A/N: See chapter one for all disclaimers. In addition, this chapter
contains a song by Garth Brooks called The River.
.
Chapter Seven: Life And Death
Morning greeted me when I regained consciousness and I squinted my eyes shut, burying my face in a pillow. I had a terrible headache and wished the sun would just go away. I knew it wouldn't and groaned in displeasure, grabbing one of the curtains hanging around the bed and pulled it shut. Darkness greeted me once more and I sighed, trying to sleep once more.
But sleep would not come. My head throbbed and I felt sick. After laying there for countless minutes with no avail, I pushed myself out of bed.
I headed to the door, dragging my feet and keeping my eyes mostly shut to avoid the sun's bright and dreadful rays. I happened to catch a glance at my reflection in a wall mirror. I refused to admit after a long look that It was me, but as I stepped closer to the mirror which echoed my entire body-from my frizzed hair to dirty bare feet. My eyes made their way up from my feet. My dress was wrinkled and fitted incorrectly in places, especially above my hips. When my eyes reached above my stomach, I tore my eyes from the mirror to look down at myself. I gasped quietly and wondered what happened. The entire portion of the upper front of the dress I wore was transparent. I assumed something was spilled on my chest for the dampness of the dress. I smelled it and pulled away in disgust. Mead.
I slowly wrestled myself from the dress, tearing the seams in places for I knew the dress was permanently stained and would never be worn again. I found one of Legolas' tunics laying folded at the foot of the bed. I blushed furiously at the thought of Legolas having seem me in that state and quickly slipped into the much too big clothes, forced to tie the pants on with a large hair ribbon.
I ran a comb through my very knotted hair before stepping out into the hall and heading to the main living quarters.
Legolas was no where in sight and I wasn't sure whether to be relieved or disappointed at the fact. I went to the kitchen, opening the cupboards expecting to find something to eat, but realizing I knew how to cook nothing, especially without water, and was definitely not in the mood to do so or eat. I closed the doors and slumped onto the couch before the fireplace in the other room.
I laid down and closed my eyes, only to hear the front door open and close and light footsteps enter.
"You are awake," he announced, coming over to me.
"Regretfully," I replied as I opened my eyes.
He knelt beside the couch surveying my face closely and running a few fingers through my hair. "What troubles you?"
"My head feels like I was slammed by a sledgehammer, my stomach equally, I can't walk straight, and your clothes are much too big."
He frowned. "Forgive me. This is my doing."
"No it's not. I should have stopped after a glass or two. The effect was a little stronger than I thought."
"I as well."
We were quiet for a few moments before I asked, "What happened to my dress? Did I really become careless enough to spill the wine all over myself?"
"You do not remember?"
"No, the last thing I remember was you not allowing me to have another glass." I almost seemed as if relief crossed his features, although it quickly disappeared. "Did I pass out again at the table?"
"You passed out again, but in my quarters."
"Your quarters? How did I get in there?" I asked, feeling only slightly better than when I awoke.
"I carried you because you could not walk. You seemed to develop sea-legs," he said, unamused.
"And I still haven't rid of them," I muttered before asking, "What else did I do?"
"Nothing of importance," he said, standing. I must have done something to bother him because I knew he was upset about the subject and only avoiding my questions.
"I'm a screw up, aren't I? I can't do anything and now you hate me because I was stupid and drank to much and did God-knows-what," I mumbled sadly, not sure whether I wanted hear him or not. I closed my eyes tightly, wishing when I opened them I could be in a different life.
His footsteps stopped, "Aluhin?" His voice was startled. I thought as I heard him come back over. The couch shifted as I felt him sit on the edge. "Aluhin?" he repeated.
"You hate me now," I repeated, keeping my eyes closed.
"Aluhin, look at me. Aluhin, you are being childish."
I opened my eyes, aware of the tears forming when I was still abandoned in my pathetic life. I looked at him through pleading eyes. "Send me back. It does not matter. My life is only a nuisance and you hate me. I'm better off dead, just let me go."
By then his hands had a firm grip on my shoulders. A few tears made their way down my cheeks as I tried to brush them away. I felt horrible and the tears were only causing my head to hurt more. I shut my eyes again, this time to will away the pain.
