ENDING #2: Chapter Forty-Two: Amin Mela Lle
A/N: Such an overwhelming response! I knew you guys would like this one better. Okay, it's going to take a while between chapters now, because I have a huge English paper due in a week, and I'm only a fourth of the way through it. I'm such a flake. I was going to go to Thunder-palooza tonight, where a whole bunch of local bands come and play at our High school, but NOOO, my friend Ally flaked on me. And then I was going to go to military academy night with her too, but she flaked on that as well. BAH! TITAN is going pretty good. Ah, Chad is so hot. We all wore our uniforms today, and I have this joke about our ribbon-racks … "You want to touch my rack?" or "Can I touch your rack?" So Ashley was saying that just as Chad walked by with his friends and you should have seen the look on his face. It was classic. I never told you what happened between me and Chad before, did I? Oh well, sucks for you. It wasn't anything that big. I don't have anybody to go to Homecoming with. And Chad's Mormon, so he can't go on dates until he's 16. I'm thinking I might just ask him as a friend. Just for the hell of it. The song, of course, is Change by Good Charlotte. A little FYI. Sorry this took so long!!!
Disclaimer: Ah, screw it. I don't own anything, because it all belongs to JRR Tolkien. That dirty bastard. Just kidding, I love the guy … to bad he's dead.
…
Throughout Gandalf's speech Aila sat in silence, her eyes searching for nothing as she realized that everything Gandalf said was true, she was stupid to not have realized his love long before. Tears ran unbidden down her cheeks again, but this time sobs did not rack her frame.
Gandalf left her, unknowing that she followed shortly behind him. He re-entered the sickroom in time to hear Legolas proving his theory.
"I was so cold, and then there was a flicker of warmth in my hand," and he flexed the hand that Aila had kissed, holding it close to his face as he sat up in his bed, the remains of food placed on a tray in front of him. "It spread throughout my entire body and I wasn't cold anymore. It was a searing heat but I'm glad for it." That was when he noticed that Gandalf had entered the room, Aila no where to be seen. "Where is Aila?" he asked, frowning. "I thought she might stay for longer than that …" with that, he laid himself back down upon the bed from his sitting position and immediately began to look downcast.
"Of course not, mellon," said a feminine voice from behind Gandalf. Aila stepped forward to the side of Legolas' bed and smiled down partially at him before retaking her seat. "Why would you ever think I would leave you forever?" She reached out a hand and again stroked hair from his face, looking into his eyes like they were the only thing in the room. The others in the room, watching the scene that developed before them felt like intruders upon the two and quickly left, unnoticed. Even Gimli left, despite his joy that his friend was alive again, knowing it was the right thing for him to do. Tears streamed down Aila's face once more. She was slightly embarrassed, but that feeling was overwhelmed with joy that Legolas was alive again: her guardian angel.
"Avo nallo, briennillen," Don't cry, my lady, Legolas said, pulling his own hand from the blankets and cupping her cheek in it.
"Aminn gorga," I was afraid she said through her tears. "N'uma lembuva amin." Don't leave me Surprise was apparent on Legolas' face but he smiled slightly up at her.
"Amin sinome, amin il'lembuva." I am here, I will never leave you. Aila smiled in return and pulled her hand up to her cheek, to place her hand on top of that of Legolas.
"Vesta amin," Promise me she persisted, still holding his hand to her cheek. His hand seemed so slender compared to her large, rough, Polish hand, but that didn't matter to her much anymore, all that mattered was the elf before her and his promise that he would never try to die again.
"Amin vesta," I promise he said to her, and she was almost surprised at the willingness in his voice.
"Legolas," she said, and her sentence trailed off. He stared up at her, expecting nothing but friendship as he always had, and it saddened his heart that she could not love him, or would not. She returned his gaze, and a voice echoed through her mind, "Listen to your feelings … listen to your heart …" Memory of Galadriel's sweet voice reverberated through the halls of her mind and she listened, at last. She closed her eyes and listened to her heart.
