DISCLAIMER: Same old, same old- LOTR is in no way my property or my creation. I merely write my fantasies and songs using JRR Tolkiens brilliant world and creations. I am sooo original. *grins*
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Thank you SO much for those who have muddled through and actually READ my story, and even gone to such lengths as to review it...I truly appreciate it! And yes, to anyone confused..this will *eventually* be a Legolas/Arwen love story- I'm just not sure how I'm going to work it out. I want it to seem true to character so it'll be slow slogging. I just don't know.****I also apologize to those who had to read this chapter as one big block- I had to re-format this stupid thing..I hope it is ok now anyways.
A Dark Sunrise
Chapter 3- Stirrings
The evening began better than Legolas might have hoped. After returning to Rivendell with Arwen, they had come across Aragorn in the stables, much to the Evenstar's delight. Hastily excusing himself, Legolas left the couple in peace and went to refresh himself before the evenings festivities. Though his hair still hung flawlessly, he brushed and re-braided it. Changing into a delicate, fitted silver tunic, he discarded his usual weapons and kept only a dagger at his belt, in a handsome leather sheath.
The smell of roast stag wafted under the sturdy wooden door of his chambers, and despite his reservations, he made his way eagerly down to the great hall, where he could already hear the hearty laughter of some guest. He ran into Elladan along the way whom he had known for many winters, and he felt himself slipping into a cheerful mood as he teased the dark-haired elf, who laughed softly at Legolas' good humor and slapped him on the back. Both of them stopped their antics as they reached the open doors of the great hall, which was already milling with men, elves and dwarves. Two hobbits, whom Legolas recognized from the council, hurried past, talking in excited voices and rubbing their hands mischievously.
Elladan begged his leave and went to speak to a few Rangers who stood, cloaked, bunched in one corner of the hall. Legolas stood at the doorway, unsure of what he should do. He spotted Aragorn sitting in a heavy oak chair at a long table at the head of the hall, and Legolas walked purposefully towards him. He did not heed the whispers that followed him; he knew many of the elves had never seen him before, yet recognized his fine features and baring as royalty. He rarely presented himself in public.
Reaching Aragorn's chair, he tapped the mans shoulder, drawing a grin from the Ranger, before he settled himself against the wall, crossing his arms. He did not like sitting in particular, and as out of place he appeared standing stone-still against the wall by Aragorn's shoulder, he would feel yet more out of place sitting in one of the huge chairs, and so he remained standing.
At last Lord Elrond entered the hall and at his arm, the Evenstar. Legolas caught his breath, his eyes alighting on the maidens fair form, which looked exquisite in a gown of blue and silver. Apparently he was not the only one struck dumb by her appearance, for the huge hall fell entirely silent. Even the bawdy dwarves held their breath. Gliding as if on air, the lady accompanied her father to the head of the table, before taking a set herself not far from Aragorn. From his vantage point, Legolas could see Arwen sneak a glance at Aragorn, before hastily turning to hide her smile. All eyes turned to Elrond.
'Let the feasting begin!' Instantly, music filled the halls and servants appeared carrying marvelous dishes of fine roast and salads and cakes. The loud voices of the guests trying to speak over one another resumed.
'Legolas! Sit down, please,' said Aragorn, upon seeing Legolas leaning against the wall. Reluctantly Legolas nodded and took a rather hesitant seat on the large wooded chair, beside Aragorn. Aragorn chuckled at how uncomfortable the elf looked, perched on the very edge of his chair, as if he might spring into action at any moment.
'Relax,' the former Ranger advised. 'This is going to be a long night..try to enjoy yourself.' Legolas sighed in resignation and drew in his chair, at last looking up to find Arwen watching him. She quickly averted her eyes, but he watched her a moment longer, a curious look on his fair face. She looked...guilty. But he quickly dismissed this and leaned back in the tall chair, his eyes roaming over the massive crowds.
