A.N: Hey peoples! It's my birthday today!! So as a treat, here's the next
chapter a little earlier than I would have put it out! Enjoy and review
ne?!
**********
~A Rose by Any Other Name~
Chapter Six
The first thing that Ascadholiel noticed was that she was warm and comfortable. She felt safe and loved. She snuggled closer to whoever cradled her against them and tried to fall deeper into sleep.
It was not to be, however, as she was pulling into an easy wakefulness by a warm, if not a bit scratchy voice and a gentle but firm hand rubbing her back. "Do you feel better now Lady Ascadholiel?"
Ascadholiel pulled in a deep breath and stretched like a cat before relaxing back against the warm body and looking up with somewhat sleepy eyes into the kind, withered face. "Mmm? Gandalf? What happened? I thought we were only stopping for a little break." Then the small pains in her body made themselves known to her. "Why do my side and arm hurt?"
Gandalf smiled down at her. "What is the last thing you remember?"
The blonde girl wrinkled her brow a little as she thought. "I remember glaring at Aragorn because he wouldn't give me a strait answer, then a flash and something hit me. I looked up and my father was standing there, even though I knew it couldn't be. He was hurting me again. Hitting me and asking things of me that no daughter should give to her father, demanding them of me."
She had started crying again by now. "I don't know what happened. It was like I was stuck in my memory, only it wasn't a memory, it was real. It was so real. He used to come at me, a lot of the time with a weapon, and knock me down when I wasn't watching. It was just so real!"
Everyone was listening, most pretending not to, even tough some of the hobbits were quietly crying now. Gandalf hushed her gently and began rocking her back and forth again. "Shh... It wasn't real. It was just a flashback is all. He can't get you while you're here. We wouldn't allow it even if he were. You are safe from all that here with us."
Ascadholiel reached up and hugged the wizard tightly. "Thank you Gandalf. But what happened? Who knocked me down?"
Someone cleared their throat and Ascadholiel looked in the direction of the sound, and saw Legolas kneel down to look her in the eyes. "That was me I'm afraid Lady Ascadholiel. It grieves my heart greatly that I inflicted such panic upon you. I meant only to teach you always to be alert. I am so sorry, and I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me. I will do everything in my power to make it up to you. I..."
Ascadholiel had raised her hand to silence him and was looking at him tearfully. "Stop. You had me at 'hello'. You had me at 'hello.'"
Legolas looked very confused and after a moment Ascadholiel's face cracked into a wide smile that belied her tears, and she giggled loudly. "Sorry. Pop culture reference. It couldn't be helped." She stopped giggling and smiled gently at him again. She reached out and took hold of one of his long-fingered hands, holding tightly. "Of course you are forgiven my friend. You were forgiven before you even asked to be. You had no way of knowing that my memory would be triggered. I've repressed a lot of them and sometimes something triggers one and they just pop up at the worst times."
Legolas squeezed her hand gently. "They sounded horrible. Perhaps it would help should you talk about them. If you ever wish to, I will gladly listen, and not even all the soulless beasts in Mordor could make me tell your secrets."
Ascadholiel turned a nice shade of red as Legolas squeezed her hand again. "Wow. You really know how to make a girl blush. Thank you Legolas. I will give it some thought." She also thanked the wizard again as Legolas helped her up. "You know, you could make it up to me my dear elf, if you would play the part of my pillow again tonight. You're rather comfy to sleep against really."
Legolas chuckled as they sat next to each other in front of the fire and talked with the hobbits and Gimli.
Boromir stepped closer to his fellow man, still watching the elf and the girl. "Have you noticed it as well Aragorn?"
Aragorn took his eyes from the surrounding woods for a moment. "Noticed what friend?"
"The affection growing between our elf and the girl. Let me speak plainly. I think they are loosing their hearts to one another, yet they themselves seem to realize it not."
Aragorn nodded. "I have seen it, yes. Why do you speak of this now, and why with me? Would you play matchmaker with them?"
Boromir snorted. "Not at all. I simply wonder when they themselves will notice it."
"Perhaps not ever. It would mean the death of him."
Boromir looked sharply at Aragorn. "The death of him? What is this you speak of?"
