Jindaia rose quickly the next morning, bathing --indoors for once-- and
dressing in leggings and a loose tunic. She was excited to learn archery
and was pleased that the best archer in middle earth had agreed to teach
her. She picked up her small bow and left her room. As she walked down
the hallway toward the breakfast room, she ran into Arwen.
"Quel Amrun, Arwen," she smiled as she approached her friend.
"Quel Amrun, Jin," Arwen replied, "I was just on my way to get you and Legolas for breakfast."
Jindaia was surprised. "You mean his royal highness has not graced you with his presence yet?" she joked.
"Not yet," Arwen smiled at Jindaia's humorous tone. "I am also on my way to find Aragorn. Would you care to assist me by checking on Legolas?"
"Of course I will Arwen, I know that you want to spend every moment you can with Aragorn," Jindaia said as she turned to walk back down the hall in the direction of her room.
"Thanks Jin," Arwen called as she quickly turned to walk in the opposite direction.
Jindaia approached Legolas' door and listened quietly for a moment. Her elfin ears could only detect the faint sounds of deep sleep. She hesitated before tapping lightly on his door. Listening closely once more, she heard no stirring. She twisted the knob and walked softly into Legolas' room.
Her eyes began to take in the sight in front of her. The prince of Mirkwood was enjoying the deepest form of elvin sleep possible - with his eyes closed. He lay peacefully on his back with the green covers bunched around his waist. One arm rested folded across his stomach, while the other arm was stretched over his head. His blond hair was spread out over his pillow and his dark lashes lay across his cheeks.
"Legolas," she said quietly as she neared his bed, "Legolas, rise and shine."
He lay unmoving as his chest continued to rise and fall deeply in sleep. As she said his name, his mouth twitched into a small smile.
Jindaia was standing at the edge of his bed at this time and she reached out her hand to touch his. Just as she felt her skin meet his, his eyes opened and he gazed at her sleepily. He raised his hand and trapped hers against his chest. She was surprised at the warmth she felt there. She quickly raised her eyes to meet his.
"Good morning, Jindaia," he whispered, his voice still husky with sleep.
"Good morning to you too, Legolas," she said as she perched on the edge of his bed. "Are you ready for our archery lessons, or had you already forgotten?"
"Oh, I did not forget. I just had the best night's sleep that I remember."
"Good, then you will be pleased to know that breakfast is ready. Arwen asked me to get you."
"Thank you for such a pleasant awakening, Jindaia."
"I will see you in the breakfast room shortly, Legolas" Jindaia said, leaving the room as he began to rise from the bed. She ducked out the door just as he stood up.
*-*-*
Arwen and Aragorn sat at the breakfast table, conspiring to throw Legolas and Jindaia together as often as possible in the two weeks prior to their nuptials.
"I believe that Legolas offered to teach Jindaia the skill of archery." Arwen said to Aragorn.
"That should prove interesting. The last I remember, Jindaia could not even hold a bow properly."
"I think that we should go with them today and see exactly how much chemistry they do have." Arwen said softly as Jindaia walked into the room. She looked at Aragorn to see his slight nod of approval.
Jindaia smiled at the couple that whispered so lovingly to each other as she entered the room. In the days before the upcoming wedding it seemed as if romance was running amok through Rivendell.
Grabbing an apple and a piece of toast from the table, she looked over her shoulder as she left the room. "Tell Legolas that I have went ahead to the practice range," she called just before disappearing through the door.
A moment later Legolas appeared in the room. "Good morning Arwen, Aragorn," he nodded as he sat on the opposite side of the table from them. "I am having a most relaxing stay in your kingdom thus far Arwen."
Arwen smiled at Aragorn before turning to Legolas. "My sources inform me that you will be teaching Jindaia the finer points of archery."
"Yes, she said Aragorn lacked the patience to teach her," he joked.
Aragorn merely smiled as he said, "You'll need patience before you finish teaching Jindaia too. Mark my words on that matter."
As Legolas finished his breakfast, Aragorn and Arwen offered to walk with him to the practice range. He accepted their offer and the three walked toward the range in a friendly silence.
As they neared the range, they were amused to hear a soft voice muttering an elvish curse as yet another arrow missed its intended target, lodging in the hillside behind the range. Legolas walked through the trees and immediately determined the problem with Jindaia's archery skills.
