E/N: I'm Sue.
This is a bit of a crappy chapter, but oh well! Luvs Elfie xXxXx Ps. 28 DAYS TILL MY BIRTHDAY!!!
Chapter 19
Legolas and Silva were a day's ride from Rivendell. She'd received the letter from Arian confirming she was most definitely welcome, since she wanted to know what this really important announcement was that she probably wouldn't approve of. It also mocked her new-found title. She also received a letter from Rath and Riel. The delivery of Rath's letter was very funny since the thing (what it originally was remains to be discovered) was covered in blood and dirt as Rath had replied whilst fighting. The Elven messenger delivered it draped over a long stick, as far away from himself as possible, with a look of pure disgust on his face and a peg on his nose. From what Silva could read of the smudged scrawl, Rath had decided that she had to meet the 'victim' because she didn't believe it was true. "How can YOU be in love? You don't believe in it!!!" the letter had stated. Hers too had mocked her Ladyship. Riel's letter was just extraordinarily random (as she was) because all it said was "OH MY ERU!!!" 131 times, with "HA!!! HAHAHA! You? A Lady? HAHAHA!" added on the end. There had been no reply from Nilia, so Silva presumed all was well there. Now, she was just stressing about telling Arian. She decided to wait until Rath at least was there, because between her and Legolas, she couldn't get hurt. Well, not much, anyway.
"I'm really nervous," she said. She looked at Legolas and whimpered slightly. "What if she goes really, really, REALLY mad?"
"She won't," said Legolas. "And you'll have me and your sisters there to protect you if she does." She smiled weakly.
"Please don't think badly of my sisters," she said. "They are all good people really, but they're just a little.... different. Riel being the most different of them all. Whatever Arian's reaction is, please don't judge her."
"I won't," he promised. "Well, I'll try not to."
*****
The following day, Silva and Legolas were greeted warmly by Lord Elrond, Arian and Riel, who had arrived the previous day.
"Arian! Riel!" cried Silva happily, hugging her sisters. "It's wonderful to see you again! It's been too long."
"Yes, it has," said Arian. "So, LADY Silvawen, what of this news you have to tell me?"
"No, it must wait until the other sisters are here," said Silva. They should be here in the next few days, maybe even today, though it's not likely." Arian frowned but let it pass.
"Who is that fair gentleman?" asked Riel, indicating Legolas, who was talking animatedly with Lord Elrond.
"That is Prince Legolas," said Silva, trying to hide the admiration and love she feared was in her voice. "He is the Crown Prince of Mirkwood."
"Why is he here?" queried Arian.
"He's travelled with me because he has a message for Lord Elrond from his father," said Silva as calmly as possible. "And Thranduil was not happy about me coming alone, so he agreed to be my escort." This was not a lie, it just wasn't the whole truth. Until Rath and Nilia arrived, there would be no mention of Silva and Legolas' relationship, much to her dismay.
"Well, we have quite a lot to catch up on," said Arian. "Let's go somewhere quiet for a talk. Would the gardens suit you, Silva?" Her eyes lit up.
"That would be lovely," she said. She turned her back on her sisters and looked over to her lover. "Legolas, we're going to the gardens to do a bit of gossiping. I'll speak to you later." She mouthed the words 'I love you' to him. He smiled.
"Very well, I'll see you at dinner this evening," he said.
*****
Rath and Nilia arrived the following morning, making Silva very happy and yet very scared, at the same time. The time had now come to tell Arian, and she wasn't looking forward to it. Nilia seemed a little distant, but Silva assumed it was because she was tired. Since no comment had been made about the love issue, Silva was happy.
"Are you going to tell me now?" said Arian, after greeting the last two sisters. "I'm anxious to know."
"Yes, I will tell you in a minute," said Silva. "I've just got to go and do something first." The Hall of Fire would be empty at this time of day, so she decided to take them there to make her announcement. Once they were all in there, she scurried away. Rath was highly amused by the many thoughts of how her sister would go about this. Knowing Silva, this would take a long time. She also couldn't wait to see this person that she had APPARENTLY fallen in love with.
