Chapter Six: Cabin Fever

Legolas would never allow me to be killed as long as he still stood. My eyes closed and I felt my stomach sink. It couldn't have been him! The king would not kill his son. Perhaps not kill, but would he injure him to get to me?

I relaxed in his arms. Was it possible Legolas would risk his life for me? From what he had shown I would answer yes, only because he would feel guilty seeing an innocent die. No matter why, he was the only hope I had left. He was all that was separating me from death, all that had me clinging to life each day. I owed my life to him.

"Thank you, Legolas," I whispered into his tunic.

His hand rubbed my back as he began singing an unfamiliar tune.

A friend. I actually had a friend. I had no idea how to treat a friend, so I thought I better follow Legolas' lead, which of course would be quite difficult because I could do nothing for him compared to what he had done for me. He had everything; he had no use for me. A frightening thought entered my mind.

"Legolas?" I interrupted.

He stopped, sensing the fear in my voice. "Yes?"

"Can we still continue our friendship after this is through?"

"Of course, mellonin. Of course." I smiled and felt my eyes become heavy. "Rest, now." I gladly complied.

"Where are we going? You are not forcing me to run, are you?

"Nay, I am merely taking you to somewhere you will sleep peacefully for a few nights."

Legolas sat behind me on a beautiful white horse he called his own. For an odd reason, he insisted I ride bareback on his horse instead of bringing two. He did not award my question of why. It felt rather odd, being so close to him. But it was nice having someone to lean on. I was not a big horse rider and he gave me comfort, although I had confidence I would not fall.

A small cabin loomed into view. "Here we are," Legolas announced as we rode closer. It was a beautiful hut, obviously built by elves and for the royal family. It seemed to have only a single door which a dirt path led to and was not over decorated with windows. It did not look like a place the king would visit often for its lack of gold and treasures.

"I like to come here," Legolas said when I did not answer. "It is one place my father does not tamper with."

I nodded in agreement and he dismounted, helping me down after him. I looked up once more at the wooden exterior of the home before heading in.

The interior resembled much of the exterior. It smelt of the forest and was richly decorated of wood. It had only one story, but I fell in love with the place at first glance.

"Shall I show you your room?"

"I would like that."

As he led me to the back of the cottage, he noticed my curiosity and spoke up. "Tomorrow I will give you the grand tour. It is late and you need your rest." Although we had left that afternoon, it had taken sometime to arrive and dusk was rapidly approaching. I nodded as he opened a door, gesturing me in. The room was dark except for a small amount of light shining through a window at the far wall. Legolas left me in the doorway to light the candles around the room.

A bed, much like Legolas' at the palace sat against the wall. Rich mahogany wood formed the tall posts and sturdy bed while dark maroon fabric made the canopy, drapes, comforter, and pillows. Candles were placed around the room which was vacant except for a bureau and an armoire.

"I apologize, but for your sake I could not have dresses brought and waiting. I will return tomorrow and bring you some. I did not want to cause suspicion."

"That is fine. You do not have to"

"Yes, I shall."

I paused, taking in the room once more. "Thank you. The room is gorgeous."

"It is mine. I hope it suits your needs."

"It shall…" It took me a moment to fully process his words. "This is room is yours? Then where"

"I will be staying in my father's room across the hall. I can show you where it is if you would like."

"No, that is all right. I will wait until the morning. I am sure you seek rest as well. Thank you, Legolas."

"You are most welcome." He placed a kiss on my forehead. "Please get some rest."

I nodded. I would rest, that I could promise, but sleep I could not.

"Good night."

"Good night," I repeated as I watched him retreat and the door shut behind him.

I blew out the candles and stood in the dark for a few minutes before reluctantly slipping into the bed. It felt odd, too odd, laying on Legolas' bed. I would have been much better off not knowing that rather large detail.

