The Choice
Skye undressed and was about to put her clothes on when it dawned on her why Legolas wanted to go back to the stable. He was going home. She wrapped her robe around herself and came to the railing. Legolas was packing, and she had a knot in her throat.
"You're going to leave, aren't you," she asked.
Legolas looked up at her and could see the sadness in her eyes. "You spoke with wisdom when you said I could not stay here. I must go home. It is my wish that you come with me, but the choice must be yours."
Skye hung her head. And Legolas dropped his bag and climbed the stairs. He wrapped his arms around her and she buried her face against his chest.
"I love you, Skye," Legolas said softly. "I want to stay with you, but it is not possible. If you cannot leave, then we will be parted."
Skye looked up into his eyes, "Stay with me one more night."
Legolas felt her trembling and knew what she was offering him. He couldn't deny wanting to stay, but his honor still held him back. "I cannot dishonor you, Skye."
"You're in my world now, Legolas. There is no dishonor here, only choices," Skye said. "This is my choice."
Legolas kissed her softly even as he warred with his conscience. In his eyes they would be married if he stayed with her tonight. How could he leave her then? Would she come with him if they shared this intimacy? Her thin robe kept few secrets, and he could feel her soft breasts pressed against him. He was slowly losing his resolve.
"Skye…" he said breathlessly between kisses. "I cannot do this and just walk away from you."
"Shhh, no thoughts for tomorrow, Legolas," Skye said as she untied her robe and let it fall to the floor.
Legolas took in the sight of her disrobed before him and let out a breath. Her slight form was well muscled and lean. Her stomach was flat and firm and her narrow waist was centered between enticingly rounded hips and breasts. At the juncture of her legs was a small thatch of auburn curls that beckoned to be touched. If this was their parting moments, then so be it. He could not walk away from her, not with her blue eyes so full of desire.
Legolas pulled his shirt off and lifted her into his arms. He carried her to her bed and laid her down right in its center. She smiled up at him and he fumbled with the fasteners on his breeches. Skye laughed and reached over to help. Her small hands so near his groin elicited a moan of pleasure as she drew the zipper down and her fingers brushed over him. He climbed off the bed and removed them. She held her arms out wide, inviting his return and he paused. This was the point of no return, and he gave her one last moment to change her mind.
"This may mean little in your world, but in my world it is sacred," Legolas said.
"I don't take this lightly," Skye said. "I want this, I thought you did too."
Legolas knelt beside her on the bed, "Oh, Skye, I want this more than anything in your world or mine."
She smiled and hooked her hand behind his neck to draw him near for a kiss, but he turned to her breasts instead. He nuzzled them softly and then covered them both with soft kisses. His hands roamed over her soft white skin as he suckled first one nipple and then the other. Skye gasped from the pleasure of it and Legolas smiled as he shifted his position a little to sit beside her. She put a hand on his thigh and he took in a sharp breath as it slowly slid toward his already aroused masculinity. Her fingers timidly touched him, and then gently grasped him.
"Oh, Skye," he rasped as he bent down to capture her lips in a soft kiss. He leaned on one hand and delved into the curls between her legs with the other hand. It was a little coarser than the hair on her head, but it hid a mystery and wonder. The skin was soft and delicate and his fingers gently slipped between the folds and stroked back and forth. He felt a flood of moisture, warm and slippery and Skye moaned with pleasure when his fingers brushed over a little nub. He knew a good thing when he found it and began stroking her there. Her body rocked beneath him and she released her hold on his member and clung to him. He broke his kiss briefly, and her breathing was labored.
"Oh, Legolas…" she said breathlessly as she arched her pelvis toward his hand.
Legolas fingers slid back and forth in a steady rhythm, brushing over her sensitive knot of nerves on one side and then delving ever so slightly into her entrance on the other. With each pass he delved just a little deeper until he felt the evidence of her maidenhood blocking his invasion. He suddenly stopped, and looked at her in surprise.
"You are yet a maid," he said.
"A what?" she asked, not understanding what he was talking about.
"This… is your first time with a…" Legolas started to clarify, but she interrupted.
"Of course it is," she said indignantly.
"Skye, I shouldn't…" Legolas said as he buried his face in her soft belly.
