Disclaimer: I do not own anything from the lord of the rings, Tolkien
world. Only Victoria, Rialan, Ithlen and Isil.
OMG! I am so sorry for not updating for so long. U see, I went on vacation to California for nearly the whole month and just came back on the 29 of July. But now that im back from that horrid hell of a vacation, I'm back to writing.
Btw, I could not imagine how much reviews I could get from that last chapter of mine when legolas kissed her. I really had hoped people liked that one. And omg! I GOT OVER THE 2000 LIMIT!!!!! AHHH!!!! *throws up confetti* I want to thank each and every one of you. And to people that ask me questions, please send me any question that u might have in an email. I find it very difficult to answer people's questions when I receive them in reviews because after a lot of reviews I tend to forget. So any questions, feel free to email me! Just make sure to post the word ff.net in the subject box so that I know its not junk mail.
And to tell, I was rereading the first chapter and never realized how truly horrible it was! So I took some time in between and re did the whole first chapter! Hopefully u will all like it!
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A small dainty hand tightened on the fistful of the bed comforter, which was clenched in her fist. Beneath the cave of massive sheets came a small muffled groan. Victoria heaved a rather heavy sigh from under her large fluffy pillow, willing herself to believe it all a terrible dream. More of a nightmare really... To the young pure healer, last night could not have possibly happened. She did not go deep into the shadow invaded corridors of Eryn Lasgallen with a certain elf. She did not spend a secluded late evening, in front of the warm fireplace whilst a soft voice read and sung to her. But, Victoria certainly did not get kissed upon the lips by a certain blond prince, who at that moment remained un-named. Or did she?.....
Throwing back the heavy dark green blankets, a bedraggled dark head emerged. Victoria gazed tiredly and ever so grumpily around her elven designed chamber. Drawing her knees to her chest, she toyed with the material of her night gown, her eyes glazed over with misty confusion. How did it happen? One moment he was speaking gently in the native tongue of the elves, and then another moment he had kissed her softly, causing her to flee from the library, running blindly back to her chambers. He kissed her... Just the thought made anger pulse through her, a deep scarlet running through her cheeks. Her lips began to tingle from where his had lightly brushed over. A kiss, never had she been kissed. Nor had she imagined she would. Highly preposterous, Victoria thought to herself bitterly. Did she expect it? Of course not. Did she enjoy it?..... Well, that was something she was not quite sure of herself.
Crawling out of the large bed, she slowly walked to the bathtub. Perhaps the water shall wash away her troubles, but somehow, it seemed that would not be nearly enough. As she began to fill the tub with the hot water that Ithlen had left her, she sighed. Even the color of the water reminded her of his eyes. The azure heavens that made a rather cozy home to look into, but also a piercing penetrating gaze that could break through the strongest of walls. Walls that once stood proud and tall within a dark mist in her being. Looking away from the bathtub she was filling, she gently untied the back of her nightgown. It slipped silently to the ground. Her limps felt uncannily like lead, due to the fact that she had stayed up more then half the night panicking upon what had happened. She could freshly remember it. His eyes had filled with such a passion, just as he had said "Migul...to kiss..." and then he had done it. He had leaned over, guided those soft lips, and brushed them across hers. She could almost again feel that distinct rush of wondrous sensations that thrilled through her. But that wonder had come to a shattering misery and was replaced with a sickening fear. How could she, above all people, let him do that?! But, then why did he kiss her in the first place?! Perhaps he had not meant too. Kissing all too much cramped her style, she thought to herself.
"Look at what he's turning you into!" Victoria said, looking at her reflection in the nearby mirror. Scowling sourly, she submerged under the hot water, hoping she could somehow drown herself and the thoughts that were now haunting her. Coming up for air, she leaned her aching head upon the hard ledge of the tub. Victoria's eyes strayed to the ceiling, quickly followed by yet another sigh. What had that kiss meant to her? She was scared of course, but did she regret it? More questions, which she could not yet answer nor understand. But she did know one thing, there was no way she could face him. Not the prince, not Legolas...
Slowly washing herself, Victoria gazed numbly around her chamber. Hiding from problems was not the way of the warrior, she said to herself. But this was something unlike she had ever faced before. She was confirmed true. Feelings did always get in the way. This was no doubt, stopping her from the person she had maintained to be. But then why was she so scared? Why was she so frightened of facing but the elf? Perhaps, maybe it was because he was the one that filled her thoughts more often then others. Or maybe it was because he was the one, who could catch her thoughts in such a way... Victoria could almost feel her chances of being in the Eryn Lasgallen army, slipping away through her slender fingers.
"What's wrong with me?....." She asked softly, while sinking deeply back into the tub. The aroma of roses filled her nostrils, the waves of warm water lapping against her skin. The pure healers eyelids felt rather heavy as lay her head back. Whilst sleep slowly started to overcome her, a haze of steam filled the small bathing room. Losing to the battle of slumber, her impossibly heavy eyelids dropped close. It was in the bathtub that she dreamed many things.
She was in clouds of colors, glittering rain falling in endless streams from the sky. Victoria was floating, a warmth spreading through her body. Where was she, she thought to herself. Feeling suddenly returned to her feet as she crashed into a heap on the ground. Getting up, she looked down at her and gasped in joy. A gleaming breast plate fitted snugly and lightly over her torso. Intricate designs of the elves flourished upon the metal. Her arms seemed to be covered in a light beautiful metal, along with matching wrist guards and dark gloves. Her long slender legs of course, were also covered with armor, high boots reaching her knees. Her empty scabbard seemed to glow at her side, the sword already unsheathed and in her hand at the ready. The last thing was a helm that fit tightly on her head, the front part of it drooping down slightly between her eyes. Elven Armor... Her armor...
All around her was the sounds of war. The foul stench of blood and severed flesh wavered in the air like a dark cloud. Victoria could hear the familiar roars of many orcs, and the fierce battle cries of the elven race. This was her time, her moment. It was time to fight. Just like she had always dreamed and hoped for. Raising her sword, she surged forward. Her metal blanketed legs pumped into a fast run, her blade gleaming like a torch in her gripping hand. It was time for war, time for justice.
A loud cry of fury leapt from her throat, as she delivered a blow to the first orc that walked into her path. The flesh was sliced cleanly like the chopping of a vegetable. Her prey fell into a heap at her feet, but she had not the time to look upon it, as she already made for the next beast. It felt so right, for this was what she was meant to do. To be a warrior and troop along side the elves as an equal, and fight for victory. A victory for her also meant respect. She would not let anything or anyone take that away from her. As she ran along side her fellow soldiers, they seemed to sweep across the hills, assassinating the dark enemy. Blades and elven arrows sung as they sliced and soared through the air. Victoria felt all of this at once, but it was in that moment that the battlefield seemed to stretch away from her. The elf troops were getting farther and farther away, until they became but insects in the distance. The healer ran, her sword flashing at her side. They could not leave without her. She was part of the army, part of this war. She was a woman, but that did not put her down. Victoria was a fighter.
"Come back! I want to fight! I must help the elves win the war!" She called out, still running to the battlefield. The hand that was gripping her sword had suddenly grabbed nothing but dry air. Looking down at her empty shaking hand, a startled cry came from her lips. No sword, no weapon. Her only way to slay the evil was gone... The elves and the battle all but disappeared, and she was surrounded by only darkness. But still she ran, pants coming from her lungs. She could not let her dreams fade away; they were only to take flight. But doubt was rising in her heart. Dreams or no dreams, they were only slipping farther away from her.
"Please! I don't want to be left behind!" Victoria shouted out. But all sounds of war were lost. She was only met with the low echo of her own voice, in her own world. Her own universe. Stopping, she fell hard on her knees, her eyes blurring. She suddenly felt no reassuring metal on her skin. The armor had vanished. Everything had gone and left her. There she was... Alone...afraid...and hopeless. The truth was that she was left behind. Her hopes of becoming a heroine were all but vanquished. Taken, stolen, and pulled away. But yet, there was something that would not fade from her heart. Did she like it? She was not too sure. It was very warm, and it seemed to be the only light in the dismal darkness. When all other light had gone out, it was this light that remained. It could not be stolen or taken away. It could not disappear nor fade. Getting up from her trembling knees, she started to walk to it. Her mind did not lead her, it was her heart. Her legs began to gain speed, and soon she was galloping and streaking through the darkness like a free spirit, taking her higher and higher. Nothing could stop her now. But, as she flew through gates of light, her lungs forgot all air...
Victoria awoke, her lungs quickly filling with water. With a jerk, her head emerged from underneath the water. A stream of bath water shot from her mouth, quickly followed by coughs and gasps for breaths. She had fallen asleep? How long had it been? The bath water was very cold and she shivered slightly. She must have slipped underneath the surface of the water when falling asleep. The memory of her dream washed over her. The battlefield had been taken from her... Victoria's green eyes narrowed into angry slits as she willed the strength back into her muscles and pulled her self out of the cold water. But what was that feeling that had enveloped her? It was beautiful yet terrifying...
She had felt like a bird, perhaps a great eagle? She had been soaring, as if mighty wings sprouted from her back and took her up into the stars. What was that light that took her away from the eternal desolate darkness? As Victoria squeezed beads of water out of her long hair and into the tub, she thought about it. The dream was very strange, a cross between a nightmare and a dream. One moment, she had been living her hopes and ambitions to fight along side as a soldier and fight in the war. Then suddenly, it was wrenched away from her, sending the young woman into a warp of darkness. Victoria knew she had been lost. Lost within a universe all her own. But that light, it had saved her. It was there all along... No darkness could make it neither fade nor disappear. But what had it been?
Throwing open her closet door with a heavy sigh, her hand slowly drifted across the clothes that hung there. Picking out a dark green tunic with brown breeches, she closed the door and threw the outfit onto the bed. What was she to do today? Maybe if she crept onto her balcony and climbed down the tree, she could make a quick dash to the forest and hide there for the day. Staying in the forest could hide her from him... From Legolas. After last night, she could never face him again... She could never look into his eyes, for she feared what she would see in those depths. She feared that she might be weakened in his presence. Weakened to the contemptuous, dishonorable feelings of love and desire... Weakened just like all those other maidens. It was they that should be with him. It was any of they that he should have kissed. But fate had a complex way of choosing a person. It was almost baneful and portentous.
Victoria reached over to the soft robe hanging next to the bathtub and slipped it around her bare shoulders. Her wet hair hung in drenched strings down her back. Murmuring to herself, she had barely tied the bathrobe around her shivering body when the door slammed open. Uttering a shriek of surprise, she whipped around, ready to throw the ugliest curses she could muster. But her foul words were interrupted by a hallow scream that arose deep from her throat. Quickly swallowing the scream, her eyes filled with anger as they met with a pair of wide azure blue eyes. They watched her, stripping her of every thought, every emotion except anger. Balling her hands into quaking fists, she finally spoke.
"You! Get out of my room!" She screamed at Legolas in a cold tone. His eyes softened and he slowly shook his head. The elf was a torch in the dim light of the elven chamber. An angel with hidden wings stood before her. But the anger would not lessen. He crossed too far last night! He took a violation of Victoria! The elf drew a knife through her rule book.
"I will decline of your command" He simply said. This made her all the angrier.
"I demand that you leave my chambers at once!" She shouted, a shaking finger pointing to the open door. He only stepped closer to her, as if a challenge. A warrior advancing in on its prey. She wanted to step back, to get away from him. Him only... But she stood her ground. No fear, Victoria thought to herself. She repeated these words in her mind. This was of no time to fear this elf! Sure he was prince and could probably have her thrown into a dungeon, but to fear her own friend? It was just abnormal! Perhaps he was the only one she could fear. But that was proved wrong. She did not only fear him, but also herself.