*****
Silva paced Legolas' chamber nervously.
"I really don't want to do this," she said, wringing her hands togther. She was almost crying. Legolas was sitting on the bed trying unsuccessfully to make her calm down. She was making him feel slightly dizzy.
"Silva, you don't have a choice now," said Legolas. "They are waiting for you to tell them, Arian in particular. And you have to tell her at some point." He stood up and grabbed her hands to make her stop pacing. He kissed her firmly. "Stop worrying. If she reacts really badly, we'll leave."
"And you won't be mad at me for her reaction," she said, her hands now shaking.
"For the fourth time, no," he said. "Whatever her standards are have nothing to do with you. Now stop tormenting yourself and let's get this over with."
*****
"How long does the girl need?" sighed Arian, irritably. "What is she even doing?"
"Probably having a heart attack from stress," said Riel.
"What is it that she thinks I'm going to react so badly to?" Arian questioned.
"You're about to find out," said Silva from the doorway.
"Finally," said Arian, exasperatedly. "You took long enough." A confused look crossed her face when she saw Legolas following Silva. "Why is he here?" She took a deep breath.
"Well, you know what I told you about him yesterday?" she said.
"Yes."
"And you know I said he was a messenger and my escort?"
"Yes."
"Well, that's not all." Silva fell silent.
"Well, are you going to tell me or not?"
"Legolas is my...... partner." Again Arian looked confused. Rath was shaking with silent laughter. Of everything she could have said, she chose the one that had millions of different possibilities. 'The girl's just digging herself into a ditch,' she thought.
"What do you mean, partner?" Arian asked cautiously.
"I mean as in, well, um, I, er, well..."
"Spit it out, woman," demanded Rath, not helping her sister in the slightest.
"Basically, Arian, I am completely in love with him. He's my partner in the sense that he loves me too and we're, well, together. In a loving, more- than-friends kind of way." Arian's face dropped, and Nilia's grew sour.
"You stupid girl!!!" they cried at the same time.
"MEEP!!!" squealed Silva, and she hid behind Legolas. Arian and Nilia stood up, both equally angry. Rath and Riel stood also, on guard to stop them should they try to attack the poor Istari woman.
"Silvawen, be rational about this, THINK about this properly," growled Arian. "You cannot love this.... this Elf."
"I had hoped the letter you sent me to be joke," barked Nilia. "But evidently not." Silva peered over a rather scared Legolas' shoulder.
"I don't see why it is a problem," she said. She took his hand and he squeezed it reassuringly. This did not go unnoticed by the two angry Istari. "He's the kindest, most wonderful person I have ever met. I love him and he loves me. I've never been happier in my entire existence, not even when my Lady Yavanna graced me with my gift. Surely my happiness is the most important thing here."
"Not when your status is in the firing line it's not!" said Nilia. "Have you considered the fact that you can never marry? Children aren't an option either. Are you sure you can handle that?"
"Oh, believe me, Nilia, that conversation is a well worn one," confirmed Silva, thinking back to the day when she thought she might lose her beloved. "I can definitely guarantee that we've thought that one through. Read my lips: We do not care."
"Well you should care!" said Arian. "Silvawen, your reputation is at stake here! You cannot love him. I won't allow it." Silva was growing angry. How dare she tell her what she could and couldn't do?! She stepped out from behind Legolas (who was very glad not to be in the middle of the arguing anymore) and glared at her sister.
"You are in no position to tell me what I can and can't do," she snarled. "What makes you think you can tell me who I should love?"
"I know what's best for you," defended Arian.
"You don't know anything about me if you think that one word from you will make me stop loving him!" shouted Silva. "We are soulmates, whatever you may say about status and reputation. You cannot keep us apart."
"We can damn well try!" said Nilia. "Stay with him and you'll lose everything!"
"I'll gladly give up everything, this very instant, if that's what it takes to be with him!"
"You'll do no such thing!" said Arian. "I won't allow it." Silva lunged at her, but Legolas grabbed her before she could strike.
"Silva, no, that won't solve anything," he said. She looked at him and scowled.
