AUTHOR'S NOTE:
AT LAST! Hallelujah! I know many of you have been eagerly waiting for this update, and I just gotta tell you how glad I am also to get it done! I thought I would NEVER be able to break free from that darn writer's block! Hehehe. . . . ;p
I'm so excited to finally post this, so for now I will not indulge in too long an author's note. I just want to say THANK YOU to all the loyal readers for being so patient with me and bugging me for updates. I probably would not have found the strength to keep writing had it not been for you! I hope you will continue to support this story! I have only FOUR more chapters to go!
This chapter is relatively short, but I really hope you will enjoy it. The next chapter will be much longer and ever more interesting, I promise! ;p Please review so that I will not fall into an awful writer's block again!
NOTE: This chapter contains the story's climax. It is therefore highly sentimental, mushy, emotional, passionate, and all that. . . ;p If romantic mush and dramatics are not really your cup of tea, I'm not sure how much you'll appreciate it, but I hope you'll give it a shot anyway. Writing this was NOT easy!
Oh, and this chapter is also the reason why I had to rate this fic PG- 13 instead of just PG. Catch my drift? ;p Skip whatever parts may seem too much for you; I will not mind.
Enjoy!
HAPPY READING!
* * *
THE SACRIFICE
Chapter Ten - Denial
Blinded by heavy tears, a distressed elf maiden darted through the trees of the Golden Wood, crying piteously as though her heart had been shattered into a dreadful state. Her footsteps were swift but unsteady, and she ran as if she did not know where exactly to go, except that she just had to keep moving. It seemed to be the only way she could somehow numb the grief and prevent it from totally crushing her into pieces.
At long last the exhaustion, both physical and emotional, caught up with her and she stumbled. As she collapsed to the soft grass she continued to weep, surrendering her weakened self to the ground in defeat.
Armir clenched her fists as teardrops spilled profusely down her hot, flushed cheeks, and ragged sobs tore through her aching body. She squeezed her eyes shut, uselessly trying to drive away the hurtful thoughts and voices flowing in her mind.
"You must end Legolas' love for you, and likewise end your love for him. . ."
The very idea of it tore at her more painfully than anything ever had before. How will she ever be able to manage such a deed when every part of her wailed in protest at the mere suggestion?
"I can sooner be asked to run a knife through my own heart!" she had cried to her great-grandmother.
Galadriel had given her a look that no longer held any compassion, but a gravity that warned her this was a grave matter that simply could not be compromised.
"Then Legolas will die." she had told her flatly. "That is all there is to it, I am afraid. You will just have to choose which is more important to you. His life, or his love."
"Let him go, Armir. You are still very young, and exceedingly beautiful at that. You surely will find many others worthy of your heart in the future."
Armir shook her head bitterly. Even the Lady did not understand how much Legolas meant to her. He did not just make her happy. He was her soulmate; he completed her. There was no way she would ever be able to replace him with another.
"I shall die of a broken heart without him." she had tried to insist. "And it is under no guarantee that he will not suffer the same fate should I deny him."
"No such things will happen." Galadriel had responded firmly. "Both your spirits are far too strong to expire from heartbreak."
"But I refuse to willingly hurt him!" Armir had snapped back with uncharacteristic ferocity.
"Then you will watch him perish a more painful death with your own eyes. . . in the hands of the orcs." Galadriel had responded sharply. "Do not be so foolish, child. You have already lost your mother to these monsters. If you truly cared about Legolas you will not allow him to fall into the same fate."
Armir lifted her tired gaze from the ground, suddenly realizing that the Lady was right. She was being completely and shamefully selfish. How could she be thinking of her own happiness and wants when Legolas' very life was at stake? He was always ready to suffer any ordeal just to keep her safe. How ungrateful was she to be so reluctant to do the same for him?
"I must face this." Armir thought decisively, wiping the last of her tears with a shaking hand. "I will not allow Legolas to give up his life for the likes of me. I would rather carry a broken heart and see him live than even risk losing him forever to the orcs."
Armed with her newfound resolution, the princess picked herself up from the grass and took a seat upon the root of a nearby mallorn. She inhaled deeply to remove as much tension as she could from inside her and clear her thoughts.
She would never be able to kill her own love for Legolas- of that she was absolutely certain. The only thing she could do was to try and convince him to stop caring for her so much. Galadriel was right. Legolas would go to any extent to protect her; he had said so himself many times. She HAD to terminate his devotion to her so he would no longer feel bound to the obligation of caring for her.
Armir shook her head. Knowing Legolas and how valiant and chivalrous he was, it would be very difficult to convince him to surrender the duty he had sworn to her grandfather he'd fulfill.
It would not be enough to simply deny Legolas and break his heart, the maiden concluded. She was going to have to do it in a way that would arouse his anger. . . and cause him to detest her. It was the only means to effectively push him away from her side, and out of harm's way.
Tears began to slide unconsciously from the trembling maiden's eyes. How will she ever be able to do all this?! To hurt Legolas deliberately, to drive him out of her life, and to live with his anger directed against her were things only her worst fears could possibly conceive.
For a brief moment she considered telling her beloved the truth- that he would die if he continued trying to protect her, and that he must let her go for the sake of his own safety. But of course, knowing how stubborn Legolas was, he would surely insist that nothing bad will happen, and there was no need for them to part because of a trivial omen.
No. Armir clenched her jaw, summoning all her resolve to finally make a decision. This was the only way. It was going to take very ounce of strength and courage she possessed, but she was going to do it.
She loved Legolas, and no matter what, she was not going to let him lose his life. Not for her, not ever.
* * *
"Legolas? Legolas, are you still here?"
From where he hid behind the heavy trunk of a nearby mallorn, Legolas smiled and watched with mischievously dancing eyes the fair elf-maiden that walked into the garden. She ventured to the center of the clearing and gazed hesitantly all around her, trying to catch sight of the elf she had left there a little over an hour ago.
His heart skipped a beat as he stared fondly at the person he loved more than anyone or anything in the whole world. He observed the grace with which she moved, the light she radiated with her mere presence, and the innocent way she bit her lower lip as she scanned the area around her for any sign of him.
Silently Legolas thanked the Valar, not for the first time, for giving him the heart of this wonderful elf before his eyes. He could not think of any blessing greater than that of being able to spend the rest of eternity with Armir as his wife. Somehow it was still difficult to believe that he could be so lucky as to win the hand of one so sweet and so young.
Just then, he saw Armir beginning to make her way out of the glade, finally giving up her search with the intention to go look elsewhere. Legolas chuckled lightly at the frustrated, but adorable, look on her face. His poor darling.
Using his catlike agility and stealth to avoid making any noises, he darted back out from behind the tree and closed the distance between him and his princess with a few nimble strides. She apparently did not even hear him creep up behind her, for a startled gasp ensued when he suddenly slid his arms around her waist and yanked her tightly against him.