Aragorn looked over fully at Boromir now. "If an elf looses their heart to a mortal, more often than not, when their mortal lover dies, the elf will die of grief shortly after. Legolas does not and never has done anything by half. If he realizes his love for Ascadholiel, he will freely forfeit his immortality to share her life span."
"But why would he freely do that?"
"Because he will not wish to live without her. If this happens, when she dies, he will pine himself and fade away."
"But immortality is a gift!"
"Is it? When you truly love someone so much that they become your world, would you wish to spend eternity grieving for their loss? No Boromir, when an elf loves a mortal, immortality becomes their greatest curse."
"So would you have their feelings ended right now and save him from death?"
"No. Legolas has waited a long time to truly find love. I think they will be good for each other and I long to see him happy."
Boromir nodded and turned silently, walking to the fire and joining the group, Aragorn's words giving him a lot to think about.
Ascadholiel was currently showing the hobbits a strange, but simple game from her world called, rock, paper, scissors. Even Legolas was starting to get into it.
Merry and Frodo had just gone around and Merry exclaimed, "Aha! Scissors beat paper. I win this round! By the way Lady Asca, what are scissors?"
Ascadholiel shrugged. "They are like two knives hinged together with the sharp part of the blades on the inside. They're used for cutting things, like paper or fabric. They're easier to control than knives for things like that."
Merry and Frodo nodded. "Oh. Okay."
Gimli leaned forward as the hobbits went back to playing. It sounds like there are many marvelous things in your would lass. Perhaps you would tell us more of it?"
Ascadholiel frowned. "We do have many wonderful things in my world, but I have no great love for it, or any of the people there. With great wonders also come great evils. The forests and rivers and wild places seem so dead. They have no real life or voice of their own. I guess I'm kind of a nature nut. I prefer the quiet company of trees and the peaceful chatter of wildlife to the reckless and harsh company of other humans. The medicine there is very advanced, but then again, so are the illnesses. There's so much hatred and darkness in the world, and unlike here, there is no magic ring to destroy to banish this darkness.
"If I am allowed to, I would rather stay here than journey back there. That world was never my home. I'm sure I could help out somehow, maybe become a healer. I'm not over fond of most people, but I enjoy medicine and I like helping people."
Sam leaned forward and put a hand on her knee. Maybe when this is all over, you could talk to Lord Elrond back in Rivendel. He healed Master Frodo after all. Why I reckon he must be the best healer around."
Legolas nodded. You are right Samwise. I'm sure Lord Elrond would be able to help you with that Ascadholiel."
Ascadholiel smiled brightly. "You really think so? I would love to learn from him. After all, from what I've seen so far, the people here are very different than they are in my world. Even if they weren't, I find, they're a little more tolerable when they have reason to be grateful to you. They tend not to try so hard to get between your legs."
The group nodded thoughtfully. Frodo broke the silence. "Well you won't have to worry about anything like that from us Lady Asca."
Ascadholiel got a twinkle in her eye and smirked smokily. "Why thank you Frodo, though you guys are so cute I might just invite you."
Legolas, knowing her teasing style by now and trying not to crack a smile, his shoulders shaking with silent laughter, was the only one of the group who wasn't wide-eyed and speechless.
Ascadholiel closed her eyes, her smirk becoming one of amusement, and said flatly, "That was a joke."
The hobbits and Gimli laughed nervously until Ascadholiel looked over at Legolas and quirked an eyebrow at his obvious attempt to quell his uncharacteristic laughter. She reached over and poked his side, making the elf's eyes almost bug out as the sparkling laughter burst forth from him for the first time since the quest started.
Everyone else started laughing as well, the elf's laughter infectious. Gandalf sank down in between Frodo and Merry. "It's good to hear you laugh again Frodo."
Frodo smiled up at Gandalf. "It's good to laugh again. Thanks for Lady Asca."
Ascadholiel blushed a little. "Okay my small friend, that's well enough of that. I'm not used to such praise."
Boromir now spoke up. "Well get used to it Lady. You are swiftly becoming a light to this fellowship."
Ascadholiel's face turned dark. "Well don't count on that too much. I'm fine right now, but I suffer from deep clinical depression and I don't have any of my medication here to help me."
Merry leaned forward. "So what will happen without your medication?"
