Greatest Risk
Part 4
"Legolas," a groggy but musical voice muttered.
The elven prince lifted his head from where it rested on Isilmereil's hand. Her eyes were shut tightly.
"Legolas?" the voice said again with distress.
Legolas bent over Isilmeriel and passed his hand over her cheek, soothing her with Elvish words. "I am right here, Isilmeriel."
Isilmeriel opened her eyes to meet Legolas'. His eyes were the only things she could focus in on. Her head spun from the injuries she had sustained the day before and the small bit of poison that still coursed her veins did not help matters either.
"Legolas, where am I?" Isilmeriel asked.
"You are home, Isilme." Aragorn entered the room and sat in the chair next to the bed.
Isilmeriel rubbed the back of her head, remembering the previous day. "Estel, what happened to you and." Isilmeriel sat up, the dizziness wearing off.
Estel gently grabbed her shoulders and gently pushed her back to the pillows. "Another story for another time, Isilme."
The room was silent for a moment as Isilmeriel glared at her human cousin.
"Legolas," Aragorn said finally, "Turion and Calatar are here. They have a message from your father."
"Would you be so kind as to send them here, Strider? I don't want to leave her side," Legolas asked as he ran his fingers through Isilmeriel's long hair.
Strider nodded and exited the room. A few minutes later he reentered with the two Silvan elves following him. Both had blonde hair, blue eyes, and slender bodies. In fact, many thought they were twins and few could guess that they were not even related.
Legolas stood from the bed and greeted his friends.
"I am glad to see that you are well, Prince Legolas," Turion said, glancing beyond the price, "But who is this beautiful elf maiden who lies hence?"
Legolas turned around and smiled.
"She is Isilmeriel, Lady of Rivendell and Lorien and Lord Elrond's niece," Legolas replied.
Turion and Calatar nodded towards Isilmeriel.
"It is a pleasure, my lady," Turion stated then turned his attention back to his liege. "Legolas, as you probably already know, we bring a message from your father."
"Come, we shall talk of this outside" Legolas spun the elf messengers around and pushed them towards the door. He knew that Isilmeriel needed to rest and would not with guest in the room. Turning around he locked eyes with her. "I will return shortly, Isilme"
Calatar stopped in the hallway and looked back to the room they had just come from. "Legolas, you scoundrel of a prince."
"Cal!" Turion nudged the shorter elf. "That's none of our business."
Legolas laughed, "It is well, Tur."
"So are you together? If you are I can see why," Calatar's comment earned him another, but slightly harder, nudge from Turion. "What? I am only saying that she's pretty, Tur!"
"Enough you two," Legolas commanded with a slight laughter. "Now what of this message from my father?"
"He wishes you to return to Mirkwood as soon as possible," Turion answered.
"I cannot return to Mirkwood. That would mean leaving Isilmeriel. Unless." A smile tugged at the corners of Legolas lips as he turn and ran toward Lord Elrond's study.
"Legolas, where are you going?" Turion called out to the running prince.
"You shall see soon enough," Legolas shouted back.
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Come in," Lord Elrond spoke as he heard a knock at the door of his study.
Legolas opened the door and entered the room.
"Ah, Legolas, sit down, please. How is Isilmeriel?" The elf lord asked as he place his book on the arm of his chair.
"She is awake now, but is resting," Legolas replied, sitting down in a chair across from the elder elf. "Lord Elrond, may I speak with you?"
Elrond raised on of his eyebrows, "About what?
Legolas took a deep. "I have just received a message from my father saying that he wishes me home as soon as possible."
"That is not unusual," Elrond stated. "Is that the matter you wanted to speak with me about."
"No, my lord," Legolas answered. "I do not wish to return to Mirkwood because that would mean that I must leave Isilmeriel. Unless."
"Unless what?"
The elven prince held his breath for a moment. "Unless, she could return with me as a Princess of Mirkwood."
Lord Elrond was silent for a moment then burst into laughter. "Are you asking me if you can ask for my niece's hand?"
Legolas nodded slowly. He did not see how this could be funny.
