Chapter 1 " The Woman"
Legolas stared down the road looking for some possible sign of the rain letting up. There was none. He leaned back and sighed, regretting the day he had said yes to this journey.
He was just setting in to go to sleep, when a scream reached him. He leapt up, and ran to the opening of the cave hawk sharp eyes taking in the foliage around him. He was just about to go back inside the cave when the scream pierced the air once more. He whorled around, his sensitive leaf like ears telling him that the scream had come from the far left. He hoisted his bow and quiver to his shoulders and stepped out into the rain just as the greenery to his left shook and trembled, and before he knew what was happening the shrubs parted as a young woman ran forward. Before he had a chance to speak to her the shrubbery parted once more to revel an orc, and an ugly one at that. The orc made a desperate grab for the woman before he went down face first into the mud, Legolas's arrow in his heart.
Legolas took a few deep breaths to steady him then he turn to find the place where the woman had fallen. He found her almost immediately, under some bushes near his cave. She lied there still and motionless, as he approached.
"Lady", he called softly, "are you alright?"
There was no answer. He walked silently over to her and crouched down beside her turning her until he could see her face. She was unconscious yet breathing. He picked her up to cradle her in his arms and found that she weighed almost nothing at all. Turning he headed back to the cave.
Upon entering he laid her down and covered her body with his cloak. Turning he poked the fire back to life, and began to boil water. As soon as he had the water on the fire he turn back to the young woman he had found only moments before, and with a rag he began to clean her muddy face. Checking her body he found that she was unhurt, and sighed with relief since he was not as skilled as some in the art of healing. Looking at her face again he discovered the she would be very pretty once you got the mud off of her and put some different clothing on her.
When he reached out to touch her face, she stirred and muttered in her sleep. He gently smoothed his hand over her brow, calming her back into sleep. He looked at her for a moment longer before he turned back to the fire to begin making tea, for both of them.
* * * * * *
Legolas had just settled back against the caves wall when a moan reached his ears. He glanced at the woman in time to see her toss and turn under his cloak. He got up and went to her, crouching down beside her. She flipped on her back and he could see the rapid eye movements of sleep, though they were somewhat distressed. Reaching over her he lifted her up to lean her against him. She stirred but did not fight. He ran his hand down her back slowly, soothing and caressing. The touch seemed to lure her out of her dreams. Suddenly he felt her stiffen and pull out of his grasp.
"Who are you?" she asked, as though frightened.
"Do not worry my lady", he said, "I am Legolas of Mirkwood, and I will take care of you."
"M..M..Mirkwood?", she asked stuttering, "is that where I am?"
"Yes my lady." he replied.
"A..A..And you're an Elf, aren't you?" she asked timidly staring at his ears.
"Yes, I am." He said, "Who are you? Where did you come from?"
At this she seemed to cringe "I am Aerin, and I come from a land a long way from here. It's called Mossien." She replied, and then fell silent.
"I have never been to this place that you speak of" he said, " though the name is very pretty," he added after a moments pause.
"It was named after a queen of old." she replied in the same timid voice.
" How did you come to be here, if you don't mind my asking?" He said.
"It is a long story." She said sighing.
Sensing that she was tiring he said, " Then we will speak of it later."
He pushed her gently back on to the cave floor, covering her once again with his cloak. "Are you comfortable?" he asked.
She nodded, and rolled over on to her side facing her back to him.
He sighed and turned around going back to where he was sitting before. It was a few moments until out of the silence came her voice,
" Thank you, Legolas" she said quietly. So quiet that she was not sure that he had heard her until his reply came back equally soft:
"Your welcome."
* * * * * *
Some time in the night, Legolas drifted into a light sleep. He woke suddenly at the sound of his fire crackling. Opening his eyes, he found the young woman bent over the fire.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
She looked up with a start, and he saw that some how she had cleaned herself and was now staring at him with wide green eyes. "No. Green wasn't the right color" he thought to him self "More like a deep emerald. Like a forest after a summer storm, sorrow and happiness folded into one."
"I was making some breakfast." She said softly "To thank you for saving me."
