My generous and loving reviewers:
Dark phoenix- you are amazing, and I thank you for all your great support. You have been there for me since the very beginning, and never said an unkind thing! I LOVE YOU!
Orlandofan13- I love your name (and Orlando). Thanks for the great review! By the way, can you WAIT for Troy to come out? (
Supergurl15- it's going to heat up even more, as long as I have something to say about it. RotK was definitely the best, though I was really sad too! I cried at the end, when Frodo left, and during all the Frodo/Sam moments. Hmm, I might write something about that. . .
Mdemanatee- it's always great to know that my work is appreciated.. Thanks so much for your compliments, though I really don't deserve them. I'm not half as good as some of the writers here!
((Please recommend my story to a friend. I'm in love with reviews!))
----
Chapter Five
"Reunion"
---
The morning sun rose that morning, blood red against the dry horizon. Eowyn found herself mesmerized by the beauty of it, yet Legolas seemed to be most unnerved.
"The red sun rises," he said, "Blood has been spilled this past night."
Eowyn had merely glanced at him, not putting much stock into his words. She was not one for magic and assumptions based on superstitions, but there was always something about Legolas that made her believe him. Regardless, her head called to her stronger than her heart did, and she dismissed his words and put them aside as foolish nonsense.
As they packed up camp and set off towards the comrades, both seemed determined to not mention anything about the previous evening. They ran and walked in complete silence, an uneasy nervousness settling itself around them. Eowyn was fine with this, as she had no way to express her feelings to her Elven companion. Some part of her, however, wished that she and Legolas could discuss their emotions, and maybe get around to doing what they had been about to..
Eowyn's wound had recovered surprisingly quickly after bathing the previous night, though her conscience was quite hurt. She was able to move with almost as much efficiency as she had before, and now didn't have to worry about slowing Legolas down. She was more than a match for him.
Together, they moved over the plains silently and quickly. Eowyn found herself becoming more and more exhilarated with each passing step. Her strength was not leaving her, it was gaining with every breath she took. Eowyn was alive, and thriving, for the first time in her life.
They ran for what seemed like forever, yet also appeared to have gone by in the blink of an eye. Legolas came to a stop suddenly, before a towering cliff with a road winding up the side of it. "We are here," he said at last. "It looks as if the rest have yet to catch up with us." He glanced up at the top of the cliff. There was some movement. "Let's go up there, My Lady, for I can see some beings."
She nodded her consent, and they set off together, simultaneously, up the winding road. The hill was quite a strain on Eowyn's almost healed lungs, yet she didn't quit until she reached the top and saw the smiling face of her uncle, the King.
"Eowyn," her uncle breathed, "Is it really you? Or do mine eyes deceive me? Am I looking on the ghost of my beautiful niece, or on her body, thriving and well again?"
She smiled, and rushed forward, taking his weathered hands in hers. "Your eyes deceive you naught, Uncle, for I am here and well again." She nodded her head back towards Legolas. "Master Legolas has been most kind, and has nursed me back to full health."
Theoden looked over his niece's shoulder to where the elf stood, at attention. His bow was slung over his shoulder, and he had regained control of his heavy breathing. His eyes were alert and watchful. Legolas was the perfect example of an Elven warrior.
"My deepest gratitude towards you, Master Elf. If it weren't for your determination, my niece would have been left to die alone and unaided. I thank you most heartily for your help." He reached over and pumped Legolas' hand up and down vigorously.
Legolas smiled in acknowledgement, but his eyes were searching for someone. "Where is Lord Aragorn, my Lord?" he asked, the concern barely evident in his tone.
Theoden glanced around him. "Oh, he's somewhere. Likes to be alone, he does. Master Gimli is probably with him as well, they have become quite close in your absence." Eowyn bit back a grin. One of the things Legolas had told her on their journey together was how he and the dwarf bickered often. But, Legolas had said, underneath it all they both had a profound admiration for each other.
Eowyn glanced over at her Elven companion, trying to understand what he was feeling. She herself was confused yet strangely at peace, knowing that Legolas somewhat returned her affection towards him. Now that she was back in the presence of her uncle, Eowyn only wished that he would leave so she and Legolas could have some time alone together.
