Chapter XXI: AMAZONS
Cyrene trembled with rage as she walked back to the tent.
She had hoped that her twin had changed in the time she had been away. But Alkaia clearly had not.
And then, as Cyrene had seen Alkaia with Legolas, she had felt ire rise as jealousy surged through her veins. This was an emotion she had never felt before.
The fact that he had told Cyrene he loved her didn't make Legolas her property. He could be with any female of his choice. Cyrene had made no claim on him or his affections. Legolas was just a male, nothing more. And she had consciously relinquished any claim she might have had on him. She had chosen to have her strength back, to be able to lead the Amazon warriors needed in battle. She had to deny herself and stand up to her duty, if she faced her feelings towards the elf, she would be as weak as the women of Middle Earth. Her freedom gave her the strength for the battle, and that was mattered now.
Then why did she feel torn and betrayed?
She heard light footsteps behind her and turned to see Aella almost running to catch up with her. Cyrene smiled at her friend.
"You will have to kill me this time, Cyrene, to keep me from following you, " said Aella breathlessly.
Cyrene put her arm over her friend's shoulder. "I will not survive another day without you to watch my back, sister. I won't leave you behind ever again, I swear"
Before they entered the tent, Cyrene looked up to the sky. She had a couple of hours before dusk; she would take the time to review her gear and see if there was anything she needed to replace.
She needed to get away from Legolas, to ban him from her thoughts.
Cyrene retrieved her saddlebags, her labryss, and her sword from the tent and walked out. She collided with Legolas.
"Cyrene …" he began. Cyrene took one step back and looked into his eyes, but she couldn't hold his gaze too long. She sometimes got the feeling that Legolas could read thoughts by looking into her eyes, and she certainly didn't want him to read her current feelings.
"Forgive me, Legolas, for interrupting your archery lesson with Alkaia. I have to prepare myself now. I will see you after the duel," she told him and turned away from him.
"Cyrene, I beg a word … please!" Legolas said. He had seen the pain and betrayal in the split second their eyes had met. He had not done anything wrong, but he needed to talk to her. He could not bear the thought of her facing her sister in a duel and thinking he was being untrue to her.
Aella and Gimli were watching the exchange. Aella recognized the tension in the air and realized in a moment that Legolas was Cyrene's mate. The little Amazon looked over to Gimli, and they exchanged an understanding look.
Aella stepped in front of Cyrene. "Cyrene, we still have time. I will go through your gear. I think you should have a word with Master Legolas. It will be better to do it before you face Alkaia."
Gimli also walked up to Cyrene. "My friend, you need a clear mind and an untroubled heart for the duel. You should talk to him."
Cyrene looked at her friends and then at Legolas. She did not need this, not now. But she knew they were right.
"Thank you Aella, I'd appreciate it if you reviewed my gear. Master Legolas, we shall have all the words you like," and saying this she gave her weapons and saddlebags to Aella and walked away.
Gimli turned to Legolas, took the bow from his hands and said, "You are sometimes amazingly slow in yours reactions, Master Elf. Follow her, now!"
Legolas followed Cyrene and caught up with her, walking by her side as they approached the seashore.
She chose a place in the beach that wasn't easily visible from the camp and settled on the ground. Cyrene removed her boots and enjoyed the feel of the fine sand under her bare feet. She remained silent, looking out to the ocean.
Legolas sighed and sat down next to her. Neither of them spoke for a while, organizing their thoughts and analyzing their feelings before either said a word.
The only sound around them was the splashing of the waves and the cries of seagulls over them.
Legolas averted his eyes from Cyrene and drank in the beauty and immensity of the ocean. The vast blue was more than he had ever imagined. The waves lured him, and he dreamt of distant lands and new shores. He could feel the call of the sea attracting him like a magnet. But then, he looked at Cyrene and she was a part of the ocean's indescribable magic. She was his very own mermaid, who had ensnared his heart and soul.
"You do not have to fight your sister, amaelamin," he told her.
"I do, Legolas," she answered.
Silence fell over them, both thinking what they should say next.
"I thought I was doing what was best for all, when I left," said Cyrene softly.
Legolas did not respond, waiting patiently for Cyrene to continue.
"It never occurred to anybody that my mother would bear twins. It was actually seen as a bad omen, for my mother was supposed to bear only one daughter to succeed her as queen. The priestess said I should have been drowned at birth. But my mother fought against all to keep me. As Alkaia and I grew up together, the Amazons accepted me. And then the real difficulties began," Cyrene said, not even looking at Legolas. She was telling her tale to the ocean, to the beach, to the air. She was relieving her soul of its burden.
