Disclaimer: I have about oh, 53 cents to my name so as you can see I certainly don't own LOTR. That is the belonging of the man himself, Mr. J.R. Tolkein. I do however own all the exciting new people that come out of my head such as Sitara, of course that's because no one else wants them… But they're still mine!
Author's Note:
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Well, here's my first challenge story. This one's for Roseblade22. I'll warn you in advance it's a Legomance. Gimli is actually my favorite character, but I have been challenged to write something I would never do. Here it is Elaine! A romance! Now that my reputation as a fanfic author is ruined… Oh well, hope you like it. Here's the rules too. Tell me how I'm doing!
1. Needs a happy ending
2. No angst
3. No Mary Sue
4. The girl needs to be pretty and human
5. Must be in Middle Earth
6. There will be a sequel
Legolas walked slowly through the streets of Gondor. The war of the ring had ended, but there were still many things to be done. The scars of battle had left their mark on the city in the eyes of crippled soldiers or grieving widows. Even the beauty of the buildings had been scared by the great battle.
He shook his head. He would be glad to leave this city of men. They had been here far too long. He and Gimli had planned to leave a week ago for the caves of Helm's Deep but Aragorn had needed them. The new King and Queen of Gondor were doing their best for their people, but at times it seemed almost overwhelming.
Even Gimli was ready to leave by this point. For one who loved stones and caves the dwarf seemed uneasy within the city. Legolas smiled at the memory of the last time they had tried to walk the streets. A group of children had recognized the dwarf almost at once. Nothing Gimli said or did could convince them to leave. Legolas suspected the dwarf had a soft spot for the children, leading to his inability to chase them off. In the end they had created a strange sort of parade that lasted for nearly an hour.
Now though Legolas carefully kept his face down and hidden by his dark cloak. This was one of the few places where he could have at least some privacy. He missed the life and joy of the forests. The thick stone walls that protected the city made him feel trapped. It amazed him how deeply Arwen must love her husband for her to remain here. He shook his head.
The sound of the market place interrupted the elf's thoughts. He looked around, startled. He truly had wandered far to end up here. The market place was as bright and busy as usual. The bright fabrics flapped gently in the wind above the shining wares each merchant displayed.
Legolas backed away to avoid the noisy group buying and selling, but paused. Perhaps he had spent enough time alone today. Gimli had been telling him earlier if he didn't lighten up he would move into the castle's dungeon to avoid him.
The merchants' calls and enticements to potential customers hurt the elf's sensitive ears slightly, but it was almost a relief to be someplace so vibrantly alive. It was quite unlike the quiet stone he had left behind. He took a deep breath. Some of the weight that had been pressing down on him lifted.
He made his way through the press of people to the far side of the market. Long shadows stretched from the buildings, a testament to the sinking sun. He would need to hurry if he wished to get back to the palace before dark.
His dark cloak hid him from most of the customers in the market as he turned to leave. Legolas hesitated for a moment. It would take to long to return if he followed the path he had taken to get here, going through the alleyways would be faster. However elves were not necessarily looked kindly upon in many of the strongholds of men. Also cloaked strangers were not liked any more than elves.
As the shadows stretched longer and some of the crowd in the market began to dissipate he made his choice, ducking into the narrow streets and alleyways that housed many of the city's citizens. Here the brick was worn and no few windows gapped empty.
Legolas could not understand this part of the world of men. The elven cities held none of this. He had once asked Aragorn, but the man had simply smiled sadly and told him they could do their best to stop it, but more was impossible.
A few drunks lay sprawled in the streets already working on whatever form of drink they had managed to procure during the long day. A few other men faces hidden in the shadows leaned against a corner carefully avoiding looking at him. Legolas gave them a wide berth. He fingered the hilt of his dagger beneath his cloak.
He spun around as a hand tapped his shoulder, "Hey Guv, could you spare some change?" The child peered up at the surprised elf. Legolas gripped his blade stopping just short of drawing it. Before he could respond the child's eyes widened, "It's one of 'em! What's one of ya doin' here?" The boy jerked back as a heavier hand landed on the elf's shoulder.
"Don't worry yourself none about the boy now sir. We'll see to 'im." Legolas twisted as the man stabbed with a short blade. Instead of catching him in the back it grazed his arm. Now the elf had his blade out and ready. His eyes locked on the man.
"You have made a grave error in attacking me." Legolas kept slightly back, hoping to give the man a chance to cut his losses and leave.
He smiled slightly at the thought of how much Gimli would enjoy reminding him of this incident, assuming of course he could leave without further trouble. Out of the corner of the eye he could see the boy creeping around him.
"It's one of 'em! I'll bet 'e knows where it's at!" The child's dirty face grinned with an almost predatory smile at Legolas. "You 'elp us Guv and you don't 'ave to worry!" He stepped closer.
Legolas shook his head, "I am sorry, but I cannot help you with whatever you are doing." He backed carefully away searching for a way to make his escape.
