Title: Elven commitment chapter 2/2
Author: Warlady
Fandom: Tolkien
Rating: PG-14
Disclaimer: All the characters from The Lord of the Ring, belongs to Tolkien Estate. Special Warnings: Some allusions to violent death, sex implied not graphic.
Beta: Mayetra
Timeline: During the events from The Two Towers and after The Return of the King. Archive: The Tortured Scribes' group board. Spoilers: None. Author's Note: Since I got a single review asking for more, and because my muse was pocking me with his magic wand I decided to write a second and final chapter to this little fanfiction. Don't forget to review if you like it, and flame me if you please, at least I would know you read it =^_^=
As the battle in Helm's Deep ended, Legolas walked among the spoils to help the Elves that had survived in the search of fallen companions. They had little time before their departure towards Isengard, but the Elven people would not leave their dead ones at the mercy of the vultures.
His serene face was gloomy, as he saw many of his peoples' corpses scattered all over the mud. It was terrible to notice that some of them had their eyes open, as if they were in reverie. From time to time, he had to breath in deep to avoid shedding tears, at the vision of beautiful Elves mutilated beyond recognition.
"You, Elf, there is one of yours alive here!" a Rohirrim warrior called to him.
Legolas jogged swiftly through the field and arrived in time to see how the survivor was taken from under a pile of bodies. The Elven warrior face was covered with mud and blood. His eyes were closed, though he was breathing, he had passed out. The chest plate of his armor was broken. Obviously, the hit to his chest had made him faint in pain.
Legolas took the frail body in his arms and carried him towards the fortress. He arrived at the hall designated to the wounded ones and deposited the Elf on a blanket placed on the floor. He took off the Elf's helmet and suddenly noticed the color of the hair was very familiar to him. He cleaned the face with water and gasped with the realization. This was not a warrior, this was Delia, his Delia. Breathing hard in anxiety, he removed the armor and hurriedly opened the tunic and the shirt that covered her chest. He found a dark bruise on her sternum, and gently touching the bone he verified that nothing was broken.
Delia moaned and stirred, his eyelashes fluttered and his eyes fixed on Legolas. "Meleth-nin," she whispered.
"Hush, Delia, you are hurt and need to rest." He leaned towards her and planted a chaste kiss on her lips.
"Do not worry, I am fine. There are many others that need help, go with them. I will take care of myself," she said trying to sit. Her face contorted in pain.
"No, I will attend you. Now, stay here and do not dare to move. I will find a better accommodation for you."
"But."
"No more words for now, hush and stay still. I will be back in a minute."
Legolas rushed through the corridors, looking for Lady Eowyn. If there was someone who could help him to find a more private place to take care of his beloved, that was Èowyn. He finally found her, among other women, helping them to attend the hurt soldiers of higher rank.
"My Lady, may I have a word with you?"
She looked questioningly at him. Until now, the Elven prince had not directly addressed her. He acted towards her and the other Rohirrim people like most of the Elves were supposed to be, reserved and a little too cold. Though she noticed he had a peculiar gleam in his eyes. She stopped her task and came closer to him. "What do you need?" she said, keeping a formal expression in her features.
"I need a room for attend one of the Elven warriors."
"A room?" she was perplexed. How could he be asking for something like that, when her own people, even the most dignified warriors were accommodated on the floor? "May I ask why you are asking for such a thing? Do you think your warriors are better than mine to deserve a room for their own when all these Rohirrim soldiers are laying on little less than the bare floor?" She was cutting, but she didn't lose her regal demeanor in the least.
"Nay, my Lady, but this soldier happens to be very special. She is my betrothed."
Eowyn's eyes widened in surprise. "Your betrothed? A female? I didn't know your women were permitted to fight among your males," she said this more for herself than for him. "Well, that is different. I will see what can I do for you."
"Thank you, my Lady." He bowed at her and left.
****
Éowin and a handmaid arranged a small room close to the armory, which had served to accommodate a soldier who guarded the entrance to it. This soldier had died during the battle, so the chamber was empty.
Delia was resting on a mattress, she fell quickly into reverie. The handmaid changed her into one of Éowin's nightgowns and one of the healers checked her wound.
"The healer says she is fine. Nothing is broken and there isn't internal bleeding," Éowin informed Legolas.
"Thank you, my Lady, how could I repay you?" Legolas bowed at her, his expression filled with sincere gratitude.
"Love her, my Lord, that is all that I ask from you. Love this brave female that didn't hesitate to hold a sword to defend this fortress. Give her your devotion and honor your love. But never, ever, cage her, that would be like killing her spirit." Éowin's eyes were filled with fire and determination. It was like Delia was a reflection of herself, or so she felt.
"I will do as you say, my Lady. I will make her my wife, but I swear to you she will be free as a bird. Though I think she had enough battle for now, I will not let her hold a bow or a sword for a while, until she is properly cured."
"It sounds fair to me, she can rest here and await for your return from Isengard"
*****
Legolas stayed all night at Delia's side, looking at her eyes and the soft raise and fall of her chest. He didn't notice the moment when he slipped into reverie.
At some hour before the raising of the sun he woke up and realized, with a jolt of fear, that she had left. He exited the room in haste, but before he could go further, Gandalf crossed his way.
"Are you looking for your betrothed?" asked the Wizard.
"Yes, I. how did you know she is my."
"Éowin told me. Don't worry, your beloved is outside, atop one of the towers. She has been watching the stars."
Legolas thanked Gandalf and left. As he exited the building, he noticed the silhouette of Delia outlined by the raising sun. She was standing, immobile, her eyes watching the east. He walked towards her and stood at her side.
"You are a stubborn female."
"I had to see the stars." She turned around and smiled at him.
"But you are."
"Shh, listen."
From far away, the cry of a hawk repeated again and again. No mortal could hear it, but Elven ears could.
"It is only a hawk," Legolas said, embracing Delia's waist and nudging her neck with his nose.
"Isengard has fallen," she said as in trance, "the hawk is announcing the fall of Saruman's fortress."
Legolas watched her in awe. To be true, the Elves sometimes could interpret the animal languages, but never to the grade of knowing what a sound so distant and blurred could mean.
"How can you say that?"
"I have gifted hearing, my love. I can understand clearly what birds and beasts say. That is how I knew you were here. News travel fast among the winged folk. When Lord Elrond requested the Elves join this battle, I did not hesitate and volunteered to come at your side."
"That was very brave of you. But I would prefer you to stay safe in Imladris."
"I would prefer it too, but every minute without you were like living in abysm." She sighed, leaning to him. His warm body felt like paradise to her.