Ascadholiel shrugged. "That depends. Sometimes it depends on what sets a mood off, other's it's just a mood swing. I could get moody or violent. I could and most likely will get very emotional. I would also ask all of you to watch me closely if you should see any of these signs. I could very well become suicidal. I have before after all."
The group looked at her horrified. Legolas touched her shoulder, alarmed and shocked. "You tried to end your own life? How? For what reason?"
Ascadholiel looked down into the fire. "Well, to answer the first, I took a bottle of sleeping pills and then swam out into the middle of a lake before they took full effect. I wasn't expecting a fishing boat to be out, but they pulled me from the water and got me to vomit up most of the water along with most of the drugs. I was still in the hospital for a long time though. I nearly succeeded.
"As for the why, nothing seemed worth it anymore. I had no friends, a family that consisted of a father who beat me, and a boyfriend who raped me and then blamed me for loosing the baby when it was wasn't my fault. Along with that, no one would believe me. So they put me on meds that made the depression more bearable and I wouldn't be so inclined to violence or self destruction. It makes life a little easier to bare.
"The bad thing is, is that if withdrawal from the drugs really hits, it's going to be bad. They warn people not to go off the drugs, even if they feel better, without an order from the doctor, what you would call a healer I guess. It's the worst thing they could ever do. Most people who take them are on them for their whole lives."
Gandalf puffed thoughtfully on the pipe he had lit. "Well my dear, we shall indeed have to keep a very close eye on you.
**********
Ascadholiel blinked in the darkness. Even though she was nestled up against Legolas, held tightly in his arms, her head pillowed on his chest over his heart, she simply couldn't sleep. There were several reasons for this, one she was going to remedy right now.
Ascadholiel slowly squirmed out of Legolas' arms, trying not to wake him, but failing miserably, if he had even been asleep at all, something that she seriously doubted.
"Where are you going Lady?
Ascadholiel smiled gently. "To relieve myself, my nosy elf. I'll be right back." She stood up and stepped over the other sleeping figures, nodding to Boromir, who stood guard, as she passed him. She went a ways into the woods and did her business. She stood and turned to walk back to camp, then stopped, turned again and walked deeper into the woods. She found a suitable tree, and with some effort, climbed high into the branches. Ascadholiel sat with her back to the trunk of the tree looking out over the treetops at the bright full moon and stars that were now visible at this height. There she brooded.
After she had told that disturbing part of her history, the whole group treated her differently, even if they didn't notice that they did. Asking if she was okay, and always watching her, not just if they saw signs, which they really wouldn't have until now, now that she felt slightly alienated and a little freakish or pitiful. They treated her with pity now, and that was the biggest thing that she never wanted from anyone. And Legolas, her first real friend anywhere... what must he think of her now?
She thought to herself moodily. 'Some weak pathetic human no doubt. He probably really won't want me to snuggle up with him now. He probably let me tonight just out of sympathy. I really am pathetic aren't I?'
She watched the moon drift through the sky, the normally soothing sight playing turmoil on her heart and soul. As the minuets dragged on towards hours, her thoughts continued to drag and pull at her mind.
Ascadholiel almost didn't hear the voice that called her name softly from the ground below. She looked down and saw Legolas effortlessly climbing up to her. "I would like to be alone please Legolas."
Legolas settled onto a branch beside hers, his hair seeming to shine silver in the bright bluish moonlight. "I don't believe I shall grant that wish my lady. You are brooding."
Ascadholiel crossed her arms, a small scowl on her face. "Astute observation professor Newton. Wonder which apple hit your head to make that one come across."
Legolas, not having a clue as to the pun she just made, but knowing it was a jibe, wisely didn't make a retort. "Ascadholiel, might I ask what is bothering you so? Aragorn and Boromir are out here searching for you as well. We were worried when you did not return."
Ascadholiel said nothing and merely tilted her head back to look up at the moon.
The elf touched her shoulder gently. "Please Ascadholiel. You have trusted me thus far. Please keep confiding in me and share your thoughts and your troubles."
She sighed, but still didn't look at him, her face still cold but her eyes glistening suspiciously of tears. "You would still want to hear the thoughts and troubles of a weak, foolish human?"
