Title: Miles to Go
By: Ring Red
Disclaimer: I own NOTHING! (pout)
Rating: R
Note: Okay, I know that you probably want to kill me slowly and painfully. I don't blame you. I am SO sorry. Summer grabbed me and wouldn't let me go. Vacations and totaled cars (don't ask) and running all over the place with my family and little sister. I have been SO busy and I honestly have not had time to write or post anything up. BUT now I'm back. I hope I haven't run you all away with my horrible lateness.
Thank you so much for all the reviews I have been getting. You guys are the greatest! I don't know what I'd do without you. I love writing all by itself, but it's just a thrill to know that other people like your work. I will try to show my appreciation with much more frequent chapters in the future if you're still willing to read.
Oh, and because this next chapter is fairly short and I waited so long to post it up...I'm going ahead and posting up the next chapter as well. It's much longer and plus...two! Two is more than one. So more story to beg your forgiveness for my horribleness.
I hope you haven't given up on me. Hope you enjoy the chapters.
And on to the Chapter(s)...
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Chapter Sixteen
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"Elf kin," Haldir's voice was smooth and calm, but his eyes burned into the Mirkwood Elf, "I would speak with you privately."
Legolas opened his mouth to refuse, but the look in the marchwarden's eyes gave him pause. He nodded instead and stood to follow as Haldir walked away from the gathering into the edge of the forest.
When he believed them far enough away, Haldir spun back to face the Prince. His eyes blazed with anger. "The soul bond has formed. You know this." He paused and watched as furious emotion flashed through Legolas' eyes. Then Haldir's eyes narrowed and he leaned closer. "Why did you not explain this to Arato?"
Minutes of tense silence passed, but neither Elf would back down. Finally Legolas sighed and seemed to slump before the marchwarden's eyes. "I know not how. I did not expect this."
Haldir accepted the reluctant admission. It was no easy task for Elves to share confidences. They openly discussed their emotions only with their family, closest friends, and mates. This conversation was awkward and uncomfortable for the Prince of Mirkwood. It was no pleasant venture for Haldir either, but Arato was worth it. She deserved better than her current confusion. "No one expects the soul bond, Legolas. It cannot be foreseen," he paused, "expect perhaps by the Lady." He wondered briefly if Galadriel had indeed seen, but pushed the thoughts away. It was not his place to question the Lady.
"The soul bond has ever been restricted to the Firstborn." Legolas argued. "Never has one of another race been half of the bond."
"And yet it is so." Haldir forced. "Already the bond weaves you both together. It has been done and cannot be undone. Arato must understand this. YOU must explain this to her."
"Aye." Legolas frowned. "But how? It is so new. We are so new. How can I explain that our actions now have permanent consequences? She is still unsure of her feelings for me. I cannot force this upon her."
Haldir lifted a brow. "You force nothing upon her. The bond is formed through the mutual union of love. Arato may not yet understand the depth of her own feelings, but they cannot be doubted. She loves you. You love her. This is not a point for debate. I sympathize with your reluctance to speak so soon of permanence, but you have no choice. If she does not understand the soul bond then it will cause her great pain. I cannot allow that."
The Prince's eyes blazed with anger and jealousy again. Haldir sighed and rolled his in turn. "That, we must also discuss. Learn to control this ridiculous jealousy of yours, Greenleaf. The soul bond has been formed. Arato has never and will never look upon me with anything save friendly affection. I pose no threat to you, but your own emotions are damaging to Arato." The marchwarden glared hard into Legolas eyes. The Prince was over halfway through his sixth century, but he felt like an elfling being scolded by his elder. "Grow up. Your emotions are no longer solely your own. Arato is beautiful in spirit, talent, and form. She will ever be admired by those fortunate enough to know her. Yet her heart, her soul, is now permanently entwined with yours. Defeat your useless fears and cease plaguing her with them through that bond."
Legolas wanted to snap angrily at the Lorien Elf, but as he opened his mouth to do so a wave of panic and confusion rolled through him. His eyes widened. "Buffy..."
Haldir nodded. "Aye. Do you begin to understand, Greenleaf?"
Forcing himself to calm down and sending as much soothing emotion as he could toward his soulmate, Legolas nodded. "I will speak with her tonight."
