Author's note" Hi guys! Sorry for the delay… First there was the problem with then I got internet on cable installed and the net was down for a few days… and then more problems on Sorry.
Okies, hope you like what you read (I think I write that in every chapter… Oh well it's the truth!) And you know you can tell me what you think too! Euh I think that's pretty much it. Another most grateful thank you goes out to my most excellent friend and reviewer Tree Hugger! You should go read her stuff. It's awsome, and well, at least you can review her stuff, true its much, much better I agree…
Oh well there's more mushy stuff in here. But don't worry its almost over. I am getting towards some action you know. Really I am! Just not yet… but soon! Ciao!
The Space Between
Chapter Four
"You're on the road but you've got no destination. You're in the mud, in the maze of her imagination. You live this town even if it doesn't ring true. You've been all over and it's been all over you It's a beautiful day! Don't let it get away! It's a beautiful day! Don't let it get away!" (U2, Beautiful Day)
A Beautiful Day
When Willow awoke the next morning the sun filtered in her room turning it to a golden yellow as it reflected on the nearly colourless walls hinted with light greens and silver. On the edge of the balcony she could hear a lark singing cheerfully about the new day. Two beautiful blue eyes staring lovingly at her greeted Willow.
In those eyes, Willow could see right through to their owner's very soul. In Legolas' eyes, she could see that they had waited an ocean of time to gaze upon her again. Those eyes carried so many memories, so many desires yet so much pain and anguish. Willow could see how much pain they suffered, that at one time they were empty, their joy and their spark vanished. But not any more, now the eyes before Willow held a vitality that would not be destroyed, not this time, not ever. The eyes truly are the windows to the soul.
"Oh! How I have missed those eyes!" She sighed.
"Good morning to you too, Sleepy Willow!" Leaning on his arm, his head resting in him palm, Legolas smiled ear to ear. "So long has it been since it really was a good morning."
"I could not agree more, my Prince." Willow took the time to soak in the wonderful warm feeling she felt as Legolas sat there stroking her dark golden locks, his gaze filled with adoration. His eyes went from her face, to her neck where sparkled a beautiful necklace.
"You still have it!" He exclaimed, touching the jewel, a hint of emotion in his voice.
"Yes. I have never taken it off." Answered Willow. "I have always remained hopeful that someday, the one who gave it me would return."
Legolas smiled. "And he has. And this time, there is nothing that will stop him."
Willow returned his smile. A sound caught her ear a few moments later. It was singing, a soft little voice was singing outside her room.
"I cannot remember the last time I heard a lark singing on my balcony."
Letting himself fall on the pillow and rolling closer to Willow, Legolas spoke. "Well maybe it knows that this room is filled a joy and radiance never before seen. When was the last time you felt joy in your heart?"
Willow thought for a moment, a long moment, to recollect the last time her heart was content. Finally after much thought she answered. "Many centuries ago, when a handsome young Elf Prince would come and visit a Lórien Elf from time to time."
"There!" Exclaimed Legolas, not ever thinking of the dark times he lived through the last millennia. "The lark never lived such happy days! Let us speak to it of our joy!"
Willow smiled and kissed her Prince. Wrapping himself in a silvery blue robe Legolas led himself out on the balcony to speak to his new friend, Larry the Lark. As he perched himself on the railing, Legolas noticed for the first time a Clematis climbing up the balcony. He picked one of the large purple flowers and brought it inside, grinning ear to ear.
Willow looked at him, sleepy eyed. "What did the Lark tell you?" She asked rubbing her eyes.
"Larry? Not much, I'm afraid. I did not get the chance to speak to him. Here." He showed her the large flower and nestled it next to her temple near the top of her ear. He backed away and, mimicking some great hairstylist, adjusted Willow's hair to welcome the flower.
"There." He finally said, satisfied.
Willow turned her head from side to side, twisting her shoulders, her hand showing off the flower. "Well how does it look?" She asked amused.
"Perfect"
They both began to laugh a happy content laughter, one that was not heard in that part of Lothlórien in a long, long time.
Lady Galadriel was on her way to the dining hall when she noticed her husband leaning against the wall, his ear stuck to a door, listening and smiling to himself.
