Thanx to every one who reviewed! ^-^ I really appreciate it! I know I
probably wouldn't be writing it if you weren't!
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN ANY LORD OF THE RINGS CHARACTERS. THEY WHERE INVENTED BY TOLKIEN. I ONLY OWN RAVEN AND KASSEENDRA. ARIEN BELONGS TO MY FRIEND.
To Larissa: No, I don't think you flamed me, quite the contrary really. I like the fact that you took the time to tell me your opinion, and that you are starting to bond with the characters. Raven will battle with her emotional problems soon enough, but I feel if you want a successful story, you must bond with the people in it. Anyway, I based this character *somewhat* on me. Being the fact that I know what its like to be disowned and abused by my parents anyway. To anyone else reading this who knows this sadness, I feel your pain. I try to deal with my pain most of the time. I'm good at self-anger management. Besides that, I have my friend to help me. You know who you are, and I that you for your kindness. The thing that helps me a lot is Tolkien and his books. Everyone has their struggles and wins against unbeatable odds. The fact that I only have five more years of hell helps me a lot, too. . .
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Raven ran Legolas's directions through her head, "Turn right, no, left at the library? Yea . . . left at the library. Now where's the statue of 'what's her name'? Arg! I never had a good sense of direction! I must seem really stupid. Ah, there it is! Finally!" Raven thought allowed.
As she neared the sculpture of Lúthien Tinúviel, just as Legolas had said, the entrance to the gardens came into view. An enormous smile of triumph grew on Ravens face, "YAY! I'M NOT A COMPLETE IDIOT!" She exclaimed and a few passing elves dressed in elegant attires gave her confused looks while others struggled disparately not to laugh.
Raven blinked a few times and rolled her eyes at herself as she passed the guards at the gate. As she passed the one on the right she almost stopped for a moment but just shook the thought out of her mind and kept going, the guard seemed oddly familiar. . . She couldn't help, though, to glance back at him. She cast him a look over her shoulder pretend to look at a bird in a tree when she caught him looking at her out of the corner of his eye. Raven's heart skipped a beat as the uncomfortable feeling of his watch crept over her and quickened her pace. The guard smiled to himself.
When Raven finally came to the end of the gravel path lit with garden lamps, all thoughts of the guard left her mind as she stared in awe. Twinkling lights lit the trees and bushes surrounding the area where the elven feast was taking place. A table of a rich mahogany was place towards the side of the area to leave room for socializing and mainly dancing. A group of musicians where playing a sweet melodic piece that added to the atmosphere. Raven smiled merrily and headed down to the feast.
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Legolas arrived at the garden's gate and passed by the guards, who bowed respectfully. Minutes later he came to the area set up for the feast. Already, there where several elves dancing and singing merrily to the melody being played.
As he passed through the crowd of elves many of them bowed while others, females mostly, blushed scarlet and turned away. The majority of those females though, blew him kisses and others sent him seductive smiles. He smiled wearily back, trying not to offend them.
Finally getting through the mass of guests, Legolas headed towards the two thrones placed near the back of the establishment. He saw his father, Thranduil, sitting in the larger one. He smiled as he saw his son approaching, "Come Legolas! I have someone I wish to introduce you to!" The king said as he leaned forward in his chair and beckoned Legolas to him.
"Whom do you wish me to meet, Father?" Legolas asked as he reached Thranduil.
Thranduil motioned his hand at an unusually tall woman who stood several inches over Legolas's head, "This my son, is Arien. She was sent here to do a number of services for us by Mithrandir.
"Welcome to Eyrn Lasgaelen Lady Arien. What services will you be performing here?"
Arien looked down at Legolas, "Basically everything but your cleaning maid or your cook," said the mysterious woman simply.
"I see. Very well then. Enjoy the festival!" Legolas said with a smile and walked over to his father and sat down. He exhaled slowly with a sigh and watched the elves around him enjoy the celebration.
"So Legolas, tell me of your journey and of Raven!" Thranduil said with a smile, and the Prince smiled back and began his tale.
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Raven made her way relatively close to one of the corners. She was never very good at parties. The only reason she even came to this one was mostly because she felt obligated to make an appearance.
She glanced around for a place to sit and made her way over to a bench and tried ignore the large number of elves pointing at her and whispering to each other.
"Look! Is that the elf that brought Legolas back? I heard spiders attacked them. Is it true? What's she like? I heard that she doesn't have a home! You know, traveling abroad! Must have had an adventure or two in her life! Kasseendra said she's a treacherous wench, but then again, you can't really believe everything she says now can you? Oh well, she brought our Prince back so that's all I care," the loudest gossiping elf said.
Finally feeling too uncomfortable, Raven rose from her seat and strode over to the other end off the garden. Up ahead, she could see two elves sitting on large chairs. She simply assumed them to be Legolas and Thranduil watching the whole event. There was an extremely tall woman, Raven guessed her to be six and a half feet tall easy, with straight black hair that went all the way down her back to her waist, and almost white skin about fifteen feet away from them. As she drew closer, she could see that the strange woman had piercing icy blue eyes that seemed to be looking past everyone as if they weren't even there. The dark haired girl was wearing a mauve short- sleeve shirt, an ankle-length dark purple skirt, and a cloak that matched her skirt.
'Well, at least I'm not the only lonely person.' Raven thought as she shrugged and walked over to the other. "Hey! My name's Raven. What's your name?" Raven asked cheerfully.
The dark-haired woman looked down at Raven without moving her head, "My name is Arien."
"Hello Arien. What brings you to Eyrn Lasgaelen? I came here-" Raven started to say.
Arien cut her off, " I already know that you saved Legolas in the woods. Everybody knows. Mithrandir sent me serve King Thranduil and Prince Legolas."
"Are you like a body guard or something?" Raven asked basing her guess on Arien's 'withdrawn' personality.
