Disclaimer: once more, I own nothing, except few ideas and mistakes. ;) and
yes, I corrupted that blond elf but it turned that I created a monster.
Plus *big thanks* to *musicgrl*, *Andmetwen*, *tbris* for your reviews and that you stuck with me for awhile :)
WARNING! This chapter is R- rated because there is a rape-scene at the end of the chapter!
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FALLEN
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Legolas left Faonor and went to see Vesper. He opened the door and silently approached her bed.
Here she was, laying still and sleeping. Her damp black hair were all over the pillow, her long eyelashes drew shadows on her pale face in the scantly light of few candles. Her lips seemed soft and tender in the twilight. Vesper looked so fragile and harmless. How could she be a peril to the Elves? Legolas asked himself this question for the millionth time since he heard the prophecy.
Legolas was fighting with his doubts - is he strong enough to follow his plan and take that light of hers away? Is he prepared to sacrifice her for the benefit of his own people?
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He was standing by her bed for a long moment before he decided and quietly left the room. As he closed the door behind him, Legolas knew that another sleepless night is awaiting him. This insomnia had already started to exhaust him and he became more and more impercipient for the things around him.
The stone was somehow feeding on Legolas' strength - he felt that he was going through some changes that could be lethal for him but he had to fulfil his task. A new age for the Elves. His only goal. His only purpose. It's never easy. Nothing important is easy.
Tomorrow....the time for his final deed. If he succeed the Men are to leave the Middle earth for good. The other alternative...who is he fooling? - there is no other alternative. It is time for Legolas to act as a warrior and to leave behind his softer feelings of compassion. And to destroy the good if he had to.
Legolas was walking to his quarters and the shadow in his mind was growing.
He saw Faonor who was waiting him before his room.
"I thought if you need my assistance," the Elf asked Legolas as he approached. Legolas looked at the young Elf. His eyes were bright and his heart was still light. Legolas used to be just like him only a couple of days ago.
"Thank you, Faonor, but no, I need no more of your help tonight. Go now to your rest but be ready to my call as soon as the sun is going down."
"Yes, my lord," Faonor nodded and left the corridor.
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Vesper woke up. Regarding the long shadows it had to be around late afternoon. She was exhausted and she had slept for whole night and almost all day. She could feel every single bone in her aching body. That ride surely was something.
In spite of her tired body she felt fresh and ready to meet Legolas. Vesper had to admit that her life had finally turned for the better. She was impatient about what adventures were waiting for her. To be in the Greenwood! Among the kind Elves. Vesper honesty believed that the Elves were the only absolutely good beings. And she rejoiced to be invited to meet them. Life is good after all, Vesper thought as she climbed out of bed.
It was great room, with elvish engravings on the furniture and beautiful details such as small leaves on the sheets. Vesper walked around the room and loved every single thing she had come across with.
Near the fireplace was table with plate full of fruits - Vesper reached for a golden pear and it tasted so good. That reminded her how hungry she was and she emptied the plate in couple of minutes.
A knock on her door and the fairest she-elf Vesper had ever seen entered the room. "Hello, lady Vesper. I brought you a fresh dress. You can take a bath in that separate room - the doors are behind the bed," she put the dress on the bed and smiled at Vesper.
"I hope that you are provided with everything what you need," the fair she- elf said.
"Yes, thank you. I just wanted to tell you how grateful I am. You have been most kind to me," Vesper thanked.
"You are very important to us," the she-elf said and left Vesper alone.
Important? Vesper smiled. Yea, right. But it was nice of her to say that although it wasn't truth. Maybe the Elves were not only extremely kind but also very polite. While occupying her minds with these things Vesper took a refreshing bath. And it smelled so good! Jasmine and some other flower she didn't know the name.
Then she put on her elvish dress and the touch of soft material was great. Vesper sighed in content and said to herself : "Well, so what's next? After all this luxury they can sacrifice me in the moonlight if they wish. And I won't protest!" That made her giggle - after all these miserable years she had almost forgotten how to laugh. And the Elves learn her how to do it again.
"I hope that the Elves will stay in the Middle earth forever," she said, serious again and looking through the window. It was dusk.
"That is my plan," Vesper was surprised by the melodic voice that came from behind her. Ahe didn't hear anyone enter the room. She turned and met a pair of eyes that were of the deepest blue colour.
Legolas' eyes narrowed as he laid his gaze upon mortal girl. Was she actually happy to see him? He couldn't overlook the sparks in her gray eyes and the light was more obvious then ever. Yes, he saved her pathetic life back there in Barad-Dûr, some flashbacks hit him. And now is her time to pay.
"Welcome to Great Greenwood," he greeted her. And smiled although the smile didn't make it to his eyes. Vesper stood in front of him, enchanted at his beauty that seemed so unearthly. Such a creature must be good, she thought. His golden hair were in contrast with his dark clothes. But the impression was magnificent.
"Thank you... it is so good to see you again Legolas. I thought that you all were in the Undying lands..." Vesper meant every word she had just said.
"No, we are to stay here. The Men are to leave the Middle earth forever. Actually in this very moment the Men of Gondor are going on board of their ships. They shall settle on the Distant islands. And never return."
