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: I actually didn't expect to leave Chapter 3 in a cliffhanger, but that one was just too good to resist. I had a hard time deciding who the Elf(and yes it is an Elf) behind her would be, but I think you'll be quite pleased with what I've done with it.
~*~*~*~*~Chapter Four~*~*~*~*~
"An early morning riser, hmm?" a male voice, laced with vile courtesy, asked. Aislin whipped around to see who it was. He was tall, blond, yet his eyes were of a darker blue than Legolas' and the look on his face(as well as the fact that he had snuck up on her) did not speak of good tidings. He smiled menacingly and took a step closer.
"You know, you are quite lovely my dear. One would be a fool not to notice such striking beauty in a mortal maiden such as yourself."
Carefully Aislin paced around the perimeter of the balcony, keeping her wary gaze locked on his. Whatever he had come here for, he wasn't getting and she would make sure of it. He laughed at her defensive stare.
"What, do you really think you stand a chance of getting away? No one will be able to hear you scream," the sinful smile melted from his face upon his last statement, and his approach spoke of lustful deeds. Aislin paused against the wall before turning sharply to her right and running back into her room. Naturally the stranger followed, and was faster than she. He grabbed her about the waist, his arm becoming like an iron bar preventing any escape. But instead of trying to wrestle his arm off as her intruder had hoped, she elbowed him in the chest and gave him quite a shock. His grip loosened on her and she was able to swing her arm again, this time higher. She could feel her elbow connect with the bridge of his nose, and stumbled forward as he let go. She looked about the room for something, anything she could use to defend herself, at least long enough to get herself out into the hall where she stood a better chance.
She spotted a vase on a table near the foot of her bed and she ran to it, hoping she could get there in time to at least grab it. As soon as her fingers curled around the lip of it his arms grabbed her again; one wrapped around her waist and another wrapped around her shoulders. She writhed in his arms and for a few moments the intruder had a hard time controlling her. But they were only moments, and Aislin soon found herself being dragged towards the bed. Her muscles began to tire out on her, and she knew she couldn't keep fighting like this for much longer. She dug her nails into his hand, and in response he grabbed her right arm, which held the vase. Knowing he could probably take it from her quite easily and fearing he might strike her with it, she hurled it against the wall the headboard was resting against.
With his arm free the intruder shoved her onto the bed, slapping her when she turned to face him. The force stung her face and threw her back on her right arm, though giving her a moment of rest before he came at her again. A moment was all she needed, for as soon as he proceeded to crawl on her bed she pushed herself back up and swung her right arm, hitting him full force in the jaw to send him stumbling backwards and away from her. By now he was completely enraged, and she prepared herself to run as he came at her. However he didn't make it to the bed; an object held at his throat halted him mid-step.
The room was dark, as dawn had not yet extended into her room, but the angle this new stranger held the other on allowed what little light there was to glint off of the object. It was a filigreed blade, thin yet durable, its tip pointed and pressing into his skin; one move and the blade would draw his blood. Aislin obviously could not see who it was, but she had her guesses. The original intruder didn't however.
"I demand that you remove this blade from my neck, and leave the room. This is no business of yours."
"Are you so certain, Romadir? Such a ruckus is common for you?" the second one asked knowingly. She could see a struggle as this Romandir tried to get away, but it ended as quickly as it had begun, and he had let out a gasp of pain. The blade must have pierced his flesh.
"If you do not release me right now, I'll inform the prince of your intrusion and you shall be fortunate if locking you in the deepest dungeons is the worst of your punishment!"
The other figure seemed to pause a moment, then throwing Romadir back away from Aislin he walked to the drapes and threw them back, allowing the morning sunlight to filter in. She couldn't see the figure as anything more than a silhouette from her angle, but Romandir could - and the look on his face was one of pure fright and regret.
"P-P-Prince Legolas," he stammered, his voice wavering. He was backed up against the farthest wall like a frightened animal. "F-f-f-forgive me, Your Highness, I had no idea that was you."
"Nor should it have mattered," Legolas answered, stern as any lord. "You were not welcome here, and anyone could tell by the smashing of the vase against the wall. No such noise is made by invited company."
"Your Highness you don't understand," Romandir tried weakly to explain. "The lady asked me to come to her before dawn, saying that she desired to meet secretly at times when neither of us would be missed. I have the letter in my room if it would please you to see it."
Aislin became ever so worried that he may buy it, but the bemused look on his face eased her worry. She watched as he slowly walked toward Romandir, shaking his head.