The tall woman looked down at Raven with only her eyes again, "Yes, actually. I aid King Thranduil in many ways. I am his assassin, advisor, messenger, emissary, and as you said, his body guard."
"Well, if you're his body guard, where's your weapon? Or do you just kill stuff with your fists?" Raven asked innocently, not realizing how childish she sounded.
Thankfully, Arien had patients, "Why do you think I'm wearing this cloak? I have a dagger strapped to my leg."
"Should you really be telling me all this stuff? Do you really want the world to know that the only thing protecting the king of the Wood Elves is some dinky little dagger?"
"Who said that's all I have up there?" Arien said raising her eyebrow.
"OOOhh. I get it. I Got 'cha." Raven said nodding her head and stood there staring up at Arien for several minutes.
"Ahem," A male's voice broke her absent-mindedness.
"Huh? What?" Raven said coming back to reality.
An elf pushed passed Raven and stood in front of Arien. He blushed and looked down at the ground and scuffed his feet, "Uh, do you want to dance with me, Miss?" He asked and looked up slightly.
Arien sighed slightly and minuscule specks of blush appeared on her face, "I'm flattered, but I'm already 'involved' with someone."
The elf suddenly gained unexpected courage, "Who is this man? I will gladly fight him for you!"
"Thanks kid, but he's way out of your league."
The elf looked down at the ground and with a pouting look, stalked off.
"Who's your boyfriend?" Raven asked raising an eyebrow.
Arien said without looking at Raven, "His name is Dartanian. That is all you need to know."
"Oh . . . Okay . . ." Raven said blinking a few times and stared off into space for a while, "You don't talk much do you?" She said more as a statement that a question.
"No. I don't."
"Oh." Raven sighed for a moment, "Wanna get something to drink?"
"No."
"Oh. Well, goodbye then, I guess." Raven said walking off, "Goodbye!"
Arien shook her head mentally and rolled her eyes, "Goodbye," she said finally.
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Legolas leaned back in his chair. He had just finished telling his father about what had gone on in his life over the last few months and went back to smiling at the crowd and trying not to look board. He could barely wait until he could get away from the whole event. He glanced over at his father who was humming along to the music and was truly enjoying the festivities, but then again, Thranduil had always loved these things. For Legolas though, balls where mainly times where he had to sit down, look happy, watch everyone socialize and dance, and try to ignore the rather 'suggestive' smiles a large number of females flashed him.
"Legolas! Why are you not out enjoying your self? I'm certain there must be a lady you wish to see!" Thranduil said laughing, attempting to get his son to meet someone.
The tips of Legolas's ears turned pink, "Father, don't rush me. I have all the time in the world, literally." Legolas said laughing at his own joke.
"Hmm . . .Well yes, but, still," Thranduil looked away in frustration.
Legolas averted his eyesight to the center of the garden. Perhaps he would see one of his friends and satisfy his father by going into the sea of elves. His keen elvish eyes scanned a group of elves' faces. He recognized a few people, but no one he really knew.
After about ten seconds of searching after that, a certain silver-blond headed elf came into his sights. She stood near the center of the room and held a glass of punch in her hand. He watched her for a few seconds, but to Legolas, it felt like an eternity. She flipped her waist-length hair, which shimmered in the moon, star, and candlelight.
"Anyway, Legolas, I'm not trying to rush you, but don't you think it would be wise if you meet-"
Without even knowing it, Legolas stood up from his chair and stepped of the elevated platform and headed towards Raven, and Thranduil blinked a few times.
All of the elves, especially the women, reacted to him as he passed. Some turned away to hide their blush, others giggled, some bowed, while others attempted to get his attention in vain.
"Oh Legolas! I'm so happy to see that you had such a quick recovery! Did I tell you how I refused to leave your side?" Kasseendra said stepping in front of Legolas and attempted to drape her arm around Legolas's waist.
"That's nice Kasseendra," Legolas said absent-mindedly.
Kasseendra stared in utter confusion after Legolas. What had just happened? He didn't even look at her! What held his gaze? She stood on her tiptoes and stretched her neck to see over Legolas and saw Raven taking a sip from her glass. Her eyes narrowed.
Legolas bumped passed a group of passing elves and finally reached Raven, who smiled in surprise.
"Hello Legolas! How are you feeling? Are you enjoying your self this evening?"
"Hello Raven. I'm just fine thank you, and I think things tonight are looking up nicely. How about you?"
"I'm good. Things are going a little slow but that's okay. Danced at all yet?" Raven asked expecting to hear about how the first lady he asked had nearly fainted.
"No, actually. How about you?"
Raven blinked in surprise, "No, but oh well."
"I hope to change that Legolas as he bowed slightly, looked up into Raven's shocked emerald green eyes, offered his hand, and flashed her one of his famous charming smiles.
Raven was stunned. No one had shone any interest in her in years, except of course that creep Roy. She didn't really know what to say. Should she? What proof did she have that he wouldn't become just like that others? Just like them? She couldn't take another heartbreak, but she knew Legolas, in a way that is. She had read those books, Legolas had a beautiful soul. Raven took Legolas's hand, "I'd love to!" She said breaking into a smile.
Legolas spun and twirled Raven and gave new life to her ever-smiling face. Her cheeks where flushed from all the dancing, and portions of her hair brushed across her forehead, and her whole body moved with grace.
Thranduil sighed dreamily and propped his head up against his hand. It was about time Legolas actually participated in these events, and now there he was dancing with Raven. 'How could tonight turn out any better?' He thought, 'Look at them gazing into each others eyes. Ah, I remember those days . . .' Thranduil finished and zoned off into his memories.
