"Finally Love"
Chapter 15
With permission, I have taken segments from the story Heir of Nothing In Particular. If you would like to find out about the fascinating warrior maiden, Serenissima, you may read about her in Desiree's (Eternitys_Angel_of_Mercy) fiction.
Flashbacks (3 separate flashes)***
…Shouts of excitement and celebration came from the Rohan peoples. King Theodan gave a thankful smile, looking five years younger, and shook hands with Haladir.
Legolas' eyes slid over the front linemen of Haladir's army. All were men, save for one. The woman stared back at him, her back eyes cold and unwavering and her lips in a frown.
"Get some rest, all of you," Theodan said to the elves, which instantly seemed to relax. "Tomorrow we prepare for battle."
***
"Lord Aragorn, it's good to see you are still among us," a deep, contra-alto voice floated from behind Legolas. The elf turned to be met with the tall, dark eyed elf woman who Legolas had met eyes with earlier that day. She was smiling at the ranger and the effect was dazzling.
"Serenissima," Aragorn greeted her with a laugh, "I could say the same for you."
***
A sudden sadistic smile crossed her face and she chuckled throatily. "How about a bargain. You and I match swords right here, right now. If you win, I will answer your question and you can continue to bother me with your idle prater. If I win, you walk away and leave me be. Understood?"
Legolas let out a soft laugh, removing his sword from its sheath. "What do we battle to?"
"First blood," Serenissima replied promptly, sliding into her fighting stance.
***
Present time:
Melayren lowered her training sword and turned toward her bow that had been resting against a tall Birch tree. Her eyes caught the flowing movement of golden whisps of hair shinning in the late afternoon sunlight. Her heart skipped and a smile played at her lips. Her joy faltered when she noticed a strange look upon Legolas' face.
"Legolas, is everything well?" She studied his bright eyes and realized that he was deep in thought.
Legolas pulled his attention from the memories, flooding his mind, which brought about a confused quirk of fate. He began to realize his error in oversight of a knowledge that Melayren must know. He watched as Melayren's concern became increasingly apprehensive. She moved cautiously forward and placed a hand on his arm.
He tried to reassure her with a small smile, "When we spoke, days ago, about the destruction of your father's ship…" Legolas paused, tried to form sensitive words.
Melayren nodded her head and she continued to search his eyes for emotion. He seemed slightly shaken which worried her, yet she remained patiently silent. Legolas shifted his feet and gazed at Melayren apologetically.
"When I saw you there, a moment ago, I thought I was watching someone else." Certain that Melayren did not wish to comment, he continued. "The moves and your stance are unique. I've only seen it one other time."
Melayren's eyes softened and a smile returned to her shapely lips. A light laugh emitted from her at the seriousness he displayed. She hugged him with relief, "Elrohir and Elladan took it upon themselves to teach me survival moves." A warm smile touched her lips as she pictured Arwen's twin brothers avidly trying to steer clear of their sister and her two best friends. When escape was futile, the brothers decided to teach fighting lessons to the bothersome Elf maidens.
Legolas shook his head, "Nah, I am speaking of the best friend you lost. What was her name?"
Melayren's eyes clouded with pain as she remembered the unjust attack upon her father's sleek ship. Her mind's eye once more played the moment when Melayren turned to aid her childhood friend in the smoke filled battle onboard the vessel. Seren stood a few yards away and raised her hand in a valiant sign to Melayren. The large grin on her face suddenly disappeared when the blade of a sharp weapon pierced Seren from behind. And Orc's arm snaked around Seren's torso and pulled her backward. Seren dropped her sword, reached for the dark arm, holding her, as both Orc and Elf tripped over the ship railing and vanished beneath the water's serface. Almost straight away, the ship began to take on water and sink.
Melayren heard the question floating in the silence between them, "What was her name?" She blinked and sadly looked into Legolas' understanding eyes. She swallowed the bitter knot lodged in her throat, "Serenissima," she whispered. She watched and Legolas' face also displayed torment. His gaze slowly shifted downward and he stepped forward to gather Melayren into his arms.
Melayren tried to understand his questions and his reactions when Legolas softly said, "She did not die when you were attacked. She was at the battle of Helm's Deep."
Melayren pulled away and stared into Legolas' eyes, "What are you saying? You met her?" She turned and walked a few paces away from him, only to turn and approach him again. "Tell me… you are certain that it was Serenissima?"
Legolas sighed, "Aragorn knew her. He mentioned that she was a friend to Lady Arwen." Legolas realized the error of his choice of words when Melayren began to laugh and throw her arms wide.
"She's alive! Oh, how I mourned at her loss to the vile Orcs!" Melayren stopped and searched Legolas' face excitedly, "Where has she gone? Tis strange that she would not be here for Arwen's wedding." Her smile faded as Legolas drew her into his arms and stroked her silky hair.
"She was at Helm's Deep, but she fell in battle. I am remorseful that I have caused you to suffer her loss once more." He felt Melayren begin to tremble and held her closer.
Melayren silently wept and clung to Legolas. He carried her to the large Birch tree and they sat, holding one another, in shade until Melayren's tears dried. With a trembeling voice, Melayren offered, "I am pleased that you met her. Were you friends? Will you share everything about her that I missed?"
Legolas smiled and pulled her close once more, "Aye, we were friends…"
They spent the rest of the afternoon and early evening in the field, under the care of the Birch tree. They compared stories of Serenissima until their sides hurt from laughter and the spirit of a close friend brought the two lovers even closer.
To Be Continued…