Yes. I know that my updates are rather slow, but I can't help it. You just gotta bear with me.
Anyway, I am forever grateful to my reviews for all your help and supports. Not to mention the occasional threat. *_-
LadyLaura020- Rubber chicken, huh? Never did like those. I'm not sure why.
Lailas
Oze
Alaskantiger
Daughter of Night
LadyNyght
pink-princess- Well imagine that. I just took a guess at the name. But a real general named Faith... Freaky.
Lava lizard 13
mylin- I need lots!
Rowana166
saiyan-girl-cheetah- I'm sorry. I'm tryin'.
Areai Moonlight
Mikki- I know he's trusting, but what an I say?
Vincentfreak Davofreak
Lin
Iamawriter
fight_girl- You make me laugh. I'm doin' my best with these updates, but I can only go so fast.
len
Now, for anyone who wants me to e-mail them when new chapters are up and stuff just leave an address.
Chapter Four- Getting Close
That night was spent asking and answering questions. The elves marveled at the stories told to them. They had trouble believing that men had found a way to fly, as well as to talk to each other miles away.
The soldiers told of their home and government. Needless to say the immortals were impressed at the level of dedication and vision.
In turn Thranduil and Legolas told them the history of Middle Earth. Being elves and excellent story tellers, few details were left out. When they came to the tale of Gollum they were met with interruptions.
"This Gollum dude sounds like a phsyco," Joe commented from his spot on the floor.
"Phsyco?" Legolas missed one perfect eyebrow at the unknown word.
"Phsycotic," Faith clarified. "A person isn't in there right state of mind. It's another term for insanity."
"Too bad there's no psychiatrists here. The little guy could have gotten some help."
Thranduil looked questionably at Alex.
"What's a psychiatrist?"
"A person who offers advice and treatment," Justin answered, trying to put it into words the elves would understand.
"Yeah," Ivan agreed. "Also expensive. Hundreds of dollars just so they can tell you you're wacko."
"What about Hobbits. Tell us more about them."
"Not until you put that thing away," Faith growled.
Brad looked up from his pad of paper, which he had been writing in furiously, horror growing.
"But, Fay..."
To silence him the female general pulled from her pocket a small black metal box. At least that's all Legolas thought it was.
"A tape recorder?" Lance breathed out questionably.
"Of course. I'm always prepared."
Stopping it she set it on the desk. She then turned towards the elves giving the recording device strange looks.
"I'll explain how this thing works at another time, but for now I think it's best if we put Tony to bed."
Legolas looked past the standing, or sitting, soldiers and caught a glance of the tanned man who was huddled in a corner by a bookcase, sound asleep.
"Now he's gonna dream," Lance snickered.
Thranduil stood from his desk, followed by his son.
"Legolas will take you to the guest wing and if you would wait but a while servants will draw baths for you and give you a fresh change of clothes."
"Thank you for you're hospitality, majesty," Faith said politely with a bow of her head.
"Ever the diplomat, huh Fay?"
"Ivan..."
The Russian man raised his hands in defense.
"I'm shuttin'."
"Fay? Should one of us wake Tony?" Shane asked.
"And listen to him bellyachin'? Fuck no. Would one of you just carry him?"
"I will," Connor volunteered.
Walking over to the sleeping man, the red head bent to pick him up. After saying their goodnights to the Elven King the human troop followed Legolas out of the study and up a flight of stairs.
One by one the golden prince showed them to their rooms until the only ones left were Faith and Legolas himself.
"I've been meaning to ask you, Lady Faith..."
"Faith."
"Excuse me?" Legolas lifted a perfect dark eyebrow in confusion.
"I'm not a lady, prince. I'm a general."
Her tone was flat, indicating for him to just drop the subject. However, Legolas didn't seem to get the message.
"You may be a general, but you are also a lady."
Faith looked up at him in surprise as he stopped in front of a door. Rarely did somebody ever question what she wanted. To do so would mean certain pain.
'Then why the hell am I lettin' him get away with it?!'
"Listen here, Pretty Boy..."
