Glory Bee: I reeeeeally can't be specific in my response to you as I have something planned that may actually fit your wish somewhat. It is a bit complicated and hopefully you will be pleased with where it goes, but I could also completely crash and burn :). Hopefully, it will be the former and not the latter. ^_^
FluffyMuStArDD: Thank you very much :) I have improved greatly from my first endeavor, but I admit I definitely have room for improvement. Hopefully people can stick with me through this story, either way.
So, there will be a new addition at the beginning of each chapter that may not make ...well, almost any sense now...but in the long run, it should fit together quite nicely. Is the suspense killing anyone yet? No? Well, darn.
Might I add that this story has a bit of a disturbing/depressing bit near the end, so fair warning to all of you.
Enjoy, my lovely readers, and as always, I own only that what I have created.
Chapter 4: Heartstrings
The darkness has been spreading slowly, swallowing everything in its wake. My fears have become more pronounced though he assures me we will be protected and that we will protect them, in turn. It has always been this way for us, and he is certain that we will be able to weather this storm as well. Yet, there is doubt that tickles at the back of my mind, and it can no longer be ignored. There is something that does not sit right with me, and I know that while everything is at risk, it is her especially that I must worry about. Today, I will begin to take whatever steps necessary to protect what I can, even if it is only one thing that will come out of this unharmed. Even if it means that everything else around will fall to ruin.
The beauty of Imladriswas not lost on Lehlina as the company crossed into the valley and approached the city slowly. Legolas had turned his gaze to her when he heard a sharp intake of breath once Rivendell had come into their sights. A smile flitted across his face as her eyes widened to the size of saucers, noting that this action made her appearance akin to a child in wonder. He had, of course, experienced a similar feeling when he first visited Rivendell as a young ellon and its beauty, over time, had become muted to him. His appreciation was renewed as seeing her expression recalled memories of his own. Knowing that Lehlina had never experienced places other than her home made him feel somewhat selfish and led him to believe he took his own travels and freedoms for granted. Tucking his head down to his chest, he wondered what was to come of her once they made it the House of Elrond. Would she stay in Imladris and start a new life among the elves or would she go somewhere else? Perhaps she would continuously travel, going where the wind carried her. Glancing over at her once more, he realized that perhaps she would be quite willing to explore the lands and leave nothing in her wake except the dust kicked up from beneath Koto's hooves.
While he was very willing to include her in his journey, he could not help that a small part of him wish she had stayed in Mirkwood. His father seemed fairly intrigued as to her heritage, and Legolas himself realized that he also desired to know more about her. He could see himself becoming friends with the woman, at least for a time. He did not fully know or understand her quite yet, and until that moment came, he could not possibly know if their friendship would be able to stand the test of time.
As they neared the stables, he pushed away the hopeful thought that they could build a long-lasting friendship and that they may, in some way, remain in each others lives.
Lehlina made certain that she did not bite her nails as she was normally prone to doing when nervous. Instead, she took to pinching sections of her riding dress at her sides and rubbing the fabrics between her fingers. Meeting one elven king had already frayed her nerves; meeting another was wearing them down entirely. Adding to her fears was the knowledge that Elrond could have answers to many of her questions, including ones she had not thought to ask before. Scampering somewhat gracelessly behind Legolas and the guards, she almost ran into the back of the prince when they came to a halt. Still playing with the fabric, she barely noticed when Legolas turned and lowered his gaze to observe her habit. Raising one delicate eyebrow, he reached with his left hand and gently enclosed his over the top of her right one, automatically stilling her movements. Without turning her head, her eyes flicked to the right and took in his amused expression and she felt rather unhappy with herself. Though his smile both calmed her and made her feel embarrassed at her actions, the way he gripped and gently squeezed her hand let her know that he also worried for her. Nodding her head at him and forcing a small smile, he released her hand and turned to face the doors that were now opening and allowing them into where they were to meet Elrond.
As they stepped forward, Lehlina swallowed down the fear that was beginning to overcome her. Desperate to grasp her necklace in order to bring some comfort, she had to make do with allowing herself to breathe. The necklace was not to be mentioned or revealed- at least, not at this very moment.
Elrond was standing as they entered and neared him. Legolas immediately greeted him familiarly as Lehlina shifted back and forth from her left to right foot and took in his appearance. He was tall, of course, as all elves seemed to be. His grey eyes seemed severe to her, but she could see that they brightened briefly at meeting Legolas. She could tell he worried about many things and that each reason was warring to take precedence over another. Tilting her head to the side and pondering to herself, she realized that although he seemed quite stern, he also held kindness and warmth within him though it was buried under fear and doubt. His hair was darker than hers, but shone nonetheless, and once again she felt a bit ashamed at her own appearance. Before she could finish her observations, her eyes shot over to Legolas when she realized he had just spoken in her direction and that Elrond was now gazing at her with his eyebrows lowered considerably.
