Hi! Just a little warning, this chapter is very long, very descriptive. It
will start slowly at the beginning, but then it will be a roller coaster of
emotions. Hope you'll enjoy it.
CHAPTER 29
RAGE AND GUILT
After crossing several bridges, our trio reached a small house, embedded in one of the ridges. As the majority of the buildings, this one was carved out of the gray rock, its roof was neatly thatched and the smoke of a chimney came out of one of its sides. Nohemy told Legolas to hang the deer on a prey-hook, and they walked towards the house.
Just outside the entrance, there was a wooden barrel, filled with cold, fresh water; and following Nohemy's example, Legolas and Arwen washed their hands and faces, delighting in the cool water. While the elves refreshed, Nohemy went inside and called for her father.
"Father! I am back, I hunted you a nice deer." - she said disappearing pass the entrance.
Just then, an old dog came out of the house and looked at the elves with lazy eyes. It growled at them imperceptibly, before barking loudly, letting show it's few remaining fangs menacingly. Arwen flinched, but Legolas just smiled and whistled in a low, soothing tone. The dog tilted its head to a side, listening to the sound, and began waving its tail at the kind stranger. Legolas extended a hand, and the animal sniffed it and rubbed its head against it confidently.
"Apparently you have a new friend" - said Arwen amused - "It amazes me how you can win over every creature's heart with just one of your smiles"
"Not every creature" - responded Legolas - "There is yet one heart that seems to be immune to my charms" - he told her playfully, while scratching the dog's back.
Arwen's face reddened - "Perhaps, but maybe not so" - she said, lifting up her gaze to meet his.
Right at that moment, Nohemy came out of the house - "Mamut, you silly dog! Don't bother the guests!" - she said to her old friend, unfortunately interrupting Arwen and Legolas' moment.
"Come inside, I want you to meet my father" - Nohemy said, motioning them to go inside.
The house was small and modest, a very simple place; there was barely furniture inside, other than a table in the middle of the single room, a couple of chairs, a stone stove, and two bunks near the small chimney. A hobbit's hole could be considered luxurious if compared to Nohemy's home, but it was also clean and cozy, and the air inside smelled peaceful and quiet.
Laid in one of the bunks there was a very old man, thin and pale; his hair was completely gray, and his eyes seemed dry and melancholic; as if they wandered thru memories of happier times. - "This is my father" - said Nohemy, her voice revealing all the sorrow she felt from seeing him so weak and lost.
Legolas stepped closer to him - "Greetings sir" - he said formally. Arwen also came closer and placed her hand above the old man's, her heart moved from the sight of his weakness. She had lived among men for many years, and had to face the sadness of death and sickness many times, even in her own flesh; but she never got used to it; and death and sickness were still strange and foreign for her.
"He is so cold" - Arwen whispered, mostly to herself.
"He fell ill three winters ago" - said Nohemy - "He came back from a hunting trip saying that he was very cold and that his chest ached. He got worst and worst from that day and on, and nobody could tell what it was. Many tried to help, but they could never improve his condition. He was once a very strong man and one of the best hunters in the gray cliffs; but now..." - her voice broke, and she had to look away, not wanting them to see her tears.
The old man stirred and groaned softly, calling his daughter. - "Don't worry father, these are the elves I spoke you about, they came to meet you." - his eyes brightened and he smiled briefly at the strangers.
"I never thought... I'd live...to see....elves" - the old man said with lots of effort. Then, he closed his weary eyes and fell asleep. Nohemy leant closer to him and kissed his venerable forehead - "I will fix you a nice soup with the deer I brought daddy, I promise you'll feel better." - then, she straightened and composed herself, wiping the tears off of her face.
"I should take you to Kron's now, I must come back to him as soon as I can" - her words were not questioned by the touched elves, who followed her out of the house and into the cold night.
............................
After crossing yet more of those seemingly unsafe bridges, they arrived to a larger building; one that stood higher than the rest of the city, and from where one could watch over all the activities taking place in the gray cliffs.
Nohemy introduced them to Kron's woman, whom everybody called Ma; she was a cheerful lady with a very high-pitched voice who received them as if they were her long lost children, and treated them with equal cordiality. Then, she introduced them to Kron's son, Nean; he was young, around Nohemy's age, tall and tanned, lean and nicely muscled; his hair was reddish like his father's; his jaw was strong and prominent, his chin was covered with an incipient beard; and his eyes were as black as coals, piercing like the eyes of an eagle. But Nean wasn't as friendly as his parents, and looked at the visitors skeptically, muttering something about his father's habit of trusting just about any stranger. Nohemy rolled her eyes and slapped his arm.
