Disclaimer: Tolkien owns LOTR and all things Middle Earth, blah blah blah.
Chapter 34 - Return to Rivendell
At the close of the celebrations they announced their imminent departure and as their final day in Minas Tirith approached, Alania grew more restless and excited. Aerdin had known all along that she would leave, but his heart grew heavier with each passing day. Knowing that her friend was distraught, Alania purposefully spent her final days in his city at his side. Now the two sat playing their last few games of chess in a companionable silence.
Aerdin watched her more than his strategy and soon lost. Laughing at him, Alania suggested a rematch and teased "It would do your ego no good if I were to win every game I've played with you."
Aerdin laughed and said "You have not won every game Alania. Just most of them."
The next game was longer and though he spent more time focused on his moves, he was still distracted with thoughts of her leaving. He frowned at the knowledge that he would never see her or speak with her again. He would miss her terribly and for the first time felt intense jealousy at Legolas.
Alania made a move and looked up to see him frowning at her. "What is on your mind Aerdin?" she asked with concern.
He sighed and said "It is pure selfishness, Alania. I do not want you to go. My heart aches with the thought that I will never see you again. And I find that I have an incredible anger and dislike for Legolas at this moment, that he is so lucky to have found you first and that he will never be able to give you what I would, Alania. I would grow old with you, he can never do that."
Aerdin would have continued had Alania not stopped him. "Don't Aerdin. Stop right there. I know what you would say and do not be so foolish to say it out loud. And do not think that there is not some part of me that thinks and feels the same. But I love Legolas. You have known this all along. I love him, Aerdin. There is nothing that will ever change that."
"I am sorry if I upset you, Alania. That was never my intention. But you asked what I was thinking and I told you. I have never had to censor myself with you in the past, but I understand. I envy the elf and I pray that he will do right by you. Your happiness is important to me. If he makes you happy, I would never stand in the way of it."
"You have been a true friend, Aerdin. The very best. Know this, I will never forget you. There is a place in my heart that is saved for you and you alone. Not even Legolas can take that away from you. I will miss you more than you can imagine, but I am leaving in the morning. I have to go home. I don't belong here anymore."
Alania got up and gave Aerdin a small kiss on his forehead. As she rose up to walk out, he reached out and grabbed her wrist to stop her. Not looking up at her, he whispered fervently "I would have made you queen, Alania."
Alania looked down at him and knew now how deeply his feelings for her ran. She ran a hand through his hair and searched her heart for an answer before replying. When she answered, she answered truthfully and said with a heavy heart "I would have accepted, Aerdin."
His eyes closed hearing her words and he released her wrist. Still Alania stroked his hair and continued "Our paths were only meant to cross, not to merge. There is another out there for you, Aerdin. And she will make your heart soar even as she irks you. She is out there, and when you find her do not let her go." Alania left then to her rooms.
Legolas was writing in his journal when she entered; a massive leather volume gifted to him by Aerdin with the jest that he would never fill the pages no matter that he was immortal. The elf had taken to writing in those pages like a fish in water. It soothed him, much the way sailing had. Noting her pensive mood when she entered, he silently closed the book and waited for her to speak first.
She went to the window and stared out at the city for a time, knowing that Legolas watched her with concern. Turning back to him, she gave him a warm smile and slowly removed her clothing. Climbing into their bed, she beckoned him to join her and the two reaffirmed their love for each other long into the night.
The following morning their small band of travelers made final preparations for their trip back to Rivendell. In the courtyard before his keep, Aerdin came out before they left and slowly said goodbye to each in turn. He spoke to Elladan and Elrohir briefly, knowing they would visit again in their own good time. Gandalf and Georn also received short farewells. Approaching Roxy, he held out a wrapped parcel and said "Georn has informed me of his intentions. He will let you know when you may open that." Then he winked and bade her luck. He pulled Legolas aside and the two whispered quietly among themselves before returning to the group.
Finally reaching Alania, he took her hand and placed a small carved figurine in her hand and said "You were never a pawn in someone else's game, Alania. Always remember that." Looking at it, she saw it was the white queen of his favorite chess set. Tears filled her eyes and she whispered "Thank you" before turning away from him.
As she was about to mount her horse, Aerdin strode to her and, without thought of who watched, pulled her into his arms. This was the last time he would ever hold her and he needed to feel her just once more before they parted. Tears streamed down her face as Alania returned his embrace and turned her face up to meet his lips. The two kissed fiercely and passionately, knowing that this would be all they would ever share. Long minutes later they parted and neither spoke a word as Alania climbed into her saddle and the group rode out of the city.
Legolas's first instinct to their kiss was to murder the king, but he squashed the feeling and allowed them this one brief interlude. Aerdin had only half teased him when he threatened the elf's life if the king were discover Alania's unhappiness by his hand. Legolas knew as they spoke that Aerdin loved her and he knew that this was all they would have. Legolas understood that had he not been involved with Alania, she and Aerdin would have acted on their feelings long ago. Though he hated to watch Aerdin hold her, Legolas knew that Alania loved only him and would never betray him with another. Because he trusted her so, he allowed Alania and Aerdin this time, and even felt sympathy for the king. As they rode out of the city he said nothing to her about it, and was astonished that no one else did either.
