Between the Lines
By Penpunk
Chapter 13: Actions Speak Louder
A party of horsemen clad in dark hoods came into a clearing on the Rohan plain. The lead horseman raised his hand to single a halt.
Dalkir pulled his horse to a walk before slipping off its back and crouching to the ground.
"They slowed down here," he said to the other Avari in the party. "An Elvish horse wouldn't need to rest at this point."
"Perhaps they decided on which path to take," said an Avari soldier towards the front of the sizable pack. Ten elves traveled in all. Seven were Avari. The other three were elves from Aelin-Brethil. "From this point, they have many options."
Dalkir looked at the tracks more closely. He scowled as he thought about the delay they encountered, no doubt devised by the Silvan. The blonde prince would surely pay for the abduction of his fair Avari bride. Elenril was his and no one would change it.
"They are headed north," said Dalkir as he remounted his horse. "Three elven kingdoms would gladly shelter them, yet be unwelcoming to us. Let us hope we can reach the two before they can make it to any of them.
"Do you think they would be headed to Lorien?" asked another in the party.
"Most likely," answered Dalkir. "Elenril's father was from Lorien. She would be welcomed, as would the Silvan. We are at a disadvantage. We must find Elenril before she passes beyond the Galadhrim borders. I will use force if need be, but I would rather not test myself against Galadhriel.
With that, Dalkir sped ahead, turning north to follow the tracks left behind by Legolas and Kat.
Eventually, the rocking of the galloping horse brought Kat out of the sleep it had put her in the first place. She stirred and shifted in the saddle as she tried to stretch her muscles.
They had been riding for three straight days. Kat had decided part way through the trip that the next Elvendom they came to, they would be staying for a very very long time. Kat didn't know how many more days she could spend traveling across Middle-Earth on the back of a horse.
"Did you sleep well?" asked Legolas as he felt her move.
"Surprisingly, I did," she said with a slight smile.
"Traveling is much easier when you aren't awake for it," said Legolas with a laugh.
"Very true," she said. "Would you like me to take the reigns for a while? You must be tired."
"No, I'm not at all," he answered. "For an elf, you sleep a lot. Are you feeling well?"
"Yes, I'm fine."
"Look!" cried Legolas. "I think those are the borders."
In front of them, Kat could see a thick green and gold mass lining the horizon.
"Lothlorien," said Legolas in an awe filled voice. "All through my elflings days, I remember hearing stores of that fair forest. My father would sit me down and tell me of the high elves and Galadhriel."
"So you've never been, then?" asked Kat.
"No," answered Legolas. "It's not often that I leave my own forest and if so, it is usually to Rivendell."
"It's in a relatively close proximity," said Kat. "If you've always heard the stories, why not just go?"
Legolas sighed. Kat could feel his warm breath in her hair.
"To be honest, I've always been a little intimidated. And besides, they have always been careful about their borders. No anyone can enter Lorien alone and unnoticed. Which is why this is an ideal place to run to. Even the stealth the Avari possess will not match up against Galadhriel's forces."
"Let's hope that, anyway," said Kat.
"Do you doubt our Lorien kin?"
"No," answered Kat, "but I think we may be underestimating our Avari pursuers."
"Perhaps," said Legolas as he held Kat tighter against him, "but I will do everything I can to protect you, Elenril. I care for you too much to lose you again."
Kat leaned back into Legolas as he held her closer. Only the mention of Elenril's name spoiled the moment she felt between them. The slight twinge of jealousy that came when she thought about not really being in love with Katherine Wellington.
"But he is," she tried to tell herself. "He loves what he think is the person Elenril has turned into and that person is me."
"So what are we going to do once we get to Lothlorien?" asked Kat as the border of trees approached.
"Well, I have an idea of what we could do but I want to wait for Lady Galadhriel's council first. If she is as wise as the stories say she is, she'll know what to do."
