A/N: Wow! I never would have expected such an enthusiastic response! Thanks
to all my reviewers! Sorry I took so long to update, but I needed a bit of
respite from that inspiration burst.
Disclaimer: I'm boring. Go back a couple chapters for some interesting ones.
18. To Be True.
For the rest of that day, the prince walked around in a dream-like state, only half-hearing everything that was being said to him. He didn't care, none of it mattered. None of his problems seemed important anymore. Kalia loved him, had his child, and nothing could dampen his spirits.
He was relieved to hear no one had attempted to disturb him while he had closed the door, assuming he had merely needed to rest with all the chaos of preparing for war. Legolas was amused at how wrong they were, and it seemed as though his good mood was contagious; near midday, almost everyone had at least smiled. The elf now stood in Pelin's room, listening to his friend talk about something. What was it, again? Was it important? He grinned. Kalia loved him, nothing else could possibly be important!
"Legolas, are you even listening to me?" Pelin's voice cut through his happiness, finally managing to snap his attention away from his fantasies.
"Hmm? Of course I am." His friend rose a brow skeptically.
"What did I just say, then?" When the prince didn't respond, the elf stated in clear annoyance, "I knew it! It's her again, isn't it? For the love of. . . If you miss her that much, go find the woman and tell her so. It's driving me mad, I tell you." Legolas ginned even more at that.
"That's right, I hadn't intended to tell you." Saying this, his friend's curiosity was instantly aroused. Pelin straightened.
"Tell me what?" He demanded, and the prince laughed. The best way to annoy Pelin was to dangle secrets in front of him. But he needed to share his excitement with someone, and his best friend seemed like a good choice.
"She came, Pelin." Legolas noticed how his voice quivered with joy at the reminder of his earlier encounter. "She came early this morning." His friend looked surprised.
"But I thought-" He began, but was cut off as his friend continued to talk.
"I know, I did too. But we were wrong, and she did come. She's so amazing, Pelin. . . I can't remember the last time I was this happy without her being around. I can't seem to think at all when I'm near her, even. We spent an amazing time together, but I'm sure you don't want to hear about it." He laughed at Pelin's uncomfortable expression. Seizing his chance, the elf spoke when the prince was silent for a moment.
"I don't like this, Legolas. You're getting too close to this woman, and you don't really know her. You know what she told you of her past, true, but how do you know she was telling the truth? She could be playing you for a fool, and you would be so wrapped up in these fantasies about the girl that you wouldn't notice anything besides what she whispered in your ear." Legolas' face darkened, and he added, "It's not impossible. She could be going for the throne. . . And don't look at me like that. You've had it happen before."
"That was different," The prince said stiffly. "And where did you get these insane notions? You've never even met Kalia, you can't possibly know what you're talking about."
"Have you considered the fact that you may not, either?" Pelin said gently. He pressed on, undeterred by the dark look his friend was giving him. "I just don't want you to get hurt, that's all. You should think about what you really know. This girl could, and probably does, have other intentions. She is not an elf, and her kind are not to be trusted, or so I've heard. I did you a favor and found a book with a small passage about them, the Tuathe or whatever it is they are called. It was not much, but the information it did give said they were cold-hearted, that they dealt in trickery and deceit. There is a very good chance she is lying to you." During the time he had spoken, Legolas had straightened and was giving his friend a look that said 'how can you doubt her when you do not know her?'.
"You do not know what you speak of. Kalia would not lie to me, or anyone. She is the sweetest person I know. She is beautiful, caring, strong, passionate, and just completely amazing in every way."
"She's a nothing more than a woman, Legolas! Listen to yourself for once, and you will see that you are becoming obsessed with her! You get too devoted to this creature, always rambling on about how wonderful she is, and for all you know she could be with her husband right now! From what you tell me, this girl has a habit of disappearing, and you don't know where she goes. With her father dead, she has no reason to want to return home. You could really know as much as I do about her, which is surprisingly little, or nothing at all." The prince's eyes were narrowed by this time; he hated hearing Kalia be spoken of in such a way, so doubted.
