Disclaimer: I do not own any recognizable characters or places from Lord of
the Rings. The only thing that is mine is Anna.
~*~*~*~*~
Cold Heart Chapter 10
Anna didn't sleep at all that night; she had too much to think about. What had that dream meant? Was it a memory, or was she seeing what her future might hold?
Another thought that plagued her mind was the argument that Legolas and Haldir had about her. She liked both of them as more than friends, but how would she be able to choose between them?
Legolas was calm and quiet, though she has seen first hand how bad his temper could become.
Haldir was more outgoing, more open. He would share his opinions with you whether you wanted them or not, and could see a bit arrogant at times.
So if it came down to it, who would she choose? Both were great elves, and would probably do anything for her, but did she really want to be with either of them?
The worse thoughts were the ones that dealt with her capture and the rangers. It was all of her fault that they were dead. If it had not been for her, they would still be alive. These were the things that tormented her most. Every time she thought of this, tears would come to her eyes and she would weep for her fallen friends.
'It is not your fault' she heard someone say in her mind. She recognized the voice of Lady Galadriel. 'And I would not get too close the Legolas or Haldir. Something is coming that could tear you all apart forever.'
'What do you mean?' Anna said to Galadriel out loud.
'You shall see,' was all that was said, and then the presence was gone from her mind.
Sighing, she rose from her position against the door. She walked over to the balcony and stepped out into the cool air. The view of this room was much better than her other one. This looked out over the city of Imladris. The houses sparkled as the sun rose above the tops of the trees.
A knock at the door brought Anna out of her thoughts. She walked over to the door and opened it a crack to see who was there. Arwen stood, her face worried. Anna opened the door to Arwen, letting her in. Arwen took one look at Anna rushed in. "What's wrong?" she asked Anna as the door was closed behind her.
Anna settled down on the couch, curling her legs beneath her. "What are you talking about?" she asked Arwen, hoping the other elf wouldn't pry.
"You have obviously been crying about something. What has you so upset?" Arwen asked, taking her hands and wiping the tears stains away from Anna's cheeks.
Anna sighed. Arwen was like a sister to her. They had become best friends during Anna's short stay in Rivendell. And Anna wasn't sure if she could lie to Arwen, even if she wanted to.
"I've been thinking about," Anna replied softly. "About the orcs and the rangers, and other things." Anna then proceeded to tell Arwen about the dream, and about her struggle of choice between Legolas and Haldir.
Arwen listened attentively, not asking any questions. Before she could comment, a bell rang outside, signaling that breakfast had started. Arwen stood from her seat beside and Anna on the couch and pulled her up too.
"I think that you need to go to breakfast today. Everyone has been worried about you. You need to show then that you are fine," Arwen said, pushed Anna into the bedroom.
After a hurried dress, she and Arwen were on their way to the dining hall.
They arrived late, and only Elrond, Celeborn, Legolas, Haldir, and Aragorn were seated. All turned their heads to the approaching she-elves.
"Good morning," Elrond said, pulling the chair between him and Aragorn out for his daughter while Legolas pulled out the chair beside himself for Anna. When the two elves were seated, the conversations the others had been having were started up again. Elrond and Celeborn talked in hushed voices.
"Lady Anna, how are you this morning?" Aragorn asked.
"I am doing fine, though I didn't get much sleep last night. I could hear some voices through the wall and they kept me up quite late. Though, the conversation was very interesting," Anna replied, throwing a pointed glance at Legolas and Haldir. Arwen started snickering quietly at the looks of utter shock on Legolas and Haldir's face. Anna, getting her prompting from Arwen, started laughing as well. Her silvery peals of laughter rang through the hall, and most of the occupants of the table smiled; this was the first time that any of them had truly heard her laugh.
"So you said that you had some training with a sword?" Aragorn asked, trying to take the attention off Legolas and Haldir. He was confused about what she meant, but he would ask Legolas later.
"Yes, the-the rangers taught me some," Anna replied, her voice faltering. "They taught me archery as well as swordsmanship."
"The rangers taught you archery?" Legolas asked.