"And if I don't?....." He asked, his eyes narrowing, catching hers in a piercing gaze. Gathering her wits, she was the next one to step closer. The prince seemed surprised himself, but his face was plagued of all emotion. Unknown to her, there was so much that he wanted to tell her, wanted to show her. Even after last night. She was so oblivious for his love for her. It had only grown stronger. Those last two walls were going down. He would defeat them himself. She leaned over, her nose almost touching his. She regretted bringing her lips that close to his in fear of contact, but spoke nonetheless.
"Then I will remove you from my chambers myself..." Victoria hissed with her hands on her hips. Swirls of pulsating anger clouded her green eyes. Had she ever felt this mad before? She was not too sure. She wanted to grab the front of his tunic and throw him out but she was afraid to touch him. She was afraid to touch this male, this elf. Victoria momentarily remembered that she stood before him in nothing but a bathrobe and blushed. Shaking it away, she looked him dead in the eye, her mouth tightened into a thin line. He leaned closer to her, his eyes narrowed. She could feel his warm breath on her face like a tickling feather.
"I do not believe you will..." He hissed. She opened her mouth to speak, her brows meeting with anger. Was he provoking her to react? Perhaps, lash out or take action? But before a word could escape her parted mouth, he slipped a finger over her lips. She became silent under his touch. That simple finger on her face made a rush come over her. A rush she liked, though loathed admitting. His eyes became soft once more. This was exactly what he had done right before he kissed her. The same motion, the same eyes filled with passion. Slowly Legolas took his finger away from her lips.
"We need to speak about what took place last night..." He began gently. The flame returned to her leaf green orbs.
"There is nothing to speak about... Now, if you would excuse me, I would like to get dressed." She replied coolly, her tone menacing. He did not flinch at her words nor blink. He simply stood there watching her. Wondering silently if he had heard her, Victoria spoke again.
"Did you hear me? I want to get dressed, so get out!" She shouted, once more pointing to the large elven door. This time the elf blinked and then turned toward the direction of the door. Slowly striding over to it, the healer let out a sigh of relief when it seemed he was going to listen to her. But the sigh turned into a sharp gasp when the elf locked the door. Legolas turned back to her, his eyes piercing hers. Surely he was not doing this. Victoria reached up to rub her eyes. Nay, they were not cheated by any spell or hallucination. Why her? She thought to herself. It was only his voice that pounded down her thoughts and captured her attention. She could not remember when it was last, that she heard him use such a voice in her presence.
"We are going to talk. You will not shut me out again." He whispered, his tone demanding. His lips almost breathed against her own. Fear shone in her eyes. The fire of Eryn Lasgallen returned in the burning orbs of the prince. He was royalty, and it was of no use to turn his command down. He walked over to her, his eyes never leaving hers even for a moment. He did not even need the crown of the realm on his head to look like the cold regal form of his father, Thranduil. The urge to drop in a low bow had descended over her. To bow at his royal booted feet. That's the power he had over everyone. For a fleeting moment, Victoria dropped her eyes to the ground. She could not bear to look into those powerful tantalizing heavens no longer.
Meanwhile, Legolas knew he had frightened her. He had a special gift to achieve that. Even with some of his fathers counsel members. A single hard gaze from him could silence a room. Even the trees were beckoned and plagued into quiet. He looked all the more beautiful yet dangerous. Now, as he looked upon his loved one, he wished not to have to look at her in such a way. He wished last night did not happen. Too early did he have the pleasures of tasting her lips. Approaching her, he held her defiant chin in his hand and guided her eyes to his slowly softening ones. The spell had been broken.
"Please. Hear me out." Legolas whispered finally. She did not respond, too which he expected. Stepping away from her in fear of violating her personal space any longer, he turned and looked upward to the ceiling. What was their really to say, none other then apologize? The bothered and befuddled prince looked to her for a moment. Victoria seemed to looking at the floor, as if it were the most amazing thing in the world. But he could not blame her. After last night, she probably never wanted to look him in the eye again.
"Foolish folly of an elf! How can you have been so completely absurd?!" Legolas screamed in his thoughts. Well, scolding himself would not sort out his aimless problems. That is one thing he would have to do all on his own. But where to begin? As the elf's thoughts argued their cases, it seemed Victoria had retrieved her voice.
"Are you going to just stand there, or are you going to finally start speaking?" She murmured while wringing the outer folds of the fuzzy bathrobe she wore. The pure healer's wet hair seemed to form a curtain about her fair face, whilst she trained her eyes on the seemingly interesting floor. Letting out a breath, he nodded his blond head. Looking to her yet again, he gave a mild cough. Never had talking to her been so completely complicated! Everything seemed to be mixing, twisting and turning. His insides felt almost sick in a way. Like Butterflies swooping like small eagles in the pits of his stomach. But elves did not get sick; he normally did not ever feel like this before. Maybe it was confusion? An emotion he both feared and loathed. Well here goes nothing, he would have to start one way or another.
"About last night." He began. Well, that's an awful start, Legolas said to himself. Swallowing a dry mouthful of air, he started again.
"It was a mistake..." The prince almost growled under his breath at his slightly shaky voice. Victoria looked up at that, silently realizing that he was as nervous as she was. But through grit teeth, she replied,
"Hell yeah, it was a mistake." When she said this, he slightly cursed in elvish. Just talking to her looked perplexing. Yes, he was definitely just as scared as she was.
"Please, do not interrupt. This is very difficult enough." She crossed her arms when he said that and leaned back against her bed post. Her lips had tightened into an impatient line while her eyebrows rose, expecting him to speak on.
"Frankly, I did not mean for anything like that to happen. I know it should not have happened because I know you... you Victoria." Legolas murmured while all the while rambling. She gazed at him with a fathomless expression while he said this all too quickly. So, he did not mean it. It was all some huge mistake. Was that what she was to him? A mistake?..... Somehow, she could not find what part of her self was happy about this, and what part of her was upset. Victoria searched desperately deep inside her heart for the reasons why she was almost saddened by his explanation. Sad? How could she be anywhere near sad? Her heart was supposed to be flipping with unconcealed joy at the fact that this was all some misunderstanding. She was supposed to be utterly elated that everything happened by accident. But, she felt some part of her just then burn with ardent feeling. Burn ardently like a piece of paper being held over a flame.
"Why am I not happy with this?..... It was all a mistake. It should not have happened..." The pure healers' eyes glazed with uncertainness. Her arms had weakened and uncrossed to grasp impetuously and almost desperately at her bed post. If she was so upset about this, then why had she run from him last night? Why hadn't she stayed their in his strong inviting arms? It was because of her. He did not want her, and she was not supposed to want him. She did not want him. Or did she? This was all too confusing. Way too much at this one time. Process overload, a voice seemed to shrill in her mind. Legolas was still watching her with soft questionable eyes. The bedpost that heaved her weight seemed to disappear, as she stood suspended in the air with her back slightly hunched, as if receiving a physical blow. After a few moments, she managed to push the more feverish thoughts away so that she might speak. Victoria sought comprehension.
"I still do not quite understand." She whispered in an embarrassing manner. The prince almost winced. It was hard enough to say it once. How was he to say that she meant nothing more to him then a friend? The kiss was a mistake, no doubt, but not his feelings. Far from it. A universe away from that. She was not yet ready to know the sheer depths of his heart and soul. He looked into her troubled eyes. There was grief there in her eyes. Sadness and sorrow. As if she was facing an inner hidden turmoil. Why would she be forlorn? Was this not what she wanted? To know that what happened, was nothing more then a stroke of the moment. He wanted to ask these questions to her. But alas! He could not. He sought for that feeling of her, which he was given when looking into her soul. He could feel the sinking of her heart. The walls wanted to be rebuilt. But he would not let them. But how to say these things to her?..... Gulping quickly, he fought for the right words. But it seemed the gods only gave him words that caused more damage then good.
"It was a mistake. I should not have kissed you. I regret it. I'm sorry Victoria." He said at last, feeling as though he needed to flee from the room. To not look at her. But there she was, looking into his eyes with an unreadable expression. She suddenly looked so young and innocent. So untouchable, so forbidden. Perhaps even illegal? The barriers rose from under the roots of the earth and seemed to shield him from her. He wanted to break down those barriers again, but he feared hurting her. The prince gazed upon Victoria and then felt it. She was shutting herself from him again. No! She could not do this to him again! He could not bear to have the girl creep back into her shell.
Victoria then took a step forward.
"Please leave my room." She said softly. He shook his head hastily, his eyes alarmed. Raising a hand, he reached for her.
"Get out! I wish no more to speak with you." With that she gave him a push to the chest in the direction of the doorway. Rushing past him, she wrenched open the heavy elven door and pushed him out. She needed to be alone. She needed to get away from him, and only him. Victoria could not bear to see him and those eyes again. Get away! Her head screamed. Be gone and leave me alone! She screamed on the inside.
"Victoria, I..." Legolas began loudly. It was happening again. He felt himself falling. Falling far away from her, Victoria pushing him. The door closed behind him. Beating a fist down on the door, he yelled an assortment of elvish. He had hurt her and did not know how. Confusion, anger and love formed into one rainbow of colors and emotions to plunge down upon him. What does she want from me?! Legolas' mind screamed to him. Did she want that kiss or not?! Through the infernal screaming of his head, he suddenly heard her speak to him through the thick wood of the door.
"Go away Barbie boy. I just want to be alone..." She whispered through the door. From inside the room, she leaned against the back of the door and slid down to the floor. The prince of Eryn Lasgallen did something all the more similar on the other side. He had given her what she wanted to hear. He had said that he cared about her nothing more then a friend, just like she wanted to hear. Then why could he not shake off the distinct feeling that that was something she herself did not want to hear after all. He wanted out. Out of there. To sort to all out. Picking himself off from the ground, he stormed away down the hall grinding his perfect teeth together. A sweeping blanket of both anger and sadness descended upon him.
"I shall not ever understand women!" He yelled with a glare as he turned the bend of the corridor.
~*~*~*~*~*
You and me
We used to be together
Everyday together always
I really feel
That I'm losing my best friend
I can't believe
This could be the end
It looks as though you're letting go
And if it's real
Well I don't want to know
Don't speak
I know just what you're saying
So please stop explaining
Don't tell me cause it hurts
Don't speak
I know what you're thinking
I don't need your reasons
Don't tell me cause it hurts
Our memories
Well, they can be inviting
But some are altogether
Mighty frightening
As we die, both you and I
With my head in my hands
I sit and cry
Don't speak
I know just what you're saying
So please stop explaining
Don't tell me cause it hurts
Don't speak
I know what you're thinking
I don't need your reasons
Don't tell me cause it hurts
It's all ending
I gotta stop pretending who we are...
You and me; I can see us dying...are we?
Don't speak
I know just what you're saying
So please stop explaining
Don't tell me cause it hurts
Don't speak
I know what you're thinking
I don't need your reasons
Don't tell me cause it hurts
Don't tell me cause it hurts!
I know what you're saying
So please stop explaining
Don't speak,
don't speak,
don't speak,
oh I know what you're thinking
And I don't need your reasons
I know you're good,
I know you're good,
I know you're real good
Oh, la la la la la la La la la la la la
Don't, Don't, uh-huh Hush, hush darlin'
Hush, hush darlin' Hush, hush
don't tell me tell me cause it hurts
Hush, hush darlin' Hush, hush darlin'
Hush, hush don't tell me tell me cause it hurts (Don't speak, by No doubt) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A deafening silence filled the volume of Lomen as the front door slammed open. A tall young girl walked in, a vex frown imprinted on her face. Elven eyes glanced in her direction as Victoria stumbled in. A troubled cloud followed her steps as she made her way a cross the merry bar, her mood as dull and as sad as a deflating balloon. Brushing her long hair out of her bothered green eyes, she slumped down on the first empty seat in front of the bar counter. The tender stood behind it, his nimble fingers holding a cloth while cleaning a small glass.