"I admit I feel the same. Though now I have to leave again, and have to ask you to stay and wait for me. At least, stay until you are strong enough to join us in battle." He was not going to deny her the right to hold a sword again, because he had promised it to Lady Éowin. But his heart was suffering with the notion of his beloved one involved in such a danger.
"I will not hold a sword again, nor a bow either. I have had enough killing. Maybe I am a coward in your eyes, Legolas, but I could not stand killing another living being again. I know the ones that died under my blade and my arrows were Orcs, but they breathed, screamed and bled. Every slash to them was like a thorn in my heart. Even as I knew that they would not doubt for a second to kill me, it made it no easier. I know that it sounds strange to you, but I could see fear and sadness in their yellow eyes, every time one of them died by my hand." She turned in his arms to face him, a single tear rolling down her face.
Legolas looked at her. For some strange reason, he felt that he had never seen her at all. It was like something had unveiled suddenly. What ever it was, he could feel a strange energy pulsing through her fragile form. "I would not ask you to do it again, meleth-nin, you will never raise your hand to kill. That I promise. I will return to you in no time. But I have to ask you something important."
"Ask me what ever you want, my love."
"Will you bond to me, before I go into battle again?"
"Nothing could make me more joyful," she said, her face suddenly glowing in happiness; but, a shadow covered her eyes, "But we do not have your father's blessing."
"I know it, but even if Elbereth come from Aman right now and told me I should not join to you, I would disobey her command."
She gasped in fear, "that is a blasphemy, Legolas!"
He laughed, and embraced her tightly to his chest. "Nay, meleth-nin, a blasphemy was not bonding to you back at Imladris."
*****
While they rode to Isengard, Legolas was glowing; tiredness, hunger and battle forgotten. He looked at his wrist, where a white scarf was tied, the sign of his bond with Delia. She had nothing else to give him in symbol of their marriage, and he didn't care. The soft piece of fabric was as precious to him as it was one of the Silmarils.
They said their marriage vows before Gandalf, and Legolas gave to Delia one of his arrows in exchange for her scarf. A poor symbol, but he planned to correct this once they arrive at Mirkwood. He was still planing how to announce the news to his father. Though it didn't trouble him.much.
"Master Elf, I have never seen you so happy. It seems that lass truly has your heart. A brave girl that one, to come in search of you, even in such a risky situation." Gimli was saying.
"My Delia. Truly mine at last. I can not imagine a better gift." Legolas was telling this more to himself than to Gimli.
"Now you have a good reason to keep you head joined to your neck," said Aragorn, amused to see the wide smile drawn on Legolas' usually severe features.
"Aye, I plan to return to her in one piece." He was saying this when the vision of Isengard, or what was left of it, appeared before them. The Elf looked in surprise. "She was telling the truth!" he whispered.
*****
To Legolas surprise, his father took the news quite well, to say the least.
In fact, the Elven King was delighted. Not to mention, he was not so delighted when he noticed that his son was a close friend with Gimli. But the notice of Delia being his daughter-in-law had a beneficial effect on his mood.
Legolas was puzzled. He expected real harshness, and even feared an offensive scene from Thranduil. The Elven Prince had his reasons to assume this, of course.
Thranduil used to instruct him really specifically about the kind of female he wanted for him. Refined, beautiful, intelligent yet obedient and high- breed.
The high-breed part was what kept Legolas worried. She was daughter of a handmaid. and the Valar knew who her father was. Though the thing that triggered his alarm was the King's announce of a celebration to honor their bonds in the Elven way.
Was his father planning something against Delia? Was he going to spit his insults to her in the middle of the ceremony? Legolas feared the worst, so, a couple of days before the celebration he walked in Thranduil's studio, his heart somewhere between his stomach and his knees. Even though Legolas was a grown up Elf, had been through war and had seen a Balrog up close, his father still scared him, as if he still was a young Elfling caught doing a prank.
Thranduil's desk was covered with documents, his head was bowed, reading carefully a specific piece of parchment. He didn't stop reading. "Legolas, come inside and take a sit. I will be with you in a minute." He obviously knew his son had entered his office.
Legolas obeyed, his stomach suddenly threatening to flip over. He looked at the expression on his father's face and an abrupt desire to stand up and run nested in his guts.
Though it was too late, Thranduil lifted his head and looked at him. "Ah, Lord Elrond wrote to make his excuses. He would not attend your wedding, he is so busy preparing for his daughter's wedding with the King of Gondor." Thranduil face clearly showed his discontent. "Oh, at least he says it is that. I assume he would came out with another explanation if he had not this one so at hand."
Legolas just nodded, his tongue suddenly reluctant to move at all.
"I cannot imagine how he permits such an abomination. Arwen, the most beautiful Elf in Middle Earth, the very image of Luthien, married to a Man."
Legolas gulped. Yes, his father had always tried to obtain an alliance with Lord Elrond and Lady Galadriel. Such a pact would only could be possible if he, the Prince of Eryn Lasgalen, joined in marriage with Arwen.
When the news of the strong love that joined Arwen and Aragon's hearts spread, fast as fire in a store of fireworks, through the Elven realms, Thranduil almost fainted.
Though, Legolas sighed in relief. He always thought that Arwen was beautiful as a star. but he found her strange and ethereal demeanor totally unpleasant. To talk to her was like talking to a living statue. Her coldness unnerved him. On the other hand, Delia, his Delia, was real, as warm as a summer morning and as beautiful as a new leaf. She was just perfection to his eyes, used to measure richness by the endless display of splendor that nature could give to the senses. Her gracious dance back at Imladris had gained his heart. Her movements was the eternal dance of life, her body was one with the earth the wind and the water. The inner fire of her spirit was a calm flame that turned in a smoldering blaze in the moment of their bodies' first joining. Loving her was like loving the nature itself. A perfect communion with the spirit of Arda.
"Legolas, are you listening to me?" Thranduil looked at his son in puzzlement.
Legolas came back from his reverie with a start. It was now or never. Encouraged by the vision of his beloved still fresh in his mind he was ready to face the wrath of his father. "Father, I need to know it. What is the meaning of this celebration you are preparing?"
"The meaning? To confirm your union with Delia before the eyes of our people, of course." His voice was calm and firm. It showed no hint of deceit of any kind.
Legolas was scandalized. Was it possible his father could lie so smoothly as to not display his true intentions with the subtle quiver in his voice or demeanor? He tried to stay composed, it was useless to start up an argument so soon. "But, you know her mother was a servant, and her father." He didn't dare to continue, it was bad enough that nobody knew who her father was. If he voiced out his suspicious about the "race" of Delia's father, Thranduil will surely kick him out of the palace, and the fate of his wife would be even worse.
