A r w e n e l l a
Hey everyone! Guess what! I came back early from my trip from Pennsylvania earlier than I thought I would! Yay! .::hops around in complete bliss::. I have been thinking a lot about what to write in the next couple of chapters, which I am uploading together as a special treat for all my patient readers. (A response to Mercury… yes I did bring a notebook/journal, and yes I have been writing ideas!). So here it is, the conclusion to this tale. If things didn't turn out the way you wanted it to, I hope you still accept it as it is- I have given great thought to each and every word.
It has been a wonderful journey writing this with all of my reviewers. You will see me again will a new fanfiction in the future, you have my word! Enjoy! .::Meggin::.
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Chapter Ten- Confession
Another knock came, even louder this time.
Primrose and Arwen glanced at each other nervously. "I'll answer it," Primrose finally said, swallowing up courage. She stood up.
Arwen opened her mouth to speak. "Primrose," she choked. "It was me. Legolas is looking for me. I snuck off after you guys left, and I spent time with Prince Legolas myself. The pendant he is looking for belongs to me; it is my Evenstar."
Her stepsister stared at her, and a large smile spread across her face. "Why didn't you tell me earlier?" she laughed. "I'm just happy the future couple won't be Legolas and Delia, thanks heavens!" She helped Arwen up to her feet. "It said in the announcement to show yourself once he comes. You will, right?"
Arwen gulped. "Of course. I just don't know what to say."
Two more impatient blows came upon the door.
"Don't worry about it," Primrose reassured, heading towards the door. "I've got to answer this now, or we'll have to repair a damaged door." Swallowing another bit of courage, she twisted the doorknob and braced herself for the sight.
Before her were two male elves, clearly dressed in a royal Mirkwood attire. "Good morning, M'am," one of them said, after clearing his throat. He looked down at a clipboard he was clutching at his right hand. "You are a resident of the House of Elrond, correct?"
"Yes," Primrose replied.
"You have received the urgent super duper announcement from Prince Legolas, correct? You understand the whole issue, correct?"
"Uh…yeah," she replied nervously. "We're all inside."
The Mirkwood elf scribbled something on his clipboard, and looked over at his partner. He nodded jerkily. "Very well. We present Prince Legolas Greenleaf of the Mir-"
A blond elf impatiently shoved them apart and stepped forward. "Please, will you speed things up a bit?" he snarled to his guards. "I have got to find this girl now." Legolas' companions gulped and nodded speechlessly. Satisfied, he turned to Primrose. He scanned her face, and a faint grin flickered on his face. "I know you."
"Yes, you do," Primrose replied, hatred in her voice. "Primrose is my name."
"You spat in my hand." He laughed at the memory. "I'm sorry I had to spoil your evening for you. Please know the Ball wasn't my idea at all. It was my Father's."
Primrose smiled. "Very well. You may come in."
Legolas stepped inside, and Primrose closed the door behind him.
Arwen caught sight of the blond elf, and once again her breath was taken away. She was standing in a shadowed, dark corner, kind of hiding herself. She was shaking nervously. Calm down, Arwen. You can handle yourself. Breathe. She took in a deep breath.
"Prince Legolas!" Lady Uggalflaed emerged from the kitchen, the announcement crumpled in her chubby hands. "Welcome to our home!"
"Mother!" Primrose's eyes bulged out. "We didn't see you come in!"
"Of course you didn't," Uggalflaed replied carelessly. "I came in through the back door."
"Oh."
Legolas took out the pendant from his pocket, handling the fragile piece of jewelry between his fingers. He inspected the area. A blond maiden was flat on the floor, and quickly recognized her as Delia. He shuddered, and observed the rest of the room. A ruggedy man with dark hair was standing near the staircase. Aragorn? They had met only once before.
"Leggy, milad!" Aragorn stepped forward and locked his friend in a backbreaking hug. "Long time no see!"
"Aragorn," Legolas managed to choke out. He laughed. "You know these people?"
"Yes. Have you not heard? Lord Elrond has married again."
Legolas paused, and laid his eyes upon Lady Uggalflaed, who was pouring tea and batting her eyelashes at him. "To…her?" he asked softly, gesturing to The Pig. Aragorn nodded.
