Learning to Love

Chapter 1: Farewells

Okay first and foremost, I do not own Lord of the Rings story or any of the characters, that all goes to the perspective owners. However my own adaptations such as OC/her family/homeland/and background are mine and mine alone. Secondly I did not read any of the LOTR books and am basing a lot of info off of web reading and the movies (I have a short attention span okay? I tried several times to read them) Thirdly I know Tauriel does not make an appearance in LOTR because she never existed, I put her in this story because I needed Legolas to confide in someone (other than Aragon –at the moment-), and I feel that Thranduil isn't the chatty kind of guy despite being Legolas's father. The story takes place just before LOTR settings and spans throughout the war time and afterwards. LASTLY, this is a love story and if it's not something you are into or are not looking for in a story do no read. I will not change the plot. It's about two people leaping boundries and differences to find love where it seemingly did not exsist. It is a slow (not super slow or anything) build up romance story. My OC does not tag along with the fellowship. With that in mind I hope you enjoy the story. Feedback is GREATLY appreciated and wanted.

There had been much aversion to her arranged marriage. She disliked the idea of being part of a political barter. However, at twenty-one and the only daughter of her father, an Emperor from a neighboring land of Middle Earth, she could not afford to disobey her father's wishes. No sooner had her engagement been announced had her father placed her abroad one of his magnificent vessels and she was sent sailing away to meet her betrothed. All she knew was that he was a prince. Her father had not explained much more other than that her marriage would open up a new world of trade and possible alliance.

"Silks for the mothers, jewels for the daughters. The price: destiny of unknown solitude." The princess murmured as the far away land became a speck on the horizon. Being told that all would be provided for her from her husband's family, Hama, the young bride's handmaid since her birth had been forbidden to journey with her, much to the girl's despair. Hama was like her second mother, best friend, teacher, and her greatest confidant. Not having her in the midst of a foreign land was so agonizing that the princess found herself weeping regularly. But she did her best to stay strong and conceal her truest feelings. She was determined to stay positive, Hama would want her to.

The sun was just brushing over Middle Earth and the elves who had traveled a great distance to the shorelines waited for the anticipated Princess Kahea, daughter of Emperor Paz from the land of Opren. Among the elves was the regal King Thranduil and his son, Legolas. There was a serene silence over the fair folk when the king glanced at his resigned son.

"Do not brood so." The King said, his face set in beautiful stone. "The thing about humans, they do not live long." Legolas cast his father an exasperated look, his mouth thinning.

"I brood because you insist in choosing my future for me, not because she is human." The King had seemingly not heard Legolas, (much to the prince's irritation) as he turned gracefully to stride towards the towering ship of red and gold. From here, Legolas could see a figure, garnished in a strange gown of vibrant pink, gold, and splashes of turquoise. Her hair, as dark as night, was adorned with a gold headdress that held a shawl in place. The shawl was long, cascading to the floor but was by no means heavy, instead was as light as air. Her eyes, lined in a black substance which she quickly explained was kohl, a thing women of her homeland wore made her eyes enchanting, exotic even. Her lips were stained red like cherries,

Something Legolas had never seen before. He could see that the girl was indeed beautiful but frowned at how young she was. To him, she appeared to have just reached adulthood.

Princess Kahea was astounded to discover that her husband to be was not a human, but an elf! Granted they were a far cry to the ones whom resided in the mountains of Opren she felt a tinge of anger towards her father. Had he disliked her so much to marry her off to one who was not even human? She prayed to Genshi that they were not as ruthless and barbaric as the Mountain Elves. They at least, were nowhere near as ugly. These elves were beautiful. Her fiancé especially was nice to look at. King Thranduil who was indifferent to the girl's astonishment motioned to his son.

"I present to you my heir and only son, Legolas, your betrothed." Kahea's head was swimming, her legs as heavy as lead. Slowly she brought herself to a bow.