Legolas seemed to sense this and agree with her, yet before he could speak the unmistakably joyous shout of Lord Aragorn was heard over the noise made by the soldiers who surrounded Eowyn, Legolas, and Theoden.
The Heir of Gondor soon came into sight, his brown hair flying out behind him as he ran towards Legolas. The joy on his face was unmistakable. He skidded to a stop right before Legolas. The jeweled pendant that he wore around his neck, Eowyn noticed, had faded to silver and steel, rather than the diamond it had been when she had first seen it.
"You're late," Aragorn was saying to Legolas, a smirk evident beneath his serious expression. His eyes quickly surveyed his friend. "And you look terrible."
Legolas looked at Aragorn for a moment, and then broke into laughter. His laugh was musical and poised, like everything else about him. Eowyn found herself almost swooning. She became quite angry at her uncontrollable emotions. After all, she was a Shield Maiden of Rohan, not some lovesick milkmaid.
Aragorn started to laugh as well, and the two embraced, hugging each other quite tightly. Although Eowyn knew that they were quite good friends, she had had no idea how deep the roots of their friendship actually went. Now, they seemed to her like they were brothers.
Gimli the Dwarf soon appeared. "What is all this commotion?" he asked gruffly, "I was trying to get some sleep. What's a dwarf have to do to get some rest now a days?" But he was smiling as well.
"Hello Gimli," Legolas said pleasantly, breaking away from his embrace with Legolas.
Gimli nodded, apparently satisfied. "Come back with your young lass, have you laddie?" he asked brazenly. "Well, I hope you can stay out of trouble now that she is back and safe."
The Elf, the Man, and the Dwarf all stared at each other for sometime, and it seemed to Eowyn like it was a test of wills. A test to see which one would admit that they needed the other, that their quest had brought them to be closer than brothers. She hoped they would all admit it before it was too late.
---
"So young laddie, tell your friends all about your journey."
The others that King Theoden had called upon were beginning to arrive. The camp was quickly filling with the Riders of Rohan and other foot soldiers. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli had set up camp on the very edge of the territory, hoping to get some privacy, so they could talk in peace.
Legolas shook his blonde head at Gimli's request. "Nothing happened. I tended to her, and she recovered fairly quickly." He smiled in quiet admiration. "Eowyn is a very strong woman."
"Oh," said Gimli mischievously, "So it is Eowyn now, not Lady of Rohan or My Lady. Have you two really grown that close, Legolas?"
The Elf groaned at his companion. "Nay, Master Gimli, we have not grown that close in our companionship. We are merely good friends, nothing more, nothing less."
Gimli and Aragorn exchanged speculative glances. "It went that badly, eh?" Aragorn asked, trying to sound sympathetic.
"I am an Elf, Aragorn, and much older than you and Gimli. I have been on this world for a very long time, and there is nothing I have not experienced, save for the sweet embrace of a loving woman's arms." Legolas suddenly seemed very old and weary. "If I were not of the Elven race, I would have taken advantage of my situation. But Eowyn is a mortal, and I an elf. It could not work between us."
Aragorn put a comforting hand on Legolas' shoulder. "I understand your pain, nin mellon, for I experience the same agony you go through, though our roles are reversed. If you truly care for the Lady Eowyn, do not let race interfere. Seek her out, and see if she feels the same. You never do know."
The three of them sat in silence for a while, until Legolas finally asked, "How is Theoden doing? Do we have the troops needed to put up a fight?"
Aragorn laughed, but with no humor. "We have not enough men to put up a fight against the Hobbits, Legolas, my friend. We cannot possibly win with the amount of soldiers and riders we have. There is another way though, I am sure.." Aragorn trailed, off clearly in pain.
"I can see your heart, my friend," Legolas said calmly, "The King in you calls to defend your realm, just as I hear the calling to defend mine. You shall find a way, Aragorn, I am sure of it."
---
Legolas sought solitude for the last hours of the day, so he climbed to the highest point of the mountain, and sat there, watching the sun die. His thoughts were all so muddled, and his future so uncertain. It was not like him to be this nervous, this apprehensive, on the eve of a battle.
"It is quite peaceful up here, is it not?"
The familiar and wondrously feminine voice filled Legolas' ears. His heart rejoiced, and he felt more at peace than he had sitting in solitude a few moments ago. "Lady Eowyn," he said in acknowledgement.
