Disclaimer: Nothing LOTR - related belongs to me.you know the drill. I own
this story and Aislin; no use of the character or this particular storyline
w/o permission. Thank you : - )
A/N: Ok, I think the suspense has gone on long enough. What a cliffhanger eh??? Thank you again for your lovely reviews; it's nice to see that so many people are enjoying it! Feel free to suggest anything toward the story - I'll be sure to keep them in mind, as I am making up the story and building the character as I go along. And anything in ~ ~ is dialogue that Aislin is signing. I tried to make this a long chapter, but no luck; I'll try for the next chapter. Ok, that's enough out of me, here's the conclusion to the cliffhanger in Chapter 2.
~*~*~*~*~Chapter Three~*~*~*~*~
Legolas examined his hand, completely and utterly astonished. He had never seen anything like what she had just done. He attempted it on his own and looked at Aislin, who was smiling with approval as if to affirm that he had done well.
"You speak with your hands," he concluded, gazing back down at his hand. Her smile grew as she nodded, and he looked up again. "Can you teach me?"
She was astonished by his request; she had not expected him to ask. She had supposed she would end up just writing things down, or trying almost uselessly to express what she wanted to say like she had in the woods when he had stopped her. He looked hopeful, almost eager to learn her language as she thought about it.
"Please, it would certainly make things between us easier," he pleaded, trying to help her make a decision. It worked, and she nodded her agreement to teach him. He smiled, thankful, and took her hands.
"Come, we will go out into the gardens."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
They spent most of the day undisturbed aside from attending the odd meal. Legolas proved to be a quick learner, asking Aislin words or phrases upon which she would sign it herself, then replicate what she had done on his own fingers. He rarely needed a second example, making the lessons go by faster, and Aislin was astonished by his speed. Legolas felt it was easier to learn this language the same way he had learned the Common Speech, as Sindarin was his native tongue. By the evening he was as fluent as she was, being able to sign full sentences without inquiring how it was done, and most times he had done it right. Sometimes he would purposely make a mistake just to have her move his fingers again, but she quickly caught on to this tactic. She would push him playfully and refuse to show him again. He would laugh and beseech her for a second example, but she would continue to refuse with a smile on her face.
"Why not?" he asked, feigning hurt feelings.
~Because I can read your face~ she signed. He raised his eyebrows, looking as if he had been challenged foolishly.
"Really," he expressed, holding her gaze in his own. "You think I am that obvious?"
~Only because I know how to do it~ she answered him. He sat back on his feet, looking her over a moment before speaking.
"Will you teach me this skill as well?" he entreated, half expecting she would say yes. Instead she shook her head. He was shocked, and feigning insult he crossed his arms over his chest. "Then I will not take you riding like I had planned to."
She glared at him amusedly, raising an eyebrow. ~Fine~ she signed. ~Then I shall go myself~ She proceeded to get up, but Legolas grabbed her arm.
"No," he stated firmly, his fair face now solemn. "At least not at night. You are not yet familiar with the woods, and as of right now I am the only one who can understand you."
She sighed; he had a point. Nikita probably knew her way quite well by now since she had been in the wood for so long, but Aislin was wary when in places she did not know herself. However she did miss her horse, and wanted to spend some time with her.
~Then may I see her?~ she requested. His lips curved up into a soft smile and he nodded.
"Of course Aislin. I will take you to see your horse."
Legolas helped her up and wrapped her hand around his arm as he led her out of the gardens and towards the stables where the steeds were kept. They passed many nobles who resided in the king's halls, many of them good friends of Legolas, but Aislin didn't like the suggestive glances some of them gave her. It made her feel uncomfortable, because she was sure by now they knew of her and her disability. It had been her experience that whenever someone looked at her that way, knowing she couldn't speak a word, they always wanted something. It had happened once to her, and she certainly wasn't about to let it happen again. She pulled closer to Legolas and avoided the looks that made her slightly nervous. Legolas did not notice them as they walked, but could tell some uneasiness hindered her. He waited until they reached the stable before asking her about it.