The music changed from its swift beat to a slower, more relaxing melody, but the two elves didn't leave each other's arms, nor did they seem to notice the fact that they had slowly drifted away from the rest of the elves into a secluded corner, or the fact that they seemed to be lost in the other's eyes. Legolas slowly lowered his head down to Raven's, taking in her indescribable intoxicating aroma.
Kasseendra boiled in jealousy and anger. She couldn't believe what she was seeing; how could Legolas choose that worthless wanderer over HER?! She had to stop it! Kasseendra rampaged over to the two elves and made her move. Just before their lips met, Kasseendra grabbed Raven's hair and pulled down with all her might.
Raven would have shrieked if the wind hadn't been knocked out of her when she hit the ground. Legolas on the other hand, was perfectly capable of yelling if he wanted to, "What in the name of the Valar do you think you are doing, Kasseendra?" Legolas said struggling to hold his temper.
"She, she, she, was obviously using you my Prince! I was merely trying to protect you!" Kasseendra stammered.
The angry fire in Legolas's eyes exploded at this remark, "Do not lie to me Kasseendra." Legolas said through gritted teeth as he helped a dazed Raven up.
Kasseendra's face was growing redder by the second, "She, she could be an enchantress my liege!"
"Kasseendra! Tu es une bitch!" you are a bitch (in French) Raven said shaking with rage yet trying to control the volume of her voice.
"Ha! I told you she was a witch! If not that then certainly she is mad!" The worm said with triumph in her voice.
"Do you have ANY idea how stupid you sound?"
"Ha! ME stupid? There is more to your madness? I was starting to believe how that was possible," Kasseendra said smugly.
Legolas cracked his fist.
Raven walked up to Kasseendra with her eyes narrowed, "You know what?" With unmatchable speed, in one swift movement Raven jumped into the air and delivered Kasseendra a kick in the side, who fell quivering on the ground. "You are so simple minded," the green-eyed girl said with pure anger and stalked off back to her room.
Legolas started to call after her and run to catch up, but he was immediately stopped by Arien, "Don't bother. It is likely someone of her spirit has tuned out the rest of the world world. I would not want to mess with her right now; she obviously has something on her mind, other wise she would not have left in such a hurry. I shall go make sure she is okay in an hour or so. In the mean time, I advise that you go enjoy yourself. Go meet somebody, and ditch this worthless pile of filth on the gravel," Arien pointed to Kasseendra who was pretending to have a sprained ankle to spread bad publicity about Raven and get attention from a specific member of the opposite sex.
Legolas nodded in agreement, "Thank you, Arien. Go have fun," he said and waved her off.
Arien bowed her head respectfully, went back to the King's side, and began staring off into the crowd for suspicious characters and possible danger again.
Legolas stayed near the exit for the remainder of the celebration. He anxiously waited for the time when he could go speak with Raven; he needed to talk to her about tonight. He couldn't get her face out of his mind. What did he think he was doing? Elves don't show affection towards each other over so short a time. Negative emotions are known to kill elves if they become too overpowering and having your heart broken could be too much pain for an elf to handle. His actions tonight where both reckless and dangerous, but he couldn't help it. Why? He couldn't stop thinking about her. When he closed his eyes, her smiling face beamed at him. What was going on? He couldn't possible be in love. No, no, no, he was too smart for that. Wasn't he?
All these thoughts hung in his mind until an extremely unwelcome voice sounded in his ears, "Hello Legolas! I'm glad to see that that worthless piece of filth has left, how about you?" Kasseendra said over zealously, making Legolas want to cringe.
"Kasseendra, you have angered me greatly tonight, and your very presence is disturbing me. I suggest you leave me at once for I am not one to annoy." Legolas said struggling to restrain his anger.
Kasseendra looked taken aback and opened her mouth to speak, but Legolas, as if being able to sense her objection, spoke, "Kasseendra, I shall not ask you again. Leave me alone and go away."
Kasseendra's face grew red with anger, "Fine! See if I care!" She shrieked and stalked off with malice in her eyes. 'This is all that Raven's fault! Mark my words, when I get my hands on her . . . '
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Raven slammed the door behind her. There where a lot of people in the world that she 'wasn't very fond of', but Kasseendra's very voice made her skin crawl, but tonight's interaction with her wasn't what had Raven's mind racing.
The green-eyed girl sat on the edge of the bed and took her face in her hands. 'What's up with me? How could I have been so stupid? I promised myself years ago I wouldn't love anyone. They're all the same. You trust them and they turn on you. I have proof.' Raven pulled the sleeves on the dress up and stared at her arm and let the tears roll down her face and splash on the floor. 'This is what love gets you: a heart full of pain. After all that I still almost kissed him. Jesus Raven what the hell is your problem? Do you want more heartbreak? He'll just turn out the same. Wasn't Jason's sacrifice enough? I'm so stupid. If what I did is so wrong though, why couldn't I stop it? I felt so good . . . but no. I can't take that chance . . .' Raven wiped a tear from her eye but it was no good; every tear she wiped away was instantly replaced with another.
She faced the balcony, lowered her head to the pillow, and curled her legs up. She stared out the arched opening at the stars and tried to find familiar constellations, but all the stars where different. She felt so pathetic. Her whole life she had wished for a different life, and here she was in Middle-Earth dancing with the prince. There where millions of people who would die for this and here she was pushing it away. 'Someday I'll straighten my life out.' Raven sighed and wiped her tears away again with success.
"Hello? Raven are you there? It's Arien. May I come in?"
Raven jumped slightly at the sound of the knock, "Sure, common in."
Arien stepped in and smiled weakly, "Nice kick."
Raven laughed quietly, "Thanks."
"She damn well deserved it. I hope she gets a bruise. Most of the people I've spoken to said she was a major pain. They described her as a 'tall female dwarf without the beard'. I believe that could be considered a serious insult by your kind."
"What do you mean by 'YOUR kind'? Don't you mean OUR kind?" Raven asked confused.