"Delia and Primrose are her stepdaughters."
"I don't believe this. What was Lord Elrond thinking?" Legolas shook his head in disappointment, then turned to Aragorn. "My friend, tell me. Does anyone of the name 'Narwe' live here?"
Aragorn rubbed his chin in thought. "Narwe? I'm afraid not, unless you're talking about Elrond's daughter, Arwen…"
It was time. Arwen slowly stepped forward from the shadows, nervously wringing her hands into her dirty apron.
Legolas saw, and gasped. It was the same beautiful maiden he had danced with in the woods. The falling night. "Narwe?" he asked, hesitantly.
Lady Uggalflaed dropped the teapot in horror. With a loud crash it met the floor.
"It's me," Arwen replied softly, letting her hands fall to her sides. Blood rose to her cheeks as she remembered that she had changed back into her lowly servant rags. She felt tiny and ugly in the presence of the Prince. "And my name is not Narwe…it is Arwen. I am Lord Elrond's daughter."
"I NEED SOME EXPLANATION!" Lady Uggalflaed erupted, turning onto Primrose. "What is going on?"
Primrose merely stood there, watching the whole scene curiously.
Legolas quickly rushed forward to Arwen, and clasped her hands into his. They were deathly cold. "Arwen," he murmured. "I never knew Elrond had a daughter." The pendant pressed into Arwen's skin as Legolas looked into her eyes. His gaze hurt to look at. "Arwen. I must speak to you privately."
Arwen stared at her feet, her throat dry. Legolas let go of her hands, this time leaving the pendant in her possession.
"That belongs to you, my Lady," Legolas added.
Still Arwen did not answer. Instead she lifted the necklace and latched it around her neck. Everyone in the room gasped as a powerful glow escaped the once dim crystal pendant.
"Arwen?" Legolas asked again, this time beseeching.
A silent moment passed. At last, Arwen reached forward and clutched Legolas' sleeve. "Follow me," she ordered, and rushed out of the palace, the prince at her heels.
They came to a small, quiet clearing in the Rivendell forest. Crisp autumn leaves fell from the branches, scattered all across the ground. They were now a good distance away, and Arwen turned to Legolas.
"Okay. You can talk."
Legolas paused, searching for the right words. He opened his mouth to speak, then stopped as he realized Arwen's attire.
"Why are you dressed in those rags?" he asked, concern in his voice. "Surely your father doesn't treat you like a slave?"
She knew he would ask that. "It's a long story. You see…my stepfamily…they have been cruel to me. My father has left for the Shire to tend to some ill hobbits, and has left me in their care for a while. He is returning soon, but for the past month I have acted as a servant in the household." She touched her skirt in shame. "I have to wear this. It's part of my job."
"Your father doesn't know about this?"
Arwen sighed. "No. And I haven't tried telling him…it's just this promise I made him that I wanted to keep. Anyway, he is coming home soon, and at that time I plan to explain everything to him."
Legolas shook his head. "I knew there was something demented with that family," he muttered angrily.
"Not Primrose," Arwen quickly added. "She has been a blessing, actually. It's Delia and Uggalflaed that bother me the most."
"Your father will do something," Legolas assured.
"I know."
The two stood in front of each other, as the minutes ticked away in awkward silence.
Arwen coughed. "Legolas?" she finally asked, raising her eyes to look at him. She took a deep breath. "Why have you come?" she asked, even though she already knew the answer.
Legolas met her gaze, and his hand drifted to the pendant hanging from her neck. Silently he caressed it. He appeared to be in deep thought. "Arwen."
Arwen suddenly remembered how Aragorn said her name differently, in a sweet way she savored.
"Arwen," he repeated. His hand fell. "I've been giving it great thought. I…have come to ask you a question."
Arwen's heart skipped a beat, and slow tears came to her eyes.
Touched, Legolas grasped Arwen's hand. "I know it's difficult…but I believe I've finally found someone…"
Arwen sobbed quietly as Legolas leaned forward and whispered in her ear.
"Arwen. Will you marry me?"
Everything froze. Time froze in place, and all sounds were muted out. Arwen's body tensed uncomfortably as she tried to tear her eyes away from his stare. She licked her lips and opened her mouth, but all that escaped was a painful sob. She closed her eyes, and felt the acid tears burn her skin as they fell down her face.
