Disclamer: I don't own Legolas but I do own everyone else. Set before the
War of the Ring which is why there aren't many references to LOTR in this
story. Two girls, Leila and Shí disguise themselves as men and join the
army. It's an elvish sort of Mulan with two heroines. Shí/Ahora.
Legolas/Leila. (For once none of the characters are based on me!) The
original version of this story was a swap story between me and my mate Liz.
Ada means father and Nana mother.
The way I'm doing the elves ages is that 500 is the equivalent of a 5 year old so 1500 is a 15 year old. Basically minus the 2 0's and you got the age they look like. And I'm having it that they stop growing at 2000 or 20 so that's why they always look so young. Got it?
To all those who flamed about Éowyn already doing this...she is a human! These are elves. Éowyn fought in one battle, these two fight in lots and train for years. If you notice the whole of the elven army is male so I thought this fitted. Éowyn may do the same but this is set a long time before Return of the King OK? I know Éowyn is a cool character, one of my favourites actually but this is totally different to her. One small note which had been pointed out to me, the reason the girls have joined the army is explained later on because I know it says they wasn't girl power basically but later on it is explained why girl power is so important to them.
Thank you to all those who reviewed and thank you to all those who flamed. I take flames as a persons opinion but as long as not all of my reviews are flames this story will remain up kay? I do have to agree with one piece of constructive criticism/flame, the names are not very elven I know. They would be more elven as I've just found this great name generator site but when I started this story the only names I had were the names on a list my friend Blaze made up for me. Sorry about that, I'll try to make any knew characters names more elven for you. Also the length of hair as I see it is women-really really really long! Men-just below the shoulders and always braided.
I'M CRAP AT LOVE SCENES SO DON'T FLAME ME BECAUSE OF THAT, I KNOW I SUCK AT THEM WHICH IS WHY I HAVE AVOIDED THEM ... UNTIL NOW.
This is dedicated to Liz who helped me start it and has told me in person that she loves the fight scenes and ended up cheering out when she was reading it (causing her parents to look at her).
Hidden Identity
Chapter 15, I'm WHAT!!!!!!!!!
Legolas was with his two youngest brothers and Pedi, teaching them archery. Risen was stood there to keep an eye on Pedi but her eyes kept straying Eriaur who was having a bit of difficulty aiming.
"You need to focus on the target more Eriaur" Legolas said simply. Eriaur got more frustrated as his arrows continued to miss the target. Harnan was doing very well for the youngest brother and Pedi was having emence fun although the bow was bigger than her and Legolas was actually the one shooting them for her. Risen laughed and walked over to Pedi.
"We need to be going now Pedi" Risen said, taking Pedi's hand and walking away slightly.
"But it's ages till sunset" Legolas said. Risen shook her head apologetically and began to walk away. Eriaur watched them go silently and Legolas smiled to himself about his brothers 'fancy'.
"What? What is it?" Leila asked.
"Melyanna, have you had any... sexual relationships lately?" the healer asked.
"Yeeeees" Leila said slowly, not liking the way this was going.
"Well that confirms it, Melyanna, I'm afraid your pregnant."
"I'M WHAT!?!" Leila cried.
"Your pregnant" the healer repeated.
"Oh no" Leila gasped and then she began to cry fitfully. The healer tried to calm her...but it didn't work. Elrond walked in with Arwen and the twins and they were immediately concerned when they saw her crying fitfully.
"What's wrong Melyanna?" Arwen asked distressed at her friends tears. Leila shook her head and cried harder. Arwen pulled her into a hug and rubbed her back gently.
"What is wrong?" Elrond asked the healer who looked at the ground.
"My Lord, the lady Melyanna is with child. She has informed me that before she left Mirkwood she had a partner" The healer said quietly.
"Are you married Melyanna?" Elrond asked kindly. Leila looked at him, shook her head and went back to crying, now into Arwen's shoulder.
"Oh Melyanna" Arwen whispered, tightening her hug and stroking the back of Leila's head gently.
"I left to get away from him, not bring part of him with me" Leila mumbled into Arwen's shoulder. Elrond looked slightly saddened at this last sentence. Elladan and Elrohir sat on either side of their sister and Leila and tried to comfort her.