Legolas put a long-fingered hand against her cheek and turned her face to his. "No. But I would hear your thoughts and troubles." He paused for a moment and then furrowed his brow slightly. "Is that what this is about? You think you are weak because you cannot overcome your grief? And you think that I would think you thus? Ascadholiel, elves die of their grief. Our spirits break and flee from our bodies, from a broken heart or loss more surely than they would from even the most horrendous physical wound. You thought that I would think less of you for almost doing the same at some point in your life? I would never, will never think that of you."
Legolas pulled her over into his lap as she started sobbing at his words. He rocked her shaking body back and forth, holding her tight, tucking her head his chin. "Shhh... you have become a dear friend to me. I will not allow your grief to overcome you as it is so obviously trying right now. If I can, I will try everything to help heal the wounds of your heart. This is my oath to you, as Prince of Mirkwood... nay, as your friend."
Ascadholiel clung to him as she openly sobbed, her face tucked against his chest and her tears soaking into his green tunic. Though she still managed to get out in a shaky voice, "Diola lle, nin mellon."
Legolas, who was still rocking her and rubbing her back and arms gently as he held her, kissed the top of her head, then her forehead and whispered, "Lle creoso, mellon nin. Lle creoso."
**********
A.N.: Schweet. Another chapter!!! Well, if I keep this up, I'd say I'm good to go. Thank you to all those who have reviewed! And yeah... I know, Asca has had a really, shitty, life. But... hey! Elf Smootchies will make it all better!!! Oh yeah... The next chapter will most likely classify as Mary- sue... I have come to the conclusion that this will most likely become one, but hopefully not the stereotypical one. Like I said, I have nothing against Mary-sues, and I've been getting nothing but good reviews from the people who have even bothered to review, so... yay! I don't feel to bad about this. Well, the next chapter will hopefully be out sometime soon, so, it's a good thing ne? And no... ... ... I did not get that saying from Martha Stuart! I've been saying it's a good thing for quite a long time, not to mention that I don't even like Martha Stuart. Anyway... enough Martha bashing. Enjoy ne? Oh... and please don't be afraid to review. I swear I won't bite... hard. ^_______^ Namaarie!
~Celesta Hellewise Harman
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~A Rose by Any Other Name~
Chapter Six
The first thing that Ascadholiel noticed was that she was warm and comfortable. She felt safe and loved. She snuggled closer to whoever cradled her against them and tried to fall deeper into sleep.
It was not to be, however, as she was pulling into an easy wakefulness by a warm, if not a bit scratchy voice and a gentle but firm hand rubbing her back. "Do you feel better now Lady Ascadholiel?"
Ascadholiel pulled in a deep breath and stretched like a cat before relaxing back against the warm body and looking up with somewhat sleepy eyes into the kind, withered face. "Mmm? Gandalf? What happened? I thought we were only stopping for a little break." Then the small pains in her body made themselves known to her. "Why do my side and arm hurt?"
Gandalf smiled down at her. "What is the last thing you remember?"
The blonde girl wrinkled her brow a little as she thought. "I remember glaring at Aragorn because he wouldn't give me a strait answer, then a flash and something hit me. I looked up and my father was standing there, even though I knew it couldn't be. He was hurting me again. Hitting me and asking things of me that no daughter should give to her father, demanding them of me."
She had started crying again by now. "I don't know what happened. It was like I was stuck in my memory, only it wasn't a memory, it was real. It was so real. He used to come at me, a lot of the time with a weapon, and knock me down when I wasn't watching. It was just so real!"
Everyone was listening, most pretending not to, even tough some of the hobbits were quietly crying now. Gandalf hushed her gently and began rocking her back and forth again. "Shh... It wasn't real. It was just a flashback is all. He can't get you while you're here. We wouldn't allow it even if he were. You are safe from all that here with us."
Ascadholiel reached up and hugged the wizard tightly. "Thank you Gandalf. But what happened? Who knocked me down?"
Someone cleared their throat and Ascadholiel looked in the direction of the sound, and saw Legolas kneel down to look her in the eyes. "That was me I'm afraid Lady Ascadholiel. It grieves my heart greatly that I inflicted such panic upon you. I meant only to teach you always to be alert. I am so sorry, and I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me. I will do everything in my power to make it up to you. I..."
