Hello readers and reviewers!!! Long time no read, eh? Sorry to have taken
so long, but here's chapter nine!
Sorry it took so long to get 'er up here; I rewrote it three times before I was satisfied.
Raven sighed in annoyance. She was having difficulty releasing her hair from a scraggly branch that had latched its cursed self into her blonde locks.
It had been three weeks since she gave into her feelings for Legolas. At first, the two tried to keep their relationship at a fairly low-profile, telling only those they were close to, but it wouldn't last; news like that lies loosely on the tongues of gossiping elves.
But one elf had managed to evade the bombardment of news; ironically, she was the one person who would have known first: Arien. She had disappeared after Mid-Summers Eve, and Raven hadn't had the chance to speak with her. Thranduil provided that he had sent her to council with Lord Elrond in Rivendell and that she wouldn't return for several weeks.
When she heard of Arien's arrival, she tore about the palace in search of her friend, without any luck. Slightly disheartened, she had raced into the forest in hot pursuit of the warrior. The only place she could think of to look was their secluded training area, and her careless speed let to her entanglement with the bush.
Raven craned her neck and strained her eyes until they hurt to get a view of the thorny plant violating her hair. Finally getting an awkward view of the problem, she set her nimble fingers to work, " C'mon, you can do it, nice branch, that's a good branch, get out of Auntie Raven's hair- OUCH!" she quickly withdrew her fingers as a wickedly sharp thorn pierced her skin. The less-than-regal elf proceeded to suck the blood off her index finger, "Okay, fine. I tried to be nice to you, you stupid twig, but that wasn't good enough for you, was it?" she sent her fingers back to their task, "Alright you piece of crap, GET OFF!" she shrieked as the branch sprang free. She smiled with smug pride just as the branch reared back and raked across her face; leaving her with slash and taking her grin with it, "Bastard. I hate you," she said darkly and continued up the path, wiping the crimson liquid from her cheek.
About five minutes later, the elf broke into the clearing, and as she had suspected, found Arien sitting in the lone tree over looking the pool.
She was resting her back against the ancient trunk, one of her legs dangling below her and the other with its knee in the air and foot on the branch, but her eyes saw beyond the physical word and looked into her thoughts. Only the genial sound of Raven's voice brought them back.
"Hey girl, long time no see! What'sup?" she asked as she pulled herself up into the roomy tree, "I've got some interesting stuff to tell you once you give me an explanation to your not saying g'bye," she finished as she planted herself on a limb next to her friend's.
Even though Raven's branch was a few inches higher than hers, Arien still had to look down to make eye-contact, "Hey. Sorry I didn't say bye to you, but I had to leave immediately. Thranduil said it was 'urgent'," she replied with mock emphasis, "Do you know you're bleeding?" Arien asked with a creased brow.
"That's just a little good-bye present from Mr. Bush," said Raven as she wiped it clean again on her shoulder length gloves, "What did Elrond want?"
"He's finally preparing to sail across the ocean, and he wanted me to help him get everything ready. His two sons are going to rule, and that can take some hefty paper work."
"Oh," Raven sighed, "wasn't he supposed to be gone already?" she looked puzzled, "Legolas said that the Ring was destroyed decades ago."
"That it was, but we weren't supposed to be here either, were we?" she continued as understanding crossed Raven's face, "Gandalf didn't have an apprentice, but he does now," Arien smiled evilly as she decided to test her friend, "and the Prince of Mirkwood wasn't struggling to keep his pants on around a certain blonde elf," she laughed until tears threatened to fall from the corners of her eyes at the sight of Raven's maroon face.
"Legolas and I have never- He's not like that- He wouldn't-Our love-!"
Arien's eyes became as round as saucers, "Do you mean," Raven smiled and nodded, her purple complexion fading to a graceful wisp across her cheek- bones, "you finally got over your stupidity and confessed?" she nearly screamed.
"Hey! I know when I'm being insulted!" Raven yelled at the insult.
Arien ignored her, "When?"
"The day you left. About three weeks ago," she answered a little timidly.
"Is he a good kisser, he DID kiss you, right?" Arien sounded more and more like a friend she had had in ninth grade every second.
"Oh, yea. He's a DAMN good kisser. . ." Raven sighed and thought of his lips on hers. Soft and sweet. . .
"Hey girl, don't be zoning out on me! Have you just been kissing, or," she softened her voice seductively, "have you gone a little-"
"Ts, ew, please don't continue," Raven shot back quickly while fighting a blush attack, "Even if we did, I wouldn't tell you," The soft dreamy look returned to the elf's eyes, "Besides, he respects me. He wouldn't rush into it like that. He loves me too much. I think he can sense that I'm a lot younger him, although I doubt he knows HOW MUCH younger," she finished with a laugh.
Arien cocked her head to one side and raised an eyebrow, "How old are you?"
"Eighteen."
Arien nearly feel out of the tree, "WHAT? Wow, I'd forgotten that people on your planet only live to about eighty. Christ, it's a good thing you like older men."
"When I was ten I promised myself I would never date anyone more that three years older me," Raven giggled.
Arien smiled slyly and shrugged, "Well, I'm sure we can bend another 2900 years or so.
"Hell yea."
"I told you you'd like this guy," her friend teased.
Raven blushed, "Yea. That seems so long ago," She thought of the one she loved and a serene smile graced her lips as she sighed, "I don't know how I got here, but I never want to leave. Ever. Was it ever hard leaving those you loved? Your family?