He got the better of me and pulled me into his arms. I was startled and I tried to push away from him, but he only wrapped them tighter around me. He shushed me and I stopped struggling only because I felt like I was going to explode. Death would be relatively painless. I had no idea, on the other hand, why he was acting the way he was.
"If you don't want me, why don't you say? Why do you lie?"
"I don't lie. Aluhin, stop being so pessimistic."
"You can't. There is not one good aspect about me."
"Yes there is, there are countless positive things about you."
I pulled away and looked at him through my bloodshot eyes. "Really? Name one."
"You are loyal."
"Which is why I'm being hunted to be executed under the terms of treason."
His brows knit and he tried again. "You are patient."
"Patient? Patient is the last thing I am," I said with a small laugh.
"You are strong-willed," he tried again.
"And that's why I'm crying in your arms?"
He opened his mouth and closed it, his eyes unfocused in thought. His mouth opened once more only to be shut again. This happened once more and I drew myself away from him, standing and faltering slightly before regaining my sense of balance.
"I knew it. I really knew all this time. Ever since the day I spent the evening having dinner with you. You see nothing in me!" I raised my eyebrows and laughed a little at how long it had taken me to realize it was really true. "To you I am a dirty human, an innocent creature, who needs your rescuing! Well, I don't need your help any more!"
"Aluhin, please. You are none of that--"
"How can I trust you?" Hurt lit like a flame in his eyes. "Well, I'll leave you to ponder my bad qualities." I turned and opened the door, resisting the urge to turn and see his reaction, and shut the door behind me.
"A dream is like a river, ever changing as it flows. And the dreamer's just a vessel that must follow where it goes. Trying to learn from what's behind you. Never knowing what's in store makes each day a constant battle just to stay between the shores.
"And I will sail my vessel 'til the river runs dry. Like a bird upon the wind these waters are my sky. I'll never reach my destination if I never try. So I'll sail my vessel 'til the river runs dry."
I sat, perched on the very top branch of one of the tallest trees I could find. The song was new to me, but seemed to be carried in the wind, so I sang with it.
"Too many times we step aside and let the water slip away. What we put off 'til tomorrow has now become today. So don't you sit upon the shoreline and say you're satisfied. Choose to chance the rapids and dare to dance the tides.
"There's bound to be rough waters and I know I'll take some falls. But with the good Lord as my captain I can make it through them all."
Although the song was not complete, I paused and stared into the setting sun. I had been there for quite some time and was surprised I heard no calls from him. I shouldn't have been. I knew he felt nothing more than pity for me.
I thought about the song. The past few months had definitely been rough waters and there was bound to be more. I had taken some falls.everything was correct except.I had no captain. I was a single manned crew. The ship was slowing and the pursuers would catch her shortly and painfully sink her. A thought crossed my mind. The last thing I wanted to do was die at the hands of my pursuers. Should I sacrifice the ship and myself for a free death? Should I end the pain and suffering? It seemed a very probable idea and as I looked down into the leaves which covered the dirt floor, now seemed a good time.
I slowly rose to my feet and walked toward the end of the branch. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, allowing myself to feel the wind brush against my skin. This was what I wanted: freedom. Freedom would soon be mine.
"May death consume me painlessly." I prayed aloud as I allowed myself to fall forward.
Suddenly, my direction changed and I felt myself start to right on the branch. It took me a few moments, but I realized I was alive and someone's arms were wrapped around my waist. I knew exactly who it was. My eyes flashed open and I turned to stare at Legolas' face.
"What are you doing?" he asked unhappily.
"Get-let go of me!" I thrashed in his grip, kicking and pushing away from him.
"Aluhin--" My hand connected with his face and I realized this was probably not the best place to struggle. My cognition did not come soon enough for I felt Legolas begin to fall and his arms did not loosen their hold on my waist. I desperately reached for a branch to pull myself back up, but I couldn't reach any. My eyes instinctively closed firmly and I prayed for Legolas' safety and my death.