"It is strange to be around others again. I was so used to being alone with the wilderness." Her gray eyes sought out his brilliant blues, and held his gaze. "I was so used to being alone with you."
"Eowyn," Legolas began.
Gracefully, Eowyn lifted a finger to her lips. "Please don't tell me what can and cannot happen, Legolas. That is what others have been doing to me my whole life. I fear a cage more than anything else. Legolas, let me make my own decisions. I know this is right."
"Eowyn," Legolas said again, "You are the most wondrous creature I have ever set eyes on. Your beauty comes from within, and makes you shine more than the greatest Elven women. Although I did not wish it to be so, my heart belongs to you, and it shall for all eternity."
The Lady gasped in shock, and found herself sitting down next to Legolas. "I am so unsure, Legolas. What is going to happen to us?"
Legolas daringly reached his arm, and wrapped it around her thin shoulders, pulling her close to him. "I care not, Eowyn. I care only that you are here with me. I shall protect you, forever. You need not fear for your life."
Eowyn gazed up at him. "I do believe my emotions are taking hold of me," she said slowly, as their faces moved closer and closer together. "I cannot believe this is.." All intelligent words were cut off as their lips joined.
There was an urgency to their kiss, and it was fueled by grief of those lost, and despair for those living. All the anxiousness of the coming battle, all the fears for the future, all the worries about acceptance were all poured into that one kiss. Eowyn and Legolas found themselves caught in a wild blaze of passion. Their arms coiled around each other, and the kiss deepened.
Then, all the thoughts and worries and fears flew from their minds, and the only concentration was on the present. Drawn together by a mutual love and ecstasy, Legolas and Eowyn found themselves becoming one underneath the blanketed stars.
---
Hmm.. I really didn't start out writing this chapter with the intention of that happening. But I think it works fairly well. They are both nervous about the future and their love for one another.. Who knows what could have happened? I'm just worried about what will happen when they realize what they've done.. Eeek, I can't believe I write these things!
Please leave a review, this is by far the most controversial chapter yet. It will be a lot longer folks, so settle down. The fun is just beginning! Who knows where this will end up?
~Moonlit Tears
1/12/04
Dark phoenix- you are amazing, and I thank you for all your great support. You have been there for me since the very beginning, and never said an unkind thing! I LOVE YOU!
Orlandofan13- I love your name (and Orlando). Thanks for the great review! By the way, can you WAIT for Troy to come out? (
Supergurl15- it's going to heat up even more, as long as I have something to say about it. RotK was definitely the best, though I was really sad too! I cried at the end, when Frodo left, and during all the Frodo/Sam moments. Hmm, I might write something about that. . .
Mdemanatee- it's always great to know that my work is appreciated.. Thanks so much for your compliments, though I really don't deserve them. I'm not half as good as some of the writers here!
((Please recommend my story to a friend. I'm in love with reviews!))
----
Chapter Five
"Reunion"
---
The morning sun rose that morning, blood red against the dry horizon. Eowyn found herself mesmerized by the beauty of it, yet Legolas seemed to be most unnerved.
"The red sun rises," he said, "Blood has been spilled this past night."
Eowyn had merely glanced at him, not putting much stock into his words. She was not one for magic and assumptions based on superstitions, but there was always something about Legolas that made her believe him. Regardless, her head called to her stronger than her heart did, and she dismissed his words and put them aside as foolish nonsense.
As they packed up camp and set off towards the comrades, both seemed determined to not mention anything about the previous evening. They ran and walked in complete silence, an uneasy nervousness settling itself around them. Eowyn was fine with this, as she had no way to express her feelings to her Elven companion. Some part of her, however, wished that she and Legolas could discuss their emotions, and maybe get around to doing what they had been about to..
Eowyn's wound had recovered surprisingly quickly after bathing the previous night, though her conscience was quite hurt. She was able to move with almost as much efficiency as she had before, and now didn't have to worry about slowing Legolas down. She was more than a match for him.
Together, they moved over the plains silently and quickly. Eowyn found herself becoming more and more exhilarated with each passing step. Her strength was not leaving her, it was gaining with every breath she took. Eowyn was alive, and thriving, for the first time in her life.