"I am honored to meet you your highness." The politeness was strained, not out of hate but fear. Reality had truly set in and she was not sure of the customs practiced here, and was very afraid to offend. Legolas tilted his head, greeting her in the elven way but not uttering much to her after that. He could sense the urgency in her nerves, the panic wafting off her flower scented skin, her displeasure at him being an elf. He thought that perhaps it was best to let her be.

Kahea was lead to the shore where she saw a strange but magnificent beast. She wasn't sure how to describe it, the head was narrow with small perched ears that had soft looking hair flowing down it's powerful neck. She cocked her head to the side staring at it with wonder. "Have you not seen a horse before?" Thranduil asked, his voice tinged with sarcasm and was taken aback when the princess shook her head.

"No. We do not have horses in Opren." Thranduil raised his brows, vivd blue eyes looking amused. "Oh? How peculiar. What do you do have?" Kahea motioned with her hands, towering it above herself as high as she could. "Jungle cats. They are very big and fierce creatures, the fastest in all the land. We ride them leisurely as well as to war—" Thranduil had already turned away. Kahea wasn't sure if she liked her father-in-law much. In fact she wasn't sure she liked her fiancé much either. As beautiful as he was she found that he was disinterested in her and was mounted on his horse, ready to leave.

'Genshi guide me.' She thought solemnly as she was helped upon the grey horse.

After the week long journey Kahea felt she could exhale and feel at ease. It had not been an enjoyable journey mostly due to how lonely she was. A few times she had wanted to speak to Legolas, to learn more about him, but was afraid to go near him. His eyes were a sharp vivid crystal blue, that she felt could pierce her soul and made his angular face more intimidating. When he looked at her it was a hard stare. Kahea wasn't sure he liked her at all and kept to herself most of the journey. She was excited when a guard explained to her that her King's dominion resided in a forest and anticipated the arrival happily, but once they came to the outskirts of Mirkwood, her spirit dampened. It was an ancient and evil feeling forest, even with the elves magic she felt as if she were not safe. The guards were on edge, their sharp almond shaped eyes scanning the gnarled trees for a possible threat.

Now, as she sat alone in her chambers Kahea felt comfortable enough to allow her true emotions to break free of confinement, crying as she sprawled on the floor. She missed her homeland, the blooming flowers of vast color, size, and shape, the tiny monkeys that played in her window in the early morning, the gleaming pools of crisp water, and her family especially. She missed her brothers and their constant competitive nature, and all of their wives and children, she missed Kati and the way she would brush her hair and the two would chat all night with Hama, a pang of sadness struck Kahea. Hama, she missed her so much. Kahea felt empty without the quirky old woman. Kahea wanted to miss her father, but truth be told she knew very little of him. He had never been unkind or cruel to her, simply not very present with little to no interaction when it came to Kahea. While he had never said so, Kahea suspected it was because Sari, (her biological mother) died giving birth. Perhaps seeing Kahea pained the old king, reminding him of his beloved but lost wife. Even though Kati explained otherwise.

There was a small tap at the door, bringing Kahea out of her thoughts and as she looked up from the floor an elven maid came in, startled at Kahea's state.

"M'lady, are you all right?" She asked her voice like a chorus of bells. Kahea rubbed foolishly at her face, smudging the kohl around her eyes.

"I am fine." She clipped, trying to be presentable. "What do you need?"

The maid could take a hint, proceeding with caution. "King Thraduil has asked me to prepare you for your wedding." Kahea resisted the urge to sigh. Did the elves not have long days of celebration before the wedding? Or did that come after? She wasn't sure and didn't feel like asking. Instead she nodded numbly, motioning the maids in.

Legolas strummed his fingers, from the balcony he could see Kahea being accompanied by the maids. She wore a flowing gown of elven fashion and looked very beautiful. Many times he wished to approach her during their travels but found that every time he looked at her she turned away. Did his being an elf displease her so much? Did they have elves where she was from? He wished to be able to look at her more often to become used to her beauty, so he could break the uncanny habit of staring. He realized he was staring so hard that it was probably the reason she was afraid of him.