"Well, I am sorry, Legolas. I cannot give you permission to do that." The ancient elf began to laugh harder as he saw the look of total dismay on the young prince's face.
Once he had composed himself, the elf lord spoke again. "I can only give you my blessing. She must give you permission."
A smile lit across Legolas' face as his heart was lifted by Lord Elrond's answer. Leaping up from the chair he sat in and giving out a whoop of joy, he bound out the door, running into Turion, Calatar, and Estel.
"Legolas, what was that all about?" Estel asked laughing slightly. He had never seen his friend so happy.
Legolas held up his hand and turned to the two Silvan elves. "I will return to Mirkwood as soon as." he let his voice drift off and smiled broadly.
Aragorn grabbed Legolas by the shoulders and spun him around so he faced the human. "Legolas, what are you talking about?"
"All will reveal itself in due time, my friends," Legolas laughed to himself for a moment. "Now if you all will excuse me, I'm going to go back to see Isilmer-"
"I wouldn't do that if I were you, Legolas," Aragorn interrupted. "While you were with my father we finally got her to rest, as you should. You have not slept at all since that night."
Legolas nodded at the ranger. Normally they would have spent half the day arguing about the matter, but the prince was tired. Bidding all of his friends to have a good day, he walked to his room and laid down on the soft mattress, sleep overtaking him in moments.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Legolas awoke hardly believing his eyes. The sun was breaking over the horizon, welcoming a new day. Had he really slept that long?
Getting out of bed, the elf slid out of the clothes he had fallen asleep in and put on the freshly laid out leggings and tunic. After he had dressed he began to walk out of the room to go see Isilmeriel
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Come in," a voice called out sweetly, answering the knock on the door.
Legolas slowly entered the room. His mouth dropped open slightly as his eyes fixed on the elf sitting on the over stuffed lounge chair that sat near the window, just as she was the day they had met.
Isilmeriel wore a simple light green dress with translucent sleeves. Her hair, pulled back from her face in small braids, allowed every line of her beautiful face to be seen as she turned to meet the longing look in Legolas' eyes.
"Good morning, Legolas. Isn't it a beautiful morning?" Isilmeriel asked returning her gaze to the valley quickly to avoid a subject she did not want to address.
Legolas stared into her blue-green eyes for a moment. Sitting next to her on the lounge chair he finally answered, "Yes, it certainly is, Isilme. You look well," Legolas placed his long fingers gently over the part of her dress that concealed her wound, "How are you feeling?"
Isilmeriel smiled and placed her hand over the prince's, "I'm a feeling much better. It has almost healed, I can barely feel it."
Legolas sighed in relief and moved his hand, stroking her cheek. "I'm so glad. You really had me believing this whole 'I've been poisoned and I'm going to die' routine."
Isilmeriel burst into laughter and pushed the prince off of the chair.
Legolas pushed himself up from the floor. "I want to speak with you about something important. Will you come with me down to the gardens?" he asked holding out his hands to her.
Isilmeriel began to reach for his hands but hesitated. She had finally admitted her feelings for him, but she was still afraid. "I can't, Legolas. Elrond wants to speak with me about something."
Legolas dropped his arms to his sides and nodded slowly. Without a sound he left the room.
Once he was gone, Isilmeriel buried her head in her hands. Protecting him was breaking her heart.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lord Elrond heard Isilmeriel's gentle cry as he was walking down the hall. He knew why she wept. He had just passed Legolas; the prince walked slowly with his head low. Something had happened between the two of them.
"Isilmeriel?" he asked as he walked in his niece's room.
Isilmeriel quickly wiped her tears. "Yes, uncle?"
"What is the matter, aiaer (little one)?" Elrond asked sitting down beside her, letting her lean against his arm, not able to fight her tears.
"I love Legolas," she replied.
"Well, that is a good thing." Lord Elrond smiled.
"No, it isn't," Isilmeriel shook her head. "I have to protect him from me and it's breaking my heart. All I want is to be with him."
"Then you should be with him. Why must you protect him?"
