Disclaimer: Do I LOOK like Tolkien?
AN: This is the ok-lets-cut-the-crap-and-actually-get-somewhere chapter, so it goes pretty fast. Sorry.
*******Chapter 36**********
From that night forward both Eressa and Legolas saw their simple, controlled lives in a new, brighter light. Eressa had given Legolas some sewing lessons, which he learned very quickly, despite his doubts. Soon he was able to mend his own clothing, not that he needed to, now that he was stuck in his cell all the time. Legolas was to be kept there until he was capable of working and fighting again…and unfortunately for him, that date was approaching fast. Every day his wound was smaller and less painful.
On the third day, he discovered that he could move normally…even stand…he thought himself lucky that the blow to his head didn't disrupt his balance or anything else important. Still, in order to stay in his cell during the day, and be able to work on his plan to get out of here, he faked not being able to function properly.
Legolas knew that Angarod would not be fooled for long. He knew that one of these days, he'd be sent back to work. He felt guilty because he didn't want it, but the other slaves, including his friend Eredor was among those who didn't have a choice.
And Legolas wondered how Eredor would react when…if…Legolas told him that he and his sister were beginning to become romantically involved. Would he be furious? Or glad? Legolas guessed that it would be the second, but still…he held back.
Two weeks passed that Legolas didn't see nor feel the sun, other than the rays that would flow through the cell's window in the morning. Every day Malkor saw that he received food, and every night he personally escorted Eressa to Legolas's cell. Legolas and Eressa couldn't help but wonder if Malkor somehow knew about their relationship.
On this particular night, Eressa was sitting cross-legged on the dirt floor across from Legolas's bed, watching him as he put the finishing touches on his bow he had managed to carve. He had carved a few arrows to use with it some nights before. It amazed her how much skill the elf had. The bow was perfect! Legolas had even taken the time to carve their names in Elvish writing on the bow, with decorative aspects surrounding them.
Such a spectacular talent…I wish I could have such a skill as that. She thought.
"There." Legolas siad, cutting the silence that had been held between them both for a while now. He held the bow aloft proudly. "I think that's it then."
"You are finished?" Asked Eressa, scooting up closer to see the weapon.
"Yes." Legolas said. "All I need now is a…" The elf stopped in the middle of his sentence abruptly, a frown crossing his face.
"Legolas, what's wrong?" Eressa asked, frowning herself.
Legolas bit his lip in frustration. "I forgot that I need a bowstring."
"I could bring you some string." She offered helpfully, but the elf continued frowning.
"No…that won't do." He said sadly. "The Elves…the bowstrings we use are made of our own hair…and I just realized my hair isn't long enough."
Legolas gestured to his dirtied blonde tresses. Eressa saw the problem immediately. His hair was too short to fit into the bow by a few inches.
"Well…then…you could use mine!" She suddenly shouted, excited at the idea. "My hair is long enough!"
Legolas looked at the girl kneeling in front of him and blinked, smiling. "Would you let me?"
"Why not?" Eressa said, grinning. "It is only a few hairs. Human hair will work, I hope."
"It should." Legolas stated.
"How many strands will you need?" Eressa questioned, beginning to try and pick out some of the longest tresses.
"Three should work about right." Legolas answered, grateful.
"Three." Eressa repeated. She carefully plucked three of the longest strands from her golden head, and handed them lightly to Legolas, careful not to drop any of them.
"Thank you, melamin." He graciously accepted the strands, and leaned forward, planting a light kiss upon Eressa's lips.
Eressa leaned into him as her lips met his, not hesitating to wrap her arms around his neck and pull him further down to her. The last few weeks had greatly increased her confidence with kissing Legolas. Still, she hadn't been able to tell him she loved him…yet. But she felt she was getting close.
She had Aleka for a…well, a sort of guide. After a few days of persistent prodding and poking, Eressa had confessed about Legolas to the older girl. She had expected Aleka to be angry, but she was in fact the opposite. She couldn't be more thrilled. Ever since, Aleka had given her 'advice' about the subject of love and what it meant. Eressa was grateful to have her counsel.
