Disclaimer: Tolkien owns LOTR and all things Middle Earth, blah blah blah…
Chapter 25 – Catching Up
The Prince of Mirkwood? Had she heard right? Unsure of whether or not she wanted to see if it was true, she hesitated to remove her blindfold. What if she had heard wrong? What if Legolas was not there? And what if he was? What would she do then? Alania's heart hammered in her chest as these thoughts ran through her mind. She hadn't seen him in so long that she was terrified of the next few moments. Curiosity got the better of her and with shaky hands she slowly stood and removed her blindfold.
Squinting from the midday sun, Alania raised her eyes to the elf standing a few feet away. Her heart skipped a beat and she felt her jaw drop a bit and her eyes widen. How magnificent he looked. She hadn't remembered him being so beautiful, had she? He was here and alive and not even a scratch on him from his travels. So relieved to see him safe, Alania released a breath she hadn't even realized she'd been holding. It felt as though her mind was numb and racked with thought at the same time. Shock, joy, astonishment, doubt, incredulity flit in her mind from one to another as she desperately tried to assimilate the fact that he had just sparred with her as though they hadn't been separated for months. She had no idea what to do with herself. Torn between wanting to run to him and wrap her arms around him, and turning to run the other way for fear that he was not as moved as she to see him, Alania was frozen to one spot.
Legolas saw her every thought cross her face and he was thrilled that he could still read her that way. He had unknowingly been terrified that his ability to know her mind by watching her face was to have been completely subverted by Gandalf's teachings and that it would keep them apart. Relief flooded through him as he realized she was just as affected as he had been upon first seeing her. Noting her confusion, he took matters into his own hands and walked to stand in front of her. Giving her a small smile, he cupped and stroked her cheek, then traced her lower lip with his thumb. His heart jumped as he watched her close her eyes and lean into his hand. Mirroring their last afternoon in Rivendell before he rode off, she took his hand and kissed his palm as he had hers that day.
For Alania the whole world stopped moving. All she knew or saw or heard was the elf standing before her. The feel of his hand on her face and the warm soft smile he gave her. If time had stopped at that very moment, it would have been perfection for her. But time has a funny way about it.
It took every fiber of his being not to lean forward and kiss her, but there were far too many people around. It would be unseemly for such a display of affection in front of this many total strangers. Instead, Legolas quietly said to her "It seems you have very busy. I am quite astonished and very proud of you. I would hear more of your days later. In private though, melamin. How I missed you."
Alania looked up into his eyes as he spoke and felt the emptiness that had been growing inside her fade away. Giving him a smile in return, she found she still had no capacity for words. Chuckling, Legolas said "I see I must surprise you much more often if it renders you speechless, little sprite."
Clearing his throat, Teleris approached them. Legolas reached out and clasped the other elf on the shoulder. Giving Teleris a wide smile, Legolas said "Thank you Teleris. You have done a remarkable job. I should have seen her talent myself."
"You were a little, um, too close to the situation to assess it properly I think. Perhaps had it been another you would have seen the potential" replied Teleris. Looking at Alania he said "You were quite magnificent Alania. That move you pulled on Elladan was priceless. I wish you had seen the look on his face when he landed on his back. And to have defeated Legolas, well, that was extremely impressive. I have not seen that happen in almost 100 years."
Smiling back at Teleris, Alania finally found her tongue and thanked him. But even as she heard his words and replied, her win against Legolas stuck in her mind like a splinter. She knew with every fiber of her being that she should not have won and that her words to him at the end were true. He had held back with her. Had it been any other elf, she would not have thought twice about it, but with Legolas it was another matter. She was reminded of when she had returned the necklace to him, and as everyone greeted the new arrivals and headed back to the keep, the splinter in Alania's mind grew, especially with the murmurs of congratulations at a difficult win.
Upon entering the keep, Aerdin greeted Gandalf, Elrohir and Legolas warmly. A quick meal was prepared for all and it did not go unnoticed by Aerdin that Legolas held Alania's gaze. He had known all along that Alania's heart lay outside Gondor, but he had not expected it to rest with an elf. He knew full well the difficulties and the joys of such a union because of his grandparents. Aerdin and Alania had grown close while she was here, and Aerdin had hoped that perhaps with enough time he would have had a chance at winning her. Now that he knew the object of her affections, he would respect the situation and remain a close friend to her. Offering Alania his arm to escort her to supper as he had done every night for the last few weeks, it did not occur to him how it would seem to all now that Legolas was back.
