Chapter Eight
Finally an update!! Yee-haw!! Also, a little note, I will probably be concluding this story within the next two or three chapters. I have had it all planned out since I started writing it, and I realized today that the end is drawing near....Yes, it is a sad thing...but, who knows...could be a sequel on the way...or not..I haven't decided that yet.
Now, a little shout out to my fabulous reviewers!!
CaptainRaven - Thanks for the applause! I'm glad you like it!! Uh...Sands...do you have a split alter ego? If so...that's cool. lol. Hope you like the new chapter.
Mariasha - I'm glad you like it. Thanks for the support! Also, thanks for the corrections!!
draegon-fire - Thanks for the little tid-bit on the Elvish word for elleth. It got kind of frustrating typing "she-elf" all the time. :) Yes, Janelle is easy to hate, isn't she....she gets really evil in this chapter...hehe... thanks for all the support. Enjoy!!
Nelo - Ya know, you are correct. I misspelled the Elvish word for "my beloved". Thanks for catching that. And for all the reviews. I hope you like this chapter! I'm glad that you caught the title!
lysia1982 - Now you can see what happens next! Enjoy!
Garulf - Thanks for all the reviews. I'm glad that you like it!
shinkudragon - Gee, that's an interesting name...Wow, thanks so much! I have updated! Thanks for all the support. Read and be fed!
Celtic Fairy - I'm loving that you're loving my story! Thanks so much! Hope you enjoy this chapter!
moonshine44 - Thank you so much! Yeah, I'm not usually for that much graphic detail either, but it was a spur of the moment sort of thing. I was going through one of those dark periods...lol. But I'm glad you like it.
Prince of Mirkwoods sexy elf - Can I just say how much I LOVE your name?? He is a sexy elf, ain't he? lol. Well, thanks for all the support. I'm really glad that you like the story. Hope you enjoy this chapter.
CraigParkerLover -Honestly, I'm starting to wonder is anyone can spell shishkibob. It's a hard word! lol. I'm glad you like it, and I will make sure to check out your stories!!
sunni07 - I'll make sure to make the warning bigger next time!lol. I don't usually write stuff like that. I was going through a dark period, I guess. So you all know, I'm actually a devoted Christian, just who is going through a couple of really hard times... Anyway, thanks for all the support.
Myri78- I'm so happy you like it. Hope you enjoy this one!
lovemaiden- I hope you like this one. Thanks for all the support!
Jack-Sparrow-Lover - Coming from you, that is an honor. I love your stories and I am so delighted that you like this one. Thanks so much for all the support and the compliments...savvy?
Once more, a round of applause for all my reviewers! You guys are the reason I write! Thanks so much for everything, and do enjoy this chapter!!
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Chapter Eight
Sun poured in through the open balconey doors, illuminating the two figures on the bed. Legolas lay on his side, propped up on his elbow, his head resting on his hand. A small smile graced his face as he stared down at the raven-haired beauty who slept beside him.
Kimberly slept peacefully, one hand resting on the pillow beside her head. Her other hand rested on her sheet clad stomach. Legolas watched as her chest slowly rose and fell under the sheet, and his smile grew as he remembered how fast it had rose and fell last night.
Last night...
Last night had to have been the best night of his life. It had been passionate, yet gentle...the first time it had been that. Every other time he had been with a woman, it had always been lustful...always been rough...always been meaningless. But last night...there were hardly words to describe what last night was. It had been meaningful, memorable..."incredible", as Kimberly had put it.
He smiled as her face twitched in her sleep and he wondered what she was dreaming. He had stayed up late into the night, simply listening to her measured breathing, her heart beating softly; in complete amazement at what had just occured between them. He had awoken with her in his arms, her head on his bare chest.
A light knock on the door brought him out of his reverie and he looked down at the sleeping elleth before rising, pulling one of the sheets off the bed and wrapping it around his waist. Quietly, he made his way to the door, opening it slowly to reveal Gandalf.
The wizard's bearded face broke into a smile. "Good morning, Legolas," he said. "Sleeping in a bit late, aren't you?"
Legolas smiled, knowing that the wizard knew the answer why. "Good morning, Gandalf," he said quietly, concious of Kimberly sleeping silently behind them. "Is there something that you need?"