The kiss continued for a moment, and then finally Legolas pulled away. He smiled, and removed the bow from his lap, setting one of the ends on the ground so he could attach Eressa's hair to the other. It wasn't long until he task was done, and the bow was finished.
"It's very good." Eressa observed as Legolas tested the bow in his hands and then placed it and the tools under his bed again.
"Thank you." Legolas said. "But I could not have done any of it without you're help."
Eressa smiled and blushed, still in her sitting position on the ground. Legolas offered her a slender hand and helped her up onto the bed, where they eventually settled down and fell asleep.
In the morning, Eressa was hurried away as usual, and as usual was face to face with an eager Aleka.
"So?" She asked. "How was last night?"
"It was fine." Eressa said.
"You say that every morning!" Aleka whined. "I need details!"
Eressa smiled and rolled her eyes. "We didn't do anything…indecent…understand?"
"I wasn't talking about that." Aleka said. "I'm asking you…did you tell him you love him yet?"
Eressa shook her head sadly. "No."
Aleka sighed. "But you do love him! I can see it. I don't know how he can't."
"But do I really, Aleka?" Eressa asked. "Or is it just because of his good looks that I take fancy in him?"
"I don't think so…"Aleka said. "Eressa, you have to tell him soon."
"I think I will. But I can't now." Eressa excused. "Don't we have work to do?"
"Actually we don't." Aleka said cheerfully. "Lady Curdolin's assistant came here a few minutes before your return and told us we could take the day off."
Eressa smiled. It wasn't often that seamstresses get the day off. "That's good. I'm tired."
Aleka got a mischievious glint in her eye. "May I inquire as to why you are tired? Didn't sleep at all last night?" She teased.
Eressa blinked and caught the drift of what Aleka was implying. "Aleka!" She gasped. "I'm tired because I stayed up late watching Legolas carve his…" Her voice lowered considerably. "…I stayed up late watching Legolas carve his bow he'll use in the escape."
Aleka's face turned into an expression of worry. "Yes. You haven't told me how that has been going."
"He's carved weapons using the wood from his bed—including a bow." Eressa explained quietly. "He says he has a plan, but he won't tell me it yet. But he has decided against rallying all the slaves together. It would be impossible to do."
Aleka scowled. "I could have told you that. Why won't he tell you his plan?"
Eressa smiled. "He has good reasons, I'm sure."
"Is there anything I can do to help?" Aleka asked after a moment.
Eressa frowned at her friend. "I asked him about that, and he doesn't believe there's anything he can do to get you out of here."
"No, Eressa." Aleka clarified. "Is there anything I can do to help get you, Legolas and your brother out of here?"
Eressa blinked. "You—you don't want to escape also?"
Aleka rolled her eyes. "Please, don't. I like it here. I like my work. Freedom must be so much better, I'm sure, but…I like it here. But I know you don't. That's why I want to help. So I can get you out and free."
Eressa smiled warmly. "You are a true friend, Aleka. But in very truth, I don't know what you could do in the end to help us."
"I could distract the guards!" Aleka cried. "I could! All it takes is one little push for a lamp to fall over and a fire to start. They will all come running here and then leave you, Legolas and Eredor without any obstacles."
"That is a good idea, Aleka." Eressa told her. "But I couldn't bare the feeling of you getting hurt! What if the fire grew out of control and you were caught in it?"
"I have other ways of distracting guards." Aleka grinned coyly.
Eressa sighed, rolled her eyes, and smiled. "Come then. I'm hungry—let's get breakfast."
***********
Legolas sat on his bed, his writing stone in his hands. He scratched another mark in the wall next to his bed to signify today. After that, he sat back and counted the days…twenty-four, twenty-five…twenty-six days since he had been captured—and exactly three weeks from today, he had first met Eressa.
Such a short time…even for human standards. Legolas observed.
Suddenly, he remembered something. Leaning in close to the wall, he counted the days again. Three weeks he had known Eressa. Three weeks ago she had mentioned that her birthday was in a month.
Legolas smiled. That meant that her birthday was sometime next week! He needed to ask her and find out when it was exactly, so that he could prepare. He wanted to do something special for her.
Legolas shook his head and laughed at himself. When didn't he want to do something special for her?