Aragorn. She thought of Aragorn, and the mere thought caused a great pain to shoot through her body. She opened her eyes, and then her mouth to speak.
"Legolas," she choked, meeting his painful gaze. "You don't want to marry me."
He let go of her hand, confused.
"I don't?"
Arwen took in a consoling breath, rejuvenating her body with confidence and energy. "It pains me greatly to say this. I…don't love you. I like you a lot, of course, but…I just don't love you." She smiled slightly, wiping a tear from her face. "I've just realized my heart belongs to someone else."
Legolas stood, taking it all in. Arwen stood in front of him, anxious to hear his reply. She wringed her hands into her apron, hoping she had done the right thing.
The blond prince stared at his feet, thinking deeply. "You're right," he finally said, lifting his eyes. "I don't know what I was thinking. I guess I just asked you to please my father, more than to please myself." He laughed. "I thought that if I married you, things would finally go well…for both of us. And my dad wouldn't bother so much, and we wouldn't have to have any more balls." He paused. "But I must say, you quite charmed me last night."
Arwen breathed a sigh of relief. "So have you," she replied. She leaned forward, and kissed him quickly on the cheek, for the first and final time. "I shall write to you, I promise. And visit you, occasionally."
Legolas smiled, and bowed beautifully. "I look forward to our correspondence, and…I'm glad things have ended well. Thanks for being so honest, or everything would have been disastrous."
Arwen curtsied. "Your welcome. I think it's best if we just remain friends."
.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.
Night has fallen. Legolas Greenleaf had departed with his companions, and Arwen came back with the news of her rejection. Delia, who had woken up, responded with a jealous roar.
"NO FAIR! HOW COULD HE FALL FOR A MEASLY SERVANT, AND NOT FOR A BEAUTIFUL GIRL LIKE ME?" she wailed.
"Uh…I think it's obvious?" Primrose retorted, rolling her eyes.
Arwen tore through the servant headquarters, searching for her friend. Desperately, she stopped a random servant girl. "Have you spotted Lorain anywhere?" she asked. She was dying to tell her what happened.
"I'm sorry, Lady, but no." The girl shook her head. "We don't have anyone called Lorain here."
Arwen blinked. "Excuse me? What do you mean? I just spoke with her today…"
The girl kept shaking her head. "I'm sorry, Lady Arwen. No such girl exists. I know, since I have worked here for quite some time." She curtsied politely, and pushed past Arwen to continue on her way.
Arwen stood there, dumbfounded. A smile flickered on her face. My guardian angel, she thought to herself. Thanks. You've been a great friend.
She had forgotten something. She bit her lip, trying to remember what it was. Suddenly, she gasped. Aragorn!
She barged outside, into the dim of the night. The wind blew loudly through the trees, and Arwen stumbled in her path, searching desperately for the ranger. Surely he wasn't leaving?
Her feet lead her to the stables. Sure enough, Aragorn was there, saddling his horse, and Eolina at his side.
"Aragorn!" Arwen cried, rushing forward. "What are you doing? You can't leave! Not now!"
The ranger stopped, and turned to face her. "My Lady, it will only be for a short while. I have some errands to take care of first. Keep it mind I simply ran into you, and…basically wanted to help you, I guess."
"But you can't leave," Arwen repeated pathetically.
Aragorn smiled. "I will be back, Arwen. Wait for me." He stepped forward and touched her face tentatively.
Arwen closed her eyes, and murmured something, half directed to herself. "I will bind myself to you." The pendant which hung around her neck glowed wondrously.
Aragorn paused, pondering her words. He didn't quite understand it.
"I will miss you," Arwen breathed, opening her eyes. "Please hurry."
The ranger enveloped her in his arms, and gently locked her in an affectionate kiss. Arwen clung to him, not wanting him to leave.
Aragorn stepped back, and mounted his horse. "Noro lim," he urged his steed. The horse reared, and soon they were gone.
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Please, pretty please review! Once you have done so, go ahead onto the next chapter! Thanks again for being such a terrific audience. .::Meggin::.