Walking up to her left side, he took her left arm in his hands. He turned her wrist upward and raised her tunic sleeve, unsurprised at the angry red welts that were forming there. "Here's her problem, Aragorn. I'm surprised you did not see it before. She is locking her arm in stance."
Aragorn looked astonished that he had not noticed this flaw before. Realizing, he spoke, "I believe you are right Legolas. Now that you mention it, she has always shot from the same stance. Some minor adjustments should greatly improve her shot and follow through."
Legolas moved to stand behind her, just against her as he showed her how to position her left arm as she armed and aimed her bow. His left arm reached around her so he could grasp the bow over her hand. Her skin was tingling with his nearness as he pulled her bow a little closer to her, bending her elbow as he did so. "Just relax your arm a little," he said, as his breath blew against her ear, making her shiver. He noticed her shiver and brought his other arm around to where he grasped her right hand. "Pull the arrow back, but not all of the way. Tilt your bow slightly to the left, and release." He let go at the same time she did, and the arrow flew true to the bullseye of the target.
Her eyes widened as she saw the shot she had made. Turning triumphantly, she found Legolas standing in the same spot and she almost ran into him. Reflexively, his arms went around her to keep her from stumbling backwards. "Thank you Legolas!" She cried before reaching up to kiss him quickly on the cheek. She then turned to Aragorn and Arwen who congratulated her on her shot. As she turned back to Legolas, she noticed that he still stood in the same spot, with a perplexed look on his face. In her happiness, she once again hugged him before running off to tell Elrond, Elrohir and Elledan about her success.
*-*-*
Legolas found himself sorting through a lot of feelings in a rather short moment. In the instant that he had held her against his body, he realized that he had to have her as his own.
As she disappeared down the path, Legolas turned to Aragorn and Arwen to find them smiling sweetly at him. "I know what goes on in those minds of yours', and I appreciate your efforts, but I would like to woo her myself," he said as he turned and walked into the woods away from their smiling faces.
- - -
The week went by with many festivities as plans for the wedding were finalized and guests continued to arrive. Jindaia had been introduced to many new individuals from the fellowship and from the quest of the one ring. The most unusual were the hobbits. Merry and Pippin were boisterous and loud. Sam was quiet and shy, and Frodo seemed to still be recovering from his part in the mission to destroy the ring. Even so, Jindaia got along well with all of them. There were humans that arrived also. Eowyn, who had once thought herself in love with Aragorn, arrived with her new husband, Faramir, a brother to Boromir who passed during the quest of the ring. Eowyn's brother Eomer also came to celebrate the marriage of his friend Aragorn, King Elessar, to Arwen Undomiel, the evenstar. Last, but definitely not least was Gandalf, the wizened old wizard who guided the fellowship.
During the week, Jindaia spent as much time as possible with Legolas. Many of the outings she had with him began with Arwen and Aragorn, who often slipped away to have private time before their big day. She found herself beginning to care for him as more than a friend.
- - -
Legolas' feelings for Jindaia were deepening also and he found that he did not mind when their group outings of four dwindled to two after Aragorn and Arwen would depart. He would often think about her when they were apart and he enjoyed every moment he spent in her company.
He found himself sitting with her underneath a tree at the outer edge of the archery range one day, several days before the wedding. They had been discussing the amenities of Elrond's palace when Jindaia mentioned that she preferred to bathe outdoors when possible.
Legolas' mind spun with thoughts of her in an outdoor pool. "Where would you find the privacy for that?" he inquired.
"I have a secret pool that no one but myself knows about. I think I may show you though. However, I must swear you to secrecy. If you tell anyone, I'll have to kill you," she joked.
"Please show me. I think I would like this place if you would not mind sharing its location with me."
Jindaia stood up and offered Legolas her hand, helping him to his feet even though he needed no help at all. After he stood, he continued to hold her hand as she led him away through the forest. They walked past Arwen and Aragorn's bridge and through the outer gardens. They stepped through the edge of the forest and along a path that was hidden unless you knew to look for it. The path wound for sometime before coming to a thick growth of trees. Jindaia walked around the growth a small ways and slid sideways between two trees that were very close together. Legolas followed her into the opening beyond the trees, amazed by the sight before him.
