A/N: I think that the rating for this chapter is PG - 13. Just warning
anyone, but it will be the only chapter with this rating, so I am going to
leave the rating of the whole story as PG.
Thanks to everyone that reviewed - as always you guys are fantastic!!! To Alkhawien I know Elrond had only 9 members in the Fellowship for a reason, and I wished I could have done it some other way, but I couldn't so sorry. Maybe next time I write a fic it won't be a Fellowship one cos there are way too many of them around at the moment.
Also, my exams started this week, so I don't know if I'll be updating as regularly as I normally do (though I haven't been that regular this past week or so). But hopefully I'll have the whole story finished by the end of November.
Anyway, enjoy the next chapter!
Disclaimer: Legolas, Eryn Lasgalen and anything else associated with Lord of the Rings are creations of JRR Tolkien.
Chapter 35: A Love Between Races
The next day, they rode on in silence, Legolas in the front and Mildred and Celebfaer following close behind. When they had been traveling for a short while, Celebfaer pulled her horse up level with Mildred's. She had watched him all morning and she had noticed that every time he looked at Legolas a scowl would appear on his face and he would look at the Elf with pure hatred, so Celebfaer decided to try and keep the peace between the two.
Mildred did not notice that she was beside him for a few moments, because he was looking at Legolas and as always when he looked at Legolas, a look of hatred appeared on his face. 'Mildred, you should not detest Legolas he is a friend.' She sent to him and Mildred turned his head to look at her, a smile appearing on his face.
'I do not detest the Elf. I am trying to find what it was that caused you to consider him as a husband or even a lover.' Mildred replied.
'I did not consider him as a husband Mildred, for I knew it would not work. But I ask of you to be civil to him for he is wise and has seen many battles. He fought in the War of the Ring and was apart of the Fellowship that set out from Rivendell to destroy the one ring, ring of the evil lord Sauron. Also, he is an Elf and Elves and Fairies, however different we may seem, we are not all that different. You can learn much from him as he can from you.' She said and Mildred nodded.
'As you wish, princess.' He sent and she smiled.
"Thank you Mildred." She whispered and he reached over for her hand then gently brought it up to his lips and kissed the top of it.
"For you I would do anything my love." He said, then he released her hand.
Then Mildred dropped back behind her and they were once again traveling in silence.
So many days passed, and eventually Celebfaer began to loose track of the days as they seemed to hold the same thing. The wood appeared as though it would never end and each day they would travel for miles, but still be within the borders of the wood. However, it appeared odd to Celebfaer that they did not encounter any danger. There were no Orcs, Spiders or other foul beings and Celebfaer began to get edgy because of it. When she approached Legolas about it he merely told her that his kindred had driven most evil things out of the wood, and that near the foot of the mountain leading to Withered Heath, even Orcs feared to walk near. However, he would not say much more about it, so once again the three travelers journeyed on in silence.
One afternoon, Legolas stopped well before they were due to stop to make camp and he waited for Celebfaer and Mildred to catch up.
"We have at last come to the edge of our wood. Beyond these trees lies the road leading to Withered Heath, so we shall stop here for the night for I do not wish to venture any further when night is not far away. I wish to make the first part of the journey in daylight so that we may at least have a inkling of what danger is to come." Legolas said.
"Mildred?" Celebfaer said and Mildred nodded.
"I agree with Legolas. It is too dangerous a path to tackle at night. Besides, not many Fairies that have attempted this have returned and the Elves claim the same with adventurous Elves that venture up here." He said and Legolas nodded.
"Those that do return are normally badly injured and refuse to talk of their travels in the Grey Mountains save to say that there are fouler things than Orcs that dwell there." Legolas responded.
Since she had talked to both of them, they had been unusually civil to each other and though Celebfaer was enjoying that they were not constantly bickering, she knew they did it only because she was around. She did not know what would happen if she were to leave them, like she knew she would have to once they reached the pool in Withered Heath, but she hoped that they would develop a respect for each other before then. Seeing them talk as companions and equals made her heart leap with joy.
