A/N: Here's Chapter9! I hope you enjoy this! Review me! Review me! Pretty please?! :)
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LETTERS TO YOU, A HARRY POTTER FIC (JAMES/LILY). READ AND REVIEW THAT AS WELL! THANKS! :)
Aielenamin
Chapter 9 - Going Overboard
As the Mirkwood party approached the Golden Woods, Legolas already felt the prickly feeling on his neck that usually signaled to him that they were being watched. Narrowing his eyes, he reined his horse a bit to slow it down as he looked at his surroundings. It irritated him to see that while his men were doing the same thing, he could see Arienne simply had a placid smile on her lips but was betrayed by the twinkle in her eye which was partially covered by a dark hood. The elleth took a bold action and looked at him straight into the eyes as if she knew what he was thinking and was mocking him. He merely glared at her in turn making her smile grow wider.
Great heights of trees towered over the party, with sheets of golden light filtering down the moist earth. A soft gust of wind blew their way, carrying an almost indecipherable sweet tune to which Arienne closed her eyes to savor. It was nearing late afternoon and the hot rays of the sun tempered into a more pleasant warmth. In the past three days, Arienne managed to stay out of the prince's way, which was, if was to be described aptly, an unpleasant one since he chose to be a despot to his men by being an autocratic dictator. It didn't help the prince's mood to know that the being causing him to act that way was indifferent about it all.
Legolas glowered at the thought but chose to push it aside, he was in a very familiar spot at the moment and had to thread carefully ; the same one he stood five years ago but with significant difference: no arrow was ready to set his blood spurting in distances. Dismounting quietly off his horse, he signaled the rest to do the same; he did take notice the suppressed eagerness of the lady when she dismounted.
"He's watching us, you do know that, don't you?" Arienne said softly as she stood next to him, a smile apparent in her voice.
"You better tell him to come down then or we'll just escort ourselves without their assistance into the woods," he said bitingly, whipping his head quickly from side to side, looking for the elf that had slighted him when he was last in Lothlorien.
"You're too paranoid for your own good Legolas," the elleth chided amusedly, shaking her head. "But I do have to warn you, don't even think of crossing the border, which is a few meters from where we stand or else—"
"Or else what?!" he muttered, not heeding the precaution as he walked farther, obviously disregarding any sign of respect for the wood land elves. A particular woodland elf to be exact. But as he neared the border, an arrow swiftly whizzed past his face and stuck smartly an inch from his nose to a tree trunk making him step back from the unprecedented warning.
"Or they shoot," Arienne answered, muffling a chuckle at the murderous expression on the elf lord's face before pulling the arrow from the tree and tossing it to the ground. "You really should learn to be patient, my lord. They're just merely inspecting our belongings to see if we brought anything threatening."
"Paranoid much, isn't he?" he asked rudely.
"I'll have you know that Haldir heard that," she said with a huff.
"Good, I was intending for him to hear that," he retorted at the glaring green eyes in front of him.
"You really need to learn some manners."
"As does he and his fellow guards,"
"You're being a pain, you know that?"
"As is he," he retorted loudly, taking advantage of his height as he glowered down at her.
"And I'll also have you know as well that Haldir doesn't take it lightly when someone threatens my being," she informed him, with her eyes narrowed. 'You better take a step back and learn your manners while you're at it."
He watched as she walked back to Melithel to get her pack and signal Nyeath to come with her. She glanced above her but as she had thought, even the March Warden would be wary of the hood-clad maiden. He wouldn't trust his ears even though he knew the voice, he had to see the face and the only way he can do that is if he came down form where he was and showed himself. But it was not the moment yet to reveal himself, Arienne knew that so she opted to be patient. Haldir could be too much sometimes, she thought fondly.
"Tell me Sirefel, does he always act like a despot all the time?" Arienne whispered to the guard next to her who was watching the prince with her.
"Not usually, unless he doesn't get what he wants and right now, I know he's boiling mad at the head games the March Warden's putting him through," Sirefel replied humorlessly.
