Lady of the Wood

After a few minutes of personal greetings from those that came from Emyn Arnen, the Elves all made ready for the short ride back to the wood. Legolas mounted Windhoof and reached for Skye, but she backed away nervously.

"What is wrong? He is quite gentle, I assure you," Legolas said.

"Animals and I don't usually get along," she stammered. "I've never even had a pet."

"But at the fair…" Legolas said in confusion.

"I watched the jousting, I didn't participate," Skye said with a cocked brow.

Legolas dismounted and put his arm around her. "Here there are no cars, only horses. Now, I gave you my trust and rode with you, though it was most disturbing. Let me introduce you two," Legolas said as he tugged on the reins bringing Windhoof's head closer. He took her hand in his and had her feel the horse's muzzle. Windhoof sniffed at her and gave a little snort, but made no aggressive move. "See?"

"He won't mind carrying both of us?" she asked nervously.

"You weigh less than my saddle," Legolas said seriously. "Now, do you trust me?"

"Of course," she said.

"Then let's go home," Legolas said as he mounted up again.

Skye watched those around her getting ready to leave and was grateful that no one seemed to be paying any attention to their discussion. Legolas reached for her again and this time she just bit her lip and grabbed his hand. He lifted her quite easily and deposited her in front of him. So she sat sidesaddle with his arm around her, and he gave her a smile.

"We'll go at an easy pace until you get used to it. In time you'll have your own horse and you'll look back on this day and laugh at your fears," he assured her.

With everyone ready, they made the ride across the open country now quite green from the spring rains. It was not long before the trees of the wood could be seen. Legolas talked with her quietly, careful to keep his voice low so no one else would hear.

"There is the edge of the wood. The paths are hidden until you enter; only our people and a few friends know them well. The watch is waiting just beyond those bushes though you can't see them. The brothers live on the southern end of the wood, and we'll pass that way. Beyond that is a meadow and a stream with a waterfall. The eastern path will lead to the settlement. The houses are scattered a little but there is a great square and a gathering hall. Our home is in a heavily wooded spot not far from the hall…"

Skye listened to the soft lilt of his voice as he described the home she was going to. His breath on her neck was warm and her eyes fluttered closed as she pictured everything. Then she heard a call from up ahead and opened her eyes. They were entering the woods now, and they spoke a strange language. Legolas straightened up and answered them in the same language.

"Welcome home, Lord! Joy returns to the wood with your coming," Anwaner said.

"Indeed it is good to see my home again and double is my joy at this sight with the wife that I brought with me to share it," Legolas said.

"Welcome fair Lady," Anwaner said.

"He welcomes you," Legolas said in her ear.

Skye smiled shyly, "Thank you, sir."

Anwaner realized she was human and didn't understand him. "Forgive me. Let me welcome you again in your own tongue. Word came to us that you came from a distant land. We hope that you will feel at home here," he said.

"Everyone has been most gracious, thank you," Skye said.

Legolas urged his horse forward and the escort followed. The rangers all tried not to stare at Skye, but everyone was intrigued by her. As they passed, Anwaner turned to Kiirar and cocked a brow at him.

"So, we have a new Lady of the Wood. What do you think?" Anwaner asked.

"I think it has become fashionable to marry the daughters of men," Kiirar said under his breath.

"Careful with your criticism, Kiirar," Shaalth said sternly. "Legolas is and honorable elf with deep feelings. He would not marry for fashion, nor would he tolerate such an insult dealt against his wife. Do not let his mild manner fool you, he will defend her fiercely."

"I meant no disrespect, I only meant that there are maids right here in Ithilien who seem to go unnoticed," Kiirar said quickly.

"Well, you are unmarried…" Shaalth said with a smirk. "Perhaps you are ready to finally pursue your own bride."

Kiirar gave a snort and headed down the path. Matrimony was not for him, oh no. He just didn't like to see his people's traditions lost. These western elves were so different. He didn't dislike men; he just didn't think that men and elves should wed. Having a human as Lady of the Wood would take a little getting used to.


