Disclaimer: Tolkien owns LOTR and all things Middle Earth, blah blah blah…
A/N: Once again I want to make mention that you shouldn't be reading this if you're underage and that's why the rating is what it is. Ya see, there's more sex in this chapter, and later I'm hoping to get medieval on someone's ass. What can I say? I indulge my fantasies about rolling in the hay with the elf as much as anyone reading this. Yeah, I know you do, don't lie. I see you blushing…
Chapter 18 – A Declaration
Alania and Roxy walked along the path in silence. It had been several days since Alania had last seen Legolas and Roxy knew it was taking a toll on her, though she hadn't admitted to it. Roxy hoped that by spending time alone with her she might open up and get things off her mind, but so far Alania was silent.
As they walked, Alania was lost in thought. She absently led Roxy down the trail that led to her favorite spot in Rivendell. It was a small waterfall, so beautiful and peaceful that you couldn't help be mesmerized at the sight of it. The pool of water at the base of the fall was crystal blue and deep. Alania had often wanted to sneak out to this spot at night to swim in it under the moonlight, but it was something she wanted to share with a certain elf rather than go alone. And that elf was recently making himself scarce. Her thoughts drifted to their last night together. He had been very distracted and she absently worried he may have started to lose interest in her. She knew this was unlikely, but her ego had been ignored lately and it was only natural for her to have these thoughts. As she wallowed in self-pity and then concern at the more realistic prospect of Legolas's worries for his home, she felt Roxy punch her lightly in the arm.
"Hello? Are you even listening to me, chica?" asked Roxy.
"I'm sorry. I was lost in thought" she replied.
"Yeah, I figured that much when I mentioned I was getting a sex change and you didn't say anything. You want to talk about it? And please don't say no because I swear I can't take your moping anymore."
Smiling at her friend, Alania said "I'm worried about Legolas. I haven't seen him in a few days and the last time we spoke he seemed disturbed. When I asked him about it he basically lied and said it was nothing. Do you think it's me?"
Roxy rolled her eyes and gave Alania a friendly slap upside her head. "No stupid, it's not you. I can't believe you're even thinking that. You can't seriously have no clue how strongly he feels, can you?"
"I know I'm being stupid. Sorry about that. As if you've never been on this side of our conversation, you know. I know he cares about me."
"Cares about you? Chica, the elf loves you. Trust me on this. There is no way he would make as much time for you right now if he didn't."
"Wait a minute. What do you mean he makes time for me? Roxy, what is it that I don't know? That he won't talk to me about? And don't bullshit me. I know that Georn tells you everything."
Roxy took a deep breath. She was surprised that Legolas hadn't mentioned anything to her. She imagined he didn't want her to worry, but clearly that was misguided as Alania was concerned anyway. "He probably doesn't want you to worry Alania. I don't want to cause problems between the two of you by telling you what I know, but it's not like it's some secret. It seems there have been reports of a large orc army advancing on Mirkwood. From what Georn tells me, it looks like Malficent figured out the Gandalf had asked Legolas to guard the manuscripts. We're not sure if he's aware that Legolas isn't in Mirkwood or if he is and this is a distraction. The reason you haven't seen Legolas in a few days is because it looks like he's in the planning stages of a defense strategy with the council."
Alania said nothing. There was a part of her that had known all along that something like this was bound to happen. There was no way that the little piece of heaven that she and Legolas had shared could last with Malficent still after the manuscripts. She just wished that Legolas had talked to her about it. This wasn't something he had to protect her from, and he didn't need to deal with it alone either. Sighing, Alania said "I'm glad you told me Roxy. And don't worry about making trouble between us. If there's any trouble it's because of something we did to each other, not because of something you told me. I wish he'd stop feeling like he had to protect me. You'd think he'd have learned by now that I do alright for myself. Gads, I'm so disappointed in him Roxy. Why doesn't he have any faith in me?"