He didn't get the chance to. As soon as they had walked inside, Aislin spotted her horse and slid her arm out of Legolas' as she strode to the horse. Nikita bobbed her head and neighed happily at the sight of her rider healthy again; Aislin couldn't help a smile, as Legolas followed slowly behind. She hugged the white horse fondly, happy to see her being taken care of after the night they had both been through. Legolas leaned up against the post beside them, and Nikita looked up at him. He reached a hand out to pet her muzzle, and Aislin turned to see what was going on. She saw Legolas petting Nikita's muzzle, and she smiled; Nikita didn't warm up to many people, especially this quickly. She touched Legolas' outstretched arm to get his attention.
~She likes you very much~ she signed.
He smiled back. "I take it that such a fact is a good thing?"
She nodded. ~She does not trust quickly most of the time~
A slightly impish glint came into Legolas' sapphire eyes. "Do you trust quickly, Aislin?"
She blushed and looked away, scratching Nikita behind her ear. Legolas' slender fingertips grabbed her chin and turned her head to look back at him. Something flashed ever so briefly in her blue eyes and he was silenced for only a moment, but did not let her see it. Instead he smiled. "Well? Do you Aislin?"
She echoed the glint in his eyes and shook her head. ~Not quickly. Gradually but not quickly~
"Why not?" he inquired.
She sighed, pausing a moment. ~Not many people have given me a reason to~
Legolas' smile faded; that particular answer never crossed his mind. "Is it a harsh place you come from?"
~Too harsh~ she replied. ~Everyone I thought I could trust proved me wrong~
"What did you do?" Legolas prodded carefully, becoming intrigued by the tale she was unfolding.
~Left my town and lived in a house in the woods~ she replied. Part of her became homesick at the thought of it. Legolas sighed; he knew that it was likely she missed her home and all that was familiar, especially after the night she had. He had felt the same way when he had taken leave to attend the Council of Elrond and ended up venturing in the Fellowship. His feelings were quelled by the knowledge that he could go back when his quest was over; hers, however, may not be quite as simple to erase. He tried a smile.
"If it comforts you any, my home is much like yours despite the fact that we come from different worlds. I am certain there is nothing you did back in your own home that you cannot do here."
She imitated his smile, and looked down at the stable floor. Thoughts crossed her face that Legolas found no words for and he wondered what they were. He brushed her shoulder ever so lightly, breaking her out of her reverie, his eyes questioning hers as she looked up to meet them. Her smile was still there, though now laced with a sadness he knew nothing of.
~There is no going back for me, is there?~
He paused, desiring some sort of hope he could offer her, but there was none. She could read the answer in his face before he could speak it, and dropped her head in realization. Legolas could see that he had answered her question and took her soft hands in his own.
"I am sorry," he whispered. She nodded her head, wisps of golden-red strands falling over her face, which she brushed away absent-mindedly. He despised seeing her like this. "If it pleases you," he told her, his voice bringing her gaze back to him. "I could persuade my father to allow you to reside here. Heaven knows these halls are massive enough."
She couldn't help the smile that graced her face at his last words, and she chuckled though the sound came through her nose. He smiled at her reaction. "I take it that you would like that?"
~Very much~, she signed. Legolas' smile widened, and he looked almost relieved. Smiling Aislin turned back to Nikita. It appeared to Legolas that she had silent conversations with her horse, as if both horse and rider could read what the other's facial expression meant. The horse seemed to have been overcome with sorrow, and Aislin pet her muzzle in reassurance though a tear slipped from her eye and trailed slowly down her face. Legolas took this as a sign that maybe it was time they retired for the night, and let rest heal weariness. He put a hand on her shoulder to get her attention, and she looked up at him with tears threatening to spill over.
"Come, let us go," he said, wiping her eyes. "Tomorrow I shall take you on the paths and show you the beauty of the wood."
Again he was able to make her smile, and Nikita nudged her into him. They both looked at the horse with amused faces, as the horse looked at them as an innocent child would when he does not realize the folly in his action. She ran her fingers through Nikita's mane once before turning with Legolas to leave the stable.
Many of those who had been out earlier were now gone, and full darkness had come. The stars amassed in the heavens, and the moon was just over the trees of the forest. Aislin looked up, and for a time she forgot her sadness, smiling at their sight. Legolas looked down at her, admiring the awe in her eyes.