"Why did you run away?" Elladan asked gently.
"Let's just say I...my family don't have the best reputation at home so it wouldn't have been very good for someone like him" Leila said quietly.
"He was a higher station than you?" Elrohir asked.
"Yes, a much higher station" Leila mumbled.
"Is there anyone you'd like to contact about this? It may help to tell someone like your family" Elrond asked kindly.
"I'll write them a letter" Leila said tearfully. She stood up from the bed, smiled weakly at her friends and then walked slowly back to her room.
Shí opened the letter that had been to delivered to 'Gaalin' from Imladris, already knowing who it was from. Leila hadn't written since she had run away so Shí was very curious to know why she was writing now.
Dear Gaalin,
It's me Melyanna. I have some really bad news to tell you. You know I was with that man before I ran away? Well, the only thing I didn't tell is that we...you know. And I can live with that fact, but what I might not be able to live with is his baby born out of wedlock in a few months time. Don't tell him, tell anyone else as long as they don't tell him, I don't need the burden of him knowing on top of this already.
Your Loving Sister Melyanna
Shí gasped. 'Leila and Legolas did...oh dear. And since when is her name Melyanna?' she thought to herself puzzled and she began to write a reply. 'Poor Leila, pregnant out of marriage, that's bad, very bad, very, very bad, very, very, very oh shut up mind!'
"Poor Leila" she mumbled, sealing the letter and putting Melyanna on the front. She gave it to the elf from Imladris who'd delivered the letter and then went to the fighting courts for some peaceful hand to hand.
Leila opened Shí's reply quickly, with shaking fingers. Any advice she could get on the situation would be greatly appreciated.
Dear Melyanna,
You idiot! How could you go and get yourself pregnant with his child! And what do you mean by don't tell him, he has a right to know! But as you asked me not to I won't tell him but I advise you to, because if you don't when he finds out later he will be even angrier. I miss you and so do your sisters, especially Pedi. A letter to them would be nice. Don't forget Pedi's birthday this year alright!
From Your Brother Gaalin
Leila felt tears in the corners of her eyes. She was an idiot, she'd been telling herself that repeatedly since she'd run away. But she'd been hoping for a bit of compassion and helpful advice, not 'tell him', that was the one thing she couldn't do! The news about Pedi and Risen was good and of course she'd write a letter, later.
4 Weeks Later,
Leila had had to get new dresses that would allow for her growing girth. People looked down on her now, except for those who really knew her like Elrond, Arwen and the twins. They were helping her through this difficult time well. She's never got round to writing that letter to Risen or Pedi but had sent her love in the sarcastic reply to Shí's letter. She was now sat with Arwen in the garden making baby clothes and talking happily. Then all of a sudden Arwen asked the wrong question.
"Who's the father Melyanna? You've never really spoken about him" Arwen asked not looking up from her sewing.
"The father is an old friend of mine who I don't want to speak about. It's over and I'm just going to get on with my life" Leila said coldly, turning away from Arwen.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be impolite" Arwen mumbled.
"Don't worry. If you'll excuse me Arwen I feel tired" and with that Leila walked inside and back to her room. She sat on her bed and placed a hand on her large stomach and cried to herself until she fell asleep from weariness.
Pedi was sat infront of Legolas on the speeding horse, giggling madly. Risen was sat side saddle behind Eriaur, clutching him tightly in fear. Ahora was also sat side saddle but infront of Shí. The group of close friends had been accompanied by Harnan and Tharh(th. Pedi started clapping madly and bouncing dangerously in her seat, not caring that at any point she could fall from the fast moving horse. Legolas had started spending allot of time with Pedi and Risen, Pedi especially as she took after Leila allot.
"Pedi! If you don't calm down and hold on properly we will go strait home!" Ahora warned. Pedi clung to Legolas's left arm immediately and stopped giggling, causing Legolas to laugh.
"I don't wanna go home yet" Pedi said quietly, shaking her head.
"You won't have to" Legolas said, putting his left arm around her small waist to hold her tight. Risen was holding onto Eriaur for dear life, she'd never been much of a rider. He wasn't that bothered because he liked the feel of her arms around his cheast. Ahora was leaning against Shí whose right arm was around her waist. Ahora smiled and lay her head against Shí's shoulder.