I felt his back hit the ground and him bounce slightly. Everything was still for a moment. I opened my eyes. We had landed on the ground near the trunk of the tree. Slowly moved to my hands and knees and looked up. The fall had been far and I was amazed how I was relatively uninjured. Fear immured me. Legolas. I looked down at him. He had not budged since the fall. His eyes were closed and his arms were now limp at his sides after they slipped from their grasp around me. There was no way he could have survived that fall; surely his back would have snapped. Tears gathered and I reached out to touch his face. He was dead and it was my fault.
As soon as my fingers touched his face, his eyes flew open. I emitted a muffled scream in surprise and drew away. His chest heaved upward as he drew in a large breath and exhaled it.
"Oh my gosh.you're." I breathed, my heart at a rapid pace.
"Are you all right?" he asked, still breathing hard.
"Yeah.you're alive!"
"Of course."
"But you." I looked up at the limb and down at him. "How-you faked it! You worried me and led me to think you were dead then woke up miraculously. D@^* you, elf!" I reared back my hand, preparing to slap him. He grabbed it and pushed me to the ground, straddling me and holding my hands above me. I scowled and tried to wiggle my way from his grasp. To my disadvantage, his legs were like steal as were his arms and he did not budge.
"What are you doing?"
"I was about to slap you for--"
"In the tree? Why were you diving from the tree?"
"So shoot me for trying to die! I would rather kill myself than be turned in and ridiculed!" I screamed.
"Aluhin, calm down."
"How can I calm down?" I roared. "You try to convince me your dead to get rid of me. Everyone who knows me wants me dead!"
"That's not true--"
"Who's the exception? You? Yes because you treat me as an animal!"
"You are not an animal, you are a human be--"
"Oh, and that's even worse in your textbooks, right? Right down there with the insects and orcs."
"Aluhin!"
"You would do the same if you were in my position, but you have no idea what it is like. You are royalty: pampered and spoiled and loved by all. I am the exact opposite of you!"
"Yes.it may be true," he whispered.
"Of course it is true. I-what?"
"It is true. I will never experience what you are going through. I should be relieved, but I find myself wishing I could take your pain," he said sincerely with care in his eyes.
"You do not."
"I would take it if give the choice. I would do anything to save your life- to save you from the suffering you experience both night and day."
"But for your pleasure."
"Perhaps not for the pleasure, but for relief from the sorrow and grief I feel for you."
I had to give him points for being honest, but I had to clear this up. "For the pity?"
"Nay, I feel no pity for you for I know you are strong."
"Which is why I am diving from trees, right? You could have had relief from the knowledge of my pain and sorrow if you would have let me die. Why did you catch me?"
He took a deep breath. "Because I--" He stopped abruptly and his head snapped up, screening the trees.
"Because you what?"
He hushed me and stood up.
"What is it?"
"Guards approach. Get into the tree."
"Excuse me?"
"Climb the tree!" he hissed. I quickly obeyed and scurried up the tree. Not long after, the guards appeared in my vision.
"Good eve, my lord," several greeted, bowing.
"Good eve. What brings you here?" Legolas asked.
"We are in search of the human, or any humans. Have you seen them?" a guard asked.
"No, I have not. You may want to survey the other side of the border where they are often seen," Legolas said as if it was common knowledge.
A twig under my foot snapped and I cringed. A few guards looked up while the first continued.
"We have searched weeks there, my lord, without any sign of them. The king thought they may have moved because of our presence there as of late," the guard replied.
One guard separated from the group and went to the base of the tree. I held my breath, knowing the elves keen eyesight and the fact I was not hidden well.
"Well, ask the king if he ever thought there may be a purpose of why they are only on one border!" Legolas snapped. The guard took a step back. "Dismissed."
The guards bowed before leaving the way they came. The one guard beneath the tree lingered eyeing the branches of the tree I was perched in.
"Can I help you?" Legolas asked in what sounded like a sarcastic tone.
"No, my lord. I merely thought what caused the twig to snap sounded larger than a small mammal. I have not seen squirrels or others in a long while in this forest. Forgive me, I bid leave now." He turned and jogged where the others had gone.
When the elf was far out of sight, I started down, but heard Legolas object. "Stay there, I shall come join you." I returned to my seat and he joined me, sitting in silence for quite some time.
"Forgive me, I--"
"No it is I who needs to apologize." I interrupted. "I should have never yelled at you or talked back to you."
"Apology accepted, but unneeded. I deserved it."