"Giving up so soon, Melamin?" he murmured, allowing the warmth of his breath to tease her ear.
He felt her tense body relax comfortably in his hold and took this as a sign of encouragement. He planted a delicate, tentative kiss at the curve of her neck and smiled when he felt her quiver.
"Vanimle sila nuin isilme (Your beauty shines under the moonlight.)" he whispered huskily, as he slowly kissed his way up her neck to her face. Armir sighed, surrendering to the caresses of his hands all over her. She allowed herself to be spun around in his embrace and tilted her head back to welcome the touch of his lips upon hers.
Heat rushed through Legolas as the kiss intensified significantly, tongues exploring while their passion rose in an alarmingly swift and unusual rate. Though rather taken aback by the unexpected fervor his sweet Armir was showing him, it was not in his heart nor mind to protest. Instead he continued to deepened their kiss, provoked by the massaging motion of her gentle fingers through his hair and neck. Finally he forced himself away from her lips, sensing her need for breath.
"Armir . . ." he whispered, gazing wondrously into her sapphire eyes, hands stroking her lightly flushed cheeks. There was something different about the depths of her innocent stare. Within it he could clearly see love for him that burned in her heart, but tonight he sensed there was something more. Before he could even attempt to identify it however, she pulled him back towards her, seizing his mouth in a fiery, abrupt kiss that caught him off guard.
Armir's sudden burst of passion, enticing and startling at the same time, completely knocked all sense and self-control from Legolas. He found himself responding with even greater fervor, earning him a whimper of pleasure from the maiden. He sensed her grow limp within his feverish embrace, and took advantage.
Very gently and carefully, he lowered them both to the ground, his lips never parting from hers as they tumbled to the soft blanket of grass.
* * *
Armir gasped for air when at last Legolas released her mouth from his, the loss of breath resulting from both their heated kiss as well as the pressure of his weight on top of her. She moaned faintly as he moved on to run his lips tenderly over her bare shoulders, eliciting a rush of desire that confused and petrified her all the more.
Despite the whirlwind of thoughts and emotions racing crazily through her, Armir managed to get a grasp of her senses. Wet beads began to form at the corners of her eyes.
This was not going as she had intended. She had not planned on kissing Legolas, much less permitting such passion to overcome them both. It would surely make things only much worse and more painful in the end.
But the way he had greeted her, whispered to her and wrapped his arms around her filled her with so much aching for him it was difficult to hold on to her restraint. Before she knew it she had released the pent-up longing she felt for him, brought about by the knowing fear that she may never get the chance for this again.
A lone tear escaped and streaked her crimson cheek. This was wrong, very wrong of her. She was tempting Legolas with something he would ultimately never be able to have, something she was about to permanently deny him. Under no circumstances did he deserve such cruel treatment.
She lifted her hands and planted them on his chest, ready to urge him off her. However, one hard kiss on a particularly sensitive spot at the base of her throat caused both her resolve and strength to crumble in a tangled mess of nerves. She whimpered in slight pain, and Legolas quickly remedied his moment of harshness by lavishing the offended area with more tender kisses.
Armir trembled helplessly, submitting herself to every touch and fondle in guilty bliss. She felt his hands travel to her back, and in horror realized that his fingers were unconsciously tugging at the laces of her dress. A voice at the back of her head screamed at her to resist, to stop this before it went further to an extent they will certainly regret. No words could be willed from her paralyzed throat, however. Her body agreed to only one action, and that was to lie back and let the moment take her.
* * *
"Legolas . . ."
The soft, almost inaudible whisper that escaped Armir's lips was like a bucket of cold water thrown over the impassioned elf. Wrenched from his trance, he quickly withdrew, face tinged scarlet with embarrassment. What was he doing?!
This was wrong. He was taking advantage of Armir's unforeseen weakness, allowing his own excitement to overpower his better judgment. What on earth could have come over him to let it go this far?!
Legolas stared down at the breath-taking vision beneath him and felt intense longing fill his heart. Eru, why did she have to be so beautiful?! It was no wonder he could barely keep himself at bay. He wanted her so badly, more than anything in his whole life.
Immediately he shoved these ravenous impulses aside, giving himself a firm mental shake. This was not the time nor the place for such things. He should definitely be ashamed of himself for even thinking such thoughts about her.
Feeling herself being released from the burden of his weight, Armir slowly opened her eyes. With a slight mistiness in her gaze, she stared up at Legolas with questioning innocence, causing his insides to absolutely melt.
"Amin hiraetha. (I am sorry)" he murmured, stroking the raven hair that fanned out under her angelic head. "I . . . I do not know what came over me."
"Amin mela lle. (I love you)" Armir whispered back, reaching up for his face. Legolas' heart stopped beating as she caressed his cheek. He could see in her eyes that she wanted him as much as he did her.
"I . . . we cannot do this, Armir." he told her gently. "As much as my heart longs for it, I have too much respect for you. I do not wish to taint your innocence."
Legolas took her hand, pulling her up from the grass with him as he stood. "We shall wait until we are properly bound before we venture into such intimacies." He pressed his lips on her forehead and smiled. "When we are wed, my love, we shall have all of eternity ahead of us to do anything you wish."
Suddenly, he caught sight of a tear sliding down her cheek, followed by another. Realizing in alarm that she was crying, he drew her back into his caring embrace.
"A'maelamin, mani naa raika (my beloved, what is wrong)?" he asked in concern.
Armir looked up at him through eyes filled with sadness, and at last spoke in a quivering voice.
"There is something I must tell you."
* * *
Armir glanced uneasily at Legolas where he sat silently beside her, having grown quiet after she had finished with her explanations. She tried to read his face, and was surprised to see that he did not look the least upset about her news. There was slight worry, but even that seemed to disappear when at last he turned to her and smiled.
"Well, I suppose there is no arguing with the Lady when she has spoken, is there?" he murmured thoughtfully, stroking Armir's hand where it was wrapped warmly in his. "At least now we have reasonable explanations of why your grandfather sent you with us, and why you fell ill at Moria."
Armir nodded, but said nothing as she ducked her head to avoid eye contact with him. "So you are not upset that I have to go?" she asked softly.
Legolas sighed. "It is honestly my will that you stay." he said regretfully. "Though I do not like the idea of you being placed at risk, it seems we have no choice. After all, in truth our loyalties are bound to the Fellowship. If there is a great need for you to accompany us, who am I to stand in way?"
In spite of the anxiety and sorrow stabbing at her heart, Armir had to smile at her beloved elf. He was so noble, so accepting. She ached with the desire to embrace him, but she knew she couldn't. She shouldn't.
