FADE TO LOVE By Tansy1354
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the idea for the story. I thank Joss Whedon and J.R.R. Tolkien for the loan of their wonderful characters.
Dedicated to Kai3anime for being the first to add this to her story alerts, to everyone else who read it, please drop me a review so I know it is worth continuing.
Chapter 2. Elf Daze
Legolas Greenleaf had known when he became friends with Aragorn that one day he would have to watch his friend marry and die. He accepted this fate willingly for he could not imagine life in Arda without the one who was like a brother to him
But since his friend had married and become somewhat more preoccupied with his wife and affairs of state, Legolas had begun to wonder why he was not similarly blessed.
It had begun not long after his friends wedding, this longing to have a special woman of his own to love and he had become restless. He had even begun to think that he may ride out before the others who were heading towards Edoras for the funeral of King Théoden and crowning of Eomer as the new King in a couple of weeks time. That way he could visit Fangorn before joining the others later.
Not long after that he began to feel an unexplained urge to explore the Citadel more and had asked permission from King Elessar who was a little puzzled at the request but none the less gave his consent. His only comment had been, "Legolas if you are not happy with your room why do you not just ask Faramir for another one to be assigned."
"No, that is not necessary. I will know what it is I seek when I find it." Elessar opened his mouth to ask what the elf was talking about but a stern look from Legolas shut it again. He knew from the look that the stubborn elf would not elaborate. With that the blond archer nodded to his friend and left the room.
It took a couple of days to explore the Citadel and most of the rooms and during that time he had refused all offers to join him by the Hobbits and Gimli which unfortunately stirred their curiosity.
By the third day Legolas was slowing down and becoming tired for no reason, so he began his search that day in a kind of fog. As it was coming up to dusk, he was walking along a never used passageway on the top level, when he came upon an ornate black door. It was carved expertly to resemble a star filled sky.
When a quick knock on the door suggested that the area beyond was unoccupied he opened it and walked in on a vision of beauty. At the window with the rays of the sun shimmering through her pale blue flowing nightgown was a young woman. The Prince of Mirkwood remained there for a moment transfixed by the sight before him.
Her golden hair was lit up giving her a somewhat other-worldly appearance. She turned at his entrance and just for a moment he thought he caught a look of someone who was lost. She appeared shocked at his arrival only for a moment however, as though she was trained to override any fear.
Deep blue met hazel eyes and Legolas knew immediately he had found what he had been searching for. But he was being impolite for the Lady was not attired to receive visitors, no matter how inviting the clothing was. So he quickly averted his eyes and began to back up towards the door, "Forgive me, My Lady, I did not know this room was occupied," he blurted out with a flush on his cheeks.
"Wait please, if you will allow me to cover myself up then perhaps we could watch the sunset together. I usually don't get to see it with another living person." The golden vision pleaded.
Intrigued by the wording of the invitation, he threw his usual caution away and agreed readily. When a minute later she came to him and took him by the hand, then led him towards the window he felt a warmth flow through him and heighten every one of his senses as though before they purely existed and now they were alive.
So he stood beside her at the window and did not let go of her hand until the beautiful show outside was over. As they turned back to the room the maiden looked up into his face and then planted a short kiss upon his lips.
He couldn't help kissing her back but as she broke away from him leaving his senses in disarray the only thing that he managed to make out from what she said was that she would look at a sunset and think of him.
Whether she had intended it or not, to him that one kiss seemed to hold a promise of more and he knew he would one day collect on that promise.
Finally his head cleared and he was able to say hopefully, "It was truly a pleasure, My Lady. But now that it is over I should be going as I still have to find my way back to my own room and get ready for dinner. Would you grant me the honour of escorting you to dinner?"
He was surprised and bitterly disappointed when she excused herself by citing duties she had to tend.
"Then may I at least know your name, so that I may find you again?" His voice was mixed with disappointment and hope.