"This is nice" Ahora mumbled, closing her eyes happily.
"I agree" Shí said, kissing Ahora's forehead gently before turning her attention back to riding.
1 Month Later,
Leila was starting to have difficulty doing things, especially bending over or picking something up off a high shelf. At this particular moment she was in the library after dinner, trying to get a book from the highest shelf. She stood on tiptoes and reached as high as she could before she clutched at her stomach. She tried again only to find a male hand getting the book for her. Turning she found one of the twins.
"Thanks" Leila said, taking the book from him.
"How are you feeling Melyanna?" he asked.
"Fine El...?"
"Elrohir."
"Elrohir, I really should be able to tell you apart by now" Leila said laughing. Elrohir smiled.
"I was wondering, actually, how you're going to cope with all the rumours that start up about the father of your child?" Elrohir asked timidly.
"I'll ignore them. I'm used to ignoring rumours, I've heard plenty of them in the last few years" Leila said sitting as the table and opening the book.
"What if they say things about the baby?" Elrohir asked, sitting next to her.
"I'll teach him or her to ignore them" Leila said.
"What if he can't?" Elrohir asked.
"He will!" Leila snapped.
"I did not mean to be rude, I was just wondering...wouldn't it be better to lie to everyone about who the father was...or tell us who the father was" Elrohir did have logic on his side, that would make things better.
"His father was just an old friend of mine, that's all" Leila said, trying to focus on the book infront of her.
"What was he like?" Elrohir asked.
"Wonderful" Leila finally answered. Elrohir noticed the fact that tears were forming in Leila's eyes that were obviously remembering better days. Elrohir excused himself quietly and Leila lay her head down on the crook of her arm and had a little weep, remembering days playing with Pedi with Legolas laughing and Risen obviously in love with someone, before that night.
Meanwhile,
(this is Liz's attempt at a angsty bit)
After dinner everyone went their separate ways. Shí and Eriaur went to train as per usual and Ahora and Risen went to Shí and Ahora's room to sew a new dress for Pedi's birthday.
"So, who is he?" Ahora asked the younger girl.
"What?" Risen said with a blush rising to her cheeks.
"I asked who the man is who has clearly captured your heart," Ahora replied matter-of-factly "It is a man isn't it?" she added with a smirk.
"Yes! Of course it's a man!" Risen yelled before slapping her hand over her mouth when she realise what she had said.
"Ha! I knew it! So, who is he?" Ahora asked triumphantly.
"I can't say" Risen mumbled.
"Why ever not? Don't you trust me?" Ahora questioned, slightly hurt by the implication.
"No! I do trust you, I promise! It's just we can never be together, it would be wrong, and...oh never mind, you wouldn't understand." Risen asked, her head hanging onto her chest, and tears glistening in her eyes.
"Risen, believe me; I understand how that feels," Ahora put a hand on her friend's shoulder supportively, "When I was a about your age I fell in love, but it was a wrong love, a forbidden love, I feared what would happen if I told anyone, what would my friends say? What about my family? Would they still love me? Or would they cast me out into the street? What about the object of my affection? Would they feel the same way? Would they hate me and call me disgusting? All these questions and more just kept swirling and swirling, making me dizzy," Ahora sat on the bed next to Risen.
"What happened?" Risen asked looking up at the older girl. A smile crept onto the Ahora's face.
"One night there was a huge festival in the village, I'm not sure whether you'd remember? Anyway it was someone's birthday or something, and everyone was there, including her, it was fantastic, there was everything, food, drink, music, dancing. I was standing by my sister and I looked over at where everyone was dancing and it seemed as though the world slowed down, there she was, the girl of my dreams, dancing with Alataur, I honestly thought my heart had split in two, or maybe a million, so I ran, I just ran," Ahora began crying at the memory, "After a while I found myself in my father's barn and I just dropped to my knees sobbing. I kept thinking 'how could I have been so stupid to think that she loved me back' so I kept crying and crying, all I wanted was to die, life didn't seem worth living anymore" Ahora paused and wiped her eyes, "Then I herd a voice from behind me...
