A/N: Firstly, I want to thank all my preciousss reviewers but specifically
Arabella. U R too sweet for words! I want to let you and everyone else know
a few things though- the story will, as you have probably guessed, lead to
the Fellowship of the Ring but here's a little secret as to how I'm
planning on doing it: Dileriyen will *not* be staying in Mirkwood but then
again, she will *not* be with Legolas or anywhere near the fellowship for
that matter. This should make things interesting! Arabella, honey, you
wanted a surprise and it looks like you're going to get it (it looks like
we all will:) I won't give away any more secrets but I guarantee that
things will get even more interesting! Keep those reviews a'comin' guys!!
**********************
(Wednesday Afternoon- yet again).
Little did Aragorn know that he would be seeing Legolas *very* soon. He was altogether happy with the outcome of his meeting with Thranduil, though. He had had great respect for the King before but it had increased even more so when Thranduil took on the responsibility for Gollum as a true King would. It took a brave man, or rather, a brave elf to accept as heavy a responsibility as this whilst maintaining his optimism and hope that the situation wouldn't end with consequences being paid. Aragorn sighed as he mounted his steed and took one last look towards the palace, hoping that he would make even half as fine a king as Thranduil someday.
********************
In the meantime, Dileriyen had almost reached the pond but had nowhere near reached the end of her fury. A tiny voice inside her head told her not to be too harsh on him though, for all he had done was withhold information. It certainly wouldn't be fair to Legolas if she were to take her anger for Thranduil out on him. But, things were fuzzy in her head right now and she was seeing red.
*Someone is going to pay for my current state of misery and it might as well be you Legolas for you are already guilty of one crime as it is* she thought as she stopped right next to the edge of the pond, her eyes and ears searching for the guilty party. But he was nowhere to be seen or heard. In fact, all she could see was his shirt carelessly flung on the ground. *Typical* she thought as she turned her back to the pond. Frustrated, she lifted her right leg, about to walk off, when something grabbed her left ankle. Realization dawned on her. All she could remember was thinking *not again- :( * before she was rapidly pulled into the pond by a prankster prince who could not have had worse timing (Author: oooh (winces), bad move Legolas!)
Caught off guard, she felt herself yearning for air as she desperately kicked his hand off her ankle and made her way to the surface. She popped above the water and tried to catch her breath as her respiration worked overtime. And so after almost being drowned in a mere handful of water thanks to his Highness, she trudged her way out of the pond and onto the grass. Funny though, she was not as wet anymore- probably because she had turned half the water on her into steam.
Having popped out of the water himself, Legolas glanced towards the victim. It was evident by the look in her eyes that he would never see the light of day again. But, it was no use trying to keep a straight face so he did the only natural thing he could do- he started laughing and got out of the pond where he was determined to face his fate like an Elf.
He took one more step until he was standing half a foot away from her, still unable to control his laughter.
*Laughing, are we?* thought Dileriyen, fuming. *Well not for long.* And then she did it. She took one good swing and slapped him right across the face, the force of her hand being obvious from the huge red marks all over Legolas' left cheek.
Legolas was now red all over the face but not just because of the hit. His anger was, at this point, beyond measurement. Everything in him had been wounded, especially his pride. And thus commenced the biggest fight of their lives and one that wounded all, including hearts and every ounce of pride.
"What in the name of Mordor did you do that for?!" he screamed, clutching his cheek.
"Me? Why did *I* do *that*?? How dare you pull such a stupid stunt on me you overgrown child!" she yelled, outraged at his accusation, her voice getting louder with every spoken word.
"You are impossible Legolas, absolutely impossible and I have had it with you! Perhaps you should have noticed that I was *very* upset with something when I came down here, but no- I suppose your foolish antics weigh more heavily than my feelings. So be it!" she spat out, glaring into his eyes.
"How dare you take your anger out on me this way!" he retorted. "Well, if you think that I shall stand idle while you do so then you may stand corrected *milady* for I, too, have exceeded the limits of my patience. I do not know what I have done to offend you so but *you* may as well know that I no longer care! You have done nothing but hold me back my entire life. You care nothing for my feelings! It is always about you! I hate you! Leave my life and trouble me no more!"