Both fell silent as the border of the wood got closer. The setting sun began to sink behind the looming trees, causing them to look larger and more intimidating. Soon, they were under the canopy of the giant trees. Legolas slowed his horse to a walk as he began to survey the surroundings.
"Do you know where you're going?" asked Kat in a low whisper.
"Honestly, I don't," said Legolas, "but I doubt we'll get far before running into Galadhrim guards."
The giant silver Mallorn trees of the forest seemed to come down on them as the sun faded in the west. Still, a slight glow filled the darkness, as if something of the diminishing light lingered still.
"It's so beautiful," said Kat. Legolas was speechless as he took the surroundings in. Both were too occupied to see the dark mass of movement coming up behind them. Their silent footsteps grew quicker as they rushed up behind the horse.
"Halt!" cried a voice behind them. There was a simultaneous drawing of bowstrings before Legolas could even reach for his bow. Instead, Kat and Legolas just put up their arms in surrender.
The Galadhrim force quickly circled Legolas and Kat as one elf approached them.
"Legolas Greenleaf," said the leader as he walked to the side of the horse.
"Yes," said Legolas in return.
"I am Haldir, Captain of Lady Galadhriel's guard. You enter our wood at a late hour, without invitation or notice."
"We are seeking protection and shelter," said Legolas as he acknowledged Kat.
"And who is your companion?"
"This is Princess Elenril of Aelin-Brethil," said Legolas.
Haldir gave a slight bow in her direction but showed a slight hesitation and disdain in doing so. It seemed that Elenril's reputation preceded her wherever she traveled.
"What are you seeking protection from?" asked Haldir as he looked back to Legolas. "If you are running from orcs, they dare not step foot in these woods."
"We are being pursued by Avari warriors," answered Legolas. "They have chased us from Aelin-Brethil."
"Avari?" said Haldir with a high suspicious tone. "Don't they make dealings with her kind? I'm sorry, but Lorien will not be caught up in affairs that are not concerning our own kin."
Kat became a little offended at the separation Haldir was making between her and other elves. Legolas sensed this and rested his hand on her arm.
"Elenril is of our kin," said Legolas. "Her father was of the Galadhrim."
"Be that as it may," said Haldir a little forcefully, "we don't want to come between whatever conflict Aelin-Brethil is having with the company they chose to make."
"The elves that pursue us intend on taking Elenril away from me, her betrothed, and forcing her into a marriage with an Avari prince."
Kat froze at the word "betrothed." Did Legolas just imply marriage between them?
Haldir's face changed as Legolas spoke.
"Our borders are well protected," said Haldir. "You will both be safe here."
"The sound of the untightening of bow strings sounded around them.
"I will take you to Lady Galadhriel and Lord Celeborn. They will wish to speak with you."
"Thank you, Haldir," said Legolas. Haldir bowed and leaving the rest of the guard, led Legolas and Kat deeper into the forest.
They traveled in silence for sometime while Haldir led them through the now dark and twisting forest. The glow that they had noticed earlier was getting brighter.
"We are entering the city of Caras Gladhon, where Lady Galadhriel and Lord Celeborn dwell. This is the center of Elvendom on Earth," Haldir turned and stopped. Legolas and Kat looked up to see the thousands of iridescent lights that began to sparkle as they entered the edge of the city. The city stood tall on a green hill, with Mallorn trees - gold, green and silver leaves lining their strong and ancient branches.
They came to a path of white stone that led to a white bridge. After crossing it, they came to the gates of the city. Haldir gave a knock and the gates opened. They were presented with a view of many more white paths branching off as they entered through the gate. A large fountain rested in the center, the paths weaving themselves around it. The paths led to many winding staircases that scaled the giant silver trees, each bathed in light. Kat could see other elves high above them, going about their usual business in the dwellings high above.
Haldir held out a hand to Kat. She accepted and let him help her off the horse. Legolas dismounted after.
"Is the lady expecting us?" asked Kat, remembering Haldir's earlier comment.
