Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to the Lord of the Rings, only the characters I created. Nor do I own anything by Disney. If only...
Author's Note: If you have reviewed and never heard from me I apologize. I try to respond to all the reviews and let you know how much I appreciate your input and dedication to this story. So, a general THANK YOU to all of you and a big apology if I somehow skipped over you!
Admittedly this is a bit of a filler chapter to get us from Point A to Point B, but I still think it's enjoyable. Bit of fluff after some angst, I suppose. Of course I am biased. Make up your own minds and let me know. Enjoy!
Chapter 37- Stay
I cracked open my eyes slowly and was greeted with incandescent sunlight. I winced. My senses felt sluggish. I could hear raspy breathing and dimly realized it was mine. I had memories of murmurings, tossing and turning. Opening my eyes wider I could see trees whose branches were swaying gently in a cool breeze that refreshed my flushed skin. Casting my gaze around, I noticed I was in a bed outside. Alone. "Oh god," I breathed. "I'm dead." Panicking I struggled to rise but I was twisted up in the sheet. "What the fuck, what the fuck, what the fuck," I repeated, my voice getting increasingly high-pitched. It dawned on me getting out of bed was so hard because I had one good arm. I dropped back on the bed in shock as the pain sank in. I was alive. Movement out of the corner of my eye drew my gaze.
"Kate?" Legolas' face was a mask of disbelief, which was swiftly being overtaken by delight.
"Pinch me," I demanded peremptorily, not ready to heed all the emotions surging within me at the sight of him. First and foremost I wanted confirmation I was in fact still living. Because Legolas would definitely be included in my heaven.
Legolas ignored me and crossed to the bed in about two giant steps. He swept me into a fierce embrace and I gasped. "Forgive me," he said as he drew back slightly, though he had not released me. "I thought you were dying," Legolas said desperately.
"I got better," I murmured, trying to make a joke and lighten the mood. Although why, I don't know. It's not like he would get it. But I was truly humbled by the emotion in his eyes and didn't know what to say.
Legolas just smiled softly, a touch of lingering sorrow there. "You have been so still all day, so pale," he drew in a steadying breath, eyes closed against the memory, and I felt my throat constrict. "I turned away because I needed a minute to gather my courage. To step forward only to find you had gone...I could not do it, not yet. But then I heard your movement and..." He trailed off, obviously at a loss for words. After a moment he continued, voice full of regret. "I am sorry, for I did not want you to wake alone."
"Do not let it trouble you," I stated, lifting my good arm to cup his face in my hand. "You are here now, and we are alive. I could shout with joy for that alone. But I won't because I would rather kiss you. Plus you are sitting quite close and I have no intention of hurting your pointy ears." He gave a short laugh, and kissed me smiling.
I wrapped my good arm around his shoulders to pull myself closer to him. Gently, Legolas tightened his grip around me, tilting his head to fit his lips more intimately to mine.
"I am going to go ahead and say she's feeling better," Almira's amused voice claimed. Legolas and I broke apart reluctantly and turned to see Almira, Gimli and the twins staring at us.
"Come to visit have you?" I asked.
"That we have," Almira agreed with a sunny smile.
"Gave us all a good scare, you did," Gimli stated, coming over and giving my good shoulder a pat. Elrohir had moved behind me to fluff up my pillows, then Legolas helped me move back and get settled, before sitting by my side supporting me with his body as well.
"And of course I brought you flowers as tradition dictates," Almira stated, handing me a bouquet with a flourish.
I took a big, appreciative sniff. "They are lovely. We will need a vase," I stated.
"Not to worry," Almira said and swooped down taking the flowers from me. I watched her walk to a little side table, where there were some wilting flowers residing in a bottle. She switched out the bouquets then came to sit at the foot of my bed, opposite Elladan. Elrohir was leaning against the footboard and Gimli remained standing. Dwarves and their hardiness.
"How long have I been out?" I asked eyeing the dying flowers.
"This would have been the eighth day," Legolas answered quietly.
"Seven days?" I cried. "I did not think my injury was that severe."