Gandalf's smile grew and shook his head. "Oh, no, not at all," he said. "I only came to fetch young Kimberly. Her brothers are requesting her presence and when I didn't find her in her room, I concluded that I would find her in yours." Glancing over the elf's shoulder, he caught a glimpse of black curls and chuckled. "And it seems that I was right." He shook his head again. "It would be best if you woke her. Her brothers are waiting in the gardens." He smiled one last time and left, softly chuckling to himself. I was wondering when it would finally happen, he thought.
Legolas watched the wizard's retreating back. Mithrandir, you certainly are different from before, he thought, shaking his head.
Seeing one of the elf maidens who worked in the palace, he called to her. As she walked up to him, he didn't miss the blush that stained her cheeks or how her eyes dropped to the floor. I suppose I should have changed, he thought as he asked the elleth to fetch some clothes from Kimberly's room. He noticed her eyes dash to his room before she bowed her head and scurried across the hall to Kimberly's room. That will be enough to keep the servants talking, he thought, shaking his head.
He looked behind him as Kimberly shifted on the bed, turning over on her side more. He smiled. Even with sleep rumpled hair she was still beautiful.
"Here you are, milord."
Legolas turned. The elf maiden held out a bundle of clothing, her eyes still downcast. He took them gratefully and smiled. "Hannon lle (Thank you)."
The elleth smiled and bowed once more before walking on. Legolas closed the door and walked back to the bed, laying the clothes at its feet. The mattress sank under the weight of his knee as he kneeled on the bed, smiling down at Kimberly. It should be a crime to wake someone so beautiful, he thought as he leaned down and brushed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Kimberly," he said softly into her ear. "Come...you must awaken." He smiled when he heard her groan and she burrowed her head into the pillow.
"No it's not," she murmured. "It's still time to sleep."
Legolas chuckled. "I would let you sleep if it was my choice...but unfortunatley you must rise." He grinned when he got no response and reached under the sheet, trailing his fingertips quickly down her side. She squealed and jumped away from his touch. She opened her eyes and glared up into his smiling face.
"That was a very rude awakening," she said.
He laughed, leaning in to kiss her. "I would have let you sleep if it weren't for your brothers seeking your company." He smiled. "I enjoy watching you sleep. If it's possible, you're even more beautiful then."
Kimberly grinned and kissed him again. "You are forgiven for the rude awakening," she said. "How can any girl resist that?" She smiled and stretched, pulling her arms over head and sighing.
Legolas watched her lustfully, once again wondering how one being could want another so much. Opening her eyes, she looked up at him and smiled. "Stop looking at me like that," she said.
He smiled. "Like what?," he asked, pushing a strand of hair out of her face.
"Like I'm a piece of lembas bread that you could just gobble up."
He shook his head. "Don't be foolish," he said. "Mirkwood Elves don't 'gobble' lembas."
Kimberly laughed, the sound bringing a smile to Legolas' face. Leaning down, he kissed her, his hands resting on the side of her face and on her waist. Her arms snaked around his neck as he pulled her closer. She moaned against his mouth and he caught himself. Lightly kissing her again, he reluctantly pulled away. "I would love to continue this, Kimberly. But your brothers await...We had best rise and dress."
They sat up, Kimberly clutching the sheet to her bare chest. "Easy for you to say," she said, smirking. "You have a dresser full of clothes while I only have a silk robe." The blonde elf smiled adn reached down to the end of the bed, grabbing the clothes he had the elleth bring. He handed them out to her. Kimberly grinned and took them. "Ah-ha...you've thought of everything, haven't ya," she asked.
Legolas grinned and kissed her again. "I'm careful. Now, come. You can't keep your brothers waiting."
She nodded and rose, wrapping the sheet around her body. She turned around, frowning when she saw Legolas lounging on the bed, leaning back on his hands, a wistful smile on his face. "What?," she asked.
His smile grew as he looked at her. Standing up, he walked over to her, wrapping his arm around her slender waist. "Why do you hide behind the sheet?," he whispered into her ear. "There's nothing you have that I did not see last night."