I laid there for Lord knows how long. The thoughts of Legolas lying in the bed swirled in my mind. I felt guilty. I could not just come and steal his space. My first reaction of him staying in the same room sent shivers running down my spine as I stood from the bed. I would definitely get no sleep here. Quietly, hoping not to wake Legolas. I walked down the short hall into the living quarters. A bright fire blazed in the hearth and I felt drawn to its warmth. Sitting down on the expansive rug, I stared into the flames. I was never one to be fond of fire since it did indeed dry wet things and dry was not one of my likings. It felt peaceful, however, just to stare into the dancing orange colors.

I heard Legolas' footsteps coming near me. He was going to yell at me. I knew it. He sat close to me.

"Warm, is it not?"

"Are you sure I am safe here?"

"Aluhin"

"They will not come?"

"No, we are safe." I picked up on the 'we' but said nothing.

"Then please do not leave tomorrow," I begged, turning to look at him. "I am frightened they may come while you are away and I will be defenseless. I do not care if I have to wear the same clothes. Please!"

He sighed and put an arm around my shoulders. "They will not come, but for you I will not go."

"Thank you…Will your father not wonder where you are?"

"He is aware I am here."

"Then he"

"He will not come. He is too busy with his duties and ordering his guards to search the forest for any signs of you."

I wanted to believe him, but I was in the forest, guards were searching thoroughly through. I nodded slowly, never taking my eyes from the flames. They reminded me of the color black for some reason.

I felt Legolas' arm tighten on his hold on me. "Are you cold?" he asked, rubbing my arm gently.

"No."

I expected him to ask why I wasn't asleep or in the room. I laid my head on his shoulder and I felt him pull me closer to him. I heard the sweet melody he often sang emerge from his lips as he hummed. The song had a strange effect on me, perhaps it was Legolas' masculine voice. My eyes grew heavy for the first time in what seemed like ages.

I involuntarily snuggled closer to Legolas and heard him whisper something in an Elvish dialect unfamiliar to me quietly before I drifted into a sweet oblivion.

I woke to find the room brightly lit with sunshine. I did not move at first out of instinct because I did not remember where I was. The fireplace caught my eye and I remembered falling asleep next to Legolas late last night. It was then I became aware that what I believed was a pillow was not a pillow at all. A blanket had been tossed over my body which was curled next to Legolas' strewn body on the floor. I was aware that he was awake by the hand gently rubbing my back and a different tune hung in the air.

The song abruptly stopped. I frowned, wondering why, but my question was soon answered.

"Good morning."

How he knew I was awake I had no idea, but no matter how hard I would try I knew my acting skills could not convince him I was still asleep. I picked my head up and proceeded to a sitting position. I felt his arm tighten around my waist momentarily then release, almost as if he did not want to let me up, but thought better of it.

"Good morn—ing." My breath caught in the middle of my words when my eyes laid on his form. Sometime during the night he had taken his hair down and it fanned beneath him, glowing like the sun. I had the urge to run my fingers through his locks and embrace the silky texture.

Not only was he wearing his hair down for the first time in my presence, but he also shed his tunic for a billowing white shirt. The neck had a slit which exposed the top of his chest. One hand was tucked back under his head and the one which was previously on my back was laying limp on his stomach. He was breathtaking. A smile crossed his lips as emotions raged through me. For some reason, our current state and the details of him I was noticing did not seem to be appropriate for a friendship.

I weakly returned the smile and wrapped the blanket closer to me.

"You slept through the night and most of the morning," he stated, not taking his eyes off me. I nodded, not knowing what to say.

He propped up on his elbows and looked at me for a moment, head tilted slightly to the side. I hated how it always seemed he was reading me. I felt so exposed. This caused me to drop my head and pull the blanket closer around me. I heard him stand and walk over to the dining area.

"Are you hungry?" I looked up to see him rolling up his sleeves and almost laughed. He looked so much like a man going to get his hands dirty. It made me wonder just how well he could cook.

"No, I am fine," I told him, not wanting to find out and able to suppress my hunger pains.

"You must be," he decided on his own accord and turned to the cupboards.

I shrugged, confused as I watched him pull things out and began cooking whatever it was. I flopped back down on my back and snuggled back into the blankets. Breathing in their scent, I recognized one that was distinctively Legolas'. The more I thought about it, this whole house smelt of him. I decided this is where he acquired the scent.

