Disclaimer: Refer to Chapter One
Story: Shadow of the Past
Author: Silmarien
Rating: PG
A/N: The last chapter :D I feel like going to curl up in a ball on my bed and take a long break now.
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Epilogue
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Legolas stood beside his horse, stroking the animal's neck in long rubs that did as much to calm Legolas as it did the horse. The velvety fur underneath his calloused fingers was familiar, something safe to ward away the melancholy that threatened to engulf him. Watching Silia and Isondil say their final farewells to friends and family from under his lowered lashes, Legolas gave a final pat to the muscled neck of his horse before daring to look over the gathered crowd for the first time. He did not want to feel the disappointment of knowing for certain that she had not come to at least observe his departure from the safety of the numerous well wishers.
The Prince tried to keep his eyes on the stately forms of Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrian, standing side by side, the lady's arm on her lord's. But a part of Legolas needed to know that Valia was there or he would forever wonder if she had come to see him off or not. His eyes danced over the assembled elves, searching for the distinctive sheen of honey colored hair he knew and loved so well. It was not there, however, and a voice from inside Legolas whispered mocking words in his head.
You knew she would not be here. She does not love you. Why would she come to see someone off that she cares nothing for? She only tolerated you because you forced yourself upon her.
No. Legolas would not believe that. He continued to peruse the many heads, tiered on the steps to Elrond's home but it was to no avail. She was not there. The delicate sigh that escaped Legolas' lips to rise in the air was followed with the lifting of his eyes, as if the utterance had a physical form that Legolas could see. His gaze came to rest on the second floor of Elrond's home, mingled in shadow and light as the early morning rays of the sun bathed the house in its light glow.
The commanding voice of Elrond pulled Legolas' gaze down to the lord and lady standing before him.
'We have enjoyed having your company in Earsilme, Legolas.'
'I am most thankful for your generous hospitality. My father will be very pleased with the information I have gathered.'
Celebrian smiled, before removing her hand from Elrond's arm and walking over to Legolas. 'I hope that your research will help your people.' Legolas was surprised when Celebrian placed a hand on his cheek, guiding his head down to her so she could place a kiss on his other cheek. Glancing over her shoulder, Legolas' eyes rested on Elrond for understanding but the elven lord only shrugged his shoulders, though Legolas did not miss the twinkle in the depths of his grey eyes.
Legolas' attention was quickly focused on Celebrian when she whispered soft words in his ear. 'She is yours for the taking Legolas, whether it appears that way or not. Do not give up on our dear Valia or we shall never forgive you.' Legolas nodded his head slightly when Celebrian did not move away. His heart was pounding furiously for some reason, making the rush of blood through his veins fill his ears. It was strange to think that so many people wished for the union of Valia and him, yet Valia seemed to be the only one opposed to it.
'Thank you my lady,' Legolas whispered back. 'Your support means a great deal to me.'
'She loves you. Never doubt that,' Celebrian firmly replied. Pulling back, she dropped her hand to his shoulder, giving him a reassuring squeeze before moving back to Elrond's side, who took his wife's hand again with a loving smile.
'Lissenen ar' maska'lalaith tenna' lye omentuva, Prince Legolas,' Elrond spoke.
'Thank you Lord Elrond.' Legolas placed his hand over his heart, bowing his head in a sign of gratitude to the elf lord in front of him. Then he turned, and with only a glance Isondil's direction, he sent his traveling companions moving to mount their horses. Isondil helped Silia climb atop her horse, which had been fitted with a saddle to make the handling of the animal easier for her, prior to swinging himself effortlessly atop his own horse, which was visibly void of saddle or reins.
Everyone overlooked the labored movements of the crowned Prince of Laiquarille as he moved with protracted steps towards his own horse. He pet the silky nose of his horse and then slipped his hand under the horse's neck to rub the skin under the glossy main. Resting his cheek against the animal's muscled neck, Legolas sighed.
'She did not come, my friend,' he whispered against the velvety coat of fur. The horse's ears twitched in response, before it picked up a foot and pawed the ground. Legolas released a puff of air, giving his horse a firm pat, then moving away. The animal turned its head toward its master, nudging the elven prince towards its back with a push from its nose.
Taking his cue, Legolas graceful leapt onto his horses back, free from saddle or reins like Isondil's horse. Turning his attention to the crowd of elves gathered for his departure, Legolas placed his hand over his heart, before extending it to encompass all who stood on the stairs and ground to wish him a safe journey homeward.
He lifted his eyes to the palace where he had spent over a year of his time. His eyes fondly caressed the building, moving to the second story where his rooms had been. But all appeared empty on the second floor, as if some great disaster had bereft the floor of inhabitants.