So they made camp for the night and Legolas went in search of water, while Celebfaer cooked and Mildred tended to the horses.
Later that night, Legolas once more offered to go on the first watch, and Mildred had settled down to sleep straight away, so once more Celebfaer went in search of Legolas.
When she found him, Celebfaer sat down next to him and Legolas put his arm across her shoulders. Seeing that she did not object, Legolas left it there and he realised that his soul felt at peace whenever she was around. She had a calming affect on him that no maiden in the now called Eryn Lasgalen possessed. So, they sat in a comfortable silence for a while, each thinking their own thoughts, as they did not really need words to enjoy the company of one another.
"Are you frightened?" Legolas asked her eventually, breaking the silence and she shook her head.
"I know that the Valar has a plan for all and if he wills me to die on Withered Heath then so I shall." She replied. "I do not fear death Legolas."
"I did not mean death Celebfaer." Legolas said and she turned her head so that she was looking at him.
"Legolas my heart has made its choice, but the duty in my mind will not allow me to honor what my heart so greatly desires." She said and Legolas looked at her with his penetrating crystal blue gaze.
"You must be listening to your heart, for why else would you give me a Carnelian. The symbol of your love for me."
"My heart yearns for you."
"As mine yearns for you." He said sadly and Celebfaer sighed.
But before she could speak he leaned down and kissed her so softly that she thought she had imagined it and that he had not done it at all. But Legolas had made the first move and any restraints that she had put on herself had dissolved the minute he kissed her. As Legolas went to pull back, she put her hand up to his face, looking up into his eyes, the love that she felt for him evident in her eyes. Legolas did not think he had ever seen her look so passionate about anything in the short time that he had known her.
Putting his hand up to his face, he removed her hand, kissing the top of it lightly, before lowering it. As he lowered her hand, she instantly entwined her fingers in his, not wanting to let him go. Legolas could not resist anymore and this time he kissed her more passionately than he ever had.
As he kissed her, Legolas took in everything about her; her scent, her hair and the feel of her lips on his. He knew that he would savour this moment forever, even if they did end up together he knew that he would never forget this moment. She did not resist him or pull back from his kisses and he was glad that she didn't for he would not have been able to let her walk away without kissing her again.
Celebfaer was doing the same, taking in everything about Legolas, for she knew this would be all they could ever have. She knew it was cruel to give Legolas false hope, but it could not go beyond stolen kisses in the dark when Mildred was asleep. She realised also at that moment that she would never love another as much as she loved Legolas.
Little did they know that Mildred had woken up and seeing that Celebfaer was not in her bed, he had panicked and come in search of Legolas in case the elf knew something of where she was. He did not walk very far from the camp before he saw the two of them. Even in the dark he could see what was happening and the knowledge both angered him and saddened him at the same time. Jealousy raged through his veins and his first instinct was to walk over and catch the two out in the deceitful game.
Mildred did not know why he did not storm over to where they were and take Celebfaer away from the Elf, but he did not. Instead, he turned and headed back to the camp.
It felt like she had been kissing Legolas for years, but it must have been only a few seconds and eventually they broke off, both short of breath and looking at the other.
Legolas recovered first, but before he could say anything, Celebfaer held her fingers to his lips to stop the words from coming.
"Don't." She said softly, then she looked at her lap, fighting a wave of tears that threatened to fall. "I must go." She added, then she stood up and walked back towards the camp, knowing that if she did not leave then the consequences would have been disastrous.
Back at the camp Celebfaer checked to see that Mildred was still sleeping, which he was, so she silently got back into her bedroll and went to sleep.
Legolas was left recovering from the shock of her leaving him like that, though he knew it was the right thing to do. He also remembered that she could very easily hide her emotions when she needed too as he had seen her do it once before.