"Lady Galadhriel knows what enters and exits her forest. She knew you were here the moment you came across our borders," answered Haldir. "She will see you now."
Legolas and Kat followed Haldir to the largest tree with the most lights and the biggest dwelling. He led them up the winding staircase. When they came to the widest flet, Haldir stopped them and led them onto it. Built upon the particular talan was an enormous building, big enough to be a palace or hall fit for kings of men.
"Wait here," said Haldir as he entered the house. "I shall return shortly."
After Haldir left, Kat turned quickly to Legolas.
"What are you doing?" asked Kat in a hushed but anxious tone. "Why did you tell him that we're getting married?"
"They couldn't help us if you were running away from a legitimate betrothal. Your mother made a deal with the Avari – something she and you are bound to. The only way to get around it is to act like you were already to be wed to me," Legolas answered in the same low tone.
"So what now? Do we have to act like we're together?" asked Kat.
"Would that be so hard?" asked Legolas. He sounded a little hurt.
"That's not what I'm saying at all," answered Kat. "I'm just questioning your intentions."
Legolas looked at her strangely for a moment. It seemed as if he was a little confused. Kat couldn't say much more for herself. What were his intentions?
Before he could answer, however, Haldir returned and stood by their side. He motioned in front of them and out of the dwelling came Lady Galadhriel. Kat was in awe of the vision before her. That's all it seemed like – a vision, a dream, non-reality. The Lady's presence questioned her belief of actually being in Lothlorien – in Middle-Earth. She was robed in a long white dress, which seemed to sparkle at every movement. Her long blonde hair flowed in streams down her back, her fair face glowing as she examined her guests.
"Legolas Greenleaf," she said as she looked at him. "We welcome one of our kin into this fair forest. How fares your father?"
Legolas bowed low to Galadhriel after she spoke, being in too much awe to do so as she first appeared.
"He is well," he answered.
"And Elenril of Aelin-Brethil," she said as she turned toward Kat. Kat curtsied low to her. "It is good to see your father's own kin return to Caras Gladhon."
"Thank you, My Lady."
"Haldir has told me briefly of your plight," said Galadhriel. Haldir bowed in return. "Legolas, would you recall the events in detail?"
"Yes, My Lady."
Kat watched Legolas as he began to speak but a strange sense came over her. It was as if someone turned down the volume of this interaction.
"You are not Elenril."
Kat was startled by the voice. It was in her head, but clearly not the "other." It was Galadhriel's voice. Was she reading her thoughts?
"Talking without words," said her voice. "I prefer to call it that."
"What do you mean?" asked Kat in her mind. "I am Elenril, Princess of Aelin-Brethil."
Galadhriel laughed in Kat's mind but on the outside, she was clearly paying close attention to what Legolas was saying.
"I clearly know you are not," said Galadhriel. "So the question remains – who are you?"
Kat froze. The time had finally come for her to reveal her true self, but she had no idea how to do it.
"If it helps, you aren't the only traveler I've come across."
"More people like me?"
"There have been several," she answered. "Though you are the only current one that I know of in Middle-Earth."
Kat's heart leapt. They found their way out?
"Eventually, yes," Galadhriel said. "Now, tell me who you are."
"My name is Katherine Willington," she answered. "I'm from New York, but I was home visiting my sister, Julie, in England and while we were looking around, I found this necklace and…"
"Slow down," said Galadhriel with a laugh. "Do you know why you are here?"
"There's a reason?" said Kat.
"Time will tell," she said.
"How much time?"
"That's not for us to decide," she answered. "Now, what of Legolas? It seems you have formed a bond with him."
"Possibly," said Kat. "But he only knows me as Elenril."
"Tell him the truth."
"How could he possibly believe me?"
"You told me and I believed you."
Kat stood dumbfounded as Galadhriel nodded at her.
"I will help you," said Galadhriel out loud. Kat didn't know if she was speaking to them as a whole or just to her.