" There is no thanks needed, lady Aerin." He said rising to move toward her, noting her long black hair that hung down her back in soft curls. " Though it smells delicious." After a moment he asked, " Were did you clean your self up?"
"There is a small pool behind those trees over there." She said pointing slightly to the right.
"You would not mind if I went and freshened up, would you?" he asked.
"No, no go on ahead. Breakfast will be ready when you get back." She said and smiled.
He returned the smile and went to get his bathing things from his pack.
* * * * * *
Legolas soon found the pool, and sank into the cool depths, thinking of nothing in particular when suddenly she popped into his mind.
Aerin.
How he wanted to get to know her. He had no idea why; he just simply knew he did.
A twig snapped, shaking him out of his reverie. Turning swiftly in the pool he stared straight into Aerins eyes.
"Oh!!" She looked flustered "I didn't...I wouldn't...I'm so sorry!! I had no idea you were still bathing!!" She said and looked down.
"Do not worry about it my lady," he said gently "but what caused you to stray from camp?"
"I...was going to pick these berries for breakfast." She said after a moment.
"Well, might I suggest those over there," he pointed to the far side of the stream to his left "seeing how the ones you wish to pick are poisonous."
She suddenly went very pale, drooping the berries she held in her hands. "P...p...poisonous?!?" she said. Staring at the berries with wide green eyes.
" Yes, but only if you eat them." He said biting back a smile. " You didn't eat any did you my lady?" he asked in a more serious tone.
She nodded.
" Oh no!" he whispered. " How long has it been since you ate them? Tell me!! Your life my depend on it!!"He yelled when she paused.
" Since the sun rose," she breathed eyes wide with fear. "Three hours ago."
Legolas swam swiftly though the water. " Turn around." He commanded.
She complied. He leaped out of the pool pulling his clothes on over his wet body and swinging his quiver and bow over his back. Walking up to her he said " Come my lady we must get to Rivendell, Elrond can help you there, but I ask you to remain calm the poison can go for days with out harming the bearer, but when it strikes..." he shook his head motioning her to follow.
They packed quickly, breakfast forgotten. Legolas watched Aerin the whole time, looking for signs of fading or the pain most felt when taken by the poison, but Aerin showed none of those signs other than a little paleness. When they where ready to go, Legolas went to the front of the cave and whistled three sharp notes into the otherwise silent forest. Aerin came up beside him just as a beautiful brown mare trotted up. Her breath caught in her throat.
"She's gorgeous!" She whispered, going up to stroke the mares' nose. The horse whickered softly in reply.
" Yes." He replied coming to stand by her. " But we really must go now, the poison has not acted yet but it may and the sooner we reach Rivendell the better."
She nodded, and he helped her up on to the horses bare back before swing himself up behind her. Wrapping his arms around her waist he clucked to the mare and they began forward at an easy trot.
* * * * * *
When they stopped to eat and rest the horse, which Legolas called " Vana Wilwarin"(beautiful butterfly), Aerin started to feel waves of sickness wash over her. Legolas had watched as she steadily grew paler and paler as they neared the end of the meal.
He stood and began to pack things rapidly into a bag, not liking her color and he knew they where still about a two-hour ride from Rivendell. As soon as he finished packing he went to her.
By now she sat hunched and shivering. He held out his hand to help her up, but as soon as he pulled her to her feet she promptly fell forward and passed out.
When the unexpected weight came down upon his arms he nearly dropped her. He held her for a moment relishing her warm body against his, but then noticed how shallow her breathing was, and how pale she looked. Picking her gently up in his arms he set her on the horse then jumped nimbly up behind her. By that time she was shaking, sweat rolled off her brow and was soaking her shirt. He pulled her against him feeling her shallow breath and urged the mare it to a quick trot. As they set off he whispered to her "Do not worry my lady, I will help."
* * * * * *
She was running. Running as fast as her feet could take her, and she had no idea why. Then she realized they were coming! Suddenly she stopped and the world around her fell into place.
Looking around she discovered she was at the cave where the beautiful elf had helped her. What was his name?!?! She racked her memories, and then it all came back to her... the orc, Legolas, the pool...