"Hmm, maybe the first time. I got over it in a few weeks. So much was happening around me. I didn't have time to be homesick. After that, I became an observer, not a player. I never got close to anyone."
"What about now?" Raven asked still in her dreamy tone.
"Well, seeing as how I can't really go anywhere, I thought I should start enjoying the pleasure of peoples' company more," Arien smiled.
Raven opened her mouth to say something in return, but her jovial expression quickly melted away and was replaced with a look of concentration and a furrowed brow.
Arien gave her friend a strange look, "What?"
"I thought I heard-" her voice was quickly interrupted.
"Raven? Raven, where are you?" Legolas's voice rang softly in the clearing.
His love's face lit up in a smile, "Ha! I knew I heard his footsteps!" She yelled in her victorious cry as she angled herself to jump out of the tree.
Arien watched in silence as her friend leapt from her perch, raced across the clearing and tore into the forest. She waited about ten seconds with one eyebrow raised higher that the other. Promptly, the silence was broken by the sound of her friend's laughter as Legolas emerged carrying and spinning Raven with ease in his arms. The Prince lowered his head to his love's and stopped her giggles with his lips.
Arien turned her head to offer some privacy. She smiled for her friend's happiness, but she couldn't help the slight pang of jealousy of their love. Love. The thought of the word brought her mind to yet another elf. A glint came to her eyes and her smile altered.
"Come on down, Arien! It has been nearly a month since I saw you last; why the silence?" Legolas's voice broke her train of thought.
"Coming," she called down as she pushed off her branch and landed exceedingly gracefully on the ground and saw that Raven had her feet firmly planted in the grass.
Legolas gave her a smile and delivered Arien a friendly hug, "Let's go back to the palace. I'm certain you are tired from you journey," he broke off for a moment to give her a sly smile, "and Darin has requested to see you as soon as you return," the Prince reverted his eyesight, "Not to mention Raven needs that cut tended to," he finished as he rubbed her cheek with his thumb.
Raven batted his hand away in annoyance, "I'm fine!" she wiped her blood away with her glove again.
"Oh, I know melamin, I'm using it as an excuse to drive you mad," he smiled his charming smile.
Arien grinned evilly," Ts, too late. She's already nuts."
Raven raised her eyebrow, "Hey!"
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The walk back took very little time in Raven's eyes, but by the time the three arrived at the palace gates in fits of laughter, the sun was setting behind the trees.
When they came to Arien's room, Legolas was not surprised to find an elf waiting by her door, "Hello Darin! I went into the woods and came out with two beautiful elves, can you believe my luck?" the two laughed as both women turned the same color scarlet.
"Why hello everyone. How's the reunion?" A slithering voice made itself heard, "My Raven, you can barley tell you have been bleeding with that color complexion," Roain taunted.
Raven's grip on Legolas's arm tightened involuntarily as the guard stepped closer to her. Legolas looked down in confusion at her rapidly paling face; he didn't know of their disturbing encounters.
Roain finally broke his hypnotic eye contact with the she-elf and looked into Legolas's blue orbs, "I'd watch over her carefully, you wouldn't want anything to," he swiveled his gaze back to Raven, who was now trembling unnoticeably, "happen," he gave her a grin with too many teeth.
Legolas felt her hands shaking against his arm, and could almost smell the unease radiating off of her. What had her going like this? Could it be Roain? Why? Whatever it was, he didn't like the way he was looking at her, or what he had said. He and Raven needed to talk. He squared his jaw and matched the other's stare, "Believe me, I will," the Prince said firmly and defensively, as if it were the underlining fact in a murder trial.
The two stared at each other in the silence that followed. After about five seconds, Arien finally spoke up, "Well, it's been a long day. I think I'll just go have a rest in my room now. See you tomorrow Raven. Darin, you wanted to speak with me? Goodbye Legolas. Roain," she nodded to the last elf addressed, and the two entered her room and closed the door behind them.
"I have my duties to attend to as well. It's been fun," Roain's grin resurfaced as he cast another look at Raven and turned his back to Legolas to exit the corridor.
The warrior didn't remove his frozen gaze from other until he had turned at the end of the passage and disappeared around the corner. He could feel the tension lift from Raven's vice-like hold on his forearm as she leaned her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes. Only then did he lower his eyes to look at her, "I think we need to talk."
A few minutes later, the pair passed through the threshold to Raven's room. When Legolas was satisfied that the door was securely locked, he turned to the elf, "Why were you so frightened back there?"
Raven opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.
"Please, you can tell me anything," he met her eyes and took her in his arms.
She was almost taken aback by the seriousness and urgency of his voice, "It's nothing, really."
"Raven, you were shaking, what was wrong."
"I don't know. Just a bad feeling. Don't worry about it," She looked down as she spoke her words.
"I KNOW something is wrong here. I didn't like what he said. Is he hurting you?" he tightened his hold on Raven's arms.
"No, it's nothing. I just think he's a little creepy," she sighed.
"Yes, he's been like that for years. Are you certain that is all?"
"Yes," she buried her face in his chest, "As long as I have you, nothing will ever happen to me." 'never again. . .'
Legolas smiled down at her and lifted her chin with his finger to meet his gentle kiss, "I'll make sure of that."
