Chapter Seven
Hey all! So sorry for the delay. I have been slacking so much, and I wanted this chapter to be super good....And if it is not, I am deeply sorry. Also, if you didn't notice, I re-wrote Chapter Six. I just couldn't get into the flow of it, so I completely changed it...hopefully you liked the redone one better than the previous. If not, let me know. Thanks everybody for the awesome reviews! It is what keeps me going! Well, read and review...
WARNING: This chapter gets a little graphic towards the end. Just wanted to give you a heads up!!
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Elladen stood next to his brother as they laughed at a comment Glorfindel made. Looking to the entryway, he spotted his baby sister walking into the dancing hall with Legolas.
Hand in hand.
Frowning, he watched as they stopped next to pillar. Nebride leaned her back against it and Legolas leaned in close to her, threading his fingers through hers as he said something to her. The raven haired she-elf smiled brightly and nodded. Elladen's eyes widened slightly when Legolas leaned closer and placed a light kiss on her lips.
Turning to his brother, he saw that Elrohir was in deep discussion with Glorfindel. He looked back, only to see Nebride and Legolas gone from the pillar. He searched the crowd, his eyes looking for a head of black hair, but he could only see Arwen. Did I see what I think I did?, he wondered.
"Legolas, Nebride!"
Elladen turned at his brother's mention of the two people he had been searching for. Elrohir was smiling as the two elves in question walked up to them, smiling. "Legolas, you remember Glorfindel," he said, gesturing to the older, blonde elf beside him.
Legolas smiled. "Of course," he said, reaching out and clasping the elf's shoulder. "Mae govannen, Glorfindel."
Glorfindel clasped Legolas' shoulder in return. "Legolas, it's good to see you again." He looked over to the dark haired beauty next to Legolas, and recognition registered in his eyes.
Elrohir smiled affectionately at his sister. "And, of course, Nebride...though, I'm sure you don't recognize her."
"Aye, she certainly has changed," Glorfindel said softly. "But there is no mistaking who she is." He took her hand and raised it to his lips, placing a gentle kiss on her knuckles. "Nae saian luume', Nebride Undomiel." Realizing that she more than likely didn't understand what he had said, he smiled. "It's been too long. I'm sure you don't remember me. I am Glorfindel, an old friend of your father's. I must say, the news of your return was certainly a shock...but a good one, indeed." He grinned. "Welcome home."
Kimberly smiled. "Thank you," she said. She liked the elf already. She looked over at Elladen as he spoke to her.
"Are you enjoying yourself, dear sister," he asked. With Legolas?, he added silently.
She smiled. "Yes, I am. Are you?"
Elladen shrugged. Up until a minute ago, yes, he wanted to say, but instead, smiled and said, "Since I am setting eyes upon you again, Nebride, I am indeed." He looked over at Legolas, seeing the elf smiling softly as he watched her. Wariness filled him. He knew Legolas' reputation with women, whether it were she-elves or human women. They all feel under his charm. And Elladen would die before he let his newly-returned sister fall victim to his charms and be hurt. He smiled. "Nebride, join me for a dance, will you?" Taking her hand, he led her away from the others and onto the dance floor.
Elrohir's gaze followed them, a frown marring his ageless face. "Did he seem to be behaving odd to you?," he asked his companions.
Legolas and Glorfindel nodded as they watched Elladen gather Kimberly in his arms. "She certainly has grown into a lovely young elf, hasn't she?," Glorfindel mused as he watched them. "She's nearly identical to Arwen."
Elrohir nodded. "Aye. She certainly has. She is....", he trailed off.
"Beautiful," Legolas finished softly. Both elves looked over at him. Glorfindel smiled softly as he examined him. Legolas was watching the she-elf as she danced with her brother. A gentle smile was on his face, and there was a look in his eyes that could be seen in many occupants of the ball: his eyes were filled with love. Love for the youngest of Elrond's line? Looking towards the dance floor, he saw the young elf maiden glance over at them, her eyes meeting Legolas'. The same look was found in her eyes. Well, this certainly is interesting...the elf prince whose name in legendary amoung the female population completely lovesick for a ravenhaired beauty? Never thought I would see the day.
Elrohir's train of thought was much the same. He cocked an eyebrow as he looked his old friend over. "Yes, she's every beautiful," he said. "Legolas, my old friend, is it possible that my young sister has managed to capture your untameable heart?" At the look on Legolas' face and his silence, he laughed. "By the Valor! Legolas Greenleaf turned into a lovesick fool...Never thought I would live to see the day."
