Ok here is the next chapter in my tale. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Now remember this is only a story and it is all in fun. Oh and before I go I wanted to thank everyone who has reviewed the story and send a special thanks to Darma Druid for her continuing support and guidance.
Chapter 9
Crashing World
It was late afternoon but the sun was still bright and warm in the sky when Legolas and Gwenneth arrived back at the stables. Much to their surprise, Gandalf was patiently waiting for their arrival. He smiled widely at the two riders as he approached them. "Ah…Lady Gwenneth! Legolas! At last you return," he said as he stopped Arod and came alongside the Princess.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, fear raced through Gwenneth's mind. Something had to be wrong if Gandalf was there waiting to meet them! Aragorn must have found out and the Wizard was here to warn them! Surely that was the reason of his presence! Hundreds of bad thoughts came rushing into her mind all at once, making her face loose its color and turn pale. Her head started to spin out of control and her stomach felt uneasy. She stared at Gandalf and then all of a sudden, without warning, she fell off Arod and into Gandalf's arms.
Before the falling girl reached Gandalf's arms, Legolas had jumped from his horse and rushed to her side. Wizard and elf hovered over her motionless body. Her face showed no color and her breathing was faint. "She fainted," whispered Gandalf looking into the concerned face of the elf. "Legolas, get her some water! Quickly!"
Legolas hurriedly jumped to his feet and ran for some water. When he returned the girl was just regaining consciousness. Her eyes were slow to focus, but soon enough the vision of Gandalf came into view. "Gandalf….wha….what happened? Why am I down here?" she asked with confusion. Then she turned her head to see a concerned elf staring at her. Immediately upon seeing him, a smile of comfort graced her face. "Legolas," she said breathlessly as she reached out to touch his leg.
Legolas let out a sigh of relief and then smile at the girl as his hand covered hers. "You fainted. Do you feel ill?" With his other hand he then reached out to stroke her smooth cheek. "You do not feel warm and thank the Valar, your color is returning."
With the help of Gandalf she slowly sat up to regain both her composure and thoughts. After she sipped the water that Legolas had brought back for her for a few moments, she turned to look into Mithrandir's steel blue eyes. "Gandalf! What are you doing here? Is there something wrong? Did Aragorn find out?"
"Be still, young one," the Wizard said softly. "I came to warn you that Aragorn is searching for you, and he wants to see you right away when you return." Seeing building fear on her face, he tried to calm her: "Do not worry, he does not know that you were with Legolas today. I told him that I had sent you on some errands for me. He does not suspect a thing, young Gwenneth."
Gwenneth stared at the wizard and saw the warmth and caring in his eyes. Slowly she began to relax again. "Thank you, Gandalf. You are truly a good friend."
The man smiled with great love at the girl. "I was glad to help. When Eowyn told me that you and Legolas were together, I was happy to help in any way I could," he explained. Then he turned to face the young elf. "I am glad the both of you spent the day together. And I do hope it is not the last you will be seeing each other," was his sly addition
Gwenneth and Legolas smiled at each other. She felt as though a soft blanket was placed around and a warm feeling was passing through her. Finally she started to feel safe again. It was the knowledge that Gandalf had agreed to help her made all of her anxieties and fears fade away - for now, anyway. Deep in her mind she knew that sooner or later she would have to confront Aragorn about Legolas, but she would wait for that until she was sure about her feelings for him.
There was definitely something there, but she was not sure what it was. She just wished that she had something to compare these feelings to! Every time she saw him, a new feeling awoke inside of her. The feelings were so new and raw and Gwenneth failed to comprehend their meaning. In the short time that she had come to know the elf, she had felt so comfortable and at ease with him. She was not afraid to tell him anything. All these emotions and incredible sensations were becoming intoxicating to her. It was like giving a drop of water to a thirsty traveler. She was thankful, yes, but she needed to know more.
