Disclaimer: I do not own these characters.
Love
Love, love changes everything,
Hands and faces.
Earth and sky,
Love, love changes everything
How you live and how you die.
Love can make a summer fly
Or a night seem like a Lifetime
Yes love, love changes everything
Now I tremble at your name
Nothing in the world
Will ever be the same.
Tonight is a night of pure unadulterated celebration. I think that we deserve this after all that we have faced over the last few months.
We seem to have run from one crisis to another without a break.
I would never have believed that the three beings we found out on the plains searching for their friends would be the ones to change the course of Middle Earth, but they have and I for one am most certainly grateful for that.
I stand in the corner of the large chamber, the room is rowdy and full of smoke, just as it should be. I eye my sister talking with Gimli and Faramir. I can only watch amused at the way they are both acting. They both are trying to pretend that they are just friends. Just Friend's? If that is all that they remain, then I will eat Gimli's beard! Figuratively speaking of course.
No, I am neither blind nor a fool. Those two love each other, make no mistake. I just wonder how long it will take before they realise how they feel about each other. This should be very, very interesting.
I love my sister, I always have. After our parents died we became closer than ever. It hurt me to see the way that Wormtongue treated her. But I could do nothing to stop him. I will never forget her sobs after Theodred,our Cousin, died thanks to that Worm's machinations. Still he has met his maker now and I have no doubts that he will spend eternity suffering for the foul deeds that he brought to bear.
No, for a sweet short time, I had my Uncle back. The kindly King, whom I had known growing up and not the old and weathered Crony that Sauroman and Wormtongue made him. I still feel pain at those years, what they put us through and Poor, poor Theodred. I still find it hard to believe that he is gone. I will thank the Gods everyday for the timely intervention of Gandalf and my new friends.
But, to get back to the point, I like Faramir; he is a noble man and well trained, probably even more so than Boromir, his brother. Faramir had to work all the harder to get where he is and is all the better for it. He will make a fine husband for my fiery sister.
Believe me there will be sparks and tears. But more importantly there will be love and I would never stand in the way of that. Not after all we have been through.
On top of that I like him. What more needs to be said?
Faramir makes her laugh. Look at her, pink cheeked and laughing. Really, really smiling for the first time in who knows how long. No, he can marry her for just that reason; if he can have her smiling and giggling at nonsense then he is the man for my sister.
I know that would be what my Uncle would want for her. I will not deny that.
Faramir is telling another tale, all implausible of course, I think it is just to see Eowyn smile. I am a little amused that although they both are very obviously attracted to each other they have no inkling of it. They are totally oblivious. How can two intelligent people be so dumb? This is going to be a delight to watch, to see this grow. And grow it will of that I have absolutely no doubt.
I sip my drink and watch this little drama play out. Only to still as Aragorn walks over to them, he looks very worried about something. I inch nearer so that I can hear.
"Have you seen Legolas?" He sounds very distracted and worried. So it is my friend the Elf that he is worried about. I wonder why?
I will admit that my first encounter with these three left more than a little to be desired. I was still smarting from being banished from Rohan by that Worm. For some time anyone coming to our Kingdom has been treated with suspicion. How was I to know that I could trust these?
The Dwarf, Gimli did not help matters as we traded insults. But it was the Elf's reaction that stunned all of us. I have never seen an arrow and bow drawn so fast, never. I am ashamed that my men reacted in the only way they could, by protecting me. They drew their lances.
Thank goodness for Aragorn and his common sense. He made Legolas lower his bow and defused the situation.
I went merrily on my way. Never dreaming I would meet them again. But I did and they have all become staunch friends.
Of course I will never forgive Aragorn for the way he introduced Legolas. Legolas of the Woodland Realm, indeed! Crown Prince of Mirkwood more like. I was so embarrassed to find that out. But then I was not the only one, Legolas has never spoken about it, not once. Not because he is embarrassed or anything like that. It just is not his way. It was Gimli who let it slip one night… when we were drinking. Please do not ask I prefer not to think of that night.
Eowyn has called Legolas the silent sentinel and she is so right, as usual. He rarely speaks to other than his close friend's, but when he does, it is best if you sit up and pay attention. He always has an almost clinical out look on things and picks up signs that we have missed. It has not failed my attention that where ever he goes the trees and plants pick up as if rejoicing at his presence.