He saw Elrond, at the end of the long table, looking ageless and serene, yet wise from the knowledge that comes only after thousands of years. The proud elf Glorfindel, who bore a striking resemblance to Legolas' own father, Thranduil, sat at Elrond's elbow. Of heavier build than Legolas, his face was less chiseled, yet almost as beautiful, and his hair hung about his shoulders in golden waves. His eyes moved to Elrond's other elbow where Mithrandir sat, his busy eyebrows blocking his eyes from view. Legolas smiled slightly, pleased to see the Grey Wanderer; one of greater wisdom and power in all of Middle-Earth would be difficult to find. His eyes roamed more quickly now, distastefully sweeping over the stout form of the dwarf Gimli, who occasionally threw him a glare, between stuffing his face with everything in reach. He saw many a fair maiden, more than one of whom gave him a shy smile, or blushed as his eyes looked upon them. But his heart remained unmoved and he at last looked back at Aragorn, who was talking about his trip with Frodo, the Ring-bearer, and the other 3 hobbits. Though the tale was an exciting one, and he was interested to hear it, he found his mind wandering, and he contented himself with staring at the food on his plate, which he had eaten little of. Arwen made the occasional comment, and Aragorn continued his tale, drawing gasps and laughs from the Evenstar. Yet he did not hear it.
Were one to look upon his face, they might think it were carved of marble, so fair and cold and expressionless it was. Only his eyes, their blueness ever changing and rolling like the sea, betrayed his existence.
At last, after what seemed like hours, the dishes were cleared from the tables, and Elrond moved from his chair and began walking to the Hall of Fire, which stood at the end of a long corridor opposite the feasting hall. The guests lazily made their way after him, though Legolas followed hastily, anxious to get to the larger hall, where he might slip out unnoticed, into the gardens.
Yet he stayed in the hall for a time, watching the guests dance with their lovers and mates, the fair elvish music lilting away in the background. He turned down a fair number of blushing young women, quickly returning his eyes to the dance floor. The night wore on, and finally he decided to slip out into the gardens, but he stopped as he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned expecting to see another maiden, but came face to face with the breathtaking beauty of the Evenstar. Her face was slightly rosy from the excitement of the dance, and Legolas couldn't help but notice how her eyes shone.
'Legolas, you must dance with me before you slip away!' She said breathlessly. As he began to shake his head, she continued. 'I insist! Just one dance, I promise.' She reached out and grasped his hand, halting his departure. He noticed a number of curious heads turn in the direction of the lady's pleading voice, and, wishing to avoid a spectacle, he accepted, trying to steer her into the middle in order to avoid gawkers. Yet as soon as he got her there, the music slowed, and lost its cheerful melody, becoming a slumber waltz. A young elf's voice arced over the instruments, weaving a song of betrayal and heartbreak.
The blessed light, tis gone from here
Her glow is dimmed, her death is near
Many of the couples drifted off the dance floor, and Legolas began to panic, seeing that only 4 couples remained. How he wished to escape! Yet Arwen's small hand grasped his own, drawing him closer. He almost feared to look at her, she stood so close.
Alas her lover lies to still
His dark grave graces the yonder hill
To never wake, she sings his dirge
Before with the air her soul will merge
Fair maiden wanders to search alone
World of flesh become world of bone
Stealing a glance, he relaxed. She wasn't looking at his; her eyes were closed. Slipping his arms around her waist, he pulled her closer yet, and he felt her melt into him, raising her arms to rest about his neck. He stiffened immediately, but she nestled her face against his chest, and they swayed with the music, dancing as the song required- close.
The spirit world her feet will tread
By true love's dream her paths are led
To find him gone, his road the end
The promise broken, her heart is rend
Many eyes followed the pair, and whispers formed a steady hum under the music. Even Aragorn was entranced by the spectacle. The 2 were completely synchronized, both their eyes closed. The firelight leaped over them, and it seemed to an observer that two stars danced together- the morning and the night.
True love finds its pureness soiled
And despair around her neck is coiled
Alone she journey the way so cold
Till the end is come, the world gone cold.
Yet as the song drifted to its end, and the lithe male drew back to look upon the Evenstar, those watching were unable to hear the words passed between the two. Both looked surprised, and after a moment, the blond elf looked positively shocked. A new song began, quicker, cheerful yet the two stood staring at each other, until the male tore his gaze from her and walked hurriedly out the doors, his face twisted in a near grimace. The lady Arwen stood watching his retreating back, until he disappeared through the enormous doors. At last she sighed, and those still watching sighed with her; the spell broken.
Elves went back to their wines and tales, and Arwen sought out Aragorn, who promptly asked her to dance. Dance they did, a fine pair, yet none forgot the magnificence of the two stars, day and night, joined at last.
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Yay me, I finished my third chapter. I'm kinda unsure about where I should go from here..I shall think about it and hopefully come up with something. This story is far from over, as you can see, our favorite love birds are just taking an interest. Anyways, how did you guys like it? Feel free to tell me it sucked...I am terrible at judging my own work. *hint hint* Feedback is a must!! Thank you to anyone who spends their time reading this story..I appreciate it.