Not when she was about break his heart next.
Legolas quickly noticed the apprehension on her face, and mistook its meaning. Sliding his arms around her waist, he pulled her onto his lap.
"It's all right, Armir." he whispered, nuzzling her cheek affectionately. "No matter what happens, wherever we go, I will never let any harm come upon you. I would die before that happens."
This brave vow, though well-intended, caused Armir to snap instantly.
"No!" she immediately cried, wrenching away from Legolas' doting arms. "Do not say that!"
She stood before him, shaking with emotion as she struggled not to let tears overcome her. Meanwhile, Legolas stared at her with much surprise at her sudden vehemence. His keen, concerned gaze only caused further hysterical words to flood out of Armir's mouth.
"Will you just stop worrying so much about me?!" she shouted in a trembling voice. "I can fend for myself without you having to make such a big fuss."
Legolas frowned. Armir felt a pang of guilt and sorrow at the hurt she saw flash in his eyes, but she stood her ground. Before he could even open his mouth to speak, she continued with her ranting.
"Honestly Legolas, I am so tired of you fawning over me all the time." she snapped, turning her face away so she wouldn't have to see his reactions to her harsh words. "Sometimes I think you see me as a poor helpless child!"
"How can you accuse me of such a thing?" She heard Legolas say softly. "I have never thought of you as a child. I think you are the most beautiful, most wonderful maiden I have ever met. If I go too far with my attention towards you, it is only because I care about you more than anything in my life. I love you so much."
"Stop saying that!!!"
Her grief and fear, amplified by desperate love for him, caused Armir to raise her voice in a hysterical level it had never reached before. She instinctively spun around to face him, and regretted it upon doing so. Pain struck her with the realization that she was the cause of the hurt she saw on his fair face.
Tears stung Armir's eyes. She longed to take him in her arms and kiss his sorrow away, tell him how much she also loved him and how sorry she was for saying such horrible things . . . but she knew she couldn't.
Not when she had gotten this far. When she was so close to her goal.
Legolas took a step closer. She instinctively backed away, knowing that upon feeling his nearness or touch her resolve would deteriorate.
"Armir, what is wrong?' Legolas murmured with concern. "Why are you saying all these things? Why are you acting this way?"
Armir took a deep breath, summoning all her courage. "Legolas . . . I do not want any of this anymore." she told him as firmly as she could, shaking her head. "Please, stop it."
Legolas only looked all the more confused. "I do not understand. Stop what?" he demanded, his voice sounding heavier with each word. "Stop loving you? Is that what you are asking of me?"
He reached over the distance between them, and grabbed her hands before she could resist.
"Armir, I do not know what is going on." he said quietly. "But I am begging you . . . do not allow it to come between us. Not like this."
The maiden stared up helplessly at the bright eyes locking on to hers with so much care, so much fervor, and instantly felt her barrier dissolve. She could not do this to him. She just couldn't bear hurting him.
"Legolas . . ." she managed to say, before he smothered further words with a deep and sudden kiss. Taken aback by this passion-filled gesture, Armir could do nothing but lose herself in the heart-melting moment.
"I have loved you from the first moment I laid eyes on you." Legolas whispered as their lips finally parted. His fingers traced her face and stroked her hair affectionately. "I have looked upon you the same way since, and my feelings have only deepened with time. Even if the Valar themselves ordered me to hold back or deny my affections for you, I can do no such thing."
A shiny drop spilled down Armir's ivory cheek to land on Legolas' caressing fingers.
"Why?" she asked weakly, her breath failing her as she shut her eyes to relish the touch of his gentle hands. "Why must you care for me so much? I have done nothing to deserve it."
Legolas smiled. "Just being yourself-so sweet and kind and so beautiful- was more than enough." he told her sincerely. "But then you gave me your heart, though I was unworthy of it, and made me the happiest elf alive. It is impossible to ask for anything more."
Armir felt him plant a tender kiss on her closed eyelids, and could not help but sigh contentedly in his arms. She was ready to drop all her earlier intentions and surrender to his romantic words and gestures, but the statements that followed pulled her back to a horrendous realization.
"It worried me at first because I thought I was going mad with all that I was feeling for you. I had never thought it possible for me to care about someone so quickly and strongly, but you proved me wrong." Legolas said confidently, keeping his forehead pressed against hers. "I really do love you with all my heart, Armir. I will be damned before I let anything come between us."
Armir's eyes shot wide open with shock as the haunting words of her great- grandmother returned to memory.
"You have the ability to not only sense the feelings of others around you, but to affect them as well, either by easing them or by making them stronger. . ."
As these words echoed in her thoughts Armir pulled back so hastily and roughly from Legolas' embrace that he was too taken aback with surprise to prevent her.
"What is it?' he asked quickly, noticing the adverse expression that had filled her face.
Armir could say nothing, though her mouth had come slightly open. Slowly and unconsciously she began to back away from the confused prince.
"Armir, if I have said anything wrong, please tell me." Legolas begged.
But the girl had already become too ensnared in her own horrifying thoughts to hear what her lover was saying. As her shock and fear increased with her realization of the truth, her breaths grew ragged and difficult. Gradually she began to sway as a sudden faintness threatened to overcome her.
As if noticing her weakening state, Legolas made a motion to reach out and support her. On instinct, Armir recoiled again before the comfort of his embrace could draw her in.
"No, Legolas!" she cried out, jerking from within the surprised elf's reach.
This proved to be too much her trembling legs however, and the maiden stumbled to the ground in defeat. Flowing tears quickly intensified to uncontrollable sobs. Before she could get a grasp on what was happening, she felt strong arms around her.
"Armir. . ." Legolas' gentle voice soothed her ear. "Just tell me."
The concern and sadness she heard in his words were her breaking point.
"You do not really love me, Legolas!" she finally managed to burst out, before her sobs prevented her from saying anything further.
"What?!"
Now came Legolas' turn to retract. He stood gaping down at the weeping elf in his arms, momentarily too shocked to say anything right away.
"How can you say that?" he said when at last he regained control of his speech. The hurt on his face cut through Armir like a sword of ice. "Have I not proven well enough my devotion to you? Have I left you in wanting? Have I not given enough to make you happy?"
"Legolas, no!" Armir exclaimed. "You have been so wonderful to me, even I cannot understand how I could deserve it."
"Then how can you say I do not love you?"
"Because it is not real!" Armir cried out desperately. "Because I am an enchantress who manipulates the feelings of others towards me. I know not where this accursed power came from, or how I have gone about using it. But this is not what you deserve Legolas! It is not . . ."
"Armir, stop it!" Legolas cut her off sharply. "You are speaking nonsense!"
"I am telling you the truth!" Armir insisted. "The Lady told me so herself, and she will not lie."