Then suddenly the earth began to shake, looking wildly around she spotted through the trees...ORCS!!!!!!!
The first arrow just grazed her cheek, then almost as suddenly Legolas jumped from the bushes firing arrow after arrow into the orcs.
But it was a lost cause. There were to many of them and then it happened. An arrow had found its way into Legolas' chest. He fell to the ground as she screamed his name. Rushing to him she knelt and gathered his cold body into her arms, tears streamed down her face. No! Was all she could yell as another arrow entered her back. She fell forward on to Legolas, blood pooled around them and she found she could not close her eyes. She died staring at Legolas.
She thrashed in the bed then suddenly sat up. Looking around her she saw she was in a beautiful room. High vaulted ceilings tapered down to smooth yellow walls. The furnishings of the room looked like they could have come out of the middle ages looking down she discovered she was on the softest bed ever. The posts of the bed almost reached the ceiling, but were softened by the light green canopy that hung draped luxuriously about the frame. The pillows were covered in a cool green fabric that matched the sheets. The comforter was a darker green but it fit into the scene nicely.
Sighing with weariness she leaned back against the pillows closing her eyes. She tried to push her dream away but it kept coming back no matter what she did. She watched Legolas die over and over in her mind and tears streaming down her cheeks.
"So you're awake." A female voice broke through her thoughts. Her eyes flew open, and she quickly wiped her eyes on the sheets.
"Yes." She replied looking up at the intruder. "Who are you?" she asked the young blonde in front of her.
"Issa." Was the reply. " You have slept for two days." She continued, "Legolas has been worried."
Aerin blushed and looked down, "He should not have." She whispered.
"Ahhhh... but you know men. Protective." She said moving to the side of the bed. Aerin now saw that she had pointed ears. `I have been sent to tell you that if you wish you may join use for the feast. I have placed a gown over there that I think you will like." She pointed to a chair, and then fell silent.
Realizing that she was waiting for a reply Aerin quickly said " Oh! Of coarse I'll join you!" the blonde broke into a smile.
"Then I will have some one sent to escort you down," she said as she moved from the bed. " Oh, by the way you will find a bath in that chamber" she pointed to a door Aerin could have sworn wasn't there before.
"Thank you, Issa," she said.
"Your very welcome." she replied as she walked out the door closing it softly behind her.
Aerin slowly swung her legs out of the bed rubbing her neck as she did so. She stood groaning softly as she stretched, and walked to the door the young elf had said lead to a bath.
Opening the door, Aerin gasped. The whole bathroom shone gold. She had to hold a hand to her eyes because it was so bright. She walked in taking in every thing around her. From the gilded sink to the bath with water so clear you could see the bottom of the tub. Taking off the nightgown she had been wearing she slid into the water. Noting that the temperature was just right. Looking around she found soap and shampoo. Slowly she cleaned herself, savoring the moments she spent in the tub of warm water.
After she had washed she dried her body and long curly black hair, and stepped back into the main room. She looked about for the dress; spotting it she walked over and looked at the garment. Her breath caught. "Oh my!! It's beautiful!" she said to the air. The dress she stared at was a bright shimmering white with a silver trim. She reached out and gingerly touched the dress. It felt smooth and light to the touch. Picking it up she found matching slippers underneath.
After pulling on the dress and slippers she turned to the full-length mirror. She gasped. Never before had she looked so beautiful. The dress fell off her shoulders, fitted snugly around her breasts and waist, and then fell to the floor in a waterfall of white. Having decided that she had stood there long enough, she sat down at the vanity. Brushing her black curls till they gleamed, she then explored the various boxes and jars on the counter. Many housed make-up and other beauty items, but other than a little perfume she wasn't interested in them. She opened the last box and her breath caught once more. In side lay a little pair of diamond earrings; a thin silver necklace lined with diamonds, and little diamond pens for the hair. Putting on the earrings and the necklace she wondered what to do with the pens. Finally deciding to put them in right above her ears, she sat back and admired herself.
When she decided see was ready to leave she took a deep breath and opened her door.