Raven broke away with a sigh, "I'm tired Legolas, it's been a long day. Good night," she walked over to her bed and lay down -without changing her clothes- and closed her eyes. Instead of hearing the door opening and closing, she felt the weight of another elf sit down next to her, and the feeling of lips on her cheekbone.
"Good night, my love."
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The sun's light registered in Legolas's eyes, making him blink off sleep's spell. Unwilling to get up just yet, he realized that he was still wearing his clothes from the day before. He snorted at himself in disapproval and rolled over. His heart skipped a beat; Raven was curled up with her back against his chest, asleep. As he forced himself to remember how he got here, his mind pulled up the image of him sitting by her side until she fell asleep. Somehow, he'd managed to get hypnotized by the peaceful movements of her slumber. He had recalled the fear in her eyes only hours before, and he felt it his duty to make sure she would feel safe. He had gone from his sitting position to lying down at her side; he would keep his promise. As he wrapped his arms around her waist, knowing full well of her unconsciousness, he told himself that he would leave in a few minutes time. In the end, however, he never did.
He mentally cursed himself for being so careless before getting a good look at the elf before him, but quickly became entranced when he did. Almost without knowing it, Legolas traced her figure with his gentle eyes. He followed her hair line down to her ears, to the graceful bend of her neck, to her slight bust- and to the Prince's horror, lingered there long enough to notice where her collar opened enough to invite his prying eyes to see much more than they were allowed.
He instantly shot his wide eyes away from Raven's chest. His breath came in short and raspy, his heart beat like a drum in his rib cage, and he felt hot and chilled at the same time. It had been almost two thousand years since he last felt this way in a certain area, and he could have killed himself for it.
Legolas quickly pushed himself off Raven's bed and left her side; he would do everything in his power to protect her, but could he save her from himself? He wasn't willing to take that chance yet; he loved her far too much not to.
Before forcing himself out her door, Legolas sent the elf a last fleeting glance, "To think she trusts you, you careless fool. You're pathetic. You practically begged her to love you, thinking you could control yourself, and now you go and do this," he scolded himself in self-loathing and closed the exit behind him and headed for his room.
The Prince pushed his door open and threw himself down onto his bed, "You're going to ruin everything if you're not careful," he promised himself, "She's more than you deserve and you're going to blow it."
"And her," came a familiar voice from behind.
Legolas turned his head in surprise, "Darin, how did you get in here?"
The elf shrugged, "You left the door open, and I overheard. As you're best friend, I believe I have the right to interfere with your love-life," he finished simply as he took a seat in a chair after pulling it closer to his friend.
"We'll talk about my problems later. First, tell me what you and Arien spoke about last night."
Darin tilted his head to one side in a cool motion, "She's agreed to go to next month's ball with me," he answered in his smooth voice, as if this happened every other week, but Legolas knew better.
The Prince smirked, "Well, congratulations my friend, I knew you had to get lucky SOMEday," he teased.
Darin gave him a snort-laugh in return, "Well, what's wrong? You and Raven didn't get into a fight, did you?" he asked with slight concern in his voice.
"No, I just did something very careless, that's all."
"What?"
"I feel asleep beside her last night, and I, I saw something I shouldn't have been looking for." Legolas looked down.
"Is she angry?" Darin pressed without showing emotion.
Legolas laughed quietly for a moment, "She doesn't know. I left before she awoke."
"Well, I'm sure you were tired. You were in a weak moment, but you won't let it happen again. Nothing ever happened in the first place."
His friend sighed, "But that's just it; something DID almost happen. I, I, never mind. I stopped myself, but I should have been much more careful. It was not acceptable behavior on my part. I wouldn't blame her if she never forgave me. I-"
Darin cut him off, "But you didn't let it happen. Again, you were in a weak moment. Don't let it bother you. It isn't as though you planned it or wanted it to happen, whatever it was."
"But, for a second, I wanted it to. I wanted something to happen, something I am not proud of. I can't trust myself. I don't want to destroy what Raven and I share, what she entrusted in me. . ."
Darin nodded, "I see. Don't dwell on what never happened. I promise you, THAT will drive her away. I've never seen you happier than you are when you're around her. You and I made a mistake in the past, but that shouldn't be enough to worry you now." with that, he stood up and exited the room, leaving Legolas alone with his thoughts.
After a few more wasted minutes, the Prince pulled himself off his bed and treated his body to the feeling of fresh clothes. It was then that he remembered he had missed dinner and was rather hungry. Just as his hand touched the handle on the door, he heard a light tapping coming from the other side.
He pulled the door open to see Raven's smile, "That was fast. Jeeze, what do you do, wait by the door?" she teased as she stepped past Legolas and entered his room, closing the door behind her. She looked back at him with her innocent eyes, but her playful smile soon faded. Legolas still stood by the threshold with pained eyes, "What is it?" Raven asked and walked over to him, "Is something wrong?" she wrapped her arms around his neck in a hug.
Legolas looked down into her eyes, "I don't deserve you."
For the first time in several weeks, he saw sparks of anger in the in the depths of her green orbs, "Don't give me that 'unworthy crap'. My life wasn't worth living before I met you, and at first I wasn't willing to even try to save it. You saved me Legolas, without you, I might not have a life to live."
The warrior's eyes widened in confusion and fear, "What do you mean? What HAPPENED to you?" he demanded in his concern.
Raven sighed, "My past means nothing now. I can't go back and change it, so don't make me relive it. I'd rather try to forget it," Legolas was still staring into her eyes, even though they wouldn't meet his. He could see tears build up and threaten to fall around her lids.