"Are you glad that you're back in the Golden Woods?" Arienne asked the guard, giving him a side-a-way glance.
"Definitely, my lady, it's been a long time since I visited as well and from the looks of it, it would take me a while longer before I gaze upon the loveliness of my home since the prince is probably threatening the guards of my home," he said wryly, nodding at the prince's direction. The prince had his hand gripping the handle of his sword as she surveyed the trees surrounding them with a fierce look in his face.
"I don't think he understood that the more he does that, the more Haldir will piss him off," Arienne said lazily as she drew circles on the ground with a dry twig.
Sirefel chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I really don't understand what is bothering his lordship lately but I am led to think that you're the cause of it," he said carefully, lest he was stepping on boundaries.
Arienne lifted an eyebrow at the guard and rolled her eyes. "It's the fact that I am good friends with the elf he's trying to nail at the moment."
"And how good friends are you with the March Warden for it to cause this much despotism in our dear prince?" He watched as Arienne signaled him to look at the ground. Arienne scratched the letters A X H on the ground before sliding her boot over it to erase it, hoping the guard understood her meaning. He did. "Figures."
It was a good fifteen minutes later and even Arienne was getting impatient with Haldir's too-rigid inspection of their things that she slid down the tree trunk and sat down on the cool earth. She was about to close her eyes to get some well needed rest when her eyes popped open from the shouts—
"HALDIR OF LORIEN! SHOW YOURSELF! MARCH WARDEN OF THE BORDERS OF LORIEN, SHOW YOURSELF THIS INSTANT!" Legolas bellowed, brandishing his sword a the space in the middle of the camp angrily.
The elleth's eyes popped open to look for where the childish shouts came from. She watched in amusement and irritation as Sirefel dragged the prince from the middle of the camp as the wood elves could surely pierce any part of his body without much trouble since he was out in the open. The prince' antics were getting quite irksome that she opted to stay as far away from him as possible during the rest of the journey. It saved her from too much interrogation and insults from the prince directed to the March Warden. Whenever he was asked why he hated the warden, he simply answered that he had the gall to point an arrow at his neck.
"Arrogant bastard," Arienne whispered to herself, shaking her head as Legolas continued his shouts.
"I really should release an arrow to his head, don't you think?" a deep, musical drawl said behind Arienne.
Arienne looked up at the towering being behind her, her eyes widening before squealing in delight at the sight of the friend she had missed for over five decades. "Haldir! Oh I've missed you so!" she said joyously as she stood up and launched herself to the Warden's welcoming arms. A deep, rumbling laugh was released from his lips as he lifted the elleth a few inches from the ground before twirling her to her delighted screams.
The party finally noticed the 'newcomer' in the group and breathed a sigh of relief. It was about time the warden had showed up or they would have stuffed a cloth into the prince's mouth and tied him up somewhere. The merry reunion of the elleth and the march warden would seem endearing to most of the elves that saw it except for Legolas whose scowl had deepened.
"Arienne Lasfaelgen, I must say, you're a sight for sore eyes. I see you've grown up pretty well," Haldir commented, kissing both her cheeks in proper greeting. It was amusing and entertaining that a mere chit of a girl can make the usually sober and serious warden into a grinning fool.
The elleth twirled around to let the warden see her entire profile. "And you've grown all the more handsome the last time I saw you," she said flirtatiously before laughing at the flush the warden acquired. It amused the elleth to see the much revered March Warden could be flustered by a mere compliment from a lady. Arienne took on a more stern stance as she placed her arms on her waist, "You really had a grand time making us wait, didn't you?"
"Truth be told, my lady, your refusal to put down your hood to show your identity held you up," Haldir answered affectionately to the elleth who glared at that response before tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. "You knew that I wouldn't have let you in unless I was sure, Arienne," he reprimanded her.
