Thanks for your reviwes, glad you like it! Enjoy chapter 5!
disclaimer: I don't own the lord of the rings characters, i'm just borrowing them for a while.
Legolas sat by the lake, staring into the cool, calm water. He wished deeply that his life was like that of the lake. He mind kept straying back to Aragorn.....he wondered what had become of his dear friend. He would have left to find him days ago...if it hadn't been for one thing.
"Legolas?", Thranduil placed himself softly on the grass next to his youngest child."I am proud of you son. You managed to get through the first task alone, i know you can pass the next one. Your love for the elf maiden burns brightly, does it not?"
Legolas glanced up at his father, feeling a sudden urge to embrace him.
"Yes father", he admitted slowly,"I do, but i fear of what has become of my friend Aragorn. After all, as he has not returned, it can be asumed only that he has perished."
"Son", Thranduil spoke slowly to Legolas, wishing with all his heart that he could just snap his fingers, and everything would be as it once had been."Aragorn's destiny is forged with your own no longer. You have chosen separate paths, although you will always be friends in your heart. Do not let your worries affect your performance, for we both know that is not how Aragorn would want it to be. I think, that if Aragorn truely has persished, he would want you to be the one who cares for his wife, do you not?"
Legolas saw the warm love well up in his fathers eyes, and he knew he could not disapoint him.
"You are right father", he whispered, for he knew if he spoke any louder that he would cry."I think that is how Aragorn would have wanted it to be. And, heaven hope, that if he returns to us one day, i shall deliver Arwen to him protected."
Thranduil smiled broadly at his son."You have grown so much Legolas.......i did fear that you would never find out your true personality....potential......but you have done so this very night. What you are is something that many would die to be. You are a true friend my son, and do not let anyone tell you otherwise. Now come, we must ready ourselves, for thier is another banquet, sadly, this one shall be of mixed feelings."
Thranduil rose from the grass, holding out his slender hand for his son to join him.
Legolas raised his hand also, but then froze.
"Mixed feelings father?", Legolas asked, a chill feeling sliding across his heart.
Thranduil nodded sadly as he thought of his own son's bravery."Yes Legolas. They have found the body of Sir Drastyn, the elf knight from the hallowed wood. This shall be both a celebration of your victory, and a mourning for your competitors demise. I must say, i do feel terribly for his parents, for forever they are doomed not to know how their child died."
Legolas was silent. He dared not to say anything about the bull, for he did not want Sir Drastyns parents to think that their son had been mearly beaten down, he wanted them to think that he had died in battle. Legolas took his fathers outstreched hand, and together they walked to Legolas's chamber.
"Choose your garments well my son", Thranduil said as he left,"For, after the banquet, there shall be a ball, which you must certainly attend."
"Father", Legolas began slowly,"you know that i do not care for such mediocre occasions, i would prefer to spend some time alone.....or with a friend perhaps."
Thranduil frowned at his son."I am sorry Legolas, but you must attend this ball. I order you to."
Thranduil swept down the corridor, his own robes sweeping behind him.
Legolas took off his tunic, muttering under his breath. He was far too tired to attend a ball tonight, he anxioty had weighted on his mind too often today, and he needed rest. He slung his tunic on the floor, and slipped into his bathroom.
Then, there was a knock at the door.
Legolas froze as he was about to turn on the water tap. His mind flashed back to the last time this had happened......to when his uncle had demanded to be let in..........
"Legolas!", a voice called at the door."Are you in there?"
Legolas breathed a sigh of relief, and realised that he had been holding his breath.
"Half a moment Lady Arwen!", he called, rushing to retrieve his tunic from the floor.
He sprung to the door, and pulled it open.
Arwen entered the room, her face held in her hands.
"What is wrong Arwen?", Legolas said slowly, sitting down beside her.
"Why Legolas?", Arwen whispered."I have many questions, but the most important one is this. It has been in my mind all day since i saw you at the tournament this morning. Why did you enter?"