"And how do you propose she had accomplished such a task, Romandir," he challenged slightly, meeting his gaze. "When she had spent the entire day with me?"
Romandir opened his mouth to speak, but no words came. Legolas stared him down, arms crossed, waiting for an answer though smiling smugly knowing he would get none. Romandir was shaking like a leaf; he had never been caught before. He fell to his knees.
"Your Highness please, I beg you not to speak of this to anyone. I swear on my honour that this shall never happen again, to anyone."
"Romandir you have no honour by which to swear on," Legolas scolded, the smile having faded. "I made it known to my father last night that no one is to lay a hand on the Lady Aislin unless it is by her consent, and I will make it known to the nobles of this house as well as you. You should count yourself lucky, for your punishment will be less than it should as the word is not known fully yet. And though it is my command, I will inform my father of your actions thereby leaving him to deal with them. Now leave before I decide to persuade my father to harshen your punishment, whatever he may decide." Without hesitation Romandir got up and walked towards the door, afraid to even look in Aislin's direction for fear of earning himself more trouble than he already had. When he got to the door Legolas stopped him. "And do not expect that this shall be kept a secret, for the humiliation of this event will be known throughout this house."
The colour drained from his face as he left the room, and Aislin breathed a sigh of relief now that it was over. Legolas visibly relaxed and walked over to the bed to see if she was well.
"Aislin," he said, turning her attention towards him. "Did he hurt you?"
~Nothing serious~ she answered as he sat right next to her. ~Perhaps a couple of marks and sore muscles, but nothing other than that~
"Well you certainly proved to him that a lack of voice does not imply vulnerability," he commented smiling. "Perhaps I worry too much."
She was stunned by his admittance to worry; it never crossed her mind that he would concern himself about her safety. Not that she was ungrateful, but it did not seem proper for him to worry about her after only knowing her for no more than a day. It was strange to be amongst someone who trusted so easily, and treated her as if he'd known her his entire life. Yet it did not surprise her when he reached for her left arm, upon which she pulled away, amused at his action.
~You do worry far too much Legolas~ she jested. ~You fret over me as if I am made of glass~
"I am just checking your injury," he insisted, reaching for her arm again. "For my own assurance."
Knowing he most likely wouldn't relent on his actions, she allowed him to investigate her wound. She watched, slightly amused at his delicate prodding. She could barely feel his hand on her arm, handling it as if here were handling some fragile statuette that would crack into a million pieces if the slightest amount of pressure were placed on it. She watched as he unwrapped the bandage and carefully analyzed the healed marks, being sure that all had closed up and was mending well on its own. A half-smile of satisfaction came over his face as he crumpled up the bandage and tossed it aside. She raised an eyebrow.
"You do not need it anymore," he answered. "It has closed up and is healing well. You will not have to see the healers any longer."
He ran the back of his right fingers over the marks on her arm as he explained, and she shivered involuntarily. She looked up and met his blue eyes with slight uncertainty, reading some sort of feeling she couldn't seem to find words for. Possibly affection, but couldn't be love. Or could it?
"My father has asked for a private meal with you and I," Legolas got up and walked to her door. "I will send someone to retrieve you when the meal is ready. In the meantime I will have two of the palace guards stand watch on your balcony and another two outside your door, should that fool Romandir try another stunt as he had this morning." He paused at her door, shaking his head. "I do not understand why my father keeps him in his court. If it were up to me he would have been banished from this wood a long time ago."
Aislin nodded at his words, then got up and ran after him upon getting a thought. She managed to scramble over the bed and catch hold of his arm before he had opened the door.
~Do you think you could have a lady or something in my rooms with me?~ she asked, her eyes pleading. He looked confused.
"What for?"
She let out a heavy sigh. ~Just for my own reassurance~
Legolas smiled. "Of course. I will send my mother's old handmaiden to your rooms. She is the most trusted in my father's court, having served her since she married my father so many years ago."
She copied his smile, and he turned to kiss her on the cheek before leaving her room. It was good that he had exited her room quickly to set things in motion; that way he did not have the chance to see her blush crimson at his action.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Aislin bathed and dressed in comfort this time, feeling better knowing there was not only four guards protecting her, but that there was a female as well. She wasn't sure how or why, but she trusted this woman as much as she trusted Legolas. Luinriel spoke to her about the kingdom's history, telling her of its early days, and she did her best to look interested since she could not speak her thoughts. When she got out of the bath, the lady went to the balcony as she wrapped herself in a robe to inform the guards NOT to enter her room. The curtains across the doorway were also quite heavy, and so she did not worry about them being able to see through. Besides, this lady was quick and could catch even the smallest detail.