As Kahea got closer she felt her face heat up, he was very handsome dressed in his tunic and breeches, his head was adorned with what looked like a crown. She felt naked without her eyes rimmed with kohl or her veil, and was afraid she'd trip over the dress. Standing in front of Legolas she blushed, heart hammering in her chest. Other than having children this was the biggest moment of her life and had always imagined what her wedding would be like. She fidgeted nervously, her small hands in his sweating, making her embarrassed even more. She resisted the urge to pull away and wipe them.

Legolas liked Kahea without her 'makeup', she was much more beautiful that way. He enjoyed the pinkness of her lips where he could truly appreciate the fullness of them. And her eyes he discovered, were a warm and soft brown, something he did not realize before. The kohl had made them harder and more rigid. He wondered if it would be appropriate to ask her to wear it less often. She reminded Legolas of a flower, not just because she smelled like one but because she was as delicate looking as one. She shifted underneath him, she was nervous. He wanted to settle her uneasiness. He opened his mouth to speak, but of course that was when the ceremony would start and the Prince was forced to bite back his words and hide his agitation.

The ceremony was short, much to Kahea's disbelief, and there was no form of representation that she was married. The elves simply took your word for it. No gesture between the bride and groom but a quick peck to seal the deal. All those years of dreaming, wondering, and waiting on her big day and it had lasted less than ten minutes. Legolas had looked upset as the vows started and once their lips parted he had strayed away to mingle with guests.

"M'lady would you wish for something?" The elf maid from earlier offered Kahea some food. She was also sick of plants. She wanted fresh game for once.

"Do you have rabbit?" Kahea asked politely, alarming the elven maid greatly. "M'lady, we do not eat the animals of the forest." Kahea was confused, maybe the animals of the forest were tainted.

"What of the fields?" The maid was so perplexed, did the Princess eat meat or expect it to be made for her? If so, why hadn't this been mentioned? "

No M'lady, not of the fields either. We do not harm other living creatures of the lands." Kahea finally understood why there hadn't been any during the journey. The elves did not eat meat at all.

"Oh…" She said, "I'm sorry I did not realize. Please forgive me of my ignorance." The maid nodded and filled Kahea's goblet, moving on to tend to other guests. Kahea sat alone, smiling occasionally at others, murmuring a quick hello. Was this a celebration? She thought, she felt like she was at a funeral.

"How do you like your wife Legolas? She is very pretty." Tauriel appeared next to him, eyeing the young girl across the room.

"I do not know. I have not spoken to her." Legolas replied honestly. Tauriel glanced at her friend.

"Does she not like you?" Legolas's mouth twisted in thought, an unusual feature for his face.

"I think I scare her." Tauriel erupted into fits of laughter, ignoring Legolas's annoyed face. "Ahem…sorry." Tauriel pursed her lips, motioning for him to continue.

"I suspect she was not told I was an elf before being sent here." Legolas explained the princess's fleeting behavior and nervous gaze.

"I wish to…advance with her. But perhaps she does not want to. She is very young." Tauriel watched the princess with Legolas who seemed to manage small talk with King Thranduil. How she had done so was a mystery to them.

"Give her time Legolas, she's come so far and has nobody familiar here." Tauriel patted his shoulder and moved on to check on the guards.

Legolas would take Tauriel's word for it, but he longed to get to know Kahea as his wife and perhaps build something solid.

That night, Kahea paced her chambers (which had been moved to a much larger one that was joined to Legolas's where they had a shared portion of living space), Legolas had not accompanied her to her room. Another elf thing she thought. She was wearing the garments that Kati had given her.

"For when you consummate your marriage." She giggled, slipping the silky robe and lace garment into Kahea's hands. Kahea checked herself several times. Did she look pleasing enough? Should she wear the kohl? Or the stain? As an hour of stomach knotting and possible graying of the hair Kahea wondered if maybe she was supposed to go Legolas.