"No more protests, Legolas," Skye said as she ran her fingers through his hair. "Your honor is getting annoying."
"It is your honor that concerns me," Legolas said.
"I love you, Legolas," she said softly. "If this is our last night together, I want it to be like this."
Legolas had no answer to that except to kiss her navel… and then dip his tongue in it. He hugged her and then moved to cover her. She was ready for him, and he was more than ready to take her. He pushed all honor and regret aside and positioned himself between her legs for their joining. Her arms wrapped around him and he kissed her neck softly as he sheathed himself within her in one swift movement. He knew it hurt when he tore her barrier, but she made no sound, and didn't even flinch. He sat up on his elbows to look into her eyes, and she smiled at him. Legolas felt butterflies in his belly. The pleasure of joining was overwhelming, but it didn't compare to the joy he felt when she looked at him like that. He began to move within her slowly but never took his eyes from hers. They seemed to be communicating without speaking, pouring their hearts out to each other. With each tilt of his hips he felt closer to her in spirit as well as body. She met him stroke for stroke and together they seemed to dance in each other's arms, and it was beyond wonderful.
Skye felt some warmth and pleasure building deep within her. There was no describing it, only the feel of him within her, moving, pulsing, and driving with a controlled power he seemed to possess. She never wanted him to leave, she wanted him to be here, connected in this moment of passion forever. His thrusts were growing powerful and desperate and she wrapped her legs around him, trying in some way to get even closer to him. His muscular build was as pleasing to touch as it was to look at. Their dance quickened, and Skye struggled to keep his pace as he suddenly drove into her wildly, crying out in pleasure, and then she felt it… the floodgates seemed to open and she drowned in a sudden tidal wave of bliss. It was absolutely mind blowing. As he slowly stopped, she felt his penis pulsing within her as his ejaculation slowly subsided. Her inner muscles milked ever last ounce, and the strange uncontrollable reflex of it was very pleasurable.
Legolas energy was spent and he collapsed in Skye's arms. He never would have believed he was capable of breaking his honor so completely for an hour of pleasure. His love for Skye had blinded him to the consequences of this choice. He felt her small hands stroking his back even as she kissed his shoulder. His heart still raced a little, but his breathing was returning to normal.
"Skye, will you return to my home as my wife?" Legolas asked softly. "You would be a great lady in Ithilien, the wife of the Lord of the Wood."
Skye hugged him a little closer and bit her lip. She was afraid of his world. Surely it was no place for her, just as her world was no place for him. "Now is no time for such talk," she said as she kissed his neck.
"This was goodbye, wasn't it?" Legolas asked softly.
"You knew that it was," she said sadly. "I am sorry."
Legolas sighed and rolled to his back carrying her with him so that she looked down at him. He forced a smile and held her face in his hands. "I have bound myself to you this night, and no other woman will take your place."
"No, you don't have to…" Skye started to protest, but he silenced her with a kiss.
"It is our way; the joining of bodies is the bond of marriage. You are my wife. I understand if you cannot leave your home, and I will accept it. I cannot stay."
Skye felt her eyes getting misty but forced herself to hold back the tears. "It isn't fair."
"No, but it is fact," Legolas said. "Oh, but I love you, Skye."
She lowered her head to kiss him and he crushed her in his embrace and rolled her to her back again. He made love to her again, pouring out all his passion into this last hour of intimacy between them. It was nearly dusk when they finally lay together, spent from their lovemaking. Legolas thought of the moon and knew he would need to leave at night.
"What of the man who attacked us?" Legolas asked.
Skye sighed, "I will be fine. I'll have Steve and Mike fix my door, and we'll make sure the building is secure. With you gone, there will be little of interest for him here."
Legolas wasn't entirely convinced, but her confidence was sincere.
"I must leave under moonlight," he said matter-of-factly.
"It will take about an hour to get to the stables, the moon should be high about then," she said, trying not to sound upset.
"Then we should go," Legolas finally said. "My presence has brought you grief."
Skye made no answer; she just rose from the bed and grabbed a change of clothes. There was a little blood on the sheets and she really needed a shower. She strode out of the room and down the stairs without a word. After she disappeared into the bathroom, Legolas rose to dress and pack. He felt kicked in the stomach. He'd just gotten everything he ever wanted, and now he had to walk away from it. He never felt so horrible in his life.