They ran for what seemed like forever, yet also appeared to have gone by in the blink of an eye. Legolas came to a stop suddenly, before a towering cliff with a road winding up the side of it. "We are here," he said at last. "It looks as if the rest have yet to catch up with us." He glanced up at the top of the cliff. There was some movement. "Let's go up there, My Lady, for I can see some beings."
She nodded her consent, and they set off together, simultaneously, up the winding road. The hill was quite a strain on Eowyn's almost healed lungs, yet she didn't quit until she reached the top and saw the smiling face of her uncle, the King.
"Eowyn," her uncle breathed, "Is it really you? Or do mine eyes deceive me? Am I looking on the ghost of my beautiful niece, or on her body, thriving and well again?"
She smiled, and rushed forward, taking his weathered hands in hers. "Your eyes deceive you naught, Uncle, for I am here and well again." She nodded her head back towards Legolas. "Master Legolas has been most kind, and has nursed me back to full health."
Theoden looked over his niece's shoulder to where the elf stood, at attention. His bow was slung over his shoulder, and he had regained control of his heavy breathing. His eyes were alert and watchful. Legolas was the perfect example of an Elven warrior.
"My deepest gratitude towards you, Master Elf. If it weren't for your determination, my niece would have been left to die alone and unaided. I thank you most heartily for your help." He reached over and pumped Legolas' hand up and down vigorously.
Legolas smiled in acknowledgement, but his eyes were searching for someone. "Where is Lord Aragorn, my Lord?" he asked, the concern barely evident in his tone.
Theoden glanced around him. "Oh, he's somewhere. Likes to be alone, he does. Master Gimli is probably with him as well, they have become quite close in your absence." Eowyn bit back a grin. One of the things Legolas had told her on their journey together was how he and the dwarf bickered often. But, Legolas had said, underneath it all they both had a profound admiration for each other.
Eowyn glanced over at her Elven companion, trying to understand what he was feeling. She herself was confused yet strangely at peace, knowing that Legolas somewhat returned her affection towards him. Now that she was back in the presence of her uncle, Eowyn only wished that he would leave so she and Legolas could have some time alone together.
Legolas seemed to sense this and agree with her, yet before he could speak the unmistakably joyous shout of Lord Aragorn was heard over the noise made by the soldiers who surrounded Eowyn, Legolas, and Theoden.
The Heir of Gondor soon came into sight, his brown hair flying out behind him as he ran towards Legolas. The joy on his face was unmistakable. He skidded to a stop right before Legolas. The jeweled pendant that he wore around his neck, Eowyn noticed, had faded to silver and steel, rather than the diamond it had been when she had first seen it.
"You're late," Aragorn was saying to Legolas, a smirk evident beneath his serious expression. His eyes quickly surveyed his friend. "And you look terrible."
Legolas looked at Aragorn for a moment, and then broke into laughter. His laugh was musical and poised, like everything else about him. Eowyn found herself almost swooning. She became quite angry at her uncontrollable emotions. After all, she was a Shield Maiden of Rohan, not some lovesick milkmaid.
Aragorn started to laugh as well, and the two embraced, hugging each other quite tightly. Although Eowyn knew that they were quite good friends, she had had no idea how deep the roots of their friendship actually went. Now, they seemed to her like they were brothers.
Gimli the Dwarf soon appeared. "What is all this commotion?" he asked gruffly, "I was trying to get some sleep. What's a dwarf have to do to get some rest now a days?" But he was smiling as well.
"Hello Gimli," Legolas said pleasantly, breaking away from his embrace with Legolas.
Gimli nodded, apparently satisfied. "Come back with your young lass, have you laddie?" he asked brazenly. "Well, I hope you can stay out of trouble now that she is back and safe."
The Elf, the Man, and the Dwarf all stared at each other for sometime, and it seemed to Eowyn like it was a test of wills. A test to see which one would admit that they needed the other, that their quest had brought them to be closer than brothers. She hoped they would all admit it before it was too late.
---
"So young laddie, tell your friends all about your journey."
The others that King Theoden had called upon were beginning to arrive. The camp was quickly filling with the Riders of Rohan and other foot soldiers. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli had set up camp on the very edge of the territory, hoping to get some privacy, so they could talk in peace.
Legolas shook his blonde head at Gimli's request. "Nothing happened. I tended to her, and she recovered fairly quickly." He smiled in quiet admiration. "Eowyn is a very strong woman."