"I can't let her get away with trying to run and ruin my life," she hissed.
"Fighting her is not the answer," he soothed. "Come with me now. You need to calm down. We'll go outside." Silva sighed and nodded her head, reluctantly being led away. She leant against him as they walked. Once they'd gone, Arian started again.
"What on earth does she think she's playing at?!" she cried. "She can't love him! He's an Elf. She's by far his superior. We need to send her home straight away so that she can get over him. I know plenty of decent men back in Arda that would do anything for her. We need to stamp this out of her before its get out of control."
"Arian, do you seriously think that by separating them, you'd be doing Silva a favour?" said Riel.
"Of course I'd be doing her a favour," said Arian.
"Think about it, Arian, do you want her to hate you?" asked Riel.
"She won't hate me when she realises it's for the best."
"Seriously, think about what just happened," said Rath. "Have you ever seen Sil act like that towards you, about anything? Whatever you try to do, it won't work. She really does love him, even I can see that."
"Nilia, you back me up, don't you?"
"Every step of the way, sister" she replied. "I know that this.... this infatuation of Silvawen's is nothing more than that. He's probably just using her because of how powerful she is. No doubt she's shown off her abilities to everyone who'll watch."
"No, you're wrong," said Riel. "There really is something between them."
"Surely you don't believe that soulmate nonsense," scoffed Arian.
"I wouldn't go as far as to say soulmates, but I certainly believe they are meant to be together."
"Then you're stupider than you look," said Nilia.
"Nilia, that was uncalled for," said Arian. "True, but uncalled for." Riel scowled, she knew she wasn't the brightest spark in the fire, but she didn't need to be told and mocked by the ones who supposedly loved her.
"Look, all of us need to calm down, now," said Rath, taking charge of the situation. "Arian, Nilia, when everything is peaceful, you will find Silva and apologise. She may or may not be ruining her own life with the decision she has made, but it is HER decision. Even if our Lords and Mistresses do not side with her, she will be happy."
"I will not apologise for voicing my opinion," said Arian, heatedly.
"Then you will apologise for the manner in which you expressed it. Nilia, what have you to say?"
"I will apologise for trying to force my will upon her," she said, "but not for my actual opinion."
"Very well. Make sure you find her and do so, but leave her be for now."
*****
"Why? I don't understand what the problem is," sobbed Silva. They sat on a bench in Lord Elrond's rich and luxurious gardens whilst she cried her heart out. Legolas sat listening, holding her gently.
"I can't answer that, nissëhon1," he replied, "for I too do not see the problem. But they appear to want the best for your welfare."
"YOU are the best for my welfare, dumbass! Why can't they see that? Eru, if Rath can see it, who never agrees with me on anything might I add, then Arda knows Arian and Nilia should be able to."
"Well, Rath has a boyfriend, doesn't she? Maybe she understands."
"Rath? Understand..... me? PWAH!!!"
"Ok then, maybe not." Silva laughed a little but then burst out crying again.
"How can they be so horrible to me and you?!"
"It will do you no good to dwell on what has happened now. Let it be until either this evening or tomorrow when you can talk more rationally about things. And when I'm not there."
"I'm so sorry you had to witness that. It's not exactly the impression of them I wanted for you. They can be very nice sometimes, honest."
"I'm sure they can be, but until I see the nice side of them, I'll remain completely petrified of you all."
"Even me?"
"Especially you!" She chuckled.
"Thank you for not leaving me. I was so scared that you would." He sighed and rolled his eyes.
"Silva, look at me." She sat up and looked him in the eye. "Just because two of your sisters don't approve of us, doesn't mean I'll stop loving you in the blink of an eye." He planted a soft kiss against her lips. "I wish you would stop thinking otherwise."
"I'm sorry. It's just I feel so insecure, about everything. I guess I just can't believe I've finally fallen in love and that I am loved back. After so long alone, you begin to be skeptical of such things."
"Well, you have nothing to be skeptical about. I have promised to stay with you and we Elves do not go back on our word." She hugged him tightly.
"Thank you."