Still, all the horrible tales that Aragorn had told her over the years about the evil elves were hampering the whirlwind of feelings she was having for the Prince. Aragorn was an honest and proud man, it was beyond her belief the he could be lying to her all this time! Deep down inside she knew there had to be some truth to his tales. But did she really want to go deeper into it? Was what Legolas showing her the true nature of the elves? Were they honorable and passionate as he was to her? Or were they deceitful and cruel like Aragorn always had believed and told her? Her mind ached from the conflicting thoughts. She just needed time…..the time that Legolas was willing to offer.
With the help of the Wizard and the elf she slowly made it back to her feet. She looked to Gandalf and smiled. "Well, if Aragorn is searching for me, then I think I should go find him before he starts to worry." The woman threw her arms around Gandalf in a warm embrace and lightly kissed his cheek. "Thank you my dear friend, I am in your debt."
Gandalf grinned from ear to ear. "No child, it is you that I should thank, for having an open mind about the elves. For being so bold to put aside all you have been told, and trusting your heart. You bring me hope that peace will be achieved." He then bowed to her and walked quietly away so the two could have a moment alone.
Gwenneth watched Mithrandir walk away, then turned back to face the waiting elf. She drew in a deep breath at his beauty. The elves where such a graceful race, it seemed almost a sin not to be in awe of them! And Legolas, of course, was no exception. His whole demeanor proved that he was indeed a proud elf. She shivered at the sight of his strong presence, with his head held high and his shimmering eyes.
Legolas smoothly glided towards Gwenneth to close the gap between them. He reached out to grasp her hand and gently pulled her to him. Brushing the hair away from her face, he looked lovingly into her eyes. His fingers then leisurely caressed her soft cheek as they slowly traced her jaw line and then moved down to wrap around the back of her neck. "When can I see you again?" he asked in a whisper, leaning his forehead to rest upon hers.
Gwenneth closed her eyes and felt the desire to lose herself in the moment. She could feel her heart pounding uncontrollably in her ears. The sensation of his light touch on her neck drove her insane! The sudden wish to feel his touch all over her body erupted in her. She wanted to let go of her conscience and let the fire inside her consume both of them. But sadly, she knew that was impossible at this moment. "Tonight. After everyone is asleep I will sneak out and go to the pond. You can meet me there," she replied without opening her eyes, afraid that he was just a dream that would disappear when she did so.
Legolas then lowered his head to graze his lips over hers. He could feel the tremor traveling through her body at his touch and it made him smile coyly. "I do not know if I can bear to see you at the dinner tonight, and not be by your side. Surely it will drive me mad! But……I will keep your kiss in my thoughts to soothe my insanity." His free hand then slowly traced the bare skin along the neckline of her gown. Once more he felt her shudder under his touch, which only fueled the growing fire in his own body.
"Legolas…I should…really…go," she said, and the fear of her wish for him continue, crashed onto her mind. But her body betrayed her and could not tear away from him.
With one hand still around her neck, his other hand laced with hers as he brought his mouth to hers. She surrendered herself to him, feeling her passion rise within her as her lips melted into his. Unknowingly she forced her lips harder to his, seeking relief from the aching desire in her soul. She pressed her body into his and let out a soft groan of satisfaction when she felt the heat of his body against hers. Then suddenly he backed away, leaving her wanting more. She slowly opened her eyes.
He smiled sheepishly to her. "Yes, I think you should be going," he said, licking his lips and letting out a long breath in an attempt to suppress his own passionate feelings. Reluctantly he let go of her and stepped back. "I will be counting the minutes until I see you again, Milady," he added as he bowed to her and gently place a warm kiss into the palm of her hand. After a wicked smile, Legolas walked out of the stable, leaving Gwenneth behind.
******
Eowyn ran to meet Gwenneth as she neared the camp. "Gandalf told me that you had returned and I could not wait to find out how it went!" She said as she hugged her friend.
Laughing, Gwenneth tried to peel her friend off herself. "All in due time, Eowyn," was her reply when she finally found the other girl's face. "Right now I have to find Aragorn. Gandalf told me that he was searching for me earlier. Do you know why he wants to see me?"
Eowyn shock her head. "No, I have no idea. I saw him talking to Eomer a little while ago but I do not think he told him anything about us."