"Oh," said Gimli mischievously, "So it is Eowyn now, not Lady of Rohan or My Lady. Have you two really grown that close, Legolas?"
The Elf groaned at his companion. "Nay, Master Gimli, we have not grown that close in our companionship. We are merely good friends, nothing more, nothing less."
Gimli and Aragorn exchanged speculative glances. "It went that badly, eh?" Aragorn asked, trying to sound sympathetic.
"I am an Elf, Aragorn, and much older than you and Gimli. I have been on this world for a very long time, and there is nothing I have not experienced, save for the sweet embrace of a loving woman's arms." Legolas suddenly seemed very old and weary. "If I were not of the Elven race, I would have taken advantage of my situation. But Eowyn is a mortal, and I an elf. It could not work between us."
Aragorn put a comforting hand on Legolas' shoulder. "I understand your pain, nin mellon, for I experience the same agony you go through, though our roles are reversed. If you truly care for the Lady Eowyn, do not let race interfere. Seek her out, and see if she feels the same. You never do know."
The three of them sat in silence for a while, until Legolas finally asked, "How is Theoden doing? Do we have the troops needed to put up a fight?"
Aragorn laughed, but with no humor. "We have not enough men to put up a fight against the Hobbits, Legolas, my friend. We cannot possibly win with the amount of soldiers and riders we have. There is another way though, I am sure.." Aragorn trailed, off clearly in pain.
"I can see your heart, my friend," Legolas said calmly, "The King in you calls to defend your realm, just as I hear the calling to defend mine. You shall find a way, Aragorn, I am sure of it."
---
Legolas sought solitude for the last hours of the day, so he climbed to the highest point of the mountain, and sat there, watching the sun die. His thoughts were all so muddled, and his future so uncertain. It was not like him to be this nervous, this apprehensive, on the eve of a battle.
"It is quite peaceful up here, is it not?"
The familiar and wondrously feminine voice filled Legolas' ears. His heart rejoiced, and he felt more at peace than he had sitting in solitude a few moments ago. "Lady Eowyn," he said in acknowledgement.
"It is strange to be around others again. I was so used to being alone with the wilderness." Her gray eyes sought out his brilliant blues, and held his gaze. "I was so used to being alone with you."
"Eowyn," Legolas began.
Gracefully, Eowyn lifted a finger to her lips. "Please don't tell me what can and cannot happen, Legolas. That is what others have been doing to me my whole life. I fear a cage more than anything else. Legolas, let me make my own decisions. I know this is right."
"Eowyn," Legolas said again, "You are the most wondrous creature I have ever set eyes on. Your beauty comes from within, and makes you shine more than the greatest Elven women. Although I did not wish it to be so, my heart belongs to you, and it shall for all eternity."
The Lady gasped in shock, and found herself sitting down next to Legolas. "I am so unsure, Legolas. What is going to happen to us?"
Legolas daringly reached his arm, and wrapped it around her thin shoulders, pulling her close to him. "I care not, Eowyn. I care only that you are here with me. I shall protect you, forever. You need not fear for your life."
Eowyn gazed up at him. "I do believe my emotions are taking hold of me," she said slowly, as their faces moved closer and closer together. "I cannot believe this is.." All intelligent words were cut off as their lips joined.
There was an urgency to their kiss, and it was fueled by grief of those lost, and despair for those living. All the anxiousness of the coming battle, all the fears for the future, all the worries about acceptance were all poured into that one kiss. Eowyn and Legolas found themselves caught in a wild blaze of passion. Their arms coiled around each other, and the kiss deepened.
Then, all the thoughts and worries and fears flew from their minds, and the only concentration was on the present. Drawn together by a mutual love and ecstasy, Legolas and Eowyn found themselves becoming one underneath the blanketed stars.
---
Hmm.. I really didn't start out writing this chapter with the intention of that happening. But I think it works fairly well. They are both nervous about the future and their love for one another.. Who knows what could have happened? I'm just worried about what will happen when they realize what they've done.. Eeek, I can't believe I write these things!
Please leave a review, this is by far the most controversial chapter yet. It will be a lot longer folks, so settle down. The fun is just beginning! Who knows where this will end up?
~Moonlit Tears
1/12/04