"Yes, though I think that I learned sometime before then, because I already had some training," Anna replied.
"Then would I would like to see how much you know. Would you like to spar with me this afternoon?" Aragorn asked as the breakfast dishes were cleared and everyone got up from the table.
"And I would also like to see your skill of archery for myself," Legolas put in.
"That sounds good, until this afternoon then," Anna said and walked down the hallway to her room.
~*~*~*~*~
The elves made a large circle around the two people, Aragorn on one side and Anna on the other. Arwen pushed through the gathering crowd to Anna's side. She handed a sheathed sword to Anna.
"Here is a sword for you to use, Anna," Arwen said. "It was mine while I lived here in Rivendell. I am now a Queen of Gondor and I fear I shall never be able to use it again. It was a present from my brother."
Anna took the sword in her hand and pulled it part way from its sheath, inspecting the blade. "It's beautiful!" Anna gasped, and indeed it was. The silver shone throughout the room. Elven runes were engraved along the top.
"Do you really like it?" Arwen asked, looking over her shoulder to her husband who was talking quietly with some of the elves around the room. Anna nodded, never taking her eyes off the blade.
"Well, then you can keep it," Arwen said softly so only Anna could hear her.
Anna's eyes widened and she looked up at Arwen. "No, I could never take this from you! Especially if it was a gift!"
"I won't be using it again. Please, take it. You are like a sister to me, and I want you to have this," Arwen said quietly. "I am sure that my brother would want it to be used instead of gathering dust and rusting."
Anna nodded again. "In that case, I accept this graciously," she replied and strapped the sheath around her slim waist. Her face split into a huge grin. "So, you have a brother? How come you never mentioned them?
"Yes, well I actually have two brother. Elladan and Elrohir. They are twins, but Elladan is still the oldest and he never lets Elrohir forget it either. Both are practical jokers and they always played them on me when we were little. Elrohir was the one who gave me this sword," Arwen replied. "They aren't here right now. They are very free spirits, as all elves are, but more so. They disappear sometimes for years at a time. They've been gone for quite a while this time. They came to my wedding, but left soon afterwards. That was probably 10 years ago."
"Elladan and Elrohir, did you say?" Anna asked thoughtfully.
"Yes, why?" Arwen said, confused by what Anna meant.
"The names just sound familiar, that's all," Anna replied, but inside she was reeling. Why did those names sound familiar? Had she known the elves before?
"No doubt that you have," Arwen chuckled, "they are the sons of Elrond after all."
"Yes, I suppose your right," Anna replied, though she wasn't so sure that was the reason. She turned her attention to Aragorn and nodded slightly to him, indicating she was ready. He did the same and both walked toward each other, and bowed.
Aragorn walked a distance away from his elven opponent, boots tapping softly on the hard floor. Facing her, he drew his sword, turning it in his hand by flipping his wrist, and watching her every move.
"I am ready if you are," he said to her quietly.
"Just promise me you won't hold back," she stated simply in return. She, too, pulled out her blade. Adrenaline coursed through her veins, every fighting technique, every possible attack and counterattack rushing through her mind.
She held her sword in front of her face; placing the palm of her other slender hand on the flat side of the cold metal. Her green eyes flashed in anticipation/
The former ranger waited no longer. Gripping his sword tightly, he headed for the tall elvish maiden. A swift strike took place, which Anna expertly blocked and countered almost faster. He dodged aiming for the lower half of her body. She spun, knocking the sword out of his hand. All the elves in the room gasped as Aragorn's sword clattered loudly across the floor. It was not often you got to see the mighty King Elessar beaten by a woman. Anna raised hers to his neck; just a flick of her wrist would cut his throat.
"Go get your sword," she said, lowering her weapon slightly. "I want to win by a fair fight. You held back." Aragorn nodded meekly. He walked over to the sword and picked it up, trying to avoid eye contact with the other elves.
The King of Gondor walked back to his position on the other side of the room. Anna had gotten in position, her sword at ready, waiting for him to advance.
Aragorn ran at her, attacking to her left. She jumped to the right, but not before getting a cut on her left forearm. She shrugged off the twinge of pain and the blood slowly staining the white of her shirt around her wound.