"Oh, I see, you are afraid I did not remember to invite her father? I did it, do not worry, Legolas. It was quite difficult to find him, but finally, he received his invitation, and he sent word to me just yesterday. So, be calm, he will be here to see her daughter become your wife in the Elven ceremony."
Legolas was surprised beyond words, literally, because he felt his throat contracted as to say something, though no sound came out. After some minutes of mute deliberation he managed to speak. "Do you know who her father is?"
"But of course, you know him too, but not so well as I." Suddenly, Thranduil's face lit up as he remembered something. "Forgive me, son, I forgot that not even Delia knows him. How silly of me, I assumed you had this information. Then, our little celebration will not only be a party for you two, it seems she will meet at last her roots."
"Who is he?" Legolas asked in haste. This mysterious person could not be an Orc, Thranduil would not be so calmed.
"Nay, Legolas, my son, I will not tell you. You will be eager to say it to your wife and the surprise will be ruined."
"But."
"Enough, now leave me, I have a ton of things to do."
"But."
"Well, are you still here?" Thranduil fixed his blue eyes on him, raising up an elegant eyebrow that was the mark of his patience growing thin.
Legolas understood and left the chamber.
*****
Delia was in the stables, brushing slowly the soft skin of the mare his father-in-law had gave her. She was saying some soft words in Elvish to the beast.
The snow white mare neighed softly as in response to her words.
"You know what she says to you?" asked Legolas, who had entered minutes ago and was watching intently the scene.
"She says that she like the way I brush her hair. She complained about the lackeys, they don't pay real attention to their tasks." Delia said this smiling widely at Legolas.
He walked towards Delia and swiftly encircled her waist from behind, hiding his face in her hair. He inhaled deeply. She smelled to open fields and morning dew, flowers, rain, and autumn wind. "I do not blame her, Delia, your hands are magical when it comes to combs and braids. Though, they are magical in many, many other ways. I can say it, my skin still yearns for your touch."
She giggled, a shade of pink coloring her face. "You are hopeless, Legolas. Remember, we could be wife and husband, but still, we need your father's blessing." She struggled, far too weekly, because her body didn't want to be freed from the prison of his arms.
"Oh, come on, meleth-nin, do not starve your husband of your love. Or do you want me to kneel and beg for your favor?" He fell to his knees and embraced her hips, planting a chaste kiss on her stomach. "Please?"
"Legolas, do not give me that look, you know you melt me when you look at me like that."
And so she melted, under his caresses and kisses. They made love once again, on a heap of fresh hay.
Legolas felt more alive and secure when she shared his body with him. Only then could he forget the worries that were plaguing his mind, the upcoming Elven wedding, the final meeting with her father. He could get lost in her eyes for hours, feeling that sensation of pure heaven, when she finally reached her peak in his arms, and moaned so softly, yet so deeply, as to make him realize she was his forever.
*****
So, the day came. The palace was glowing with the ornaments made by the Dwarves from Lonely Mountain. Thranduil had not mull over the high payment he had to give to have his halls covered in all the fine silver lamps and chandeliers. The walls were garlanded as well, with thousands of fresh white flowers.
Legolas was in the main Hall, looking in wonder at all this magnificence, dressed already in his most fine attire. His lean body looked regal in the white and silver robes. Though, he felt a little foolish using clothes so elaborate, and his golden head, crowned with a garland of silver leaves and golden berries made him felt even more uneasy.
"Master Elf, are you under all this finery?" asked Gimli, amused.
The Elf had been so deep in thoughts that the Dwarf's presence passed unnoticed till now. "So it seems, though I barely can say I feel like myself wearing this. I am afraid I would trip up on the hem and fall on my face."
"Oh, you will do well, Legolas. Are you nervous?"
"You do not have an idea, Gimli. I feel like a thousand butterflies are dancing inside my stomach."
"Lad, you are only going to speak your vows before your people, the real marriage was back at Helm's Deep. Though, I dare to say, you had your honeymoon back at Elrond's House." Gimli chuckled, giving a soft nudge with his fist to Legolas' arm.
Legolas blushed in shame. "Well, I. Wait a minute, how can you be so sure?"
"Oh, the cute blonde she-Elf you sent to me was quite talkative. After a couple of words from my part she sang the whole story about you looking in the glades for your dear Delia."
"I see, that impish Elf. And just after that I imagine you made her sing a very different tune." Legolas narrowed his eyes in a very significant way.
"More like scream. I swear all Imladris heard her. Noisy creature." It was Gimli's turn to blush to the roots of his hair.
Legolas laughed and this eased a little of his nervousness.
*****
There he was standing in front of his father, the hall full of guests and his nerves tangled in knots. Thranduil informed him that Delia's father had arrived and was introducing himself to her. At any moment, his wife would enter the hall on the arm of her father.
The King, in his vast wisdom, had kept Delia's father identity secret from him. So Legolas anxiety had only increased even more. Was her father a Man? No, it was not possible, Delia was too old for her father to be alive if he was a Man. An Elf? No, in that case, probably he would know, news traveled fast among Elven kin. An Orc? Of course not, his father was not wicked enough as to permit himself such a horrid joke. The march that announced his wife's entrance to the hall made him almost jump out his skin. His jaw dropped, there, in the entrance hall was Delia.
She was wearing a vaporous and regal gown. Her elfin frame was resplendent among the silk and the gauze, her hair had been arranged neatly, with little braids at her temples, and a garland of white flowers crowned her head.
After regaining his composure, he had to blink several times to be sure he was not looking a mirage. Because, holding his wife's arm, was the unmistakable figure of one of the Istari. He didn't know him very well, as his father had told him, but the brown robe was a sign that this wizard was Radagast.
The wizard walked beside Delia, and lead their path towards the astonished Elf. As he arrived next to Legolas the old man smiled and joined Delia's hand with Legolas'. "I give you my daughter, Legolas Thranduilion, make her very happy."
Legolas was as in a daze. He barely could hear his father's words. Even his own vows were said in such a state and he could barely discern what he was saying. When it was Delia's turn to speak her vows, he came back from his contemplation and listened carefully.
"I promise that I will bond my life to yours, to be as one, for all eternity and beyond. May the Valar bless our union and give us the joy of being together forever. I will be with you in happiness and in sadness, in your time of enjoyment and in your hour of sorrow. Because I love you, Legolas."