Legolas smiled. "I never thought I would either, Elrohir...but it has happened." Seeing Elrohir open his mouth, Legolas held up a hand and cut him off. "And before you decide to warn me, allow me to let you know that your father, sister, AND brother-in-law have already informed me of the consequences that will result if I harm her." He looked over at him. "But, I assure you, I won't. I love her, and would not allow any harm to come to her."
Elrohir nodded. "Good. Because if you do, I can guarantee that there wouldn't be enough of you left for a memorial service after Arwen is finished with you." At that, Legolas laughed. Elrohir clapped him on the back. "Did you ever think you'd see the day, Glorfindel," Elrohir went on. "The great prince of Mirkwood, transformed into a blabbering idiot by a girl."
Glorfindel smiled and shook his head. "Indeed not," he said. "At least, not by a girl. By a few pints of ale, yes." The two laughed while Legolas smiled and shook his head, knowing that their jokes would last for quite awhile. Elrohir, Elladen, and Glorfindel knew of Legolas' past with women, and had advised him to quit his ways and settle down. More than once. Legolas had never taken their advice. As a matter of fact, each time they had advised him to do such a thing, he had simply gone and taken another woman--more often than not, Janelle.
Janelle.
Legolas' expression hardened at the thought of the blonde she-elf. He would never forget the anger he had felt when he had spotted Kimberly running for the ballroom, weeping and Janelle smiling smugly at her retreating back. He would also never forget the disgust he felt towards her. The memories of what they had done was enough to turn his stomach...
Catching Kimberly's eye again, he smiled. He was getting a second chance...a chance to start over.
With Kimberly.
The protectiveness he felt towards her surprised him...he hadn't felt protective of anything since the days of the War of the Ring.
And then Kimberly came along...
The feeling of protectiveness had started the moment he had seen her bruised and broken body lying in the ditch. Even through the dirt and blood, her beauty had shown through. He fell in love with her the moment he lifted into his arms.
The memory of what her human "father" had done to her sparked anger in Legolas' heart. He wouldn't soon forget the look of shame that he had seen in Kimberly's eyes. The thought that she felt low because of what happened confused and infuriated him...As if she could be held accountable.
Legolas swore that no one would hurt her again.
And as he stood, listening to his friends joke with him, he swore that he would keep his promise.
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Elladen watched as Kimberly looked over at Legolas and smiled secretley. It wasn't lost on him, however.
"Nebride, I have to warn you about Legolas," he said bluntly.
She looked at him, surprised. "What?"
Elladen sighed. "There's something you need to know about Legolas," he said. "I saw you kiss him and it's easy to see that you are quite smitten with him. However, you are lining yourself up to get hurt. Legolas has a--"
"Reputation with women," Kimberly finished. Her older brother looked down at her, surprised. "I know."
Elladen's jaw dropped. "You know? And you still...Why?"
Kimberly smiled. "Because I love him, Elladen...and he loves me. And for that, he's changed, really he has."
Elladen held back a snort. Legolas in love? He always thought it was impossible. And yet...he'd never seen Legolas look at a maiden the way he does Nebride...could it be? Has the mighty no-woman man finally caved in and fallen head over heels? And with my long-lost sister, no doubt, he thought.
"Elladen, I know you're concerned for me...and I appreciate that. It's certainly something I never had before...but really, I can take care of myself."
Elladen looked down at her as they danced. She certainly wasn't the small infant that he had cradled not long after her birth, singing softly to her in Elvish to quiet her cries. Looking her over now, he saw that she was indeed grown up. Still very young for an elf maiden--a mere child in fact--but, in every aspect other than her age, she was grown up. She held the same fire that Arwen possessed, as well as their father's stubborness. That should be enjoyable, he thought sarcastically.
He smiled softly and kissed Kimberly's forehead. "Indeed you can, baby sister," he said. Laughter danced in his eyes as he looked at her. "But if his old habits should return, I will have no other choice but to prevent him from ever enjoying those habits again."
Kimberly let out a bark of laughter, well aware of what "prevention" her brother was referring to. "That's comforting to know," she said. She smiled and leaned up, placing a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you."
Elladen smiled. "As if I could deny my Aier anything," he said.
Kimberly looked up at him. "What does 'aier' mean?"