After a quick shower, Skye grabbed her purse and headed for the door where Legolas was already waiting. He'd packed up his saddle bags and had his weapons strapped on. It looked strange to see the medieval bow and quiver strapped on over jeans and a grey t-shirt. He also had two short swords sheathed on his back, and he looked quite comfortable with them. Skye looked at him with a frown.
"You can't go around with those on," she said.
"He carried a gun, I would be prepared for another such encounter," Legolas said seriously.
Skye knew it was pointless to argue with him. She just sighed and thought of a solution. "You can't wear them in the car anyway, lets put them in…" she looked around and spotted one of her dance bags. It would hold the swords and quiver, and he could carry the bow. "Here, this will work."
Legolas looked at it skeptically but gave a nod and packed his things inside. With Skye's approval, he shouldered the bag and they left. He emerged from the side door first to be sure no one waited for them, and then allowed Skye to go to her car. They headed out of the city and crossed the big orange bridge again now lit up for the night. Halfway there, Skye remembered they hadn't eaten and she stopped at a little drive-in restaurant. They had burgers and fries. Legolas seemed to like it, though it was nothing like he was used to. Neither one had said much after their interlude, but Skye had to break the awkward silence with an awkward question.
"So you're going to pick up your horse and go home?" Skye asked.
Legolas just nodded. The lump in his throat hindered his speech.
Skye ate another French fry and stared at the colorful neon sign blankly. She didn't want to see him go, but his presence in this world made him a target. He'd only been here a couple of days and already he'd been shot. She wanted to protect him, but she knew that sooner or later, someone would see his ears and start asking too many questions. She sighed and took a bite of her hamburger.
"You can still choose to come with me," Legolas said.
Skye's expression was unreadable as she turned to look at him. "People belong where they belong, Legolas. Let us part with the memories we have and move on with our lives," Skye said.
Legolas just gave a curt nod and turned his attention back to his dinner. He'd just poured out his soul and body to her, and she rejected him. It hurt more than anything he'd ever felt in his life. Suddenly he couldn't leave soon enough.
After their meal they continued on to the stable. The moon was high in the sky when they arrived at the stable, and they were met by the same man they'd seen before. When he saw the car he stepped out of the barn, shifting nervously on his feet. He took off his cowboy hat and wiped his forehead. When he saw Legolas step out of the car, he straightened up and went to meet him.
"Come to get that fine brown stallion of yours?" he asked Legolas as he approached the car.
"Yes I am, and to inquire about the man that tried to rob me today. You are the only one I have paid in coins, so you are the only one who could have told him I carried them," Legolas said with fire in his eyes.
"Whoa, hold on. I didn't try to rob you. I sold the coins to a collector," the man said quickly.
Skye could see the sense in that and laid a hand on Legolas' arm, "That sounds reasonable."
Legolas glared at him suspiciously, but believed his story. "I will see my horse then."
"Yeah, sure, of course," the man said nervously and led him into the barn. "Will you be taking him then?"
"Yes," Legolas said.
The man nodded and then went out the back way to leave him alone.
Legolas found Windhoof in the last stall. He seemed glad to see him. After saddling him, Legolas led his horse from the barn, but was halted in the doorway. A man had Skye by the neck and was pointing one of those gun things at her head.
"Stop!" Jameson said. "Who are you?"
"I am Legolas Greenleaf, lord of Ithilien in the land of Gondor. Release my woman, or I will kill you," he said angrily.
"The coins, I want all of them, and I want to know where they came from," Jameson said as he pressed the barrel of the gun a little firmer against Skye's temple.
Legolas saw her nervous intake of breath and cringed inwardly. His weapons were sitting in the car, save a small dagger he had in the waistband of his breeches.
"The coins are of little value. There is no need to threaten her life for them, I will give them to you," Legolas said as he pulled the pouch from his jacket pocket. He had separated the coins from his acorns, just in case, and now he was glad he did. He tossed the bag at Skye's feet and waited for his opportunity.
Jameson heard the tantalizing jingle of several large coins and the avarice in his eyes was sickening. He gave Skye's neck a slight squeeze. "Bend down, slowly, and pick it up," Jameson said.