Legolas' escort dwindled as the elves returned to their homes. With welcomes given, they discreetly allowed their Lord his privacy as he introduced his wife to her new home. The square was quiet in the late afternoon, and Legolas pointed out the different buildings before turning down a path that disappeared into the wood again. The trees seemed closer here and the path was narrower. But shortly they emerged into a small clearing and Skye just took in a sharp breath at the sight of her new home. It was a modest cottage of similar architecture to the other homes they'd passed. There was a simple barn beside it with space enough for several animals. The yard was just moss and a few ferns and bushes here and there. The canopy above them was thick and it was well shaded here. She loved it immediately.

Legolas watched her face as she looked the place over. First was shock, then scrutiny and then… oh that smile! He felt a tightness in his chest when he saw her sincere smile. His was the smallest house in the settlement, and he'd worried it would not please her.

"You like it?" he asked.

"I love it," she said and turned to kiss him. "It feels like we're the only ones here."

"That is why I chose this place for my house. I am still close to the settlement, but it is very private. I like my privacy," he admitted, "especially now."

Skye smiled, and he rode over to the front steps and dismounted. Then he lifted her down and hugged her. Windhoof returned to the barn and Skye laughed.

"He just goes in on his own?"

"Yes, he knows I'll be back to take his saddle off in a little while. Now," Legolas paused and looked into her eyes a moment. A smile slowly crossed his face then turned into a wolfish grin as he suddenly lifted her into his arms and climbed the steps to the porch. "It is time to show you your new home."

Skye giggled at his playfulness as he opened the door, careful not to lose his hold on her. It was dim inside, only the light coming in from the windows lent any light. Legolas looked around the main room and frowned at the small table. He'd forgotten how meager his furnishings were. He schooled his expression into a calm one as he showed her the kitchen and then the bedroom. Skye didn't seem to be at all bothered by his lack of furnishings.

"I like it," she said softly as she rested her head against his chest.

"It is so small," Legolas said. "When I built it I never dreamed I would find love."

"How much room do you think I need?" Skye asked with a chuckle.

"Enough room to dance, for one thing," Legolas said seriously. He saw his saddlebags in the corner and the bag that had carried his weapons. He set her down on the bed and retrieved her dance shoes. "Here, put them on."

Skye looked at the tattered pink shoes that had seen too many practices. They were sadly worn, but they were a beautiful sight. She put them on and Legolas took her hand to help her to her feet. She popped up on her toes and Legolas smiled and stepped back to give her a little room. She took a couple of steps and then twirled. She did a slow, quiet dance, using up the small space without making it seem cramped. She kept eye contact with him as he watched her, and her eyes were very dark and mysterious. Her movements were graceful and slightly erotic as she slid her hands over her body from her breasts down to her hips.

Legolas' breathing was irregular as he watched her dancing for him. This was not the dance of the stage he'd seen, this was a lover's dance, meant to entice. He took off his cloak and jacket but never took his eyes from hers. She glided closer to him with those little steps on her toes he loved so much, but as he reached for her, she twirled away teasingly. He allowed her this game for the moment, but he couldn't take much more of this display.

"You told me you wanted to watch me dance," she said softly as she loosened the ties on her bodice. "Would you like me to dance a little more?" She asked as she removed the gown and then twirled for him in her sheer chemise.

Legolas swallowed hard and just nodded. His knees were getting weak and he leaned against the door for support. She had a twinkle in her eyes that made his mouth go dry and then she did it, she tossed aside the chemise and tiptoed over to him in nothing but her dance shoes.

"I want to dance with you, show me," he rasped.

Skye smiled sweetly and took his hands. She raised one up above her head and showed him how to hold it steady with his middle finger pointed downward for her to grasp. Then she put his other on her waist and slowly did a turn in his arms before posing again. Legolas caught on quickly and seemed to enjoy the feel of her soft skin as he held her waist.

"Show me another," he said softly against her ear. "I want to learn more."

Skye gave him a crash course in the basic ballet positions. Legolas was most eager and had little trouble her various poses and different positions. Then she showed him the lifts and he caught on quickly. He especially liked the places he had to put his hands to achieve the various poses. Skye seemed satisfied that he had the idea and decided to show him a short dance sequence.