"Do you come here often?" I asked as I stared into the rafters of the tented ceiling.

"As often as I can. Anytime I can escape my duties."

"I can see why. It is beautiful here."

"I am glad you like it here. Perhaps I can interest you in a walk after we eat?"

"I would like that."

The rest of the day was relatively uneventful. We shared brunch which was delicious. Legolas then gave me the grand tour of my temporary home. We were not able to venture far into the woods and he was slightly disappointed we were not able to visit one of his favorite spots, but he said there would be other days.

We returned back, Legolas with a smug smile on his face as he went about fixing an evening meal.

He called me to the table for me to find quite a feast laid before me, including evermead. I thanked him, but avoided the wine through most of the meal.

"Do you not fair the elvish wine?" he asked suddenly.

"Why? What brings you to such a question?" I responded innocently.

"You have not touched it once this evening."

"Please do not think me rude, I do enjoy it plenty, I just don't believe it is a good idea for me to be drinking it."

"Now you are trying to be polite. You can answer truthfully."

"I am!"

"I know of human's habits, my lady," he teased. "I also know if you enjoyed it's taste you would drink."

"I do"

"Then drink."

"I do not think it wise."

"Why not?"

"It is a strong wine and I do not think I should be getting drunk."

"Aluhin, it is not strong enough to have any such effect on you. I gave it to you because I feel it may help you sleep."

"Legolas, I really shouldn't."

"It will be fine. No one is here to tell you wrong. It is just a few mugs of mead."

I stared at him, trying to read him as he had often done to me. "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

I searched him for awhile and trusted his judgment. Slowly, I reached for the goblet and hesitantly raised it to my lips, never taking my eyes from the elf before me.

The sweet taste entered my mouth and I closed my eyes, remembering how much I loved the taste. I quickly drained the chalice and set it down gently in its place.

"You were not jesting," he stated after peering into the empty glass.

"Who said I was?" I asked with a smile.

"Guilty," he admitted, filling my glass.

We continued our small talk and I unknowingly drank the wine and Legolas gladly refilled thinking it would put me to sleep. Slowly it began to do the opposite. I could see Legolas' face begin to show his worry. A voice told me I should stop, but I couldn't.

CHANGE IN POV (LEGOLAS)

Our conversation continued and so did she, drinking the wine. I didn't notice because the more she drank, the more I did also, but it worked its effect on her more quickly and when her words became slurred and some of the drink spilled down her chin and shirt. I became instinctively aroused and found the odd urge to lick the wine from her chin and lips.

I stopped her as she tried to refill her glass once more.

"No, I think that is enough, Mela en' coiamin." I moved the near empty pitcher away, afraid for both our sakes.

"Mela en' coiamin," she giggled. "You're silly, Leg-las." She reached for the pitcher again.

I grabbed her hand. "I think you should go to bed before you hurt yourself." Or I do something we'll both regret.

"It's still early," she pouted.

"Yes, but late enough." I stood and crossed the room to her.

"Huh?" she asked as I helped her to her feet, but she had no balance and pitched forward into me. Her breasts pressed against my chest and I gasped, my britches becoming unbearably tight. I pushed her upright, but when that proved unsuccessful, I scooped her up. She giggled like a maniac, uncontrollably, as I carried her to my room.

"Leg-las?" she asked. I was too concentrated on keeping hold of the thin line holding myself in check.

"Legooolasss, why don't you have a wife?"

My breathing increased, "A wife?

"A she-elf?"

"You take up too much of my time," I grumbled sarcastically."

"You must have your eyes on someone."

My arms clenched her as she pulled on that thin line. She smiled brightly.

"Who is she?"

I kicked open the door and placed her on the bed. I found the air in the room hard to breathe. Her stained shirt was completely transparent and I had a hard time tearing my eyes away. Her nipples were perked with her intoxication and creating peaks through the shirt. I turned away, about to burst and shuffled through the armoire with shaky hands.

"Why won't you tell me?"