Legolas's mind went blank. How could he tell Arwen that he had loved her from the start? How could he betray Aragorn? How could he explain to Arwen that his uncle wanted to marry her? He couldn't basically, he just couldn't......
"I......"Legolas faultered,"I....i entered the tournament because before Aragorn left, i promised to keep you safe for him until he so should return. I had to enter the tournament, or i would have broken my promise to my dearest friend. I know not if Aragorn is dead, but if he is, and i should win the tournament, i shall leave it to you to decide who is the suitor you admire the most."
Arwen was speechless after listening to Legolas's explaination.
"You mean that you entered the tournament only to keep a promise to a friend?", Arwen whispered quietly as she sank down onto the bed.
Legolas gulpped, and nodded slowly."Yes."
Arwen bowed her head, and promptly burst into tears.
Legolas moved to place his arm around Arwen's shoulder, but quickly pulled away, after all, he was still only a friend.
"What is wrong Arwen?", he sympathised, wishing more than anything else in the world that he could wrap his arms around her, and comfort her.
"You Legolas", Arwen placed her slender hand up to her eyes, and brushed away her tears."You move me much with your tale. I cannot believe that you would honor such a promise........and, you would give me a choice in the matter, so should Aragorn return. You are a true elf Legolas, i am but i mear mortal."
"How so Arwen?", Legolas asked softly, holding back Arwen's hair from her eyes.
"I feel shamed beyond recognition to be here with you friend. Here, i have been pretending to all that i have gotten over Aragorn, that i am ready to move on......but in truth, the void in my heart is so painful that i doubt if anyone else shall ever be able to fill it. I feel so alone Legolas. No one knows the pain i am experiencing, for no one else has lost someone dear to them.......except you.....i know now that you felt love for Aragorn as much as i did.....although in a different way."
Legolas felt so guilty. Here was Arwen, one of his most treasured friends, pouring her heart and soul out to him, and all he could think of was her.....and himself.....alone together. Quickly, he shook himself and returned to Arwen's comfort.
"Arwen, you do only what is expected of you, i am sure that deep down, people will realise that you still care deeply for Aragorn, and they know that nothing will change that. Do not worry Arwen."
Arwen looked up at Legolas, her eyes wide in thanks.
Legolas wondered for a second if he should embrace her, but decided against it, for they were alone together, and it may send out the wrong messages to Elrond. He sighed softly, gazing at Arwen's beautiful face, before once more placing a barrier between himself and temptation.
"Come Arwen, we shall be late for the banquet", he gided her softly to the door.
Arwen opened the door, and glanced back at Legolas.
"Thank you Legolas", she said as she began to walk down the passageway."Thank you for assuring me. You are a good friend."
She turned and walked slowly down the stone passageway.
Legolas smiled as he shut the door behind her. As soon as it had closed, he sank to the floor.
"What do i do?", he pondered as he lay thinking."Do i tell her i love her and risk rejection? Or, do i stand by her as a friend only?"
Not knowing the answer to either question, and got up, and began to undress.
As she walked down the corridor, Arwen thought over the day. It was not till then that she remembered her feelings that morning.
"I wished him luck", she gasped, as she entered her own chamber."And, just now in his room...i cared for him. I wonder......", she began to dress for the banquet."No", she decided, as she remembered Legolas's smiling face."It couldn't be."
Legolas walked camly down the stairs towards the banquet, a smile on his face, but it was not a happy smile, for he did not really want to attend this event, but he knew he must do so, even if only as a mark of respect to Sir Drastyn. He cheered a little though when he thought of Arwen, for he would see her tonight. But then his heart grew dark, for he realised that his uncle would also be at the ceremony.
"What will i do if he trys to do something to me?", Legolas wondered as he slowed his steps, for he was approaching the banquet hall.
A voice in Legolas's head fought back."He cannot do anything, not while Elrond and your father are there."
Legolas let out a breath he realised he had been holding, and stepped into the hall. The table was filled with food, but, above the chair of Elrond, black drapes decked the walls, and Legolas knew instantly that they were a mark of respect for Sir Drastyn. Legolas bowed lowly at the drapes, in respect of his dead commerade.
