AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Hi guys! ;p Wow, I have not updated this quickly since school started! I guess this part of this story is just way too exciting to wait. I wrote like two-thirds of it in one afternoon! I only hope it turned out nicely enough to meet your expectations. . .
Sadly, I think I've been losing the interest of some of my older readers. Either that or everyone's just been too busy to review! Anyhow, I've decided to acknowledge the few who have taken the time to comment on the last chapter (and I am therefore very indebted to them):
JENNY - Unpredictable? Well yep, that's me! Hehehe. . . I know, the angst has been getting a little heavy; I really should tone down on that next time. I think you would approve of this chapter though . . . hope you enjoy!
ARWEN UNDOMIEL - Thank you so much! You are the only one so far to comment (or maybe even look) on the webpage! The actress playing Armir is Kristin Kreuk, a.k.a Lana Lang from Smallville. I think she's really sweet and pretty, thus fitting to play a young elf. Anyway, thanks a lot for your support!
INDIL ELONDILI - Thanks for the correction! I'll try to keep it in mind next time.
AIRA - Aw, that's sweet. Thank you so much!
LUTHIEN KATE SEREGON - Thank you so much, that really means a lot. What can I say I love drama! Hehehe . . .
LINDORIE ALUTHIEL - Hmm . . . I guess there really has been too much angst lately. Don't worry; even less of it here! Hope you like it!
ARWEN1481 - Thank you for making the effort to go through all twelve chapters! Hehehe . . . most people would not really bother.
DUNTHONWEN - The answers to your hopes and questions are right here! ;p Enjoy!
EARWEN OF ALQ. - Yeah, I know. . . poor Haldir. But . . . it's really either him or Legolas! ;p
JULIET-0104 - Yep, we all love Haldir. But, sorry March Warden, Armir's already taken!
NIENNA - Thank you, thank you! (Um, sorry, I'm running out of things to say! Hehehe . . .)
BLOODYROSES - Demon chipmunks?! That would be interesting. Hehehe . . . Thanks so much!
CRYSTALSNOWFLAKES - Thanks! Here's your update!
SNOWMANE - I was able to grant your wish! Hehehe. . . the flower works!
Anyhow, I will not keep you waiting any longer. I'm just as excited as you are for you to read this update, since it is probably my favorite chapter in the whole story. Why do I say that? Well, read on and find out! Hehehe . . . ;p
HAPPY READING!
* * *
THE SACRIFICE
Chapter Thirteen - Wish
A slight look of uncharacteristic worry clouded the usually placid expression of Lord Celeborn as he paused in his conversation with the younger elf standing before him. The Lord of the Galadrim then sighed and began to pace lightly, no longer able to mask his anxiety behind his ordinarily calm and sober air. At last, he ceased his restless movement and spoke to his companion once again.
"Are you certain you wish to continue with this plan of yours, Utinumin (my son)?" he asked in a gentle but blunt tone of voice. "You know very well that the consequences will be dire should you get caught."
The handsome he-elf nodded solemnly. "I realize what is at stake, my Lord." he assured him. "I will be careful."
"I know you will." Celeborn answered, though the crease did not leave his brow. "But I feel I must warn you-Armir is at a very unstable state right now. She is full of grief and fear. If she should suddenly be confronted by the sight your face again, her heart may not be able to withstand the emotions weighing down upon her. Failure is at risk."
"It is a risk I am willing to take." the elf responded frankly. He shook his head, looking regretful yet obviously unyielding. "I am sorry, my Lord. I know you would rather I remain here and pursue her no more than I already have. But I must do this. I shall go mad if I stay behind and just allow her to walk into Moria without me. I have to be there for her."
Celeborn let out another heavy sigh. He should know better than trying to reason with this headstrong elf. Not that he could really blame him. Impetuousness did usually come with youthful, desperate love.
"All right." the Lord of Lorien consented at last. "You may go with my blessing. It would be best that you depart now, before the distance between you and their company grows to great for you to track them."
The elf's face brightened immediately. "Diola lle, Heruamin (thank you, my lord)." he murmured with a humble bow.
"Worry not." he added confidently after raising his head back up. "I have done well so far in keeping my tracks discreet. I promise I will not fail now, especially when the circumstances have become graver."
Celeborn smiled and nodded. "Then that is all the assurance I need. I have faith in your promises." he told him kindly. "Safe journey then, my son. May the Valar be with you."
* * *
It was the fifth night of their river journey, and still Legolas had not spoken a word to Armir. On occasion, their paths would cross and their gazes would meet unavoidably, but they both chose to end any such contacts as soon as they grew conscious of them. Though Legolas could feel Armir's hurt at his apparent coldness towards her, his stubbornness continued to overrule his care and pity. There was still so much that he could not understand, so many doubts that where troubling this mind.
At times, whenever his eyes would behold the sight of Armir's ravishing beauty, he would feel the torturing urge to just take her in his arms as freely and lovingly as he used to. But then his mind would flash back to the memory of the night when she had broken their engagement, as well as his heart. It was she who had chosen to push him aside. Though Haldir himself had confirmed that Armir did not betray him, that did not answer the other questions plaguing his mind.
Did Armir really still love him? Did she ever? If she did, then why did she deny him? Why was she insisting on the lie that his love was untrue? Why would she not tell him the real reason for her pushing him away?
It was a dark and chilly night at the riverbank where the Fellowship had camped for the night. As he sat there in solitary silence, keeping watch while the rest of this companions slept, the elf-prince continued to mull over his thoughts. Then suddenly, from the peaceful quiet of the slumbering figures that lay sprawled out on the ground before him, he heard a soft, but unmistakably familiar sound that drew him out of his reverie in an instant. His jaw clenched as a painful feeling tugged in his chest.
As she had been doing so every night since the first day they had left Lorien, Armir was crying in her sleep.
For a while Legolas simply sat there and listened to the subdued sobs, trying to ignore the way each one pierced his heart like a thousand arrow shafts. He closed his eyes and struggled to shut out the sound with his will, but to no avail. Armir's sorrowful tears grieved him more than any other power he had ever come across in his life, and not even their shattered relationship could alter that loving empathy his soul had for her.
As though his actions were being controlled by some enigmatic force, Legolas found himself getting up and venturing over to the secluded spot where Armir lay sleeping. As he stood over her, the little moonlight that shone down from the sky faintly illuminated her pretty face. The sight revealed was of cheeks flushed and streaked with wet beads running down from her blue eyes, which were open but clouded over in Elvish slumber.
Mesmerized yet troubled by the sight, Legolas unconsciously found himself falling to his knees beside the sleeping maiden. He caught a hold of himself just as his hand was poised over her face, ready to touch it with a loving caress. Upon realizing what he was doing, the elf recoiled immediately, gritting his teeth in frustration. He cannot do this. He was not going to sink low enough to take advantage of her unconscious state.
"If this is hurting you so much, then why do you not just tell me the truth?" he muttered, rising back to his feet. "Why would you not let me back into your heart?"
Just as he turned around to leave her once again, his ears perceived something that stopped him like a brick wall.
"Legolas, no. Please. . . please don't leave me."
He spun back around, only to see that Armir was still unconscious in her slumber. Her rest was obviously not a peaceful one however, for although her eyes were misted over, they were visibly tormented by some grief. As the tears continued to fall, her lips moved as she whimpered the same pleas over and over.
"Legolas, don't leave me . . ." she sobbed, the sadness in her voice giving evidence to the awful nightmare haunting her sleep.
"Armir." Legolas whispered, a wave of pity causing all his restraints to slip away. He knelt back down at her side and took her hand. His warm touch seemed to give her immediate comfort, for almost at once her tears began to subside and her cries died down.
Legolas felt a drop escape the corner of his own eye as he gazed down at his princess. He had no idea that all this was hurting her so much, even to the extent of disturbing her dreams. He never realized that she was grieving just as badly as he.
"What is it that is hurting you, Armir?" he thought, anguished by his own helplessness. "Why could you not just tell me?"