*****
1Sweetheart
This is a bit of a crappy chapter, but oh well! Luvs Elfie xXxXx Ps. 28 DAYS TILL MY BIRTHDAY!!!
Chapter 19
Legolas and Silva were a day's ride from Rivendell. She'd received the letter from Arian confirming she was most definitely welcome, since she wanted to know what this really important announcement was that she probably wouldn't approve of. It also mocked her new-found title. She also received a letter from Rath and Riel. The delivery of Rath's letter was very funny since the thing (what it originally was remains to be discovered) was covered in blood and dirt as Rath had replied whilst fighting. The Elven messenger delivered it draped over a long stick, as far away from himself as possible, with a look of pure disgust on his face and a peg on his nose. From what Silva could read of the smudged scrawl, Rath had decided that she had to meet the 'victim' because she didn't believe it was true. "How can YOU be in love? You don't believe in it!!!" the letter had stated. Hers too had mocked her Ladyship. Riel's letter was just extraordinarily random (as she was) because all it said was "OH MY ERU!!!" 131 times, with "HA!!! HAHAHA! You? A Lady? HAHAHA!" added on the end. There had been no reply from Nilia, so Silva presumed all was well there. Now, she was just stressing about telling Arian. She decided to wait until Rath at least was there, because between her and Legolas, she couldn't get hurt. Well, not much, anyway.
"I'm really nervous," she said. She looked at Legolas and whimpered slightly. "What if she goes really, really, REALLY mad?"
"She won't," said Legolas. "And you'll have me and your sisters there to protect you if she does." She smiled weakly.
"Please don't think badly of my sisters," she said. "They are all good people really, but they're just a little.... different. Riel being the most different of them all. Whatever Arian's reaction is, please don't judge her."
"I won't," he promised. "Well, I'll try not to."
*****
The following day, Silva and Legolas were greeted warmly by Lord Elrond, Arian and Riel, who had arrived the previous day.
"Arian! Riel!" cried Silva happily, hugging her sisters. "It's wonderful to see you again! It's been too long."
"Yes, it has," said Arian. "So, LADY Silvawen, what of this news you have to tell me?"
"No, it must wait until the other sisters are here," said Silva. They should be here in the next few days, maybe even today, though it's not likely." Arian frowned but let it pass.
"Who is that fair gentleman?" asked Riel, indicating Legolas, who was talking animatedly with Lord Elrond.
"That is Prince Legolas," said Silva, trying to hide the admiration and love she feared was in her voice. "He is the Crown Prince of Mirkwood."
"Why is he here?" queried Arian.
"He's travelled with me because he has a message for Lord Elrond from his father," said Silva as calmly as possible. "And Thranduil was not happy about me coming alone, so he agreed to be my escort." This was not a lie, it just wasn't the whole truth. Until Rath and Nilia arrived, there would be no mention of Silva and Legolas' relationship, much to her dismay.
"Well, we have quite a lot to catch up on," said Arian. "Let's go somewhere quiet for a talk. Would the gardens suit you, Silva?" Her eyes lit up.
"That would be lovely," she said. She turned her back on her sisters and looked over to her lover. "Legolas, we're going to the gardens to do a bit of gossiping. I'll speak to you later." She mouthed the words 'I love you' to him. He smiled.
"Very well, I'll see you at dinner this evening," he said.
*****
Rath and Nilia arrived the following morning, making Silva very happy and yet very scared, at the same time. The time had now come to tell Arian, and she wasn't looking forward to it. Nilia seemed a little distant, but Silva assumed it was because she was tired. Since no comment had been made about the love issue, Silva was happy.
"Are you going to tell me now?" said Arian, after greeting the last two sisters. "I'm anxious to know."
"Yes, I will tell you in a minute," said Silva. "I've just got to go and do something first." The Hall of Fire would be empty at this time of day, so she decided to take them there to make her announcement. Once they were all in there, she scurried away. Rath was highly amused by the many thoughts of how her sister would go about this. Knowing Silva, this would take a long time. She also couldn't wait to see this person that she had APPARENTLY fallen in love with.
