Disclaimer: I own nothing! No money is being made.

Author's Notes: 01/19/06 - I just got through viewing parts of the films today, so I'm slowly falling back into the swing of things. I honestly can't find my FotR book, and it's killing me! I'd been reading it a couple of days ago, and I really don't know where I've put it. Sigh. Once again, not much editing in this chapter.

The Imperfect One
By: JDArc

Chapter Sixteen: Confrontations in Caras Galadhon

A smile threatened to break free upon her face, but Mary Sue kept it in check, never daring to give in to the tiny shimmer of hope that grew ever stronger the longer she stared into Legolas's eyes. The feel of her tiny hand in his brought her a warmth that she never knew she could feel, and her fingers closed over his as he pulled her close, enveloping her. She sighed and closed her eyes, committing to memory what she was feeling when in his arms. His scent of wood and spice drifted into her nostrils and she inhaled deeply, her senses high on all Legolas could offer her. His soft breath was at her ear, and as her heartbeat quickened, she shivered with delight. Her arms found their way around his waist, and she spent no time at all in conforming the soft curves of her body to the hard planes of his. He drew in a sharp breath and stiffened immediately, and fearing he was going to turn her away, Mary Sue stepped back in alarm, just enough to put space in between them but not too much.

"Is anything wrong, my love?" she whispered softly, and her heart fell when he cringed at the endearment. He pulled away from her, pain clearly written on his face, and she choked back a sob as her body yearned for his warmth. She merely had but a small taste, and she found herself wanting so much more than he offered. "Legolas, please." The soft urge in her voice made him flinch again, and this time he looked away from her, and as she reached across the space between them to touch his arm, he quietly moved just out of range.

"This does not feel right, Mary Sue," he whispered barely loud enough for her to hear. She shook her head at him, but it was useless as he kept his gaze focused on the ground.

"Maybe you just need to give it time, Legolas," she said, keeping her hope at bay. "Please, you just need to get used to the feeling of it-"

"No," he said softly. "It has only ever felt right to hold but one person in my arms, and I am sorry, Mary Sue, but you are not the one." Her eyes stung with the burden of salty tears, but she held them back, refusing to give in.

"No!" she hissed menacingly. "Legolas, are you listening to yourself? You think you are in love with someone who obviously has issues with herself! Not only that, she's engaged! She promised herself to someone else!" Her voice broke off as the first tear fell, and she tried to compose herself before continuing. Legolas looked up, and the pain in his eyes did nothing but cause her flood of tears to stream down her cheeks. She moved toward him, her hands clutching to his tunic in desperation. "Legolas, please. What are you doing to me? You've given me hope only to take it back? Why?"

"I do not wish to hurt you even more than I have, Mary Sue, but to believe that a relationship deeper than friendship will come from this will only bring you grief," he answered tiredly. "Do not entangle yourself in the mess that has held me prisoner. Break away now while you still have this chance."

"No," she declared firmly, keeping her eyes focused on his. "You will not be rid of me that easily."

"You will only hurt in the end," he forewarned, stepping away from her once more, wrenching himself from her grasp.

"I don't believe I will," she said, determination sparkling in her violet eyes, and Legolas grew even more upset with the situation, upset that he could not love the exquisite being in front of him, upset that his heart already belonged to one who seemed not to return his affections. He was tired and angry, and he wanted nothing more than to lash out at someone, anyone to stop the tortuous ache from eating at his soul.

"Do you want me to say the very words that will break your heart, Mary Sue?" he growled suddenly as he grew angry with frustration. She recoiled as if he had slapped her, and she shook her head.

"You shouldn't have reached for me then," she said quietly before turning to go.

