Disclaimer: Tolkien owns LOTR and all things Middle Earth, blah blah blah…
A/N: It amazes me that all it takes to get reviews is to put a little of the old in-out into a story. And then people wonder why there's so much sex on TV sigh. Seriously though, thanks for all the reviews. I'm glad you enjoy my mind's gutter. Maybe I'll put in more later – if you're lucky!!! author emits evil laughter until she sees her cats looking at her strangely
Chapter 16 – Later
It was a day out of time for Alania. Legolas had managed to spend it all alone with her, making love or talking. Somehow, as she caught a snooze in the early afternoon, he had managed to secure a tray of food for them without her noticing him leave. They had both been playful, then serious and then playful again. Neither had even tried to keep their hands off the other. Now Alania watched Legolas as he dozed lightly, smiling to herself at the thought that she had finally found something which tired him out. It was rare for the elf even to nap.
She looked out the window, noting it was dusk now and that gentle music filled the air. Donning one of Legolas's shirts, Alania stepped to the tall open windows, looking out to see all manner of elves enjoying themselves with music and laughter. It seemed to her that they found any reason to have small festivals filled with gaiety, and she found herself caught up with the feeling. Wrapping her arms around herself, she closed her eyes and let the music flow over her. As the music filled her soul, she was unable to keep herself from dancing with it. A light, jovial tune, Alania was happily jumping about allowing all the joy she felt because of the day let itself free in childish glee. Smiling and laughing as she danced her silly dance, she almost fell over when she caught Legolas watching her.
"Eep! I thought you were asleep!" she exclaimed flushing with embarrassment at being caught. Silently, she thanked the gods that at least she hadn't been singing.
"I thought I had explained that elves hardly ever sleep. I was resting. You are, how shall I say this, exhausting melamin. But in the best way" he replied. He reached up, grabbed her wrist and pulled her to the bed. Playfully, he wrapped his other arm around her knees, and flipped her onto her back on his opposite side. Startled at the sudden 'attack', Alania squealed and laughed at the same time. As she swatted at his hands in mock defense, he captured her wrists and pinned them above her head. Getting on his knees, he straddled her hips as he loomed over her and declared "I see I have managed to catch myself a little wood sprite. How she teased me with her happy dancing! I wonder what could make a creature so happy. Hmm, perhaps I shall ask her now that she is in my clutches? Though I think I may have an idea…"
Looking up him as he teased her, Alania's breath caught in her throat before she could think of a witty retort. His hair fell about his face, long enough to gently tickle her cheeks. With his arms holding her wrists over her head and his frame lengthened, his body was completely visible to her. And when she looked into his eyes, she felt she could read his heart. The love and joy he was feeling for her was plain in his face and Alania felt her eyes well with moisture at the knowledge. No one had ever looked at her that way, and she was overwhelmed with him. Her heart beating wildly in her chest, she watched his face turn serious as a lone tear trickled down the side of her face.
Releasing his hold on her, he sat up and pulled her into his arms to cradle her against his chest. "Have I done something wrong Alania? I did not mean to frighten you with our playing."
"You did not frighten me Legolas. I just… it's that… well, you see…" She was having a difficult time expressing exactly what it was she was moved to tears with. Sighing, she tried again and whispered "You're so beautiful Legolas. You make my heart happy."
Relieved he had not done something wrong and moved with her admission he said "I am glad." He kissed her temple and held her as he stroked her arm and side. After some minutes, he couldn't stop himself from moving his hand lower to rub her hip.
Giggling, Alania said "No matter what world a girl is in, she can always count on all the males having only one thing on their minds." In response, Legolas purposefully exaggerated his advances towards her, playing the randy devil.
"Gads Legolas, you're as hormonally challenged as high school boy! One would think this is the first time you've had sex. Don't you think you ought to act your age?"
"Ah, all elves who have seen over 3,000 summers behave in such a manner to wayward little sprites who dance merrily at their windows" he answered as he placed kisses from her neck to the rise of her breast.
As his words sunk in, Alania blanched and pushed against his chest to ward him off. "Whoa. Hang on there a second! How old are you Legolas?" she asked.
"I have passed 3,142 summers."
Alania had been told by Georn and Legolas that elves were immortal, and she had read about it in her research, but for some reason the fact of it hadn't truly sunk in as reality until he told her how old he was. It never occurred to her that he could be any older than she was. Suddenly feeling a need for a little distance, Alania moved away from Legolas on the bed. Sitting on her knees facing him, she ran her hand through her head and stammered "Wow. Ok. So you're, like, over 100 times my age. That's… wow, a lot."
