Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters except Julia.
Author's Note: I'm very, very late. Yes, I know. But, I've been reading through my previous chapters and I've come to the conclusion that the latest chapters I've written just aren't up to par. I've kind of strayed from my previous writing style and I'm really thinking that I need to find it again. So, that's why it's taken me so long to get this update out.
I want you guys to know that I am in no way giving up on this story. I love it too much and I have too many plans for it to just drop it. So, if you'll be a little patient with me and let me get my thoughts organized, the story will continue to be posted. I know I've been bad, but please tell me what you think. OH! And as you can see I decided to make this an entire chapter instead of the interlude lol. My fingers got carried away and I wrote too much. Anywho…enjoy!
CJ- Your words are so incredibly helpful to keep them coming. And I'm sorry the next installment took so long.
Katie- Thanks bunches. I'm glad you liked it. I think I'm my own worst critic.
Jennifer Bloom- Yes, ma'am! I'm sorry I took so long lol. But, I'm finally finished and you get TWO chapters. Doesn't that make up for my tardiness just a little?
Chapter 10
Legolas and Julia walked hand in hand, their feelings and private thoughts keeping them silent. A nervous pulse seemed to radiate between them as their thoughts remained similar, yet on different ends of the spectrum.
Julia, after visiting the fellowship, was feeling more relaxed than she had since their arrival in Lothlorien. But, she knew that, the feeling had more to do with her current company than almost anything else. Legolas' aura was an incredibly strong and confident one, but it was also quite soothing and a feeling of security and safety warmed her entire body.
Legolas was feeling something that paralleled, but instead of feeling warmth and safety, he was feeling strong and protective. She invoked such a need within him, a need to see her safe and content with no worries and no fears or sadness. He ached knowing it would be impossible to make her truly happy in the time that they had left. Not when she was affected so greatly by everything around her. Most importantly the ring.
Just watching her tonight with his companions. Listening as she translated all of their thoughts and worries into open words, he knew that she would feel a great deal of evil as long as the ring remained within the boundaries of Lothlorien. It would constantly haunt her mind no matter where it dwelled, but perhaps with distance, its hold would weaken.
They both let out a sigh as they reached her door and she turned to face Legolas, her hair shining softly in the moonlight, and her eyes giving off a sparkle of light as the thought of his leaving plagued her.
"Julia…"
"Legolas…"
They spoke simultaneously and both gave off a slight nervous laugh at the sudden uneasiness that hung between them.
"I'm sorry. You go first." Julia suggested.
Legolas didn't trust his voice to hold so he shook his head and motioned for her to go on, all the while taking a strand of her hair and running his fingers down it. Her hair was one of his favorite things about her. It was softer than anything he'd ever felt before and more alluring than anything else he could possibly imagine, when he was near her, all he wanted to do was grasp a fist full of her hair and kiss her until they were both breathless.
At this moment, it took all of his self-control not to do that very thing. He didn't want to startle her and he knew that if he let his emotions run rampant, it would possible push her away. Unbeknownst to him, Julia thought the same.
"I don't want you to leave tomorrow. There is a sadness growing in my heart at the thought of losing whatever it is we have found together in this brief encounter we have embarked upon today." Her eyes met Legolas' and she struggled to keep her composure and her attention on him as the feeling of him playing with her hair was wreaking havoc on her senses.
"I knew that this moment was inevitable, but that does not make it any easier. I did not expect to find this waiting for me when I arrived here." He grasped her hand and brought it up to his chest so that she felt his hearts sudden quickening in rhythm. "I do not want to leave tomorrow, but I will because I must. I must see this through."
Julia smiled and felt a solitary tear slide down her cheek. "I know. I can see where you path lies, at least as far as the fellowship goes, but I have trouble when it comes to seeing what the future holds for us."
Legolas swallowed uneasily. "What would you like the future to hold for us?"
Julia was surprised at his question, but she had known it would come. "I can sense many things in different people, but I cannot sense your true feelings so I don't know how deep they go for me." She could see he wanted to speak, but she placed the tips of her fingers against his lips to silence his words. "I would rather it be that way because I want you to know that I am no way being influenced by your feelings and my emotions are mine alone."
"Julia…" Legolas wasn't sure he wanted to hear what she had to say. He wasn't sure he could handle hearing it.
"Please, Legolas." Her eyes pleaded with his and she waited until she could see compliance in them to continue. "I have never felt anything this strong for anyone, nothing that made me feel as complete as this. I don't know where your views stand on the subject, but I was always taught that I would know, even if it was in a single instant--that I would know the moment I'd met my match." Legolas' eyes widened in surprise at her words, but he remained silent. "I could feel our connection the first moment I saw you, I didn't understand it at first, but now I know. You're my match, Legolas."