"Now I bless your union, my children, and before all the guests and under the eyes of the Valar, I declare you husband and wife."
They exchanged rings of gold as a proof of their union, and finally kissed. A kiss between a wife and a husband, before the law of the Elves.
*****
"Father, why you did not tell me?"
"Ai, Legolas, I could not ruin the surprise. How could I miss the chance to see your face when you finally knew your father-in-law's identity?"
"How did you know it? Not even Delia knew it."
"It is a long story. But better let your wife tell you. After all, you do not want to pass your time with your old father when you have a lovely wife expecting you to take her away." Thranduil grinned wickedly and raised his eyebrow.
Legolas blushed and nodded, looking at Delia, who was dancing with
Radagast. He walked towards them. Softly touching Radsgast's shoulder, he waited until they halted in the dance. "Should I ask you to let me dance with this beautiful lady?"
"But of course, lad," the wizard smiled widely and made a bow to him.
Legolas took her wife in arms and started to dance. "I hope you do not mind I interrupted your time with your father."
"No, my dear, I do not mind. Truly, there are a lot of things I want to talk with him about, but there will be another time to do it. This night belongs to us, you and I." She rested her head against his chest and followed his lead in the dancing.
He felt her so close, finally as he had imagined through all his long journey, through the terrible battles, but now, the curiosity was killing him. He wanted to know more about her father. "Delia, could I ask you for a walk in the inner gardens?" He asked, stopping and offering her his arm.
"Yes, my love." She took his arm and walked with him out the Hall.
They walked through corridors until they arrived at the archway that lead to the inner gardens.
She loved this place, and Legolas knew it. Delia had discovered it on her first day at the castle and passed much of her time here.
"Honestly, Legolas, I was feeling a little anxious surrounded by so many people," she confessed, while she took off her slippers and put her bare feet on the soft grass.
"I thought so, but you have to get used to it. You are a princess now, and with your new privileges comes a load of new responsibilities."
"King Thranduil told me that, already," she smiled, and sit on a marble bench.
"Sorry, my dear, it seems I am getting old, I am starting to sound like my father." He laughed softly and sat by her side.
"You want to know about my father, don't you?" She took his face in her hands and looked intently into his blue eyes.
"You know me so well."
"Just enough to see you are curious. I told you once, curiosity was one of the most valuable virtues among Elves. Well, it is not a long story. He knew my mother and fell in love with her, but the Valar's plan about Istari was very clear. So even when he wanted to join to her in marriage, he had to follow his mission. She offered her love to him in Imladris, like I did with you, and then saw him go away, keeping their union secret. But after that, the Orcs abducted her and Lady Celebrian; the rest of the story, you know it quite well."
"But, why he never returned to claim his rights as parent. It would have save you from much pain and doubts." Legolas was furious.
"It was not the Valar's design, my love. The Istari were bound to their destiny, and even though he kept surveillance over me from the shadows, he could not tell of this secret aloud. Only the high Elven Lords and Lady knew about it, your father among them, Lord Elrond, Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn."
"You were a mere servant in Elrond's house, Delia, how could he let it be like that? You are the daughter of a Maia. Even Arwen do not have the magical blood that runs in your veins, not as much as you, anyway (*)"
"I was a servant in Imladris, Legolas, that is true. But I never felt shame for that, it kept me sane and safe. Do you remember Luthien, the half Maia? She was a powerful creature, she lured Morgoth himself and stole a Silmaril from his iron crown. Can you figure out what could happen if Saruman or even Sauron knew such creature like me existed? I do not know if I have such power in me, but they would no doubt try to take my life away. Besides, I feel no different from the others, I am just a she-Elf, and I want to be like that to your eyes."
Legolas looked at her and noticed that she had Radagast's eyes.
Radagast the simpleton, the weak, the beasts tamer. Such names were given to him, but Legolas realized that under the simple cover of the wizard, there was a great power. Indeed, the Istari was not as portentous as Saruman, or as incredibly powerful as Gandalf. But the strength of his magic ruled over something more basic and even more important. Living things, trees, plants, animals, the pure soul of Arda.
No wonder his daughter was as strong as him in such things. She was undemanding, humble, even when she knew her eyes and ears could hear the song of the nature in a way nobody else could.
"You are so silent, meleth-nin." She commented, placing her palm on his chest.
"I was just thinking, my love, about our life together. You know, I plan to move on to Ithilien. My people would not stay long here, and there is a lot of to do in Gondor. I imagine the White City full of green gardens, where Elven flowers should bloom even when the Elves are not more in Middle Earth."
"And the Trees, where the birds and little creatures will have place to make their homes. The big branches covered in flowers and fruits." Added Delia, as in trance. She moved her hand towards a blossom from a plant close to her feet and it stirred, opening as if the sun had touched it.
"It seems I have some Maia's power after all," she winked to a surprised Legolas. _____________________________________________________________________
The time of the departure was sad, but it held a sense of joy as well. The white ships had their veils unwrapped and they filled with the salty sea breeze. As the anchors were pulled up the vessels started to move towards the West.
"Finally, my love, we will join to our kin in Aman." Legolas whispered in Delia's ear, stroking lovingly her swelling belly. The fruit of their love moved so slightly inside her womb as in response to his caress.
"I hear them calling, in the song of the waves and the gulls, the wind carries their jolly voices," she said, softly, a single tear rolling down her pale cheek. "Though, I can hear another song as well, the living beings I am leaving behind, their farewell is so sad. They are afraid of the mortals, they want me to stay."
"You will miss our former home, meleth-nin. But I know you will find more beautiful trees and flowers in the Undying Lands." He kissed away her tear. "We cannot linger here, even when part of me desires it too. This is not our place anymore, the age of the Edain is beginning and we must take our leave. Middle Earth will change so much and if we stay the pain of such change would send us to Mandos' Halls. "
"Aye, I know the truth of your words. But I only hope when we are gone, the Edain will take care of them. Each tree, each flower, each little creature in Middle-Earth. I wish someday they can hear their song as I do, maybe then, when the changes cease, we could return." she reply, a hint of hope in her voice.
"Yes, maybe then." he added, looking away from the East and fixing his eyes in the endless blue of the waves. He doubted greatly of this, the Edain had not much love for nature. Though his love for Delia made him save his believes for himself. Besides, the elders said that the hope was the last to die. Perhaps someday Men would learn to listen the song of Arda and the Elves could return to live with them. "
The End.
(*) As my dear friend Mayetra said, Arwen was a descendant of Luthien, who was the daughter of Thingol and Melian, the latter was a Maia. So, Arwen's heritage included Maia's blood, as well as Human and Elven.
