Spotnmushlover246 – Thanks, here's another one for you.
Loz-179 – Thanks. I try my hardest.
Linilya elf – Don't feel bad for Seledred. You'll see why in this chapter. But after you read it, don't think I'm leaving any loose ends. I'll be tying them up in later chapters. By the way, you're reading my mind again, girlfriend, so get out of my head! Hahaha :o)
Screwed By Life – Thanks!
Maren L P – Hehehe, you are so right. I'm kinda happy with Leggy's actions in this chapter. But like I mentioned to Linilya Elf above, I'm not leaving any loose ends. They'll be tied up later.
Romy – LOL. I think we need to move our thoughts elsewhere before I start licking my Leggy screenshots on my computer. Anywho…I'm glad you like the story so far.
SofiaB – All of your questions will be answered in this chapter and I think in the next couple after that. Thanks for reading and by the way, I went into your profile and saw you had some LOTR fics. I'm going to go read them when I have an opportunity so look for my reviews.
A/N – I did some research on elven sex and marriage and I'm not sure how trustworthy the source is ("Laws and Customs of the Eldar," published in the book Morgoth's Ring, History of Middle-Earth and was referenced in "What Tolkien Officially Said About Elf Sex" By Tyellas), but among other things, it goes on to say the following:
1) "It was the act of bodily union that achieved marriage...it was at all times lawful for any of the Eldar (elves), both being unwed, to marry thus of free consent one to the other without ceremony or witness…in flight and exile and wandering, such marriages were often made." 2) "The good news is that elves like sex. The union of love is indeed to them great delight and joy. The bad news is that elves tend to lose interest in sex after they've had kids. With the exercise of the power of generation, the desire soon ceases, and the mind turns to other things…they have many other urges of body and of mind which their nature urges them to fulfill." 3) "They are seldom swayed by the desires of the body only, but are by nature continent and steadfast."
Okay, number 1 works great for my story so far! As for number 2, I think I'll just ignore the bad news because it makes too much sense and shocking as it is, I just plain don't want to believe it, so there. :oP. And number 3? Yikes, I didn't see that one coming. But again, it's one of those things I just don't want to believe and I don't really care. Oh well, at least I got one out of the three right. I thought I'd share that bit of comical information.
Oh, one more thing, I'm really, really digging deep with the elvish language and hopefully I'm not butchering the hell out of it too badly. Tell me if something doesn't look right.
And now, on with the story!
Chapter 14 – Memories Regained
In the morning Legolas dined on breakfast with Aleera's parents and siblings. They let Aleera rest, but when she came to the dining talan, she seemed surprised that he was still there. After Aleera ate some fruit, her mother hastened her to change into a more formal gown.
"The Lady awaits you, Aleera," said Nórui.
"But Seledred…" she said.
"Never mind Seledred. He can wait. Hurry now."
Aleera went to her room and changed into a gown of white. Then she went with her family to see the Lady of the Wood. As they all climbed the spiral staircase that wound around Galadriel's tree and led to her celestial dwelling, she and Legolas lingered behind the others. They could not stop themselves from stealing touches, their fingers constantly seeking contact.
"Im matha goe mi le," he said with a squeeze of his hand. (I feel great fear in you)
"Im goe i peth o Galadriel." (I fear the word of Galadriel)
Legolas leaned closer and affectionately kissed the side of her forehead. "Avo 'osto, im si na le." (worry not, I am here with you)
At the top of the staircase, they came to a flet that contained Lord Celeborn's audience chamber and at the other end was a staircase leading up to a glowing talan. This was the private dwelling of Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn. But only the Lady descended the stairs.
Aleera stared wide-eyed at the Lady of the Wood. She knew her face well for Galadriel was her queen. Everything about her exuded radiance, which was why she was named as such.
"Come forth, Aleera," Galadriel beckoned softly.
Aleera could not stop her eyes from wandering over to Legolas first before she turned back to Galadriel and stepped toward her.