Hey everyone! Guess what! I came back early from my trip from Pennsylvania earlier than I thought I would! Yay! .::hops around in complete bliss::. I have been thinking a lot about what to write in the next couple of chapters, which I am uploading together as a special treat for all my patient readers. (A response to Mercury… yes I did bring a notebook/journal, and yes I have been writing ideas!). So here it is, the conclusion to this tale. If things didn't turn out the way you wanted it to, I hope you still accept it as it is- I have given great thought to each and every word.
It has been a wonderful journey writing this with all of my reviewers. You will see me again will a new fanfiction in the future, you have my word! Enjoy! .::Meggin::.
-----------------------------------------------------
Chapter Ten- Confession
Another knock came, even louder this time.
Primrose and Arwen glanced at each other nervously. "I'll answer it," Primrose finally said, swallowing up courage. She stood up.
Arwen opened her mouth to speak. "Primrose," she choked. "It was me. Legolas is looking for me. I snuck off after you guys left, and I spent time with Prince Legolas myself. The pendant he is looking for belongs to me; it is my Evenstar."
Her stepsister stared at her, and a large smile spread across her face. "Why didn't you tell me earlier?" she laughed. "I'm just happy the future couple won't be Legolas and Delia, thanks heavens!" She helped Arwen up to her feet. "It said in the announcement to show yourself once he comes. You will, right?"
Arwen gulped. "Of course. I just don't know what to say."
Two more impatient blows came upon the door.
"Don't worry about it," Primrose reassured, heading towards the door. "I've got to answer this now, or we'll have to repair a damaged door." Swallowing another bit of courage, she twisted the doorknob and braced herself for the sight.
Before her were two male elves, clearly dressed in a royal Mirkwood attire. "Good morning, M'am," one of them said, after clearing his throat. He looked down at a clipboard he was clutching at his right hand. "You are a resident of the House of Elrond, correct?"
"Yes," Primrose replied.
"You have received the urgent super duper announcement from Prince Legolas, correct? You understand the whole issue, correct?"
"Uh…yeah," she replied nervously. "We're all inside."
The Mirkwood elf scribbled something on his clipboard, and looked over at his partner. He nodded jerkily. "Very well. We present Prince Legolas Greenleaf of the Mir-"
A blond elf impatiently shoved them apart and stepped forward. "Please, will you speed things up a bit?" he snarled to his guards. "I have got to find this girl now." Legolas' companions gulped and nodded speechlessly. Satisfied, he turned to Primrose. He scanned her face, and a faint grin flickered on his face. "I know you."
"Yes, you do," Primrose replied, hatred in her voice. "Primrose is my name."
"You spat in my hand." He laughed at the memory. "I'm sorry I had to spoil your evening for you. Please know the Ball wasn't my idea at all. It was my Father's."
Primrose smiled. "Very well. You may come in."
Legolas stepped inside, and Primrose closed the door behind him.
Arwen caught sight of the blond elf, and once again her breath was taken away. She was standing in a shadowed, dark corner, kind of hiding herself. She was shaking nervously. Calm down, Arwen. You can handle yourself. Breathe. She took in a deep breath.
"Prince Legolas!" Lady Uggalflaed emerged from the kitchen, the announcement crumpled in her chubby hands. "Welcome to our home!"
"Mother!" Primrose's eyes bulged out. "We didn't see you come in!"
"Of course you didn't," Uggalflaed replied carelessly. "I came in through the back door."
"Oh."
Legolas took out the pendant from his pocket, handling the fragile piece of jewelry between his fingers. He inspected the area. A blond maiden was flat on the floor, and quickly recognized her as Delia. He shuddered, and observed the rest of the room. A ruggedy man with dark hair was standing near the staircase. Aragorn? They had met only once before.
"Leggy, milad!" Aragorn stepped forward and locked his friend in a backbreaking hug. "Long time no see!"
"Aragorn," Legolas managed to choke out. He laughed. "You know these people?"
"Yes. Have you not heard? Lord Elrond has married again."
Legolas paused, and laid his eyes upon Lady Uggalflaed, who was pouring tea and batting her eyelashes at him. "To…her?" he asked softly, gesturing to The Pig. Aragorn nodded.