~*~Flashback ~*~
"Ahora? Ahora, are you in here?" Shí called into the dark barn, "Ahora, is that you?" she whispered as she approached a shaking heap on the floor. Getting only a sob in response she knelt down next to the figure wrapping her arms protectively around the young woman. "Ahora, are you okay? Please talk to me." Ahora moved closer into Shí's arms.
"Shí?" Ahora asked, tears still falling from her eyes.
"Yes, it's me, what's wrong?" Shí asked, pulling the smaller girl onto her lap, holding her tightly. Ahora bowed her head.
"Nothing" she answered flatly. Shí raised and eyebrow.
"Sure, 'nothing' is the reason you're so upset, are you hurt? Did someone hurt you? Who was it? Do you want me to hurt them back? I bet it was Taldur! I'll rip him apart! No-one hurts My girl and gets away with it! I'm going to..."
"Did you just call me your girl?" Ahora interrupted, a smile forming
on her face. Shí's eyes went wide.
"I...umm...well...I..." Ahora cut her off with a kiss; she wrapped her arms around the taller girl as Shí put her arms around Ahora's waist. Shí pulled away "Ahora, would you be my girlfriend?" Shí asked looking into Ahora's eyes. Ahora kissed her lightly.
"Of course, Shí, as long as you will be mine" This received an enthusiastic nod from Shí, which Ahora rewarded with another kiss. ~*~ End Flashback ~*~
"And we've been together ever since" Ahora said smiling as she thought about the many years of joy she has shared with Shí since that day.
"That is so romantic!" Risen exclaimed "I wish my life could turn out like that" she added with a note of depression.
"How do you know it won't?" Ahora questioned.
"Oh yes, and I can see Prince Eriaur falling for me any day now" Risen replied sarcastically.
"So it's Prince Eriaur, I guess he is kind of handsome, for a man that is" Ahora remarked as Risen blushed. Soon both girls were back to talking about sewing and the like, but a plan to get Risen and Eraur together was slowly forming in Ahora's mind.
*~*~*Meanwhile*~*~*
"Come on! You can do better than that!" Shí encouraged the young prince as they worked on there sword technique, "Try not to slice as much, jabbing gives your opponent less chance of blocking it and gives you more control especially with your longer sword" the training session had been much like this all the way through, Eriaur's heart just didn't seem to be in it. "Let us rest" Shí said finally, getting frustrated with the Prince's lack of concentration.
"Thank you for helping me, Gaalin, I don't think I could have gotten this far without your guidance" Eriaur commented as they sat down on the grass to rest.
"With all due respect, your highness, it would be easier if you had your mind on the task at hand, and not off in the heavens" Shí replied with a touch of tension in her tone. Eriaur smiled grimily.
"I apologise, Gaalin, I do try to concentrate, truly I do, its just... you know. Gaalin, you're the closest thing to a real friend I have around here" Eriaur looked down at the grass; Shí put a hand on his shoulder "Would you permit me to ask your advice?" Eriaur asked, looking up at the women.
"Of course, your highness, what would you like advice on? For I will answer it if I have the correct knowledge" Shí replied.
"You needn't call me your highness, Gaalin, Eriaur would do nicely" Eriaur smiled at her before continuing "I would like your advice on...well you see the thing is... girls, I need your help with girls" Eraur finally managed to spit out. Shí smirked.
"I'm assuming by 'girls' you mean a specific girl?" Shí asked with a knowing look.
"Umm, well, yes actually, there is one girl in particular I like" Eraur said, nodding bashfully.
"And that would be?" Shí questioned "I can't help you if I don't know who it is!"
"Risen" he mumbled averting his eyes from Shí.
"Risen? As in Leila's sister Risen?" Shí asked smirking.
"Yes" he mumbled going a dark shade of crimson.
"Well, that's good... Eriaur, do you know how she feels?" Shí asked.
"No" he answered quietly.
"Well I don't know what to say, except 'talk to her', see how she feels"
"Really?"
"Yes, really" Shí stood up and grabbed her sword, "Now, lets fight, that's *way* less complicated!"
A/N Wot do you think. Don't worry there is a happy ending but not for a while! People who reveiwed are nice but people who flamed with the phrase This is just like Éowyn in it obviously didn't read the a/N at the top because it's does explain why it's not in bold! Plus saying that after reading 13 chapters isn't the smartest thing to do in the universe, after the first one I could understand but 13 chapters before realising, I think not. By the way, wot do u guys think shud happen next because I'm having trouble deciding.