"Bow," she said, and as he did, she curtsied. "Now, walk toward me and do that first lift."

Legolas grabbed her around the waist and lifted her up before grabbing one thigh and wrapping his arm around her to do a dipping pose. Her breasts were so near his hand it took all his concentration to follow her directions for the dance. He set her on her feet again and she twirled in his arms.

"Now…" Skye started to give him another direction, but he just pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately.

"That is enough lessons for one day," he said huskily. "I cannot concentrate with your soft skin and your…"

Skye stood on her toes and then wrapped a leg around his waist provocatively and Legolas just grabbed her thigh and lifted her into his arms again. He crossed the room and deposited her on the bed. Without a word he undressed, trying not to look at her too much. He was already too aroused to take this slowly, he needed her now. Once he'd finished, he turned and his stomach fluttered at the sight of her. She sat there with one leg stretched out straight, and the other pointed up at the ceiling giving him a most clear view of her delicate sex. She smiled at him and then did a split, pointing her feet at the opposite walls.

"Coming to bed?" she asked innocently.

Legolas couldn't speak through the lump in his throat. She was still teasing him, and he loved it. He sat in his knees before her and she wrapped her legs around him, urging him closer. Legolas covered her and felt his throbbing member pressing insistently against her opening. She lifted her hips slightly, pressing herself against him. Legolas couldn't take any more. He captured her lips in a crushing kiss and buried himself in her soft folds in one swift stroke. He made love with urgency, and she moved with him, sharing his desperation. As his thrusts grew faster and harder he kissed her face, her neck and her breasts. The feel of her beneath him and around him was incredible and the sound of his name whispered between moans and gasps of pleasure was intoxicating. As the climax built he whispered words of love in sindarin and when they came together he gasped 'I love you' in his language and hers over and over until their spasms of ecstasy finally stilled.

"I am not worthy," he said softly.

"You are a prince," she said.

"I am but a lonely Elf who has found everything he ever desired in a wife. You are perfect, and I feel unworthy of you," he said softly. "You gave up everything."

"I had very little to give up," she said. "It was I who found everything and followed him to his home."

"Well, my princess, we are the wealthiest pair in the settlement," he said with a smile. "And, as this and the table are the only pieces of furniture in the house, I suspect we will spend a great deal of time right here."

"Good."

Legolas smiled and hugged her tight. He'd never felt so happy in all his life.


The next few days were taken up with a little bit of cleaning in the house that was quite dusty after several months of neglect. Legolas had taken her to see Oloriel, Shaalth's wife, the best seamstress in the settlement. She measured Skye for some gowns and Legolas was adamant about her getting a couple made right away. Skye was embarrassed, but Oloriel put her at ease right away.

"It is no trouble at all. My Lady will need a new wardrobe," she said with a smile.

"Come," Legolas said. "Let's visit the cobbler."

Legolas had brought her dance shoes with him and gave them to Nildo, the cobbler. He ordered four pairs in various colors. He also ordered her some riding boots and a few pairs of dress shoes to go with her gowns. Skye said very little while they shopped, she was quiet and polite and seemingly shy. Everyone they met as they walked seemed to like her, but she felt like an outsider because she didn't understand the language or customs.

Legolas could tell that something was bothering her, but waited for a private moment to discuss it with her. That evening at dinner as they sat across from each other at the small table, he ventured his question.

"Skye, are you happy here?" he asked quietly.

"Of course I'm happy here. Why?" Skye asked quickly.

"You seemed preoccupied today while we shopped," Legolas said seriously.

"I just don't feel like I fit in," she admitted. "Everyone has to make a point of speaking my language when I'm around. I feel like an inconvenience to everyone."

Legolas frowned at the thought. That simply was not true. He'd kept her isolated here in his home these past few days. Perhaps it was time she visited someone she could relate to. He decided that tomorrow he would take her to visit Thelyn and Jamie. It would be good for both ladies to have a friend.

"You are wrong about being an inconvenience, Skye. You are not the only human wife here, nor are you the only one who speaks little sindarin. Tomorrow we will go visit the brothers and you can meet Jamie," Legolas said. "I will have no more talk of feeling out of place. You're my wife, and everyone accepts you."