"When you are ready, I will help you," Galadhriel said to just her.
Kat gave her a nod.
"Haldir will show you to your rooms," said Galadhriel. "I will speak with you both later."
With that, Lady Galadhriel turned and returned inside the beautiful dwelling. Haldir motioned for Kat and Legolas to follow him. They descended the stairs until a pathway to some lower flets appeared.
Kat and Legolas were shown to adjoining rooms. Kat was grateful for being housed so closely.
"If you need anything," said Haldir as he prepared to leave Kat and Legolas, "there are elves that would be happy to help you."
"Thank you," said Legolas, before nodding in his direction. Haldir returned the gesture to both Kat and Legolas before turning and walking away.
After Haldir left, Kat began to explore her room. The comforts of Lorien were much grander then those of Rivendell, Mirkwood and certainly Aelin-Brethil. Greens, gold and silver were washed over the room, recreating the color scheme of the outside inside. All the furniture, and especially the bed, was large and beautiful, covered in old elvish runes and stories.
"This is comfort."
Kat turned to see Legolas enter from the adjoining room's entrance.
"It certainly beats a horse's back or the ground," said Kat with a smile.
"It seems that is all we do," said Legolas. "Ride back and forth, bouncing between Elven kingdoms. If there wasn't so much at risk, it would be exhilarating."
Kat laughed. Legolas smiled back as he walked to her. He stopped close, his hands immediately going to her hair. He combed his fingers through it as he dipped his head down and softly met her lips with his.
Kat was a little taken back by his sudden forwardness and openness towards her. True, affections had been exchanged before leaving Aelin-Brethil and the escape from there left little time for outward displays, but Kat wasn't at all sure if this was right anymore. The renewed thought of going home and the realization that Legolas would soon know the truth about her made her pull back from his kiss.
"I'm sorry," said Legolas, his hands dropping down to his sides quickly. "I just thought that everything that happened before we left Aelin-Brethil..."
"No, it's not anything you've done, Legolas," said Kat. "It's just me. I'm feeling apprehensive about everything that's going on. And after meeting with Galadhriel, I'm just a little confused, that's all."
"Is it the whole betrothal thing?" asked Legolas. "I'm sorry if that makes you uncomfortable, but it's all I could think of to make this work."
"No, it's not that," said Kat. "It's something more personal. I don't what to talk about it right now, but you'll know soon enough."
Legolas looked at her for a long time before turning and walking a little way off from her.
"As much as I want to say I'm over what has happened between us, I just can't," said Legolas, turning back towards Kat. "And after all that has happened, I can't help but hope that we have a chance to rebuild what we had before things fell apart. I know that things could never be the same. You're so different now. Almost like you're a different person underneath but I'm not saying that's a bad thing. As I've said before, I like the change."
"Legolas, I..."
"But I won't push anything on you that is unwelcome. I will respect your feelings and wishes and if this is not meant to be, I will accept it and never bring it up again."
Kat was torn. It had been an emotional couple of days and this was the last thing she wanted to deal with. Hopefully, she was going to find a way home and she didn't want to leave Legolas broken hearted and in the dark to fend for himself once the real Elenril was back.
"Legolas, I just need some time to think things through," said Kat as she stared at her feet. "I'm just asking for a little time."
Kat expected Legolas to try and convince her otherwise. Deep down, a part of her wanted him to, but he didn't say anything. As Kat looked up, he simply nodded and walked away, back into his room, shutting the door behind him.
Dalkir pulled his black cloak around him closer, pulling the hood down so only the bottom half of his face could be seen. He scanned the horizon, the tops of the Lorien trees scraping the dark night, their forms barely silhouetted against the sky.