Kimberly smiled. "Yeah...and the same goes for you. But if either of us drop the sheets, I seriously doubt we'd leave the room today." She shivered when his lips grazed her ear lobe and she held in a groan when he pulled away.
"You are right," he said, lightly kissing her lips. "I look forward to the day we don't have to leave." He traced the hollow of her cheek with his fingers, staring into her eyes before turning and walking over to his bureau.
Kimberly stared at his back, a smile on her face. You're not the only one.
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"Good morning, dear sister," Elrohir exclaimed as Kimberly walked towards him.
She smiled, walking over to her brothers and embracing them both. "Good morning," she said. "Is everybody always so chipper in the morning?"
Elladen smiled. "Only when we look forward to something, Nebride," he said as they sat down.
"And you look forward to me?"
Elladen nodded, squeezing her hand lightly.
"You've been gone quite awhile, Nebride. Of course we look forward to seeing you."
Kimberly looked up at Arwen's voice, smiling when she and Aragorn joined them, both smiling brightly.
"Guess I'll have to get used to it," Kimberly said, smiling.
"Yes, there are quite a few things you'll have to get used to, sister," Elrohir said, flinging his arm around her shoulders. "For instance, Elladen and my's numerous adventure tales. All of which are victorious, I might add. Battles with Orcs, goblins, cave trolls...ah so many victories, I don't know where to start...."
Kimberly smiled, looking between her two smiling brothers. "You two love to hear yourselves talk, don't ya?"
Arwen and Aragorn laughed while her brothers gave her mock scowls.
"It's good to see that you know what, Nebride," Aragorn said.
Elladen glared at him. "Be quiet, filthy human," he said, but Kimberly could see the laughter in his eyes, as well as in Aragorn's as he rolled his. She laughed and shook her head. What a family to come from.
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Legolas stood before the double doors that led into the library. One of the servants had told him that Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrian could be found in the library. And now here he stood, heart pounding. He didn't think the War of the Ring had ignited such fear in him as those oak doors did.
He knew what he had to do.
Raising his fist, he knocked three times. At the muffled reply, he turned the brass handle, pushing open the door. Elrond and Celebrian smiled at him as he entered. Celebrian sat at one of the tables, an open book in front of her, while Elrond stood behind her, his hand resting on one of the books that sat on the shelf in front of him. He pulled it out as Legolas shut the doors and approached them. He held his hand on his chest and bowed his head to them. "Quel amrun, Arwenamin, Hervamin (Good morning, milady, milord)." They nodded and echoed his greeting.
"What can we do for you, Legolas?," Celebrian asked, closing her book after marking her page.
Legolas swallowed hard, knowing that he had to do this. The lord and lady sensed his discomfort and exchanged an amused look. Clearing his throat, Legolas sat down and looked up at them.
"I've come to ask for your daughter's hand."
The Elven rulers froze, trying to comprehend what the elf had just said. Celebrian leaned forward slightly, looking into his blue eyes. "Nebride's hand?," she asked. "In marriage?"
Legolas nodded. "Yes."
Celebrian looked over at her husband, making sure Legolas couldn't see the small smile on her face. Elrond looked down at her. They both had known it was only a matter of time before Legolas asked for their blessing, and while his wife was delighted, he himself was on the fence. She's only just returned, he thought.
Legolas voiced his thoughts. "I understand how you may be reluctant. After all, she's only just returned home...but if you would understand...I am in love with your daughter. I have been since the day I found her outside of Mirkwood. I don't think I could survive without her by my side."
Celebrian smiled at him. "It is not difficult to see that you love her, Legolas," she said. "Nor is it difficult to see that she loves you. And while she has just returned, we've realized that she won't be here in Rivendell forever...." She looked back at her husband.
Elrond was running his finger down the spine of the book he held in his hands, carefully listening to what was being said. The love Legolas had for his youngest child was clearly seen...and he wanted her to be happy...but he had already lost her once...
Sighing, he looked at his wife, then at the blonde haired elf. "You would take care of her?"
Legolas nodded. "All my life."
Elrond nodded and smiled. "Then I would not have her anywhere else than with you, Legolas Greenleaf."
Legolas grinned, finding himself happier than ever. "Hannon lle, Hervamin," he said happily, standing. He took Celebrian's hand and gently kissed her knuckles. She smiled at him, then laughed at the look on her husband's face when Legolas embraced him. He pulled away and mumbled an apology.
