Disclaimer: I doubt if I own Legolas, but I definitely created Ariel. Alright, I KNOW I do not own Legolas. None of the other characters and places belong to me…but JRRTolkien.
A/N: Sorry for the long wait…cut my fingers a little. Just as a side note, I was amused to find an "essential guide to MarySues" on ff.net and my OC fell into the "ElvenSue" category that "always takes an arrow for Legolas. Interesting huh? And for those who find this chapter extremely mushy and Legolas being OOC, I am truly sorry, but it cannot be helped! This chapter is for all who have waited patiently. Love you all!
Chapter 25
Her eyelids fluttered open, and she gasped, still recovering from the dream. Nay, 'twas no dream, she knew she had met her mother and chosen her path.
Her path…her choice…her destiny…all laid in one elf, and he happened to be holding on to her hand, Ariel realized, as she lifted her head.
Dear Eru, her heart was in his keeping, Ariel finally admitted.
"Legolas." She called softly, for though his clear blue eyes were open, it was obvious he had reached the meditative stage called sleep, walking along the paths of elvish dreams. She brushed away a stray lock of his golden hair, gently caressing his forehead.
His vision cleared and to his uttermost joy he found her awake and well. It was all he could do to keep himself from lifting her up and swinging her around in sheer happiness. Gratefully he sent up a prayer of thanks to Eru.
"Are you feeling well?" He asked, and though his voice betrayed no emotion, his beguiling eyes were full of concern and worry.
"Of course I am! You fuss over me much, Legolas!" She tried to sit up and get away from him, wanting to clear her thoughts first and come to terms with this love she felt, for it was totally new to her and, truth to be told, it frightened her a little.
She winced when her wound strongly disagreed.
"Nay! Do not get up, your wound is not fully healed. Be truthful with me, how does it feel?"
"It hurts, aye, but not too much."
Relief was visible on his handsome features. He propped up some pillows for her to lean back onto. When he ensured she was not straining herself he sat back calmly.
"You do not have to pamper me so." Ariel blurt out, for lack of anything to say. She felt extreme discomfort in his presence, and wished him gone, yet she knew the moment he left, she would want him back. How had he managed to capture her heart? But more importantly, did he love her? Not in a million years would she ask that question, for though she was dying to know, pride stood in the way.
"'Tis not a matter of indulgence, but a matter of your health. I do not want you to aggravate that wound further."
"And what is it to you should I aggravate my wound?" She inquired. And as she did, a spark of hope was ignited within her. He cared.
He did not answer her question at first, but took her hand up and engulfed it within his. Hers were light, with not much strength in them, though it was callused from years with wielding the bow, and his were strong and warm.
"Everything, sweet Eruawien, it means everything to me."
She stared, stunned by the impact of his words.
"And I would ask you to accept a gift, though it is in your possession already."
"What gift?" Her voice was quavering, and she was a little angry that she was nervous, for she deemed nervousness as a form of weakness.
"My heart."
Everything stopped, the noises outside died down, and the rest of the world vanished. 'Twas as if they were the only ones who existed and time no longer mattered.
To her horror, she felt warm tears sliding down her cheeks. Never in her life had she shed any tears for anyone, much less herself, but upon hearing this open declaration of love from the elf she was immensely touched. And the words formed on her lips before she knew it.
"Amin meleth lle*, Legolas." She whispered.
"Really?"
"More than you imagine."
His lips met hers, and they succumbed to the searing passion of their love. She felt as if something in her exploded, as his hard, demanding lips sought hers. Her hands went around his neck, and she clung on to him, willing him to stay with her forever. He gathered her into his arms, holding her tight, as he took delight in kissing her deeply and warmly, vowing never to let her go.
She was his.
And he was hers.
*~~~~~~~~~*
It was moments later when the sons of Elrond checked in to see how their sister was faring. Not surprisingly, once they stepped into the tent, they stepped out again, not wanting to disturb them. And on their faces were two identical grins as they snickered and told Aragorn what happened.
"I doubt even Eru could separate them." Elrohir said, chuckling.
"It seems to me, my dear Aragorn, we are going to have two weddings instead of one."
"She is on the mend, then?" Aragorn asked.
"Of course! Why don't you go in and see them for yourself?"
"Nay! You two are incorrigible! We should leave them alone for a while." Aragorn grinned for the first time in many days. He turned his thoughts to Arwen and bade her come to him.
*~~~~~~~~*
It seemed so right, Ariel thought, as she laid in his arms, her head rested comfortably on his chest, as he breathed slowly in and out. They were meant for each other, and she swore by the Valar she would protect him with her life.
"Would you like a bath at the stream?" He asked. He set her down gently on the bed, and appraised her. She was a breathtaking sight, her hair was disheveled and dusty and the glorious tresses fell to the floor like a pale gold river.
