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Everlasting Road ch. #8
Legolas awoke. He was confused, for his vision seemed to be blinded by something bright. He blinked and stirred, moving his head. The brightness gave way, and Legolas was able to see that it had been Liria's hair. She lifted herself from where she had been holding him while he slept and looked down at him. "How are you feeling?"
Legolas had the feeling of reversed deja-vu and laughed slightly. "I might go for a run today or for a swim in the great river."
Liria recognized the joke and laughed as well, "What a fine pair we make," she said.
Legolas suddenly became aware that it was near evening. "What happened? Did I sleep the day away? Why did you not wake me?"
Liria looked puzzled, "You do not remember anything?"
Legolas frowned as if searching for some answer, "I remember going to my bed last night and thinking that I did not feel so well. My head swam and my vision seemed distorted, but I shrugged it off, figuring it was because I had not had anything to eat besides lembas in the past few days. That is all."
"Legolas," Liria began, "you were poisoned by an orc arrow. I had to use elendite to save you. I apologize, for it was the only plant available at the time, but your back will be sore for a while."
Legolas sat up, and indeed felt a wave of pain course through his back. He reached around and felt it, the wound that was finally closed, but sore to the touch. He understood what Liria must have had to do with elendite, for it cannot be left in the system.
"Surprised though I am," he started, "I am in your debt even more so now. I thank you for your care."
Liria was surprised, "You need not thank me, or even think yourself to be in my debt. I did what I did out of…" Liria suddenly stopped, knowing what she was about to reveal. Suddenly she decided that it did not matter any more, it was time he knew the truth. If he did not feel the same way, so be it, she would agonize over it no longer. "Out of love," she finished.
Legolas' breathing stopped. He pulled himself up further so that he could look into Liria's face more clearly. Her eyes were cast down, ashamed to see his reaction to her declaration. But he cupped her chin and forced her gaze up. Her eyes were the clear green of the forest, the shade when he had first fallen in love with her. He did not bother with any words, only moved in to kiss her.
Now Liria was the one to stop breathing. She closed her eyes when Legolas' lips met hers, and then she felt as if she could no longer hold herself up. She fell forward, right into his strong embrace. He held her tightly and tore his lips from hers. He cradled her and looked down into her face, "You do not know how long I have waited for those words from you. I have loved you for the longest time and would do anything to keep you by my side forever. You are my other half, and I will never have us separated again."
Liria could not speak, she was shocked by his revelation. How she cursed her pride for not speaking up sooner, all the time she had suffered in silence when she could have reveled in his love. But no more, the truth was finally out, and she was happier than she could ever remember feeling. Her wide smile told Legolas this, and he bent to kiss her again, this one lasting much longer.
Gimli strode into the clearing with firewood for the evening's dinner, and stopped at what he saw. Legolas was awake, and clearly much better. All thoughts he had on Liria suddenly felt as if they had all been thrown into a huge mixer. He had never been able to tell of her thoughts, only that she seemed constantly troubled and tortured. Now it was clear, she loved his friend. And Legolas seemed to love her back, so he knew that he should feel happy for them, but he did not. Gimli dropped the wood with a loud clatter and cleared his throat.
Legolas and Liria tore away from each other and looked at Gimli. He was smiling, though secretly forced, "I see that your strength has finally recovered my friend. It seems the lady has other magics at her disposal besides herbs."
Legolas laughed, "It would seem that way, yes." He then looked back down at Liria who had felt a flame of resentment towards Gimli for finding them so. But her negative feelings soon melted away as she stared up into Legolas' gaze, one that promised security and un undying love. She could tell now that his gaze had always been clouded with him hiding deep feelings, but now all was out in the open, and his gaze was clearer than she thought had ever been. He bent close to her and whispered into her ear, "You are my magic." Liria felt pleasantly warm throughout her whole body.
Gimli spoke up again, "Are you in need of any decent food? Or is the lady enough…"
"Of course we will eat," Legolas cut Gimli off. He could tell that his friend's remarks were embarrassing Liria, along with himself, he admitted. Elves were not good with revealed emotion, and dwarves were especially good at enjoying other's embarrassments.