"Legolas!", his father exclaimed, appearing from nowhere behind him."You are late!"
Legolas turned to face his father."I am sorry father, but i had to speak with Lady Arwen. I notice she has not arrived yet."
"Indeed she has", his father replied, slightly angry, but tryed not to make it obvious,"She is talking with your uncle."
Legolas glanced quickly to where his fathers eyes were indicating. He saw Thandiul chatting lightly to Arwen, and then he saw something which he had never seen. His uncle laughed.
With no futher hesitation, Legolas hurried over to his uncle and Arwen, but Elrond stopped him.
"It is time for the ball to begin!", Elrond announced, signaling for Arwen to get ready."My daughter shall open the dancing, her first partner shall be Thandiul, of Mirkwood!"
Thandiul rose gracefully, taking Arwen's hand lightly, kissing it softly. The music began to play, and Thandiul began to lead Arwen in the dance. He drew her close around his body, placing his hands on her body, and spinning her round.
Legolas looked away, he couldn't bear to watch. This man.....his own uncle...dancing with the one that Legolas loved.
"He does this to spite me", Legolas murmered to himself, fighting to stop the painfull tears that had sprung to his eyes from falling.
The dance ended, and Thandiul realeased Arwen, who looked flushed and extremely happy being with Thandiul.
"Well done", Elrond congratulated Thandiul."An excellent start. My daughters next partner shall be Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood."
Legolas raised his hand, and Arwen took it lightly. Legolas felt his emotions rush over him once more. How he longed to kiss Arwen, to run his hands through her raven hair.....but he dared not. He became flushed and embarrassed, but Arwen failed to notice. She whisked him round and round, Legolas felt as if he were in heaven. The music ended, and he bent down to kiss Arwen's hand. She in turn curtseyed, and then turned to face her new partner.
Legolas stood in his place - beside Thandiul.
The music began once more, and Arwen, who was now dancing with Prince Ruyston, ceased to even glance at the Mirkwood elf.
"She's a good dancer, isn't she boy", Thandiul hissed quietly beside Legolas.
Legolas whipped round, his long hair almost catching under his garments. "What's that supposed to mean?", he asked sharpely, edging away from his uncle.
"I know it tares you apart to see her dancing with other people Legolas, i know how your mind works. You think you can decieve me, but you're just a naive, weak little boy. I will have Arwen, you think that she is going to want you, when she can have me? You don't even know where your loyalties lie. Weakling."
Legolas trembled with rage, the fire burning brightly in his eyes as he fuelled himself up for the impending fight."What do you know?", he spat, trying to control his anger, he couldn't crack....not now."Why did you save me in the woods?"
Thandiul smiled, his ice cold grin reaching his eyes."Like i told you Legolas, you still have a part to play - and it's not nice. The elf woman shall be mine, have no doubt about it."
The music in the background drew to a close, and the elves began to applaud. Thandiul reached out, and stroked his nephew down the side of his face, causing all his bones to tingle.
Legolas stopped dead, remembering that night....that night so long ago, the night that had started everything.
"Stay away from me", he stammered, edging away from his uncle."Just stay away."
Thandiul left Legolas's side, and headed to Arwen.
"That is not possible", he replied slowly, and shot a parting grin at Legolas.
Legolas stood, chilled to the bone."What is he doing to me?"
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Thandiul embrace Arwen. Legolas turned away, a hot tear spilling from his eye.
"What am i going to do", he wept silently."I love her......i can't let her marry him, what if he does the same thing to her that he did to me? "
He watched Thandiul and Arwen begin to dance once more. Deep inside his body, he could feel his heart beginning to break.
"The second round is tomorrow", he said quietly, thinking to himself, trying to ready himself for the next challenge. But, inside, he didn't know if the prize was worth fighting for, because if the painful torment his uncle inflicted upon him continued, he didn't know how much longer he could last.