"No you--"
"Aluhin, you do have good qualities. You are trustworthy even if you object to it, you are free with nature, you do not care what others really feel about you because you believe you already know. You are beautiful in your own light." He touched my cheek and I turned away.
"I am not," I mumbled.
"But you are," he whispered.
Sensing he was saying these things to make me feel better, I thanked him quietly and leaned on his shoulder. His arms snacked around my waist.
"You are welcome," he replied.
I relaxed even more on his shoulder, trying to make myself as comfortable as I could in a tree. The sun was rapidly disappearing and darkness approached. Legolas seemed content in his place and I made the best out of our position. We spent the night in the tree, gazing into the stars.
.
When the sun began coloring the earth and the stars shrank back into the distance, I decided to head back to the cottage. I felt indescribably better than the previous day, although I had been in that tree for close to an entire day and was desperately cramping.
I stood and began my decent, unknowing if Legolas was asleep or not. I soon found out when I stepped onto a lower branch, he called out to me.
"Aluhin, come back here."
"I was just going to head back--"
"We need to talk."
"I'll be at the cabin if you wish to speak with me," I replied, continuing down.
He jumped and landed beside me on the limb, blocking my exit.
"Now you must speak with me," he smirked.
"I can jump," I said, raising my eyebrows and pointing to the ground. "And don't doubt that I won't because you witnessed me dive from a higher point than this."
He gently grabbed my arm. "I do not doubt you. Please sit."
I looked at him. "What is this about?"
"The other evening."
"Please do not bring this up! I told you I have absolutely no idea what I did and I'm sorry!"
He raised an eyebrow. "You do not recall anything?"
"We've been through this already! I wish to know what I did, but I get this feeling I don't want to know."
He looked me over. "I do not know if it would be better to tell you or not." He stood there for a few moments, deep in thought. "May I ask you something?"
"Yes?" His question startled me and I wondered what the question he wished to ask contained because of his seeking permission.
He looked away. "Do you have feelings for me?"
"Feelings?" 'Why would he ask such a question?' "I didn't.we didn't--"
"No, no," he answered quickly, brushing it off with a wave of his hand. "But I must ask if you do."
I stood there, speechless. "I-I--" I stuttered trying to find an answer that neither lied nor put him down. "I hope sincerely that I did nothing to you the other night which would jeopardize our friendship."
He sensed my uneasiness and did not push the question. "Has someone claimed your heart?" he asked softly.
"No one has claimed it and I doubt anyone would ever want to."
"You may never know, someone out there may be very fond of you," he teased.
I hit him playfully. "Do not try to fool with my heart! You may break it." His eyes flashed mysteriously before becoming playful once more. I was skeptical, but did not ask. "Has someone stolen your heart, dear prince?"
He smiled, "Perhaps."
"Perhaps!" I fake gasped. "Oh my, I think he's in love!" I laughed. "Who is she?"
"You may know her."
"Really? That limits the field for I know very few elves."
"Who said she was an elf?"
I looked at him closely, trying to see if he was fooling or not. "If I know her, she must be, for I have seen no other race besides elves."
"Ah, my friend, you have much to learn."
"Do I now?"
"Yes, you do."
"You are avoiding the topic! You are trying to get your way out of telling me!"
He laughed. "Guilty."
I stepped closer and smiled. "Who is she?" I repeated.
"You would love to know." He jumped down to the tree branch under us.
"Legolas Greenleaf, come here. We need to talk." I mocked him, glowering down. "Get up here this instant!" He smiled mischievously and continued down. "Wait! No fair!" I cried as I quickly followed him. He dashed away and I jumped to the ground in quick pursuit.
He was out of my vision, but I ran on wondering what I was going to do when I found him.
I heard something and stopped. Instinct had me hide behind a tree as I listened.
"Your majesty," a foreign voice greeted.
"Yes?" Legolas asked, a bit out of breath.
"Your father summons you. He wants you back at the palace as soon as you pack. He believes he has a lead on the human."
"Thank you."
I heard the guard retreat and was about to step out when Legolas appeared very close to me. I let out a muffled cry of surprise and stepped back.
"Legolas! You scared me!" I gasped.