Victoria became aware that people were watching her curiously. Anger swelled within her. She had been in this bar before. That night when she sung and dance upon the very counter she sat at. Then later that very dazzling evening, she had shared but one dance with a certain golden haired prince. A certain romantic dance that made her feel as if floating in his arms and drowning in his eyes. A dance which took down one of the first walls. A dance she looked back on, and wished she had never done. How could she have been so foolish and let her guard down? It was because of him that she becoming so vulnerable. It was because of him that she was there in that very bar again. The thought of him. Scowling, Victoria turned around in her seat to face the elves that stared curiously at her. Her face contorted into a hard glare that made them silently turn away and go back to their business.
"That's more like it." She muttered to herself. The bar tender was gazing at her sympathetically; seemingly understanding that she had a very rough day. A day filled with confusion and depression. He put down the whiskey glass that he had been polishing, and walked over to her. He had long sandy blond hair, common like most wood elves. Green eyes looked down at her. Victoria sat, hunched over, burying her face in her arms, and trying to drown out her pursuing thoughts and unanswered questions. Placing a timid large hand on her hunched shoulder, he spoke gently.
"What could I get for you my lady?" He asked gently. He remembered the first time this peculiar female visited his homely bar. She had stopped a brawl from continuing between two of his elven kin. Then, she had started to sing like an entertainer upon his countertop, bringing in more customers then ever before. It had been a glorious night, filled with strange song, wild and unearthly dancing, and everlasting merriment. He himself could not forget that night. But now this girl seemed a shadow of her former self. She set on a chair before him, her leaf green eyes filled with sorrow and perhaps pain? He heard about her when she first came to Eryn Lasgallen long ago. The seemingly mortal young girl came in from the forest, her hands bound while being lead to their king by some of the noblest warriors. Very strange lass she was. She was now looking up at him with a scowl, as if being woken up.
"You got anything good?....." She asked softly. He smiled and then bowed low.
"Only the finest wine, of both native and from Esgaroth." He said proudly. She snorted in reply before answering.
"I want something strong. Got any suggestions?..." Victoria asked, her eyes trailing around the room. She had almost forgotten what Lomen had looked like. Pale arched ceilings with what seemed like a rooftop of branches. Male elves lounged about, both giddy and rowdy. It was a fact that wood elves fancied the delights of drinking. It seemed to be the very definition of merry making. If only she could be happy that evening but no she could not. She had hid from Legolas for the remainder of the day, making sure to creep secretly down the corridors. She had spoke with no one that day. Turning back to the tender, she listened as he suggested a number of alcohols. At last, she chose a rather heavy wine. She watched as he poured the shimmering blood red liquid into a small glass and set it down in front of her.
"Here you are my lady. I can only hope that you will fancy this wine." He said politely. Nodding curtly, Victoria bought the glass to her lips and poured it into her mouth. A rich explosion erupted in her mouth. A great imploding seemed to be occurring as she swallowed the wine. A big grin slowly crept on to her lips for the first time that day. How sweet the flavor was! Candy could not even compare with what she just tasted. The tender seemed to be reading her joyous thoughts and grinned.
"Would you care for more?" He asked. Nodding again, Victoria seized her glass and handed it back to him. No wonder the elven race was infatuated with the wonders of wine, Victoria thought to herself.
As Victoria drowned down another glass, she leaned her head down on the counter, her thoughts moving in clouds around her. Her mind strayed back to the prince once more. He had more important things then her to worry about. Perhaps he would just stop speaking to her all together, and she could just forget about ever facing him personally again. A Legolas free zone, she thought silently. The elf was to be commander in war. He was a leader of people. There were probably so many more important things on his mind, then some impudent girl whom he kissed. By accident. Surely he would forget about what had happened and Victoria would remain nothing but an old aquatinted girl. Yes, that would be awfully easy if he could just forget all about her.
"Good thinking Vic." She said dully to herself, reaching over to the bottle of the wine that the tender had left there. Bringing it back to her lips, the liquid slipped easily down her throat. The alcohol burned all the way down, its bitterness making her smile rather cheekily to herself. Anyway, so what if Legolas would no longer be her friend?..... It mattered not, right?..... She had been alone most of her life and could afford to loose yet another person. Even if that person was dear to her. Even if that person lived in not only her thoughts, but in her slowly lighting heart. But, it was him to have lit that light. It was Legolas who kept rekindling that flame and making it burn fiercer and brighter. It was him all along. With that realization, she quickly brought the bottle back up to her lips and took a long swig, her eyes closed. Wiping the corners of her mouth messily on her sleeve, Victoria closed her eyes as a light tingle buzzed in her insides. The laughter around her all too much sounded like distant bells.
But no. She did not need him as a friend anymore.
"At least I still got you, ol' friend." She murmured, looking down at the wine bottle fondly. Drawing small circles on the counter top, Victoria hummed softly to herself. Her eyes dropped silently and slowly as a great burst of hot air seemed to have erupted in her head. The pure healer gave a small shake to her head and tiredly took up another swig, the delightful flavor swelling throughout the contours of her mouth. An elf that sat next to her gave the young girl a puzzled look as she let out a rather random laugh. A short bond seemed to have grown between her and the red wine. Blinking repeatedly, she looked down at her arm and gave a soft, almost inaudible squeal of joy.
"Hey dude. Look. I have got a hand. isn't that great?" She cried softly, tugging on the tunic of the elf next to her and showing him her hand with a lopsided grin on her face. The blond haired elf tilted his face in confusion, his brow arched. Looking to the bottle in her other hand, he seemed to have realized that the alcohol overcame her. He shook his head gently to himself before muttering something in elvish. Victoria turned away from him with a loud snort and took another long swig from her befriended bottle. A soft buzzing ran through her skin, making her shiver gently. I feel kinda weird., she thought to herself. Brushing her hair out of her eyes, the feeling of a great wave rushed over her making her head spin. With a squeaky laugh, she fell away from the counter, the bottle still in hand. The elf beside her heaved an arm under her, Victoria's head lolling on his shoulder. To keep the disgruntled girl from crashing off her chair, he mounted her hunching shoulders on the counter. Looking to him, she gave him a cheeky thumb up sigh.
"Thanks dude." She said with a goofy grin. He smiled weakly and nodded. Well, some company he is, she thought to herself dully. The buzzing in her skin steadily grew stronger, making her hands quiver as if just slamming her sword to a metal pole. Never had she felt like this. Any movement in her eyes seemed to be sort of gliding by, making a soft laugh escape her lips again. Elves around her seemed to be great blobs with brilliantly blinding blond hair. Cradling the wine bottle to her chest, she could make out a shape by the door. This one stood out, but she could not tell exactly why. Her vision focused for a moment and the figure looked familiar. Over the laughter and rowdy hoots she heard a faint voice.
"Vendui Legolas! Sut na lle?!" (Greetings! How are you?) Asked an elf, saluting to the prince as he walked into the homely bar. Victoria froze and whipped away from the sight of him, growling under her breath. No, he could not be there now... She could not face him after last night and this morning. This was all too much. Her head gave a great spin again, causing her to grab the counter. How had he found her? Why could she not get a bloody moment alone?! She remembered the little episode that happened only that dreadful morning. The shouting, the piercing eyes, and most of all, the feelings.
"Curse him. Curse him." She hissed under her breath. But as she took another long swig, the anger seemed to melt away. Colors flashed brilliantly before her eyes, and a spasm of joy washed over her anew causing the girl to forget about the prince. Wow, this stuff tastes so damn good, she quietly said aloud, gazing down at the bottle. Raising it to her lips again, she titled her head back, ready to expecting more wine to fill into her system. But nothing came into her mouth as she waited. With a grunt, she leaned against the counter and moved the bottle near her eye. Peeping inside, she almost gave a startled cry. It was empty. A few last droplets of blood red liquid sat at the dark bottom, causing her to take the bottle and receive them. Pushing it away, she eyed the tender.
He was talking to another elf, fast yet beautiful elvish pouring out of his mouth. A strong desire for more settled within her. She wanted all feeling to be free from within her aching insides. Victoria wanted to be healed of the anger toward the elf that sat amongst companions near the back of the intriguing bar. Rising unsteadily in her seat, Victoria leaned forward.
"Hey dude," she called, before leaning farther in her seat. "Do you got anymore?....." She asked with a rather shaky voice. Hiccupping softly, she looked to the tender waiting. He turned away from his current customer to look over her. She seemed to have changed in all wells time. No anger loomed in her eyes like it had only before. Wine certainly was a life preserver. Now, as she sat there holding up an empty wine bottle as if it were some great magic staff, he approached her.
"Are you well?....." He asked, tilting his head only slightly. She blinked slowly, before nodding quickly causing her to clap a hand to her forehead. Victoria waited till her vision was restored before nodding again.
"Hell I am dude... Just a bit on the tipsy side..." She admitted with an expression that could have been either sheepish or amused. The tender glanced over her again before taking out an identical bottle to the one Victoria cradled to herself like a babe from under his counter. His green eyes watched as her orbs filled with joy. The sort of joy that a child had when receiving a present. Taking a small glass, he filled it to the top and slowly moved it to her. Her leaf green eyes gleamed as she took up the glass with a victorious cry and poured the liquid in a swift motion down her throat. A rush of heat flushed over her face, causing her to scrunch her eyes together. The tender was staring at her, keeping a custodial elven eye on the young one. Reaching over as to take the bottle away, he spoke softly.
"Sorry Lass, I am cutting you off this one. You have had quite enough" He said, referring to the wine. Alarm and anger shone in her eye. Weakly grabbing on the collar of his tunic, she pulled him down to her eyelevel.
"Cutting me off? I'll tell you dude.," She stopped for a second, her eyes lolling before continuing. "When I have had enough." Victoria finished, seizing the bottle from the tender. He sighed and shook his head to himself then went to the other waiting elves. Victoria glowered at the back of the bar tender before it melted away into a lopsided grin.
Meanwhile, Victoria turned around as an elf sitting near Legolas rose from his seat to clap his hands for attention. Watching with a dazed expression, her near blind eyes falling ever a moment on Legolas again, she heard an elvish toast ring out. It was for the prince no doubt. He raised his glass too, his expression hard to read.
"To Legolas!" She could hear them shout out. Raising her bottle, Victoria spoke on top of the voices.
"Hear, hear!" She agreed with the toast, waving the bottle about.
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~*~* minutes ago*~*~
Legolas stalked in a rather un-princely matter across the long grasses of the ground. His bow certainly could not free his anger or his sorrow. Now, as he walked, he knew that a good drink would do well for his mind. His blond hair rippled in the chilled wind like a golden flag, his eyes flashing. The prince's mind felt so full, and a dull pounding could be felt within his forehead. Looking up to the darkening skies, he closed his brilliant blue eyes for a moment. Taking in a deep breath, he exhaled slowly, willing himself to calm.
Jogging up the small steps of Lomen, he pushed the door open. He was at once greeted by a wave of joyous laugher, the clink of glasses and music. He needed to get away. He needed to get away from his father and his counsels. He needed to get away from nonstop training and being head commander in war. But lastly, he needed to get away from his feelings. After that morning, he had neither the strength nor the will to try speaking with Victoria again. He was quite sure that if he tried, he would have landed right outside her door again. As if he was some dog that was to be out outside. Legolas scowled to himself, clenching his fists into balls at his sides. He felt many eyes turn toward him as he entered Lomen.
One of the soldiers greeted him, holding a large mug of wine. He was grinning widely, very much giddy from the liquid that sloshed about in his cup. Legolas gave a half smile, his heart not into it. He could not think of much that would change his foul mood. Accepting an invitation to join one of there tables, he sat down, sipping his wine silently. The elves around him talked eagerly and enthusiastically while his passive aura seemed to get the best of him. The elf became ever so slightly jealous as they lounged around, talking as if not a care in the world.