Legolas remained standing off to the side with Galadron, Nórui, Brithla and Celegmin. He felt Aleera's uneasiness and warily watched her moving toward Lady Galadriel, who seemed to be made purely from light. This was the first time he had laid eyes upon her and even though the stories he heard about Lady Galadriel depicted her as gentle but powerful, he could not help his protective nature and wanted to rush beside Aleera to put her at ease.
Lady Galadriel gave Aleera a smile, sensing the young one's fear. She was used to the many reactions to her presence and depending on who observed her, she responded in her own way. Aleera was innocent of any maliciousness and Galadriel could also sense the confusion surrounding the girl. She wanted to know who she was, wanted to know her past and what had happened to her. Yet she also feared the outcome of the truth. Galadriel turned her eyes to the wood elf standing with Aleera's family. This one was also pure of heart, but his wariness had much to do with protecting Aleera. She felt his love for the young elleth and it was like a warm blanket surrounding her. He wanted to be trusting of others, including of her, but his love for Aleera was blind to all else. (elf maid)
Legolas could feel Galadriel probing his mind. He had nothing to hide except for the fact that he and Aleera had bonded. But he imagined that if she did not find it out from him, then she would discover it from Aleera. He felt deep in his heart that he had done nothing wrong. So why hide it. He confidently opened his mind to the powerful elf, letting her see all that he was.
Galadriel gave him a brief nod in respect. The wood elf knew her capabilities and revealed himself fully to her. And so she discovered the bonding between him and Aleera. They were innocent in understanding how it had happened when it came upon them so suddenly and were powerless to avoid the effects that came with the bond. Delving in both of their minds revealed the truth to Galadriel and she pondered whether to share the surprising circumstances or allow them to discover it on their own. She would speak to Celeborn about it and seek his advice. She also discovered that his elven senses were far superior than any elf she knew. His hearing, his sight, his ability to sense those around him. She made an effort to block her thoughts from him for she was sure he would attempt to read them.
Aleera waited patiently as Lady Galadriel made her assessments. She also knew the Lady was assessing Legolas and no doubt knew what had transpired between them. Her cheeks reddened at first. But then she recalled Arwen's words about the effects of bonding. She truly did not know what was right and what was wrong, only that she loved Legolas and found comfort in his arms. When the Lady finally made a move, she reached her hand up to Aleera's forehead and closed her eyes. Aleera's eyes suddenly felt heavy and she was forced to close them.
Galadriel spoke into Aleera's mind. "Aleera, your memories forced deep into your subconscious are restored to you. You will remember all that you were and all that happened."
The memories flashed through Aleera in vivid detail, but in images that moved so fast she hardly saw them, only that she knew them well. And then the images suddenly slowed to a time not so long ago…
Aleera stared at Seledred with her mouth open. "How can you say such things to me, Seledred? You willingly bonded with me and now you no longer wish to be?" Tears filled her eyes.
"I love another," said Seledred.
"Nay, I do not believe it. I will not break our bond."
Seledred's expression suddenly turned angry and he grabbed Aleera's arm. "You will do it, Aleera."
"You expect me to ignore my feelings for you as if they do not exist?" The tears flowed and Aleera hated herself for her weakness. The only one she had ever loved was telling her that he no longer loved her in return. She should have slapped him across the face for his confession about loving another. But her heart could not stand the pain and she had no strength to move.
"It is over, Aleera. Remove your love of me from your heart."
"I cannot do such a thing."
Seledred shook her roughly by the arm. "You must."
Aleera felt anger rising within her. She had not wanted to love Seledred. But his constant persistence and his flowery promises made her heart grow fond of him and now it was tearing apart. "Nay, I will die now from the broken heart you have inflicted upon me. And all will know it."
"Then I do not have a choice," he replied with dread.
Aleera did not know what he had meant by his words at the time until much later she found herself waking from a drug-induced sleep and suddenly in the company of Orcs, watching Seledred's retreating back. He left her to die in the hands of the vile creatures, eliminating himself of any responsibility for her. What Seledred did not know was that his actions caused Aleera's weak elven heart to harden while dragged and beaten by the Orcs. So she did not die from a broken heart. She thought the Orcs would violate her, but the Orc leader had other plans. It was not long before she knew what those plans were. She was to be sold into slavery to a ruler of a land she never heard of. A futile attempt at escape earned her the blow on the head that had erased her memories. She awakened in the chamber at Kozar Keep and it went on from there.