"I know her far better than you do, Pelin. I love her, alright?" Legolas did not want to yet reveal the fact that Kalia bore his child. It was too soon, he was still processing it. He wanted his mind wrapped around it fully before telling anyone else the wonderful news. "I came here to thank you for helping me realize it, though I knew it long before." He strode to the door, but before he left, turned around. "Also, if you wish to continue to believe she is up to no good, it does not matter to me. But if you tell me or anyone else of your fabricated ideas, I will not be responsible for my actions in her defense." With that, Legolas spun around and walked out of the room.
Returning to his own, the elf sighed. How could anyone doubt his Kalia? With one look at her, any person in their right mind would know she wasn't trying to get to his position or wealth. Pelin was daft, he had to be. She loved him as much as he loved her.
"I know she does," he said aloud, to no one in particular. Shaking his head, the prince decided, for once, to focus on other matters that needed his attention. His father probably needed all the help he could get, with the upcoming war just around the corner. At least, that was what Legolas assumed. He didn't know when or where exactly, but he had a feeling it would be close and soon. He hoped he wouldn't see Kalia fighting alongside Tokilor, but then, he didn't know how else it could be. As long as she wasn't hurt, he didn't care if she fought or not. Then he remembered the baby, and he knew Kalia could not fight or, if she was wounded, she had a chance of losing the child.
Legolas bit his lip. He knew Kalia would insist upon fighting, unless someone could talk her out of it. But it wouldn't be easy. . .
Kalia smiled to herself as she walked down the hall to her room. Tokilor had believed her story, that she had been patrolling and had seen what she thought was a spy. She told him that the man had gotten away, for if she said she had killed him, he would want to see blood. Everything had worked out just fine, and her child was still a secret.
As she wandered, she thought. What would she name the girl? But no, that was for her to discuss with Legolas when the time was right. Still, just the thought of her baby filled her with delight. The Tuathe was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she passed her door twice, and laughed out loud at herself. This caused the servants to stare, and that made her laugh even more. How she loved confusing people.
Kalia was still smiling as she entered her room. She closed the door with a content sigh, which turned into the hiss of letting her breath out. She felt as though she had just been punched in the heart at what she saw. Legolas stood calmly in her room, fingering an extravagant necklace of emeralds and diamonds. She knew it was probably something Tokilor had bought her, but she didn't know for sure since she hadn't bothered to look at them.
"I see you've been treated well. That's good to hear," the elf commented agreeably, as though he were talking about the weather to a friend. She simply stared at him.
"W-what are you doing here?" She asked nervously, fearful that he had become angry with her. She gave herself a little mental shake. Since when did she feel fear? Kalia straightened, her outward appearance calm once more. The woman strode easily over and sat down on the chaise lounge. "What are you doing here?" She asked again, her voice now even as she settled herself on the divan. Legolas smiled at her, causing her heart to skip a beat, and put the necklace down.
"I came to talk," He began, and was quick to reassure her when her hands involuntarily flew to her stomach. "No no, not about the baby. Well, in a way, yes. . . I don't think you should fight," he said finally. Kalia stared at him, as though she was waiting for him to laugh. At her silence, he rushed on. "Carrying the baby makes you more vulnerable. You'll want to protect her, and that makes you a coveted target. And if you do managed to get hurt, you risk losing her. Not that I'm doubting you," he said quickly, remembering how well that conversation had gone. "I'm just worried for you." Kalia said nothing, lowering her gaze to the ground.
"You're right. I had not thought about that," she confessed softly. "But how will I not be able to fight without revealing my. . . Condition? I don't want anyone else to know yet. Especially not Tokilor," she added. Legolas gave her a soft, lingering kiss and sat beside her.
"Pretend you are ill," he suggested. "Or you could come back with me," he suggested suddenly, the idea striking him like a thunderbolt. More thoughts rushed at him with that single one, and a plan began to form. "That way, he would come to us for you. He is not very smart," he said, and Kalia laughed, warming his heart. "I know you are probably uncomfortable with playing the lure, but it's just an idea." The woman looked thoughtful.
