Belated Feast
Legolas remained in the House of healing for two days before Aragorn and the healers would allow him to leave his room. Skye stayed and watched over him, and spoke very little to anyone else, save Aragorn who visited often. About noon on the third day, Legolas received visitors in the garden. He and Skye sat under a tree together, enjoying the sun when several elves joined them. There were two red haired elves, a dark haired elf and a strawberry blonde. Legolas smiled when he saw them, and Skye just sat quietly and listened to another reunion.
"So, you finally decided to come back," Cilmo said with a smile.
"It was time to come home," Legolas said. "I found what I was searching for," he added as he glanced at Skye who sat leaning against his shoulder.
The Elves regarded her with interest and she blushed.
"So, you finally found yourself a wife," Thelyn said bowing slightly to Skye and smiling. "You have caught yourself a once confirmed bachelor, my lady."
"Do not listen to him, he is still very young," Legolas said. "Allow me to introduce my wife, Skye."
Four Elves bowed, and she heard several 'My lady's' and a couple 'welcomes.' Legolas introduced them, and it turned out three of them were brothers. She'd assumed so on the twins, but the third surprised her. They were most cordial and anxiously inquiring after their return to his home.
"Aragorn insists I rest another day, but I feel fine," Legolas said. "I will remain because he asks it, but on the morrow I want to go home."
"We'll wait and go with you then," Failon said.
"Your wives will miss you," Legolas said.
"They can manage for one day," Alcon said. "So tell us, how did you meet this fair lady?"
"I went on a vacation in your mother's world. I discovered immediately that my ears marked me as different, so I hid them as best I could. I wandered into a great fair full of costumed people, and Skye was most kind to me. She discovered my secret, and accepted me right away. I must confess that for me it was love at first sight," Legolas said with a smile.
His friends all nodded, and Skye was feeling uncomfortable as the center of attention. But the strawberry blonde, Failon she thought his name was, put her at ease.
"Well, Thelyn, your wife will have a friend to talk to about her own world for a change. Lady Skye, Thelyn's wife is from… what was it? Oh, yes, Scottsvalley," Failon said.
"I have been there before," Skye said with a smile, feeling comfortable with a subject she was familiar with. "It's very beautiful there, right near the ocean, but in the mountains with all the redwoods."
Thelyn smiled, "You must come and visit us when you are settled. Our door is always open to visitors, though, Jamie is most busy with little Veon."
"A son, was it?" Legolas asked. "Congratulations."
"And for Cilmo as well, with his own son, Súlimo," Failon said. "And ask Alcon how Lyneya is doing."
Legolas smiled, "Indeed?"
Alcon smiled proudly, "Another month," he said.
Cilmo looked at Skye thoughtfully for a moment, and noticed her feet sticking out beneath the hem of her gown. He cocked a brow and looked at Legolas. "Does your wife wear silk shoes?"
Skye perked up at the question and she looked at Legolas nervously. He just smiled and said, "Indeed, fine dancers shoes."
"Ah, then they were hers we found among your things when Windhoof returned," Cilmo said.
"My ballet slippers were in your saddlebag?" Skye asked hopefully, delighted for the chance to wear them again.
"No, in the strange bag with his weapons," Cilmo clarified.
"Oh, yes, my practice shoes, they are nearly worn through," she said lightly to herself, sounding almost disappointed.
"Don't worry; I'll have the cobbler in the settlement make you new ones. He can copy the design from those. I know how much you love to dance, and you know how I love to watch," Legolas said with a smile.
"Dance?" Thelyn asked with a cocked brow.
"Yes," Legolas said. "Ballet, it is amazing to watch. There is no describing it; you must see it for yourself."
Skye bit her lip and hid her face against his good shoulder, once again embarrassed, but Legolas just smiled. "You cannot hide so great a gift," he said softly. "If you can grace a stage in your world, you can certainly grace a hall in this one."
The four elves glanced at each other with curious looks and shrugs and finally it was Cilmo that shifted the conversation to a different track.
"Well, we should go settle in for the evening. Will you be staying up at the citadel tonight?"
"Yes, the Healers have released me. We were going to go in a little while," Legolas said.
"We'll see you both at dinner then," Failon said.
The four departed and Skye just looked up at Legolas with a furrowed brow. "What is it like living here? Is it very different from the faire?"
"Oh, yes, this is all real, not play acting and costumes. Your faire was but a shadow of life here. Also, there are not only elves here, but dwarves and obviously men, and dark vile creatures as well. But that need not concern you. I promise you this is no fairy tale," Legolas said. "What is it you fear?"