"Nean! Why do you have to be so distrustful and unsociable? This is why you are still unmated, no woman can stand your hermit attitude!"
Nean muttered yet something else under his breath and Nohemy proceeded to reprehend him - "Oh stop grumbling you repressed ape! You better go to the stables, your father wants you to prepare two horses and traveling provisions for them to take in their journey."
Nean shook his head in disbelief - "WHAT?? He is going to give them OUR horses? And OUR provisions? Is he out of his mind? " - Then, he proceeded to ramble about common sense, birth rights, protecting your land and your people, and so on. Nohemy listened to his entire outburst tapping the ground impatiently with her foot; she knew that interrupting him would only cause him to ramble yet more stubbornly about respect and such. But his mindless ramble was quickly cut by a chirpy voice that made him go silent at once.
"Nean! Stop being so rude in front of our guests son, I don't want you to scare them away. Now, go do what your father said!"
The young man dropped his head defeated - "Yes mother" - he muttered, and made his way to the stables without a single objection. Nohemy had to retain a mocking laughter, amused of how Nean's mother could handle him so easily; especially him, who was always so smug about being untamable.
Then, she looked outside and realized it was dark already - "Oh, oh! I have to go now; I don't want my father to be alone. Thanks for everything Ma, I know you'll take good care of them" - she said while giving her a hug. Then she turned to the much discussed guests - "I hope you'll be comfortable miss Arwen" - she said while bowing slightly. Arwen bowed back to her - "Thank you for everything Nohemy"
Then, the gray cliffs girl went near Legolas and tiptoed to plant a chaste, but unexpected kiss on his cheek - "Have a pleasant night Legolas" - Legolas' face blushed almost imperceptibly, mostly startled by the unexpected gesture; but just enough for Arwen to notice - "Same to you Nohemy" - he answered. Nohemy gave him a very significant look, which made Arwen frown with annoyance; and turning around, she exited the house leaving the elves in the company of Ma.
That evening was very different from the ones they had lived in the previous days. Ma served them the best food she could get, and they ate till they were more than satisfied; Ma even tried to feed them more, mumbling about elves not eating enough, and Arwen and Legolas apologized, since they weren't used to stuff their selves in such a manner. - "Oh well, don't worry, I'll save it for my men. Kron and Nean won't leave a crumb of all this, they are always so hungry when they come home." - she chirped happily.
Then, after clearing the table, she started rambling about whatever came to her mind; telling them the latest gossip about people they had never heard of, and asking them all kinds of unimportant questions. Arwen and Legolas listened patiently to her and answered courteously to all her questions for endless hours, but then, probably tired of her own rambling Ma started to yawn. - "Oh! I am so dumb; you must be exhausted from your trip and here I am keeping you up. Come with me" - she said while getting up - "I'll take you to your room."
Arwen and Legolas followed her through a narrow corridor; until she stopped and opened a wooden door. - "Here it is!" - she said stepping in, followed closely by the elves. - "I know is not luxurious, but it's warm and clean."
The room was small; the walls were covered with cypress wood, which gave it a very pleasant scent. In one corner there was an already lit chimney, crackling with crispy, fresh wood; and right beside the chimney there was a single bunk, covered with white blankets and a bear skin on top.
"I took the liberty of getting you one of my old blouses" - said Ma, handling Arwen a plain, white cloth.
"Thank you! You shouldn't have"
"Nonsense! I noticed how your dress is torn, and how you go around with that heavy vest. A lady so beautiful shouldn't carry on such an uncomfortable thing." - she held up the garment for Arwen to admire; it was simple, bright white, short sleeved; but exquisitely knitted in linen threads, very light and delicate - "I brought this with me from the Bay of Belfalas, we used to live there before Kron decided to move to Nurn" - Ma said, her eyes filled with memories.
"I cannot accept it, it is too precious."
"Oh no dear! Don't worry, it doesn't fit me anymore; and since I have no daughters, there is no way I can use it. Please, accept it, I give it to you with joy."
Arwen pressed the blouse against her chest, touched by the woman's generosity - "I will keep it and cherish it forever, thank you."
Ma smiled pleased - "I hope you'll enjoy your night, rest well dears."