Luinriel had set out a dress that had been worn by Legolas' mother nearly an age ago, a simple green thing that seemed glorious to Aislin though the lady insisted it was everyday wear. Regardless she tried to refuse it, thinking that she was not in a position to wear such a garment. In truth she was worried about how both Thranduil and Legolas would react upon seeing her in something that would clearly stir up memories. However Luinriel convinced her to wear it, and so reluctantly she put it on.
The sleeves were long, traditional Elvish style, and the neck was wide though not low. Had the gown been white and not green, and her hair longer and golden, she would have looked like the Lady Galadriel. Luinriel sat her in front of the vanity, brushing out her hair for her and braiding it to keep it from falling into her face despite it's shortness by Elven standards. By the time the last braid had been completed, a knock came to her door; it was a servant come to fetch Aislin for the meal she was expected at. Hesitantly, she got up and walked to now open door, and looked back at Luinriel who smiled encouragingly at her before she left.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"You are sure he meant her harm?" Thranduil asked, sipping his wine. Legolas nodded in affirmation.
"I had overheard a conversation he was having with another lord of your court, saying that he was going to sneak into her room during the early hours before dawn. He seemed quite certain that no one else would find out, despite the fact that the both of them were right below my balcony."
Thranduil grunted softly in response, now deep in thought. Perhaps he should have sent Romandir away from the realm many years ago, as his advisors had suggested countless times before.
"I suppose you expect me to deal with his actions?"
"It would finally give you just cause to send him away," Legolas answered, settling back in his chair. "Such an action should not be looked lightly upon regardless if it was a public command of yours or not."
The king nodded his head to the side once, silently admitting that his son had a point. It was not proper of a lord to do such things whether a lady requested them of him or not. And such a lord should not be permitted to reside in a court of any realm, not even that of men. He sighed heavily.
"Very well. I shall deal with him in court later today. The lady has the option of whether or not she wishes to be present; your word will be enough, more so since you are the only one who can speak with her."
"Thank you," Legolas answered gratefully. At that moment a servant walked in, bowing.
"Your Highnesses, the Lady Aislin is ready."
"Send her in then," the king answered, somewhat impatiently. The servant bowed and left. Thranduil turned to his son. "Will you be able to translate everything she says?"
Legolas nodded. "I seemed to have picked it up quite rapidly. She teaches it quite well."
Thranduil smiled with a knowing glint in his eye, but said nothing.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Aislin followed the servant down the halls, her stomach jumping nervously. She was so worried about how this day would go. She was unsure if she would be able to keep anything down because of her nervousness, and though the king seemed kindly enough she was still wary of appearing in a dress once worn by the lady he loved. It was like walking onto thin ice blanketed by a heavy fog.
A servant bowed to her as she came to the doors of the hall she was invited to. He opened the door and walked inside as she warily followed behind him, her nervous condition increasing. Both the king's and his son's eyes were on her as she was led to her place at the table, which was on the king's right. Thranduil looked quite astonished to see her, whether it was because of the dress or because how she probably looked much like the Elf- ladies in court she didn't know, but Legolas looked on in awe. A pleased smile graced his face widely as he immediately got up from his place on the king's left and walked around behind his father, helping her to her seat. She smiled her grateful thanks as she blushed slightly and looked down.
"It is a pleasure to finally converse with you without dividing my attention to my court, Lady Aislin," Thranduil replied smiling, taking her hand and squeezing it gently in a warm gesture as Legolas walked back to his own seat. "Valar knows it is difficult to keep much straight when there are a table full of lords and ladies demanding your attention."
She nodded, smiling politely and made a few gestures with her hands. Legolas translated them without missing a beat.
"She thanks you for your hospitality again," he spoke. Thranduil nodded.
"It is the least I can do."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
They talked for many hours, going back and forth from the tales of Mirkwood's past to Aislin's own story. Anything and everything Legolas didn't already know about Aislin he knew now; right from her childhood, which was spent mainly with horses and her father to her parents' death and how she lived alone after that. He now realized why she had wept so hard upon seeing her horse slain in the woods; the slain one was once her father's.
Aislin grew still as the meal came to an end, and Legolas led her out of the hall at his father's leave. He could tell that the conversation was beginning to upset her some, and his father had things to do anyway. He waited until they had cleared the various rooms full of ladies and lords from the court, all buzzing with the news of Romandir's attempt to hurt the guest of the prince, before speaking to her of it.