* * * * * *
Legolas stared down the road looking for some possible sign of the rain letting up. There was none. He leaned back and sighed, regretting the day he had said yes to this journey.
He was just setting in to go to sleep, when a scream reached him. He leapt up, and ran to the opening of the cave hawk sharp eyes taking in the foliage around him. He was just about to go back inside the cave when the scream pierced the air once more. He whorled around, his sensitive leaf like ears telling him that the scream had come from the far left. He hoisted his bow and quiver to his shoulders and stepped out into the rain just as the greenery to his left shook and trembled, and before he knew what was happening the shrubs parted as a young woman ran forward. Before he had a chance to speak to her the shrubbery parted once more to revel an orc, and an ugly one at that. The orc made a desperate grab for the woman before he went down face first into the mud, Legolas's arrow in his heart.
Legolas took a few deep breaths to steady him then he turn to find the place where the woman had fallen. He found her almost immediately, under some bushes near his cave. She lied there still and motionless, as he approached.
"Lady", he called softly, "are you alright?"
There was no answer. He walked silently over to her and crouched down beside her turning her until he could see her face. She was unconscious yet breathing. He picked her up to cradle her in his arms and found that she weighed almost nothing at all. Turning he headed back to the cave.
Upon entering he laid her down and covered her body with his cloak. Turning he poked the fire back to life, and began to boil water. As soon as he had the water on the fire he turn back to the young woman he had found only moments before, and with a rag he began to clean her muddy face. Checking her body he found that she was unhurt, and sighed with relief since he was not as skilled as some in the art of healing. Looking at her face again he discovered the she would be very pretty once you got the mud off of her and put some different clothing on her.
When he reached out to touch her face, she stirred and muttered in her sleep. He gently smoothed his hand over her brow, calming her back into sleep. He looked at her for a moment longer before he turned back to the fire to begin making tea, for both of them.
* * * * * *
Legolas had just settled back against the caves wall when a moan reached his ears. He glanced at the woman in time to see her toss and turn under his cloak. He got up and went to her, crouching down beside her. She flipped on her back and he could see the rapid eye movements of sleep, though they were somewhat distressed. Reaching over her he lifted her up to lean her against him. She stirred but did not fight. He ran his hand down her back slowly, soothing and caressing. The touch seemed to lure her out of her dreams. Suddenly he felt her stiffen and pull out of his grasp.
"Who are you?" she asked, as though frightened.
"Do not worry my lady", he said, "I am Legolas of Mirkwood, and I will take care of you."
"M..M..Mirkwood?", she asked stuttering, "is that where I am?"
"Yes my lady." he replied.
"A..A..And you're an Elf, aren't you?" she asked timidly staring at his ears.
"Yes, I am." He said, "Who are you? Where did you come from?"
At this she seemed to cringe "I am Aerin, and I come from a land a long way from here. It's called Mossien." She replied, and then fell silent.
"I have never been to this place that you speak of" he said, " though the name is very pretty," he added after a moments pause.
"It was named after a queen of old." she replied in the same timid voice.
" How did you come to be here, if you don't mind my asking?" He said.
"It is a long story." She said sighing.
Sensing that she was tiring he said, " Then we will speak of it later."
He pushed her gently back on to the cave floor, covering her once again with his cloak. "Are you comfortable?" he asked.
She nodded, and rolled over on to her side facing her back to him.
He sighed and turned around going back to where he was sitting before. It was a few moments until out of the silence came her voice,
" Thank you, Legolas" she said quietly. So quiet that she was not sure that he had heard her until his reply came back equally soft:
"Your welcome."
* * * * * *
Some time in the night, Legolas drifted into a light sleep. He woke suddenly at the sound of his fire crackling. Opening his eyes, he found the young woman bent over the fire.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
She looked up with a start, and he saw that some how she had cleaned herself and was now staring at him with wide green eyes. "No. Green wasn't the right color" he thought to him self "More like a deep emerald. Like a forest after a summer storm, sorrow and happiness folded into one."
"I was making some breakfast." She said softly "To thank you for saving me."
