Title: Diplomacy Part 37
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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He waited a while, watching the sun rise, his eyes scanning the ridge of the valley. He saw a figure outlined in morning fire, watched as it stood still as stone for a moment before disappearing from his sight. A small smile curled his lips as he ducked beneath the tent flap.
Golden eyes met his immediately, the small creature that lived with the lovers glaring at him as he let the flap fall. For a moment their eyes locked and he took a meaningful step forward, watching with satisfaction as the rodent sniffed indignantly and walked past him, leaving the building. He scanned the interior, the neat piles of pillows, low tables laden with braziers, unlit and waiting.
Quietly he crossed the room, standing beside the fabric that separated the bedroom from the main. He could hear quiet sobs within and after a moments hesitation he entered, seeing the dark-haired woman laying on the bed, face down, weeping into the pillows. Without a word he crossed to the bed, sitting carefully on the edge.
She made a startled sound and raised her head, tear streaked face turning towards him. Wordlessly he extended a hand, brushing her tears away with his thumb. His voice was low, comforting, "Enough of that, now. He'll be back. Now you just have to be strong enough to wait."
She swallowed and nodded meekly, surprising herself with her easy acquiescence. He smiled at her, his face lighting with the expression, chuckling softly. "And here I was prepared to fight you tooth and nail..."
She couldn't help but smile in return, wiping her cheeks hastily, her voice quavery as she answered, "I guess I just don't feel much like fighting today..."
"Too bad." he answered, slapping her good naturedly on the back, "Time to get up, we've got a bit of a hike ahead of us."
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It had been two weeks. Two weeks of shifting sand and blazing sun. The first four days had been quiet, walking in formations, sticking to the shadows of the rocks to ease the suns glare. After that though, they had been in the open, no shade for miles in any direction. Another two days and they had their first encounter.
He remembered it clearly, the sudden silence, the way the column of elves had stopped, hands flashing in silent code. His knowledge of the silent language was far from complete but he had understood. Orcs, a small band, perhaps a scouting party much like his own.
After a silent debate between the leaders they had set out, silently stalking the unsuspecting creatures. He remembered the thrill of the battle, his bow and then his blades cutting a wide swath through the startled creatures. Not that it had been easy. He'd taken a hit to the shoulder, another to his back before the last of his foes fell lifeless to the burning sands.
Jerion, the leader of the band had been less then pleased, telling him that he had been careless to be so wounded. And in truth he had been. In all his years of battle, he'd never felt such a singular drive to kill, a drive which had clouded his judgment. He'd been more careful since, though the urge to dive in blindly had been no less strong with the passing of days.
Now, the moon high in the sky and a small fire warming their dinner, he let himself relax. After the first band there had been more, a seemingly endless supply of the beasts. And everyone they had encountered had been killed, not a single one left alive to warn his brethren of the death that waited them. His body ached from exhaustion, the dangers of the desert preventing him from partaking in the shallow waking sleep his body craved.
But tonight they were in a sheltered vale, the first such place they'd come across since leaving the rocks behind so seemingly long ago. His patrol seemed more relaxed then they had since leaving the A'Har, and he felt a smile tug the corners of his lips. He didn't consider these elves friends, but the warriors bond between them had formed quickly and strongly.
Across the fire one of the younger members blushed as his fellows prodded him for information about his latest love, his face reddening to match his shock of auburn hair. He remembered Calen from the celebration of his acceptance into the warrior society, the younger elf had made sure his cups had stayed full even after the potent spirits had rendered him incapable of performing the task himself.
Whatever the youth said was drowned in a spate of jovial laughter, those nearest patting the boys back in mock sympathy and real friendship. "What about him?" queried the boy, pointing a finger accusingly at Legolas. "Why don't you pester him for details about his lover?"
"Oh we will!" answered Elvion, smiling brightly, "As soon as we know for certain he won't skewer us for the mention, we intend to get full details!"
For a moment Legolas was taken aback. They think I would skewer them? Perhaps he had been a bit ardent in combat, but they should realize that his wrath didn't extend to members of his party. "I wouldn't attack you, Elvion. Wouldn't harm any of you, actually." he stated, more than a little perplexed at the realization of the strength of his reputation.