Skye nodded, but she wasn't really convinced. She was horrible at languages, but she needed to learn. She really wanted to belong.


Jamie was seated on the front porch with Veon when Legolas and Skye rode up. Thelyn had told her about Legolas' new wife, but she wasn't fully prepared for the shock of seeing him cradling the tiny woman in his lap. His eyes were full of love as he stared down her dress. Jamie stifled her smile as she stood to greet them.

"Welcome home Legolas! It has been too long since you have graced our table. Please introduce me to your wife," Jamie said.

Legolas dismounted and lifted Skye down before answering. "Jamie, this is Skye, from San Francisco."

"Really? San Francisco? I'm so pleased to meet you," Jamie said. "I'm from Scott's Valley."

Skye smiled, "At last, someone I can relate to," Skye said. "I was really starting to feel out of place."

Jamie smirked as Thelyn and Alcon stepped out onto the porch and waved to Legolas, "I understand, believe me. Come with me, we can go hang out in the kitchen while Legolas chats with the twins."

"Which one is yours?" Skye asked as they brushed past the red haired elves to get to the door.

Jamie handed Veon to Thelyn and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "The cute one," she said with a chuckle and then went inside.

Alcon just shook his head at them and sat on the steps. "But we're identical."

"Not to your wives," Legolas said with a smirk and then his face turned serious. "So, fill me in on the troubles of late."


Lyneya was seated at the table with Godwin, resting when Skye and Jamie entered. She smiled and greeted Skye. "Welcome to Ithilien, Lady Greenleaf."

"My name is Skye," she answered.

"I am Alcon's wife, Lyneya, and this is my brother, Godwin," Lyneya said.

Godwin stood and gave Skye a very grand sweeping bow and Jamie and Lyneya both stifled their smiles.

"I'm pleased to meet you," Skye said, a little taken back by his manner. He seemed rather young to be so polite.

"I will leave you all to your ladies' talk," Godwin said formally. "I will join Ada outside." He left the room casually, but held his head high and carried himself like a king.

Skye cocked a brow at him as he passed and when he'd left she looked at Jamie curiously. "How old is he?"

"Six going on thirty," Jamie said. "He has moved on from childhood right into training, though no one has pushed him to it."

"It is because of the raids and the new Warlords," Lyneya said. "That is most certainly what they are discussing. Rhûn needs him to come of age and take his place. He is in a hurry to grow up."

"That is too much pressure for a child," Skye said. "Whatever it is he expects of himself." She'd been pushed to dance since she was old enough to walk. Sometimes she looked back on her childhood with regret.

"I'm sorry," Lyneya said. "Perhaps you did not know who he is. He's the rightful ruler in our homeland, and presently the realm is in chaos."

"He still needs time to be a kid," Skye said.

"That's what I keep saying, but Alcon supports him in everything he wants to do. Sometimes I think he indulges Godwin too much," Jamie said as she glared at Lyneya.

"That is not true. Alcon has a good head on his shoulders. He knows Godwin needs to be well trained. He doesn't push him, only gives him the opportunities to learn," Lyneya said defensively.

Jamie brushed the subject aside, not wanting to discuss it further. She focused her attention on Skye instead. "So, how'd you and Legolas meet?"

Skye just smirked and looked at Jamie with laughter in her eyes. "We met at the Renaissance Faire. He was mistaken for an archer and won the tournament."

Jamie bit her lip to keep from laughing as she pictured that. "And no one noticed the ears?"

"He had his hood up," Skye explained. "I must admit, at first I thought he'd escaped from the state hospital. After a closer look, I was intrigued and eventually convinced that his story was true."

"So, what did you do in San Francisco?" Jamie asked.

"I was a student and a dancer," Skye said.

"Ballet?" Jamie asked in surprise.

"Strictly small time, no one seemed to want to put me out front. I was with a very small company right off Union Square," Skye said with a sigh. "I thought I wanted to go all the way to New York, but I met this guy and… stuff happened."

"Yes, well, Legolas is the catch of the woods," Jamie said with a chuckle. "I can't believe he made such a trip. I've never seen him so happy."