"Yes, that might work. But none can know we are leaving, so we had best do so quickly." She began to stand, but stopped and sat back down with a questioning look. Legolas had placed his hand on her thigh, indicating he wasn't finished. Reaching into the pocket of his cloak, he drew forth something shiny. The Tuathe female sucked in a breath, seeing it was a ring. The gold was delicately woven around tiny rubies, and a medium-sized diamond sat elegantly in the center. "It's. . . beautiful. . ." She whispered, allowing herself to tremble as the prince slipped it on her finger.
"Kalia of the Tuathe tribe," He began, and her shaking increased. "I swear to you that I will love you and cherish you, trust in you and believe you know what is right, and always be there for you even when our paths are rough. I swear to honor you, to respect you even though at times we will disagree, to be faithful and forsake all others for you. I swear these things to you, if you will have me as your husband." Legolas' heart sang out with happiness when she whispered his words back. Her voice was soft not out of fear or rejection, but because she was overwhelmed at the moment. She had never felt so much love.
"Legolas, prince of the Mirkwood elves, I swear to you that I will love you and cherish you, trust in you and believe you know what is right, and always be there for you even when our paths are rough. I swear to honor you, to respect you even though at times we will disagree, to be faithful and forsake all others for you. I swear these things to you, if you will have me as your wife."
"I will," they said in unison, and both laughed for no reason other than the pure joy they felt. They kissed, and both felt the love they had for each other infused into it. Then Kalia stood, and Legolas watched her pack her things. Luckily she had only brought her small pack, and wasn't taking anything Tokilor had given her.
"Alright," she said, not ten minutes later. "Let's go." Together, they headed for the window and made their way down. Kalia felt the excitement of sneaking out return to her, the thrill of it which she had not felt in a long time. She had become so good, it was too easy for her to get enthusiastic over anymore. But now she had Legolas to watch for, since she could not explain the locations and routes of the patrols. So he followed her, and she guided him out. With a content sigh, she thought, this is how it should be.
A/N: Just to let you know, the battle scene with Tokilor isn't going to be very long. I'm probably going to end this story on chapter 20, and I'm almost there. . . But don't worry! I'm going back and updating the other chapters on my computer as you read this, so you can go back and see added scenes. Yaaaay! Now, review like you did before! Make me HAPPY! (And get cyber cookies. Yay!)
Disclaimer: I'm boring. Go back a couple chapters for some interesting ones.
18. To Be True.
For the rest of that day, the prince walked around in a dream-like state, only half-hearing everything that was being said to him. He didn't care, none of it mattered. None of his problems seemed important anymore. Kalia loved him, had his child, and nothing could dampen his spirits.
He was relieved to hear no one had attempted to disturb him while he had closed the door, assuming he had merely needed to rest with all the chaos of preparing for war. Legolas was amused at how wrong they were, and it seemed as though his good mood was contagious; near midday, almost everyone had at least smiled. The elf now stood in Pelin's room, listening to his friend talk about something. What was it, again? Was it important? He grinned. Kalia loved him, nothing else could possibly be important!
"Legolas, are you even listening to me?" Pelin's voice cut through his happiness, finally managing to snap his attention away from his fantasies.
"Hmm? Of course I am." His friend rose a brow skeptically.
"What did I just say, then?" When the prince didn't respond, the elf stated in clear annoyance, "I knew it! It's her again, isn't it? For the love of. . . If you miss her that much, go find the woman and tell her so. It's driving me mad, I tell you." Legolas ginned even more at that.
"That's right, I hadn't intended to tell you." Saying this, his friend's curiosity was instantly aroused. Pelin straightened.
"Tell me what?" He demanded, and the prince laughed. The best way to annoy Pelin was to dangle secrets in front of him. But he needed to share his excitement with someone, and his best friend seemed like a good choice.
"She came, Pelin." Legolas noticed how his voice quivered with joy at the reminder of his earlier encounter. "She came early this morning." His friend looked surprised.
"But I thought-" He began, but was cut off as his friend continued to talk.
"I know, I did too. But we were wrong, and she did come. She's so amazing, Pelin. . . I can't remember the last time I was this happy without her being around. I can't seem to think at all when I'm near her, even. We spent an amazing time together, but I'm sure you don't want to hear about it." He laughed at Pelin's uncomfortable expression. Seizing his chance, the elf spoke when the prince was silent for a moment.