I have a feeling that Aragorn will ask him to help with the replanting of Gondor's gardens. I also have no doubt that they will be beautiful.
I can see by all three reactions that they expect Legolas to suddenly appear. They will have no luck for Legolas left quite sometime ago to go out onto the battlements. I almost left to join him but he had an air about him that spoke of wanting to be alone.
He has been even more quiet of late, if that could be at all possible. But with the Prince, actions speak louder than words. Look at how he felled the Mumakil single handed. He also killed all of its occupants all without receiving a single scratch. Definitely the Elf to have at your side at a time like this has been.
Aragorn nods distractedly and turns to leave he is half way to the door when he draws almost level with me and Gandalf stops him. I glance at Faramir and Eowyn; they have moved to be nearer to Aragorn. I notice how close they are standing and have to force myself not to smirk. It is rather unbecoming of a King, do you not think?
Love, love changes everything
Days are longer,
Words we know,
Love, love changes everything
Pain is deeper that before
Love will turn your world around
And that world will last forever
Yes love, love changes everything
Brings you glory
Brings you shame
Nothing in the world will ever be the same.
I watch as the four of them follow Aragorn out to the big wide wooden doors. They stop just inside and I am in a perfect spot to see and hear all that is going on. Aragorn stands just outside and he is watching Legolas.
The night is still, it is almost as if the very air is waiting for something, it seems charged almost electric, but that may be my imagination. It is dark, very dark; no stars shine this night. The moon is conspicuous by its absence. Legolas stands looking out over Gondor and it is a strange sight. The only light is the weak candle light from the great hall. It seems to shroud Legolas and I will admit it takes my breath away. I do not think I have ever seen a person so thin. How can that be healthy?
I try to think back and I cannot recall ever seeing Legolas eat. I make a promise to make sure he eats every time I see him, even if I have to hold him down. Good friends are hard to find and they are to be treasured all the more for that.
I think that Gimli is about to pre-empt whatever Aragorn is going to do. He is stopped just at the last minute by Gandalf with a hand on his shoulder.
Aragorn has moved at last. Within minutes he by Legolas' side and is looking out over Gondor with him.
I have to bite my lip to hide my mirth at what is said next, no, not at what is being said but Eowyn's reaction to it. I can imagine what is going through that astute mind. Men! Stupid thing to say. And again, I have to agree. She is right. We can come out with some of the most inane drivel at times. I know, she tells me. Frequently.
Aragorn first words are: "Are you alright, Legolas?" He would have to be a half dead, blind Orc to see that our friend is far from alright. Although I have just realised exactly how far that is. We can all be blind at times.
"Yes, Aragorn I just needed some quiet and respite from your fouls smoke." His voice is dry and incredibly sarcastic. I know all too well his views on the smoking of pipes and the pipe weed that goes with it. I am lucky; I think that if I had tried, Eowyn would have my head on a platter. Her views are as strong as Legolas'.
"You have been out here for sometime. I was getting concerned." That is true, I saw his face earlier and he has ignored Legolas' attempt at changing the subject. "Gimli asked me to ask you if you would like to join him in a drinking game. I think he wants to get his revenge on you."
I almost groan at that, I am sure I am green. My temples give a throb of pain just at the thought of going through that again. It seemed such a good idea at the time, with Gimli egging us on. How can one Elf drink that much and still be stone cold sober? He drank the three of us under the table and walked, walked away. The rest of us were carried. I had a four day hangover, not helped by Eowyn's nagging over it. I will never forget that lecture I know that.
Legolas laughs at that and yes, Faramir is green too. Eowyn throws him a most amused look. I am so lucky to be able to stand and watch their little drama.
Then Aragorn becomes enigmatic. "The night is veiled." What? What he is trying to say I have no idea, but I guess that as he was brought up by Elves he knows their minds and how they work.
"Yes, it should be clear and not dull like this. The heavens should be celebrating." Legolas is at it now. Talk English so that I can understand! But oh, my friend you should be celebrating too. You have worked so hard for this day and here you are, or were, standing by yourself in self imposed isolation.