"Well, I hope it is nothing serious. I had such a wonderful time with Legolas that I do not want Aragorn bringing a shadow over the day. I am glad that you got to Gandalf before he did, or he would have surely been suspicious as to where I was all day," Gwenneth said, as she started again towards the camp.
Something about this Aragorn issue kept pulling at her insides. He never wanted to see her unless it was about something bad. He never really talked to her just to find out how she was doing or just to say hi. He always had another motive - whether it be spoiling her and Eowyn's adventures, or just lecturing her about the elves. Yes, she knew her brother too well not to know that it was going to be unwanted news.
The girls entered the camp together and they went directly to Aragorn's tent. Gwenneth slowly it and looked around the dark tent, but to her disappointment, he was not there. She sighed to herself. Oh how she wanted to get this over with! The waiting would just prolong the agony. She met Eowyn, who was waiting outside. When they saw no sign of Aragorn anywhere in the encampment, they headed to Gwenneth's tent, so that Eowyn could hear all the details of the day.
While Gweeneth undressed, she told Eowyn all the details about her day - from the food they ate to the intense kiss they had shared. It was so good to have a friend like Eowyn to tell these things to! Telling her what had happened during the day was like a reassurance to herself that it really HAD happened. And she just loved to talk about him. Ever since Fate had intervened by having her run into him, he had become the center of all her thoughts.
Then something strange happened……While she was sharing her tale with her friend, she suddenly realized that she DID love Legolas. Her stomach started to quiver at the thought of it. This feeling was amazing! It was everything she had hoped it would be! Not only did she love him, but she was truly IN love with him. It was so amazing, that all of a sudden she just……..KNEW. All doubts left her instantly.
Eowyn looked suspiciously at her friend. "Are you well? All of a sudden there is something different about you."
Gwenneth smiled shyly to her. "Well…I just realized something wonderful! I realized that I…" at that moment, her sentence was cut off by the rustling of the canvas. Gwenneth spun around, startled. She hoped that their conversation had not been overheard!. 'Aragorn!' she thought. Her heart started to race uncontrollably.
"Is someone there?" she called out nervously, knowing that it had to be Aragorn.
"It is Aragorn. May I come in?" came his commanding reply.
Gwenneth quickly reached for her robe to cover her half naked body. She looked at Eowyn, who just shook her head in return. Rubbing her temple as it had began to ache from the tension that was mounting in her brain; she said, "Well…..no use delaying this," for Eowyn's ears only.
"You may come in, Aragorn," she called to her brother, still extremely nervous about the upcoming confrontation.
The tent flap was slowly pulled away and Aragorn stepped in. He looked around the room and noticed all the dresses that were scattered throughout it. "What happened in here? It looks like a warg was set loose!" A chuckle rose as he shook his head at the sight of the mess
Gwenneth nervously looked at the dresses that had been lying there since earlier in day. "Oh……I just can not seem to find the right dress for the dinner tonight." It was a lie, since she already knew what she was going to wear.
Aragorn then turned to Eowyn, who had started to pick up the dresses and put them into the trunk. "Eowyn….could you give us a moment?" he asked softly and the blonde girl stopped abruptly.
Eowyn's eyes darted to her friend's. She could see the terror on the young Princess face and wished she could stay and at least try to ease Gwenneth's fears, but she knew that Aragorn would have nothing of it. "emmmm……sure Aragorn….whatever you say," she stammered. "I will be back later to see if you need my help any further," was her last comment to Gwenneth.
"Oh…ok," was the other's cracking reply. She watched her friend disappear, and then turned to face her brother. "What is it that you need to speak to me about? Gandalf has told me that you needed to see me and when I returned I looked for you, but I could not find you. I hope it is nothing bad."
Aragorn's mouth stretched into a broad smile. "No…No…nothing bad! In fact it is rather exciting news," he said in a cheerful tone.
Slowly Gwenneth let out a sigh of relief. What luck! He did not know about her and Legolas. The young girl then walked over to the small table that stood beside her bed and picking up the brush, she sat down on her cot, facing her brother and began to comb out her long hair. "So do tell brother, what is this exciting news you bring?"
