Disclaimer: Tolkien owns LOTR and all things Middle Earth, blah blah blah.
Chapter 38 - Back Home
It took Legolas every ounce of will power not to rush back through the portal to Alania when they arrived at Rivendell, but Roxy insisted that he wait until he was 'ready'. Roxy took a few days to give Legolas a few pointers and ideas on how to properly woo Alania this time around. Especially as so much time had passed. It was a wise decision as it gave him time to gather a few things he needed because he would not be returning to Middle Earth. When he finally stepped through the portal, it was with a glad and light heart.
He was amazed that he remembered the way to her home as though he had hiked it everyday for years. It was a beautiful day and the road was fairly empty. Several people stopped to offer him a ride, but he chose to walk it, absorbing the full impact in returning. It also gave him time to dwell on how best to greet Alania. As a variety of thoughts crossed his mind, he felt a wide and anxious smile creep over his face.
As he turned onto the last stretch of road to her home, he picked up his pace and practically ran to the house. When it finally came into view, he felt his heart beating hard in anticipation and he slowed to a walk to try and calm himself down.
He was surprised that Elladan had neither seen nor heard him approach, and when he knocked on the door he was profoundly disappointed that no one answered. Realizing that they were likely not home, he surveyed the house and land and noted all the changes that had occurred since he had last been there. There was a definite elven feel to the land now and it pleased Legolas immensely to know that Alania's time in Middle Earth had affected her enough to alter her living environment. Wondering if the changes were also inside, he rounded the house and noticed an open window. Debating with himself on the merits of trespassing, he decided to wait on the porch for them to return.
Taking a seat on the porch swing, Legolas pulled out the necklace he had taken back from her out of his pocket. It had never left his person; he had carried it with him everywhere he had gone. Though he hadn't understood why he was unable to part with it then, he now knew that there was always a part of him that refused to give her up and hoped that they would one day reunite.
He held it up and watched the sunlight play on it. The chain had been repaired in Rivendell and he wondered if she would even accept it again. His eager smile faltered a bit when his mind replayed how violently he had snatched it off her neck, and it occurred to him that he may have scarred her neck. Remorse coursed through him and he vowed to make it up to her.
Putting the necklace back in his pocket, he smiled again with all the thoughts of how he would make it up to her. All the time they were in Middle Earth he had been unable to properly court her and it was truly the one great regret he had of their time together.
Legolas sat and waited for hours, then an entire day for their return. Realizing that they were likely away for a few days, he took advantage of the open window when he got hungry enough. Climbing inside, he saw that the changes were also inside. It seemed that Elladan had taken upon himself to build furniture of his own design and the house was filled with it.
Legolas went from room to room, reacquainting himself with the lay of it. In every space he found memories of Alania and their time together. The home itself smelled of her, at once familiar and refreshing and enticing. His hands and fingers played over certain items, caressing them delicately as though they were her. When he came across a wall of photos, he felt frustration cross with his anticipation as he gazed at shots of her alone, smiling or posed or caught in a graceful dance move. Some photos were of her with friends, and Elladan was now included in these pictures. Legolas was surprised to see a photo of her and Elladan sparring in front of an audience. He knew from Roxy what the two of them were doing, but to see it captured in a photo brought it home for him that she was no longer dancing, and the thought saddened him a bit. Shaking off the melancholy, he continued through the first level of the house, stopping to eat in the kitchen.
He controlled his urge to rush up to her bedroom, and instead went downstairs to her studio. Turning the lights on, he was astonished to see it had been converted to a sparring room. Though the wall of mirrors was still there, the other walls now were covered with mounted with a variety of swords and knives. One of the shorter walls was covered with a variety of bows that looked to have been handmade by Elladan. Legolas approached this wall and examined each bow individually, pleased with the craftsmanship of them. Each one was intricately carved differently, and it was clear that Elladan had put an enormous amount of devotion into each bow.
Replacing the last of the bows, he noticed a mounted glass box towards the top of the wall. Looking into it, he was astonished to see one of his own arrows mounted on a bed of purple satin. Wondering how it was possible that one of his arrows would be here, Legolas realized they must have discovered it in the woods surrounding the house and it was one of the ones he had fired the night of the attack. He was overwhelmed with the thought that Alania would honor him in such a way. After staring at it for a bit, he made his was back up the stairs and headed for the second floor of the house.