"Aha! Fair game then, I say!" stated the elf, waggling his fingers in an eager manner. Without meaning to Legolas groaned, realizing he'd opened a floodgate with the reassurance. "So, tell us about her then!" he demanded, and the fair haired elf watched as the majority of the eyes around the fire shifted to him.
For a moment silence reigned as he lifted a hand and scratched the back of his neck. He had no idea where to start, what exactly it was he was to tell his expectant comrades. After another moments hesitation he sighed, asking, "What is it you want to know about her?"
There were a few scattered laughs but Elvion held up a hand, stopping the mirth. "What's she like? Is she really of the Nessar?"
"Yes, she is of the Nessar... as for what she's like... how does one describe the sun? It's much the same. She's strong, intelligent, caring. One smile from her and it's better than a week of sleep. I lost my heart to her the moment we met and I've seen hide nor hair of it since."
There were smiles all around, a few low murmurs and Legolas hoped the answer had satisfied their curiosity. "So, then how'd you meet?" asked Calen, dashing his hopes.
After another moments thought he answered, "Well, there were emissaries from the Nessar staying in my fa... in my homeland. One day they held an exhibition of the Querimhinue and Rhya was one of the combatants. She fought in my name, and won."
They seemed ready to let his hesitation pass, and he was grateful that none called on him to explain the slip. Too many emotions were connected with thoughts of his father, and he was less than eager to delve into them at the present. "So, she's Querimhinue then?" asked an elf to the back, Corlin by name.
"Yes, she is. Incredible the way she moves... I'd never seen anything like it before." Then they laughed and it took him a moment to realize the full implications of his words. He felt his face redden and felt a sudden sympathy for Calen's earlier plight.
Around him the others seemed to feel his embarrassment and thankfully moved on, leaving him alone in his thoughts. And those thoughts naturally turned to her. What was she doing now? Did she miss him? Was Kailin taking care of her, keeping her from sorrowing while he was away?
Frustration set in quickly, remembering that he had another two weeks before there was even a possibility of answers to his questions. Plates of stew were passed about and he accepted his, eating the pungent mixture quickly and without enthusiasm. His hunger quashed he settled into his cloak, leaning against a tall rock. Within moments he was slipping towards sleep and with his last conscious thought he took solace in the fact that he would see her this night, if only in his dreams.
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A/N-
First off, Sorry for the delay. That crazy real life thing absolutely got in the way again. Kris the wonder beta summed it up nicely after reading a detailed account of all my hurdles- "You're too much! That read like a bad Seinfeld episode!" And really, it was.
But yes, now more 'Diplomacy' for your reading pleasure.
Funky- Now why would I do anything to my favorite stud muffin? Not me, no no, never. *whistles and tries to look innocent*
Crystal Snowflakes- Took a little longer than I would wish, but here it is. Enjoy!
Tamara- Keep reviewing and I'll keep writing. :)
Ravenhart- Interesting? I dare say yes, it will be interesting. I've been sent to the authors time out already for a future chapter. Threatened with getting my Legolas taken away even.
Serena75- Hey, that man would look great in a potato sack. Then again, he'd look pretty good not in a potato sack too. ;)
Kate- Awww! No crying! I know I do horrible things to them but I'm a firm believer in happy endings! So, no crying and keep loving it!
Ellerina Rose- I read your review four or five times. And each time I chuckled more than the last. I finally had to stop for fear the men with the white coats would come. *hands over a bottle of wine* Not necessary for this chap, but in the future you're certainly going to need it. As for Kailin, he gets mad play, well, used to. Bit of a playboy, that one. Everything else I'll just keep to myself. :) Looking forward to the lembas, I actually have a friend who bakes it, SOOOO yummy.
A big thanks to Kris the Wonder Beta(tm) for sending a much needed APB to remind me that I needed to keep you all up to your ears in tasty Lego action. As always, my rock.
~Arisma~
Insanity in individuals is something rare - but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule.
Friedrich Nietzsche (1844 - 1900)