Anna took Aragorn's shock of hurting her as a chance to attack. She claimed dominance over the swords as she drove him back with her force. He recovered quickly and made to knock the sword from her hand.
Barely escaping the reach of the blade, she flipped landing behind him, and attacked. It didn't take long for Aragorn to spin and block the attack. Anna ducked, her brown hair falling in her face, and she got behind the former ranger once more.
By the time Aragorn turned, the point of Anna's blade was resting at the base of his throat, her lips formed in a smirk. 'By the looks of it, they taught me pretty well, hmm?" she asked, raising her eyebrows, then lowering her sword and sliding it back in her sheath in one smooth motion.
Aragorn laughed quietly. "Indeed."
~*~*~*~*~
Anna walked silently through the large trees. They created shadows over everything in an enchanting darkness. A small breeze blew the trees and caused her to shiver.
She came upon the clearing where no shadows were cast, but the sun shone bright and warm. Two targets were settled against two trees next to each other. A bow of dark wood and a quiver of arrows lay underneath one of the targets.
Legolas dropped from a tree in front of Anna in a crouch position at the base of the trunk. He stood up and smiled at her. "You came."
"Yes, I came. And I would like to know what this is all about. Your note was very vague," she replied, taking a piece of paper out of her sleeve and waving it in the air. She had changed from her tunic and breeches into a plain green dress.
"I was wondering if you would like to show me your skill in archery. I am a fairly good archer myself and I would like to see you talent," Legolas replied. He walked past her and picked the bow and quiver from under the target and handed them to her. She slowly strapped the quiver to he back and held the bow loosely at her side.
"That sounds like a good idea. I would like to see if I could contend with you. I am not very good in archery, but I will try," Anna said. She took an arrow out of her quiver and strung it on the bow easily. She pulled back with all the strength she could muster and let the arrow fly. It flew straight for a little ways, but them curved and hit the outer edge of the target.
Anna sighed and pulled another arrow out and strung it. It sailed through the air; but landed right beside her first arrow.
Legolas chuckled behind her. She turned and glared at him "Then you try if you think you're so good at," she said. He obliged by stringing and letting an arrow fire faster than the eyes could see. It embedded itself dead center of the target.
"I give up!" Anna cried. She put the bow on the ground and took the quiver off her back. She watched as Legolas sent two arrows at a time flying through the air. Both made it to their intended target; the bulls eye on her target more than twenty extra feet away.
"Come here, let me show you," Legolas said, motioning Anna over. She picked up her bow and walked over to where he stood.
She positioned herself in front of the target, getting ready to loosen the arrow, when Legolas stopped her. "Your doing it wrong," he said softly. He moved forward and pushed her feet farther apart. He then stood behind her; so close that he was leaning against his chest. Wrapping his arms around her body, he took the bow in his hands also, guiding the string back effortlessly, and letting go.
The arrow hit its target and Anna smiled widely. She turned and faced Legolas, saying, "I did it! The arrow hit the tar-" She stopped short when she realized how close Legolas was to her.
She looked up into his bright blue eyes. Something about them kept her staring back, unable to turn away. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulling her closer. He leaned down slowly and hesitantly, his lips nearing hers. She could feel his warm breath skate across her face as she leaned toward him.
When their lips were inches from each other's, Anna pulled back suddenly. She pushed Legolas away from her. Something inside told her that kissing him was wrong, and she had to stop it.
Anna turned and ran through the woods, not caring which way she was going. All she knew was she had to get away from Legolas because she couldn't bear to see the pain in his eyes.
~*~*~*~*~
A/N: So, what did you think? Please review, I love hearing what my readers have to say about my story.
Thanks soooooo much to Karen Rhine for writing the fight scene between Anna and Aragorn. You rock Kerry!
Just a quick little note to Fluff Writer: Sorry that I didn't let you know about the fight scene. I didn't have time to e-mail you and get you all the information, and I had already asked Karen Rhine to do it and she had already written up a really awesome one for me.