"Alkaia was always weaker, since birth. And as the heir to the throne, she was well looked after, sheltered, and kept from all danger. I was free instead. Aella and I grew up outdoors, riding, scouting, practicing and playing with the common children. Alkaia was upset that she had to stay behind and she began her training much later than me. I went to my first battle a whole year before she was even ready for her first fight. I was lucky to survive it, and I fought with the troops for a long time before I got my first commands. Nobody ever thought less of Alkaia because she had not the battle expertise. But she was always trying to show that she was the better sister, and that she had earned the right to be the queen. But then she had some trouble with the warriors, and some of them said I was more suited to inherit the crown. I knew then that I had to put and end to any thoughts of that. And my choice was to leave".
"Even if it broke your heart?" asked Legolas.
"It was my duty, Legolas. As long as I was there, there would always be comparisons. And now I see it was for naught, for Alkaia still resents me, and acts like a spoiled brat. I recognized back then that I would never be able to go back. And I missed my mother, and also Alkaia, because I love them. I always loved her dearly. I think I always will," she explained. Two tears fell down her cheeks.
"Then why did you challenge her, Cyrene? You might die or kill her in the duel," said the elf. He prayed to the Valar that neither would happen. He could not bear to watch Cyrene die or kill her sister.
"She accused me of cowardice. There is no worse offense among my people. If I hadn't challenged her, the warriors would not follow me into battle. And I think she needs to beat me in combat to be able to grow up and assume her role. I will comply with my duty again," the Amazon said.
Legolas reached over to her and took her hand. They sat in silence for another moment, and then she said, "Whatever happens, Legolas, know that even though I can't offer you love, you will forever have my heart. As my friend, as my lover, as my brother in arms. I shall forever be grateful to the Goddess for having met you," and she reached to him to tenderly kiss his lips.
Legolas pulled her to him. He deepened the kiss, but then pulled away from her lips to only hold her close. He would not say the words in his heart, because he did not want to upset her. But all he wanted right now was to have her safe in his arms again. Legolas would wait to hear the words she did not dare to say. They still had to defeat Sauron and save Middle Earth from darkness. And if they both survived the battle, he swore that he would hear Cyrene admit that she loved him.
**************************
Gimli sat on the ground, across from Aella, while he watched the Amazon going through Cyrene's gear, testing the sharpness of the sword, the resistance of the bow, the edge of the labryss and the other weapons. Usually talkative Aella was pensive and silent.
He had seen the look of understanding and mild shock in her eyes as she recognized the relationship between Cyrene and Legolas.
"You seem troubled, Mistress Aella," he said, slightly amused by her silence; he was used to her forwardness.
Aella glanced up from the labryss she was sharpening and caught the wise and soft brown eyes of the dwarf. She smiled shyly at him. She was troubled indeed.
When Cyrene had left the island, Aella had felt as if somebody had ripped her heart out. They were more than sisters.
She had not even tried to imagine how it was going to be for Cyrene to live away from the island. And definitely, the last thing that came into her mind was imagining Cyrene having a mate.
For the first time she thought that maybe Cyrene's life had changed too much and that there might be no more space for her in her friend's life. And the next thought was even more confusing. In the outside world Aella might find a mate for herself as well. After a lifetime among the Amazons she did not dare to imagine sharing her life with someone else than her sisters in arms. Herself, as well as Cyrene, had not mated yet, even though she was well in the age of bearing daughters. Her position as champion of the labryss and commanding warrior had given her the preference to avoid having to fulfill her next duty towards her race. When she left the Amazons behind, after the battle, she would face a whole new world, and she felt a pang of fear of the unknown.
"Master Gimli, I am troubled and confused," she said, feeling awkward by doing so. She had never before spoken about her thoughts to anyone but Cyrene.
"Our people don't bind themselves to men. And my eyes tell me that Cyrene has bound herself to Master Legolas. Is this so, Master Gimli? Are they mates?" she asked.
"They are mates, Mistress Aella. Though I do not know if they will stay together, they care deeply for the other and they share a bed. I think that they belong together," Gimli said, amazed at feeling comfortable enough with Aella to speak his thoughts about Legolas and Cyrene. It was clear to him that Aella cared about Cyrene as much as he did for his elven and Amazon friends.
"Cyrene thinks very highly of you, Master Gimli. And I see it in your eyes when you look at her that you are fond of her as well. Is it common among your people to befriend men and women as equals?" Aella dared to ask. She wanted to know more about the outside world, and also find out more about the mind of this male she was very attracted to.
Gimli felt like laughing out loud. He was beginning to find her unique mixture of boldness and naïveté appealing. Aella was far different from any dwarf-maiden he had ever set his eyes upon.
"Mistress Aella, I must confess that women are not regarded as equal to men in Middle-earth. Cyrene is exceptional and so is her relationship with Legolas. She has learned to adjust herself. Among my people, maidens are shy and reserved beings, well guarded by their mates and fathers. They do not leave our dwellings and dedicate their lives to embellish and lighten the males' existence. What do you think about that kind of life?" he asked her, looking forward to her answer with some amusement.