As he raised her hand to place it against his cheek, he at last came to the firm recognition that his love for Armir had not only remained true and unwavering in his heart through all these trials and misunderstandings, but it had continued to grow steadfastly as it always had, with each moment that passed by. The only reason why he could not show her this love was because of his doubts that she loved him in return, or even wanted him in her life anymore. But now that his resentment had dissolved, renewed in Legolas was the eagerness to fight for her love once again.
All he needed now was a sign from Armir that she would give him that chance. And, until she did, he was willing to wait for an eternity.
"I will never leave you, Armir." he vowed, planting a soft kiss on her motionless fingertips. "Whether we are together or apart, I will always be there for you. I swear it."
Filled with iron resolve to stick to this promise, he stayed by her side the whole night, holding her hand in his to ward off any more tears and restlessness. Only when dawn came did he retreat back to his post, before she could wake up and realize that the beautiful dream that had chased away her nightmares was actually real.
* * *
On the eighth night of their voyage, the Fellowship decided to continue their watery travel even as night fell upon them. Though there was possible peril of rapids up ahead, they decided to go on nonetheless, given Aragorn's assurance that harsh waters would not hit them until many more miles ahead.
Some time later, as the three boats drifted easily down the river, Armir squinted her eyes as she stared out at the water rushing about the sides of their vessel. She could sense something was not quite right. It was as though the movement of the waters was speeding up at a increasing rate, minute by minute. Moments later, her fears were confirmed by a frantic shout from Sam.
"I see rocks up ahead!" he cried in dismay. "We'll be crushed!"
A rush of panic ran over their company as the severity of the warning sunk in. Their boats were positioned closely alongside each other, and in the dark Armir could see the frantically moving shadows of her friends.
"The rapids!" Boromir cried, his tone increasing the fear in Armir. "We have to paddle back!"
Armir watched helplessly as Merry took up their spare paddle and thrust into the water, imitating Boromir's desperate but effectively powerful strokes. Moments later they managed to turn the craft around, and began a laborious but gradual progress back up the river, against the formidable current.
Suddenly, the twang of a bowstring reached their ears. Seconds later, more of such noises followed, accompanied by the frightening whistle of arrows flying overhead and about them.
"We're under attack!" Pippin yelped, stating what was already obvious to them all.
Armir gasped fearfully. She turned her head and realized in horror that the river was continually drawing their boats closer and closer towards the eastern shore. Along the menacing banks of that side of the river, her Elven eyes could make out in the night several dark shapes stirring in the ominous shadows.
"Yrch (orcs)!" Legolas cried, apparently perceiving the same thing she just had. As though they heard Legolas' voice recognizing their presence, the orcs began screeching their hideous battle cries, causing chills of repulsion and dread to run across Armir's skin.
At that moment, Armir overheard the sound of an arrow flying perilously near. She then felt a sharp pain slicing into her hand and screamed in alarm, realizing that an arrow had lodged itself into the gunwale of their boat. It had narrowly missed striking her hand solidly, but had instead grazed the side of her finger, producing a deep cut that was not lethal, but burning nonetheless. A muted whimper of pain escaping her throat, she grabbed her hand in the other and pressed upon it in an attempt to numb the hurt.
An enraged cry rang in the darkness. A strange feeling caused Armir's heart to leap when she recognized the owner of the voice. She twisted around slightly in the boat and looked to where the shout had come from. She then spotted a willowy figure trying to stand up from a nearby boat.
"Legolas." she whispered.
* * *
"Legolas, what are you doing?!" Gimli shouted. "Stay down, or else you'll tip the boat over!"
But the elf was far too infuriated to pay any heed to this rational warning. Their craft wobbled dangerously as he slowly got to his feet, shifting his weight precariously in order to maintain their balance. He reached out for his Galadrim bow, but Gimli grabbed his arm before he could lift it up.
"Legolas, stop this madness!" he growled. "Control yourself Laddie, or else we shall all be finished! Sit down!"
"Someone has to do something!" Legolas snapped back, referring to the continuing shower of goblin arrows besieging their company. "I will not allow those repulsive beasts to pick us off one by one!"
The truth was, there was only one person whose safety he cared about far above the others'. When he had heard Armir scream, he had been seized by an immense surge of panic and anger. It was the first time she had ever called out in need of help and he was in no position to give it to her. The frustration brought about by this helplessness was the worst blow his stomach ever had to deal with. Upon hearing her cry, frightful images of the princess getting hurt tormented his thoughts, and at that moment, all Legolas wanted to do was to shoot down every orc in Middle Earth in order to prevent any such visions from becoming reality.
"No!" Gimli responded forcibly. "Listen to me! If you do not back down and keep working at the paddles, it would be the end of us for sure! I know it is hard Lad, but just hold down your pride for now and fight later, when the time is more fitting."
Just as Legolas opened his mouth to respond, the sound of a whistling arrow caught his attention. His reflexes failed him however, for suddenly a sharp pain attacked his right abdomen area. It took him a full second to realize that he had been shot in the gut.
"Legolas!" Gimli shouted, as the elf prince reeled over in pain and surprise. The dwarf reached out and grabbed his friend's tunic before he could collapse and fall overboard. Falling back in the boat, Legolas gasped and shook his head in order to regain his senses. Gripping the arrow that was lodged into his right belly, he gritted his teeth and yanked it out of his flesh. Blood began to gush out of the wound, leaving Legolas momentarily stunned. It had been over a century since he had last been inflicted with such a grave injury, he had almost forgotten what it was like to bleed.
"You crazy elf! Come on! The sooner we get out of here, the sooner we can tend to that." Gimli urged.
Now finding himself in no position to argue, Legolas settled back into his seat and took hold of his paddle once again. Vowing revenge, he vented out his anger against the rushing river waters, and propelled their boat forward with mighty, incensed strokes.
Gradually, after long minutes of labor, the menacing swirls of the river weakened, and the volley of orc arrows lessened. Eventually the threat of the eastern shore was passed, and the hulls of the Fellowship's boats managed to hit the loam of the western banks.
Without even pausing to catch his breath, Legolas leapt out of the boats the moment it docked safely on the shore. Ignoring the torturous pain shooting up all over his torso, he seized his bow and quiver and scrambled up the bank to more stable ground, eager for vengeance. His eyes flashed dangerously as he readied an arrow onto the powerful Lorien bow and aimed it at the eastern side of the river.
"Nurta, Nadorhuanrim (Hide, cowardly dogs)." he growled, venom dripping in his voice. His fingers trembled with desire to loosen the arrow and send it flying into the throat of an orc. However, in the cover of darkness, not even his keen eyes could focus on a target. He could hear their distantly taunting shrieks, daring him to come after them.
Biting back his anger in order to concentrate, Legolas closed his eyes and focused on the sounds of the orcs' foul laughter. Mental visions of his moving targets came to mind, and he took aim.
"Sana sina (Take this)!" he snarled.
The Galadrim bow sang gloriously as it sent an arrow soaring through the air across the incredible distance of the river. A second later, there was an agonized shriek and choking gasp as one orc fell to the ground.
Arrow after arrow flew, propelled by the Mirkwood prince's rage. Each one succeeded in bringing down a dying goblin. Soon it became obvious to the villains that they did not stand a chance against the elf's incredible skill and terrible wrath. Before they could begin a retreat however, a dark cloud appeared in the skies above. Almost at once the dismayed cries of the orcs transformed into malicious cheers.
"What is that?" Legolas overheard Pippin ask fearfully. The elf raised his eyes up to the heavens and watched as a moving shadow crept from the South to block out the little light that the stars provided them. Its size and movements made it clear that it was no mere cloud. It was a huge winged creature of some sort, one that was obviously a great threat to them, judging from the orcs' cries of greeting at its arrival.
"It is coming for us." a soft voice whispered anxiously, and immediately Legolas recognized Armir's gentle tone.
Legolas' eyes narrowed. He raised his bow up to the sky and took careful aim at the shadow. With a fierce twang, an arrow soared straight into the heavens. A bestial shriek assured the Fellowship that their archer's shot had effectively hit its mark. The winged monster veered wildly before beginning a plunge to the ground. It eventually vanished from sight in the darkness of the eastern shore.