Alania thought nothing of it either. Aerdin was a close friend and confidant, and though she hadn't outright discussed Legolas with him, she had made it known early on that she loved another. Aerdin respected her thoughts and wishes, and the two were almost always seen in the other's company when not attending to their priorities. Even Roxy was a little envious of the time Alania and Aerdin spent together laughing or talking or playing chess. So when Aerdin offered his arm, Alania took it. Seeing Aerdin's questioning look, Alania whispered to him "I am sorry I had not told you who it was my heart belonged to. I never imagined he would come here."
"Alania, how could he not have come? I would have crossed Mordor alone if I knew you were on the other side" he replied teasingly and received a smile in return.
Legolas watched with some irritation at how quickly Alania left his side for the king's arm. Then to see the two exchange whispers angered him. A flash of jealousy shot through him. It was something he hadn't felt before and he didn't enjoy it. All manner of sordid thoughts crossed his mind about what the two had been doing in his absence. A scowl broke onto his face, which disappeared as quickly as it came when Alania turned her head to him and gave him a wide, shy smile. He pushed the feelings of jealousy out of his mind and followed them to supper, making sure to take the seat on Alania's other side.
Through supper Alania remained mostly silent, as was typical of her when new arrivals came to exchange news. Aerdin always questioned her later on over chess what she thought of the news. In many ways Alania had become Aerdin's most trusted advisor and he had gone so far as to offer her the title. This evening though she had a difficult time focusing on the conversation around her with Legolas sitting to her left. Their hands brushed often and Legolas would find any number of ways to quietly flirt with her throughout the meal. Currently his hand was tracing small circles on her knee under the tablecloth, so when Gandalf asked her a question she felt a nudge from Aerdin when she didn't reply.
"What? Oh, I'm sorry Gandalf. I didn't hear you" she remarked with a flush and shake of her head. Legolas was distracting her to no end, and she felt as though she were in high school again. She heard Legolas's quiet giggle at her fluster.
"I was wondering when you and I would be able to find time for a nice quiet game of chess, but I see that you might be occupied elsewhere for a little while" Gandalf replied with a knowing smile.
"Yes, she will" said Legolas with a naughty grin. Getting up from the table, he took Alania's hand and pulled her up as well saying "I have not seen this one in a very long time, and though I know you will think us rude, please excuse us for we have much to catch up on."
Protesting, Alania felt her entire body turn red with embarrassment. Everyone in the room laughed, including Aerdin who said "Think nothing of it. Just make sure that I can have my advisor's ear in the morning."
As they left the room, Legolas asked "Advisor? That is quite a feat Alania. What else have you been doing while I was away?"
"The same as I had been doing back in Rivendell, Legolas. I continue to train with Georn. Elladan and Teleris took it upon themselves to help Roxy and myself a few days after we arrived. I've always been fond of chess, so finding people to play here was a nice surprise. My days have been busy, but I imagine not nearly as interesting as yours" she replied cautiously. Strangely Alania felt a touch awkward with Legolas. All at once it felt as though she was just meeting him for the first time and also that they had never been apart. Still most prevalent in her mind was their last morning together. She worried that Legolas hadn't understood her and that he was expecting her to be the same as before he had left. Those thoughts were quickly followed by her doubts at their future together.
Seeing her pained and worried expression, Legolas brought her hand up to his lips and gently kissed it. He wanted to reassure her and soothe her worries away. "Will you walk with me, melamin?" he asked.
Seeing her nod, he walked her up to a turret balcony. It was tall and quiet out on the landing, and the sun was taking it's final bow for the day streaking the sky with brilliant purples and blues. Legolas leaned against the railing and pulled Alania to him. With her back against him, he wrapped his arms around her and rested his chin on her head. He could feel her body's tension, so he stood with her that way, in silence, until he felt her start to relax.
"You are an eye opener, Alania. You are far stronger than I ever imagined. I thought I trusted you when I gave you the manuscripts in your world, but when we returned here I did not realize that my trust did not extend to Middle Earth. This was a new world to you and filled with things you had no knowledge of. I was afraid for you and it made me foolish and thoughtless. I thought I could protect you by keeping you blind and I was wrong. It will not happen again. I swear it. I know it will take you some time to believe me, so if you would bear with me for a short time, I would know your thoughts of all that has taken place these last few months" said Legolas.
"I believe you mean what you say, Legolas. But there is something that has been nagging at me since our duel. You would know my thoughts truly?" asked Alania rhetorically. "What I hear and see are two different things. It is clear you have done much thinking while we were apart. But this afternoon you toyed with me. I never should have defeated you. While we fought I knew this in my bones. Why didn't you defeat me?"
"I wanted to test your abilities. Yours and Teleris's. I was looking for your weaknesses, for flaws in your training."