Author: Warlady
Fandom: Tolkien
Rating: PG-14
Disclaimer: All the characters from The Lord of the Ring, belongs to Tolkien Estate. Special Warnings: Some allusions to violent death, sex implied not graphic.
Beta: Mayetra
Timeline: During the events from The Two Towers and after The Return of the King. Archive: The Tortured Scribes' group board. Spoilers: None. Author's Note: Since I got a single review asking for more, and because my muse was pocking me with his magic wand I decided to write a second and final chapter to this little fanfiction. Don't forget to review if you like it, and flame me if you please, at least I would know you read it =^_^=
As the battle in Helm's Deep ended, Legolas walked among the spoils to help the Elves that had survived in the search of fallen companions. They had little time before their departure towards Isengard, but the Elven people would not leave their dead ones at the mercy of the vultures.
His serene face was gloomy, as he saw many of his peoples' corpses scattered all over the mud. It was terrible to notice that some of them had their eyes open, as if they were in reverie. From time to time, he had to breath in deep to avoid shedding tears, at the vision of beautiful Elves mutilated beyond recognition.
"You, Elf, there is one of yours alive here!" a Rohirrim warrior called to him.
Legolas jogged swiftly through the field and arrived in time to see how the survivor was taken from under a pile of bodies. The Elven warrior face was covered with mud and blood. His eyes were closed, though he was breathing, he had passed out. The chest plate of his armor was broken. Obviously, the hit to his chest had made him faint in pain.
Legolas took the frail body in his arms and carried him towards the fortress. He arrived at the hall designated to the wounded ones and deposited the Elf on a blanket placed on the floor. He took off the Elf's helmet and suddenly noticed the color of the hair was very familiar to him. He cleaned the face with water and gasped with the realization. This was not a warrior, this was Delia, his Delia. Breathing hard in anxiety, he removed the armor and hurriedly opened the tunic and the shirt that covered her chest. He found a dark bruise on her sternum, and gently touching the bone he verified that nothing was broken.
Delia moaned and stirred, his eyelashes fluttered and his eyes fixed on Legolas. "Meleth-nin," she whispered.
"Hush, Delia, you are hurt and need to rest." He leaned towards her and planted a chaste kiss on her lips.
"Do not worry, I am fine. There are many others that need help, go with them. I will take care of myself," she said trying to sit. Her face contorted in pain.
"No, I will attend you. Now, stay here and do not dare to move. I will find a better accommodation for you."
"But."
"No more words for now, hush and stay still. I will be back in a minute."
Legolas rushed through the corridors, looking for Lady Eowyn. If there was someone who could help him to find a more private place to take care of his beloved, that was Èowyn. He finally found her, among other women, helping them to attend the hurt soldiers of higher rank.
"My Lady, may I have a word with you?"
She looked questioningly at him. Until now, the Elven prince had not directly addressed her. He acted towards her and the other Rohirrim people like most of the Elves were supposed to be, reserved and a little too cold. Though she noticed he had a peculiar gleam in his eyes. She stopped her task and came closer to him. "What do you need?" she said, keeping a formal expression in her features.
"I need a room for attend one of the Elven warriors."
"A room?" she was perplexed. How could he be asking for something like that, when her own people, even the most dignified warriors were accommodated on the floor? "May I ask why you are asking for such a thing? Do you think your warriors are better than mine to deserve a room for their own when all these Rohirrim soldiers are laying on little less than the bare floor?" She was cutting, but she didn't lose her regal demeanor in the least.
"Nay, my Lady, but this soldier happens to be very special. She is my betrothed."
Eowyn's eyes widened in surprise. "Your betrothed? A female? I didn't know your women were permitted to fight among your males," she said this more for herself than for him. "Well, that is different. I will see what can I do for you."
"Thank you, my Lady." He bowed at her and left.
****
Éowin and a handmaid arranged a small room close to the armory, which had served to accommodate a soldier who guarded the entrance to it. This soldier had died during the battle, so the chamber was empty.
Delia was resting on a mattress, she fell quickly into reverie. The handmaid changed her into one of Éowin's nightgowns and one of the healers checked her wound.
"The healer says she is fine. Nothing is broken and there isn't internal bleeding," Éowin informed Legolas.
"Thank you, my Lady, how could I repay you?" Legolas bowed at her, his expression filled with sincere gratitude.
"Love her, my Lord, that is all that I ask from you. Love this brave female that didn't hesitate to hold a sword to defend this fortress. Give her your devotion and honor your love. But never, ever, cage her, that would be like killing her spirit." Éowin's eyes were filled with fire and determination. It was like Delia was a reflection of herself, or so she felt.
"I will do as you say, my Lady. I will make her my wife, but I swear to you she will be free as a bird. Though I think she had enough battle for now, I will not let her hold a bow or a sword for a while, until she is properly cured."
"It sounds fair to me, she can rest here and await for your return from Isengard"
*****
Legolas stayed all night at Delia's side, looking at her eyes and the soft raise and fall of her chest. He didn't notice the moment when he slipped into reverie.
At some hour before the raising of the sun he woke up and realized, with a jolt of fear, that she had left. He exited the room in haste, but before he could go further, Gandalf crossed his way.
"Are you looking for your betrothed?" asked the Wizard.
"Yes, I. how did you know she is my."
"Éowin told me. Don't worry, your beloved is outside, atop one of the towers. She has been watching the stars."
Legolas thanked Gandalf and left. As he exited the building, he noticed the silhouette of Delia outlined by the raising sun. She was standing, immobile, her eyes watching the east. He walked towards her and stood at her side.
"You are a stubborn female."
"I had to see the stars." She turned around and smiled at him.
"But you are."
"Shh, listen."
From far away, the cry of a hawk repeated again and again. No mortal could hear it, but Elven ears could.
"It is only a hawk," Legolas said, embracing Delia's waist and nudging her neck with his nose.
"Isengard has fallen," she said as in trance, "the hawk is announcing the fall of Saruman's fortress."
Legolas watched her in awe. To be true, the Elves sometimes could interpret the animal languages, but never to the grade of knowing what a sound so distant and blurred could mean.
"How can you say that?"
"I have gifted hearing, my love. I can understand clearly what birds and beasts say. That is how I knew you were here. News travel fast among the winged folk. When Lord Elrond requested the Elves join this battle, I did not hesitate and volunteered to come at your side."
"That was very brave of you. But I would prefer you to stay safe in Imladris."
"I would prefer it too, but every minute without you were like living in abysm." She sighed, leaning to him. His warm body felt like paradise to her.
