Disclaimer: Tolkien's stuff is his and mine is mine. If he were still
alive I'd pull a Wayne's World I'm-Not-Worthy on him.
A/N: Again, thanks to all who posted reviews. They really keep me going.
Chapter 8 – Exchanging Stories
The following night the group sat together telling Legolas and Georn stories of Alania's high jinx and how she got herself into trouble at the clubs, while pizza and beer were passed around. Georn had spent a good portion of the evening laughing at the stories between slices (avoiding the anchovies) and staring at Roxy, Alania's best friend. Alania and Legolas, on the other hand, were both mortified but for different reasons.
Alania couldn't believe that her friends, whom she considered colleagues when she needed the very best dancers, were telling these nightmarish tales about her to Legolas. She was very capable of laughing at herself, but the look on Legolas's face made her squirm with each passing moment. He was appalled.
Legolas sat and listened to these tales from her friends with complete shock. It was obvious to him that the group of them loved and cared for Alania the way any family would, no matter how atypical this family group was.
Roxy had taken Alania under her wing when she first started working at the clubs and introduced her to everyone else sitting in the room. Michael and Darnel were what Alania had called 'gay', which he gathered by their behavior meant that they were lovers. They had both given him a once over when they were introduced which he took with stride. His reaction had immediately earned him their respect, which wasn't easily come by. Then there was Allegra and Jessica. Allegra was an amazon of a woman, tall and dark and very intimidating. She was exotic and one was hard pressed not to notice her in a room. Jessica was the complete opposite of Allegra. She was small and delicate. She was soft spoken and mouse like. Alania had told him that of the whole group the one to watch out for was Jessica. She may not say much, but she was a keen observer and was capable of cutting you down with the softest of words. They were a tight knit group of friends who ribbed each other freely, but would quickly defend one of their own if anyone said anything against them.
Michael certainly had a gift for story telling. Currently, he was horrifying Legolas with a tale about how Alania had worn a new costume for a night at the club without trying it out first. When she had started to sweat, her top moved around too much and gave anyone looking her way a free peep show. The group howled with laughter, but Legolas couldn't fathom why Alania had allowed herself to be put in that situation. Looking her way, he excused himself and went outside.
"I must apologize for my friend. He sometimes forgets what a sense of humor is" said Georn. "And he's also become exceptionally sensitive where Alania is concerned." Georn glanced at Alania and noted that she was turning a shade of pink.
"Well, he must be quite a fine fellow otherwise these stories would never embarrass Alania like that" said Darnel teasingly. It only made Alania blush more.
"I, ah…, I'm going to get your rooms ready" said Alania excusing herself.
"What? You think we don't know that you're trying to escape? Chica, you didn't really think we were going to come up here and not regale your new friends with your mishaps?" ribbed Roxy. "Ok ok. Go, escape if you must. There's always tomorrow."
An hour later some of the group had retired to the living room and things quieted down. Jessica and Allegra decided to make it an early night as Alania had wanted them all ready for an extended rehearsal in the morning. Darnel and Michael passed the time with a game of chess and had one of their inimitable sexual wagers over the outcome. Roxy warned Georn to pray that Michael won or they'd be up all night listening to the two of them go at it.
After a time Roxy asked Georn to help her clean the kitchen. She didn't know why she did it, usually when the group visited they each took turns cleaning up after themselves in exchange for free lodging, food and the great job opportunities Alania provided for them. Typically Roxy took the first night and she worked alone as she was finished quicker that way. This time she was looking forward to having Georn's company. She found herself strangely attracted to him. He wasn't at all intimidated by her boisterous and strong persona. Most men found Roxy to either be too loud or too obnoxious or too something or other. She was a strong willed, opinionated and vocal woman. It had been a long time since she had met a man who accepted her immediately as Georn had. She allowed herself to enjoy it rather than worry about how hurt she might get if she wasn't careful.
Georn, for his part, thought Roxy was one of the liveliest people he'd ever met. She was like a burst of sunlight after days of rain. He could see why she and Alania were such good friends. Similar in ideas and concerns, different in presentation. Alania looked of fire with her red hair and bright hazel eyes, whereas Roxy was like ice. Dark hair and dark eyes, she was about the same height as Alania, but a slighter build. Roxy was the yang to Alania's yin. Where Alania was cautious and thoughtful, Roxy was impulsive and carefree. Roxy was someone who quickly assessed a situation, made her decision and went with it despite the consequences. Quick with a joke and a smile, she was clearly the person who listened to everyone's problems. It was obvious to Georn that other than Alania Roxy kept the world at arm's length, but wasn't nasty about it. He saw right through her façade and wanted to know more. He was glad to spent the time in the kitchen with her.