"Forgive my father for any pains he has caused you," he apologized, slowing their pace. "He did not mean it."
~I know~ she answered. ~You don't have to apologize for him~
"Perhaps, but I feel as though I should have stopped him somehow," he argued, stopping and leaning back against a wall. He crossed his arms across his chest, averting her gaze. She shook her head smiling and walked right up to him, mimicking his stance. He looked up.
~Legolas, you need to realize that I'm strong enough to handle some things on my own~ she chastised gently. ~You don't have to constantly protect me from everything life decides to throw at me~
He half-smiled. "But some things you do not deserve."
~And who are you to say what I deserve and what I don't deserve?~ she asked, a slyly impish look blanketing her face. Slowly his face replicated her own, and she began to gain an idea of what he was planning next. He pushed away from the wall and advanced towards her. The smile never leaving her own face, she turned and ran from him down the halls. Knowing where she was heading based on her direction, Legolas followed, though taking another, longer route that would not only make her think she had gotten away but put him well ahead of her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Aislin ran breathlessly through the halls, never looking back. Looking back slowed her down. She really had no idea where she was going, but she knew Legolas wouldn't allow her to get lost. The halls twisted and turned in all directions, so she went with her first decision and proceeded through Thranduil's house.
She finally came to a door, and judging from the light coming from underneath it, it led outside. It opened as soon as she stopped in front of it, and she took one last quick look behind her before walking swiftly through. It closed silently behind her as she hid between two trees nearly side by side, taking a rest. She tried to keep her deep breaths as quiet as possible, hoping that when Legolas came running through it he would not see her. She knew he wouldn't run as fast as he was capable of to give her some sort of chance, but perhaps hiding would give her an advantage somehow.
Just then Legolas came sprinting out of an exit to her far right, completely oblivious to where she was despite the quite audible gasp she let out when he ran out. She had not expected him to take a different route; of course, she couldn't hear him run either way so she wouldn't have known regardless. She watched him run into the forest, and realized that where he had come out from, he would have ended up ahead of her easily. She waited until he had gone nearly out of her sight before following, hoping to stay behind trees that would keep her well hidden when he looked back for her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Legolas ran past the eaves of the forest and paused behind one of the larger trees, looking in the direction Aislin should have been running; she was not there. Puzzled, he looked about the woods, trying to discern where she had gone.
After some careful observation while keeping himself well-hidden, he spotted her half concealed behind a young oak. Somehow she figured out part of his plan; either that or she had seen him run out. He had hoped that the exit he chose, which brought him closest to the wood, would be little enough distance so that with his silent steps he would give no indication as to where he was should she have come out the same time he had. Regardless, she would not gain the upper hand over him.
Silently, as if walking on air, he stalked widely around her and stopped directly behind her, about twenty feet or so away. He watched her gaze about looking for him as he slowly walked up behind her, closing the gap she didn't know that lay between them. He could tell she was puzzled that she had not seen any sign of him since he had entered the woods, and he couldn't help a chuckle. She must have heard it, because as soon as he was about five feet from her she turned to look behind her and spotted him. With playful shock she turned to run, but she wasn't quick enough.
He pushed forward as she turned around the oak, grabbing hold of her arm and pulling her towards him. He managed to spin her around and grab hold of her free arm before she got her bearings and struggled against his grip. They were both smiling broadly and laughing, though Aislin's was barely audible. Her strength astounded him, having never been in this position with her before, and he found himself having a difficult time keeping his ground without hurting her. They both backed up a couple of steps until Aislin tripped on a tree root and went back, taking Legolas with her as he refused to let go.
They tumbled over the root, laughing as they went, until finally they landed on flat ground. Legolas landed on his back and Aislin came right after, landing on top of him. They came face to face with eachother and their lips touched from the force of the fall. For a moment neither moved, both unsure of what to do, whether it was to capture the other's lips in a kiss or pull away. After a few moments Aislin slightly pushed herself up reluctantly, and Legolas looked as if he objected to the move. Both stayed unmoving as they were, looked into the other's eyes, watching and waiting for the other to react somehow.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Was I implying something or what??? Whoa, what a cliffhanger! I should stop those...they're probably getting to be too much and predictable as well. Hope it was long enough for y'all - and yes, I will explain how Aislin got into ME, just not right away ;). R/R plz and see ya next chapter!