"I admit I feel the same. Though now I have to leave again, and have to ask you to stay and wait for me. At least, stay until you are strong enough to join us in battle." He was not going to deny her the right to hold a sword again, because he had promised it to Lady Éowin. But his heart was suffering with the notion of his beloved one involved in such a danger.
"I will not hold a sword again, nor a bow either. I have had enough killing. Maybe I am a coward in your eyes, Legolas, but I could not stand killing another living being again. I know the ones that died under my blade and my arrows were Orcs, but they breathed, screamed and bled. Every slash to them was like a thorn in my heart. Even as I knew that they would not doubt for a second to kill me, it made it no easier. I know that it sounds strange to you, but I could see fear and sadness in their yellow eyes, every time one of them died by my hand." She turned in his arms to face him, a single tear rolling down her face.
Legolas looked at her. For some strange reason, he felt that he had never seen her at all. It was like something had unveiled suddenly. What ever it was, he could feel a strange energy pulsing through her fragile form. "I would not ask you to do it again, meleth-nin, you will never raise your hand to kill. That I promise. I will return to you in no time. But I have to ask you something important."
"Ask me what ever you want, my love."
"Will you bond to me, before I go into battle again?"
"Nothing could make me more joyful," she said, her face suddenly glowing in happiness; but, a shadow covered her eyes, "But we do not have your father's blessing."
"I know it, but even if Elbereth come from Aman right now and told me I should not join to you, I would disobey her command."
She gasped in fear, "that is a blasphemy, Legolas!"
He laughed, and embraced her tightly to his chest. "Nay, meleth-nin, a blasphemy was not bonding to you back at Imladris."
*****
While they rode to Isengard, Legolas was glowing; tiredness, hunger and battle forgotten. He looked at his wrist, where a white scarf was tied, the sign of his bond with Delia. She had nothing else to give him in symbol of their marriage, and he didn't care. The soft piece of fabric was as precious to him as it was one of the Silmarils.
They said their marriage vows before Gandalf, and Legolas gave to Delia one of his arrows in exchange for her scarf. A poor symbol, but he planned to correct this once they arrive at Mirkwood. He was still planing how to announce the news to his father. Though it didn't trouble him.much.
"Master Elf, I have never seen you so happy. It seems that lass truly has your heart. A brave girl that one, to come in search of you, even in such a risky situation." Gimli was saying.
"My Delia. Truly mine at last. I can not imagine a better gift." Legolas was telling this more to himself than to Gimli.
"Now you have a good reason to keep you head joined to your neck," said Aragorn, amused to see the wide smile drawn on Legolas' usually severe features.
"Aye, I plan to return to her in one piece." He was saying this when the vision of Isengard, or what was left of it, appeared before them. The Elf looked in surprise. "She was telling the truth!" he whispered.
*****
To Legolas surprise, his father took the news quite well, to say the least.
In fact, the Elven King was delighted. Not to mention, he was not so delighted when he noticed that his son was a close friend with Gimli. But the notice of Delia being his daughter-in-law had a beneficial effect on his mood.
Legolas was puzzled. He expected real harshness, and even feared an offensive scene from Thranduil. The Elven Prince had his reasons to assume this, of course.
Thranduil used to instruct him really specifically about the kind of female he wanted for him. Refined, beautiful, intelligent yet obedient and high- breed.
The high-breed part was what kept Legolas worried. She was daughter of a handmaid. and the Valar knew who her father was. Though the thing that triggered his alarm was the King's announce of a celebration to honor their bonds in the Elven way.
Was his father planning something against Delia? Was he going to spit his insults to her in the middle of the ceremony? Legolas feared the worst, so, a couple of days before the celebration he walked in Thranduil's studio, his heart somewhere between his stomach and his knees. Even though Legolas was a grown up Elf, had been through war and had seen a Balrog up close, his father still scared him, as if he still was a young Elfling caught doing a prank.
Thranduil's desk was covered with documents, his head was bowed, reading carefully a specific piece of parchment. He didn't stop reading. "Legolas, come inside and take a sit. I will be with you in a minute." He obviously knew his son had entered his office.
Legolas obeyed, his stomach suddenly threatening to flip over. He looked at the expression on his father's face and an abrupt desire to stand up and run nested in his guts.
Though it was too late, Thranduil lifted his head and looked at him. "Ah, Lord Elrond wrote to make his excuses. He would not attend your wedding, he is so busy preparing for his daughter's wedding with the King of Gondor." Thranduil face clearly showed his discontent. "Oh, at least he says it is that. I assume he would came out with another explanation if he had not this one so at hand."
Legolas just nodded, his tongue suddenly reluctant to move at all.
"I cannot imagine how he permits such an abomination. Arwen, the most beautiful Elf in Middle Earth, the very image of Luthien, married to a Man."
Legolas gulped. Yes, his father had always tried to obtain an alliance with Lord Elrond and Lady Galadriel. Such a pact would only could be possible if he, the Prince of Eryn Lasgalen, joined in marriage with Arwen.
When the news of the strong love that joined Arwen and Aragon's hearts spread, fast as fire in a store of fireworks, through the Elven realms, Thranduil almost fainted.
Though, Legolas sighed in relief. He always thought that Arwen was beautiful as a star. but he found her strange and ethereal demeanor totally unpleasant. To talk to her was like talking to a living statue. Her coldness unnerved him. On the other hand, Delia, his Delia, was real, as warm as a summer morning and as beautiful as a new leaf. She was just perfection to his eyes, used to measure richness by the endless display of splendor that nature could give to the senses. Her gracious dance back at Imladris had gained his heart. Her movements was the eternal dance of life, her body was one with the earth the wind and the water. The inner fire of her spirit was a calm flame that turned in a smoldering blaze in the moment of their bodies' first joining. Loving her was like loving the nature itself. A perfect communion with the spirit of Arda.
"Legolas, are you listening to me?" Thranduil looked at his son in puzzlement.
Legolas came back from his reverie with a start. It was now or never. Encouraged by the vision of his beloved still fresh in his mind he was ready to face the wrath of his father. "Father, I need to know it. What is the meaning of this celebration you are preparing?"
"The meaning? To confirm your union with Delia before the eyes of our people, of course." His voice was calm and firm. It showed no hint of deceit of any kind.
Legolas was scandalized. Was it possible his father could lie so smoothly as to not display his true intentions with the subtle quiver in his voice or demeanor? He tried to stay composed, it was useless to start up an argument so soon. "But, you know her mother was a servant, and her father." He didn't dare to continue, it was bad enough that nobody knew who her father was. If he voiced out his suspicious about the "race" of Delia's father, Thranduil will surely kick him out of the palace, and the fate of his wife would be even worse.