Legolas took one of her hands between his and lifted it up, placing a soft kiss upon the weathered skin. - "You have been more than generous to us...Mrs...Ma; thank you and have a nice night." - Ma giggled like a girl at the gallant gesture - "Oh no, thank you master Legolas" - she said looking at him with a playful brightness in her eyes. Then she turned around and left, closing the door behind her.
"So, they aren't as savage as I thought" - said Arwen, fingering the fine linen Ma had given her.
"One of the things I've learned during these years is that I can't judge people based solely on their education; many of these 'savages' have a nobler heart than Gondor's most elevated courtiers."
Arwen weighed his words; they were harsh, but there was much truth in them. - "Maybe you are right. Now turn around please, I wish to get rid of this vest at once."
Legolas did as he was told and waited patiently until she got rid of the vest and placed the blouse on top of the shredded dress. - "You can turn around now."
"Wow! It fits you perfectly." - He said picking up the vest. - "And now I don't have to go around half naked."
Arwen's immediate thought was 'bummer!' but she decided not to exteriorize it - "Thank you; I must say that it feels great too, it's very light and soft." - then, she looked at the large, but single bunk. - "One bunk eh? I guess it is alright, since we are mates."
"Don't worry about that, I'll rest in the floor; after all, there has been years since I last spent the night indoors; sleeping here near the chimney will be a extravagance for me."
Arwen chuckled at his comment and went to sit in the bunk. To her surprise, it was fluffed and warm, very comfortable. She leaned over the warm blankets and sighed pleased; but then, reality hit her again.
"Legolas?"
"Yes?"
"How long are we going to stay here? When are we going to leave?"
Legolas seated on the floor next to her and sighed thoughtfully - "I think we should stay here for another day, that will give us time to prepare everything; and that way you can rest properly."
Arwen couldn't hide a grimace of concern - "Why so much? I don't need to rest; we shouldn't waste so much time!"
Arwen's exasperation tone puzzled Legolas - "I just think it's prudent to wait another day."
"NO! We can't wait another day, we should go right now!"
"Arwen, what is wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong! I just want to leave."
Legolas stood up and pierced her with his steely eyes - "Arwen, you have been behaving very strangely since this morning, why don't you tell me what is the matter?" - his voice was gentle, but firm and determined.
"Don't you understand that I just want to leave?"
"No, I know there is something you are not telling me, and I won't give up until you tell me what it is. We are together in this, remember?" - he told her sweetly, while getting closer to her and taking one of her hands between his.
Arwen pulled her hand from him violently - "Don't touch me!"
Legolas jerked back, startled by her outburst - "Hey! This is out of control, I won't tolerate this anymore! Either you tell me what is going on, or I'll..."
"You'll what? What are you going to do?"
Legolas breathed in, trying his best to control himself - "Nothing! There is nothing I can do about it, can I? I just can't win with you" - he turned his back to her and sat down on the floor heavily - "I can't help it Arwen, I see that you suffer, and your pain shatters my heart; I just wish there was a way to help you ease that pain." - he whispered softly.
Arwen's heart softened at the sincerity and frustration in his voice; she just couldn't hurt him anymore, I wasn't fair. Taking in a deep breath, she gathered courage and finally told him what she had known for more than a day.
"Aragorn is alive"
Legolas twirled around and kneeled in front of her, his eyes revealing the turmoil of feelings happening inside of him. Arwen looked at him intently, trying to see his reaction to the news. She could read his eyes as if they were an open window to his heart; at first she saw surprise, his eyes big as plates, filled with expectancy. - "Have you sensed him?" - he asked eagerly. - "Yes" - she answered. Then she saw as his eyes shifted from confusion and doubt to relief and faith.
"So there is hope" - he said, tears glistening in his eyes. At that moment he proved to her that he was nobler than what she thought him to be, and her heart was filled with sorrow for not trusting his good heart.
Legolas looked at the sadness that her heart revealed and finally understood her behavior - "He is fading" - he told her knowingly, his face darkened by sorrow.
"Yes, I feel as life drains from him, and I fear that we will be too late."
"Since when do you know?"
Arwen went silent and lowered her head with shame. Legolas realized what had happened - "Last night" - he said - "You sensed him last night at the lake. I heard you crying, I felt everyone of your tears, but I didn't know why you cried, how could I know?" - more questions came into his mind and his expression hardened - "Why didn't you tell me before?"