* * *
"What happened?" Aragorn asked quietly. "I never thought I would see the day something like this would befall you."
Legolas remained silent as the Ranger tended to his abdomen wound, unsure of what explanations to make. He gritted his teeth and tried not to cry out as Aragorn rubbed an herb paste into the deep, stinging cut before securing a thick bandage around his midsection.
"Legolas?" Aragorn pressed, determined to get an answer out of him. "What went wrong?"
The elf sighed. "I simply got distracted." he finally mumbled, carefully avoiding his friend's concerned gaze. "It is nothing to worry about."
"You are not so easily made unfocused, Legolas." Aragorn said sternly. "Whatever is troubling you, I suggest you resolve it, before more grave consequences result next time."
Legolas sat up and grabbed his tunic. "As you say." he muttered, slipping his clothes back on.
As Aragorn left him to rejoin the others where they sat huddled in the moored boats, Legolas took a moment to sit there alone, once again seeking solitude in his thoughts. They made no camp that night, and had decided to just stick close together and sleep in their boats till morning came. Unwilling to have his injury nursed in front of their comrades, Legolas led Aragorn a safe distance away from the rest of the group before he allowed the Ranger to perform his healing tasks. The proud elf found enough embarrassment at his being wounded while the others had been able to make it through the orc attack with nary a scratch.
When finally he decided to return to his companions, Legolas got to his feet and began to walk back down the bank. He was so caught up in his thoughts that he did not even sense the presence of a person approaching until she spoke to him.
"Legolas?"
The elf turned around to face the origin of the timid, but heart-melting sound. His heart skipped a beat at the sight of his beloved staring up at him with wide, concerned eyes.
"Are-are you all right?" she asked shyly. She dared a couple of steps closer, peering at him carefully and searching for a visual answer to her question.
"I am fine." Legolas snapped back. As soon as these words left his lips, he cringed mentally. He did not mean to sound so curt, but this sudden meeting was making him uncomfortable. He did not know yet how to speak to Armir after all that had happened, and he was actually surprised at her courage to step up to him and start a conversation, breaking the silence that had prevailed between them over the past days.
"What about you?" he managed to blurt out, the aloofness in his voice concealing the genuinely anxious concern eating at his heart.
"I am feeling okay." Armir replied softly, holding up her hand to reveal a bandaged finger. "It is nothing compared to your own injury."
She hesitated for a moment, looking as though she was debating whether to ask another question or not. Finally, she rested her worried eyes on Legolas' face, their innocent beauty rendering the prince completely paralyzed.
"Why did you do that, Legolas?" she asked him, her voice trembling to match her quivering chin. "Why did you have to place yourself at such risk? You-you could have been killed!"
Legolas stared down at her, tortured by the familiar longing to embrace her and cover her sweet but sad face with kisses.
"Because I did not want you to get hurt. Because I would die if anything happened to you. Because I cannot live without you. Because I love you."
So many truthful answers jostled around his head, begging for expression, but not one of them could find escape from the stubborn elf's mouth. At last, Legolas wrenched away from Armir's gaze.
"It is not safe for you to be apart from the others." he told her tersely, once again ignoring the disappointment he saw cross her face. As he passed her by he was cautious not to come in any physical contact. "Come, I will walk with you back to the boats."
* * *
The ten days of their journey were at last coming to a close. The Fellowship had managed to reach as far as Amon Hen, along the right arm of the great river. Camping at the lawn of Parth Galen for the night, all they had left to wait for was the decision of Frodo as to where their quest would lead them. As such, their company retired as they waited for morning, falling into a sleep that was uneasy, though deep due to the toll of weariness inflicted by the day's labor.
Though her companions had already settled down and drifted off into peaceful slumber, Armir could not manage to find any rest. The grief that had been renewed by Legolas' rebuffs the night she had mustered up the courage to speak to him weighed heavily on her heart. His bitterness towards her as she attempted reconciliation was the last straw that wiped out the little hope she had left.
For the past two days since that encounter, Armir felt as though she could not think, eat, or sleep; even the mere act of breathing was staring to become strenuous. Her spirit felt as though it was lifeless, and she passed through the long days in a dazed state, oblivious to what was going on around her. She felt no emotions save for the numbness that cloaked her soul. She cared for nothing and sensed nothing, as though there was nothing left for her to live for. At last, the elf came to the terrible conclusion that she was slowing dying from heartbreak.
She had stopped crying her grief away, for even tears seemed to have lost their ability to relieve or soothe her of her burdens. So at the moment all she could do was sit still and lose herself in distressing thoughts, the silence of the night only making her stupor harder to bear. She felt as though she was going to go mad with sorrow that could find neither comfort nor release.
At last, she stood and began to venture further up the grassy lawn away from the riverbank where camp had been set up. Perhaps a walk would somehow help ease her seemingly hopeless state. A few minutes later, she reached the line of trees resting at the slopes of the foot of Amon Hen. Just as she was about to take a seat at the base of one tree, a voice caused her to freeze in place.
"What do you think you are doing here?"
Armir immediately turned, though without surprise, at the sound of the all- too-familiar sardonic tone. Sure enough, sitting beneath the shade of a tree some yards away was Legolas. For once however, the princess did not feel the hurt or trepidation that usually seized her in confrontations like this. She had grown far too deadened towards his coldness.
"I am having difficulty sleeping." she answered him curtly, her emotionless voice likewise indicating her inner numbness. "I felt I needed some air."
As he rose to his feet, Legolas gazed at her with a look of displeasure. It was only as he began to approach her that Armir noticed he was naked from the waist up. He had obviously been tending to his injury, for the wound at his abdomen was unbandaged, revealing a severe scar that was raw but quickly healing. Realizing what the sight she was staring at was, the young maiden hurriedly diverted her eyes from Legolas' well-toned chest, thankful that the darkness probably covered up the furious blush invading her cheeks. Legolas however, seemed to be too caught up in his own concerns to notice her embarrassment.
"Must we go through this again?" he asked in exasperation. "It is not safe for you to wander off on your own. Have you not learned that lesson by now at least?"
Armir felt herself bristle with annoyance at his sarcasm. It was the first real emotion that had succeeded in surfacing in her heart over the past two days, but she had no time to even notice this resurgence. Before she knew it she was blurting out the thoughts in her head with no longer any timidity or restraint.
"Well, what about you?" she retorted snippily. "Think you that you will be any safer than I, sulking around by yourself? Orcs are not so choosy when it comes to the creatures they would attack."
"Me?" Legolas laughed bitterly. "I know how to care for myself. Unlike you . . ."
"I am not the one who has been shot!" Armir exploded, losing control of her temper at last. "If you are to show any concern or care for anyone, Legolas, why can you not start with yourself?!"
A dead silence followed her last words. For what seemed like eternity the two elves locked their eyes in gazes that were filled with deep yet vague emotions. After a few minutes Armir began to tremble slightly, feeling herself getting consumed by what fearfully seemed like anger in Legolas' glare. However strong she may try to pretend she was, he would forever be the stronger one. As always, he had no trouble in weakening her using the mere effect his eyes had upon her.
Unable to bear the mounting intensity any longer, Armir helplessly conceded defeat and tore her gaze away. Tears returned to her, ones that were of both frustration and sorrow.
"Please just let me be, Legolas." was the only statement she could sob out to salvage what was left of her crushed pride.
She turned and walked away, her head lowered in desolation. It was clear that she had lost him now. Legolas really did not love her anymore.
Suddenly, a powerful force that seized her around the waist prevented her from taking a step further. All at once Armir found herself engulfed in the warmth of soft skin that smelled of a dew-covered forest. Her eyes widened with surprise as her heart began to pound heavily in her chest. A startling rush of sudden bliss spread throughout every inch of her as she felt a warm face press into the softness of her hair.
"Amin hiraetha (I am sorry), Armir." Legolas whispered, his gentle voice a sharp contrast to the desperately rigid grip his arms had on her. She could feel him tremble as he began to cry, still holding her closely against him.