"I don't like this, Legolas. You're getting too close to this woman, and you don't really know her. You know what she told you of her past, true, but how do you know she was telling the truth? She could be playing you for a fool, and you would be so wrapped up in these fantasies about the girl that you wouldn't notice anything besides what she whispered in your ear." Legolas' face darkened, and he added, "It's not impossible. She could be going for the throne. . . And don't look at me like that. You've had it happen before."
"That was different," The prince said stiffly. "And where did you get these insane notions? You've never even met Kalia, you can't possibly know what you're talking about."
"Have you considered the fact that you may not, either?" Pelin said gently. He pressed on, undeterred by the dark look his friend was giving him. "I just don't want you to get hurt, that's all. You should think about what you really know. This girl could, and probably does, have other intentions. She is not an elf, and her kind are not to be trusted, or so I've heard. I did you a favor and found a book with a small passage about them, the Tuathe or whatever it is they are called. It was not much, but the information it did give said they were cold-hearted, that they dealt in trickery and deceit. There is a very good chance she is lying to you." During the time he had spoken, Legolas had straightened and was giving his friend a look that said 'how can you doubt her when you do not know her?'.
"You do not know what you speak of. Kalia would not lie to me, or anyone. She is the sweetest person I know. She is beautiful, caring, strong, passionate, and just completely amazing in every way."
"She's a nothing more than a woman, Legolas! Listen to yourself for once, and you will see that you are becoming obsessed with her! You get too devoted to this creature, always rambling on about how wonderful she is, and for all you know she could be with her husband right now! From what you tell me, this girl has a habit of disappearing, and you don't know where she goes. With her father dead, she has no reason to want to return home. You could really know as much as I do about her, which is surprisingly little, or nothing at all." The prince's eyes were narrowed by this time; he hated hearing Kalia be spoken of in such a way, so doubted.
"I know her far better than you do, Pelin. I love her, alright?" Legolas did not want to yet reveal the fact that Kalia bore his child. It was too soon, he was still processing it. He wanted his mind wrapped around it fully before telling anyone else the wonderful news. "I came here to thank you for helping me realize it, though I knew it long before." He strode to the door, but before he left, turned around. "Also, if you wish to continue to believe she is up to no good, it does not matter to me. But if you tell me or anyone else of your fabricated ideas, I will not be responsible for my actions in her defense." With that, Legolas spun around and walked out of the room.
Returning to his own, the elf sighed. How could anyone doubt his Kalia? With one look at her, any person in their right mind would know she wasn't trying to get to his position or wealth. Pelin was daft, he had to be. She loved him as much as he loved her.
"I know she does," he said aloud, to no one in particular. Shaking his head, the prince decided, for once, to focus on other matters that needed his attention. His father probably needed all the help he could get, with the upcoming war just around the corner. At least, that was what Legolas assumed. He didn't know when or where exactly, but he had a feeling it would be close and soon. He hoped he wouldn't see Kalia fighting alongside Tokilor, but then, he didn't know how else it could be. As long as she wasn't hurt, he didn't care if she fought or not. Then he remembered the baby, and he knew Kalia could not fight or, if she was wounded, she had a chance of losing the child.
Legolas bit his lip. He knew Kalia would insist upon fighting, unless someone could talk her out of it. But it wouldn't be easy. . .
Kalia smiled to herself as she walked down the hall to her room. Tokilor had believed her story, that she had been patrolling and had seen what she thought was a spy. She told him that the man had gotten away, for if she said she had killed him, he would want to see blood. Everything had worked out just fine, and her child was still a secret.
As she wandered, she thought. What would she name the girl? But no, that was for her to discuss with Legolas when the time was right. Still, just the thought of her baby filled her with delight. The Tuathe was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she passed her door twice, and laughed out loud at herself. This caused the servants to stare, and that made her laugh even more. How she loved confusing people.
Kalia was still smiling as she entered her room. She closed the door with a content sigh, which turned into the hiss of letting her breath out. She felt as though she had just been punched in the heart at what she saw. Legolas stood calmly in her room, fingering an extravagant necklace of emeralds and diamonds. She knew it was probably something Tokilor had bought her, but she didn't know for sure since she hadn't bothered to look at them.