"And it was not," Elladan replied. "But orcs are not known for the cleanliness, nor for their honor. Not only was the arrow unclean, it was poisoned. Therefore, you were ill because you had been poisoned and because the wound became infected. Though we managed to keep the infection from being too serious. But it required keeping you in a restful state for many days. Besides, knowing you, you would never have stayed still long enough for your wounds to properly heal," he finished with a smirk.
"Fair enough," I replied. "So can I move around now?"
"Case in point," Almira stated with a bemused smile.
"You should be alright, though we would not have you go anywhere alone," Elrohir stated firmly.
I snorted, looking at Legolas. "Fat chance of that happening."
"Indeed," replied Legolas archly and I patted his leg in a conciliatory gesture.
"What did I miss? How are the Hobbits?" I asked. "And where is Aragorn?"
"Sam and Frodo are still resting while the King-to-be is scurrying about healing those he can, preparing to head back to Minas Tirith, and trying to deal with the fact that he is about to be, like, the most powerful mortal around," Almira informed me dryly.
"So basically he's running around like a chicken with his head cut off?" I surmised, causing everyone to grin, especially Elrohir and Elladan.
"Basically," she affirmed. "Otherwise it's been rather boring around here."
"I reckon that'll change when we get back to the city," I said.
"As will a great many other things," Legolas murmured pensively which gave me a thought.
"When do you think we'll be summoned?" I asked, looking directly at Almira trying to ignore Legolas who had stiffened at my side.
She shrugged and crossed her arms across her chest before casting her glance heavenward. "I thought it would have happened by now. Don't know why but I sort of expected to go pretty soon after the battle ended, at least I was hoping."
I nodded in agreement. "Me too. I hate waiting."
"Maybe if you made up your mind," Elladan drawled and I kicked him as best I could, while Legolas gave him the evil eye.
"Please," Almira said with a scoff, albeit good-naturedly. "Give us a break. It's not like we are choosing between chicken or fish for supper. These are pretty high stakes."
"To say the least," I added. "Have you any idea what you are going to do?" I asked Almira, not entirely expecting a response.
She was quiet for a few minutes. "Mostly. I do not think I could give all this up. We really lived the dream, you know? To go back home, without even the memories of this place, would be brutal. I mean, can you really see spending the rest of your days in a cubicle? However, I do not have the certainty of a future here, not like you anyway."
"No," I replied softly. "I suppose not. I was hoping to avoid the standard desk job. Honestly I had no idea what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. But, like you say, I seemed to have figured that out." I cast a gentle smile at Legolas, who pressed a kiss to my temple, before I continued more lightheartedly. "Although I never planned on being a princess and actually having a pony either."
Almira laughed. "True, you are straight out of a storybook. So many little girls would kill to be in your shoes."
"I take it being a princess is a popular hope for girl-children?" Legolas posed, and at my nod continued, "But that seems at odds with your people's resistance to a monarchy."
"It is in a way. Except there are still some nations in our world that have monarchies. But their fantasies are based more on the fairytales and stories they are told than actual occurrences. Though some commoners have become royalty," I explained.
"So it is not unheard of in your world," Elrohir queried, "therefore that should make it somewhat easier for you, should it not?"
"Not really, it was such an uncommon occurrence. Besides I never desired such attention. I preferred a degree of anonymity. But it would be just my luck I would fall in love with one of the most eligible bachelors in all of Middle Earth," I ended lightly, snuggling into Legolas, trying to stifle a yawn.
Of course, Legolas was on me like a hawk. "It is time you rested, love," he commanded, casting a firm glance at the rest of my visitors.
"But I have not been awake for very long at all!" I cried, sitting up quickly then wincing.
"That matters not. You are still not wholly well," he furthered while standing and adjusting the covers so I could edge further down into my bed, which was really more of a sturdy cot as it turned out.
"You do not look so hot yourself," I grumbled.
"We are not talking about me," said Legolas.
"To be fair, she has a point," Gimli countered.
