Chapter 15 - The Stranger
"Trouble in Rivendell"
Usually, when a couple gets married, they go somewhere. May it be a long vacation, or just a night at a nice hotel, they at least go somewhere to be alone. But Lianna and Legolas had had enough of traveling. They just wanted to stay home, relax, and be with friends and family. So that's just what they did.
They lounged in bed late into the day. Lianna drifted in and out of sleep, but Legolas stared at the ceiling. In his mind, he wondered what was happening in Mirkwood. He felt Lianna awake next to him and roll to snuggle into his chest. She looked up at him.
"Legolas?" He snapped from his daydream and looked down to her. Her brow was furrowed, sadness in her eyes. Before he could ask what was wrong, she asked,
"You miss them, don't you?"
He didn't have to guess that she was talking about the Mirkwood Elves. "Sometimes."
Lianna bit her lip, as if deciding what to say next.
"Do you regret it?"
He just raised his brows at her, as if asking 'Are you serious?'
"Your decision, do you regret it?" She repeated.
"Never." He whispered with a half smile and an intense look in his eyes as he placed a soft kiss on her lips.
-------
Lianna felt as if no matter what happened, it could not disturb the peace and happiness that followed her around wherever she went. It was as if their being married warded off any evil. And the heavenly dream-like state of their lives continued.
For a while, anyway. The trouble started up again a week after the wedding. Silvegil said an Elf clad in black snuck past the guards and into Rivendell. Of course, Lianna didn't worry too much about it.
But Legolas was a bit more concerned. They lazed in their bed at the palace quite late in the morning, as had become their tradition. Just enjoying life, still enthralled with the bliss of each other's company. Legolas stared into her face and stroked her hair. She just looked back at him, for the longest time. Then, Legolas spoke,
"I wonder who the stranger is that snuck into Rivendell."
Lianna rolled her eyes playfully. "Who cares. Probably just some bum human looking to cop a meal." She teased, knowing how the statement would aggravate him.
"That's horrible." Legolas said, furrowing his brows at her. But then he shrugged, since she obviously wasn't going to apologize. "It doesn't matter, Silvegil said the guard was making rounds to find him."
The day went by, and as every day, Legolas and Lianna visited her family. But when Lianna opened the door, Silvegil stood in the doorway, hand extended to the doorknob.
He started, but smiled, "Lianna, Legolas. I was just coming to talk to you." He said, quickly giving her a kiss and stepping aside for them to enter.
"Shouldn't you be out with the guard making rounds for that stranger?" Legolas inquired. Silvegil pointed to the uniform he wore, and the bow on his back.
"I was. But I wanted to talk to Lianna because…" He gestured for them to sit at the table, and sat across from them. "Because Maldathar at the Tawny Rose said a stranger came in today asking questions about you. Maldathar called the guard, but the stranger was gone long before we got there."
Lianna just narrowed her eyes at him, but saw Legolas look at her from the corner of his eye. He stood suddenly and proclaimed,
"I knew it! I had a funny feeling that stranger was up to no good!" He pointed his finger to the distance like he knew where the stranger was.
Lianna gave him a sarcastic look. "Yes you're very smart." She turned to Silvegil, "But why would someone be asking about me?"
"That was what I was coming to talk to you about." His eyes suddenly became very serious, and Lianna did not like that look on her brother at all. "Do you know of anyone who would want to hurt you?"
She opened her mouth, but no words came out. She closed it again and simply shook her head. Silvegil looked to Legolas.
"The only people who had a reason to hate us are already gone." Legolas stated, referring to Katarina and Belegorn. Silvegil sighed.
"Okay. Just be careful, Lianna. Never go out without someone with you, especially not after dark. Maldathar said he got the distinct impression that this stranger thought none too highly of you." Lianna nodded, and felt Legolas's arm around her, as if Silvegil simply speaking of it would harm her.
Days passed, and it seemed as if the stranger just disappeared. Something new arose, though. A feeling of dread in her stomach, and chills ran down her spine every now and again. Mostly at night, she'd just get this awful feeling. The sudden urge to close and lock the balcony doors pounced on her, and she wouldn't be able to sleep until it was fulfilled.