The elf took a deep breath to gain control over herself as she struggled to explain further. "Think about it, Legolas. What other contribution could I have made or will make to the Fellowship? My role as Frodo's companion is rooted in this ability of mine to ease his pain and strengthen his courage. Lady Galadriel told me it is also through this gift that I am able help the Fellowship bear the sorrows and hardship of the quest."
"Then what has this to do with you and me?" Legolas asked grimly. The look of hurt and confusion on his face was gradually changing to one that seemed like anger.
"Legolas, I love you." Armir said softly. "But when I see all the things you do to care for me and protect me, I become frightened. You risk too much. You become irrational. You fall into emotions and actions that I know are not really of your nature. It is as though you are under a spell."
"A spell?!" Legolas repeated incredulously. He let out a harsh laugh that sounded bitter and forced. "What are you trying to say?"
"I am saying that this is all my fault." Armir whispered. "I should have seen it sooner. I am sorry."
"Armir, stop!" Legolas ordered. "Enough with this foolishness."
"Legolas, please." Armir begged. "Do not make it any more difficult for me to do this."
"Difficult for YOU?!" Legolas shouted, losing control of temper at last. "How do you suppose I feel? You stand there telling me I am under a spell, that all the happiness I have felt over the past months has been false, and that the greatest thing I have ever known in all my life is just a lie!"
"Do you not think it hurts me too?" Armir cried. "You are the only elf have ever and ever could love this much. But I must let you go, for you do not deserve to waste your heart on someone who may just be using enchantment to gain your love. I will not risk your happiness!"
"That is my choice, not yours." Legolas snapped back.
Armir shook her head, lifting her chin in spite of the tears. "I am making it mine." she responded firmly. "I will undo the harm I have caused you."
"This is madness!" Legolas yelled, his anger vivid on his face now. He turned away from Armir in resentment. "I refuse to listen to this any longer!"
"You do not have to." Armir said quietly. "I have nothing left to say. It ends here. Now."
Upon hearing this, Legolas whirled around to face her immediately. Armir felt her heart go to pieces upon seeing the tears in his eyes.
"It could not have been false, Armir." he murmured sadly. "It was the most real, most beautiful feeling I have ever had in my entire being. I care not what the Lady, or anyone else in this world may say. All I know is that I love you. Nothing will ever be able to change that."
Silence followed his last words. Across the distance between them, the two elves stared into each other's eyes for that long moment, one trying to find reassurance and the other begging for understanding. When at last she felt she could no longer stand being tortured by the grief in his eyes, Armir broke her gaze away. She reached around her neck and unclasped the chain of Legolas' necklace.
"I am sorry." she whispered, holding out the necklace to him with a shaking hand.
There was a brief pause before Legolas stepped forward and claimed his mother's necklace. Armir could feel his eyes upon her as he kept them steady on her face, though he spoke no words.
Taking his muteness as a sign of resignation, Armir made a motion to turn and leave before the screaming anguish in her heart caused her to change her mind. But before she could do so, Legolas caught hold of her.
His kiss was short but sweet, full of the passion and longing he felt. When it ended, Armir could only stare up breathlessly at him, her cheeks streaked with tears-both hers and his.
"I will not force you to love me if you do not wish to." Legolas told her softly, cupping one cheek in his hand. "But know that I will never leave your side. Nothing will ever change the fact you are the only one I will ever care for."
With this, he released her, turned, and walked away, leaving a distraught Armir standing on her own.
* * *
Haldir frowned as his eyes scanned the Lorien night sky from where he lay resting upon the base of a mallorn tree. Strange. There was nary a star visible in the darkness. He could not recall the last time he had seen the heavens appear so cloudy and gloomy. Was this an ominous sign of something to come?
Or perhaps the Valar just saw it fit to arrange the heavens to match his mood that evening.
A low growl of frustration and annoyance escaped Haldir's throat as he closed his eyes again. He had been brooding heavily in solitude for the past few hours since he received news of Armir's engagement, and he was growing rather weary of it. Why couldn't he just accept it? In this matter, Legolas was the winner, and he the loser.
It was not as though Legolas would make Armir a horrible husband. As much as Haldir hated to admit it, he knew that the prince really did love Armir, and will care for her no less that he would have. It was without a doubt that Legolas would keep happy and safe.
"Stop being so selfish for once!" Haldir scolded himself. "Not everything has to be about you."
If he really cared about Armir, he should find in himself enough strength to let her go, so she could be with the elf she truly loved. It was the right thing to do, and that was all there was to it.
The March Warden frowned as the vision of Armir in Legolas' arms played in his head. But was it really possible for the right thing to hurt him so much? Somehow it didn't seem fair. . .
Just then, a strange, faint sound caught Haldir's attention, pulling him from his moping at once. He sat up and his senses went on alert, his keen eyes roving the surrounding woods as he listened intently.
As soon as he recognized the sound, a scowl formed on his lips and concern filled his clear eyes. At once he rose to his feet and swiftly made his way to the source.
He did not have to walk far before he finally found what he was searching for. As he had suspected, there was the elf he loved, sprawled on the soft grass with her face in her hands and her petite form trembling with each sob.
Haldir's heart was filled with an overwhelming mix of anger and pain at the sight of her. His first instinct was to hunt down and destroy whoever or whatever caused her to weep like this. . . but that was not what she needed as of the moment.
"Armir?" he called out softly, stepping forward in hesitation.
At the soothing sound of his voice, the maiden looked up immediately. Her teary blue eyes seemed to fill with relief at the sight of him standing there.
"Haldir. . ." was all she would whisper. She seemed to be too weak with grief to even lift herself from the ground.
In a instant Haldir was kneeling by the princess' side, taking her into his arms. Holding her tightly against him, he rocked her in his embrace. Armir in turn only began to cry harder, burying her wet face into her dear friend's shoulder.
For a while Haldir could say nothing for lack of knowledge of what could possibly comfort her. But as he listened to the maiden's sobs and felt her slender body quiver uncontrollably against his, realization dawned on him. There was only one thing that could possibly cause his princess so much grief.
Or rather, one person.
Haldir's eyes narrowed with fury. He never should have trusted his Armir with that self-absorbed elfling. He will make him regret ever making her cry. By Eru, Legolas will pay for this.
"It's all right, Melamin. Do not cry anymore." Haldir whispered at last, caressing Armir's back with a gentle hand as he held her protectively. He planted a kiss on her forehead and pressed his cheek firmly against her hair.
"I am here now."
* * *
COMING UP . . . Chapter 11 - Love
Take a vote when you review: who should win Armir? Legolas or Haldir? ;p I actually already have a fixed ending for this tale, but I'm just curious to know who you'd rather she end up with! Hehehe. . . .
Thanks for reading! See ya all soon! ;p Take care everyone!