Shrugging, Legolas said "I am considered quite young for an elf. Age is of no consequence to us Alania. Why do you react this way?"
Partly talking to herself she said "I've dated older men, but this is a little much." Sighing, she continued, speaking to Legolas directly this time; "I guess I just took it for granted you were closer to my age. Further, there isn't anything that lives forever in my world. I have nothing to reference this to from my life experience. It's just going to take a little getting used to is all. I mean, you're SOOOO old. I can't imagine living that long. I get bored during weekends. How do you fill your time?"
Laughing, Legolas answered "Alania, time is our friend, not our enemy. You humans fight against it, constantly counting it and watch it pass rather than just letting it happen. We do not notice time, but rather the shifting of day to night and season to season. We fill our days with all the things humans do, but I suppose in sharp contrast, we tend to dwell on the finer things longer and take pleasure in things humans do not notice in their haste to race against a clock."
"I agree that there are many humans who race against time, but not all of us do. Humans watch and count time passing because we know we only have a finite amount of time to enjoy the things we are given. Because we know we will die eventually, it gives us a reason to set goals and achieve accomplishments in that set period. We do not have the luxury or privilege, if you will, of taking as much time as needed to watch a tree grow because while we wait to see that glory we have missed other things that we will never get to see or do because we focused on that one task. Rather, we pick and choose the things we feel are important and set about to do those things, sometimes at the same time. Now I agree that there are those who are unable to deal with the fact of their impending doom and fight it with every fiber of their being. But there are those, and I include myself in this group, who are actually glad to have a set period of time of life."
Legolas was surprised at her viewpoint. Almost every human he had known, with very rare exceptions, had been upset and angry at having to die at some point. Most resented the elves for their longevity. This was part of the reason many of the elves had headed west. The Age of Men was not very welcoming to the ancient elves. Curious to know her reasoning he asked.
"Well, I've read some of your history and I know that you are capable of dying in battle or consumed with grief. I suppose there isn't any good way to die, but either being a random killing or having your heart broken into shards in sadness? Neither seem more pleasant than getting sick and passing with your friends and family surrounding you. And then imagine having to watch friends and family die and living with their loss for eternity? That's nuts. I don't claim to know what happens after you die, but there's got to be something. And I would rather find out what that something is and hopefully see all the people who got there before me, than live forever watching everything around me change while I stay the same. That's just depressing. Everything in life has a cycle of birth, death and a rebirth of some sort. Being immortal just strikes me as, well, unnatural."
"I never thought of it in that manner" said Legolas. "You are quite eloquent in your debate. It is a shame I cannot introduce you to an old friend. He was a great king and mighty warrior. He passed a short time ago and his grandson now rules. You and he would have enjoyed each other's conversation."
"Legolas, you've been alive over 3,000 years and you've never thought of it this way?! Gads, I took two semesters of philosophy and I find myself with these lines of thinking all the time."
"Perhaps that is because you are human" replied Legolas, giving her a wink.
"Yeah, yeah. I know I have an expiration date elf. You don't have to remind me. But at least I will live my life to the fullest because of it. And I will enjoy the trees, the sky, the music, my friends, and all the things I do all the more because I know it won't be there forever."
"Ah, now who is being unfair? We elves understand about a life ending. We appreciate the things around us as you do. Just because we do not get sick or grow old does not mean that we do not comprehend that we may not see tomorrow."
Admitting he was right, Alania got up and went to the window to gaze outside again. It struck her what a contrast she and Legolas really were, and, not for the first time since meeting him, she wondered what possible future the two of them could have.
Seeing her turn towards melancholia, Legolas stood behind her and held her as she leaned against him. "Do not let things which you have no control over trouble you little sprite. As you pointed out so plainly earlier, I am much older than you, and there are a few things I have learned. One of them is that things seem to have a way of working themselves out for the better for all parties involved. Let us hold on to that for now, and I will hope that my status as an old elf will not deter you from sharing my bed later" he said with a teasing smile and hug.
Legolas's teasing had brought Alania out of her reverie, and as she turned to face him she ran her hands over his bare chest, and said "Well, I had been wondering how it was possible for you to be such an amazing lover, so I suppose there's something to be said for age. I'll keep you for now, but if you show even a single sign of showing your age I'll dump your butt."
Reaching under the shirt he rubbed her hips and pulled her to him, and answered "Such threats, and from such a little sprite. Am I to take this as a challenge?"
Putting her hands behind his neck and pulling him down for a kiss, she whispered "I am sure it is a challenge you will thoroughly enjoy my elf."