Elrond smiled and held up a hand, indicating that it wasn't necessary. He placed his hand on the prince's shoulder. "Just allow no harm to come to her...and make her happy."
Legolas smiled. "I shall," he said. "Thank you once more, milord." He bowed his head once more, then quickly left, shutting the doors behind him.
Celebrian rose from her seat and walked over to her husband, placing her hand on his arm. "I am proud of you, my love," she said. Elrond looked down at her, confused. "I feared you would not be able to let her go."
He nodded, wrapping his arm around his wife's waist. "His love for her is strong. I would not trust her with anyone else." Smiling, his shoulders gave a slight shrug. "And it's not as if we won't see her again. She'll simply be a few days journey away."
Celebrian nodded. "Indeed, she shall." Leaning up, she kissed her husband, knowing in her heart that all would be well.
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Janelle made her way through the forest, the only sound being her horse's hooves on the dirt path. Lowering her golden head to avoid a low hanging tree branch, she looked forward, searching for any sign of civilization. She grinned, once again relishing in her brilliant idea to gain Legolas back. She had realized that the only thing preventing their reunion was Kimberly. Well after her plan worked, seh wouldn't be a problem. All thanks to Malia...
She had searched the woman out, a difficult feat. The woman had been sent into exile for her part in Kimberly's first disappearance. But she had found her and had convinced her to give the information she wanted.
How to find the old witch.
Now she followed the woman's directions, searching for the small hut where she would find the witch. Seeing a flickering light up ahead, she smiled and dug her heels into the horse's side. It sped up, and within minutes, she as in front of the hut. The light she had seen was a small fire burning in front of the hut. A large pot sat over it, steam rising. As Janelle slid off her horse, the door to the hut opened and a wrinkled old woman stepped out. The elleth looked her over. Her long gray hair was ragged and tangled, and it hung around her face and over her shoulders. She was clothed in black, her dress smeared with dirt. Her wrinkled skin hung off her bones, and her few teeth were yellow and rotten. But the thing that most set Janelle on edge were her eyes: they were gray, and although they were unseeing, she felt that the witch could see her fine.
"You are an elleth from Mirkwood, are you not?," the witch croaked, pointing a bony finger at her.
Janelle gulped and nodded. "I am."
The witch lowered her hand and frowned. "What do you come for?"
Squaring her shoulder, she tossed her blonde curls and stared at the witch. "Years ago, you sent away the youngest of Elrond Undomiel's line...sent her away to another world where she wasnt' found."
The witch nodded. "And now she has returned," she croaked. "What is it that you want?"
"I want you to do it again. Send her back to where she was, never to set foot in Middle-Earth again."
The witch stood still for a long time, her blind eyes looking straight at the elleth. Finally, she turned, motioning with her hand. "Come, child." Janelle hesitated then followed the witch into the hut.
The stench of mixed herbs made her recoil as she entered, and she watched as the witch sat down in an old wooden chair.
"Why do you wish this?," the witch asked. "Why do you want her gone?"
Janelle looked at her. "Because she is the one thing that stands in the way of what I desire."
The witch flashed a knowing smile. "But what you desire does not desire you."
Janelle's anger flared. "Shut up, witch! You know not of what you speak! He is blinded by her. Once she is gone, he will see that it is I he truly wants." She walked towards the witch, glaring at her. "Now will you do it?"
The witch sat in her chair as she looked up at her. "The consequences could be severe...for everyone."
Janelle shook her head. "Nothing I can't handle...Now you'll do it?"
The witch sighed and mumbled something in a language Janelle didn't know. Looking up at her, she said, " I will not....but I will give you the means to do it yourself."
Janelle thought about it a moment. "Do the deed myself...." She grinned. "I like that idea....Give me the means, then."
The witch nodded and rose, slowly walking over to a cupboard against the wall. As she gathered a few items from inside the cupboard, Janelle smiled evilly. Soon Legolas Greenleaf will be mine once more...and Kimberly will be out of his mind for good.
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Ta da! Once again, another chapter! Man, Janelle is pretty bad, ain't she? Review please if you want to know what happens next!!