--Red Dragon.
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Thank you SO much for those who have muddled through and actually READ my story, and even gone to such lengths as to review it...I truly appreciate it! And yes, to anyone confused..this will *eventually* be a Legolas/Arwen love story- I'm just not sure how I'm going to work it out. I want it to seem true to character so it'll be slow slogging. I just don't know.****I also apologize to those who had to read this chapter as one big block- I had to re-format this stupid thing..I hope it is ok now anyways.
A Dark Sunrise
Chapter 3- Stirrings
The evening began better than Legolas might have hoped. After returning to Rivendell with Arwen, they had come across Aragorn in the stables, much to the Evenstar's delight. Hastily excusing himself, Legolas left the couple in peace and went to refresh himself before the evenings festivities. Though his hair still hung flawlessly, he brushed and re-braided it. Changing into a delicate, fitted silver tunic, he discarded his usual weapons and kept only a dagger at his belt, in a handsome leather sheath.
The smell of roast stag wafted under the sturdy wooden door of his chambers, and despite his reservations, he made his way eagerly down to the great hall, where he could already hear the hearty laughter of some guest. He ran into Elladan along the way whom he had known for many winters, and he felt himself slipping into a cheerful mood as he teased the dark-haired elf, who laughed softly at Legolas' good humor and slapped him on the back. Both of them stopped their antics as they reached the open doors of the great hall, which was already milling with men, elves and dwarves. Two hobbits, whom Legolas recognized from the council, hurried past, talking in excited voices and rubbing their hands mischievously.
Elladan begged his leave and went to speak to a few Rangers who stood, cloaked, bunched in one corner of the hall. Legolas stood at the doorway, unsure of what he should do. He spotted Aragorn sitting in a heavy oak chair at a long table at the head of the hall, and Legolas walked purposefully towards him. He did not heed the whispers that followed him; he knew many of the elves had never seen him before, yet recognized his fine features and baring as royalty. He rarely presented himself in public.
Reaching Aragorn's chair, he tapped the mans shoulder, drawing a grin from the Ranger, before he settled himself against the wall, crossing his arms. He did not like sitting in particular, and as out of place he appeared standing stone-still against the wall by Aragorn's shoulder, he would feel yet more out of place sitting in one of the huge chairs, and so he remained standing.
At last Lord Elrond entered the hall and at his arm, the Evenstar. Legolas caught his breath, his eyes alighting on the maidens fair form, which looked exquisite in a gown of blue and silver. Apparently he was not the only one struck dumb by her appearance, for the huge hall fell entirely silent. Even the bawdy dwarves held their breath. Gliding as if on air, the lady accompanied her father to the head of the table, before taking a set herself not far from Aragorn. From his vantage point, Legolas could see Arwen sneak a glance at Aragorn, before hastily turning to hide her smile. All eyes turned to Elrond.
'Let the feasting begin!' Instantly, music filled the halls and servants appeared carrying marvelous dishes of fine roast and salads and cakes. The loud voices of the guests trying to speak over one another resumed.
'Legolas! Sit down, please,' said Aragorn, upon seeing Legolas leaning against the wall. Reluctantly Legolas nodded and took a rather hesitant seat on the large wooded chair, beside Aragorn. Aragorn chuckled at how uncomfortable the elf looked, perched on the very edge of his chair, as if he might spring into action at any moment.
'Relax,' the former Ranger advised. 'This is going to be a long night..try to enjoy yourself.' Legolas sighed in resignation and drew in his chair, at last looking up to find Arwen watching him. She quickly averted her eyes, but he watched her a moment longer, a curious look on his fair face. She looked...guilty. But he quickly dismissed this and leaned back in the tall chair, his eyes roaming over the massive crowds.
He saw Elrond, at the end of the long table, looking ageless and serene, yet wise from the knowledge that comes only after thousands of years. The proud elf Glorfindel, who bore a striking resemblance to Legolas' own father, Thranduil, sat at Elrond's elbow. Of heavier build than Legolas, his face was less chiseled, yet almost as beautiful, and his hair hung about his shoulders in golden waves. His eyes moved to Elrond's other elbow where Mithrandir sat, his busy eyebrows blocking his eyes from view. Legolas smiled slightly, pleased to see the Grey Wanderer; one of greater wisdom and power in all of Middle-Earth would be difficult to find. His eyes roamed more quickly now, distastefully sweeping over the stout form of the dwarf Gimli, who occasionally threw him a glare, between stuffing his face with everything in reach. He saw many a fair maiden, more than one of whom gave him a shy smile, or blushed as his eyes looked upon them. But his heart remained unmoved and he at last looked back at Aragorn, who was talking about his trip with Frodo, the Ring-bearer, and the other 3 hobbits. Though the tale was an exciting one, and he was interested to hear it, he found his mind wandering, and he contented himself with staring at the food on his plate, which he had eaten little of. Arwen made the occasional comment, and Aragorn continued his tale, drawing gasps and laughs from the Evenstar. Yet he did not hear it.
