Title: Diplomacy Part 33
Author: Arisma
Rating: R (for some naughty, naughty bits... and some foul language.)
Disclaimer: Legolas, Mirkwood, Thranduil... all of that is Tolkiens. I'm just taking them out to play with, cause they're shiny. I will put them back in the box, in the proper order, when I'm done. I also promise to wipe the drool off of Legolas and any excess that might have gotten on any of the other characters by proxy.
The basic concept of bladesingers and the title querimhinue is the property of WoTC, and I'm merely borrowing those too.
I do claim The Quel, both Nessar and A'Har as my own. Rhyalla, Kallo, Kailin, all mine. The waste, Tir Roac and all future 'non-canon' locations are the product of my mind as well. When I'm done with them I'll put them back in my own teeny box of creations, next to the cedar wood butterfly and the sculpy clay horns. (Don't ask.) If for some strange reason you'd like to borrow them or the settings, feel free to contact me and we'll work out details.
Feedback / Contact: Arisma_@hotmail.com
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The singing of birds woke him and he started, not understanding for a moment where he was. And then the previous night's events returned to him in a rush, his eyes closing at the realization. Sometime during the night they must have lain down and he shifted backwards and away from her sleeping form, raising a hand and running it shakily through his hair.
He stood quickly, tugging his pants up and lacing them hurriedly. He could still smell her on him and he felt his stomach turn with the knowledge of what he'd done. Lurching to the edge of the clearing he bent double, his stomach clenching but empty. He fell to his knees, his head bowed, tears streaming down his cheeks.
"What have I done?" he murmured aloud, his heart breaking. In his mind's eye he imagined Rhya, the look of pain on her face, imagined a million tears falling from her crystalline eyes. He felt a hand on his shoulder and he leapt to his feet as though burned. "Touch me not!" he cried, turning to face her, his eyes ablaze.
"What are you doing here?" he demanded but she stood silently, her eyes fixed on his. "Why are you here?" he screamed, grabbing her upper arms roughly, shaking her.
She stood, unconcerned of her nakedness. His eyes traveled the length of her body but instead of desire he felt cold anger. He raised his almond eyes until they fixed with her round orbs, seeing wry amusement in her gaze. He felt anger rise in him, angry that she thought this all funny, anger at himself that it had happened at all. "Get dressed," he said his voice low.
She smirked, her thin lips blanching white with amusement. "I would, but you left them in a sad state. Perhaps next time you won't be so hasty. It could get expensive."
"There will be no next time, Driza. There shouldn't have been a this time." He released her arms and stepped back, averting his eyes from her nakedness.
"Look at me, Legolas," she said, her voice low.
"You command me no longer, Driza," he replied, his tone angry.
"Do you fear me? Are you afraid memories of your precious would flee if you saw me?" Her tone was mocking, cold.
"She is my world, woman! You are nothing to me, less than." He met her eyes squarely as he spoke and he saw a brief flash of emotion before she turned away from him.
"Did you follow me? How did you find this place?" he asked, moving away, leaning against a large rock, watching her without interest as she gathered her clothing, sorting through it for something serviceable. Finally, she threw down the rags and looked at him, her eyes blazing.
"Does it matter? Why do you care, I am nothing to you," she snarled, her eyes narrowing.
"You are nothing to me, true. But you *are* something to Mondane. Did he send you? Are there more coming?" He watched her carefully, the small smile that curled her lip before disappearing beneath a blank exterior.
"I came alone. I traveled alone, all this time. I followed my heart where it led." Her voice dropped low as she spoke, her eyes slipping to the sand. "It led me to you."
He watched her, unconvinced. "What are you saying, Driza? You love me?"
Her eyes snapped to his for a moment, something like desperation in them. "Is it so hard to fathom?"
"You don't know me. You have no idea of who I am. If you did you would know who owns my heart, my life. There is nothing here for you." He spoke gently to her, but he felt an insane urge to laugh, quelling it with difficulty.
"I wanted to see you," she whispered, walking towards him.
"You don't know me," he repeated, steadfast.
"I could, given time. I could, if you'd let me." She laid her hands on his chest, gently, looking up into his eyes with longing.
Gently he removed her hands from him, took a step backwards. "It was a mistake, Driza. It should not have happened."
"But it did! You felt those things, too! Tell me you didn't, that you never thought of me! Tell me you never dreamed of me, Legolas!" She stopped speaking when he flinched, a cold gleam forming in her eyes. "You did. Did you tell her? Does she know that while you lay with her you dreamed of me? Was the reality as good as your imaginings?"
Her voice dripped with pain and malice and he grabbed her roughly again. "Don't you dare speak of her! You aren't worthy to share the same air as her!" he shouted.
Her eyes remained neutral. "But I am good enough to share a lover," she stated.
"No, you aren't. It shouldn't have happened," his tone was flat, his entire body shaking with rage.
She smiled a twisted smile, her eyes glinting. "But it did. You wanted it the same as I. You still do."