Legolas said nothing as he absorbed her words and Julia began to grow a bit nervous at the look he was giving her. She was beginning to think that perhaps she had grown a second head or something equally hideous.
She frowned and tilted her head downward. "Maybe I shouldn't have said that." She spoke, about to go into a full apology as she suddenly began to feel self conscious about the emotions she had just shared with him, but Legolas didn't give her and chance. With his finger he gently eased her chin up until she was looking at him.
"Julia, for someone who sees other's emotions so easily you often have a habit of misinterpreting mine." He said softly, taking a step towards her and one arm wrapping around her and the other came between them bring his hand to take its place behind her head as he laid his head against hers.
"I can't see anything clearly right now, Legolas. You cloud my thoughts." She could feel her control slipping and she knew that she was about to blubber all over his tunic if she didn't go inside soon. "I need to go inside." She whispered softly.
"You don't have to hide from me, Julia."
She tilted back and looked up at him. "I'm hiding from myself. If I don't go now, I don't know if I'll be able to let you go tomorrow."
Though he wanted to remain with her for as long as possible, he knew it would be best if he left her there. "Alright." His arms slowly slid away from her and he took a step back. "You should go quickly." Legolas' face looked pained at those words. "I don't know if I'll be able to let you go at all if you don't."
Julia nodded her head jerkily and turned to her door, pausing as she heard Legolas take a step away from her. "Legolas." She said turning back around and looking straight as his back. Taking a couple of steps towards him, she gently turned him back towards her, his eyes filled with intense emotion.
"Julia, go inside." He pleaded.
"No, I can't. There's something else that I have to do."
He sighed. "What is it?"
She smiled softly and ran her hands up his chest. "This." She replied, gripping his tunic tightly in both hands and pulling him gently, yet forcefully towards her until her lips were close enough to ravish his. It was completely inappropriate for her to have initiated such a kiss, but at that moment, Julia didn't care about her responsibilities or about any of the other elves that were most likely lingering around them. All she knew was that this would probably be one of her last chances to feel him in her arms, to feel his tender lips gently urging hers apart so that he could bring them even closer together.
She drank in the essence of his lips greedily, their soft, velvety texture was like the sweetest nectar to her tongue and more satisfying than any wine she'd ever consumed. His kiss gave her more confidence and more strength than any single word that could be spoken by someone else. She belonged to him in that instant, she was completely and utterly his, and he felt that.
He pulled away just far enough to place the most delicate of kisses just under her ear, causing a gentle wave of pleasure to run through her body, only escalating when his lips because to explore the base of her throat. He was so gentle with his touches that it almost felt like feathers against her skin. Her eyes closed as she concentrated on the feelings he was drawing up from within her. She'd never experienced anything like it and she knew she never would with anyone else.
For Legolas, the feelings erupting inside of him were even more forceful. He felt as if his insides were being ripped apart and he knew that part of the reason was how willing she was to have his touch. She made him feel a passion that, through out the many centuries, he'd never felt stir inside of him before. He could feel his resolve weakening and knew that if this embrace went on much longer he would be unable to stop from taking even more from her.
Hesitantly he retracted his lips from her neck and pulled her into his arms. "Julia, we must stop." He whispered breathlessly into her ear.
She sighed and limply laid her head against his chest. "I know." Her eyes closed to draw enough strength to pull away and walk back to her door. With much effort she managed to do so and had just reached the door long enough to begin turning the knob when his voice stopped her.
"I never told you how I felt." His voice was smooth and controlled and she saw his eyes held a fire in them that made Julia's heart race.
She met his eyes. "Don't. Not now." Her voice came out a bit strained. "Tell me when this is all over and there is nothing standing between us."
Though his heart was screaming for him to speak his thoughts, Legolas refrained from telling her what she did not wish to hear. Instead he bowed his head, his hand placed flat against his chest. "Quel du, Julia. Quel kaima. (Good night, Julia. Sleep well.)"
She smiled affectionately. "Tenna' tul're. (Until tomorrow.)" The words came out as a whisper as she opened the door and shut it swiftly behind her, leaving Legolas standing alone, staring at the back of the door.
He leaned against the railing behind him and closed his eyes in an effort to regain some form of control over his emotions. He could not return to the fellowship so obviously affected by his time alone with Julia.