"I know," he answered, and tears veiled her eyes and blurred her vision as she walked away, and Legolas tore his eyes away from her, turning to gaze at the hill of Cerin Amroth, searching for Elenmírë's figure amid the foliage. He found her soon enough, but a deep jealousy replaced the frustration that had lingered only seconds before as he watched a conversation unfold between Elenmírë and Haldir. They sat on a talan, staring off to a place far beyond his field of vision, and he frowned. The crackle of feet treading upon fallen twigs caught his attention, and he averted his gaze to see Sam and Frodo emerge from their venture into Cerin Amroth. Immediately, his face became blank and he took on a cheerful smile, his brain working for an excuse to get information from the two hobbits of what Elenmírë and Haldir were doing so far up in the trees.

"Was your excursion into Cerin Amroth pleasurable, gentlemen?" he greeted casually, hoping that sincerity was not lost in his voice.

"It is far beautiful than any place I have ever walked through," Frodo admitted, "but we have yet to enter the city of Caras Galadhon where I am sure the beauty of Cerin Amroth will be challenged."

"Th' nices' grove of trees I'd ever seen, and tha's sayin' somethin,'" Sam included with a definite nod. Legolas let out a chuckle, looking once more to where Elenmírë and Haldir sat.

"And why haven't Haldir and Elenmírë come back down, I wonder?" he inquired indirectly, raising an eyebrow at them and hoping to seem indifferent. Sam shuffled his feet as Frodo shrugged. They did not answer, and with a friendly smile and a nod, the hobbits left him, whispering to themselves, forgetting however, that Elves had excellent hearing.

"I didn' want ter upset 'im or anythin', but I suspect that Haldir fellow 'as a thin' for th' Lady," Sam whispered to Frodo.

"And that isn't a good thing," Frodo commented quietly, stealing a glance to Legolas before looking wearily to Boromir who still sat fuming a few yards away as he rested against the trunk of a mallorn. Legolas's eyes narrowed suspiciously as he caught the tidbits of information, and he crossed his arms. This was becoming far more complicated than he realized, and he glared into the back of Haldir's head.

"I fear he is staring at us," Haldir commented quietly, and Elenmírë groaned. She folded her legs to her chest, and after tucking her arms under her knees, she placed her chin on top of them.

"He is becoming too much," she sighed sadly, never removing her stare from the city of Caras Galadhon. "I don't want to talk about him anymore. It makes my head pound." Haldir chuckled and sat down next to her. He studied the She-Elf discreetly, watching as the worry lines eased their hold from her face as she admired the city he had called his home for many centuries. Odd, she was. Her face was a sickly pale, and the occasional blush that covered her cheeks only enhanced its gauntness. Her lovely eyes were overshadowed by the dark circles that lay beneath them, and she looked like a shadow of an Elf, especially with her Elven glow almost completely gone. Granted, she did look much healthier than when they had first come across the Fellowship near the Nimrodel; she had looked close to death then. There was a sadness troubling her eyes, and he knew if she did not dispel her misery, she would fade even faster.

"We do not have to speak of him if that is your wish," he replied, his voice uncharacteristically gentle.

"He is too irritating," she muttered. "He refuses to accept that I am happy with Boromir, and his insistence is slowly driving me more insane than I already am!" Haldir tilted his head at her in amusement, and the corners of her mouth twitched upward. "I'll not mention him from now on." He smirked in reply, obviously not believing her, and she groaned again. "Hopeless, aren't I?"

"Just a bit," he answered with a smile, and they said no more as they sat and stared in wonder at the heart of Elvendom in Middle Earth. "Even after all these years, it amazes me how marvelous the Golden Wood are," he finally said breaking their peaceful silence, "and as much as I would love to stay here and admire it, we must continue on our journey. The entrance doors do not face northward, and we must head to the southern walls to enter the city. The way is not short by any means. It is time for all of you to meet the Lord Celeborn, and Galadriel, Lady of Light."

When they finally rejoined the rest of the Fellowship, the members greeted them with refreshed hearts and were eager to head forth into Caras Galadhon. Elenmírë nodded her head in silent thanks to Haldir before turning to move to Boromir's side, and she did not see his lingering gaze as she walked away, though Legolas was quick enough to notice and clenched his fists in response. Almost immediately, Haldir snapped his head in his direction, narrowing his eyes in quiet challenge, but naught was said. Without another word, Haldir led the group to the gates of the city, and the closer they got, the darker the skies became until they were almost completely under the green canopy of trees. Silver-lighted lamps littered the branches of the trees, and it was an incredulous sight; it was as if the stars of the heavens themselves decided to grace the Golden Wood with their presence. They came to a white bridge, and Haldir looked back to address the group following him.