And even as he said those words Legolas could see the tears forming in her eyes. True, she had hit him and it had hurt but he had been downright unfair. She had done nothing but work for his well-being and he had now used that against her. But words, like spent arrows can not be taken back no matter who the wielder. And, forgiveness is a state of mind achieved by few, comfort in silence achieved by even less.
"Dil, I-" he started slowly, tears also threatening to take him. But he was cut off abruptly.
"I apologize your *Highness* for the inconvenience I have brought upon you. Perhaps if you had voiced a complaint earlier on, I would not have been such a continual offense to you. I assure you that it will not happen again. And you may hate me, but rest assured that the feeling is mutual!" she spoke, every word slowly and her tone just above a whisper. Her eyes had gone from red from anger to red with pain and unshed tears. Her heart had been shattered all over again. One single tear slid down her cheek before she could hide it and she ran off before he could retaliate.
"Fine! Be that way for it concerns me not!" he yelled after her, half hoping that she did not hear him. Her last words had pierced Legolas' heart like daggers and for the first time he felt ashamed of himself and everything he had said and done. But his pride overcame him as he gathered his shirt up off the ground and sat down at the root of a nearby tree. He could not hold it in anymore. He started to cry.
*I suppose this is what one feels like to be hated by the one you love.* he thought for he knew that his words had wounded her more than any physical abuse would have done. He felt completely alone. She obviously despised his very being at the moment- and that hurt. It was understandable, though. But, he refused to accept full responsibility for it was not entirely his fault. She had been equally harsh, if not more so for she had taken things to a more physical level. Anyway he looked at it, everything had just turned into one huge mess. And he kept on sniffing, trying to stop crying. He reached for the pocket of his shirt, pulling out a beautiful ring made of pure mithril with spots of diamond specked all over it.
*She would have really liked you, I suppose. But she does not deserve you at the moment, and I do not deserve to be the one to give you to her* he thought sadly. They were equally at fault and it didn't look like anyone was going to be getting married anytime soon so he silently put the ring back in its place. Something had to be done, though. One does not simply leave a situation like this hanging in the air. So, Legolas took the only logical step left to him: he would seek out his father and ask about the conversation he had had with her previously. She had made it crystal clear that something had upset her *before* she came to the pond and Legolas wanted to know how much of this involved her conversation with his father. Something really did not feel right. One thing was for sure though and that was the fact that neither Legolas nor Dileriyen was prepared to apologize, much less kiss and make up. This had been an argument waiting to happen and things needed to be talked through if they were ever going to have any sort of future. Some major confessions needed to take place. No, this was a delicate situation which called for time and for them to cast their prides and anger aside. And so, Legolas got up slowly and walked off in search of his father.
*********************
Thranduil curiously headed downstairs to the prison cells to see this creature which had apparently become quite a nuisance lately. He found a guard standing watch in front of it's cell but couldn't see anything inside until he strained his eyes.
"My my. He is a rather nasty-looking fellow isn't he? Does he speak?"
"Yes, my Lord, he does. But I think you would rather he kept quiet just the same." The guard said.
But on hearing that he was the topic of conversation, Gollum decided not to wait until he was spoken to and expressed his objections rather pointedly.
"Nassty Elveses! Keeping Precious prisoner.. oooo.. Horrible nassty Elveses!" he wailed and sobbed. "Let Preciouss out! Cruel Elveses.. ooo.. we hates them, yess precious we doess.curse them all..oooo." He carried on moaning and muttering evil things.
"Oh goodness! I now understand what you meant my good elf! But, nonetheless, we must not forget that this creature, Gollum or whatever they call him, has had his mind poisoned for centuries. We will not be cruel to it but rather convey as much pity as possible. Let him out once in a while to get some fresh air and sun, but mind you, I want him under constant supervision. You are not to let him out of your sight- is that clear?"
"Certainly milord! I will gather some more men for the job. We shall be as kind as we can for it is impossible to not pity such a miserable creature."
"Very good my lad. Keep me informed!" With that, Thranduil started to climb the long staircase back to the upper level.