"No. You listen."
Her hazel eyes widened at the forcefulness of his voice, but she closed her mouth.
"I know not how you were treated in your home world, but you are in Middle Earth now and an elven kingdom besides. You need to learn to accept compliments."
His voice was quiet and swept over her like a wave, calming her nerves.
'I gotta be goin' soft, but damn if it doesn't feel great.'
"I'll try."
She dropped her head submissively. Something very few had ever seen her do.
Legolas felt denied of the enchantment the fire in her eyes brought him, so he gently took her chin and raised her head. The look in her eyes... Shock and confusion. It was as if she had never been touched in such a simple way before.
"That is all I ask," he whispered while taking her hands into his own.
His face was mere inches form her's and steadily growing closer. It was fast, he knew, but these feelings were all new to him. He had to act.
There was so much power hidden in the small body before him. She was tainted yet pure. Strong yet fragile. Young yet old. Confident yet uncertain. So much conflict within her... It was a wonder she was still sane.
The story of her past... She told it with such a deprivation of emotion, but Legolas knew different. No person could have went through that without feeling something, anything.
It made him want to protect her from all things that would cause her harm. Both outside and in.
She was so close now. Unbidden his eyes left hers and darted to her lips. Absently he wondered if they were as soft as they looked.
Her mind was reeling. She didn't know what was going on, a situation she didn't cherish. All that seemed to matter was the elf in front of her. His gentle presence. His warm hands. His breath caressing her cheeks.
Faith had never been romantically involved with anyone. when she was younger it was forbidden. After all, she was a secret government weapon. As she grew older she found it easier to keep people away. Less chances for pain. The only people she ever truly let into her heart were her men and that was more out of necessity than anything. She needed to trust them and they needed to trust her. Plain and simple.
So then what was it about this elf that drew her like a moth to a flame? what was it about him that made her feel things she didn't think she would ever be ready for, even if she wanted to?
She was drowning. Drowning in the intense blue of his eyes, which had darkened with something she didn't recognize. His eyes left hers for only a split second to take in her lips. That was all it took.
The revere broken her head snapped to the door.
"What was it you wanted to ask me?"
She prided herself on the steadiness of her voice, especially when, inside, she was rattled.
'What the fuck nearly happened?!'
Legolas blinked rapidly in an attempt to clear his vision. Opening the door he followed her in.
"You're men seem oddly relaxed in a place they do not know. Why is that?"
In truth he knew, but he forgot his previous question.
"Don't know. Though you do have a point. They're guards have dropped and rather quickly."
'Mine too, but hell if I'm gonna tell you that,' she thought to herself while looking around in the dim light.
She turned to face him and detected the grin on his face.
"All right, Pretty Boy. You know somethin'. Spill."
Though he didn't understand what 'spill' was he answered.
"It is said that the presence of elves have a soothing effect on the hearts and minds of humans."
"Oh."
She walked farther into the room and her eyes landed on the open window. Gazing out she saw a small garden. A little further out she spied a few houses, but beyond that all she could see was dense forest. The air was still and peaceful. The moon giving everything an ethereal glow.
"I thought we were in a cave."
For some reason she couldn't raise her voice louder than a whisper.
"The lower levels of the palace are, but these rooms are above."
"It's beautiful."
"Yes. It is."
Faith noted a hint of wistfulness in his voice but didn't question him on it.
They stayed like that for a while. Just staring out at Mirkwood Kingdom. Each thinking about the other.
'Way to go, Fay! You don't even know the guy and you're already fallin' in love! Hold on. Did I just say love? It's not love. It's just... Oh, fuck it! For all I know it probably is love.' She sighed mentally, accepting her fate. 'Well... At least he's not a muscle bound moron or a jackass for that matter.'
'You are moving too fast, Legolas. She's not like the others. She probably doesn't even realize what it is she's feeling. Besides, it's better if you don't get too close anyway. She's human. She can never truly be yours.'
He gave her a small bow and gently kissed the back of her palm.
"I bid you goodnight, Lady Faith."