The way I'm doing the elves ages is that 500 is the equivalent of a 5 year old so 1500 is a 15 year old. Basically minus the 2 0's and you got the age they look like. And I'm having it that they stop growing at 2000 or 20 so that's why they always look so young. Got it?
To all those who flamed about Éowyn already doing this...she is a human! These are elves. Éowyn fought in one battle, these two fight in lots and train for years. If you notice the whole of the elven army is male so I thought this fitted. Éowyn may do the same but this is set a long time before Return of the King OK? I know Éowyn is a cool character, one of my favourites actually but this is totally different to her. One small note which had been pointed out to me, the reason the girls have joined the army is explained later on because I know it says they wasn't girl power basically but later on it is explained why girl power is so important to them.
Thank you to all those who reviewed and thank you to all those who flamed. I take flames as a persons opinion but as long as not all of my reviews are flames this story will remain up kay? I do have to agree with one piece of constructive criticism/flame, the names are not very elven I know. They would be more elven as I've just found this great name generator site but when I started this story the only names I had were the names on a list my friend Blaze made up for me. Sorry about that, I'll try to make any knew characters names more elven for you. Also the length of hair as I see it is women-really really really long! Men-just below the shoulders and always braided.
I'M CRAP AT LOVE SCENES SO DON'T FLAME ME BECAUSE OF THAT, I KNOW I SUCK AT THEM WHICH IS WHY I HAVE AVOIDED THEM ... UNTIL NOW.
This is dedicated to Liz who helped me start it and has told me in person that she loves the fight scenes and ended up cheering out when she was reading it (causing her parents to look at her).
Hidden Identity
Chapter 15, I'm WHAT!!!!!!!!!
Legolas was with his two youngest brothers and Pedi, teaching them archery. Risen was stood there to keep an eye on Pedi but her eyes kept straying Eriaur who was having a bit of difficulty aiming.
"You need to focus on the target more Eriaur" Legolas said simply. Eriaur got more frustrated as his arrows continued to miss the target. Harnan was doing very well for the youngest brother and Pedi was having emence fun although the bow was bigger than her and Legolas was actually the one shooting them for her. Risen laughed and walked over to Pedi.
"We need to be going now Pedi" Risen said, taking Pedi's hand and walking away slightly.
"But it's ages till sunset" Legolas said. Risen shook her head apologetically and began to walk away. Eriaur watched them go silently and Legolas smiled to himself about his brothers 'fancy'.
"What? What is it?" Leila asked.
"Melyanna, have you had any... sexual relationships lately?" the healer asked.
"Yeeeees" Leila said slowly, not liking the way this was going.
"Well that confirms it, Melyanna, I'm afraid your pregnant."
"I'M WHAT!?!" Leila cried.
"Your pregnant" the healer repeated.
"Oh no" Leila gasped and then she began to cry fitfully. The healer tried to calm her...but it didn't work. Elrond walked in with Arwen and the twins and they were immediately concerned when they saw her crying fitfully.
"What's wrong Melyanna?" Arwen asked distressed at her friends tears. Leila shook her head and cried harder. Arwen pulled her into a hug and rubbed her back gently.
"What is wrong?" Elrond asked the healer who looked at the ground.
"My Lord, the lady Melyanna is with child. She has informed me that before she left Mirkwood she had a partner" The healer said quietly.
"Are you married Melyanna?" Elrond asked kindly. Leila looked at him, shook her head and went back to crying, now into Arwen's shoulder.
"Oh Melyanna" Arwen whispered, tightening her hug and stroking the back of Leila's head gently.
"I left to get away from him, not bring part of him with me" Leila mumbled into Arwen's shoulder. Elrond looked slightly saddened at this last sentence. Elladan and Elrohir sat on either side of their sister and Leila and tried to comfort her.
"Why did you run away?" Elladan asked gently.
"Let's just say I...my family don't have the best reputation at home so it wouldn't have been very good for someone like him" Leila said quietly.
"He was a higher station than you?" Elrohir asked.