"Ok, once again – I don't think it's you. You seem forget he's an elf who's over 3,000 years old from a non-technology type of world. The opinions of women here are a little chauvinistic, for lack of a better word. I mean, it's not like they think females can't fight and do things that males do. It's more an chivalry thing. Well, at least that's how I think it is, I could be wrong. And besides, if you ask me, I think it feels great that there's someone who cares about me so much that he wants to protect me. It makes me feel like a girl, you know? And I don't think I'm any less strong because I like to feel like that."
"I won't argue with you on that point. But here's the difference between Georn and Legolas – Georn talks with you. He knows that to best protect you he should keep you informed. Legolas seems a little lost on that idea. That's what bothers me."
Not knowing how to respond to her comment, Roxy let the conversation end. They had almost reached the waterfall when Alania asked if it was alright that she go on without Roxy because she wanted a little time to herself. Reluctantly Roxy agreed, and as she returned to her rooms she decided to hunt Legolas down and make him pay a little attention to her friend.
After a few well placed inquires, Roxy knocked on the door before allowing herself into the council's meeting. Feeling as uncomfortable in front of the elves as she had the first day they had arrived in Middle Earth, Roxy took a deep breath and attempted to face them with as much confidence as she could fake. Approaching Legolas, she apologized to the council for her interruption, and quietly whispered in Legolas's ear requesting a few moments of his time. Excusing himself, he followed Roxy outside.
Displeased at her interruption, but knowing Roxy would never do it unless she felt it was important, Legolas asked "What is wrong Roxy? Is Alania alright?"
"Alright? Not really. You are aware of how long it's been since you've last seen her, right?" replied Roxy.
"This is what you interrupted us for?! Roxy, I have pressing matters to attend to. I am aware that I have not been with Alania for a few days. I do not think I can fully express to you how aware I am of that fact. I would very much like to be with her, and alone, much more, but I am unable right now. I have responsibilities I must see to. She understands that."
"Does she? Seems to me that she has no idea what's going on or why you haven't been around because I was the one who just got finished telling her about the armies advancing to Mirkwood. I can't believe you didn't tell her Legolas. She's not stupid. She's an uncanny observer, and I think it would amaze you what she sees and understands. I bet you don't even know she's been playing, and winning, chess with Gandalf. I understand that's pretty impressive around here."
Seeing that Legolas was not going to respond, Roxy continued. "Don't make the same mistake every other guy she's ever cared about has made by not respecting her mind as well as her soul, heart and body. It would break her heart and spirit. It would do you a world of good to just talk to her. If nothing else, at least it would make her feel better to know you could confide in her. I'm sorry I'm telling you this at a bad time, but if that wasn't important enough to you to merit a short interruption then you don't deserve her."
Not waiting for him to reply, Roxy turned and left Legolas standing alone in the hall. She hoped the he would do the right thing, but she heard the door open and close to the chamber and when she turned to look she saw that he had gone back inside. Sighing, she made her way to her room where Georn bad been waiting for her and told him everything.
Back inside with the council, Legolas was distracted after his conversation with Roxy. He knew she was right, but his pride kept him from admitted it to her. Further, he was extremely concerned about his home. The news had been getting worse with each passing day and it seemed he would have to leave for Mirkwood soon. He dreaded leaving Alania alone, in a world that wasn't her own, but there was no way he would take her with him into battle.
He was in the precarious situation of knowing he should have spoken with her about this much sooner so that his departure would not be such a surprise, but he hadn't been sure he would have to leave until recently. Now it seemed that he would travel home with as large a band of elves as they could gather within the week. Messengers would be sent out ahead to let his father know of their plans, and some would head to Gondor and Rohan. Legolas knew that help could be found from friends in both lands. It seemed that Middle Earth was on the verge of needing another alliance of its peoples.