"I want nothing of you! It shouldn't have happened and it never will again, do you hear me?" he shouted, his face held dangerously close to hers.
"Are you trying to convince me of this...or yourself?" she asked, her voice sharp. He released her, pushing her from him, turning away. He took several steps away and began pacing, his eyes clouded and dark.
"Do you think she'll take you back? Do you think she'll want you knowing what you've done?" her voice was like a snake, slithering into his thoughts.
"Shut up, Driza," he said, his tone promising pain.
"A role reversal. I like it. Should I call you master?" Unable to stand the taunting in her voice he strode up to her, his hand raised. The rage she inspired in him goaded him, pushed him, but at the last instant he saw her eyes, the satisfaction, the longing and dropped his hand.
"Do it," she goaded. "I like my foreplay rough."
"Damn you," he spat, turning away, resuming his pacing.
"Damn yourself," she replied calmly.
"I already did," he answered, turning abruptly to the tree. He gathered up his weapons, noting the pool of rags that had been her clothing. He raised his eyes and plucked a single leaf from the lowest branch and tucked it into his waistband. Without looking back he walked towards the entrance to the clearing, a determined look upon his face.
"Where are you going?" There was a hint of panic in her voice and it made him smile wickedly.
"Home."
"Mirkwood? But that's so far." Again the panic and still he smiled.
"Mirkwood is no longer my home," he answered, his voice cold.
"Then where is?" she asked, desperate.
"It matters not. You are not welcome there. You are not wanted anywhere I will ever be," he stated, cold certainty in his voice.
"I can follow," her voice was low, calm, threatening.
"You won't," he answered.
"I could. Do you think she'd like to meet me? Do you think she'd know the second she saw me? Or would I have to tell her, do you think?" she smiled cruelly as she taunted, tapping her lip with a long fingernail.
"You're not going to tell her anything. You're never going to meet her. You're going to wait until I am long gone and then continue on your way as though we'd never met. Do you understand?" He felt his body shaking, felt rage welling within him.
"And if I do follow you, what then? Will you kill me?" Her eyes glittered, daring.
"Yes," he answered and she remained silent.
Without another word he left the clearing, the woman, his head held proudly. Without thought, guided by some inner sense he exited the rocks, mindful of the eerie presence of the place but no longer fearful, in truth numb. Around him the sun moved, the hours passing as he made his way silently through the labyrinth, occasionally looking backwards, but somehow sure she wouldn't follow.
When he emerged Kailin was waiting for him, sitting casually against a large rock, only his feet poking into the harsh sun. "Have fun?" he asked, grinning. Legolas continued walking, not meeting his gaze. "Whoa, boss, what is it?" Kailin hefted himself to his feet and jogged to catch up, his eyes wide.
He felt a hand grip his shoulder and he turned on Kailin, his eyes flaring. "Don't touch me," he said, his voice dangerously low.
The dark haired Elf immediately snatched back his hand, holding it up in supplication. "What happened in there, Leaf?"
"I don't want to talk about it," he growled, making to leave again.
Instead Kailin gripped his shoulders, turning him until their eyes met. "To hell with that. Talk to me, Leaf. Hit me if you want, but talk to me."
Legolas' shoulders slumped, his head falling forward. "I don't want to hit you," he muttered, feeling tears of self loathing well within his eyes.
"Eru! What happened in there?" Kailin's brow was furrowed, his eyes dark.
"Kailin, I...I..." he started but found himself unable to finish.
Without a word the dark haired Elf led him to the shade of the rock, coaching him to sit, waiting patiently until his friend could speak. And when he did the words fell from him in a torrent, his face slack, his fists clenched. When he was done silence stretched until finally Kailin said, "Damn. Just...damn."
Legolas smiled, a cold, sad smile. "Exactly."
"All this way? Of all the places she could have ended up...that's insane. Do you think she'll follow you? Was a threat enough to keep her away?" he continued, his mind a-whir.
"I don't think she'll follow, Kailin. It wasn't a threat, I meant it. She knows it as well as I. If she comes anywhere near Rhya, I'll kill her."
They sat in silence for a time, each lost in their own thoughts. Finally, breaking the silence, Kailin asked, "So what are you going to do?"
"What can I do? I'll have to tell her," he shrugged his shoulders, running a hand over his face.
"Have you gone mad? You simply cannot! You tell her, and it is done. There are only three people who know, and she most certainly will not hear it from me." Kailin's eyes were wide, his speech rapid.
"I have to tell her. I owe her that much at least."
"Like hell, Leaf. It'll kill her. Trust me on this, keep it to yourself." The words somehow made sense to him and he searched his friend's eyes.
"Are you sure?" he asked.
"Ignorance is bliss. Leave her be. She'll never know. What she won't know won't hurt her." Legolas thought a moment and then nodded, his eyes retaining their haunted look. "It's terrible that it happened, but you need to let it go. Everyone is entitled to one mistake, right?"