Aella cocked her head slightly while she thought over what Gimli had told her.
She could imagine Cyrene working hard to find a place in the outside world. And her heart hurt at the thought of her proud, fiery friend submitting to anybody.
Cyrene would not be alone out there anymore. She would probably share her life with a life-companion, Legolas. But which was the price Cyrene had to pay for defying the Goddess and leaving her kin behind? Was the elf worth it? Would Cyrene find happiness? Would Aella be able to endure the exile as well? She was an Amazon, who did not yield or bend to anybody's will but the Goddess' and her liege. As Cyrene had been as well.
"Master Dwarf, our people aren't submissive. And Cyrene is a brave warrior, who found it wise to accept some of the traditions of the people out there to blend into their world. She would not submit to anyone, ever," Aella said forcefully.
Gimli smiled at her. "It is not a matter of submission, my friend, but of sharing and conceding. You might find the idea absurd now, but maybe you will find someone that inspires you to do this and more. It is not that I believed in these notions before, Aella, but after seeing Cyrene and Legolas together, I understand. And I ache for them as well," he replied.
Aella recalled the look in Cyrene's eyes whenever she looked at the elf. There had been pain but also belonging. Gimli was right, they belonged together.
"Cyrene was blessed by the Goddess, when she met Master Legolas and yourself, Master Gimli. You are a true friend. I wish I might be worthy of your friendship as well," said Aella.
"I will be honored to call you my friend, Mistress Aella," the dwarf said and held his hand out. Aella gripped his forearm in warrior fashion, but the dwarf did not let the clasp end there. Gimli took her hand and slowly brought her fingers to his lips. His thick beard tickled her hand. Aella's eyes opened wide; her heart beat as fast as a bird's and her blood ran through her veins like a wild river. She was mesmerized by his eyes, and didn't notice he had let go of her hand until it fell to the side of her body.
Aella shook herself out of her daze, blushing furiously. Rising, she went to the entrance of the tent, looking for a way out of the awkward situation. She looked up to the sky and saw the first red streaks of sunset. She heard Gimli softly chuckling behind her.
"It is almost time," she said.
"Time?" asked Gimli.
"For the duel. Cyrene and Alkaia," she explained, gathering Cyrene's weapons and sorting them out. She chose the short sword and a dagger and left the other weapons behind.
"This duel is not an archery competition?" Gimli asked, frowning as he saw Aella's choice of weapons.
"No, Master Dwarf. It is a duel with swords, to the death," she said and left the tent.
*********************
Cyrene had watched the sky changing as well and stood up from where she was sitting, leaving the cocoon of Legolas' embrace. He stood up as well.
"Are you ready, Cyrene?" he asked her, embracing her once more and giving her a tender kiss.
"Yes, Legolas. I should have done this two years ago. Now I have no choice," Cyrene said.
She walked away from him and put on her boots and stepped back closer to him, briefly caressing his cheek. In her eyes he saw sadness and determination, the same stern will he had admired in her many times before. She leant into him to give him a bittersweet kiss, pouring into it all the love she felt for him, which she was determined to deny and forget. Then she turned around and left. Legolas followed her from some distance. She needed to be by herself right now and prepare herself for a hard battle against her twin sister.
Cyrene reached the practice field, where already a circle had been drawn on the ground and lit torches staked in the earth, lighting the space where the duel was to be held.
Aella and Gimli were waiting for her; her friend was carrying her sword and her dagger. She smiled at Aella and Gimli. Then she took off her outer tunic and her chain mail, removed her heavy leggings, and faced her opponent wearing only her short tunic and her boots. She began twirling the sword in her hand, the dagger secured at her calf, strapped to her boot.
Alkaia arrived at the field clad similarly to Cyrene, except that Alkaia's tunic showed her station as princess, while Cyrene's was plain. Legolas looked again from one of the twins to the other and he knew now for sure that he would never mistake one for the other.
Both stepped into the circle. They waited until Queen Myrine arrived. Both turned to the queen and saluted to her, one knee on the ground, their fists over their hearts.
The queen's face was etched with sorrow. She spoke, "I never wanted to see this duel happening. Both fighters are cherished to my heart; I cannot hope that either of them wins the duel. So I will ask you, Alkaia and Cyrene, daughters of Myrine, will you not draw back from this challenge?"
Cyrene lifted her face, serious and serene, and spoke up. "I will not take back the challenge unless the princess takes back her insult." Alkaia looked with a smug grin on her face. "I will not take back the insult this warrior deserves. It is on the field, that we will prove who is favored by the Goddess."