With that he turned to leave.
"Legolas?"
Realizing she called him by his name for the first time, he faced her.
'Suck it up, Fay.'
"Thank you."
His flawless features broke out into a smile, making him appear all the more beautiful. The candlelight played with his skin giving him a celestial glow.
He was an angel in her eyes. Everything she wasn't.
"Lle creoso."
The words were flowing, like a stream of water over stones. She heard it a few times before and presumed it was their native language. She didn't know what he said, but gathered it was a 'you're welcome.'
He left, closing the door behind him.
Alone in the room with only a few candles providing light she moved spun around to look at the room again.
"These people sure do pay attention to detail. Shit. Even the bed post has carvings."
On the back of a chair she found a white sleeveless nightgown and a large fluffy towel. She grabbed the two articles and wandered into the adjoining room, finding the bath already drawn. The water steaming and full of rose petals.
"Wow, they work fast."
As soon as she worked out of her boots and uniform she stepped down into the water. The hot liquid stung at her cuts eliciting a hiss of pain from her lips. Once her body grew accustomed to the temperature she forced herself to relax.
Using what she thought was a vial of shampoo she washed her hair. Next to the 'tub' she found a bar of soap a vibrant shade of green with a scent she couldn't place.
Drying her hair and body she realized the elves didn't leave her any type of underwear.
"I guess I'm goin' commando then. It wouldn't be the first time."
She threw back the covers and crawled into bed while pulling the nightgown over her head.
"If I didn't know better I'd say this was silk. But who the hell uses silk for a guest's bed and clothes?"
As she settled into the pillows she turned her head to peer out the window, a gentle breeze blowing the sheer curtains.
"I think I'm gonna like it here."
A sense of serenity fell over her and closing her eyes she allowed slumber to take her.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************
HA HA HA HA!
Didn't think I would let them kiss so soon did you?
Not a chance!
Anyhoo, you must REVIEW. The more REVIEWS I get the harder I'll try to get the chapters out sooner.
Remember. If you want me to notify you about an update just leave me your e-mail address.
Ta-ta!
Anyway, I am forever grateful to my reviews for all your help and supports. Not to mention the occasional threat. *_-
LadyLaura020- Rubber chicken, huh? Never did like those. I'm not sure why.
Lailas
Oze
Alaskantiger
Daughter of Night
LadyNyght
pink-princess- Well imagine that. I just took a guess at the name. But a real general named Faith... Freaky.
Lava lizard 13
mylin- I need lots!
Rowana166
saiyan-girl-cheetah- I'm sorry. I'm tryin'.
Areai Moonlight
Mikki- I know he's trusting, but what an I say?
Vincentfreak Davofreak
Lin
Iamawriter
fight_girl- You make me laugh. I'm doin' my best with these updates, but I can only go so fast.
len
Now, for anyone who wants me to e-mail them when new chapters are up and stuff just leave an address.
Chapter Four- Getting Close
That night was spent asking and answering questions. The elves marveled at the stories told to them. They had trouble believing that men had found a way to fly, as well as to talk to each other miles away.
The soldiers told of their home and government. Needless to say the immortals were impressed at the level of dedication and vision.
In turn Thranduil and Legolas told them the history of Middle Earth. Being elves and excellent story tellers, few details were left out. When they came to the tale of Gollum they were met with interruptions.
"This Gollum dude sounds like a phsyco," Joe commented from his spot on the floor.
"Phsyco?" Legolas missed one perfect eyebrow at the unknown word.
"Phsycotic," Faith clarified. "A person isn't in there right state of mind. It's another term for insanity."
"Too bad there's no psychiatrists here. The little guy could have gotten some help."
Thranduil looked questionably at Alex.
"What's a psychiatrist?"
"A person who offers advice and treatment," Justin answered, trying to put it into words the elves would understand.
"Yeah," Ivan agreed. "Also expensive. Hundreds of dollars just so they can tell you you're wacko."
"What about Hobbits. Tell us more about them."
"Not until you put that thing away," Faith growled.