Legolas slipped his hand behind his back and grasped the hilt of his dagger. He waited for the man to be exposed when Skye moved. She watched him and obeyed the man that still held her throat, bending very slowly. The man with the gun glanced down for a split second, but that was enough time for Legolas to strike. He threw the dagger and it struck the man in the middle of his throat, His eyes bulged in shock and he went limp, dropping the gun and releasing Skye. He fell in a heap, and Legolas caught Skye and pulled her away from him, shielding her protectively.
"Your woman?" she asked breathlessly as she rubbed the finger marks on her neck.
Legolas turned and looked at her with relief and passion in his eyes. He ignored the comment and just kissed her. She clung to him and he felt her hand slip into his hair. It was wonderful, but this was not the time or place to get carried away so he pulled back.
"My wife," he reminded her.
Legolas retrieved and cleaned his dagger, replacing it in his belt. Then he pulled the saddle bags and weapons from the car and started packing them on his horse. Skye knew this was goodbye and she felt awful. She was going to miss him.
Legolas was about to pull his weapons from the bag and she walked over to him and put her hand on his to stop him.
"Keep it," she said, "A souvenir from your vacation."
"There is but one souvenir I desire, Skye," Legolas said.
Skye hugged him and he pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her protectively. She didn't know what to say. What she felt for him was unexplainable and impossible. Often people will say they are from two separate worlds, but for them it was not metaphorical. But his strong arms were so wonderful wrapped around her and the soft sound of his breathing mesmerized her. She glanced down and saw the limp body of their attacker and reality returned to her. The police would be called, and the investigation would focus on Legolas. He had to leave now; there was simply no other choice.
"You have to go," she said softly.
Legolas slipped a hand into his pocket and pulled an acorn out. He looked at the small seed with a heavy heart. He was not ready to leave yet. The woman in his arms was not ready to go with him and he didn't want to leave her behind. He bent down and kissed her briefly and then released her.
"Come and walk with me," Legolas said as he led Windhoof around behind the barn. He halted and squatted down to dig a small hole to plant the acorn. The moon high, and as its rays hit the little mound, a bright light shone and the portal opened.
Skye stared at it in awe, and tried to see what was beyond it. She saw trees and a light dusting of snow on the ground. It looked like a picture postcard of some nice place in the northeast. Legolas led his horse towards it, and she felt an urge to follow, but couldn't make her feet move. He paused to look back.
"I will miss you," she said softly.
Legolas reached in his pocket and pulled out an acorn and gave it to her. "If you change your mind, plant this under the light of the moon and think of me."
Skye looked at the acorn and felt tears swell up in her eyes. How could someone she'd known for such a short time affect her so much? She thought of everything she'd worked for, suddenly coming within reach. If she left now, she'd never return. She grasped the acorn firmly in her hand and nodded.
Legolas gave Windhoof a light swat on the flank to send him through, and reached a hand to her. "One last kiss?" he asked.
Skye ran the few steps that were between them and flew into his arms. He caught her and kissed her earnestly, burying his fingers in her hair and crushing her against him. The feel of her hair between his fingers and her soft lips was intoxicating. She was so delicate and small, but surprisingly strong. Everything about her was enchanting and he longed to keep her in his arms forever. Her tongue darted out and he caught it gently between his teeth and teased it with his own. Her soft moans mingled with his until a harsh sound broke the moment and he pulled away.
Piercing screeching noises wreaked havoc on his sensitive ears and his eyes scrunched closed from the pain. "What is that?" he asked.
"Oh, god, a siren, the police are on the way," Skye said quickly. "You have to go."
"What about you?" Legolas asked.
"I didn't do anything and they will see that," she said. "Please just go before they see you."
Legolas was no coward, and the thought of leaving wore on his conscience. "No, I will stay and answer for this deed. The fault was his, and that will be plain. I will leave after this matter is cleared up."
Skye ran to look around the corner as the squad car pulled into the driveway of the stables and was met by the cowboy. There was an obvious argument and he pointed to the blue Gremlin. She cringed, and turned back to Legolas. The portal had closed already and he was walking toward her. She panicked. The police were looking for a murder suspect, and they would shoot him at the slightest hint of a misstep. She couldn't allow it. In that moment she made her choice. She would go with him if that was what it would take to save him. She dropped to the ground and franticly dug a hole for the acorn and buried it. The portal opened on a green patch of land with a forest in the background.