Aragorn walked to the open trunk that held the dresses, closed it quietly and then sat upon it, facing his beautiful younger sister. "Eomer tells me that you are going to be accompanying him to dinner tonight?"
"Yes… that is true. I agreed to go with him since I could not have lunch with him because of my promise to help Gandalf."
"Ah yes! I hope everything turned out well with that?"
"Yes everything is fine. It is going to be a wonderful night," she said with a little suspicion, trying to figure out why he was not telling her the news. "Are you going to tell me the good news or are you going to dance around the subject all night?"
She was taken back by the broad smile that graced her brother's normally expressionless face. Now this was strange indeed! Since being here in Hobbiton, she had heard her brother whistling, had seen him clean shaven, and it seemed like he was always smiling these past few days. She had started to wonder if there was something in the water here that made one happy - like the something in the water from the Entwash that made one grow.
"After you had left this afternoon, Eomer came to speak to me," he said matter-of-factly and then paused, trying to prolong the surprise.
After another silent moment Gwenneth grew even more annoyed with Aragorn. "Yes? And what did he have to say?"
"Well, it is more of what he ASKED than said," her brother replied again, pausing for another moment before he dropped the guillotine: " He asked for your hand in marriage."
Gwenneth felt as if she had been struck in the chest by a large orc knife! Her jaw dropped to the floor. And she suddenly felt light headed. Water! She needed water! Aragorn's face began to spin wildly in front of her. This was NOT happening! It had been such a perfect day! How could this be happening now? She did not love Eomer! She loved Legolas!
"And since I am your older brother, I gave him my consent for him to start courting you," he stated. "Are you not happy?" he asked then, seeing the confusion on her face.
Happy?! Happy?! How could she be happy? No, what she was feeling far from happy. Rage! That was the only word that would come close to describing her feelings at that moment. Rage that her brother would do such a thing without even asking her! This was so typical of Aragorn! Her face turned a bright red as her blood boiled beneath her skin.
"You what?!!!" she shouted, not caring if everyone gathered in Hobitton heard her. "Who gave you the authority to do such a thing?! And why did you not ask me of my feelings in this matter? Am I not allowed a say in my own future?!" She jumped up form the cot and turned away from him. There was no way that she even wanted to look at him at the moment. She gripped the brush tighter in her hand, in fear that it would soon be flying across the room towards her brother's head.
Aragorn stood up, shocked by his sister's outburst. He had thought that –judging by the way they had acted so happy the night before- she would be pleased by this news. What was so wrong that she felt the need to behave this way? He was doing all this for her and her alone.
Then his anger started to parallel hers. "Since father is not here, I have all the authority to do such a thing!" he spat. He took a deep breath in an effort to suppress his own anger. He only wanted her to be happy and safe!
He slowly walked up behind her and softly put his hands on her shoulders. "You looked so happy when you were with him last night, you must surely be fond of him. This is a good match, Gwenneth. He will treat you with the respect that you deserve and he will give you the protection you need," he said, as he tried to soothe her fury.
She slowly turned around to glare wickedly into his gray eyes. "The protection I need?" she mocked. "Like the protection you gave me since I was a child? The kind of protection that puts me in shackles and forbids me to leave Gondor?! No!" she screamed as she turned away from him again. "I will not be caged like I was as a child!"
Like a knife her words cut into Aragorn's heart. He knew that he had smothered Gwenneth all her life, and he had hoped that his agreement to Eomer's with to court her would make amends for his past actions. "I am sure that he will treat you better then I have," he said, lowering his head in shame.
Gwenneth did not move as she so desperately fought to hold back the tears that were springing to her eyes. She was determined not to let Aragorn see her shed one single tear over this atrocity. After a few moments of utter silence, she had enough of his presence. "Leave Aragorn…Just leave," she quietly hissed, still not turning to look at him.