Wondering where Legolas had drifted off too, Alania went in search of him. She walked to the trees behind the house where she noticed he often walked at night. She quietly called out to him. He dropped down from the tree just in front of her. The look on his face made her feel as though she interrupted. Apologizing she began to walk back to the house when Legolas stopped her with a hand on her arm. Other than the impulsive hug the previous day and the combat practice, this was the first time Legolas had touched her since their kiss.
"Are all those stories true Alania?" asked Legolas.
"They're all true to some extent Legolas. Michael has a tendency to exaggerate a tale for effect, and some of those stories have also grown with time like all 'legends' do. None of it happened exactly as it's told if that makes a difference to you. It was a job I did. I love to dance and the club gigs paid the bills. I didn't have too many choices at the time. And I wouldn't have gotten where I am now if I hadn't worked there." answered Alania. She knew it shouldn't matter to her what he thought about her past, but it did.
Legolas didn't reply with words, but nodded in agreement. Not thinking about his actions, he took her hand in his and said "Walk with me." Hand in hand they walked a while under the trees until they reached a small clearing about a half mile from her home. It was a clear and moonless night and the stars were in their glory. Not letting go, Alania pulled Legolas down to lay on their backs and look at the stars. They lay there, holding hands and enjoying each other's company for the first time in a long while.
Seeing a shooting star Alania said "Did you see it? Make a wish on it, quick." She closed her eyes and made her wish. When she opened her eyes she saw Legolas looking down at her with a smile. It had been a very long time since he had made wishes on falling stars. He leaned down and gently brushed her lips with his.
"What did you wish for?" he whispered.
"It just came true" she answered and smiled up at him.
Legolas smiled back and gently ran the back of his hand down the side of her face and then traced her lips with his fingers. "How is it possible that you can make me so angry at you one moment and the next make me forget?" he asked redundantly.
"It's a gift" she teased back. "What makes you think you don't do the same to me?" She reached up and ran a hand through his hair. Toying with the end of a lock of it she asked "You keep yourself so distant, Legolas. Why do you do that?"
"Perhaps it is because I have seen much and know what is on the way. It weighs heavy on my mind."
Not sure how to respond, Alania allowed a silence to linger. After some time she asked "Will you tell me about Sauron? I want to know and understand your past."
Legolas lay back down and put his hands behind his head. "It is a very long story and much of it is not pleasant. Are you sure you want to hear this?"
Alania leaned up and turned towards him. "Yes. I want to know about you. Maybe this will help me understand what it is you keep warning me about, too."
Legolas looked at Alania and said "You are extraordinary, Alania. You are the first woman in a very long time who has wanted to know me rather than to know about me." He spent the next few hours telling her about the forging of the rings, how Sauron came into power and how he was defeated. He told her of his friends and his home. He also told her of Malficent, how he came into power and how Sauron's minions were now Malficent's.
Alania was surprised to learn he was a prince, neither he nor Georn had mentioned it, but she wasn't upset that he hadn't said anything about it. There were many things she hadn't told Legolas about herself. After hearing the full tale Alania understood more why Legolas wanted her to practice.
"Were you scared?" she asked.
"Sometimes" he replied. "Mostly we did not have time to be scared. In times like those one spends a great deal of effort getting from one moment to the next in one piece. It is only after the threat is gone that you have time to dwell on the danger you were in. In truth, I am more nervous now that I was then."
"Why?"
"This is not Middle Earth. I do not know the lay of this land and the signs that would be obvious to me at home are not the same here. But I feel something. It has been growing in these past weeks and I fear that there is some evil afoot." Turning to her he said "I would never forgive myself if anything happened to you."
Smiling at him she replied in jest to lighten his mood "I wouldn't forgive you either."
As they returned to the house hand in hand again, Alania asked "Legolas, do you trust me?"
Frowning, he replied "Why do ask?"
"I've been thinking about these manuscripts and how best to hide them. I think I may have come up with a solution."
"What do you have in mind?"
"Well, if Malficent is as powerful as you say he is, perhaps it might be best if I kept this to myself. You and he are both from Middle Earth and perhaps his power has more influence on you. In any case, I wanted to know if you would entrust the manuscripts to me for a week. I would make a trip into the city and take care of this. I would keep them safe and bring them back in mint condition."
"You want me to give you the manuscripts? I am not sure it is wise Alania. These are sacred and dangerous. You would not be safe."
"Legolas, I am more likely to be safe from spying eyes in a city packed with millions of people than here. Further, no one is looking for me. Just give it some thought. I have to travel into the city within the next few weeks anyway, so you have some time. I really believe it's a good idea, and I've trusted you blindly all this time. Maybe it's your turn to let go a little and have some faith in someone else."
"Perhaps" replied Legolas. "Go sleep Alania. You have to torture your friends in the morning as payback for their teasing tonight." Gently cupping her chin, he leaned forward and lightly kissed her goodnight.