A/N: It amazes me that all it takes to get reviews is to put a little of the old in-out into a story. And then people wonder why there's so much sex on TV sigh. Seriously though, thanks for all the reviews. I'm glad you enjoy my mind's gutter. Maybe I'll put in more later – if you're lucky!!! author emits evil laughter until she sees her cats looking at her strangely
Chapter 16 – Later
It was a day out of time for Alania. Legolas had managed to spend it all alone with her, making love or talking. Somehow, as she caught a snooze in the early afternoon, he had managed to secure a tray of food for them without her noticing him leave. They had both been playful, then serious and then playful again. Neither had even tried to keep their hands off the other. Now Alania watched Legolas as he dozed lightly, smiling to herself at the thought that she had finally found something which tired him out. It was rare for the elf even to nap.
She looked out the window, noting it was dusk now and that gentle music filled the air. Donning one of Legolas's shirts, Alania stepped to the tall open windows, looking out to see all manner of elves enjoying themselves with music and laughter. It seemed to her that they found any reason to have small festivals filled with gaiety, and she found herself caught up with the feeling. Wrapping her arms around herself, she closed her eyes and let the music flow over her. As the music filled her soul, she was unable to keep herself from dancing with it. A light, jovial tune, Alania was happily jumping about allowing all the joy she felt because of the day let itself free in childish glee. Smiling and laughing as she danced her silly dance, she almost fell over when she caught Legolas watching her.
"Eep! I thought you were asleep!" she exclaimed flushing with embarrassment at being caught. Silently, she thanked the gods that at least she hadn't been singing.
"I thought I had explained that elves hardly ever sleep. I was resting. You are, how shall I say this, exhausting melamin. But in the best way" he replied. He reached up, grabbed her wrist and pulled her to the bed. Playfully, he wrapped his other arm around her knees, and flipped her onto her back on his opposite side. Startled at the sudden 'attack', Alania squealed and laughed at the same time. As she swatted at his hands in mock defense, he captured her wrists and pinned them above her head. Getting on his knees, he straddled her hips as he loomed over her and declared "I see I have managed to catch myself a little wood sprite. How she teased me with her happy dancing! I wonder what could make a creature so happy. Hmm, perhaps I shall ask her now that she is in my clutches? Though I think I may have an idea…"
Looking up him as he teased her, Alania's breath caught in her throat before she could think of a witty retort. His hair fell about his face, long enough to gently tickle her cheeks. With his arms holding her wrists over her head and his frame lengthened, his body was completely visible to her. And when she looked into his eyes, she felt she could read his heart. The love and joy he was feeling for her was plain in his face and Alania felt her eyes well with moisture at the knowledge. No one had ever looked at her that way, and she was overwhelmed with him. Her heart beating wildly in her chest, she watched his face turn serious as a lone tear trickled down the side of her face.
Releasing his hold on her, he sat up and pulled her into his arms to cradle her against his chest. "Have I done something wrong Alania? I did not mean to frighten you with our playing."
"You did not frighten me Legolas. I just… it's that… well, you see…" She was having a difficult time expressing exactly what it was she was moved to tears with. Sighing, she tried again and whispered "You're so beautiful Legolas. You make my heart happy."
Relieved he had not done something wrong and moved with her admission he said "I am glad." He kissed her temple and held her as he stroked her arm and side. After some minutes, he couldn't stop himself from moving his hand lower to rub her hip.
Giggling, Alania said "No matter what world a girl is in, she can always count on all the males having only one thing on their minds." In response, Legolas purposefully exaggerated his advances towards her, playing the randy devil.
"Gads Legolas, you're as hormonally challenged as high school boy! One would think this is the first time you've had sex. Don't you think you ought to act your age?"
"Ah, all elves who have seen over 3,000 summers behave in such a manner to wayward little sprites who dance merrily at their windows" he answered as he placed kisses from her neck to the rise of her breast.
As his words sunk in, Alania blanched and pushed against his chest to ward him off. "Whoa. Hang on there a second! How old are you Legolas?" she asked.
"I have passed 3,142 summers."
Alania had been told by Georn and Legolas that elves were immortal, and she had read about it in her research, but for some reason the fact of it hadn't truly sunk in as reality until he told her how old he was. It never occurred to her that he could be any older than she was. Suddenly feeling a need for a little distance, Alania moved away from Legolas on the bed. Sitting on her knees facing him, she ran her hand through her head and stammered "Wow. Ok. So you're, like, over 100 times my age. That's… wow, a lot."