Jindaia slipped off her shoes and sat on a rock at the edge of the pool as Legolas took in the details of the glade. She noticed as his eyes skimmed over the brook and over the ledge of rocks to where the small pool existed.
"It's beautiful and peaceful here, Jindaia," Legolas said, "Thank you for sharing it with me."
"The water is always warm because of the sun," Jindaia said as she raised the hem of her dress and dipped her feet into the water.
Legolas sat on the ground near her rock, and the height of the rock brought them to eye level with each other. He slipped his shoes off and raised his leggings and placed his feet in the water also. As the warm water massaged his feet, he leaned back on his elbows and closed his eyes blissfully.
Hearing his sigh, Jindaia turned to see him with his eyes closed, his face raised to the sun, and a look of utter peace on his face. She playfully dipped her hands in the water and sprinkled some on his face.
He opened his eyes quickly to see her stifling laughter as she prepared to soak him again. "Oh no you don't, Jindaia," he said as he sat up and grabbed both of her wrists. He kissed her lips softly as he said, "I think I am falling in love with you."
Jindaia's eyes widened as she replied, "I feel the same way Legolas." And with that, she grabbed her shoes, and left the clearing.
Legolas stared after her with a smile as she slipped between the trees. Taking advantage of the privacy of the clearing, he removed his clothes and sank into the pool, enjoying its warm caress.
*-*-*
The day of Arwen and Aragorn's wedding dawned fair and clear. The atmosphere surrounding Rivendell was awash with happiness and romance. In the days since the kiss at Jindaia's secret pool, Legolas and Jindaia continued to fall in love. Many moments were spent walking in the forest, sitting in the garden, or late at night, dancing under the stars. Each night Legolas walked Jindaia to her room, leaving her with a light goodnight kiss.
Jindaia had never felt this way for any elf before Legolas, and she knew that she would never be the same if their relationship did not work. Holding his hand or being in his arms made her blood rush freely throughout her body.
- - -
Jindaia stood beside Arwen as she exchanged vows with Aragorn. Legolas stood at Aragorn's side as well. Arwen looked breathtaking in her silvery white gown, and Aragorn was resplendent in his silver tunic and black leggings. Legolas, dressed in a slightly less formal silver tunic, could not take his eyes off of Jindaia, who shone in a deep silver dress. The wedding party seemed to shimmer as Lord Elrond completed the ceremony. At last, Arwen and Aragorn met in a passionate kiss as Elrond pronounced them man and wife. Legolas could not help but wish to have the same experience with Jindaia.
- - -
Hours had passed and the celebrations were dwindling as the moon sank low in the sky waiting for daylight. Legolas was once again escorting Jindaia to her room. Jindaia walked with her arm looped through Legolas' as they neared her door.
"It was such a beautiful day," sighed Jindaia as they stopped at her door.
"Arwen and Aragorn have much love for each other," Legolas agreed. He started, "Jin, I feel that there is something I must tell you." He fidgeted nervously as he fought to find the right words to say to her. "I must return to Mirkwood for a short time. I will be leaving in three days."
Jindaia looked at him, shocked. "I thought that you would be staying another two weeks, Legolas." She was bewildered.
"That was my original plan, but there is something that I must take care of in Mirkwood. I am sorry, but it needs my immediate attention."
Sadly, Jindaia replied, "Well, if you must go, you must go." And with that, she turned to enter her room.
Legolas reached to stop her, grasping her arm and pulling her back toward him. "Before I leave, I need you to know that I love you and I will return as soon as I possibly can. I promise you."
Still saddened by his intended departure, Jindaia placed her palm against his smooth cheek and whispered, "I love you too, Legolas. I fear that my heart will cease to beat until you return."
He turned his face into her palm and placed a kiss there. She slid her palm around behind his neck and pulled his mouth down to hers. Their lips met in a fiery explosion as the sadness of his leave overtook them both. Legolas moved his lips against hers with a passion that he had never experienced. Breaking the kiss, he looked into her clouded eyes and dipped his head to nuzzle his lips at the base of her neck. As he did this, she kissed the side of his face. Legolas took a deep breath and began to back away from her, holding her loosely in his arms.