Arwen refused to look at him - "I was afraid"
"Afraid of what? Of me?"
"I was very confused, and I didn't know how you would react."
Legolas eyes showed yet a different feeling; disbelief - "What? You thought I would get...mad? Disappointed? You thought I wanted Aragorn to die?"
"I didn't know what to think" - she said shakily, tears forming in he eyes. - "I have found out so many things I didn't know about you lately, and I've seen the depth and intensity of...your feelings for me, I just..."
"You got me all wrong Arwen; you failed to understand what I feel. I love you, yes; but what you don't understand is that I love you more than anything else in this world, including my self. You just couldn't see that I've never placed my feelings or my needs above yours or Aragorn's" - he got up form the floor and started pacing back and forth, revealing just how upset he was.
"I love you Arwen, but I also love Aragorn, I learned to love him despite what I felt. He is my best friend, my brother, my King, I would never..." At this point his voice broke, and Arwen's heart ached with guilt. She got up and tried to embrace him, but he rejected her.
"NO!" - he shouted angrily - "Over the years I've learned to understand that you don't love me; but what I cannot believe is that you don't trust me." - he swallowed hard, trying to hold back his own tears.
Arwen sat on the bunk again and remained silent, for she had no words to explain or justify herself. She had never seen him so hurt and upset, and it was all because of her mistrust. She looked at him for brief moments and turned her head, overwhelmed by the sad rage in his eyes.
"I will try to explain our eagerness to leave to our hosts, and will help them to prepare everything for the journey. We shall leave tomorrow at dawn, so rest well, I will spend the night in the stables." - he said thru gritted teeth, while opening the door of the room. She wanted to stop him, to tell him not to leave her alone, but she was still speechless. He stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him; and Arwen broke into sobs, clutching the sheets against her chest. - "I am so sorry Legolas" - she whispered sadly, knowing that he couldn't hear her.
Outside the house a bright lightning illuminated the gray cliffs, followed by a loud thunder; the stars disappeared behind thick clouds, and tiny, dark drops fell slowly down on all the roofs of the city. A storm was approaching, a raging storm.
..........................
You thought I was going to stop here? NO, that is why I decided to post two chapters at the same time. Next chapter is a bomb, a real bomb.
PLEASE REVIEW!!!
Elwe
CHAPTER 29
RAGE AND GUILT
After crossing several bridges, our trio reached a small house, embedded in one of the ridges. As the majority of the buildings, this one was carved out of the gray rock, its roof was neatly thatched and the smoke of a chimney came out of one of its sides. Nohemy told Legolas to hang the deer on a prey-hook, and they walked towards the house.
Just outside the entrance, there was a wooden barrel, filled with cold, fresh water; and following Nohemy's example, Legolas and Arwen washed their hands and faces, delighting in the cool water. While the elves refreshed, Nohemy went inside and called for her father.
"Father! I am back, I hunted you a nice deer." - she said disappearing pass the entrance.
Just then, an old dog came out of the house and looked at the elves with lazy eyes. It growled at them imperceptibly, before barking loudly, letting show it's few remaining fangs menacingly. Arwen flinched, but Legolas just smiled and whistled in a low, soothing tone. The dog tilted its head to a side, listening to the sound, and began waving its tail at the kind stranger. Legolas extended a hand, and the animal sniffed it and rubbed its head against it confidently.
"Apparently you have a new friend" - said Arwen amused - "It amazes me how you can win over every creature's heart with just one of your smiles"
"Not every creature" - responded Legolas - "There is yet one heart that seems to be immune to my charms" - he told her playfully, while scratching the dog's back.
Arwen's face reddened - "Perhaps, but maybe not so" - she said, lifting up her gaze to meet his.
Right at that moment, Nohemy came out of the house - "Mamut, you silly dog! Don't bother the guests!" - she said to her old friend, unfortunately interrupting Arwen and Legolas' moment.
"Come inside, I want you to meet my father" - Nohemy said, motioning them to go inside.
The house was small and modest, a very simple place; there was barely furniture inside, other than a table in the middle of the single room, a couple of chairs, a stone stove, and two bunks near the small chimney. A hobbit's hole could be considered luxurious if compared to Nohemy's home, but it was also clean and cozy, and the air inside smelled peaceful and quiet.