Ascadholiel had raised her hand to silence him and was looking at him tearfully. "Stop. You had me at 'hello'. You had me at 'hello.'"
Legolas looked very confused and after a moment Ascadholiel's face cracked into a wide smile that belied her tears, and she giggled loudly. "Sorry. Pop culture reference. It couldn't be helped." She stopped giggling and smiled gently at him again. She reached out and took hold of one of his long-fingered hands, holding tightly. "Of course you are forgiven my friend. You were forgiven before you even asked to be. You had no way of knowing that my memory would be triggered. I've repressed a lot of them and sometimes something triggers one and they just pop up at the worst times."
Legolas squeezed her hand gently. "They sounded horrible. Perhaps it would help should you talk about them. If you ever wish to, I will gladly listen, and not even all the soulless beasts in Mordor could make me tell your secrets."
Ascadholiel turned a nice shade of red as Legolas squeezed her hand again. "Wow. You really know how to make a girl blush. Thank you Legolas. I will give it some thought." She also thanked the wizard again as Legolas helped her up. "You know, you could make it up to me my dear elf, if you would play the part of my pillow again tonight. You're rather comfy to sleep against really."
Legolas chuckled as they sat next to each other in front of the fire and talked with the hobbits and Gimli.
Boromir stepped closer to his fellow man, still watching the elf and the girl. "Have you noticed it as well Aragorn?"
Aragorn took his eyes from the surrounding woods for a moment. "Noticed what friend?"
"The affection growing between our elf and the girl. Let me speak plainly. I think they are loosing their hearts to one another, yet they themselves seem to realize it not."
Aragorn nodded. "I have seen it, yes. Why do you speak of this now, and why with me? Would you play matchmaker with them?"
Boromir snorted. "Not at all. I simply wonder when they themselves will notice it."
"Perhaps not ever. It would mean the death of him."
Boromir looked sharply at Aragorn. "The death of him? What is this you speak of?"
Aragorn looked over fully at Boromir now. "If an elf looses their heart to a mortal, more often than not, when their mortal lover dies, the elf will die of grief shortly after. Legolas does not and never has done anything by half. If he realizes his love for Ascadholiel, he will freely forfeit his immortality to share her life span."
"But why would he freely do that?"
"Because he will not wish to live without her. If this happens, when she dies, he will pine himself and fade away."
"But immortality is a gift!"
"Is it? When you truly love someone so much that they become your world, would you wish to spend eternity grieving for their loss? No Boromir, when an elf loves a mortal, immortality becomes their greatest curse."
"So would you have their feelings ended right now and save him from death?"
"No. Legolas has waited a long time to truly find love. I think they will be good for each other and I long to see him happy."
Boromir nodded and turned silently, walking to the fire and joining the group, Aragorn's words giving him a lot to think about.
Ascadholiel was currently showing the hobbits a strange, but simple game from her world called, rock, paper, scissors. Even Legolas was starting to get into it.
Merry and Frodo had just gone around and Merry exclaimed, "Aha! Scissors beat paper. I win this round! By the way Lady Asca, what are scissors?"
Ascadholiel shrugged. "They are like two knives hinged together with the sharp part of the blades on the inside. They're used for cutting things, like paper or fabric. They're easier to control than knives for things like that."
Merry and Frodo nodded. "Oh. Okay."
Gimli leaned forward as the hobbits went back to playing. It sounds like there are many marvelous things in your would lass. Perhaps you would tell us more of it?"
Ascadholiel frowned. "We do have many wonderful things in my world, but I have no great love for it, or any of the people there. With great wonders also come great evils. The forests and rivers and wild places seem so dead. They have no real life or voice of their own. I guess I'm kind of a nature nut. I prefer the quiet company of trees and the peaceful chatter of wildlife to the reckless and harsh company of other humans. The medicine there is very advanced, but then again, so are the illnesses. There's so much hatred and darkness in the world, and unlike here, there is no magic ring to destroy to banish this darkness.
"If I am allowed to, I would rather stay here than journey back there. That world was never my home. I'm sure I could help out somehow, maybe become a healer. I'm not over fond of most people, but I enjoy medicine and I like helping people."