As Elrohir, Celeborn, Gandalf and others debated and planned, Legolas sat and found himself only thinking of being with Alania. He desperately tried to figure out where he would find time for her in the next few days before he left. There was much to do and shaking his head with resignation, he did his best to return his focus to the conversations around him when he realized, much as he didn't like it, that Alania was not a priority right now. He would see her when he could and he would find a way to make it up to her then.
It was four days later that Legolas managed to excuse himself from his duties to spend time with Alania. It was late in the evening, and knowing that she may be asleep he entered her rooms without knocking. She was sitting at the window, wearing nothing but a long shirt, brushing her wet hair, her hand stopping mid-stroke as she saw him enter.
Shocked at seeing him, Alania asked "What are you doing here?"
Looking at Alania for the first time in several days sent all the blood in his veins to his groin. He had meant to come in and spend time talking with her. He needed to explain himself and apologize to her. He only had the best intentions when he originally walked in the door. Now he could do nothing but stride over to her, lift by her arms to stand and soundly kiss her.
Struggling against him, Alania's fury rose out of her as the past days of loneliness surfaced. She had managed to keep a lid on her emotions all this time by rationalizing the situation, but here he was and it seemed all he wanted to do was bed her. Her anger at him was compounded as she realized that she wanted him as much as he wanted her.
Feeling her struggle and understanding the reasons behind it, Legolas slowed his pace a bit but still wrapped her in his arms and kissed her ardently. She gradually stopped fighting him and began to respond to his attentions in earnest.
The two became feverish with their longing. It seemed they would attempt to make up for all the lost time with their next minutes together. Hanging onto and grinding against each other, Legolas was quickly losing his control over his desire. He grabbed the hem of her shirt and practically ripped it off Alania's body, such was his unwillingness to have any distance between their bodies.
Moaning against his mouth, Alania's hands unconsciously roamed his body resting on the swell in his leggings. Rubbing his length, she undid the laces of the leggings enough to slide a hand into his pants to stroke him more intimately. He hissed and growled at the feel of her hand.
Running his hands along her body, he slipped a hand between her legs to find her moist and eager. Unable to contain himself, he hurriedly loosened the laces of his leggings enough to free his rigid member from its confines. He pulled Alania fully against him and reached behind her. Picking her up, she automatically wrapped her legs around his waist and allowed him to impale her.
The intensity of sensations coursing through them caused Legolas to sink to his knees. He lowered Alania as gently as possible to the floor without breaking their intimate connection, and then began to feverishly push into her, moaning her name over and over with every thrust. She met his every stroke, holding him against her and digging her nails into his back with the strength of their passion. They clung to each with an almost desperate need.
The force of Alania's climax took her by surprise as she arched against Legolas, crying his name. His body responded to hers, and he grabbed her hips holding her tightly against him burying himself in her depths as he came.
Slowly recovering, still sheathed inside her, Legolas wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her up into a sitting position on his lap. Holding her close, he gently kissed her neck and shoulder as he stroked her back. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and simply allowed himself to shut everything out except for the feel of her in his arms. There were so many things he wanted to say to her but couldn't find the words.
With her arms around his shoulders and her head buried against his neck, Alania slowly came down from the potency of their love making. As her body relaxed, she felt her mind relax as well and all the emotions she had tried to control earlier bubbled up to the surface. Before she knew it, silent tears rolled down her face. It was in that moment that she realized the strength of her feelings for the elf.
She felt Legolas tense up as he felt her tears against his neck. Pulling himself back to look at her face, she found she could not meet his eyes afraid that he would know her heart. He gently wiped the tears away with his thumbs and kissed her softly. With a quiet voice he said "I am more sorry for hurting you than you can know melamin."
He pulled himself away from her completely to remove his clothing and retrieve the package he had for her. She silently stood and picked up the dropped hair brush to finish what she was doing before his arrival. As she ran the brush through her now tangled hair, she tried to figure out what to say or do. There was so much needless distance between the two of them, but she didn't know how to bridge that gap without his help.