Lady Galadriel opened her eyes and removed her hand from Aleera's forehead. She had seen what had befallen Aleera and the images had been disturbing. With a heavy heart, the Lady reached to lift Aleera's chin with her fingers.
Aleera opened her eyes to gaze into the radiant ones of Lady Galadriel. Everything suddenly became clear. She knew who she was, she knew her family, she knew her life here in Lothlorien. A weight had been lifted off her shoulders, but it was quickly replaced by an incredible fear. A fear that Seledred would hurt her now that the truth was out.
"Fear not, Aleera," assured Galadriel. "He will not harm you."
Legolas felt the sudden fear in Aleera and made to move toward her. Galadron's hand on his arm stopped him. When he turned to Aleera's father, the elf shook his head at Legolas, indicating he was not allowed to go to her. Legolas fought the urge to pull his arm away and go to her anyway. But he did not want to cause animosity between him and Galadron. Elbereth knew there would be enough of it when Galadron discovered the bond between him and Aleera.
Tears formed in Aleera's eyes. "I loved Seledred and he betrayed me," she said slowly. "He no longer wished to be bound to me and tried to have me killed. He took me to the Orc camp and left me there. Before I lost my memory I learned of my fate, to be a slave to the ruler of Kozar."
"Seledred will be dealt with severely for his actions, Aleera," replied Galadriel. "Seek protection from Legolas of Mirkwood. He will see to it that no harm comes to you. The bond you once had with Seledred has been severed. I can feel your bond with Legolas is much stronger."
Legolas felt Galadron's hand slide off his arm and quickly felt the other elf's sudden antipathy. And so now it was out in the open for all to know. Legolas felt somewhat relieved by this, but had concern over the effect on Aleera's family. Perhaps he should not have so foolishly followed the whims of his desires and not made love to Aleera. Then he felt something in his mind.
"Come, Legolas of Mirkwood," said the soft voice of Lady Galadriel in his head.
Legolas moved forward and went to stand beside Aleera, his hand automatically reaching for hers. His eyes drifted up to look upon the Lady and she gave him a sincere smile.
"Regret not what deeds your heart led you to, Legolas." She reached out to touch his forehead and he closed his eyes. "Your love is true and untainted by greed." She pulled her hand away and he opened his eyes again. "Many questions do I sense from you both and I must seek council with my husband. Meet me in my garden later today and let us ponder the answers."
Legolas tilted his head in respect to Lady Galadriel as she backed away from them. Then he happened to glance up the staircase, finding Aragorn and Arwen standing in the chamber above. Aragorn gave him a brief smile. The simple gesture filled Legolas with a feeling that all would be well. He tugged at Aleera's hand and led her to the adjoining flet that led to the spiral stairway. Without any reason but a sudden uneasy feeling, Legolas removed his bow from his quiver and held it tightly in his free hand. Then he briefly glanced over his shoulder to Aleera's family following closely behind them. "Your father does not seem pleased."
"Of course not. I just revealed that Seledred was trying to have me killed."
"Nay, he is not pleased with our union."
"He has no great love for wood elves, Legolas. My grandfather was among those that parted grievously with the king of Mirkwood. Orophor was his name, I believe."
Legolas continued as they began to wind down the staircase. "Those times were long ago. I will have to make amends with him if we have any hope of remaining together."
"My father is indebted to you for returning me safely home."
"Aye, but he respects me as a protector and not one who loves his daughter."
At the bottom of the stairway, they began to turn in the direction of the mallorn containing her home. Suddenly Seledred appeared from behind a tree and things happened quickly. Aleera's mother gasped. Her father rushed forward. Legolas drew an arrow and had it aimed at Seledred's head.