************************
Dileriyen ran to her room with lightening speed and threw herself onto the bed, finally free to let the hurt flow out. There was no doubt about it, this had been the second worst day of her life, and it had yet to end. Is it not strange how some things start out so well but turn out utterly rotten? It is an important lesson for all, teaching us to take nothing for granted. So she cried.. and cried.. and cried until she had no tears left to cry. Because once again, she was left alone.
*How could he be so cruel? Does he not know that I only do and say all those things because I love him? Yes, I admit that I was harsh and do not know how I will forgive myself for it but that will certainly be easier than forgiving -him-. Oh. What a horrid day it has been! Why will it not end??*
Her mind screamed as she felt herself trembling all over. Everything had happened so fast and it was all too much to take in at once. Before she knew it, she slipped into a restless sleep, images and feelings swirling in her head.
**************************
Legolas, not bothering to knock, entered the room and was disappointed at not finding anyone there.
"Oh father, where are you when I need you?" he muttered to himself, rather annoyed at the situation.
"Yes son, what is it?"
"Oh! Father honestly! Do not creep up on me like that." he said in a startled voice.
"Well there's a surprise! My son not enjoying a little joke?! Hahaha.. are you feeling alright?" asked Thranduil. He was very amused at seeing Legolas like this and wasn't taking anything seriously at the moment. Little did he know that because of his 'innocent meddling' things had gotten blown way out of proportion.
"Alas father, I think I have turned over a new leaf- my joking days are over and you will undoubtedly be the happiest, or perhaps the second happiest, to know that I have decided to act my age from now on." Legolas had just shocked the living daylights out of his father who was now giving him the 'you've got to be kidding' look. At length he spoke.
"Have I died and gone to Valinor? Surely you jest!"
"Father, please! You are making this very difficult, as if it was not already so. But all that aside for now, the reason why I am here is to learn of your conversation with Dileriyen." He said, trying to mask his increasing frustration with his father.
"Why son, is something wrong?" asked Thranduil timidly, assuming that Dileriyen had just blown his cover.
"Yes father, something is very wrong indeed.."
He told his father the whole story, not missing one detail. Thranduil was silent for a moment and was very relieved that Dileriyen had kept the secret in tact. Legolas took this opportunity to make a few very good points.
"But, if you must know, I am not yet ready to apologize and I would bet my bow that she would rather kiss an orc than apologize to me. So, you see, it is a hopeless situation. For lack of a better word, father, I feel...empty."
Thranduil felt terrible. Things had taken a turn for the worse and this was not the outcome he had expected when he had interfered. He knew what needed to be done- Dileriyen had to be told the truth. This had gotten way out of hand by Legolas' account of things. Sure she would be furious but it was better for her to know the truth and be miserable rather than have her be miserable amidst lies. On the other hand, he would certainly not tell of his meddling to Legolas. He did not know why but something in his heart told Thranduil to keep quite to him for the time being. And Thranduil was always one to go with instinct.
"Let me have a little heart-to-heart with her, son. The female species is difficult to deal with, no matter what race you are. You two are not ready to face each other yet and that is understandable. I shall do what I can to soften the situation. But, unfortunately, we must put his matter aside for now. I have other news for you. Things do not bode well in the world outside."
He then told his son of Aragorn's visit, the finding of the One Ring, the story of the fortunes of the Bagginses and the involvement of the creature Gollum in full.
"And now you know, my son, how dark the times have become. When Lord Elrond summons his council, I shall want you to be the one to represent our kingdom. Bare in mind that this may not be for some time of course, but I would like you to be prepared when the time does come. You are ready for this duty that I place on you my son, are you not?"
Legolas sat silently in thought for a moment but already knew the answer which had to be given.
"I understand all you have said father and it is with an even heavier heart that I must accept this responsibility. So it seems that I shall learn the hard way that life is not all fun and games. And yet I am about to be put to the test without any real experience. But I will not fail! Anything further and we must all keep our faith in the hope that our efforts do not prove to be in vain when the time for true opposition comes." He said solemnly.
"Your attitude is to be commended my son! You have just proven to me that you have grown up- and for the better. You are an example to us all and I doubt not that you will make a fine king when your time comes. And come it shall."
"Thank you father. If that is all then you will excuse me. I think I shall retire to my room. I must be alone to think things through."
"Go on then, son. And do not worry yourself too much about Dileriyen. You two have a bond that is stronger than any offense you could offer each other. Everything shall work itself out when it's time comes."