"I will not leave here without you, Skye," he said firmly.
Skye stood and looked at him seriously, "Then take me with you."
Legolas didn't hesitate; he helped her to her feet and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. But from behind him he heard the call to halt and he turned.
"This is the police! Let go of the woman and put your hands on your head," the man said. He had a gun pointed at him, and was quickly joined by another man dressed the same way.
"No, it was self defense, he saved my life," Skye protested, but Legolas just pushed her behind him and straightened up.
The cop shouted a warning, and then his gun went off, hitting Legolas in the chest, near his shoulder. He fell back against Skye and she wrapped her arms around him. The portal was closing and she turned to it, silently praying that there would be help for him on the other side.
"Stop!" the cop shouted, but the sound was muffled as the portal enveloped them. They passed through and Skye found herself in a vast green field surrounded buy a wall on two sides, a river on one side, and a great walled city on the last side. Legolas was lying on her lap and she pressed her hand over the wound to help slow the bleeding.
"Legolas?" she said in a soft panicked voice. "Legolas please answer me."
Legolas looked up at her with eyes full of love, "You came with me."
"Yeah, well, you talked me into it," she said sarcastically. "Where are we?"
Legolas looked up and smiled, "Minas Tirith," he said. "It is the capital of Gondor, and home to my best friend. The healers here are very good."
Skye sighed with relief, "I was hoping you would have help. Look, someone's coming."
Four riders were coming toward them from the gates of the city. Skye was nervous. They looked like real knights, not the costumed idiots they had at the fair, but real knights. Their armor shone brightly in the sun and their colors looked impressive, black with a shining white tree and stars. Their weapons were at the ready and she just squeezed Legolas' hand. His eyes fluttered closed and she felt her heart sink into her stomach as the riders had them surrounded.
"Identify yourselves," a rough looking knight said.
"This is Legolas and I am Skye," she said quickly. "He is hurt and needs help right away."
One of the knights leapt from his horse and threw his helmet off as he knelt beside him. He checked his pulse and ripped his shirt open to examine the wound. Skye leaned back to give him room until he finally looked up at her.
"What manner of weapon caused this tiny wound?" the man asked.
"It is a small metal projectile," she said, simplifying the explanation. "It is still inside and must be removed."
He scowled at her description but calmly lifted Legolas into his arms and stood. Another knight helped him put Legolas on a horse and they headed back toward the city. The knights never looked back, but she heard the one call to her.
"You'd best come with us," he said flatly. Skye had a feeling she was in trouble. She stood and retrieved his helmet for him and ran to catch up. She followed Legolas and kept silent. She felt guilty over his treatment in her world. If she'd had the guts to take a chance sooner, he never would have been shot. This was all her fault.
Aragorn led the horse carrying his friend right to the House of Healing and then carried him to a room. Ioreth, who now ran the place, met him at the door with deep concern on her face.
"Is that Lord Greenleaf, sire?" she asked.
"Yes, he is sorely wounded, and will need the best care we can offer," Aragorn said. He took his fallen friend to a room and laid him down. He had been so happy when the woman said the name Legolas. It had been many months since he'd left, and two months since his horse wandered into Ithilien without his rider. Aragorn had feared the worst when the message came. The search went on for weeks with no sign of him. Aragorn had been heartbroken. And now, here he was, but with a wound like he'd never seen before. He immediately went to work, and he had the help of those that tended here. He found the piece of metal the woman spoke of and sewed up the wound. Legolas was suffering from a severe fever, but there was nothing to do now but wait. He wiped the sweat from his brow and heaved a sigh. Legolas was always so strong and sure. In some of the bloodiest battles they'd been it, he always seemed to come out without so much as a scratch. And now, he was deathly pale and shivering with chills from his fever.
"My lord, go and rest," Ioreth said. "I will stay and tend him. There is nothing more we can do right now."