"Because I'll end up hurting him." She whispered.
"My dear, you do not have to be afraid of love and you do not need to protect neither yourself nor Legolas from it. It is love that protects the people that share it." Elrond stated as he stood and walked towards the door. Before he passed through the large wooden doors, he turned back. "Let your heart feel the things it used to feel. Do not live your life in a shadow of doubt and uncertainty of 'what ifs'. That is no way to live at all, Isilmeriel."
Isilmeriel sat alone in her room a long while. Taking every word Lord Elrond had just said to heart, she got up and went in search of Legolas.
~*~*~*~
For once unafraid
I can go where love leads me
And somehow I know
I'll be strong
~Vonda Shepherd
~*~*~*~
As she walked down the hall she stopped. Hearing a noise, she spun around. No one was there. Suddenly, her vision was cut off by a blindfold, a strong arm wrapped around her midsection, and a hand placed over her mouth. Isilmeriel kicked and screamed out trying to get away from the attacker.
"Shh," a familiar voice whispered in her ear as the hand moved away from her mouth, "You are coming with me."
"Legolas?" she asked a little unnerved. "You scared me half to."
Her voice was silenced as the hand was placed back over her mouth. "Be silent, Isilme. Now, just come with me."
Legolas released the elf maiden, but left the blindfold on. He led her out of the house, passed the gardens, and onto the small bridge that passed over one of the many streams that flowed through Rivendell. The elf prince reached back behind Isilmeriel's head and carefully untied the blindfold.
Isilmeriel looked around and placed her hands on her hips, "Legolas, was all of that necessary?"
"I'm sorry, Isilme, but I need to talk to you and this was the only way." He replied.
"Fine, Legolas," Isilmeriel pretended to be annoyed, "What is it?"
"Well," he paused not knowing how he should put his words. "Well, I love you and I know you love me. Even though you try to hide it from me, I know you do, and I know you're afraid to love me, and," Legolas stopped as he heard Isilmeriel laughing, "and what's so funny?"
"Nothing, I just-"
Legolas interrupted her, "No, I'm going to finish. My father wants me back in Mirkwood as soon as possible and I refuse to go because that would mean I would be away from you and I couldn't bear that. So, unless being dragged home against my will, I will not leave this valley without you, Isilme!"
"Are you finished?' Isilmeriel asked laughing slightly. "Can I talk now?" Legolas nodded. "I'm not afraid anymore. I want to be with you, Legolas, and I will follow you anywhere."
"Are you serious?" Legolas asked baffled. "You really want to be with me?" Isilmeriel nodded, smiling brightly. "Then I have another question for you. Would you return to my kingdom? Would you be a princess to my people? Would you marry me and be my wife?"
"Yes, Legolas, I will," She answered.
Legolas moved closer to Isilmeriel and wrapping his arms around her tightly. Both of them had wanted this moment since they had met and now spring was changing into summer. Slowly they let their lips inch closer and closer until they locked in a passionate kiss.
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Of course, of course. I will send runners out immediately with invitations," Elrond's voice boomed with laughter, "When can you get me the invitation list?"
"We are going to make it out soon, uncle," Isilmeriel answered.
Elrond embraced the two elves that stood in front of him in his study. Legolas and Isilmeriel had just told them the news that they were engaged.
"Ah, who would ever imagine a union as great as this once again?" The elf lord smiled and let out a sigh remembering his sister's wedding.
Elladan, Elrohir, and Aragorn entered the study as they were drawn by the laughter that filled the large room.
"What is it father?" they asked all at once.
"We were just discussing the engagement of Prince Legolas and Isilmeriel." Lord Elrond answered when he could still his laughter.
"We knew it!" Lord Elrond's sons cried out as they nearly tackled Legolas and Isilmeriel.
"It's about time," Elladan said over exaggerating.
"Really," Elrohir put in, "You two have been in love with each other since you both met."
"Yes," Estel agreed, "and don't lie to us and tell us otherwise."
Together they talked late into the night until Elrond commanded that they all retire for the night.