His small force of elves found shelter in a dense grouping of trees parallel to the borders of Lorien. They could watch them from a distance without intruding on the foreign, and for his kind, forbidden land. Avari were not welcome in the kingdom of Galadhriel. Not since Luinuial cut and cauterized the ties she had with the remaining Elven kingdoms. Her habit of ransoming imprisoned elves did not help her cause. Not that he wanted anything to do with Silvan elves anyway. Dalkir saw things Luinuial's way, but for once, he wished that things were a little friendlier between the two kingdoms.
Dalkir knew that he would be risking the lives of his men if he attempted to rescue Elenril from the Silvan. He knew the risks he was taking by planning to infiltrate the woods of Lothlorien. But nothing would stop him from his goal. Elenril was his. Only he was to smell the dark, sweet smell of her hair and look into the deep pools of her eyes. Only him. Blood would be spilt on her behalf. He only hoped it would not be his.
So he sat, watching, while the others in his party circled together and conversed in hushed voices. The night smelled of rain so there would be no use in starting a fire. It wasn't wise anyway. He knew that the Lorien elves would be on their guard. He knew that the Silvan would have alerted his kin to the Avari that followed them, so for now, all he could do was sit and wait for his chance to retrieve the elf he loved.
When Kat asked Legolas for time to decide on their future together, she at least expected things to be friendlier, but for some strange reason, Legolas had decided that "time to think" automatically meant "no, go away." He would hardly look at her, let alone speak with her. She was confused and frustrated. At least Lothlorien gave her a safe place to feel this way. They were not subjected to deadlines here. She didn't have to jet off to some far away kingdom. Finally, some peace and quiet, however volatile it would be. She knew that Dalkir was after them. She knew that he was trying to get her back, but something about Lorien put her at ease. But Legolas certainly didn't. He avoided her whenever possible. It was as if he was afraid that if he looked at her wrong, she would say no to him. So he kept his distance.
Legolas confused Kat. He was so dignified and brave. He could kill a dozen orcs with no problem and rescue her from an army of angry Avari warriors, but when it came to emotion, he was a wimp and a flake. Maybe it was just her modern western mindset. Love seemed to be a totally different subject to the Elves, and she was tired of trying to figure it out.
Three days after arriving in Lothlorien, Galadhriel asked to speak with Legolas and Kat once again. Kat was getting ready when a knock came on the door that adjoined her room to Legolas'.
"Come in," she said over her shoulder. She continued to brush her long dark locks as the door behind her opened and shut.
"I thought we would walk together," said Legolas in a quiet voice. "I hope that is okay."
"Of course," said Kat as she set down her brush and turned to the elf behind her. They looked at each other for a moment before Legolas turned and started walking around the room. Kat finished placing some silver clips in her hair and smoothed out the light blue gown she was given by the Lorien elves. The dress was beautiful and a lot less revealing than Elenril's normal fare.
"You know," said Kat as she stood and faced Legolas, "you've been a little elusive these last few days. Is there something wrong?"
Legolas shook his head without turning to look back at Kat.
"Legolas, I know you better than that," said Kat as she walked over to him. "You're acting as if I don't exist."
"You haven't made you decision about us yet," said Legolas, his eyes meeting hers. "I can't get my hopes up. Rejection is easier if you expect it."
"Legolas, how do you now if I'm going to reject you?"
"Well, you aren't sure about us, if you have to think about it," said Legolas, his voice lined with pain.
"I – Legolas, things are more complicated than you could imagine," said Kat.
"Don't you trust me enough to tell me what's wrong?" said Legolas, grabbing Kat's hand and holding it in both of his.
"Of course I do," said Kat, "but I'm more concerned about how it will affect you."
Legolas didn't answer, but instead looked at her with confusion.
"Come, we must go," said Legolas after a few moments of silence. Kat nodded and they left the room hand in hand.
They arrived on Galadhriel's flet and were met by Haldir. He led them inside and seated them at a grand carved wood and silver table.
"Lady Galadhriel will join you shortly," said Haldir as he bowed and left.
Kat and Legolas sat in a slightly awkward silence. Noticing that they were still hand in hand, Legolas gave hers a light squeeze before letting go.