Aragorn turned and slowly walked to the door. Before he left, he stopped and glanced back. "What's done is done Gwenneth. It will be announced tonight during the dinner, so please act appropriately," he commanded. He paused for a moment expecting her to lash out, but to his surprise she did not. Then without another word he left the tent.
Once she heard the drape falling to close off her tent, she let go of her fight and the dam that was holding back the flood broke wide open. She sank to her knees and buried her head into her hands and sobbed. Why was this happening to her? She could not marry Eomer! He was a friend, yes, but that was all. She did not love him. She loved Legolas. Why was fate toying with her, giving her a chance to find love and then taking it away so swiftly?
Suddenly there was a light touch on her shoulder. Her body stiffened at the thought that is was Aragorn. But when she turned with reluctance, she saw Eowyn's face through the flood of tears and instantly Gwenneth melted into her friend's arms, continuing to cry uncontrollably.
After Eowyn had left Aragorn and Gwenneth, she had met her brother and Eomer had told her the wonderful news. The news came as a shock and she knew it would not be wonderful for her friend. She had watched for Aragorn to leave and then had entered the tent unnoticed. She had felt so sorry for Gweenth when she saw her sitting on the floor, sobbing her heart out!
She held her friend in her arms and gently rocked back and forth, stroking her hair. "Shhhh…it will be alright," she whispered softly into the other girl's ear.
"I am sorry Eowyn!" Gwenneth tried to speak through the tears. "I know he is your brother and that he is a good man, but I can not marry him. I do not love him in a way a wife loves a husband. I love Legolas, not Eomer!" she stated in between sobs.
Eowyn stopped rocking when she heard this. "Are you sure?"
Gwenneth turned to look upon her friend and smiled ever so slightly. "Oh yes, Eowyn, I am sure! I have never felt anything like this! All I want to do is spend my entire time with him!" She replied as she tried to dry her eyes with the sleeve of her robe.
"Well if you are sure, then I am happy for you. But that still does not change the fact that you are to be wed to Eomer."
"I know," was Gwenneth's reluctant comment. "How am I going to tell Legolas?" Once again she needed to hold back the tears at the thought of him. "What am I going to do?" was her sad pleading.
Eowyn then tightened her embrace and softly guided her friend's head to her shoulder again. "I do not know," she whispered.
The girls stayed wrapped in each other's arms until finally Gwenneth could cry no more. She then slowly lifted her head and looked at Eowyn. "Thank you my friend. I am sorry about this…"
"No need to be sorry! I always knew you had no feelings for my brother. It is only natural for you to be upset about it. I just wish there was something more for me to do." She tried to wipe away the remaining tears from Gwenneth's red, tears-stained cheeks.
"Just you being here for me is enough," the other stated. Then she looked around at the messy tent and sighed. "Eomer will be here soon and I am not even dressed!"
The blonde girl rose to her feet and held out her hands to Gwenneth to help up as well. "I will stay and help you. I am already dressed. Faramir can find me here, instead of my tent."
With the help of Eowyn, Gwenneth prepared for the dinner. She wore a crimson dress with gold trim, which hung just off her shoulders. Eowyn did her hair so that it was pulled up on top of her head with a few tendrils of it flowing down her bare back and shoulders. He face had regained its glowing complexion, and she looked as radiant as ever. She had wiped away all the signs that she had been crying, but unfortunately she could not hide the sadness in her eyes.
As if on cue, Eomer announced his presences outside her tent. "Gwenneth, are you ready?" he called softly to her.
Gwenneth shared a glance with her friend and let out a sigh. With a weak smile on her face she turned and walked to the opening of the tent. When she pulled back the curtain she saw Eomer standing there with his hands behind his back and a smile on his face. He wore a tan tunic with black trim and a pair of black leggings. His blonde flaxen hair flowed over his broad shoulders. But as incredible as he looked, she felt nothing for him. And the Valar knew that she had tried! Her feelings were nothing like the ones she felt when she looked at Legolas.