A/N: I actually didn't expect to leave Chapter 3 in a cliffhanger, but that one was just too good to resist. I had a hard time deciding who the Elf(and yes it is an Elf) behind her would be, but I think you'll be quite pleased with what I've done with it.
~*~*~*~*~Chapter Four~*~*~*~*~
"An early morning riser, hmm?" a male voice, laced with vile courtesy, asked. Aislin whipped around to see who it was. He was tall, blond, yet his eyes were of a darker blue than Legolas' and the look on his face(as well as the fact that he had snuck up on her) did not speak of good tidings. He smiled menacingly and took a step closer.
"You know, you are quite lovely my dear. One would be a fool not to notice such striking beauty in a mortal maiden such as yourself."
Carefully Aislin paced around the perimeter of the balcony, keeping her wary gaze locked on his. Whatever he had come here for, he wasn't getting and she would make sure of it. He laughed at her defensive stare.
"What, do you really think you stand a chance of getting away? No one will be able to hear you scream," the sinful smile melted from his face upon his last statement, and his approach spoke of lustful deeds. Aislin paused against the wall before turning sharply to her right and running back into her room. Naturally the stranger followed, and was faster than she. He grabbed her about the waist, his arm becoming like an iron bar preventing any escape. But instead of trying to wrestle his arm off as her intruder had hoped, she elbowed him in the chest and gave him quite a shock. His grip loosened on her and she was able to swing her arm again, this time higher. She could feel her elbow connect with the bridge of his nose, and stumbled forward as he let go. She looked about the room for something, anything she could use to defend herself, at least long enough to get herself out into the hall where she stood a better chance.
She spotted a vase on a table near the foot of her bed and she ran to it, hoping she could get there in time to at least grab it. As soon as her fingers curled around the lip of it his arms grabbed her again; one wrapped around her waist and another wrapped around her shoulders. She writhed in his arms and for a few moments the intruder had a hard time controlling her. But they were only moments, and Aislin soon found herself being dragged towards the bed. Her muscles began to tire out on her, and she knew she couldn't keep fighting like this for much longer. She dug her nails into his hand, and in response he grabbed her right arm, which held the vase. Knowing he could probably take it from her quite easily and fearing he might strike her with it, she hurled it against the wall the headboard was resting against.
With his arm free the intruder shoved her onto the bed, slapping her when she turned to face him. The force stung her face and threw her back on her right arm, though giving her a moment of rest before he came at her again. A moment was all she needed, for as soon as he proceeded to crawl on her bed she pushed herself back up and swung her right arm, hitting him full force in the jaw to send him stumbling backwards and away from her. By now he was completely enraged, and she prepared herself to run as he came at her. However he didn't make it to the bed; an object held at his throat halted him mid-step.
The room was dark, as dawn had not yet extended into her room, but the angle this new stranger held the other on allowed what little light there was to glint off of the object. It was a filigreed blade, thin yet durable, its tip pointed and pressing into his skin; one move and the blade would draw his blood. Aislin obviously could not see who it was, but she had her guesses. The original intruder didn't however.
"I demand that you remove this blade from my neck, and leave the room. This is no business of yours."
"Are you so certain, Romadir? Such a ruckus is common for you?" the second one asked knowingly. She could see a struggle as this Romandir tried to get away, but it ended as quickly as it had begun, and he had let out a gasp of pain. The blade must have pierced his flesh.
"If you do not release me right now, I'll inform the prince of your intrusion and you shall be fortunate if locking you in the deepest dungeons is the worst of your punishment!"
The other figure seemed to pause a moment, then throwing Romadir back away from Aislin he walked to the drapes and threw them back, allowing the morning sunlight to filter in. She couldn't see the figure as anything more than a silhouette from her angle, but Romandir could - and the look on his face was one of pure fright and regret.
"P-P-Prince Legolas," he stammered, his voice wavering. He was backed up against the farthest wall like a frightened animal. "F-f-f-forgive me, Your Highness, I had no idea that was you."
"Nor should it have mattered," Legolas answered, stern as any lord. "You were not welcome here, and anyone could tell by the smashing of the vase against the wall. No such noise is made by invited company."
"Your Highness you don't understand," Romandir tried weakly to explain. "The lady asked me to come to her before dawn, saying that she desired to meet secretly at times when neither of us would be missed. I have the letter in my room if it would please you to see it."
Aislin became ever so worried that he may buy it, but the bemused look on his face eased her worry. She watched as he slowly walked toward Romandir, shaking his head.