In an effort to gain control it began taking so much of his concentration he almost missed approaching footsteps. But, he heard them and easily recognized the shadowed figure walking towards him through a darkened passage way. There was no doubt in Legolas' mind who this figure was, his only question was what he wanted.
"Vedui' (Greetings), Haldir of Lothlorien." He greeted.
Haldir walked up to Legolas and bowed his head respectfully. "Might we speak, Legolas?"
"Of course, but on what subject?"
With a raise of his eyebrow Haldir gave him a sardonic smile. "That should be obvious. I wish to discuss your…interactions with Julia."
The statement threw Legolas and his immediate frown showed his confusion. "Why should me dealings with Julia concern you?"
"It concerns me when an elven prince decides to hone his sights in on an innocent girl, hardly older than an elfling. A girl whose naivety about life is leading her into something she is not prepared for. She doesn't understand the seriousness of her actions towards you. But, you know all too well."
Legolas did know how serious Julia's actions were, but it was abundantly clear that Haldir wasn't able to comprehend the fact that Julia wasn't as unknowning as he portrayed her to be. She was fully aware of her choices and mature enough to make her own decisions concerning her life.
"Have you discussed this with Julia?" Legolas asked.
"I'm discussing it with you. I will not have you damaging her innocent nature."
"How is it that you think I would damage her in any way. Have I ever given you a reason to distrust me?"
Haldir felt a slight tug at Legolas' words, but cared too deeply for Julia's well being to allow his past friendship with the prince to come into play with his decision. "Trust isn't an issue. This is about Julia and what is best for her and what would be best for her in the long run."
"And what exactly would the best be for her?" Legolas ask, his temper was beginning to spark and he was quickly losing patience.
"It would be best for Julia if tomorrow when you leave, you forget you ever met her. She has many years to grow and learn of this worlds dangers and she doesn't need you clouding her judgement."
Legolas's jaw locked and he took a step forward. "You have no right telling me what Julia needs."
"And you have no right to come in here with your soft words and unspoken promises, making Julia hope for something you know is not possible." Haldir spoke loudly, his eyes flaming with anger.
"Why isn't it possible?"
There was no stopping them now, they were both completely enraged almost to the breaking point. And their rising voices were escalating quickly.
"You know she is too young. She doesn't know what she wants or what's best for her."
"You underestimate her." Legolas shot back his reply, his hands fisted at his sides.
"She is twenty-one years old! A mere child and yet here you stand at her door wooing her. Tomorrow you're leaving here and you may not return. Do you honestly think it is best for Julia to stay here worrying about you when it is clear that you may never come back? She deserves better."
"Better than a prince?" Legolas' shoulders straightened proudly as he pulled rank. He hated bringing his station into the discussion, but he was quickly tiring of the topic of conversation. "You forget your place, Haldir of Lothlorien. A march-warden does not speak in such a manner."
Haldir snapped and roughly shoved Legolas against the wall, his arm placed strategically against his neck. "I am not speaking as march-warden of Lothlorien. I speak of someone who has had a large handle in raising that young girl within those walls. I've seen her grow from a tiny babe into the she-elf that she is today. I have seen her at her best and worst as well. So, forgive me if I refuse to let her be harmed by you. You aren't worthy of her love."
"Haldir!"
Legolas and Haldir both turned to see a wide eyed Julia standing in the doorway, clothed in only her night dress. "What do you think you're doing? Release him." She could not stop the slight quiver in her voice for the scene before her seemed utterly horrifying.
"Julia…" Haldir started, immediately releasing the prince and stepping back. "I can explain."
"Oh, I know you can and I'm expecting that explanation. Trust me when I say it better be good." It was an odd occurrence for her to take such a tone of voice with him, she knew it as did he, but at that moment—seeing Legolas pinned against the wall and the violence in Haldir's eyes—she could not stop the words from flowing freely.
It was at that moment that he realized he had no explanation. Not an explanation that she would accept anyway. But, he needlessly opened and closed his mouth as if struggling to come up with something.
The livid look she was sending in his direction tore at his heart. He had not wanted her to witness him like that, not in that instant when his weakness was so blatantly obvious. But, she had seen him and it bothered him.
"I would wish to speak with you alone."
"No. Legolas can hear whatever you have to say to me. Since obviously whatever troubles you concerns him. Or was I just misinterpreting your arm against his neck…an obvious sign of aggression, wouldn't you say?"