Legolas nodded silently and left for his room, his mind exhausted from thinking. Nothing seemed to be going right. On the contrary, everything seemed destined to go wrong today.
*What a dreadful day it has been..* he thought as he lay on his bed, wide awake, his mind spinning in endless circles.
**********************
(Wednesday Afternoon- yet again).
Little did Aragorn know that he would be seeing Legolas *very* soon. He was altogether happy with the outcome of his meeting with Thranduil, though. He had had great respect for the King before but it had increased even more so when Thranduil took on the responsibility for Gollum as a true King would. It took a brave man, or rather, a brave elf to accept as heavy a responsibility as this whilst maintaining his optimism and hope that the situation wouldn't end with consequences being paid. Aragorn sighed as he mounted his steed and took one last look towards the palace, hoping that he would make even half as fine a king as Thranduil someday.
********************
In the meantime, Dileriyen had almost reached the pond but had nowhere near reached the end of her fury. A tiny voice inside her head told her not to be too harsh on him though, for all he had done was withhold information. It certainly wouldn't be fair to Legolas if she were to take her anger for Thranduil out on him. But, things were fuzzy in her head right now and she was seeing red.
*Someone is going to pay for my current state of misery and it might as well be you Legolas for you are already guilty of one crime as it is* she thought as she stopped right next to the edge of the pond, her eyes and ears searching for the guilty party. But he was nowhere to be seen or heard. In fact, all she could see was his shirt carelessly flung on the ground. *Typical* she thought as she turned her back to the pond. Frustrated, she lifted her right leg, about to walk off, when something grabbed her left ankle. Realization dawned on her. All she could remember was thinking *not again- :( * before she was rapidly pulled into the pond by a prankster prince who could not have had worse timing (Author: oooh (winces), bad move Legolas!)
Caught off guard, she felt herself yearning for air as she desperately kicked his hand off her ankle and made her way to the surface. She popped above the water and tried to catch her breath as her respiration worked overtime. And so after almost being drowned in a mere handful of water thanks to his Highness, she trudged her way out of the pond and onto the grass. Funny though, she was not as wet anymore- probably because she had turned half the water on her into steam.
Having popped out of the water himself, Legolas glanced towards the victim. It was evident by the look in her eyes that he would never see the light of day again. But, it was no use trying to keep a straight face so he did the only natural thing he could do- he started laughing and got out of the pond where he was determined to face his fate like an Elf.
He took one more step until he was standing half a foot away from her, still unable to control his laughter.
*Laughing, are we?* thought Dileriyen, fuming. *Well not for long.* And then she did it. She took one good swing and slapped him right across the face, the force of her hand being obvious from the huge red marks all over Legolas' left cheek.
Legolas was now red all over the face but not just because of the hit. His anger was, at this point, beyond measurement. Everything in him had been wounded, especially his pride. And thus commenced the biggest fight of their lives and one that wounded all, including hearts and every ounce of pride.
"What in the name of Mordor did you do that for?!" he screamed, clutching his cheek.
"Me? Why did *I* do *that*?? How dare you pull such a stupid stunt on me you overgrown child!" she yelled, outraged at his accusation, her voice getting louder with every spoken word.
"You are impossible Legolas, absolutely impossible and I have had it with you! Perhaps you should have noticed that I was *very* upset with something when I came down here, but no- I suppose your foolish antics weigh more heavily than my feelings. So be it!" she spat out, glaring into his eyes.
"How dare you take your anger out on me this way!" he retorted. "Well, if you think that I shall stand idle while you do so then you may stand corrected *milady* for I, too, have exceeded the limits of my patience. I do not know what I have done to offend you so but *you* may as well know that I no longer care! You have done nothing but hold me back my entire life. You care nothing for my feelings! It is always about you! I hate you! Leave my life and trouble me no more!"
And even as he said those words Legolas could see the tears forming in her eyes. True, she had hit him and it had hurt but he had been downright unfair. She had done nothing but work for his well-being and he had now used that against her. But words, like spent arrows can not be taken back no matter who the wielder. And, forgiveness is a state of mind achieved by few, comfort in silence achieved by even less.