Legolas placed his hands on her arms where her gloves ended, "You don't understand-"
Raven cut him off, "No, you don't understand! Everyone has done something in their past, but don't let it destroy your future! Legolas, I owe you my life more times than you will ever know, and more than that," her voice cracked from the weight of the tears, "I love you, don't take that away from me," The Prince met her eyes, his own now matching her tear brimmed ones, "Please. . . " she pleaded.
Her depths yearned for him to understand, to see the pure love she knew only for him, to understand the truth and naïve innocence that left her venerable and frightened, to know how desperately she needed him to be with her. It was in that instant that Legolas couldn't stand it any longer; his need for her was overwhelming. His instincts fueled the fierce passion he couldn't hold back or protect her from any longer. She would forgive him for what he did next, or he would die.
Legolas swooped down caught her lips in his as he pulled her as close to him as he could until he was certain any tighter would severely cut off her air supply. He could feel Raven shaking violently in his arms; she was frightened of. . . him? No, he had caught her totally off guard and startled her, that was all. To his relief, she returned the kiss, but Legolas wasn't going to let her lead this. Driven by the emotions elves were known for, he turned the crushing kiss into a fiery passion. He slipped his hot tongue between his lips and through hers. He couldn't help the pleasure he took in her shocked surprise of the intrusion. He could feel the abnormally rapid fluttering of her heart against his chest as she tried to turn her head in protest, but Legolas wasn't about to give in. He nipped her lower lip quickly, receiving a moan from Raven, and once again felt her tremble in his arms; she knew Legolas was in complete control.
The warrior smirked against her lips and continued to explore her mouth with his tongue and to explore her body with his hands. He skimmed the tips of his careful fingers from her temple, down her curves, and stopped just inside her hips, sending pleasure in shivers down her back. He quickly had to return his hand to the back of her head to stop her from falling over. When he was certain she was steady again, he sent his skillful hand to the back of her legs and scooped her up without breaking the kiss.
Legolas was laying the woman on his bed in less than a second and had sent his skilled fingers to the clasps of her tunic. Just as he moved to undo a key fasten, pulled back to get a good look of Raven's eyes. He was horrified at the sight before him: her orbs showed terrible fear and uncertainty. She had absolutely no idea what she was doing, and knew she was in his hands. He suddenly became aware of the tears streaming from here eyes; tears for the fear of the situation she was in, and of him. She wasn't ready for this, but he had forced it on her without a word. He knew that the only reason she wasn't screaming in terror was her love for him. Love he didn't deserve but gave to him freely with her sweet innocence, innocence only a demon could destroy like this.
Legolas took a step in shock as his senses returned to him and watched in shame as Raven held a hand to her throat to help herself breathe after going without air for so long, "Legolas, I'm sorry, you were hurting me, I tried, but I'm not ready. I, I can't do this, I'm sorry," he watched her struggle to pull in her raspy breath.
"No, it's my fault," tears threatened to slide down his cheek, but he blinked them away, "It's all my fault, I betrayed your trust," the Prince knelt down beside Raven's gasping form and kissed away her tears, "please forgive me," he pleaded, fighting back his own tears while the taste of Raven's were fresh on his tongue.
She laughed breathily, "It's not your fault. I could have stopped you," she looked into his eyes.
"No, you couldn't have. I can't explain my actions, I, I wasn't in control."
"I still do not blame you, you were not yourself. You love and respect me. You wouldn't have stopped if you didn't," her breathing was slowly returning to its steady rhythm, but it was still coming in labored gasps.
"Yes, I do, but-"
Raven stopped him with three fingers to his lips, "That's all that matters. Now, let me hear it," she laid her back down and closed her eyes, still panting.
Legolas set himself down beside her, put his strong arms around her slender waist, and pulled her close, "I love you, Raven," he whispered gently into her leaf-shaped ear.
"I know."
He sighed, "Though you deserve so much more than I can give you," he continued, "I am unworthy of your love, yet you give it to me freely and beg me to keep it. I am so blessed, the Valar must truly love me," he breathed on her neck as he trailed kisses across it.
"Raven smiled thoughtfully, "And me," she turned to face the warrior and nuzzled into his chest.
Legolas curled himself around her possessively and as if to protect her from unseen evils, "I swear on my honor as the future king of Mirkwood, I'll never hurt you again, ever."
"I don't care about honor."
Legolas was taken aback; her words struck him totally off guard, "Then, on my love for you."
The Prince lay awake, holding his love until sleep claimed her. He carefully rose and left a final kiss on her lips before crossing the room silently and closed the door lightly behind him; he needed to speak with Thranduil.
READ THE FOLLOWING:
OH. MY. GOD. Did I just write that? I can't believe I wrote that. Jesus, my fingers have minds of their own. I got a little carried away up there, didn't I? Let me know if I was too graphic, okay? I'm actually a little pleased with myself at how not difficult that was. I hope you liked the chapter, the next one will have a hell of a twist to it; I'm probably going to strangle myself for it. I hope you don't think Legolas was too OOC in this chapter, I TRIED to avoid that while keeping the intense emotions (Hopefully there were some. . .), but then again I wanted him to seem out of character; he wouldn't do that on a regular basis. Regardless, please keep reviewing so I keep writing. I know what happens in the end, the slowness just has to do with the matters in my personal life, which have been innumerably high recently. (My mom married a Joe Millionaire!) Tune in next chapter!