Lyneya laughed, "I heard he barely noticed any woman until he showed up in Minas Tirith with you."

Skye blushed, "I'm sure that's an exaggeration."

Jamie's face was serious as she shook her head, "Oh, no. Legolas hasn't shown interest in a woman for over an age, just ask… uh, no matter. I only meant that he loves you very much." She could see that the discussion was disturbing Skye, so she quickly dropped it. "So, will you dance here?"

"I haven't given it much thought," Skye lied.

"Ballet would be a big hit at the summer festival. I think you should," Jamie said. "Elves love the arts."

Skye blushed and tried to change the subject. "When are you due?" she asked Lyneya.

"Soon, I hope," she said, rolling her eyes. She felt like she was carrying an Oliphaunt in her belly. "I am getting winded climbing the five steps to my porch."

Jamie laughed, but her face was sympathetic. Lyneya seemed to have gained more than she did, and she was having trouble with her ankles swelling. Jamie hoped the healers were keeping a close eye on her pregnancy. This medieval medicine wasn't always enough for some of the things that could go wrong.

The three women retreated to the kitchen to tend to the meal while their husbands talked outside. At dinner, it was obvious to Skye that Legolas was preoccupied by some worry. The conversation was light, but the men kept exchanging glances and Skye found it disturbing. She knew that he had duties here as the leader, but he'd been spending all his time at home with her. She didn't want to get in the way of his job. Maybe it was time she asked him about it. When Failon stopped by, her concerns about his duties were confirmed.

"Legolas, there are raiders camped off the eastern edge of the wood. They are sending out scouts," Failon said.

Legolas glanced at Skye not wanting to alarm her and answered in Sindarin. "How many?"

"Twenty, just a search party. I mustered a few extra Elves to the watch and then came right away," Failon said.

The twins both stood and grabbed their weapons to prepare to leave, but when Godwin stood, Alcon just nudged him back into his chair, "NO!" Alcon said firmly.

"I am a member of the watch as well," Godwin said.

Legolas looked at the boy with respect, but exercised his authority, "Godwin, as the youngest member of the watch, I must insist you remain here. With the others at the border, someone must stay with Lyneya."

Godwin frowned, "It is because they are Easterlings," he said bitterly. "I have no qualms about fighting my own people to defend my home."

Alcon cocked a brow but said nothing for Lyneya stepped in. "Peace, brother. You are not Overlord yet. Respect the authority of your elders. How can you expect to lead others if you cannot listen to wise counsel?"

Godwin hung his head, humiliated in front of Alcon and the Prince of the wood. "Forgive me Ada," he said softly to Alcon.

Alcon gave his shoulder a squeeze. "You do not need to rush to your destiny, son. When the time is right, it will come to you. Let's go."

Legolas paused to speak to Skye, but she shook her head at him, "Go, duty calls."

"Skye…" Legolas started to say something, but she just gave him a reassuring smile. "I'm a city girl. I can find my own way home."

Jamie spoke up quickly, "She can stay here until you return. We can keep each other company while you are away."

Thelyn nodded approvingly at her invitation and Legolas gave her a grateful smile.

"I'll return as soon as I can," Legolas said and then left with the others.

Skye sighed and looked at Jamie with worry in her eyes. "So, how long will that be?"

Jamie just looked at her plate and poked at her food sadly. "Last time was over a week."

"Should I be worried?" Skye pressed.

"Not too much," Jamie said. "They are warriors all and will be just fine."

Godwin cringed and gave a snort. "It is because of me that they are here. Someone has betrayed our trust, Lyneya. The Warlords know that we live."

"It wasn't one of the Elves," she said seriously.

"I know," Godwin said. "I know who it was, and when I can prove it, he will pay for the grief he has caused this family and these people."

Skye listened to his mature response with interest. The boy spoke like a leader and he was only six.

"Patience, Godwin. Listen to the instruction of Alcon and the Rangers. When the time is right, you'll be able to do all the things you want to, but until then, don't question their authority again, understand?" Lyneya said seriously.

"Yes," Godwin said. "Sorry."