did not think that I would see anything more lovely than that sunrise this morning," Legolas said with a smile spreading over his face.

"It is good to see you as well, Legolas." A light blush appeared in Arwen's cheeks and she returned the smile. "Would you care to join me for morning meal?"

Legolas responded with a gentle dip of his head and stepped toward her, offering his arm. She gently placed her delicate hand on top his and they exited the room allowing the door to swing shut behind them.

"Will Aragorn be joining us this morning?" he asked as they passed two maids hurrying about their morning duties.

Staff and aids could always be found bustling about the Citadel, but it was especially lively first thing in the morning. Maids and other various personnel stopped what they were doing and bowed to the two elves as they passed. Arwen and Legolas happily acknowledged each with a slight nod of the head and a short greeting of "Good Morning," then the pair would turn back to each other resuming their conversation as though it had never ceased.

"He is taking care of a small matter that has come up but will be joining us shortly." She paused momentarily, a flicker of concern showing in her eyes, "He has said that you have come to speak with him on something of great importance, is all well in Ithilien?"

Legolas did not answer Arwen, instead he began to walk somewhat faster guiding her on the weaving pathway through the maze like corridors within the Citadel until they had finally reached the dining hall. Those already breakfasting stood when the pair entered and Legolas bid them to sit with a wave of his hand. He had never understood the reason for all coming to a halt just because he had entered a room, and his obvious discomfort elicited and sympathetic smile from Arwen.

The Elf Prince pulled a chair out for Arwen and she gracefully accepted. She then turned her eyes back to the Legolas, her gaze pressing him for an answer to her previous question.

"I have come on very urgent and distressing business, but I do not wish to trouble you now." Legolas conceded. "Come, let us enjoy our meal together and I will tell you the news once Aragorn arrives."

"Yes my Lord, we have spoken previously on my career choice, but I did apprehend a man for whom your guards have been searching for three months." Alcandir's tone held no disrespect for the King but overflowed with such obvious arrogance that it caused the guards escorting the man to shift slightly with anxiety.

Aragorn studied the man with a critical eye, noting that Alcandir was attired in a manner very similar to that which he himself would have dressed in his days with the rangers. His clothing was black and looked as though they had been in use for far too many years. He hadn't had a good bath in several days and his dark brown hair, which dusted the tops of his shoulders, was in desperate need of brushing. The glint in his eyes spoke of much experience, trial and tribulation and he held his head high, keeping eye contact with Aragorn as they spoke.

"Indeed, however, you have destroyed a tavern and caused several, albeit mild, injuries to innocent bystanders in the process." Aragorn held Alcandir's gaze in return and fought to keep his irritation in check. The King had spoken with Alcandir on several occasions with regards to his methods of bringing in those wanted for a price.

Although Gondor was a much more peaceful place than it had been years ago it was still a large, active realm and was bound to have its share of problems. Thieves, murderers and those who had served the Dark Lord during the War of the Ring managed to keep the Gondorian soldiers on their toes and several bounty hunters employed.

Alcandir was also known to have worked out of Rohan as well and had given Eomer his fair share of headaches. The two Kings had spent one long night, over many ales, comparing stories of this man and his antics. Both swore to never bring that night up in mixed company, under the penalty of death or worse, sworn revenge.

Alcandir tilted his head slightly and sighed, a look of complete boredom coming over his face, "My Lord..."

"Alcandir," Aragorn interrupted, "although bounty hunting is not forbidden in Gondor, I will not accept you destroying private property and injuring unlucky citizens who have the mishap of wandering into your path."

The King stopped, took a deep breath and dropped his head, studying his boots as he thought. His arms were folded firmly over his chest, pressed against his deep blue tunic, the gold trim pressing into the flesh of his wrists. He held perfectly still for a moment, contemplating the judgement he was about to pass.

"I think," stated Aragorn, raising his head again, "that it would be best if you took a little time off from your work to think about today's discussion." And the last half dozen discussions we have had as well. "I am sentencing you to two weeks in Gondor's jail where you will have plenty of time to come up with a new method of accomplishing your work. Now, if that will be all for the moment, I have another matter that needs attending to."

Aragorn watched as his guards escorted Alcandir out of the hall, his head held high. The bounty hunter showed no anger or disappointment, he simply smiled and nodded to those present as he was led from room, his footsteps echoing over the stone floor.

Interesting.

Aragorn descended the stairs and walked toward his private entrance. He was expected at another meeting by two people he was very anxious to spend time with, one of which he hadn't seen in some time. He feared, however, that what he was about to hear from Legolas would not improve his day any.