"I just need a little time to get used to this. I never expected my life to change so much so quickly," Skye said as she looked away from him.
Legolas put an arm around her and kissed her temple. He still had one acorn left in his pocket, one last portal he could use to send her home. He didn't want to lose her, but it was wrong to keep her against her will. She came to save his life, not because she wanted to.
"Are you sorry you came? Do you want me to take you home?" he asked as he closed his eyes and waited for the worst.
"No, I'm not sorry, and no, I don't want you to take me home. Just… let me get used to things here before you start booking ballet performances for me."
Legolas chuckled, "Will you dance for me, alone in our home?"
"Oh, yes, for you, always," she said with a smile. "What costume should I wear, the red shoes? The swan? Clara?"
"Only your shoes," Legolas said with a mischievous grin.
Skye blushed, "You wild Elf, you."
"No, not wild, just adventurous," he said with a smirk. Oh, yes, very adventurous… he imagined her wearing nothing but her shoes, twirling on her toes for him. His breeches were feeling a bit tight and he glanced up at the sun. There was nearly two hours before the evening meal, plenty of time. "Come; let us retreat to our room." His hand moved up from her waist to stroke the breast through the fabric of her gown as he nuzzled her neck.
Skye knew what he was wanting and she blushed as she just gasped, "Again, already?"
Legolas took her earlobe between his teeth and nibbled gently, "Is it too soon for you?" he whispered.
Skye was already breathless with desire in his arms, "No."
Legolas smiled, "Then let's go."
Skye's stomach fluttered in anticipation and she felt like a nymphomaniac. At the slightest sign of desire in his eyes she was more than ready for him to take her, anytime, anywhere. Damn he was hotter than the sun, and oh so wonderful in bed. Did she want him to take her home? No way!
Legolas entered the hall with Skye's hand wrapped around the crook of his good arm. He was greeted by Eldarion as he headed to a seat.
"Introduce me to your wife, Lord Greenleaf," Eldarion said.
"This is Skye," Legolas said proudly.
Eldarion bowed, "Welcome, I am Eldarion…"
"Aragorn's son," Legolas clarified for Skye. "He's a tolerable fellow."
"Oh, well, thank you, I'm sure," Eldarion said dryly. "You are to sit at the head table with father and the family."
Skye's eyes grew huge and she bit her lip nervously, not sure she wanted to sit at the King's table, but Legolas seemed right at home here. She listened as he agreed and followed the prince into the dining hall. The attire of the court was very formal, and she felt quite out of place in her simple blue gown, but she was glad at least that she wasn't still in her jeans. Legolas' attire was appropriately formal enough, but the other Elves she'd met were all dressed similarly. She tried not to stare as she took in all the sights and sounds of a real medieval castle and court. The King was talking to a couple of his men off to one side, and then she saw a very beautiful dark haired woman walk over to him. She was dressed quite regally, and Skye realized when the King smiled at her, that it must be his queen. Legolas was directed to their seats and they sat to wait. Skye was most startled by the tap on her shoulder. She turned and was greeted by a blushing little girl.
"Hi," she said quietly. "Daddy said you're new here, so I thought I'd say… hi."
Legolas smiled, "Lótetári you are growing fast."
Lótetári smiled back at him, "I'm four."
Skye smiled at her, "Well, it's nice to meet you, Lótetári. My name is Skye. Thank you for saying hi."
Lótetári blushed a little darker as she ran away again. Legolas chuckled at her and nodded toward Miiriel as she approached the table. "There is her mother, Eldarion's wife, Miiriel, and sister to the three brothers you met earlier. Cilmo, the dark haired Elf is the King's son-in-law."
Skye raised an eyebrow, trying to keep up with all the relationships. "I think I'm going to need a chart to keep it all straight."
Legolas smiled, "You'll catch on, oh, here we go. They're going to serve the meal."
Aragorn stepped up to the front of the dais and welcomed everyone into the hall.
"Welcome to all our guests, both from near and far. I am most pleased to have Lord Greenleaf and his wife in our hall again. I missed his feast, so I decided to throw him another." He nodded to the servers and the food trays were served. "We welcome the fair Lady Skye Greenleaf into Gondor."