Legolas told her she was being impractical, and she agreed. But the night chills didn't stop. And she still insisted on the doors being secured before sleeping.
One morning, Lianna and Legolas went to the Clearwater's. Legolas and Silvegil had made plans to hunt together. Lianna felt especially cheerful that day. The sun was shining, and she had the urge to skip. So, she did. She skipped and sang down the cobblestone path toward her family's cottage. Legolas just shook his head at her.
"What, honey? Do you think I'm silly?" She asked, in a tone one would use with their pet. Suddenly, she grabbed his hands and spun him around.
"What do you think you're doing?" He asked, half disbelieving, half laughing.
"I'm having some fun. Don't you remember what that is?" She teased. He narrowed his eyes at her, then held her hands tighter and spun her around. They laughed, and continued walking down the path.
"You make me act like an elfling." Legolas stated, as he intertwined their fingers. Lianna smiled mischievously.
"You don't need me for that." And then she took off down the path laughing, with Legolas close behind.
Silvegil was sharpening his knives when the pair burst through the door, hardly containing their laughter. He just raised his brow at them. Lianna walked past him and socked him lightly in the arm.
"Hello brother. Going off with my husband to pretend you're manly?" She smiled down at him as she laid a hand on his shoulder. Silvegil scowled, but could not hide the laughter in his eyes as he jabbed her in the stomach with his elbow. Lianna grunted and cuffed him in the back of the head with a cackle. Silvegil snatched at her, but she was too quick. He just shook his head with a smile and looked to Legolas.
"Ready?" He asked, and Legolas nodded. Belegûr and Reuben came inside from the garden with two packs slung over their shoulders.
"Going hunting?" Reuben asked.
"Yes, little brother, like real Elves." Silvegil quipped, knowing his little brother hated feeling like an elfling.
Legolas gave Lianna a kiss before following Silvegil out the door. "Have fun, kiddies!" She called after them. Belegûr was in the kitchen, putting away what he and Reuben had harvested from their small garden. Lianna tousled her little brother's hair before going to help her father.
-------
Silvegil and Legolas were creeping through the woods, bows drawn. They hadn't seen or heard anything yet, but they weren't about to give up. But when they did see something, they'd wish they hadn't.
Something black flew from a tree above and knocked Silvegil's bow from his hand. It was an Elf. Or a human. Something in a black cloak. His hood was drawn too far over his face for Legolas to see who or what he was.
The attacker threw a sudden kick Legolas's way, but the Elf jumped back and threw his bow to the ground. He fought much better with his knives. Drawing them from behind his back, he stood in attack position. But an attack would never come.
Silvegil jumped on the enemy's back. The movement was unexpected, and it seemed that Silvegil had the situation under control. Legolas moved in to assist in the apprehension, but a leg came flying at his midsection suddenly. Legolas was knocked to the ground. By the time he got up, the attacker had already pushed himself back into a tree, crushing Silvegil. He spun under Silvegil's weakened arms and in one liquid motion, drove his knife into his stomach.
The attacker had turned to an astonished Legolas, giving him a good look at his face, as his hood had been thrown back by Silvegil's attack. The stranger took a step toward Legolas, as if to attack, but a sound stopped him.
When the knife hit him, Silvegil had let out a loud yell. Now, an Elf was heard in the near distance, shouting to another Elf. The guard. They were never far away. Luckily, Silvegil and Legolas were hunting near enough to them that they were heard.
Both Legolas and the stranger's heads turned to where the shouts were coming from, and when Legolas looked back, the stranger was gone. The brush was still rustling from where he had dove into the woods to make his escape. Legolas jumped after him with sudden fury burning in his chest. But he stopped. Silvegil's labored breathing could be heard, and Legolas rushed to his side.
A scarlet pool had already formed under him and his tunic was drenched. He was leaning against the tree, clutching his stomach.
"Are you okay?" Silvegil asked Legolas quickly, when he kneeled beside him and took his face in his hands.
"Yes, I'm fine, Silvegil. You saved my life."
Silvegil gave a weak smile, "Make sure they remember me."
Legolas laugh quietly, nervously, "I wouldn't worry about that."
Silvegil looked to the sky, "It beautiful. I'm glad they picked this day for me to die."