"I shall have to carry you, and I will definitely relish the task of doing so."
"You jest. I am perfectly capable of walking." She replied tartly.
"Nay, you will only hurt yourself."
She started to stand up shakily just to prove him wrong, but it hurt too much to stand, and she fell to the bed again. Chagrined, she tried again but failed.
He chuckled, then swept her up tenderly and started towards the door before she would protest.
"Let me protect you, instead of the other way round." He whispered softly in her ear. She opened her mouth to disagree, but he silenced her protest effectively with a kiss.
Ariel was by nature an independent person, and it was going to take her some time to get used to the idea of Legolas protecting her.
*~~~~~~~~~~~*
The sounds of people faded as Legolas approached a stream in the woods. He set his burdern down carefully. The green foliage was soothingly pleasant to look at, after being cooped up in a tent. Beech and elm trees surrounded the stream, providing cool shade from the sun. Ariel delighted in setting her bare feet on the soft grass again. She waded happily into the crystal clear water, enjoying just the feel of the cold and refreshing water rush past her ankles. The stream was one of the remaining water bodies, which remained unsullied by the Shadow of Mordor, and it cackled merrily, rushing downstream, as if reflecting Ariel's feelings.
"Legolas, please turn your back, I wish to undress."
"But I would not be able to catch you in time should you fall."
She thought she caught a devilish glint in his sapphire blue eyes but preferred to think she had imagined it.
"I will not risk anything where you are concerned."
"Why don't you close your eyes?" She suggested.
"Nay." He was looking amused now. "Surely there is no cause for modesty?" He raised his eyebrows questioningly.
"You can make use of your elven hearing. You are an elf, are you not? Being deprived of your sight would do naught but to increase you sensitivity. If I were to fall, you can catch me in time." Ariel argued back.
"Nay." Her argument was lost on him. He was relentless in his answer, and Ariel had a bad feeling she was not going to win this time.
She sighed in exasperation, then turned her back to slip off her gown carefully, and all the while she was aware of his eyes burning into her back.
She was down to her under tunic, and her cheeks flamed in embarrassment as she still sensed his unwavering gaze upon her.
"Legolas!"
"Fine! I shall close my eyes then."
Ariel surreptitiously peered across her shoulder, and breathed a sigh of relief to find his eyes shut, as he sat back lazily against the trunk of a tree.
Stepping into the cool water, she cautiously waded to and for, bathing herself. There were bloodstains, dirt and grime all over her body, and she was very glad to rid herself of them.
She was about to get up, when she lost balance and slipped over a slimy rock. Desperately she tried to get hold of something and in the process she accidentally tore open her wound.
She uttered a cry of pain.
His eyes flew open and Legolas cursed softly in elvish as he dived in and scooped her up. Bringing her to the shore, he laid her gently on the grass and began inspecting the open wound. He tore off some linen from his shirt to staunch the bleeding.
"Thou art fine?" He asked anxiously, as his fingers probed lightly at the aggravated wound.
Ariel nodded awkwardly and much to her chagrin, flushed red, wishing she had torn open her wound under different circumstances, for she was wearing naught but a thin chemise and feeling very embarrassed. In a bid to recover her modesty, she grabbed her clothes.
He caught her chin, and lifted it, whilst staring deeply into her silver eyes with a burning intensity. He desired to lose himself in her gaze.
Sapphire blue ice met silver violet fire.
She had never experienced anything so magical, so disturbing and so shaking. It was as if her heart as wrenched out suddenly.
The sound of approaching footfalls disrupted that magical moment, and Ariel reluctantly tore her gaze away and dressed fast. A moment later her brothers' mischievous faces appeared.
"We wondered where you were," Elladhan said, eyeing Ariel's wet and disheveled state, before turning a knowing glance to Legolas.
"Seems as if we interrupted something." Elrohir chuckled, as he whispered to his brother that Ariel's dress was inside out.
Again she flushed, her wet clothes clung to her graceful curves, and her hair lay dripping all over her face, and Legolas was filled with a compelling desire to ask the brothers to get lost, before kissing Ariel soundly.
"Dreadfully sorry, but the feast is awaiting." Elladhan threw a grin in Legolas's direction, although he did not sound in the least bit sorry.
*~~~~~~~*
Ariel, art thou fine?
Everyone seems to have but one question to ask me! And it usually concerns my health. Cease worrying sister! I am healthy. When will you be coming to Gondor? The king would be crowned soon. Has ada given in finally? He will let you marry Aragorn, won't he?
It seemed to Arwen that Ariel was babbling in a bid to cover something up.
It is unlike you to chatter. I wonder what you are hiding form me?
Nay! There is naught more to tell! Her quick denial told Arwen volumes.