Armir sensed her heart melt with pity as she listened to his sobs. She felt his tears wet her hair and his uneven breaths come down on the back of her neck. Though confused at what his strange and sudden actions meant, she surprisingly did not care about these uncertainties.
With some difficulty, she pried herself loose from the elf's embrace. As his arms reluctantly slid away, she turned around to face him. Reaching up, she stroked his face and wiped away his tears gently. When Legolas drew her back to him, she did not resist but instead tilted her chin up to welcome his lips as they descended on hers.
The happiness that was rekindled in Armir the moment their mouths touched was indescribable. It was as though her heart, her soul, her very being and entire world had all at once been uplifted to the highest heaven it had ever reached. All the pain and sorrow that had just earlier felt like the death of her suddenly vanished from thought and memory, to be replaced by the thrilling passion of Legolas' lips.
The fiery kiss of the reunited lovers went on and on, revealing the need they had been forced to smother over their unbearable days apart. Their hands in turn explored every part of each other, eager to feel the contentment they had greatly missed in each other's arms. Armir however, made the mistake of brushing her fingers against the wound still in the process of healing. Though her hands were gentle, the sensitivity of his injury caused Legolas to recoil with a pained gasp.
"I'm sorry!" Armir gasped, her eyes filling with concern at the sight of agony on his face. "I did not mean to . . ."
Recovering almost instantly, Legolas placed a finger on her lips to cut her off and smiled at her. "It hurts less now that I am with you again." he assured, kissing her forehead tenderly.
Armir returned his smile and sank back into his arms. Then, with a more careful finger, she lightly traced the raw flesh outlining her beloved guardian's scar.
"Why?" she asked softly, repeating the same query she had posed two nights before.
"Because I love you." Legolas replied simply but decisively. "There is hardly any other reason for all the things I do. You are my life, Armir."
"Then why did you push me away so often these past days?" Armir whispered, looking up at him with innocently questioning eyes. "Why did you make me believe you no longer cared about me?"
Legolas sighed and shook his head. "I admit I have been such a proud, stubborn fool." he mumbled, caressing her soft cheek with the back of his hand. "But I was greatly hurt that night you denied me. I thought I would die at the thought of having lost your love. . . "
"But I do love you!" Armir blurted out before she could stop herself.
Legolas stared down at her with a face full of surprise but also of hope. "You do?" Armir felt his hands take hers and grip them tightly in anticipation.
"I love you with all my heart, Legolas." Armir said softly, relinquishing all the forewarnings that have been holding her back from the truth for so long. "In fact, I love you so much it does frighten me sometimes."
The elf prince's eyes narrowed in confusion. "Is your fear the reason why you tried to turn me away?" he asked. "Then why did you tell me that my love was not real but a mere effect of a spell?"
"That was mistake I must beg your forgiveness for." Armir replied, shaking her head regretfully. "I should never have doubted the sincerity of your love. I guess I was just overwhelmed by the idea of an elf as wonderful as you loving someone like me."
She took a deep breath, feeling tears coming as she recalled the terrible vision from Galadriel's mirror. "Then I began to fear the way you were so ready to give up everything, even your very life, for my sake. I am not deserving of such a sacrifice." she murmured.
Legolas smiled and kissed her lips softly. "How can I not love the most beautiful gift I have ever received in my life?" he chided gently. "Armir, you are my reason for living. Could you really blame me for wanting to protect you at all costs? If anything were to happen to you, I would expire for sure."
Armir sniffed as a few tears escaped her eyes and rolled down her face. "As would I." she wept. "I do not want to place you in any danger, Legolas. I thought that if I were out of your life you will be safer, for then you will not have to be burdened by a maiden you feel obliged to protect and wait on."
Legolas shook his head. "Armir, listen to me." he told her firmly, cupping her delicate chin in a gentle hand and urging her to look into his eyes. "For me there is no danger graver and no agony more insufferable than not being able to be there for you. You are the last thing I would ever wish to lose, and I would more willingly face death than leave your side."
He touched her face lovingly, his eyes marveling at the sight of her beauty. "I know not what the future holds for us. All I know is, no matter what, I just want to be with you." he whispered. "I want to be able to hold you and protect you for all my life. And should anything happen to me along the way, I will not care, because I would much rather die tomorrow than live a thousand years more without having known or loved you."
"Legolas . . ." Armir gasped, far too stunned by the beauty of his words to say anything else. A joy so great and profound touched her entire soul so deeply it almost hurt. Her grandmother was right. Legolas really did loved her more than any elf in Middle Earth did any other. The mere thought of it wanted to make her break down in tears of wonder.
No more words or tears were necessary however, as Legolas drew her closer and leaned over to kiss her once again. Sliding her arms around his neck as his tongue danced in her mouth, Armir responded to her lover's fervor and let go of all her apprehensions as she allowed herself the full pleasure of their tender rapture.
She was with her prince again, and for now, that was all that mattered.
* * *
The evening had passed by swiftly, and dawn was to come in a few hours, yet still Armir had not found any sleep. This night however, it was an intense happiness and not sorrow, that had kept her awake.
The maiden smiled and gazed up at the face of her beloved prince from where she was nestled safely in his arms. Her heart ached with love for him as she gently caressed his handsome face and watched him sleep, his beautiful eyes serenely clouded in undisturbed slumber. He had confessed that he had not rested at all since the day of their first quarrel, and it was only now that he had finally found enough peace to grant him some sleep. That is, after he had spent the earlier hours of the night reaffirming his sincere love for her.
Armir blushed at the memory of their shared passion. Once again it had nearly reached the furthest point of lovers' expression, but they had both managed to hold themselves back and curb their desires before they drove them too far. Legolas' respect for Armir's youthful innocence only made her fall deeper in love with him, and it likewise renewed and strengthened their determination to get married in the soonest opportune time.
When we are wed, Armir reminded herself with smile, as she held in her hand the engagement necklace that Legolas had earlier returned to her. Only when they are properly bound will they allow themselves the ultimate pleasures of their love, and their matrimonial union will make their lovemaking taste all the more sweeter.
With a contented sigh, Armir leaned her head back upon Legolas' chest, enjoying both its pleasant warmth and the steady rhythm in which it heaved up and down as he breathed. He subconsciously responded by drawing her closer to him, his gentle arms assuring her that there was no safer place in the world to be in at that moment.
With a gentle finger, Armir traced circles on the soft bare skin of his stomach, loving how his firm muscles felt beneath her touch. Her ear, pressed against his pectoral area, listened to the strength and constancy of his heartbeat.
Upon realizing something, Armir's own heart suddenly sank with worry. If only there was a way to ensure that that heartbeat would never cease, and will continue to give her beloved life for the rest of eternity. If only there was a way to ensure that he would never fall into the hands untimely death. At the very least, not for her sake.
Then, at that moment, she remembered.
The maiden reached into the inner folds of her outer robes and pulled out the white blossom she had been keeping there since the day they departed Lorien. It had merely been waiting for her to decide on her wish, and now that she had finally decided on what she wanted to have more than anything else in this world, it was time to make her request.
Shutting her eyes, Armir reverently held the flower close to her heart and offered a humble prayer of supplication to the Valar. It was a brief request, but one so pure and selfless that it touched the hearts of the gods unlike any other entreaty ever had before. Nienna herself was moved to tears and at once she guaranteed the fulfillment of the young elf maiden's hopes.
The making of her wish seemed to grant the princess a certain sense of peace and assurance, for moments later, as she laid her head back on Legolas' chest, she finally drifted off to sleep, safe and contented in the arms of the one she loved above all else in the entire world.
* * *
COMING UP . . . Chapter 14 - Forever
I am DYING to know what you think of this, so PLEASE don't leave without giving me a review! ;p That is my only request, and I promise I will return the favor by updating within the next two weeks.
Two more chapters to go! Gawd, the suspense is stifling, don't you think?!
Hehehe. . . later guys! Thanks for your time! Take care!