"But wasn't this journey to Undying lands very important for you? I mean, it is great to hear that you are to stay but what about Men? And Aragorn agreed just like that?" Vesper looked back at Legolas in disbelief.
Legolas looked steadily at her. "Of course not, he had many objections but later he ascertained that the departure is a good thing. For the Men and for the Elves. And then he finally consented with my plan. And now they are spending very last minutes in the Middle earth..."
"How? ... and more important why?" Vesper was in confusion and slightly afraid that she had gone mad sometime while talking to Legolas.
"I had to save the Middle earth from the greed of Men that threaten to consume the Middle earth after our departure. None the less, the Elves are more rightful to stay here than the Men with their black hearts, soaked with greed. After Aragorn's death everything would be ruined. I saw it all. And I was chosen to make the difference and take my people on the path to new glory. It is hard to understand, I know. But I prevented greater evil."
"What? You were in war with Aragorn?" Vesper whispered her words. What had happened? The world she used to know turned upside down. In few days time!
"Indeed I was. I still regret victims but if only Men listened. But they never do. To smart and too proud and too short-sighted. But we won this war." His face was still, no sign of remorse that Vesper was seeking for so eagerly.
"You...you have killed Men?" she asked in faint voice.
"I never touched any of the Man. But yes, I caused many deaths of men, I had to."
Vesper didn't have time to recover from the shock of Legolas' words. She understood that he changed into something evil. She had one question tiptoeing on the top of her confused mind.
"Then why did you bring me here?" a sense of omen engulfed her. "I should join the Men on their ships - because I am one of them."
"You are the last obstacle that could prevent us from our elevation. So does the prophecy say. You are the Bringer of Light. And therefore I couldn't let Aragorn to get you first and destroy my plans. You are too precious for us." Legolas said as a cold smile appeared on his lips.
Looking up into Legolas' darkened eyes, Vesper fervently contradicted.
"I am of no importance to anyone! You know that. The prophecy must be wrong, what light are you talking about? Just a few days ago I wished that I would be dead, sleeping the eternal slumber with my kin. But you, you saved my life in that damned Barad-Dûr! You told me to live and not to give up. Why did you do that? You should let me perish there."
"I didn't know about the prophecy at that time." Legolas looked at Vesper idly.
She sighed and buried her head in her hands. A heavy silence laid upon them.
"What will you do with me?" Vesper asked him as their eyes met again.
"I have to make you harmless," Legolas answered firmly.
Vesper did the only thing she could at the moment - she closed her eyes and sent silent pleas to someone mighty enough to wake her from this dreadful dreams.
Legolas stood there still and was waiting for the next action. The moon shall soon rise and its silver rays will cover the land.
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Vesper finally opened her eyes and they grew wider as she noticed the fair Elf approaching her. His lithe body was moving with the grace of a predator. As Legolas was coming near her, Vesper felt her blood freezing in fear.
The lit torches were illuminating Legolas' beautiful features, his soft lips that were revealing a small smile as the whole thing was just some prank that amused him. His golden hair were glowing in the dim light but his darken eyes were eyes of another man. Sombre eyes of the evil creature.
Vesper instinctively backed while he was stepping closer to her until the stone wall stopped her. Her breath was rapid and anguish was growing inside her.
Legolas came face to face with Vesper. Up close, he was taller and more sinister than she had expected him to be.
"I trust him completely. Legolas is an elf. I know that he would never hurt me." Her mantra was rolling in her head to comfort her. But it didn't work. Because the sapphire orbits that were holding her gaze her were the eyes of the predator.
Legolas could feel her rushing blood and raising fear in her heart. Smaller part of him wanted to take Vesper into his arms and to assure her that nothing bad will happen to her again. Well, his bigger and dominating part demanded of him to take the light from her. At any costs.
Vesper could no longer persist their eye-contact so she lowered her gaze and caught a glimpse of the elf's ivory chest because of his unbuttoned shirt. She gasped in shock - his otherwise flawless skin was marred with the Sauron's token. It surprised her that the deep cuts were still raw and coloured with almost black blood. They should heal by now. The elves were healing so much faster than humans. But her wounds were almost healed. And they were much deeper.
"Yes, I still wear the mark of the Dark Lord," Legolas noticed that she was staring at his scar.
"but you have a mark of your own too," he said in quiet voice and stretched his hand. Vesper couldn't move to step away. Legolas grabbed the fabric of her dress and tore the sleeve off. His gaze was pointed on her arm.
There was this small token that consisted of two symbols - the first one was the sun with eight beams and a smaller star in the centre of the sun.
"The Sign of Light," Legolas looked back at her almost in disbelief. The prophecy was right. That's the proof. "The Sign of Light, hidden behind the clouds and mist of pain and sorrow."
Vesper was speechless. She had worn this sign for her entire life and it used to be really pale like it was fading. But now the lines were more intense than ever. She had to admit that that prophecy was probably right.
Legolas looked like he was about to say more of the prophecy, but he stopped and looked down at his hand that was still holding her wrist. When he met Vesper's gaze, he smiled as if nothing had happened.
"The Light," he smiled at her and brushed hair from her face. His dark eyes hypnotised Vesper.