"I told you they were beautiful," he replied. Smiling, she looked down as they walked, then back up.
~They remind me of my father~, her fingers told him as memories played evidently in her mind. ~He loved them~. They walked silently inside and came to her doors.
"Aislin," Legolas began nervously. A dark red spot on her arm stopped his thought, and he raised her arm to get a better look. "This bandage needs to be changed."
He stopped a passing servant in the hall and requested something in his own tongue, which Aislin obviously didn't understand. When the servant had gone he turned back to Aislin. "Shall we sit in your room, or would you prefer another place?"
She motioned towards her room, and he opened the door for her. She walked in first, at his insistence, and he closed the door after them. Curiousity getting the better of her, she pulled up her sleeve to see how bad the bleeding was. He walked over to investigate as well.
"It does not look too bad," he murmured, slowly untieing the bandage. "It will probably be like this for a day or two, depending on how quickly you heal. We will just deal with it as it comes."
She nodded, and a knock came to the door. Legolas bade her to sit on the end of the bed, which she did while he answered the door. A moment later he came back with a fresh cloth to bind her wound with. She watched as he went about his task, and noticed how the dried blood had cracked to allow her blood to seep through. She shivered at the image of it, and Legolas looked up from his work.
"Are you all right?" he questioned. She nodded, hoping to ease the concern in his voice. He finished tieing the bandage and sat upright. "That should do it, for now at least." He tossed the bandage on a nearby table to be picked up later when he left her room, but not before he had asked something that had been preying on his mind. "Aislin, there is something I desire to ask you."
~What?~ she signed. He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck nervously.
"Earlier, as we made our way to the stables, you were uneasy about something," he began. She knew what was coming, and she looked down. Legolas tilted his head to try and look into her downcast eyes, speaking quieter than he had before. "What did I do to cause it?"
Aislin looked up, wincing ever so slightly at his question. She couldn't imagine anything from the day's events that could encourage such thoughts. ~It was not you, Legolas~
His breath caught in his throat upon seeing her use his name. It had been the first time she had done it, and there was something mysteriously intimate about the sudden use of it. But despise his amazement the questions would not settle, and the confusion sparked again. "If not me then what?"
~The people we passed in the gardens~, she answered. ~Some of them made me uneasy with their glances, reminding me of things I would rather forget~
Legolas inhaled deeply; did he dare to ask his next question? Whatever she was beginning to describe to him clearly seemed painful, and part of him did not want to be the one responsible for arousing that pain; he wanted to be the one who comforted it. Yet he knew the consolation that follows the release of painful things, and perhaps such consolation was what she was in need of.
"Dare I ask you to speak of it?"
She looked at him, completely at a loss of what to do. Her heart desired desperately to let it all out, desired to trust, to have someone to draw strength from when she grew weak. Someone to be there for her and have her be there for them in return. But her head protested violently, showing her unwanted images from the past that stemmed from trust, reminding her of why she had all the pain she was feeling now; trust had a price and a violent one at that. But Legolas was different, so much different.
She turned away again. For some reason she couldn't face him. ~It is a long story~ she began to explain. He turned her head so that she could focus on him, bent on possibly making her tale easier to tell. She smiled, weakly but briefly, and continued.
~When I was younger, my grandfather passed away. I stayed at a friend's house for a time because things were hard at home. For the first two days things were fine and I didn't think much of staying there. After the second day things changed between me and him~
She stopped, biting her lower lip. Legolas could tell immediately that it was deeper than any other betrayal he had heard of, something that cuts deeply and could be powerful enough to consume one in sorrow if the person was not strong enough.
"What did he do to you, Aislin?" he asked softly. The tenderness in his voice eased enough of the doubts that still lingered in her mind as to whether or not she should trust him, and for the third and hopefully last time she threw caution to the wind praying that this time she would not need it later to navigate her way through life.