Before her eyes flashed not the now familiar walls of her own mind, but rather a strange hallway, and she felt drawn to a certain door, painted red, but with peeling paint and beneath it was painted blue, that paint did not peel. She reached for the lock and felt a pumping within it. A loud "thud-thump, thud-thump" echoes throughout the halls and she could feel it through her wraith. But this was not a mind wraith, but this wraith was robed in blood-red robes, covered from head to foot, hair hanging from underneath the hood, which the wraith had hung on its head, like a monk in a monastery. Opening the door, she was surprised to find a room covered in paintings, all of the same subject.
Legolas.
It was exactly like the room she had found within Legolas' mind, but it was her own, covered from floor to ceiling with portraits of him: stringing an arrow, standing tall and proud, smiling, his eyes twinkling in sunlight, his face contorted with worry, his bowstring stretched as he challenged an enemy with his arrows.
Finally she understood. He had loved her for so long, and she was stupid to not see it, to at least not have some hint of it, to shun him so utterly. And she had loved him for a long time as well, but her mind would not allow it. The vision faded and she opened her eyes again to the elf that lay before her, grasping her hand, staring quizzically up at her, wondering what she was thinking. Her heart began to beat loudly in her chest and her breathing deepened and became quicker. She stared down at Legolas as well, slightly biting her lip, knowing now how her heart felt. Reaching out a hand, she took his face in her hands, locking his eyes in her gaze.
"Legolas …" she repeated, her voice was soft and quiet, he could hardly hear her, so he pulled her towards him, his eyes still locked in her gaze. "I …" Somehow, though, as much as she knew how she felt, she couldn't let it pass her lips. Everything that Gandalf had said was out the door and now, though she knew everything he did and said suggested it, she was wondering if he returned her love.
"Aiya?" What? Legolas prompted. Their faces were only a few inches away now, Legolas had propped himself up upon his elbows and Aila was leaning quite a ways over the bed.
"Amin mela lle," I love you, she said, not able to hold it back anymore. "Amin mela lle." It didn't matter anymore to her if Legolas loved her in return, whether he was just back from the dead or not, she couldn't imagine loving anyone more than she loved him, than she always had loved him, but refused to acknowledge it. "God," she whispered. "I love you more than anything," she said, switching back to her own language. Her eyes looked pleadingly at Legolas, begging him to feel the same way, and Legolas was still locked into her soft brown eyes, shots of green and yellow through them.
So long had he dreamed of this day! Of this moment! His love was returned, like he never thought it would be. He sat there for several seconds and almost a minute had passed while he celebrated within his heart that she loved him when he realized her eyes were becoming dull that he was not saying anything.
"I love you as well," he said, his eyes full of conviction. "Amin mela lle, coramin." I love you, my heart. Smiling down at him, her eyes filling with joy, still holding his face in her hands, Aila started to pull away slightly. Legolas pulled his hands upward and held her hands within his and she felt blood rising to her cheeks, tearing her eyes from his face.
"Legolas, I am so sorry, I pushed you away and I shouldn't have. I feel so terrible, that you had to pretend to be just a friend for so long, and then to leave, not even bothering to come back. But you can understand why I pushed you away? Can't you? I mean, I'm the Light Bearer, if I fall in love with the wrong guy, all hell breaks loose on the elves, and I wouldn't want to do that to you or Arwen. Lle rangwa?" Do you understand?
"Amin rangwa." I understand. Her heart melted within her chest just from looking at his face, so full of love and wisdom.
"N'uma lembuva amin. Amin il'coie avaena lle." Don't leave me. I cannot live without you. Legolas in turn took her face in his hands and pulled her closer to him and she obliged by sitting upon the bed and leaning down, her upper body within a hair's breadth of its own.
"I will never leave you," he said and if she had ever doubted him, she saw in his eyes and heard in his voice that he meant what he said.