"Oh, you're right, as usual," she muttered. "But really, it was to piss him off," she said with a devilish grin, nodding to the prince who was giving the pair death glares.
By then, twenty-five guards had gone down from the trees to escort the party with around the same number concealed for added protection. Haldir walked to where the prince was to greet him more formally with Arienne trailing behind him happily, much to the prince heightening annoyance.
"Legolas Thranduillon, welcome to the Golden Woods once again. Your party is most welcome in the Realm of the Lady Galadriel," Haldir said formally to the prince. "I must apologize for the wait but the elleth on purposely delayed your entrance," he said before throwing a meaningful look at the elleth behind him who simply stuck out her tongue at him. "How old are you again?" he mouthed to her, rolling his eyes.
"It would have been best if you let us pass and detained her then," Legolas said scornfully, eyeing Arienne's innocent look.
"I do not think the Lady of the Woods would have liked having her granddaughter left all alone," Haldir answered, a smile twitching on his lips much to the irritation of the prince.
The Mirkwood party gathered their things and let their horses near the border to where Legolas and Haldir were exchanging words. Much to Sirefel's chagrin, it looked like the Prince was hell-bent on pushing the non-existent buttons of the March Warden.
"I must say Haldir, I am honored that no arrow was pointed at my throat this time around,"
"Oh, is that what you think?" Haldir asked, glancing slightly at the prince as they walked into the Woods. Arienne let out a soft snort which earned a meaningful look from Haldir. "I was aiming for your throat when you planned to cross the border,"
"Is that so? You really need to practice your aim then," Legolas growled, his knuckled turning white as it gripped his sword.
"I highly suggest, revered prince, to loosen your grip from the hilt of your sword lest one of my guards deem it too threatening in my presence," Haldir said quietly, arching an eyebrow at the prince's direction.
"Really Haldir, don't frighten him to much," Arienne said jauntily, eyeing the angry glares from the prince as she walking next to Haldir. "Tell me, how has grandmother been?"
The warden let out a mock exasperated look and shook his head. "Once the Lady received word that you would be accompanying the prince three months ago, most of us have been preparing for the feast she had planned to welcome you tonight. You do know that she's been wanting for you to visit her for the longest time and yet you keep on brushing her invitations off," Haldir said disapprovingly as Arienne cringed at her actions.
But a thought passed her mind at the inconsistency of the Warden's words about her accompanying the prince since three months ago. Arienne's eyebrows furrowed in thought. To her knowledge, it was only recently that Kethaera had to back out from the original plans that she would be the one going to Lorien with Legolas.
Before she could voice out her thoughts, they entered the large expanse of the large clearing of the realm. Arienne's voice failed her as she took in the glittery lands, the trees towering and seemingly producing a glow about the place. Her outward appearance, darker hair with green eyes, became a stark contrast to the elves of Lorien as they smiled in greeting at the entering party.
Haldir looked down at the elleth with a soft smile before offering his arm to her, "Would you like to see your grandmother now, my lady?"
Arienne grinned at him, loving the quiet familiarity they had with each other as she took his arm. "Will the Lord Celeborn be with her?"
"Of course," he led her to where the Lady was waiting before glancing back to the prince. "Your guards will be attended to by the servants, they will stay behind," he informed the sulking prince. Legolas didn't dignify an answer to what the warden said but Haldir couldn't care less about the spoiled prince who took on the form of a child a few meters behind them. "He really sulks too much for his age, doesn't he?" Haldir murmured amusedly to the lady beside him, lowering his lips to his ear so as not to let the prince hear them.
"You have no idea," she whispered back, her eyes twinkling in mirth.
Legolas watched the two elves talk gaily about the things they missed much to his inexplicable irritation. Maybe it was because they were treating him like he didn't exist. Kethaera wasn't kidding when she said that Arienne was friendly with the March Warden since in his eyes, it was way too friendly for comfort. It made him think the extent of their friendship and if the Warden was overstepping bounds with his future sister-in-law. He watched as he green eyes sparkled in mock-irritation at the warden who gently tugged a lock of hair in response.