"The Gates of Caras Galadhon," he announced to them, pointing to the tall and strong doors that would greet them at the end of the bridge. They followed him in awe, and when they finally reached the entrance, Haldir called out and knocked. The gates swung open soundlessly, allowing them access into the ancient city, and they closed shut behind them. Boromir stiffened visibly, and Elenmírë reached her hand to his, and their eyes met, hers pleading with him to stay calm and to trust her kindred. He relaxed a little, but the rigidity never left his body. His eyes were narrowed with suspicion as he looked about uncomfortably, and he gripped her hand almost to the point of pain, but she did not cry out.

Silently, they continued, following Haldir up a seemingly neverending stairwell which curved its way around a tall mallorn-tree. On a few occasions, they paused to allow the hobbits a quick break to catch their breath, but they never stopped for a long period of time.

"Feels like we're climbin' up ter heaven," Pippin sighed heavily, swiping the sweat from his forehead with his tiny cloak.

"Just breathe," Gimli instructed, leaning on his ax for support. A genuine smile lit up Legolas's face as he grinned at the Dwarf, and for a brief moment, he turned and caught Elenmírë admiring him with an unguarded expression of love before she started and caught herself, and her face once again became blank and unreadable. She avoided his stare, but that would not stop the mad, vigorous beating of his heart. That is why you mustn't give up hope, he told himself silently. She loves you. You can see it in her eyes. His lips curved upward slightly in a small smile that he kept to himself.

They trudged upward until, at last, they reached a wide talan supporting a gorgeous, intimidating house, one that seemed to float from the very branches of the mallorn-tree. Each curve and intricate arch conveyed the majesty of Lothlórien, and it was indeed a most fitting house for the Queen of Elves. Haldir led them to the base of a wide staircase, and he motioned for them to stay while he moved to the side, his eyes looking upward, and Elenmírë followed his gaze.

Her jaw immediately dropped open as a pair of figures bathed in radiant white light descended the wide staircase, and she squinted until the light faded to a soft, healthy glow around the couple. There was a crushing pressure on her hand, and after wriggling her fingers, Boromir shot her an apologetic look and loosened but never relinquished his hold. He trembled slightly, and she responded by gently caressing the back of his hand with her thumb. She brought her attention back to the duo, and her eyes were greeted by the sight of the most beautiful pair of Elves she had ever seen. There was no doubt in her mind that they were the esteemed Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel, grandparents to her foster brothers and sister, for Arwen certainly received her beauty from the Elven Queen, and Elrohir and Elladan were almost exact duplicates of the Lord Celeborn with the exception of their dark hair. Thoughts of her siblings brought tears to her eyes, and she gaped at the couple, drinking in every detail for they reminded her of the family she terribly missed and left behind.

"Ten there are yet eleven set out from Rivendell," the Lord Celeborn spoke after a moment of solemn observance of the company. "Tell me, where is Gandalf for I very much desire to speak with him." A tear escaped down Elenmírë's cheek, and her lips trembled, wanting to inform him of what had happened, and yet unable to find the strength to speak of a wound still fresh with pain.

"He has fallen into shadow." The Lady Galadriel stated sorrowfully, her ancient eyes deepening with emotion, and Elenmírë stared at her in amazement, a single question forming in her mind: How does she know?

"It was a Balrog of Morgoth," Legolas answered, quavering slightly, "for we went needlessly into the net of Moria."

"We do not yet know Gandalf's full purpose," she declared, her eyes glowing eerily and the company fell silent with thought.

"Is not my voice familiar to you, young one?" Elenmírë panicked for a moment, unable to place the source of the voice until Galadriel turned her eyes to her and Boromir.

