Hello, Hello, Hello!!!! I'm so happy you all reviewwipes away tear I'm sorry-I know that the two are getting a bit over dramatic last chapter was a transition  chapter, the story should be picking up a bit from now on. I hope that you guys still love the story!  Please review!

Disclaimer: I don't own LOTR I know shocking!

Chapter 14 Surprises

            I shook my head, and my eyes showed fear-I knew. I couldn't face him, not when he was leaving. I didn't want to love him. If I let myself love him I would only lose him again, and my heart would shattered into pieces I couldn't pick up. "Come with me," he whispered in my ear, his hot breath making my skin tingle. In that instant, when his hot breath caressed my skin the way it always had, I faltered
and I followed. He drew me away from the party of elves that had been saying goodbye and wishing the fellowship well. I trembled; inside I fought so hard against the pounding impulse to fall into what I desired. When we were far enough to way to be shielded from prying eyes and elven ears, he turned to me, his eyes betraying genuine sorrow.

 "Alatariel, amin mela lleI love you." I shook my head.
 "Please! Believe me, I do. I don't love Aryante the way I love you." I remained silent.  
 "I love her in the same way you love Elledan, or Ellrohir, or Aragorn. She is a sister to me, and could never be anything more." I shook my head and began to walk away. Legolas grabbed my arm, and pulled me back.

 "I love you, and whether you accept the truth or  not, I can not stop loving you!" I paused, so ready to tell him that I loved him, ready to let myself be open to him again- but I stopped. Did I love him?  Could I honestly say that? Suddenly I didn't know.
            All my life I had believed in love, but was it enough? I began to think of all the love I knew of. Arwen and Aragorn came to my mind. Their love was unlike any other... yet in the end Aragorn would die for he is mortal. And this will leave Arwen to fade away. I thought of my parents. Had their love been enough? Would our love be enough?
"Why do you not see what is in front of your eyes?" He asked, blue eyes pleading.
"Tell me Legolas, do you believe our love will be enough?" He looked taken aback by this, "Do you believe it to be strong enough to withstand the tests of time and death? Because I do not. I can not; not anymore." His eyes were turning cold.

 "I am sorry," I murmured. I truly was.
 "So am I," he said Legolas made his way to leave, and I would let him. Slowly I began to walk-in the other direction. In part I was in shock at what I had done, yet it didn't feel wrong. I felt a hand grab my writs and I spun around to face him. Before I could react his lips came down upon mine, heavily and angrily. His kiss was neither desperate nor lasting. When he pulled away he whispered, "Good Bye." I shivered; his voice was icy cold. He then walked away and I knew this time he would not come back to me. I didn't want him to. I walked, in the end making my way to a river. I peered out from amongst the trees. I could see them in the boats leaving; those aboard them doomed to die. I felt-not as I had expected. I didn't feel any regret, or sorrow. I felt oddly free though a bit surprised at my own actions. I knew that I loved Legolas, yet perhaps I had mistaken how much. But at that current moment the full impact of what I had done hadn't come into focus, nor would it until I had another horrifying vision. Until then, however my life was to take an unexpected turn.

             The next day broke with bright sunshine, with the feel of a new day. I dressed hurriedly with a feeling of excitement. The Lady had sent word that I was to improve my skills with daggers, and archery. I looked at my reflection in the mirror. Looking back at me was an entirely different girl. I wore knee length tunic and britches. My hair was pulled tightly back into a  ponytail and then plaited down my back, with soft leather boots on my feet. I was still standing in this way, when someone knocked. "Come in," I said.  I turned my head to the doorway and watched Haldir walk in. He smiled.  

 "You look ready," he commented. 
"I have no idea what I'm doing. Trying my skill for game is one thing, but testing it is another."
"The Lady wishes you to improve your skill. Trust me, you will enjoy the work." There was a glint of mischief in his eyes. As if there was something he knew that I didn't, and I questioned him about it. He grinned, laughing a bit.
 "I too had a meeting with the Lady. Now, come before you miss breakfast."  Not long after I found myself out amongst the archers, Haldir critiquing every movement.
"Any and all motions should be fluid and made with ease. Concentrate on the target, focus." I took in a breath, drew back the arrow, and let it go.

 Haldir's POV ~ Later Evening

            I watched her carefully; making mental notes of each action and correcting any mistakes. She was tense, yet I think some part of her was at ease. She was a natural fighter; one could feel it in the way she stood, and walked, and by her actions. This was not that Ala I had first met, but almost entirely someone else. The Lady said it would be so, said that her transformation would be quick and much needed. My eyes followed the arrow which was only slightly off target. For one who said she rarely took up a bow she was fairly good. I grinned; her next task would be interesting.  
 "Very good, you're improving." Ala simply nodded, focusing on her target. She drew another arrow, notched it and aimed. She steadied her breathing; just as I had taught her. She looked magnificent. The setting sun gleamed off her hair, some of which had fallen around her face. She let the arrow fly. It hit the center of the target. Her face split into a grin, and then to a smile. She looked over at me, her eyes gleaming and her face flushed with her small victory. She reminded me of a little elfling, and I laughed out loud. She joined in. "I did it!" She said striding in front of me.
"You did," I said. She leaned in closer, and gave me a hug, flinging her arms around my shoulders. She smelled like roses. I laughed a bit, and pulled her closer, perhaps a little closer than I meant to. She pulled away a little bit, but my arms were still wrapped around her. Her face remained flushed, but for another reason I think. What I did next was beyond reason. I leaned in, slowly and unsure, but then I threw caution to the winds and pressed my lips against hers. What I got in return was unexpected.