He came up behind her, his arms encircling around her neck with something dangling from his hands. As he fastened the necklace around her he heard he gasp. Holding it up, Alania saw it was an emerald carved into the shape of leaf. Around the leaf and securing it to the chain, it was gilded with what looked like white gold. The gilding was designed in such a manner as to look like the delicate veins of a leaf. Simply put, it was an exquisite work of art. It was certainly the most magnificent object she had ever seen, and fresh tears filled her eyes as she lost all capacity for speech.
Legolas smiled at her reaction, enormously glad he had spent the time to choose carefully for her. He lightly kissed her neck and took the brush out of her hands. He ran it through her hair and he found himself braiding her hair in a proper elvish style. "I have wanted to do this since the very first morning you and I watched the sunrise. I remember seeing you on your porch all tousled from bed, looking very adorable. I thought it strange at the time to have such an intense desire to run my hands through your hair and to see if you would allow me to braid it. I am touched you are indulging me" he said as he finished.
All Alania could think to say was a quiet thank you. She was overwhelmed with his tenderness and his gift. She knew that they needed to talk, but could not find a way to broach any topic. It was the same for Legolas. He took her hand and walked her to the bed. Together they climbed under the covers. As they spooned, Legolas said "We will talk in the morning little sprite. I promise."
Sleep came to neither of them for some time, but after a while Alania felt Legolas's body relax fully and believed him to be dozing. She knew she would never find rest that evening if she didn't free the thought prevalent in her mind, but afraid to say it to him just the same. So she had waited, and when she thought it safe she whispered as softly as she could manage "I love you Legolas". As soon as it was said, she felt such a relief at letting it out that she fell asleep with a smile on her face. She did not know that he had heard every word.
******
Ok, I know I said I wouldn't ask for a while, but seeing as how it seems no one reviews anything unless you ask for it… I'm asking. Now click that button and let me know you enjoy it when I allow my mind to wallow in the gutter. C'mon, you know you want to.
A/N: Once again I want to make mention that you shouldn't be reading this if you're underage and that's why the rating is what it is. Ya see, there's more sex in this chapter, and later I'm hoping to get medieval on someone's ass. What can I say? I indulge my fantasies about rolling in the hay with the elf as much as anyone reading this. Yeah, I know you do, don't lie. I see you blushing…
Chapter 18 – A Declaration
Alania and Roxy walked along the path in silence. It had been several days since Alania had last seen Legolas and Roxy knew it was taking a toll on her, though she hadn't admitted to it. Roxy hoped that by spending time alone with her she might open up and get things off her mind, but so far Alania was silent.
As they walked, Alania was lost in thought. She absently led Roxy down the trail that led to her favorite spot in Rivendell. It was a small waterfall, so beautiful and peaceful that you couldn't help be mesmerized at the sight of it. The pool of water at the base of the fall was crystal blue and deep. Alania had often wanted to sneak out to this spot at night to swim in it under the moonlight, but it was something she wanted to share with a certain elf rather than go alone. And that elf was recently making himself scarce. Her thoughts drifted to their last night together. He had been very distracted and she absently worried he may have started to lose interest in her. She knew this was unlikely, but her ego had been ignored lately and it was only natural for her to have these thoughts. As she wallowed in self-pity and then concern at the more realistic prospect of Legolas's worries for his home, she felt Roxy punch her lightly in the arm.
"Hello? Are you even listening to me, chica?" asked Roxy.
"I'm sorry. I was lost in thought" she replied.
"Yeah, I figured that much when I mentioned I was getting a sex change and you didn't say anything. You want to talk about it? And please don't say no because I swear I can't take your moping anymore."
Smiling at her friend, Alania said "I'm worried about Legolas. I haven't seen him in a few days and the last time we spoke he seemed disturbed. When I asked him about it he basically lied and said it was nothing. Do you think it's me?"