Legolas and Liria broke apart, somewhat reluctantly, and Legolas stood to help Gimli. He did so tentatively and carefully stretched his back, testing it. The wound was in no danger of opening, he could tell, but it was still awfully sore. He knew that the elendite had to be heated, and it felt as though there had been a fire put out inside of his body. But it was bearable, and now he would no longer receive any sharp pains or dizzy spells from a poison he had hoped would go away on its own.
Liria made no move to stand, only pulled herself up straighter and leaned against a tree. She grabbed a long stem of grass and stuck it in her mouth, sucking on it. She was truly happy and content, and did not wish to risk spoiling anything. If it was a dream, she simply would not move and would stay asleep forever. But the tangy taste of the grass told her it was real, and she smiled.
Legolas reached Gimli and turned back to Liria. "Done for the evening already?" he asked, slightly mocking. Liria simply smiled and closed her bright green eyes, still chewing on the grass.
"Hmph," muttered Gimli, "the woman here is the only one not to do any cooking. Leaves the men to it, does not seem right." Then he turned to look at his friend and broke into a small grin, "I am happy for you, Master Elf. I always knew there was something you were holding back when she was around."
"Your perceptions surprise me, friend," started Legolas, "and I thank you for your acceptance of this, for you know I think highly of your opinion. There was always something about her," he trailed off, glancing over his shoulder at Liria still leaning against the tree with her eyes closed.
"And obviously there still is something about her," finished Gimli. "It will take a strong one to tame her friend, but you are of course strong and a creature that wants to be tamed is done so easily." Gimli kept his tone light and full of happiness for the sake of his friend, but inside he was screaming in rage. If Legolas truly wanted his opinion, he would tell him. But no, he did not want to risk the feelings of his friend.
Legolas laughed, "You are a philosopher today. That is fine, but I have to disagree with you. She may comply, but I doubt she could ever be tamed. Her spirit is far too wild for even the strongest warrior." The two friends went back to preparation of the meal, talking and laughing more than had been done since they had first entered the caves. Gimli had gone and caught a rabbit for their meal, and they would have a mini-feast in preparation for the homecoming they would receive the next day in Mirkwood.
When they were all done eating, Gimli lay on one side of the fire sleeping noisily, as was his custom, and Legolas and Liria leaned against her tree in each other's arms, still awake. They looked into the fire and the stars beyond, content for the moment.
Eventually, Legolas spoke up, "I don't know whether I will be happy when we reach Mirkwood tomorrow or discontent because we will no longer enjoy the woods together."
Liria looked at him, "But you know that I am not one to remain in one spot for long. I will still travel into the wood, and if you would like it, you could accompany me as well. If you don't want to you certainly are under no obligation,"
Legolas gave her a little shake and she laughed. "Of course I would like to go with you," he informed her, "I would go into the heart of Mordor if you were there." Then he added hastily, "But you cannot test me on that because Mordor has fallen. You will just have to take it on good faith."
Liria laughed again, "And take it I shall, for I believe you. Besides, I am sure I could find some place just as dangerous to test you on, perhaps dragons still roam. But I hear that little can stop the Prince of Mirkwood once his mind is set."
Legolas smiled, "Nothing can stop me," and he lowered his head to kiss her. But Liria pulled out of his embrace and stood. Legolas looked up confused.
Liria's eyes sparkled a deep purple in the moonlight, "Surely you did not think I was that easy to tame. You even said so yourself."
Legolas got on his knees and reached for her, but she stepped out of his reach. He started to climb to his feet. "It is not proper etiquette to eavesdrop on those who think you do not listen."
Liria backed away some more, "And when have I ever acted with proper etiquette." She then turned and started to run, "You must first catch a quarry before you can have hopes to tame it," and her laughter trailed back to him. Legolas took off after her.