"You think I was entitled to do this to her?" his voice was incredulous and Kailin held up his hands in a warding gesture.
"No, no. That's not what I meant. I know you feel awful, but instead of making her feel bad too just put it behind you and make it up to her. Every time you feel guilty do something nice for her. It'll fade in time, I swear it."
Legolas swallowed hard and took a deep breath. "Perhaps you're right," he said, sighing.
"I am. Now let's get you back to Rolan so you can get that sword, right?" He grinned with such force that Legolas felt his own lips curl into a semblance of a smile. "Good man," he said, hauling his friend to his feet, and together they set off, reaching the A'Har settlement quickly.
Together they made their way to the training area, where a class was in full swing, Elves clustered about a central ring where two of their number fought, sparring poles gleaming in the light. As they arrived the crowd hushed and parted and Legolas walked proudly before the Kirrar, his head held high. "Did you get it then?" Asked Rolan, his eyes narrowed. In answer Legolas produced the leaf, slightly crinkled and wilted but undeniable in its reality.
For a minute silence stretched, and then two and suddenly as one the warriors cheered, lifting him above their heads, carrying him triumphantly further into the valley, where they celebrated long into the night, potent wine flowing like water. It was late in the evening when they lead Legolas to his tent, his legs weak with the potent spirits.
Ip's affronted squawk alerted Rhya to the presence of others in the tent. Hurriedly she rose, crossing the bedroom hastily, not caring in her haste that she wore only a thin dressing gown. As soon as she parted the tent the smell of fruity wine hit her and she grimaced, her eyes quickly finding the tangle of arms and legs struggling just inside the door.
Unsure, she waited until the limbs arrayed into three separate beings, Legolas in the center with Kailin and someone still hidden in shadows on the other. As soon as he saw her the dark haired warrior's face split into a large, silly grin. "Hey, Rhya," he called, too loudly, his voice slurred.
"Shh..." she admonished, stepping forward to wrap her arms around her lover. He groaned as she did, leaning heavily on her. "Gods, what did you do to him?" she asked, struggling to get him to the nearest stack of cushions.
"Nothing, honest. Just a little celebration." A wounded look appeared in Kailin's eyes and he shuffled sideways to lean on the other Elf, drawing Rhya's attention to him. For some reason she wasn't surprised to meet Calen's eyes, surprisingly clear despite the cloying scent of wine that clung to him.
"Well hello again," he said, his voice smooth with drink.
"Hello," she answered, tearing her eyes from him as Legolas leaned heavily on her, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist. She turned to inspect him and gasped, running her hands along his head. "What the hell did you do?" she yelled, utterly forgetting her manners in her shock.
"I'm a warrior now," slurred a drunken Legolas happily, his blue eyes clouded with drink but undeniably proud.
"You always were a warrior, love," she began exasperated. "Where the hell is your hair?"
After several tries Legolas managed to run his hand through his shorn locks, most of it falling no more then three inches from his head, a braid running from the center of the back trailing down to his shoulder blades. "You don't like it?" he asked, his brow furrowing in childlike confusion.
She kissed his forehead softly to which he smiled as she whispered. "Lets talk about it in the morning, okay?"
"It was good to see you," said Calen softly before turning and leaving, dragging a protesting Kailin with him.
As soon as the flap closed behind them Legolas wrapped his arms around her, drawing her nearer him. "I missed you," he whispered, pressing his lips to hers. She could taste the wine on his breath but was loathe to deny him and so returned the kiss, closing her eyes and focusing on the feel of his lips on hers, forcing the wine from her mind.
"I missed you as well," she replied when the kiss ended, running her hands through his newly cut hair.
"That feels nice," he said, leaning against her, his arms around her waist and his head resting against her shoulder. She kissed the top of his head, her eyes worried as she looked at him, listening as his breathing evened and deepened. Eventually she followed him into an uneasy slumber, curled around his sleeping form, their hands finding each other and twining together as they slept.
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A/N-
It's been a crazy hectic week here. I know I'm getting this up late, please forgive.
LKK- No dying, you're one of my best reviewers. Hope you liked the chap.
Kate- Wishing you had the time to freak. I love a good freak out. Maybe you'll indulge in a good stream of thought freak out for me... please?
Elerrina Rose- She's about as likeable as a nasty college professor. *Hands over fluffy tissues* No crying, certainly no weeping. All will be good in the end... I hope. *g*
Serena75- I'm so sorry to hear you've been sick. Hope you get well soon! The fact you get mental images is awesome. Glad to hear it inspires you. Try your hand at drawing, you never know. Interesting ideas you have on the plot, there. Thanks for sharing them with me.
Tamara- Your wish is my command...
As always, big Kudos to Kris the Wonder Beta (tm).
~Arisma~
When you make a mistake, don't look back at it long. Take the reason of the thing into your mind and then look forward. Mistakes are lessons of wisdom. The past cannot be changed. The future is yet in your power.
Hugh White (1773 - 1840)