"Do not come any closer!" yelled Legolas. "My aim is true and I will not hesitate to kill you where you stand!"
Seledred held his hands up, revealing that he held no weapons. "Stand down, wood elf. I am here to speak with Aleera."
"That will not happen," replied Legolas, not wavering for a moment in his aim on Seledred's head.
Seledred turned his eyes to Aleera. "Aleera, please…I wish to speak."
Legolas stepped in front of Aleera, preventing him from even looking at her. It took every bit of will within him to keep his fingers locked on the bowstring and not release the arrow into Seledred's forehead. The thought of this elf leaving Aleera with Orcs made his blood run cold. He wanted to do more than shoot an arrow into Seledred's head. He wanted to cut out his heart and feed it to him.
Aleera placed her hand on Legolas's shoulder. "Legolas, saes." She stepped out from behind Legolas, but he moved around to stand beside Seledred, the tip of his arrow mere inches from his head. One wrong move and the arrow would enter through Seledred's ear and more than likely come out the other side. (please)
Seledred tried to ignore the persistent wood elf. "Aleera, please forgive me. I was under extreme duress at the time, swayed by the dark thoughts of an elleth I no longer see. You once loved me with all your heart…I know it can be so once again." (elf maid)
"Nay, Seledred. It can never be. My heart belongs to another." Her eyes briefly glanced at Legolas and back to Seledred.
Seledred saw the motion and understood completely. "You cannot be serious. An elf from the woodland realm? Have you forgotten the plight of our ancestors under the rule of Orophor, the unscrupulous king of Mirkwood?"
Legolas clenched his teeth and the words flew from his mouth before he had a chance to analyze them. "I warn you to choose your words wisely, traitor. You speak of my grandfather."
Aleera turned to Legolas and could not stop her jaw from dropping. "The current king of Mirkwood is your father? You did not tell me this, Legolas."
Legolas's eyes briefly met hers before returning to Seledred. He slapped the arrowhead against Seledred's forehead with malice. "On with your pathetic apology before I grow old."
"Is this the life you choose?" asked Seledred. "To be at the side of someone we call our enemy? Wood elves have no loyalty but to themselves."
"What I see before me is my own kind, an elf I trusted…who betrayed me…to have me killed in the worst possible way for an elf," she spat out angrily at him. "How dare you accuse Legolas of having no loyalty when you yourself have none to speak of."
"I say again, I was under extreme duress," Seledred tried to counter.
"Extreme duress, indeed," said Legolas with contempt. "I sense evil in you like nothing I have ever known in an elf. You have tasted the spoils of our enemies and seek fulfillment as you please." He sniffed the air. "Le mad torog eru an nostad lín sui orch!" Somewhere behind him, he heard Aleera's younger sister snicker. (You must eat troll waste for your smell is like an Orc)
Seledred turned his eyes to the wood elf. He could not turn his head without the arrowhead piercing the flesh of his forehead. "Dago nin, ae boe na le, glad edhel." (kill me, if it is necessary, wood elf)
Legolas clenched his teeth in repressed anger. Releasing the arrow would be so easy. Everything in his heart told him to end the life of this evil elf. He sensed nothing good about him. Even when he had admitted he still loved Aleera, Legolas could feel the coldness in Seledred's heart. He could sense that the other elf tried to make amends to save himself from the judgment of the Lord and Lady of Lothlorien. His fate was in their hands. And so Legolas held his fingers on the bowstring firm and did not release the arrow as he wanted to.
Galadron walked up to Aleera and took her by the arm. "Tolo, Aleera." (come)
Aleera allowed her father to lead her away. When she glanced back over her shoulder, Legolas had lowered his bow and was backing away, never taking his eyes off Seledred. She saw him flinch when her mother placed her hand on his arm.
Legolas turned to meet the eyes of Nórui and saw that she did not feel the same anguish he had felt in Galadron. He moved away from Seledred and walked with Aleera's mother. But he glanced back again, feeling the coldness in Seledred's heart, the darkness that crept into it, the minuscule thought of retaliation…before Haldir and his brothers, Rúmil and Orophin, led the elf away.