So, he climbed the tree he had been under and continued his watch of the surrounding area.
Thanks to everyone that reviewed - as always you guys are fantastic!!! To Alkhawien I know Elrond had only 9 members in the Fellowship for a reason, and I wished I could have done it some other way, but I couldn't so sorry. Maybe next time I write a fic it won't be a Fellowship one cos there are way too many of them around at the moment.
Also, my exams started this week, so I don't know if I'll be updating as regularly as I normally do (though I haven't been that regular this past week or so). But hopefully I'll have the whole story finished by the end of November.
Anyway, enjoy the next chapter!
Disclaimer: Legolas, Eryn Lasgalen and anything else associated with Lord of the Rings are creations of JRR Tolkien.
Chapter 35: A Love Between Races
The next day, they rode on in silence, Legolas in the front and Mildred and Celebfaer following close behind. When they had been traveling for a short while, Celebfaer pulled her horse up level with Mildred's. She had watched him all morning and she had noticed that every time he looked at Legolas a scowl would appear on his face and he would look at the Elf with pure hatred, so Celebfaer decided to try and keep the peace between the two.
Mildred did not notice that she was beside him for a few moments, because he was looking at Legolas and as always when he looked at Legolas, a look of hatred appeared on his face. 'Mildred, you should not detest Legolas he is a friend.' She sent to him and Mildred turned his head to look at her, a smile appearing on his face.
'I do not detest the Elf. I am trying to find what it was that caused you to consider him as a husband or even a lover.' Mildred replied.
'I did not consider him as a husband Mildred, for I knew it would not work. But I ask of you to be civil to him for he is wise and has seen many battles. He fought in the War of the Ring and was apart of the Fellowship that set out from Rivendell to destroy the one ring, ring of the evil lord Sauron. Also, he is an Elf and Elves and Fairies, however different we may seem, we are not all that different. You can learn much from him as he can from you.' She said and Mildred nodded.
'As you wish, princess.' He sent and she smiled.
"Thank you Mildred." She whispered and he reached over for her hand then gently brought it up to his lips and kissed the top of it.
"For you I would do anything my love." He said, then he released her hand.
Then Mildred dropped back behind her and they were once again traveling in silence.
So many days passed, and eventually Celebfaer began to loose track of the days as they seemed to hold the same thing. The wood appeared as though it would never end and each day they would travel for miles, but still be within the borders of the wood. However, it appeared odd to Celebfaer that they did not encounter any danger. There were no Orcs, Spiders or other foul beings and Celebfaer began to get edgy because of it. When she approached Legolas about it he merely told her that his kindred had driven most evil things out of the wood, and that near the foot of the mountain leading to Withered Heath, even Orcs feared to walk near. However, he would not say much more about it, so once again the three travelers journeyed on in silence.
One afternoon, Legolas stopped well before they were due to stop to make camp and he waited for Celebfaer and Mildred to catch up.
"We have at last come to the edge of our wood. Beyond these trees lies the road leading to Withered Heath, so we shall stop here for the night for I do not wish to venture any further when night is not far away. I wish to make the first part of the journey in daylight so that we may at least have a inkling of what danger is to come." Legolas said.
"Mildred?" Celebfaer said and Mildred nodded.
"I agree with Legolas. It is too dangerous a path to tackle at night. Besides, not many Fairies that have attempted this have returned and the Elves claim the same with adventurous Elves that venture up here." He said and Legolas nodded.
"Those that do return are normally badly injured and refuse to talk of their travels in the Grey Mountains save to say that there are fouler things than Orcs that dwell there." Legolas responded.
Since she had talked to both of them, they had been unusually civil to each other and though Celebfaer was enjoying that they were not constantly bickering, she knew they did it only because she was around. She did not know what would happen if she were to leave them, like she knew she would have to once they reached the pool in Withered Heath, but she hoped that they would develop a respect for each other before then. Seeing them talk as companions and equals made her heart leap with joy.