"Miqula'amin," Kiss me she said helplessly, totally giving in to him. His presence was so strong around her, and it felt so good to just succumb to his presence and be with him now. He was only too happy to oblige and he pulled her down further, wrapping his arms around her waist, hugging her tightly to him. In turn, she forced her hands underneath his back and held on as if for dear life. His lips claimed hers and his tongue flicked over her lips, massaging them, begging for entrance. Closing her eyes even tighter, butterflies battling in her stomach, she parted her lips and massaged his tongue with her own. His hands went up to her hair and stroked through her wavy locks. She never let go of him, pulling him tightly as if her life depended upon it. Breaking the kiss, gasping for breath, Legolas pulled her from the bed, almost unwillingly, and towards the door.
"Come, melanim, let us join the others in a meal." my love Reluctantly, Aila followed him through the door, unwilling to leave the picturesque scene they were leaving behind. He held her hand tightly and she smiled at the warmth he now held. She was overjoyed at the sight of his blond hair, slightly waving with his steps, the silent padding of his feet, the sparkle in his eyes, the tinge in his cheeks. Every small thing she noticed now and cherished.
…
They joined the others at the dining hall for dinner and the light faded outside until just the stars twinkled outside. Her friends all smiled at them as they sat side by side, their arms touching slightly as each laid upon the table. Neither of them moved their arms, but smiled slightly through out the entire meal. Even though Legolas had just eaten, he ate some more food, after his long time of starvation. However long it may have been since she had eaten, Aila hardly touched her food, her stomach fluttering with surprise and excitement as it had for the last hour. Much of the meal was eaten in silence, but they talked quietly amongst themselves though it was usually the others who were talking. Aila and Legolas held pleasurable silence mostly.
After they had finished eating, or had finished sitting with their friends, Legolas stood up and pulled Aila along with him. He smiled to Aragorn and Arwen, excused them, and pulled her behind him, as she smiled quizzically in his wake. Pulling her out into one of the gardens of Rivendell, she walked with him, holding his hand within hers.
The stars twinkled merrily above them, but soft and mute. They cast little light upon them, and the slivered moon aided minimally, splashing silver light onto Legolas' golden hair. The path was darkened around them, as trees stretched towards the stars and flowers glowed and yawned to the sky in sleepiness. Reds, yellows, blues, oranges, and whites glowed mutely in their splendor, the dirt paths lined with grass giving a musty smell, but a pleasant one.
Aila smiled as she remembered the last time that they had walked through one of the gardens of Rivendell, they were only friends. And now they were so much more, and the gardens seemed even more beautiful. They walked along, hand in hand, for a long time, just admiring the scenes around them, rejoicing in each other's company.
"Aila …" Legolas whispered from her side and she stopped and turned her head to face his. He seemed so much taller than her, in that silvery moment against the greenery and stars. His head was bent and she stepped closer, lifting her chin to look up into his face. It seemed a perfect fit, so that when she was close to him and lifted her chin, and he bowed his head, they were the perfect heights to pull this off with all simplicity and love.
"What is it, Legolas?" she asked, when he did not continue after whispering her name. She stood on her toes and placed her cheek against his, whispering into his fragile, pointed ear. "Mani naa ta?" What is it? Legolas shivered again with pleasure as her breath played upon the delicate tip of his ear, joy falling through his body.
"Kai," nothing Legolas replied, wrapping his arms around her waist. She fell back to the heels of her feet and looked up into his face once more. Knowing very well that it wasn't nothing, she raised her eyebrows slightly, but she dared not shatter the moment by making a joke. Opening her mouth slightly to persist what was wrong, Legolas pulled her tighter against him and butterflies flew to life inside her stomach. His tongue flickered into her mouth, caressing her lips, running lightly over her teeth, dancing with her own tongue.
She didn't resist, but kissed him back, not caring anymore what he had been trying to say. Whatever he wanted to say, couldn't he just say it like this? His kiss became hungrier and his hands started to explore her back. Throwing her hands around his neck, she ran her fingers through his silken hair and down his back as well. Soon, however, her lungs begged for air and she broke the kiss, leaning her head against his chest as she caught her breath. His head still bent, Legolas rested his cheek on top of her head, breathing deeply and holding her tightly.