Elladen smiled devilishly, knowing she would be most irritated at the translation. "Short one," he said.
The scowl he recieved only made him laugh, and he squeezed his sister's waist affectionately. She smiled up at him and her hand squeezed his shoulder. She rested her head on his chest, and Elladen kissed the top of her head.
The song came to an end, and Kimberly pulled away, smiling at her brother. "You'll be careful," he asked. She nodded.
"I swear."
Elladen nodded and smiled at her as they walked back towards the others, all three laughing. Elladen watched as Legolas' laughter faded once he set eyes on Kimberly. Looking down at his sister, he saw a bright smile on her face, and her eyes were shining.
"Nebride, have I told you how lovely you look tonight?," Elrohir asked.
Kimberly tore her eyes away from Legolas, turning towards her brother.
While the two talked, Elladen moved closer to Legolas. The elf was watching Kimberly closely, a smile on his face, a distant look in his eyes. Legolas Greenleaf, in love with Nebride Undomiel, Elladen thought with a shake of his head. Smiling, he turned to Legolas. "You'll take care of her?"
Legolas looked at him. "Till the day I die."
Elladen nodded and clapped his friend on the back. "Alright then....best of luck."
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The night progressed.
Kimberly met what seemed like hundreds of people, each one telling her that she was the spitting image of her sister and how remarkable her return was. By the end of the night, she was tired. She stifled a yawn, but Legolas could easily see her exhaustion. "Tired, love?"
Kimberly looked up at him drowsily. "Not at all," she lied. Another yawn escaped her mouth and Legolas grinned.
"Of course not," he said, laughing. "It's late. I don't blame you." He reached out and pushed a tendril of hair away from her face. "You should rest. Come, I'll walk you to your room." Kimberly smiled and nodded.
"Okay. I should say good night to my parents first." She found them easily, and walked up to them as they spoke to Aragorn. Elrond turned to her as she approached, his face breaking into an affectionate smile.
"Hello, my daughter," he said, leaning in and kissing her cheek.
"Are you retiring, Melyamin (my dear)?," Celebrian asked, concern etching her face. "You look exhausted."
Kimberly smiled. "I am," she said. "I just wanted to say good night and thanks again...for the party. It was a terrific welcome home."
Her parents smiled. "There's no need for any thanks," Celebrian said. "You're our daughter." She leaned in, embracing her daughter and kissing her cheek. "Good night." She released her, pushing her daughter's hair behind her ear.
Elrond embraced her next. Kimberly held onto him a moment longer than she had her mother. She'd never had this before--the love of a father. Roger had never shown her affection. As far back as she could remember, he had never given her a hug...never given her a kiss on the cheek...just bruises. But Elrond...he hugged her every time he saw her. He cradled her in his embrace as if she were porcelain (sp?). He pulled away, cupping her face and pressing a light kiss to her forehead. "Good night, my dear."
Kimberly smiled softly. She glanced at Aragorn. Her brother-in-law watched the exchange with a wistful smile on his face. His smile grew when she looked at him.
"Good night, Aragorn," she said softly.
He smiled. "Quel haima, Nebride."
She nodded and smiled at her parents once more before turning away, walking over to where Legolas stood, waiting, a few feet behind them. He smiled and took her hand, leading her away.
Celebrian smiled as she watched them. "They look perfect together, don't they?," she asked her husband as she thread her arm through his.
Elrond watched his youngest child walk off with Legolas, and he had to admit...they did look perfect together. "Aye, they do...perhaps we were all worrying over nothing."
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Legolas looked down at her, smiling into her blue eyes. By the Valor, she's beautiful, he thought. "Sleep well," he answered. She nodded and smiled at him. How can a pretty smile and eyes the color of the sky hypnotize him so? He felt as if he would melt every time she smiled at him...every time he heard her laugh. He looked down at her. "Did you enjoy yourself tonight?"
Kimberly nodded. "Yeah...I did. But it's kind of sad to think that it was my first time ever feeling welcome around family."
They stopped when they reached her bedroom door. Kimberly turned towards Legolas, smiling up at him. "Thank you for you tonight," she said. Legolas smiled at her, his hand reaching up to caress her cheek.
"There is no need to thank me," he whispered. He leaned down and kissed her lightly, every inch of his body aching with the need for her. He pulled back, staring at her face, once again amazed at her beauty. Is it possible to want someone so much?