AT LAST! Hallelujah! I know many of you have been eagerly waiting for this update, and I just gotta tell you how glad I am also to get it done! I thought I would NEVER be able to break free from that darn writer's block! Hehehe. . . . ;p
I'm so excited to finally post this, so for now I will not indulge in too long an author's note. I just want to say THANK YOU to all the loyal readers for being so patient with me and bugging me for updates. I probably would not have found the strength to keep writing had it not been for you! I hope you will continue to support this story! I have only FOUR more chapters to go!
This chapter is relatively short, but I really hope you will enjoy it. The next chapter will be much longer and ever more interesting, I promise! ;p Please review so that I will not fall into an awful writer's block again!
NOTE: This chapter contains the story's climax. It is therefore highly sentimental, mushy, emotional, passionate, and all that. . . ;p If romantic mush and dramatics are not really your cup of tea, I'm not sure how much you'll appreciate it, but I hope you'll give it a shot anyway. Writing this was NOT easy!
Oh, and this chapter is also the reason why I had to rate this fic PG- 13 instead of just PG. Catch my drift? ;p Skip whatever parts may seem too much for you; I will not mind.
Enjoy!
HAPPY READING!
* * *
THE SACRIFICE
Chapter Ten - Denial
Blinded by heavy tears, a distressed elf maiden darted through the trees of the Golden Wood, crying piteously as though her heart had been shattered into a dreadful state. Her footsteps were swift but unsteady, and she ran as if she did not know where exactly to go, except that she just had to keep moving. It seemed to be the only way she could somehow numb the grief and prevent it from totally crushing her into pieces.
At long last the exhaustion, both physical and emotional, caught up with her and she stumbled. As she collapsed to the soft grass she continued to weep, surrendering her weakened self to the ground in defeat.
Armir clenched her fists as teardrops spilled profusely down her hot, flushed cheeks, and ragged sobs tore through her aching body. She squeezed her eyes shut, uselessly trying to drive away the hurtful thoughts and voices flowing in her mind.
"You must end Legolas' love for you, and likewise end your love for him. . ."
The very idea of it tore at her more painfully than anything ever had before. How will she ever be able to manage such a deed when every part of her wailed in protest at the mere suggestion?
"I can sooner be asked to run a knife through my own heart!" she had cried to her great-grandmother.
Galadriel had given her a look that no longer held any compassion, but a gravity that warned her this was a grave matter that simply could not be compromised.
"Then Legolas will die." she had told her flatly. "That is all there is to it, I am afraid. You will just have to choose which is more important to you. His life, or his love."
"Let him go, Armir. You are still very young, and exceedingly beautiful at that. You surely will find many others worthy of your heart in the future."
Armir shook her head bitterly. Even the Lady did not understand how much Legolas meant to her. He did not just make her happy. He was her soulmate; he completed her. There was no way she would ever be able to replace him with another.
"I shall die of a broken heart without him." she had tried to insist. "And it is under no guarantee that he will not suffer the same fate should I deny him."
"No such things will happen." Galadriel had responded firmly. "Both your spirits are far too strong to expire from heartbreak."
"But I refuse to willingly hurt him!" Armir had snapped back with uncharacteristic ferocity.
"Then you will watch him perish a more painful death with your own eyes. . . in the hands of the orcs." Galadriel had responded sharply. "Do not be so foolish, child. You have already lost your mother to these monsters. If you truly cared about Legolas you will not allow him to fall into the same fate."
Armir lifted her tired gaze from the ground, suddenly realizing that the Lady was right. She was being completely and shamefully selfish. How could she be thinking of her own happiness and wants when Legolas' very life was at stake? He was always ready to suffer any ordeal just to keep her safe. How ungrateful was she to be so reluctant to do the same for him?
"I must face this." Armir thought decisively, wiping the last of her tears with a shaking hand. "I will not allow Legolas to give up his life for the likes of me. I would rather carry a broken heart and see him live than even risk losing him forever to the orcs."
Armed with her newfound resolution, the princess picked herself up from the grass and took a seat upon the root of a nearby mallorn. She inhaled deeply to remove as much tension as she could from inside her and clear her thoughts.
She would never be able to kill her own love for Legolas- of that she was absolutely certain. The only thing she could do was to try and convince him to stop caring for her so much. Galadriel was right. Legolas would go to any extent to protect her; he had said so himself many times. She HAD to terminate his devotion to her so he would no longer feel bound to the obligation of caring for her.
Armir shook her head. Knowing Legolas and how valiant and chivalrous he was, it would be very difficult to convince him to surrender the duty he had sworn to her grandfather he'd fulfill.
It would not be enough to simply deny Legolas and break his heart, the maiden concluded. She was going to have to do it in a way that would arouse his anger. . . and cause him to detest her. It was the only means to effectively push him away from her side, and out of harm's way.
Tears began to slide unconsciously from the trembling maiden's eyes. How will she ever be able to do all this?! To hurt Legolas deliberately, to drive him out of her life, and to live with his anger directed against her were things only her worst fears could possibly conceive.
For a brief moment she considered telling her beloved the truth- that he would die if he continued trying to protect her, and that he must let her go for the sake of his own safety. But of course, knowing how stubborn Legolas was, he would surely insist that nothing bad will happen, and there was no need for them to part because of a trivial omen.
No. Armir clenched her jaw, summoning all her resolve to finally make a decision. This was the only way. It was going to take very ounce of strength and courage she possessed, but she was going to do it.
She loved Legolas, and no matter what, she was not going to let him lose his life. Not for her, not ever.
* * *
"Legolas? Legolas, are you still here?"
From where he hid behind the heavy trunk of a nearby mallorn, Legolas smiled and watched with mischievously dancing eyes the fair elf-maiden that walked into the garden. She ventured to the center of the clearing and gazed hesitantly all around her, trying to catch sight of the elf she had left there a little over an hour ago.
His heart skipped a beat as he stared fondly at the person he loved more than anyone or anything in the whole world. He observed the grace with which she moved, the light she radiated with her mere presence, and the innocent way she bit her lower lip as she scanned the area around her for any sign of him.
Silently Legolas thanked the Valar, not for the first time, for giving him the heart of this wonderful elf before his eyes. He could not think of any blessing greater than that of being able to spend the rest of eternity with Armir as his wife. Somehow it was still difficult to believe that he could be so lucky as to win the hand of one so sweet and so young.
Just then, he saw Armir beginning to make her way out of the glade, finally giving up her search with the intention to go look elsewhere. Legolas chuckled lightly at the frustrated, but adorable, look on her face. His poor darling.
Using his catlike agility and stealth to avoid making any noises, he darted back out from behind the tree and closed the distance between him and his princess with a few nimble strides. She apparently did not even hear him creep up behind her, for a startled gasp ensued when he suddenly slid his arms around her waist and yanked her tightly against him.