"Aila," he began again, his voice breathless, but full of care, soft and gentle, loving. "Aila, amin il'coie avaena lle." I cannot live without you. She lifted her head from his chest and looked up into his face once more, losing herself in his blue eyes. Suddenly, she saw the wisdom and the love that they held, she saw the need and the quick temper, but she also saw the patience, and the overwhelming passion. "I love you, will you marry me?" Aila's breath caught in her chest and a butterfly exploded in her stomach, a wave of delight shuddered through her body. Her voice held in her throat and suddenly the doubts came back to her. Was she making the right decision? What if Legolas wasn't her true love, and she would only destroy all of elven kind?
Still looking into his eyes, she realized once more that she wasn't saying anything. She saw hurt gather in them. Legolas thought that she loved him, and she did, but now she was almost refusing to marry him, after they had come so far in the relationship in merely a day, she was about to destroy with her own pestering doubts. Seeing the coming pain in his eyes, she realized that it didn't matter anymore what she was or who she was supposed to be. It didn't matter if their love destroyed entire races, or if it would save entire races. Nothing mattered anymore, except that she loved him, more than anything she could ever imagine loving more than life itself. He meant so much more to her than even herself, than all of her best friends. Given the choice between the companionship of her friends, and the love of Legolas, she would have gone for Legolas in the blink of an eye. How could she convey that to him? In a few simple words?
"I love you more than anything and I would give up everything I have to be with you," she replied, her voice even more breathless than it normally was. Hope surged into Legolas' eyes, but she realized she had not yet given him a straight answer. "Yes," she said joyfully, clinging ever tighter to him. "Yes, I will marry you."
…
A/N: Is everybody happy now? Huh? Huh? Yeah. That's what I thought. Their together now. YAY! I've got a big test in Biology coming up on Friday, and then on Wednesday I've got a huge paper in English due, so don't expect THAT much between now and then. I'm barely going to have time to write. (More withdrawal for me). I'm sorry it took so long.
A/N: Such an overwhelming response! I knew you guys would like this one better. Okay, it's going to take a while between chapters now, because I have a huge English paper due in a week, and I'm only a fourth of the way through it. I'm such a flake. I was going to go to Thunder-palooza tonight, where a whole bunch of local bands come and play at our High school, but NOOO, my friend Ally flaked on me. And then I was going to go to military academy night with her too, but she flaked on that as well. BAH! TITAN is going pretty good. Ah, Chad is so hot. We all wore our uniforms today, and I have this joke about our ribbon-racks … "You want to touch my rack?" or "Can I touch your rack?" So Ashley was saying that just as Chad walked by with his friends and you should have seen the look on his face. It was classic. I never told you what happened between me and Chad before, did I? Oh well, sucks for you. It wasn't anything that big. I don't have anybody to go to Homecoming with. And Chad's Mormon, so he can't go on dates until he's 16. I'm thinking I might just ask him as a friend. Just for the hell of it. The song, of course, is Change by Good Charlotte. A little FYI. Sorry this took so long!!!
Disclaimer: Ah, screw it. I don't own anything, because it all belongs to JRR Tolkien. That dirty bastard. Just kidding, I love the guy … to bad he's dead.
…
Throughout Gandalf's speech Aila sat in silence, her eyes searching for nothing as she realized that everything Gandalf said was true, she was stupid to not have realized his love long before. Tears ran unbidden down her cheeks again, but this time sobs did not rack her frame.
Gandalf left her, unknowing that she followed shortly behind him. He re-entered the sickroom in time to hear Legolas proving his theory.
"I was so cold, and then there was a flicker of warmth in my hand," and he flexed the hand that Aila had kissed, holding it close to his face as he sat up in his bed, the remains of food placed on a tray in front of him. "It spread throughout my entire body and I wasn't cold anymore. It was a searing heat but I'm glad for it." That was when he noticed that Gandalf had entered the room, Aila no where to be seen. "Where is Aila?" he asked, frowning. "I thought she might stay for longer than that …" with that, he laid himself back down upon the bed from his sitting position and immediately began to look downcast.