But they were not facing the burdens of royalty. They were not facing the ever remindful burdens of being head commander, leader. Legolas could distinctly remember all the excessive lectures he received from his father about responsibility and his duties. He very well knew his duties. It was very difficult not knowing them when people made it their personal business to repeatedly remind him. The prince knew that the king's council members did not believe he could lead the realm into victory. Scowling, he could almost hear their voices as they sat in protest with their lord.
"Please sire, he is but a child." They would say. He was no child! Though he was no elder either, he could hardly believe the members of the counsel would have the nerve to disrespect the king's decision. Surely, Thranduil would not choose Legolas as head commander had he known the young elf could not take up the responsibility to make noble and wise decisions. He had yet to prove them. He would prove to them all. He was no child! I am the prince of Eryn Lasgallen and no one shall take sheer disadvantage and disrespect over me, Legolas told himself silently. Suddenly feeling proud with himself, he merrily drank his wine feeling slightly better.
As autumn drew to an end, talk of war seemed to increase. Legolas looked down at his lap, his brows slightly twitching with stress again. Who knew when the vast army of dark beasts would attack? For all he knew, they could be lining up around the borders of the realm that very second. The elf could imagine it now. The orcs would be swept across the plains, like ants on an ant hill. They would hold their dark poisoned blades at the ready, ghostly armor covering their scaly ominous bodies. He could almost hear their fiendish roars and sinister growls as there desire for dead elf flesh grew stronger. Shuddering gently, he closed his eyes for a moment before opening again. How the prince missed his freedom. He used to be free to roam over the lands of his home, the bow always in his hand. He used to have the pleasures of enjoying a fine end of autumn day, just as that day was and just relax and have not a care in middle earth. Time usually meant nothing to elves. But now, he could actually feel that they had only a certain time. Time was not for the elves to know or feel. That was left for the world of men for they were affected by the passing of time. They were made and died by time.
Legolas' eyes had glazed over, his mind caught in a hallow warp of thoughts. Only did he snap out of it, when he felt someone clap him on the shoulder hard. With a shake of surprise, he looked up to see the same elf who had greeted him at the door. He had a grin on his content face still.
"May I propose a toast for you my lord?" He asked, shaking his wine glass happily. The prince was about to say no politely but the others around him had already poured more alcohol eagerly into their glasses. Heaving a sigh and contemplating a moment, he reluctantly nodded his head. The elf then rose his glass and asked for attention. The elven prince lowered himself considerably low in his chair, wishing he had just hid in his chambers all day. As the elf spoke in elvish, giving him a blessing and luck for being commander, he smiled gently.
A great cheer rung out through the crowd as they drunk to their prince. But it was the voice that yelled above all others that made Legolas freeze.
"Hear, Hear!" Squawked a familiar female voice.
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Legolas was sure that the air left his lungs as he spotted a rather familiar pure healer sitting at the counter, waving a bottle about. When did she get there? Had he really been blind enough to not only spot her but also feel her presence within his heart? Well of course. Not only his mind, but his heart had been clouded by anger and pain. He gazed at Victoria from across the bar, his mouth slightly open. Her long hair was lightly disheveled and there were small stains of red wine on her tunic. Letting his eyes flow over her, he could see the bottle she held fondly in her hand. Some of the elves looked on curiously as he made his way slowly over to her.
"What is up dude?! I have been missing you, lover boy!" She exclaimed, lifting her shaky hand in a high five when he stopped in front of her. Legolas could smell the heavy alcohol on her breath and this concerned him. Narrowing his eyes he looked at her closely. How fast had she forgotten about that very morning? Did Victoria forget about the fact that he kissed her in a secluded library, violated and upset her, and then yell and scream at him that morning? Clearly the wine had gotten very far with her.
"Victoria, how much have you been drinking?..." He asked, his hand slipping onto her shoulder. She eyed his hand wearily, as if suddenly remembering she was supposed to be angry with him. But she only then let out another random laugh, deep squeaky giggles coming from her throat. The prince winced and took the accursed bottle out of her hand and giving it back to the tender to dispose with. She cried out softy after a moment as the realization that the bottle was no longer in her hand took place. Legolas was about to sit her down and ask the question again, but she started to speak.
"I have been waiting for you lover boy. You left me hanging this morning, after that little thing. thing that happened last night." She wobbled slightly for a moment, her eyes glazed. Legolas had never seen her like this and it frightened him to a great deal. At the mention of last night, he felt his cheeks burn. Why was she calling him lover boy, asked the prince in his confused mind? She seemed to be attempting to speak again, but only a stutter escaped her lips. Victoria went silent for a moment, her brows in fury before she grinned goofily despite herself. The elf looked bewildered for a moment before pushing very gently on her shoulders so that she sat down.
"Did you know that the sky is blue?..." She asked Legolas, her eyes wide in amazement. The elf that had been sitting next to her gave a chuckle as he overheard the question. Legolas gave a warning look, making the elf turn away again. Forgetting his anger towards her for a moment, he softly seized her face into his large hands, his fingers curling around the frame of her face. Her eyes looked at him from under heavy lids and he could see the growing blood shot lines filling her eye.
"Now, look what you have done to yourself. Did you do this because of this morning?..." he asked gently. Victoria only gazed at him with a confused expression. Prying his hands away from her face, Victoria got to her unsteady legs again and poked at his chest.
"Now listen here lover boy. I may like you,. b-but did you know that the grass is green?" She suddenly asked him, her sentence switching to yet another question of complete randomness. The drunken, yet very much giddy pure healer slumped down on her seat in utter wonder.
"Its amazing aint it? Who knew, that grass could actually be green?!" She shrieked. Some of the nearby elves could not help but over hear what she was saying and laughed under their breaths.
"Victoria, I believe that you need bed rest." Legolas began. Victoria suddenly clamped an unceremonious hand tightly over his mouth, causing some of the elves to gaze at the predicament. She shook her head at him, her eyes slightly wider then usual.
"Ya know Lover boy, I always liked ya lots." Legolas' eyes widened while her hand lay still tightly over his muffled mouth. Speaking loudly, she was not too aware that they had a large and attentive audience listening to every wood. Victoria began to toy with his blond hair, a large grin on her face. Man, his hair is like really soft, she thought in her mind.
"But then again, what female around her doesn't like you?... You are pretty sexy, if I do say so myself. But don't tell anyone I said that, dude. Especially Victoria. She will go and tell everyone, I'm sure of it." Victoria continued to holler, playing with the small tight braids of the elven prince's hair. Legolas gulped slowly, his eyes filled with alarm. He could all too hear the sniggers coming from around him. His friend would never live this one down. He had to get her out of here before she did something totally mad! Victoria seemed to have been reading his mind because she suddenly got to her feet. Swaying for a moment, she grabbed onto the closest elf and got her balance. She took a short glance to this random elf and with a smirk, winked.
"To show the love I got for you lover boy, I'm going to s-sing a special song. Just for you!" Victoria exclaimed, pointing down at Legolas with glassy eyes. A look of utter horror passed over the elf's face as he took this in. Jumping to his feet, he grabbed onto Victoria's arm and began to lead her away. But she wrestled her arm out of his grip and looked disbelieving at him. She leaned onto a table next to it, causing the table to crash ungracefully to the floor. But the girl was unaffected as she got up again.
"Where do you think your going dude? You got to hear my song. But wait! You must tell me what stylist does your hair! It looks so fabulous! Is it a special shampoo, or conditioner that you use to make it so soft? I would just love some hair care tips." Legolas looked as though someone had just hit him upside the head as he stared upon Victoria with almost frightened azure eyes. She seemed to take none of this in, the fuzziness in her limbs was so intense that she forgot how to walk for a moment. For once in her life, the thoughts in her head disappeared. The cloud had faded.
"You know not what you speak Victoria! Come with me." He hissed, reaching for her arm again. The young girl knew not that she was already humiliated. He knew Victoria desired respect above a lot of things in her life. Did she not know that any respect she may have gained from these people was slowly slipping away? Her efforts were going to waste. About to heave her over his shoulder and carry her out himself, Legolas was interrupted by her hand as it grabbed a fistful of his tunic. She gave him a slight push, making him slump into a chair.
"Don't be leaving lover boy." She said before striding clumsily over to the counter and grabbed an empty bottle. Nearly tripping, she climbed up onto the counter, her hair flying about as she almost fell. Legolas realized what was happening and bought a hand over his eyes.
"Oh dear Valar." He murmured to himself.
"Tonight, I would like to dedicate a little song to my blond elf over there, which by the way, he has really fabulous hair. Just look at the way it shines!" Victoria shrieked, pointing at the prince. Every head turned toward Legolas with grins. Silently wishing he would sink to the floor, he sunk his face into his hands as she begun her drunken song.
"You're just too good to be true
Can't take my eyes off of you You'd be like heaven to touch
I wanna hold you so much.
At long last love has arrived
And I thank god I'm alive
You're just too good to be true
Can't take my eyes off of you.." Victoria sang all of this, her voice shaking uncontrollably. Legolas looked up, his mouth open slightly. He could not believe this was happening. More then happy would he be, if she was singing those words to him but not drunk. Nearly twice she lost her balance, her eyes glazing over. She would stop in mid sentence, nearly forgetting that she was singing in the first place. But alas, she continued with her song. "Pardon the way that I stare
There's nothing else to compare
The sight of you leaves me weak
There are no words left to speak
But if you feel like I feel
Please let me know that it's real
You're just too good to be true
Can't take my eyes off of you!!!" Victoria shrieked, some of the elves wincing at her suddenly high pitched voice. They were all too sure that somehow the windows would shatter under the usually high magnitude of her drunken singing.
"I need you baby, and if it's quite all right,
I need you baby to warm a lonely night
I love you baby Trust in me when I say:
Oh pretty baby, don't bring me down I pray
Oh pretty baby, now that I found you, stay
And let me love you, oh baby let me love you, oh baby" She screamed, pointing to Legolas in the most endear way she could attempt while drunk. One of her green eyes was bulging very unceremoniously, her arms flailing at her sides as if trying to fly. The prince looked ready to have a heart attack, his eyes very wide. "I need you baby, and if it's quite all right,
I need you baby to warm a lonely night
I love you baby
Trust in me when I say:
Oh pretty baby, don't bring me down I pray...." Victoria's voice suddenly faded, sweat dotting her brow. Her eyes began to droop, heavy breaths coming from her mouth. The wine bottle dropped from her shaking hand and shattered on the counter top. Her confused eyes looked around as the laughing grew louder. They were laughing at her, not with her, she silently realized. The world began to spin as the laughter surrounded every inch of her head. Her eyes met with Legolas' sympathetic eyes before she slowly sunk down on the counter, squeezing her eyes shut. Meanwhile Legolas was pushing his way through the crowd, hardly believing his kin was still laughing. He pulled the dazed young girl off the countertop and slowly pulled her away from them. The tender caught his eyes for a moment, an apology in his orbs. The prince nodded and heaved her out of Lomen. As the door closed behind them, the laughter and hoots faded. Victoria was having a hard time walking as he pulled her along across the grass. But then suddenly she wrenched herself out of his grip and dropped next to the bushes, retching. Kneeling down next to her, he pulled her hair back, his other hand slowly rubbing her hunching back. He whispered comforting words in elvish. She slowly crawled away from the bush, clutching her throbbing head. She then looked up at him, her eyes wide.
"I'm sorry." She murmured. All Legolas could do was look deeply into her eyes, his hands clutching hers. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A/N: sorry for such a long wait folks! And thanks to all the reviewing hoping that I had gotten better. But then of course I have another migraine right now hehehe. That chapter didn't come as great as I hoped it would, but it will do for now. Those lyrics are "your just too good to be true by well first elvis, Lauren hill. Go take a look at my redone first chapter if u want Namaarie!