"Oh what am I supposed to do?" Kahea sighed, it was very late now and Legolas still had not come. Eventually Kahea decided to take a chance. She wanted Legolas to see that she wouldn't be afraid of him forever and could be the wife he wanted/needed. Quickly she draped the robe around her, tying it in place and quietly made her way through the living quarters. With unsteady hands Kahea pressed the door aside, and stepped inside. Legolas was going over scrolls that were written in his language, he sensed her immediately, his head whipping to the side to look at her.

"Ah…uhm." She stammered unattractively, her mouth feeling as if she had filled it .with thick honey. He hadn't said anything to her yet, his blue eyes raking over her, calculating her reason for being there. Kahea silently cursed herself for not gulping down the wine to ease her nerves. "What is it my lady?" Legolas spoke softly, watching as Kahea made her way stiffly over. She stood just in front of him, so close that they could have touched noses had she been tall enough to meet him there.

"I…am unsure." She squeaked, peeking up at Legolas who was concerned for her.

"Is something wrong Kahea? Are you troubled?" He tilted her chin up searching her face for a clue as to what was bothering her, and was shocked to see that she allowed the robe to slip off her shoulders, revealing her rounded breasts. Her nipples, a dark hue hardened at being exposed. Legolas felt his mouth dry up as he took in her body. Kahea wore a strange underwear that didn't seem to cover much but was quite attractive. Kahea's offering was tempting, Legolas enjoyed the sight of her body, the sweet smell of her skin, and the curve of her thighs that dipped into her womanhood that was mysteriously covered.

"I was not sure if you came to me or if I to you." Kahea mewed, her face fully red. Legolas could smell her and it was very hard to not put his hands on her. But he was determined to not allow their getting to know each other be in this means, quickly he regained control over himself and picked the silk robe off the floor.

"Please…put your robe on." Kahea's heart clenched at her husband's words. She stared into his eyes, hoping to see something, instead she found nothing but a stone gaze. "I cannot lay with you. It is best if we didn't..."

Kahea took the robe gingerly, wrapping it tightly around her body, she lingered for a moment not sure of what to do. She hadn't expected to be turned away on their wedding night. What did he want her to do, deciding to ask him just that.

"What do you want me to do then?" She demanded, upset and clearly hurt.

"I…don't know." Legolas finally admitted, "If you wish to go you may." Throwing her hands up in exasperation Kahea stormed out of the room, letting all that had happened since her departure from Opren sink in. What was wrong with her? She stared at her image in the mirror. She was not as lithe as an elven maid, or as fair. With her raven hair, dark eyes, and cream colored skin Kahea looked so foreign and strange that she could not help but understand why he turned her away. Defeated, Kahea tossed the clothes in the far corner of the room, and slipped into a gown where she fell asleep on the large bed.

After a week of avoiding Legolas and not having anyone to relate to Kahea decided to go explore on her own. Despite the forest's sick feeling, Kahea ventured into it, promising the guards that she'd stay within sight. But before she knew it, Kahea had wandered deep within and the gates of Mirkwood were barely visible within the trees. The twisted roots of the trees made it hard for Kahea to clamor over, and she started to feel sad, lost, confused, and discombobulated.

"The forest…it's listening." Kahea shuddered, slumping against the mass of a large tree trunk. She felt sick, and wondered who she was. How'd she get here? As Kahea sat there arguing with herself she heard a clicking sound, soft padding that raked the area around her in frantic thuds, yet Kahea could not see anything.

"Hello?" She called glancing all around her. The trees groaned and seemed to be in pain. Kahea maneuvered clumsily over the big roots, flopping up and over a particularly large one and went crashing to the ground.

"Oof!" She grunted painfully, her hands coming out to lift herself up when she realized a shadow had come over her. Lifting her head Kahea's mouth went dry and she slowly backed herself into a corner. It was a spider, a very large spider, it's huge pupil-less eyes staring hungrily at her while it's jowls flexed dangerously, saliva spilling to the floor. It's hairy body bristled at her every movement, cornering her to the point of no escape.