Aragorn nodded and left. He found the woman in the hall, sitting on the floor with Bergo and Fretho watching her. Her attire was unfamiliar, or was it? It reminded him of Jamie's or Miranda's. Legolas' attire had been unfamiliar as well. The woman was still holding his helmet and she tried to see past him into the room. She looked positively sick with worry.
"You are…?" Aragorn asked.
"My name is Skye," she said. "How is he?"
"Not good," Aragorn said truthfully as he held out his hand.
Skye handed him the helmet and then hugged her knees against her chest.
"What happened?" Aragorn asked. "Where has he been these past months?"
"Months?" Skye asked in confusion. "Days, just a few days."
"Where?" Aragorn asked more firmly, losing his patience.
"He was in my world," she said. "Some wizard sent him there."
Aragorn frowned and mumbled to himself, "Radagast, the old sneak! What was he up to?"
"Legolas said it was his wish, to see what it was like there," she said. "He found out it wasn't very nice."
"Who did this to him?" Aragorn asked.
"It is a long story," Skye said. "It was not his fault; it was simply difficult for him to fit in there. I am very sorry for what happened."
"Why are you here?" Aragorn asked angrily. "Haven't you done enough damage?"
Skye visibly flinched at the harsh question, and Bergo gave Aragorn a disapproving look.
"I'm sorry," Aragorn said quickly. She brought him home, and he was grateful. He was just angry at having no one to punish for this.
"No, I'm sorry," Skye said quietly. "He was protecting me when it happened."
Aragorn nodded. He could see that she felt guilty over it, and didn't want to make her feel worse. She'd left her world to help him, and that was a very brave thing for her to do.
"You can see him if you wish," Aragorn said.
Skye was on her feet quickly and went to the door. When she opened it, Aragorn called Ioreth away. He waited by the door while she visited.
Skye sat on the bed beside him and touched his cheek softly. "You didn't have to go and get yourself shot to get me to come with you. I told you I would go." She bent down and kissed his forehead. "You get better, you hear me? Don't you dare die on me; I don't want to stay here without you."
Aragorn watched her with interest. He wondered what had passed between her and Legolas while he'd been gone. Then he saw Legolas move his hand to clasp hers. It was a hopeful sign, and Aragorn felt relieved. He closed the door to leave them alone for a little while. He had a feeling that the woman was the best medicine for Legolas.
Legolas woke and was immediately greeted by pain in his shoulder. He groaned and then noticed the rich auburn hair of Skye draped over his chest. She had fallen asleep while watching over him and lay right beside him on top of the blankets. He stroked the soft tresses and then gently grasped her shoulder.
"Skye?" he said softly.
She woke with a start and sat up to look at him. Her eyes filled with tears as she smiled broadly. "Legolas, you're awake."
"Yes, it would appear so," he said with a smirk.
"I was worried," she said. "Wounds like that are often fatal."
"Elves are hearty people," Legolas said lightly. "Are we alone?"
"Well, that knight might be around outside," Skye said. "He is the one who patched you up."
Legolas furrowed his brow. A knight? Tending the wounded in the House of Healing? "What knight?"
Skye stood and went to the door. She opened it and found Ioreth standing there with a tray of food.
"Oh, I was just coming with your breakfast," she said brightly. "How is he?"
"Awake," Skye said with a smile. "Where is the knight that was here?"
Ioreth looked at her in confusion. "The knights have gone home, but the King is waiting in the main hall for me to return with word on Lord Greenleaf."
Skye swallowed hard, "The…King?"
Ioreth smiled and brushed past her. She laid out the tray for Legolas and helped him sit up.
"It is good to see that you are looking better this morning," she said. "I hope you are feeling up to eating, you must keep up your strength."
"Thank you, Lady Ioreth," Legolas said. "Where is Aragorn?"
"I will send him to you right away. I had just managed to get him to settle down and eat," she said. "Can I get you anything?"
"No, this will suffice," Legolas said.
Ioreth nodded and paused to look at Skye before leaving. "I'll find you something to wear," she said to her and then left.
Skye bristled at the rude declaration, but brushed it aside when Legolas called her over.
"Come, sit and eat," he said.
Skye sat beside him and he looked at her with fire in his eyes. She was beautiful with her hair in a wild mess. He loved the look of it in the light of the fireplace, and when she turned those blue eyes on him, he was hopelessly lost in them.