~He began to touch me in ways that he shouldn't have. At first it wasn't that bad, and I just kept pushing him off. But as the days went by things got past my control and I couldn't stop him from doing what he was doing. He was twice my size, so it wasn't hard for him to do so when he caught me off-guard~
She paused and dropped her gaze again, angry tears coming to her dull blue eyes. Legolas could almost see her memories and began to have underlying thoughts as to what she would say next. He cupped her cheek softly in encouragement, banishing her tears with but a brush of his thumb, and for a moment Aislin felt something she had not felt in a long time.
She felt safe, like pain couldn't reach her here. His voice and actions spoke of genuine care and concern, something only her parents and her horses had ever shown her. Whatever this place was, it certainly wasn't anything like what she had left behind. These people were open and honest with their words and their feelings; the king, who Aislin had first met at dinner and discovered was Legolas' father, had welcomed her quite openly and allowed her to rest in his halls as long as she needed to. Fear of being judged was not with her, and it enabled her to share the one thing not even her parents had known about.
~The last night I was there I was packing to leave; I couldn't stay another day. I tried to leave without him knowing, so that I would not have to feel his hands on me before I left. Unfortunately I was found out somehow, and before I got a chance to get out he~ she paused, trying to mentally assure herself she could get it out. Legolas proceeded to further assure her of her strength but she paused him, the look in her now uplifted eyes confirming to him that she was all right, and with a deep breath she finished. ~He raped me~
Anger and frustration flamed in Legolas' heart. The idea of someone hurting another of their race was almost inconceivable, and the thought of Aislin being forced to endure such torture made him sick. It was cowardly to cause affliction towards those weaker than oneself, and twice as cowardly when done to a woman. He went tense trying to control his anger, and though he moved his hand from her face to envelope her own hands, she could still feel it. She pulled her hands away only for a moment to ease him.
~Legolas, that was a long time ago. I have gotten past it and it does not pain me as much as it used to~ She smiled, looking over his shoulder as a realization came to her. ~Actually, I feel better now that I've let it out. Like a heavy burden has been lifted from my heart~
He smiled, a combination of relief and subsiding frustration. "My heart is glad for that. But I want you to know, and remember," he told her, resting his index finger gently under her chin so her eyes would focus again on him. "That no one residing in my father's halls shall ever lay a hand on you without your consent, regardless of the looks he casts you. I will have the wretch pay dearly, whoever he may be that dares go against my word."
He smirked at his last words, and Aislin could not help but smirk herself. She knew he meant his words. She turned and looked towards her open balcony, where the moon's last rays could be seen. Legolas followed her line of sight, and did not need to read either her hands or her face to know what she was thinking now. He stood up.
"I suppose I shall take my leave and allow you to retire, for the night grows old and I am sure you will want to leave as soon as possible tomorrow morning." He turned and walked towards the door, grabbing the cloth as he went. Aislin watched him go, and when he paused at the door to look back, she signed her good night to which he smiled and signed back.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Aislin had changed into simple white gowns and fell into sleep rather quickly. For the most part her dreams were pleasant, memories of her childhood days spent helping her father in the stables and riding bareback across the fields on Delwyn when she was but a colt. But soon after sleep claimed her they turned painful, bearing memories of Ulric and her father's fading last words muttered to her only when she had paid her last visit to him in the hospital. She could not grasp them now, could not hear them even though she could see her father's dying, colourless lips moving. The sound of his voice floated away as a leaf on the wind, making sound but leaving words indecipherable. She reached out, trying to call them back well knowing she could speak not a word, trying, trying.
She woke with a start, beads of sweat on her skin. She had not relived that last memory in years. For two months after her father finally passed on they haunted her, but they soon became dim memories that she preferred to keep locked away; she didn't like to remember her father's pain, only his joy. She kept the happier ones, the lessons on horseback, the tree- climbing, the evening stories, all foremost in her mind. That way when she was asked about him, it would be the happier things rather then the painful things that surfaced.
Sighing, she climbed out of bed and walked to her balcony. There were no doors on it, just a set of heavy curtains that wafted in the early morning breeze. Dawn was awakening, so there was no point trying to go back to sleep. Aislin sat on the ledge of her balcony carefully, not wanting to sit too far on it, and watched the gold seep through the sky like some great river. While she awaited the sun's first rays, another watched from above silently observing the young maiden, and she did not know he was there until he dropped down from his perch to land behind her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Another cliffhanger! Who could it be?! Find out next time, and plz r&r!