Haldir sighed. "See that you do. She deserves better than this." He met the Mirkwood Elf's eyes and his were filled with sad acceptance. "The soul bond is a blessing, a gift from the Valar. Do not waste what you have been given." Without waiting for Legolas' reply, the marchwarden turned and walked back in the direction of the gathering.
The Prince's expression was thoughtful as he watched him go.
==========
Willow frowned as she watched Haldir frown at the dance floor. She followed the marchwarden's gaze to see Buffy dancing with a-less-embarrassed-than-earlier Aragorn. Looking back to Haldir the witch sighed and climbed to her feet. She walked over to stand in front of him. "Okay, Mr. Broody Pants, let's dance." She didn't wait for the Elf to accept her offer, she grabbed him by the arm and yanked him after her toward the dance floor.
Haldir glared at the redhead as he took up the familiar steps of one of the dances of his people. "Is this necessary?"
"Yep." She smiled up at him, but after a moment she grew serious. "Are you okay?"
He lifted an arrogant brow. "I know not of what you speak."
"Pfft." Willow rolled her eyes. "Who do you think you're fooling? If you get any broodier I'm gonna start calling you Angel." She paused and frowned at her feet as she stumbled over a difficult dance step. Haldir steadied her with his arm and led her into the next move. Willow smiled gratefully at him before returning to her earlier train of thought. "Buffy is the only woman I've ever met with the ability to make a guy that broody. Forget death or love - broody-making is Buffy's Gift."
Haldir was quite lost, but refused to say so. He sighed and stopped Willow from turning to run into another dancer by mistake. "All is well, Tasere. Do not worry yourself over my state of mind."
They danced in silence for a few turns before Willow spoke again. "It's for the best, you know. It just wasn't meant to be."
"This I know."
"I'm serious." Willow told him as she mistook his dry tone for sarcasm. "Buffy is - her lovelife is ALWAYS complicated. She doesn't do easy relationships." She paused thoughtfully. "She's really not an easy person period. I mean, I love Buffy to death - she's my sister and my best friend, but..." she met Haldir's eyes, "Buffy has more mood swings than a pregnant woman with manic depression." Haldir gave her a telling look and Willow bit her lip. "Not that that's a bad thing exactly." She shrugged. "And honestly she's gotten much better over the last few years. She's almost mellow these days."
Haldir smirked. "Does this discussion have a point, Tasere?"
Willow nodded. "Yes it does. The point is - I'm sorry Buffy didn't choose you." Haldir frowned and looked away. Willow rolled her eyes. "Hey, I'm not exactly happy either. Her new Elven friend cost me one damn cool Celtic dagger, but...life goes on." She stopped dancing and reached out to turn the marchwarden's face toward her. Haldir's eyes widened in surprise at her forward actions. Willow smirked. "I'm talking here. It's only polite that you meet my eyes. Now, as I was saying - Buffy's found herself another Elven hottie, but it's not like you're going to suffer eternity alone here. You are one fine looking example of Elf-ness, Haldir. I'm sure there are countless females just itchin' for a chance at you."
He looked pointedly in the direction of her hand still resting on his cheek. "Like yourself?"
Willow's eyes widened momentarily and she jerked her hand away. Haldir smirked at the action. Then he frowned as she threw back her head and laughed. Haldir watched her confused. She shook her head. "Oh, no Hal. You've got no worries there."
His eyes twinkled. "You are certain?"
"You're darn tootin'."
"Why?"
Willow grinned. "You're not my type."
Now the marchwarden looked insulted. "And what precisely is your type?"
The witch's grin turned devilish. "Female."
The Elf's mouth fell open in an 'oh' of surprise. Willow just laughed again as she spun and skipped back toward the fellowship table. She hadn't had this much fun trading banter in years. Buffy had to be crazy to pick some other Elf over Haldir. You didn't meet a guy like the marchwarden every day.
Willow stopped in front of the table. The hobbits were gone, having decided to hunt down more food. Dawn sat watching Buffy and Aragorn dance with a wistful expression. Willow's heart squeezed for her younger sister. Poor Dawnie. Willow knew just how much hopeless crushes hurt. She really hoped the girl found someone else to crush on soon. If not then Eowyn and Dawn might kill each other over the future king when they got to Rohan.
And then there was Boromir. The ring weighed on him now. Willow could see the strain, the tainting of his noble spirit. But what could be done? Oh well, they could forget for a while at least. She stepped over to face the Steward's Heir. "Okay, Boromir, your turn. Let's go."