Realizing what he was doing, she gave him one last kiss as she disappeared into her room, closing the door behind her.
"Quel Amrun, Arwen," she smiled as she approached her friend.
"Quel Amrun, Jin," Arwen replied, "I was just on my way to get you and Legolas for breakfast."
Jindaia was surprised. "You mean his royal highness has not graced you with his presence yet?" she joked.
"Not yet," Arwen smiled at Jindaia's humorous tone. "I am also on my way to find Aragorn. Would you care to assist me by checking on Legolas?"
"Of course I will Arwen, I know that you want to spend every moment you can with Aragorn," Jindaia said as she turned to walk back down the hall in the direction of her room.
"Thanks Jin," Arwen called as she quickly turned to walk in the opposite direction.
Jindaia approached Legolas' door and listened quietly for a moment. Her elfin ears could only detect the faint sounds of deep sleep. She hesitated before tapping lightly on his door. Listening closely once more, she heard no stirring. She twisted the knob and walked softly into Legolas' room.
Her eyes began to take in the sight in front of her. The prince of Mirkwood was enjoying the deepest form of elvin sleep possible - with his eyes closed. He lay peacefully on his back with the green covers bunched around his waist. One arm rested folded across his stomach, while the other arm was stretched over his head. His blond hair was spread out over his pillow and his dark lashes lay across his cheeks.
"Legolas," she said quietly as she neared his bed, "Legolas, rise and shine."
He lay unmoving as his chest continued to rise and fall deeply in sleep. As she said his name, his mouth twitched into a small smile.
Jindaia was standing at the edge of his bed at this time and she reached out her hand to touch his. Just as she felt her skin meet his, his eyes opened and he gazed at her sleepily. He raised his hand and trapped hers against his chest. She was surprised at the warmth she felt there. She quickly raised her eyes to meet his.
"Good morning, Jindaia," he whispered, his voice still husky with sleep.
"Good morning to you too, Legolas," she said as she perched on the edge of his bed. "Are you ready for our archery lessons, or had you already forgotten?"
"Oh, I did not forget. I just had the best night's sleep that I remember."
"Good, then you will be pleased to know that breakfast is ready. Arwen asked me to get you."
"Thank you for such a pleasant awakening, Jindaia."
"I will see you in the breakfast room shortly, Legolas" Jindaia said, leaving the room as he began to rise from the bed. She ducked out the door just as he stood up.
*-*-*
Arwen and Aragorn sat at the breakfast table, conspiring to throw Legolas and Jindaia together as often as possible in the two weeks prior to their nuptials.
"I believe that Legolas offered to teach Jindaia the skill of archery." Arwen said to Aragorn.
"That should prove interesting. The last I remember, Jindaia could not even hold a bow properly."
"I think that we should go with them today and see exactly how much chemistry they do have." Arwen said softly as Jindaia walked into the room. She looked at Aragorn to see his slight nod of approval.
Jindaia smiled at the couple that whispered so lovingly to each other as she entered the room. In the days before the upcoming wedding it seemed as if romance was running amok through Rivendell.
Grabbing an apple and a piece of toast from the table, she looked over her shoulder as she left the room. "Tell Legolas that I have went ahead to the practice range," she called just before disappearing through the door.
A moment later Legolas appeared in the room. "Good morning Arwen, Aragorn," he nodded as he sat on the opposite side of the table from them. "I am having a most relaxing stay in your kingdom thus far Arwen."
Arwen smiled at Aragorn before turning to Legolas. "My sources inform me that you will be teaching Jindaia the finer points of archery."
"Yes, she said Aragorn lacked the patience to teach her," he joked.
Aragorn merely smiled as he said, "You'll need patience before you finish teaching Jindaia too. Mark my words on that matter."
As Legolas finished his breakfast, Aragorn and Arwen offered to walk with him to the practice range. He accepted their offer and the three walked toward the range in a friendly silence.
As they neared the range, they were amused to hear a soft voice muttering an elvish curse as yet another arrow missed its intended target, lodging in the hillside behind the range. Legolas walked through the trees and immediately determined the problem with Jindaia's archery skills.