"I see you've been treated well. That's good to hear," the elf commented agreeably, as though he were talking about the weather to a friend. She simply stared at him.
"W-what are you doing here?" She asked nervously, fearful that he had become angry with her. She gave herself a little mental shake. Since when did she feel fear? Kalia straightened, her outward appearance calm once more. The woman strode easily over and sat down on the chaise lounge. "What are you doing here?" She asked again, her voice now even as she settled herself on the divan. Legolas smiled at her, causing her heart to skip a beat, and put the necklace down.
"I came to talk," He began, and was quick to reassure her when her hands involuntarily flew to her stomach. "No no, not about the baby. Well, in a way, yes. . . I don't think you should fight," he said finally. Kalia stared at him, as though she was waiting for him to laugh. At her silence, he rushed on. "Carrying the baby makes you more vulnerable. You'll want to protect her, and that makes you a coveted target. And if you do managed to get hurt, you risk losing her. Not that I'm doubting you," he said quickly, remembering how well that conversation had gone. "I'm just worried for you." Kalia said nothing, lowering her gaze to the ground.
"You're right. I had not thought about that," she confessed softly. "But how will I not be able to fight without revealing my. . . Condition? I don't want anyone else to know yet. Especially not Tokilor," she added. Legolas gave her a soft, lingering kiss and sat beside her.
"Pretend you are ill," he suggested. "Or you could come back with me," he suggested suddenly, the idea striking him like a thunderbolt. More thoughts rushed at him with that single one, and a plan began to form. "That way, he would come to us for you. He is not very smart," he said, and Kalia laughed, warming his heart. "I know you are probably uncomfortable with playing the lure, but it's just an idea." The woman looked thoughtful.
"Yes, that might work. But none can know we are leaving, so we had best do so quickly." She began to stand, but stopped and sat back down with a questioning look. Legolas had placed his hand on her thigh, indicating he wasn't finished. Reaching into the pocket of his cloak, he drew forth something shiny. The Tuathe female sucked in a breath, seeing it was a ring. The gold was delicately woven around tiny rubies, and a medium-sized diamond sat elegantly in the center. "It's. . . beautiful. . ." She whispered, allowing herself to tremble as the prince slipped it on her finger.
"Kalia of the Tuathe tribe," He began, and her shaking increased. "I swear to you that I will love you and cherish you, trust in you and believe you know what is right, and always be there for you even when our paths are rough. I swear to honor you, to respect you even though at times we will disagree, to be faithful and forsake all others for you. I swear these things to you, if you will have me as your husband." Legolas' heart sang out with happiness when she whispered his words back. Her voice was soft not out of fear or rejection, but because she was overwhelmed at the moment. She had never felt so much love.
"Legolas, prince of the Mirkwood elves, I swear to you that I will love you and cherish you, trust in you and believe you know what is right, and always be there for you even when our paths are rough. I swear to honor you, to respect you even though at times we will disagree, to be faithful and forsake all others for you. I swear these things to you, if you will have me as your wife."
"I will," they said in unison, and both laughed for no reason other than the pure joy they felt. They kissed, and both felt the love they had for each other infused into it. Then Kalia stood, and Legolas watched her pack her things. Luckily she had only brought her small pack, and wasn't taking anything Tokilor had given her.
"Alright," she said, not ten minutes later. "Let's go." Together, they headed for the window and made their way down. Kalia felt the excitement of sneaking out return to her, the thrill of it which she had not felt in a long time. She had become so good, it was too easy for her to get enthusiastic over anymore. But now she had Legolas to watch for, since she could not explain the locations and routes of the patrols. So he followed her, and she guided him out. With a content sigh, she thought, this is how it should be.
A/N: Just to let you know, the battle scene with Tokilor isn't going to be very long. I'm probably going to end this story on chapter 20, and I'm almost there. . . But don't worry! I'm going back and updating the other chapters on my computer as you read this, so you can go back and see added scenes. Yaaaay! Now, review like you did before! Make me HAPPY! (And get cyber cookies. Yay!)