Sam leaned forward and put a hand on her knee. Maybe when this is all over, you could talk to Lord Elrond back in Rivendel. He healed Master Frodo after all. Why I reckon he must be the best healer around."
Legolas nodded. You are right Samwise. I'm sure Lord Elrond would be able to help you with that Ascadholiel."
Ascadholiel smiled brightly. "You really think so? I would love to learn from him. After all, from what I've seen so far, the people here are very different than they are in my world. Even if they weren't, I find, they're a little more tolerable when they have reason to be grateful to you. They tend not to try so hard to get between your legs."
The group nodded thoughtfully. Frodo broke the silence. "Well you won't have to worry about anything like that from us Lady Asca."
Ascadholiel got a twinkle in her eye and smirked smokily. "Why thank you Frodo, though you guys are so cute I might just invite you."
Legolas, knowing her teasing style by now and trying not to crack a smile, his shoulders shaking with silent laughter, was the only one of the group who wasn't wide-eyed and speechless.
Ascadholiel closed her eyes, her smirk becoming one of amusement, and said flatly, "That was a joke."
The hobbits and Gimli laughed nervously until Ascadholiel looked over at Legolas and quirked an eyebrow at his obvious attempt to quell his uncharacteristic laughter. She reached over and poked his side, making the elf's eyes almost bug out as the sparkling laughter burst forth from him for the first time since the quest started.
Everyone else started laughing as well, the elf's laughter infectious. Gandalf sank down in between Frodo and Merry. "It's good to hear you laugh again Frodo."
Frodo smiled up at Gandalf. "It's good to laugh again. Thanks for Lady Asca."
Ascadholiel blushed a little. "Okay my small friend, that's well enough of that. I'm not used to such praise."
Boromir now spoke up. "Well get used to it Lady. You are swiftly becoming a light to this fellowship."
Ascadholiel's face turned dark. "Well don't count on that too much. I'm fine right now, but I suffer from deep clinical depression and I don't have any of my medication here to help me."
Merry leaned forward. "So what will happen without your medication?"
Ascadholiel shrugged. "That depends. Sometimes it depends on what sets a mood off, other's it's just a mood swing. I could get moody or violent. I could and most likely will get very emotional. I would also ask all of you to watch me closely if you should see any of these signs. I could very well become suicidal. I have before after all."
The group looked at her horrified. Legolas touched her shoulder, alarmed and shocked. "You tried to end your own life? How? For what reason?"
Ascadholiel looked down into the fire. "Well, to answer the first, I took a bottle of sleeping pills and then swam out into the middle of a lake before they took full effect. I wasn't expecting a fishing boat to be out, but they pulled me from the water and got me to vomit up most of the water along with most of the drugs. I was still in the hospital for a long time though. I nearly succeeded.
"As for the why, nothing seemed worth it anymore. I had no friends, a family that consisted of a father who beat me, and a boyfriend who raped me and then blamed me for loosing the baby when it was wasn't my fault. Along with that, no one would believe me. So they put me on meds that made the depression more bearable and I wouldn't be so inclined to violence or self destruction. It makes life a little easier to bare.
"The bad thing is, is that if withdrawal from the drugs really hits, it's going to be bad. They warn people not to go off the drugs, even if they feel better, without an order from the doctor, what you would call a healer I guess. It's the worst thing they could ever do. Most people who take them are on them for their whole lives."
Gandalf puffed thoughtfully on the pipe he had lit. "Well my dear, we shall indeed have to keep a very close eye on you.
**********
Ascadholiel blinked in the darkness. Even though she was nestled up against Legolas, held tightly in his arms, her head pillowed on his chest over his heart, she simply couldn't sleep. There were several reasons for this, one she was going to remedy right now.
Ascadholiel slowly squirmed out of Legolas' arms, trying not to wake him, but failing miserably, if he had even been asleep at all, something that she seriously doubted.
"Where are you going Lady?
Ascadholiel smiled gently. "To relieve myself, my nosy elf. I'll be right back." She stood up and stepped over the other sleeping figures, nodding to Boromir, who stood guard, as she passed him. She went a ways into the woods and did her business. She stood and turned to walk back to camp, then stopped, turned again and walked deeper into the woods. She found a suitable tree, and with some effort, climbed high into the branches. Ascadholiel sat with her back to the trunk of the tree looking out over the treetops at the bright full moon and stars that were now visible at this height. There she brooded.