Earenidiel Silverwing
Sorry it took so long to get 'er up here; I rewrote it three times before I was satisfied.
Raven sighed in annoyance. She was having difficulty releasing her hair from a scraggly branch that had latched its cursed self into her blonde locks.
It had been three weeks since she gave into her feelings for Legolas. At first, the two tried to keep their relationship at a fairly low-profile, telling only those they were close to, but it wouldn't last; news like that lies loosely on the tongues of gossiping elves.
But one elf had managed to evade the bombardment of news; ironically, she was the one person who would have known first: Arien. She had disappeared after Mid-Summers Eve, and Raven hadn't had the chance to speak with her. Thranduil provided that he had sent her to council with Lord Elrond in Rivendell and that she wouldn't return for several weeks.
When she heard of Arien's arrival, she tore about the palace in search of her friend, without any luck. Slightly disheartened, she had raced into the forest in hot pursuit of the warrior. The only place she could think of to look was their secluded training area, and her careless speed let to her entanglement with the bush.
Raven craned her neck and strained her eyes until they hurt to get a view of the thorny plant violating her hair. Finally getting an awkward view of the problem, she set her nimble fingers to work, " C'mon, you can do it, nice branch, that's a good branch, get out of Auntie Raven's hair- OUCH!" she quickly withdrew her fingers as a wickedly sharp thorn pierced her skin. The less-than-regal elf proceeded to suck the blood off her index finger, "Okay, fine. I tried to be nice to you, you stupid twig, but that wasn't good enough for you, was it?" she sent her fingers back to their task, "Alright you piece of crap, GET OFF!" she shrieked as the branch sprang free. She smiled with smug pride just as the branch reared back and raked across her face; leaving her with slash and taking her grin with it, "Bastard. I hate you," she said darkly and continued up the path, wiping the crimson liquid from her cheek.
About five minutes later, the elf broke into the clearing, and as she had suspected, found Arien sitting in the lone tree over looking the pool.
She was resting her back against the ancient trunk, one of her legs dangling below her and the other with its knee in the air and foot on the branch, but her eyes saw beyond the physical word and looked into her thoughts. Only the genial sound of Raven's voice brought them back.
"Hey girl, long time no see! What'sup?" she asked as she pulled herself up into the roomy tree, "I've got some interesting stuff to tell you once you give me an explanation to your not saying g'bye," she finished as she planted herself on a limb next to her friend's.
Even though Raven's branch was a few inches higher than hers, Arien still had to look down to make eye-contact, "Hey. Sorry I didn't say bye to you, but I had to leave immediately. Thranduil said it was 'urgent'," she replied with mock emphasis, "Do you know you're bleeding?" Arien asked with a creased brow.
"That's just a little good-bye present from Mr. Bush," said Raven as she wiped it clean again on her shoulder length gloves, "What did Elrond want?"
"He's finally preparing to sail across the ocean, and he wanted me to help him get everything ready. His two sons are going to rule, and that can take some hefty paper work."
"Oh," Raven sighed, "wasn't he supposed to be gone already?" she looked puzzled, "Legolas said that the Ring was destroyed decades ago."
"That it was, but we weren't supposed to be here either, were we?" she continued as understanding crossed Raven's face, "Gandalf didn't have an apprentice, but he does now," Arien smiled evilly as she decided to test her friend, "and the Prince of Mirkwood wasn't struggling to keep his pants on around a certain blonde elf," she laughed until tears threatened to fall from the corners of her eyes at the sight of Raven's maroon face.
"Legolas and I have never- He's not like that- He wouldn't-Our love-!"
Arien's eyes became as round as saucers, "Do you mean," Raven smiled and nodded, her purple complexion fading to a graceful wisp across her cheek- bones, "you finally got over your stupidity and confessed?" she nearly screamed.
"Hey! I know when I'm being insulted!" Raven yelled at the insult.
Arien ignored her, "When?"
"The day you left. About three weeks ago," she answered a little timidly.
"Is he a good kisser, he DID kiss you, right?" Arien sounded more and more like a friend she had had in ninth grade every second.
"Oh, yea. He's a DAMN good kisser. . ." Raven sighed and thought of his lips on hers. Soft and sweet. . .
"Hey girl, don't be zoning out on me! Have you just been kissing, or," she softened her voice seductively, "have you gone a little-"
"Ts, ew, please don't continue," Raven shot back quickly while fighting a blush attack, "Even if we did, I wouldn't tell you," The soft dreamy look returned to the elf's eyes, "Besides, he respects me. He wouldn't rush into it like that. He loves me too much. I think he can sense that I'm a lot younger him, although I doubt he knows HOW MUCH younger," she finished with a laugh.
Arien cocked her head to one side and raised an eyebrow, "How old are you?"
"Eighteen."
Arien nearly feel out of the tree, "WHAT? Wow, I'd forgotten that people on your planet only live to about eighty. Christ, it's a good thing you like older men."
"When I was ten I promised myself I would never date anyone more that three years older me," Raven giggled.
Arien smiled slyly and shrugged, "Well, I'm sure we can bend another 2900 years or so.
"Hell yea."
"I told you you'd like this guy," her friend teased.
Raven blushed, "Yea. That seems so long ago," She thought of the one she loved and a serene smile graced her lips as she sighed, "I don't know how I got here, but I never want to leave. Ever. Was it ever hard leaving those you loved? Your family?
