Title: First Sight
Chapter: 6: Light a Candle
Author: Alkalphiel and The Scribe
Summary: In the long dark night of the soul, it only takes a small light to cast a glow.
Feedback: Yes, please! Post reviews or email alkalphiel@yahoo.com
A/N: The Scribe: Usual disclaimers apply. Side note to LadyTremere: Thanks much for the review. Yes, the names are rather long and cumbersome, but I'm afraid it's too late to change them now. Unless I'm working with poor, Multiple-Personality-Disorder Elves. Also, I freely acknowledge that my Elves, Alkalphiel especially, are much more human than Elvish. I actually discussed this recently with a friend. However, perfection is often boring so Alkalphiel is doomed to an immortal life of vague humanity. :) Perhaps there's some human blood, way back in her family tree? Perhaps I shall explore this.
Alkalphiel: Well, as a matter of fact my grandmother was half-Elven, half- human. And as my mother told me so often, even a gloriously beautiful race must have its share of plain members. And no, that sage comment didn't make me feel any better when I realized that my sisters were just as lovely as my parents. But what can you do?
~*~
"My lord, I'm sure that you wish to speak to me about the life bond that you believe we share. I must assure you, it is still just as false as it was when this ordeal began. Now please, with your leave I will be on my way . . ." I was doing my best to make a graceful exit, but Prince Legolas would have none of it.
"No, you do not have my leave and you will not be on your way. Lady Alkalphiel, we do not know where Quellepaural is and for that simple reason alone - your protection - I must insist that you remain here. However, you must also stay here to give testimony as our investigation requires it."
I dared to hope that he would end there, without mentioning the life bond.
I hoped unsuccessfully.
"And there is the matter of the bond between us. Lady Alkalphiel, I do not know much about you. We have exchanged our names and the names of our fathers, and little else. Never the less, I trust what my heart tells me. Now I will tell you what it sings, and if you can still turn and walk away forever when I have finished, then so be it. I hope with all my being that you choose to remain, to learn me as I learn you, and eventually to stand by my side.
"What I do know of you: you possess a strong inclination toward the protection and aid of others. I do not think I am mistaken when I surmise that you never thought to blame Quellepaural for the false life bond. You also do not hold yourself in high regard, probably because you are not as fair as many of our race. There is also something about you - a feeling of restraint, perhaps. I did notice that you were not eager to meet me, and you may indeed have been the only elf in the room not to approach me. Many are eager that I should be their match and would hurry this along by chasing me down if necessary. I, on the other hand, have always felt that my soul mate would be one I found, one I had to pursue and court. You see I am well prepared for you, Lady Alkalphiel. As long as you doubt, I shall continue to believe.
"I know what it is to be hounded. Rest assured that I shall not actually pursue you. Whatever your decision, I will respect and honor it. If your heart of hearts cannot rest easy and persuades you that we are not soul mates, I will accept this. Do you wish to hear what my heart of hearts tells me?"
Eyes wide, I nodded. Prince Legolas seemed to have placed me under a spell, the flow of sweet words issuing from him washing over me and leaving me in a daze.
"I look at you and know without any sure reason that you will stand by my side to the ends of time and beyond. I see our children and the future of Mirkwood in your eyes. I close my eyes and hear your heartbeat, soft and slow while you sleep or racing powerfully as you sprint with me down the forest trails of our realm. I feel the songs you have yet to sing, songs you have yet to know, but I know them and I feel your soul as well. I know your empathy and eagerness to aid others. And your fierce independence - Mellaithwen informs me that you live alone and seldom meet others or venture out, not because you dislike other elves but rather because you are sufficient for yourself.
"I know the ugly parts of you, too. The way you look down tells me that you lack self-confidence, and as I said before I would attribute this to your appearance. I suspect that you are a bit too accommodating as a result, allowing yourself to be intimidated. And from the independence - the determined cast to your mouth as you withheld that Quellepaural had sought you out and threatened you - I can see that you are the kind to refuse to lean on another. Too proud? That I do not know, for as I have said before I do not yet know you, Lady Alkalphiel."
I was still stumbling over the revelation that he knew Quellepaural had threatened me. "How did you know about Quellepaural?"