OMG! I am so sorry for not updating for so long. U see, I went on vacation to California for nearly the whole month and just came back on the 29 of July. But now that im back from that horrid hell of a vacation, I'm back to writing.
Btw, I could not imagine how much reviews I could get from that last chapter of mine when legolas kissed her. I really had hoped people liked that one. And omg! I GOT OVER THE 2000 LIMIT!!!!! AHHH!!!! *throws up confetti* I want to thank each and every one of you. And to people that ask me questions, please send me any question that u might have in an email. I find it very difficult to answer people's questions when I receive them in reviews because after a lot of reviews I tend to forget. So any questions, feel free to email me! Just make sure to post the word ff.net in the subject box so that I know its not junk mail.
And to tell, I was rereading the first chapter and never realized how truly horrible it was! So I took some time in between and re did the whole first chapter! Hopefully u will all like it!
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A small dainty hand tightened on the fistful of the bed comforter, which was clenched in her fist. Beneath the cave of massive sheets came a small muffled groan. Victoria heaved a rather heavy sigh from under her large fluffy pillow, willing herself to believe it all a terrible dream. More of a nightmare really... To the young pure healer, last night could not have possibly happened. She did not go deep into the shadow invaded corridors of Eryn Lasgallen with a certain elf. She did not spend a secluded late evening, in front of the warm fireplace whilst a soft voice read and sung to her. But, Victoria certainly did not get kissed upon the lips by a certain blond prince, who at that moment remained un-named. Or did she?.....
Throwing back the heavy dark green blankets, a bedraggled dark head emerged. Victoria gazed tiredly and ever so grumpily around her elven designed chamber. Drawing her knees to her chest, she toyed with the material of her night gown, her eyes glazed over with misty confusion. How did it happen? One moment he was speaking gently in the native tongue of the elves, and then another moment he had kissed her softly, causing her to flee from the library, running blindly back to her chambers. He kissed her... Just the thought made anger pulse through her, a deep scarlet running through her cheeks. Her lips began to tingle from where his had lightly brushed over. A kiss, never had she been kissed. Nor had she imagined she would. Highly preposterous, Victoria thought to herself bitterly. Did she expect it? Of course not. Did she enjoy it?..... Well, that was something she was not quite sure of herself.
Crawling out of the large bed, she slowly walked to the bathtub. Perhaps the water shall wash away her troubles, but somehow, it seemed that would not be nearly enough. As she began to fill the tub with the hot water that Ithlen had left her, she sighed. Even the color of the water reminded her of his eyes. The azure heavens that made a rather cozy home to look into, but also a piercing penetrating gaze that could break through the strongest of walls. Walls that once stood proud and tall within a dark mist in her being. Looking away from the bathtub she was filling, she gently untied the back of her nightgown. It slipped silently to the ground. Her limps felt uncannily like lead, due to the fact that she had stayed up more then half the night panicking upon what had happened. She could freshly remember it. His eyes had filled with such a passion, just as he had said "Migul...to kiss..." and then he had done it. He had leaned over, guided those soft lips, and brushed them across hers. She could almost again feel that distinct rush of wondrous sensations that thrilled through her. But that wonder had come to a shattering misery and was replaced with a sickening fear. How could she, above all people, let him do that?! But, then why did he kiss her in the first place?! Perhaps he had not meant too. Kissing all too much cramped her style, she thought to herself.
"Look at what he's turning you into!" Victoria said, looking at her reflection in the nearby mirror. Scowling sourly, she submerged under the hot water, hoping she could somehow drown herself and the thoughts that were now haunting her. Coming up for air, she leaned her aching head upon the hard ledge of the tub. Victoria's eyes strayed to the ceiling, quickly followed by yet another sigh. What had that kiss meant to her? She was scared of course, but did she regret it? More questions, which she could not yet answer nor understand. But she did know one thing, there was no way she could face him. Not the prince, not Legolas...
Slowly washing herself, Victoria gazed numbly around her chamber. Hiding from problems was not the way of the warrior, she said to herself. But this was something unlike she had ever faced before. She was confirmed true. Feelings did always get in the way. This was no doubt, stopping her from the person she had maintained to be. But then why was she so scared? Why was she so frightened of facing but the elf? Perhaps, maybe it was because he was the one that filled her thoughts more often then others. Or maybe it was because he was the one, who could catch her thoughts in such a way... Victoria could almost feel her chances of being in the Eryn Lasgallen army, slipping away through her slender fingers.
"What's wrong with me?....." She asked softly, while sinking deeply back into the tub. The aroma of roses filled her nostrils, the waves of warm water lapping against her skin. The pure healers eyelids felt rather heavy as lay her head back. Whilst sleep slowly started to overcome her, a haze of steam filled the small bathing room. Losing to the battle of slumber, her impossibly heavy eyelids dropped close. It was in the bathtub that she dreamed many things.
She was in clouds of colors, glittering rain falling in endless streams from the sky. Victoria was floating, a warmth spreading through her body. Where was she, she thought to herself. Feeling suddenly returned to her feet as she crashed into a heap on the ground. Getting up, she looked down at her and gasped in joy. A gleaming breast plate fitted snugly and lightly over her torso. Intricate designs of the elves flourished upon the metal. Her arms seemed to be covered in a light beautiful metal, along with matching wrist guards and dark gloves. Her long slender legs of course, were also covered with armor, high boots reaching her knees. Her empty scabbard seemed to glow at her side, the sword already unsheathed and in her hand at the ready. The last thing was a helm that fit tightly on her head, the front part of it drooping down slightly between her eyes. Elven Armor... Her armor...
All around her was the sounds of war. The foul stench of blood and severed flesh wavered in the air like a dark cloud. Victoria could hear the familiar roars of many orcs, and the fierce battle cries of the elven race. This was her time, her moment. It was time to fight. Just like she had always dreamed and hoped for. Raising her sword, she surged forward. Her metal blanketed legs pumped into a fast run, her blade gleaming like a torch in her gripping hand. It was time for war, time for justice.
A loud cry of fury leapt from her throat, as she delivered a blow to the first orc that walked into her path. The flesh was sliced cleanly like the chopping of a vegetable. Her prey fell into a heap at her feet, but she had not the time to look upon it, as she already made for the next beast. It felt so right, for this was what she was meant to do. To be a warrior and troop along side the elves as an equal, and fight for victory. A victory for her also meant respect. She would not let anything or anyone take that away from her. As she ran along side her fellow soldiers, they seemed to sweep across the hills, assassinating the dark enemy. Blades and elven arrows sung as they sliced and soared through the air. Victoria felt all of this at once, but it was in that moment that the battlefield seemed to stretch away from her. The elf troops were getting farther and farther away, until they became but insects in the distance. The healer ran, her sword flashing at her side. They could not leave without her. She was part of the army, part of this war. She was a woman, but that did not put her down. Victoria was a fighter.
"Come back! I want to fight! I must help the elves win the war!" She called out, still running to the battlefield. The hand that was gripping her sword had suddenly grabbed nothing but dry air. Looking down at her empty shaking hand, a startled cry came from her lips. No sword, no weapon. Her only way to slay the evil was gone... The elves and the battle all but disappeared, and she was surrounded by only darkness. But still she ran, pants coming from her lungs. She could not let her dreams fade away; they were only to take flight. But doubt was rising in her heart. Dreams or no dreams, they were only slipping farther away from her.
"Please! I don't want to be left behind!" Victoria shouted out. But all sounds of war were lost. She was only met with the low echo of her own voice, in her own world. Her own universe. Stopping, she fell hard on her knees, her eyes blurring. She suddenly felt no reassuring metal on her skin. The armor had vanished. Everything had gone and left her. There she was... Alone...afraid...and hopeless. The truth was that she was left behind. Her hopes of becoming a heroine were all but vanquished. Taken, stolen, and pulled away. But yet, there was something that would not fade from her heart. Did she like it? She was not too sure. It was very warm, and it seemed to be the only light in the dismal darkness. When all other light had gone out, it was this light that remained. It could not be stolen or taken away. It could not disappear nor fade. Getting up from her trembling knees, she started to walk to it. Her mind did not lead her, it was her heart. Her legs began to gain speed, and soon she was galloping and streaking through the darkness like a free spirit, taking her higher and higher. Nothing could stop her now. But, as she flew through gates of light, her lungs forgot all air...
Victoria awoke, her lungs quickly filling with water. With a jerk, her head emerged from underneath the water. A stream of bath water shot from her mouth, quickly followed by coughs and gasps for breaths. She had fallen asleep? How long had it been? The bath water was very cold and she shivered slightly. She must have slipped underneath the surface of the water when falling asleep. The memory of her dream washed over her. The battlefield had been taken from her... Victoria's green eyes narrowed into angry slits as she willed the strength back into her muscles and pulled her self out of the cold water. But what was that feeling that had enveloped her? It was beautiful yet terrifying...
She had felt like a bird, perhaps a great eagle? She had been soaring, as if mighty wings sprouted from her back and took her up into the stars. What was that light that took her away from the eternal desolate darkness? As Victoria squeezed beads of water out of her long hair and into the tub, she thought about it. The dream was very strange, a cross between a nightmare and a dream. One moment, she had been living her hopes and ambitions to fight along side as a soldier and fight in the war. Then suddenly, it was wrenched away from her, sending the young woman into a warp of darkness. Victoria knew she had been lost. Lost within a universe all her own. But that light, it had saved her. It was there all along... No darkness could make it neither fade nor disappear. But what had it been?
Throwing open her closet door with a heavy sigh, her hand slowly drifted across the clothes that hung there. Picking out a dark green tunic with brown breeches, she closed the door and threw the outfit onto the bed. What was she to do today? Maybe if she crept onto her balcony and climbed down the tree, she could make a quick dash to the forest and hide there for the day. Staying in the forest could hide her from him... From Legolas. After last night, she could never face him again... She could never look into his eyes, for she feared what she would see in those depths. She feared that she might be weakened in his presence. Weakened to the contemptuous, dishonorable feelings of love and desire... Weakened just like all those other maidens. It was they that should be with him. It was any of they that he should have kissed. But fate had a complex way of choosing a person. It was almost baneful and portentous.
Victoria reached over to the soft robe hanging next to the bathtub and slipped it around her bare shoulders. Her wet hair hung in drenched strings down her back. Murmuring to herself, she had barely tied the bathrobe around her shivering body when the door slammed open. Uttering a shriek of surprise, she whipped around, ready to throw the ugliest curses she could muster. But her foul words were interrupted by a hallow scream that arose deep from her throat. Quickly swallowing the scream, her eyes filled with anger as they met with a pair of wide azure blue eyes. They watched her, stripping her of every thought, every emotion except anger. Balling her hands into quaking fists, she finally spoke.
"You! Get out of my room!" She screamed at Legolas in a cold tone. His eyes softened and he slowly shook his head. The elf was a torch in the dim light of the elven chamber. An angel with hidden wings stood before her. But the anger would not lessen. He crossed too far last night! He took a violation of Victoria! The elf drew a knife through her rule book.
"I will decline of your command" He simply said. This made her all the angrier.
"I demand that you leave my chambers at once!" She shouted, a shaking finger pointing to the open door. He only stepped closer to her, as if a challenge. A warrior advancing in on its prey. She wanted to step back, to get away from him. Him only... But she stood her ground. No fear, Victoria thought to herself. She repeated these words in her mind. This was of no time to fear this elf! Sure he was prince and could probably have her thrown into a dungeon, but to fear her own friend? It was just abnormal! Perhaps he was the only one she could fear. But that was proved wrong. She did not only fear him, but also herself.