Finally an update!! Yee-haw!! Also, a little note, I will probably be concluding this story within the next two or three chapters. I have had it all planned out since I started writing it, and I realized today that the end is drawing near....Yes, it is a sad thing...but, who knows...could be a sequel on the way...or not..I haven't decided that yet.
Now, a little shout out to my fabulous reviewers!!
CaptainRaven - Thanks for the applause! I'm glad you like it!! Uh...Sands...do you have a split alter ego? If so...that's cool. lol. Hope you like the new chapter.
Mariasha - I'm glad you like it. Thanks for the support! Also, thanks for the corrections!!
draegon-fire - Thanks for the little tid-bit on the Elvish word for elleth. It got kind of frustrating typing "she-elf" all the time. :) Yes, Janelle is easy to hate, isn't she....she gets really evil in this chapter...hehe... thanks for all the support. Enjoy!!
Nelo - Ya know, you are correct. I misspelled the Elvish word for "my beloved". Thanks for catching that. And for all the reviews. I hope you like this chapter! I'm glad that you caught the title!
lysia1982 - Now you can see what happens next! Enjoy!
Garulf - Thanks for all the reviews. I'm glad that you like it!
shinkudragon - Gee, that's an interesting name...Wow, thanks so much! I have updated! Thanks for all the support. Read and be fed!
Celtic Fairy - I'm loving that you're loving my story! Thanks so much! Hope you enjoy this chapter!
moonshine44 - Thank you so much! Yeah, I'm not usually for that much graphic detail either, but it was a spur of the moment sort of thing. I was going through one of those dark periods...lol. But I'm glad you like it.
Prince of Mirkwoods sexy elf - Can I just say how much I LOVE your name?? He is a sexy elf, ain't he? lol. Well, thanks for all the support. I'm really glad that you like the story. Hope you enjoy this chapter.
CraigParkerLover -Honestly, I'm starting to wonder is anyone can spell shishkibob. It's a hard word! lol. I'm glad you like it, and I will make sure to check out your stories!!
sunni07 - I'll make sure to make the warning bigger next time!lol. I don't usually write stuff like that. I was going through a dark period, I guess. So you all know, I'm actually a devoted Christian, just who is going through a couple of really hard times... Anyway, thanks for all the support.
Myri78- I'm so happy you like it. Hope you enjoy this one!
lovemaiden- I hope you like this one. Thanks for all the support!
Jack-Sparrow-Lover - Coming from you, that is an honor. I love your stories and I am so delighted that you like this one. Thanks so much for all the support and the compliments...savvy?
Once more, a round of applause for all my reviewers! You guys are the reason I write! Thanks so much for everything, and do enjoy this chapter!!
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Chapter Eight
Sun poured in through the open balconey doors, illuminating the two figures on the bed. Legolas lay on his side, propped up on his elbow, his head resting on his hand. A small smile graced his face as he stared down at the raven-haired beauty who slept beside him.
Kimberly slept peacefully, one hand resting on the pillow beside her head. Her other hand rested on her sheet clad stomach. Legolas watched as her chest slowly rose and fell under the sheet, and his smile grew as he remembered how fast it had rose and fell last night.
Last night...
Last night had to have been the best night of his life. It had been passionate, yet gentle...the first time it had been that. Every other time he had been with a woman, it had always been lustful...always been rough...always been meaningless. But last night...there were hardly words to describe what last night was. It had been meaningful, memorable..."incredible", as Kimberly had put it.
He smiled as her face twitched in her sleep and he wondered what she was dreaming. He had stayed up late into the night, simply listening to her measured breathing, her heart beating softly; in complete amazement at what had just occured between them. He had awoken with her in his arms, her head on his bare chest.
A light knock on the door brought him out of his reverie and he looked down at the sleeping elleth before rising, pulling one of the sheets off the bed and wrapping it around his waist. Quietly, he made his way to the door, opening it slowly to reveal Gandalf.
The wizard's bearded face broke into a smile. "Good morning, Legolas," he said. "Sleeping in a bit late, aren't you?"
Legolas smiled, knowing that the wizard knew the answer why. "Good morning, Gandalf," he said quietly, concious of Kimberly sleeping silently behind them. "Is there something that you need?"