And the plot thickens!!!!!! The next chappy will be a major huge gigantic surprise chapter so be ready!
~*~*~*~*~
Cold Heart Chapter 10
Anna didn't sleep at all that night; she had too much to think about. What had that dream meant? Was it a memory, or was she seeing what her future might hold?
Another thought that plagued her mind was the argument that Legolas and Haldir had about her. She liked both of them as more than friends, but how would she be able to choose between them?
Legolas was calm and quiet, though she has seen first hand how bad his temper could become.
Haldir was more outgoing, more open. He would share his opinions with you whether you wanted them or not, and could see a bit arrogant at times.
So if it came down to it, who would she choose? Both were great elves, and would probably do anything for her, but did she really want to be with either of them?
The worse thoughts were the ones that dealt with her capture and the rangers. It was all of her fault that they were dead. If it had not been for her, they would still be alive. These were the things that tormented her most. Every time she thought of this, tears would come to her eyes and she would weep for her fallen friends.
'It is not your fault' she heard someone say in her mind. She recognized the voice of Lady Galadriel. 'And I would not get too close the Legolas or Haldir. Something is coming that could tear you all apart forever.'
'What do you mean?' Anna said to Galadriel out loud.
'You shall see,' was all that was said, and then the presence was gone from her mind.
Sighing, she rose from her position against the door. She walked over to the balcony and stepped out into the cool air. The view of this room was much better than her other one. This looked out over the city of Imladris. The houses sparkled as the sun rose above the tops of the trees.
A knock at the door brought Anna out of her thoughts. She walked over to the door and opened it a crack to see who was there. Arwen stood, her face worried. Anna opened the door to Arwen, letting her in. Arwen took one look at Anna rushed in. "What's wrong?" she asked Anna as the door was closed behind her.
Anna settled down on the couch, curling her legs beneath her. "What are you talking about?" she asked Arwen, hoping the other elf wouldn't pry.
"You have obviously been crying about something. What has you so upset?" Arwen asked, taking her hands and wiping the tears stains away from Anna's cheeks.
Anna sighed. Arwen was like a sister to her. They had become best friends during Anna's short stay in Rivendell. And Anna wasn't sure if she could lie to Arwen, even if she wanted to.
"I've been thinking about," Anna replied softly. "About the orcs and the rangers, and other things." Anna then proceeded to tell Arwen about the dream, and about her struggle of choice between Legolas and Haldir.
Arwen listened attentively, not asking any questions. Before she could comment, a bell rang outside, signaling that breakfast had started. Arwen stood from her seat beside and Anna on the couch and pulled her up too.
"I think that you need to go to breakfast today. Everyone has been worried about you. You need to show then that you are fine," Arwen said, pushed Anna into the bedroom.
After a hurried dress, she and Arwen were on their way to the dining hall.
They arrived late, and only Elrond, Celeborn, Legolas, Haldir, and Aragorn were seated. All turned their heads to the approaching she-elves.
"Good morning," Elrond said, pulling the chair between him and Aragorn out for his daughter while Legolas pulled out the chair beside himself for Anna. When the two elves were seated, the conversations the others had been having were started up again. Elrond and Celeborn talked in hushed voices.
"Lady Anna, how are you this morning?" Aragorn asked.
"I am doing fine, though I didn't get much sleep last night. I could hear some voices through the wall and they kept me up quite late. Though, the conversation was very interesting," Anna replied, throwing a pointed glance at Legolas and Haldir. Arwen started snickering quietly at the looks of utter shock on Legolas and Haldir's face. Anna, getting her prompting from Arwen, started laughing as well. Her silvery peals of laughter rang through the hall, and most of the occupants of the table smiled; this was the first time that any of them had truly heard her laugh.
"So you said that you had some training with a sword?" Aragorn asked, trying to take the attention off Legolas and Haldir. He was confused about what she meant, but he would ask Legolas later.
"Yes, the-the rangers taught me some," Anna replied, her voice faltering. "They taught me archery as well as swordsmanship."
"The rangers taught you archery?" Legolas asked.
"Yes, though I think that I learned sometime before then, because I already had some training," Anna replied.