Roxy rolled her eyes and gave Alania a friendly slap upside her head. "No stupid, it's not you. I can't believe you're even thinking that. You can't seriously have no clue how strongly he feels, can you?"
"I know I'm being stupid. Sorry about that. As if you've never been on this side of our conversation, you know. I know he cares about me."
"Cares about you? Chica, the elf loves you. Trust me on this. There is no way he would make as much time for you right now if he didn't."
"Wait a minute. What do you mean he makes time for me? Roxy, what is it that I don't know? That he won't talk to me about? And don't bullshit me. I know that Georn tells you everything."
Roxy took a deep breath. She was surprised that Legolas hadn't mentioned anything to her. She imagined he didn't want her to worry, but clearly that was misguided as Alania was concerned anyway. "He probably doesn't want you to worry Alania. I don't want to cause problems between the two of you by telling you what I know, but it's not like it's some secret. It seems there have been reports of a large orc army advancing on Mirkwood. From what Georn tells me, it looks like Malficent figured out the Gandalf had asked Legolas to guard the manuscripts. We're not sure if he's aware that Legolas isn't in Mirkwood or if he is and this is a distraction. The reason you haven't seen Legolas in a few days is because it looks like he's in the planning stages of a defense strategy with the council."
Alania said nothing. There was a part of her that had known all along that something like this was bound to happen. There was no way that the little piece of heaven that she and Legolas had shared could last with Malficent still after the manuscripts. She just wished that Legolas had talked to her about it. This wasn't something he had to protect her from, and he didn't need to deal with it alone either. Sighing, Alania said "I'm glad you told me Roxy. And don't worry about making trouble between us. If there's any trouble it's because of something we did to each other, not because of something you told me. I wish he'd stop feeling like he had to protect me. You'd think he'd have learned by now that I do alright for myself. Gads, I'm so disappointed in him Roxy. Why doesn't he have any faith in me?"
"Ok, once again – I don't think it's you. You seem forget he's an elf who's over 3,000 years old from a non-technology type of world. The opinions of women here are a little chauvinistic, for lack of a better word. I mean, it's not like they think females can't fight and do things that males do. It's more an chivalry thing. Well, at least that's how I think it is, I could be wrong. And besides, if you ask me, I think it feels great that there's someone who cares about me so much that he wants to protect me. It makes me feel like a girl, you know? And I don't think I'm any less strong because I like to feel like that."
"I won't argue with you on that point. But here's the difference between Georn and Legolas – Georn talks with you. He knows that to best protect you he should keep you informed. Legolas seems a little lost on that idea. That's what bothers me."
Not knowing how to respond to her comment, Roxy let the conversation end. They had almost reached the waterfall when Alania asked if it was alright that she go on without Roxy because she wanted a little time to herself. Reluctantly Roxy agreed, and as she returned to her rooms she decided to hunt Legolas down and make him pay a little attention to her friend.
After a few well placed inquires, Roxy knocked on the door before allowing herself into the council's meeting. Feeling as uncomfortable in front of the elves as she had the first day they had arrived in Middle Earth, Roxy took a deep breath and attempted to face them with as much confidence as she could fake. Approaching Legolas, she apologized to the council for her interruption, and quietly whispered in Legolas's ear requesting a few moments of his time. Excusing himself, he followed Roxy outside.
Displeased at her interruption, but knowing Roxy would never do it unless she felt it was important, Legolas asked "What is wrong Roxy? Is Alania alright?"
"Alright? Not really. You are aware of how long it's been since you've last seen her, right?" replied Roxy.
"This is what you interrupted us for?! Roxy, I have pressing matters to attend to. I am aware that I have not been with Alania for a few days. I do not think I can fully express to you how aware I am of that fact. I would very much like to be with her, and alone, much more, but I am unable right now. I have responsibilities I must see to. She understands that."