"Dil, I-" he started slowly, tears also threatening to take him. But he was cut off abruptly.
"I apologize your *Highness* for the inconvenience I have brought upon you. Perhaps if you had voiced a complaint earlier on, I would not have been such a continual offense to you. I assure you that it will not happen again. And you may hate me, but rest assured that the feeling is mutual!" she spoke, every word slowly and her tone just above a whisper. Her eyes had gone from red from anger to red with pain and unshed tears. Her heart had been shattered all over again. One single tear slid down her cheek before she could hide it and she ran off before he could retaliate.
"Fine! Be that way for it concerns me not!" he yelled after her, half hoping that she did not hear him. Her last words had pierced Legolas' heart like daggers and for the first time he felt ashamed of himself and everything he had said and done. But his pride overcame him as he gathered his shirt up off the ground and sat down at the root of a nearby tree. He could not hold it in anymore. He started to cry.
*I suppose this is what one feels like to be hated by the one you love.* he thought for he knew that his words had wounded her more than any physical abuse would have done. He felt completely alone. She obviously despised his very being at the moment- and that hurt. It was understandable, though. But, he refused to accept full responsibility for it was not entirely his fault. She had been equally harsh, if not more so for she had taken things to a more physical level. Anyway he looked at it, everything had just turned into one huge mess. And he kept on sniffing, trying to stop crying. He reached for the pocket of his shirt, pulling out a beautiful ring made of pure mithril with spots of diamond specked all over it.
*She would have really liked you, I suppose. But she does not deserve you at the moment, and I do not deserve to be the one to give you to her* he thought sadly. They were equally at fault and it didn't look like anyone was going to be getting married anytime soon so he silently put the ring back in its place. Something had to be done, though. One does not simply leave a situation like this hanging in the air. So, Legolas took the only logical step left to him: he would seek out his father and ask about the conversation he had had with her previously. She had made it crystal clear that something had upset her *before* she came to the pond and Legolas wanted to know how much of this involved her conversation with his father. Something really did not feel right. One thing was for sure though and that was the fact that neither Legolas nor Dileriyen was prepared to apologize, much less kiss and make up. This had been an argument waiting to happen and things needed to be talked through if they were ever going to have any sort of future. Some major confessions needed to take place. No, this was a delicate situation which called for time and for them to cast their prides and anger aside. And so, Legolas got up slowly and walked off in search of his father.
*********************
Thranduil curiously headed downstairs to the prison cells to see this creature which had apparently become quite a nuisance lately. He found a guard standing watch in front of it's cell but couldn't see anything inside until he strained his eyes.
"My my. He is a rather nasty-looking fellow isn't he? Does he speak?"
"Yes, my Lord, he does. But I think you would rather he kept quiet just the same." The guard said.
But on hearing that he was the topic of conversation, Gollum decided not to wait until he was spoken to and expressed his objections rather pointedly.
"Nassty Elveses! Keeping Precious prisoner.. oooo.. Horrible nassty Elveses!" he wailed and sobbed. "Let Preciouss out! Cruel Elveses.. ooo.. we hates them, yess precious we doess.curse them all..oooo." He carried on moaning and muttering evil things.
"Oh goodness! I now understand what you meant my good elf! But, nonetheless, we must not forget that this creature, Gollum or whatever they call him, has had his mind poisoned for centuries. We will not be cruel to it but rather convey as much pity as possible. Let him out once in a while to get some fresh air and sun, but mind you, I want him under constant supervision. You are not to let him out of your sight- is that clear?"
"Certainly milord! I will gather some more men for the job. We shall be as kind as we can for it is impossible to not pity such a miserable creature."
"Very good my lad. Keep me informed!" With that, Thranduil started to climb the long staircase back to the upper level.
************************
Dileriyen ran to her room with lightening speed and threw herself onto the bed, finally free to let the hurt flow out. There was no doubt about it, this had been the second worst day of her life, and it had yet to end. Is it not strange how some things start out so well but turn out utterly rotten? It is an important lesson for all, teaching us to take nothing for granted. So she cried.. and cried.. and cried until she had no tears left to cry. Because once again, she was left alone.