Arwen decided not to push the matter, instead, she chose to bid her time, and see for herself the cause of Ariel's embarrassment. She suspected it involved a certain elf, but preferred not to voice her suspicions for a while.
Farewell for now, dear sister. Know that love is not necessarily a bad thing. She threw in the last part for good measure, and Ariel knew Arwen strikes near the truth.
*~~~~~~~*
"Praise to the Halflings!" A resounding cheer went up in the crowd, as Frodo and Sam paraded down the aisle. From her place Ariel bestowed a smile on Frodo, and it seemed to him the world a brighter place, as if a comforting and warm fire had been kindled inside him.
"He might never recover from his hurts." Ariel said to Aragorn.
"And I can do naught for him." Aragorn said sadly.
"But my sister told me of her plans to let him go to Valinor in her stead. Mahap he may find healing there."
"Will your sister be arriving soon?" He asked.
"Yea. Soon."
"Long have I yearned for the day where no more dangers, trials can separate us. And yet there is still the price of her immortality to be paid. Will you forgive me for taking her away from you? For I fear there may come a time when the both of you part."
"Hold yourself blameless in this matter, my sister is only doing what Luthien Tinuviel had done long ago – be with the person she loves. I too know what it is like to be in love."
Aragorn saw the elf whose gaze was ever intent on Ariel. Legolas had been looking at her almost all the time, as if by some force his eyes deigned not to leave her.
"Were he a mortal, Eru forbid, I would have forsaken immortality for his sake too."
The future king of Gondor raised his chalice to toast the Lady Silverstar, "I wish thee happiness."
*~~~~~~~~~*
The members of the fellowship conversed leisurely, exchanging tales of the adventures they experienced during the war of the ring.
"I wanted to have a look at those Huorns, but Gimli was too cowardly to go into the forest with me." Legolas jested good-naturedly.
"Cowardly? Who would want to go into a walking forest? Only strange folk like elves!" Gimli snorted, while the hobbits laughed. The bond of friendship between the two was apparent. Months ago, if they had exchanged the following words, they would have taken up arms against each other by now. But the many trials and tribulations during the journey had changed all that.
"Legolas! Will you be marrying the Lady Silverstar?" Pippin suddenly inquired.
"If she is willing, yea."
"Mellon nin*, I wish you the best of luck." Aragorn patted his shoulder, "you will need it," he added seriously, though Legolas could have sworn he caught sight of a twinkle in Aragorn's eye.
"Why?" Legolas raised his brows questioningly.
"Because even after gaining the Lady's permission, you still have to face her father. I still remember how he tried all means to prevent me from seeing his daughter." Aragorn smiled, as some fair memory came to mind.
"Dear Eru, I have not thought of that." Legolas groaned.
"Good luck then, Legolas." Merry grinned, and followed by the rest of the fellowship, they wished him luck and went off on their own merry ways.
He was a rational person, and whenever a problem cropped up, he will always handle it slowly. This was just another problem, one step at a time, Legolas reminded himself, as he went off to seek his love, and tried to think about how to gain her hand in marriage.
*~~~~~~~~~*
Amin meleth lle: I love you
Mellon nin: My friend
*~~~~~~~~*
CityofAngel: As always, I delight in reading your reviews! It is a joy to receive one from you! I am no more merciful than you are, in fact, I thought to prolong Legolas' agony but decided against it last minute. Anyway, Armir didn't really die, and I would be looking forward to your next chapter. ::hint hint::
Faenen: Thanks for your review! It is nice to know not too many people find that chapter boring!
The Hobbit Ivy: Here's the update! Love you for reviewing! Happy Christmas!
Mechal: Glad you liked it! Thanks for the review.
Xaznxlilix: This chapter, I promise, will not be disappointing. I am so sorry for the lack of romance during the last. And of course I will not forget to publish it! Thanks for taking the time to review!
Nimthoron: I am not offended! I am content so long I know you are enjoying the story! Do continue reading and tell me what you think, and thanks for the review!
Saturndragon: She awakes! Hope you like this chapter. Thank you for reviewing!
GinnyNharrysecretlove: Wow. This is by far the best adjective someone ever used to describe my story. Thank you!
Arallahmenorah: Thanks for the review! I love writing cliffhangers, and hate reading them! Haha…
NightBlossom: It certainly did bring inspiration to me! Thank you for you awesome review!
Kika: That's ok, do continue reading and thanks for reviewing!
Lunar Writer: Indeed a poor elf. Hope you like this one! Thanks for the review!
EvenstarFairy: Still reading? That's good to know!
Moon*Child: It has shown up finally! I am happy to say I found writing this chapter a joy. Thanks for your lovely review my dear!
Sindacirwen: Hmm…you see? Does this mean my writing is comprehensible? Hopefully it means that! Thanks for the review.
Legolover: The update is here finally! Thanks for reviewing my story! I appreciate it a lot.