A/N: Ok, I think the suspense has gone on long enough. What a cliffhanger eh??? Thank you again for your lovely reviews; it's nice to see that so many people are enjoying it! Feel free to suggest anything toward the story - I'll be sure to keep them in mind, as I am making up the story and building the character as I go along. And anything in ~ ~ is dialogue that Aislin is signing. I tried to make this a long chapter, but no luck; I'll try for the next chapter. Ok, that's enough out of me, here's the conclusion to the cliffhanger in Chapter 2.
~*~*~*~*~Chapter Three~*~*~*~*~
Legolas examined his hand, completely and utterly astonished. He had never seen anything like what she had just done. He attempted it on his own and looked at Aislin, who was smiling with approval as if to affirm that he had done well.
"You speak with your hands," he concluded, gazing back down at his hand. Her smile grew as she nodded, and he looked up again. "Can you teach me?"
She was astonished by his request; she had not expected him to ask. She had supposed she would end up just writing things down, or trying almost uselessly to express what she wanted to say like she had in the woods when he had stopped her. He looked hopeful, almost eager to learn her language as she thought about it.
"Please, it would certainly make things between us easier," he pleaded, trying to help her make a decision. It worked, and she nodded her agreement to teach him. He smiled, thankful, and took her hands.
"Come, we will go out into the gardens."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
They spent most of the day undisturbed aside from attending the odd meal. Legolas proved to be a quick learner, asking Aislin words or phrases upon which she would sign it herself, then replicate what she had done on his own fingers. He rarely needed a second example, making the lessons go by faster, and Aislin was astonished by his speed. Legolas felt it was easier to learn this language the same way he had learned the Common Speech, as Sindarin was his native tongue. By the evening he was as fluent as she was, being able to sign full sentences without inquiring how it was done, and most times he had done it right. Sometimes he would purposely make a mistake just to have her move his fingers again, but she quickly caught on to this tactic. She would push him playfully and refuse to show him again. He would laugh and beseech her for a second example, but she would continue to refuse with a smile on her face.
"Why not?" he asked, feigning hurt feelings.
~Because I can read your face~ she signed. He raised his eyebrows, looking as if he had been challenged foolishly.
"Really," he expressed, holding her gaze in his own. "You think I am that obvious?"
~Only because I know how to do it~ she answered him. He sat back on his feet, looking her over a moment before speaking.
"Will you teach me this skill as well?" he entreated, half expecting she would say yes. Instead she shook her head. He was shocked, and feigning insult he crossed his arms over his chest. "Then I will not take you riding like I had planned to."
She glared at him amusedly, raising an eyebrow. ~Fine~ she signed. ~Then I shall go myself~ She proceeded to get up, but Legolas grabbed her arm.
"No," he stated firmly, his fair face now solemn. "At least not at night. You are not yet familiar with the woods, and as of right now I am the only one who can understand you."
She sighed; he had a point. Nikita probably knew her way quite well by now since she had been in the wood for so long, but Aislin was wary when in places she did not know herself. However she did miss her horse, and wanted to spend some time with her.
~Then may I see her?~ she requested. His lips curved up into a soft smile and he nodded.
"Of course Aislin. I will take you to see your horse."
Legolas helped her up and wrapped her hand around his arm as he led her out of the gardens and towards the stables where the steeds were kept. They passed many nobles who resided in the king's halls, many of them good friends of Legolas, but Aislin didn't like the suggestive glances some of them gave her. It made her feel uncomfortable, because she was sure by now they knew of her and her disability. It had been her experience that whenever someone looked at her that way, knowing she couldn't speak a word, they always wanted something. It had happened once to her, and she certainly wasn't about to let it happen again. She pulled closer to Legolas and avoided the looks that made her slightly nervous. Legolas did not notice them as they walked, but could tell some uneasiness hindered her. He waited until they reached the stable before asking her about it.