"Hmm, maybe the first time. I got over it in a few weeks. So much was happening around me. I didn't have time to be homesick. After that, I became an observer, not a player. I never got close to anyone."
"What about now?" Raven asked still in her dreamy tone.
"Well, seeing as how I can't really go anywhere, I thought I should start enjoying the pleasure of peoples' company more," Arien smiled.
Raven opened her mouth to say something in return, but her jovial expression quickly melted away and was replaced with a look of concentration and a furrowed brow.
Arien gave her friend a strange look, "What?"
"I thought I heard-" her voice was quickly interrupted.
"Raven? Raven, where are you?" Legolas's voice rang softly in the clearing.
His love's face lit up in a smile, "Ha! I knew I heard his footsteps!" She yelled in her victorious cry as she angled herself to jump out of the tree.
Arien watched in silence as her friend leapt from her perch, raced across the clearing and tore into the forest. She waited about ten seconds with one eyebrow raised higher that the other. Promptly, the silence was broken by the sound of her friend's laughter as Legolas emerged carrying and spinning Raven with ease in his arms. The Prince lowered his head to his love's and stopped her giggles with his lips.
Arien turned her head to offer some privacy. She smiled for her friend's happiness, but she couldn't help the slight pang of jealousy of their love. Love. The thought of the word brought her mind to yet another elf. A glint came to her eyes and her smile altered.
"Come on down, Arien! It has been nearly a month since I saw you last; why the silence?" Legolas's voice broke her train of thought.
"Coming," she called down as she pushed off her branch and landed exceedingly gracefully on the ground and saw that Raven had her feet firmly planted in the grass.
Legolas gave her a smile and delivered Arien a friendly hug, "Let's go back to the palace. I'm certain you are tired from you journey," he broke off for a moment to give her a sly smile, "and Darin has requested to see you as soon as you return," the Prince reverted his eyesight, "Not to mention Raven needs that cut tended to," he finished as he rubbed her cheek with his thumb.
Raven batted his hand away in annoyance, "I'm fine!" she wiped her blood away with her glove again.
"Oh, I know melamin, I'm using it as an excuse to drive you mad," he smiled his charming smile.
Arien grinned evilly," Ts, too late. She's already nuts."
Raven raised her eyebrow, "Hey!"
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The walk back took very little time in Raven's eyes, but by the time the three arrived at the palace gates in fits of laughter, the sun was setting behind the trees.
When they came to Arien's room, Legolas was not surprised to find an elf waiting by her door, "Hello Darin! I went into the woods and came out with two beautiful elves, can you believe my luck?" the two laughed as both women turned the same color scarlet.
"Why hello everyone. How's the reunion?" A slithering voice made itself heard, "My Raven, you can barley tell you have been bleeding with that color complexion," Roain taunted.
Raven's grip on Legolas's arm tightened involuntarily as the guard stepped closer to her. Legolas looked down in confusion at her rapidly paling face; he didn't know of their disturbing encounters.
Roain finally broke his hypnotic eye contact with the she-elf and looked into Legolas's blue orbs, "I'd watch over her carefully, you wouldn't want anything to," he swiveled his gaze back to Raven, who was now trembling unnoticeably, "happen," he gave her a grin with too many teeth.
Legolas felt her hands shaking against his arm, and could almost smell the unease radiating off of her. What had her going like this? Could it be Roain? Why? Whatever it was, he didn't like the way he was looking at her, or what he had said. He and Raven needed to talk. He squared his jaw and matched the other's stare, "Believe me, I will," the Prince said firmly and defensively, as if it were the underlining fact in a murder trial.
The two stared at each other in the silence that followed. After about five seconds, Arien finally spoke up, "Well, it's been a long day. I think I'll just go have a rest in my room now. See you tomorrow Raven. Darin, you wanted to speak with me? Goodbye Legolas. Roain," she nodded to the last elf addressed, and the two entered her room and closed the door behind them.
"I have my duties to attend to as well. It's been fun," Roain's grin resurfaced as he cast another look at Raven and turned his back to Legolas to exit the corridor.
The warrior didn't remove his frozen gaze from other until he had turned at the end of the passage and disappeared around the corner. He could feel the tension lift from Raven's vice-like hold on his forearm as she leaned her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes. Only then did he lower his eyes to look at her, "I think we need to talk."
A few minutes later, the pair passed through the threshold to Raven's room. When Legolas was satisfied that the door was securely locked, he turned to the elf, "Why were you so frightened back there?"
Raven opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.
"Please, you can tell me anything," he met her eyes and took her in his arms.
She was almost taken aback by the seriousness and urgency of his voice, "It's nothing, really."
"Raven, you were shaking, what was wrong."
"I don't know. Just a bad feeling. Don't worry about it," She looked down as she spoke her words.
"I KNOW something is wrong here. I didn't like what he said. Is he hurting you?" he tightened his hold on Raven's arms.
"No, it's nothing. I just think he's a little creepy," she sighed.
"Yes, he's been like that for years. Are you certain that is all?"
"Yes," she buried her face in his chest, "As long as I have you, nothing will ever happen to me." 'never again. . .'
Legolas smiled down at her and lifted her chin with his finger to meet his gentle kiss, "I'll make sure of that."
Raven broke away with a sigh, "I'm tired Legolas, it's been a long day. Good night," she walked over to her bed and lay down -without changing her clothes- and closed her eyes. Instead of hearing the door opening and closing, she felt the weight of another elf sit down next to her, and the feeling of lips on her cheekbone.