"Ha!" I cried, propping myself up on my good arm triumphantly. "That is why you are my favorite." Gimli smiled as Legolas rolled his eyes. "When was the last time you rested?" I challenged, a sneaking suspicion taking root in my mind which his silence confirmed. "Let me guess, not since I was knocked out right?"
"She knows you too well," Elrohir stated, casting a sympathetic glance at Legolas.
"And you have looked better," Ellandan pointed out.
Legolas opened his mouth to protest. "Please?" I asked softly, using the puppy dog eyes. "Stay?"
"He's a goner," I heard Almira whisper and Legolas shot her a look, but he did not contradict her. I sniffled, and Legolas looked down at me before sighing deeply.
"Fine," he muttered resignedly. The others took their leave while Legolas put up a mosquito net thing. "A little privacy seems called for," he explained a tad defensively.
"I will take your word for it," I replied agreeably. I scooted over and he took up his place at my side again, leaning against the headboard. Laying my head against his chest, I slipped into sleep almost instantly.
I woke hours later, sliding into consciousness slowly. Confusion reigned for a few moments as my mind tried to adjust to the fact it was dark now. Legolas' heartbeat echoed in my ear, my head rising and falling with each breath he took. I opened my eyes and looked up to see Legolas staring at the stars.
"What are you thinking about?" I whispered.
"Your choice," Legolas stated somberly
"Oh?" I murmured noncommittally, very carefully avoiding his gaze because I was freaking out inside. Did he regret asking me to marry him?
"Yes. Do you truly believe that you traveled through time?"
"That seems the most plausible scenario to me," I replied, trying desperately to keep my tone neutral. "Why?"
"Because I realize that perhaps you agreed to marry me simply because you craved certainty or happiness before facing almost certain death, and now that the tension and desperation has eased the decision to break from your family might prove impossible. And I would that you know I could never begrudge you such feelings. But I was simply thinking about what I would do if you left."
"And?" The question came out as barely more than a whisper.
"I would wait out the ages of the world to find you again," Legolas murmured, finally looking down at me. "Assuming all went according to plan," he finished with a wry smile.
I sat up to look him in the eye, sharing his smile. "You know what I was thinking? I was thinking how nice it was to wake up with you beside me and how I should treasure the moment. But then I realized that when I stay and marry you I will have the pleasure daily, and then it will probably be even better because you should at least be shirtless."
Legolas flushed then went still. "When you stay?"
"That's right. I love you. I want to build a life with you and, let's face it, no one else could make a line that cheesy work," I said with an affectionate smile which widened as I was soon being kissed senseless by my fiancé.
"Truly?" Legolas asked breathlessly a few moments later.
"Sorry?" I responded confused. My mind got a bit scrambled whenever he kissed me.
Legolas smiled bemusedly. "You are sure?" he prompted.
I sighed, touching my forehead to his and closing my eyes. I needed his strength. "I believe so," I stated quietly, "though admittedly it pains me deeply to stay. But as I said, I love you and I cannot conceive of finding someone that could replace you or satisfy me in my world. But to do this to my family, I just...it's so hard to definitely turn my back on them, to have that finality. Unfortunately either way I lose. Yet I choose to stay, perhaps it is heartless, but I cannot give you up. I just can't, especially since I would not even have any memory of you. And I...I cannot live with that. Even though paradoxically I would not have the pain, I think I would still feel your loss."
My head snapped up as I felt Legolas' hand brush my cheek, just under my eye. He held his hand up and I could see the moisture on his fingers. "You are not heartless," he said very quietly.
I just nodded, unable to speak. Standing, he extended his hand to me. "Come," he said gently. "Walk with me under the stars."
Taking his hand I got to my feet gingerly. "How do you feel?" Legolas asked.
"A bit lightheaded, but overall glad to be out of bed," I stated. Legolas wrapped an arm around my waist, thoughtfully avoiding the cut on my hip. We walked in silence for a long time. The idea that I had actually made my choice just would not settle. My emotions were roiling around inside me. And I imagined something very similar was happening to Legolas.
"So now what?" I asked, slanting a glance at Legolas, beginning to smile again.
"Now? Now we wait and we enjoy having nothing to do except that which pleases us. Besides, I believe I owe you a courtship," Legolas answered with a wink and a roguish grin.