"Uhh," Arien struggled to decide what to say.
"What are you?"
"A mix of a bunch of things, I have elvish blood, I have human blood,' Arien muttered something else under her breath.
"Huh?"
"Nothing. Whatever it is I'm a lot older that you."
"So is every other elf."
"What?"
Raven's eyes widened, "Uh, nothing?" Raven flashed her most authentic forced smile.
Arien looked at her suspiciously, "Don't worry about tonight. You're new here. After all, not just anyone gets a chance the prince."
Raven smiled weakly, "Thanks."
"Don't mention it. My room's the one next to Thranduil's on the first floor if you need anything." Arien said standing up and raised her hand and spread her fingers in a way that most people would try just to see if they could do it, "Live long and prosper," and turned to leave the room.
Raven cocked her head to one side, 'Where have I heard that before?' Raven's eyes widened, "SPOCK!" Raven's eyes where still wide and her mouth was hanging open.
Arien stopped dead and turned head very slowly with her eyes as wide as Raven's.
"Oh my god . . ."
"YOU KNOW WHAT I KNOW!"
Both them had huge smiles on their faces. They put their hands on each other's shoulders, started jumping in sync, and started laughing so hard it almost sounded like they where screaming.
Legolas kicked the door open and made a very loud and frightening battle cry while swinging his twin short swords.
Arien and Raven's laughter instantly turned to terrified shrieks, and their simply shoulder holding turned into a squeeze of horror.
Legolas lowered his knives and looked around confused. Arien and Raven finally calmed down and stopped screaming, "What the hell do you think you're doing? Are you insane?" Raven asked clearly angry.
Legolas stared not knowing what to say, "I, I heard you screaming, and I thought you where in danger," Legolas said innocently and still confused.
Raven and Arien looked at each other, released the 'embrace' (Arien was turning purple), and starting snickering and laughing.
Legolas's ears turned pink, "What?"
Still laughing, Arien wiped away a tear of laughter, "Women do that. Get used to it!"
Legolas shook his head and sheathed his blades, "Women," he sighed.
"Exactly!" The two said at the same time, "Jinx! GRR!" They moaned through closed mouths.
"Raven?"
Raven made a smug noise through sealed lips.
"Arien?"
She followed Raven's suit.
"Raven? Why are you not speaking? Raven?" Legolas asked concerned.
Raven opened her mouth, "HA!"
Arien stomped on her foot and elbowed her in the shoulder.
"Owie! Fine. Arien, Arien," Raven crossed her arms, "You're no fun."
"Thank you!" Arien smiled.
"Yah, yah, yah."
"Uh, did I miss something?"
"Nope. We just jinxed each other." Raven smiled.
"Oh. Jinx. Right. Erm, Arien, may I have a word alone with Raven?"
"Alright. See you later, Raven!" Arien said waving and stepped out of the room.
"Bye." Raven smiled. 'Great. Here it comes.' Raven new what Legolas was about to say, 'Uh, Raven, look, about tonight. It was fun while it lasted, but it's not going to work out. Yanno, I'm a prince, and you're just a stray I found in the woods. Heh, heh, heh. We can just be friends.' Oh well, I don't need him anyway.' Raven looked away.
"About tonight,"
'Here it goes.'
"I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable,"
'I was right.'
"But what I did, it came from my heart, or at least I think it did."
'Steady yourself."
"I've been thinking about it for a while,"
"Spit it out already. I know you didn't mean it! You're gonna pretend it never happened. You just got caught up in the moment and never had feelings for me in the first place. That's what I wanted anyways. Right?'
"And I think I'm falling for you," Legolas blushed slightly but looked at Raven to see her reaction.
For what seemed the millionth time in the passed few days Raven was rendered shocked and speechless, "Wha, wha, huh? You think you might actually have feelings for me?" Raven asked utterly confused and taken aback.
Legolas gave her a slight smile and blushed pink still.
Raven brought her hand to her forehead, "Oh dear."
Legolas gave her a concerned look, "Is there something wrong?"
"No body loves me, and I don't love anybody. Now you come along and kill my way of life. Congratulations Legolas."
"You wish not for love?" Legolas said plainly hurt.
"It's not that?"
"Then what?" Legolas said perplexed.
"I just, oh, I don't know."
"Will you say anything about my emotions?" Legolas said pleading with his eyes.
Raven sighed and thought for half a second, "Don't trip."
"Excuse me?"
"You said you where falling for me, and I said don't trip. Understand? Don't mess up. I'm not head-over-heels for you. I need more that an hour to make that decision." Raven said trying not to kill Legolas (She was informed of how dangerous these things could be with elves).
"I have all the time in the world." Legolas said feeling slightly better.
"That's lovely. Go to bed," Raven said monotonously as she pushed him out the door.
"Goodnight Raven." Legolas said brightly.
"Goodnight Legolas," Raven said without changing her tone.
She slipped a nightgown made of light, soft material over her head and pulled the covers of her bed around her. The things Legolas had said to her and seventeen years of memories at tore her mind. She couldn't hurt Legolas; that could kill him but then again, she didn't love him and wasn't sure if she even wanted to. She groaned in frustration. 'Trust guys to cause problems with the system!' She couldn't love him. She WOULDN'T love him! Would she? Raven lay in bed for hours tossing and turning these thoughts in her head until she finally slipped into a restless sleep.
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Legolas smiled up at the sky. Though he had not gotten the response he had wanted from Raven, he hadn't gotten a negative reply. He had as much time as he needed. He would make her love him.
HORRAY FOR CLIFFHANGERS! They are what keep you guy coming. (right?) This is 12 pages on my computer, so I hope it comes out long on fanfiction.net. (Some people want longer chapters) Normally, they are somewhere around (the last four averaged) is somewhere around 5 and a half pages long. This one should be quite a bit longer don't you think?