Brad looked up from his pad of paper, which he had been writing in furiously, horror growing.
"But, Fay..."
To silence him the female general pulled from her pocket a small black metal box. At least that's all Legolas thought it was.
"A tape recorder?" Lance breathed out questionably.
"Of course. I'm always prepared."
Stopping it she set it on the desk. She then turned towards the elves giving the recording device strange looks.
"I'll explain how this thing works at another time, but for now I think it's best if we put Tony to bed."
Legolas looked past the standing, or sitting, soldiers and caught a glance of the tanned man who was huddled in a corner by a bookcase, sound asleep.
"Now he's gonna dream," Lance snickered.
Thranduil stood from his desk, followed by his son.
"Legolas will take you to the guest wing and if you would wait but a while servants will draw baths for you and give you a fresh change of clothes."
"Thank you for you're hospitality, majesty," Faith said politely with a bow of her head.
"Ever the diplomat, huh Fay?"
"Ivan..."
The Russian man raised his hands in defense.
"I'm shuttin'."
"Fay? Should one of us wake Tony?" Shane asked.
"And listen to him bellyachin'? Fuck no. Would one of you just carry him?"
"I will," Connor volunteered.
Walking over to the sleeping man, the red head bent to pick him up. After saying their goodnights to the Elven King the human troop followed Legolas out of the study and up a flight of stairs.
One by one the golden prince showed them to their rooms until the only ones left were Faith and Legolas himself.
"I've been meaning to ask you, Lady Faith..."
"Faith."
"Excuse me?" Legolas lifted a perfect dark eyebrow in confusion.
"I'm not a lady, prince. I'm a general."
Her tone was flat, indicating for him to just drop the subject. However, Legolas didn't seem to get the message.
"You may be a general, but you are also a lady."
Faith looked up at him in surprise as he stopped in front of a door. Rarely did somebody ever question what she wanted. To do so would mean certain pain.
'Then why the hell am I lettin' him get away with it?!'
"Listen here, Pretty Boy..."
"No. You listen."
Her hazel eyes widened at the forcefulness of his voice, but she closed her mouth.
"I know not how you were treated in your home world, but you are in Middle Earth now and an elven kingdom besides. You need to learn to accept compliments."
His voice was quiet and swept over her like a wave, calming her nerves.
'I gotta be goin' soft, but damn if it doesn't feel great.'
"I'll try."
She dropped her head submissively. Something very few had ever seen her do.
Legolas felt denied of the enchantment the fire in her eyes brought him, so he gently took her chin and raised her head. The look in her eyes... Shock and confusion. It was as if she had never been touched in such a simple way before.
"That is all I ask," he whispered while taking her hands into his own.
His face was mere inches form her's and steadily growing closer. It was fast, he knew, but these feelings were all new to him. He had to act.
There was so much power hidden in the small body before him. She was tainted yet pure. Strong yet fragile. Young yet old. Confident yet uncertain. So much conflict within her... It was a wonder she was still sane.
The story of her past... She told it with such a deprivation of emotion, but Legolas knew different. No person could have went through that without feeling something, anything.
It made him want to protect her from all things that would cause her harm. Both outside and in.
She was so close now. Unbidden his eyes left hers and darted to her lips. Absently he wondered if they were as soft as they looked.
Her mind was reeling. She didn't know what was going on, a situation she didn't cherish. All that seemed to matter was the elf in front of her. His gentle presence. His warm hands. His breath caressing her cheeks.
Faith had never been romantically involved with anyone. when she was younger it was forbidden. After all, she was a secret government weapon. As she grew older she found it easier to keep people away. Less chances for pain. The only people she ever truly let into her heart were her men and that was more out of necessity than anything. She needed to trust them and they needed to trust her. Plain and simple.
So then what was it about this elf that drew her like a moth to a flame? what was it about him that made her feel things she didn't think she would ever be ready for, even if she wanted to?
She was drowning. Drowning in the intense blue of his eyes, which had darkened with something she didn't recognize. His eyes left hers for only a split second to take in her lips. That was all it took.