" There is no thanks needed, lady Aerin." He said rising to move toward her, noting her long black hair that hung down her back in soft curls. " Though it smells delicious." After a moment he asked, " Were did you clean your self up?"
"There is a small pool behind those trees over there." She said pointing slightly to the right.
"You would not mind if I went and freshened up, would you?" he asked.
"No, no go on ahead. Breakfast will be ready when you get back." She said and smiled.
He returned the smile and went to get his bathing things from his pack.
* * * * * *
Legolas soon found the pool, and sank into the cool depths, thinking of nothing in particular when suddenly she popped into his mind.
Aerin.
How he wanted to get to know her. He had no idea why; he just simply knew he did.
A twig snapped, shaking him out of his reverie. Turning swiftly in the pool he stared straight into Aerins eyes.
"Oh!!" She looked flustered "I didn't...I wouldn't...I'm so sorry!! I had no idea you were still bathing!!" She said and looked down.
"Do not worry about it my lady," he said gently "but what caused you to stray from camp?"
"I...was going to pick these berries for breakfast." She said after a moment.
"Well, might I suggest those over there," he pointed to the far side of the stream to his left "seeing how the ones you wish to pick are poisonous."
She suddenly went very pale, drooping the berries she held in her hands. "P...p...poisonous?!?" she said. Staring at the berries with wide green eyes.
" Yes, but only if you eat them." He said biting back a smile. " You didn't eat any did you my lady?" he asked in a more serious tone.
She nodded.
" Oh no!" he whispered. " How long has it been since you ate them? Tell me!! Your life my depend on it!!"He yelled when she paused.
" Since the sun rose," she breathed eyes wide with fear. "Three hours ago."
Legolas swam swiftly though the water. " Turn around." He commanded.
She complied. He leaped out of the pool pulling his clothes on over his wet body and swinging his quiver and bow over his back. Walking up to her he said " Come my lady we must get to Rivendell, Elrond can help you there, but I ask you to remain calm the poison can go for days with out harming the bearer, but when it strikes..." he shook his head motioning her to follow.
They packed quickly, breakfast forgotten. Legolas watched Aerin the whole time, looking for signs of fading or the pain most felt when taken by the poison, but Aerin showed none of those signs other than a little paleness. When they where ready to go, Legolas went to the front of the cave and whistled three sharp notes into the otherwise silent forest. Aerin came up beside him just as a beautiful brown mare trotted up. Her breath caught in her throat.
"She's gorgeous!" She whispered, going up to stroke the mares' nose. The horse whickered softly in reply.
" Yes." He replied coming to stand by her. " But we really must go now, the poison has not acted yet but it may and the sooner we reach Rivendell the better."
She nodded, and he helped her up on to the horses bare back before swing himself up behind her. Wrapping his arms around her waist he clucked to the mare and they began forward at an easy trot.
* * * * * *
When they stopped to eat and rest the horse, which Legolas called " Vana Wilwarin"(beautiful butterfly), Aerin started to feel waves of sickness wash over her. Legolas had watched as she steadily grew paler and paler as they neared the end of the meal.
He stood and began to pack things rapidly into a bag, not liking her color and he knew they where still about a two-hour ride from Rivendell. As soon as he finished packing he went to her.
By now she sat hunched and shivering. He held out his hand to help her up, but as soon as he pulled her to her feet she promptly fell forward and passed out.
When the unexpected weight came down upon his arms he nearly dropped her. He held her for a moment relishing her warm body against his, but then noticed how shallow her breathing was, and how pale she looked. Picking her gently up in his arms he set her on the horse then jumped nimbly up behind her. By that time she was shaking, sweat rolled off her brow and was soaking her shirt. He pulled her against him feeling her shallow breath and urged the mare it to a quick trot. As they set off he whispered to her "Do not worry my lady, I will help."
* * * * * *
She was running. Running as fast as her feet could take her, and she had no idea why. Then she realized they were coming! Suddenly she stopped and the world around her fell into place.
Looking around she discovered she was at the cave where the beautiful elf had helped her. What was his name?!?! She racked her memories, and then it all came back to her... the orc, Legolas, the pool...