Alania remained silent for the first few hours of their journey, unsure of how to approach Legolas after her behavior with Aerdin earlier. The rest of the group chattered away and joked among themselves. Only Legolas remained as silent as she and Alania knew she had to explain herself. Stealing glances his way for a time, she finally caught his eye and held his gaze.
He wanted to be angry with her. He wanted her to apologize profusely and swear her love to him at the top of her lungs so that all of Middle Earth would hear her. He wanted all these things, but somehow he couldn't keep the grin from his face as she held his stare. She grinned and blushed in response, and he drew near her mount and pulled her off the saddle and onto his own horse. Settling her in front of him, her bottom snug against him, he wrapped an arm around her waist and gently kissed the back of her neck.
Smiling with relief that he forgave her actions earlier, she intertwined her fingers with his and leaned against him. "You are not angry with me, my elf?" she was compelled to ask.
"No, little sprite. I am not angry at you. But I do not ever want you to mention it again, alright?" he replied with a smile.
She nodded and snuggled closer to him, happy that she was on her way home.
A few weeks later they arrived in Rivendell, where they were greeted warmly and more celebrations were had. Alania allowed herself to enjoy a few final weeks in the company of elves and in the beauty and grandeur that was Rivendell.
Her spirits were higher then than they had been since she and Roxy first arrived and Legolas was happy to see her this way. He knew they would leave for her world soon enough as Gandalf was interested in getting the manuscript copies from her. They hadn't discussed it, but Legolas was unsure if Alania knew he would be returning with her. The last time they spoke of this was when he asked her to visit his home and meet his father. She had adamantly refused and proclaimed that they would part ways. Unbeknownst to Alania, he and Roxy and Gandalf had spoken many times over the past weeks regarding a possible future for them. Though it looked as if there would be no solution, Gandalf would not let him lose heart and suggested one last trip to Alania's world. From all that he and Alania had spoken of regarding her home, Gandalf had a few theories which he wanted to test before speaking of them. All Legolas had to do now was convince Alania to not say goodbye just yet.
*****
Right then! Shorter chapter I know, but hey! I can't be expected to pump out the long ones all the time. I'm a human, not a machine! Anyhoo. reviews are always appreciated and frankly, demanded. So click the button and win a virtual cookie by leaving a review.
Chapter 34 - Return to Rivendell
At the close of the celebrations they announced their imminent departure and as their final day in Minas Tirith approached, Alania grew more restless and excited. Aerdin had known all along that she would leave, but his heart grew heavier with each passing day. Knowing that her friend was distraught, Alania purposefully spent her final days in his city at his side. Now the two sat playing their last few games of chess in a companionable silence.
Aerdin watched her more than his strategy and soon lost. Laughing at him, Alania suggested a rematch and teased "It would do your ego no good if I were to win every game I've played with you."
Aerdin laughed and said "You have not won every game Alania. Just most of them."
The next game was longer and though he spent more time focused on his moves, he was still distracted with thoughts of her leaving. He frowned at the knowledge that he would never see her or speak with her again. He would miss her terribly and for the first time felt intense jealousy at Legolas.
Alania made a move and looked up to see him frowning at her. "What is on your mind Aerdin?" she asked with concern.
He sighed and said "It is pure selfishness, Alania. I do not want you to go. My heart aches with the thought that I will never see you again. And I find that I have an incredible anger and dislike for Legolas at this moment, that he is so lucky to have found you first and that he will never be able to give you what I would, Alania. I would grow old with you, he can never do that."
Aerdin would have continued had Alania not stopped him. "Don't Aerdin. Stop right there. I know what you would say and do not be so foolish to say it out loud. And do not think that there is not some part of me that thinks and feels the same. But I love Legolas. You have known this all along. I love him, Aerdin. There is nothing that will ever change that."
"I am sorry if I upset you, Alania. That was never my intention. But you asked what I was thinking and I told you. I have never had to censor myself with you in the past, but I understand. I envy the elf and I pray that he will do right by you. Your happiness is important to me. If he makes you happy, I would never stand in the way of it."
"You have been a true friend, Aerdin. The very best. Know this, I will never forget you. There is a place in my heart that is saved for you and you alone. Not even Legolas can take that away from you. I will miss you more than you can imagine, but I am leaving in the morning. I have to go home. I don't belong here anymore."
Alania got up and gave Aerdin a small kiss on his forehead. As she rose up to walk out, he reached out and grabbed her wrist to stop her. Not looking up at her, he whispered fervently "I would have made you queen, Alania."
Alania looked down at him and knew now how deeply his feelings for her ran. She ran a hand through his hair and searched her heart for an answer before replying. When she answered, she answered truthfully and said with a heavy heart "I would have accepted, Aerdin."