"Giving up so soon, Melamin?" he murmured, allowing the warmth of his breath to tease her ear.
He felt her tense body relax comfortably in his hold and took this as a sign of encouragement. He planted a delicate, tentative kiss at the curve of her neck and smiled when he felt her quiver.
"Vanimle sila nuin isilme (Your beauty shines under the moonlight.)" he whispered huskily, as he slowly kissed his way up her neck to her face. Armir sighed, surrendering to the caresses of his hands all over her. She allowed herself to be spun around in his embrace and tilted her head back to welcome the touch of his lips upon hers.
Heat rushed through Legolas as the kiss intensified significantly, tongues exploring while their passion rose in an alarmingly swift and unusual rate. Though rather taken aback by the unexpected fervor his sweet Armir was showing him, it was not in his heart nor mind to protest. Instead he continued to deepened their kiss, provoked by the massaging motion of her gentle fingers through his hair and neck. Finally he forced himself away from her lips, sensing her need for breath.
"Armir . . ." he whispered, gazing wondrously into her sapphire eyes, hands stroking her lightly flushed cheeks. There was something different about the depths of her innocent stare. Within it he could clearly see love for him that burned in her heart, but tonight he sensed there was something more. Before he could even attempt to identify it however, she pulled him back towards her, seizing his mouth in a fiery, abrupt kiss that caught him off guard.
Armir's sudden burst of passion, enticing and startling at the same time, completely knocked all sense and self-control from Legolas. He found himself responding with even greater fervor, earning him a whimper of pleasure from the maiden. He sensed her grow limp within his feverish embrace, and took advantage.
Very gently and carefully, he lowered them both to the ground, his lips never parting from hers as they tumbled to the soft blanket of grass.
* * *
Armir gasped for air when at last Legolas released her mouth from his, the loss of breath resulting from both their heated kiss as well as the pressure of his weight on top of her. She moaned faintly as he moved on to run his lips tenderly over her bare shoulders, eliciting a rush of desire that confused and petrified her all the more.
Despite the whirlwind of thoughts and emotions racing crazily through her, Armir managed to get a grasp of her senses. Wet beads began to form at the corners of her eyes.
This was not going as she had intended. She had not planned on kissing Legolas, much less permitting such passion to overcome them both. It would surely make things only much worse and more painful in the end.
But the way he had greeted her, whispered to her and wrapped his arms around her filled her with so much aching for him it was difficult to hold on to her restraint. Before she knew it she had released the pent-up longing she felt for him, brought about by the knowing fear that she may never get the chance for this again.
A lone tear escaped and streaked her crimson cheek. This was wrong, very wrong of her. She was tempting Legolas with something he would ultimately never be able to have, something she was about to permanently deny him. Under no circumstances did he deserve such cruel treatment.
She lifted her hands and planted them on his chest, ready to urge him off her. However, one hard kiss on a particularly sensitive spot at the base of her throat caused both her resolve and strength to crumble in a tangled mess of nerves. She whimpered in slight pain, and Legolas quickly remedied his moment of harshness by lavishing the offended area with more tender kisses.
Armir trembled helplessly, submitting herself to every touch and fondle in guilty bliss. She felt his hands travel to her back, and in horror realized that his fingers were unconsciously tugging at the laces of her dress. A voice at the back of her head screamed at her to resist, to stop this before it went further to an extent they will certainly regret. No words could be willed from her paralyzed throat, however. Her body agreed to only one action, and that was to lie back and let the moment take her.
* * *
"Legolas . . ."
The soft, almost inaudible whisper that escaped Armir's lips was like a bucket of cold water thrown over the impassioned elf. Wrenched from his trance, he quickly withdrew, face tinged scarlet with embarrassment. What was he doing?!
This was wrong. He was taking advantage of Armir's unforeseen weakness, allowing his own excitement to overpower his better judgment. What on earth could have come over him to let it go this far?!
Legolas stared down at the breath-taking vision beneath him and felt intense longing fill his heart. Eru, why did she have to be so beautiful?! It was no wonder he could barely keep himself at bay. He wanted her so badly, more than anything in his whole life.
Immediately he shoved these ravenous impulses aside, giving himself a firm mental shake. This was not the time nor the place for such things. He should definitely be ashamed of himself for even thinking such thoughts about her.
Feeling herself being released from the burden of his weight, Armir slowly opened her eyes. With a slight mistiness in her gaze, she stared up at Legolas with questioning innocence, causing his insides to absolutely melt.
"Amin hiraetha. (I am sorry)" he murmured, stroking the raven hair that fanned out under her angelic head. "I . . . I do not know what came over me."
"Amin mela lle. (I love you)" Armir whispered back, reaching up for his face. Legolas' heart stopped beating as she caressed his cheek. He could see in her eyes that she wanted him as much as he did her.
"I . . . we cannot do this, Armir." he told her gently. "As much as my heart longs for it, I have too much respect for you. I do not wish to taint your innocence."
Legolas took her hand, pulling her up from the grass with him as he stood. "We shall wait until we are properly bound before we venture into such intimacies." He pressed his lips on her forehead and smiled. "When we are wed, my love, we shall have all of eternity ahead of us to do anything you wish."
Suddenly, he caught sight of a tear sliding down her cheek, followed by another. Realizing in alarm that she was crying, he drew her back into his caring embrace.
"A'maelamin, mani naa raika (my beloved, what is wrong)?" he asked in concern.
Armir looked up at him through eyes filled with sadness, and at last spoke in a quivering voice.
"There is something I must tell you."
* * *
Armir glanced uneasily at Legolas where he sat silently beside her, having grown quiet after she had finished with her explanations. She tried to read his face, and was surprised to see that he did not look the least upset about her news. There was slight worry, but even that seemed to disappear when at last he turned to her and smiled.
"Well, I suppose there is no arguing with the Lady when she has spoken, is there?" he murmured thoughtfully, stroking Armir's hand where it was wrapped warmly in his. "At least now we have reasonable explanations of why your grandfather sent you with us, and why you fell ill at Moria."
Armir nodded, but said nothing as she ducked her head to avoid eye contact with him. "So you are not upset that I have to go?" she asked softly.
Legolas sighed. "It is honestly my will that you stay." he said regretfully. "Though I do not like the idea of you being placed at risk, it seems we have no choice. After all, in truth our loyalties are bound to the Fellowship. If there is a great need for you to accompany us, who am I to stand in way?"
In spite of the anxiety and sorrow stabbing at her heart, Armir had to smile at her beloved elf. He was so noble, so accepting. She ached with the desire to embrace him, but she knew she couldn't. She shouldn't.
Not when she was about break his heart next.