Walking up to her left side, he took her left arm in his hands. He turned her wrist upward and raised her tunic sleeve, unsurprised at the angry red welts that were forming there. "Here's her problem, Aragorn. I'm surprised you did not see it before. She is locking her arm in stance."
Aragorn looked astonished that he had not noticed this flaw before. Realizing, he spoke, "I believe you are right Legolas. Now that you mention it, she has always shot from the same stance. Some minor adjustments should greatly improve her shot and follow through."
Legolas moved to stand behind her, just against her as he showed her how to position her left arm as she armed and aimed her bow. His left arm reached around her so he could grasp the bow over her hand. Her skin was tingling with his nearness as he pulled her bow a little closer to her, bending her elbow as he did so. "Just relax your arm a little," he said, as his breath blew against her ear, making her shiver. He noticed her shiver and brought his other arm around to where he grasped her right hand. "Pull the arrow back, but not all of the way. Tilt your bow slightly to the left, and release." He let go at the same time she did, and the arrow flew true to the bullseye of the target.
Her eyes widened as she saw the shot she had made. Turning triumphantly, she found Legolas standing in the same spot and she almost ran into him. Reflexively, his arms went around her to keep her from stumbling backwards. "Thank you Legolas!" She cried before reaching up to kiss him quickly on the cheek. She then turned to Aragorn and Arwen who congratulated her on her shot. As she turned back to Legolas, she noticed that he still stood in the same spot, with a perplexed look on his face. In her happiness, she once again hugged him before running off to tell Elrond, Elrohir and Elledan about her success.
*-*-*
Legolas found himself sorting through a lot of feelings in a rather short moment. In the instant that he had held her against his body, he realized that he had to have her as his own.
As she disappeared down the path, Legolas turned to Aragorn and Arwen to find them smiling sweetly at him. "I know what goes on in those minds of yours', and I appreciate your efforts, but I would like to woo her myself," he said as he turned and walked into the woods away from their smiling faces.
- - -
The week went by with many festivities as plans for the wedding were finalized and guests continued to arrive. Jindaia had been introduced to many new individuals from the fellowship and from the quest of the one ring. The most unusual were the hobbits. Merry and Pippin were boisterous and loud. Sam was quiet and shy, and Frodo seemed to still be recovering from his part in the mission to destroy the ring. Even so, Jindaia got along well with all of them. There were humans that arrived also. Eowyn, who had once thought herself in love with Aragorn, arrived with her new husband, Faramir, a brother to Boromir who passed during the quest of the ring. Eowyn's brother Eomer also came to celebrate the marriage of his friend Aragorn, King Elessar, to Arwen Undomiel, the evenstar. Last, but definitely not least was Gandalf, the wizened old wizard who guided the fellowship.
During the week, Jindaia spent as much time as possible with Legolas. Many of the outings she had with him began with Arwen and Aragorn, who often slipped away to have private time before their big day. She found herself beginning to care for him as more than a friend.
- - -
Legolas' feelings for Jindaia were deepening also and he found that he did not mind when their group outings of four dwindled to two after Aragorn and Arwen would depart. He would often think about her when they were apart and he enjoyed every moment he spent in her company.
He found himself sitting with her underneath a tree at the outer edge of the archery range one day, several days before the wedding. They had been discussing the amenities of Elrond's palace when Jindaia mentioned that she preferred to bathe outdoors when possible.
Legolas' mind spun with thoughts of her in an outdoor pool. "Where would you find the privacy for that?" he inquired.
"I have a secret pool that no one but myself knows about. I think I may show you though. However, I must swear you to secrecy. If you tell anyone, I'll have to kill you," she joked.
"Please show me. I think I would like this place if you would not mind sharing its location with me."
Jindaia stood up and offered Legolas her hand, helping him to his feet even though he needed no help at all. After he stood, he continued to hold her hand as she led him away through the forest. They walked past Arwen and Aragorn's bridge and through the outer gardens. They stepped through the edge of the forest and along a path that was hidden unless you knew to look for it. The path wound for sometime before coming to a thick growth of trees. Jindaia walked around the growth a small ways and slid sideways between two trees that were very close together. Legolas followed her into the opening beyond the trees, amazed by the sight before him.