Kimberly found it hard to breathe as she stared at him. Her face felt hot as he gazed at her, drinking her in. She smiled at him, and looked down at their intwined hands. The words she wanted to say were caught in her throat. Is it so hard to say it?, she thought. Why can't I just ask him if he wants to come in? I know I'm ready...more than ever...He loves me...why can't I just ask--
"Good night, Kimberly," Legolas said softly. Kimberly looked up at him. His facial expression was soft, betraying his feelings towards her...
Swallowing the words she wanted to say, she smiled. "Good night."
Legolas brought her hand to his mouth, kissing her knuckles. "Until tomorrow."
--------------------------------Kimberly sat at her vanity, angrily running her brush through her hair. "Stupid, stupid, stupid," she muttered. "Why didn't I just ask him?" She ran the brush through her hair once more before slamming it down on the vanity table.
She was angry with herself. She knew she was ready. She wanted to be with him...wanted to wake up next to him, see the expression on his face, watch him stretch....
"I'm so stupid," she muttered to her reflection.
She pushed away from the vanity, getting up and walking to her dresser. Opening one of the drawers, she reaching in to pull out a night dress, but stopped when her fingers brushed over something silky. Frowning, she pulled the silk out. She smiled. In her hands she held a thin, lavender robe made of silk. She ran her hands over it, the memory of lingerie shopping with Rachel coming to her mind. She had gone to the mall with her blonde friend and was dragged into Victoria's Secret, Rachel claiming she had to get a birthday present for Kevin. "I'm telling ya, Kim...silk and satin drives guys crazy. They can't resist laying you," Rachel had said, as she was trying on a light blue silk teddy.
An idea formed in Kimberly's head and she smiled. It's bold....certainly nothing she would have tried before.....But, then again, I'm not the same, she thought. Wow...for once, I'm going to get some use of out Rachel's advice.
----------------------------------Legolas sighed in his sleep as he rolled onto his back. The curtains blew in the light breeze. He hadn't shut the windows, reluctant to shut out the beautiful night. He slept, eyes closed, revealing what a peaceful sleep it was. He naked torso rose and fell with his steady breathing. His muscles flexed as his arms moved under the pillow.
He was dreaming.
His hands gripped the pillow as he moved his legs, as if brushing them along someone else. The sheet tightened around his waist, revealing that he wore nothing underneath.
Such a dream....it was like it was real.
He could actually breathe in Kimberly's scent, smell her hair. He could feel her fingers as they traced his cheek, her hand as it rested on his chest. He could hear her whisper his name....
"Legolas."
He frowned when he felt soft lips upon his own.....Now that was a little TOO real.
"Legolas....wake up."
He opened his eyes, only to see the one he had been dreaming about sitting on the edge of his bed, her blue eyes staring at him. Legolas frowned slightly as he sat up. "Kimberly?," he asked, unsure of whether he was still dreaming. She nodded.
He took her in. Her raven hair was brushed, and it cascaded over one shoulder. He looked down and saw that she was clothed in a lavender robe, its silk texture clinging to her curves. From what he could tell, she wore nothing else. His eyes traveled back to her face. It was illuminated in the moonlight, seeming to enhance her beauty. "Kimberly, what are you doing here? You should be in bed." He tried not to think of how he wanted her in HIS bed at the moment.
Kimberly looked at him, her heart beating rapidly. Come on, you've come this far, don't chicken out now, she thought. You know you want this. She looked at him from underneath her lashes. "I wanted to ask you something." He looked at her, waiting. "Do...do you remember the night before we got here? When you told me that you could wait until I was ready to be with you?" At his nod, she smiled shyly. "Well....I'm pretty sure I'm ready."
Legolas stared at her, contemplating what she had said. She was ready?, he thought. "Kimberly---"
She cut him off. "Look, before you say anything....I love you....I really do. And I was always told that you're supposed to be with someone when you love them. Well....I love you...and...I'm ready."
Legolas stared at her a moment, then reached out his hand and traced the hollow of her cheek. He looked into her eyes, searching for any doubt or hesitation.
He saw none.
"Are you sure?"
Kimberly nodded. "Yeah."
Legolas allowed himself a small smile before he kissed her, his tongue slipping inside her mouth, dueling with hers. Her hands came up and entangled in his hair. She pulled herself closer to him as his hands easily slipped inside her robe. He had been right: she wore nothing underneath it.