He smiled wide. "Come, we must head back."
.
A/N: Please Review!
.
Chapter Seven: Life And Death
Morning greeted me when I regained consciousness and I squinted my eyes shut, burying my face in a pillow. I had a terrible headache and wished the sun would just go away. I knew it wouldn't and groaned in displeasure, grabbing one of the curtains hanging around the bed and pulled it shut. Darkness greeted me once more and I sighed, trying to sleep once more.
But sleep would not come. My head throbbed and I felt sick. After laying there for countless minutes with no avail, I pushed myself out of bed.
I headed to the door, dragging my feet and keeping my eyes mostly shut to avoid the sun's bright and dreadful rays. I happened to catch a glance at my reflection in a wall mirror. I refused to admit after a long look that It was me, but as I stepped closer to the mirror which echoed my entire body-from my frizzed hair to dirty bare feet. My eyes made their way up from my feet. My dress was wrinkled and fitted incorrectly in places, especially above my hips. When my eyes reached above my stomach, I tore my eyes from the mirror to look down at myself. I gasped quietly and wondered what happened. The entire portion of the upper front of the dress I wore was transparent. I assumed something was spilled on my chest for the dampness of the dress. I smelled it and pulled away in disgust. Mead.
I slowly wrestled myself from the dress, tearing the seams in places for I knew the dress was permanently stained and would never be worn again. I found one of Legolas' tunics laying folded at the foot of the bed. I blushed furiously at the thought of Legolas having seem me in that state and quickly slipped into the much too big clothes, forced to tie the pants on with a large hair ribbon.
I ran a comb through my very knotted hair before stepping out into the hall and heading to the main living quarters.
Legolas was no where in sight and I wasn't sure whether to be relieved or disappointed at the fact. I went to the kitchen, opening the cupboards expecting to find something to eat, but realizing I knew how to cook nothing, especially without water, and was definitely not in the mood to do so or eat. I closed the doors and slumped onto the couch before the fireplace in the other room.
I laid down and closed my eyes, only to hear the front door open and close and light footsteps enter.
"You are awake," he announced, coming over to me.
"Regretfully," I replied as I opened my eyes.
He knelt beside the couch surveying my face closely and running a few fingers through my hair. "What troubles you?"
"My head feels like I was slammed by a sledgehammer, my stomach equally, I can't walk straight, and your clothes are much too big."
He frowned. "Forgive me. This is my doing."
"No it's not. I should have stopped after a glass or two. The effect was a little stronger than I thought."
"I as well."
We were quiet for a few moments before I asked, "What happened to my dress? Did I really become careless enough to spill the wine all over myself?"
"You do not remember?"
"No, the last thing I remember was you not allowing me to have another glass." I almost seemed as if relief crossed his features, although it quickly disappeared. "Did I pass out again at the table?"
"You passed out again, but in my quarters."
"Your quarters? How did I get in there?" I asked, feeling only slightly better than when I awoke.
"I carried you because you could not walk. You seemed to develop sea-legs," he said, unamused.
"And I still haven't rid of them," I muttered before asking, "What else did I do?"
"Nothing of importance," he said, standing. I must have done something to bother him because I knew he was upset about the subject and only avoiding my questions.
"I'm a screw up, aren't I? I can't do anything and now you hate me because I was stupid and drank to much and did God-knows-what," I mumbled sadly, not sure whether I wanted hear him or not. I closed my eyes tightly, wishing when I opened them I could be in a different life.
His footsteps stopped, "Aluhin?" His voice was startled. I thought as I heard him come back over. The couch shifted as I felt him sit on the edge. "Aluhin?" he repeated.
"You hate me now," I repeated, keeping my eyes closed.
"Aluhin, look at me. Aluhin, you are being childish."
I opened my eyes, aware of the tears forming when I was still abandoned in my pathetic life. I looked at him through pleading eyes. "Send me back. It does not matter. My life is only a nuisance and you hate me. I'm better off dead, just let me go."
By then his hands had a firm grip on my shoulders. A few tears made their way down my cheeks as I tried to brush them away. I felt horrible and the tears were only causing my head to hurt more. I shut my eyes again, this time to will away the pain.