Hi guys! ;p Wow, I have not updated this quickly since school started! I guess this part of this story is just way too exciting to wait. I wrote like two-thirds of it in one afternoon! I only hope it turned out nicely enough to meet your expectations. . .
Sadly, I think I've been losing the interest of some of my older readers. Either that or everyone's just been too busy to review! Anyhow, I've decided to acknowledge the few who have taken the time to comment on the last chapter (and I am therefore very indebted to them):
JENNY - Unpredictable? Well yep, that's me! Hehehe. . . I know, the angst has been getting a little heavy; I really should tone down on that next time. I think you would approve of this chapter though . . . hope you enjoy!
ARWEN UNDOMIEL - Thank you so much! You are the only one so far to comment (or maybe even look) on the webpage! The actress playing Armir is Kristin Kreuk, a.k.a Lana Lang from Smallville. I think she's really sweet and pretty, thus fitting to play a young elf. Anyway, thanks a lot for your support!
INDIL ELONDILI - Thanks for the correction! I'll try to keep it in mind next time.
AIRA - Aw, that's sweet. Thank you so much!
LUTHIEN KATE SEREGON - Thank you so much, that really means a lot. What can I say I love drama! Hehehe . . .
LINDORIE ALUTHIEL - Hmm . . . I guess there really has been too much angst lately. Don't worry; even less of it here! Hope you like it!
ARWEN1481 - Thank you for making the effort to go through all twelve chapters! Hehehe . . . most people would not really bother.
DUNTHONWEN - The answers to your hopes and questions are right here! ;p Enjoy!
EARWEN OF ALQ. - Yeah, I know. . . poor Haldir. But . . . it's really either him or Legolas! ;p
JULIET-0104 - Yep, we all love Haldir. But, sorry March Warden, Armir's already taken!
NIENNA - Thank you, thank you! (Um, sorry, I'm running out of things to say! Hehehe . . .)
BLOODYROSES - Demon chipmunks?! That would be interesting. Hehehe . . . Thanks so much!
CRYSTALSNOWFLAKES - Thanks! Here's your update!
SNOWMANE - I was able to grant your wish! Hehehe. . . the flower works!
Anyhow, I will not keep you waiting any longer. I'm just as excited as you are for you to read this update, since it is probably my favorite chapter in the whole story. Why do I say that? Well, read on and find out! Hehehe . . . ;p
HAPPY READING!
* * *
THE SACRIFICE
Chapter Thirteen - Wish
A slight look of uncharacteristic worry clouded the usually placid expression of Lord Celeborn as he paused in his conversation with the younger elf standing before him. The Lord of the Galadrim then sighed and began to pace lightly, no longer able to mask his anxiety behind his ordinarily calm and sober air. At last, he ceased his restless movement and spoke to his companion once again.
"Are you certain you wish to continue with this plan of yours, Utinumin (my son)?" he asked in a gentle but blunt tone of voice. "You know very well that the consequences will be dire should you get caught."
The handsome he-elf nodded solemnly. "I realize what is at stake, my Lord." he assured him. "I will be careful."
"I know you will." Celeborn answered, though the crease did not leave his brow. "But I feel I must warn you-Armir is at a very unstable state right now. She is full of grief and fear. If she should suddenly be confronted by the sight your face again, her heart may not be able to withstand the emotions weighing down upon her. Failure is at risk."
"It is a risk I am willing to take." the elf responded frankly. He shook his head, looking regretful yet obviously unyielding. "I am sorry, my Lord. I know you would rather I remain here and pursue her no more than I already have. But I must do this. I shall go mad if I stay behind and just allow her to walk into Moria without me. I have to be there for her."
Celeborn let out another heavy sigh. He should know better than trying to reason with this headstrong elf. Not that he could really blame him. Impetuousness did usually come with youthful, desperate love.
"All right." the Lord of Lorien consented at last. "You may go with my blessing. It would be best that you depart now, before the distance between you and their company grows to great for you to track them."
The elf's face brightened immediately. "Diola lle, Heruamin (thank you, my lord)." he murmured with a humble bow.
"Worry not." he added confidently after raising his head back up. "I have done well so far in keeping my tracks discreet. I promise I will not fail now, especially when the circumstances have become graver."
Celeborn smiled and nodded. "Then that is all the assurance I need. I have faith in your promises." he told him kindly. "Safe journey then, my son. May the Valar be with you."
* * *
It was the fifth night of their river journey, and still Legolas had not spoken a word to Armir. On occasion, their paths would cross and their gazes would meet unavoidably, but they both chose to end any such contacts as soon as they grew conscious of them. Though Legolas could feel Armir's hurt at his apparent coldness towards her, his stubbornness continued to overrule his care and pity. There was still so much that he could not understand, so many doubts that where troubling this mind.
At times, whenever his eyes would behold the sight of Armir's ravishing beauty, he would feel the torturing urge to just take her in his arms as freely and lovingly as he used to. But then his mind would flash back to the memory of the night when she had broken their engagement, as well as his heart. It was she who had chosen to push him aside. Though Haldir himself had confirmed that Armir did not betray him, that did not answer the other questions plaguing his mind.
Did Armir really still love him? Did she ever? If she did, then why did she deny him? Why was she insisting on the lie that his love was untrue? Why would she not tell him the real reason for her pushing him away?
It was a dark and chilly night at the riverbank where the Fellowship had camped for the night. As he sat there in solitary silence, keeping watch while the rest of this companions slept, the elf-prince continued to mull over his thoughts. Then suddenly, from the peaceful quiet of the slumbering figures that lay sprawled out on the ground before him, he heard a soft, but unmistakably familiar sound that drew him out of his reverie in an instant. His jaw clenched as a painful feeling tugged in his chest.
As she had been doing so every night since the first day they had left Lorien, Armir was crying in her sleep.
For a while Legolas simply sat there and listened to the subdued sobs, trying to ignore the way each one pierced his heart like a thousand arrow shafts. He closed his eyes and struggled to shut out the sound with his will, but to no avail. Armir's sorrowful tears grieved him more than any other power he had ever come across in his life, and not even their shattered relationship could alter that loving empathy his soul had for her.
As though his actions were being controlled by some enigmatic force, Legolas found himself getting up and venturing over to the secluded spot where Armir lay sleeping. As he stood over her, the little moonlight that shone down from the sky faintly illuminated her pretty face. The sight revealed was of cheeks flushed and streaked with wet beads running down from her blue eyes, which were open but clouded over in Elvish slumber.
Mesmerized yet troubled by the sight, Legolas unconsciously found himself falling to his knees beside the sleeping maiden. He caught a hold of himself just as his hand was poised over her face, ready to touch it with a loving caress. Upon realizing what he was doing, the elf recoiled immediately, gritting his teeth in frustration. He cannot do this. He was not going to sink low enough to take advantage of her unconscious state.
"If this is hurting you so much, then why do you not just tell me the truth?" he muttered, rising back to his feet. "Why would you not let me back into your heart?"
Just as he turned around to leave her once again, his ears perceived something that stopped him like a brick wall.
"Legolas, no. Please. . . please don't leave me."
He spun back around, only to see that Armir was still unconscious in her slumber. Her rest was obviously not a peaceful one however, for although her eyes were misted over, they were visibly tormented by some grief. As the tears continued to fall, her lips moved as she whimpered the same pleas over and over.
"Legolas, don't leave me . . ." she sobbed, the sadness in her voice giving evidence to the awful nightmare haunting her sleep.
"Armir." Legolas whispered, a wave of pity causing all his restraints to slip away. He knelt back down at her side and took her hand. His warm touch seemed to give her immediate comfort, for almost at once her tears began to subside and her cries died down.
Legolas felt a drop escape the corner of his own eye as he gazed down at his princess. He had no idea that all this was hurting her so much, even to the extent of disturbing her dreams. He never realized that she was grieving just as badly as he.
"What is it that is hurting you, Armir?" he thought, anguished by his own helplessness. "Why could you not just tell me?"