Aragorn turned and Legolas stood, nudging Skye's arm to get her to stand with him. The crowd all cheered and Legolas smiled proudly while Skye blushed. It was a wonderful feeling, though embarrassing. She had to admit, after going to the faire every year since childhood, it was really cool being here. Maybe this was where she was really meant to be all along. When they sat down, she was relieved. They ate all sorts of wonderful foods, and there was laughter and singing in the hall. Skye was introduced to many important people both Elf and human, and it was strange to find that they were nearly all related to the King, or Legolas, or both.
The evening was long, and Legolas could see that his wife was tired. He smiled. His wife. He loved that, and it was still amazing to him how fast all his dreams of happiness had come to him. Within days of meeting, they fell in love and married. All the years of loneliness suddenly seemed so far away and insignificant when he looked into her blue eyes.
"Skye, let us retreat to our room," Legolas whispered to her.
"But no one else is leaving…" Skye observed.
"No, of course not, the feast is for us, after all. We wed rather… quickly. The custom here is to hold a feast, and this is ours. They will not leave until we do." Legolas explained quietly as he stood and pulled out her chair. "Now, come."
Skye stood and Legolas led her into the hallway. It was Aragorn's voice he heard as he pulled the side door closed…
"And there they go!" Aragorn shouted and the hall erupted in laughter and cheering.
Legolas laughed as he pulled her into his arms in the dimly lit hall. "Well, this time it is a king who plays the part of the dwarf," he said.
"How embarrassing," she said.
"Not at all, though this is a wedding feast, we are already married. He wanted to make it special for me, but I already have all I want," he said meaningfully.
Skye smiled at his compliment as he led her to their room, but her thoughts were far away. His honor was strong, and he would never have turned her away after that afternoon they shared, but she wondered if it was what he would have wanted. If she'd just done nothing that day, would he have returned to his home happier? Was there another woman here that was meant for him? Skye worried that she was totally disrupting his life.
Legolas went to the room he always stayed in when he visited Aragorn and was pleased to see that it had been recently cleaned and tended for them. Candles burned on the table and the bed was draped in fresh linens. He smiled at the fresh scent of Lavender coming from the garlands of flowers draped across the mantle of the fireplace. He closed the door and turned to her with a loving smile, but her face seemed lost in some worry.
"What is it?" he asked her.
"You're not sorry?" she asked, remembering that it was her that lured him to her bed.
Legolas lifted her chin to look into her eyes and saw the guilt in their depths. He could only guess at where it came from. "Why would you say such a thing?"
"Well, you never would have… If I hadn't asked you to… If we hadn't… You could have left without…" she didn't know how to explain what she was feeling, so she just stuttered out nonsense.
"I am glad you offered yourself to me, Skye. I could never have asked it of you no matter how much I wished it. I could as easily ask you if you are sorry. Our worlds are so different. I cannot offer you a stage to dance on as your world could, I can only offer you my heart. You left everything you knew to save me. I confess I have another acorn… my last. If it is your wish, I will use it to return you…"
"No!" Skye said firmly. "Don't do that, I don't want to go back, I want to stay with you."
Legolas pulled her into an embrace, and sighed with relief, "Oh, I hoped you would say that. Let us forget talk of regrets or the whys and hows of our courtship. You are Lady Greenleaf, my wife. I promised that you would be a great respected lady in my world, and that is most true. I am anxious to take you home to my wood. My house is… embarrassingly plain. I have spent little time in my house, and have only a few basic comforts. Perhaps that is just as well. Your home was much different. You will have all the time in the world to make our house comfortable."
Skye laughed lightly at his worries over his house. "Is there a bed?"
"Indeed, a fine soft feather bed," Legolas said. "It is smaller than yours was."
"Oh, well, I guess we'll have to sleep close together then," she said with a mischievous smile.
Legolas smirked at her obvious humor. "Elves don't really sleep very much."
"Better yet," she said, though she blushed this time. Talking so provocatively wasn't something she'd ever done, at least not before she tumbled with an elf and wound up married. God she loved this sexy blonde.
"Well, if you're content with that, then let's get to bed," Legolas said with a grin as he took off his coat. "I'm not all that tired, but maybe you could wear me out."
"I'll try my best," Skye said as she started untying the bodice on her gown.
Legolas looked at her with desire in his eyes. She was so graceful about everything she did, even removing her gown. He frowned as he looked at it. It was not fine enough for a lady of her station. He would have to speak with the seamstress in Ithilien about making her a wardrobe that is worthy of her. Then he'd have the cobbler make her some dance shoes, several pairs. He never cared much about such things before, but now he understood Thelyn's excitement about his furniture and Cilmo's excitement about his house. Legolas couldn't wait to make her comfortable in his house… their house.