He didn't get the chance to. As soon as they had walked inside, Aislin spotted her horse and slid her arm out of Legolas' as she strode to the horse. Nikita bobbed her head and neighed happily at the sight of her rider healthy again; Aislin couldn't help a smile, as Legolas followed slowly behind. She hugged the white horse fondly, happy to see her being taken care of after the night they had both been through. Legolas leaned up against the post beside them, and Nikita looked up at him. He reached a hand out to pet her muzzle, and Aislin turned to see what was going on. She saw Legolas petting Nikita's muzzle, and she smiled; Nikita didn't warm up to many people, especially this quickly. She touched Legolas' outstretched arm to get his attention.
~She likes you very much~ she signed.
He smiled back. "I take it that such a fact is a good thing?"
She nodded. ~She does not trust quickly most of the time~
A slightly impish glint came into Legolas' sapphire eyes. "Do you trust quickly, Aislin?"
She blushed and looked away, scratching Nikita behind her ear. Legolas' slender fingertips grabbed her chin and turned her head to look back at him. Something flashed ever so briefly in her blue eyes and he was silenced for only a moment, but did not let her see it. Instead he smiled. "Well? Do you Aislin?"
She echoed the glint in his eyes and shook her head. ~Not quickly. Gradually but not quickly~
"Why not?" he inquired.
She sighed, pausing a moment. ~Not many people have given me a reason to~
Legolas' smile faded; that particular answer never crossed his mind. "Is it a harsh place you come from?"
~Too harsh~ she replied. ~Everyone I thought I could trust proved me wrong~
"What did you do?" Legolas prodded carefully, becoming intrigued by the tale she was unfolding.
~Left my town and lived in a house in the woods~ she replied. Part of her became homesick at the thought of it. Legolas sighed; he knew that it was likely she missed her home and all that was familiar, especially after the night she had. He had felt the same way when he had taken leave to attend the Council of Elrond and ended up venturing in the Fellowship. His feelings were quelled by the knowledge that he could go back when his quest was over; hers, however, may not be quite as simple to erase. He tried a smile.
"If it comforts you any, my home is much like yours despite the fact that we come from different worlds. I am certain there is nothing you did back in your own home that you cannot do here."
She imitated his smile, and looked down at the stable floor. Thoughts crossed her face that Legolas found no words for and he wondered what they were. He brushed her shoulder ever so lightly, breaking her out of her reverie, his eyes questioning hers as she looked up to meet them. Her smile was still there, though now laced with a sadness he knew nothing of.
~There is no going back for me, is there?~
He paused, desiring some sort of hope he could offer her, but there was none. She could read the answer in his face before he could speak it, and dropped her head in realization. Legolas could see that he had answered her question and took her soft hands in his own.
"I am sorry," he whispered. She nodded her head, wisps of golden-red strands falling over her face, which she brushed away absent-mindedly. He despised seeing her like this. "If it pleases you," he told her, his voice bringing her gaze back to him. "I could persuade my father to allow you to reside here. Heaven knows these halls are massive enough."
She couldn't help the smile that graced her face at his last words, and she chuckled though the sound came through her nose. He smiled at her reaction. "I take it that you would like that?"
~Very much~, she signed. Legolas' smile widened, and he looked almost relieved. Smiling Aislin turned back to Nikita. It appeared to Legolas that she had silent conversations with her horse, as if both horse and rider could read what the other's facial expression meant. The horse seemed to have been overcome with sorrow, and Aislin pet her muzzle in reassurance though a tear slipped from her eye and trailed slowly down her face. Legolas took this as a sign that maybe it was time they retired for the night, and let rest heal weariness. He put a hand on her shoulder to get her attention, and she looked up at him with tears threatening to spill over.
"Come, let us go," he said, wiping her eyes. "Tomorrow I shall take you on the paths and show you the beauty of the wood."
Again he was able to make her smile, and Nikita nudged her into him. They both looked at the horse with amused faces, as the horse looked at them as an innocent child would when he does not realize the folly in his action. She ran her fingers through Nikita's mane once before turning with Legolas to leave the stable.
Many of those who had been out earlier were now gone, and full darkness had come. The stars amassed in the heavens, and the moon was just over the trees of the forest. Aislin looked up, and for a time she forgot her sadness, smiling at their sight. Legolas looked down at her, admiring the awe in her eyes.