"Julia…perhaps it would be best if you two talked alone. There are obviously things that need to be said and I would only be a distraction." Legolas said softly, stepping between she and Haldir for a brief moment. His anger had quickly vanished and now all he saw was her. "Talk to him." Briefly he pressed his lips to her forehead and walked away before she had even been given a chance to retort.
His presence quickly diminished and Julia found herself facing Haldir alone. It surprised her just how different the air seemed around them. It stead of their friendship's usual comforts, there replaced was unease and distrust.
"Why? Why did you treat Legolas that way?" She asked, her voice having lost it's prior edge.
Haldir stepped forward and placed his hand on her arm, his heart fell as he felt her stiffen against his touch. "Julia, I have lived lifetimes longer than you. Seen love found and lost. Hearts bound and broken. Elves wasting away to practically nothing when their match is destroyed." It was difficult for him to place into words what he was thinking. "I--I do not want that for you and it is what will happen if you place your trust so fully in Legolas. I could not stand to see your light diminish too."
She shook her head. "That's not going to happen. Legolas is going to return." She replied firmly, yet while she was aggravated with him for his actions towards Legolas, Julia was already wavering as she found herself wanting to hear what Haldir had to say.
"You do not know that. War is the unpleasant of things as well is it unpredictable." His voice softened and he stepped a little closer so that he could put his hand on her shoulder. "Legolas is superior in battle there is no doubt, but even the most skillful warriors aren't invincible."
Julia placed her hand on his. "Haldir, I understand what you are trying to say and I do appreciate your concern; however, I trust in Legolas and in his abilities to stay alive. You must trust me in that same way. I will not diminish. I will not leave this land for years to come." She paused as if trying to decide whether or not she would say the next part, but making the decision she continued. "I will not leave you like my mother did."
Haldir frowned at her words, knowing that was the heart of the matter. "You have no control over that, Julia. We both know that." He sighed as his hand lowered to his side. For the first time realizing just how ridiculous he was acting. Where was his control? When did he allow his emotions to run so freely.
Julia seeing his weakened state, stepped forward and placed her arms around him. "Haldir, you have always been here for me whenever I've needed you. You've watched me grow and you helped make me into the woman I am today. I love you very much and I would do almost anything to make you happy." She tightened her hold and sighed when his arms wrapped around her as well. "But, please…don't ask me not to wait for Legolas to return. For that is something I cannot do."
He gave up his argument and just concentrating on the fact that she was still there in that moment. "You do know how much you mean to me, don't you?" He asked softly.
Julia pulled away and looked him in the eyes. "I know you care."
"Perhaps too much." He stated, "I think I've felt such a need to protect you since you were born that I've forgotten that you don't belong to me." He cupped her cheek and smiled though his eyes were saddened. "I wish I would have been your father, because I feel that bond with you. I could not love you more even if we were blood."
Julia's lip trembled as she leaned into his hand and her eyes glistened with tears and emotion. "As far as I'm concerned we are blood." She quickly wiped away a stray tear. "Do you know how many times I wished you were my father when I was a child. How many times I wished that I actually had two parents who cared about me?"
"Your mother loved you greatly, Julia."
"Yes, but that didn't keep her here did it? In the end her love for me was dismal compared to her love for my father. And my father!" She pulled away from Haldir and threw her hands in the air dramatically. "I don't even know anything about him. I don't know anything. Except that while they were never here for me, you were."
"I'll always be here for you. But, don't be so quick to toss away your true parentage. Instead perhaps you should strive to understand them more. Learn more about them."
"How am I supposed to do that? My grandparents will hardly tell me anything when it comes to my parents. Where would I learn?"
He smiled knowingly and stepped forward, lowering his voice to where she could barely hear him. "There are ways, Julia. All you need do is look. Go where you would seek knowledge." He stepped back and gave her a nod of his head. "I think we have spoken long enough for this evening. You need your rest to prepare for the departure of the fellowship." He was cutting their discussion short he knew, but it wasn't not time to talk about those other things in her life.
Still thinking about where he could mean she nodded her head absently. "You're right, of course." She shook her head clear and gave him her brightest smiled before swiftly kissing him on the cheek. "Goodnight, Haldir."
"Goodnight, Julia." Was replied as he turned and walked away. Leaving her alone to return to her room.
As Julia finally made it into her bed she sighed and thought back on the days events. It had been the most off the wall day of her life filled with fear, sadness, love, happiness, and even anger. She wouldn't change a thing, she thought with a smile. Everything had worked out the way it was supposed to and though she wasn't looking forward to saying goodbye to Legolas, she knew everything with the fellowship would work out as well. She trusted in that. She had to.