****************
Plenty more to come folks. Kindly pay my toll and click the review button. Thank you.
A/N: Again, thanks to all who posted reviews. They really keep me going.
Chapter 8 – Exchanging Stories
The following night the group sat together telling Legolas and Georn stories of Alania's high jinx and how she got herself into trouble at the clubs, while pizza and beer were passed around. Georn had spent a good portion of the evening laughing at the stories between slices (avoiding the anchovies) and staring at Roxy, Alania's best friend. Alania and Legolas, on the other hand, were both mortified but for different reasons.
Alania couldn't believe that her friends, whom she considered colleagues when she needed the very best dancers, were telling these nightmarish tales about her to Legolas. She was very capable of laughing at herself, but the look on Legolas's face made her squirm with each passing moment. He was appalled.
Legolas sat and listened to these tales from her friends with complete shock. It was obvious to him that the group of them loved and cared for Alania the way any family would, no matter how atypical this family group was.
Roxy had taken Alania under her wing when she first started working at the clubs and introduced her to everyone else sitting in the room. Michael and Darnel were what Alania had called 'gay', which he gathered by their behavior meant that they were lovers. They had both given him a once over when they were introduced which he took with stride. His reaction had immediately earned him their respect, which wasn't easily come by. Then there was Allegra and Jessica. Allegra was an amazon of a woman, tall and dark and very intimidating. She was exotic and one was hard pressed not to notice her in a room. Jessica was the complete opposite of Allegra. She was small and delicate. She was soft spoken and mouse like. Alania had told him that of the whole group the one to watch out for was Jessica. She may not say much, but she was a keen observer and was capable of cutting you down with the softest of words. They were a tight knit group of friends who ribbed each other freely, but would quickly defend one of their own if anyone said anything against them.
Michael certainly had a gift for story telling. Currently, he was horrifying Legolas with a tale about how Alania had worn a new costume for a night at the club without trying it out first. When she had started to sweat, her top moved around too much and gave anyone looking her way a free peep show. The group howled with laughter, but Legolas couldn't fathom why Alania had allowed herself to be put in that situation. Looking her way, he excused himself and went outside.
"I must apologize for my friend. He sometimes forgets what a sense of humor is" said Georn. "And he's also become exceptionally sensitive where Alania is concerned." Georn glanced at Alania and noted that she was turning a shade of pink.
"Well, he must be quite a fine fellow otherwise these stories would never embarrass Alania like that" said Darnel teasingly. It only made Alania blush more.
"I, ah…, I'm going to get your rooms ready" said Alania excusing herself.
"What? You think we don't know that you're trying to escape? Chica, you didn't really think we were going to come up here and not regale your new friends with your mishaps?" ribbed Roxy. "Ok ok. Go, escape if you must. There's always tomorrow."
An hour later some of the group had retired to the living room and things quieted down. Jessica and Allegra decided to make it an early night as Alania had wanted them all ready for an extended rehearsal in the morning. Darnel and Michael passed the time with a game of chess and had one of their inimitable sexual wagers over the outcome. Roxy warned Georn to pray that Michael won or they'd be up all night listening to the two of them go at it.
After a time Roxy asked Georn to help her clean the kitchen. She didn't know why she did it, usually when the group visited they each took turns cleaning up after themselves in exchange for free lodging, food and the great job opportunities Alania provided for them. Typically Roxy took the first night and she worked alone as she was finished quicker that way. This time she was looking forward to having Georn's company. She found herself strangely attracted to him. He wasn't at all intimidated by her boisterous and strong persona. Most men found Roxy to either be too loud or too obnoxious or too something or other. She was a strong willed, opinionated and vocal woman. It had been a long time since she had met a man who accepted her immediately as Georn had. She allowed herself to enjoy it rather than worry about how hurt she might get if she wasn't careful.
Georn, for his part, thought Roxy was one of the liveliest people he'd ever met. She was like a burst of sunlight after days of rain. He could see why she and Alania were such good friends. Similar in ideas and concerns, different in presentation. Alania looked of fire with her red hair and bright hazel eyes, whereas Roxy was like ice. Dark hair and dark eyes, she was about the same height as Alania, but a slighter build. Roxy was the yang to Alania's yin. Where Alania was cautious and thoughtful, Roxy was impulsive and carefree. Roxy was someone who quickly assessed a situation, made her decision and went with it despite the consequences. Quick with a joke and a smile, she was clearly the person who listened to everyone's problems. It was obvious to Georn that other than Alania Roxy kept the world at arm's length, but wasn't nasty about it. He saw right through her façade and wanted to know more. He was glad to spent the time in the kitchen with her.