"Alright, but what about five minutes after you figured all that out? You trained me for weeks at home Legolas. You should know that I am aware of how long it takes you to assess someone's performance. You held back far took long. You gave me a cheap win Legolas. It may have looked good to everyone else, but you and I know better. What I said to you is true. I would rather lose in a good fight than win because my opponent didn't give it everything he had. My win against Elladan today was cheapened as well because of it. Your actions in our duel mirror the problems we had in Rivendell. And now you come with pretty words and an apology expecting that it will change everything. I want to be with you, but not if you withhold yourself from me. That was what I was talking about when I returned the necklace."
Alania turned in his arms to face him. She saw the sincerity and care for her in his eyes. About to say something else, he placed a finger on her lips to silence her. "I was not toying with you today. I did hold back, that is true. But it was that I did not want to defeat you on my first day seeing you again. I was hoping you would call it a draw. You amazed me with your attack. It was brilliant and that cannot be taken away from you. I know that you think I do not fully understand you, but I do. And I will take as long as needed to prove it to you. But for now I would beg your indulgence for a few moments while I do something I have been longing to do since I left Rivendell."
Leaning down, Legolas softly pressed his lips against hers before she could protest. Hearing her soft gasp, he deepened the next kiss. Her arms wove around his neck with no conscious thought from her, and she pulled him closer and opened her mouth inviting his tongue. Together they pressed against each other for many minutes savoring the feel of the other finally back in their embrace.
Regretfully, Legolas pulled away from her and whispered "I have promised Aerdin that you would be available for him in the morning. Let me walk you to your room."
At Alania's door, Legolas softly kissed her on the forehead and said with a smile "I understand I am somewhat unwelcome in your bed right now. Though this displeases me to no end, you will find the elves are extremely patient and determined when they want something." Pausing to gauge her reaction, which was a combination of confusion and mirth, he gave her a teasing wink and continued "I feel fairly confident we will not be apart for too much longer. I can be very persuasive, as you know. But for now I will bid you pleasant dreams, little sprite."
*****
A/N: I hope that wasn't too anti-climatic. I know some of you wanted them to get all hot and heavy, and I admit it did cross my mind as well. But it just didn't feel true to Alania's and Legolas's personalities when I wrote it. And so you have this chapter, which feels 'right' to me. For those who still want them to get all hot and bothered – I promise there's more of that naughtiness to come later on.
Chapter 25 – Catching Up
The Prince of Mirkwood? Had she heard right? Unsure of whether or not she wanted to see if it was true, she hesitated to remove her blindfold. What if she had heard wrong? What if Legolas was not there? And what if he was? What would she do then? Alania's heart hammered in her chest as these thoughts ran through her mind. She hadn't seen him in so long that she was terrified of the next few moments. Curiosity got the better of her and with shaky hands she slowly stood and removed her blindfold.
Squinting from the midday sun, Alania raised her eyes to the elf standing a few feet away. Her heart skipped a beat and she felt her jaw drop a bit and her eyes widen. How magnificent he looked. She hadn't remembered him being so beautiful, had she? He was here and alive and not even a scratch on him from his travels. So relieved to see him safe, Alania released a breath she hadn't even realized she'd been holding. It felt as though her mind was numb and racked with thought at the same time. Shock, joy, astonishment, doubt, incredulity flit in her mind from one to another as she desperately tried to assimilate the fact that he had just sparred with her as though they hadn't been separated for months. She had no idea what to do with herself. Torn between wanting to run to him and wrap her arms around him, and turning to run the other way for fear that he was not as moved as she to see him, Alania was frozen to one spot.
Legolas saw her every thought cross her face and he was thrilled that he could still read her that way. He had unknowingly been terrified that his ability to know her mind by watching her face was to have been completely subverted by Gandalf's teachings and that it would keep them apart. Relief flooded through him as he realized she was just as affected as he had been upon first seeing her. Noting her confusion, he took matters into his own hands and walked to stand in front of her. Giving her a small smile, he cupped and stroked her cheek, then traced her lower lip with his thumb. His heart jumped as he watched her close her eyes and lean into his hand. Mirroring their last afternoon in Rivendell before he rode off, she took his hand and kissed his palm as he had hers that day.
For Alania the whole world stopped moving. All she knew or saw or heard was the elf standing before her. The feel of his hand on her face and the warm soft smile he gave her. If time had stopped at that very moment, it would have been perfection for her. But time has a funny way about it.
It took every fiber of his being not to lean forward and kiss her, but there were far too many people around. It would be unseemly for such a display of affection in front of this many total strangers. Instead, Legolas quietly said to her "It seems you have very busy. I am quite astonished and very proud of you. I would hear more of your days later. In private though, melamin. How I missed you."