As Legolas moved his gaze back to the crowd below, a flutter of something burgundy caught his eye from a shadowed recess on the second floor. He immediately settled his eyes on the area, looking at the trace of dark red that melted into the dim surroundings of the open walkway. He honed his senses, his eyes quickly noticing the outline of a female figure. Dare he hope that it was her?
But he was not given long to decide whether he should give in to the furious pounding of his heart and believe that Valia had come to see him one last time or chide himself for being a fool to think she would ever want to see him again. The burgundy clad figure stepped from the shadows, coming to stand beside a tall pillar carved with elven runes that formed a part of the open walkway of the upper floor.
Honey hair gleamed in the morning sun, making Valia look as if she had a circlet of stars upon her head.
Legolas could not deny that it had been a longing of his heart for Valia to come see his departure when a jolt of pure bliss shot through him, making his fingertips tingle.
Valia.
He could tell she had heard the thought when her head tilted to the side. But what he did not expect was the response that echoed through his mind. He had bent his head to pat his horse's neck as he began to prance in place, anxious to be off.
I love you Legolas.
Legolas' head snapped up at the words, but confusion overtook him when he found Valia no longer stood where he could see her. His eyes raked over the second floor, then moved to the gathered elves on the front steps of the house, frantically searching for a glimpse of Valia.
He did not find her anywhere.
Legolas tried to calm the pounding in his heart that her words had caused when Isondil cleared his throat. 'My lord?' he asked quietly.
Turning to his friend, Legolas gave a small nod, but gazed back at Lord Elrond's home once more, hoping for a glimpse of her. How could she have made such a declaration and then disappeared?
Infuriating female!
But for all his shallow anger, Legolas could not stop the hint of a smile that pulled his lips upwards. She loved him. Whether it had been admitted on a whim or from the depths of her heart did not matter to the elven prince. He would accept it for what it was, and make no objection. It was an attempt to make the parting on his part easier, and it had done its job. Legolas whispered a command to his horse in elvish, and the horse was more than happy to oblige. It shook its snowy mane before turning around and trotting off after Isondil and Silia, who were already a distance away.
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Valia watched the traveling party ride away from the shadowed protection of the walkway. Legolas was the last figure in the line, sitting tall and proud atop his white horse, looking every inch the Prince that all the maidens had fallen in love with, including her. She had to admit it; she had fallen into his trap. Perhaps not as easily as others had, but she had been conquered in the end, and found that it was surprisingly pleasant to be caught, especially by Prince Legolas of Laiquarille.
A sigh, as gentle as the morning light, escaped from Valia as she watched Legolas come to a bend in the road that would make him disappear from Valia's view. Stepping forward, Valia stood in the light, wanting a clear view of Legolas for what she assumed very well could be her last sight of him forever. As if answering her hearts plea, Legolas halted his white horse, turning it with expert skill so that he could look back at the home of Lord Elrond.
But it was not the gathered elves on the front lawn that drew his attention for one final look, but the beautiful elven lady standing alone of the second story of Elrond's home. She was a vision, glowing in the light of the strengthening sun as strands of her hair fluttered around her shoulders and face, being played with by the light breeze that came from the coast not too far away. Raising a hand to his heart, Valia watched as his eyes came to rest on hers, never once faltering to the myriad of elves gathered below her. He turned for her alone, and she understood the importance of the gesture as he inclined his head to her one last time.
Then his eyes met hers again, refusing to release them as they searched her, unmasked her even between the large distance that stood between them. Valia felt naked under his glance, but so loved and cherished at the same time. She was grateful when he broke their eye contact, for she knew that her resolve would crumble if he looked at her a moment longer, sending her racing out of Elrond's home and down the grassy lane after him. She watched as his eyes roamed over her, lingering on her face as if he were trying to etch it in his memory.
And suddenly he was gone, disappearing behind the golden trees that were beginning to loose their leaves to be replaced by the bright green ones of spring and summer. Valia stood rooted to her spot long after the crowd on the front steps vanished.
Those who looked up in passing and noticed the unmoving she-elf had to take a second glance at her to assure themselves that she was real. She looked like a beautiful statue, standing tall and proud in the growing sunlight, unbending, unyielding to the influences around her. She was eternal, staring off into the distance and elves passing by her whispered to one another about what she was gazing at so closely.
But statues did not cry. And that was how elves who noticed her knew she was not a sculpture of stone. Tears glittered on her pale cheeks like diamonds in the sunlight that feel across her fair checks.
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Lissenen ar' maska'lalaith tenna' lye omentuva- Sweet water and light laughter till next we meet
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