He got the better of me and pulled me into his arms. I was startled and I tried to push away from him, but he only wrapped them tighter around me. He shushed me and I stopped struggling only because I felt like I was going to explode. Death would be relatively painless. I had no idea, on the other hand, why he was acting the way he was.
"If you don't want me, why don't you say? Why do you lie?"
"I don't lie. Aluhin, stop being so pessimistic."
"You can't. There is not one good aspect about me."
"Yes there is, there are countless positive things about you."
I pulled away and looked at him through my bloodshot eyes. "Really? Name one."
"You are loyal."
"Which is why I'm being hunted to be executed under the terms of treason."
His brows knit and he tried again. "You are patient."
"Patient? Patient is the last thing I am," I said with a small laugh.
"You are strong-willed," he tried again.
"And that's why I'm crying in your arms?"
He opened his mouth and closed it, his eyes unfocused in thought. His mouth opened once more only to be shut again. This happened once more and I drew myself away from him, standing and faltering slightly before regaining my sense of balance.
"I knew it. I really knew all this time. Ever since the day I spent the evening having dinner with you. You see nothing in me!" I raised my eyebrows and laughed a little at how long it had taken me to realize it was really true. "To you I am a dirty human, an innocent creature, who needs your rescuing! Well, I don't need your help any more!"
"Aluhin, please. You are none of that--"
"How can I trust you?" Hurt lit like a flame in his eyes. "Well, I'll leave you to ponder my bad qualities." I turned and opened the door, resisting the urge to turn and see his reaction, and shut the door behind me.
"A dream is like a river, ever changing as it flows. And the dreamer's just a vessel that must follow where it goes. Trying to learn from what's behind you. Never knowing what's in store makes each day a constant battle just to stay between the shores.
"And I will sail my vessel 'til the river runs dry. Like a bird upon the wind these waters are my sky. I'll never reach my destination if I never try. So I'll sail my vessel 'til the river runs dry."
I sat, perched on the very top branch of one of the tallest trees I could find. The song was new to me, but seemed to be carried in the wind, so I sang with it.
"Too many times we step aside and let the water slip away. What we put off 'til tomorrow has now become today. So don't you sit upon the shoreline and say you're satisfied. Choose to chance the rapids and dare to dance the tides.
"There's bound to be rough waters and I know I'll take some falls. But with the good Lord as my captain I can make it through them all."
Although the song was not complete, I paused and stared into the setting sun. I had been there for quite some time and was surprised I heard no calls from him. I shouldn't have been. I knew he felt nothing more than pity for me.
I thought about the song. The past few months had definitely been rough waters and there was bound to be more. I had taken some falls.everything was correct except.I had no captain. I was a single manned crew. The ship was slowing and the pursuers would catch her shortly and painfully sink her. A thought crossed my mind. The last thing I wanted to do was die at the hands of my pursuers. Should I sacrifice the ship and myself for a free death? Should I end the pain and suffering? It seemed a very probable idea and as I looked down into the leaves which covered the dirt floor, now seemed a good time.
I slowly rose to my feet and walked toward the end of the branch. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, allowing myself to feel the wind brush against my skin. This was what I wanted: freedom. Freedom would soon be mine.
"May death consume me painlessly." I prayed aloud as I allowed myself to fall forward.
Suddenly, my direction changed and I felt myself start to right on the branch. It took me a few moments, but I realized I was alive and someone's arms were wrapped around my waist. I knew exactly who it was. My eyes flashed open and I turned to stare at Legolas' face.
"What are you doing?" he asked unhappily.
"Get-let go of me!" I thrashed in his grip, kicking and pushing away from him.
"Aluhin--" My hand connected with his face and I realized this was probably not the best place to struggle. My cognition did not come soon enough for I felt Legolas begin to fall and his arms did not loosen their hold on my waist. I desperately reached for a branch to pull myself back up, but I couldn't reach any. My eyes instinctively closed firmly and I prayed for Legolas' safety and my death.
I felt his back hit the ground and him bounce slightly. Everything was still for a moment. I opened my eyes. We had landed on the ground near the trunk of the tree. Slowly moved to my hands and knees and looked up. The fall had been far and I was amazed how I was relatively uninjured. Fear immured me. Legolas. I looked down at him. He had not budged since the fall. His eyes were closed and his arms were now limp at his sides after they slipped from their grasp around me. There was no way he could have survived that fall; surely his back would have snapped. Tears gathered and I reached out to touch his face. He was dead and it was my fault.