"This is my father's palace. Little takes place here that is not noted by someone, often a servant. Fortunately for you, many of my oldest friends work here. You are a pragmatic lady. Almost hopelessly so. Faced with a declaration of love, you fix on an irrelevant detail." Prince Legolas sighed in what I hoped was mock exasperation and looked away from me, gazing out the window.
"Is that what this is? A declaration of love?" My audacity shocked me, but I was comforted by the likelihood that Prince Legolas would share in the shock, thus granting us something genuine in common.
The prince turned back to me. "It is. I have told you what I have seen, and what I know without seeing or hearing. I now await your response." His gaze rested steadily on me, and although this should have been intimidating it was instead comforting to feel his eyes on me.
I stopped that dangerous thought in its tracks. "Your Highness, I cannot do this. Not yet, perhaps not ever. My heart speaks to me, I am certain, but I will not hear it. My faith in the age-old soul bond of our kind has been deeply shaken. Your words have moved me, do not doubt that, but I am not sure that it is enough. Possibly, with time . . . I don't know."
Now I found compassion in those blue eyes, although I was not convinced that the prince wished it there. He spoke, ending my doubts about his character once and for all.
"Lady Alkalphiel, here is what I would say to you: When one wanders through the darkness, be it the depths of a cave or the plains on a moonless night, it is easy to believe the black to be endless. Do not doubt that I know this. However, more often than not it is the darkness that allows even the tiniest light to shine forth all the more brightly. My wish for you is that you allow someone, that you allow me, to light a candle.
"I will depart now and allow you to retire. You shall remain a guest here until we are certain of your safety, and thereafter for as long as you desire. I urge you to think upon my words. Whatever your choice, I will stand by it and defend it to any who would question."
"Why, my lord? You would defend my decision to have nothing further to do with you, if I so chose?"
"I would defend that right against all comers, my lady. I have absolute faith that whatever you choose will be the right decision. Please know that whether or not I have a place in your life, I will always respect you. And love you."
Prince Legolas turned away from me and strode without hesitation to the door. I looked away, out the window to the stars he had examined earlier. His footsteps paused in the doorway, and a small part of me fancied that he turned to see me one last time. I heard the door open and close, and I was alone.
Somewhere in my heart, I knew the flickering of a candle.
Chapter: 6: Light a Candle
Author: Alkalphiel and The Scribe
Summary: In the long dark night of the soul, it only takes a small light to cast a glow.
Feedback: Yes, please! Post reviews or email alkalphiel@yahoo.com
A/N: The Scribe: Usual disclaimers apply. Side note to LadyTremere: Thanks much for the review. Yes, the names are rather long and cumbersome, but I'm afraid it's too late to change them now. Unless I'm working with poor, Multiple-Personality-Disorder Elves. Also, I freely acknowledge that my Elves, Alkalphiel especially, are much more human than Elvish. I actually discussed this recently with a friend. However, perfection is often boring so Alkalphiel is doomed to an immortal life of vague humanity. :) Perhaps there's some human blood, way back in her family tree? Perhaps I shall explore this.
Alkalphiel: Well, as a matter of fact my grandmother was half-Elven, half- human. And as my mother told me so often, even a gloriously beautiful race must have its share of plain members. And no, that sage comment didn't make me feel any better when I realized that my sisters were just as lovely as my parents. But what can you do?
~*~
"My lord, I'm sure that you wish to speak to me about the life bond that you believe we share. I must assure you, it is still just as false as it was when this ordeal began. Now please, with your leave I will be on my way . . ." I was doing my best to make a graceful exit, but Prince Legolas would have none of it.
"No, you do not have my leave and you will not be on your way. Lady Alkalphiel, we do not know where Quellepaural is and for that simple reason alone - your protection - I must insist that you remain here. However, you must also stay here to give testimony as our investigation requires it."
I dared to hope that he would end there, without mentioning the life bond.
I hoped unsuccessfully.
"And there is the matter of the bond between us. Lady Alkalphiel, I do not know much about you. We have exchanged our names and the names of our fathers, and little else. Never the less, I trust what my heart tells me. Now I will tell you what it sings, and if you can still turn and walk away forever when I have finished, then so be it. I hope with all my being that you choose to remain, to learn me as I learn you, and eventually to stand by my side.