As he raised her hand to place it against his cheek, he at last came to the firm recognition that his love for Armir had not only remained true and unwavering in his heart through all these trials and misunderstandings, but it had continued to grow steadfastly as it always had, with each moment that passed by. The only reason why he could not show her this love was because of his doubts that she loved him in return, or even wanted him in her life anymore. But now that his resentment had dissolved, renewed in Legolas was the eagerness to fight for her love once again.
All he needed now was a sign from Armir that she would give him that chance. And, until she did, he was willing to wait for an eternity.
"I will never leave you, Armir." he vowed, planting a soft kiss on her motionless fingertips. "Whether we are together or apart, I will always be there for you. I swear it."
Filled with iron resolve to stick to this promise, he stayed by her side the whole night, holding her hand in his to ward off any more tears and restlessness. Only when dawn came did he retreat back to his post, before she could wake up and realize that the beautiful dream that had chased away her nightmares was actually real.
* * *
On the eighth night of their voyage, the Fellowship decided to continue their watery travel even as night fell upon them. Though there was possible peril of rapids up ahead, they decided to go on nonetheless, given Aragorn's assurance that harsh waters would not hit them until many more miles ahead.
Some time later, as the three boats drifted easily down the river, Armir squinted her eyes as she stared out at the water rushing about the sides of their vessel. She could sense something was not quite right. It was as though the movement of the waters was speeding up at a increasing rate, minute by minute. Moments later, her fears were confirmed by a frantic shout from Sam.
"I see rocks up ahead!" he cried in dismay. "We'll be crushed!"
A rush of panic ran over their company as the severity of the warning sunk in. Their boats were positioned closely alongside each other, and in the dark Armir could see the frantically moving shadows of her friends.
"The rapids!" Boromir cried, his tone increasing the fear in Armir. "We have to paddle back!"
Armir watched helplessly as Merry took up their spare paddle and thrust into the water, imitating Boromir's desperate but effectively powerful strokes. Moments later they managed to turn the craft around, and began a laborious but gradual progress back up the river, against the formidable current.
Suddenly, the twang of a bowstring reached their ears. Seconds later, more of such noises followed, accompanied by the frightening whistle of arrows flying overhead and about them.
"We're under attack!" Pippin yelped, stating what was already obvious to them all.
Armir gasped fearfully. She turned her head and realized in horror that the river was continually drawing their boats closer and closer towards the eastern shore. Along the menacing banks of that side of the river, her Elven eyes could make out in the night several dark shapes stirring in the ominous shadows.
"Yrch (orcs)!" Legolas cried, apparently perceiving the same thing she just had. As though they heard Legolas' voice recognizing their presence, the orcs began screeching their hideous battle cries, causing chills of repulsion and dread to run across Armir's skin.
At that moment, Armir overheard the sound of an arrow flying perilously near. She then felt a sharp pain slicing into her hand and screamed in alarm, realizing that an arrow had lodged itself into the gunwale of their boat. It had narrowly missed striking her hand solidly, but had instead grazed the side of her finger, producing a deep cut that was not lethal, but burning nonetheless. A muted whimper of pain escaping her throat, she grabbed her hand in the other and pressed upon it in an attempt to numb the hurt.
An enraged cry rang in the darkness. A strange feeling caused Armir's heart to leap when she recognized the owner of the voice. She twisted around slightly in the boat and looked to where the shout had come from. She then spotted a willowy figure trying to stand up from a nearby boat.
"Legolas." she whispered.
* * *
"Legolas, what are you doing?!" Gimli shouted. "Stay down, or else you'll tip the boat over!"
But the elf was far too infuriated to pay any heed to this rational warning. Their craft wobbled dangerously as he slowly got to his feet, shifting his weight precariously in order to maintain their balance. He reached out for his Galadrim bow, but Gimli grabbed his arm before he could lift it up.
"Legolas, stop this madness!" he growled. "Control yourself Laddie, or else we shall all be finished! Sit down!"
"Someone has to do something!" Legolas snapped back, referring to the continuing shower of goblin arrows besieging their company. "I will not allow those repulsive beasts to pick us off one by one!"
The truth was, there was only one person whose safety he cared about far above the others'. When he had heard Armir scream, he had been seized by an immense surge of panic and anger. It was the first time she had ever called out in need of help and he was in no position to give it to her. The frustration brought about by this helplessness was the worst blow his stomach ever had to deal with. Upon hearing her cry, frightful images of the princess getting hurt tormented his thoughts, and at that moment, all Legolas wanted to do was to shoot down every orc in Middle Earth in order to prevent any such visions from becoming reality.
"No!" Gimli responded forcibly. "Listen to me! If you do not back down and keep working at the paddles, it would be the end of us for sure! I know it is hard Lad, but just hold down your pride for now and fight later, when the time is more fitting."
Just as Legolas opened his mouth to respond, the sound of a whistling arrow caught his attention. His reflexes failed him however, for suddenly a sharp pain attacked his right abdomen area. It took him a full second to realize that he had been shot in the gut.
"Legolas!" Gimli shouted, as the elf prince reeled over in pain and surprise. The dwarf reached out and grabbed his friend's tunic before he could collapse and fall overboard. Falling back in the boat, Legolas gasped and shook his head in order to regain his senses. Gripping the arrow that was lodged into his right belly, he gritted his teeth and yanked it out of his flesh. Blood began to gush out of the wound, leaving Legolas momentarily stunned. It had been over a century since he had last been inflicted with such a grave injury, he had almost forgotten what it was like to bleed.
"You crazy elf! Come on! The sooner we get out of here, the sooner we can tend to that." Gimli urged.
Now finding himself in no position to argue, Legolas settled back into his seat and took hold of his paddle once again. Vowing revenge, he vented out his anger against the rushing river waters, and propelled their boat forward with mighty, incensed strokes.
Gradually, after long minutes of labor, the menacing swirls of the river weakened, and the volley of orc arrows lessened. Eventually the threat of the eastern shore was passed, and the hulls of the Fellowship's boats managed to hit the loam of the western banks.
Without even pausing to catch his breath, Legolas leapt out of the boats the moment it docked safely on the shore. Ignoring the torturous pain shooting up all over his torso, he seized his bow and quiver and scrambled up the bank to more stable ground, eager for vengeance. His eyes flashed dangerously as he readied an arrow onto the powerful Lorien bow and aimed it at the eastern side of the river.
"Nurta, Nadorhuanrim (Hide, cowardly dogs)." he growled, venom dripping in his voice. His fingers trembled with desire to loosen the arrow and send it flying into the throat of an orc. However, in the cover of darkness, not even his keen eyes could focus on a target. He could hear their distantly taunting shrieks, daring him to come after them.
Biting back his anger in order to concentrate, Legolas closed his eyes and focused on the sounds of the orcs' foul laughter. Mental visions of his moving targets came to mind, and he took aim.
"Sana sina (Take this)!" he snarled.
The Galadrim bow sang gloriously as it sent an arrow soaring through the air across the incredible distance of the river. A second later, there was an agonized shriek and choking gasp as one orc fell to the ground.
Arrow after arrow flew, propelled by the Mirkwood prince's rage. Each one succeeded in bringing down a dying goblin. Soon it became obvious to the villains that they did not stand a chance against the elf's incredible skill and terrible wrath. Before they could begin a retreat however, a dark cloud appeared in the skies above. Almost at once the dismayed cries of the orcs transformed into malicious cheers.
"What is that?" Legolas overheard Pippin ask fearfully. The elf raised his eyes up to the heavens and watched as a moving shadow crept from the South to block out the little light that the stars provided them. Its size and movements made it clear that it was no mere cloud. It was a huge winged creature of some sort, one that was obviously a great threat to them, judging from the orcs' cries of greeting at its arrival.
"It is coming for us." a soft voice whispered anxiously, and immediately Legolas recognized Armir's gentle tone.
Legolas' eyes narrowed. He raised his bow up to the sky and took careful aim at the shadow. With a fierce twang, an arrow soared straight into the heavens. A bestial shriek assured the Fellowship that their archer's shot had effectively hit its mark. The winged monster veered wildly before beginning a plunge to the ground. It eventually vanished from sight in the darkness of the eastern shore.