"That's right. And you should start by taking me to bed," I said, leaning into him seductively then laughed when Legolas flushed and began to splutter. "Because I am tired," I finished with a wicked smile.
"You enjoy tormenting me do you not?" Legolas asked resignedly.
"Of course," I admitted, smiling affectionately and turning to face Legolas who instantly drew me close. "Just think, you have an eternity of this to look forward to," I practically purred. As I ran my hand up Legolas' chest and into his hair, his smile widened. "I thought you were tired," he teased lowly, mouth hovering just out of reach.
"I got my second wind," I whispered, going up on my tiptoes to capture his lips. Legolas pressed me closer as the kiss deepened. He accidentally brushed the cut on my side and I winced. Legolas pulled his mouth from mine.
"Forgive me, my love," Legolas said ruefully.
"It is alright, but I should probably take another round of medicine. Being responsible sucks," I replied and Legolas laughed.
"I concur," he stated then kissed me quickly again, which ended up being not so quick.
"Gee, imagine my surprise at finding you two thus engaged," Almira deadpanned.
"Please tell me there is a good reason for your interruption of our opportune moment," I requested menacingly.
"Trust me, I know better, but the twins do not. It is time for your to take another healing draught and I figured that you'd rather have me find you."
"She has a point," Legolas admitted.
"True, but I do not have to like it. Meddling monsters the lot of them," I grumbled, beginning to limp after Almira.
"Wait," Legolas stated, grabbing my hand and stopping both me and Almira. "Allow me," he said with a charming grin. I stared at him perplexed then squeaked as he swept me into his arms.
"Put me down," I stated, "this is absurd. "I'm-"
"Fine? Of course you are, which is why you were limping and wincing, yes?"
"Well, when you put it that way," I grumbled and crossed my arms with a huff.
It was a short walk back, especially for me. Legolas deposited me on the bed and the twins appeared a moment later. I grimaced.
"You look so pleased to see us. Perhaps it is because of this?" Elrohir teasingly wiggled the cup of medicine.
"But we have a peace offering too: a hearty soup," Elladan supplied, brandishing the bowl in his hand.
"All is forgiven," I stated as my stomach growled. I downed the medicine and my customary grimace caused smiles all around. I traded my glass for the bowl and inhaled deeply before dipping my spoon in. I paused halfway to my mouth when Gimli appeared with a giant drumstick.
"How come he gets meat?" I asked incredulously.
"Because he was not ill for a week. You must go slowly as I am sure you would rather keep your food in then out," Legolas said pointedly.
"But meat..."
"Ah lass, you do us dwarves proud. Are you sure you are not meant to live underground?" Gimli quipped as Legolas pulled a face.
"Technically she will be," Aragorn stated matter-of-factly as he came to join us. He, too, was munching on a turkey leg. "For a little while at least," he amended, most likely thinking about Legolas' proposed move to Ithilien.
"It is not a proper cave," Gimli asserted, a twinkle in his eye.
"Because it was not built by a dwarf, I presume?" Legolas drawled.
"Precisely," Gimli's smile widened as Legolas rolled his eyes.
I laughed and leaned over to press a kiss to Legolas' cheek. "I don't care if it is a proper cave or not as long as you are in it."
"Gag me," Almira muttered good-naturedly.
"With pleasure," Legolas returned, causing everyone to laugh. And the rest of the night passed in a similar fashion.
The days that followed were really a blur. Every day passed in a flurry of activity trying to prepare for our return to the city and Aragorn's crowning. There was a great sense of anticipation in the air, as well as great joy. Many nights, when Legolas and I would take our walks under the stars, we would catch sight of Aragorn staring in the direction of Imladris with a desperately hopeful small smile and a faraway look in his eye. Then we would share a smile and continue by in silence. I recovered pretty quickly thanks to the few elven traits I actually had and Legolas' over-attentiveness, which had me a little peeved and after a only a few days I could not take anymore.
"Should you not be resting?" Legolas asked for about the thousandth time while I was helping in the makeshift Healing Ward of our camp.