"I told you they were beautiful," he replied. Smiling, she looked down as they walked, then back up.
~They remind me of my father~, her fingers told him as memories played evidently in her mind. ~He loved them~. They walked silently inside and came to her doors.
"Aislin," Legolas began nervously. A dark red spot on her arm stopped his thought, and he raised her arm to get a better look. "This bandage needs to be changed."
He stopped a passing servant in the hall and requested something in his own tongue, which Aislin obviously didn't understand. When the servant had gone he turned back to Aislin. "Shall we sit in your room, or would you prefer another place?"
She motioned towards her room, and he opened the door for her. She walked in first, at his insistence, and he closed the door after them. Curiousity getting the better of her, she pulled up her sleeve to see how bad the bleeding was. He walked over to investigate as well.
"It does not look too bad," he murmured, slowly untieing the bandage. "It will probably be like this for a day or two, depending on how quickly you heal. We will just deal with it as it comes."
She nodded, and a knock came to the door. Legolas bade her to sit on the end of the bed, which she did while he answered the door. A moment later he came back with a fresh cloth to bind her wound with. She watched as he went about his task, and noticed how the dried blood had cracked to allow her blood to seep through. She shivered at the image of it, and Legolas looked up from his work.
"Are you all right?" he questioned. She nodded, hoping to ease the concern in his voice. He finished tieing the bandage and sat upright. "That should do it, for now at least." He tossed the bandage on a nearby table to be picked up later when he left her room, but not before he had asked something that had been preying on his mind. "Aislin, there is something I desire to ask you."
~What?~ she signed. He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck nervously.
"Earlier, as we made our way to the stables, you were uneasy about something," he began. She knew what was coming, and she looked down. Legolas tilted his head to try and look into her downcast eyes, speaking quieter than he had before. "What did I do to cause it?"
Aislin looked up, wincing ever so slightly at his question. She couldn't imagine anything from the day's events that could encourage such thoughts. ~It was not you, Legolas~
His breath caught in his throat upon seeing her use his name. It had been the first time she had done it, and there was something mysteriously intimate about the sudden use of it. But despise his amazement the questions would not settle, and the confusion sparked again. "If not me then what?"
~The people we passed in the gardens~, she answered. ~Some of them made me uneasy with their glances, reminding me of things I would rather forget~
Legolas inhaled deeply; did he dare to ask his next question? Whatever she was beginning to describe to him clearly seemed painful, and part of him did not want to be the one responsible for arousing that pain; he wanted to be the one who comforted it. Yet he knew the consolation that follows the release of painful things, and perhaps such consolation was what she was in need of.
"Dare I ask you to speak of it?"
She looked at him, completely at a loss of what to do. Her heart desired desperately to let it all out, desired to trust, to have someone to draw strength from when she grew weak. Someone to be there for her and have her be there for them in return. But her head protested violently, showing her unwanted images from the past that stemmed from trust, reminding her of why she had all the pain she was feeling now; trust had a price and a violent one at that. But Legolas was different, so much different.
She turned away again. For some reason she couldn't face him. ~It is a long story~ she began to explain. He turned her head so that she could focus on him, bent on possibly making her tale easier to tell. She smiled, weakly but briefly, and continued.
~When I was younger, my grandfather passed away. I stayed at a friend's house for a time because things were hard at home. For the first two days things were fine and I didn't think much of staying there. After the second day things changed between me and him~
She stopped, biting her lower lip. Legolas could tell immediately that it was deeper than any other betrayal he had heard of, something that cuts deeply and could be powerful enough to consume one in sorrow if the person was not strong enough.
"What did he do to you, Aislin?" he asked softly. The tenderness in his voice eased enough of the doubts that still lingered in her mind as to whether or not she should trust him, and for the third and hopefully last time she threw caution to the wind praying that this time she would not need it later to navigate her way through life.
~He began to touch me in ways that he shouldn't have. At first it wasn't that bad, and I just kept pushing him off. But as the days went by things got past my control and I couldn't stop him from doing what he was doing. He was twice my size, so it wasn't hard for him to do so when he caught me off-guard~
She paused and dropped her gaze again, angry tears coming to her dull blue eyes. Legolas could almost see her memories and began to have underlying thoughts as to what she would say next. He cupped her cheek softly in encouragement, banishing her tears with but a brush of his thumb, and for a moment Aislin felt something she had not felt in a long time.