She was within his sights and he put on speed when her leg crumpled and she fell hard to the ground. Legolas started and covered the ground between them quickly, falling to his knees besides her. "What is it? Are you hurt?"
Liria sat up and groaned, "No, only stupid. I seem to keep forgetting my injury. I will not be able to run again until we have reached Mirkwood." Legolas stood and offered his hand to her. She took it and cried out when he pulled her up, "Put me back down," she pleaded, and he did so, gently.
Legolas pulled up her pant leg to reexamine her wound, only to find the white bandage now bright red. "It has reopened," he started in surprise, "you were not running as hard as that."
"No," Liria agreed, grimacing, "but I did before, when I went to find the elendite. I ran at least a few miles at top speed. I forgot about my own injury."
"Why did you not tell me?" Legolas demanded, "you should not even be moving without this being properly looked after."
Liria looked at him sullenly, "You had just come back from the brink of death yourself, I was not about to bother you with my small trifles."
Legolas bit back anger. She was still as stubborn as ever, willing to die and suffer without so much as a peep. She could have done permanent damage to herself, and surely he could not have been as grievous as all that, he had just felt a little off. He even told her so.
"No, Legolas," Liria told him, "I do not believe you would have awoken again if we had not acted quickly. Did you not know that the poison had been allowed to roam through almost all of your system? How could you not have told me that you had been pierced by an orc arrow?"
Legolas was quick with a retort, "Because you had an injury and I was not about to bother," he suddenly stopped. He began to laugh, and Liria looked on perplexed.
"What is so funny?" she demanded when he practically fell over laughing.
"The faults that we see in each other simply depict our own," he finally managed to say. Liria thought about it, and she began to laugh as well. Their first fight was over the same thing they both had, foolish pride. Legolas reached out to Liria, and this time she let him draw her into his embrace. He kissed her on the cheek, "You are so perfect for me, my love, so much so that you are me. Truly, if souls split, this is what happens." Liria quieted and nuzzled into the nook between his shoulder and collarbone. She felt as he had said, and was whole.
Everlasting Road ch. #8
Legolas awoke. He was confused, for his vision seemed to be blinded by something bright. He blinked and stirred, moving his head. The brightness gave way, and Legolas was able to see that it had been Liria's hair. She lifted herself from where she had been holding him while he slept and looked down at him. "How are you feeling?"
Legolas had the feeling of reversed deja-vu and laughed slightly. "I might go for a run today or for a swim in the great river."
Liria recognized the joke and laughed as well, "What a fine pair we make," she said.
Legolas suddenly became aware that it was near evening. "What happened? Did I sleep the day away? Why did you not wake me?"
Liria looked puzzled, "You do not remember anything?"
Legolas frowned as if searching for some answer, "I remember going to my bed last night and thinking that I did not feel so well. My head swam and my vision seemed distorted, but I shrugged it off, figuring it was because I had not had anything to eat besides lembas in the past few days. That is all."
"Legolas," Liria began, "you were poisoned by an orc arrow. I had to use elendite to save you. I apologize, for it was the only plant available at the time, but your back will be sore for a while."
Legolas sat up, and indeed felt a wave of pain course through his back. He reached around and felt it, the wound that was finally closed, but sore to the touch. He understood what Liria must have had to do with elendite, for it cannot be left in the system.
"Surprised though I am," he started, "I am in your debt even more so now. I thank you for your care."
Liria was surprised, "You need not thank me, or even think yourself to be in my debt. I did what I did out of…" Liria suddenly stopped, knowing what she was about to reveal. Suddenly she decided that it did not matter any more, it was time he knew the truth. If he did not feel the same way, so be it, she would agonize over it no longer. "Out of love," she finished.
Legolas' breathing stopped. He pulled himself up further so that he could look into Liria's face more clearly. Her eyes were cast down, ashamed to see his reaction to her declaration. But he cupped her chin and forced her gaze up. Her eyes were the clear green of the forest, the shade when he had first fallen in love with her. He did not bother with any words, only moved in to kiss her.