"Yes, a much higher station" Leila mumbled.
"Is there anyone you'd like to contact about this? It may help to tell someone like your family" Elrond asked kindly.
"I'll write them a letter" Leila said tearfully. She stood up from the bed, smiled weakly at her friends and then walked slowly back to her room.
Shí opened the letter that had been to delivered to 'Gaalin' from Imladris, already knowing who it was from. Leila hadn't written since she had run away so Shí was very curious to know why she was writing now.
Dear Gaalin,
It's me Melyanna. I have some really bad news to tell you. You know I was with that man before I ran away? Well, the only thing I didn't tell is that we...you know. And I can live with that fact, but what I might not be able to live with is his baby born out of wedlock in a few months time. Don't tell him, tell anyone else as long as they don't tell him, I don't need the burden of him knowing on top of this already.
Your Loving Sister Melyanna
Shí gasped. 'Leila and Legolas did...oh dear. And since when is her name Melyanna?' she thought to herself puzzled and she began to write a reply. 'Poor Leila, pregnant out of marriage, that's bad, very bad, very, very bad, very, very, very oh shut up mind!'
"Poor Leila" she mumbled, sealing the letter and putting Melyanna on the front. She gave it to the elf from Imladris who'd delivered the letter and then went to the fighting courts for some peaceful hand to hand.
Leila opened Shí's reply quickly, with shaking fingers. Any advice she could get on the situation would be greatly appreciated.
Dear Melyanna,
You idiot! How could you go and get yourself pregnant with his child! And what do you mean by don't tell him, he has a right to know! But as you asked me not to I won't tell him but I advise you to, because if you don't when he finds out later he will be even angrier. I miss you and so do your sisters, especially Pedi. A letter to them would be nice. Don't forget Pedi's birthday this year alright!
From Your Brother Gaalin
Leila felt tears in the corners of her eyes. She was an idiot, she'd been telling herself that repeatedly since she'd run away. But she'd been hoping for a bit of compassion and helpful advice, not 'tell him', that was the one thing she couldn't do! The news about Pedi and Risen was good and of course she'd write a letter, later.
4 Weeks Later,
Leila had had to get new dresses that would allow for her growing girth. People looked down on her now, except for those who really knew her like Elrond, Arwen and the twins. They were helping her through this difficult time well. She's never got round to writing that letter to Risen or Pedi but had sent her love in the sarcastic reply to Shí's letter. She was now sat with Arwen in the garden making baby clothes and talking happily. Then all of a sudden Arwen asked the wrong question.
"Who's the father Melyanna? You've never really spoken about him" Arwen asked not looking up from her sewing.
"The father is an old friend of mine who I don't want to speak about. It's over and I'm just going to get on with my life" Leila said coldly, turning away from Arwen.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be impolite" Arwen mumbled.
"Don't worry. If you'll excuse me Arwen I feel tired" and with that Leila walked inside and back to her room. She sat on her bed and placed a hand on her large stomach and cried to herself until she fell asleep from weariness.
Pedi was sat infront of Legolas on the speeding horse, giggling madly. Risen was sat side saddle behind Eriaur, clutching him tightly in fear. Ahora was also sat side saddle but infront of Shí. The group of close friends had been accompanied by Harnan and Tharh(th. Pedi started clapping madly and bouncing dangerously in her seat, not caring that at any point she could fall from the fast moving horse. Legolas had started spending allot of time with Pedi and Risen, Pedi especially as she took after Leila allot.
"Pedi! If you don't calm down and hold on properly we will go strait home!" Ahora warned. Pedi clung to Legolas's left arm immediately and stopped giggling, causing Legolas to laugh.
"I don't wanna go home yet" Pedi said quietly, shaking her head.
"You won't have to" Legolas said, putting his left arm around her small waist to hold her tight. Risen was holding onto Eriaur for dear life, she'd never been much of a rider. He wasn't that bothered because he liked the feel of her arms around his cheast. Ahora was leaning against Shí whose right arm was around her waist. Ahora smiled and lay her head against Shí's shoulder.
"This is nice" Ahora mumbled, closing her eyes happily.
"I agree" Shí said, kissing Ahora's forehead gently before turning her attention back to riding.