"The quest stands upon the edge of a knife," she said aloud. "Stray but a little and it will fail to the ruin of all." A spasm went through Boromir and Elenmírë looked at him in alarm. Suddenly, he was weeping beside his betrothed, turning his face away and covering his eyes with his hands as he wrenched himself away from Elenmírë. She slowly reached for him, but the Lady interrupted her thoughts once more. "Leave him be, child. He needs time to dwell on what I have spoken."

"It was you who spoke to me near Cerin Amroth!" Elenmírë turned her surprised eyes to the Queen, but the Lady was focused on Frodo. Her voice once again answered her though she gave no physical indication of it.

"Yes, child. It was I. We have much to discuss." Elenmírë gave a slight nod in understanding.

"Hope remains while the company is true," Galadriel stated, smiling softly. "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight you shall sleep in peace." Frodo jumped slightly, startled, and his haunted eyes gazed wearily at the Lady of the Wood. She merely smirked, and, with Lord Celeborn, ascended up the flight of steps once more.

They turned to Haldir uncertainly, and he nodded and led them down again to the forest floor where awaited them a makeshift canopy. Underneath lay many blankets and in between the mallorn-roots beneath the canopy were large pillows instead of beds. The hobbits' pace quickened until they collapsed onto the pillows, and they each let out sighs of relief. Gimli followed soon after, and immediately, he was asleep. Elenmírë studied Boromir as he wandered off a few yards away before planting himself on the ground out of sight behind another mallorn-tree. The Lady's words still echoed in her head, and she listened, despite the urgency she felt to comfort her betrothed. She sat down beside Merry as Legolas disappeared further into the canopy, and Mary Sue sat down beside her, much to her surprise.

"You should rest," Elenmírë said nonchalantly, though her eyes betrayed her concern for the young human. With one look at Mary Sue's face, it was no mystery that she was troubled, and the She-Elf became uncomfortable. They weren't exactly on good terms with each other, but it was indeed peculiar to see Mary Sue and Elenmírë not glaring at each other.

"You're lucky, you know," Mary Sue whispered bitterly, swerving her violet eyes to stare at Elenmírë. "I honestly don't know what he sees in you." The She-Elf looked away.

"I do not know the answer myself," Elenmírë found herself saying, amazed that this was indeed one of the very few moments of civility between the two females. "You should rest," she repeated, uncertain as to what to say next. But both froze when Legolas reemerged, having removed his green tunic to reveal the silver one he wore underneath, and the silver lights from the lamps that hung above danced upon his hair and his face, kissing his chiseled features with affection. Both Mary Sue and Elenmírë inhaled sharply in astonishment, turning their attention to the Elf as he tilted his head when a melancholic song filled their air.

"A lament to Gandalf," he informed the company softly, and Elenmírë lowered her eyes, unable to take in his exquisite beauty.

"What do they say about 'im?" Merry inquired, lifting his head slightly from his pillow as he looked up into the endless heights of the trees.

"I have not the heart to tell you," Legolas whispered in response, his voice trembling slightly. "For me the grief is still too near." Merry frowned and lay back down, his eyes closing as he listened softly. Soon, his breathing steadied, and the She-Elf knew he had fallen asleep. The song had a melancholy effect; depression was clear amid their countenances as one by one they each fell into grateful sleep.

Elenmírë listened as well, feeling her eyes well up once again as the faceless voices continued with their lament, and without her consent, her mind replayed the horrific scene over and over, with Gandalf clinging to the edge of the broken bridge before relinquishing his hold to fall into the dark depths. She bit her lip, trying to force the event out of her head, but the incident would not leave her mind. Out of habit, her body responded the only way it knew how, and she hugged her knees to her chest once more as she rocked back and forth.

"It did not have to happen that way," she whispered.