Gandalf's smile grew and shook his head. "Oh, no, not at all," he said. "I only came to fetch young Kimberly. Her brothers are requesting her presence and when I didn't find her in her room, I concluded that I would find her in yours." Glancing over the elf's shoulder, he caught a glimpse of black curls and chuckled. "And it seems that I was right." He shook his head again. "It would be best if you woke her. Her brothers are waiting in the gardens." He smiled one last time and left, softly chuckling to himself. I was wondering when it would finally happen, he thought.
Legolas watched the wizard's retreating back. Mithrandir, you certainly are different from before, he thought, shaking his head.
Seeing one of the elf maidens who worked in the palace, he called to her. As she walked up to him, he didn't miss the blush that stained her cheeks or how her eyes dropped to the floor. I suppose I should have changed, he thought as he asked the elleth to fetch some clothes from Kimberly's room. He noticed her eyes dash to his room before she bowed her head and scurried across the hall to Kimberly's room. That will be enough to keep the servants talking, he thought, shaking his head.
He looked behind him as Kimberly shifted on the bed, turning over on her side more. He smiled. Even with sleep rumpled hair she was still beautiful.
"Here you are, milord."
Legolas turned. The elf maiden held out a bundle of clothing, her eyes still downcast. He took them gratefully and smiled. "Hannon lle (Thank you)."
The elleth smiled and bowed once more before walking on. Legolas closed the door and walked back to the bed, laying the clothes at its feet. The mattress sank under the weight of his knee as he kneeled on the bed, smiling down at Kimberly. It should be a crime to wake someone so beautiful, he thought as he leaned down and brushed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Kimberly," he said softly into her ear. "Come...you must awaken." He smiled when he heard her groan and she burrowed her head into the pillow.
"No it's not," she murmured. "It's still time to sleep."
Legolas chuckled. "I would let you sleep if it was my choice...but unfortunatley you must rise." He grinned when he got no response and reached under the sheet, trailing his fingertips quickly down her side. She squealed and jumped away from his touch. She opened her eyes and glared up into his smiling face.
"That was a very rude awakening," she said.
He laughed, leaning in to kiss her. "I would have let you sleep if it weren't for your brothers seeking your company." He smiled. "I enjoy watching you sleep. If it's possible, you're even more beautiful then."
Kimberly grinned and kissed him again. "You are forgiven for the rude awakening," she said. "How can any girl resist that?" She smiled and stretched, pulling her arms over head and sighing.
Legolas watched her lustfully, once again wondering how one being could want another so much. Opening her eyes, she looked up at him and smiled. "Stop looking at me like that," she said.
He smiled. "Like what?," he asked, pushing a strand of hair out of her face.
"Like I'm a piece of lembas bread that you could just gobble up."
He shook his head. "Don't be foolish," he said. "Mirkwood Elves don't 'gobble' lembas."
Kimberly laughed, the sound bringing a smile to Legolas' face. Leaning down, he kissed her, his hands resting on the side of her face and on her waist. Her arms snaked around his neck as he pulled her closer. She moaned against his mouth and he caught himself. Lightly kissing her again, he reluctantly pulled away. "I would love to continue this, Kimberly. But your brothers await...We had best rise and dress."
They sat up, Kimberly clutching the sheet to her bare chest. "Easy for you to say," she said, smirking. "You have a dresser full of clothes while I only have a silk robe." The blonde elf smiled adn reached down to the end of the bed, grabbing the clothes he had the elleth bring. He handed them out to her. Kimberly grinned and took them. "Ah-ha...you've thought of everything, haven't ya," she asked.
Legolas grinned and kissed her again. "I'm careful. Now, come. You can't keep your brothers waiting."
She nodded and rose, wrapping the sheet around her body. She turned around, frowning when she saw Legolas lounging on the bed, leaning back on his hands, a wistful smile on his face. "What?," she asked.
His smile grew as he looked at her. Standing up, he walked over to her, wrapping his arm around her slender waist. "Why do you hide behind the sheet?," he whispered into her ear. "There's nothing you have that I did not see last night."
Kimberly smiled. "Yeah...and the same goes for you. But if either of us drop the sheets, I seriously doubt we'd leave the room today." She shivered when his lips grazed her ear lobe and she held in a groan when he pulled away.