Jindaia slipped off her shoes and sat on a rock at the edge of the pool as Legolas took in the details of the glade. She noticed as his eyes skimmed over the brook and over the ledge of rocks to where the small pool existed.
"It's beautiful and peaceful here, Jindaia," Legolas said, "Thank you for sharing it with me."
"The water is always warm because of the sun," Jindaia said as she raised the hem of her dress and dipped her feet into the water.
Legolas sat on the ground near her rock, and the height of the rock brought them to eye level with each other. He slipped his shoes off and raised his leggings and placed his feet in the water also. As the warm water massaged his feet, he leaned back on his elbows and closed his eyes blissfully.
Hearing his sigh, Jindaia turned to see him with his eyes closed, his face raised to the sun, and a look of utter peace on his face. She playfully dipped her hands in the water and sprinkled some on his face.
He opened his eyes quickly to see her stifling laughter as she prepared to soak him again. "Oh no you don't, Jindaia," he said as he sat up and grabbed both of her wrists. He kissed her lips softly as he said, "I think I am falling in love with you."
Jindaia's eyes widened as she replied, "I feel the same way Legolas." And with that, she grabbed her shoes, and left the clearing.
Legolas stared after her with a smile as she slipped between the trees. Taking advantage of the privacy of the clearing, he removed his clothes and sank into the pool, enjoying its warm caress.
*-*-*
The day of Arwen and Aragorn's wedding dawned fair and clear. The atmosphere surrounding Rivendell was awash with happiness and romance. In the days since the kiss at Jindaia's secret pool, Legolas and Jindaia continued to fall in love. Many moments were spent walking in the forest, sitting in the garden, or late at night, dancing under the stars. Each night Legolas walked Jindaia to her room, leaving her with a light goodnight kiss.
Jindaia had never felt this way for any elf before Legolas, and she knew that she would never be the same if their relationship did not work. Holding his hand or being in his arms made her blood rush freely throughout her body.
- - -
Jindaia stood beside Arwen as she exchanged vows with Aragorn. Legolas stood at Aragorn's side as well. Arwen looked breathtaking in her silvery white gown, and Aragorn was resplendent in his silver tunic and black leggings. Legolas, dressed in a slightly less formal silver tunic, could not take his eyes off of Jindaia, who shone in a deep silver dress. The wedding party seemed to shimmer as Lord Elrond completed the ceremony. At last, Arwen and Aragorn met in a passionate kiss as Elrond pronounced them man and wife. Legolas could not help but wish to have the same experience with Jindaia.
- - -
Hours had passed and the celebrations were dwindling as the moon sank low in the sky waiting for daylight. Legolas was once again escorting Jindaia to her room. Jindaia walked with her arm looped through Legolas' as they neared her door.
"It was such a beautiful day," sighed Jindaia as they stopped at her door.
"Arwen and Aragorn have much love for each other," Legolas agreed. He started, "Jin, I feel that there is something I must tell you." He fidgeted nervously as he fought to find the right words to say to her. "I must return to Mirkwood for a short time. I will be leaving in three days."
Jindaia looked at him, shocked. "I thought that you would be staying another two weeks, Legolas." She was bewildered.
"That was my original plan, but there is something that I must take care of in Mirkwood. I am sorry, but it needs my immediate attention."
Sadly, Jindaia replied, "Well, if you must go, you must go." And with that, she turned to enter her room.
Legolas reached to stop her, grasping her arm and pulling her back toward him. "Before I leave, I need you to know that I love you and I will return as soon as I possibly can. I promise you."
Still saddened by his intended departure, Jindaia placed her palm against his smooth cheek and whispered, "I love you too, Legolas. I fear that my heart will cease to beat until you return."
He turned his face into her palm and placed a kiss there. She slid her palm around behind his neck and pulled his mouth down to hers. Their lips met in a fiery explosion as the sadness of his leave overtook them both. Legolas moved his lips against hers with a passion that he had never experienced. Breaking the kiss, he looked into her clouded eyes and dipped his head to nuzzle his lips at the base of her neck. As he did this, she kissed the side of his face. Legolas took a deep breath and began to back away from her, holding her loosely in his arms.
Realizing what he was doing, she gave him one last kiss as she disappeared into her room, closing the door behind her.