Part 4
"Legolas," a groggy but musical voice muttered.
The elven prince lifted his head from where it rested on Isilmereil's hand. Her eyes were shut tightly.
"Legolas?" the voice said again with distress.
Legolas bent over Isilmeriel and passed his hand over her cheek, soothing her with Elvish words. "I am right here, Isilmeriel."
Isilmeriel opened her eyes to meet Legolas'. His eyes were the only things she could focus in on. Her head spun from the injuries she had sustained the day before and the small bit of poison that still coursed her veins did not help matters either.
"Legolas, where am I?" Isilmeriel asked.
"You are home, Isilme." Aragorn entered the room and sat in the chair next to the bed.
Isilmeriel rubbed the back of her head, remembering the previous day. "Estel, what happened to you and." Isilmeriel sat up, the dizziness wearing off.
Estel gently grabbed her shoulders and gently pushed her back to the pillows. "Another story for another time, Isilme."
The room was silent for a moment as Isilmeriel glared at her human cousin.
"Legolas," Aragorn said finally, "Turion and Calatar are here. They have a message from your father."
"Would you be so kind as to send them here, Strider? I don't want to leave her side," Legolas asked as he ran his fingers through Isilmeriel's long hair.
Strider nodded and exited the room. A few minutes later he reentered with the two Silvan elves following him. Both had blonde hair, blue eyes, and slender bodies. In fact, many thought they were twins and few could guess that they were not even related.
Legolas stood from the bed and greeted his friends.
"I am glad to see that you are well, Prince Legolas," Turion said, glancing beyond the price, "But who is this beautiful elf maiden who lies hence?"
Legolas turned around and smiled.
"She is Isilmeriel, Lady of Rivendell and Lorien and Lord Elrond's niece," Legolas replied.
Turion and Calatar nodded towards Isilmeriel.
"It is a pleasure, my lady," Turion stated then turned his attention back to his liege. "Legolas, as you probably already know, we bring a message from your father."
"Come, we shall talk of this outside" Legolas spun the elf messengers around and pushed them towards the door. He knew that Isilmeriel needed to rest and would not with guest in the room. Turning around he locked eyes with her. "I will return shortly, Isilme"
Calatar stopped in the hallway and looked back to the room they had just come from. "Legolas, you scoundrel of a prince."
"Cal!" Turion nudged the shorter elf. "That's none of our business."
Legolas laughed, "It is well, Tur."
"So are you together? If you are I can see why," Calatar's comment earned him another, but slightly harder, nudge from Turion. "What? I am only saying that she's pretty, Tur!"
"Enough you two," Legolas commanded with a slight laughter. "Now what of this message from my father?"
"He wishes you to return to Mirkwood as soon as possible," Turion answered.
"I cannot return to Mirkwood. That would mean leaving Isilmeriel. Unless." A smile tugged at the corners of Legolas lips as he turn and ran toward Lord Elrond's study.
"Legolas, where are you going?" Turion called out to the running prince.
"You shall see soon enough," Legolas shouted back.
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Come in," Lord Elrond spoke as he heard a knock at the door of his study.
Legolas opened the door and entered the room.
"Ah, Legolas, sit down, please. How is Isilmeriel?" The elf lord asked as he place his book on the arm of his chair.
"She is awake now, but is resting," Legolas replied, sitting down in a chair across from the elder elf. "Lord Elrond, may I speak with you?"
Elrond raised on of his eyebrows, "About what?
Legolas took a deep. "I have just received a message from my father saying that he wishes me home as soon as possible."
"That is not unusual," Elrond stated. "Is that the matter you wanted to speak with me about."
"No, my lord," Legolas answered. "I do not wish to return to Mirkwood because that would mean that I must leave Isilmeriel. Unless."
"Unless what?"
The elven prince held his breath for a moment. "Unless, she could return with me as a Princess of Mirkwood."
Lord Elrond was silent for a moment then burst into laughter. "Are you asking me if you can ask for my niece's hand?"
Legolas nodded slowly. He did not see how this could be funny.