"Then would I would like to see how much you know. Would you like to spar with me this afternoon?" Aragorn asked as the breakfast dishes were cleared and everyone got up from the table.
"And I would also like to see your skill of archery for myself," Legolas put in.
"That sounds good, until this afternoon then," Anna said and walked down the hallway to her room.
~*~*~*~*~
The elves made a large circle around the two people, Aragorn on one side and Anna on the other. Arwen pushed through the gathering crowd to Anna's side. She handed a sheathed sword to Anna.
"Here is a sword for you to use, Anna," Arwen said. "It was mine while I lived here in Rivendell. I am now a Queen of Gondor and I fear I shall never be able to use it again. It was a present from my brother."
Anna took the sword in her hand and pulled it part way from its sheath, inspecting the blade. "It's beautiful!" Anna gasped, and indeed it was. The silver shone throughout the room. Elven runes were engraved along the top.
"Do you really like it?" Arwen asked, looking over her shoulder to her husband who was talking quietly with some of the elves around the room. Anna nodded, never taking her eyes off the blade.
"Well, then you can keep it," Arwen said softly so only Anna could hear her.
Anna's eyes widened and she looked up at Arwen. "No, I could never take this from you! Especially if it was a gift!"
"I won't be using it again. Please, take it. You are like a sister to me, and I want you to have this," Arwen said quietly. "I am sure that my brother would want it to be used instead of gathering dust and rusting."
Anna nodded again. "In that case, I accept this graciously," she replied and strapped the sheath around her slim waist. Her face split into a huge grin. "So, you have a brother? How come you never mentioned them?
"Yes, well I actually have two brother. Elladan and Elrohir. They are twins, but Elladan is still the oldest and he never lets Elrohir forget it either. Both are practical jokers and they always played them on me when we were little. Elrohir was the one who gave me this sword," Arwen replied. "They aren't here right now. They are very free spirits, as all elves are, but more so. They disappear sometimes for years at a time. They've been gone for quite a while this time. They came to my wedding, but left soon afterwards. That was probably 10 years ago."
"Elladan and Elrohir, did you say?" Anna asked thoughtfully.
"Yes, why?" Arwen said, confused by what Anna meant.
"The names just sound familiar, that's all," Anna replied, but inside she was reeling. Why did those names sound familiar? Had she known the elves before?
"No doubt that you have," Arwen chuckled, "they are the sons of Elrond after all."
"Yes, I suppose your right," Anna replied, though she wasn't so sure that was the reason. She turned her attention to Aragorn and nodded slightly to him, indicating she was ready. He did the same and both walked toward each other, and bowed.
Aragorn walked a distance away from his elven opponent, boots tapping softly on the hard floor. Facing her, he drew his sword, turning it in his hand by flipping his wrist, and watching her every move.
"I am ready if you are," he said to her quietly.
"Just promise me you won't hold back," she stated simply in return. She, too, pulled out her blade. Adrenaline coursed through her veins, every fighting technique, every possible attack and counterattack rushing through her mind.
She held her sword in front of her face; placing the palm of her other slender hand on the flat side of the cold metal. Her green eyes flashed in anticipation/
The former ranger waited no longer. Gripping his sword tightly, he headed for the tall elvish maiden. A swift strike took place, which Anna expertly blocked and countered almost faster. He dodged aiming for the lower half of her body. She spun, knocking the sword out of his hand. All the elves in the room gasped as Aragorn's sword clattered loudly across the floor. It was not often you got to see the mighty King Elessar beaten by a woman. Anna raised hers to his neck; just a flick of her wrist would cut his throat.
"Go get your sword," she said, lowering her weapon slightly. "I want to win by a fair fight. You held back." Aragorn nodded meekly. He walked over to the sword and picked it up, trying to avoid eye contact with the other elves.
The King of Gondor walked back to his position on the other side of the room. Anna had gotten in position, her sword at ready, waiting for him to advance.
Aragorn ran at her, attacking to her left. She jumped to the right, but not before getting a cut on her left forearm. She shrugged off the twinge of pain and the blood slowly staining the white of her shirt around her wound.