"Delia and Primrose are her stepdaughters."
"I don't believe this. What was Lord Elrond thinking?" Legolas shook his head in disappointment, then turned to Aragorn. "My friend, tell me. Does anyone of the name 'Narwe' live here?"
Aragorn rubbed his chin in thought. "Narwe? I'm afraid not, unless you're talking about Elrond's daughter, Arwen…"
It was time. Arwen slowly stepped forward from the shadows, nervously wringing her hands into her dirty apron.
Legolas saw, and gasped. It was the same beautiful maiden he had danced with in the woods. The falling night. "Narwe?" he asked, hesitantly.
Lady Uggalflaed dropped the teapot in horror. With a loud crash it met the floor.
"It's me," Arwen replied softly, letting her hands fall to her sides. Blood rose to her cheeks as she remembered that she had changed back into her lowly servant rags. She felt tiny and ugly in the presence of the Prince. "And my name is not Narwe…it is Arwen. I am Lord Elrond's daughter."
"I NEED SOME EXPLANATION!" Lady Uggalflaed erupted, turning onto Primrose. "What is going on?"
Primrose merely stood there, watching the whole scene curiously.
Legolas quickly rushed forward to Arwen, and clasped her hands into his. They were deathly cold. "Arwen," he murmured. "I never knew Elrond had a daughter." The pendant pressed into Arwen's skin as Legolas looked into her eyes. His gaze hurt to look at. "Arwen. I must speak to you privately."
Arwen stared at her feet, her throat dry. Legolas let go of her hands, this time leaving the pendant in her possession.
"That belongs to you, my Lady," Legolas added.
Still Arwen did not answer. Instead she lifted the necklace and latched it around her neck. Everyone in the room gasped as a powerful glow escaped the once dim crystal pendant.
"Arwen?" Legolas asked again, this time beseeching.
A silent moment passed. At last, Arwen reached forward and clutched Legolas' sleeve. "Follow me," she ordered, and rushed out of the palace, the prince at her heels.
They came to a small, quiet clearing in the Rivendell forest. Crisp autumn leaves fell from the branches, scattered all across the ground. They were now a good distance away, and Arwen turned to Legolas.
"Okay. You can talk."
Legolas paused, searching for the right words. He opened his mouth to speak, then stopped as he realized Arwen's attire.
"Why are you dressed in those rags?" he asked, concern in his voice. "Surely your father doesn't treat you like a slave?"
She knew he would ask that. "It's a long story. You see…my stepfamily…they have been cruel to me. My father has left for the Shire to tend to some ill hobbits, and has left me in their care for a while. He is returning soon, but for the past month I have acted as a servant in the household." She touched her skirt in shame. "I have to wear this. It's part of my job."
"Your father doesn't know about this?"
Arwen sighed. "No. And I haven't tried telling him…it's just this promise I made him that I wanted to keep. Anyway, he is coming home soon, and at that time I plan to explain everything to him."
Legolas shook his head. "I knew there was something demented with that family," he muttered angrily.
"Not Primrose," Arwen quickly added. "She has been a blessing, actually. It's Delia and Uggalflaed that bother me the most."
"Your father will do something," Legolas assured.
"I know."
The two stood in front of each other, as the minutes ticked away in awkward silence.
Arwen coughed. "Legolas?" she finally asked, raising her eyes to look at him. She took a deep breath. "Why have you come?" she asked, even though she already knew the answer.
Legolas met her gaze, and his hand drifted to the pendant hanging from her neck. Silently he caressed it. He appeared to be in deep thought. "Arwen."
Arwen suddenly remembered how Aragorn said her name differently, in a sweet way she savored.
"Arwen," he repeated. His hand fell. "I've been giving it great thought. I…have come to ask you a question."
Arwen's heart skipped a beat, and slow tears came to her eyes.
Touched, Legolas grasped Arwen's hand. "I know it's difficult…but I believe I've finally found someone…"
Arwen sobbed quietly as Legolas leaned forward and whispered in her ear.
"Arwen. Will you marry me?"
Everything froze. Time froze in place, and all sounds were muted out. Arwen's body tensed uncomfortably as she tried to tear her eyes away from his stare. She licked her lips and opened her mouth, but all that escaped was a painful sob. She closed her eyes, and felt the acid tears burn her skin as they fell down her face.