Legolas quickly noticed the apprehension on her face, and mistook its meaning. Sliding his arms around her waist, he pulled her onto his lap.
"It's all right, Armir." he whispered, nuzzling her cheek affectionately. "No matter what happens, wherever we go, I will never let any harm come upon you. I would die before that happens."
This brave vow, though well-intended, caused Armir to snap instantly.
"No!" she immediately cried, wrenching away from Legolas' doting arms. "Do not say that!"
She stood before him, shaking with emotion as she struggled not to let tears overcome her. Meanwhile, Legolas stared at her with much surprise at her sudden vehemence. His keen, concerned gaze only caused further hysterical words to flood out of Armir's mouth.
"Will you just stop worrying so much about me?!" she shouted in a trembling voice. "I can fend for myself without you having to make such a big fuss."
Legolas frowned. Armir felt a pang of guilt and sorrow at the hurt she saw flash in his eyes, but she stood her ground. Before he could even open his mouth to speak, she continued with her ranting.
"Honestly Legolas, I am so tired of you fawning over me all the time." she snapped, turning her face away so she wouldn't have to see his reactions to her harsh words. "Sometimes I think you see me as a poor helpless child!"
"How can you accuse me of such a thing?" She heard Legolas say softly. "I have never thought of you as a child. I think you are the most beautiful, most wonderful maiden I have ever met. If I go too far with my attention towards you, it is only because I care about you more than anything in my life. I love you so much."
"Stop saying that!!!"
Her grief and fear, amplified by desperate love for him, caused Armir to raise her voice in a hysterical level it had never reached before. She instinctively spun around to face him, and regretted it upon doing so. Pain struck her with the realization that she was the cause of the hurt she saw on his fair face.
Tears stung Armir's eyes. She longed to take him in her arms and kiss his sorrow away, tell him how much she also loved him and how sorry she was for saying such horrible things . . . but she knew she couldn't.
Not when she had gotten this far. When she was so close to her goal.
Legolas took a step closer. She instinctively backed away, knowing that upon feeling his nearness or touch her resolve would deteriorate.
"Armir, what is wrong?' Legolas murmured with concern. "Why are you saying all these things? Why are you acting this way?"
Armir took a deep breath, summoning all her courage. "Legolas . . . I do not want any of this anymore." she told him as firmly as she could, shaking her head. "Please, stop it."
Legolas only looked all the more confused. "I do not understand. Stop what?" he demanded, his voice sounding heavier with each word. "Stop loving you? Is that what you are asking of me?"
He reached over the distance between them, and grabbed her hands before she could resist.
"Armir, I do not know what is going on." he said quietly. "But I am begging you . . . do not allow it to come between us. Not like this."
The maiden stared up helplessly at the bright eyes locking on to hers with so much care, so much fervor, and instantly felt her barrier dissolve. She could not do this to him. She just couldn't bear hurting him.
"Legolas . . ." she managed to say, before he smothered further words with a deep and sudden kiss. Taken aback by this passion-filled gesture, Armir could do nothing but lose herself in the heart-melting moment.
"I have loved you from the first moment I laid eyes on you." Legolas whispered as their lips finally parted. His fingers traced her face and stroked her hair affectionately. "I have looked upon you the same way since, and my feelings have only deepened with time. Even if the Valar themselves ordered me to hold back or deny my affections for you, I can do no such thing."
A shiny drop spilled down Armir's ivory cheek to land on Legolas' caressing fingers.
"Why?" she asked weakly, her breath failing her as she shut her eyes to relish the touch of his gentle hands. "Why must you care for me so much? I have done nothing to deserve it."
Legolas smiled. "Just being yourself-so sweet and kind and so beautiful- was more than enough." he told her sincerely. "But then you gave me your heart, though I was unworthy of it, and made me the happiest elf alive. It is impossible to ask for anything more."
Armir felt him plant a tender kiss on her closed eyelids, and could not help but sigh contentedly in his arms. She was ready to drop all her earlier intentions and surrender to his romantic words and gestures, but the statements that followed pulled her back to a horrendous realization.
"It worried me at first because I thought I was going mad with all that I was feeling for you. I had never thought it possible for me to care about someone so quickly and strongly, but you proved me wrong." Legolas said confidently, keeping his forehead pressed against hers. "I really do love you with all my heart, Armir. I will be damned before I let anything come between us."
Armir's eyes shot wide open with shock as the haunting words of her great- grandmother returned to memory.
"You have the ability to not only sense the feelings of others around you, but to affect them as well, either by easing them or by making them stronger. . ."
As these words echoed in her thoughts Armir pulled back so hastily and roughly from Legolas' embrace that he was too taken aback with surprise to prevent her.
"What is it?' he asked quickly, noticing the adverse expression that had filled her face.
Armir could say nothing, though her mouth had come slightly open. Slowly and unconsciously she began to back away from the confused prince.
"Armir, if I have said anything wrong, please tell me." Legolas begged.
But the girl had already become too ensnared in her own horrifying thoughts to hear what her lover was saying. As her shock and fear increased with her realization of the truth, her breaths grew ragged and difficult. Gradually she began to sway as a sudden faintness threatened to overcome her.
As if noticing her weakening state, Legolas made a motion to reach out and support her. On instinct, Armir recoiled again before the comfort of his embrace could draw her in.
"No, Legolas!" she cried out, jerking from within the surprised elf's reach.
This proved to be too much her trembling legs however, and the maiden stumbled to the ground in defeat. Flowing tears quickly intensified to uncontrollable sobs. Before she could get a grasp on what was happening, she felt strong arms around her.
"Armir. . ." Legolas' gentle voice soothed her ear. "Just tell me."
The concern and sadness she heard in his words were her breaking point.
"You do not really love me, Legolas!" she finally managed to burst out, before her sobs prevented her from saying anything further.
"What?!"
Now came Legolas' turn to retract. He stood gaping down at the weeping elf in his arms, momentarily too shocked to say anything right away.
"How can you say that?" he said when at last he regained control of his speech. The hurt on his face cut through Armir like a sword of ice. "Have I not proven well enough my devotion to you? Have I left you in wanting? Have I not given enough to make you happy?"
"Legolas, no!" Armir exclaimed. "You have been so wonderful to me, even I cannot understand how I could deserve it."
"Then how can you say I do not love you?"
"Because it is not real!" Armir cried out desperately. "Because I am an enchantress who manipulates the feelings of others towards me. I know not where this accursed power came from, or how I have gone about using it. But this is not what you deserve Legolas! It is not . . ."
"Armir, stop it!" Legolas cut her off sharply. "You are speaking nonsense!"
"I am telling you the truth!" Armir insisted. "The Lady told me so herself, and she will not lie."