Eomer was taken back by the sight of the Princess. He was amazed that every time he saw her, she looked more beautiful. And to think, that she was going to be his! He was definitely a lucky man to have her as his future bride! He bowed deeply to her. "May I say you look especially stunning tonight, Milady?" he said when his gaze met hers. "I hope you are as excited and happy as I am about our courtship."
Gwenneth gave him a weak smile. "Excited and happy are not the words I would use to describe what I am feeling," she said flatly.
Eomer then held out his hand and waited for her. Automatically and without another thought she put her hand in his. He guided her away to meet Aragorn and the others. But he could have guided her into a pack of orcs and she would have never noticed. For she was lost to this world. Her mind ceased to recognize what was going on around her. All the events of the day just had been so overwhelming!
When she managed to re-gather her wits, they were already entering the dining area. A large crowed of humans and elves were walking freely, without any tension or anger. But she did not care who was talking to whom; she had her own things to worry about as she looked around the crowd in search for Legolas. She wanted to tell him before Aragorn announced it. Maybe if he heard it from her, it would be easier for him to accept it. She had to come up with some reason to get away from everyone else and find him.
Time, however, was not on her side because just then Gandalf called everyone to their seats so that dinner could begin. She then felt Eomer's strong hand on the small of her back as he led her to their table. When they got there he pulled out her chair and waited for her to sit, but she just stood there, scanning the crowd, hoping to get a glimpse of Legolas. When she did not see him she slowly melted into the waiting chair, and again became lost to her surroundings.
Gwenneth barely touched her dinner. She was too depressed to eat. She heard the idle conversations around her, but declined to comment or take part in any of them. Then suddenly while she was playing with her uneaten food something inside told her to look up. She slowly raised her gaze and her breath hitched. There he was, sitting not far too from her, staring at her with his intense blue eyes. Her heart warmed at the sight of him. She wanted to run to him and tell him about Aragorn and Eomer, but s that it was impossible. But for now, she was happy just to look at him. She could not tear her eyes away from him, nor did she want to.
The sound of Aragorn clearing his throat startled Gwenneth and broke her staring duel with Legolas. Her eyes grew wide when she saw her brother looming above her. 'Oh Valar! Here it comes!' she thought to herself. Her stomach tightened as her eyes again met Legolas'. "Please forgive me," she mouthed to the elf as a tear fell from her eye.
"Attention! May I have your attention!" called Aragorn.
Everyone slowly stopped what they were doing and turned their attention to Aragorn, who came to stand behind Gwenneth and Eomer. She flinched as she felt Aragorn's hand on her shoulder. Eomer took her hand in his and brought it from under the table to rest on top so everyone could see their affection. But still she could not break away from Legolas' gaze.
"My fellow Middle Earth inhabitants! I have some wonderful news this fine evening!" He paused to look down at Gwenneth and Eomer. "I am pleased to announce that my sister Princess Gwenneth and my best friend Eomer of Rohan are going to be married."
Legolas' heart pounded in his chest as he sat unmoving looking into the eyes of the one he loved. For a brief second he looked up at Aragorn standing behind her. Then he noticed something that seemed out of place. His gazed lowered to her hand in Eomer's. His breathing paused. 'Why is she letting him hold her hand?' he wondered. A moment later Aragorn's words shattered his world.
Married?! To HIM?! The pounding of his heart suddenly stopped when he heard those words. His whole reason for living died as all the love and passion he had for her was suddenly destroyed by those horrid words. He wanted to shout "NO!" The anger he was feeling made him want to grab her and ask her why she had played with his feelings. His body began to shake as he stood to look at her one last time through all the people who were gathering around her.
With Aragorn's announcement everyone around them started to clap and cheer. Some even came up to congratulate them, but Gwenneth heard or saw none of it. She only saw the look of horror on Legolas' face when he heard the news. She wanted to reach out to him. She wanted to tell him that she loved him. It hurt her to see him with such pain in his eyes. Then suddenly he stood and with a look of a man betrayed he turned and walked away into the crowd, disappearing from her sight. She quickly stood and searched the crowd of humans and elves for him, but he was nowhere to be found. Gwenneth then slowly sank to her chair and put her head in her hands and cried.