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"Faonor!" Legolas called for his assistant. Faonor entered the room and saw the odd scene - Vesper was leaning on the wall and Legolas was holding her hand. And her sleeve was torn.
"Hold her tight," Legolas told him and looked back at Vesper tenderly.
Faonor came to Vesper and held her hands. She couldn't find strength to rebel. Now she was pressed to his chest and facing Legolas.
She blinked in shock as Legolas produced small silver dagger.
"No, no, no,..." Vesper couldn't believe her eyes. That wasn't happening. She wanted to shake her head but Faonor's tight grip prevented her to move.
She closed her eyes in horror but her body refused to obey her orders. It deprived her of merciful darkness.
"Please no, no," Vesper was trembling uncontrollably in Faonor's hands, her throat was dry and her heart was pounding so fast. Her gaze seemed stuck with every little move the blond Elf made.
Faonor asked Valars for strength to endure these tormenting moments. He was holding this mortal girl and couldn't help but pitying her. She was weak, confused and betrayed. What cruel being could demand from them to sacrifice an innocent human? Faonor felt doubts roaming through his heart when Legolas put his hand on Vesper's cheek and caressed her. He lowered his head so that they were only inches apart.
"I won't hurt you ... more than necessary." Legolas had a small, sombre smile playing on his lips. He moved closer and kissed Vesper's cold lips. She squirmed but Faonor's grip stayed tight.
Legolas wrapped his strong fingers around her wrist and held her hand in front of him. Vesper could still see her mark. Then he lift his silver dagger and placed it near the symbol of the sun. The tip of the sharp blade sliced her skin and few drops of blood appeared. He shifted dagger and kept on cutting Vesper's skin. She felt waves of stinging pain radiating from her fresh wound.
How could he betray her and hurt her so badly? She had never hurt anyone. How can an Elf, this personification of good, be so cruel to her?
Please let this be a bad dream, a bad dream and nothing more. Her silent pleas that were doomed to be unheard.
Legolas felt some bits of her agony but didn't stop his actions until the spell was written across her old sign.
Vesper couldn't cry. Her restrained sobs were devouring her strengths, so she let her head rest on Faonor's chest. Her black hair were hiding her pale face like velvet curtains. She fainted shortly afterwards.
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"What now, my lord?" Faonor was fighting against his own sickness.
"Put her on the bed," Legolas told him and put the digger stained with blood on the silver plate.
"Are you done, my lord?" Faonor dared to ask before he left the room.
"Unfortunately no, there is still something left to do. But I do not need your help anymore. You are free to go!" Legolas told him.
Faonor nodded and left the room as quick as possible. In the hall he hesitated for a brief moment because those gray eyes full of terror haunted his otherwise peaceful minds. He heard the key in the lock turned and menacing silence followed. Faonor could still sense pain and fear that had pushed Vesper into darkness. Faonor almost ran away from the hall.
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Vesper finally opened her eyes. She was floating somewhere for a long time. There was this odd sensation of stinging in her right arm but it subdued in time. Strange. Did something happened to her? Where was she?
She was astonished to find herself wrapped in Legolas arms and his hand was tenderly caressing her face. She felt his gentle touch as his finger was following the shape of her eye-brows.
"Do you feel better?" Legolas sounded and looked concerned.
"I think so, thank you," Vesper answered while drowning in the depths of his blue eyes.
"I am glad to hear that," without any warning the Elf placed countless light kisses down her neck. She stiffened but relaxed in a second. It felt so good.
But something started to bother her - a sense of some blurred memories or flashbacks with strange pictures from her nightmare. Vesper couldn't recall how she ended in the bed with Legolas. Riding through the night, feeling of exhaustion and the great trees around her. Then - blank. Absolutely blank page of her memory. She was very confused - her arm was in pain. Did she fall off her horse and Legolas saved her? One of her sleeves was missing so she had probably hurt herself and they took care of her wound.
Vesper was trying to gather her dispersed thoughts and arrange her bits and shreds of memory in some kind of possible picture but she failed. Because that was the very moment the fair Elf had chosen to claim her mouth.
The touch of Legolas' lips on her lips was distracting and she almost forgot to breathe too. Vesper lifted her sound hand and ran her fingers down his cheek. His skin was silken and cool. At least cooler than hers.
Legolas freed her lips and smiled at her. He couldn't ignore the dreamy expression on her face.
A smile to die for, Vesper didn't feel the bed beneath her. As she would be light as a feather. She was bewitched in a second. Vesper thought that she should ask him what happened.
But Legolas was faster. He lowered his head and kissed her intended question away. The spell was working, he finally remembered. He must not allow himself to be carried away. Although this mortal girl had luscious lips that occupied him for a while. So that he forgot about the spell. He had to be careful.
Vesper was overpowered by the sensation and she felt fever crawling up her spine and setting her body on fire.
If this is dream, please don't end, please don't end, she sent her pleas to the mighty and only one.
Legolas tried to take off his shirt and while dragging it off he tore his clothes. Vesper gasped in shock as she saw his tattered chest.
"Oh my!" It hit Legolas how sorry Vesper felt for him and how much pain gave her the look at his raw scars.
Vesper trusted him with her own life - not that it was worth anything but it felt good.