1 Month Later,
Leila was starting to have difficulty doing things, especially bending over or picking something up off a high shelf. At this particular moment she was in the library after dinner, trying to get a book from the highest shelf. She stood on tiptoes and reached as high as she could before she clutched at her stomach. She tried again only to find a male hand getting the book for her. Turning she found one of the twins.
"Thanks" Leila said, taking the book from him.
"How are you feeling Melyanna?" he asked.
"Fine El...?"
"Elrohir."
"Elrohir, I really should be able to tell you apart by now" Leila said laughing. Elrohir smiled.
"I was wondering, actually, how you're going to cope with all the rumours that start up about the father of your child?" Elrohir asked timidly.
"I'll ignore them. I'm used to ignoring rumours, I've heard plenty of them in the last few years" Leila said sitting as the table and opening the book.
"What if they say things about the baby?" Elrohir asked, sitting next to her.
"I'll teach him or her to ignore them" Leila said.
"What if he can't?" Elrohir asked.
"He will!" Leila snapped.
"I did not mean to be rude, I was just wondering...wouldn't it be better to lie to everyone about who the father was...or tell us who the father was" Elrohir did have logic on his side, that would make things better.
"His father was just an old friend of mine, that's all" Leila said, trying to focus on the book infront of her.
"What was he like?" Elrohir asked.
"Wonderful" Leila finally answered. Elrohir noticed the fact that tears were forming in Leila's eyes that were obviously remembering better days. Elrohir excused himself quietly and Leila lay her head down on the crook of her arm and had a little weep, remembering days playing with Pedi with Legolas laughing and Risen obviously in love with someone, before that night.
Meanwhile,
(this is Liz's attempt at a angsty bit)
After dinner everyone went their separate ways. Shí and Eriaur went to train as per usual and Ahora and Risen went to Shí and Ahora's room to sew a new dress for Pedi's birthday.
"So, who is he?" Ahora asked the younger girl.
"What?" Risen said with a blush rising to her cheeks.
"I asked who the man is who has clearly captured your heart," Ahora replied matter-of-factly "It is a man isn't it?" she added with a smirk.
"Yes! Of course it's a man!" Risen yelled before slapping her hand over her mouth when she realise what she had said.
"Ha! I knew it! So, who is he?" Ahora asked triumphantly.
"I can't say" Risen mumbled.
"Why ever not? Don't you trust me?" Ahora questioned, slightly hurt by the implication.
"No! I do trust you, I promise! It's just we can never be together, it would be wrong, and...oh never mind, you wouldn't understand." Risen asked, her head hanging onto her chest, and tears glistening in her eyes.
"Risen, believe me; I understand how that feels," Ahora put a hand on her friend's shoulder supportively, "When I was a about your age I fell in love, but it was a wrong love, a forbidden love, I feared what would happen if I told anyone, what would my friends say? What about my family? Would they still love me? Or would they cast me out into the street? What about the object of my affection? Would they feel the same way? Would they hate me and call me disgusting? All these questions and more just kept swirling and swirling, making me dizzy," Ahora sat on the bed next to Risen.
"What happened?" Risen asked looking up at the older girl. A smile crept onto the Ahora's face.
"One night there was a huge festival in the village, I'm not sure whether you'd remember? Anyway it was someone's birthday or something, and everyone was there, including her, it was fantastic, there was everything, food, drink, music, dancing. I was standing by my sister and I looked over at where everyone was dancing and it seemed as though the world slowed down, there she was, the girl of my dreams, dancing with Alataur, I honestly thought my heart had split in two, or maybe a million, so I ran, I just ran," Ahora began crying at the memory, "After a while I found myself in my father's barn and I just dropped to my knees sobbing. I kept thinking 'how could I have been so stupid to think that she loved me back' so I kept crying and crying, all I wanted was to die, life didn't seem worth living anymore" Ahora paused and wiped her eyes, "Then I herd a voice from behind me...
~*~Flashback ~*~
"Ahora? Ahora, are you in here?" Shí called into the dark barn, "Ahora, is that you?" she whispered as she approached a shaking heap on the floor. Getting only a sob in response she knelt down next to the figure wrapping her arms protectively around the young woman. "Ahora, are you okay? Please talk to me." Ahora moved closer into Shí's arms.