"And how do you propose she had accomplished such a task, Romandir," he challenged slightly, meeting his gaze. "When she had spent the entire day with me?"
Romandir opened his mouth to speak, but no words came. Legolas stared him down, arms crossed, waiting for an answer though smiling smugly knowing he would get none. Romandir was shaking like a leaf; he had never been caught before. He fell to his knees.
"Your Highness please, I beg you not to speak of this to anyone. I swear on my honour that this shall never happen again, to anyone."
"Romandir you have no honour by which to swear on," Legolas scolded, the smile having faded. "I made it known to my father last night that no one is to lay a hand on the Lady Aislin unless it is by her consent, and I will make it known to the nobles of this house as well as you. You should count yourself lucky, for your punishment will be less than it should as the word is not known fully yet. And though it is my command, I will inform my father of your actions thereby leaving him to deal with them. Now leave before I decide to persuade my father to harshen your punishment, whatever he may decide." Without hesitation Romandir got up and walked towards the door, afraid to even look in Aislin's direction for fear of earning himself more trouble than he already had. When he got to the door Legolas stopped him. "And do not expect that this shall be kept a secret, for the humiliation of this event will be known throughout this house."
The colour drained from his face as he left the room, and Aislin breathed a sigh of relief now that it was over. Legolas visibly relaxed and walked over to the bed to see if she was well.
"Aislin," he said, turning her attention towards him. "Did he hurt you?"
~Nothing serious~ she answered as he sat right next to her. ~Perhaps a couple of marks and sore muscles, but nothing other than that~
"Well you certainly proved to him that a lack of voice does not imply vulnerability," he commented smiling. "Perhaps I worry too much."
She was stunned by his admittance to worry; it never crossed her mind that he would concern himself about her safety. Not that she was ungrateful, but it did not seem proper for him to worry about her after only knowing her for no more than a day. It was strange to be amongst someone who trusted so easily, and treated her as if he'd known her his entire life. Yet it did not surprise her when he reached for her left arm, upon which she pulled away, amused at his action.
~You do worry far too much Legolas~ she jested. ~You fret over me as if I am made of glass~
"I am just checking your injury," he insisted, reaching for her arm again. "For my own assurance."
Knowing he most likely wouldn't relent on his actions, she allowed him to investigate her wound. She watched, slightly amused at his delicate prodding. She could barely feel his hand on her arm, handling it as if here were handling some fragile statuette that would crack into a million pieces if the slightest amount of pressure were placed on it. She watched as he unwrapped the bandage and carefully analyzed the healed marks, being sure that all had closed up and was mending well on its own. A half-smile of satisfaction came over his face as he crumpled up the bandage and tossed it aside. She raised an eyebrow.
"You do not need it anymore," he answered. "It has closed up and is healing well. You will not have to see the healers any longer."
He ran the back of his right fingers over the marks on her arm as he explained, and she shivered involuntarily. She looked up and met his blue eyes with slight uncertainty, reading some sort of feeling she couldn't seem to find words for. Possibly affection, but couldn't be love. Or could it?
"My father has asked for a private meal with you and I," Legolas got up and walked to her door. "I will send someone to retrieve you when the meal is ready. In the meantime I will have two of the palace guards stand watch on your balcony and another two outside your door, should that fool Romandir try another stunt as he had this morning." He paused at her door, shaking his head. "I do not understand why my father keeps him in his court. If it were up to me he would have been banished from this wood a long time ago."
Aislin nodded at his words, then got up and ran after him upon getting a thought. She managed to scramble over the bed and catch hold of his arm before he had opened the door.
~Do you think you could have a lady or something in my rooms with me?~ she asked, her eyes pleading. He looked confused.
"What for?"
She let out a heavy sigh. ~Just for my own reassurance~
Legolas smiled. "Of course. I will send my mother's old handmaiden to your rooms. She is the most trusted in my father's court, having served her since she married my father so many years ago."
She copied his smile, and he turned to kiss her on the cheek before leaving her room. It was good that he had exited her room quickly to set things in motion; that way he did not have the chance to see her blush crimson at his action.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Aislin bathed and dressed in comfort this time, feeling better knowing there was not only four guards protecting her, but that there was a female as well. She wasn't sure how or why, but she trusted this woman as much as she trusted Legolas. Luinriel spoke to her about the kingdom's history, telling her of its early days, and she did her best to look interested since she could not speak her thoughts. When she got out of the bath, the lady went to the balcony as she wrapped herself in a robe to inform the guards NOT to enter her room. The curtains across the doorway were also quite heavy, and so she did not worry about them being able to see through. Besides, this lady was quick and could catch even the smallest detail.