"Celeborn! What in the Valar are you doing!" Obviously she spoke a little too loudly, for Celeborn winced his face and brought his index finger to his lips.
"Shh! Don't make any noise!" He whispered loudly.
Galadriel approached, curiosity shining in her voice. "Well what is it?" She whispered.
The Lord of Lórien motioned for her to come closer. Galadriel brought an ear to the door and listened. She could easily recognise Willow's voice and that of the Prince's. They were both laughing just as happy little children. She smiled, "Finally our little one is shining again."
Celeborn agreed. "Yes, it has been so long since laughter was heard. Especially from Laiella, or as young Prince Legolas always calls her, Willow. I am very please to see that the dark cloud hovering over her soul has dissipated."
Galadriel placed a comforting hand on her husband's shoulder. "I know, how we feared the worst, that the cloud would consume her life. Come let us leave those two to their own laughter. We do have other matters to attend to."
Slightly showing his disappointment, Celeborn gave in and followed his wife, not without once last glance at the elegantly carved oak door, were incessant laughter could be heard.
Legolas laughed until his lungs ached, he threw himself back on the bed and sighed like the content Elf that he was.
"Larry the Lark! Really Legolas you could have thought of a more hmm… Bird like name." Laughed Willow.
"Such as? I supposed you would have named him what?"
Willow frowned. "I do not know! How should I know?"
Legolas smirked. "Then why do you contradict me?" She shrugged again. The Prince only laughed harder. "I do not remember the last time I laughed so much."
"Me neither!" Said Willow as she landed next to Legolas, who turned to look at her. She smiled as a thought crossed her mind.
"Legolas, why were so reluctant to enter the Mines of Moria? Is not your father's kingdom entirely beneath the earth? From what you told me his Palace is a cave."
The Prince blushed slightly at this. She was right; his father's kingdom was in fact a cavern. He spoke reluctantly. "Well yes, it is. But, Moria is a Dwarf Cave! I cannot stand Dwarves, more so in a cave. It is the air, especially Moria! My father's Halls are nothing like it! Ours are grand and spacious, beautifully decorated, unlike Moria, which is small, dark, stuffy and now filled with fell creatures."
Willow smirked. "Very well then, if you say so. What of the Dwarrowdelf Hall? Was that not grand, spacious and beautifully decorated? Not to mention someone said it was a sure eye opener, was it not?"
It was the Prince's turn to shrug. "Well yes, but-"
Willow smiled most triumphantly. "Well then, why do you contradict me?"
Legolas shook his head discouragingly. " What am I to do with you? And how did you know? I suppose you 'saw' that in when you looked into my mind?"
"Well yes." The Prince sighed in despair. He glanced at his beloved and shook his head disapprovingly.
There was a silence for a moment or two. Legolas and Willow contemplate the quietness for a while. The Prince's mind wandered to the days when he would come to Lórien. He felt a certain sense of emptiness; something was amiss in his heart.
"Willow."
"Yes."
"I wish to see Earthly Delights."
Willow straitened herself. "Oh, it has been long abandoned since you last came. A lonely and desolate place it is now. But let us go there, maybe we can give it life once more."
Legolas grinned as an enthused Willow pulled him up. "Willow! Wait! Do you not think it would be best if we dressed first?"
Willow looked at herself then looked at Legolas and bursted into yet again more laughter. They were still dressed in there night clothing. "Of course! How foolish of me! I should have known that! Give me a moment, will you?" She said as she slapped her forehead.
"Of course, my love." Legolas answered with an elegant gesture of his arm outstretched towards the bathing room. He picked up some of his clothing and went in that direction until Willow stopped him.
"Wait! Melamin, let me get for you some new garments, these are old and filthy."
Legolas looked at Willow and smirked. "No, they are not so bad, I can still wear them if I brush off enough mud and Orc blood, not to mention all that dust and dried dwarf bones from Moria."
Willow shook her head. "You are hopeless at some times you know."
"No I do not know."
Willow cocked her eyebrow. "Perhaps it is best if you do not." With that and another laughing fit, they parted and clothed themselves.
A few moments later, Legolas and Willow crossed the courtyard leading from the bedchambers to the dinning hall them down towards the path that lead to the Garden of Earthly Delights.