"That's it," I cried, dropping the stack of bandages I was holding for him before stalking out of the Healing Ward to find the twins, Legolas hot on my heels.
I found them eating under a nearby tree. "Tell him I am better," I commanded without preamble, crossing my arms and barely suppressing a wince.
"I saw that," Legolas stated. "You saw that, yes?" he demanded.
"Oh dear," Elrohir said.
"Oh dear is right," I continued, "because if you do not tell him I am fine to do more than just sit around like a bump on a log then I can promise you a world of pain."
"You are bluffing," Elladan stated, bemused yet almost uncertain.
"Try me," I muttered darkly.
"Is that a threat?" Elrohir asked with a lift of his brows, doing an excellent impression of his father.
"It is a promise," I replied.
"As if you could actually carry out such an action," Legolas scoffed.
I ignored him and continued to stare down the twins. "Well," Elladan began after a moment sharing a glance with his twin, "Your...spirit implies that you indeed have attained a certain amount of wellness necessary to perform light tasks." At my triumphant smile and Legolas' outraged huff, Elrohir held up a finger. "But you must not put any stress on your injury and you must continue to take your medicine. And do not ignore your body's demands for rest," he hurriedly added.
"Understood," I instantly agreed. I turned with a smug smile to Legolas. "So there is no need for you to hover."
"Oh, I shall hover!" Legolas declared, holding aloft one defiant finger.
I let out a frustrated cry, just barely catching myself before I threw my hands up in the air. Legolas smirked knowingly and I spun on my heel and stalked away, grumbling the whole time.
With the twins caving into my demands (read threats) and about two days worth of the silent treatment, Legolas finally backed off a little. At least to the extent that he no longer verbalized his worry. But his constant presence was reminder enough. Yet I decided to meet him halfway and not bite his head off every ten seconds because I knew he did it out of love. Plus the fact that I could help out without being submitted to forced bed rest every hour went a long way in soothing my ruffled feathers. Basically, working hard and partying even harder was everyone's mantra as we slowly made our way back towards the city. Where they got all the alcohol, I had no idea, but frankly I did not care as long as everyone was happy celebrating instead of dwelling on how far we still had to go rebuilding everything. Finally, after about a month, we were within sight of the city again.
"There are beds in there, honest to God beds, not glorified cots," I stated reverently to Almira. We were sitting on the outskirts of the camp, staring at the White City. Lights could be seen, and my guess was the citizens were having a gay old time. "So close yet so far away," I finished wistfully.
"Don't remind me," she replied. There was silence for a few minutes, before Almira broke it. "Do you think we will be called soon? Maybe after Aragorn is crowned?"
"I have no clue," I said honestly. "I really thought we would have been called by now. I thought I would be able to relax more once the War was over because we would've made our choice and it would finally be over. Perhaps that was naive, but I seriously thought I would not have to be turning this over and over in my mind still, constantly on edge because any minute I might be whisked off to La-la-land."
Almira snorted in agreement. "Yeah, I am not exactly tripping over myself to go back there, with that creepy birdman."
"Careful, he could be listening. Sort of like Santa. He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake, he knows if you've been bad or good so be good for goodness sake," I sang.
Almira clapped. "Bravo, bravo."
"Thank you, thank you very much," I said in my best Elvis voice, which wasn't very good.
"It's amazing how so many things that you loved as a child turn out to be really weird," Almira mused.
"I'll say. Some of those Disney movies have really frightening sequences when they are vanquishing the bad guys," I replied.
"Dude, right? Like Little Mermaid?"
"I know, Ursula totally gets impaled! That's some heavy shit for a kid." We shared a short laugh then lapsed into silence."How do we square with the fact that we will never see a Disney film again?" I posed quietly.
"No clue, but we're doing it together right?" Almira said with a wry smile.
"That's the plan."
"Alright then, it's time to party."
"Agreed." We got up and started heading back towards the raging fires in the center of the camp. A smile stole across my face as I heard Almira humming "Lean on me." And I thought as I caught sight of Legolas that, somehow, it really was going to be alright.