"Good night, my love."
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The sun's light registered in Legolas's eyes, making him blink off sleep's spell. Unwilling to get up just yet, he realized that he was still wearing his clothes from the day before. He snorted at himself in disapproval and rolled over. His heart skipped a beat; Raven was curled up with her back against his chest, asleep. As he forced himself to remember how he got here, his mind pulled up the image of him sitting by her side until she fell asleep. Somehow, he'd managed to get hypnotized by the peaceful movements of her slumber. He had recalled the fear in her eyes only hours before, and he felt it his duty to make sure she would feel safe. He had gone from his sitting position to lying down at her side; he would keep his promise. As he wrapped his arms around her waist, knowing full well of her unconsciousness, he told himself that he would leave in a few minutes time. In the end, however, he never did.
He mentally cursed himself for being so careless before getting a good look at the elf before him, but quickly became entranced when he did. Almost without knowing it, Legolas traced her figure with his gentle eyes. He followed her hair line down to her ears, to the graceful bend of her neck, to her slight bust- and to the Prince's horror, lingered there long enough to notice where her collar opened enough to invite his prying eyes to see much more than they were allowed.
He instantly shot his wide eyes away from Raven's chest. His breath came in short and raspy, his heart beat like a drum in his rib cage, and he felt hot and chilled at the same time. It had been almost two thousand years since he last felt this way in a certain area, and he could have killed himself for it.
Legolas quickly pushed himself off Raven's bed and left her side; he would do everything in his power to protect her, but could he save her from himself? He wasn't willing to take that chance yet; he loved her far too much not to.
Before forcing himself out her door, Legolas sent the elf a last fleeting glance, "To think she trusts you, you careless fool. You're pathetic. You practically begged her to love you, thinking you could control yourself, and now you go and do this," he scolded himself in self-loathing and closed the exit behind him and headed for his room.
The Prince pushed his door open and threw himself down onto his bed, "You're going to ruin everything if you're not careful," he promised himself, "She's more than you deserve and you're going to blow it."
"And her," came a familiar voice from behind.
Legolas turned his head in surprise, "Darin, how did you get in here?"
The elf shrugged, "You left the door open, and I overheard. As you're best friend, I believe I have the right to interfere with your love-life," he finished simply as he took a seat in a chair after pulling it closer to his friend.
"We'll talk about my problems later. First, tell me what you and Arien spoke about last night."
Darin tilted his head to one side in a cool motion, "She's agreed to go to next month's ball with me," he answered in his smooth voice, as if this happened every other week, but Legolas knew better.
The Prince smirked, "Well, congratulations my friend, I knew you had to get lucky SOMEday," he teased.
Darin gave him a snort-laugh in return, "Well, what's wrong? You and Raven didn't get into a fight, did you?" he asked with slight concern in his voice.
"No, I just did something very careless, that's all."
"What?"
"I feel asleep beside her last night, and I, I saw something I shouldn't have been looking for." Legolas looked down.
"Is she angry?" Darin pressed without showing emotion.
Legolas laughed quietly for a moment, "She doesn't know. I left before she awoke."
"Well, I'm sure you were tired. You were in a weak moment, but you won't let it happen again. Nothing ever happened in the first place."
His friend sighed, "But that's just it; something DID almost happen. I, I, never mind. I stopped myself, but I should have been much more careful. It was not acceptable behavior on my part. I wouldn't blame her if she never forgave me. I-"
Darin cut him off, "But you didn't let it happen. Again, you were in a weak moment. Don't let it bother you. It isn't as though you planned it or wanted it to happen, whatever it was."
"But, for a second, I wanted it to. I wanted something to happen, something I am not proud of. I can't trust myself. I don't want to destroy what Raven and I share, what she entrusted in me. . ."
Darin nodded, "I see. Don't dwell on what never happened. I promise you, THAT will drive her away. I've never seen you happier than you are when you're around her. You and I made a mistake in the past, but that shouldn't be enough to worry you now." with that, he stood up and exited the room, leaving Legolas alone with his thoughts.
After a few more wasted minutes, the Prince pulled himself off his bed and treated his body to the feeling of fresh clothes. It was then that he remembered he had missed dinner and was rather hungry. Just as his hand touched the handle on the door, he heard a light tapping coming from the other side.
He pulled the door open to see Raven's smile, "That was fast. Jeeze, what do you do, wait by the door?" she teased as she stepped past Legolas and entered his room, closing the door behind her. She looked back at him with her innocent eyes, but her playful smile soon faded. Legolas still stood by the threshold with pained eyes, "What is it?" Raven asked and walked over to him, "Is something wrong?" she wrapped her arms around his neck in a hug.
Legolas looked down into her eyes, "I don't deserve you."
For the first time in several weeks, he saw sparks of anger in the in the depths of her green orbs, "Don't give me that 'unworthy crap'. My life wasn't worth living before I met you, and at first I wasn't willing to even try to save it. You saved me Legolas, without you, I might not have a life to live."
The warrior's eyes widened in confusion and fear, "What do you mean? What HAPPENED to you?" he demanded in his concern.
Raven sighed, "My past means nothing now. I can't go back and change it, so don't make me relive it. I'd rather try to forget it," Legolas was still staring into her eyes, even though they wouldn't meet his. He could see tears build up and threaten to fall around her lids.