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN ANY LORD OF THE RINGS CHARACTERS. THEY WHERE INVENTED BY TOLKIEN. I ONLY OWN RAVEN AND KASSEENDRA. ARIEN BELONGS TO MY FRIEND.
To Larissa: No, I don't think you flamed me, quite the contrary really. I like the fact that you took the time to tell me your opinion, and that you are starting to bond with the characters. Raven will battle with her emotional problems soon enough, but I feel if you want a successful story, you must bond with the people in it. Anyway, I based this character *somewhat* on me. Being the fact that I know what its like to be disowned and abused by my parents anyway. To anyone else reading this who knows this sadness, I feel your pain. I try to deal with my pain most of the time. I'm good at self-anger management. Besides that, I have my friend to help me. You know who you are, and I that you for your kindness. The thing that helps me a lot is Tolkien and his books. Everyone has their struggles and wins against unbeatable odds. The fact that I only have five more years of hell helps me a lot, too. . .
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Raven ran Legolas's directions through her head, "Turn right, no, left at the library? Yea . . . left at the library. Now where's the statue of 'what's her name'? Arg! I never had a good sense of direction! I must seem really stupid. Ah, there it is! Finally!" Raven thought allowed.
As she neared the sculpture of Lúthien Tinúviel, just as Legolas had said, the entrance to the gardens came into view. An enormous smile of triumph grew on Ravens face, "YAY! I'M NOT A COMPLETE IDIOT!" She exclaimed and a few passing elves dressed in elegant attires gave her confused looks while others struggled disparately not to laugh.
Raven blinked a few times and rolled her eyes at herself as she passed the guards at the gate. As she passed the one on the right she almost stopped for a moment but just shook the thought out of her mind and kept going, the guard seemed oddly familiar. . . She couldn't help, though, to glance back at him. She cast him a look over her shoulder pretend to look at a bird in a tree when she caught him looking at her out of the corner of his eye. Raven's heart skipped a beat as the uncomfortable feeling of his watch crept over her and quickened her pace. The guard smiled to himself.
When Raven finally came to the end of the gravel path lit with garden lamps, all thoughts of the guard left her mind as she stared in awe. Twinkling lights lit the trees and bushes surrounding the area where the elven feast was taking place. A table of a rich mahogany was place towards the side of the area to leave room for socializing and mainly dancing. A group of musicians where playing a sweet melodic piece that added to the atmosphere. Raven smiled merrily and headed down to the feast.
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Legolas arrived at the garden's gate and passed by the guards, who bowed respectfully. Minutes later he came to the area set up for the feast. Already, there where several elves dancing and singing merrily to the melody being played.
As he passed through the crowd of elves many of them bowed while others, females mostly, blushed scarlet and turned away. The majority of those females though, blew him kisses and others sent him seductive smiles. He smiled wearily back, trying not to offend them.
Finally getting through the mass of guests, Legolas headed towards the two thrones placed near the back of the establishment. He saw his father, Thranduil, sitting in the larger one. He smiled as he saw his son approaching, "Come Legolas! I have someone I wish to introduce you to!" The king said as he leaned forward in his chair and beckoned Legolas to him.
"Whom do you wish me to meet, Father?" Legolas asked as he reached Thranduil.
Thranduil motioned his hand at an unusually tall woman who stood several inches over Legolas's head, "This my son, is Arien. She was sent here to do a number of services for us by Mithrandir.
"Welcome to Eyrn Lasgaelen Lady Arien. What services will you be performing here?"
Arien looked down at Legolas, "Basically everything but your cleaning maid or your cook," said the mysterious woman simply.
"I see. Very well then. Enjoy the festival!" Legolas said with a smile and walked over to his father and sat down. He exhaled slowly with a sigh and watched the elves around him enjoy the celebration.
"So Legolas, tell me of your journey and of Raven!" Thranduil said with a smile, and the Prince smiled back and began his tale.
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Raven made her way relatively close to one of the corners. She was never very good at parties. The only reason she even came to this one was mostly because she felt obligated to make an appearance.
She glanced around for a place to sit and made her way over to a bench and tried ignore the large number of elves pointing at her and whispering to each other.
"Look! Is that the elf that brought Legolas back? I heard spiders attacked them. Is it true? What's she like? I heard that she doesn't have a home! You know, traveling abroad! Must have had an adventure or two in her life! Kasseendra said she's a treacherous wench, but then again, you can't really believe everything she says now can you? Oh well, she brought our Prince back so that's all I care," the loudest gossiping elf said.
Finally feeling too uncomfortable, Raven rose from her seat and strode over to the other end off the garden. Up ahead, she could see two elves sitting on large chairs. She simply assumed them to be Legolas and Thranduil watching the whole event. There was an extremely tall woman, Raven guessed her to be six and a half feet tall easy, with straight black hair that went all the way down her back to her waist, and almost white skin about fifteen feet away from them. As she drew closer, she could see that the strange woman had piercing icy blue eyes that seemed to be looking past everyone as if they weren't even there. The dark haired girl was wearing a mauve short- sleeve shirt, an ankle-length dark purple skirt, and a cloak that matched her skirt.
'Well, at least I'm not the only lonely person.' Raven thought as she shrugged and walked over to the other. "Hey! My name's Raven. What's your name?" Raven asked cheerfully.
The dark-haired woman looked down at Raven without moving her head, "My name is Arien."
"Hello Arien. What brings you to Eyrn Lasgaelen? I came here-" Raven started to say.
Arien cut her off, " I already know that you saved Legolas in the woods. Everybody knows. Mithrandir sent me serve King Thranduil and Prince Legolas."
"Are you like a body guard or something?" Raven asked basing her guess on Arien's 'withdrawn' personality.