Legolas's lip stiffened into a thin line, "You're not going to die." He stated.
Silvegil placed his bloody hand over Legolas's, his voice becoming shaky, "You tell Ada I love him. Tell Reuben to be a kid. It's the best time of his life, and he'll never get the chance again. And tell Lianna that no matter what I did to her, I've always loved her and wanted the best for her."
Sudden tears welled in Legolas's eyes. "You can tell them yourself, Silvegil. Stay awake, please!" He said urgently, as Silvegil's eyes began to come unfocused and roll up in his head.
He focused one last time on Legolas's eyes. "Tell Legolas…" He said as his eyes turned cloudy.
"I'm here." Legolas choked out, as he squeezed Silvegil's slippery hand.
"Tell Legolas to live." Silvegil stated firmly. "Live." He whispered, before his eyes rolled back and his hand fell from Legolas's.
"No. No, no, no." Legolas muttered, as he cradled Silvegil's body in his arms, gently rocking him. Hearing the guards closer, he called "Help!" with his voice cracking through his tears. "Somebody help!" He called again.
But it was already too late.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A/N…Aren't I terrible? Now we have a whole nother set of difficult situations to deal with. And the mystery of the attacker in black.
P.S Silvegil's dying statements are loosely based on the movie 'Signs' when Graham's wife dies.
Artria - Thanks much! I'm glad we agree on Arwen. It was fun to describe her. That's how my best friend would be if I got married. I have so much to thank you for! So thanks oodles!!
Orangeblossom07 - I'm not done just yet. This will be the last story in the Legolas/Lianna series. I feel like I've written it out. And I have my other Legolas/Jocelyn series to work on. You're a great reviewer, thanks!
ChildofGod-4ever - I am SO glad someone is giving me suggestions! Thanks, I think I might use it in my other story that is in the works, the sequel to 'What's My Name Again?'. : ) Keep reviewing! Love ya!!
Undouviel - Thanks! It's great to hear that my writing affects people. A: That's for me to know and for you to find out…but I can just say it's not the last we'll see of her! : )
TPfan333 - Aw, thanks!! I did my best. I love weddings. Never stop reviewing!
-Austin B.
"Trouble in Rivendell"
Usually, when a couple gets married, they go somewhere. May it be a long vacation, or just a night at a nice hotel, they at least go somewhere to be alone. But Lianna and Legolas had had enough of traveling. They just wanted to stay home, relax, and be with friends and family. So that's just what they did.
They lounged in bed late into the day. Lianna drifted in and out of sleep, but Legolas stared at the ceiling. In his mind, he wondered what was happening in Mirkwood. He felt Lianna awake next to him and roll to snuggle into his chest. She looked up at him.
"Legolas?" He snapped from his daydream and looked down to her. Her brow was furrowed, sadness in her eyes. Before he could ask what was wrong, she asked,
"You miss them, don't you?"
He didn't have to guess that she was talking about the Mirkwood Elves. "Sometimes."
Lianna bit her lip, as if deciding what to say next.
"Do you regret it?"
He just raised his brows at her, as if asking 'Are you serious?'
"Your decision, do you regret it?" She repeated.
"Never." He whispered with a half smile and an intense look in his eyes as he placed a soft kiss on her lips.
-------
Lianna felt as if no matter what happened, it could not disturb the peace and happiness that followed her around wherever she went. It was as if their being married warded off any evil. And the heavenly dream-like state of their lives continued.
For a while, anyway. The trouble started up again a week after the wedding. Silvegil said an Elf clad in black snuck past the guards and into Rivendell. Of course, Lianna didn't worry too much about it.
But Legolas was a bit more concerned. They lazed in their bed at the palace quite late in the morning, as had become their tradition. Just enjoying life, still enthralled with the bliss of each other's company. Legolas stared into her face and stroked her hair. She just looked back at him, for the longest time. Then, Legolas spoke,
"I wonder who the stranger is that snuck into Rivendell."
Lianna rolled her eyes playfully. "Who cares. Probably just some bum human looking to cop a meal." She teased, knowing how the statement would aggravate him.
"That's horrible." Legolas said, furrowing his brows at her. But then he shrugged, since she obviously wasn't going to apologize. "It doesn't matter, Silvegil said the guard was making rounds to find him."