"Well, I am sorry, Legolas. I cannot give you permission to do that." The ancient elf began to laugh harder as he saw the look of total dismay on the young prince's face.
Once he had composed himself, the elf lord spoke again. "I can only give you my blessing. She must give you permission."
A smile lit across Legolas' face as his heart was lifted by Lord Elrond's answer. Leaping up from the chair he sat in and giving out a whoop of joy, he bound out the door, running into Turion, Calatar, and Estel.
"Legolas, what was that all about?" Estel asked laughing slightly. He had never seen his friend so happy.
Legolas held up his hand and turned to the two Silvan elves. "I will return to Mirkwood as soon as." he let his voice drift off and smiled broadly.
Aragorn grabbed Legolas by the shoulders and spun him around so he faced the human. "Legolas, what are you talking about?"
"All will reveal itself in due time, my friends," Legolas laughed to himself for a moment. "Now if you all will excuse me, I'm going to go back to see Isilmer-"
"I wouldn't do that if I were you, Legolas," Aragorn interrupted. "While you were with my father we finally got her to rest, as you should. You have not slept at all since that night."
Legolas nodded at the ranger. Normally they would have spent half the day arguing about the matter, but the prince was tired. Bidding all of his friends to have a good day, he walked to his room and laid down on the soft mattress, sleep overtaking him in moments.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Legolas awoke hardly believing his eyes. The sun was breaking over the horizon, welcoming a new day. Had he really slept that long?
Getting out of bed, the elf slid out of the clothes he had fallen asleep in and put on the freshly laid out leggings and tunic. After he had dressed he began to walk out of the room to go see Isilmeriel
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Come in," a voice called out sweetly, answering the knock on the door.
Legolas slowly entered the room. His mouth dropped open slightly as his eyes fixed on the elf sitting on the over stuffed lounge chair that sat near the window, just as she was the day they had met.
Isilmeriel wore a simple light green dress with translucent sleeves. Her hair, pulled back from her face in small braids, allowed every line of her beautiful face to be seen as she turned to meet the longing look in Legolas' eyes.
"Good morning, Legolas. Isn't it a beautiful morning?" Isilmeriel asked returning her gaze to the valley quickly to avoid a subject she did not want to address.
Legolas stared into her blue-green eyes for a moment. Sitting next to her on the lounge chair he finally answered, "Yes, it certainly is, Isilme. You look well," Legolas placed his long fingers gently over the part of her dress that concealed her wound, "How are you feeling?"
Isilmeriel smiled and placed her hand over the prince's, "I'm a feeling much better. It has almost healed, I can barely feel it."
Legolas sighed in relief and moved his hand, stroking her cheek. "I'm so glad. You really had me believing this whole 'I've been poisoned and I'm going to die' routine."
Isilmeriel burst into laughter and pushed the prince off of the chair.
Legolas pushed himself up from the floor. "I want to speak with you about something important. Will you come with me down to the gardens?" he asked holding out his hands to her.
Isilmeriel began to reach for his hands but hesitated. She had finally admitted her feelings for him, but she was still afraid. "I can't, Legolas. Elrond wants to speak with me about something."
Legolas dropped his arms to his sides and nodded slowly. Without a sound he left the room.
Once he was gone, Isilmeriel buried her head in her hands. Protecting him was breaking her heart.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lord Elrond heard Isilmeriel's gentle cry as he was walking down the hall. He knew why she wept. He had just passed Legolas; the prince walked slowly with his head low. Something had happened between the two of them.
"Isilmeriel?" he asked as he walked in his niece's room.
Isilmeriel quickly wiped her tears. "Yes, uncle?"
"What is the matter, aiaer (little one)?" Elrond asked sitting down beside her, letting her lean against his arm, not able to fight her tears.
"I love Legolas," she replied.
"Well, that is a good thing." Lord Elrond smiled.
"No, it isn't," Isilmeriel shook her head. "I have to protect him from me and it's breaking my heart. All I want is to be with him."
"Then you should be with him. Why must you protect him?"