Myrine sighed loudly. Legolas saw the pain in her eyes and the resignation that there wasn't anything else she could do to stop the fight.
Alkaia and Cyrene saluted the Queen with their drawn swords and faced each other.
Cyrene swung her sword in her right hand, measuring Alkaia's movements. Alkaia was also observing her sister, assessing her prowess. It had been two years since they had sparred. But this was no practice fight. And there would be blood drawn before it was over.
Alkaia attacked, trying to hit Cyrene's side, but Cyrene parried the blow easily. She stepped gracefully to the side and swung out to hit Alkaia, who parried the stroke as well.
After a couple of thrusts and defensive moves, it was clear to all the bystanders that Cyrene was faster and more agile than Alkaia. The princess, however, was striking with all her might, spurred by her rage and contempt for her twin. She had to prove she was the rightful heir, the one who deserved the crown, and that no one had just given it to her as her birthright.
Gimli, Aella and Legolas realized that Cyrene was not taking advantage of any false move Alkaia made, and there were many.
'By the Valar', Legolas thought, 'I have seen her fighting wounded at Helm's Deep and none of her strokes failed then, as they are now. '
Cyrene was not fighting to defeat her sister, but to save her face and probably give her sister the opportunity to defeat her. Even if it meant that Alkaia might kill her.
Once Alkaia calmed down enough to se that her sister was not going to attack her, she took advantage of it. And when she moved in with her sword this time, she pulled the dagger from her boot and gave Cyrene a back blow to the side of her body. Cyrene managed to parry just enough to avoid being cut through the middle of her rump, but the blade slid to the side. Cyrene twisted away again, and the dagger that almost pierced her heart cut through flesh and skin, deflected by her rib cage. Blood spurted from her side; she held her left hand to the wound and muttered an oath. She did not fall, but she staggered slightly, then caught her balance, facing Alkaia.
"Nice move, sister. I bet you have already used that in battle. But I am not that easy to kill," she said to Alkaia, who smirked back at her.
"But I will kill you, Cyrene," said Alkaia, flashing her blade "And then nobody will ever be able to say that you were the better one of us. And tonight, while some of your friends whimper over your tomb, I will enjoy mating with the magnificent male elf you brought along. And my victory will be complete."
Cyrene saw red. She straightened up, forgetting her wound, while attacking Alkaia with renewed strength.
Alkaia was not prepared for this, and after a few well-placed blows, Cyrene disarmed her, as she swung around and slashed widely, the blade making contact with her twin's flesh. Alkaia fell to the ground gripping her face. The last stroke had cut from her cheek to her jaw, and she was bleeding. She saw herself dead, the point of Cyrene's sword nipping the skin at her throat.
Alkaia sat unarmed on the ground. Cyrene looked to her mother, whose eyes were shining with unshed tears. Then Cyrene kneeled before Alkaia, presenting her sword to her sister. A murmur rose from the Amazons surrounding the circle as Alkaia stood up and took Cyrene's sword from her hands. It was her turn to strike and end the feud forever.
Deep silence fell around them. The princess looked around and saw the expectation in the warrior's faces. Her mother looked at her, pain etched in the beloved features. Alkaia understood then that if she killed her sister she would never be respected as queen. And as she looked down at the woman kneeling in front of her, she didn't feel any more hatred or contempt, but the pain of having been separated from her other half. She loved Cyrene and she had left, without a word, making a choice that had not been hers alone to make. Alkaia felt like crying herself as she recognized the source of her bitterness. Her sister had complied with her duty towards the Amazons and she was now giving her the greatest lesson of courage: resignation. And it was now Alkaia's opportunity to show that she was equal to her sister, fit to be the queen.
Alkaia held the sword high over her head and thrust it into the ground saying, "I take back any accusations of cowardice I spoke about this warrior. She is a brave Amazon who will always represent us well upon the battlefield. If Cyrene, daughter of Myrine accepts my apologies, this challenge is over."
Cyrene looked up, saying, "I am honored to accept your apologies, Mistress."
The amazons who looked on allowed themselves a collective breath at last. Within moments, they broke into applause, then cheers. The warriors celebrated the end of the duel, while Alkaia walked away to take care of her wound. Cyrene stood up, and as Myrine approached her to see to her wound she said softly, "I am well, mother. It is a mere scratch. Go to Alkaia." Smiling at the queen, Cyrene turned away and started walking towards her tent.
Legolas ran to support her, recognizing that her injury was serious. Indeed, as soon as the Queen had turned from her, Cyrene staggered. She leaned into Legolas, whispering, "I am well, Legolas, but do not let them see me weak. We have to ride at dawn." Legolas enveloped Cyrene in his cloak and helped her to walk to their tent. Once they were inside, he laid her down on the pallet and uncovered her to see the wound. The tunic was soaked with blood.
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