The day went by, and as every day, Legolas and Lianna visited her family. But when Lianna opened the door, Silvegil stood in the doorway, hand extended to the doorknob.
He started, but smiled, "Lianna, Legolas. I was just coming to talk to you." He said, quickly giving her a kiss and stepping aside for them to enter.
"Shouldn't you be out with the guard making rounds for that stranger?" Legolas inquired. Silvegil pointed to the uniform he wore, and the bow on his back.
"I was. But I wanted to talk to Lianna because…" He gestured for them to sit at the table, and sat across from them. "Because Maldathar at the Tawny Rose said a stranger came in today asking questions about you. Maldathar called the guard, but the stranger was gone long before we got there."
Lianna just narrowed her eyes at him, but saw Legolas look at her from the corner of his eye. He stood suddenly and proclaimed,
"I knew it! I had a funny feeling that stranger was up to no good!" He pointed his finger to the distance like he knew where the stranger was.
Lianna gave him a sarcastic look. "Yes you're very smart." She turned to Silvegil, "But why would someone be asking about me?"
"That was what I was coming to talk to you about." His eyes suddenly became very serious, and Lianna did not like that look on her brother at all. "Do you know of anyone who would want to hurt you?"
She opened her mouth, but no words came out. She closed it again and simply shook her head. Silvegil looked to Legolas.
"The only people who had a reason to hate us are already gone." Legolas stated, referring to Katarina and Belegorn. Silvegil sighed.
"Okay. Just be careful, Lianna. Never go out without someone with you, especially not after dark. Maldathar said he got the distinct impression that this stranger thought none too highly of you." Lianna nodded, and felt Legolas's arm around her, as if Silvegil simply speaking of it would harm her.
Days passed, and it seemed as if the stranger just disappeared. Something new arose, though. A feeling of dread in her stomach, and chills ran down her spine every now and again. Mostly at night, she'd just get this awful feeling. The sudden urge to close and lock the balcony doors pounced on her, and she wouldn't be able to sleep until it was fulfilled.
Legolas told her she was being impractical, and she agreed. But the night chills didn't stop. And she still insisted on the doors being secured before sleeping.
One morning, Lianna and Legolas went to the Clearwater's. Legolas and Silvegil had made plans to hunt together. Lianna felt especially cheerful that day. The sun was shining, and she had the urge to skip. So, she did. She skipped and sang down the cobblestone path toward her family's cottage. Legolas just shook his head at her.
"What, honey? Do you think I'm silly?" She asked, in a tone one would use with their pet. Suddenly, she grabbed his hands and spun him around.
"What do you think you're doing?" He asked, half disbelieving, half laughing.
"I'm having some fun. Don't you remember what that is?" She teased. He narrowed his eyes at her, then held her hands tighter and spun her around. They laughed, and continued walking down the path.
"You make me act like an elfling." Legolas stated, as he intertwined their fingers. Lianna smiled mischievously.
"You don't need me for that." And then she took off down the path laughing, with Legolas close behind.
Silvegil was sharpening his knives when the pair burst through the door, hardly containing their laughter. He just raised his brow at them. Lianna walked past him and socked him lightly in the arm.
"Hello brother. Going off with my husband to pretend you're manly?" She smiled down at him as she laid a hand on his shoulder. Silvegil scowled, but could not hide the laughter in his eyes as he jabbed her in the stomach with his elbow. Lianna grunted and cuffed him in the back of the head with a cackle. Silvegil snatched at her, but she was too quick. He just shook his head with a smile and looked to Legolas.
"Ready?" He asked, and Legolas nodded. Belegûr and Reuben came inside from the garden with two packs slung over their shoulders.
"Going hunting?" Reuben asked.
"Yes, little brother, like real Elves." Silvegil quipped, knowing his little brother hated feeling like an elfling.
Legolas gave Lianna a kiss before following Silvegil out the door. "Have fun, kiddies!" She called after them. Belegûr was in the kitchen, putting away what he and Reuben had harvested from their small garden. Lianna tousled her little brother's hair before going to help her father.
-------
Silvegil and Legolas were creeping through the woods, bows drawn. They hadn't seen or heard anything yet, but they weren't about to give up. But when they did see something, they'd wish they hadn't.