"And if I don't?....." He asked, his eyes narrowing, catching hers in a piercing gaze. Gathering her wits, she was the next one to step closer. The prince seemed surprised himself, but his face was plagued of all emotion. Unknown to her, there was so much that he wanted to tell her, wanted to show her. Even after last night. She was so oblivious for his love for her. It had only grown stronger. Those last two walls were going down. He would defeat them himself. She leaned over, her nose almost touching his. She regretted bringing her lips that close to his in fear of contact, but spoke nonetheless.
"Then I will remove you from my chambers myself..." Victoria hissed with her hands on her hips. Swirls of pulsating anger clouded her green eyes. Had she ever felt this mad before? She was not too sure. She wanted to grab the front of his tunic and throw him out but she was afraid to touch him. She was afraid to touch this male, this elf. Victoria momentarily remembered that she stood before him in nothing but a bathrobe and blushed. Shaking it away, she looked him dead in the eye, her mouth tightened into a thin line. He leaned closer to her, his eyes narrowed. She could feel his warm breath on her face like a tickling feather.
"I do not believe you will..." He hissed. She opened her mouth to speak, her brows meeting with anger. Was he provoking her to react? Perhaps, lash out or take action? But before a word could escape her parted mouth, he slipped a finger over her lips. She became silent under his touch. That simple finger on her face made a rush come over her. A rush she liked, though loathed admitting. His eyes became soft once more. This was exactly what he had done right before he kissed her. The same motion, the same eyes filled with passion. Slowly Legolas took his finger away from her lips.
"We need to speak about what took place last night..." He began gently. The flame returned to her leaf green orbs.
"There is nothing to speak about... Now, if you would excuse me, I would like to get dressed." She replied coolly, her tone menacing. He did not flinch at her words nor blink. He simply stood there watching her. Wondering silently if he had heard her, Victoria spoke again.
"Did you hear me? I want to get dressed, so get out!" She shouted, once more pointing to the large elven door. This time the elf blinked and then turned toward the direction of the door. Slowly striding over to it, the healer let out a sigh of relief when it seemed he was going to listen to her. But the sigh turned into a sharp gasp when the elf locked the door. Legolas turned back to her, his eyes piercing hers. Surely he was not doing this. Victoria reached up to rub her eyes. Nay, they were not cheated by any spell or hallucination. Why her? She thought to herself. It was only his voice that pounded down her thoughts and captured her attention. She could not remember when it was last, that she heard him use such a voice in her presence.
"We are going to talk. You will not shut me out again." He whispered, his tone demanding. His lips almost breathed against her own. Fear shone in her eyes. The fire of Eryn Lasgallen returned in the burning orbs of the prince. He was royalty, and it was of no use to turn his command down. He walked over to her, his eyes never leaving hers even for a moment. He did not even need the crown of the realm on his head to look like the cold regal form of his father, Thranduil. The urge to drop in a low bow had descended over her. To bow at his royal booted feet. That's the power he had over everyone. For a fleeting moment, Victoria dropped her eyes to the ground. She could not bear to look into those powerful tantalizing heavens no longer.
Meanwhile, Legolas knew he had frightened her. He had a special gift to achieve that. Even with some of his fathers counsel members. A single hard gaze from him could silence a room. Even the trees were beckoned and plagued into quiet. He looked all the more beautiful yet dangerous. Now, as he looked upon his loved one, he wished not to have to look at her in such a way. He wished last night did not happen. Too early did he have the pleasures of tasting her lips. Approaching her, he held her defiant chin in his hand and guided her eyes to his slowly softening ones. The spell had been broken.
"Please. Hear me out." Legolas whispered finally. She did not respond, too which he expected. Stepping away from her in fear of violating her personal space any longer, he turned and looked upward to the ceiling. What was their really to say, none other then apologize? The bothered and befuddled prince looked to her for a moment. Victoria seemed to looking at the floor, as if it were the most amazing thing in the world. But he could not blame her. After last night, she probably never wanted to look him in the eye again.
"Foolish folly of an elf! How can you have been so completely absurd?!" Legolas screamed in his thoughts. Well, scolding himself would not sort out his aimless problems. That is one thing he would have to do all on his own. But where to begin? As the elf's thoughts argued their cases, it seemed Victoria had retrieved her voice.
"Are you going to just stand there, or are you going to finally start speaking?" She murmured while wringing the outer folds of the fuzzy bathrobe she wore. The pure healer's wet hair seemed to form a curtain about her fair face, whilst she trained her eyes on the seemingly interesting floor. Letting out a breath, he nodded his blond head. Looking to her yet again, he gave a mild cough. Never had talking to her been so completely complicated! Everything seemed to be mixing, twisting and turning. His insides felt almost sick in a way. Like Butterflies swooping like small eagles in the pits of his stomach. But elves did not get sick; he normally did not ever feel like this before. Maybe it was confusion? An emotion he both feared and loathed. Well here goes nothing, he would have to start one way or another.
"About last night." He began. Well, that's an awful start, Legolas said to himself. Swallowing a dry mouthful of air, he started again.
"It was a mistake..." The prince almost growled under his breath at his slightly shaky voice. Victoria looked up at that, silently realizing that he was as nervous as she was. But through grit teeth, she replied,
"Hell yeah, it was a mistake." When she said this, he slightly cursed in elvish. Just talking to her looked perplexing. Yes, he was definitely just as scared as she was.
"Please, do not interrupt. This is very difficult enough." She crossed her arms when he said that and leaned back against her bed post. Her lips had tightened into an impatient line while her eyebrows rose, expecting him to speak on.
"Frankly, I did not mean for anything like that to happen. I know it should not have happened because I know you... you Victoria." Legolas murmured while all the while rambling. She gazed at him with a fathomless expression while he said this all too quickly. So, he did not mean it. It was all some huge mistake. Was that what she was to him? A mistake?..... Somehow, she could not find what part of her self was happy about this, and what part of her was upset. Victoria searched desperately deep inside her heart for the reasons why she was almost saddened by his explanation. Sad? How could she be anywhere near sad? Her heart was supposed to be flipping with unconcealed joy at the fact that this was all some misunderstanding. She was supposed to be utterly elated that everything happened by accident. But, she felt some part of her just then burn with ardent feeling. Burn ardently like a piece of paper being held over a flame.
"Why am I not happy with this?..... It was all a mistake. It should not have happened..." The pure healers' eyes glazed with uncertainness. Her arms had weakened and uncrossed to grasp impetuously and almost desperately at her bed post. If she was so upset about this, then why had she run from him last night? Why hadn't she stayed their in his strong inviting arms? It was because of her. He did not want her, and she was not supposed to want him. She did not want him. Or did she? This was all too confusing. Way too much at this one time. Process overload, a voice seemed to shrill in her mind. Legolas was still watching her with soft questionable eyes. The bedpost that heaved her weight seemed to disappear, as she stood suspended in the air with her back slightly hunched, as if receiving a physical blow. After a few moments, she managed to push the more feverish thoughts away so that she might speak. Victoria sought comprehension.
"I still do not quite understand." She whispered in an embarrassing manner. The prince almost winced. It was hard enough to say it once. How was he to say that she meant nothing more to him then a friend? The kiss was a mistake, no doubt, but not his feelings. Far from it. A universe away from that. She was not yet ready to know the sheer depths of his heart and soul. He looked into her troubled eyes. There was grief there in her eyes. Sadness and sorrow. As if she was facing an inner hidden turmoil. Why would she be forlorn? Was this not what she wanted? To know that what happened, was nothing more then a stroke of the moment. He wanted to ask these questions to her. But alas! He could not. He sought for that feeling of her, which he was given when looking into her soul. He could feel the sinking of her heart. The walls wanted to be rebuilt. But he would not let them. But how to say these things to her?..... Gulping quickly, he fought for the right words. But it seemed the gods only gave him words that caused more damage then good.
"It was a mistake. I should not have kissed you. I regret it. I'm sorry Victoria." He said at last, feeling as though he needed to flee from the room. To not look at her. But there she was, looking into his eyes with an unreadable expression. She suddenly looked so young and innocent. So untouchable, so forbidden. Perhaps even illegal? The barriers rose from under the roots of the earth and seemed to shield him from her. He wanted to break down those barriers again, but he feared hurting her. The prince gazed upon Victoria and then felt it. She was shutting herself from him again. No! She could not do this to him again! He could not bear to have the girl creep back into her shell.
Victoria then took a step forward.
"Please leave my room." She said softly. He shook his head hastily, his eyes alarmed. Raising a hand, he reached for her.
"Get out! I wish no more to speak with you." With that she gave him a push to the chest in the direction of the doorway. Rushing past him, she wrenched open the heavy elven door and pushed him out. She needed to be alone. She needed to get away from him, and only him. Victoria could not bear to see him and those eyes again. Get away! Her head screamed. Be gone and leave me alone! She screamed on the inside.
"Victoria, I..." Legolas began loudly. It was happening again. He felt himself falling. Falling far away from her, Victoria pushing him. The door closed behind him. Beating a fist down on the door, he yelled an assortment of elvish. He had hurt her and did not know how. Confusion, anger and love formed into one rainbow of colors and emotions to plunge down upon him. What does she want from me?! Legolas' mind screamed to him. Did she want that kiss or not?! Through the infernal screaming of his head, he suddenly heard her speak to him through the thick wood of the door.
"Go away Barbie boy. I just want to be alone..." She whispered through the door. From inside the room, she leaned against the back of the door and slid down to the floor. The prince of Eryn Lasgallen did something all the more similar on the other side. He had given her what she wanted to hear. He had said that he cared about her nothing more then a friend, just like she wanted to hear. Then why could he not shake off the distinct feeling that that was something she herself did not want to hear after all. He wanted out. Out of there. To sort to all out. Picking himself off from the ground, he stormed away down the hall grinding his perfect teeth together. A sweeping blanket of both anger and sadness descended upon him.
"I shall not ever understand women!" He yelled with a glare as he turned the bend of the corridor.
~*~*~*~*~*
You and me
We used to be together
Everyday together always
I really feel
That I'm losing my best friend
I can't believe
This could be the end
It looks as though you're letting go
And if it's real
Well I don't want to know
Don't speak
I know just what you're saying
So please stop explaining
Don't tell me cause it hurts
Don't speak
I know what you're thinking
I don't need your reasons
Don't tell me cause it hurts
Our memories
Well, they can be inviting
But some are altogether
Mighty frightening
As we die, both you and I
With my head in my hands
I sit and cry
Don't speak
I know just what you're saying
So please stop explaining
Don't tell me cause it hurts
Don't speak
I know what you're thinking
I don't need your reasons
Don't tell me cause it hurts
It's all ending
I gotta stop pretending who we are...
You and me; I can see us dying...are we?
Don't speak
I know just what you're saying
So please stop explaining
Don't tell me cause it hurts
Don't speak
I know what you're thinking
I don't need your reasons
Don't tell me cause it hurts
Don't tell me cause it hurts!
I know what you're saying
So please stop explaining
Don't speak,
don't speak,
don't speak,
oh I know what you're thinking
And I don't need your reasons
I know you're good,
I know you're good,
I know you're real good
Oh, la la la la la la La la la la la la
Don't, Don't, uh-huh Hush, hush darlin'
Hush, hush darlin' Hush, hush
don't tell me tell me cause it hurts
Hush, hush darlin' Hush, hush darlin'
Hush, hush don't tell me tell me cause it hurts (Don't speak, by No doubt) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A deafening silence filled the volume of Lomen as the front door slammed open. A tall young girl walked in, a vex frown imprinted on her face. Elven eyes glanced in her direction as Victoria stumbled in. A troubled cloud followed her steps as she made her way a cross the merry bar, her mood as dull and as sad as a deflating balloon. Brushing her long hair out of her bothered green eyes, she slumped down on the first empty seat in front of the bar counter. The tender stood behind it, his nimble fingers holding a cloth while cleaning a small glass.