The Elves heard the footsteps coming before the small hobbit voice spoke. "Hullo!"
Willow faced the hobbits and smiled warmly. "Hello to you Master Frodo and Master Peregrin." Legolas did not speak but simply nodded his head. "What brings you here?"
Frodo shrugged. "I was just looking around. It's very pretty hear." Pippin was unnaturally silent, still in awe from the night before.
"Yes it is. I am pleased you like it."
Frodo looked like he was about to say something, but Aragorn arrived and prevented the hesitating hobbit from speaking.
"How wonderful it is so see you both together!" He said as he approached.
Finally Legolas let himself be heard. "Believe us, it is more than wonderful." He said as he gazed into Willow's eyes.
Returning the gaze Legolas gave her, Willow spoke softly. "We have waited far too long for this time to come."
"A thousand years? Is that so?" Blurted the unusually silent Pippin.
Legolas' face turned slightly red as he gripped Willow's hand tighter. Willow sensed his anger flaring, but paid no attention to it.
"Well not quite, Master Peregrin," Her casual tone turned sad. "It has been 993 years, 9 months and 22 days that we have not cast our eyes upon each other." She lowered her eyes to the ground, a wave of sadness overwhelming her as those dreadful years resurfaced in her mind. Ever since she sensed Legolas' return she had not given them a second thought, that is until then.
"Oh" Was all Pippin could say, maybe one day he would learn to hold his tongue.
Willow sighed pushing away her sad thoughts. "Well what can we do for you, Estel?"
Aragorn smiled. "Oh, nothing really. I was passing by to say hello."
"Well hello then." Said Legolas a little too curtly. The hobbits must have sensed the Elf's unkindliness for they retired from the small formation of people.
Aragorn laughed. "I know, Legolas, young Peregrin can be quite a troublesome little hobbit."
"To say the least." Grumbled Legolas. "He has this way of getting under my skin and make me lose my temper."
Amused, Willow tried to calm her Elf. "Patience, Legolas. You must learn to be patient with the little ones, they do not have a fraction of you wisdom and experience."
Legolas turned around briskly. "I am patient!" He said impatiently.
Willow and Aragorn exchanged glances and laughed.
"Of course you are my love!"
"What is so funny?" It was obvious Legolas' patience was running even thinner, this only made Aragorn and Willow laugh harder.
"Oh never mind! With your stubbornness it is best to drop the subject, lest we stay here half a day arguing about it."
Legolas nodded. "Agreed!"
Seeing the fleeing glances in the Elves' eyes, Aragorn understood that it was his cue to leave. He sighed contently.
"Well I must be going! I told Boromir I would show him around. He seemed quite uneasy since we entered the Wood."
"Very well. We shall see you later." With a quick nod, Aragorn exited the area, leaving the two lovers alone.
"Where were we going before all of this nonsense?" Said Legolas with a sigh of relief.
"Earthly Delights." Willow smiled.
"Oh yes! Of course. Let us go hither then!"
Upon entering the small clearing leading towards the Garden of Earthly Delights, Legolas was once more reminded where he had not been in the pas millennia. There were no more lightly scented flowers enhancing the air, they had all wilted and died long ago. Even the trees were stooped low, mourning a loss.
"A shadow looms over this place." The Prince's voice was sad as he stepped in the garden and sit on the now darkened and gloomy pond they once cherished so dearly.
"Yes, I know not how, but yes a dark shadow of sorrow reposed here. The trees sing of sorrow and loss, their once light leaves turned dark. Nothing has survived. As you can see, all is lost."
Legolas appeared thoughtful for a moment, his hand resting under his chin with his index pressed against his jaw line. Finally a light up in his mind.
"You know what, Melamin?" He said as he grasped Willows hands and pulled her down next to him. "Maybe it is time for us to give this place life once more."
Willow's smile grew radiantly. "I believe this may be the best course of action! Let us give it life once more."
All throughout the day, Willow and Legolas toiled to help The Garden of Earthly Delights regain liveliness. With the help of a little elven magic and a few botanical lovers, new flowers were beginning to bloom and the trees stood up proudly celebrating the birth of a new life. Before the sun nearly came to its climax, the two lovers sat against each other, exhausted from the day's work.