Something black flew from a tree above and knocked Silvegil's bow from his hand. It was an Elf. Or a human. Something in a black cloak. His hood was drawn too far over his face for Legolas to see who or what he was.
The attacker threw a sudden kick Legolas's way, but the Elf jumped back and threw his bow to the ground. He fought much better with his knives. Drawing them from behind his back, he stood in attack position. But an attack would never come.
Silvegil jumped on the enemy's back. The movement was unexpected, and it seemed that Silvegil had the situation under control. Legolas moved in to assist in the apprehension, but a leg came flying at his midsection suddenly. Legolas was knocked to the ground. By the time he got up, the attacker had already pushed himself back into a tree, crushing Silvegil. He spun under Silvegil's weakened arms and in one liquid motion, drove his knife into his stomach.
The attacker had turned to an astonished Legolas, giving him a good look at his face, as his hood had been thrown back by Silvegil's attack. The stranger took a step toward Legolas, as if to attack, but a sound stopped him.
When the knife hit him, Silvegil had let out a loud yell. Now, an Elf was heard in the near distance, shouting to another Elf. The guard. They were never far away. Luckily, Silvegil and Legolas were hunting near enough to them that they were heard.
Both Legolas and the stranger's heads turned to where the shouts were coming from, and when Legolas looked back, the stranger was gone. The brush was still rustling from where he had dove into the woods to make his escape. Legolas jumped after him with sudden fury burning in his chest. But he stopped. Silvegil's labored breathing could be heard, and Legolas rushed to his side.
A scarlet pool had already formed under him and his tunic was drenched. He was leaning against the tree, clutching his stomach.
"Are you okay?" Silvegil asked Legolas quickly, when he kneeled beside him and took his face in his hands.
"Yes, I'm fine, Silvegil. You saved my life."
Silvegil gave a weak smile, "Make sure they remember me."
Legolas laugh quietly, nervously, "I wouldn't worry about that."
Silvegil looked to the sky, "It beautiful. I'm glad they picked this day for me to die."
Legolas's lip stiffened into a thin line, "You're not going to die." He stated.
Silvegil placed his bloody hand over Legolas's, his voice becoming shaky, "You tell Ada I love him. Tell Reuben to be a kid. It's the best time of his life, and he'll never get the chance again. And tell Lianna that no matter what I did to her, I've always loved her and wanted the best for her."
Sudden tears welled in Legolas's eyes. "You can tell them yourself, Silvegil. Stay awake, please!" He said urgently, as Silvegil's eyes began to come unfocused and roll up in his head.
He focused one last time on Legolas's eyes. "Tell Legolas…" He said as his eyes turned cloudy.
"I'm here." Legolas choked out, as he squeezed Silvegil's slippery hand.
"Tell Legolas to live." Silvegil stated firmly. "Live." He whispered, before his eyes rolled back and his hand fell from Legolas's.
"No. No, no, no." Legolas muttered, as he cradled Silvegil's body in his arms, gently rocking him. Hearing the guards closer, he called "Help!" with his voice cracking through his tears. "Somebody help!" He called again.
But it was already too late.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A/N…Aren't I terrible? Now we have a whole nother set of difficult situations to deal with. And the mystery of the attacker in black.
P.S Silvegil's dying statements are loosely based on the movie 'Signs' when Graham's wife dies.
Artria - Thanks much! I'm glad we agree on Arwen. It was fun to describe her. That's how my best friend would be if I got married. I have so much to thank you for! So thanks oodles!!
Orangeblossom07 - I'm not done just yet. This will be the last story in the Legolas/Lianna series. I feel like I've written it out. And I have my other Legolas/Jocelyn series to work on. You're a great reviewer, thanks!
ChildofGod-4ever - I am SO glad someone is giving me suggestions! Thanks, I think I might use it in my other story that is in the works, the sequel to 'What's My Name Again?'. : ) Keep reviewing! Love ya!!
Undouviel - Thanks! It's great to hear that my writing affects people. A: That's for me to know and for you to find out…but I can just say it's not the last we'll see of her! : )
TPfan333 - Aw, thanks!! I did my best. I love weddings. Never stop reviewing!
-Austin B.