Luinriel had set out a dress that had been worn by Legolas' mother nearly an age ago, a simple green thing that seemed glorious to Aislin though the lady insisted it was everyday wear. Regardless she tried to refuse it, thinking that she was not in a position to wear such a garment. In truth she was worried about how both Thranduil and Legolas would react upon seeing her in something that would clearly stir up memories. However Luinriel convinced her to wear it, and so reluctantly she put it on.
The sleeves were long, traditional Elvish style, and the neck was wide though not low. Had the gown been white and not green, and her hair longer and golden, she would have looked like the Lady Galadriel. Luinriel sat her in front of the vanity, brushing out her hair for her and braiding it to keep it from falling into her face despite it's shortness by Elven standards. By the time the last braid had been completed, a knock came to her door; it was a servant come to fetch Aislin for the meal she was expected at. Hesitantly, she got up and walked to now open door, and looked back at Luinriel who smiled encouragingly at her before she left.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"You are sure he meant her harm?" Thranduil asked, sipping his wine. Legolas nodded in affirmation.
"I had overheard a conversation he was having with another lord of your court, saying that he was going to sneak into her room during the early hours before dawn. He seemed quite certain that no one else would find out, despite the fact that the both of them were right below my balcony."
Thranduil grunted softly in response, now deep in thought. Perhaps he should have sent Romandir away from the realm many years ago, as his advisors had suggested countless times before.
"I suppose you expect me to deal with his actions?"
"It would finally give you just cause to send him away," Legolas answered, settling back in his chair. "Such an action should not be looked lightly upon regardless if it was a public command of yours or not."
The king nodded his head to the side once, silently admitting that his son had a point. It was not proper of a lord to do such things whether a lady requested them of him or not. And such a lord should not be permitted to reside in a court of any realm, not even that of men. He sighed heavily.
"Very well. I shall deal with him in court later today. The lady has the option of whether or not she wishes to be present; your word will be enough, more so since you are the only one who can speak with her."
"Thank you," Legolas answered gratefully. At that moment a servant walked in, bowing.
"Your Highnesses, the Lady Aislin is ready."
"Send her in then," the king answered, somewhat impatiently. The servant bowed and left. Thranduil turned to his son. "Will you be able to translate everything she says?"
Legolas nodded. "I seemed to have picked it up quite rapidly. She teaches it quite well."
Thranduil smiled with a knowing glint in his eye, but said nothing.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Aislin followed the servant down the halls, her stomach jumping nervously. She was so worried about how this day would go. She was unsure if she would be able to keep anything down because of her nervousness, and though the king seemed kindly enough she was still wary of appearing in a dress once worn by the lady he loved. It was like walking onto thin ice blanketed by a heavy fog.
A servant bowed to her as she came to the doors of the hall she was invited to. He opened the door and walked inside as she warily followed behind him, her nervous condition increasing. Both the king's and his son's eyes were on her as she was led to her place at the table, which was on the king's right. Thranduil looked quite astonished to see her, whether it was because of the dress or because how she probably looked much like the Elf- ladies in court she didn't know, but Legolas looked on in awe. A pleased smile graced his face widely as he immediately got up from his place on the king's left and walked around behind his father, helping her to her seat. She smiled her grateful thanks as she blushed slightly and looked down.
"It is a pleasure to finally converse with you without dividing my attention to my court, Lady Aislin," Thranduil replied smiling, taking her hand and squeezing it gently in a warm gesture as Legolas walked back to his own seat. "Valar knows it is difficult to keep much straight when there are a table full of lords and ladies demanding your attention."
She nodded, smiling politely and made a few gestures with her hands. Legolas translated them without missing a beat.
"She thanks you for your hospitality again," he spoke. Thranduil nodded.
"It is the least I can do."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
They talked for many hours, going back and forth from the tales of Mirkwood's past to Aislin's own story. Anything and everything Legolas didn't already know about Aislin he knew now; right from her childhood, which was spent mainly with horses and her father to her parents' death and how she lived alone after that. He now realized why she had wept so hard upon seeing her horse slain in the woods; the slain one was once her father's.
Aislin grew still as the meal came to an end, and Legolas led her out of the hall at his father's leave. He could tell that the conversation was beginning to upset her some, and his father had things to do anyway. He waited until they had cleared the various rooms full of ladies and lords from the court, all buzzing with the news of Romandir's attempt to hurt the guest of the prince, before speaking to her of it.