Wondering where Legolas had drifted off too, Alania went in search of him. She walked to the trees behind the house where she noticed he often walked at night. She quietly called out to him. He dropped down from the tree just in front of her. The look on his face made her feel as though she interrupted. Apologizing she began to walk back to the house when Legolas stopped her with a hand on her arm. Other than the impulsive hug the previous day and the combat practice, this was the first time Legolas had touched her since their kiss.
"Are all those stories true Alania?" asked Legolas.
"They're all true to some extent Legolas. Michael has a tendency to exaggerate a tale for effect, and some of those stories have also grown with time like all 'legends' do. None of it happened exactly as it's told if that makes a difference to you. It was a job I did. I love to dance and the club gigs paid the bills. I didn't have too many choices at the time. And I wouldn't have gotten where I am now if I hadn't worked there." answered Alania. She knew it shouldn't matter to her what he thought about her past, but it did.
Legolas didn't reply with words, but nodded in agreement. Not thinking about his actions, he took her hand in his and said "Walk with me." Hand in hand they walked a while under the trees until they reached a small clearing about a half mile from her home. It was a clear and moonless night and the stars were in their glory. Not letting go, Alania pulled Legolas down to lay on their backs and look at the stars. They lay there, holding hands and enjoying each other's company for the first time in a long while.
Seeing a shooting star Alania said "Did you see it? Make a wish on it, quick." She closed her eyes and made her wish. When she opened her eyes she saw Legolas looking down at her with a smile. It had been a very long time since he had made wishes on falling stars. He leaned down and gently brushed her lips with his.
"What did you wish for?" he whispered.
"It just came true" she answered and smiled up at him.
Legolas smiled back and gently ran the back of his hand down the side of her face and then traced her lips with his fingers. "How is it possible that you can make me so angry at you one moment and the next make me forget?" he asked redundantly.
"It's a gift" she teased back. "What makes you think you don't do the same to me?" She reached up and ran a hand through his hair. Toying with the end of a lock of it she asked "You keep yourself so distant, Legolas. Why do you do that?"
"Perhaps it is because I have seen much and know what is on the way. It weighs heavy on my mind."
Not sure how to respond, Alania allowed a silence to linger. After some time she asked "Will you tell me about Sauron? I want to know and understand your past."
Legolas lay back down and put his hands behind his head. "It is a very long story and much of it is not pleasant. Are you sure you want to hear this?"
Alania leaned up and turned towards him. "Yes. I want to know about you. Maybe this will help me understand what it is you keep warning me about, too."
Legolas looked at Alania and said "You are extraordinary, Alania. You are the first woman in a very long time who has wanted to know me rather than to know about me." He spent the next few hours telling her about the forging of the rings, how Sauron came into power and how he was defeated. He told her of his friends and his home. He also told her of Malficent, how he came into power and how Sauron's minions were now Malficent's.
Alania was surprised to learn he was a prince, neither he nor Georn had mentioned it, but she wasn't upset that he hadn't said anything about it. There were many things she hadn't told Legolas about herself. After hearing the full tale Alania understood more why Legolas wanted her to practice.
"Were you scared?" she asked.
"Sometimes" he replied. "Mostly we did not have time to be scared. In times like those one spends a great deal of effort getting from one moment to the next in one piece. It is only after the threat is gone that you have time to dwell on the danger you were in. In truth, I am more nervous now that I was then."
"Why?"
"This is not Middle Earth. I do not know the lay of this land and the signs that would be obvious to me at home are not the same here. But I feel something. It has been growing in these past weeks and I fear that there is some evil afoot." Turning to her he said "I would never forgive myself if anything happened to you."
Smiling at him she replied in jest to lighten his mood "I wouldn't forgive you either."
As they returned to the house hand in hand again, Alania asked "Legolas, do you trust me?"
Frowning, he replied "Why do ask?"
"I've been thinking about these manuscripts and how best to hide them. I think I may have come up with a solution."
"What do you have in mind?"
"Well, if Malficent is as powerful as you say he is, perhaps it might be best if I kept this to myself. You and he are both from Middle Earth and perhaps his power has more influence on you. In any case, I wanted to know if you would entrust the manuscripts to me for a week. I would make a trip into the city and take care of this. I would keep them safe and bring them back in mint condition."
"You want me to give you the manuscripts? I am not sure it is wise Alania. These are sacred and dangerous. You would not be safe."
"Legolas, I am more likely to be safe from spying eyes in a city packed with millions of people than here. Further, no one is looking for me. Just give it some thought. I have to travel into the city within the next few weeks anyway, so you have some time. I really believe it's a good idea, and I've trusted you blindly all this time. Maybe it's your turn to let go a little and have some faith in someone else."
"Perhaps" replied Legolas. "Go sleep Alania. You have to torture your friends in the morning as payback for their teasing tonight." Gently cupping her chin, he leaned forward and lightly kissed her goodnight.
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Plenty more to come folks. Kindly pay my toll and click the review button. Thank you.