The tall woman looked down at Raven with only her eyes again, "Yes, actually. I aid King Thranduil in many ways. I am his assassin, advisor, messenger, emissary, and as you said, his body guard."
"Well, if you're his body guard, where's your weapon? Or do you just kill stuff with your fists?" Raven asked innocently, not realizing how childish she sounded.
Thankfully, Arien had patients, "Why do you think I'm wearing this cloak? I have a dagger strapped to my leg."
"Should you really be telling me all this stuff? Do you really want the world to know that the only thing protecting the king of the Wood Elves is some dinky little dagger?"
"Who said that's all I have up there?" Arien said raising her eyebrow.
"OOOhh. I get it. I Got 'cha." Raven said nodding her head and stood there staring up at Arien for several minutes.
"Ahem," A male's voice broke her absent-mindedness.
"Huh? What?" Raven said coming back to reality.
An elf pushed passed Raven and stood in front of Arien. He blushed and looked down at the ground and scuffed his feet, "Uh, do you want to dance with me, Miss?" He asked and looked up slightly.
Arien sighed slightly and minuscule specks of blush appeared on her face, "I'm flattered, but I'm already 'involved' with someone."
The elf suddenly gained unexpected courage, "Who is this man? I will gladly fight him for you!"
"Thanks kid, but he's way out of your league."
The elf looked down at the ground and with a pouting look, stalked off.
"Who's your boyfriend?" Raven asked raising an eyebrow.
Arien said without looking at Raven, "His name is Dartanian. That is all you need to know."
"Oh . . . Okay . . ." Raven said blinking a few times and stared off into space for a while, "You don't talk much do you?" She said more as a statement that a question.
"No. I don't."
"Oh." Raven sighed for a moment, "Wanna get something to drink?"
"No."
"Oh. Well, goodbye then, I guess." Raven said walking off, "Goodbye!"
Arien shook her head mentally and rolled her eyes, "Goodbye," she said finally.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Legolas leaned back in his chair. He had just finished telling his father about what had gone on in his life over the last few months and went back to smiling at the crowd and trying not to look board. He could barely wait until he could get away from the whole event. He glanced over at his father who was humming along to the music and was truly enjoying the festivities, but then again, Thranduil had always loved these things. For Legolas though, balls where mainly times where he had to sit down, look happy, watch everyone socialize and dance, and try to ignore the rather 'suggestive' smiles a large number of females flashed him.
"Legolas! Why are you not out enjoying your self? I'm certain there must be a lady you wish to see!" Thranduil said laughing, attempting to get his son to meet someone.
The tips of Legolas's ears turned pink, "Father, don't rush me. I have all the time in the world, literally." Legolas said laughing at his own joke.
"Hmm . . .Well yes, but, still," Thranduil looked away in frustration.
Legolas averted his eyesight to the center of the garden. Perhaps he would see one of his friends and satisfy his father by going into the sea of elves. His keen elvish eyes scanned a group of elves' faces. He recognized a few people, but no one he really knew.
After about ten seconds of searching after that, a certain silver-blond headed elf came into his sights. She stood near the center of the room and held a glass of punch in her hand. He watched her for a few seconds, but to Legolas, it felt like an eternity. She flipped her waist-length hair, which shimmered in the moon, star, and candlelight.
"Anyway, Legolas, I'm not trying to rush you, but don't you think it would be wise if you meet-"
Without even knowing it, Legolas stood up from his chair and stepped of the elevated platform and headed towards Raven, and Thranduil blinked a few times.
All of the elves, especially the women, reacted to him as he passed. Some turned away to hide their blush, others giggled, some bowed, while others attempted to get his attention in vain.
"Oh Legolas! I'm so happy to see that you had such a quick recovery! Did I tell you how I refused to leave your side?" Kasseendra said stepping in front of Legolas and attempted to drape her arm around Legolas's waist.
"That's nice Kasseendra," Legolas said absent-mindedly.
Kasseendra stared in utter confusion after Legolas. What had just happened? He didn't even look at her! What held his gaze? She stood on her tiptoes and stretched her neck to see over Legolas and saw Raven taking a sip from her glass. Her eyes narrowed.
Legolas bumped passed a group of passing elves and finally reached Raven, who smiled in surprise.
"Hello Legolas! How are you feeling? Are you enjoying your self this evening?"
"Hello Raven. I'm just fine thank you, and I think things tonight are looking up nicely. How about you?"
"I'm good. Things are going a little slow but that's okay. Danced at all yet?" Raven asked expecting to hear about how the first lady he asked had nearly fainted.
"No, actually. How about you?"
Raven blinked in surprise, "No, but oh well."
"I hope to change that Legolas as he bowed slightly, looked up into Raven's shocked emerald green eyes, offered his hand, and flashed her one of his famous charming smiles.
Raven was stunned. No one had shone any interest in her in years, except of course that creep Roy. She didn't really know what to say. Should she? What proof did she have that he wouldn't become just like that others? Just like them? She couldn't take another heartbreak, but she knew Legolas, in a way that is. She had read those books, Legolas had a beautiful soul. Raven took Legolas's hand, "I'd love to!" She said breaking into a smile.
Legolas spun and twirled Raven and gave new life to her ever-smiling face. Her cheeks where flushed from all the dancing, and portions of her hair brushed across her forehead, and her whole body moved with grace.
Thranduil sighed dreamily and propped his head up against his hand. It was about time Legolas actually participated in these events, and now there he was dancing with Raven. 'How could tonight turn out any better?' He thought, 'Look at them gazing into each others eyes. Ah, I remember those days . . .' Thranduil finished and zoned off into his memories.
The music changed from its swift beat to a slower, more relaxing melody, but the two elves didn't leave each other's arms, nor did they seem to notice the fact that they had slowly drifted away from the rest of the elves into a secluded corner, or the fact that they seemed to be lost in the other's eyes. Legolas slowly lowered his head down to Raven's, taking in her indescribable intoxicating aroma.