Laid in one of the bunks there was a very old man, thin and pale; his hair was completely gray, and his eyes seemed dry and melancholic; as if they wandered thru memories of happier times. - "This is my father" - said Nohemy, her voice revealing all the sorrow she felt from seeing him so weak and lost.
Legolas stepped closer to him - "Greetings sir" - he said formally. Arwen also came closer and placed her hand above the old man's, her heart moved from the sight of his weakness. She had lived among men for many years, and had to face the sadness of death and sickness many times, even in her own flesh; but she never got used to it; and death and sickness were still strange and foreign for her.
"He is so cold" - Arwen whispered, mostly to herself.
"He fell ill three winters ago" - said Nohemy - "He came back from a hunting trip saying that he was very cold and that his chest ached. He got worst and worst from that day and on, and nobody could tell what it was. Many tried to help, but they could never improve his condition. He was once a very strong man and one of the best hunters in the gray cliffs; but now..." - her voice broke, and she had to look away, not wanting them to see her tears.
The old man stirred and groaned softly, calling his daughter. - "Don't worry father, these are the elves I spoke you about, they came to meet you." - his eyes brightened and he smiled briefly at the strangers.
"I never thought... I'd live...to see....elves" - the old man said with lots of effort. Then, he closed his weary eyes and fell asleep. Nohemy leant closer to him and kissed his venerable forehead - "I will fix you a nice soup with the deer I brought daddy, I promise you'll feel better." - then, she straightened and composed herself, wiping the tears off of her face.
"I should take you to Kron's now, I must come back to him as soon as I can" - her words were not questioned by the touched elves, who followed her out of the house and into the cold night.
............................
After crossing yet more of those seemingly unsafe bridges, they arrived to a larger building; one that stood higher than the rest of the city, and from where one could watch over all the activities taking place in the gray cliffs.
Nohemy introduced them to Kron's woman, whom everybody called Ma; she was a cheerful lady with a very high-pitched voice who received them as if they were her long lost children, and treated them with equal cordiality. Then, she introduced them to Kron's son, Nean; he was young, around Nohemy's age, tall and tanned, lean and nicely muscled; his hair was reddish like his father's; his jaw was strong and prominent, his chin was covered with an incipient beard; and his eyes were as black as coals, piercing like the eyes of an eagle. But Nean wasn't as friendly as his parents, and looked at the visitors skeptically, muttering something about his father's habit of trusting just about any stranger. Nohemy rolled her eyes and slapped his arm.
"Nean! Why do you have to be so distrustful and unsociable? This is why you are still unmated, no woman can stand your hermit attitude!"
Nean muttered yet something else under his breath and Nohemy proceeded to reprehend him - "Oh stop grumbling you repressed ape! You better go to the stables, your father wants you to prepare two horses and traveling provisions for them to take in their journey."
Nean shook his head in disbelief - "WHAT?? He is going to give them OUR horses? And OUR provisions? Is he out of his mind? " - Then, he proceeded to ramble about common sense, birth rights, protecting your land and your people, and so on. Nohemy listened to his entire outburst tapping the ground impatiently with her foot; she knew that interrupting him would only cause him to ramble yet more stubbornly about respect and such. But his mindless ramble was quickly cut by a chirpy voice that made him go silent at once.
"Nean! Stop being so rude in front of our guests son, I don't want you to scare them away. Now, go do what your father said!"
The young man dropped his head defeated - "Yes mother" - he muttered, and made his way to the stables without a single objection. Nohemy had to retain a mocking laughter, amused of how Nean's mother could handle him so easily; especially him, who was always so smug about being untamable.
Then, she looked outside and realized it was dark already - "Oh, oh! I have to go now; I don't want my father to be alone. Thanks for everything Ma, I know you'll take good care of them" - she said while giving her a hug. Then she turned to the much discussed guests - "I hope you'll be comfortable miss Arwen" - she said while bowing slightly. Arwen bowed back to her - "Thank you for everything Nohemy"
Then, the gray cliffs girl went near Legolas and tiptoed to plant a chaste, but unexpected kiss on his cheek - "Have a pleasant night Legolas" - Legolas' face blushed almost imperceptibly, mostly startled by the unexpected gesture; but just enough for Arwen to notice - "Same to you Nohemy" - he answered. Nohemy gave him a very significant look, which made Arwen frown with annoyance; and turning around, she exited the house leaving the elves in the company of Ma.