Were one to look upon his face, they might think it were carved of marble, so fair and cold and expressionless it was. Only his eyes, their blueness ever changing and rolling like the sea, betrayed his existence.
At last, after what seemed like hours, the dishes were cleared from the tables, and Elrond moved from his chair and began walking to the Hall of Fire, which stood at the end of a long corridor opposite the feasting hall. The guests lazily made their way after him, though Legolas followed hastily, anxious to get to the larger hall, where he might slip out unnoticed, into the gardens.
Yet he stayed in the hall for a time, watching the guests dance with their lovers and mates, the fair elvish music lilting away in the background. He turned down a fair number of blushing young women, quickly returning his eyes to the dance floor. The night wore on, and finally he decided to slip out into the gardens, but he stopped as he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned expecting to see another maiden, but came face to face with the breathtaking beauty of the Evenstar. Her face was slightly rosy from the excitement of the dance, and Legolas couldn't help but notice how her eyes shone.
'Legolas, you must dance with me before you slip away!' She said breathlessly. As he began to shake his head, she continued. 'I insist! Just one dance, I promise.' She reached out and grasped his hand, halting his departure. He noticed a number of curious heads turn in the direction of the lady's pleading voice, and, wishing to avoid a spectacle, he accepted, trying to steer her into the middle in order to avoid gawkers. Yet as soon as he got her there, the music slowed, and lost its cheerful melody, becoming a slumber waltz. A young elf's voice arced over the instruments, weaving a song of betrayal and heartbreak.
The blessed light, tis gone from here
Her glow is dimmed, her death is near
Many of the couples drifted off the dance floor, and Legolas began to panic, seeing that only 4 couples remained. How he wished to escape! Yet Arwen's small hand grasped his own, drawing him closer. He almost feared to look at her, she stood so close.
Alas her lover lies to still
His dark grave graces the yonder hill
To never wake, she sings his dirge
Before with the air her soul will merge
Fair maiden wanders to search alone
World of flesh become world of bone
Stealing a glance, he relaxed. She wasn't looking at his; her eyes were closed. Slipping his arms around her waist, he pulled her closer yet, and he felt her melt into him, raising her arms to rest about his neck. He stiffened immediately, but she nestled her face against his chest, and they swayed with the music, dancing as the song required- close.
The spirit world her feet will tread
By true love's dream her paths are led
To find him gone, his road the end
The promise broken, her heart is rend
Many eyes followed the pair, and whispers formed a steady hum under the music. Even Aragorn was entranced by the spectacle. The 2 were completely synchronized, both their eyes closed. The firelight leaped over them, and it seemed to an observer that two stars danced together- the morning and the night.
True love finds its pureness soiled
And despair around her neck is coiled
Alone she journey the way so cold
Till the end is come, the world gone cold.
Yet as the song drifted to its end, and the lithe male drew back to look upon the Evenstar, those watching were unable to hear the words passed between the two. Both looked surprised, and after a moment, the blond elf looked positively shocked. A new song began, quicker, cheerful yet the two stood staring at each other, until the male tore his gaze from her and walked hurriedly out the doors, his face twisted in a near grimace. The lady Arwen stood watching his retreating back, until he disappeared through the enormous doors. At last she sighed, and those still watching sighed with her; the spell broken.
Elves went back to their wines and tales, and Arwen sought out Aragorn, who promptly asked her to dance. Dance they did, a fine pair, yet none forgot the magnificence of the two stars, day and night, joined at last.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Yay me, I finished my third chapter. I'm kinda unsure about where I should go from here..I shall think about it and hopefully come up with something. This story is far from over, as you can see, our favorite love birds are just taking an interest. Anyways, how did you guys like it? Feel free to tell me it sucked...I am terrible at judging my own work. *hint hint* Feedback is a must!! Thank you to anyone who spends their time reading this story..I appreciate it.
--Red Dragon.