Good Lord!! Such mixed reactions I received from you guys about that Lego/Eowyn scene! I was just testing the market and WHAM!!! I got hit by a truck loaded with bouquets of flowers!! Anyway, tell me, which one of these two ladies that you want me to kill; Nara or Eowyn? Or how about both of them so you guys can get your hands on Legolas? He! He!
@Kayo : Eowyn and Gimli? Ha! Ha! Ha!
@Aislyn : Thank you for enjoying at least until seven chapters. I'm not hurt that you are disappointed and not going to read anymore. But I always stand with my motto; 'It's not over till it's over.' And no, this is not a legomances. Na-ah. Far from it.
NOTE : I guess some of you are not very happy about this turnout. Anyway, I'll assure you that Legolas is meant for Nara, and Eowyn for Faramir (I even have a story in mind about these two humans!). So don't worry, guys! Just read on until the end of the story before you jump into any conclusion! I've read the book, and I know how the real story goes. I just want to add some drama to spice things up. There's nothing wrong in there, right?
************************
Aragorn frowned when he saw Legolas approached with a disturbed expression on his fair face. "Is something wrong, Legolas? Is the men giving you trouble?"
Legolas shook his head as his eyes scanned the control chaos in Edoras courtyard. The people were rushing here and there in preparation for their departure to Helm's Deep, while Rohan strongest men were getting ready for their ride to the west.
"Quite the opposite. I got a woman trouble."
Aragorn's eyes widened. "Excuse me? Care to explain on that?"
"Can you keep a secret?"
"That depends on what the secret is."
"Please, Estel. I'm serious!"
The ranger knew that something was indeed bothering his friend. "Legolas, trust me."
"All right." Legolas looked around him once more. He saw Gimli entertaining some children in a corner, showing off his axe as he loudly told them of his encounters with the orcs. Gandalf was conversing with Eomer and Theoden a little further away.
Assured that no one else was close enough to hear what he was going to say, even though his words were in the Sindarin tongue that most of the humans did not understand, Legolas finally spoke in a low tone, "Eowyn and I, we just kissed."
Aragorn's eyes bulged in disbelief. "Eowyn? Lord, that was quick! How did that happen? Wait. Never mind. I can see the whole picture now. She is infatuated with you because you saved her!"
Legolas shrugged. "Maybe."
"And did you enjoy it?"
The elf was startled. "What kind of question is that?"
"A simple one. Did you enjoy the kiss or not?"
"No!!!" Legolas said vehemently.
"No? Is she that terrible?"
"Well, it was…pleasant actually. She is very nice and all but…she is not Nara."
"Ah…" Aragorn understood then. "Right. That's the whole problem now. You love Nara, but you're also attracted to Eowyn."
"I didn't say I'm attracted to her!"
"No, but you said you kissed her all for no reason."
"Estel, you're not making this easy."
"Well, what do you want me to say?"
"Say something that are not so confusing!!'
"What is there to confuse about? You are engaged to Nara. You love her so much, and you will marry her when you get back!"
"But she's so far away. I miss her so."
"And you want Eowyn to stand in for her? Is that it?"
Legolas glared. "No."
"So don't pain your head thinking about it." Aragorn sighed before continuing, "Okay. I'll make this easy for you. She's a woman, you're an elf. End of story."
"Are you saying that elf and human are not mean for each other?"
"That's exactly what I was trying to…" Aragorn glared when Legolas grinned widely. "Very funny, elf. Arwen and I is a special case. It's a lot different."
"I didn't say anything." Legolas raised both hands, still grinning.
"Oh, shut up! Now you make me confuse!!"
Legolas laughed and clasped his friend's shoulder. "Thanks for the talk, my brother. I really appreciate it. And it really helps, believe me."
"I'm glad it helps you but this talk has definitely befuddled me!"
Chuckling, Legolas steered the ranger towards their mounts that the servants had brought forward from the stable. Gandalf saw them coming and he stopped talking. His keen eyes gazed steadily at Legolas, making the elf blush. Does Gandalf know what happened?
The wizard suddenly smiled, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes. Legolas nearly groaned out loud. Ai! He knows!
Turning once more to Theoden, Gandalf said, "It's time, my lord Theoden."
The king of Rohan looked around him. His army, which was in full battle regalia, was already waiting for their king on top of their powerful steeds. Aragorn helped Gimli to mount behind Legolas before he climbed onto Hasufel. The wizard also took his seat on Shadowfax.
They all waited breathlessly as the king mounted his steed, a magnificent stallion with glistening black coat. "We ride west! Forth Eorlingas!!!" the king shouted.
The men of Rohan replied with their own cry of valor. The sound of hoof beats pummeling the earth was deafening as the riders sped forward through the gate of Edoras led by their king. Eomer reined his horse beside the gate and waved at the beautiful lady wearing a white long dress who stood watching from atop the stairs near the entrance to Meduseld. Eowyn.
She waved back.
Legolas also glanced at her. She nodded back at him. After giving her a final bow, Legolas kicked his mount and raced after the troop of Rohirrim warriors.
Eowyn was still there watching them even when they had faded from her sight.
****************************
It was early afternoon three days ago when they had left Edoras. Now, they were not more than a hundred leagues away from Isengard as the day crept again into night.
During the long ride, Legolas had finally managed to squash his fear of being surrounded by a big group of men. They were no longer gawking at him. The Rohirrims were now his comrades, moving forward together for one same purpose; to destroy the power of darkness.