His eyes closed hearing her words and he released her wrist. Still Alania stroked his hair and continued "Our paths were only meant to cross, not to merge. There is another out there for you, Aerdin. And she will make your heart soar even as she irks you. She is out there, and when you find her do not let her go." Alania left then to her rooms.
Legolas was writing in his journal when she entered; a massive leather volume gifted to him by Aerdin with the jest that he would never fill the pages no matter that he was immortal. The elf had taken to writing in those pages like a fish in water. It soothed him, much the way sailing had. Noting her pensive mood when she entered, he silently closed the book and waited for her to speak first.
She went to the window and stared out at the city for a time, knowing that Legolas watched her with concern. Turning back to him, she gave him a warm smile and slowly removed her clothing. Climbing into their bed, she beckoned him to join her and the two reaffirmed their love for each other long into the night.
The following morning their small band of travelers made final preparations for their trip back to Rivendell. In the courtyard before his keep, Aerdin came out before they left and slowly said goodbye to each in turn. He spoke to Elladan and Elrohir briefly, knowing they would visit again in their own good time. Gandalf and Georn also received short farewells. Approaching Roxy, he held out a wrapped parcel and said "Georn has informed me of his intentions. He will let you know when you may open that." Then he winked and bade her luck. He pulled Legolas aside and the two whispered quietly among themselves before returning to the group.
Finally reaching Alania, he took her hand and placed a small carved figurine in her hand and said "You were never a pawn in someone else's game, Alania. Always remember that." Looking at it, she saw it was the white queen of his favorite chess set. Tears filled her eyes and she whispered "Thank you" before turning away from him.
As she was about to mount her horse, Aerdin strode to her and, without thought of who watched, pulled her into his arms. This was the last time he would ever hold her and he needed to feel her just once more before they parted. Tears streamed down her face as Alania returned his embrace and turned her face up to meet his lips. The two kissed fiercely and passionately, knowing that this would be all they would ever share. Long minutes later they parted and neither spoke a word as Alania climbed into her saddle and the group rode out of the city.
Legolas's first instinct to their kiss was to murder the king, but he squashed the feeling and allowed them this one brief interlude. Aerdin had only half teased him when he threatened the elf's life if the king were discover Alania's unhappiness by his hand. Legolas knew as they spoke that Aerdin loved her and he knew that this was all they would have. Legolas understood that had he not been involved with Alania, she and Aerdin would have acted on their feelings long ago. Though he hated to watch Aerdin hold her, Legolas knew that Alania loved only him and would never betray him with another. Because he trusted her so, he allowed Alania and Aerdin this time, and even felt sympathy for the king. As they rode out of the city he said nothing to her about it, and was astonished that no one else did either.
Alania remained silent for the first few hours of their journey, unsure of how to approach Legolas after her behavior with Aerdin earlier. The rest of the group chattered away and joked among themselves. Only Legolas remained as silent as she and Alania knew she had to explain herself. Stealing glances his way for a time, she finally caught his eye and held his gaze.
He wanted to be angry with her. He wanted her to apologize profusely and swear her love to him at the top of her lungs so that all of Middle Earth would hear her. He wanted all these things, but somehow he couldn't keep the grin from his face as she held his stare. She grinned and blushed in response, and he drew near her mount and pulled her off the saddle and onto his own horse. Settling her in front of him, her bottom snug against him, he wrapped an arm around her waist and gently kissed the back of her neck.
Smiling with relief that he forgave her actions earlier, she intertwined her fingers with his and leaned against him. "You are not angry with me, my elf?" she was compelled to ask.
"No, little sprite. I am not angry at you. But I do not ever want you to mention it again, alright?" he replied with a smile.
She nodded and snuggled closer to him, happy that she was on her way home.
A few weeks later they arrived in Rivendell, where they were greeted warmly and more celebrations were had. Alania allowed herself to enjoy a few final weeks in the company of elves and in the beauty and grandeur that was Rivendell.
Her spirits were higher then than they had been since she and Roxy first arrived and Legolas was happy to see her this way. He knew they would leave for her world soon enough as Gandalf was interested in getting the manuscript copies from her. They hadn't discussed it, but Legolas was unsure if Alania knew he would be returning with her. The last time they spoke of this was when he asked her to visit his home and meet his father. She had adamantly refused and proclaimed that they would part ways. Unbeknownst to Alania, he and Roxy and Gandalf had spoken many times over the past weeks regarding a possible future for them. Though it looked as if there would be no solution, Gandalf would not let him lose heart and suggested one last trip to Alania's world. From all that he and Alania had spoken of regarding her home, Gandalf had a few theories which he wanted to test before speaking of them. All Legolas had to do now was convince Alania to not say goodbye just yet.
*****
Right then! Shorter chapter I know, but hey! I can't be expected to pump out the long ones all the time. I'm a human, not a machine! Anyhoo. reviews are always appreciated and frankly, demanded. So click the button and win a virtual cookie by leaving a review.