Legolas placed his hands on her arms where her gloves ended, "You don't understand-"
Raven cut him off, "No, you don't understand! Everyone has done something in their past, but don't let it destroy your future! Legolas, I owe you my life more times than you will ever know, and more than that," her voice cracked from the weight of the tears, "I love you, don't take that away from me," The Prince met her eyes, his own now matching her tear brimmed ones, "Please. . . " she pleaded.
Her depths yearned for him to understand, to see the pure love she knew only for him, to understand the truth and naïve innocence that left her venerable and frightened, to know how desperately she needed him to be with her. It was in that instant that Legolas couldn't stand it any longer; his need for her was overwhelming. His instincts fueled the fierce passion he couldn't hold back or protect her from any longer. She would forgive him for what he did next, or he would die.
Legolas swooped down caught her lips in his as he pulled her as close to him as he could until he was certain any tighter would severely cut off her air supply. He could feel Raven shaking violently in his arms; she was frightened of. . . him? No, he had caught her totally off guard and startled her, that was all. To his relief, she returned the kiss, but Legolas wasn't going to let her lead this. Driven by the emotions elves were known for, he turned the crushing kiss into a fiery passion. He slipped his hot tongue between his lips and through hers. He couldn't help the pleasure he took in her shocked surprise of the intrusion. He could feel the abnormally rapid fluttering of her heart against his chest as she tried to turn her head in protest, but Legolas wasn't about to give in. He nipped her lower lip quickly, receiving a moan from Raven, and once again felt her tremble in his arms; she knew Legolas was in complete control.
The warrior smirked against her lips and continued to explore her mouth with his tongue and to explore her body with his hands. He skimmed the tips of his careful fingers from her temple, down her curves, and stopped just inside her hips, sending pleasure in shivers down her back. He quickly had to return his hand to the back of her head to stop her from falling over. When he was certain she was steady again, he sent his skillful hand to the back of her legs and scooped her up without breaking the kiss.
Legolas was laying the woman on his bed in less than a second and had sent his skilled fingers to the clasps of her tunic. Just as he moved to undo a key fasten, pulled back to get a good look of Raven's eyes. He was horrified at the sight before him: her orbs showed terrible fear and uncertainty. She had absolutely no idea what she was doing, and knew she was in his hands. He suddenly became aware of the tears streaming from here eyes; tears for the fear of the situation she was in, and of him. She wasn't ready for this, but he had forced it on her without a word. He knew that the only reason she wasn't screaming in terror was her love for him. Love he didn't deserve but gave to him freely with her sweet innocence, innocence only a demon could destroy like this.
Legolas took a step in shock as his senses returned to him and watched in shame as Raven held a hand to her throat to help herself breathe after going without air for so long, "Legolas, I'm sorry, you were hurting me, I tried, but I'm not ready. I, I can't do this, I'm sorry," he watched her struggle to pull in her raspy breath.
"No, it's my fault," tears threatened to slide down his cheek, but he blinked them away, "It's all my fault, I betrayed your trust," the Prince knelt down beside Raven's gasping form and kissed away her tears, "please forgive me," he pleaded, fighting back his own tears while the taste of Raven's were fresh on his tongue.
She laughed breathily, "It's not your fault. I could have stopped you," she looked into his eyes.
"No, you couldn't have. I can't explain my actions, I, I wasn't in control."
"I still do not blame you, you were not yourself. You love and respect me. You wouldn't have stopped if you didn't," her breathing was slowly returning to its steady rhythm, but it was still coming in labored gasps.
"Yes, I do, but-"
Raven stopped him with three fingers to his lips, "That's all that matters. Now, let me hear it," she laid her back down and closed her eyes, still panting.
Legolas set himself down beside her, put his strong arms around her slender waist, and pulled her close, "I love you, Raven," he whispered gently into her leaf-shaped ear.
"I know."
He sighed, "Though you deserve so much more than I can give you," he continued, "I am unworthy of your love, yet you give it to me freely and beg me to keep it. I am so blessed, the Valar must truly love me," he breathed on her neck as he trailed kisses across it.
"Raven smiled thoughtfully, "And me," she turned to face the warrior and nuzzled into his chest.
Legolas curled himself around her possessively and as if to protect her from unseen evils, "I swear on my honor as the future king of Mirkwood, I'll never hurt you again, ever."
"I don't care about honor."
Legolas was taken aback; her words struck him totally off guard, "Then, on my love for you."
The Prince lay awake, holding his love until sleep claimed her. He carefully rose and left a final kiss on her lips before crossing the room silently and closed the door lightly behind him; he needed to speak with Thranduil.
READ THE FOLLOWING:
OH. MY. GOD. Did I just write that? I can't believe I wrote that. Jesus, my fingers have minds of their own. I got a little carried away up there, didn't I? Let me know if I was too graphic, okay? I'm actually a little pleased with myself at how not difficult that was. I hope you liked the chapter, the next one will have a hell of a twist to it; I'm probably going to strangle myself for it. I hope you don't think Legolas was too OOC in this chapter, I TRIED to avoid that while keeping the intense emotions (Hopefully there were some. . .), but then again I wanted him to seem out of character; he wouldn't do that on a regular basis. Regardless, please keep reviewing so I keep writing. I know what happens in the end, the slowness just has to do with the matters in my personal life, which have been innumerably high recently. (My mom married a Joe Millionaire!) Tune in next chapter!
Earenidiel Silverwing