"Forgive my father for any pains he has caused you," he apologized, slowing their pace. "He did not mean it."
~I know~ she answered. ~You don't have to apologize for him~
"Perhaps, but I feel as though I should have stopped him somehow," he argued, stopping and leaning back against a wall. He crossed his arms across his chest, averting her gaze. She shook her head smiling and walked right up to him, mimicking his stance. He looked up.
~Legolas, you need to realize that I'm strong enough to handle some things on my own~ she chastised gently. ~You don't have to constantly protect me from everything life decides to throw at me~
He half-smiled. "But some things you do not deserve."
~And who are you to say what I deserve and what I don't deserve?~ she asked, a slyly impish look blanketing her face. Slowly his face replicated her own, and she began to gain an idea of what he was planning next. He pushed away from the wall and advanced towards her. The smile never leaving her own face, she turned and ran from him down the halls. Knowing where she was heading based on her direction, Legolas followed, though taking another, longer route that would not only make her think she had gotten away but put him well ahead of her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Aislin ran breathlessly through the halls, never looking back. Looking back slowed her down. She really had no idea where she was going, but she knew Legolas wouldn't allow her to get lost. The halls twisted and turned in all directions, so she went with her first decision and proceeded through Thranduil's house.
She finally came to a door, and judging from the light coming from underneath it, it led outside. It opened as soon as she stopped in front of it, and she took one last quick look behind her before walking swiftly through. It closed silently behind her as she hid between two trees nearly side by side, taking a rest. She tried to keep her deep breaths as quiet as possible, hoping that when Legolas came running through it he would not see her. She knew he wouldn't run as fast as he was capable of to give her some sort of chance, but perhaps hiding would give her an advantage somehow.
Just then Legolas came sprinting out of an exit to her far right, completely oblivious to where she was despite the quite audible gasp she let out when he ran out. She had not expected him to take a different route; of course, she couldn't hear him run either way so she wouldn't have known regardless. She watched him run into the forest, and realized that where he had come out from, he would have ended up ahead of her easily. She waited until he had gone nearly out of her sight before following, hoping to stay behind trees that would keep her well hidden when he looked back for her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Legolas ran past the eaves of the forest and paused behind one of the larger trees, looking in the direction Aislin should have been running; she was not there. Puzzled, he looked about the woods, trying to discern where she had gone.
After some careful observation while keeping himself well-hidden, he spotted her half concealed behind a young oak. Somehow she figured out part of his plan; either that or she had seen him run out. He had hoped that the exit he chose, which brought him closest to the wood, would be little enough distance so that with his silent steps he would give no indication as to where he was should she have come out the same time he had. Regardless, she would not gain the upper hand over him.
Silently, as if walking on air, he stalked widely around her and stopped directly behind her, about twenty feet or so away. He watched her gaze about looking for him as he slowly walked up behind her, closing the gap she didn't know that lay between them. He could tell she was puzzled that she had not seen any sign of him since he had entered the woods, and he couldn't help a chuckle. She must have heard it, because as soon as he was about five feet from her she turned to look behind her and spotted him. With playful shock she turned to run, but she wasn't quick enough.
He pushed forward as she turned around the oak, grabbing hold of her arm and pulling her towards him. He managed to spin her around and grab hold of her free arm before she got her bearings and struggled against his grip. They were both smiling broadly and laughing, though Aislin's was barely audible. Her strength astounded him, having never been in this position with her before, and he found himself having a difficult time keeping his ground without hurting her. They both backed up a couple of steps until Aislin tripped on a tree root and went back, taking Legolas with her as he refused to let go.
They tumbled over the root, laughing as they went, until finally they landed on flat ground. Legolas landed on his back and Aislin came right after, landing on top of him. They came face to face with eachother and their lips touched from the force of the fall. For a moment neither moved, both unsure of what to do, whether it was to capture the other's lips in a kiss or pull away. After a few moments Aislin slightly pushed herself up reluctantly, and Legolas looked as if he objected to the move. Both stayed unmoving as they were, looked into the other's eyes, watching and waiting for the other to react somehow.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Was I implying something or what??? Whoa, what a cliffhanger! I should stop those...they're probably getting to be too much and predictable as well. Hope it was long enough for y'all - and yes, I will explain how Aislin got into ME, just not right away ;). R/R plz and see ya next chapter!