Yes, Legolas loved everything about being married. He quickly finished divesting himself of his clothes and helped her off with her chemise. He gazed at her in awe once again. He'd never tire of seeing her like this, nor would he take her presence here for granted. Haldir found Miranda after she'd already accepted this world, and it was the same for Jamie and Thelyn. But Skye came here for him, and he could see that she thought he was all she had here. He wanted this to be her home, and he would do everything in his power to make that happen for her.
"Come to bed, Skye," he whispered softly as he took her hand and backed over to the bed. She followed, shyly blushing, and he smiled. She'd been very bold only a few days ago, but she was really very modest. That was most obvious when he discovered her innocence. He didn't know what had given her the courage to invite him to her bed, but he would always be grateful. And now, after all their intimacy, she still blushed and he loved it.
"I love you, Legolas," she said softly as he pulled her down on the bed beside him.
Legolas kissed her tenderly, feeling the velvety softness of her lips and tasting the sweetness of honey still left from the desserts they'd sampled at the feast. She parted her lips, and he answered the invitation willingly, delving into her mouth with his tongue. Her tongue tickled and teased his, urging his exploration deeper and he lowered her onto her back and covered her as he deepened his kiss. Her arms engulfed him and he tangled his fingers in her rich auburn hair. Skye seemed so small beneath him, and yet there was strength in her embrace. Her legs spread for him and he settled his hips comfortably before the center of her womanhood. He wanted to fill her but was in no rush to break the kiss he was still caught up in. Her tongue toyed with his and then darted out and explored his mouth as demandingly as he'd explored hers. He felt his member stirring and the pleasure it caused as he pressed it against her opening. He could feel the softness, and the wetness of her arousal tempting him to just take her, but he waited. The quiet kisses and caresses were keeping him satisfied for the moment, and her soft moans encouraged him to continue. He trailed kisses down her neck as she gasped for air and he smiled when she lifted her hips to rub against his erection. He nuzzled the soft skin beneath her ear and then nibbled her earlobe as he entered her ever so slowly. She clung to him, moaning softly at the sensations his tender invasion caused. He made love to her slowly, relishing every second of their intimacy.
Afterwards, they lay together in comfortable silence, watching the fire. Legolas knew the discussion of their courtship would come up again, but didn't know what else to say about it now. He wanted her to be at ease with this new life, but that would take time. For now all he could do was try to make the adjustment go as smoothly as possible. Tomorrow they would sail up the Anduin to the settlement. He couldn't wait to present her to his people.
Skye stood on the docks trying to look invisible while Legolas was talking to the king. She still felt rather out of place here despite the friendliness of everyone she'd met. Legolas glanced over at her and gave her a smile and then turned back to his discussion. She smiled to herself and looked at the ship. It was a fine old style sailing vessel of wood with a great black sail decorated with the King's white tree symbol. She had to admit, it was very grand. She was lost in thought when someone behind her spoke.
"Lady Greenleaf?"
She turned and saw four elves bow. They were the four she'd met the day before and she smiled at them shyly. "Oh, hello."
"We just wanted to tell you how pleased we are that you have come here. Our lord has never looked so happy. It is obviously you that brought that joy to his heart," the strawberry blonde said.
"Thank you… Failon?" she ventured.
"Yes, and Thelyn, Alcon and Cilmo," Failon reintroduced them to her.
"I'll do my best to not forget, but I'm not sure I'll get the twins straight," she said with a smile.
"Give it a few days," Cilmo said. "When you meet their families, you'll see the differences."
Skye was trying to think of something else to say, but thankfully Legolas joined them.
"I believe we are ready to depart," Legolas said as he offered Skye his arm.
Skye took his arm and followed him aboard, "All your goodbyes said?" she asked him.
"Oh, we never say goodbye, only Namarii which is Sindarin for farewell. It was important business we were discussing, but nothing to worry over. He will visit Ithilien soon and we can talk more then," Legolas said.
With everyone loaded, Skye and Legolas waited by the railing as the sailors threw off the mooring lines and got underway. The country was beautiful, and Legolas told her about all the places they passed along their way north. She was overwhelmed buy the wild simplicity of life here. It was quiet and peaceful. Occasionally she saw someone traveling beside the river and they waved to the ship. It was a several hour trip, and as the sun was high in the sky, one of the sailors brought a tray over to them.
"May I offer you some lunch?" he asked.
"Thank you," Legolas said, taking the offered tray.