Thinking deeply, he reached down and pulled out his carving supplies again. He was able to find a small piece of wood that didn't take away from his bed much also. He didn't need much to carve out what he planned to give Eressa as a present.
Excited, the elf set to work.
************
That night, Eressa returned, a warm smile and a kiss was exchanged. She had brought Legolas a few more sewing supplies, as they had used many during his lessons. Legolas smiled and placed the things under the bed. He was surprised when Eressa pulled out a needle and a frown.
"What is it?" He asked softly.
Eressa winced. "I've been given orders to remove your stitches today." She said grimly.
Legolas's face fell. His stitches being removed meant that he would be in the ring working again shortly. He sighed at the thought, but he moved close to Eressa and gestured for her to begin her work.
"It would be easier for both of us if you laid down on my lap again." Eressa told him. Legolas shot her a look of annoyance and affection and got up off the bed and laid on the floor. Eressa joined him and tenderly placed his head on her lap, turning it to the side so that she could reach the stitches more easily.
"This could hurt, and I can guess there will be some blood." She warned him.
Legolas smiled. "I don't mind."
Eressa sighed and began to slowly remove the stitches. Legolas winced once in a while when she had to remove a stubborn one, but other than that he was silent. After an hour she successfully removed all of the stitches, and Legolas was able to sit back up again.
"Thank you." He said, rubbing the side of his face. He could feel the raise of flesh where the gash was still healing. He hoped it didn't leave a permanent scar. Eressa smiled and took his hands, again worrying his dirty hands could somehow infect the wound.
"I told you to not touch it." She scolded, not at all sounding strict.
"I know." Legolas said, gladly grasping her hands in his own. He looked up shyly at her. "You…remember when we first met?"
"Yes. Why?" Inquired the girl.
"You told me then your birthday was 'in a month' and that was twenty-one days ago." He told her. "So your birthday must be sometime next week…I was wondering when."
Eressa blinked in surprise. "Oh! I almost forgot!"
Legolas gave her a look and she shrugged. "We often don't celebrate birthdays among slaves." She excused.
"So when is it?" Legolas asked.
"Well, today is…"
"The 25th of November." Finished the elf for her.
"Right." Eressa said. "My birthday is on the first of December."
"Six days." Legolas said to himself. "What would you like to do on your birthday, Eressa?"
Eressa smiled and gave him a hug, which Legolas welcomed and returned. "I've never really done anything for my birthday. I'll be perfectly happy if I'm just with you."
"But I want to do something for you—it is your eighteenth birthday—you are becoming a woman." Legolas siad, pulling away and smiling. "I want to do something special."
"I'm sure you've already thought of something." Grinned Eressa, not knowing that Legolas had already.
Legolas just smiled. He didn't want to give away his surprise until that day. He looked out the window. The moonlight shone into the small room, flowing down upon them like a rain of water.
"Shall we sleep?" He proposed cheerfully, embracing his love once again.
Eressa sighed and leaned into him, not bothering to answer. Instead she tipped up her head just enough to let Legolas's lips brush against hers. She knew that that was all it took to get Legolas to really kiss her. He did. It felt good to Eressa to know that she had a kind of power over someone, like so many others—including Legolas himself—had over her. It was not a slavery-like power however…they simply belonged to one another.
Legolas was hers and Eressa was his…it was that simple. They fit together like the pieces of a puzzle. It was then that she knew.
"Legolas…" She began breathlessly when they pulled apart. "I…I love you."
She had expected the elf to pull away and stare her in the eyes or something…but he didn't. He only embraced her tighter. Tipping her head up, however, she saw that he had the largest grin she had ever seen on his face since they first met.
He looked down at her, his exaggerated expression softening, yet still affectionate. "I love you too, Eressa."
Eressa smiled and reached up and caught his lips in her own again. Finally…she had been able to say it. Finally, he knew how she felt. And finally she could give back the great gift he had given her.
As Legolas continued to kiss her, Eressa suddenly became aware of his hands…crawling slowly up and underneath her shirt. His touch wasn't unpleasant, but Eressa pulled away anyhow, out of sheer surprise.