She felt safe, like pain couldn't reach her here. His voice and actions spoke of genuine care and concern, something only her parents and her horses had ever shown her. Whatever this place was, it certainly wasn't anything like what she had left behind. These people were open and honest with their words and their feelings; the king, who Aislin had first met at dinner and discovered was Legolas' father, had welcomed her quite openly and allowed her to rest in his halls as long as she needed to. Fear of being judged was not with her, and it enabled her to share the one thing not even her parents had known about.
~The last night I was there I was packing to leave; I couldn't stay another day. I tried to leave without him knowing, so that I would not have to feel his hands on me before I left. Unfortunately I was found out somehow, and before I got a chance to get out he~ she paused, trying to mentally assure herself she could get it out. Legolas proceeded to further assure her of her strength but she paused him, the look in her now uplifted eyes confirming to him that she was all right, and with a deep breath she finished. ~He raped me~
Anger and frustration flamed in Legolas' heart. The idea of someone hurting another of their race was almost inconceivable, and the thought of Aislin being forced to endure such torture made him sick. It was cowardly to cause affliction towards those weaker than oneself, and twice as cowardly when done to a woman. He went tense trying to control his anger, and though he moved his hand from her face to envelope her own hands, she could still feel it. She pulled her hands away only for a moment to ease him.
~Legolas, that was a long time ago. I have gotten past it and it does not pain me as much as it used to~ She smiled, looking over his shoulder as a realization came to her. ~Actually, I feel better now that I've let it out. Like a heavy burden has been lifted from my heart~
He smiled, a combination of relief and subsiding frustration. "My heart is glad for that. But I want you to know, and remember," he told her, resting his index finger gently under her chin so her eyes would focus again on him. "That no one residing in my father's halls shall ever lay a hand on you without your consent, regardless of the looks he casts you. I will have the wretch pay dearly, whoever he may be that dares go against my word."
He smirked at his last words, and Aislin could not help but smirk herself. She knew he meant his words. She turned and looked towards her open balcony, where the moon's last rays could be seen. Legolas followed her line of sight, and did not need to read either her hands or her face to know what she was thinking now. He stood up.
"I suppose I shall take my leave and allow you to retire, for the night grows old and I am sure you will want to leave as soon as possible tomorrow morning." He turned and walked towards the door, grabbing the cloth as he went. Aislin watched him go, and when he paused at the door to look back, she signed her good night to which he smiled and signed back.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Aislin had changed into simple white gowns and fell into sleep rather quickly. For the most part her dreams were pleasant, memories of her childhood days spent helping her father in the stables and riding bareback across the fields on Delwyn when she was but a colt. But soon after sleep claimed her they turned painful, bearing memories of Ulric and her father's fading last words muttered to her only when she had paid her last visit to him in the hospital. She could not grasp them now, could not hear them even though she could see her father's dying, colourless lips moving. The sound of his voice floated away as a leaf on the wind, making sound but leaving words indecipherable. She reached out, trying to call them back well knowing she could speak not a word, trying, trying.
She woke with a start, beads of sweat on her skin. She had not relived that last memory in years. For two months after her father finally passed on they haunted her, but they soon became dim memories that she preferred to keep locked away; she didn't like to remember her father's pain, only his joy. She kept the happier ones, the lessons on horseback, the tree- climbing, the evening stories, all foremost in her mind. That way when she was asked about him, it would be the happier things rather then the painful things that surfaced.
Sighing, she climbed out of bed and walked to her balcony. There were no doors on it, just a set of heavy curtains that wafted in the early morning breeze. Dawn was awakening, so there was no point trying to go back to sleep. Aislin sat on the ledge of her balcony carefully, not wanting to sit too far on it, and watched the gold seep through the sky like some great river. While she awaited the sun's first rays, another watched from above silently observing the young maiden, and she did not know he was there until he dropped down from his perch to land behind her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Another cliffhanger! Who could it be?! Find out next time, and plz r&r!