As soon as my fingers touched his face, his eyes flew open. I emitted a muffled scream in surprise and drew away. His chest heaved upward as he drew in a large breath and exhaled it.
"Oh my gosh.you're." I breathed, my heart at a rapid pace.
"Are you all right?" he asked, still breathing hard.
"Yeah.you're alive!"
"Of course."
"But you." I looked up at the limb and down at him. "How-you faked it! You worried me and led me to think you were dead then woke up miraculously. D@^* you, elf!" I reared back my hand, preparing to slap him. He grabbed it and pushed me to the ground, straddling me and holding my hands above me. I scowled and tried to wiggle my way from his grasp. To my disadvantage, his legs were like steal as were his arms and he did not budge.
"What are you doing?"
"I was about to slap you for--"
"In the tree? Why were you diving from the tree?"
"So shoot me for trying to die! I would rather kill myself than be turned in and ridiculed!" I screamed.
"Aluhin, calm down."
"How can I calm down?" I roared. "You try to convince me your dead to get rid of me. Everyone who knows me wants me dead!"
"That's not true--"
"Who's the exception? You? Yes because you treat me as an animal!"
"You are not an animal, you are a human be--"
"Oh, and that's even worse in your textbooks, right? Right down there with the insects and orcs."
"Aluhin!"
"You would do the same if you were in my position, but you have no idea what it is like. You are royalty: pampered and spoiled and loved by all. I am the exact opposite of you!"
"Yes.it may be true," he whispered.
"Of course it is true. I-what?"
"It is true. I will never experience what you are going through. I should be relieved, but I find myself wishing I could take your pain," he said sincerely with care in his eyes.
"You do not."
"I would take it if give the choice. I would do anything to save your life- to save you from the suffering you experience both night and day."
"But for your pleasure."
"Perhaps not for the pleasure, but for relief from the sorrow and grief I feel for you."
I had to give him points for being honest, but I had to clear this up. "For the pity?"
"Nay, I feel no pity for you for I know you are strong."
"Which is why I am diving from trees, right? You could have had relief from the knowledge of my pain and sorrow if you would have let me die. Why did you catch me?"
He took a deep breath. "Because I--" He stopped abruptly and his head snapped up, screening the trees.
"Because you what?"
He hushed me and stood up.
"What is it?"
"Guards approach. Get into the tree."
"Excuse me?"
"Climb the tree!" he hissed. I quickly obeyed and scurried up the tree. Not long after, the guards appeared in my vision.
"Good eve, my lord," several greeted, bowing.
"Good eve. What brings you here?" Legolas asked.
"We are in search of the human, or any humans. Have you seen them?" a guard asked.
"No, I have not. You may want to survey the other side of the border where they are often seen," Legolas said as if it was common knowledge.
A twig under my foot snapped and I cringed. A few guards looked up while the first continued.
"We have searched weeks there, my lord, without any sign of them. The king thought they may have moved because of our presence there as of late," the guard replied.
One guard separated from the group and went to the base of the tree. I held my breath, knowing the elves keen eyesight and the fact I was not hidden well.
"Well, ask the king if he ever thought there may be a purpose of why they are only on one border!" Legolas snapped. The guard took a step back. "Dismissed."
The guards bowed before leaving the way they came. The one guard beneath the tree lingered eyeing the branches of the tree I was perched in.
"Can I help you?" Legolas asked in what sounded like a sarcastic tone.
"No, my lord. I merely thought what caused the twig to snap sounded larger than a small mammal. I have not seen squirrels or others in a long while in this forest. Forgive me, I bid leave now." He turned and jogged where the others had gone.
When the elf was far out of sight, I started down, but heard Legolas object. "Stay there, I shall come join you." I returned to my seat and he joined me, sitting in silence for quite some time.
"Forgive me, I--"
"No it is I who needs to apologize." I interrupted. "I should have never yelled at you or talked back to you."
"Apology accepted, but unneeded. I deserved it."
