Disclaimer: You know the drill. I don't own any of the characters except for Julia.
Author's Note: First off. I'm not quitting this story because I have WAY too much stuff planned for it; however, I am going to have to start updating only once maybe twice a week. I'm in the process of recording an independent CD with my band and it's taking up a lot of me time. So, the updates might be a bit further apart, but they will be posted eventually. Remember, reviews give inspiration and I might be inspired to write faster if you guys give me the feedback lol.
Austin B- Hmmm…should I be worried? You look like your thinking pretty hard lol. I'm glad you find my story interesting.
Ana- I just appreciate you taking the time to reply at all. I know how it is to be pressed for time. I am so glad you like that way I'm writing Legolas. I like him too.
Kelly- Coming right up *grins*
Katie- Wonderful! I hope you continue to read and tell me what you think.
Ashley- Thank you for taking the time to review. I'm trying my best to put into words what I see in my mind, I think so far I've accomplished that. As far as using enya in my stories…I've been a huge fan of hers since I was a little girl and I thinks she's part elf lol. Her voice is just so melodious and pleasant to the ear. Oh! And yes, Julia is an immortal when she's in Middle Earth.
Chapter 7
If the creatures of the woods could talk—and good number of elves believed it to be so-- whether it be a tree or plant, animal or bird, there would be no words to accurately describe the scene before them. Never had a picture been painted more perfectly, or single moment more flawlessly captured in time. The two beings lying together, engulfed in an innocent embrace, lay comfortable on a cushioned bed of grass at the foot of one of the mightiest trees in the forest.
Legolas and Julia had spent the entire afternoon in that same spot, only moving to adjust their placement and ensure their comfort. His arms had never once loosened their hold, and she hadn't wanted them to. In fact, she seemed to snuggle further into his chest, her ear resting just above his heart, allowing her to relax at the constant repetitive rhythm brought with each beat.
She was asleep and had been for a good while, but Legolas remained awake, his head resting against the base of the tree. His eyes looked up at the clear blue sky and he watched each cloud pass them by. He sighed softly at how relaxed he felt and relished the fact that for the moment he had need to think of nothing, but Julia and that brought a swift calm upon his soul.
It had been a long grueling journey he had partook upon when joining the fellowship and he knew that soon, they would be continuing on and moments like this would be rare if not impossible until the war was over.
His focus shifted from his thoughts and the clouds above, to the beautiful elven maiden lying against him. A frown was forming on her forehead and a soft whimper made it's way out of her lips. She was dreaming, and by the look and sound of things, the dream was not a pleasant one.
Darkness. Never-ending darkness surrounded her at every side, the only light to be seen was a single, all-seeing eye. It's sight set on her. Her breathing quickened and she struggled to take in the ash filled air. Where was this dreadful place and why was she here?
A rumble began, softly at first, but growing louder and more intense as time passed. It's sound seemed to be coming from all directions and she glared around in vain trying to find it's source. It was almost as if there were numerous voices yelling, each one something different, and in a language she had never once heard uttered before.
The darkness around her seemed to be changing, she could now make out the physical shapes of numerous creatures fighting in a vicious battle against an unknown enemy. Julia squinted her eyes searching for come clarity. Yes, they were fighting against something, though their foes remained invisible to her eyes.
Sparks flew as the cold dark metal of an orc's blade, for a strange breed of orc she recognized them to be, met the unseen blade of it's opponent. It was the same scene playing out around her no matter where she looked, as the lidless eye watched her reactions to the ongoing battle going on around her.
It was then that she heard it speak, the eyes voice raspy and full of an unquestionable authority. "Bring her to me."
She felt the grimy hands of two orc's grab her arms firmly, proceeding to drag her across the battle field. A loud scream pierced the air and she was surprised to find that from her mouth it had flowed as she pulled and tugged with all of her might to release herself from their evil grasp.
The more she struggled to free herself, the tighter their grips became. Their hands like vices, slowly tightening more and more until she lost all function in her arms. They were like a dead weight and though she could not use them, she could feel the pain radiating from them.
When finally she felt as if the pain was too great, she was released from their hold and found herself falling to the ground, her body hitting dirt and rock, she could feel her hands and knees beginning to bleed after making contact with the rough texture.
Her eyes lifted from the ground and the throbbing in her hands was soon forgotten when she saw two, ironclad feet standing before her, their owner yet unseen. It was fear that kept her from inclining her head further, but after a brief period of time she found her curiosity weighing more heavily on her mind than her fears.
Julia's eyes began to travel up the body before her, so far they met nothing, but metal. She noticed that along with the body armor, a long black cap surrounded the figure. The chest and shoulders of the being seemed to mold against its body, she caught sight of a glimmer of gold and her ascension up the body paused, the look of curiosity immediately being replaced with one of horror.
"No…"Her eyes widened as she felt the pull in her chest, it was as if someone had reached inside of her body, grabbed her heart and squeezed it, hard. "Please, I have to get away." She yelled as she felt the orcs hands lifting her and pushing her even further towards the being in front of her, and closer to the ring. It was only then that she looked into his face. Her mouth slackened and a scream of terror ripped from her throat.
Legolas shot up off the ground, releasing Julia just long enough to pull her straight into his lap. She was beginning to shack and quiver now, her whimpers and moan audibly growing louder.
"Julia." He called softly, but to no avail, she remained unresponsive. "Julia." He was startled when, instead of responding to his call, she let out a horrific scream. It was then that he pulled her from his body, shaking her roughly and calling her name once more. He stopped as soon as he saw the quick flutter of her eyelids, a first sign that she finally waking.
Julia opened her eyes and blinked rapidly in an effort to adjust to the brightness of the sunlight, once focused, her eyes landed on a very concerned elf and she felt sudden urge of relief as she recognized Legolas. Her arms shot out and she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck.