Stumbling forward, she offered a curtsey and glanced up at him.
"Thank you for allowing us into your home, my Lord. It is truly amazing here."
Elrond allowed a ghost of a smile to play over his face as he stepped towards her. Anxious once more, she shyly met his eyes and wondered what he was looking for as he searched her face.
"Lady Lehlina, I welcome you to Imladris," he began, and she noticed his voice was firm and carried across the room in a commanding way. "Legolas informs me that you may have some questions for me."
Swallowing the lump in her throat, she nodded and claimed, "Yes, Lord Elrond. There is much that dwells on my mind, but I know not where to start."
Smiling tiredly, he responded, "I find that starting from the beginning is perhaps the best place."
As he said this, she let out a relieved laugh and began to feel more at ease. "Of course, my Lord."
"I know you have much to ask, but I am sorry to say that now is not the time for that," he began as her anxiety seemed to dissipate. He turned a bit towards Legolas and continued, "I have been taking care of a young hobbit that Glorfindel came across in the wilds a few days ago. He has improved greatly, but I fear I must return to his side."
Legolas hesitantly nodded at this news and Lehlina knew it was not just because she would be waiting still for answers. The memory of the conversation she had heard between him and his father came back to her mind and she knew he was desperate to speak with Elrond about it. Whatever escaped from Mirkwood had ties to Aragorn, and somehow, Elrond. Her mind then turned to the thought of the wounded hobbit and she wondered what had happened to him and why he had been so far away from his home. Was he driven out as well? She worried for his welfare as she knew what it was like to wake up injured in an unknown place after fleeing from chaos. Feeling selfish about her own desperate wants, she spoke next.
"Is there anything I can do to help, my Lord?"
Elrond's eyes softened as he gazed at her again, a new light appearing in them as he considered the woman in front of him.
"You are generous to offer, but for now I believe that you and Legolas should rest for your journey has been long. I will find you when I am able to and we can discuss anything you desire."
Her heart sunk as she felt useless once more, but she knew if he truly needed any aid, he would have indicated so.
Realizing that they were to be sent to their own rooms to recover and take rest, she let her mind drift off as the two elves spoke quietly and briefly about the trip they had just completed. Following behind them as quietly as she could, she did not realize how tired she was from the ride until she thought about climbing into a bed. She had not ridden so long before and she knew Koto himself must have been really tired. Neither were used to the amount of land they had covered and she decided that next time she saw him, she would have a delicious treat for him in order to convey her appreciation towards her beloved horse.
So deep in thought was she that she did not even realize that Elrond had departed from her and Legolas, leaving the two standing in the hallway in front of a closed door. Becoming aware of his stare, she raised an eyebrow in defense and barked out a curt "what?" not meaning for it to come out as harsh as it did.
"This is to be where you will rest. I asked if you were feeling well for you look to be in pain."
"I suppose I am a bit tired, but nothing a few hours of sleep will not cure," she spoke softly hoping to erase the harsh tone she had used before.
"Of course. I am sure you are not used to such long travel," he spoke truthfully and not meaning to offend her.
Smiling shyly, she managed to keep from blushing and responded, "I am afraid I am not as well-traveled as you and your companions are. Perhaps some day I will grow accustomed to it, but not for a while." He smiled at her comment and watched as she went to open the door, noticing that her body sagged against it just barely as she twisted the doorknob. Seeing that she grew more tired by the second, he made to step back as she turned towards him again. He would leave her to rest and then he would go in search for his old dear friends, the thought causing a smirk to appear on his face.
Noticing his smirk and wistful expression, Lehlina held down a laugh, knowing that he more than likely was going to track down the trickster twins and she shook her head. She could not deny that she wanted to meet them, but she also knew that if she did not sleep soon, she would surely fall on her face and that would be a very unbecoming sight indeed.
"Go," she said softly. "I will be fine on my own from here on out."
Legolas nodded and pointed to the door not too far down the hall and on the same side as hers.
"That will be my room if you need assistance with anything, my lady."
"Lehlina," she corrected as her eyes began to drift shut slowly.
"Lehlina," he smiled as he responded. "Sleep well this night," he added as he turned and disappeared down the hall and past his own door. Chuckling to herself, she closed the door softly behind her and took no time to undress or even glance around the room as she made a beeline to the inviting bed and collapsed on top of it before drifting off into a much-needed sleep.
'You were not there to protect them. You forfeited their lives while you were out on your silly adventure,' her inner voice berated her as she drifted slowly through the burning village. 'Look what you are responsible for. Look upon their final resting ground, where you left them behind once again when you escaped.'
Her eyes widened as she saw a man running down the otherwise quiet road. Horrified, she realized that he was on fire and screaming in agony. Running towards the man, she yanked the cloak off from her own back and wrapped it around his burning frame before pulling him to the ground as quickly as she could and attempted to douse the flames that engulfed him. One of his hands shot out and wrapped around her wrist, and it was then she took in his charred face and noticed his eyes. They were the eyes of her father and she cried out as his grip tightened.