"It will be all right," he stroked her hair in solace. The Light, don't forget about the Light, Legolas heard the voice in his head again. Her injured arm was resting on his shoulder so that he was able to see the words he had cut in her skin.
"Vesper is your end," words were echoing in the Elf's mind. To remember why he is here and why she is here.
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"DAVOUR TEARS - THE STREAM WILL BLOOM FROM HEART TOREN IN DESPAIR. AND LIGHT SHALL BE YOURS."
Legolas moaned as sharp pain came along with the words of the prophecy. It is the time.
"What is wrong?," Vesper said as his slender but strong fingers slid around her wrists and held her too tight.
"Nothing is wrong. It is just time." Legolas switched their position. Now he could see her face as Vesper was laying beneath him.
"You are hurting me," said Vesper. Her wrists started to ache.
Legolas didn't answer. As their eyes met and held, she saw ice appear in his blue eyes.
"You hurt me!" her eyes grew wider in recognition of the past events.
"I did what had to be done," he retorted. Legolas was to touch her face but Vesper dodged.
She recollected everything what had happened and was eager to get out of his hold. But his arms captured her even before she tried to escape. Like he could predict her thoughts.
"You have to accept that I cannot let you go," Legolas smiled in sad mockery.
He felt her racing heart and her thoughts that were fluttering around her head like wild captured birds in a cage.
Cold fear crawl up into Vesper's heart as she saw Legolas' eyes roam over her in strange way. She tried to beg him to stop looking her like that but her mouths were dry and the words died in her throat.
But inside her head she was screaming NO PLEASE NO PLEASE NO. It hit her that she will die in this agony.
Legolas pinned her wrists above her head with one hand and crushed his mouths on her. That forced kiss was rough and brutal. It bruised her lips with sudden force.
He continued mercilessly and with his free hand he tore Vesper's dress away. She felt his cool body covering her from head to toes.
"Please not like that. Not like that,..." she whispered in cracked voice.
Legolas ignored her words and claimed her mouths again. Vesper turned her head to avoid his lips, but he grabbed her hair and held her still. Then he kissed her. It was bitter kiss.
"I will make you cry," he whispered in her ears and pressed a small kiss on the top of her earlobe. His hands travelled down her body and Vesper was dying of shame. How could he *touch* her like that? How could an absolutely good and kind being change so much and became so cruel? Faint voice echoed in her frozen body.
Legolas was determined to break this fragile human form and devour the light he wanted.
Vesper noticed the long-forgotten feeling of stinging behind her eyes. "Legolas please don't, don't..." she managed to say in thin voice.
His merciless eyes were firmly locked on her. When he met her gaze, he smiled at her and lightly kissed her dry lips.
Vesper turned her head to avoid the sight of the beautiful creature that was forcing her into something so low and impure. What hurt her even more than Legolas claiming her unwilling body and brutal kissing her was that he could be so tender and gentle.
Sharp pain invaded her body and she opened her mouth in mute scream. It subdued to the dull and engulfing pain. She felt tears gathering in the corners of her eyes.
How could an Elf, that personification of good, cause her so much suffering and pain? Vesper felt dirty and ashamed as she felt their bodies stuck together with sweat. He was moaning in her skin and that was the moment when Legolas successfully smashed all of her fragile hopes for better life.
Is something is enough powerful and evil to transform an ethereal being of light into flesh craving monster what can she hope for? The Elf she thought she had found safety and brighter future in his arms. The Elf that kissed her so gently was now raping her. Yes. Raping her, she repeated her words.
And what struck her even deeper was that Legolas looked so innocent and untouched. And at the same time he was scaring her for ever.
Vesper wanted to run away, to bloc her ears from his moans of perverted pleasures. She turned her head in the pillows to hide from his fair and gentle features coloured with dark passion.
She lay there lifeless while Legolas continued his ministrations until he was relieved. He glanced over the still girl beneath him. Her warm body was flushed in shame and sweat, her hair were stuck to her pale skin. The light was so bright in her clear eyes. But he noticed her wet eyes. It was a matter of few moments.
Legolas leaned and pressed a painfully gentle kiss on her soft lips. "Are you in pain?" he asked in tender voice. It was the cruellest thing that he did to Vesper. She closed her eyes in surrender and disgust.
"Open those beautiful eyes," Legolas whispered and nibbled her ear.
Vesper was quiet, her heart was torn apart and two crystal tears came from her shut eyes. They slowly escaped her closed eyes and were to slide down her cheeks.
Legolas noticed that with dark satisfaction and he pressed his lips on her eyes and licked her tears away. He savoured the sweet and bitter taste and smiled. It was more of an evil grin than smile.
Sauron was right in one thing - these mortals were so pathetically fragile - Vesper was young but scared for ever so her life was ruined before it had begun properly. And what is the use of Nienna's gift? And the prophecy said she was men's only hope? Well, farewell men of Gondor. Legolas grinned and his fair face looked malicious.
But when Vesper opened her eyes, they were blank and empty. Her face was paler than the snow on the Misty mountains. He felt the urge to pat her like some hurt and scared bird.
"It is all over," Legolas said softly as he turned his piercing blue gaze on her.
Looking up into Legolas' eyes, she did the only thing she could.
