****Author's Note****I know it has been a ridiculously long time since I've updated and for that I apologize. I did not anticipate many things happening with school and with life in general. I regret having to put my fanfiction on the back burner for a while, but I do have to say that school does come first. I know, I know, but hey, I'm paying through the nose in tuition, so that does help me prioritize. Anyway, here is the long awaited 7th chapter to my story, Heart of Fire. Enjoy!
A Change of HeartAs Vanadil and Legolas rode across the plains leading to the forest, her mind reeled at what was happening. She could not actually believe that Legolas was aiding her in, well, disobeying her father. It didn't seem to be in his nature to go against someone's wishes. Quickly pushing the thought from her mind, she turned her concentration to following Legolas as he made his way down a slight incline toward the woods, which would serve to conceal their whereabouts to any random passerby.
"Why do you risk helping me?" she finally asked, breaking the uncomfortable silence between them.
"Perhaps it is a minor stepping stone I intended to take in my efforts to cross the river of trust with you," he replied, not looking back. "Besides, I do not think your father will be too angered if he knew you were in my company."
Rolling her eyes, Vanadil muttered under her breath, "Of course, you could get away with much more than his own daughter could."
At that Legolas turned around and half-smiled at her, "I'm sure he would not be as lenient as you may think if something were to happen to you in my care."
Vanadil's jaw dropped in horror and realization, as she remembered what tones her father could not hear did not necessarily mean Legolas couldn't. Then, she gritted her teeth as Legolas' words registered in her mind. She quickly cued Eledhwen into a slightly faster gait as she rode up beside him.
"Perhaps, you might tell me what you mean by your choice of words," she retorted, failing to check her anger. "I believe you are quite mistaken if you think I will surrender myself to your "care." I am no one's charge, and I belong to no one."
Legolas stopped and sighed inwardly in frustration. Could he not say anything without her twisting his words around? This was not going as well as he had planned, although he had known it was not an easy route to her heart. He was convinced an easy way did not exist.
Narrowing his eyes, he looked at her firmly, "No, Vanadil. That is not what I thought or meant. I never once thought of you as helpless property. You do not need to fear that with me. I am neither oppressive nor see you as anything but my equal."
Looking back ahead, Legolas continued riding along the well-worn path that wove its way through the ancient trees and vegetation. Vanadil rode along in silence, her mind mulling over his words. Could it be true? Legolas would not treat as she had seen other men treat their mates? Of course, her parents had always had an extremely loving and glorious relationship, but she had always thought it to be due to their incredible history. Indeed, Legolas made her feel rather uncomfortable, and gave her feelings she could not remember feeling before. Could that be part of her resentment towards him? She had always felt so in control of herself. However, when Legolas walked into her life, that comfort zone was shattered.
In truth, she did not even remember why she felt bitterness toward him. Deep down, she knew, on his part, he had done nothing wrong. In fact, a part of her was surprised, and yet, somehow, relieved that he had just stood up to her.
Vanadil was suddenly jerked out of her thoughts as Legolas halted and dismounted by a small stream.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
"You need to rest. Your stamina has not yet had time to return and you will need your strength for the return ride home," he explained, walking over to help her off her horse.
Vanadil looked at him for a moment, fighting back the overwhelming surge of annoyance, as she swallowed her pride and allowed him to help her this one time. She knew, deep down, he was right. Her shoulder painfully throbbed and she felt weaker than she could remember feeling for a long time. However, she would rather Eledhwen step on her foot than let Legolas know that. Somehow, she had a gnawing feeling that he knew her pain and exhaustion but kindly spoke nothing of it. She handed Eledhwen's reins to Legolas as she slowly sat down under a massive oak, using the huge trunk to lean against.
After securing the horses, Legolas lightly sat down under the tree, however, a few feet away from Vanadil. He did not want to push his luck with the headstrong maiden by being closer to her though his heart longed to be right by her side.
Vanadil wrapped her arms around her knees and stared out into the slow moving water of the stream. Streams of sunlight danced upon the water as they slipped through the few openings in the dense canopy of the trees.
"I'm sorry," she muttered, her own words nearly choking her.
Legolas looked at her in surprise, "For what?"
She squeezed her eyes shut as she searched for an answer. What was she sorry for? Although she was not quite sure, she knew there must be some reason.
"For my rudeness," she said after what seemed like an eternity to her.
"You were only protecting yourself," he replied softly. "In truth, relief fills my heart that you did not give into destiny as easily as most. Than again, you're not just any maiden but Aragorn's daughter. I would have expected nothing less of you."
Vanadil looked at him and smiled lightly, "Mayhap you will tell me why you think the victory is yours. A winner to this battle has yet to be declared."
Legolas smirked, "Ah, you're quite quick, Vanadil, daughter of Aragorn. I see then I have yet much work to do."
Slowly standing up, as not to aggravate her shoulder, she made her way to Eledhwen. Maybe not as much work as you think, she thought.
Turning back to Legolas, she replied, "Perhaps it is time we return; we've risked enough today."
This time she allowed Legolas to help her into the saddle, only because it hurt too much to raise her arm too high, or so she told herself. Once Legolas was on his horse, the two wove their way back through the trees. Luckily, it was still long before nightfall, Vanadil saw to her relief. Suddenly, when they had reached the end of the woods, Legolas pulled his mount to a short stop.
"What is it?" Vanadil asked in surprised.
Legolas looked at her quickly than looked ahead, "I might have sworn I heard an odd noise. However, everything seems in order."
A ball of fear seemed to form in her stomach as she remembered her attackers from the other night. Unconsciously, she cued Eledhwen a few steps closer to Legolas and looked around.
Legolas shrugged and continued on their way. His elven senses picked up her fear, though he said nothing of it. The sooner they returned home, the better.
It was nearly another two hours before they returned home and put their horses away. Vanadil was giving Eledhwen his last bit of sugar, when she once again felt a soft hand on her arm. She knew who it was and resisted her urge of frustration, which was now more of habit than actual feeling.
"We must go," Legolas told her.
Nodding, Vanadil turned from Eledhwen softly made their way down the cobblestone aisle way and out of the barn. Luckily the castle was not far, and once inside, she would feel much relief, as she would know for sure her father would not catch her deeds for the day.
The castle guards nodded curtly at them as the two entered through the two huge, golden doors. When the doors shut behind, Vanadil slowly looked at Legolas.
"Umm…thank you," she stammered, "for accompanying me out. I…know you didn't have to."
Legolas took her hand in his before, and before she had a chance to protest replied, "You know not how truthful it really is when I say it was my pleasure, Vanadil. Anytime my help is needed, all you must do is ask."
At that, he quickly bent down and kissed her before turning and leaving to his own chambers.
"Mm." Was all Vanadil could find to say as she realized that, this time, she had no will to fight his affection.
***Author's note*** There you have it folks! The next installment of Heart of Fire. I apologize for the shortness of the chapter but I'm going to try to get them up more often than I have been and that will require them to be a little shorter. I figure frequency is better than length but that's just me. As always, R and R. No flames please, but constructive criticism is always welcome.
--Celestial Lady