"You left us. You condemned us," he hissed out at her. Shaking her head emphatically, she tried to pull her wrist away from him.
"No! I-it was not my intention, I swear!" she all but shouted in earnest as tears welled up in her eyes.
"You left us. You were to die with us," he said as his gaze narrowed and his grip continued to tighten around her wrist. It was then that she realized her wrist was burning. Her eyes drifted down to see that a fire had started at his hand and was drifting up his arm and threatened to swallow his entire form.
"Let me- let me help you," she begged as she tried to put out the fire once more with her tattered cloak.
"You will burn with us," he said as his fingers began to uncurl form her wrist. Tears were now streaming down her dirty and ashen face and the flames overtook him completely, and she could hardly see any part of him other than his eyes boring into her own and tearing apart her sanity. It was then she realized she could hear a faint scream coming from somewhere nearby, and as the flames began to lick up her own body uncontrollably, the screaming grew louder.
"Lehlina, wake up! You must wake up!"
The woman inhaled sharply as she became aware of the hands that gripped her shoulders and shook her violently. Flying up into a sitting position, she began patting fiercely at her own clothes desperate to put out the fire that consumed her. The hands that were on her shoulders drifted down to her own and grabbed her wrists gently but firmly. She made to cry out but noticed her voice was hoarse. With a start, she realized that the screams from her dream had been her own. Allowing her eyes to flash around the room, she realized there was no fire and that she was not in her village. Looking back to the person that was on her bed and leaning over her in worry, she recognized the features of the prince she had met from Mirkwood. His eyes seemed darker than usual, and even though there was only worry that she could detect within them, they brought an overwhelming sense of calm.
"Legolas?" she breathed out weakly as she struggled to realize that her father was not looking back at her now, that he was not accusing her. Her hands had stilled their rapid movements, but her chest heaved up and down and tears began to build up in her brown eyes. Her lower lip trembled as she tried to calm her breathing and accept where her life had taken her as of late. As hot tears fell down her red cheeks, Legolas allowed his left hand to reach up carefully and cup her right cheek. Her eyes drifted down to her hands and she clenched them into fists as she closed her eyes and began to sob heavily.
His heart tightened at the sight of her crumpled expression and he clenched his jaw as he watched her break down. He had just been returning from catching up with Elrohir and Elladan when he heard screams coming from Lehlina's room. As panic rose within him, he had flown through the door in a matter of seconds, ready to protect the woman from an unknown enemy. He had been utterly surprised when he saw that she fought, instead, in a nightmare. Her eyebrows were lowered and her face scrunched up in pain as her hands clenched the sheets beneath her.
He had been trying to wake her, rather unsuccessfully, for a few moments until something finally snapped her out of her trance and into the waking world. Her reactions were swift and quickly transitioning, and as realization dawned on her, his heart dropped into his stomach once her resolve broke. Knowing he could do not do anything to fix what had happened to her in the past, he instead focused on what he could do now to soften her pain. Tentatively reaching forward, he wrapped an arm around her shoulder and pulled the girl towards him. He could feel her tense up, but she allowed him to draw her in to him. Wrapping his other arm around her, he held her as she sobbed into his chest and clung to his tunic. He rested his cheek against the top of her head and rubbed his right hand up and down her back. The knowledge that she had no one left in her life was almost overwhelming to him as he realized the significance of her losses. What she needed now more than anything was a friend-someone who could help her through this difficult time- and he aimed to be this person for her. He would be a rock for the fragile woman that shook in his arms and held onto him as if he would disappear any moment and leave her alone to her own personal torment and ruin.
Legolas muttered soothing words to her in the quiet of night as her sobs continued to tug at his heartstrings. He eventually changed their positions so he was leaned back against one of her pillows and pulled her to his side, hoping the position would coax her back to sleep. His left arm circled around her frame again, while his right hand smoothed down her hair. She continued to cry against his chest for nearly an hour, at which point her cries then began to turn into sniffles. Eventually, she became quiet altogether and her left hand that had been clenching his tunic tightly began to loosen. He let his right hand drift down from her hair and to her hand that now rested lightly on chest. Slipping his hand into hers, he sighed softly as he tried to erase the haunting memory of the defeat in her eyes, the sound of her screams, and the heavy release of her emotions.
Feeling an immense need to protect her, he decided he would stay with her for tonight and keep watch should he be needed once more. He knew, deep down, that he would protect her for many days to come even if she did not need or ask for him to do so. Unless she cut him from her life completely, he felt inexplicably indebted to her. If even friendship should fail, he would still be her guardian for he knew that she needed him-needed something- to keep her tied to this life.
What he did not realize, and would not for some time, was that he needed this woman just as much as she needed him.