"Of course not, mellon," said a feminine voice from behind Gandalf. Aila stepped forward to the side of Legolas' bed and smiled down partially at him before retaking her seat. "Why would you ever think I would leave you forever?" She reached out a hand and again stroked hair from his face, looking into his eyes like they were the only thing in the room. The others in the room, watching the scene that developed before them felt like intruders upon the two and quickly left, unnoticed. Even Gimli left, despite his joy that his friend was alive again, knowing it was the right thing for him to do. Tears streamed down Aila's face once more. She was slightly embarrassed, but that feeling was overwhelmed with joy that Legolas was alive again: her guardian angel.
"Avo nallo, briennillen," Don't cry, my lady, Legolas said, pulling his own hand from the blankets and cupping her cheek in it.
"Aminn gorga," I was afraid she said through her tears. "N'uma lembuva amin." Don't leave me Surprise was apparent on Legolas' face but he smiled slightly up at her.
"Amin sinome, amin il'lembuva." I am here, I will never leave you. Aila smiled in return and pulled her hand up to her cheek, to place her hand on top of that of Legolas.
"Vesta amin," Promise me she persisted, still holding his hand to her cheek. His hand seemed so slender compared to her large, rough, Polish hand, but that didn't matter to her much anymore, all that mattered was the elf before her and his promise that he would never try to die again.
"Amin vesta," I promise he said to her, and she was almost surprised at the willingness in his voice.
"Legolas," she said, and her sentence trailed off. He stared up at her, expecting nothing but friendship as he always had, and it saddened his heart that she could not love him, or would not. She returned his gaze, and a voice echoed through her mind, "Listen to your feelings … listen to your heart …" Memory of Galadriel's sweet voice reverberated through the halls of her mind and she listened, at last. She closed her eyes and listened to her heart.
Before her eyes flashed not the now familiar walls of her own mind, but rather a strange hallway, and she felt drawn to a certain door, painted red, but with peeling paint and beneath it was painted blue, that paint did not peel. She reached for the lock and felt a pumping within it. A loud "thud-thump, thud-thump" echoes throughout the halls and she could feel it through her wraith. But this was not a mind wraith, but this wraith was robed in blood-red robes, covered from head to foot, hair hanging from underneath the hood, which the wraith had hung on its head, like a monk in a monastery. Opening the door, she was surprised to find a room covered in paintings, all of the same subject.
Legolas.
It was exactly like the room she had found within Legolas' mind, but it was her own, covered from floor to ceiling with portraits of him: stringing an arrow, standing tall and proud, smiling, his eyes twinkling in sunlight, his face contorted with worry, his bowstring stretched as he challenged an enemy with his arrows.
Finally she understood. He had loved her for so long, and she was stupid to not see it, to at least not have some hint of it, to shun him so utterly. And she had loved him for a long time as well, but her mind would not allow it. The vision faded and she opened her eyes again to the elf that lay before her, grasping her hand, staring quizzically up at her, wondering what she was thinking. Her heart began to beat loudly in her chest and her breathing deepened and became quicker. She stared down at Legolas as well, slightly biting her lip, knowing now how her heart felt. Reaching out a hand, she took his face in her hands, locking his eyes in her gaze.
"Legolas …" she repeated, her voice was soft and quiet, he could hardly hear her, so he pulled her towards him, his eyes still locked in her gaze. "I …" Somehow, though, as much as she knew how she felt, she couldn't let it pass her lips. Everything that Gandalf had said was out the door and now, though she knew everything he did and said suggested it, she was wondering if he returned her love.
"Aiya?" What? Legolas prompted. Their faces were only a few inches away now, Legolas had propped himself up upon his elbows and Aila was leaning quite a ways over the bed.