Theoden treated the elf with respect even though the king didn't know of Legolas' noble blood. In fact, all the Rohirrims didn't know it. They only knew Legolas as the faithful companion to Lord Aragorn, the heir to the throne of Gondor. Obviously, they thought highly of the elf because of his skills and prowess.
The men still gazed in awe at him once in a while, but not in a threatening way. Legolas started to get used to it by now. Deep down, he knew exactly how they feel. Didn't he get struck dumb himself when he gazed upon Galadriel's amazing beauty the first time he saw her?
Legolas also began to get to know Eomer better. Theoden's nephew was a likable man, an honorable warrior and a loving brother. There was adoration in his voice whenever he talked about his sister. His eyes would light up in pure joy and pride. He was also very protective. They had heard him repeatedly saying that he was going to kill Grima if he saw that white-faced man again for touching Eowyn that way.
Strangely though, Eomer reminded Legolas a lot of Keldarion. The same big brother love, the same protectiveness. Eomer even have the flair for easy humor that Keldarion also had. Legolas felt as if his elder brother was right there beside him, in the form of a flaxen-haired spear-wielding Rohirrim warrior!
Shaking his head at that odd notion, Legolas wondered with a little trepidation what Eomer's reaction would be if the man found out about him kissing his sister!!
The front of their large troop suddenly stopped. The king had called for rest as the horses were getting tired after a full day of galloping non-stop.
Legolas halted his mount and waited to assist Gimli off Arod's back. But the only respond he received was a loud snore coming from the dwarf. Gimli was deeply asleep!
Eomer grinned when he saw the situation. Aragorn who was several yards away looked on in confusion when Theoden's nephew leaned forward and whispered something to Legolas. The elf smiled widely.
In all his graceful movements and agility, Legolas dismounted without disturbing the slumbering dwarf. Eomer, who had also gotten down from his steed, stood beside the elf. He was still grinning as he watched Legolas spoke softly to Arod.
The stallion suddenly neighed loudly and trotted forward. Gimli instantly jerked awake and frantically grabbed for Legolas to hold on to.
But, of course, Legolas wasn't there.
Panicked, Gimli reached over to grasp Arod's flowing mane at the neck, crying out, "Stop, you blasted horse!!!"
Arod stopped, much to the dwarf's great relief. He looked around and saw Legolas and Eomer standing side by side, grinning widely from ear to ear. Then Gimli saw red.
"Why, you two pale-haired monsters!!" Gimli fumed as he jumped off Arod's back. He advanced menacingly towards the two, holding up his axe in warning. "I love to chop the hair off your stupid heads and keep them as trophies!! What were you thinking, leaving me all alone on that beast like that?!!!"
Legolas was trying hard keeping a straight face as he replied, "But you were asleep. I have not the heart to wake you. You looked so tired."
"A dwarf does NOT get tired!" Gimli yelled. "We sleep, aye, but we are a strong lot! Don't you ever leave me alone on top of that blasted animal again!"
"Don't tell me you're afraid of Arod, Gimli," said Eomer. "See? You did a fine job telling him to stop. He listened to your orders just now."
The dwarf frowned as he looked back at the white stallion. "He did stop, didn't he?" He turned to face the two 'pale-haired monsters' once more. "Well, then. Now that the beast and I began to understand each other, he will listen to every word I said from now on."
Arod snorted loudly in disagreement. Eomer and Legolas broke out laughing then. "I don't think he agrees with you, Gimli!"
"He better does!" Gimli growled directly into Arod's face. "Or I'll chop off that wonderful mane of his tail!!"
Eomer and Legolas stared in amazement as Arod lowered down his head in submission, fully understood what the dwarf was threatening him with. Smiling happily, Gimli started to stride away. "I'll join the first watch."
Legolas frowned at the stallion. "I didn't know you're so vain. You admit defeat at the mention of your tail? Shame on you!"
Arod whinnied and softly butted his nose against Legolas' chest as if asking for his master's forgiveness. Legolas reached up and stroked the stallion's forehead. "Never mind, Arod. Just don't give up too easily next time."
Aragorn joined them and couldn't help laughing himself. "That was totally brilliant, you two! But sadly though, I think Gimli win this round!"
"We might have won if this male species here is not so keen on keeping his tail to woo the mares!!" Eomer said, glaring playfully at Arod.
The stallion neighed again. The other three laughed out loud. The sound brought the rest of the party to stare at them. And what a sight the three beheld!
The first one was dark-haired and handsome. He was the future king of Gondor and his personality spoke volumes of regality and power. Isildur had defeated Sauron once, and this descendant of his was going to repeat the history.
The next one was flaxen-haired and as attractive as the first one. He had just been announced as Thoden's heir to the throne of Rohan now that Theodred was dead. Such a great warrior he was that would certainly become a great leader one day.
And then, there was the elf. The golden haired beautiful being looked ageless even though he had surpassed 2,500 years. He was the crown prince to the last elven kingdom. He had seen many things, suffered many times, and defeated many obstacles. He radiated an aura of strength as well as gentleness that bespoke him as an extraordinary person.
Who wouldn't have stopped to admire them, these three individuals of noble blood from three different origins yet fighting for the same cause?
Gandalf also looked at the direction that Theoden was staring. "Impressive lot they are, aren't they?"
The king nodded. "Indeed." He sighed softly and looked down. "I wish Theodred were here. My heart still bleeds yet my tears are dry. Such a big loss he is to me."
The wizard put a consoling hand on Theoden's shoulder. "Don't despair so. This fight is also for your son."
Suddenly came a loud cry from the front. "A rider approaches!!"
TBC…