His sensitive hearing heard a small sound in the shadows. His head whipped around just in time to see the short figure that hurled itself at him throwing them both to the ground. A knife whistled above him. He could nearly feel the wind of its presence.
It buried itself in the cart behind him instead of in the elf. Two more men stepped out of the shadows. His rescuer rolled over and stood up.
"This is my street Dorjan! You've got no right here!" Legolas gripped his blade coming to his feet as gracefully as ever.
"Been waiting for a reason to do this Sita!" The man's face darkened. His features were more delicate than most, but this did nothing to deter the fire in his eyes. Legolas suspected that under the dirty his skin was also a degree lighter than most that lived in Gondor. There was something else that was strange about the man. He just wished he knew what it was…
However the other three gave him no time to finish the thought as they launched themselves forward. A man with fiery red hair swung a short sword at Legolas. He parried with his blade. The man leered into his face. The elf noted that he was missing a surprising number of teeth before pushing him away.
The man swung high but Legolas ducked careful to avoid drawing blood with his blade as he brought the hilt down on the man's head. He suspected Aragorn would object to wanton killing of his citizens whatever the reason. There was enough latent anger in the city without breeding more.
The man dropped to the ground heavily. His mysterious ally was fending of the other two. Apparently he had no compunction about using his blade. One of the men staggered back holding his side as dark blood welled beneath his fingers.
The other took advantage of the man's distraction to drive forward his attack. He was so intent on the fight that he didn't hear the elf quietly come up behind him. He was unconscious before he hit the street stones.
Legolas looked around for the boy, but couldn't locate him. He turned to his ally. The hat he had worn pulled down tightly had been knocked loose. Dark hair hung to his shoulders. His eyes still blazed angrily.
"You certainly seem to be lost." His voice was lighter than Legolas would have suspected. He watched him carefully trying to discern what was bothering him.
"I am just passing through. I meant them no harm."
"I don't believe they agreed." His smile was wry. "You really should try not to be so noticeable. A dark cloaked stranger whose cloak is finer than any of those who make their home here is bound to attract notice." Legolas had to smile at his own foolishness. He was right, he should have known better.
"I appreciate your assistance." He offered his hand, "My name is Legolas Greenleaf of Mirkwood."
The other took his hand hesitantly, "I just wanted Dorjan out of my territory. You were a convenient excuse."
"We should take these men to receive the King's justice." Legolas said eyeing the unconscious men. His strange companion threw back his head and laughed.
"The King's justice? No my friend, leave them. They are street thieves like any other. The King cares naught for such as us. The street's justice will care for them." He nodded at the shadowy men watching them. "This is no place for the likes of you. I would leave now if I were you."
Legolas was about to respond when something caught his attention, he ducked down. Something about this suggested more than just a brawl among thieves over who got the winnings.
A soft thud came from his left. His companion's eyes widened as he looked down at his shoulder. The shaft of a crossbow bolt protruded just right of his shoulder and the area was already being soaked with blood.
His eyes caught a flash of movement and he threw the knife before he could consider. It caught the fleeing man between the shoulder blades knocking the crossbow from his grasp.
His ally staggered and Legolas caught him as he fell. This was definitely something more than a simple fight between thieves. As he lowered him to the ground he was surprised by how light the other was. A sudden thought struck him and he wiped away the dirt obscuring the other's features.
What he saw assured him that his suspicions were correct. Beneath the dirt and filth of the street the features were fine and small. The brilliant green eyes fluttered open. She opened her mouth to speak.
It came out as a halting whisper. Her breath came in short gasps. "You… know." He nodded.
"What… now?" She tried to smile.
"I don't believe in the street's justice." Legolas tore a strip from his cloak binding the wound. He carefully lifted her up. She cried out in pain as it jostled her injured shoulder. "This is something more. That bolt was meant for me." She paled further her hand clenched on his arm.
"I won't… talk." Her eyes were steady and held his. Legolas was amazed that he had thought her a man. She was surprisingly beautiful. And strong, he had to admit as her grip tightened on his arm.
"You want me to leave you on the streets?" He shook his head. "I have more honor than that." He held her gently. There was something about her… The sooner he got back the sooner he could find out what was really going on. He would need Aragorn's assistance with the men sprawled in the street. Maybe a few could provide answers.
If only it would be so easy to deal with the girl. He could imagine how he looked carrying her through the streets, blood soaking them both. The world of men would never make sense to him. Legolas shook his head wearily. At least she was small and there was no way he could leave her here. Street thief or whatever she was. He could already hear Gimli voicing his opinion on the whole matter.
What the elf did not see as he quickly left behind the world of the streets was a small shadow with a dirty face detaching itself from the wall and pausing by the crossbowman before hurrying into the gathering dark.
And so it begins! Now that we have it set up, let the real romance begin! So Elaine, does it meet the requirements so far?