I took a few deep breaths. "She knows naught of my feelings."

"What's her name?" she asked in my ear. I whirled around, startled to find her right behind me. She was so close…her body heat radiating from her…her breath tickling my skin, her lips slightly puckered, begging to be kissed.

To make matters worse, she stepped closer. "Why do your eyes change so?" She leaned closer to me, her lips only a few centimeters from mine.

I grasped her shoulders and shoved her upright. She did not know what she was doing. I could not take her here. Not now. Not this way.

I thrust a tunic into her hands. "I'll leave you to change," I said, my voice thick.

"Wait!" she blocked my path, swaying slightly. "Tell me of the one who has captured your heart."

"Why? Do you know many she-elves?"

"No, but just a name will do."

"Aluhin, why?" I replied, muttering her name as the one I loved. I half hoped she'd simply dismiss the name as my speaking to her.

She ignored me, but stepped closer, dropping the tunic. "Your hair is so perfect…so pretty," she purred. The next thing I knew her fingers were tangled in my hair, running through the locks. I closed my eyes, her menstruations causing my breathing to hitch again. She was bringing me too close to the edge, too close to the path of no return. If she continued, I wouldn't be able to stop myself—no turning back.

"What are you doing?" I asked shakily, my voice ragged.

Her fingers went to the skin on my forehead and down my nose and cheeks.

"Aluhin…" I groaned, scenes of the two of us, intertwined on the bed, flashing through my mind.

I was cut off when her index fingers traced the tips of my ears. I shuttered, dripping with need and throbbing. I struggled to breathe and grasped her wrists, my eyes now wide.

"Aluhin! You're drunk!" I said in a raised voice, more for myself to hear than her.

"How are you so perfect?"

"What are you doing?"

I stepped back, but she countered it.

"Whoever holds your heart is lucky."

Her pelvis brushed by bulging britches and I lost all control. I needed her desperately. I threw all caution out the window. Who cared about the future? This night would be more than enough.

"Aluhin," I growled, stepping closer and savagely pulling her to me, showing the effect she was having on me. I pressed my lips to hers roughly and hungrily and felt her go limp in my arms, passed out.

I stood there for a few minutes, my heart feeling like it may burst from the pace it was keeping. I throbbed and felt the sheen of sweat that coated my skin, my pants tight in a way that I wouldn't be able to relieve myself.

I swallowed thickly and laid her upon the bed, thinking of lying next to her, but deciding better of it and left the room.

I looked wildly around my in the main room, thinking of what I could do with myself to distract me from my body and the beauty laying just down the hall. Finally, I huffed and left the cabin.

I walked—the air too humid for me even though a cool breeze blew. I felt like I could cry. It was excruciating. I had never felt this—that needy since…I shook my head. Then again, I had never been this in love before.

For hours I did nothing but walk. I was forced to loosen my britches and was relieved when I found a small stream. I quickly stripped with fumbling hands and sunk into the cool waters. Although it couldn't be less than fifty degrees, it felt like an ice box to my heated skin.

Slowly, while leaning against the bank, I moved my hand to relieve myself, her name on my lips. I thanked the Valar for stopping me just as I lost control. How would tonight jeopardize our relationship? Had I blown everything I dreamed could be? What would she do when she woke?

I did not want to know. I could not even think about it.

"I have screwed up, my friend. I have really messed up this time." I muttered to the stars, recovered from my painful state and close to a breakdown. Without her my heart would surely shatter. How long would I last? Days? A moon? I considered going back. The sun was rising and I admitted facing her would be better than abandoning her. Maybe I could talk my way into her heart. I lay in the sun for awhile, drying partially before slipping into my clothes once more and making my way back, dreading it, but preparing myself for the worst.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed! Please review and let me know what you think!

Night Ryder: Thank you for checking out this story and reviewing! In my opinion, this story does not get perverted. I hope you agree. Please continue to let me know what you think.

SpiderLegs&RobinEggs: I hope this all makes sense now. Let me know if you have any further questions. Remember, not only can one of the thieves morph into animals, but people and elves as well.