"My Lord—!" Legolas turned to two flushed guards running his way. They looked panicked as they reached him. "My Lord, Princess Kahea is gone." Legolas's brows furrowed, he'd just seen her this morning, where could she have gone?

"Where has she gone?" He snapped, annoyed that the guards seemed reluctant to tell him the whole story.

"She said she would not go far, and we didn't think much of it." One said, glancing to his companion who nodded in agreement.

"One moment she was there and then she was gone." The other replied quickly. "We searched for her but could not find her."

"Gone where?" Legolas asked, a strange tingling coming over him. He felt he would not like what they were going to say.

"Into the forest—"

"Alone—"

"Nothing to protect herself—"

Legolas was racing down the winding path, all the worst things imaginable coursing through his head. There was too much to list when it came to the dangers of the forest, all of which a human with nothing to protect themselves would be able to escape.

"Open the gates!" He barked, startling the posted guards who worked quickly to let him pass. All he could hope and pray for was that his wife was alive and unharmed but given the circumstance he knew that was an unlikely and grim request.

Kahea was lying flat on her back, her body numb and unmoving, even though if she were capable she'd let out a bloodcurdling scream. The spider loomed over her, fangs and all showing as it wrapped her up in it's sticky web.

And to think I'll die a virgin. Kahea thought bitterly, then quickly scolded herself. What a stupid thing to think about before dying. Kahea squeezed her eyes shut, feeling the spider's stinky hot breath on her face. She waited for his fangs to sink into her, beckoned the inevitable to hurry and end the torturous feeling of doom in her belly.

But it did not come. Only the sound of large bodies dropping the floor resonated throughout the forest.

"Odulen an edarith anlen." Kahea's eyes snapped open, she knew that voice. (I'm here to save you/Sindarin)

Above her Legolas stood, his face concerned as he pulled the the sticky fibers away, lifting Kahea in his arms. Kahea liked the warmth he provided to her cold bones.

"Ungol, they are vile creatures." Legolas said his eyes black with flashing anger. (Spider/Sindarin)

How could she venture out here? Did she wish to die? Apart of him tried to reason that she hadn't known better, but even a fool could tell how dangerous this place was.

"Legolas! Legolas!" Tauriel broke through the clearing, relief washing over once she saw that he and Kahea were safe. "The guards told me what happened. I will deal with them accordingly. But you should not have come out here alone." Legolas ignored her reprimand. Still angry at his wife's folly. Sensing this Tauriel spoke gently. Elves were very protective of their mates even when the bond was not strong.

"She did not know any better." Were they talking about her? Kahea was beginning to be able to move and shifted her weight under Legolas who'd subconsciously rubbed bruises into her arms from his anger while trying to remove the paralyzing toxin, only further blackened his mood and felt he needed to leave before he lost his temper.

"Mauya nin avánië." He picked Kahea up with ease, setting her upright in Tauriel's arms before briskly walking away. (I must go) Kahea watched despairingly. She had upset him, again.

"Don't be hard on yourself. If you wish, I can arrange for King Thranduil to have someone tutor you." Tauriel said kindly, her green eyes smiling. Kahea happily returned the smile, grateful to have someone to converse with.

"That would be lovely, thank you." Kahea replied, casting Legolas's disappearing form a longing look. Things just go from bad to worse. She thought.

OKAY, that's about it for this story. I feel that it's a good chunk of reading. PLEASE let me know what you think! Feedback is wanted! I do have the story planned out, it's just not written. Also, the next chapter is about Kahea's homeland. It's not necessary to read BUT it will give you a briefing on her family and why she is the way she is. I worked hard on it lol. Lots of coffee you know?

AUTHOR'S NOTE: My elvish is honestly not good, deplorable at best and am looking it up. I'm sorry if it's incorrect language, I want to use it more in the story but don't know too much. Sooooo please bare with me! Thanks! Also any English in italics means it was spoken in elvish I just couldn't find a translation