That evening was very different from the ones they had lived in the previous days. Ma served them the best food she could get, and they ate till they were more than satisfied; Ma even tried to feed them more, mumbling about elves not eating enough, and Arwen and Legolas apologized, since they weren't used to stuff their selves in such a manner. - "Oh well, don't worry, I'll save it for my men. Kron and Nean won't leave a crumb of all this, they are always so hungry when they come home." - she chirped happily.
Then, after clearing the table, she started rambling about whatever came to her mind; telling them the latest gossip about people they had never heard of, and asking them all kinds of unimportant questions. Arwen and Legolas listened patiently to her and answered courteously to all her questions for endless hours, but then, probably tired of her own rambling Ma started to yawn. - "Oh! I am so dumb; you must be exhausted from your trip and here I am keeping you up. Come with me" - she said while getting up - "I'll take you to your room."
Arwen and Legolas followed her through a narrow corridor; until she stopped and opened a wooden door. - "Here it is!" - she said stepping in, followed closely by the elves. - "I know is not luxurious, but it's warm and clean."
The room was small; the walls were covered with cypress wood, which gave it a very pleasant scent. In one corner there was an already lit chimney, crackling with crispy, fresh wood; and right beside the chimney there was a single bunk, covered with white blankets and a bear skin on top.
"I took the liberty of getting you one of my old blouses" - said Ma, handling Arwen a plain, white cloth.
"Thank you! You shouldn't have"
"Nonsense! I noticed how your dress is torn, and how you go around with that heavy vest. A lady so beautiful shouldn't carry on such an uncomfortable thing." - she held up the garment for Arwen to admire; it was simple, bright white, short sleeved; but exquisitely knitted in linen threads, very light and delicate - "I brought this with me from the Bay of Belfalas, we used to live there before Kron decided to move to Nurn" - Ma said, her eyes filled with memories.
"I cannot accept it, it is too precious."
"Oh no dear! Don't worry, it doesn't fit me anymore; and since I have no daughters, there is no way I can use it. Please, accept it, I give it to you with joy."
Arwen pressed the blouse against her chest, touched by the woman's generosity - "I will keep it and cherish it forever, thank you."
Ma smiled pleased - "I hope you'll enjoy your night, rest well dears."
Legolas took one of her hands between his and lifted it up, placing a soft kiss upon the weathered skin. - "You have been more than generous to us...Mrs...Ma; thank you and have a nice night." - Ma giggled like a girl at the gallant gesture - "Oh no, thank you master Legolas" - she said looking at him with a playful brightness in her eyes. Then she turned around and left, closing the door behind her.
"So, they aren't as savage as I thought" - said Arwen, fingering the fine linen Ma had given her.
"One of the things I've learned during these years is that I can't judge people based solely on their education; many of these 'savages' have a nobler heart than Gondor's most elevated courtiers."
Arwen weighed his words; they were harsh, but there was much truth in them. - "Maybe you are right. Now turn around please, I wish to get rid of this vest at once."
Legolas did as he was told and waited patiently until she got rid of the vest and placed the blouse on top of the shredded dress. - "You can turn around now."
"Wow! It fits you perfectly." - He said picking up the vest. - "And now I don't have to go around half naked."
Arwen's immediate thought was 'bummer!' but she decided not to exteriorize it - "Thank you; I must say that it feels great too, it's very light and soft." - then, she looked at the large, but single bunk. - "One bunk eh? I guess it is alright, since we are mates."
"Don't worry about that, I'll rest in the floor; after all, there has been years since I last spent the night indoors; sleeping here near the chimney will be a extravagance for me."
Arwen chuckled at his comment and went to sit in the bunk. To her surprise, it was fluffed and warm, very comfortable. She leaned over the warm blankets and sighed pleased; but then, reality hit her again.
"Legolas?"
"Yes?"
"How long are we going to stay here? When are we going to leave?"
Legolas seated on the floor next to her and sighed thoughtfully - "I think we should stay here for another day, that will give us time to prepare everything; and that way you can rest properly."
Arwen couldn't hide a grimace of concern - "Why so much? I don't need to rest; we shouldn't waste so much time!"
Arwen's exasperation tone puzzled Legolas - "I just think it's prudent to wait another day."
"NO! We can't wait another day, we should go right now!"
"Arwen, what is wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong! I just want to leave."
Legolas stood up and pierced her with his steely eyes - "Arwen, you have been behaving very strangely since this morning, why don't you tell me what is the matter?" - his voice was gentle, but firm and determined.