He turned and ran from the ball, tears streaming down his face.
hope you enjoyed that! the next part should be up pretty soon!
disclaimer: I don't own the lord of the rings characters, i'm just borrowing them for a while.
Legolas sat by the lake, staring into the cool, calm water. He wished deeply that his life was like that of the lake. He mind kept straying back to Aragorn.....he wondered what had become of his dear friend. He would have left to find him days ago...if it hadn't been for one thing.
"Legolas?", Thranduil placed himself softly on the grass next to his youngest child."I am proud of you son. You managed to get through the first task alone, i know you can pass the next one. Your love for the elf maiden burns brightly, does it not?"
Legolas glanced up at his father, feeling a sudden urge to embrace him.
"Yes father", he admitted slowly,"I do, but i fear of what has become of my friend Aragorn. After all, as he has not returned, it can be asumed only that he has perished."
"Son", Thranduil spoke slowly to Legolas, wishing with all his heart that he could just snap his fingers, and everything would be as it once had been."Aragorn's destiny is forged with your own no longer. You have chosen separate paths, although you will always be friends in your heart. Do not let your worries affect your performance, for we both know that is not how Aragorn would want it to be. I think, that if Aragorn truely has persished, he would want you to be the one who cares for his wife, do you not?"
Legolas saw the warm love well up in his fathers eyes, and he knew he could not disapoint him.
"You are right father", he whispered, for he knew if he spoke any louder that he would cry."I think that is how Aragorn would have wanted it to be. And, heaven hope, that if he returns to us one day, i shall deliver Arwen to him protected."
Thranduil smiled broadly at his son."You have grown so much Legolas.......i did fear that you would never find out your true personality....potential......but you have done so this very night. What you are is something that many would die to be. You are a true friend my son, and do not let anyone tell you otherwise. Now come, we must ready ourselves, for thier is another banquet, sadly, this one shall be of mixed feelings."
Thranduil rose from the grass, holding out his slender hand for his son to join him.
Legolas raised his hand also, but then froze.
"Mixed feelings father?", Legolas asked, a chill feeling sliding across his heart.
Thranduil nodded sadly as he thought of his own son's bravery."Yes Legolas. They have found the body of Sir Drastyn, the elf knight from the hallowed wood. This shall be both a celebration of your victory, and a mourning for your competitors demise. I must say, i do feel terribly for his parents, for forever they are doomed not to know how their child died."
Legolas was silent. He dared not to say anything about the bull, for he did not want Sir Drastyns parents to think that their son had been mearly beaten down, he wanted them to think that he had died in battle. Legolas took his fathers outstreched hand, and together they walked to Legolas's chamber.
"Choose your garments well my son", Thranduil said as he left,"For, after the banquet, there shall be a ball, which you must certainly attend."
"Father", Legolas began slowly,"you know that i do not care for such mediocre occasions, i would prefer to spend some time alone.....or with a friend perhaps."
Thranduil frowned at his son."I am sorry Legolas, but you must attend this ball. I order you to."
Thranduil swept down the corridor, his own robes sweeping behind him.
Legolas took off his tunic, muttering under his breath. He was far too tired to attend a ball tonight, he anxioty had weighted on his mind too often today, and he needed rest. He slung his tunic on the floor, and slipped into his bathroom.
Then, there was a knock at the door.
Legolas froze as he was about to turn on the water tap. His mind flashed back to the last time this had happened......to when his uncle had demanded to be let in..........
"Legolas!", a voice called at the door."Are you in there?"
Legolas breathed a sigh of relief, and realised that he had been holding his breath.
"Half a moment Lady Arwen!", he called, rushing to retrieve his tunic from the floor.
He sprung to the door, and pulled it open.
Arwen entered the room, her face held in her hands.
"What is wrong Arwen?", Legolas said slowly, sitting down beside her.
"Why Legolas?", Arwen whispered."I have many questions, but the most important one is this. It has been in my mind all day since i saw you at the tournament this morning. Why did you enter?"