"What I do know of you: you possess a strong inclination toward the protection and aid of others. I do not think I am mistaken when I surmise that you never thought to blame Quellepaural for the false life bond. You also do not hold yourself in high regard, probably because you are not as fair as many of our race. There is also something about you - a feeling of restraint, perhaps. I did notice that you were not eager to meet me, and you may indeed have been the only elf in the room not to approach me. Many are eager that I should be their match and would hurry this along by chasing me down if necessary. I, on the other hand, have always felt that my soul mate would be one I found, one I had to pursue and court. You see I am well prepared for you, Lady Alkalphiel. As long as you doubt, I shall continue to believe.
"I know what it is to be hounded. Rest assured that I shall not actually pursue you. Whatever your decision, I will respect and honor it. If your heart of hearts cannot rest easy and persuades you that we are not soul mates, I will accept this. Do you wish to hear what my heart of hearts tells me?"
Eyes wide, I nodded. Prince Legolas seemed to have placed me under a spell, the flow of sweet words issuing from him washing over me and leaving me in a daze.
"I look at you and know without any sure reason that you will stand by my side to the ends of time and beyond. I see our children and the future of Mirkwood in your eyes. I close my eyes and hear your heartbeat, soft and slow while you sleep or racing powerfully as you sprint with me down the forest trails of our realm. I feel the songs you have yet to sing, songs you have yet to know, but I know them and I feel your soul as well. I know your empathy and eagerness to aid others. And your fierce independence - Mellaithwen informs me that you live alone and seldom meet others or venture out, not because you dislike other elves but rather because you are sufficient for yourself.
"I know the ugly parts of you, too. The way you look down tells me that you lack self-confidence, and as I said before I would attribute this to your appearance. I suspect that you are a bit too accommodating as a result, allowing yourself to be intimidated. And from the independence - the determined cast to your mouth as you withheld that Quellepaural had sought you out and threatened you - I can see that you are the kind to refuse to lean on another. Too proud? That I do not know, for as I have said before I do not yet know you, Lady Alkalphiel."
I was still stumbling over the revelation that he knew Quellepaural had threatened me. "How did you know about Quellepaural?"
"This is my father's palace. Little takes place here that is not noted by someone, often a servant. Fortunately for you, many of my oldest friends work here. You are a pragmatic lady. Almost hopelessly so. Faced with a declaration of love, you fix on an irrelevant detail." Prince Legolas sighed in what I hoped was mock exasperation and looked away from me, gazing out the window.
"Is that what this is? A declaration of love?" My audacity shocked me, but I was comforted by the likelihood that Prince Legolas would share in the shock, thus granting us something genuine in common.
The prince turned back to me. "It is. I have told you what I have seen, and what I know without seeing or hearing. I now await your response." His gaze rested steadily on me, and although this should have been intimidating it was instead comforting to feel his eyes on me.
I stopped that dangerous thought in its tracks. "Your Highness, I cannot do this. Not yet, perhaps not ever. My heart speaks to me, I am certain, but I will not hear it. My faith in the age-old soul bond of our kind has been deeply shaken. Your words have moved me, do not doubt that, but I am not sure that it is enough. Possibly, with time . . . I don't know."
Now I found compassion in those blue eyes, although I was not convinced that the prince wished it there. He spoke, ending my doubts about his character once and for all.
"Lady Alkalphiel, here is what I would say to you: When one wanders through the darkness, be it the depths of a cave or the plains on a moonless night, it is easy to believe the black to be endless. Do not doubt that I know this. However, more often than not it is the darkness that allows even the tiniest light to shine forth all the more brightly. My wish for you is that you allow someone, that you allow me, to light a candle.
"I will depart now and allow you to retire. You shall remain a guest here until we are certain of your safety, and thereafter for as long as you desire. I urge you to think upon my words. Whatever your choice, I will stand by it and defend it to any who would question."
"Why, my lord? You would defend my decision to have nothing further to do with you, if I so chose?"
"I would defend that right against all comers, my lady. I have absolute faith that whatever you choose will be the right decision. Please know that whether or not I have a place in your life, I will always respect you. And love you."
Prince Legolas turned away from me and strode without hesitation to the door. I looked away, out the window to the stars he had examined earlier. His footsteps paused in the doorway, and a small part of me fancied that he turned to see me one last time. I heard the door open and close, and I was alone.
Somewhere in my heart, I knew the flickering of a candle.