"Because I'll end up hurting him." She whispered.
"My dear, you do not have to be afraid of love and you do not need to protect neither yourself nor Legolas from it. It is love that protects the people that share it." Elrond stated as he stood and walked towards the door. Before he passed through the large wooden doors, he turned back. "Let your heart feel the things it used to feel. Do not live your life in a shadow of doubt and uncertainty of 'what ifs'. That is no way to live at all, Isilmeriel."
Isilmeriel sat alone in her room a long while. Taking every word Lord Elrond had just said to heart, she got up and went in search of Legolas.
~*~*~*~
For once unafraid
I can go where love leads me
And somehow I know
I'll be strong
~Vonda Shepherd
~*~*~*~
As she walked down the hall she stopped. Hearing a noise, she spun around. No one was there. Suddenly, her vision was cut off by a blindfold, a strong arm wrapped around her midsection, and a hand placed over her mouth. Isilmeriel kicked and screamed out trying to get away from the attacker.
"Shh," a familiar voice whispered in her ear as the hand moved away from her mouth, "You are coming with me."
"Legolas?" she asked a little unnerved. "You scared me half to."
Her voice was silenced as the hand was placed back over her mouth. "Be silent, Isilme. Now, just come with me."
Legolas released the elf maiden, but left the blindfold on. He led her out of the house, passed the gardens, and onto the small bridge that passed over one of the many streams that flowed through Rivendell. The elf prince reached back behind Isilmeriel's head and carefully untied the blindfold.
Isilmeriel looked around and placed her hands on her hips, "Legolas, was all of that necessary?"
"I'm sorry, Isilme, but I need to talk to you and this was the only way." He replied.
"Fine, Legolas," Isilmeriel pretended to be annoyed, "What is it?"
"Well," he paused not knowing how he should put his words. "Well, I love you and I know you love me. Even though you try to hide it from me, I know you do, and I know you're afraid to love me, and," Legolas stopped as he heard Isilmeriel laughing, "and what's so funny?"
"Nothing, I just-"
Legolas interrupted her, "No, I'm going to finish. My father wants me back in Mirkwood as soon as possible and I refuse to go because that would mean I would be away from you and I couldn't bear that. So, unless being dragged home against my will, I will not leave this valley without you, Isilme!"
"Are you finished?' Isilmeriel asked laughing slightly. "Can I talk now?" Legolas nodded. "I'm not afraid anymore. I want to be with you, Legolas, and I will follow you anywhere."
"Are you serious?" Legolas asked baffled. "You really want to be with me?" Isilmeriel nodded, smiling brightly. "Then I have another question for you. Would you return to my kingdom? Would you be a princess to my people? Would you marry me and be my wife?"
"Yes, Legolas, I will," She answered.
Legolas moved closer to Isilmeriel and wrapping his arms around her tightly. Both of them had wanted this moment since they had met and now spring was changing into summer. Slowly they let their lips inch closer and closer until they locked in a passionate kiss.
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Of course, of course. I will send runners out immediately with invitations," Elrond's voice boomed with laughter, "When can you get me the invitation list?"
"We are going to make it out soon, uncle," Isilmeriel answered.
Elrond embraced the two elves that stood in front of him in his study. Legolas and Isilmeriel had just told them the news that they were engaged.
"Ah, who would ever imagine a union as great as this once again?" The elf lord smiled and let out a sigh remembering his sister's wedding.
Elladan, Elrohir, and Aragorn entered the study as they were drawn by the laughter that filled the large room.
"What is it father?" they asked all at once.
"We were just discussing the engagement of Prince Legolas and Isilmeriel." Lord Elrond answered when he could still his laughter.
"We knew it!" Lord Elrond's sons cried out as they nearly tackled Legolas and Isilmeriel.
"It's about time," Elladan said over exaggerating.
"Really," Elrohir put in, "You two have been in love with each other since you both met."
"Yes," Estel agreed, "and don't lie to us and tell us otherwise."
Together they talked late into the night until Elrond commanded that they all retire for the night.
