THE SPACE BETWEEN
Author's note : Hi guys! Sorry for the delay (again!) I know I usually update on Thursdays… Oh well…
To TreeHugger, My faithful reviewer: Thank you thank you and thank you! You'll be finding out soon if it really is "A Sort of Homecoming" for our ol' pal Legolas… I got the phrase "It is very surreal" from Daniel Jones, Savage Garden's ex guitar/piano player, he said that in an interview so many years ago, the idea stayed stuck in my head… I'm glad you licked the snowball fight, so did I! It was fun to write.
Just a quick note, before I post the next chapter for this story I'm going to finish Ghost of a Memory… It is only supposed to be 2 chapters so I'm going to finish it before I continue on with The Space Between sorry for the incovinience. Hopefully you won't have to wait too long for this, most likely less than two weeks… I hope…. Well have patience! Please?
RED ALERT! Extreme mushiness ahead! If you don't like extra sappy smushy sorta romantic stuff, then you won't like this chapter… sorry
Well I don't really know what else to write, except, here's the story I hope you like it and please if there's a way to make it better, let me know!
Thank you and enjoy!
Hi! I've made some changes to this chapter to make it a little better. The changes run pretty much through the entire chapter. Oh well I hope it's an improvement! Ciao!
Chapter Three
Beautiful Midnight
Without any further ado Legolas bolted from where the Fellowship stood and ran towards the great talan where lived the High Elves.
"Legolas!" yelled Gimli as he realized the Elf had run off unexpectedly.
"Aragorn!" screamed a confused Pippin, "Legolas just ran off, over that way." He pointed in the direction the Elf had fled.
"Follow him," Aragorn ordered. He glanced to Haldir.
"You know where he goes?" he asked in Sindarin.
"Yes, his return was highly anticipated," replied the Elf in the same tongue.
"Of course! I should have known!" Aragorn followed the rest, who had begun their pursuit of the unpredictable Elf.
Legolas ran for his life, he did not care if he was being pursued. He could not wait any longer, it had been so long. As reached the courtyard he had not seen in ages, he slowed down to catch his breath. A chill raced through his entire body from the tips of his hair to all of his extremities. As he started walking towards he knew not where, Legolas realized his legs had turned to jelly. He stopped dead in his tracks as he arrived in a small courtyard leading towards the Lord and Lady's sleeping chambers. He staggered forward, quietly hiding behind the luscious asphodel and rose bushes surrounding the small entourage.
Staring at the being quietly sitting down turned his brain to mush and his heart and stomach were liquified and crept right down to his toes. He never realised he would be so nervous upon entering that one moment he had so desperately anticipated. He could not believe what was before his eyes. She was just as beautiful as the last time his eyes saw her.
His beloved, the one he so dearly cherished was there before him, writing on some parchement. There was not a sound safe for the soft scratching of the quill against the grain of the parchment and the occasional tinkle of the pen dipped in the inkwell. The calming scent of chamomile and lavender filled the air as suddenly Willow stopped writing and set her quill on the small bench. She looked up around her.
Legolas forced himself to breath normally as he slowly felt eyes come upon him, though he was thouroughly concealed by the plants. Laiellah's eyes squinted beautifully as she glanced around her, sensing a disturbance in the serenity around her. Legolas breathed in the sight of her with her simple pale blue gown and her dark locks pinned back with only a few treacherous strands of hair constantly falling back in her face in a way that make the prince's knees nearly give in to the fluttery feeling in his heart.
Pushing back the fallen strands behind her ear, Willow returned her eyes to the discarted parchement and picked up the quill to resume her writing. Long she glanced at it and sighed deeply.
"You may as well come out," she said without taking her eyes away from her letter, "It has been a long time Prince of Mirkwood."
Legolas' heart stopped. That voice! That beautiful angelic voice that has been silent to him for so long danced in his ears. Slowly and fearfully, he came out of his hiding space, too afraid that if he came too close too fast, his beloved Willow would disappear from his grasp forever. No, that couldn't happen, he had waited too long for this moment. So many times did he imagine it in his mind, so many times he had dreamed up this reunion again and again. It couldn't just disappear before his very eyes, he would not let that happen, never again. Before he knew it, he was standing before her, her back to his face, his hands trembling slightly. His heart was racing, he could not remember ever feeling so nervous before.
"Too long," he breathed calmly. All too slowly Willow turned around, violet eyes meeting glistening violet ones. He came up to her them, his still quaking hands lightly touching her face to make certain that she was indeed real and not some cruel figment of his imagination. His hands brushed alongside her face and down her chin and he gently passed his thumb against her lips. Legolas drew his face closer to hers, drinking in the scent of her. Before his lips brushed her skin he pulled away, a shiver running down his spine. He was afraid to touch her; he didn't want to lose her. The fear of seeing her disappear if he touched her too long came to him once more. All this time, Willow kept her eyes closed as Legolas finally, yet gently, claimed her lips, his hands resting around her slender neck and they kissed softly relishing in the sweet essence they had been deprived of far too long.