*****
Silva paced Legolas' chamber nervously.
"I really don't want to do this," she said, wringing her hands togther. She was almost crying. Legolas was sitting on the bed trying unsuccessfully to make her calm down. She was making him feel slightly dizzy.
"Silva, you don't have a choice now," said Legolas. "They are waiting for you to tell them, Arian in particular. And you have to tell her at some point." He stood up and grabbed her hands to make her stop pacing. He kissed her firmly. "Stop worrying. If she reacts really badly, we'll leave."
"And you won't be mad at me for her reaction," she said, her hands now shaking.
"For the fourth time, no," he said. "Whatever her standards are have nothing to do with you. Now stop tormenting yourself and let's get this over with."
*****
"How long does the girl need?" sighed Arian, irritably. "What is she even doing?"
"Probably having a heart attack from stress," said Riel.
"What is it that she thinks I'm going to react so badly to?" Arian questioned.
"You're about to find out," said Silva from the doorway.
"Finally," said Arian, exasperatedly. "You took long enough." A confused look crossed her face when she saw Legolas following Silva. "Why is he here?" She took a deep breath.
"Well, you know what I told you about him yesterday?" she said.
"Yes."
"And you know I said he was a messenger and my escort?"
"Yes."
"Well, that's not all." Silva fell silent.
"Well, are you going to tell me or not?"
"Legolas is my...... partner." Again Arian looked confused. Rath was shaking with silent laughter. Of everything she could have said, she chose the one that had millions of different possibilities. 'The girl's just digging herself into a ditch,' she thought.
"What do you mean, partner?" Arian asked cautiously.
"I mean as in, well, um, I, er, well..."
"Spit it out, woman," demanded Rath, not helping her sister in the slightest.
"Basically, Arian, I am completely in love with him. He's my partner in the sense that he loves me too and we're, well, together. In a loving, more- than-friends kind of way." Arian's face dropped, and Nilia's grew sour.
"You stupid girl!!!" they cried at the same time.
"MEEP!!!" squealed Silva, and she hid behind Legolas. Arian and Nilia stood up, both equally angry. Rath and Riel stood also, on guard to stop them should they try to attack the poor Istari woman.
"Silvawen, be rational about this, THINK about this properly," growled Arian. "You cannot love this.... this Elf."
"I had hoped the letter you sent me to be joke," barked Nilia. "But evidently not." Silva peered over a rather scared Legolas' shoulder.
"I don't see why it is a problem," she said. She took his hand and he squeezed it reassuringly. This did not go unnoticed by the two angry Istari. "He's the kindest, most wonderful person I have ever met. I love him and he loves me. I've never been happier in my entire existence, not even when my Lady Yavanna graced me with my gift. Surely my happiness is the most important thing here."
"Not when your status is in the firing line it's not!" said Nilia. "Have you considered the fact that you can never marry? Children aren't an option either. Are you sure you can handle that?"
"Oh, believe me, Nilia, that conversation is a well worn one," confirmed Silva, thinking back to the day when she thought she might lose her beloved. "I can definitely guarantee that we've thought that one through. Read my lips: We do not care."
"Well you should care!" said Arian. "Silvawen, your reputation is at stake here! You cannot love him. I won't allow it." Silva was growing angry. How dare she tell her what she could and couldn't do?! She stepped out from behind Legolas (who was very glad not to be in the middle of the arguing anymore) and glared at her sister.
"You are in no position to tell me what I can and can't do," she snarled. "What makes you think you can tell me who I should love?"
"I know what's best for you," defended Arian.
"You don't know anything about me if you think that one word from you will make me stop loving him!" shouted Silva. "We are soulmates, whatever you may say about status and reputation. You cannot keep us apart."
"We can damn well try!" said Nilia. "Stay with him and you'll lose everything!"
"I'll gladly give up everything, this very instant, if that's what it takes to be with him!"
"You'll do no such thing!" said Arian. "I won't allow it." Silva lunged at her, but Legolas grabbed her before she could strike.
"Silva, no, that won't solve anything," he said. She looked at him and scowled.