Alania looked up into his eyes as he spoke and felt the emptiness that had been growing inside her fade away. Giving him a smile in return, she found she still had no capacity for words. Chuckling, Legolas said "I see I must surprise you much more often if it renders you speechless, little sprite."
Clearing his throat, Teleris approached them. Legolas reached out and clasped the other elf on the shoulder. Giving Teleris a wide smile, Legolas said "Thank you Teleris. You have done a remarkable job. I should have seen her talent myself."
"You were a little, um, too close to the situation to assess it properly I think. Perhaps had it been another you would have seen the potential" replied Teleris. Looking at Alania he said "You were quite magnificent Alania. That move you pulled on Elladan was priceless. I wish you had seen the look on his face when he landed on his back. And to have defeated Legolas, well, that was extremely impressive. I have not seen that happen in almost 100 years."
Smiling back at Teleris, Alania finally found her tongue and thanked him. But even as she heard his words and replied, her win against Legolas stuck in her mind like a splinter. She knew with every fiber of her being that she should not have won and that her words to him at the end were true. He had held back with her. Had it been any other elf, she would not have thought twice about it, but with Legolas it was another matter. She was reminded of when she had returned the necklace to him, and as everyone greeted the new arrivals and headed back to the keep, the splinter in Alania's mind grew, especially with the murmurs of congratulations at a difficult win.
Upon entering the keep, Aerdin greeted Gandalf, Elrohir and Legolas warmly. A quick meal was prepared for all and it did not go unnoticed by Aerdin that Legolas held Alania's gaze. He had known all along that Alania's heart lay outside Gondor, but he had not expected it to rest with an elf. He knew full well the difficulties and the joys of such a union because of his grandparents. Aerdin and Alania had grown close while she was here, and Aerdin had hoped that perhaps with enough time he would have had a chance at winning her. Now that he knew the object of her affections, he would respect the situation and remain a close friend to her. Offering Alania his arm to escort her to supper as he had done every night for the last few weeks, it did not occur to him how it would seem to all now that Legolas was back.
Alania thought nothing of it either. Aerdin was a close friend and confidant, and though she hadn't outright discussed Legolas with him, she had made it known early on that she loved another. Aerdin respected her thoughts and wishes, and the two were almost always seen in the other's company when not attending to their priorities. Even Roxy was a little envious of the time Alania and Aerdin spent together laughing or talking or playing chess. So when Aerdin offered his arm, Alania took it. Seeing Aerdin's questioning look, Alania whispered to him "I am sorry I had not told you who it was my heart belonged to. I never imagined he would come here."
"Alania, how could he not have come? I would have crossed Mordor alone if I knew you were on the other side" he replied teasingly and received a smile in return.
Legolas watched with some irritation at how quickly Alania left his side for the king's arm. Then to see the two exchange whispers angered him. A flash of jealousy shot through him. It was something he hadn't felt before and he didn't enjoy it. All manner of sordid thoughts crossed his mind about what the two had been doing in his absence. A scowl broke onto his face, which disappeared as quickly as it came when Alania turned her head to him and gave him a wide, shy smile. He pushed the feelings of jealousy out of his mind and followed them to supper, making sure to take the seat on Alania's other side.
Through supper Alania remained mostly silent, as was typical of her when new arrivals came to exchange news. Aerdin always questioned her later on over chess what she thought of the news. In many ways Alania had become Aerdin's most trusted advisor and he had gone so far as to offer her the title. This evening though she had a difficult time focusing on the conversation around her with Legolas sitting to her left. Their hands brushed often and Legolas would find any number of ways to quietly flirt with her throughout the meal. Currently his hand was tracing small circles on her knee under the tablecloth, so when Gandalf asked her a question she felt a nudge from Aerdin when she didn't reply.
"What? Oh, I'm sorry Gandalf. I didn't hear you" she remarked with a flush and shake of her head. Legolas was distracting her to no end, and she felt as though she were in high school again. She heard Legolas's quiet giggle at her fluster.
"I was wondering when you and I would be able to find time for a nice quiet game of chess, but I see that you might be occupied elsewhere for a little while" Gandalf replied with a knowing smile.
"Yes, she will" said Legolas with a naughty grin. Getting up from the table, he took Alania's hand and pulled her up as well saying "I have not seen this one in a very long time, and though I know you will think us rude, please excuse us for we have much to catch up on."
Protesting, Alania felt her entire body turn red with embarrassment. Everyone in the room laughed, including Aerdin who said "Think nothing of it. Just make sure that I can have my advisor's ear in the morning."