Though he felt a bit like an intruder, he couldn't control his curiosity and looked into each bedroom, leaving Alania's for last. As he peered into the first bedroom, he couldn't suppress a sigh of relief to see that Elladan very definitely had a room of his own. Laughing at himself that he felt relief, he noted that it seemed Elladan had indeed kept himself extremely busy making things. The most impressive collection of Elladan's work was found in Alania's room.
Legolas almost gasped with the beauty of her room. Had he not known better, he would have sworn he had stepped back into Rivendell. Elladan had experimented with a variety of woods and merged the styles together seamlessly to create a magical atmosphere that suited Alania perfectly.
Though the room had been furnished by Elladan, the décor accents were all Alania. While the rest of the house was filled with her touch, it was also touched by Elladan and one could feel that there was more than one person who lived there. Here, in her bedroom, there was only Alania and Legolas felt as though he could breathe her in. Her scent lingered in the air and Legolas could imagine her spending time considering what and where each item would be placed. His fingers traced over every item on her bureau. He opened her perfume bottle and inhaled her fragrance. He lovingly touched the photos stuck to the sides of the mirror. Seeing a small jewelry box, he opened it to find only one item in it. It was the white queen that Aerdin had given her. Legolas smiled with the knowledge that Aerdin would have been pleased tremendously to know that his gift was cherished this way.
Legolas turned finally to her bed, a remarkable four poster carved piece which was fashioned to look like a mighty mallorn tree. At the head of the bed, Legolas was moved to see that another of his arrows was mounted there as well. His heart leapt to see her love for him was evident throughout her home, and he gave in to the urge to lay in her bed. This was the closest he had been to her in many months and he lay there a long while.
Later he got up to see if he could find out when they would return. Returning to the kitchen he located the calendar and saw that he had a few days before they came home. Legolas decided to take advantage of the time to plan for a fitting welcome home for them, Alania in particular.
Several days later, Alania and Elladan drove home from the airport. They were exhausted and excited from their trip. It was a combination of firsts for them both. It had been Elladan's first trip abroad on an airplane, and he had been like an excited child throughout the flights. Alania couldn't help but laugh along with him as he marveled on this manner of travel and commented of the passing scenery below.
They had wrapped up several weeks on their first film set, and they had also forged a variety of contacts for future film deals. Alania was thrilled with how things were working out for their business. They had discussed how they would expand to be able to keep certain high-profile private clients alongside their new branch of the business. It had been a tremendous learning experience for them both, and they had taken to it immediately with zeal. For Alania it was the perfect combination of what she used to do and what she was currently doing.
The entire drive home, they reminisced over the their time on set. Both teased each other over their mistakes and embarrassing moments, and Elladan enjoyed prodding her more for the endless flirtations she had received while training the actors. It might have been humorous for Elladan, but Alania had found them flattering and annoying at the same time. Elladan understood her feelings about it, which is why he enjoyed laughing at her about it. Alania couldn't help but laugh along with him, as his 'memories' of certain events became more and more exaggerated.
Turning into the driveway home, they both smiled to be home after so many weeks. Each was looking forward to doing nothing for a few days.
As they got closer to the house, Elladan's smile faded to be replaced with a tight frown of concern. He could hear music coming from the house long before Alania could. When they got to the house they saw dim lights lit throughout the house, and both glanced at each other thinking the same thought. It seemed they had in intruder.
They cautiously and quietly got out of the car, and reached for the blades they kept hidden but handy at all times. Neither spoke as they quickly scouted around the building. Returning to the front, they approached the front door, ready to pounce on anyone.
Elladan reached the door first, and paused there staring down at the doorknob. Alania waited patiently, wondering what he was listening to or seeing. It dimly occurred to Alania that whomever was in their home was listening to some great soft classic jazz. She would have smiled at their great choice of music if the situation wasn't so strange. Finally, unable to wait any longer, she lightly poked Elladan and gave him a questioning glance. Elladan merely pointed to the door knob. Alania frowned until she looked down and then gasped.
Dangling from the doorknob was the necklace Legolas had given her. Staring at it, Alania wondered if it was a mirage and finally reached for it. Wrapping her hand around the it, she pulled it off and opened her hand to look at in her palm. She was incredulous and dazed that it was still there in her hand. It was real and still the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.