"I can't let her get away with trying to run and ruin my life," she hissed.
"Fighting her is not the answer," he soothed. "Come with me now. You need to calm down. We'll go outside." Silva sighed and nodded her head, reluctantly being led away. She leant against him as they walked. Once they'd gone, Arian started again.
"What on earth does she think she's playing at?!" she cried. "She can't love him! He's an Elf. She's by far his superior. We need to send her home straight away so that she can get over him. I know plenty of decent men back in Arda that would do anything for her. We need to stamp this out of her before its get out of control."
"Arian, do you seriously think that by separating them, you'd be doing Silva a favour?" said Riel.
"Of course I'd be doing her a favour," said Arian.
"Think about it, Arian, do you want her to hate you?" asked Riel.
"She won't hate me when she realises it's for the best."
"Seriously, think about what just happened," said Rath. "Have you ever seen Sil act like that towards you, about anything? Whatever you try to do, it won't work. She really does love him, even I can see that."
"Nilia, you back me up, don't you?"
"Every step of the way, sister" she replied. "I know that this.... this infatuation of Silvawen's is nothing more than that. He's probably just using her because of how powerful she is. No doubt she's shown off her abilities to everyone who'll watch."
"No, you're wrong," said Riel. "There really is something between them."
"Surely you don't believe that soulmate nonsense," scoffed Arian.
"I wouldn't go as far as to say soulmates, but I certainly believe they are meant to be together."
"Then you're stupider than you look," said Nilia.
"Nilia, that was uncalled for," said Arian. "True, but uncalled for." Riel scowled, she knew she wasn't the brightest spark in the fire, but she didn't need to be told and mocked by the ones who supposedly loved her.
"Look, all of us need to calm down, now," said Rath, taking charge of the situation. "Arian, Nilia, when everything is peaceful, you will find Silva and apologise. She may or may not be ruining her own life with the decision she has made, but it is HER decision. Even if our Lords and Mistresses do not side with her, she will be happy."
"I will not apologise for voicing my opinion," said Arian, heatedly.
"Then you will apologise for the manner in which you expressed it. Nilia, what have you to say?"
"I will apologise for trying to force my will upon her," she said, "but not for my actual opinion."
"Very well. Make sure you find her and do so, but leave her be for now."
*****
"Why? I don't understand what the problem is," sobbed Silva. They sat on a bench in Lord Elrond's rich and luxurious gardens whilst she cried her heart out. Legolas sat listening, holding her gently.
"I can't answer that, nissëhon1," he replied, "for I too do not see the problem. But they appear to want the best for your welfare."
"YOU are the best for my welfare, dumbass! Why can't they see that? Eru, if Rath can see it, who never agrees with me on anything might I add, then Arda knows Arian and Nilia should be able to."
"Well, Rath has a boyfriend, doesn't she? Maybe she understands."
"Rath? Understand..... me? PWAH!!!"
"Ok then, maybe not." Silva laughed a little but then burst out crying again.
"How can they be so horrible to me and you?!"
"It will do you no good to dwell on what has happened now. Let it be until either this evening or tomorrow when you can talk more rationally about things. And when I'm not there."
"I'm so sorry you had to witness that. It's not exactly the impression of them I wanted for you. They can be very nice sometimes, honest."
"I'm sure they can be, but until I see the nice side of them, I'll remain completely petrified of you all."
"Even me?"
"Especially you!" She chuckled.
"Thank you for not leaving me. I was so scared that you would." He sighed and rolled his eyes.
"Silva, look at me." She sat up and looked him in the eye. "Just because two of your sisters don't approve of us, doesn't mean I'll stop loving you in the blink of an eye." He planted a soft kiss against her lips. "I wish you would stop thinking otherwise."
"I'm sorry. It's just I feel so insecure, about everything. I guess I just can't believe I've finally fallen in love and that I am loved back. After so long alone, you begin to be skeptical of such things."
"Well, you have nothing to be skeptical about. I have promised to stay with you and we Elves do not go back on our word." She hugged him tightly.
"Thank you."
*****
1Sweetheart