"Does she? Seems to me that she has no idea what's going on or why you haven't been around because I was the one who just got finished telling her about the armies advancing to Mirkwood. I can't believe you didn't tell her Legolas. She's not stupid. She's an uncanny observer, and I think it would amaze you what she sees and understands. I bet you don't even know she's been playing, and winning, chess with Gandalf. I understand that's pretty impressive around here."
Seeing that Legolas was not going to respond, Roxy continued. "Don't make the same mistake every other guy she's ever cared about has made by not respecting her mind as well as her soul, heart and body. It would break her heart and spirit. It would do you a world of good to just talk to her. If nothing else, at least it would make her feel better to know you could confide in her. I'm sorry I'm telling you this at a bad time, but if that wasn't important enough to you to merit a short interruption then you don't deserve her."
Not waiting for him to reply, Roxy turned and left Legolas standing alone in the hall. She hoped the he would do the right thing, but she heard the door open and close to the chamber and when she turned to look she saw that he had gone back inside. Sighing, she made her way to her room where Georn bad been waiting for her and told him everything.
Back inside with the council, Legolas was distracted after his conversation with Roxy. He knew she was right, but his pride kept him from admitted it to her. Further, he was extremely concerned about his home. The news had been getting worse with each passing day and it seemed he would have to leave for Mirkwood soon. He dreaded leaving Alania alone, in a world that wasn't her own, but there was no way he would take her with him into battle.
He was in the precarious situation of knowing he should have spoken with her about this much sooner so that his departure would not be such a surprise, but he hadn't been sure he would have to leave until recently. Now it seemed that he would travel home with as large a band of elves as they could gather within the week. Messengers would be sent out ahead to let his father know of their plans, and some would head to Gondor and Rohan. Legolas knew that help could be found from friends in both lands. It seemed that Middle Earth was on the verge of needing another alliance of its peoples.
As Elrohir, Celeborn, Gandalf and others debated and planned, Legolas sat and found himself only thinking of being with Alania. He desperately tried to figure out where he would find time for her in the next few days before he left. There was much to do and shaking his head with resignation, he did his best to return his focus to the conversations around him when he realized, much as he didn't like it, that Alania was not a priority right now. He would see her when he could and he would find a way to make it up to her then.
It was four days later that Legolas managed to excuse himself from his duties to spend time with Alania. It was late in the evening, and knowing that she may be asleep he entered her rooms without knocking. She was sitting at the window, wearing nothing but a long shirt, brushing her wet hair, her hand stopping mid-stroke as she saw him enter.
Shocked at seeing him, Alania asked "What are you doing here?"
Looking at Alania for the first time in several days sent all the blood in his veins to his groin. He had meant to come in and spend time talking with her. He needed to explain himself and apologize to her. He only had the best intentions when he originally walked in the door. Now he could do nothing but stride over to her, lift by her arms to stand and soundly kiss her.
Struggling against him, Alania's fury rose out of her as the past days of loneliness surfaced. She had managed to keep a lid on her emotions all this time by rationalizing the situation, but here he was and it seemed all he wanted to do was bed her. Her anger at him was compounded as she realized that she wanted him as much as he wanted her.
Feeling her struggle and understanding the reasons behind it, Legolas slowed his pace a bit but still wrapped her in his arms and kissed her ardently. She gradually stopped fighting him and began to respond to his attentions in earnest.
The two became feverish with their longing. It seemed they would attempt to make up for all the lost time with their next minutes together. Hanging onto and grinding against each other, Legolas was quickly losing his control over his desire. He grabbed the hem of her shirt and practically ripped it off Alania's body, such was his unwillingness to have any distance between their bodies.
Moaning against his mouth, Alania's hands unconsciously roamed his body resting on the swell in his leggings. Rubbing his length, she undid the laces of the leggings enough to slide a hand into his pants to stroke him more intimately. He hissed and growled at the feel of her hand.