Legolas too late realized his mistake and whipped his hands back to his sides, a guilty look upon his face.
"I'm sorry." He saidd quietly. "I should have know you weren't ready for…for that intimate of a relationship."
Eressa frowned. She didn't like to disappoint the elf—he claimed to be patient, but clearly his feelings were gradually wearing it down. She couldn't tell herself that she didn't want what he did… she did…but she felt more comfortable waiting.
"I love you, Legolas." She told him, really not knowing what else to say.
"I love you." He replied, offering one of his hands. She took it. "I'll try to keep my hands to themselves from now on, alright?"
Eressa laughed softly, and then yawned.
"You're tired." Legolas observed, saying the obvious.
"No, I'm not." Eressa disagreed.
The elf chuckled, and stood up. Eressa looked at him in slight annoyance and then squealed when he suddenly scooped her up into his arms and walked her the short distance to the bed.
"Warn me before you do that." She told him as he set her down and stretched out beside her.
"Alright." Legolas answered, leaning over her and giving her a quick kiss…which very quickly developed into a deeper, longer kiss. He wrapped his arms around her as she turned all the way around to face him, but managed to keep his hands from straying. He simply couldn't get enough of her—this human girl.
Everyday—or to be more technical, every night, he had learned something new from or about her and he loved it. He loved her. She was like a bright pearl shining at the bottom of a dark sea.
Finally, he pulled away. "Goodnight, Eressa." He breathed, grinning.
Eressa returned the expression as they settled down. This time, Legolas moved down the bed and set his head on her chest, like an infant would sleep on its mother's breast. He liked sleeping this way…he could hear her heart beating a steady rhythm throughout the night, and it helped him to fall asleep faster and more soundly.
"Goodnight, mela..min." Eressa returned, unsure of the pronunciation of the new word Legolas had taught her.
"Melamin." Legolas repeated for her, so she could hear.
"Oh." Eressa exclaimed, and then tried again. "Goodnight, melamin. I love you."
"I love you…always." Legolas answered, chuckling.
Always.
*********Personal thing**********
AN: I hope this chapter wasn't to tacky….I just really wanted to get somewhere!
bunny-lover: Eressa will find out Legolas is a Prince! It will have to be in the second installment of the trilogy, though. Don't worry, I'm trying to make the story move along a lot faster, as you can see from this chapter. I hope it wasn't too tacky. Thanks for your support!
PaliminoRider16: Well thank you! I'm a sucker for romance too! LOL. Well, if I wrote a PotC story by myself I'd probably fail or get bored. The purpose of a challenge is to challenge you, and having certain requirements will make it more interesting. I've already started writing it…and I think its terrible. I'm gonna have my beta read it before I post anything. But thank a lot for showing interest.
Little ME: Don't worry, I won't write anything like that. Eressa and Legolas's love it pure and it's never gonna break. Thanks!
Astievia: Yep, more sequels on the way! Yay for getting The Two Towers Extended Edition! I have it too! How did you like that one scene with Leggy and Gimli and they're tallying up how many orcs they killed? I laughed really hard. Thank you very very much for putting me on your favorites list! You get a cookie! *gives you cookie*
Elainor: Yeah, I know. Legolas has kind of a dirty mind. But I'm trying to portray him realistically and you know he is a young male elf…ANYWHOO…Happily ever after…hum. I can't really tell you anything about that! My lips are sealed! Thanks a lot!
Crystal Snowflakes: Heya Crystal! How are you? My life's getting better too! My bestest best friend in the world (and fellow Orlando Bloom/Johnny Depp fan) is FINALLY getting to come see me today (she's really busy and has no time) so I'm in a really good mood today! I'm glad your terms have ended! I read your story, and it was wonderful, as always! I can't wait for the sequel! Thanks a bunch! Bye!
XxDarkgoddessxX: Hey other person! Hey! Your computer let you leave a huge review this time, YAY!
Yeah, the Inuyasha's on are the repeats…sorry for leaving out that small detail. I'm glad though cuz now I got to see and tape the first three episodes Sesshoumaru is in! Those kickes some serious a$$!!
Yep! Extended Version! Yay for more scenes of Legolas!