"Amin mela lle," I love you, she said, not able to hold it back anymore. "Amin mela lle." It didn't matter anymore to her if Legolas loved her in return, whether he was just back from the dead or not, she couldn't imagine loving anyone more than she loved him, than she always had loved him, but refused to acknowledge it. "God," she whispered. "I love you more than anything," she said, switching back to her own language. Her eyes looked pleadingly at Legolas, begging him to feel the same way, and Legolas was still locked into her soft brown eyes, shots of green and yellow through them.
So long had he dreamed of this day! Of this moment! His love was returned, like he never thought it would be. He sat there for several seconds and almost a minute had passed while he celebrated within his heart that she loved him when he realized her eyes were becoming dull that he was not saying anything.
"I love you as well," he said, his eyes full of conviction. "Amin mela lle, coramin." I love you, my heart. Smiling down at him, her eyes filling with joy, still holding his face in her hands, Aila started to pull away slightly. Legolas pulled his hands upward and held her hands within his and she felt blood rising to her cheeks, tearing her eyes from his face.
"Legolas, I am so sorry, I pushed you away and I shouldn't have. I feel so terrible, that you had to pretend to be just a friend for so long, and then to leave, not even bothering to come back. But you can understand why I pushed you away? Can't you? I mean, I'm the Light Bearer, if I fall in love with the wrong guy, all hell breaks loose on the elves, and I wouldn't want to do that to you or Arwen. Lle rangwa?" Do you understand?
"Amin rangwa." I understand. Her heart melted within her chest just from looking at his face, so full of love and wisdom.
"N'uma lembuva amin. Amin il'coie avaena lle." Don't leave me. I cannot live without you. Legolas in turn took her face in his hands and pulled her closer to him and she obliged by sitting upon the bed and leaning down, her upper body within a hair's breadth of its own.
"I will never leave you," he said and if she had ever doubted him, she saw in his eyes and heard in his voice that he meant what he said.
"Miqula'amin," Kiss me she said helplessly, totally giving in to him. His presence was so strong around her, and it felt so good to just succumb to his presence and be with him now. He was only too happy to oblige and he pulled her down further, wrapping his arms around her waist, hugging her tightly to him. In turn, she forced her hands underneath his back and held on as if for dear life. His lips claimed hers and his tongue flicked over her lips, massaging them, begging for entrance. Closing her eyes even tighter, butterflies battling in her stomach, she parted her lips and massaged his tongue with her own. His hands went up to her hair and stroked through her wavy locks. She never let go of him, pulling him tightly as if her life depended upon it. Breaking the kiss, gasping for breath, Legolas pulled her from the bed, almost unwillingly, and towards the door.
"Come, melanim, let us join the others in a meal." my love Reluctantly, Aila followed him through the door, unwilling to leave the picturesque scene they were leaving behind. He held her hand tightly and she smiled at the warmth he now held. She was overjoyed at the sight of his blond hair, slightly waving with his steps, the silent padding of his feet, the sparkle in his eyes, the tinge in his cheeks. Every small thing she noticed now and cherished.
…
They joined the others at the dining hall for dinner and the light faded outside until just the stars twinkled outside. Her friends all smiled at them as they sat side by side, their arms touching slightly as each laid upon the table. Neither of them moved their arms, but smiled slightly through out the entire meal. Even though Legolas had just eaten, he ate some more food, after his long time of starvation. However long it may have been since she had eaten, Aila hardly touched her food, her stomach fluttering with surprise and excitement as it had for the last hour. Much of the meal was eaten in silence, but they talked quietly amongst themselves though it was usually the others who were talking. Aila and Legolas held pleasurable silence mostly.
After they had finished eating, or had finished sitting with their friends, Legolas stood up and pulled Aila along with him. He smiled to Aragorn and Arwen, excused them, and pulled her behind him, as she smiled quizzically in his wake. Pulling her out into one of the gardens of Rivendell, she walked with him, holding his hand within hers.