"I know." Vesper said before the darkness engulfed her.
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Plus *big thanks* to *musicgrl*, *Andmetwen*, *tbris* for your reviews and that you stuck with me for awhile :)
WARNING! This chapter is R- rated because there is a rape-scene at the end of the chapter!
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FALLEN
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Legolas left Faonor and went to see Vesper. He opened the door and silently approached her bed.
Here she was, laying still and sleeping. Her damp black hair were all over the pillow, her long eyelashes drew shadows on her pale face in the scantly light of few candles. Her lips seemed soft and tender in the twilight. Vesper looked so fragile and harmless. How could she be a peril to the Elves? Legolas asked himself this question for the millionth time since he heard the prophecy.
Legolas was fighting with his doubts - is he strong enough to follow his plan and take that light of hers away? Is he prepared to sacrifice her for the benefit of his own people?
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He was standing by her bed for a long moment before he decided and quietly left the room. As he closed the door behind him, Legolas knew that another sleepless night is awaiting him. This insomnia had already started to exhaust him and he became more and more impercipient for the things around him.
The stone was somehow feeding on Legolas' strength - he felt that he was going through some changes that could be lethal for him but he had to fulfil his task. A new age for the Elves. His only goal. His only purpose. It's never easy. Nothing important is easy.
Tomorrow....the time for his final deed. If he succeed the Men are to leave the Middle earth for good. The other alternative...who is he fooling? - there is no other alternative. It is time for Legolas to act as a warrior and to leave behind his softer feelings of compassion. And to destroy the good if he had to.
Legolas was walking to his quarters and the shadow in his mind was growing.
He saw Faonor who was waiting him before his room.
"I thought if you need my assistance," the Elf asked Legolas as he approached. Legolas looked at the young Elf. His eyes were bright and his heart was still light. Legolas used to be just like him only a couple of days ago.
"Thank you, Faonor, but no, I need no more of your help tonight. Go now to your rest but be ready to my call as soon as the sun is going down."
"Yes, my lord," Faonor nodded and left the corridor.
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Vesper woke up. Regarding the long shadows it had to be around late afternoon. She was exhausted and she had slept for whole night and almost all day. She could feel every single bone in her aching body. That ride surely was something.
In spite of her tired body she felt fresh and ready to meet Legolas. Vesper had to admit that her life had finally turned for the better. She was impatient about what adventures were waiting for her. To be in the Greenwood! Among the kind Elves. Vesper honesty believed that the Elves were the only absolutely good beings. And she rejoiced to be invited to meet them. Life is good after all, Vesper thought as she climbed out of bed.
It was great room, with elvish engravings on the furniture and beautiful details such as small leaves on the sheets. Vesper walked around the room and loved every single thing she had come across with.
Near the fireplace was table with plate full of fruits - Vesper reached for a golden pear and it tasted so good. That reminded her how hungry she was and she emptied the plate in couple of minutes.
A knock on her door and the fairest she-elf Vesper had ever seen entered the room. "Hello, lady Vesper. I brought you a fresh dress. You can take a bath in that separate room - the doors are behind the bed," she put the dress on the bed and smiled at Vesper.
"I hope that you are provided with everything what you need," the fair she- elf said.
"Yes, thank you. I just wanted to tell you how grateful I am. You have been most kind to me," Vesper thanked.
"You are very important to us," the she-elf said and left Vesper alone.
Important? Vesper smiled. Yea, right. But it was nice of her to say that although it wasn't truth. Maybe the Elves were not only extremely kind but also very polite. While occupying her minds with these things Vesper took a refreshing bath. And it smelled so good! Jasmine and some other flower she didn't know the name.
Then she put on her elvish dress and the touch of soft material was great. Vesper sighed in content and said to herself : "Well, so what's next? After all this luxury they can sacrifice me in the moonlight if they wish. And I won't protest!" That made her giggle - after all these miserable years she had almost forgotten how to laugh. And the Elves learn her how to do it again.
"I hope that the Elves will stay in the Middle earth forever," she said, serious again and looking through the window. It was dusk.
"That is my plan," Vesper was surprised by the melodic voice that came from behind her. Ahe didn't hear anyone enter the room. She turned and met a pair of eyes that were of the deepest blue colour.
Legolas' eyes narrowed as he laid his gaze upon mortal girl. Was she actually happy to see him? He couldn't overlook the sparks in her gray eyes and the light was more obvious then ever. Yes, he saved her pathetic life back there in Barad-Dûr, some flashbacks hit him. And now is her time to pay.
"Welcome to Great Greenwood," he greeted her. And smiled although the smile didn't make it to his eyes. Vesper stood in front of him, enchanted at his beauty that seemed so unearthly. Such a creature must be good, she thought. His golden hair were in contrast with his dark clothes. But the impression was magnificent.
"Thank you... it is so good to see you again Legolas. I thought that you all were in the Undying lands..." Vesper meant every word she had just said.
"No, we are to stay here. The Men are to leave the Middle earth forever. Actually in this very moment the Men of Gondor are going on board of their ships. They shall settle on the Distant islands. And never return."