The question of where it had come from only just barely flit through her mind as the answer hit her at the same time. She whispered "Legolas" and felt her heart leap into her throat and beat faster. Unable to grasp the reality of the situation, she took a halting step backwards and attempted to force the hope that was welling up inside her back down. She was still staring at the necklace when Elladan took it upon himself to go inside.
Elladan cautiously made his way in and headed towards the living room, the source of the music. Inside the room stood Legolas, looking almost nervous and Elladan almost laughed out loud to see the hesitant and expectant face of his fellow elf. He sheathed his weapon and grinned at Legolas.
"Well, it certainly took you long enough to show up.", said Elladan as he welcomed Legolas.
Legolas grinned back, relieved that Elladan hadn't attempted to slice him through for trespassing and said, "I am completely aware of that and I intend to atone for it most sincerely. I am fairly certain I heard two people scouting around the house and at the door."
"Yes you did. I think she is still on the porch in a bit of shock. You are taking us by surprise and I can safely say that she was definitely not expecting to ever see you again.", said Elladan and then more seriously, "With that said, I must tell you that she has hardened her heart quite a bit. It may take some time to get her to relax fully with you again."
"I understand, Elladan. I will give her all the time she needs as I am not going anywhere. But first, if I may kindly ask that you give us some space..."
Elladan laughed a bit and said "Of course. I will head into the city and stay with friends for a few days. Although I must admit, I would love to see how the next few minutes turn out."
Then Elladan turned and left. He stopped on the porch to see Alania was staring at the open door. He could tell she was steeling herself to go inside. He smiled and kissed her forehead saying "I will be in the city for a few days. If you need me, you know how to reach me."
Elladan's words had sunk in and Alania felt a kind of odd panic start to engulf her. She snapped out of her reverie in time to see the car pulling away, leaving her on the porch cursing at herself silently for not confirming her thoughts with Elladan before he left. Now she was alone, strangely terrified and thrilled of who was in the house waiting for her. She looked back at the necklace and took a deep breath to calm her shaking hands.
Alania wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry or both at the knowledge that Legolas had come. A million questions raced through her head, and she shook her head at herself when she realized that she would get no answers unless she actually went inside. She stood up straight, squared her shoulders and went inside.
*******
::Author emits hysterical evil laughter:: I was going to put the whole thing up, but I realized it was going to be crazy long. So you're just going to have to give me lots of reviews before the last section.
Chapter 38 - Back Home
It took Legolas every ounce of will power not to rush back through the portal to Alania when they arrived at Rivendell, but Roxy insisted that he wait until he was 'ready'. Roxy took a few days to give Legolas a few pointers and ideas on how to properly woo Alania this time around. Especially as so much time had passed. It was a wise decision as it gave him time to gather a few things he needed because he would not be returning to Middle Earth. When he finally stepped through the portal, it was with a glad and light heart.
He was amazed that he remembered the way to her home as though he had hiked it everyday for years. It was a beautiful day and the road was fairly empty. Several people stopped to offer him a ride, but he chose to walk it, absorbing the full impact in returning. It also gave him time to dwell on how best to greet Alania. As a variety of thoughts crossed his mind, he felt a wide and anxious smile creep over his face.
As he turned onto the last stretch of road to her home, he picked up his pace and practically ran to the house. When it finally came into view, he felt his heart beating hard in anticipation and he slowed to a walk to try and calm himself down.
He was surprised that Elladan had neither seen nor heard him approach, and when he knocked on the door he was profoundly disappointed that no one answered. Realizing that they were likely not home, he surveyed the house and land and noted all the changes that had occurred since he had last been there. There was a definite elven feel to the land now and it pleased Legolas immensely to know that Alania's time in Middle Earth had affected her enough to alter her living environment. Wondering if the changes were also inside, he rounded the house and noticed an open window. Debating with himself on the merits of trespassing, he decided to wait on the porch for them to return.
Taking a seat on the porch swing, Legolas pulled out the necklace he had taken back from her out of his pocket. It had never left his person; he had carried it with him everywhere he had gone. Though he hadn't understood why he was unable to part with it then, he now knew that there was always a part of him that refused to give her up and hoped that they would one day reunite.
He held it up and watched the sunlight play on it. The chain had been repaired in Rivendell and he wondered if she would even accept it again. His eager smile faltered a bit when his mind replayed how violently he had snatched it off her neck, and it occurred to him that he may have scarred her neck. Remorse coursed through him and he vowed to make it up to her.