The Man of Gondor frowned. "Excuse me?"
Willow rolled her eyes. "What is it with you guys tonight? Have you never been asked to dance by a woman before?"
Gimli smirked. "That was askin'?"
Willow glared at the dwarf before looking back to Boromir. "Well?"
Boromir sighed warily and heaved himself to his feet. "I would be honored to dance with you, Tasere."
"Don't sound too happy." Willow told him dryly.
Dawn looked to her sister and stuck her bottom lip out in a pout. Willow smirked. "What's your problem?" She knew, of course. Dawn wanted to dance and hadn't been asked. While most of the Lorien elves tried to be friendly, they still eyed the fellowship warily and weren't exactly lining up to dance with them.
Legolas stood and walked around the table to stand beside Dawn. "Lady Aara?" He held out his hand in invitation.
"YES!" Dawn jumped to her feet and beamed a huge smile at the Prince. "Come on, Leggy." Legolas winced at the return of his least favorite of Buffy's nicknames for him, but Dawn never noticed. She grabbed his hand and pulled him after her toward the dance floor. She was dancing with an Elven hottie! This was almost better than dancing with R.J. at the Bronze - plus no stupid enchanted letterman jacket.
Willow smiled as she watched them go. Maybe Dawn would find herself a new crush sooner than expected.
"Eru save us if she falls for the Elf." Boromir mumbled to himself.
The witch frowned. "What do you mean?"
Boromir straightened and cleared his expression as he remembered Willow. "Nevermind." He smiled. "I speak of nothing."
But Willow would not let that go so easily. She looked after her youngest sister and Legolas. Dawn was smiling widely and doing her best to follow the strange steps and Legolas watched her with fond amusement. They didn't look bad together exactly, but there was a sad lack of sparkage. "I kinda hope Dawnie does start crushing on Legolas." She looked to Boromir for his reaction.
The expression on his handsome face grew pained. "Do not speak so." He shook himself and sighed. "Come, Tasere, let us dance. The night is still young. Let us take enjoyment while we can." His words rang with foreboding and Willow wished she couldn't hear it.
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End of Chapter Sixteen!
==========
Did you like? Am I almost forgiven?
Another chapter next door! Go on over...
By: Ring Red
Disclaimer: I own NOTHING! (pout)
Rating: R
Note: Okay, I know that you probably want to kill me slowly and painfully. I don't blame you. I am SO sorry. Summer grabbed me and wouldn't let me go. Vacations and totaled cars (don't ask) and running all over the place with my family and little sister. I have been SO busy and I honestly have not had time to write or post anything up. BUT now I'm back. I hope I haven't run you all away with my horrible lateness.
Thank you so much for all the reviews I have been getting. You guys are the greatest! I don't know what I'd do without you. I love writing all by itself, but it's just a thrill to know that other people like your work. I will try to show my appreciation with much more frequent chapters in the future if you're still willing to read.
Oh, and because this next chapter is fairly short and I waited so long to post it up...I'm going ahead and posting up the next chapter as well. It's much longer and plus...two! Two is more than one. So more story to beg your forgiveness for my horribleness.
I hope you haven't given up on me. Hope you enjoy the chapters.
And on to the Chapter(s)...
==========
Chapter Sixteen
==========
"Elf kin," Haldir's voice was smooth and calm, but his eyes burned into the Mirkwood Elf, "I would speak with you privately."
Legolas opened his mouth to refuse, but the look in the marchwarden's eyes gave him pause. He nodded instead and stood to follow as Haldir walked away from the gathering into the edge of the forest.
When he believed them far enough away, Haldir spun back to face the Prince. His eyes blazed with anger. "The soul bond has formed. You know this." He paused and watched as furious emotion flashed through Legolas' eyes. Then Haldir's eyes narrowed and he leaned closer. "Why did you not explain this to Arato?"
Minutes of tense silence passed, but neither Elf would back down. Finally Legolas sighed and seemed to slump before the marchwarden's eyes. "I know not how. I did not expect this."
Haldir accepted the reluctant admission. It was no easy task for Elves to share confidences. They openly discussed their emotions only with their family, closest friends, and mates. This conversation was awkward and uncomfortable for the Prince of Mirkwood. It was no pleasant venture for Haldir either, but Arato was worth it. She deserved better than her current confusion. "No one expects the soul bond, Legolas. It cannot be foreseen," he paused, "expect perhaps by the Lady." He wondered briefly if Galadriel had indeed seen, but pushed the thoughts away. It was not his place to question the Lady.