Shrugging, Legolas said "I am considered quite young for an elf. Age is of no consequence to us Alania. Why do you react this way?"
Partly talking to herself she said "I've dated older men, but this is a little much." Sighing, she continued, speaking to Legolas directly this time; "I guess I just took it for granted you were closer to my age. Further, there isn't anything that lives forever in my world. I have nothing to reference this to from my life experience. It's just going to take a little getting used to is all. I mean, you're SOOOO old. I can't imagine living that long. I get bored during weekends. How do you fill your time?"
Laughing, Legolas answered "Alania, time is our friend, not our enemy. You humans fight against it, constantly counting it and watch it pass rather than just letting it happen. We do not notice time, but rather the shifting of day to night and season to season. We fill our days with all the things humans do, but I suppose in sharp contrast, we tend to dwell on the finer things longer and take pleasure in things humans do not notice in their haste to race against a clock."
"I agree that there are many humans who race against time, but not all of us do. Humans watch and count time passing because we know we only have a finite amount of time to enjoy the things we are given. Because we know we will die eventually, it gives us a reason to set goals and achieve accomplishments in that set period. We do not have the luxury or privilege, if you will, of taking as much time as needed to watch a tree grow because while we wait to see that glory we have missed other things that we will never get to see or do because we focused on that one task. Rather, we pick and choose the things we feel are important and set about to do those things, sometimes at the same time. Now I agree that there are those who are unable to deal with the fact of their impending doom and fight it with every fiber of their being. But there are those, and I include myself in this group, who are actually glad to have a set period of time of life."
Legolas was surprised at her viewpoint. Almost every human he had known, with very rare exceptions, had been upset and angry at having to die at some point. Most resented the elves for their longevity. This was part of the reason many of the elves had headed west. The Age of Men was not very welcoming to the ancient elves. Curious to know her reasoning he asked.
"Well, I've read some of your history and I know that you are capable of dying in battle or consumed with grief. I suppose there isn't any good way to die, but either being a random killing or having your heart broken into shards in sadness? Neither seem more pleasant than getting sick and passing with your friends and family surrounding you. And then imagine having to watch friends and family die and living with their loss for eternity? That's nuts. I don't claim to know what happens after you die, but there's got to be something. And I would rather find out what that something is and hopefully see all the people who got there before me, than live forever watching everything around me change while I stay the same. That's just depressing. Everything in life has a cycle of birth, death and a rebirth of some sort. Being immortal just strikes me as, well, unnatural."
"I never thought of it in that manner" said Legolas. "You are quite eloquent in your debate. It is a shame I cannot introduce you to an old friend. He was a great king and mighty warrior. He passed a short time ago and his grandson now rules. You and he would have enjoyed each other's conversation."
"Legolas, you've been alive over 3,000 years and you've never thought of it this way?! Gads, I took two semesters of philosophy and I find myself with these lines of thinking all the time."
"Perhaps that is because you are human" replied Legolas, giving her a wink.
"Yeah, yeah. I know I have an expiration date elf. You don't have to remind me. But at least I will live my life to the fullest because of it. And I will enjoy the trees, the sky, the music, my friends, and all the things I do all the more because I know it won't be there forever."
"Ah, now who is being unfair? We elves understand about a life ending. We appreciate the things around us as you do. Just because we do not get sick or grow old does not mean that we do not comprehend that we may not see tomorrow."
Admitting he was right, Alania got up and went to the window to gaze outside again. It struck her what a contrast she and Legolas really were, and, not for the first time since meeting him, she wondered what possible future the two of them could have.
Seeing her turn towards melancholia, Legolas stood behind her and held her as she leaned against him. "Do not let things which you have no control over trouble you little sprite. As you pointed out so plainly earlier, I am much older than you, and there are a few things I have learned. One of them is that things seem to have a way of working themselves out for the better for all parties involved. Let us hold on to that for now, and I will hope that my status as an old elf will not deter you from sharing my bed later" he said with a teasing smile and hug.
Legolas's teasing had brought Alania out of her reverie, and as she turned to face him she ran her hands over his bare chest, and said "Well, I had been wondering how it was possible for you to be such an amazing lover, so I suppose there's something to be said for age. I'll keep you for now, but if you show even a single sign of showing your age I'll dump your butt."
Reaching under the shirt he rubbed her hips and pulled her to him, and answered "Such threats, and from such a little sprite. Am I to take this as a challenge?"
Putting her hands behind his neck and pulling him down for a kiss, she whispered "I am sure it is a challenge you will thoroughly enjoy my elf."