"I can't tell where the silk ends and your body begins," he said softly. He slid it off her shoulders, burrying his face in the hollow of her neck where her neck met her shoulder. Kimberly sighed against him as his hands trailed down her back, pulling her closer. He wrapped her legs around his waist, twisting so he was above her. He lowered her to the bed, his lips meeting hers. He pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes once more. "No regrets?," he asked.
She smiled and nodded. "No regrets."
He kissed her again, his lips traveling down her neck, over the valley between her breasts, and stopped at her navel, his tongue dipping into it. She shivered and smiled. His hands ran up the backs of her legs, caressing her smooth, soft skin. Legolas explored her body, his lips traveling back up to find her mouth. His tongue stroked hers slowly, while his fingers slipped between her legs, easily copying the motion.
Kimberly's body shook with the pleasure of it, and she moaned against his mouth. The sensations his fingers produced in her became more powerful, and she raised her hips instinctively, pressing her closer to the glide of his hand. He kissed her deeply, and his hand left her. She dug her nails into his back, expressing her displeasure of it. She felt him smile against her lips as he pulled the sheet up to cover them both.
Legolas rolled on top of her, supporting his upper body on his forearms. He settled himself between her legs and broke their kiss. Touching his forehead to hers, he looked into her eyes. "I love you," he whispered.
Kimberly smiled and kissed him softly. "I love you, too."
He smiled and kissed her once more. In one smooth movement, he entered her.
Kimberly let out a small cry at the sharp tear of pain and tears welled up in her eyes. Legolas reached up and wiped them away as he stilled his movement, kissing her softly. "Sshh," he said. "Give yourself time. It only hurts for a moment." Kimberly nodded. Rachel had said that it hurt the first time, but after a minute or two..."Ooh, buddy," was how she phrased it. She kissed him again, wigglying slightly beneath him, signaling that she was ready to proceed. With a nibble on her bottom lip, he pulled out slightly and thrust back, creating a rhythm.
Kimberly's breathing quickened and she moaned, her hands clinging to his shoulders. Legolas trailed kisses down her neck, and he buried his face in it as he moaned. He reached up and pulled her hands off his back, intwining their fingers and resting their hands on the pillow. He withdrew and then filled her again and again until she was gasping his name. Her fingers tightened on his, and she buried her face in his shoulder as she wrapped her legs around him, whimpering and moaning as he slid even deeper into her.
The rythm speeded up, its tempo building; the creaking of the bed mingling with moans of pleasure and gasps of surprise. Their hands caressed arms and backs and whispers were heard.
Kimberly felt as if she were soaring higher and higher with every thrust, and then--reaching the pinnacle--her vision exploded into stars. Gasping, she cried his name in wonder.
Legolas' body shook, his cry mingling with hers. Spent, they collapsed against each other, Legolas burrying his face in her sweat soaked hair. She could feel him attempt to control his rapid breathing. She ran her hands over his broad back, panting as she tried to regulate her rapid heartbeat. Legolas kissed her shoulder before pushing himself up on his arms, stroking her face as he smiled at her, lightly kissing her swollen lips. "Are you alright?," he asked.
Kimberly flashed him a dazzling smile. "Yeah. Legolas, that was....incredible. Not like what I always thought it would be like."
Legolas smiled softly. "Did you think it would be awful?"
She shook her head. "No...but from the way my friend Rachel described it, I always thought that I would feel like a shishcibob (sp?), but I didn't."
Legolas laughed, not sure what a "shishcibob" was, but still loving her even more. He rolled over onto his back, bringing her with him. She rested her head against his chest as he wrapped the sheet around them both. He settled back and kissed the top of her head as she yawned. "Quel haima, A'mealamin. Tenna' tul're," he whispered as his arms encircled her waist.
She sighed. "No clue what you just said, but it sounds good to me," she murmured sleepily.
Legolas smiled as he held her, knowing that he loved her now more than ever.
As they laid in each other's arms, they fell into a deep, peaceful sleep...and Kimberly knew that she had never felt safer than in Legolas' arms.
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Ahhh! Finally it is done!! How did ya'all like the little romance thing there? I am very sorry if it bites, but I don't have a lot of experience in that area and it's the first one that I wrote. Oh, and so ya know, Legolas said "Sleep well, my beloved. Until tomorrow," there at the end. Well, read and review. Let me know!!