Putting the necklace back in his pocket, he smiled again with all the thoughts of how he would make it up to her. All the time they were in Middle Earth he had been unable to properly court her and it was truly the one great regret he had of their time together.
Legolas sat and waited for hours, then an entire day for their return. Realizing that they were likely away for a few days, he took advantage of the open window when he got hungry enough. Climbing inside, he saw that the changes were also inside. It seemed that Elladan had taken upon himself to build furniture of his own design and the house was filled with it.
Legolas went from room to room, reacquainting himself with the lay of it. In every space he found memories of Alania and their time together. The home itself smelled of her, at once familiar and refreshing and enticing. His hands and fingers played over certain items, caressing them delicately as though they were her. When he came across a wall of photos, he felt frustration cross with his anticipation as he gazed at shots of her alone, smiling or posed or caught in a graceful dance move. Some photos were of her with friends, and Elladan was now included in these pictures. Legolas was surprised to see a photo of her and Elladan sparring in front of an audience. He knew from Roxy what the two of them were doing, but to see it captured in a photo brought it home for him that she was no longer dancing, and the thought saddened him a bit. Shaking off the melancholy, he continued through the first level of the house, stopping to eat in the kitchen.
He controlled his urge to rush up to her bedroom, and instead went downstairs to her studio. Turning the lights on, he was astonished to see it had been converted to a sparring room. Though the wall of mirrors was still there, the other walls now were covered with mounted with a variety of swords and knives. One of the shorter walls was covered with a variety of bows that looked to have been handmade by Elladan. Legolas approached this wall and examined each bow individually, pleased with the craftsmanship of them. Each one was intricately carved differently, and it was clear that Elladan had put an enormous amount of devotion into each bow.
Replacing the last of the bows, he noticed a mounted glass box towards the top of the wall. Looking into it, he was astonished to see one of his own arrows mounted on a bed of purple satin. Wondering how it was possible that one of his arrows would be here, Legolas realized they must have discovered it in the woods surrounding the house and it was one of the ones he had fired the night of the attack. He was overwhelmed with the thought that Alania would honor him in such a way. After staring at it for a bit, he made his was back up the stairs and headed for the second floor of the house.
Though he felt a bit like an intruder, he couldn't control his curiosity and looked into each bedroom, leaving Alania's for last. As he peered into the first bedroom, he couldn't suppress a sigh of relief to see that Elladan very definitely had a room of his own. Laughing at himself that he felt relief, he noted that it seemed Elladan had indeed kept himself extremely busy making things. The most impressive collection of Elladan's work was found in Alania's room.
Legolas almost gasped with the beauty of her room. Had he not known better, he would have sworn he had stepped back into Rivendell. Elladan had experimented with a variety of woods and merged the styles together seamlessly to create a magical atmosphere that suited Alania perfectly.
Though the room had been furnished by Elladan, the décor accents were all Alania. While the rest of the house was filled with her touch, it was also touched by Elladan and one could feel that there was more than one person who lived there. Here, in her bedroom, there was only Alania and Legolas felt as though he could breathe her in. Her scent lingered in the air and Legolas could imagine her spending time considering what and where each item would be placed. His fingers traced over every item on her bureau. He opened her perfume bottle and inhaled her fragrance. He lovingly touched the photos stuck to the sides of the mirror. Seeing a small jewelry box, he opened it to find only one item in it. It was the white queen that Aerdin had given her. Legolas smiled with the knowledge that Aerdin would have been pleased tremendously to know that his gift was cherished this way.
Legolas turned finally to her bed, a remarkable four poster carved piece which was fashioned to look like a mighty mallorn tree. At the head of the bed, Legolas was moved to see that another of his arrows was mounted there as well. His heart leapt to see her love for him was evident throughout her home, and he gave in to the urge to lay in her bed. This was the closest he had been to her in many months and he lay there a long while.
Later he got up to see if he could find out when they would return. Returning to the kitchen he located the calendar and saw that he had a few days before they came home. Legolas decided to take advantage of the time to plan for a fitting welcome home for them, Alania in particular.
Several days later, Alania and Elladan drove home from the airport. They were exhausted and excited from their trip. It was a combination of firsts for them both. It had been Elladan's first trip abroad on an airplane, and he had been like an excited child throughout the flights. Alania couldn't help but laugh along with him as he marveled on this manner of travel and commented of the passing scenery below.