The elf took a deep breath to gain control over herself as she struggled to explain further. "Think about it, Legolas. What other contribution could I have made or will make to the Fellowship? My role as Frodo's companion is rooted in this ability of mine to ease his pain and strengthen his courage. Lady Galadriel told me it is also through this gift that I am able help the Fellowship bear the sorrows and hardship of the quest."
"Then what has this to do with you and me?" Legolas asked grimly. The look of hurt and confusion on his face was gradually changing to one that seemed like anger.
"Legolas, I love you." Armir said softly. "But when I see all the things you do to care for me and protect me, I become frightened. You risk too much. You become irrational. You fall into emotions and actions that I know are not really of your nature. It is as though you are under a spell."
"A spell?!" Legolas repeated incredulously. He let out a harsh laugh that sounded bitter and forced. "What are you trying to say?"
"I am saying that this is all my fault." Armir whispered. "I should have seen it sooner. I am sorry."
"Armir, stop!" Legolas ordered. "Enough with this foolishness."
"Legolas, please." Armir begged. "Do not make it any more difficult for me to do this."
"Difficult for YOU?!" Legolas shouted, losing control of temper at last. "How do you suppose I feel? You stand there telling me I am under a spell, that all the happiness I have felt over the past months has been false, and that the greatest thing I have ever known in all my life is just a lie!"
"Do you not think it hurts me too?" Armir cried. "You are the only elf have ever and ever could love this much. But I must let you go, for you do not deserve to waste your heart on someone who may just be using enchantment to gain your love. I will not risk your happiness!"
"That is my choice, not yours." Legolas snapped back.
Armir shook her head, lifting her chin in spite of the tears. "I am making it mine." she responded firmly. "I will undo the harm I have caused you."
"This is madness!" Legolas yelled, his anger vivid on his face now. He turned away from Armir in resentment. "I refuse to listen to this any longer!"
"You do not have to." Armir said quietly. "I have nothing left to say. It ends here. Now."
Upon hearing this, Legolas whirled around to face her immediately. Armir felt her heart go to pieces upon seeing the tears in his eyes.
"It could not have been false, Armir." he murmured sadly. "It was the most real, most beautiful feeling I have ever had in my entire being. I care not what the Lady, or anyone else in this world may say. All I know is that I love you. Nothing will ever be able to change that."
Silence followed his last words. Across the distance between them, the two elves stared into each other's eyes for that long moment, one trying to find reassurance and the other begging for understanding. When at last she felt she could no longer stand being tortured by the grief in his eyes, Armir broke her gaze away. She reached around her neck and unclasped the chain of Legolas' necklace.
"I am sorry." she whispered, holding out the necklace to him with a shaking hand.
There was a brief pause before Legolas stepped forward and claimed his mother's necklace. Armir could feel his eyes upon her as he kept them steady on her face, though he spoke no words.
Taking his muteness as a sign of resignation, Armir made a motion to turn and leave before the screaming anguish in her heart caused her to change her mind. But before she could do so, Legolas caught hold of her.
His kiss was short but sweet, full of the passion and longing he felt. When it ended, Armir could only stare up breathlessly at him, her cheeks streaked with tears-both hers and his.
"I will not force you to love me if you do not wish to." Legolas told her softly, cupping one cheek in his hand. "But know that I will never leave your side. Nothing will ever change the fact you are the only one I will ever care for."
With this, he released her, turned, and walked away, leaving a distraught Armir standing on her own.
* * *
Haldir frowned as his eyes scanned the Lorien night sky from where he lay resting upon the base of a mallorn tree. Strange. There was nary a star visible in the darkness. He could not recall the last time he had seen the heavens appear so cloudy and gloomy. Was this an ominous sign of something to come?
Or perhaps the Valar just saw it fit to arrange the heavens to match his mood that evening.
A low growl of frustration and annoyance escaped Haldir's throat as he closed his eyes again. He had been brooding heavily in solitude for the past few hours since he received news of Armir's engagement, and he was growing rather weary of it. Why couldn't he just accept it? In this matter, Legolas was the winner, and he the loser.
It was not as though Legolas would make Armir a horrible husband. As much as Haldir hated to admit it, he knew that the prince really did love Armir, and will care for her no less that he would have. It was without a doubt that Legolas would keep happy and safe.
"Stop being so selfish for once!" Haldir scolded himself. "Not everything has to be about you."
If he really cared about Armir, he should find in himself enough strength to let her go, so she could be with the elf she truly loved. It was the right thing to do, and that was all there was to it.
The March Warden frowned as the vision of Armir in Legolas' arms played in his head. But was it really possible for the right thing to hurt him so much? Somehow it didn't seem fair. . .
Just then, a strange, faint sound caught Haldir's attention, pulling him from his moping at once. He sat up and his senses went on alert, his keen eyes roving the surrounding woods as he listened intently.
As soon as he recognized the sound, a scowl formed on his lips and concern filled his clear eyes. At once he rose to his feet and swiftly made his way to the source.
He did not have to walk far before he finally found what he was searching for. As he had suspected, there was the elf he loved, sprawled on the soft grass with her face in her hands and her petite form trembling with each sob.
Haldir's heart was filled with an overwhelming mix of anger and pain at the sight of her. His first instinct was to hunt down and destroy whoever or whatever caused her to weep like this. . . but that was not what she needed as of the moment.
"Armir?" he called out softly, stepping forward in hesitation.
At the soothing sound of his voice, the maiden looked up immediately. Her teary blue eyes seemed to fill with relief at the sight of him standing there.
"Haldir. . ." was all she would whisper. She seemed to be too weak with grief to even lift herself from the ground.
In a instant Haldir was kneeling by the princess' side, taking her into his arms. Holding her tightly against him, he rocked her in his embrace. Armir in turn only began to cry harder, burying her wet face into her dear friend's shoulder.
For a while Haldir could say nothing for lack of knowledge of what could possibly comfort her. But as he listened to the maiden's sobs and felt her slender body quiver uncontrollably against his, realization dawned on him. There was only one thing that could possibly cause his princess so much grief.
Or rather, one person.
Haldir's eyes narrowed with fury. He never should have trusted his Armir with that self-absorbed elfling. He will make him regret ever making her cry. By Eru, Legolas will pay for this.
"It's all right, Melamin. Do not cry anymore." Haldir whispered at last, caressing Armir's back with a gentle hand as he held her protectively. He planted a kiss on her forehead and pressed his cheek firmly against her hair.
"I am here now."
* * *
COMING UP . . . Chapter 11 - Love
Take a vote when you review: who should win Armir? Legolas or Haldir? ;p I actually already have a fixed ending for this tale, but I'm just curious to know who you'd rather she end up with! Hehehe. . . .
Thanks for reading! See ya all soon! ;p Take care everyone!