"Not a good idea, Sunshine, as being around me tends to reduce your life expectancy dramatically. I wouldn't like my bad luck to rub off on you. So don't tell me your name either, OK."
"As you wish, but I can assure you that my life expectancy as you put it, is not in danger of being shortened as my kin are known to live very long lives. May I have your leave to watch the sunset with you again on the morrow?" He had stopped short of pleading for a chance to see her again and was greatly relieved when she nodded in the affirmative.
He quickly took her hand and kissed it before heading for the door, as he reached the door, she called after him. "Hey Sunshine, how are you going to find me again? This isn't my usual room."
It was then that his name for her came to him as he replied, "Have faith in me, My Lady Sunset, amongst those who know me I am deemed the most accomplished of trackers, I will find you I promise."
With that he had turned and reluctantly left the great treasure he had only just found.
The next day he was full of a sort of nervous energy, so decided to ask Gimli to give him some weapon practice. "It is good to see you wanting to practice again elf, you seem so distracted these days." Although Gimli noticed the Elven Prince was not as quick to respond as normal, he still beat the dwarf easily.
"Will you not join the hobbits and me for lunch at 'The Buxom Lady', Legolas?" The dwarf asked hopefully.
"I am afraid I have some errands to run in the city, Gimli but I will be happy to join you early-afternoon." He said reluctantly as he really did not wish to be away from the Citadel at that time of the day. But he also knew that he had indeed been neglecting his friends for the last few days.
So it was with growing anticipation that he bid farewell to his friends at the inn and hurried back to the Citadel. Making his way to the room on the top floor, he hoped she had not been a dream and she would indeed be there waiting for him.
"My Lady Sunset, it is your Sunshine. May I come in?" he called from outside.
The door was flung open as he laughed, "You see I told you that I would find you again"
"Yes, you did, and I am really glad you did." She laughed back before stepping away from the door so he could come in
Once inside with the door shut, he took her hand and kissed the back of it again producing that wonderful warmth. "I have been counting the hours till our meeting, My Lady." The laughter was now gone from his voice.
"I must admit I have been thinking about you too, Sunshine," came her welcome reply.
With that they made their way to the window hand in hand as they had done the night before, once more there didn't seem to be any need for words as they let the colours wash over them. He began to wonder what it would be like to feel her lips against his for longer and have her perfect body embraced in his arms. He struggled to get his mind to forget such things.
They turned to each other as the last of the colours faded, knowing that it was the signal for them to part company once more. Looking at her hair he noticed the style and decided that it would not be improper to stroke it so he ran his free hand slowly down her braid. "I t suits you, Lady Sunset but ah… when it falls loosely about your shoulders it shines like a golden halo."
Without realising he was speaking out loud he added, "Surely a beacon for any man who is low in spirit."
"Are you low in spirit, Sunshine, cos I have to say you don't strike me as the kind to remain unhappy for long." She asked inquisitively.
"In that you are correct, My Lady, it is just the thought of having to wait till tomorrow night to see you again that brings me low in spirit." The Prince sighed.
To his surprise she squeezed his other hand which she was still holding, "If it is any consolation I feel the same way." The affection in her voice was proof of the words.
He pulled his hand from hers then took it and once more kissed it before dropping it reluctantly and turning towards the door where he turned back and looked longingly at that which he didn't want to leave.
"Until tomorrow night then, I wish you pleasant dreams, Lady Sunset." Resolutely he opened the door and left.
Once on the other side he made his way back down the corridor towards the stairs that would take him down to the eating hall. He was surprised to notice a door a little way down on the opposite side to that of the Lady's.
This one seemed to call him as it was made mostly of a honey coloured wood. However the relief that was depicted on this was of the golden sun high against a cerulean sky. Below was a stand of tall green trees with a glistening silver stream running into them. The magnificent workmanship was identical to that of the black door of the room he had just left.
But when he tried the door it would not open and he was at a loss as to why something that was obviously meant for him would not allow him entry. Reasoning that perhaps it was not yet time for him to enter, he sadly continued on his way.