"You are right," he said, lightly kissing her lips. "I look forward to the day we don't have to leave." He traced the hollow of her cheek with his fingers, staring into her eyes before turning and walking over to his bureau.
Kimberly stared at his back, a smile on her face. You're not the only one.
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"Good morning, dear sister," Elrohir exclaimed as Kimberly walked towards him.
She smiled, walking over to her brothers and embracing them both. "Good morning," she said. "Is everybody always so chipper in the morning?"
Elladen smiled. "Only when we look forward to something, Nebride," he said as they sat down.
"And you look forward to me?"
Elladen nodded, squeezing her hand lightly.
"You've been gone quite awhile, Nebride. Of course we look forward to seeing you."
Kimberly looked up at Arwen's voice, smiling when she and Aragorn joined them, both smiling brightly.
"Guess I'll have to get used to it," Kimberly said, smiling.
"Yes, there are quite a few things you'll have to get used to, sister," Elrohir said, flinging his arm around her shoulders. "For instance, Elladen and my's numerous adventure tales. All of which are victorious, I might add. Battles with Orcs, goblins, cave trolls...ah so many victories, I don't know where to start...."
Kimberly smiled, looking between her two smiling brothers. "You two love to hear yourselves talk, don't ya?"
Arwen and Aragorn laughed while her brothers gave her mock scowls.
"It's good to see that you know what, Nebride," Aragorn said.
Elladen glared at him. "Be quiet, filthy human," he said, but Kimberly could see the laughter in his eyes, as well as in Aragorn's as he rolled his. She laughed and shook her head. What a family to come from.
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Legolas stood before the double doors that led into the library. One of the servants had told him that Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrian could be found in the library. And now here he stood, heart pounding. He didn't think the War of the Ring had ignited such fear in him as those oak doors did.
He knew what he had to do.
Raising his fist, he knocked three times. At the muffled reply, he turned the brass handle, pushing open the door. Elrond and Celebrian smiled at him as he entered. Celebrian sat at one of the tables, an open book in front of her, while Elrond stood behind her, his hand resting on one of the books that sat on the shelf in front of him. He pulled it out as Legolas shut the doors and approached them. He held his hand on his chest and bowed his head to them. "Quel amrun, Arwenamin, Hervamin (Good morning, milady, milord)." They nodded and echoed his greeting.
"What can we do for you, Legolas?," Celebrian asked, closing her book after marking her page.
Legolas swallowed hard, knowing that he had to do this. The lord and lady sensed his discomfort and exchanged an amused look. Clearing his throat, Legolas sat down and looked up at them.
"I've come to ask for your daughter's hand."
The Elven rulers froze, trying to comprehend what the elf had just said. Celebrian leaned forward slightly, looking into his blue eyes. "Nebride's hand?," she asked. "In marriage?"
Legolas nodded. "Yes."
Celebrian looked over at her husband, making sure Legolas couldn't see the small smile on her face. Elrond looked down at her. They both had known it was only a matter of time before Legolas asked for their blessing, and while his wife was delighted, he himself was on the fence. She's only just returned, he thought.
Legolas voiced his thoughts. "I understand how you may be reluctant. After all, she's only just returned home...but if you would understand...I am in love with your daughter. I have been since the day I found her outside of Mirkwood. I don't think I could survive without her by my side."
Celebrian smiled at him. "It is not difficult to see that you love her, Legolas," she said. "Nor is it difficult to see that she loves you. And while she has just returned, we've realized that she won't be here in Rivendell forever...." She looked back at her husband.
Elrond was running his finger down the spine of the book he held in his hands, carefully listening to what was being said. The love Legolas had for his youngest child was clearly seen...and he wanted her to be happy...but he had already lost her once...
Sighing, he looked at his wife, then at the blonde haired elf. "You would take care of her?"
Legolas nodded. "All my life."
Elrond nodded and smiled. "Then I would not have her anywhere else than with you, Legolas Greenleaf."
Legolas grinned, finding himself happier than ever. "Hannon lle, Hervamin," he said happily, standing. He took Celebrian's hand and gently kissed her knuckles. She smiled at him, then laughed at the look on her husband's face when Legolas embraced him. He pulled away and mumbled an apology.