"Oh, I see, you are afraid I did not remember to invite her father? I did it, do not worry, Legolas. It was quite difficult to find him, but finally, he received his invitation, and he sent word to me just yesterday. So, be calm, he will be here to see her daughter become your wife in the Elven ceremony."
Legolas was surprised beyond words, literally, because he felt his throat contracted as to say something, though no sound came out. After some minutes of mute deliberation he managed to speak. "Do you know who her father is?"
"But of course, you know him too, but not so well as I." Suddenly, Thranduil's face lit up as he remembered something. "Forgive me, son, I forgot that not even Delia knows him. How silly of me, I assumed you had this information. Then, our little celebration will not only be a party for you two, it seems she will meet at last her roots."
"Who is he?" Legolas asked in haste. This mysterious person could not be an Orc, Thranduil would not be so calmed.
"Nay, Legolas, my son, I will not tell you. You will be eager to say it to your wife and the surprise will be ruined."
"But."
"Enough, now leave me, I have a ton of things to do."
"But."
"Well, are you still here?" Thranduil fixed his blue eyes on him, raising up an elegant eyebrow that was the mark of his patience growing thin.
Legolas understood and left the chamber.
*****
Delia was in the stables, brushing slowly the soft skin of the mare his father-in-law had gave her. She was saying some soft words in Elvish to the beast.
The snow white mare neighed softly as in response to her words.
"You know what she says to you?" asked Legolas, who had entered minutes ago and was watching intently the scene.
"She says that she like the way I brush her hair. She complained about the lackeys, they don't pay real attention to their tasks." Delia said this smiling widely at Legolas.
He walked towards Delia and swiftly encircled her waist from behind, hiding his face in her hair. He inhaled deeply. She smelled to open fields and morning dew, flowers, rain, and autumn wind. "I do not blame her, Delia, your hands are magical when it comes to combs and braids. Though, they are magical in many, many other ways. I can say it, my skin still yearns for your touch."
She giggled, a shade of pink coloring her face. "You are hopeless, Legolas. Remember, we could be wife and husband, but still, we need your father's blessing." She struggled, far too weekly, because her body didn't want to be freed from the prison of his arms.
"Oh, come on, meleth-nin, do not starve your husband of your love. Or do you want me to kneel and beg for your favor?" He fell to his knees and embraced her hips, planting a chaste kiss on her stomach. "Please?"
"Legolas, do not give me that look, you know you melt me when you look at me like that."
And so she melted, under his caresses and kisses. They made love once again, on a heap of fresh hay.
Legolas felt more alive and secure when she shared his body with him. Only then could he forget the worries that were plaguing his mind, the upcoming Elven wedding, the final meeting with her father. He could get lost in her eyes for hours, feeling that sensation of pure heaven, when she finally reached her peak in his arms, and moaned so softly, yet so deeply, as to make him realize she was his forever.
*****
So, the day came. The palace was glowing with the ornaments made by the Dwarves from Lonely Mountain. Thranduil had not mull over the high payment he had to give to have his halls covered in all the fine silver lamps and chandeliers. The walls were garlanded as well, with thousands of fresh white flowers.
Legolas was in the main Hall, looking in wonder at all this magnificence, dressed already in his most fine attire. His lean body looked regal in the white and silver robes. Though, he felt a little foolish using clothes so elaborate, and his golden head, crowned with a garland of silver leaves and golden berries made him felt even more uneasy.
"Master Elf, are you under all this finery?" asked Gimli, amused.
The Elf had been so deep in thoughts that the Dwarf's presence passed unnoticed till now. "So it seems, though I barely can say I feel like myself wearing this. I am afraid I would trip up on the hem and fall on my face."
"Oh, you will do well, Legolas. Are you nervous?"
"You do not have an idea, Gimli. I feel like a thousand butterflies are dancing inside my stomach."
"Lad, you are only going to speak your vows before your people, the real marriage was back at Helm's Deep. Though, I dare to say, you had your honeymoon back at Elrond's House." Gimli chuckled, giving a soft nudge with his fist to Legolas' arm.
Legolas blushed in shame. "Well, I. Wait a minute, how can you be so sure?"
"Oh, the cute blonde she-Elf you sent to me was quite talkative. After a couple of words from my part she sang the whole story about you looking in the glades for your dear Delia."
"I see, that impish Elf. And just after that I imagine you made her sing a very different tune." Legolas narrowed his eyes in a very significant way.
"More like scream. I swear all Imladris heard her. Noisy creature." It was Gimli's turn to blush to the roots of his hair.
Legolas laughed and this eased a little of his nervousness.
*****
There he was standing in front of his father, the hall full of guests and his nerves tangled in knots. Thranduil informed him that Delia's father had arrived and was introducing himself to her. At any moment, his wife would enter the hall on the arm of her father.
The King, in his vast wisdom, had kept Delia's father identity secret from him. So Legolas anxiety had only increased even more. Was her father a Man? No, it was not possible, Delia was too old for her father to be alive if he was a Man. An Elf? No, in that case, probably he would know, news traveled fast among Elven kin. An Orc? Of course not, his father was not wicked enough as to permit himself such a horrid joke. The march that announced his wife's entrance to the hall made him almost jump out his skin. His jaw dropped, there, in the entrance hall was Delia.
She was wearing a vaporous and regal gown. Her elfin frame was resplendent among the silk and the gauze, her hair had been arranged neatly, with little braids at her temples, and a garland of white flowers crowned her head.
After regaining his composure, he had to blink several times to be sure he was not looking a mirage. Because, holding his wife's arm, was the unmistakable figure of one of the Istari. He didn't know him very well, as his father had told him, but the brown robe was a sign that this wizard was Radagast.
The wizard walked beside Delia, and lead their path towards the astonished Elf. As he arrived next to Legolas the old man smiled and joined Delia's hand with Legolas'. "I give you my daughter, Legolas Thranduilion, make her very happy."
Legolas was as in a daze. He barely could hear his father's words. Even his own vows were said in such a state and he could barely discern what he was saying. When it was Delia's turn to speak her vows, he came back from his contemplation and listened carefully.
"I promise that I will bond my life to yours, to be as one, for all eternity and beyond. May the Valar bless our union and give us the joy of being together forever. I will be with you in happiness and in sadness, in your time of enjoyment and in your hour of sorrow. Because I love you, Legolas."
"Now I bless your union, my children, and before all the guests and under the eyes of the Valar, I declare you husband and wife."