"But wasn't this journey to Undying lands very important for you? I mean, it is great to hear that you are to stay but what about Men? And Aragorn agreed just like that?" Vesper looked back at Legolas in disbelief.
Legolas looked steadily at her. "Of course not, he had many objections but later he ascertained that the departure is a good thing. For the Men and for the Elves. And then he finally consented with my plan. And now they are spending very last minutes in the Middle earth..."
"How? ... and more important why?" Vesper was in confusion and slightly afraid that she had gone mad sometime while talking to Legolas.
"I had to save the Middle earth from the greed of Men that threaten to consume the Middle earth after our departure. None the less, the Elves are more rightful to stay here than the Men with their black hearts, soaked with greed. After Aragorn's death everything would be ruined. I saw it all. And I was chosen to make the difference and take my people on the path to new glory. It is hard to understand, I know. But I prevented greater evil."
"What? You were in war with Aragorn?" Vesper whispered her words. What had happened? The world she used to know turned upside down. In few days time!
"Indeed I was. I still regret victims but if only Men listened. But they never do. To smart and too proud and too short-sighted. But we won this war." His face was still, no sign of remorse that Vesper was seeking for so eagerly.
"You...you have killed Men?" she asked in faint voice.
"I never touched any of the Man. But yes, I caused many deaths of men, I had to."
Vesper didn't have time to recover from the shock of Legolas' words. She understood that he changed into something evil. She had one question tiptoeing on the top of her confused mind.
"Then why did you bring me here?" a sense of omen engulfed her. "I should join the Men on their ships - because I am one of them."
"You are the last obstacle that could prevent us from our elevation. So does the prophecy say. You are the Bringer of Light. And therefore I couldn't let Aragorn to get you first and destroy my plans. You are too precious for us." Legolas said as a cold smile appeared on his lips.
Looking up into Legolas' darkened eyes, Vesper fervently contradicted.
"I am of no importance to anyone! You know that. The prophecy must be wrong, what light are you talking about? Just a few days ago I wished that I would be dead, sleeping the eternal slumber with my kin. But you, you saved my life in that damned Barad-Dûr! You told me to live and not to give up. Why did you do that? You should let me perish there."
"I didn't know about the prophecy at that time." Legolas looked at Vesper idly.
She sighed and buried her head in her hands. A heavy silence laid upon them.
"What will you do with me?" Vesper asked him as their eyes met again.
"I have to make you harmless," Legolas answered firmly.
Vesper did the only thing she could at the moment - she closed her eyes and sent silent pleas to someone mighty enough to wake her from this dreadful dreams.
Legolas stood there still and was waiting for the next action. The moon shall soon rise and its silver rays will cover the land.
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Vesper finally opened her eyes and they grew wider as she noticed the fair Elf approaching her. His lithe body was moving with the grace of a predator. As Legolas was coming near her, Vesper felt her blood freezing in fear.
The lit torches were illuminating Legolas' beautiful features, his soft lips that were revealing a small smile as the whole thing was just some prank that amused him. His golden hair were glowing in the dim light but his darken eyes were eyes of another man. Sombre eyes of the evil creature.
Vesper instinctively backed while he was stepping closer to her until the stone wall stopped her. Her breath was rapid and anguish was growing inside her.
Legolas came face to face with Vesper. Up close, he was taller and more sinister than she had expected him to be.
"I trust him completely. Legolas is an elf. I know that he would never hurt me." Her mantra was rolling in her head to comfort her. But it didn't work. Because the sapphire orbits that were holding her gaze her were the eyes of the predator.
Legolas could feel her rushing blood and raising fear in her heart. Smaller part of him wanted to take Vesper into his arms and to assure her that nothing bad will happen to her again. Well, his bigger and dominating part demanded of him to take the light from her. At any costs.
Vesper could no longer persist their eye-contact so she lowered her gaze and caught a glimpse of the elf's ivory chest because of his unbuttoned shirt. She gasped in shock - his otherwise flawless skin was marred with the Sauron's token. It surprised her that the deep cuts were still raw and coloured with almost black blood. They should heal by now. The elves were healing so much faster than humans. But her wounds were almost healed. And they were much deeper.
"Yes, I still wear the mark of the Dark Lord," Legolas noticed that she was staring at his scar.
"but you have a mark of your own too," he said in quiet voice and stretched his hand. Vesper couldn't move to step away. Legolas grabbed the fabric of her dress and tore the sleeve off. His gaze was pointed on her arm.
There was this small token that consisted of two symbols - the first one was the sun with eight beams and a smaller star in the centre of the sun.
"The Sign of Light," Legolas looked back at her almost in disbelief. The prophecy was right. That's the proof. "The Sign of Light, hidden behind the clouds and mist of pain and sorrow."
Vesper was speechless. She had worn this sign for her entire life and it used to be really pale like it was fading. But now the lines were more intense than ever. She had to admit that that prophecy was probably right.
Legolas looked like he was about to say more of the prophecy, but he stopped and looked down at his hand that was still holding her wrist. When he met Vesper's gaze, he smiled as if nothing had happened.
"The Light," he smiled at her and brushed hair from her face. His dark eyes hypnotised Vesper.
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"Faonor!" Legolas called for his assistant. Faonor entered the room and saw the odd scene - Vesper was leaning on the wall and Legolas was holding her hand. And her sleeve was torn.