Now Liria was the one to stop breathing. She closed her eyes when Legolas' lips met hers, and then she felt as if she could no longer hold herself up. She fell forward, right into his strong embrace. He held her tightly and tore his lips from hers. He cradled her and looked down into her face, "You do not know how long I have waited for those words from you. I have loved you for the longest time and would do anything to keep you by my side forever. You are my other half, and I will never have us separated again."
Liria could not speak, she was shocked by his revelation. How she cursed her pride for not speaking up sooner, all the time she had suffered in silence when she could have reveled in his love. But no more, the truth was finally out, and she was happier than she could ever remember feeling. Her wide smile told Legolas this, and he bent to kiss her again, this one lasting much longer.
Gimli strode into the clearing with firewood for the evening's dinner, and stopped at what he saw. Legolas was awake, and clearly much better. All thoughts he had on Liria suddenly felt as if they had all been thrown into a huge mixer. He had never been able to tell of her thoughts, only that she seemed constantly troubled and tortured. Now it was clear, she loved his friend. And Legolas seemed to love her back, so he knew that he should feel happy for them, but he did not. Gimli dropped the wood with a loud clatter and cleared his throat.
Legolas and Liria tore away from each other and looked at Gimli. He was smiling, though secretly forced, "I see that your strength has finally recovered my friend. It seems the lady has other magics at her disposal besides herbs."
Legolas laughed, "It would seem that way, yes." He then looked back down at Liria who had felt a flame of resentment towards Gimli for finding them so. But her negative feelings soon melted away as she stared up into Legolas' gaze, one that promised security and un undying love. She could tell now that his gaze had always been clouded with him hiding deep feelings, but now all was out in the open, and his gaze was clearer than she thought had ever been. He bent close to her and whispered into her ear, "You are my magic." Liria felt pleasantly warm throughout her whole body.
Gimli spoke up again, "Are you in need of any decent food? Or is the lady enough…"
"Of course we will eat," Legolas cut Gimli off. He could tell that his friend's remarks were embarrassing Liria, along with himself, he admitted. Elves were not good with revealed emotion, and dwarves were especially good at enjoying other's embarrassments.
Legolas and Liria broke apart, somewhat reluctantly, and Legolas stood to help Gimli. He did so tentatively and carefully stretched his back, testing it. The wound was in no danger of opening, he could tell, but it was still awfully sore. He knew that the elendite had to be heated, and it felt as though there had been a fire put out inside of his body. But it was bearable, and now he would no longer receive any sharp pains or dizzy spells from a poison he had hoped would go away on its own.
Liria made no move to stand, only pulled herself up straighter and leaned against a tree. She grabbed a long stem of grass and stuck it in her mouth, sucking on it. She was truly happy and content, and did not wish to risk spoiling anything. If it was a dream, she simply would not move and would stay asleep forever. But the tangy taste of the grass told her it was real, and she smiled.
Legolas reached Gimli and turned back to Liria. "Done for the evening already?" he asked, slightly mocking. Liria simply smiled and closed her bright green eyes, still chewing on the grass.
"Hmph," muttered Gimli, "the woman here is the only one not to do any cooking. Leaves the men to it, does not seem right." Then he turned to look at his friend and broke into a small grin, "I am happy for you, Master Elf. I always knew there was something you were holding back when she was around."
"Your perceptions surprise me, friend," started Legolas, "and I thank you for your acceptance of this, for you know I think highly of your opinion. There was always something about her," he trailed off, glancing over his shoulder at Liria still leaning against the tree with her eyes closed.
"And obviously there still is something about her," finished Gimli. "It will take a strong one to tame her friend, but you are of course strong and a creature that wants to be tamed is done so easily." Gimli kept his tone light and full of happiness for the sake of his friend, but inside he was screaming in rage. If Legolas truly wanted his opinion, he would tell him. But no, he did not want to risk the feelings of his friend.