Anna took Aragorn's shock of hurting her as a chance to attack. She claimed dominance over the swords as she drove him back with her force. He recovered quickly and made to knock the sword from her hand.
Barely escaping the reach of the blade, she flipped landing behind him, and attacked. It didn't take long for Aragorn to spin and block the attack. Anna ducked, her brown hair falling in her face, and she got behind the former ranger once more.
By the time Aragorn turned, the point of Anna's blade was resting at the base of his throat, her lips formed in a smirk. 'By the looks of it, they taught me pretty well, hmm?" she asked, raising her eyebrows, then lowering her sword and sliding it back in her sheath in one smooth motion.
Aragorn laughed quietly. "Indeed."
~*~*~*~*~
Anna walked silently through the large trees. They created shadows over everything in an enchanting darkness. A small breeze blew the trees and caused her to shiver.
She came upon the clearing where no shadows were cast, but the sun shone bright and warm. Two targets were settled against two trees next to each other. A bow of dark wood and a quiver of arrows lay underneath one of the targets.
Legolas dropped from a tree in front of Anna in a crouch position at the base of the trunk. He stood up and smiled at her. "You came."
"Yes, I came. And I would like to know what this is all about. Your note was very vague," she replied, taking a piece of paper out of her sleeve and waving it in the air. She had changed from her tunic and breeches into a plain green dress.
"I was wondering if you would like to show me your skill in archery. I am a fairly good archer myself and I would like to see you talent," Legolas replied. He walked past her and picked the bow and quiver from under the target and handed them to her. She slowly strapped the quiver to he back and held the bow loosely at her side.
"That sounds like a good idea. I would like to see if I could contend with you. I am not very good in archery, but I will try," Anna said. She took an arrow out of her quiver and strung it on the bow easily. She pulled back with all the strength she could muster and let the arrow fly. It flew straight for a little ways, but them curved and hit the outer edge of the target.
Anna sighed and pulled another arrow out and strung it. It sailed through the air; but landed right beside her first arrow.
Legolas chuckled behind her. She turned and glared at him "Then you try if you think you're so good at," she said. He obliged by stringing and letting an arrow fire faster than the eyes could see. It embedded itself dead center of the target.
"I give up!" Anna cried. She put the bow on the ground and took the quiver off her back. She watched as Legolas sent two arrows at a time flying through the air. Both made it to their intended target; the bulls eye on her target more than twenty extra feet away.
"Come here, let me show you," Legolas said, motioning Anna over. She picked up her bow and walked over to where he stood.
She positioned herself in front of the target, getting ready to loosen the arrow, when Legolas stopped her. "Your doing it wrong," he said softly. He moved forward and pushed her feet farther apart. He then stood behind her; so close that he was leaning against his chest. Wrapping his arms around her body, he took the bow in his hands also, guiding the string back effortlessly, and letting go.
The arrow hit its target and Anna smiled widely. She turned and faced Legolas, saying, "I did it! The arrow hit the tar-" She stopped short when she realized how close Legolas was to her.
She looked up into his bright blue eyes. Something about them kept her staring back, unable to turn away. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulling her closer. He leaned down slowly and hesitantly, his lips nearing hers. She could feel his warm breath skate across her face as she leaned toward him.
When their lips were inches from each other's, Anna pulled back suddenly. She pushed Legolas away from her. Something inside told her that kissing him was wrong, and she had to stop it.
Anna turned and ran through the woods, not caring which way she was going. All she knew was she had to get away from Legolas because she couldn't bear to see the pain in his eyes.
~*~*~*~*~
A/N: So, what did you think? Please review, I love hearing what my readers have to say about my story.
Thanks soooooo much to Karen Rhine for writing the fight scene between Anna and Aragorn. You rock Kerry!
Just a quick little note to Fluff Writer: Sorry that I didn't let you know about the fight scene. I didn't have time to e-mail you and get you all the information, and I had already asked Karen Rhine to do it and she had already written up a really awesome one for me.
And the plot thickens!!!!!! The next chappy will be a major huge gigantic surprise chapter so be ready!