Legolas pulled back from their millennia-long kiss and he looked down to Willow. She smiled that sweet innocent smile of hers and slowly opened her eyes. "I never thought this day would ever come," Legolas said as he wrapped his arms tightly around her waist. "It is though as if it is all a dream."
"If it is so, I would wish to never wake. Do not let go, ever," she said, burying her head in his neck, holding onto him for dear life. The reunited lovers stood there, holding each other for the longest time, tears flowing quietly down their face.
Aragorn and the others arrived not long after, though they had slowed and crept up quietly as to not disturb the scene unraveling itself before them. They too, slowed themselves and entered the room. Silently, they waited for the Elf to act, not certain what to expect. Most of them had no clue as to what was going on. Legolas was so concentrated on his actions he did not hear his friends behind him. In truth he did not care, all that mattered was that he was again reunited with the one he loved. All were touched by these tender moments, save for Gimli who couldn't help but roll his eyes, so unnacustomed he was to such sweetness and grace. They needed no explanation, this was the Elf, Legolas had been longing for at the Fort.
Keeping his eyes on the pair of Elves, Pippin whispered in Merry's ear. "Those two know each other, don't they?"
Merry never gave his cousin the pleasure of an answer, he only stared at him with dark eyes saying, "What do you think? You fool of a Took!"
Willow peered deeply into her Prince's eyes. There she felt a rather strange sensation. At first it was overwhelming, then it became clearer. She could see into his very soul, all his life was revealed to her.
"And so it is true," she concluded sadly, lowering her gaze. "Mithrandir is gone."
Legolas was surprised, yet he gave it no attention. "Yes, he is." His voice was sad, as thoughts of those moments resurfaced.
Willow's eyes floated around the courtyard and stopped at the entrance. "It would appear we have been spied on," she said keeping her eyes on the intruders.
Then did Legolas notice the Long Forgotten Fellowship that stood nearby. He realized then that the Fellowship had witnessed their entire reunion. The Prince straitened himself and brushed his cloak. Willow could not help but noticed his face blushing slightly, though it was barely noticeable to those around them. However, she noticed that Aragorn had witnessed the Elf's reaction and did his best to hid his laugh. Legolas took Willow's hand and together they came closer to the company.
"Come I shall introduce you," he whispered in her ear. Holding her hand, Legolas led his beloved to the Fellowship. He would now show them, who was the mysterious object of his undying affection.
"I would like to introduce to you, Laiellah Tasarinien of Lórien."
He spoke to the Fellowship in a more official tone, all the while attempting to cover his emotions, which was a little too late. Seven heads nodded as Willow slightly curtsied. Legolas coughed uncomfortably and began introducing the remaining members of the Fellowship.
Legolas spoke graciously to every member. First up was Boromir. "I present Boromir, Thane and son of the Steward of Gondor," he said as Boromir inclined his head as did Willow. After Boromir was a friendly familiar face smiling knowingly at them. "Of course you know Aragorn."
Willow smiled, "Of course, how have you been Estel? It has been a little while since our last encounter."
Aragorn nodded, "Yes it has. I must say there have been quite a few changes since then. I can see the same goes for you. Pleased I am to see you have found your lost Elf."
Willow smiled radiantly. "Yes, thank you."
Legolas then presented Willow to Sam, Merry and Pippin who had their eyes wide open and their jaws dropped. The Prince noticed Pippin mouthing the word 'wow' to Merry.
When it came time to present Gimli, Legolas seemed a little uncomfortable, he wasn't certain how to speak, therefore he did so as politely as he could. He was still irritated by the dwarf but at this time he was to over the moon to be rude or angry with anyone, even his sworn enemy.
Willow slightly taken aback. "A dwarf? From the Erebor? How interesting." Bemused she glanced from the dwarf to Legolas, then back to the dwarf. "How very interesting. Nonetheless, please accept my most gracious welcome to Lothlórien," she said bowing before the stout fellow.
At last it was Frodo, all through the introductions, he had kept his gaze on the Elf, a vague of familiarity overcoming him.
"Finally, may I present Laiella Tasarinien, Master F–"
"Frodo Baggins," Willow finished his sentence. She eyed the hobbit wondrously. "Yes, I can see you have been through much toil, all of you," she said glancing at everyone before her. She returned her gaze to the hobbit. "You have shown an incredible amount of courage my young friend."
Frodo was dazed. "Willow Tree." He said her name in Westron.
Willow smiled at him. "Yes, I can see you understand Quenya, the tongue of the High Elves."
He nodded. "I feel as though we have met before."
"But how can that be? Willow was not in Rivendell with us and to my knowledge you have never been to the Shire," Legolas interrupted.
"He is right," his beloved agreed.
"The Elf of my dreams," whispered Frodo.
Legolas looked at the hobbit crossly. "What?"
The others looked from the two Elves to the hobbit, confusion showing in their eyes.
Frodo continued, speaking in half whisper. "In my dreams, I could have sworn I have seen your face before." Legolas seemed to be slightly annoyed.