Legolas's mind went blank. How could he tell Arwen that he had loved her from the start? How could he betray Aragorn? How could he explain to Arwen that his uncle wanted to marry her? He couldn't basically, he just couldn't......
"I......"Legolas faultered,"I....i entered the tournament because before Aragorn left, i promised to keep you safe for him until he so should return. I had to enter the tournament, or i would have broken my promise to my dearest friend. I know not if Aragorn is dead, but if he is, and i should win the tournament, i shall leave it to you to decide who is the suitor you admire the most."
Arwen was speechless after listening to Legolas's explaination.
"You mean that you entered the tournament only to keep a promise to a friend?", Arwen whispered quietly as she sank down onto the bed.
Legolas gulpped, and nodded slowly."Yes."
Arwen bowed her head, and promptly burst into tears.
Legolas moved to place his arm around Arwen's shoulder, but quickly pulled away, after all, he was still only a friend.
"What is wrong Arwen?", he sympathised, wishing more than anything else in the world that he could wrap his arms around her, and comfort her.
"You Legolas", Arwen placed her slender hand up to her eyes, and brushed away her tears."You move me much with your tale. I cannot believe that you would honor such a promise........and, you would give me a choice in the matter, so should Aragorn return. You are a true elf Legolas, i am but i mear mortal."
"How so Arwen?", Legolas asked softly, holding back Arwen's hair from her eyes.
"I feel shamed beyond recognition to be here with you friend. Here, i have been pretending to all that i have gotten over Aragorn, that i am ready to move on......but in truth, the void in my heart is so painful that i doubt if anyone else shall ever be able to fill it. I feel so alone Legolas. No one knows the pain i am experiencing, for no one else has lost someone dear to them.......except you.....i know now that you felt love for Aragorn as much as i did.....although in a different way."
Legolas felt so guilty. Here was Arwen, one of his most treasured friends, pouring her heart and soul out to him, and all he could think of was her.....and himself.....alone together. Quickly, he shook himself and returned to Arwen's comfort.
"Arwen, you do only what is expected of you, i am sure that deep down, people will realise that you still care deeply for Aragorn, and they know that nothing will change that. Do not worry Arwen."
Arwen looked up at Legolas, her eyes wide in thanks.
Legolas wondered for a second if he should embrace her, but decided against it, for they were alone together, and it may send out the wrong messages to Elrond. He sighed softly, gazing at Arwen's beautiful face, before once more placing a barrier between himself and temptation.
"Come Arwen, we shall be late for the banquet", he gided her softly to the door.
Arwen opened the door, and glanced back at Legolas.
"Thank you Legolas", she said as she began to walk down the passageway."Thank you for assuring me. You are a good friend."
She turned and walked slowly down the stone passageway.
Legolas smiled as he shut the door behind her. As soon as it had closed, he sank to the floor.
"What do i do?", he pondered as he lay thinking."Do i tell her i love her and risk rejection? Or, do i stand by her as a friend only?"
Not knowing the answer to either question, and got up, and began to undress.
As she walked down the corridor, Arwen thought over the day. It was not till then that she remembered her feelings that morning.
"I wished him luck", she gasped, as she entered her own chamber."And, just now in his room...i cared for him. I wonder......", she began to dress for the banquet."No", she decided, as she remembered Legolas's smiling face."It couldn't be."
Legolas walked camly down the stairs towards the banquet, a smile on his face, but it was not a happy smile, for he did not really want to attend this event, but he knew he must do so, even if only as a mark of respect to Sir Drastyn. He cheered a little though when he thought of Arwen, for he would see her tonight. But then his heart grew dark, for he realised that his uncle would also be at the ceremony.
"What will i do if he trys to do something to me?", Legolas wondered as he slowed his steps, for he was approaching the banquet hall.
A voice in Legolas's head fought back."He cannot do anything, not while Elrond and your father are there."
Legolas let out a breath he realised he had been holding, and stepped into the hall. The table was filled with food, but, above the chair of Elrond, black drapes decked the walls, and Legolas knew instantly that they were a mark of respect for Sir Drastyn. Legolas bowed lowly at the drapes, in respect of his dead commerade.