Then suddenly the earth began to shake, looking wildly around she spotted through the trees...ORCS!!!!!!!
The first arrow just grazed her cheek, then almost as suddenly Legolas jumped from the bushes firing arrow after arrow into the orcs.
But it was a lost cause. There were to many of them and then it happened. An arrow had found its way into Legolas' chest. He fell to the ground as she screamed his name. Rushing to him she knelt and gathered his cold body into her arms, tears streamed down her face. No! Was all she could yell as another arrow entered her back. She fell forward on to Legolas, blood pooled around them and she found she could not close her eyes. She died staring at Legolas.
She thrashed in the bed then suddenly sat up. Looking around her she saw she was in a beautiful room. High vaulted ceilings tapered down to smooth yellow walls. The furnishings of the room looked like they could have come out of the middle ages looking down she discovered she was on the softest bed ever. The posts of the bed almost reached the ceiling, but were softened by the light green canopy that hung draped luxuriously about the frame. The pillows were covered in a cool green fabric that matched the sheets. The comforter was a darker green but it fit into the scene nicely.
Sighing with weariness she leaned back against the pillows closing her eyes. She tried to push her dream away but it kept coming back no matter what she did. She watched Legolas die over and over in her mind and tears streaming down her cheeks.
"So you're awake." A female voice broke through her thoughts. Her eyes flew open, and she quickly wiped her eyes on the sheets.
"Yes." She replied looking up at the intruder. "Who are you?" she asked the young blonde in front of her.
"Issa." Was the reply. " You have slept for two days." She continued, "Legolas has been worried."
Aerin blushed and looked down, "He should not have." She whispered.
"Ahhhh... but you know men. Protective." She said moving to the side of the bed. Aerin now saw that she had pointed ears. `I have been sent to tell you that if you wish you may join use for the feast. I have placed a gown over there that I think you will like." She pointed to a chair, and then fell silent.
Realizing that she was waiting for a reply Aerin quickly said " Oh! Of coarse I'll join you!" the blonde broke into a smile.
"Then I will have some one sent to escort you down," she said as she moved from the bed. " Oh, by the way you will find a bath in that chamber" she pointed to a door Aerin could have sworn wasn't there before.
"Thank you, Issa," she said.
"Your very welcome." she replied as she walked out the door closing it softly behind her.
Aerin slowly swung her legs out of the bed rubbing her neck as she did so. She stood groaning softly as she stretched, and walked to the door the young elf had said lead to a bath.
Opening the door, Aerin gasped. The whole bathroom shone gold. She had to hold a hand to her eyes because it was so bright. She walked in taking in every thing around her. From the gilded sink to the bath with water so clear you could see the bottom of the tub. Taking off the nightgown she had been wearing she slid into the water. Noting that the temperature was just right. Looking around she found soap and shampoo. Slowly she cleaned herself, savoring the moments she spent in the tub of warm water.
After she had washed she dried her body and long curly black hair, and stepped back into the main room. She looked about for the dress; spotting it she walked over and looked at the garment. Her breath caught. "Oh my!! It's beautiful!" she said to the air. The dress she stared at was a bright shimmering white with a silver trim. She reached out and gingerly touched the dress. It felt smooth and light to the touch. Picking it up she found matching slippers underneath.
After pulling on the dress and slippers she turned to the full-length mirror. She gasped. Never before had she looked so beautiful. The dress fell off her shoulders, fitted snugly around her breasts and waist, and then fell to the floor in a waterfall of white. Having decided that she had stood there long enough, she sat down at the vanity. Brushing her black curls till they gleamed, she then explored the various boxes and jars on the counter. Many housed make-up and other beauty items, but other than a little perfume she wasn't interested in them. She opened the last box and her breath caught once more. In side lay a little pair of diamond earrings; a thin silver necklace lined with diamonds, and little diamond pens for the hair. Putting on the earrings and the necklace she wondered what to do with the pens. Finally deciding to put them in right above her ears, she sat back and admired herself.
When she decided see was ready to leave she took a deep breath and opened her door.
* * * * * *