Running his hands along her body, he slipped a hand between her legs to find her moist and eager. Unable to contain himself, he hurriedly loosened the laces of his leggings enough to free his rigid member from its confines. He pulled Alania fully against him and reached behind her. Picking her up, she automatically wrapped her legs around his waist and allowed him to impale her.
The intensity of sensations coursing through them caused Legolas to sink to his knees. He lowered Alania as gently as possible to the floor without breaking their intimate connection, and then began to feverishly push into her, moaning her name over and over with every thrust. She met his every stroke, holding him against her and digging her nails into his back with the strength of their passion. They clung to each with an almost desperate need.
The force of Alania's climax took her by surprise as she arched against Legolas, crying his name. His body responded to hers, and he grabbed her hips holding her tightly against him burying himself in her depths as he came.
Slowly recovering, still sheathed inside her, Legolas wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her up into a sitting position on his lap. Holding her close, he gently kissed her neck and shoulder as he stroked her back. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and simply allowed himself to shut everything out except for the feel of her in his arms. There were so many things he wanted to say to her but couldn't find the words.
With her arms around his shoulders and her head buried against his neck, Alania slowly came down from the potency of their love making. As her body relaxed, she felt her mind relax as well and all the emotions she had tried to control earlier bubbled up to the surface. Before she knew it, silent tears rolled down her face. It was in that moment that she realized the strength of her feelings for the elf.
She felt Legolas tense up as he felt her tears against his neck. Pulling himself back to look at her face, she found she could not meet his eyes afraid that he would know her heart. He gently wiped the tears away with his thumbs and kissed her softly. With a quiet voice he said "I am more sorry for hurting you than you can know melamin."
He pulled himself away from her completely to remove his clothing and retrieve the package he had for her. She silently stood and picked up the dropped hair brush to finish what she was doing before his arrival. As she ran the brush through her now tangled hair, she tried to figure out what to say or do. There was so much needless distance between the two of them, but she didn't know how to bridge that gap without his help.
He came up behind her, his arms encircling around her neck with something dangling from his hands. As he fastened the necklace around her he heard he gasp. Holding it up, Alania saw it was an emerald carved into the shape of leaf. Around the leaf and securing it to the chain, it was gilded with what looked like white gold. The gilding was designed in such a manner as to look like the delicate veins of a leaf. Simply put, it was an exquisite work of art. It was certainly the most magnificent object she had ever seen, and fresh tears filled her eyes as she lost all capacity for speech.
Legolas smiled at her reaction, enormously glad he had spent the time to choose carefully for her. He lightly kissed her neck and took the brush out of her hands. He ran it through her hair and he found himself braiding her hair in a proper elvish style. "I have wanted to do this since the very first morning you and I watched the sunrise. I remember seeing you on your porch all tousled from bed, looking very adorable. I thought it strange at the time to have such an intense desire to run my hands through your hair and to see if you would allow me to braid it. I am touched you are indulging me" he said as he finished.
All Alania could think to say was a quiet thank you. She was overwhelmed with his tenderness and his gift. She knew that they needed to talk, but could not find a way to broach any topic. It was the same for Legolas. He took her hand and walked her to the bed. Together they climbed under the covers. As they spooned, Legolas said "We will talk in the morning little sprite. I promise."
Sleep came to neither of them for some time, but after a while Alania felt Legolas's body relax fully and believed him to be dozing. She knew she would never find rest that evening if she didn't free the thought prevalent in her mind, but afraid to say it to him just the same. So she had waited, and when she thought it safe she whispered as softly as she could manage "I love you Legolas". As soon as it was said, she felt such a relief at letting it out that she fell asleep with a smile on her face. She did not know that he had heard every word.
******
Ok, I know I said I wouldn't ask for a while, but seeing as how it seems no one reviews anything unless you ask for it… I'm asking. Now click that button and let me know you enjoy it when I allow my mind to wallow in the gutter. C'mon, you know you want to.