"Hold her tight," Legolas told him and looked back at Vesper tenderly.
Faonor came to Vesper and held her hands. She couldn't find strength to rebel. Now she was pressed to his chest and facing Legolas.
She blinked in shock as Legolas produced small silver dagger.
"No, no, no,..." Vesper couldn't believe her eyes. That wasn't happening. She wanted to shake her head but Faonor's tight grip prevented her to move.
She closed her eyes in horror but her body refused to obey her orders. It deprived her of merciful darkness.
"Please no, no," Vesper was trembling uncontrollably in Faonor's hands, her throat was dry and her heart was pounding so fast. Her gaze seemed stuck with every little move the blond Elf made.
Faonor asked Valars for strength to endure these tormenting moments. He was holding this mortal girl and couldn't help but pitying her. She was weak, confused and betrayed. What cruel being could demand from them to sacrifice an innocent human? Faonor felt doubts roaming through his heart when Legolas put his hand on Vesper's cheek and caressed her. He lowered his head so that they were only inches apart.
"I won't hurt you ... more than necessary." Legolas had a small, sombre smile playing on his lips. He moved closer and kissed Vesper's cold lips. She squirmed but Faonor's grip stayed tight.
Legolas wrapped his strong fingers around her wrist and held her hand in front of him. Vesper could still see her mark. Then he lift his silver dagger and placed it near the symbol of the sun. The tip of the sharp blade sliced her skin and few drops of blood appeared. He shifted dagger and kept on cutting Vesper's skin. She felt waves of stinging pain radiating from her fresh wound.
How could he betray her and hurt her so badly? She had never hurt anyone. How can an Elf, this personification of good, be so cruel to her?
Please let this be a bad dream, a bad dream and nothing more. Her silent pleas that were doomed to be unheard.
Legolas felt some bits of her agony but didn't stop his actions until the spell was written across her old sign.
Vesper couldn't cry. Her restrained sobs were devouring her strengths, so she let her head rest on Faonor's chest. Her black hair were hiding her pale face like velvet curtains. She fainted shortly afterwards.
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"What now, my lord?" Faonor was fighting against his own sickness.
"Put her on the bed," Legolas told him and put the digger stained with blood on the silver plate.
"Are you done, my lord?" Faonor dared to ask before he left the room.
"Unfortunately no, there is still something left to do. But I do not need your help anymore. You are free to go!" Legolas told him.
Faonor nodded and left the room as quick as possible. In the hall he hesitated for a brief moment because those gray eyes full of terror haunted his otherwise peaceful minds. He heard the key in the lock turned and menacing silence followed. Faonor could still sense pain and fear that had pushed Vesper into darkness. Faonor almost ran away from the hall.
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Vesper finally opened her eyes. She was floating somewhere for a long time. There was this odd sensation of stinging in her right arm but it subdued in time. Strange. Did something happened to her? Where was she?
She was astonished to find herself wrapped in Legolas arms and his hand was tenderly caressing her face. She felt his gentle touch as his finger was following the shape of her eye-brows.
"Do you feel better?" Legolas sounded and looked concerned.
"I think so, thank you," Vesper answered while drowning in the depths of his blue eyes.
"I am glad to hear that," without any warning the Elf placed countless light kisses down her neck. She stiffened but relaxed in a second. It felt so good.
But something started to bother her - a sense of some blurred memories or flashbacks with strange pictures from her nightmare. Vesper couldn't recall how she ended in the bed with Legolas. Riding through the night, feeling of exhaustion and the great trees around her. Then - blank. Absolutely blank page of her memory. She was very confused - her arm was in pain. Did she fall off her horse and Legolas saved her? One of her sleeves was missing so she had probably hurt herself and they took care of her wound.
Vesper was trying to gather her dispersed thoughts and arrange her bits and shreds of memory in some kind of possible picture but she failed. Because that was the very moment the fair Elf had chosen to claim her mouth.
The touch of Legolas' lips on her lips was distracting and she almost forgot to breathe too. Vesper lifted her sound hand and ran her fingers down his cheek. His skin was silken and cool. At least cooler than hers.
Legolas freed her lips and smiled at her. He couldn't ignore the dreamy expression on her face.
A smile to die for, Vesper didn't feel the bed beneath her. As she would be light as a feather. She was bewitched in a second. Vesper thought that she should ask him what happened.
But Legolas was faster. He lowered his head and kissed her intended question away. The spell was working, he finally remembered. He must not allow himself to be carried away. Although this mortal girl had luscious lips that occupied him for a while. So that he forgot about the spell. He had to be careful.
Vesper was overpowered by the sensation and she felt fever crawling up her spine and setting her body on fire.
If this is dream, please don't end, please don't end, she sent her pleas to the mighty and only one.
Legolas tried to take off his shirt and while dragging it off he tore his clothes. Vesper gasped in shock as she saw his tattered chest.
"Oh my!" It hit Legolas how sorry Vesper felt for him and how much pain gave her the look at his raw scars.
Vesper trusted him with her own life - not that it was worth anything but it felt good.