The sailor gave him a quick nod and then bowed to Skye before returning to his duties. Legolas looked at his wife's stunned expression and smiled.
"They are always gracious hosts, but your presence has made them especially courteous," he said.
"Why?" she asked, noticing how the sailors all snuck glances at her.
"It is because of him," Thelyn said as he joined them. "They can't believe he finally got married. I heard them talking and they all think you must be a great lady to catch him. I agree completely."
Legolas frowned at him, not wanting Skye to misunderstand such a tale. It made him sound like a rakish easterling but truthfully he just never met the right woman until he found Skye.
"You will give her a false impression of me, Thelyn," Legolas said.
"Not at all," Thelyn said. "All I meant was that no woman ever turned his head before, until now."
"I think I understood," Skye said.
Legolas smiled and put his arm around her shoulders for a quick squeeze. They ate their lunch with the rest of the travelers bound for Ithilien. The conversation was light, each one speaking of their wives and children and how they missed them.
"How long have you been away?" Skye asked.
"Two days," Cilmo said. "It is to long."
Skye smiled at the sincerity in their eyes. It was like the look in Legolas eyes when he looked at her. Elves were the most loving men she'd ever met, and she suddenly felt a surge of contentedness in her chest. What began as a chance meeting and passing intimacy between strangers turned out to be so much more. This was meant to be, she just knew it. She wanted to fit in here and make him proud of her. For the first time in her life she cared more about someone else's dreams than her own. She loved this Elf that sat beside her, this husband too perfect to be real. Most girls have fantasies of valiant knights and magic realms, but she was fortunate enough to actually find her prince, well… Elf. Who needed a prince when she had Legolas, a well respected lord in his country? How cool is that?
Her thoughts were interrupted by the call from the crow's nest, "The docks are in sight!"
Legolas smiled when he saw Windhoof among the horses at the shore. Several of the Avari rangers were waiting for them, and he waved at them with a big smile. As the ship approached, he realized that there were more than a few of his people waiting. It appeared that half the settlement was there. No, half the settlement and half of Emyn Arnen as well. He cocked a brow in surprise and glanced at Alcon who just shrugged.
"They received word that you were returning from a long journey… with a wife. They were anxious to see you, and they wanted to welcome her, the new princess of the wood," Alcon said.
Skye paled when she heard him say that, "Excuse me… what did you call me?"
"Princess Greenleaf," Alcon said with a furrowed brow. "Did you not know that your husband was the Prince of the northern tribe, Lord of all the Elves that dwell here?"
Skye gulped and shook her head. "No, he failed to mention that little detail to me," she said softly. She looked at Legolas who gave her half a smile.
"I said you would be a great lady in my home," he said seriously.
"I thought that was flattery to get me to come with you," she said as her face erupted in a bright red blush. "I never dreamed you were… you… uh were a royal."
Legolas smiled at her mischievously, "I wanted you to like me, not my title."
"Well, mission accomplished, but what about me? I don't know anything about having a title," she said nervously. "I just want to be your wife."
"That is all you need worry about," Legolas said. "Now, smile and relax. Everyone will love you."
The ship docked and as the sailors secured the mooring lines, Skye watched the waiting crowd. There were elves waiting with a few horses and a gathering of men as well. A regal looking man was standing with a beautiful dark haired elf woman at the end of the docks. Legolas led her down the ramp to the shore and there was cheering from the crowd.
"Welcome home, Prince of the wood. You have been sorely missed in your absence," Polodrin said formally.
"Thank you," Legolas said with a smile. "Allow me to present my wife, Skye."
"My Lady," Polodrin said. "I am Polodrin, and this is my wife, Nyére."
"Your husband left us rather suddenly and without leaving word of his errand. We have been most worried about him, but new we see that his journey was a pleasant one. Welcome to Ithilien," Nyére said.
"Thank you," Skye said shyly.
"Well, you'd best address them, they are waiting," Nyére said to Legolas.
Legolas sighed and stepped up onto a crate so everyone could see him. "I am sorry to have left so abruptly, and I thank you all for your concern, but as you can see, all is well. I have returned to stay, and I brought my beautiful wife, Skye from a distant land to grace our wood." Legolas turned to look at her, and reached a hand out to urge her forward, but her feet would not allow her to move. Cilmo gave her a reassuring nudge and she took Legolas' hand. He helped her up on the crate, and everyone cheered, calling out words of welcome.
Legolas bent down and whispered in her ear, "Welcome home, Skye."