"But it did happen that way, and you must learn to accept it," a voice answered her, and her head snapped up, but she was unable to discern the figure with her blurred vision. She wiped the tears away with the back of her hand as the individual knelt down before her. "Things happen for a reason, Elenmírë, and although it may not be clear now, it will make sense in-"

"Gandalf did not have to die!" she hissed angrily at Haldir. "He was my dear friend…" She choked back a sob and buried her face against her raised knees. She felt him gently rub her back as if she were a child. She cried silently as she leaned into his touch, and when it was removed a few seconds later, she looked up in dismay at the loss.

"Life is a precious gift, young one," Haldir said softly. "Do not waste yours with too much grief." With that, he gave a small nod before walking away, and Mary Sue looked at his retreating figure and shook her head at Elenmírë.

"I don't get it," the girl said, pulling her lips into a frown. "It makes absolutely no sense."

"What?" Elenmírë asked blankly, her voice hoarse from her attempt to keep her cries silent. She sniffed and wiped away her remaining tears, but she could not dispel her sadness. The poignant lament of Gandalf's fall still lingered in the air, and her heart twisted with desolation.

"Are you that blind?" Mary Sue gaped at the She-Elf in half-awe, half-disgust.

"Now you're the one making no sense," Elenmírë snarled, laying her head on her knees once more. "Stop speaking in riddles!" Mary Sue sighed indignantly and nodded her head in Legolas's direction, and Elenmírë followed her gaze. His eyes were trained on Haldir's diminishing form with clenched fists. "What is wrong with him?" she inquired, and Legolas's head swerved at her question, his eyes narrowed. Without another word, he walked into the canopy, never meeting her questioning look.

"And I thought I was naïve!" the human girl sighed impatiently, crossing her arms. "The only reason I'm saying this is because…" Her voice trailed off and her cheeks colored, augmenting her natural beauty. Elenmírë raised an eyebrow uncertainly. "From the beginning, Elenmírë, you knew of my feelings for Legolas," Mary Sue muttered, and the She-Elf bristled slightly, looking away.

"If this is another, 'Legolas-is-mine' conversation, you needn't bother," she replied. "And I do not see what this has to do with Haldir-"

"Gods, woman, are you oblivious to the fact that maybe-"

"I am no woman, I am an Elf."

"Fine, Elf, are you so ignorant that you can't see that Legolas could possibly be, oh I don't know, jealous maybe, of this growing friendship between you and Haldir?" Mary Sue spat in one heated breath, her face growing red with anger. "I can't stand the way he pines over you when you obviously don't show that you care about him, so why don't you do all of us a favor and let him know once and for all that he has no chance!" Her violet eyes were bulging with fury, and she looked about ready to challenge the She-Elf to a duel.

"I don't need this," Elenmírë sneered in turn, angry that Mary Sue could think of nothing other than the object of her affection. Her grey eyes darkened into a stormy cloud of black. "Do you not think that I've tried that? Do you honestly think that I want to throw away my chance at a happy marriage with Boromir, the only person who dared to show his love for me? I do not need you to remind me of Legolas's misplaced affections when I am still grieving for the death of one of the only true friends I have ever known! How can you be so…selfish, so insensitive to think of nothing but your love life?"

"Don't you dare turn this around to make me look like the insensitive one when you're the one leading three guys on!" Mary Sue growled, her violet eyes flashing. "Especially when one of them happens to be the one I love-"

"Take him then, if it'll shut your mouth," Elenmírë snapped, jumping to her feet. "Just leave me be!" And once again, she fled.

Legolas straightened when Elenmírë's harsh words drifted into his sensitive ears, and he bowed his head in the shadows as he watched her escape from Mary Sue. Was the look of love he caught on Elenmírë's face earlier just his mind's own wishful thinking? Or was it really there, carefully hidden beneath her hard exterior? His heart clamored loudly in his chest, demanding that he find out once and for all, and succumbing, he silently followed her trail.

A pair of violet eyes watched on as he ran swiftly after the She-Elf, and blinking back her tears, Mary Sue drew her blanket close, attempting to warm herself, but it did not help chase away the terrible coldness she felt surrounding her.

TBC.