"It will be all right," he stroked her hair in solace. The Light, don't forget about the Light, Legolas heard the voice in his head again. Her injured arm was resting on his shoulder so that he was able to see the words he had cut in her skin.
"Vesper is your end," words were echoing in the Elf's mind. To remember why he is here and why she is here.
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"DAVOUR TEARS - THE STREAM WILL BLOOM FROM HEART TOREN IN DESPAIR. AND LIGHT SHALL BE YOURS."
Legolas moaned as sharp pain came along with the words of the prophecy. It is the time.
"What is wrong?," Vesper said as his slender but strong fingers slid around her wrists and held her too tight.
"Nothing is wrong. It is just time." Legolas switched their position. Now he could see her face as Vesper was laying beneath him.
"You are hurting me," said Vesper. Her wrists started to ache.
Legolas didn't answer. As their eyes met and held, she saw ice appear in his blue eyes.
"You hurt me!" her eyes grew wider in recognition of the past events.
"I did what had to be done," he retorted. Legolas was to touch her face but Vesper dodged.
She recollected everything what had happened and was eager to get out of his hold. But his arms captured her even before she tried to escape. Like he could predict her thoughts.
"You have to accept that I cannot let you go," Legolas smiled in sad mockery.
He felt her racing heart and her thoughts that were fluttering around her head like wild captured birds in a cage.
Cold fear crawl up into Vesper's heart as she saw Legolas' eyes roam over her in strange way. She tried to beg him to stop looking her like that but her mouths were dry and the words died in her throat.
But inside her head she was screaming NO PLEASE NO PLEASE NO. It hit her that she will die in this agony.
Legolas pinned her wrists above her head with one hand and crushed his mouths on her. That forced kiss was rough and brutal. It bruised her lips with sudden force.
He continued mercilessly and with his free hand he tore Vesper's dress away. She felt his cool body covering her from head to toes.
"Please not like that. Not like that,..." she whispered in cracked voice.
Legolas ignored her words and claimed her mouths again. Vesper turned her head to avoid his lips, but he grabbed her hair and held her still. Then he kissed her. It was bitter kiss.
"I will make you cry," he whispered in her ears and pressed a small kiss on the top of her earlobe. His hands travelled down her body and Vesper was dying of shame. How could he *touch* her like that? How could an absolutely good and kind being change so much and became so cruel? Faint voice echoed in her frozen body.
Legolas was determined to break this fragile human form and devour the light he wanted.
Vesper noticed the long-forgotten feeling of stinging behind her eyes. "Legolas please don't, don't..." she managed to say in thin voice.
His merciless eyes were firmly locked on her. When he met her gaze, he smiled at her and lightly kissed her dry lips.
Vesper turned her head to avoid the sight of the beautiful creature that was forcing her into something so low and impure. What hurt her even more than Legolas claiming her unwilling body and brutal kissing her was that he could be so tender and gentle.
Sharp pain invaded her body and she opened her mouth in mute scream. It subdued to the dull and engulfing pain. She felt tears gathering in the corners of her eyes.
How could an Elf, that personification of good, cause her so much suffering and pain? Vesper felt dirty and ashamed as she felt their bodies stuck together with sweat. He was moaning in her skin and that was the moment when Legolas successfully smashed all of her fragile hopes for better life.
Is something is enough powerful and evil to transform an ethereal being of light into flesh craving monster what can she hope for? The Elf she thought she had found safety and brighter future in his arms. The Elf that kissed her so gently was now raping her. Yes. Raping her, she repeated her words.
And what struck her even deeper was that Legolas looked so innocent and untouched. And at the same time he was scaring her for ever.
Vesper wanted to run away, to bloc her ears from his moans of perverted pleasures. She turned her head in the pillows to hide from his fair and gentle features coloured with dark passion.
She lay there lifeless while Legolas continued his ministrations until he was relieved. He glanced over the still girl beneath him. Her warm body was flushed in shame and sweat, her hair were stuck to her pale skin. The light was so bright in her clear eyes. But he noticed her wet eyes. It was a matter of few moments.
Legolas leaned and pressed a painfully gentle kiss on her soft lips. "Are you in pain?" he asked in tender voice. It was the cruellest thing that he did to Vesper. She closed her eyes in surrender and disgust.
"Open those beautiful eyes," Legolas whispered and nibbled her ear.
Vesper was quiet, her heart was torn apart and two crystal tears came from her shut eyes. They slowly escaped her closed eyes and were to slide down her cheeks.
Legolas noticed that with dark satisfaction and he pressed his lips on her eyes and licked her tears away. He savoured the sweet and bitter taste and smiled. It was more of an evil grin than smile.
Sauron was right in one thing - these mortals were so pathetically fragile - Vesper was young but scared for ever so her life was ruined before it had begun properly. And what is the use of Nienna's gift? And the prophecy said she was men's only hope? Well, farewell men of Gondor. Legolas grinned and his fair face looked malicious.
But when Vesper opened her eyes, they were blank and empty. Her face was paler than the snow on the Misty mountains. He felt the urge to pat her like some hurt and scared bird.
"It is all over," Legolas said softly as he turned his piercing blue gaze on her.
Looking up into Legolas' eyes, she did the only thing she could.
"I know." Vesper said before the darkness engulfed her.
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