Aragorn. She thought of Aragorn, and the mere thought caused a great pain to shoot through her body. She opened her eyes, and then her mouth to speak.
"Legolas," she choked, meeting his painful gaze. "You don't want to marry me."
He let go of her hand, confused.
"I don't?"
Arwen took in a consoling breath, rejuvenating her body with confidence and energy. "It pains me greatly to say this. I…don't love you. I like you a lot, of course, but…I just don't love you." She smiled slightly, wiping a tear from her face. "I've just realized my heart belongs to someone else."
Legolas stood, taking it all in. Arwen stood in front of him, anxious to hear his reply. She wringed her hands into her apron, hoping she had done the right thing.
The blond prince stared at his feet, thinking deeply. "You're right," he finally said, lifting his eyes. "I don't know what I was thinking. I guess I just asked you to please my father, more than to please myself." He laughed. "I thought that if I married you, things would finally go well…for both of us. And my dad wouldn't bother so much, and we wouldn't have to have any more balls." He paused. "But I must say, you quite charmed me last night."
Arwen breathed a sigh of relief. "So have you," she replied. She leaned forward, and kissed him quickly on the cheek, for the first and final time. "I shall write to you, I promise. And visit you, occasionally."
Legolas smiled, and bowed beautifully. "I look forward to our correspondence, and…I'm glad things have ended well. Thanks for being so honest, or everything would have been disastrous."
Arwen curtsied. "Your welcome. I think it's best if we just remain friends."
.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.
Night has fallen. Legolas Greenleaf had departed with his companions, and Arwen came back with the news of her rejection. Delia, who had woken up, responded with a jealous roar.
"NO FAIR! HOW COULD HE FALL FOR A MEASLY SERVANT, AND NOT FOR A BEAUTIFUL GIRL LIKE ME?" she wailed.
"Uh…I think it's obvious?" Primrose retorted, rolling her eyes.
Arwen tore through the servant headquarters, searching for her friend. Desperately, she stopped a random servant girl. "Have you spotted Lorain anywhere?" she asked. She was dying to tell her what happened.
"I'm sorry, Lady, but no." The girl shook her head. "We don't have anyone called Lorain here."
Arwen blinked. "Excuse me? What do you mean? I just spoke with her today…"
The girl kept shaking her head. "I'm sorry, Lady Arwen. No such girl exists. I know, since I have worked here for quite some time." She curtsied politely, and pushed past Arwen to continue on her way.
Arwen stood there, dumbfounded. A smile flickered on her face. My guardian angel, she thought to herself. Thanks. You've been a great friend.
She had forgotten something. She bit her lip, trying to remember what it was. Suddenly, she gasped. Aragorn!
She barged outside, into the dim of the night. The wind blew loudly through the trees, and Arwen stumbled in her path, searching desperately for the ranger. Surely he wasn't leaving?
Her feet lead her to the stables. Sure enough, Aragorn was there, saddling his horse, and Eolina at his side.
"Aragorn!" Arwen cried, rushing forward. "What are you doing? You can't leave! Not now!"
The ranger stopped, and turned to face her. "My Lady, it will only be for a short while. I have some errands to take care of first. Keep it mind I simply ran into you, and…basically wanted to help you, I guess."
"But you can't leave," Arwen repeated pathetically.
Aragorn smiled. "I will be back, Arwen. Wait for me." He stepped forward and touched her face tentatively.
Arwen closed her eyes, and murmured something, half directed to herself. "I will bind myself to you." The pendant which hung around her neck glowed wondrously.
Aragorn paused, pondering her words. He didn't quite understand it.
"I will miss you," Arwen breathed, opening her eyes. "Please hurry."
The ranger enveloped her in his arms, and gently locked her in an affectionate kiss. Arwen clung to him, not wanting him to leave.
Aragorn stepped back, and mounted his horse. "Noro lim," he urged his steed. The horse reared, and soon they were gone.
-----------------------------------------------------
Please, pretty please review! Once you have done so, go ahead onto the next chapter! Thanks again for being such a terrific audience. .::Meggin::.