As they left the room, Legolas asked "Advisor? That is quite a feat Alania. What else have you been doing while I was away?"
"The same as I had been doing back in Rivendell, Legolas. I continue to train with Georn. Elladan and Teleris took it upon themselves to help Roxy and myself a few days after we arrived. I've always been fond of chess, so finding people to play here was a nice surprise. My days have been busy, but I imagine not nearly as interesting as yours" she replied cautiously. Strangely Alania felt a touch awkward with Legolas. All at once it felt as though she was just meeting him for the first time and also that they had never been apart. Still most prevalent in her mind was their last morning together. She worried that Legolas hadn't understood her and that he was expecting her to be the same as before he had left. Those thoughts were quickly followed by her doubts at their future together.
Seeing her pained and worried expression, Legolas brought her hand up to his lips and gently kissed it. He wanted to reassure her and soothe her worries away. "Will you walk with me, melamin?" he asked.
Seeing her nod, he walked her up to a turret balcony. It was tall and quiet out on the landing, and the sun was taking it's final bow for the day streaking the sky with brilliant purples and blues. Legolas leaned against the railing and pulled Alania to him. With her back against him, he wrapped his arms around her and rested his chin on her head. He could feel her body's tension, so he stood with her that way, in silence, until he felt her start to relax.
"You are an eye opener, Alania. You are far stronger than I ever imagined. I thought I trusted you when I gave you the manuscripts in your world, but when we returned here I did not realize that my trust did not extend to Middle Earth. This was a new world to you and filled with things you had no knowledge of. I was afraid for you and it made me foolish and thoughtless. I thought I could protect you by keeping you blind and I was wrong. It will not happen again. I swear it. I know it will take you some time to believe me, so if you would bear with me for a short time, I would know your thoughts of all that has taken place these last few months" said Legolas.
"I believe you mean what you say, Legolas. But there is something that has been nagging at me since our duel. You would know my thoughts truly?" asked Alania rhetorically. "What I hear and see are two different things. It is clear you have done much thinking while we were apart. But this afternoon you toyed with me. I never should have defeated you. While we fought I knew this in my bones. Why didn't you defeat me?"
"I wanted to test your abilities. Yours and Teleris's. I was looking for your weaknesses, for flaws in your training."
"Alright, but what about five minutes after you figured all that out? You trained me for weeks at home Legolas. You should know that I am aware of how long it takes you to assess someone's performance. You held back far took long. You gave me a cheap win Legolas. It may have looked good to everyone else, but you and I know better. What I said to you is true. I would rather lose in a good fight than win because my opponent didn't give it everything he had. My win against Elladan today was cheapened as well because of it. Your actions in our duel mirror the problems we had in Rivendell. And now you come with pretty words and an apology expecting that it will change everything. I want to be with you, but not if you withhold yourself from me. That was what I was talking about when I returned the necklace."
Alania turned in his arms to face him. She saw the sincerity and care for her in his eyes. About to say something else, he placed a finger on her lips to silence her. "I was not toying with you today. I did hold back, that is true. But it was that I did not want to defeat you on my first day seeing you again. I was hoping you would call it a draw. You amazed me with your attack. It was brilliant and that cannot be taken away from you. I know that you think I do not fully understand you, but I do. And I will take as long as needed to prove it to you. But for now I would beg your indulgence for a few moments while I do something I have been longing to do since I left Rivendell."
Leaning down, Legolas softly pressed his lips against hers before she could protest. Hearing her soft gasp, he deepened the next kiss. Her arms wove around his neck with no conscious thought from her, and she pulled him closer and opened her mouth inviting his tongue. Together they pressed against each other for many minutes savoring the feel of the other finally back in their embrace.
Regretfully, Legolas pulled away from her and whispered "I have promised Aerdin that you would be available for him in the morning. Let me walk you to your room."
At Alania's door, Legolas softly kissed her on the forehead and said with a smile "I understand I am somewhat unwelcome in your bed right now. Though this displeases me to no end, you will find the elves are extremely patient and determined when they want something." Pausing to gauge her reaction, which was a combination of confusion and mirth, he gave her a teasing wink and continued "I feel fairly confident we will not be apart for too much longer. I can be very persuasive, as you know. But for now I will bid you pleasant dreams, little sprite."
*****
A/N: I hope that wasn't too anti-climatic. I know some of you wanted them to get all hot and heavy, and I admit it did cross my mind as well. But it just didn't feel true to Alania's and Legolas's personalities when I wrote it. And so you have this chapter, which feels 'right' to me. For those who still want them to get all hot and bothered – I promise there's more of that naughtiness to come later on.