Victoria became aware that people were watching her curiously. Anger swelled within her. She had been in this bar before. That night when she sung and dance upon the very counter she sat at. Then later that very dazzling evening, she had shared but one dance with a certain golden haired prince. A certain romantic dance that made her feel as if floating in his arms and drowning in his eyes. A dance which took down one of the first walls. A dance she looked back on, and wished she had never done. How could she have been so foolish and let her guard down? It was because of him that she becoming so vulnerable. It was because of him that she was there in that very bar again. The thought of him. Scowling, Victoria turned around in her seat to face the elves that stared curiously at her. Her face contorted into a hard glare that made them silently turn away and go back to their business.
"That's more like it." She muttered to herself. The bar tender was gazing at her sympathetically; seemingly understanding that she had a very rough day. A day filled with confusion and depression. He put down the whiskey glass that he had been polishing, and walked over to her. He had long sandy blond hair, common like most wood elves. Green eyes looked down at her. Victoria sat, hunched over, burying her face in her arms, and trying to drown out her pursuing thoughts and unanswered questions. Placing a timid large hand on her hunched shoulder, he spoke gently.
"What could I get for you my lady?" He asked gently. He remembered the first time this peculiar female visited his homely bar. She had stopped a brawl from continuing between two of his elven kin. Then, she had started to sing like an entertainer upon his countertop, bringing in more customers then ever before. It had been a glorious night, filled with strange song, wild and unearthly dancing, and everlasting merriment. He himself could not forget that night. But now this girl seemed a shadow of her former self. She set on a chair before him, her leaf green eyes filled with sorrow and perhaps pain? He heard about her when she first came to Eryn Lasgallen long ago. The seemingly mortal young girl came in from the forest, her hands bound while being lead to their king by some of the noblest warriors. Very strange lass she was. She was now looking up at him with a scowl, as if being woken up.
"You got anything good?....." She asked softly. He smiled and then bowed low.
"Only the finest wine, of both native and from Esgaroth." He said proudly. She snorted in reply before answering.
"I want something strong. Got any suggestions?..." Victoria asked, her eyes trailing around the room. She had almost forgotten what Lomen had looked like. Pale arched ceilings with what seemed like a rooftop of branches. Male elves lounged about, both giddy and rowdy. It was a fact that wood elves fancied the delights of drinking. It seemed to be the very definition of merry making. If only she could be happy that evening but no she could not. She had hid from Legolas for the remainder of the day, making sure to creep secretly down the corridors. She had spoke with no one that day. Turning back to the tender, she listened as he suggested a number of alcohols. At last, she chose a rather heavy wine. She watched as he poured the shimmering blood red liquid into a small glass and set it down in front of her.
"Here you are my lady. I can only hope that you will fancy this wine." He said politely. Nodding curtly, Victoria bought the glass to her lips and poured it into her mouth. A rich explosion erupted in her mouth. A great imploding seemed to be occurring as she swallowed the wine. A big grin slowly crept on to her lips for the first time that day. How sweet the flavor was! Candy could not even compare with what she just tasted. The tender seemed to be reading her joyous thoughts and grinned.
"Would you care for more?" He asked. Nodding again, Victoria seized her glass and handed it back to him. No wonder the elven race was infatuated with the wonders of wine, Victoria thought to herself.
As Victoria drowned down another glass, she leaned her head down on the counter, her thoughts moving in clouds around her. Her mind strayed back to the prince once more. He had more important things then her to worry about. Perhaps he would just stop speaking to her all together, and she could just forget about ever facing him personally again. A Legolas free zone, she thought silently. The elf was to be commander in war. He was a leader of people. There were probably so many more important things on his mind, then some impudent girl whom he kissed. By accident. Surely he would forget about what had happened and Victoria would remain nothing but an old aquatinted girl. Yes, that would be awfully easy if he could just forget all about her.
"Good thinking Vic." She said dully to herself, reaching over to the bottle of the wine that the tender had left there. Bringing it back to her lips, the liquid slipped easily down her throat. The alcohol burned all the way down, its bitterness making her smile rather cheekily to herself. Anyway, so what if Legolas would no longer be her friend?..... It mattered not, right?..... She had been alone most of her life and could afford to loose yet another person. Even if that person was dear to her. Even if that person lived in not only her thoughts, but in her slowly lighting heart. But, it was him to have lit that light. It was Legolas who kept rekindling that flame and making it burn fiercer and brighter. It was him all along. With that realization, she quickly brought the bottle back up to her lips and took a long swig, her eyes closed. Wiping the corners of her mouth messily on her sleeve, Victoria closed her eyes as a light tingle buzzed in her insides. The laughter around her all too much sounded like distant bells.
But no. She did not need him as a friend anymore.
"At least I still got you, ol' friend." She murmured, looking down at the wine bottle fondly. Drawing small circles on the counter top, Victoria hummed softly to herself. Her eyes dropped silently and slowly as a great burst of hot air seemed to have erupted in her head. The pure healer gave a small shake to her head and tiredly took up another swig, the delightful flavor swelling throughout the contours of her mouth. An elf that sat next to her gave the young girl a puzzled look as she let out a rather random laugh. A short bond seemed to have grown between her and the red wine. Blinking repeatedly, she looked down at her arm and gave a soft, almost inaudible squeal of joy.
"Hey dude. Look. I have got a hand. isn't that great?" She cried softly, tugging on the tunic of the elf next to her and showing him her hand with a lopsided grin on her face. The blond haired elf tilted his face in confusion, his brow arched. Looking to the bottle in her other hand, he seemed to have realized that the alcohol overcame her. He shook his head gently to himself before muttering something in elvish. Victoria turned away from him with a loud snort and took another long swig from her befriended bottle. A soft buzzing ran through her skin, making her shiver gently. I feel kinda weird., she thought to herself. Brushing her hair out of her eyes, the feeling of a great wave rushed over her making her head spin. With a squeaky laugh, she fell away from the counter, the bottle still in hand. The elf beside her heaved an arm under her, Victoria's head lolling on his shoulder. To keep the disgruntled girl from crashing off her chair, he mounted her hunching shoulders on the counter. Looking to him, she gave him a cheeky thumb up sigh.
"Thanks dude." She said with a goofy grin. He smiled weakly and nodded. Well, some company he is, she thought to herself dully. The buzzing in her skin steadily grew stronger, making her hands quiver as if just slamming her sword to a metal pole. Never had she felt like this. Any movement in her eyes seemed to be sort of gliding by, making a soft laugh escape her lips again. Elves around her seemed to be great blobs with brilliantly blinding blond hair. Cradling the wine bottle to her chest, she could make out a shape by the door. This one stood out, but she could not tell exactly why. Her vision focused for a moment and the figure looked familiar. Over the laughter and rowdy hoots she heard a faint voice.
"Vendui Legolas! Sut na lle?!" (Greetings! How are you?) Asked an elf, saluting to the prince as he walked into the homely bar. Victoria froze and whipped away from the sight of him, growling under her breath. No, he could not be there now... She could not face him after last night and this morning. This was all too much. Her head gave a great spin again, causing her to grab the counter. How had he found her? Why could she not get a bloody moment alone?! She remembered the little episode that happened only that dreadful morning. The shouting, the piercing eyes, and most of all, the feelings.
"Curse him. Curse him." She hissed under her breath. But as she took another long swig, the anger seemed to melt away. Colors flashed brilliantly before her eyes, and a spasm of joy washed over her anew causing the girl to forget about the prince. Wow, this stuff tastes so damn good, she quietly said aloud, gazing down at the bottle. Raising it to her lips again, she titled her head back, ready to expecting more wine to fill into her system. But nothing came into her mouth as she waited. With a grunt, she leaned against the counter and moved the bottle near her eye. Peeping inside, she almost gave a startled cry. It was empty. A few last droplets of blood red liquid sat at the dark bottom, causing her to take the bottle and receive them. Pushing it away, she eyed the tender.
He was talking to another elf, fast yet beautiful elvish pouring out of his mouth. A strong desire for more settled within her. She wanted all feeling to be free from within her aching insides. Victoria wanted to be healed of the anger toward the elf that sat amongst companions near the back of the intriguing bar. Rising unsteadily in her seat, Victoria leaned forward.
"Hey dude," she called, before leaning farther in her seat. "Do you got anymore?....." She asked with a rather shaky voice. Hiccupping softly, she looked to the tender waiting. He turned away from his current customer to look over her. She seemed to have changed in all wells time. No anger loomed in her eyes like it had only before. Wine certainly was a life preserver. Now, as she sat there holding up an empty wine bottle as if it were some great magic staff, he approached her.
"Are you well?....." He asked, tilting his head only slightly. She blinked slowly, before nodding quickly causing her to clap a hand to her forehead. Victoria waited till her vision was restored before nodding again.
"Hell I am dude... Just a bit on the tipsy side..." She admitted with an expression that could have been either sheepish or amused. The tender glanced over her again before taking out an identical bottle to the one Victoria cradled to herself like a babe from under his counter. His green eyes watched as her orbs filled with joy. The sort of joy that a child had when receiving a present. Taking a small glass, he filled it to the top and slowly moved it to her. Her leaf green eyes gleamed as she took up the glass with a victorious cry and poured the liquid in a swift motion down her throat. A rush of heat flushed over her face, causing her to scrunch her eyes together. The tender was staring at her, keeping a custodial elven eye on the young one. Reaching over as to take the bottle away, he spoke softly.
"Sorry Lass, I am cutting you off this one. You have had quite enough" He said, referring to the wine. Alarm and anger shone in her eye. Weakly grabbing on the collar of his tunic, she pulled him down to her eyelevel.
"Cutting me off? I'll tell you dude.," She stopped for a second, her eyes lolling before continuing. "When I have had enough." Victoria finished, seizing the bottle from the tender. He sighed and shook his head to himself then went to the other waiting elves. Victoria glowered at the back of the bar tender before it melted away into a lopsided grin.
Meanwhile, Victoria turned around as an elf sitting near Legolas rose from his seat to clap his hands for attention. Watching with a dazed expression, her near blind eyes falling ever a moment on Legolas again, she heard an elvish toast ring out. It was for the prince no doubt. He raised his glass too, his expression hard to read.
"To Legolas!" She could hear them shout out. Raising her bottle, Victoria spoke on top of the voices.
"Hear, hear!" She agreed with the toast, waving the bottle about.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~*~* minutes ago*~*~
Legolas stalked in a rather un-princely matter across the long grasses of the ground. His bow certainly could not free his anger or his sorrow. Now, as he walked, he knew that a good drink would do well for his mind. His blond hair rippled in the chilled wind like a golden flag, his eyes flashing. The prince's mind felt so full, and a dull pounding could be felt within his forehead. Looking up to the darkening skies, he closed his brilliant blue eyes for a moment. Taking in a deep breath, he exhaled slowly, willing himself to calm.
Jogging up the small steps of Lomen, he pushed the door open. He was at once greeted by a wave of joyous laugher, the clink of glasses and music. He needed to get away. He needed to get away from his father and his counsels. He needed to get away from nonstop training and being head commander in war. But lastly, he needed to get away from his feelings. After that morning, he had neither the strength nor the will to try speaking with Victoria again. He was quite sure that if he tried, he would have landed right outside her door again. As if he was some dog that was to be out outside. Legolas scowled to himself, clenching his fists into balls at his sides. He felt many eyes turn toward him as he entered Lomen.
One of the soldiers greeted him, holding a large mug of wine. He was grinning widely, very much giddy from the liquid that sloshed about in his cup. Legolas gave a half smile, his heart not into it. He could not think of much that would change his foul mood. Accepting an invitation to join one of there tables, he sat down, sipping his wine silently. The elves around him talked eagerly and enthusiastically while his passive aura seemed to get the best of him. The elf became ever so slightly jealous as they lounged around, talking as if not a care in the world.