"The soul bond has ever been restricted to the Firstborn." Legolas argued. "Never has one of another race been half of the bond."
"And yet it is so." Haldir forced. "Already the bond weaves you both together. It has been done and cannot be undone. Arato must understand this. YOU must explain this to her."
"Aye." Legolas frowned. "But how? It is so new. We are so new. How can I explain that our actions now have permanent consequences? She is still unsure of her feelings for me. I cannot force this upon her."
Haldir lifted a brow. "You force nothing upon her. The bond is formed through the mutual union of love. Arato may not yet understand the depth of her own feelings, but they cannot be doubted. She loves you. You love her. This is not a point for debate. I sympathize with your reluctance to speak so soon of permanence, but you have no choice. If she does not understand the soul bond then it will cause her great pain. I cannot allow that."
The Prince's eyes blazed with anger and jealousy again. Haldir sighed and rolled his in turn. "That, we must also discuss. Learn to control this ridiculous jealousy of yours, Greenleaf. The soul bond has been formed. Arato has never and will never look upon me with anything save friendly affection. I pose no threat to you, but your own emotions are damaging to Arato." The marchwarden glared hard into Legolas eyes. The Prince was over halfway through his sixth century, but he felt like an elfling being scolded by his elder. "Grow up. Your emotions are no longer solely your own. Arato is beautiful in spirit, talent, and form. She will ever be admired by those fortunate enough to know her. Yet her heart, her soul, is now permanently entwined with yours. Defeat your useless fears and cease plaguing her with them through that bond."
Legolas wanted to snap angrily at the Lorien Elf, but as he opened his mouth to do so a wave of panic and confusion rolled through him. His eyes widened. "Buffy..."
Haldir nodded. "Aye. Do you begin to understand, Greenleaf?"
Forcing himself to calm down and sending as much soothing emotion as he could toward his soulmate, Legolas nodded. "I will speak with her tonight."
Haldir sighed. "See that you do. She deserves better than this." He met the Mirkwood Elf's eyes and his were filled with sad acceptance. "The soul bond is a blessing, a gift from the Valar. Do not waste what you have been given." Without waiting for Legolas' reply, the marchwarden turned and walked back in the direction of the gathering.
The Prince's expression was thoughtful as he watched him go.
==========
Willow frowned as she watched Haldir frown at the dance floor. She followed the marchwarden's gaze to see Buffy dancing with a-less-embarrassed-than-earlier Aragorn. Looking back to Haldir the witch sighed and climbed to her feet. She walked over to stand in front of him. "Okay, Mr. Broody Pants, let's dance." She didn't wait for the Elf to accept her offer, she grabbed him by the arm and yanked him after her toward the dance floor.
Haldir glared at the redhead as he took up the familiar steps of one of the dances of his people. "Is this necessary?"
"Yep." She smiled up at him, but after a moment she grew serious. "Are you okay?"
He lifted an arrogant brow. "I know not of what you speak."
"Pfft." Willow rolled her eyes. "Who do you think you're fooling? If you get any broodier I'm gonna start calling you Angel." She paused and frowned at her feet as she stumbled over a difficult dance step. Haldir steadied her with his arm and led her into the next move. Willow smiled gratefully at him before returning to her earlier train of thought. "Buffy is the only woman I've ever met with the ability to make a guy that broody. Forget death or love - broody-making is Buffy's Gift."
Haldir was quite lost, but refused to say so. He sighed and stopped Willow from turning to run into another dancer by mistake. "All is well, Tasere. Do not worry yourself over my state of mind."
They danced in silence for a few turns before Willow spoke again. "It's for the best, you know. It just wasn't meant to be."
"This I know."
"I'm serious." Willow told him as she mistook his dry tone for sarcasm. "Buffy is - her lovelife is ALWAYS complicated. She doesn't do easy relationships." She paused thoughtfully. "She's really not an easy person period. I mean, I love Buffy to death - she's my sister and my best friend, but..." she met Haldir's eyes, "Buffy has more mood swings than a pregnant woman with manic depression." Haldir gave her a telling look and Willow bit her lip. "Not that that's a bad thing exactly." She shrugged. "And honestly she's gotten much better over the last few years. She's almost mellow these days."