What he knew though for sure was that he was going to report to the Lord Corellon the forward actions of his daughter in the presence of the March Warden. She's not here to flirt with the Warden but to stand in for her sister's blessing from the Lady, he thought, narrowing his eyes as the Warden placed a small kiss on the lady's forehead before smoothening her hair carefully.
"Grandmother!" The elleth broke free from Haldir's amused grin as she ran forward to where her grandmother was. The Lady Galadriel's face broke into a smile, seeing her granddaughter after a long time. Her outstretched arms welcomed the girl into an embrace. "Oh, I missed you," Arienne said, her eyes filling with tears upon realizing the extent of how she missed the Lady.
It wasn't only her who thought of the same thing. Upon the death of Arienne and Kethaera's mother, Galadriel played a role in being mother to the two girls even though they lived in three different realms. It was no secret that the Lady favored Arienne more than the elder Lasfaelgen since the former was more like the Lady in personality. The two ladies broke free from the embrace as Arienne greeted her grandfather who clearly doted on the girl as well as a rare smile formed on his lips. 'You certainly have a lot to make up for Arienne, it's been fifty years since you last visited us," Lord Celeborn said sternly.
Arienne flushed before having the good sense of looking sheepish at the truth set before her. "Well, I'm here now aren't I?" she asked with a grin. "I came with the Prince Legolas, Kethaera's betrothed," she added, glancing slightly at the prince waiting patiently behind her.
"Ahhh, another infrequent visitor," Lord Celeborn said, studying the prince who bowed before them. "Welcome Prince Legolas to the Golden Woods, you come on better circumstances," the Lord said, remembering the last time the Prince was in Lothlorien.
"My father and my betrothed bids you and the Lady Galadriel good tidings and wishes to see you both soon," Legolas said respectfully. "I come here with the Lady Arienne, in stead of her sister, to ask for your blessing for our union."
Lady Galadriel studied the prince before an enigmatic smile grazing her lips. Her eyes met her husband, who also wore the same smile. She squeezed the younger girl's hand before nodding. "Go and take your rest, Haldir will escort you to your room and the servants will assist you to prepare for the welcoming feast tonight that has been prepared in your honor," the Lady said genially, before kissing her granddaughter's forehead.
The Lady Galadriel and the Lord Celeborn watched the departing trio with much interest. "You have seen what I have seen?" she asked softly to her husband. She felt him nod next to her. "I must say that we're going to have a ball in our hands tonight," she added a smile tugging on her lips, placing her hand on her husband's own.
The next morning...
Arienne opened her eyes as the sunlight filtered through the curtains and shone to her tear-streaked cheeks. The elleth found out that she couldn't fully open her eyes from the swollenness and heaviness of her eyelids. Her head throbbed painfully as she tried to sit up and dodge the glaring light coming through the curtains. It troubled her that no one bothered to wake her up. Gauging from the sun's position it was already mid-morning. She stood up, her legs wobbling at the effort as she walked to her dresser. A gasp escaped her lips as she saw her reflection.
Her hair was in tangles, her cheeks blotchy and imprinted with strands of hair, her usually bright green eyes was dull and watery. Her eyes lowered to her lips as she let out a strangled cry, her fingers coming up to her lips as the events of the night before came rushing back to her memory. "Oh Eru...," she whispered, resting her face on her palms. "Oh Eru, what have I done?" she said, a sob escaping her lips.
The elleth's mind was whirling as it recalled the ghastly events. Try as she might to convince herself that it had all been a dream, the evidence of her worn-out look was enough to tell her that everything had been real and consequences had to be paid in full. How she was going to explain this to her family, she had no idea. She looked up to the mirror as a tear escaped and ran down her cheek as she tried to calm herself down. It was a mistake. That was what it was, a mistake. They'd surely understand that, won't that? she thought madly, her head in pain as if it was being squeezed thoroughly.