When they reached the mallorn that led to their talans, Aleera pulled away from her father and waited for Legolas to walk up with her mother. Aleera grabbed Legolas by the arm and led him away from the others, much to everyone's surprise, including him. When they were out of earshot from her family, she stopped and turned to face him. "Why did you not tell me you are the prince of Mirkwood?"
Legolas had anticipated this question now that she knew his status. "I do not tell anyone."
"Am I just anyone, Legolas?"
"Goheno nin, Aleera. I was going to come around to telling you." (forgive me)
Aleera turned and walked away several steps. "And when was that going to be? When I found myself staring into the face of your father…the king?"
"Please understand my position. Many profess their love to me, some I do not even know. It is disconcerting because I know not if they truly love me or if they desire my crown. It is merely a habit of caution that I have."
"You doubt the sincerity of my love for you?"
"Nay, I know it is true."
"Then why did you continue to hold back your status from me?"
"Amin hiraetha." (I am sorry)
She turned to him, but kept her distance. "And what if I do not want your crown?"
"Aye, I do not want it either. But I am destined to be king when my father departs our lands, whether I desire it or not. Of one thing I am certain, Aleera, I wish for you to be by my side. I swear that I shall have no other."
Aleera looked down so he would not see the tears that brimmed her eyes and began to fall. The fact that he was a prince was not what bothered her, but to someday become a queen frightened her more than anything. She did not know what responsibilities belonged to a princess, but being a queen was a different matter.
Legolas closed the gap between them and brought his fingers to her chin, lifting her face up so that she was forced to look at him. "Amman nallach?" he asked sorrowfully as he cupped her cheeks with his hands. (why do you weep)
"So much has occurred since last I was here. I was to finalize my bond with Seledred and it did not happen. And now my bond is complete with you."
"Mar i erui govannen, nauthannem i ned ol reniannen." He wiped at her tears with his thumbs. "Gweston lîn bain gwan nin an ú –hwest. Rarely do I place such high regard on vanity. Yet the more we spoke, the more I desired to see you again. I could not help but fall in love with you. Aleera, le cuil nín a meleth nín. Ah im ú-'erin veleth lîn?" (When we first met, I thought I had strayed into a dream. I swear your beauty left me breathless) (You are my life and my love, Aleera. Do I not also have your love)
A strangled cry escaped Aleera's lips and she slipped her arms around Legolas's neck to embrace him tightly. "Gerich veleth nín an uir." (you have my love for eternity)
Galadron watched their affectionate display from not far away, hearing their words. His heart filled with mixed emotions. It was clear that the wood elf was deeply in love with Aleera and she returned his love. He had not ever seen this kind of devotion from Seledred when the elf had approached him about Aleera so many months before. Seledred, his own kind, a traitor…yet a wood elf from Mirkwood, a prince no less, cared more for Aleera to help her discover who she was while risking his own life to return her to her family.
Aleera pulled away from him and wiped at her eyes. "Torog eru?" she asked with a smile. (troll waste)
Legolas smiled back at her as he took Aleera's hand and led her back toward her tree. On the way they came across Galadron. Legolas saw him look first at their joined hands and then raised his eyes up to him. He tried to read the emotion in Galadron's eyes.
Galadron raised his hand up to Legolas's shoulder and squeezed it. "Le hannon a iest le beleg gell na sell nín." (I thank you and wish you great happiness with my daughter)
Legolas was slightly surprised at Galadron's words. He had expected anger and extreme dislike of him and all that he represented. But he was sensing genuine fondness and respect. He was unsure what to say, so he gave Aleera's father an acknowledging nod.
"Goheno nin, ernil nin," continued Galadron. (forgive me, my prince)
"An man?" (for what)
"For my previous behavior toward you."
"I understand your feelings, Galadron. Saes henio amin." (please understand mine)
"Im caro." (I do)
When her father looked at her with tears in his eyes, Aleera immediately reached up and embraced him. She felt elated that he had given them his blessing.
A/N - Send me a review please!