Kasseendra boiled in jealousy and anger. She couldn't believe what she was seeing; how could Legolas choose that worthless wanderer over HER?! She had to stop it! Kasseendra rampaged over to the two elves and made her move. Just before their lips met, Kasseendra grabbed Raven's hair and pulled down with all her might.
Raven would have shrieked if the wind hadn't been knocked out of her when she hit the ground. Legolas on the other hand, was perfectly capable of yelling if he wanted to, "What in the name of the Valar do you think you are doing, Kasseendra?" Legolas said struggling to hold his temper.
"She, she, she, was obviously using you my Prince! I was merely trying to protect you!" Kasseendra stammered.
The angry fire in Legolas's eyes exploded at this remark, "Do not lie to me Kasseendra." Legolas said through gritted teeth as he helped a dazed Raven up.
Kasseendra's face was growing redder by the second, "She, she could be an enchantress my liege!"
"Kasseendra! Tu es une bitch!" you are a bitch (in French) Raven said shaking with rage yet trying to control the volume of her voice.
"Ha! I told you she was a witch! If not that then certainly she is mad!" The worm said with triumph in her voice.
"Do you have ANY idea how stupid you sound?"
"Ha! ME stupid? There is more to your madness? I was starting to believe how that was possible," Kasseendra said smugly.
Legolas cracked his fist.
Raven walked up to Kasseendra with her eyes narrowed, "You know what?" With unmatchable speed, in one swift movement Raven jumped into the air and delivered Kasseendra a kick in the side, who fell quivering on the ground. "You are so simple minded," the green-eyed girl said with pure anger and stalked off back to her room.
Legolas started to call after her and run to catch up, but he was immediately stopped by Arien, "Don't bother. It is likely someone of her spirit has tuned out the rest of the world world. I would not want to mess with her right now; she obviously has something on her mind, other wise she would not have left in such a hurry. I shall go make sure she is okay in an hour or so. In the mean time, I advise that you go enjoy yourself. Go meet somebody, and ditch this worthless pile of filth on the gravel," Arien pointed to Kasseendra who was pretending to have a sprained ankle to spread bad publicity about Raven and get attention from a specific member of the opposite sex.
Legolas nodded in agreement, "Thank you, Arien. Go have fun," he said and waved her off.
Arien bowed her head respectfully, went back to the King's side, and began staring off into the crowd for suspicious characters and possible danger again.
Legolas stayed near the exit for the remainder of the celebration. He anxiously waited for the time when he could go speak with Raven; he needed to talk to her about tonight. He couldn't get her face out of his mind. What did he think he was doing? Elves don't show affection towards each other over so short a time. Negative emotions are known to kill elves if they become too overpowering and having your heart broken could be too much pain for an elf to handle. His actions tonight where both reckless and dangerous, but he couldn't help it. Why? He couldn't stop thinking about her. When he closed his eyes, her smiling face beamed at him. What was going on? He couldn't possible be in love. No, no, no, he was too smart for that. Wasn't he?
All these thoughts hung in his mind until an extremely unwelcome voice sounded in his ears, "Hello Legolas! I'm glad to see that that worthless piece of filth has left, how about you?" Kasseendra said over zealously, making Legolas want to cringe.
"Kasseendra, you have angered me greatly tonight, and your very presence is disturbing me. I suggest you leave me at once for I am not one to annoy." Legolas said struggling to restrain his anger.
Kasseendra looked taken aback and opened her mouth to speak, but Legolas, as if being able to sense her objection, spoke, "Kasseendra, I shall not ask you again. Leave me alone and go away."
Kasseendra's face grew red with anger, "Fine! See if I care!" She shrieked and stalked off with malice in her eyes. 'This is all that Raven's fault! Mark my words, when I get my hands on her . . . '
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Raven slammed the door behind her. There where a lot of people in the world that she 'wasn't very fond of', but Kasseendra's very voice made her skin crawl, but tonight's interaction with her wasn't what had Raven's mind racing.
The green-eyed girl sat on the edge of the bed and took her face in her hands. 'What's up with me? How could I have been so stupid? I promised myself years ago I wouldn't love anyone. They're all the same. You trust them and they turn on you. I have proof.' Raven pulled the sleeves on the dress up and stared at her arm and let the tears roll down her face and splash on the floor. 'This is what love gets you: a heart full of pain. After all that I still almost kissed him. Jesus Raven what the hell is your problem? Do you want more heartbreak? He'll just turn out the same. Wasn't Jason's sacrifice enough? I'm so stupid. If what I did is so wrong though, why couldn't I stop it? I felt so good . . . but no. I can't take that chance . . .' Raven wiped a tear from her eye but it was no good; every tear she wiped away was instantly replaced with another.
She faced the balcony, lowered her head to the pillow, and curled her legs up. She stared out the arched opening at the stars and tried to find familiar constellations, but all the stars where different. She felt so pathetic. Her whole life she had wished for a different life, and here she was in Middle-Earth dancing with the prince. There where millions of people who would die for this and here she was pushing it away. 'Someday I'll straighten my life out.' Raven sighed and wiped her tears away again with success.
"Hello? Raven are you there? It's Arien. May I come in?"
Raven jumped slightly at the sound of the knock, "Sure, common in."
Arien stepped in and smiled weakly, "Nice kick."
Raven laughed quietly, "Thanks."
"She damn well deserved it. I hope she gets a bruise. Most of the people I've spoken to said she was a major pain. They described her as a 'tall female dwarf without the beard'. I believe that could be considered a serious insult by your kind."
"What do you mean by 'YOUR kind'? Don't you mean OUR kind?" Raven asked confused.