"No you--"
"Aluhin, you do have good qualities. You are trustworthy even if you object to it, you are free with nature, you do not care what others really feel about you because you believe you already know. You are beautiful in your own light." He touched my cheek and I turned away.
"I am not," I mumbled.
"But you are," he whispered.
Sensing he was saying these things to make me feel better, I thanked him quietly and leaned on his shoulder. His arms snacked around my waist.
"You are welcome," he replied.
I relaxed even more on his shoulder, trying to make myself as comfortable as I could in a tree. The sun was rapidly disappearing and darkness approached. Legolas seemed content in his place and I made the best out of our position. We spent the night in the tree, gazing into the stars.
.
When the sun began coloring the earth and the stars shrank back into the distance, I decided to head back to the cottage. I felt indescribably better than the previous day, although I had been in that tree for close to an entire day and was desperately cramping.
I stood and began my decent, unknowing if Legolas was asleep or not. I soon found out when I stepped onto a lower branch, he called out to me.
"Aluhin, come back here."
"I was just going to head back--"
"We need to talk."
"I'll be at the cabin if you wish to speak with me," I replied, continuing down.
He jumped and landed beside me on the limb, blocking my exit.
"Now you must speak with me," he smirked.
"I can jump," I said, raising my eyebrows and pointing to the ground. "And don't doubt that I won't because you witnessed me dive from a higher point than this."
He gently grabbed my arm. "I do not doubt you. Please sit."
I looked at him. "What is this about?"
"The other evening."
"Please do not bring this up! I told you I have absolutely no idea what I did and I'm sorry!"
He raised an eyebrow. "You do not recall anything?"
"We've been through this already! I wish to know what I did, but I get this feeling I don't want to know."
He looked me over. "I do not know if it would be better to tell you or not." He stood there for a few moments, deep in thought. "May I ask you something?"
"Yes?" His question startled me and I wondered what the question he wished to ask contained because of his seeking permission.
He looked away. "Do you have feelings for me?"
"Feelings?" 'Why would he ask such a question?' "I didn't.we didn't--"
"No, no," he answered quickly, brushing it off with a wave of his hand. "But I must ask if you do."
I stood there, speechless. "I-I--" I stuttered trying to find an answer that neither lied nor put him down. "I hope sincerely that I did nothing to you the other night which would jeopardize our friendship."
He sensed my uneasiness and did not push the question. "Has someone claimed your heart?" he asked softly.
"No one has claimed it and I doubt anyone would ever want to."
"You may never know, someone out there may be very fond of you," he teased.
I hit him playfully. "Do not try to fool with my heart! You may break it." His eyes flashed mysteriously before becoming playful once more. I was skeptical, but did not ask. "Has someone stolen your heart, dear prince?"
He smiled, "Perhaps."
"Perhaps!" I fake gasped. "Oh my, I think he's in love!" I laughed. "Who is she?"
"You may know her."
"Really? That limits the field for I know very few elves."
"Who said she was an elf?"
I looked at him closely, trying to see if he was fooling or not. "If I know her, she must be, for I have seen no other race besides elves."
"Ah, my friend, you have much to learn."
"Do I now?"
"Yes, you do."
"You are avoiding the topic! You are trying to get your way out of telling me!"
He laughed. "Guilty."
I stepped closer and smiled. "Who is she?" I repeated.
"You would love to know." He jumped down to the tree branch under us.
"Legolas Greenleaf, come here. We need to talk." I mocked him, glowering down. "Get up here this instant!" He smiled mischievously and continued down. "Wait! No fair!" I cried as I quickly followed him. He dashed away and I jumped to the ground in quick pursuit.
He was out of my vision, but I ran on wondering what I was going to do when I found him.
I heard something and stopped. Instinct had me hide behind a tree as I listened.
"Your majesty," a foreign voice greeted.
"Yes?" Legolas asked, a bit out of breath.
"Your father summons you. He wants you back at the palace as soon as you pack. He believes he has a lead on the human."
"Thank you."
I heard the guard retreat and was about to step out when Legolas appeared very close to me. I let out a muffled cry of surprise and stepped back.
"Legolas! You scared me!" I gasped.
He smiled wide. "Come, we must head back."
.
A/N: Please Review!