"Yes, I know what you mean. I have seen you in my thoughts. I felt you coming to us. And now you are here, and you carry something hideous with you," she said speaking of the hobbit's heavy burden, a light little golden ring who belongs to the most evil creature in all of Middle Earth. "Make sure it does not see itself out of your grasp, the results would more than disastrous, especially here."
Willow looked at everyone at once and smiled. "It is late and you come from a long and tiresome journey. Rest tonight and be merry."
Pippin gave his cousin a poke in the arm, only to be rewarded with a shove.
"Perhaps in the morrow all shall seem clearer." All agreed and followed Haldir, who had only just arrived. Willow held on to Legolas' tunic as if to prevent him from escaping, although there was no doubt to anyone he had not planned on going anywhere. Aragorn grasped Willow's arm and smiled again. "It is good to see you," he said sincerely.
Willow smiled back. "And you, nin mellon. Please tell me, how fares the Lady Evenstar?"
"She is well," he said, yet Willow detected a slight resentment in his statement as though things were not as perfect as he wished them to be, "she sends her regards."
After everyone had left, Willow gathered her parchment, ink and quill and pulled Legolas towards the Galadhrim living area. They entered Willow's chamber and as she closed the door and smiled as Legolas pressed his hand on her shoulder. Setting her writing tools on her desk, Willow turned swiftly and ran to Legolas as he swept her into his arms allowing her feet to leave the ground as he spun her round allowing her robes to flow gracefully about, the both of them laughing excitedly. Legolas set her down, drinking in the feel of each other's embrace. He brushed a hand at her temple allowing his fingers to cup her chin and raise it to his lips.
"I have missed you so," the Prince breathed just before pressing his lips to hers. They kissed until they ran out of breath.
Legolas pulled away a slightly annoyed look on his face. "What was all that with Frodo? A bit more and I was beginning to feel jealous. I thought for a moment he was attempting to make a pass at you."
Willow laughed. "What do you mean? Think nothing of it! I knew of Frodo since long before he began his journey out of Bag End. It is quite difficult to explain. I believe I might have spoken to him in his dreams."
Legolas listened, a serious look on his face. "Oh. And why, would you please tell me, did you not speak to me in my dreams?" he tried to sound serious and angry but only managed to imitate the serious and angry tone of a little child.
Willow laughed again. "Oh Legolas sometimes you just amuse me! I could speak to you in your dreams if you like."
Realising how he sounded, Legolas laughed. "You are right! It is just that, well... I love you, and not being able to see you, or speak to you, or listen to your voice for the last thousand years has brought nothing but pain and misery."
"I cannot begin to tell how much my heart has ached for you," she said, her delicate fingers running through his blond hair.
"The same goes for me. Not a day passed without missing you. Even the stars longed for you as I did. They did not shine as brightly, surely they felt our sorrow and mourned with us."
Willow nodded. "Yes of that I am certain." Her head was resting against his shoulder as he rocked her, his arms wrapped around hers, his eyes closed.
After a long moment of silence, he was about to fall asleep when Willow looked up to him and smiled wryly. "A dwarf," she laughed, "I can see that a new day comes when a dwarf enters Lórien."
"What does that mean?" asked the Prince somewhat apprehensively and disappointed that his beloved broke a moment of serene happiness.
"Oh, just that you hate dwarves passionately. Do I sense a change of heart from you?"
Legolas cocked an eyebrow. "Perhaps."
Legolas felt his gaze become heavy and his head cloud up, all his past excited and sudden energy was quickly drained from him. He yawned and his eyes became watery.
"I can see you are tiresome. You should rest before you... hurt... something." Amused, she motioned for him to her bed.
Legolas yawned again. "It has been a very long day. So much has happened..." His voice trailed off, and came back in broken sentences. "That dark evil cave... Fighting Orcs, trolls and Balrogs..."
Willow could not help herself. "Oh my!" Legolas continued on in his incomprenhesible babbling. "Running over broken bridges... saving Boromir from himself... losing Mithrandir... running to Lórien... It was a very busy day..."
"I know," she said knowingly.
Legolas stood up in full awareness. "How?"
Softly, Willow pulled the Prince onto her bed. "Well, I could tell, while searching inside your soul. I have seen all that has occured since you began this perilous journey."
Letting himself fall on the silk sheets, Legolas looked up at Willow childishly. "Really you can? How?"
"It is very complicated my Prince, all shall be explained in the morrow." Willow sat on the edge of her bed and felt a soundless thud. "Legolas?" She whispered. "Legolas?" She turned and saw that Legolas had in fact fallen asleep. He was slumped, his face buried in the silken sheets. Gently, Willow pushed Legolas under her covers and tucked him in. She sat there for a moment, stroking his hair, admiring him sleeping.
"Incredible!" she said to herself, "we have not seen each other in a thousand years and all you can think of doing if falling asleep on my bed! Well meleth nin, I missed you too." Quietly laughing to herself, she fell asleep, her head resting on Legolas' shoulder.
Hey guys! I have a new idea for a fanfic... I'll just give you the title I have in mind... "So I married an Axe Murderer (Dwarf girls are easy)" hehehehehe guess who's that's going to be about!