* * *
"What happened?" Aragorn asked quietly. "I never thought I would see the day something like this would befall you."
Legolas remained silent as the Ranger tended to his abdomen wound, unsure of what explanations to make. He gritted his teeth and tried not to cry out as Aragorn rubbed an herb paste into the deep, stinging cut before securing a thick bandage around his midsection.
"Legolas?" Aragorn pressed, determined to get an answer out of him. "What went wrong?"
The elf sighed. "I simply got distracted." he finally mumbled, carefully avoiding his friend's concerned gaze. "It is nothing to worry about."
"You are not so easily made unfocused, Legolas." Aragorn said sternly. "Whatever is troubling you, I suggest you resolve it, before more grave consequences result next time."
Legolas sat up and grabbed his tunic. "As you say." he muttered, slipping his clothes back on.
As Aragorn left him to rejoin the others where they sat huddled in the moored boats, Legolas took a moment to sit there alone, once again seeking solitude in his thoughts. They made no camp that night, and had decided to just stick close together and sleep in their boats till morning came. Unwilling to have his injury nursed in front of their comrades, Legolas led Aragorn a safe distance away from the rest of the group before he allowed the Ranger to perform his healing tasks. The proud elf found enough embarrassment at his being wounded while the others had been able to make it through the orc attack with nary a scratch.
When finally he decided to return to his companions, Legolas got to his feet and began to walk back down the bank. He was so caught up in his thoughts that he did not even sense the presence of a person approaching until she spoke to him.
"Legolas?"
The elf turned around to face the origin of the timid, but heart-melting sound. His heart skipped a beat at the sight of his beloved staring up at him with wide, concerned eyes.
"Are-are you all right?" she asked shyly. She dared a couple of steps closer, peering at him carefully and searching for a visual answer to her question.
"I am fine." Legolas snapped back. As soon as these words left his lips, he cringed mentally. He did not mean to sound so curt, but this sudden meeting was making him uncomfortable. He did not know yet how to speak to Armir after all that had happened, and he was actually surprised at her courage to step up to him and start a conversation, breaking the silence that had prevailed between them over the past days.
"What about you?" he managed to blurt out, the aloofness in his voice concealing the genuinely anxious concern eating at his heart.
"I am feeling okay." Armir replied softly, holding up her hand to reveal a bandaged finger. "It is nothing compared to your own injury."
She hesitated for a moment, looking as though she was debating whether to ask another question or not. Finally, she rested her worried eyes on Legolas' face, their innocent beauty rendering the prince completely paralyzed.
"Why did you do that, Legolas?" she asked him, her voice trembling to match her quivering chin. "Why did you have to place yourself at such risk? You-you could have been killed!"
Legolas stared down at her, tortured by the familiar longing to embrace her and cover her sweet but sad face with kisses.
"Because I did not want you to get hurt. Because I would die if anything happened to you. Because I cannot live without you. Because I love you."
So many truthful answers jostled around his head, begging for expression, but not one of them could find escape from the stubborn elf's mouth. At last, Legolas wrenched away from Armir's gaze.
"It is not safe for you to be apart from the others." he told her tersely, once again ignoring the disappointment he saw cross her face. As he passed her by he was cautious not to come in any physical contact. "Come, I will walk with you back to the boats."
* * *
The ten days of their journey were at last coming to a close. The Fellowship had managed to reach as far as Amon Hen, along the right arm of the great river. Camping at the lawn of Parth Galen for the night, all they had left to wait for was the decision of Frodo as to where their quest would lead them. As such, their company retired as they waited for morning, falling into a sleep that was uneasy, though deep due to the toll of weariness inflicted by the day's labor.
Though her companions had already settled down and drifted off into peaceful slumber, Armir could not manage to find any rest. The grief that had been renewed by Legolas' rebuffs the night she had mustered up the courage to speak to him weighed heavily on her heart. His bitterness towards her as she attempted reconciliation was the last straw that wiped out the little hope she had left.
For the past two days since that encounter, Armir felt as though she could not think, eat, or sleep; even the mere act of breathing was staring to become strenuous. Her spirit felt as though it was lifeless, and she passed through the long days in a dazed state, oblivious to what was going on around her. She felt no emotions save for the numbness that cloaked her soul. She cared for nothing and sensed nothing, as though there was nothing left for her to live for. At last, the elf came to the terrible conclusion that she was slowing dying from heartbreak.
She had stopped crying her grief away, for even tears seemed to have lost their ability to relieve or soothe her of her burdens. So at the moment all she could do was sit still and lose herself in distressing thoughts, the silence of the night only making her stupor harder to bear. She felt as though she was going to go mad with sorrow that could find neither comfort nor release.
At last, she stood and began to venture further up the grassy lawn away from the riverbank where camp had been set up. Perhaps a walk would somehow help ease her seemingly hopeless state. A few minutes later, she reached the line of trees resting at the slopes of the foot of Amon Hen. Just as she was about to take a seat at the base of one tree, a voice caused her to freeze in place.
"What do you think you are doing here?"
Armir immediately turned, though without surprise, at the sound of the all- too-familiar sardonic tone. Sure enough, sitting beneath the shade of a tree some yards away was Legolas. For once however, the princess did not feel the hurt or trepidation that usually seized her in confrontations like this. She had grown far too deadened towards his coldness.
"I am having difficulty sleeping." she answered him curtly, her emotionless voice likewise indicating her inner numbness. "I felt I needed some air."
As he rose to his feet, Legolas gazed at her with a look of displeasure. It was only as he began to approach her that Armir noticed he was naked from the waist up. He had obviously been tending to his injury, for the wound at his abdomen was unbandaged, revealing a severe scar that was raw but quickly healing. Realizing what the sight she was staring at was, the young maiden hurriedly diverted her eyes from Legolas' well-toned chest, thankful that the darkness probably covered up the furious blush invading her cheeks. Legolas however, seemed to be too caught up in his own concerns to notice her embarrassment.
"Must we go through this again?" he asked in exasperation. "It is not safe for you to wander off on your own. Have you not learned that lesson by now at least?"
Armir felt herself bristle with annoyance at his sarcasm. It was the first real emotion that had succeeded in surfacing in her heart over the past two days, but she had no time to even notice this resurgence. Before she knew it she was blurting out the thoughts in her head with no longer any timidity or restraint.
"Well, what about you?" she retorted snippily. "Think you that you will be any safer than I, sulking around by yourself? Orcs are not so choosy when it comes to the creatures they would attack."
"Me?" Legolas laughed bitterly. "I know how to care for myself. Unlike you . . ."
"I am not the one who has been shot!" Armir exploded, losing control of her temper at last. "If you are to show any concern or care for anyone, Legolas, why can you not start with yourself?!"
A dead silence followed her last words. For what seemed like eternity the two elves locked their eyes in gazes that were filled with deep yet vague emotions. After a few minutes Armir began to tremble slightly, feeling herself getting consumed by what fearfully seemed like anger in Legolas' glare. However strong she may try to pretend she was, he would forever be the stronger one. As always, he had no trouble in weakening her using the mere effect his eyes had upon her.
Unable to bear the mounting intensity any longer, Armir helplessly conceded defeat and tore her gaze away. Tears returned to her, ones that were of both frustration and sorrow.
"Please just let me be, Legolas." was the only statement she could sob out to salvage what was left of her crushed pride.
She turned and walked away, her head lowered in desolation. It was clear that she had lost him now. Legolas really did not love her anymore.
Suddenly, a powerful force that seized her around the waist prevented her from taking a step further. All at once Armir found herself engulfed in the warmth of soft skin that smelled of a dew-covered forest. Her eyes widened with surprise as her heart began to pound heavily in her chest. A startling rush of sudden bliss spread throughout every inch of her as she felt a warm face press into the softness of her hair.
"Amin hiraetha (I am sorry), Armir." Legolas whispered, his gentle voice a sharp contrast to the desperately rigid grip his arms had on her. She could feel him tremble as he began to cry, still holding her closely against him.