Legolas laughed, "You are a philosopher today. That is fine, but I have to disagree with you. She may comply, but I doubt she could ever be tamed. Her spirit is far too wild for even the strongest warrior." The two friends went back to preparation of the meal, talking and laughing more than had been done since they had first entered the caves. Gimli had gone and caught a rabbit for their meal, and they would have a mini-feast in preparation for the homecoming they would receive the next day in Mirkwood.
When they were all done eating, Gimli lay on one side of the fire sleeping noisily, as was his custom, and Legolas and Liria leaned against her tree in each other's arms, still awake. They looked into the fire and the stars beyond, content for the moment.
Eventually, Legolas spoke up, "I don't know whether I will be happy when we reach Mirkwood tomorrow or discontent because we will no longer enjoy the woods together."
Liria looked at him, "But you know that I am not one to remain in one spot for long. I will still travel into the wood, and if you would like it, you could accompany me as well. If you don't want to you certainly are under no obligation,"
Legolas gave her a little shake and she laughed. "Of course I would like to go with you," he informed her, "I would go into the heart of Mordor if you were there." Then he added hastily, "But you cannot test me on that because Mordor has fallen. You will just have to take it on good faith."
Liria laughed again, "And take it I shall, for I believe you. Besides, I am sure I could find some place just as dangerous to test you on, perhaps dragons still roam. But I hear that little can stop the Prince of Mirkwood once his mind is set."
Legolas smiled, "Nothing can stop me," and he lowered his head to kiss her. But Liria pulled out of his embrace and stood. Legolas looked up confused.
Liria's eyes sparkled a deep purple in the moonlight, "Surely you did not think I was that easy to tame. You even said so yourself."
Legolas got on his knees and reached for her, but she stepped out of his reach. He started to climb to his feet. "It is not proper etiquette to eavesdrop on those who think you do not listen."
Liria backed away some more, "And when have I ever acted with proper etiquette." She then turned and started to run, "You must first catch a quarry before you can have hopes to tame it," and her laughter trailed back to him. Legolas took off after her.
She was within his sights and he put on speed when her leg crumpled and she fell hard to the ground. Legolas started and covered the ground between them quickly, falling to his knees besides her. "What is it? Are you hurt?"
Liria sat up and groaned, "No, only stupid. I seem to keep forgetting my injury. I will not be able to run again until we have reached Mirkwood." Legolas stood and offered his hand to her. She took it and cried out when he pulled her up, "Put me back down," she pleaded, and he did so, gently.
Legolas pulled up her pant leg to reexamine her wound, only to find the white bandage now bright red. "It has reopened," he started in surprise, "you were not running as hard as that."
"No," Liria agreed, grimacing, "but I did before, when I went to find the elendite. I ran at least a few miles at top speed. I forgot about my own injury."
"Why did you not tell me?" Legolas demanded, "you should not even be moving without this being properly looked after."
Liria looked at him sullenly, "You had just come back from the brink of death yourself, I was not about to bother you with my small trifles."
Legolas bit back anger. She was still as stubborn as ever, willing to die and suffer without so much as a peep. She could have done permanent damage to herself, and surely he could not have been as grievous as all that, he had just felt a little off. He even told her so.
"No, Legolas," Liria told him, "I do not believe you would have awoken again if we had not acted quickly. Did you not know that the poison had been allowed to roam through almost all of your system? How could you not have told me that you had been pierced by an orc arrow?"
Legolas was quick with a retort, "Because you had an injury and I was not about to bother," he suddenly stopped. He began to laugh, and Liria looked on perplexed.
"What is so funny?" she demanded when he practically fell over laughing.
"The faults that we see in each other simply depict our own," he finally managed to say. Liria thought about it, and she began to laugh as well. Their first fight was over the same thing they both had, foolish pride. Legolas reached out to Liria, and this time she let him draw her into his embrace. He kissed her on the cheek, "You are so perfect for me, my love, so much so that you are me. Truly, if souls split, this is what happens." Liria quieted and nuzzled into the nook between his shoulder and collarbone. She felt as he had said, and was whole.