"I never imagined I would be gardening, upon my return to Lothlórien." Legolas held Willow hand and rubbed off a little dirt left over.
"Who would have thought the Prince of Mirkwood would belittle himself, get dirty and plant a flower or two? Certainly not me."
"Nor I." Willow smirked and lightly pushed the Prince. "It is a blessing, Master Samwise was nearby."
"Yes, I would agree my Prince. He is a remarkable little hobbit." She rested her head on Legolas' shoulder and closed her eyes, fatigue racing up and down.
"Indeed, Little One, indeed."
Both Willow and Legolas gasped at the realisation that they were no longer alone.
"Lord Celeborn!" The Prince arose rather unceremoniously and bowed before the great Elf Lord.
Celeborn waved his hand in the air and laughed lightly. "Do not worry young Prince, I have not come with ill intent. In fact I have come to ask you to attend dinner with us tonight. It has been long since we have been graced by your presence." The Lord of Lórien gave Willow a small wink and carried on. "Galadriel and I thought it best that you join us."
Legolas inclined his head. "It is I who have been graced by coming all these years to this wonderful place. The honour and pleasure shall be all mine to cherish."
Celeborn gave the Prince a wicked grin. "Do not be so selfish, Little Princeling, the pleasure shall be ours as well. Do you not agree, Little One?"
Celeborn was amused by the 'Little Princeling'' s reaction to his new title. Legolas scowled lightly at hearing the title 'Little Princeling', he did not enjoy being reminded of his youth, especially in front of his friends.
It suddenly dawned on 'Little One' that she was being asked a question. "Oh! Why, yes of course my Lord. We shall also be inclined to cherish the honour and the pleasure."
"Very well then. I shall see you shortly. However, may I suggest, perhaps, a change of clothing before entering my great dining Hall?" Remarked the Elf Lord disdainfully amused at the sight of two dirty young Elves in love as he left the Garden. "I do not believe the Elf Lords would appreciate mud pie for dessert."
Willow turned to Legolas and commanded. "Well you heard the Lord! Go change your clothing, Gwaur Ellon!" (Filthy Elf)
The Prince shot his beloved a look of mock enragement. "I would not speak so my Lady. Looking the way you do, you remind me of a Dwarf!"
Willow mimicked the Legolas' enraged look. "Oh really?" She grinned evilly, a wicked plan forming in the back of her twisted mind. She had her hand behind her back, scooping up some dirt. "Well I supposed we shall see about that! Little Princeling!" Willow thrusted her hand in the air and released the dirt in Legolas' direction. As soon as the mud hit the Elf's face, Willow swiftly stood up and ran away laughing, all the while the Prince remained there, still in shock from this sudden attack.
"Willow!" He screamed more forcefully than his mock enraged comment. "This is not over! I'm not done with you!" He sprung from where he sat and chased the other Elf.
An hour later, Willow submerged from her chamber after marinating in a bath. Her satin gown was of a light silvery blue with long drooping sleeves. Her neck was graced by the necklace her love had given her so long ago. Her gown brought out the colour of her eyes and her eyes brought out the colour of her necklace. Willow's golden locks were brought up to have large curls dangling down to her neck, jewels sparkling in her hair.
Legolas met her on his way to the dining hall. He was utterly stunned when he saw his Willow.
"You look... amazing." He gasped.
Willow's eyes widened as she saw her Prince draw near. He was also dressed quite handsomely. His silver blue tunic and wide sleeved white undershirt brought out the blue of his eyes as they sparkled in the moonlight.
"As do you Melamin, as do you." She took the arm that was offered resting her head on the Prince's shoulder. Together they strode towards the dining Hall, both pair of eyes bubbling with passion silently sharing their love for one another.
"Oh! Now there is a sight to make one's eyes sore! An Excuse for an Elf and his Orc Princess!"
Legolas immediately released Willow from his embrace and faced the author of these spiteful words. He disdainfully breathed only one name, a hated name unworthy of slipping from the Prince's lips.
"Makowyl"
Was that a cliffie? Oh cool! I think it is….