Chapter 6 - Warnings

Over the next few days, Alana avoided Aragorn as much as possible. She had told the others of the events of the day she had spotted the intruders. Well she had told them everything except what had happened between herself and Aragorn. She still saw him looking at her with pain in his eyes, and that was enough to make her cry herself to sleep every night.
Legolas looked at her across the table. She looked terrible. Her eyes were red, and she was unusually quiet. He often caught her looking at Aragorn with a hunted look in her eyes. He had shared his fears with Neera, and she had agreed with him. Something had happened between them, and Legolas was determined to find out.
Alana rose without a word and left the hall, making for the eastern door of Rivendell. Aragorn made as if to follow her, but Legolas stopped him with a look, and he sat down again. Legolas waited for a few minutes, then when he was sure that Aragorn wouldn't follow him, he rose and went after her.
He soon found her. She was alone, in a clearing. As he walked nearer he could hear her crying.
"Alana! What's wrong?" he said, concerned. She looked at him with such sadness, that he couldn't help but take her in his arms, and cuddle her, comfort her, telling her that it would all be alright.
"No it won't be alright." She whispered. "Never again will things be as they were. Why can he not accept that? Why can't I?" He looked at her astonished.
"Do you mean to tell me that Lord Aragorn, has told you that he still loves you?" Legolas asked.
She laughed. "He never even said that. When I told him about the intruders and all that I had found out, he nearly kissed me. And I nearly let him." She laughed. "I am such a fool Legolas. I don't even think that I love him anymore. I was just swept up in the moment."
He remained silent for a moment, just holding her. "You are not the fool, he is, for not respecting you enough to leave you alone. And he is a fool for letting you go in the first place." She looked at him and smiled. "See, that's better. You haven't smiled in days."
Legolas?" She whispered.
"Yes?" He replied.
"Can I stay with you for a while? Please don't leave me alone again." She said. He looked into her eyes.
"Never. I will not leave you, I promise." He kissed her forehead. "Now come on. Let's go back. We don't have to talk to him." He added, seeing the look on her face. "We can go to the library or the gardens, we can go and talk to Bergil if you wish."
"Ok." She said. "I'll go with you." She rose and took his hand, and they walked back to Rivendell.

Neera watched them from her balcony, and smiled. It looked as though Legolas had his wish. Alana would not be able to deny her feelings for him much longer, and then she could finally settle down.
"Neera." She heard Aragorn say behind her. "May I speak with you?"
"Of course." She replied. "What is it?" Although she had her suspicions as to what had happened between him and Alana, she couldn't dislike him, or even be angry with him.
"I have made a terrible mistake." He whispered. "I nearly kissed Alana. I don't know what's happening to me. Ever since we met again, all of those feelings that I had for her are resurfacing. I still love Arwen, but the feelings that I had, have, for Alana are so strong. I don't know how long I can fight them." He looked at her. "Please help me."
Neera was shocked. "You still love her." She said. "You would be willing to put her through this pain, and you love her."
"I swear Neera, the last thing that I want to do is cause her more pain. I love her too much to do that." He cried.
"Yes, but you are doing that now. She was getting over this, she was better. You have pulled her back again. Aragorn you must suppress your feelings, or direct them at Arwen. She needs them more than Alana, and she gave up so much for you, her immortality, her family. Are you willing to make it all in vain because you can't stand the thought that Alana would be better off without you?" He shook his head and she continued. "Aragorn, you must leave her alone now. In time, you can be friends once more, but now all you both need is space."
He nodded. "Yes, you are right." He turned to go. "Will you tell her that I'm sorry, that I love her and never meant to hurt her. Tell her that I'll leave her alone, but I will always be here if she needs me."
"I'll tell her, don't worry. I have a feeling that will be just what she wants and needs to hear." Neera said and turned to watch Alana from her window.