Haldir smirked. "Does this discussion have a point, Tasere?"
Willow nodded. "Yes it does. The point is - I'm sorry Buffy didn't choose you." Haldir frowned and looked away. Willow rolled her eyes. "Hey, I'm not exactly happy either. Her new Elven friend cost me one damn cool Celtic dagger, but...life goes on." She stopped dancing and reached out to turn the marchwarden's face toward her. Haldir's eyes widened in surprise at her forward actions. Willow smirked. "I'm talking here. It's only polite that you meet my eyes. Now, as I was saying - Buffy's found herself another Elven hottie, but it's not like you're going to suffer eternity alone here. You are one fine looking example of Elf-ness, Haldir. I'm sure there are countless females just itchin' for a chance at you."
He looked pointedly in the direction of her hand still resting on his cheek. "Like yourself?"
Willow's eyes widened momentarily and she jerked her hand away. Haldir smirked at the action. Then he frowned as she threw back her head and laughed. Haldir watched her confused. She shook her head. "Oh, no Hal. You've got no worries there."
His eyes twinkled. "You are certain?"
"You're darn tootin'."
"Why?"
Willow grinned. "You're not my type."
Now the marchwarden looked insulted. "And what precisely is your type?"
The witch's grin turned devilish. "Female."
The Elf's mouth fell open in an 'oh' of surprise. Willow just laughed again as she spun and skipped back toward the fellowship table. She hadn't had this much fun trading banter in years. Buffy had to be crazy to pick some other Elf over Haldir. You didn't meet a guy like the marchwarden every day.
Willow stopped in front of the table. The hobbits were gone, having decided to hunt down more food. Dawn sat watching Buffy and Aragorn dance with a wistful expression. Willow's heart squeezed for her younger sister. Poor Dawnie. Willow knew just how much hopeless crushes hurt. She really hoped the girl found someone else to crush on soon. If not then Eowyn and Dawn might kill each other over the future king when they got to Rohan.
And then there was Boromir. The ring weighed on him now. Willow could see the strain, the tainting of his noble spirit. But what could be done? Oh well, they could forget for a while at least. She stepped over to face the Steward's Heir. "Okay, Boromir, your turn. Let's go."
The Man of Gondor frowned. "Excuse me?"
Willow rolled her eyes. "What is it with you guys tonight? Have you never been asked to dance by a woman before?"
Gimli smirked. "That was askin'?"
Willow glared at the dwarf before looking back to Boromir. "Well?"
Boromir sighed warily and heaved himself to his feet. "I would be honored to dance with you, Tasere."
"Don't sound too happy." Willow told him dryly.
Dawn looked to her sister and stuck her bottom lip out in a pout. Willow smirked. "What's your problem?" She knew, of course. Dawn wanted to dance and hadn't been asked. While most of the Lorien elves tried to be friendly, they still eyed the fellowship warily and weren't exactly lining up to dance with them.
Legolas stood and walked around the table to stand beside Dawn. "Lady Aara?" He held out his hand in invitation.
"YES!" Dawn jumped to her feet and beamed a huge smile at the Prince. "Come on, Leggy." Legolas winced at the return of his least favorite of Buffy's nicknames for him, but Dawn never noticed. She grabbed his hand and pulled him after her toward the dance floor. She was dancing with an Elven hottie! This was almost better than dancing with R.J. at the Bronze - plus no stupid enchanted letterman jacket.
Willow smiled as she watched them go. Maybe Dawn would find herself a new crush sooner than expected.
"Eru save us if she falls for the Elf." Boromir mumbled to himself.
The witch frowned. "What do you mean?"
Boromir straightened and cleared his expression as he remembered Willow. "Nevermind." He smiled. "I speak of nothing."
But Willow would not let that go so easily. She looked after her youngest sister and Legolas. Dawn was smiling widely and doing her best to follow the strange steps and Legolas watched her with fond amusement. They didn't look bad together exactly, but there was a sad lack of sparkage. "I kinda hope Dawnie does start crushing on Legolas." She looked to Boromir for his reaction.
The expression on his handsome face grew pained. "Do not speak so." He shook himself and sighed. "Come, Tasere, let us dance. The night is still young. Let us take enjoyment while we can." His words rang with foreboding and Willow wished she couldn't hear it.
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End of Chapter Sixteen!
==========
Did you like? Am I almost forgiven?
Another chapter next door! Go on over...