"Uhh," Arien struggled to decide what to say.
"What are you?"
"A mix of a bunch of things, I have elvish blood, I have human blood,' Arien muttered something else under her breath.
"Huh?"
"Nothing. Whatever it is I'm a lot older that you."
"So is every other elf."
"What?"
Raven's eyes widened, "Uh, nothing?" Raven flashed her most authentic forced smile.
Arien looked at her suspiciously, "Don't worry about tonight. You're new here. After all, not just anyone gets a chance the prince."
Raven smiled weakly, "Thanks."
"Don't mention it. My room's the one next to Thranduil's on the first floor if you need anything." Arien said standing up and raised her hand and spread her fingers in a way that most people would try just to see if they could do it, "Live long and prosper," and turned to leave the room.
Raven cocked her head to one side, 'Where have I heard that before?' Raven's eyes widened, "SPOCK!" Raven's eyes where still wide and her mouth was hanging open.
Arien stopped dead and turned head very slowly with her eyes as wide as Raven's.
"Oh my god . . ."
"YOU KNOW WHAT I KNOW!"
Both them had huge smiles on their faces. They put their hands on each other's shoulders, started jumping in sync, and started laughing so hard it almost sounded like they where screaming.
Legolas kicked the door open and made a very loud and frightening battle cry while swinging his twin short swords.
Arien and Raven's laughter instantly turned to terrified shrieks, and their simply shoulder holding turned into a squeeze of horror.
Legolas lowered his knives and looked around confused. Arien and Raven finally calmed down and stopped screaming, "What the hell do you think you're doing? Are you insane?" Raven asked clearly angry.
Legolas stared not knowing what to say, "I, I heard you screaming, and I thought you where in danger," Legolas said innocently and still confused.
Raven and Arien looked at each other, released the 'embrace' (Arien was turning purple), and starting snickering and laughing.
Legolas's ears turned pink, "What?"
Still laughing, Arien wiped away a tear of laughter, "Women do that. Get used to it!"
Legolas shook his head and sheathed his blades, "Women," he sighed.
"Exactly!" The two said at the same time, "Jinx! GRR!" They moaned through closed mouths.
"Raven?"
Raven made a smug noise through sealed lips.
"Arien?"
She followed Raven's suit.
"Raven? Why are you not speaking? Raven?" Legolas asked concerned.
Raven opened her mouth, "HA!"
Arien stomped on her foot and elbowed her in the shoulder.
"Owie! Fine. Arien, Arien," Raven crossed her arms, "You're no fun."
"Thank you!" Arien smiled.
"Yah, yah, yah."
"Uh, did I miss something?"
"Nope. We just jinxed each other." Raven smiled.
"Oh. Jinx. Right. Erm, Arien, may I have a word alone with Raven?"
"Alright. See you later, Raven!" Arien said waving and stepped out of the room.
"Bye." Raven smiled. 'Great. Here it comes.' Raven new what Legolas was about to say, 'Uh, Raven, look, about tonight. It was fun while it lasted, but it's not going to work out. Yanno, I'm a prince, and you're just a stray I found in the woods. Heh, heh, heh. We can just be friends.' Oh well, I don't need him anyway.' Raven looked away.
"About tonight,"
'Here it goes.'
"I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable,"
'I was right.'
"But what I did, it came from my heart, or at least I think it did."
'Steady yourself."
"I've been thinking about it for a while,"
"Spit it out already. I know you didn't mean it! You're gonna pretend it never happened. You just got caught up in the moment and never had feelings for me in the first place. That's what I wanted anyways. Right?'
"And I think I'm falling for you," Legolas blushed slightly but looked at Raven to see her reaction.
For what seemed the millionth time in the passed few days Raven was rendered shocked and speechless, "Wha, wha, huh? You think you might actually have feelings for me?" Raven asked utterly confused and taken aback.
Legolas gave her a slight smile and blushed pink still.
Raven brought her hand to her forehead, "Oh dear."
Legolas gave her a concerned look, "Is there something wrong?"
"No body loves me, and I don't love anybody. Now you come along and kill my way of life. Congratulations Legolas."
"You wish not for love?" Legolas said plainly hurt.
"It's not that?"
"Then what?" Legolas said perplexed.
"I just, oh, I don't know."
"Will you say anything about my emotions?" Legolas said pleading with his eyes.
Raven sighed and thought for half a second, "Don't trip."
"Excuse me?"
"You said you where falling for me, and I said don't trip. Understand? Don't mess up. I'm not head-over-heels for you. I need more that an hour to make that decision." Raven said trying not to kill Legolas (She was informed of how dangerous these things could be with elves).
"I have all the time in the world." Legolas said feeling slightly better.
"That's lovely. Go to bed," Raven said monotonously as she pushed him out the door.
"Goodnight Raven." Legolas said brightly.
"Goodnight Legolas," Raven said without changing her tone.
She slipped a nightgown made of light, soft material over her head and pulled the covers of her bed around her. The things Legolas had said to her and seventeen years of memories at tore her mind. She couldn't hurt Legolas; that could kill him but then again, she didn't love him and wasn't sure if she even wanted to. She groaned in frustration. 'Trust guys to cause problems with the system!' She couldn't love him. She WOULDN'T love him! Would she? Raven lay in bed for hours tossing and turning these thoughts in her head until she finally slipped into a restless sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Legolas smiled up at the sky. Though he had not gotten the response he had wanted from Raven, he hadn't gotten a negative reply. He had as much time as he needed. He would make her love him.
HORRAY FOR CLIFFHANGERS! They are what keep you guy coming. (right?) This is 12 pages on my computer, so I hope it comes out long on fanfiction.net. (Some people want longer chapters) Normally, they are somewhere around (the last four averaged) is somewhere around 5 and a half pages long. This one should be quite a bit longer don't you think?