"Shí?" Ahora asked, tears still falling from her eyes.
"Yes, it's me, what's wrong?" Shí asked, pulling the smaller girl onto her lap, holding her tightly. Ahora bowed her head.
"Nothing" she answered flatly. Shí raised and eyebrow.
"Sure, 'nothing' is the reason you're so upset, are you hurt? Did someone hurt you? Who was it? Do you want me to hurt them back? I bet it was Taldur! I'll rip him apart! No-one hurts My girl and gets away with it! I'm going to..."
"Did you just call me your girl?" Ahora interrupted, a smile forming
on her face. Shí's eyes went wide.
"I...umm...well...I..." Ahora cut her off with a kiss; she wrapped her arms around the taller girl as Shí put her arms around Ahora's waist. Shí pulled away "Ahora, would you be my girlfriend?" Shí asked looking into Ahora's eyes. Ahora kissed her lightly.
"Of course, Shí, as long as you will be mine" This received an enthusiastic nod from Shí, which Ahora rewarded with another kiss. ~*~ End Flashback ~*~
"And we've been together ever since" Ahora said smiling as she thought about the many years of joy she has shared with Shí since that day.
"That is so romantic!" Risen exclaimed "I wish my life could turn out like that" she added with a note of depression.
"How do you know it won't?" Ahora questioned.
"Oh yes, and I can see Prince Eriaur falling for me any day now" Risen replied sarcastically.
"So it's Prince Eriaur, I guess he is kind of handsome, for a man that is" Ahora remarked as Risen blushed. Soon both girls were back to talking about sewing and the like, but a plan to get Risen and Eraur together was slowly forming in Ahora's mind.
*~*~*Meanwhile*~*~*
"Come on! You can do better than that!" Shí encouraged the young prince as they worked on there sword technique, "Try not to slice as much, jabbing gives your opponent less chance of blocking it and gives you more control especially with your longer sword" the training session had been much like this all the way through, Eriaur's heart just didn't seem to be in it. "Let us rest" Shí said finally, getting frustrated with the Prince's lack of concentration.
"Thank you for helping me, Gaalin, I don't think I could have gotten this far without your guidance" Eriaur commented as they sat down on the grass to rest.
"With all due respect, your highness, it would be easier if you had your mind on the task at hand, and not off in the heavens" Shí replied with a touch of tension in her tone. Eriaur smiled grimily.
"I apologise, Gaalin, I do try to concentrate, truly I do, its just... you know. Gaalin, you're the closest thing to a real friend I have around here" Eriaur looked down at the grass; Shí put a hand on his shoulder "Would you permit me to ask your advice?" Eriaur asked, looking up at the women.
"Of course, your highness, what would you like advice on? For I will answer it if I have the correct knowledge" Shí replied.
"You needn't call me your highness, Gaalin, Eriaur would do nicely" Eriaur smiled at her before continuing "I would like your advice on...well you see the thing is... girls, I need your help with girls" Eraur finally managed to spit out. Shí smirked.
"I'm assuming by 'girls' you mean a specific girl?" Shí asked with a knowing look.
"Umm, well, yes actually, there is one girl in particular I like" Eraur said, nodding bashfully.
"And that would be?" Shí questioned "I can't help you if I don't know who it is!"
"Risen" he mumbled averting his eyes from Shí.
"Risen? As in Leila's sister Risen?" Shí asked smirking.
"Yes" he mumbled going a dark shade of crimson.
"Well, that's good... Eriaur, do you know how she feels?" Shí asked.
"No" he answered quietly.
"Well I don't know what to say, except 'talk to her', see how she feels"
"Really?"
"Yes, really" Shí stood up and grabbed her sword, "Now, lets fight, that's *way* less complicated!"
A/N Wot do you think. Don't worry there is a happy ending but not for a while! People who reveiwed are nice but people who flamed with the phrase This is just like Éowyn in it obviously didn't read the a/N at the top because it's does explain why it's not in bold! Plus saying that after reading 13 chapters isn't the smartest thing to do in the universe, after the first one I could understand but 13 chapters before realising, I think not. By the way, wot do u guys think shud happen next because I'm having trouble deciding.