*How could he be so cruel? Does he not know that I only do and say all those things because I love him? Yes, I admit that I was harsh and do not know how I will forgive myself for it but that will certainly be easier than forgiving -him-. Oh. What a horrid day it has been! Why will it not end??*
Her mind screamed as she felt herself trembling all over. Everything had happened so fast and it was all too much to take in at once. Before she knew it, she slipped into a restless sleep, images and feelings swirling in her head.
**************************
Legolas, not bothering to knock, entered the room and was disappointed at not finding anyone there.
"Oh father, where are you when I need you?" he muttered to himself, rather annoyed at the situation.
"Yes son, what is it?"
"Oh! Father honestly! Do not creep up on me like that." he said in a startled voice.
"Well there's a surprise! My son not enjoying a little joke?! Hahaha.. are you feeling alright?" asked Thranduil. He was very amused at seeing Legolas like this and wasn't taking anything seriously at the moment. Little did he know that because of his 'innocent meddling' things had gotten blown way out of proportion.
"Alas father, I think I have turned over a new leaf- my joking days are over and you will undoubtedly be the happiest, or perhaps the second happiest, to know that I have decided to act my age from now on." Legolas had just shocked the living daylights out of his father who was now giving him the 'you've got to be kidding' look. At length he spoke.
"Have I died and gone to Valinor? Surely you jest!"
"Father, please! You are making this very difficult, as if it was not already so. But all that aside for now, the reason why I am here is to learn of your conversation with Dileriyen." He said, trying to mask his increasing frustration with his father.
"Why son, is something wrong?" asked Thranduil timidly, assuming that Dileriyen had just blown his cover.
"Yes father, something is very wrong indeed.."
He told his father the whole story, not missing one detail. Thranduil was silent for a moment and was very relieved that Dileriyen had kept the secret in tact. Legolas took this opportunity to make a few very good points.
"But, if you must know, I am not yet ready to apologize and I would bet my bow that she would rather kiss an orc than apologize to me. So, you see, it is a hopeless situation. For lack of a better word, father, I feel...empty."
Thranduil felt terrible. Things had taken a turn for the worse and this was not the outcome he had expected when he had interfered. He knew what needed to be done- Dileriyen had to be told the truth. This had gotten way out of hand by Legolas' account of things. Sure she would be furious but it was better for her to know the truth and be miserable rather than have her be miserable amidst lies. On the other hand, he would certainly not tell of his meddling to Legolas. He did not know why but something in his heart told Thranduil to keep quite to him for the time being. And Thranduil was always one to go with instinct.
"Let me have a little heart-to-heart with her, son. The female species is difficult to deal with, no matter what race you are. You two are not ready to face each other yet and that is understandable. I shall do what I can to soften the situation. But, unfortunately, we must put his matter aside for now. I have other news for you. Things do not bode well in the world outside."
He then told his son of Aragorn's visit, the finding of the One Ring, the story of the fortunes of the Bagginses and the involvement of the creature Gollum in full.
"And now you know, my son, how dark the times have become. When Lord Elrond summons his council, I shall want you to be the one to represent our kingdom. Bare in mind that this may not be for some time of course, but I would like you to be prepared when the time does come. You are ready for this duty that I place on you my son, are you not?"
Legolas sat silently in thought for a moment but already knew the answer which had to be given.
"I understand all you have said father and it is with an even heavier heart that I must accept this responsibility. So it seems that I shall learn the hard way that life is not all fun and games. And yet I am about to be put to the test without any real experience. But I will not fail! Anything further and we must all keep our faith in the hope that our efforts do not prove to be in vain when the time for true opposition comes." He said solemnly.
"Your attitude is to be commended my son! You have just proven to me that you have grown up- and for the better. You are an example to us all and I doubt not that you will make a fine king when your time comes. And come it shall."
"Thank you father. If that is all then you will excuse me. I think I shall retire to my room. I must be alone to think things through."
"Go on then, son. And do not worry yourself too much about Dileriyen. You two have a bond that is stronger than any offense you could offer each other. Everything shall work itself out when it's time comes."
Legolas nodded silently and left for his room, his mind exhausted from thinking. Nothing seemed to be going right. On the contrary, everything seemed destined to go wrong today.
*What a dreadful day it has been..* he thought as he lay on his bed, wide awake, his mind spinning in endless circles.