Elrond smiled and held up a hand, indicating that it wasn't necessary. He placed his hand on the prince's shoulder. "Just allow no harm to come to her...and make her happy."
Legolas smiled. "I shall," he said. "Thank you once more, milord." He bowed his head once more, then quickly left, shutting the doors behind him.
Celebrian rose from her seat and walked over to her husband, placing her hand on his arm. "I am proud of you, my love," she said. Elrond looked down at her, confused. "I feared you would not be able to let her go."
He nodded, wrapping his arm around his wife's waist. "His love for her is strong. I would not trust her with anyone else." Smiling, his shoulders gave a slight shrug. "And it's not as if we won't see her again. She'll simply be a few days journey away."
Celebrian nodded. "Indeed, she shall." Leaning up, she kissed her husband, knowing in her heart that all would be well.
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Janelle made her way through the forest, the only sound being her horse's hooves on the dirt path. Lowering her golden head to avoid a low hanging tree branch, she looked forward, searching for any sign of civilization. She grinned, once again relishing in her brilliant idea to gain Legolas back. She had realized that the only thing preventing their reunion was Kimberly. Well after her plan worked, seh wouldn't be a problem. All thanks to Malia...
She had searched the woman out, a difficult feat. The woman had been sent into exile for her part in Kimberly's first disappearance. But she had found her and had convinced her to give the information she wanted.
How to find the old witch.
Now she followed the woman's directions, searching for the small hut where she would find the witch. Seeing a flickering light up ahead, she smiled and dug her heels into the horse's side. It sped up, and within minutes, she as in front of the hut. The light she had seen was a small fire burning in front of the hut. A large pot sat over it, steam rising. As Janelle slid off her horse, the door to the hut opened and a wrinkled old woman stepped out. The elleth looked her over. Her long gray hair was ragged and tangled, and it hung around her face and over her shoulders. She was clothed in black, her dress smeared with dirt. Her wrinkled skin hung off her bones, and her few teeth were yellow and rotten. But the thing that most set Janelle on edge were her eyes: they were gray, and although they were unseeing, she felt that the witch could see her fine.
"You are an elleth from Mirkwood, are you not?," the witch croaked, pointing a bony finger at her.
Janelle gulped and nodded. "I am."
The witch lowered her hand and frowned. "What do you come for?"
Squaring her shoulder, she tossed her blonde curls and stared at the witch. "Years ago, you sent away the youngest of Elrond Undomiel's line...sent her away to another world where she wasnt' found."
The witch nodded. "And now she has returned," she croaked. "What is it that you want?"
"I want you to do it again. Send her back to where she was, never to set foot in Middle-Earth again."
The witch stood still for a long time, her blind eyes looking straight at the elleth. Finally, she turned, motioning with her hand. "Come, child." Janelle hesitated then followed the witch into the hut.
The stench of mixed herbs made her recoil as she entered, and she watched as the witch sat down in an old wooden chair.
"Why do you wish this?," the witch asked. "Why do you want her gone?"
Janelle looked at her. "Because she is the one thing that stands in the way of what I desire."
The witch flashed a knowing smile. "But what you desire does not desire you."
Janelle's anger flared. "Shut up, witch! You know not of what you speak! He is blinded by her. Once she is gone, he will see that it is I he truly wants." She walked towards the witch, glaring at her. "Now will you do it?"
The witch sat in her chair as she looked up at her. "The consequences could be severe...for everyone."
Janelle shook her head. "Nothing I can't handle...Now you'll do it?"
The witch sighed and mumbled something in a language Janelle didn't know. Looking up at her, she said, " I will not....but I will give you the means to do it yourself."
Janelle thought about it a moment. "Do the deed myself...." She grinned. "I like that idea....Give me the means, then."
The witch nodded and rose, slowly walking over to a cupboard against the wall. As she gathered a few items from inside the cupboard, Janelle smiled evilly. Soon Legolas Greenleaf will be mine once more...and Kimberly will be out of his mind for good.
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Ta da! Once again, another chapter! Man, Janelle is pretty bad, ain't she? Review please if you want to know what happens next!!