"Legolas!", his father exclaimed, appearing from nowhere behind him."You are late!"
Legolas turned to face his father."I am sorry father, but i had to speak with Lady Arwen. I notice she has not arrived yet."
"Indeed she has", his father replied, slightly angry, but tryed not to make it obvious,"She is talking with your uncle."
Legolas glanced quickly to where his fathers eyes were indicating. He saw Thandiul chatting lightly to Arwen, and then he saw something which he had never seen. His uncle laughed.
With no futher hesitation, Legolas hurried over to his uncle and Arwen, but Elrond stopped him.
"It is time for the ball to begin!", Elrond announced, signaling for Arwen to get ready."My daughter shall open the dancing, her first partner shall be Thandiul, of Mirkwood!"
Thandiul rose gracefully, taking Arwen's hand lightly, kissing it softly. The music began to play, and Thandiul began to lead Arwen in the dance. He drew her close around his body, placing his hands on her body, and spinning her round.
Legolas looked away, he couldn't bear to watch. This man.....his own uncle...dancing with the one that Legolas loved.
"He does this to spite me", Legolas murmered to himself, fighting to stop the painfull tears that had sprung to his eyes from falling.
The dance ended, and Thandiul realeased Arwen, who looked flushed and extremely happy being with Thandiul.
"Well done", Elrond congratulated Thandiul."An excellent start. My daughters next partner shall be Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood."
Legolas raised his hand, and Arwen took it lightly. Legolas felt his emotions rush over him once more. How he longed to kiss Arwen, to run his hands through her raven hair.....but he dared not. He became flushed and embarrassed, but Arwen failed to notice. She whisked him round and round, Legolas felt as if he were in heaven. The music ended, and he bent down to kiss Arwen's hand. She in turn curtseyed, and then turned to face her new partner.
Legolas stood in his place - beside Thandiul.
The music began once more, and Arwen, who was now dancing with Prince Ruyston, ceased to even glance at the Mirkwood elf.
"She's a good dancer, isn't she boy", Thandiul hissed quietly beside Legolas.
Legolas whipped round, his long hair almost catching under his garments. "What's that supposed to mean?", he asked sharpely, edging away from his uncle.
"I know it tares you apart to see her dancing with other people Legolas, i know how your mind works. You think you can decieve me, but you're just a naive, weak little boy. I will have Arwen, you think that she is going to want you, when she can have me? You don't even know where your loyalties lie. Weakling."
Legolas trembled with rage, the fire burning brightly in his eyes as he fuelled himself up for the impending fight."What do you know?", he spat, trying to control his anger, he couldn't crack....not now."Why did you save me in the woods?"
Thandiul smiled, his ice cold grin reaching his eyes."Like i told you Legolas, you still have a part to play - and it's not nice. The elf woman shall be mine, have no doubt about it."
The music in the background drew to a close, and the elves began to applaud. Thandiul reached out, and stroked his nephew down the side of his face, causing all his bones to tingle.
Legolas stopped dead, remembering that night....that night so long ago, the night that had started everything.
"Stay away from me", he stammered, edging away from his uncle."Just stay away."
Thandiul left Legolas's side, and headed to Arwen.
"That is not possible", he replied slowly, and shot a parting grin at Legolas.
Legolas stood, chilled to the bone."What is he doing to me?"
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Thandiul embrace Arwen. Legolas turned away, a hot tear spilling from his eye.
"What am i going to do", he wept silently."I love her......i can't let her marry him, what if he does the same thing to her that he did to me? "
He watched Thandiul and Arwen begin to dance once more. Deep inside his body, he could feel his heart beginning to break.
"The second round is tomorrow", he said quietly, thinking to himself, trying to ready himself for the next challenge. But, inside, he didn't know if the prize was worth fighting for, because if the painful torment his uncle inflicted upon him continued, he didn't know how much longer he could last.
He turned and ran from the ball, tears streaming down his face.
hope you enjoyed that! the next part should be up pretty soon!