After she had told that disturbing part of her history, the whole group treated her differently, even if they didn't notice that they did. Asking if she was okay, and always watching her, not just if they saw signs, which they really wouldn't have until now, now that she felt slightly alienated and a little freakish or pitiful. They treated her with pity now, and that was the biggest thing that she never wanted from anyone. And Legolas, her first real friend anywhere... what must he think of her now?
She thought to herself moodily. 'Some weak pathetic human no doubt. He probably really won't want me to snuggle up with him now. He probably let me tonight just out of sympathy. I really am pathetic aren't I?'
She watched the moon drift through the sky, the normally soothing sight playing turmoil on her heart and soul. As the minuets dragged on towards hours, her thoughts continued to drag and pull at her mind.
Ascadholiel almost didn't hear the voice that called her name softly from the ground below. She looked down and saw Legolas effortlessly climbing up to her. "I would like to be alone please Legolas."
Legolas settled onto a branch beside hers, his hair seeming to shine silver in the bright bluish moonlight. "I don't believe I shall grant that wish my lady. You are brooding."
Ascadholiel crossed her arms, a small scowl on her face. "Astute observation professor Newton. Wonder which apple hit your head to make that one come across."
Legolas, not having a clue as to the pun she just made, but knowing it was a jibe, wisely didn't make a retort. "Ascadholiel, might I ask what is bothering you so? Aragorn and Boromir are out here searching for you as well. We were worried when you did not return."
Ascadholiel said nothing and merely tilted her head back to look up at the moon.
The elf touched her shoulder gently. "Please Ascadholiel. You have trusted me thus far. Please keep confiding in me and share your thoughts and your troubles."
She sighed, but still didn't look at him, her face still cold but her eyes glistening suspiciously of tears. "You would still want to hear the thoughts and troubles of a weak, foolish human?"
Legolas put a long-fingered hand against her cheek and turned her face to his. "No. But I would hear your thoughts and troubles." He paused for a moment and then furrowed his brow slightly. "Is that what this is about? You think you are weak because you cannot overcome your grief? And you think that I would think you thus? Ascadholiel, elves die of their grief. Our spirits break and flee from our bodies, from a broken heart or loss more surely than they would from even the most horrendous physical wound. You thought that I would think less of you for almost doing the same at some point in your life? I would never, will never think that of you."
Legolas pulled her over into his lap as she started sobbing at his words. He rocked her shaking body back and forth, holding her tight, tucking her head his chin. "Shhh... you have become a dear friend to me. I will not allow your grief to overcome you as it is so obviously trying right now. If I can, I will try everything to help heal the wounds of your heart. This is my oath to you, as Prince of Mirkwood... nay, as your friend."
Ascadholiel clung to him as she openly sobbed, her face tucked against his chest and her tears soaking into his green tunic. Though she still managed to get out in a shaky voice, "Diola lle, nin mellon."
Legolas, who was still rocking her and rubbing her back and arms gently as he held her, kissed the top of her head, then her forehead and whispered, "Lle creoso, mellon nin. Lle creoso."
**********
A.N.: Schweet. Another chapter!!! Well, if I keep this up, I'd say I'm good to go. Thank you to all those who have reviewed! And yeah... I know, Asca has had a really, shitty, life. But... hey! Elf Smootchies will make it all better!!! Oh yeah... The next chapter will most likely classify as Mary- sue... I have come to the conclusion that this will most likely become one, but hopefully not the stereotypical one. Like I said, I have nothing against Mary-sues, and I've been getting nothing but good reviews from the people who have even bothered to review, so... yay! I don't feel to bad about this. Well, the next chapter will hopefully be out sometime soon, so, it's a good thing ne? And no... ... ... I did not get that saying from Martha Stuart! I've been saying it's a good thing for quite a long time, not to mention that I don't even like Martha Stuart. Anyway... enough Martha bashing. Enjoy ne? Oh... and please don't be afraid to review. I swear I won't bite... hard. ^_______^ Namaarie!
~Celesta Hellewise Harman