Armir sensed her heart melt with pity as she listened to his sobs. She felt his tears wet her hair and his uneven breaths come down on the back of her neck. Though confused at what his strange and sudden actions meant, she surprisingly did not care about these uncertainties.
With some difficulty, she pried herself loose from the elf's embrace. As his arms reluctantly slid away, she turned around to face him. Reaching up, she stroked his face and wiped away his tears gently. When Legolas drew her back to him, she did not resist but instead tilted her chin up to welcome his lips as they descended on hers.
The happiness that was rekindled in Armir the moment their mouths touched was indescribable. It was as though her heart, her soul, her very being and entire world had all at once been uplifted to the highest heaven it had ever reached. All the pain and sorrow that had just earlier felt like the death of her suddenly vanished from thought and memory, to be replaced by the thrilling passion of Legolas' lips.
The fiery kiss of the reunited lovers went on and on, revealing the need they had been forced to smother over their unbearable days apart. Their hands in turn explored every part of each other, eager to feel the contentment they had greatly missed in each other's arms. Armir however, made the mistake of brushing her fingers against the wound still in the process of healing. Though her hands were gentle, the sensitivity of his injury caused Legolas to recoil with a pained gasp.
"I'm sorry!" Armir gasped, her eyes filling with concern at the sight of agony on his face. "I did not mean to . . ."
Recovering almost instantly, Legolas placed a finger on her lips to cut her off and smiled at her. "It hurts less now that I am with you again." he assured, kissing her forehead tenderly.
Armir returned his smile and sank back into his arms. Then, with a more careful finger, she lightly traced the raw flesh outlining her beloved guardian's scar.
"Why?" she asked softly, repeating the same query she had posed two nights before.
"Because I love you." Legolas replied simply but decisively. "There is hardly any other reason for all the things I do. You are my life, Armir."
"Then why did you push me away so often these past days?" Armir whispered, looking up at him with innocently questioning eyes. "Why did you make me believe you no longer cared about me?"
Legolas sighed and shook his head. "I admit I have been such a proud, stubborn fool." he mumbled, caressing her soft cheek with the back of his hand. "But I was greatly hurt that night you denied me. I thought I would die at the thought of having lost your love. . . "
"But I do love you!" Armir blurted out before she could stop herself.
Legolas stared down at her with a face full of surprise but also of hope. "You do?" Armir felt his hands take hers and grip them tightly in anticipation.
"I love you with all my heart, Legolas." Armir said softly, relinquishing all the forewarnings that have been holding her back from the truth for so long. "In fact, I love you so much it does frighten me sometimes."
The elf prince's eyes narrowed in confusion. "Is your fear the reason why you tried to turn me away?" he asked. "Then why did you tell me that my love was not real but a mere effect of a spell?"
"That was mistake I must beg your forgiveness for." Armir replied, shaking her head regretfully. "I should never have doubted the sincerity of your love. I guess I was just overwhelmed by the idea of an elf as wonderful as you loving someone like me."
She took a deep breath, feeling tears coming as she recalled the terrible vision from Galadriel's mirror. "Then I began to fear the way you were so ready to give up everything, even your very life, for my sake. I am not deserving of such a sacrifice." she murmured.
Legolas smiled and kissed her lips softly. "How can I not love the most beautiful gift I have ever received in my life?" he chided gently. "Armir, you are my reason for living. Could you really blame me for wanting to protect you at all costs? If anything were to happen to you, I would expire for sure."
Armir sniffed as a few tears escaped her eyes and rolled down her face. "As would I." she wept. "I do not want to place you in any danger, Legolas. I thought that if I were out of your life you will be safer, for then you will not have to be burdened by a maiden you feel obliged to protect and wait on."
Legolas shook his head. "Armir, listen to me." he told her firmly, cupping her delicate chin in a gentle hand and urging her to look into his eyes. "For me there is no danger graver and no agony more insufferable than not being able to be there for you. You are the last thing I would ever wish to lose, and I would more willingly face death than leave your side."
He touched her face lovingly, his eyes marveling at the sight of her beauty. "I know not what the future holds for us. All I know is, no matter what, I just want to be with you." he whispered. "I want to be able to hold you and protect you for all my life. And should anything happen to me along the way, I will not care, because I would much rather die tomorrow than live a thousand years more without having known or loved you."
"Legolas . . ." Armir gasped, far too stunned by the beauty of his words to say anything else. A joy so great and profound touched her entire soul so deeply it almost hurt. Her grandmother was right. Legolas really did loved her more than any elf in Middle Earth did any other. The mere thought of it wanted to make her break down in tears of wonder.
No more words or tears were necessary however, as Legolas drew her closer and leaned over to kiss her once again. Sliding her arms around his neck as his tongue danced in her mouth, Armir responded to her lover's fervor and let go of all her apprehensions as she allowed herself the full pleasure of their tender rapture.
She was with her prince again, and for now, that was all that mattered.
* * *
The evening had passed by swiftly, and dawn was to come in a few hours, yet still Armir had not found any sleep. This night however, it was an intense happiness and not sorrow, that had kept her awake.
The maiden smiled and gazed up at the face of her beloved prince from where she was nestled safely in his arms. Her heart ached with love for him as she gently caressed his handsome face and watched him sleep, his beautiful eyes serenely clouded in undisturbed slumber. He had confessed that he had not rested at all since the day of their first quarrel, and it was only now that he had finally found enough peace to grant him some sleep. That is, after he had spent the earlier hours of the night reaffirming his sincere love for her.
Armir blushed at the memory of their shared passion. Once again it had nearly reached the furthest point of lovers' expression, but they had both managed to hold themselves back and curb their desires before they drove them too far. Legolas' respect for Armir's youthful innocence only made her fall deeper in love with him, and it likewise renewed and strengthened their determination to get married in the soonest opportune time.
When we are wed, Armir reminded herself with smile, as she held in her hand the engagement necklace that Legolas had earlier returned to her. Only when they are properly bound will they allow themselves the ultimate pleasures of their love, and their matrimonial union will make their lovemaking taste all the more sweeter.
With a contented sigh, Armir leaned her head back upon Legolas' chest, enjoying both its pleasant warmth and the steady rhythm in which it heaved up and down as he breathed. He subconsciously responded by drawing her closer to him, his gentle arms assuring her that there was no safer place in the world to be in at that moment.
With a gentle finger, Armir traced circles on the soft bare skin of his stomach, loving how his firm muscles felt beneath her touch. Her ear, pressed against his pectoral area, listened to the strength and constancy of his heartbeat.
Upon realizing something, Armir's own heart suddenly sank with worry. If only there was a way to ensure that that heartbeat would never cease, and will continue to give her beloved life for the rest of eternity. If only there was a way to ensure that he would never fall into the hands untimely death. At the very least, not for her sake.
Then, at that moment, she remembered.
The maiden reached into the inner folds of her outer robes and pulled out the white blossom she had been keeping there since the day they departed Lorien. It had merely been waiting for her to decide on her wish, and now that she had finally decided on what she wanted to have more than anything else in this world, it was time to make her request.
Shutting her eyes, Armir reverently held the flower close to her heart and offered a humble prayer of supplication to the Valar. It was a brief request, but one so pure and selfless that it touched the hearts of the gods unlike any other entreaty ever had before. Nienna herself was moved to tears and at once she guaranteed the fulfillment of the young elf maiden's hopes.
The making of her wish seemed to grant the princess a certain sense of peace and assurance, for moments later, as she laid her head back on Legolas' chest, she finally drifted off to sleep, safe and contented in the arms of the one she loved above all else in the entire world.
* * *
COMING UP . . . Chapter 14 - Forever
I am DYING to know what you think of this, so PLEASE don't leave without giving me a review! ;p That is my only request, and I promise I will return the favor by updating within the next two weeks.
Two more chapters to go! Gawd, the suspense is stifling, don't you think?!
Hehehe. . . later guys! Thanks for your time! Take care!