And yet...why did she allow it to happen? Taking a deep breath, she gathered her thoughts and decided that enough tears had been shed and she wasn't afraid to face whatever anger came from both sides. What she would give to have the Lady Arwen with her right now, or even Elohir's or Elledan to ease her convoluted thoughts. Coming to Lorien was positively one of the most negative things she decided to agree on. Now she regrets coming; no matter, she'll just have to push this behind her.
"A bath, a bath would be good," she murmured softly, gazing at the large tub connected to a golden pipe that released water from the nearby stream. She wasn't going to show everyone what a wreck she became after last night's ordeal. Opening the pipes, she massaged her temples trying to ward of the recurring images with not much success.
Removing her nightdress, she didn't bother putting any oils into the water. All she wanted was for the aches to simply remove itself from her system. Her back ached as if she had been stoned, knowing that there were bruises already. She let her tired and weary body be engulfed by the soothing warmth of the water. A slight groan escaped her lips but came out more like a strangled cry. No matter, I won't be the cause of any more troubles. Eru...I shouldn't have went back. If I didn't, these wouldn't have happened, she thought miserably.
An hour later, when the water became tepid, she toweled herself dry and put on a red day dress, one with puffed sleeves that flowed down to her wrists and had a modest neckline. She thanked the Valar for small blessings that her maids didn't bother coming in to assist her, she'd rather be alone and think on her own. Carefully, she pulled up her hair and clipped it with a secure pin to keep them away from her face. The redness and swollenness in her eyes receded though the paleness of her skin still gave off a deathly pallor. Arienne sighed wearily and stood up from he dresser before putting on a pair of matching slippers. She had to see the Lady Galadriel to apologize...and Haldir.
Oh, Haldir, she thought painfully as tears tried to retch their way out of her eyes. The only thing she can do is tell him her side of the story. Determinedly, she walked to the door but was stopped by the sight of a carefully folded note slipped under her door probably when she was still taking a bath. With a wary glance, she picked up the cream colored parchment paper with the distinctive green seal. The Prince of Mirkwood's seal.
Arienne scanned the contents of the note, her anger definitively rising at each passing sentence. She balled her fists, crumbling the letter before throwing it on the floor with rage. "The gall of that bastard," she seethed, jerking the door of her room violently going out.
Ten minutes later, she had not found the object of her immense rage when she finally saw Sirefel near the stables. He merely jerked his thumb to the left while mouthing the word, 'lake'. She nodded her thanks and marched to the lake to speak her mind to the imbecile's gall to tell her things that should be told personally, not through a cowardly letter.
She spied him standing on the banks, his back to her as he threw pebbles on the surface of the water. His blond hair flowing slightly from the breeze, the same way if produced gentle ripples on the clear water. The peaceful environment betrayed the real emotions trying to erupt from the elleth's chest.
"I shouldn't have put cowardice on your part to be above your being," she said bitingly, introducing her presence to the prince. If he gave notice of her presence, it wasn't noticeable, much to the anger of the elleth.
"A note? That's all the fearless warrior of Eryn Lagaslen could afford? I'm not even worth a personal apology from the great Prince Legolas? After what you've done to me, you can only spare a note?! " she lashed out. "You would think that after battling orcs and the Dark Lord himself, he'd be above writing notes to apologize," she sneered, her eyes narrowing at him quiet state. She stood next to him and she knew he could feel the anger emanating from her being at his cowardice. A shiner was prominent on his left cheek, still swollen from the night's catastrophe.
Legolas turned to face her, a serious look on his face as his stormy blue eyes bored into her raging green ones and said, "Arienne, a note was my only alternative because I know that if I see you again, I won't be able to stop myself from kissing you."
heeeheee....cliffie? :) well, let's see...I skipped the ball but will write more about it on the next chapter. how's about clicking that button to review me? :)
oh..and please, read and review my HP fic, a james potter/lily evans ship entitled Letters to You. :)