The stars twinkled merrily above them, but soft and mute. They cast little light upon them, and the slivered moon aided minimally, splashing silver light onto Legolas' golden hair. The path was darkened around them, as trees stretched towards the stars and flowers glowed and yawned to the sky in sleepiness. Reds, yellows, blues, oranges, and whites glowed mutely in their splendor, the dirt paths lined with grass giving a musty smell, but a pleasant one.
Aila smiled as she remembered the last time that they had walked through one of the gardens of Rivendell, they were only friends. And now they were so much more, and the gardens seemed even more beautiful. They walked along, hand in hand, for a long time, just admiring the scenes around them, rejoicing in each other's company.
"Aila …" Legolas whispered from her side and she stopped and turned her head to face his. He seemed so much taller than her, in that silvery moment against the greenery and stars. His head was bent and she stepped closer, lifting her chin to look up into his face. It seemed a perfect fit, so that when she was close to him and lifted her chin, and he bowed his head, they were the perfect heights to pull this off with all simplicity and love.
"What is it, Legolas?" she asked, when he did not continue after whispering her name. She stood on her toes and placed her cheek against his, whispering into his fragile, pointed ear. "Mani naa ta?" What is it? Legolas shivered again with pleasure as her breath played upon the delicate tip of his ear, joy falling through his body.
"Kai," nothing Legolas replied, wrapping his arms around her waist. She fell back to the heels of her feet and looked up into his face once more. Knowing very well that it wasn't nothing, she raised her eyebrows slightly, but she dared not shatter the moment by making a joke. Opening her mouth slightly to persist what was wrong, Legolas pulled her tighter against him and butterflies flew to life inside her stomach. His tongue flickered into her mouth, caressing her lips, running lightly over her teeth, dancing with her own tongue.
She didn't resist, but kissed him back, not caring anymore what he had been trying to say. Whatever he wanted to say, couldn't he just say it like this? His kiss became hungrier and his hands started to explore her back. Throwing her hands around his neck, she ran her fingers through his silken hair and down his back as well. Soon, however, her lungs begged for air and she broke the kiss, leaning her head against his chest as she caught her breath. His head still bent, Legolas rested his cheek on top of her head, breathing deeply and holding her tightly.
"Aila," he began again, his voice breathless, but full of care, soft and gentle, loving. "Aila, amin il'coie avaena lle." I cannot live without you. She lifted her head from his chest and looked up into his face once more, losing herself in his blue eyes. Suddenly, she saw the wisdom and the love that they held, she saw the need and the quick temper, but she also saw the patience, and the overwhelming passion. "I love you, will you marry me?" Aila's breath caught in her chest and a butterfly exploded in her stomach, a wave of delight shuddered through her body. Her voice held in her throat and suddenly the doubts came back to her. Was she making the right decision? What if Legolas wasn't her true love, and she would only destroy all of elven kind?
Still looking into his eyes, she realized once more that she wasn't saying anything. She saw hurt gather in them. Legolas thought that she loved him, and she did, but now she was almost refusing to marry him, after they had come so far in the relationship in merely a day, she was about to destroy with her own pestering doubts. Seeing the coming pain in his eyes, she realized that it didn't matter anymore what she was or who she was supposed to be. It didn't matter if their love destroyed entire races, or if it would save entire races. Nothing mattered anymore, except that she loved him, more than anything she could ever imagine loving more than life itself. He meant so much more to her than even herself, than all of her best friends. Given the choice between the companionship of her friends, and the love of Legolas, she would have gone for Legolas in the blink of an eye. How could she convey that to him? In a few simple words?
"I love you more than anything and I would give up everything I have to be with you," she replied, her voice even more breathless than it normally was. Hope surged into Legolas' eyes, but she realized she had not yet given him a straight answer. "Yes," she said joyfully, clinging ever tighter to him. "Yes, I will marry you."
…
A/N: Is everybody happy now? Huh? Huh? Yeah. That's what I thought. Their together now. YAY! I've got a big test in Biology coming up on Friday, and then on Wednesday I've got a huge paper in English due, so don't expect THAT much between now and then. I'm barely going to have time to write. (More withdrawal for me). I'm sorry it took so long.