I've been good! The nerd has left me alone, I've developed a crush on a guy a grade younger than me…and at least he thinks I'm his friend. All my other friends think that we'd be so cute together but he doesn't date or go to school dances so getting him is gonna be a challenge for me. Well…how's life with you?
You went on fieldtrips? To where? Do tell!
With them guys, just act like your normal self. I know everybody says this, but it's the best thing…just don't drool or act all weird you'll end up embarrassing yourself. And never try to show off or act ditzy or something cus guys don't like it. I think. Hehe.
Yay for getting a poster of Will Turner! I have that one too! I want to get the one with Johnny Depp but I can't find any!! Wah!
Right now I have five posters: Two of Legolas from The Two Towers, one of Will Turner, and two Orlando ones that I pulled from magazines.
*kisses all posters* Yummy! Tastes like STRAWBERRIES!!
PARTY IN THE HOUSE!!!
*cranks music up…grinds with Will* Hehe…I can't believe I just wrote that!
To the window….to the wall!! I don't know the rest of the words!
Yay for being hyper! Well, thanks a bunch and live the good life! Bye!!
Whitecoyote: Thanks! Yes, Legolas has a lot of nasty thoughts, but he is…you know…A BOY. LOL.
--(cut back to me and Legolas)
Me: (grinning evily) The elf that has nice muffins…IS YOU! (grabs him and kisses him full on the mouth)
Legolas: (falls back and screams.)
Legolas's scream: (is muffled by my mouth)
Legolas: (pushes me off him and leaps up, almost falling back down again cuz he's still drunk.) Ew! Ew!! Girl cooties! Girl cooties!
Me: I don't have cooties, you dolt!
Legolas: (falls to floor and gags very dramatically) The horror! The horror! God help me!
Me: Oh, just stop it!
Legolas: (shudders for a few moments, then becomes still.)
Me: Are you done?
Legolas: (opens eyes) Oh…uh. Yah.
Me: Ok. Good. If you don't want me now, I'll make you later. Let's go see how Whitecoyote is fairing with William, shall we?
Legolas: Can I get more wine if I do?
Me: Oh yes. (grins evilly again)
To be continued….
itarilde-elenastar: Yes, Legolas and his dirty elven mind! Who'da thunk! I'm gonna try and make sure Legolas escapes at just the right time, so there will be no complaining! Right? *crickets chirp* Hehe.
Thanks a lot for your opinions on my other stories—lots of other people got excited when I mentioned doing a PotC one…but don't get your hopes up. That one might not appear for a while. I mean…I started writing it and I made it sound really really depressing so I'm gonna start over! Hehe. And don't worry about blabbing! I like it, and do it all the time! I'm not bored with you! Thanks a lot! Bye!
Nirobie: Hey! Glad you and your cuz liked this chapter! Thanks a lot! I'll try and update sooner…I know I've been slacking lately. Sorry. But…thanks again!
LegyLuva: Hello! Yeah, soppy-ness. Heh. Yeah, Legolas is soooo the perfect guy! All guys should be like Legolas! Yeah right, dream on!
I'm writing more romance! I'm trying! The chapter after the next chapter is gonna be romance-y.
Yes, I'm gonna write Pictures….yet I haven't started yet. Sorry…maybe I'll start today! I just really don't want to put off this story, I'm afraid if I do I'll be like all rushed and stressed and that's not fun! Well, thank you a lot! Bye!
breeNbloom: Hey! Thanks a lot for your comments on the last two chappies! And also your comments on my new stories are nice. I could start posting The Song of the White Wood right now, I'm nearly done with it. I wouldn't be doing the 'reply to reviewers' on that one though! I already have a ton of them to do with this story and it would be way to much!! Well, thanks a lot! Bye!
la chica mysteriousa: You're right. That was harsh. Sorry, but I like replying to my reviewers. If I all of a sudden stopped, I'd hurt their feelings and to be honest some of the people reviewing this story I consider to be great friends, and I'm glad I met and talk to them in this way. Besides, even if I didn't reply to my reviewers, the chapters would still be the same size. I don't know what your problem is. But thanks for the compliments, I'm glad you like my story. Thanks again, and bye!