"Mutton for breakfast?" she asked with a wrinkled nose.
"And bread and cheese and fruit," Legolas said with a smile. "Eat up, you are far too thin."
Skye chuckled, "Dancers have to be thin…" her voice trailed off as she realized that her life was no officially turned upside down. Would it matter if she danced anymore? She had Legolas, who obviously liked having her around, but now what?
Legolas could see her face, lost in some inner turmoil. "You can dance here," he said. "No other could match you."
"I don't think so," she said. "Anyway, I was more worried about you than that. How does it feel?" she asked as she pointed to the wound.
Legolas shrugged with his good shoulder, "Sore, but it'll be fine in no time. The scratch from before is already much better."
The door opened, interrupting their conversation. Aragorn stuck his head inside and Skye cringed. She turned back to Legolas and bit her lip.
"So, you went on an adventure and didn't invite me," Aragorn accused with a twinkle in his eyes, trying not to smile.
"It was an impulse," Legolas admitted. "The opportunity came and I took it."
"I should let you two talk," Skye said quietly as she stood to go, but Legolas caught her wrist and urged her to sit back down.
"No, you belong with me, Skye," Legolas said. "Aragorn, this is Blazing Skye, from San Francisco. She is a great dancer, and she is my wife."
Aragorn stepped around the bed and gave her a bow. He could see the obvious signs of love in Legolas' eyes. "You should have told me of this before," Aragorn said. "You have conquered a guarded heart, my lady. Welcome to Minas Tirith."
"Skye, this is Aragorn, the King of Gondor," Legolas said.
"I am pleased to meet you, your majesty. I'm sorry I addressed you so informally before, I didn't know that you were a king," she said.
"We save the formalities for court," Aragorn said. "My name is just Aragorn to my family and friends."
Skye could see he was making an effort to be more cordial now. He was very upset before, not that she could blame him. These two were obviously very good friends.
"So, what have I missed?" Legolas asked Aragorn.
"Oh, a few minor skirmishes with Easterlings on the eastern borders, and of course, a few births in Ithilien. I expect there is a certain Dwarf that will be most relieved to see you, and then most angry at being left behind," Aragorn said.
"Gimli would have had a harder time than I fitting into that world. I doubt a hat would have covered it," Legolas said humorously.
"A hat didn't keep you out of trouble," Skye said dryly.
"No indeed," Legolas admitted. "The land is full of reavers and villains."
"Not all are like that," Skye said.
Legolas looked at her with tenderness in his eyes, "There are treasures there as well," he said softly as he reached a hand out to touch her cheek. "All the misfortune I found was but a small price to pay for what I have."
Skye blushed but said nothing. This was all happening way too fast for her comfort. Her feelings for Legolas not withstanding, her life had gone through enough changes today. She felt as though she was racing to catch up.
Aragorn cleared his throat. "You'll be staying here for a few days, until that wound starts to mend. I'll send word to Ithilien that you have returned safely."
Legolas nodded, and turned his attention back to the delicate woman beside him. He could gaze at her for hours and not grow weary of the sight. Aragorn watched them looking into each other's eyes and just rolled his. It was bound to happen sooner or later, but it took him over an age to find a woman. It would take a little getting used to.
"Dare I ask how this all happened?" Aragorn asked with a hint of humor in his voice.
"That is a long story," Legolas said.
"I look forward to hearing it when you feel up to it. I will be sure to inform Ioreth to knock before she returns for that tray," Aragorn added with a smirk before leaving.
Legolas looked at Skye with a rakish grin. "Is there a bolt on that door?" he asked.
Skye turned and looked, "Yes."
"Good, go and bolt it," he said.
Skye blushed as she complied with the request. When she turned, Legolas had scooted over to give her room to join him in the bed. He pulled back the covers and gave her a smile.
"Come, wife," he said.
Skye's blush darkened. The thought of being married was still a shock. But one look at her tall sexy elf, and she knew she didn't mind. It would just take a while to get used to this world of his. She joined him in the bed, resting her head on his good shoulder. She thought of New York and the stage she almost got to dance on. With Legolas' arm around her, it suddenly seemed unimportant. She had made the choice for love over dreams. She realized it was the right one, no regrets.