The revere broken her head snapped to the door.
"What was it you wanted to ask me?"
She prided herself on the steadiness of her voice, especially when, inside, she was rattled.
'What the fuck nearly happened?!'
Legolas blinked rapidly in an attempt to clear his vision. Opening the door he followed her in.
"You're men seem oddly relaxed in a place they do not know. Why is that?"
In truth he knew, but he forgot his previous question.
"Don't know. Though you do have a point. They're guards have dropped and rather quickly."
'Mine too, but hell if I'm gonna tell you that,' she thought to herself while looking around in the dim light.
She turned to face him and detected the grin on his face.
"All right, Pretty Boy. You know somethin'. Spill."
Though he didn't understand what 'spill' was he answered.
"It is said that the presence of elves have a soothing effect on the hearts and minds of humans."
"Oh."
She walked farther into the room and her eyes landed on the open window. Gazing out she saw a small garden. A little further out she spied a few houses, but beyond that all she could see was dense forest. The air was still and peaceful. The moon giving everything an ethereal glow.
"I thought we were in a cave."
For some reason she couldn't raise her voice louder than a whisper.
"The lower levels of the palace are, but these rooms are above."
"It's beautiful."
"Yes. It is."
Faith noted a hint of wistfulness in his voice but didn't question him on it.
They stayed like that for a while. Just staring out at Mirkwood Kingdom. Each thinking about the other.
'Way to go, Fay! You don't even know the guy and you're already fallin' in love! Hold on. Did I just say love? It's not love. It's just... Oh, fuck it! For all I know it probably is love.' She sighed mentally, accepting her fate. 'Well... At least he's not a muscle bound moron or a jackass for that matter.'
'You are moving too fast, Legolas. She's not like the others. She probably doesn't even realize what it is she's feeling. Besides, it's better if you don't get too close anyway. She's human. She can never truly be yours.'
He gave her a small bow and gently kissed the back of her palm.
"I bid you goodnight, Lady Faith."
With that he turned to leave.
"Legolas?"
Realizing she called him by his name for the first time, he faced her.
'Suck it up, Fay.'
"Thank you."
His flawless features broke out into a smile, making him appear all the more beautiful. The candlelight played with his skin giving him a celestial glow.
He was an angel in her eyes. Everything she wasn't.
"Lle creoso."
The words were flowing, like a stream of water over stones. She heard it a few times before and presumed it was their native language. She didn't know what he said, but gathered it was a 'you're welcome.'
He left, closing the door behind him.
Alone in the room with only a few candles providing light she moved spun around to look at the room again.
"These people sure do pay attention to detail. Shit. Even the bed post has carvings."
On the back of a chair she found a white sleeveless nightgown and a large fluffy towel. She grabbed the two articles and wandered into the adjoining room, finding the bath already drawn. The water steaming and full of rose petals.
"Wow, they work fast."
As soon as she worked out of her boots and uniform she stepped down into the water. The hot liquid stung at her cuts eliciting a hiss of pain from her lips. Once her body grew accustomed to the temperature she forced herself to relax.
Using what she thought was a vial of shampoo she washed her hair. Next to the 'tub' she found a bar of soap a vibrant shade of green with a scent she couldn't place.
Drying her hair and body she realized the elves didn't leave her any type of underwear.
"I guess I'm goin' commando then. It wouldn't be the first time."
She threw back the covers and crawled into bed while pulling the nightgown over her head.
"If I didn't know better I'd say this was silk. But who the hell uses silk for a guest's bed and clothes?"
As she settled into the pillows she turned her head to peer out the window, a gentle breeze blowing the sheer curtains.
"I think I'm gonna like it here."
A sense of serenity fell over her and closing her eyes she allowed slumber to take her.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************
HA HA HA HA!
Didn't think I would let them kiss so soon did you?
Not a chance!
Anyhoo, you must REVIEW. The more REVIEWS I get the harder I'll try to get the chapters out sooner.
Remember. If you want me to notify you about an update just leave me your e-mail address.
Ta-ta!