But they were not facing the burdens of royalty. They were not facing the ever remindful burdens of being head commander, leader. Legolas could distinctly remember all the excessive lectures he received from his father about responsibility and his duties. He very well knew his duties. It was very difficult not knowing them when people made it their personal business to repeatedly remind him. The prince knew that the king's council members did not believe he could lead the realm into victory. Scowling, he could almost hear their voices as they sat in protest with their lord.
"Please sire, he is but a child." They would say. He was no child! Though he was no elder either, he could hardly believe the members of the counsel would have the nerve to disrespect the king's decision. Surely, Thranduil would not choose Legolas as head commander had he known the young elf could not take up the responsibility to make noble and wise decisions. He had yet to prove them. He would prove to them all. He was no child! I am the prince of Eryn Lasgallen and no one shall take sheer disadvantage and disrespect over me, Legolas told himself silently. Suddenly feeling proud with himself, he merrily drank his wine feeling slightly better.
As autumn drew to an end, talk of war seemed to increase. Legolas looked down at his lap, his brows slightly twitching with stress again. Who knew when the vast army of dark beasts would attack? For all he knew, they could be lining up around the borders of the realm that very second. The elf could imagine it now. The orcs would be swept across the plains, like ants on an ant hill. They would hold their dark poisoned blades at the ready, ghostly armor covering their scaly ominous bodies. He could almost hear their fiendish roars and sinister growls as there desire for dead elf flesh grew stronger. Shuddering gently, he closed his eyes for a moment before opening again. How the prince missed his freedom. He used to be free to roam over the lands of his home, the bow always in his hand. He used to have the pleasures of enjoying a fine end of autumn day, just as that day was and just relax and have not a care in middle earth. Time usually meant nothing to elves. But now, he could actually feel that they had only a certain time. Time was not for the elves to know or feel. That was left for the world of men for they were affected by the passing of time. They were made and died by time.
Legolas' eyes had glazed over, his mind caught in a hallow warp of thoughts. Only did he snap out of it, when he felt someone clap him on the shoulder hard. With a shake of surprise, he looked up to see the same elf who had greeted him at the door. He had a grin on his content face still.
"May I propose a toast for you my lord?" He asked, shaking his wine glass happily. The prince was about to say no politely but the others around him had already poured more alcohol eagerly into their glasses. Heaving a sigh and contemplating a moment, he reluctantly nodded his head. The elf then rose his glass and asked for attention. The elven prince lowered himself considerably low in his chair, wishing he had just hid in his chambers all day. As the elf spoke in elvish, giving him a blessing and luck for being commander, he smiled gently.
A great cheer rung out through the crowd as they drunk to their prince. But it was the voice that yelled above all others that made Legolas freeze.
"Hear, Hear!" Squawked a familiar female voice.
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Legolas was sure that the air left his lungs as he spotted a rather familiar pure healer sitting at the counter, waving a bottle about. When did she get there? Had he really been blind enough to not only spot her but also feel her presence within his heart? Well of course. Not only his mind, but his heart had been clouded by anger and pain. He gazed at Victoria from across the bar, his mouth slightly open. Her long hair was lightly disheveled and there were small stains of red wine on her tunic. Letting his eyes flow over her, he could see the bottle she held fondly in her hand. Some of the elves looked on curiously as he made his way slowly over to her.
"What is up dude?! I have been missing you, lover boy!" She exclaimed, lifting her shaky hand in a high five when he stopped in front of her. Legolas could smell the heavy alcohol on her breath and this concerned him. Narrowing his eyes he looked at her closely. How fast had she forgotten about that very morning? Did Victoria forget about the fact that he kissed her in a secluded library, violated and upset her, and then yell and scream at him that morning? Clearly the wine had gotten very far with her.
"Victoria, how much have you been drinking?..." He asked, his hand slipping onto her shoulder. She eyed his hand wearily, as if suddenly remembering she was supposed to be angry with him. But she only then let out another random laugh, deep squeaky giggles coming from her throat. The prince winced and took the accursed bottle out of her hand and giving it back to the tender to dispose with. She cried out softy after a moment as the realization that the bottle was no longer in her hand took place. Legolas was about to sit her down and ask the question again, but she started to speak.
"I have been waiting for you lover boy. You left me hanging this morning, after that little thing. thing that happened last night." She wobbled slightly for a moment, her eyes glazed. Legolas had never seen her like this and it frightened him to a great deal. At the mention of last night, he felt his cheeks burn. Why was she calling him lover boy, asked the prince in his confused mind? She seemed to be attempting to speak again, but only a stutter escaped her lips. Victoria went silent for a moment, her brows in fury before she grinned goofily despite herself. The elf looked bewildered for a moment before pushing very gently on her shoulders so that she sat down.
"Did you know that the sky is blue?..." She asked Legolas, her eyes wide in amazement. The elf that had been sitting next to her gave a chuckle as he overheard the question. Legolas gave a warning look, making the elf turn away again. Forgetting his anger towards her for a moment, he softly seized her face into his large hands, his fingers curling around the frame of her face. Her eyes looked at him from under heavy lids and he could see the growing blood shot lines filling her eye.
"Now, look what you have done to yourself. Did you do this because of this morning?..." he asked gently. Victoria only gazed at him with a confused expression. Prying his hands away from her face, Victoria got to her unsteady legs again and poked at his chest.
"Now listen here lover boy. I may like you,. b-but did you know that the grass is green?" She suddenly asked him, her sentence switching to yet another question of complete randomness. The drunken, yet very much giddy pure healer slumped down on her seat in utter wonder.
"Its amazing aint it? Who knew, that grass could actually be green?!" She shrieked. Some of the nearby elves could not help but over hear what she was saying and laughed under their breaths.
"Victoria, I believe that you need bed rest." Legolas began. Victoria suddenly clamped an unceremonious hand tightly over his mouth, causing some of the elves to gaze at the predicament. She shook her head at him, her eyes slightly wider then usual.
"Ya know Lover boy, I always liked ya lots." Legolas' eyes widened while her hand lay still tightly over his muffled mouth. Speaking loudly, she was not too aware that they had a large and attentive audience listening to every wood. Victoria began to toy with his blond hair, a large grin on her face. Man, his hair is like really soft, she thought in her mind.
"But then again, what female around her doesn't like you?... You are pretty sexy, if I do say so myself. But don't tell anyone I said that, dude. Especially Victoria. She will go and tell everyone, I'm sure of it." Victoria continued to holler, playing with the small tight braids of the elven prince's hair. Legolas gulped slowly, his eyes filled with alarm. He could all too hear the sniggers coming from around him. His friend would never live this one down. He had to get her out of here before she did something totally mad! Victoria seemed to have been reading his mind because she suddenly got to her feet. Swaying for a moment, she grabbed onto the closest elf and got her balance. She took a short glance to this random elf and with a smirk, winked.
"To show the love I got for you lover boy, I'm going to s-sing a special song. Just for you!" Victoria exclaimed, pointing down at Legolas with glassy eyes. A look of utter horror passed over the elf's face as he took this in. Jumping to his feet, he grabbed onto Victoria's arm and began to lead her away. But she wrestled her arm out of his grip and looked disbelieving at him. She leaned onto a table next to it, causing the table to crash ungracefully to the floor. But the girl was unaffected as she got up again.
"Where do you think your going dude? You got to hear my song. But wait! You must tell me what stylist does your hair! It looks so fabulous! Is it a special shampoo, or conditioner that you use to make it so soft? I would just love some hair care tips." Legolas looked as though someone had just hit him upside the head as he stared upon Victoria with almost frightened azure eyes. She seemed to take none of this in, the fuzziness in her limbs was so intense that she forgot how to walk for a moment. For once in her life, the thoughts in her head disappeared. The cloud had faded.
"You know not what you speak Victoria! Come with me." He hissed, reaching for her arm again. The young girl knew not that she was already humiliated. He knew Victoria desired respect above a lot of things in her life. Did she not know that any respect she may have gained from these people was slowly slipping away? Her efforts were going to waste. About to heave her over his shoulder and carry her out himself, Legolas was interrupted by her hand as it grabbed a fistful of his tunic. She gave him a slight push, making him slump into a chair.
"Don't be leaving lover boy." She said before striding clumsily over to the counter and grabbed an empty bottle. Nearly tripping, she climbed up onto the counter, her hair flying about as she almost fell. Legolas realized what was happening and bought a hand over his eyes.
"Oh dear Valar." He murmured to himself.
"Tonight, I would like to dedicate a little song to my blond elf over there, which by the way, he has really fabulous hair. Just look at the way it shines!" Victoria shrieked, pointing at the prince. Every head turned toward Legolas with grins. Silently wishing he would sink to the floor, he sunk his face into his hands as she begun her drunken song.
"You're just too good to be true
Can't take my eyes off of you You'd be like heaven to touch
I wanna hold you so much.
At long last love has arrived
And I thank god I'm alive
You're just too good to be true
Can't take my eyes off of you.." Victoria sang all of this, her voice shaking uncontrollably. Legolas looked up, his mouth open slightly. He could not believe this was happening. More then happy would he be, if she was singing those words to him but not drunk. Nearly twice she lost her balance, her eyes glazing over. She would stop in mid sentence, nearly forgetting that she was singing in the first place. But alas, she continued with her song. "Pardon the way that I stare
There's nothing else to compare
The sight of you leaves me weak
There are no words left to speak
But if you feel like I feel
Please let me know that it's real
You're just too good to be true
Can't take my eyes off of you!!!" Victoria shrieked, some of the elves wincing at her suddenly high pitched voice. They were all too sure that somehow the windows would shatter under the usually high magnitude of her drunken singing.
"I need you baby, and if it's quite all right,
I need you baby to warm a lonely night
I love you baby Trust in me when I say:
Oh pretty baby, don't bring me down I pray
Oh pretty baby, now that I found you, stay
And let me love you, oh baby let me love you, oh baby" She screamed, pointing to Legolas in the most endear way she could attempt while drunk. One of her green eyes was bulging very unceremoniously, her arms flailing at her sides as if trying to fly. The prince looked ready to have a heart attack, his eyes very wide. "I need you baby, and if it's quite all right,
I need you baby to warm a lonely night
I love you baby
Trust in me when I say:
Oh pretty baby, don't bring me down I pray...." Victoria's voice suddenly faded, sweat dotting her brow. Her eyes began to droop, heavy breaths coming from her mouth. The wine bottle dropped from her shaking hand and shattered on the counter top. Her confused eyes looked around as the laughing grew louder. They were laughing at her, not with her, she silently realized. The world began to spin as the laughter surrounded every inch of her head. Her eyes met with Legolas' sympathetic eyes before she slowly sunk down on the counter, squeezing her eyes shut. Meanwhile Legolas was pushing his way through the crowd, hardly believing his kin was still laughing. He pulled the dazed young girl off the countertop and slowly pulled her away from them. The tender caught his eyes for a moment, an apology in his orbs. The prince nodded and heaved her out of Lomen. As the door closed behind them, the laughter and hoots faded. Victoria was having a hard time walking as he pulled her along across the grass. But then suddenly she wrenched herself out of his grip and dropped next to the bushes, retching. Kneeling down next to her, he pulled her hair back, his other hand slowly rubbing her hunching back. He whispered comforting words in elvish. She slowly crawled away from the bush, clutching her throbbing head. She then looked up at him, her eyes wide.
"I'm sorry." She murmured. All Legolas could do was look deeply into her eyes, his hands clutching hers. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A/N: sorry for such a long wait folks! And thanks to all the reviewing hoping that I had gotten better. But then of course I have another migraine right now hehehe. That chapter didn't come as great as I hoped it would, but it will do for now. Those lyrics are "your just too good to be true by well first elvis, Lauren hill. Go take a look at my redone first chapter if u want Namaarie!