They exchanged rings of gold as a proof of their union, and finally kissed. A kiss between a wife and a husband, before the law of the Elves.
*****
"Father, why you did not tell me?"
"Ai, Legolas, I could not ruin the surprise. How could I miss the chance to see your face when you finally knew your father-in-law's identity?"
"How did you know it? Not even Delia knew it."
"It is a long story. But better let your wife tell you. After all, you do not want to pass your time with your old father when you have a lovely wife expecting you to take her away." Thranduil grinned wickedly and raised his eyebrow.
Legolas blushed and nodded, looking at Delia, who was dancing with
Radagast. He walked towards them. Softly touching Radsgast's shoulder, he waited until they halted in the dance. "Should I ask you to let me dance with this beautiful lady?"
"But of course, lad," the wizard smiled widely and made a bow to him.
Legolas took her wife in arms and started to dance. "I hope you do not mind I interrupted your time with your father."
"No, my dear, I do not mind. Truly, there are a lot of things I want to talk with him about, but there will be another time to do it. This night belongs to us, you and I." She rested her head against his chest and followed his lead in the dancing.
He felt her so close, finally as he had imagined through all his long journey, through the terrible battles, but now, the curiosity was killing him. He wanted to know more about her father. "Delia, could I ask you for a walk in the inner gardens?" He asked, stopping and offering her his arm.
"Yes, my love." She took his arm and walked with him out the Hall.
They walked through corridors until they arrived at the archway that lead to the inner gardens.
She loved this place, and Legolas knew it. Delia had discovered it on her first day at the castle and passed much of her time here.
"Honestly, Legolas, I was feeling a little anxious surrounded by so many people," she confessed, while she took off her slippers and put her bare feet on the soft grass.
"I thought so, but you have to get used to it. You are a princess now, and with your new privileges comes a load of new responsibilities."
"King Thranduil told me that, already," she smiled, and sit on a marble bench.
"Sorry, my dear, it seems I am getting old, I am starting to sound like my father." He laughed softly and sat by her side.
"You want to know about my father, don't you?" She took his face in her hands and looked intently into his blue eyes.
"You know me so well."
"Just enough to see you are curious. I told you once, curiosity was one of the most valuable virtues among Elves. Well, it is not a long story. He knew my mother and fell in love with her, but the Valar's plan about Istari was very clear. So even when he wanted to join to her in marriage, he had to follow his mission. She offered her love to him in Imladris, like I did with you, and then saw him go away, keeping their union secret. But after that, the Orcs abducted her and Lady Celebrian; the rest of the story, you know it quite well."
"But, why he never returned to claim his rights as parent. It would have save you from much pain and doubts." Legolas was furious.
"It was not the Valar's design, my love. The Istari were bound to their destiny, and even though he kept surveillance over me from the shadows, he could not tell of this secret aloud. Only the high Elven Lords and Lady knew about it, your father among them, Lord Elrond, Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn."
"You were a mere servant in Elrond's house, Delia, how could he let it be like that? You are the daughter of a Maia. Even Arwen do not have the magical blood that runs in your veins, not as much as you, anyway (*)"
"I was a servant in Imladris, Legolas, that is true. But I never felt shame for that, it kept me sane and safe. Do you remember Luthien, the half Maia? She was a powerful creature, she lured Morgoth himself and stole a Silmaril from his iron crown. Can you figure out what could happen if Saruman or even Sauron knew such creature like me existed? I do not know if I have such power in me, but they would no doubt try to take my life away. Besides, I feel no different from the others, I am just a she-Elf, and I want to be like that to your eyes."
Legolas looked at her and noticed that she had Radagast's eyes.
Radagast the simpleton, the weak, the beasts tamer. Such names were given to him, but Legolas realized that under the simple cover of the wizard, there was a great power. Indeed, the Istari was not as portentous as Saruman, or as incredibly powerful as Gandalf. But the strength of his magic ruled over something more basic and even more important. Living things, trees, plants, animals, the pure soul of Arda.
No wonder his daughter was as strong as him in such things. She was undemanding, humble, even when she knew her eyes and ears could hear the song of the nature in a way nobody else could.
"You are so silent, meleth-nin." She commented, placing her palm on his chest.
"I was just thinking, my love, about our life together. You know, I plan to move on to Ithilien. My people would not stay long here, and there is a lot of to do in Gondor. I imagine the White City full of green gardens, where Elven flowers should bloom even when the Elves are not more in Middle Earth."
"And the Trees, where the birds and little creatures will have place to make their homes. The big branches covered in flowers and fruits." Added Delia, as in trance. She moved her hand towards a blossom from a plant close to her feet and it stirred, opening as if the sun had touched it.
"It seems I have some Maia's power after all," she winked to a surprised Legolas. _____________________________________________________________________
The time of the departure was sad, but it held a sense of joy as well. The white ships had their veils unwrapped and they filled with the salty sea breeze. As the anchors were pulled up the vessels started to move towards the West.
"Finally, my love, we will join to our kin in Aman." Legolas whispered in Delia's ear, stroking lovingly her swelling belly. The fruit of their love moved so slightly inside her womb as in response to his caress.
"I hear them calling, in the song of the waves and the gulls, the wind carries their jolly voices," she said, softly, a single tear rolling down her pale cheek. "Though, I can hear another song as well, the living beings I am leaving behind, their farewell is so sad. They are afraid of the mortals, they want me to stay."
"You will miss our former home, meleth-nin. But I know you will find more beautiful trees and flowers in the Undying Lands." He kissed away her tear. "We cannot linger here, even when part of me desires it too. This is not our place anymore, the age of the Edain is beginning and we must take our leave. Middle Earth will change so much and if we stay the pain of such change would send us to Mandos' Halls. "
"Aye, I know the truth of your words. But I only hope when we are gone, the Edain will take care of them. Each tree, each flower, each little creature in Middle-Earth. I wish someday they can hear their song as I do, maybe then, when the changes cease, we could return." she reply, a hint of hope in her voice.
"Yes, maybe then." he added, looking away from the East and fixing his eyes in the endless blue of the waves. He doubted greatly of this, the Edain had not much love for nature. Though his love for Delia made him save his believes for himself. Besides, the elders said that the hope was the last to die. Perhaps someday Men would learn to listen the song of Arda and the Elves could return to live with them. "
The End.
(*) As my dear friend Mayetra said, Arwen was a descendant of Luthien, who was the daughter of Thingol and Melian, the latter was a Maia. So, Arwen's heritage included Maia's blood, as well as Human and Elven.