So they made camp for the night and Legolas went in search of water, while Celebfaer cooked and Mildred tended to the horses.
Later that night, Legolas once more offered to go on the first watch, and Mildred had settled down to sleep straight away, so once more Celebfaer went in search of Legolas.
When she found him, Celebfaer sat down next to him and Legolas put his arm across her shoulders. Seeing that she did not object, Legolas left it there and he realised that his soul felt at peace whenever she was around. She had a calming affect on him that no maiden in the now called Eryn Lasgalen possessed. So, they sat in a comfortable silence for a while, each thinking their own thoughts, as they did not really need words to enjoy the company of one another.
"Are you frightened?" Legolas asked her eventually, breaking the silence and she shook her head.
"I know that the Valar has a plan for all and if he wills me to die on Withered Heath then so I shall." She replied. "I do not fear death Legolas."
"I did not mean death Celebfaer." Legolas said and she turned her head so that she was looking at him.
"Legolas my heart has made its choice, but the duty in my mind will not allow me to honor what my heart so greatly desires." She said and Legolas looked at her with his penetrating crystal blue gaze.
"You must be listening to your heart, for why else would you give me a Carnelian. The symbol of your love for me."
"My heart yearns for you."
"As mine yearns for you." He said sadly and Celebfaer sighed.
But before she could speak he leaned down and kissed her so softly that she thought she had imagined it and that he had not done it at all. But Legolas had made the first move and any restraints that she had put on herself had dissolved the minute he kissed her. As Legolas went to pull back, she put her hand up to his face, looking up into his eyes, the love that she felt for him evident in her eyes. Legolas did not think he had ever seen her look so passionate about anything in the short time that he had known her.
Putting his hand up to his face, he removed her hand, kissing the top of it lightly, before lowering it. As he lowered her hand, she instantly entwined her fingers in his, not wanting to let him go. Legolas could not resist anymore and this time he kissed her more passionately than he ever had.
As he kissed her, Legolas took in everything about her; her scent, her hair and the feel of her lips on his. He knew that he would savour this moment forever, even if they did end up together he knew that he would never forget this moment. She did not resist him or pull back from his kisses and he was glad that she didn't for he would not have been able to let her walk away without kissing her again.
Celebfaer was doing the same, taking in everything about Legolas, for she knew this would be all they could ever have. She knew it was cruel to give Legolas false hope, but it could not go beyond stolen kisses in the dark when Mildred was asleep. She realised also at that moment that she would never love another as much as she loved Legolas.
Little did they know that Mildred had woken up and seeing that Celebfaer was not in her bed, he had panicked and come in search of Legolas in case the elf knew something of where she was. He did not walk very far from the camp before he saw the two of them. Even in the dark he could see what was happening and the knowledge both angered him and saddened him at the same time. Jealousy raged through his veins and his first instinct was to walk over and catch the two out in the deceitful game.
Mildred did not know why he did not storm over to where they were and take Celebfaer away from the Elf, but he did not. Instead, he turned and headed back to the camp.
It felt like she had been kissing Legolas for years, but it must have been only a few seconds and eventually they broke off, both short of breath and looking at the other.
Legolas recovered first, but before he could say anything, Celebfaer held her fingers to his lips to stop the words from coming.
"Don't." She said softly, then she looked at her lap, fighting a wave of tears that threatened to fall. "I must go." She added, then she stood up and walked back towards the camp, knowing that if she did not leave then the consequences would have been disastrous.
Back at the camp Celebfaer checked to see that Mildred was still sleeping, which he was, so she silently got back into her bedroll and went to sleep.
Legolas was left recovering from the shock of her leaving him like that, though he knew it was the right thing to do. He also remembered that she could very easily hide her emotions when she needed too as he had seen her do it once before.
So, he climbed the tree he had been under and continued his watch of the surrounding area.