"Don't you understand that I just want to leave?"
"No, I know there is something you are not telling me, and I won't give up until you tell me what it is. We are together in this, remember?" - he told her sweetly, while getting closer to her and taking one of her hands between his.
Arwen pulled her hand from him violently - "Don't touch me!"
Legolas jerked back, startled by her outburst - "Hey! This is out of control, I won't tolerate this anymore! Either you tell me what is going on, or I'll..."
"You'll what? What are you going to do?"
Legolas breathed in, trying his best to control himself - "Nothing! There is nothing I can do about it, can I? I just can't win with you" - he turned his back to her and sat down on the floor heavily - "I can't help it Arwen, I see that you suffer, and your pain shatters my heart; I just wish there was a way to help you ease that pain." - he whispered softly.
Arwen's heart softened at the sincerity and frustration in his voice; she just couldn't hurt him anymore, I wasn't fair. Taking in a deep breath, she gathered courage and finally told him what she had known for more than a day.
"Aragorn is alive"
Legolas twirled around and kneeled in front of her, his eyes revealing the turmoil of feelings happening inside of him. Arwen looked at him intently, trying to see his reaction to the news. She could read his eyes as if they were an open window to his heart; at first she saw surprise, his eyes big as plates, filled with expectancy. - "Have you sensed him?" - he asked eagerly. - "Yes" - she answered. Then she saw as his eyes shifted from confusion and doubt to relief and faith.
"So there is hope" - he said, tears glistening in his eyes. At that moment he proved to her that he was nobler than what she thought him to be, and her heart was filled with sorrow for not trusting his good heart.
Legolas looked at the sadness that her heart revealed and finally understood her behavior - "He is fading" - he told her knowingly, his face darkened by sorrow.
"Yes, I feel as life drains from him, and I fear that we will be too late."
"Since when do you know?"
Arwen went silent and lowered her head with shame. Legolas realized what had happened - "Last night" - he said - "You sensed him last night at the lake. I heard you crying, I felt everyone of your tears, but I didn't know why you cried, how could I know?" - more questions came into his mind and his expression hardened - "Why didn't you tell me before?"
Arwen refused to look at him - "I was afraid"
"Afraid of what? Of me?"
"I was very confused, and I didn't know how you would react."
Legolas eyes showed yet a different feeling; disbelief - "What? You thought I would get...mad? Disappointed? You thought I wanted Aragorn to die?"
"I didn't know what to think" - she said shakily, tears forming in he eyes. - "I have found out so many things I didn't know about you lately, and I've seen the depth and intensity of...your feelings for me, I just..."
"You got me all wrong Arwen; you failed to understand what I feel. I love you, yes; but what you don't understand is that I love you more than anything else in this world, including my self. You just couldn't see that I've never placed my feelings or my needs above yours or Aragorn's" - he got up form the floor and started pacing back and forth, revealing just how upset he was.
"I love you Arwen, but I also love Aragorn, I learned to love him despite what I felt. He is my best friend, my brother, my King, I would never..." At this point his voice broke, and Arwen's heart ached with guilt. She got up and tried to embrace him, but he rejected her.
"NO!" - he shouted angrily - "Over the years I've learned to understand that you don't love me; but what I cannot believe is that you don't trust me." - he swallowed hard, trying to hold back his own tears.
Arwen sat on the bunk again and remained silent, for she had no words to explain or justify herself. She had never seen him so hurt and upset, and it was all because of her mistrust. She looked at him for brief moments and turned her head, overwhelmed by the sad rage in his eyes.
"I will try to explain our eagerness to leave to our hosts, and will help them to prepare everything for the journey. We shall leave tomorrow at dawn, so rest well, I will spend the night in the stables." - he said thru gritted teeth, while opening the door of the room. She wanted to stop him, to tell him not to leave her alone, but she was still speechless. He stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him; and Arwen broke into sobs, clutching the sheets against her chest. - "I am so sorry Legolas" - she whispered sadly, knowing that he couldn't hear her.
Outside the house a bright lightning illuminated the gray cliffs, followed by a loud thunder; the stars disappeared behind thick clouds, and tiny, dark drops fell slowly down on all the roofs of the city. A storm was approaching, a raging storm.
..........................
You thought I was going to stop here? NO, that is why I decided to post two chapters at the same time. Next chapter is a bomb, a real bomb.
PLEASE REVIEW!!!
Elwe