"Legolas!" Her voice was thick with emotion as she held him refusing to let go.
Legolas was bewildered at her actions. The dream had truly spooked her and she was now holding him so tight that it was hard for him to draw a full breath. "Julia…" He spoke softly, gently prying her arms apart and pulling her away just far enough to look into her desperate eyes. "…it was only a dream." His hand cupped her face and she leaned into it without a thought, her eyes closing and taking the reassurance she felt at his tender touch.
"It was horrible, Legolas."
As her eyes remained closed, Legolas caught movement out of the corner of his eye. He saw his friends and Haldir approaching, worried looks upon their faces. With his free hand he motioned for them to stop, which they did, though Haldir frowned when he saw Julia leaning into Legolas' hand.
He only had to motion with his head and his friends realized they were not needed, though Aragorn had to forcefully pull Haldir away from the scene.
"Would you like to tell me what happened?"
"No." She replied with a quick shack of her head. "I just really want you to hold me."
He immediately pulled her into his body. She fit perfectly there and neither dared to question the bond they both knew connected them. It had been established quickly and now it was impossible to break.
Legolas could feel her body beginning to lose it's tension and that pleased him. "It is getting late, Julia. Your grandmother will worry if we do not go back soon. I am sure dinner will soon be served."
She pulled away and looked into his eyes. "I am not going to take my dinner at the table tonight. I couldn't bear being in my grandfather's company tonight. Not after what happened with us and certainly not after that dream." She said and this time it was her hand cupping his face. "But, do not let me hold you here. Go if you need too."
He wouldn't have moved from that spot even if he wanted to, her touch was paralyzing. "I will not leave you."
She smiled softly, her eyes never breaking gaze with his. "I didn't think you would." Her eyes lowered and she glanced at his lips. They looked so inviting. All she would have to do is lean forward a couple of inches and she could experience their touch.
"Julia…" Legolas started, swallowing nervously as he read on her face what she was thinking.
She met his eyes once more. "Just once." She whispered, carefully leaning in and tentatively touching her delicate lips to his. It was an experimental touch and one that she was already starting to deepen.
Legolas' mind whirled as he fought to form rational thoughts. They shouldn't be doing this. She wasn't thinking clearly. By the valor her lips tasted exquisite. These were only a few of the thoughts he was struggling to organize.
Thought his heart was telling him to allow the kiss to continue, his mind knew better and though he fought to make the right choice, in the end he pulled away.
"Julia, we cannot do this." He said, taking several deep breaths to slow his heart.
She frowned and licked her lips. "What? Why not?"
Legolas didn't quite no how to answer. "You have had a difficult time. I am afraid you do not know what you're doing. I do not want you to embark upon something only to feel regret later and I don't want you to think ill of me after you've had time to think things through."
Her eyes widened when she realized what he was saying, or what she thought he was saying. He was trying to tell her he wasn't interested. "I see." She felt her heart drop. "I'm sorry. I guess I misunderstood the situation. It won't happen again." She said softly, her embarrassment evident by the swift color to her cheeks.
Legolas looked at her in amusement. Now she really was misunderstanding the situation and his words. "Julia…" He started, only to be interrupted by her nervous rambling.
"I must have gotten caught up in the moment." She was completely mortified. She had taken his kindness and generosity as a sign that he felt something more for her. Why had she made such a fool of herself—again—for what seemed like the millionth time.
"Julia…"Legolas began again, only to be shut down.
"I…I should be going in. You were right, my grandmother will be looking for me. I'll go find her before dinner is served." She stood up and brushed off her dress. "I'll leave you to your thoughts."
"Julia…" He tried one more time, but it was of no use as he watched her turn away from him and walk quickly away. The sight of her leaving immediately brought him to his feet as he swiftly followed after, catching up to her with only a few of his long strides.
He caught her by the arm and turned her around to face him. "Julia…" This time it was not her words that stopped him from speaking, but the glistening tears sliding gracefully down her cheeks.
"Please, Legolas, I've had enough embarrassment for one day. Please let me go." Her eyes pleaded with his.
"No," He immediately responded.
"No? What do you mean no? Let go of my arm, Legolas."
"No." Instead of releasing her arm, he instead used his grasp to pull her closer to his body, it was only when she hissed in pain that he stopped. "What is wrong?" He said, relinquishing his hold and giving her a worried frown.
Her hand traveled to her arm as she pulled up its sleeve to glance at the large bruises surrounding her arm. She sucked in a breath at the sight of them and Legolas stepped forward quickly to get a better look.
"My grip was not that tight. How did I cause such marks on you?"
She saw the guilty look on his face and shook her head, for a moment forgetting her previous embarrassment. "It wasn't you, Legolas. It…it was the dream."
"The dream? The actions in your dream have manifested themselves even though you are awake." He frowned when he noticed the shape of her bruises. Whatever had grabbed her, it's fingers had been quite long and rough. When she made a small squeak his gaze shifted from her arms to her hands as she held them out to him. They were bleeding and there were obvious signs of gravel and dirt imbedded in the cuts. "Julia, how is this happening?"
She watched as he held her hands in his, examining them closely. "I don't know, but I think it would be a good idea for us to find my grandmother. She's the only one who might have the answers." Her breath was shaky as tried to ignore the feelings his touch awakened in her. "Will…will you come with me?"
He met her eyes and smiled softly. "You have no need to ask." Without another word they turned and began their search for Galadriel, neither speaking of the concerns growing in their mind, but remaining silent, each afraid to worry the other. They bother understood that whatever was happening to Julia, it was dangerous and they had to figure things out before she was hurt even worse.
Feedback please!