They had wrapped up several weeks on their first film set, and they had also forged a variety of contacts for future film deals. Alania was thrilled with how things were working out for their business. They had discussed how they would expand to be able to keep certain high-profile private clients alongside their new branch of the business. It had been a tremendous learning experience for them both, and they had taken to it immediately with zeal. For Alania it was the perfect combination of what she used to do and what she was currently doing.
The entire drive home, they reminisced over the their time on set. Both teased each other over their mistakes and embarrassing moments, and Elladan enjoyed prodding her more for the endless flirtations she had received while training the actors. It might have been humorous for Elladan, but Alania had found them flattering and annoying at the same time. Elladan understood her feelings about it, which is why he enjoyed laughing at her about it. Alania couldn't help but laugh along with him, as his 'memories' of certain events became more and more exaggerated.
Turning into the driveway home, they both smiled to be home after so many weeks. Each was looking forward to doing nothing for a few days.
As they got closer to the house, Elladan's smile faded to be replaced with a tight frown of concern. He could hear music coming from the house long before Alania could. When they got to the house they saw dim lights lit throughout the house, and both glanced at each other thinking the same thought. It seemed they had in intruder.
They cautiously and quietly got out of the car, and reached for the blades they kept hidden but handy at all times. Neither spoke as they quickly scouted around the building. Returning to the front, they approached the front door, ready to pounce on anyone.
Elladan reached the door first, and paused there staring down at the doorknob. Alania waited patiently, wondering what he was listening to or seeing. It dimly occurred to Alania that whomever was in their home was listening to some great soft classic jazz. She would have smiled at their great choice of music if the situation wasn't so strange. Finally, unable to wait any longer, she lightly poked Elladan and gave him a questioning glance. Elladan merely pointed to the door knob. Alania frowned until she looked down and then gasped.
Dangling from the doorknob was the necklace Legolas had given her. Staring at it, Alania wondered if it was a mirage and finally reached for it. Wrapping her hand around the it, she pulled it off and opened her hand to look at in her palm. She was incredulous and dazed that it was still there in her hand. It was real and still the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.
The question of where it had come from only just barely flit through her mind as the answer hit her at the same time. She whispered "Legolas" and felt her heart leap into her throat and beat faster. Unable to grasp the reality of the situation, she took a halting step backwards and attempted to force the hope that was welling up inside her back down. She was still staring at the necklace when Elladan took it upon himself to go inside.
Elladan cautiously made his way in and headed towards the living room, the source of the music. Inside the room stood Legolas, looking almost nervous and Elladan almost laughed out loud to see the hesitant and expectant face of his fellow elf. He sheathed his weapon and grinned at Legolas.
"Well, it certainly took you long enough to show up.", said Elladan as he welcomed Legolas.
Legolas grinned back, relieved that Elladan hadn't attempted to slice him through for trespassing and said, "I am completely aware of that and I intend to atone for it most sincerely. I am fairly certain I heard two people scouting around the house and at the door."
"Yes you did. I think she is still on the porch in a bit of shock. You are taking us by surprise and I can safely say that she was definitely not expecting to ever see you again.", said Elladan and then more seriously, "With that said, I must tell you that she has hardened her heart quite a bit. It may take some time to get her to relax fully with you again."
"I understand, Elladan. I will give her all the time she needs as I am not going anywhere. But first, if I may kindly ask that you give us some space..."
Elladan laughed a bit and said "Of course. I will head into the city and stay with friends for a few days. Although I must admit, I would love to see how the next few minutes turn out."
Then Elladan turned and left. He stopped on the porch to see Alania was staring at the open door. He could tell she was steeling herself to go inside. He smiled and kissed her forehead saying "I will be in the city for a few days. If you need me, you know how to reach me."
Elladan's words had sunk in and Alania felt a kind of odd panic start to engulf her. She snapped out of her reverie in time to see the car pulling away, leaving her on the porch cursing at herself silently for not confirming her thoughts with Elladan before he left. Now she was alone, strangely terrified and thrilled of who was in the house waiting for her. She looked back at the necklace and took a deep breath to calm her shaking hands.
Alania wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry or both at the knowledge that Legolas had come. A million questions raced through her head, and she shook her head at herself when she realized that she would get no answers unless she actually went inside. She stood up straight, squared her shoulders and went inside.
*******
::Author emits hysterical evil laughter:: I was going to put the whole thing up, but I realized it was going to be crazy long. So you're just going to have to give me lots of reviews before the last section.