"Are you going to be joining us?" Finally, a sensible question!
"In a while." I will tell you know as sure as there is oxygen in this air Legolas will not be joining us.
Faramir has moved as close as he can to Eowyn and I swear he is trying his hardest not to touch her hair. He smells her, though. This is so sweet!
My amusement is cut short by Aragorn's next words. "Legolas, I am here for you when your longing gets too much for you." Longing? What is this longing and why have Gandalf, Gimli and Faramir's faces changed colour so drastically?
Faramir edges closer to Eowyn and there! Finally!! He has her hand in his. He bends forwards and I can see her shiver as he whispers in her ear. I was right! From both of their reactions I can see that it has finally dawned on them that they both feel the same way. It is tarnished somewhat by the look that crosses Eowyn's feature. It is a mixture of shock and pain. I can only guess that this can not be good, I will ask Faramir later, he knows a lot about Elves.
Legolas answers and his voice is the most gruff I have ever heard. Musically gruff if you understand what I mean? "Hannon lle, Mellon-nin." I have no clue at to what has been said and I will be talking to Aragorn about getting some lessons in Elvish. If the Prince is going to be a close friend and I certainly hope he will, then it is only fair.
Aragorn seems happy at that and turns to make his way back inside. The look of shock as he sees his friends waiting there watching, is almost blinding. It is followed by a clap on Gimli's shoulder as he passes a wide smile know replaces the shock.
Me? I am staring at Legolas for as Aragorn turned his back on him, he began to sing. The notes are pure and so, so sweet. I have heard some of the best singers at my Uncle's court, but Legolas surpasses them all. How did I not know this?
Then almost as if it was waiting for this cue. The moon begins to shine and it seems as if Legolas is glowing in the weak light. An Owl swoops down in the shaft of light as it hunts for pray. The sight is incredibly beautiful. I do not think I will see something so pure and good again in my life and my heart sings for he is my friend. I am truly blessed.
A movement out of my eye causes me to look away from the stunning view in front of me. Faramir has Eowyn in his arms and the happiness they exude is palpable. I may have lost my sister in a sense but I have also gained a brother. Aragorn's grin tells me that he has realised what is going on with them.
As I say I am truly, truly blessed.
Up into the world we go,
Planning futures,
Shaping years
Love bursts in
And suddenly
All our wisdom disappears
Love makes fools of everyone
All the rules we make are broken
Yes love, love changes everything
Live or perish in its flame
Love will never ever let you be the same
Love will never ever let you be the same.
The End?
Thank you all once again for your kind reviews.
Replies to reviews:
Barbara Kennedy: I'm glad you liked this chapter" Faramir The Love Struck!!! That made me laugh so much!!!!!!! As you say I wonder if it did make sense to his listeners. Did it?!
Oh, yes, I've been Nicked far too many times in the 22 years that we have been together. I think the best and worst, so far had to be when we went to see a very old friend who's husband had just passed away very suddenly. He started off very well, for a man. "Lisa, I am so sorry about Steve. If we can help at all you only need to ask." I was proud of him tight up until he turned straight after this to ask. "What will you be doing with his car?" I could have killed him on the spot! Luckily Lisa knows my Nick all too well and thought it very funny. He could not understand what I was cross at. Men!
Deana: yep, I laughed that hard. I have mounted it on the wall in the study and every time I see it I chortle, still. It was kind of hard to explain to none' LOTR fans.
Miss Attitude: Thank you.
Lulu belle: Glad you liked it. Please don't die. Please? You replied after I sent the chapter so I could not add to it. Please more! Please? It made me laugh.
Thank you. I really don't know where this came from, though. I could not sleep (nothing new) and this came like a bolt out of the blue!
PopcornandGreenery: Silent sentinel sounds rather good doesn't it? But watch the films and he is, I swear. I did mushy-fluffy romance? Wow.
Love Faramir as well.
Well, now for the sort of bad news. The next chapter is back to Legolas and will be the last in this series.
BUT. There will be more of similar ilk so never fear. I have enjoyed this one just a tad too much to leave it there. I already have the songs and the basics, so it will not be long before you get another round. How is that?
So until tomorrow or Monday, take care,
Love,
Shell