"I'm sorry about the last few days," said Legolas. "It was unfair to you."
"It's okay," answered Kat. "You know, I think you apologize too much."
Legolas gave her a puzzled look.
"It just seems like you're always apologizing for something."
"Thank you for pointing out my flaws for me," said Legolas.
Kat laughed lightly until she saw a figure move toward them.
"It is good of you to join me," said Galadhriel as she entered the room and sat across from them at the table. Kat smiled on the inside, the scene before her resembling a sort of Middle-Earth business meeting.
"We thank you for helping us," said Legolas. "It means very much to Lady Elenril and me."
Galadhriel nodded in return.
"My Captain of the Galadhrim Guard, Haldir, has heard reports from the boarder patrols that the Avari wait near Lothlorien," said Galadhriel.
"Wait?" asked Legolas.
"They wait and watch, no doubt devising a plan to retrieve Lady Elenril."
"But we're safe here. Right?" asked Kat, the nervousness about her situation suddenly coming back to her.
"Lothlorien's borders are well protected," said Galadhriel, but her tone was not reassuring. "However, we don't normally have to protect our borders from elves. Avari are not welcomed in our land, but they have never tried to infiltrate our borders. I wish I could tell you that your safety is guaranteed here, but unfortunately, there is the chance that they could find their way to Caras Gladhon. As unlikely as them making their way unnoticed is, other precautions must be made."
"Other precautions?" asked Legolas. "Like what?"
"You need to marry Lady Elenril," said Galadhriel. "As soon as possible."
"What?" exclaimed Kat, a little louder then she intended.
Galadhriel eyed them both knowingly. Obviously she knew that their supposed betrothal was not real. Both Kat and Legolas could feel it.
"Why married?" asked Legolas.
"You can tell that Avari that you are betrothed all you want but it will make no difference. They only recognize marriage as a permanent commitment," said Galadhriel. "It is imperative that you are married at once."
Legolas and Kat looked at each other for a long time.
"If not, Dalkir can take you away whenever he sees fit," said Galadhriel.
"What choice do we have?" whispered Legolas.
"When can it be done?" asked Kat.
"Immediately," answered Galadhriel.
Kat looked at Legolas and nodded.
"Let's make the arrangements," said Legolas.
Galadhriel nodded and rose.
"Is that all?" asked Kat.
"For now," said Galadhriel, a comment directed at Kat. Kat knew that their conversation from earlier was not yet resolved and this new wrench in her life would definitely complicate things further.
As Legolas and Kat left the flet, they were taken separate ways by a group of elves. Apparently immediately meant immediately. Kat was seated in front of a large mirror as two elves started to pull back her hair into elaborate braids. Strands of silver were woven into her hair, reflecting the light in the room, giving her a halo of sorts.
She was getting married. In all the childhood daydreams she had of what marriage would be like, she definitely didn't envision being wed to a strange elf in a far away fantasy world. Kat could feel the tears welling in her eyes. This wasn't how it was supposed to work. She was supposed to be swept off her feet by some artist in New York and married in a quaint little ceremony on some ocean side cliff in Ireland, where her family could be with her and be happy. Julie was supposed to be her maid of honor and frantically run around, trying to find something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.
"Well," thought Kat as she tried to make sense of everything. "Legolas can be something old. This appearance and body is borrowed. My dress is blue. I just need something new."
"Lady Galadhriel had this sent for you to wear," said one of the elves attending to her. She pulled out a silver bracelet. It was intricately woven together, creating a design reminiscent of Celtic art. "It is a present from the elves of Lorien on this happy occasion."
Something new. Kat smiled as the elf clasped it to her arm.
"Thank you," she said, happy that something traditional had found it's way into this ceremony. "It's beautiful."
The elf smiled as she continued to help with Kat's hair.
When they were finished, the elves led Kat out of the room and to a set of stairs that led to the forest floor. They followed the white path for a while, finally coming to a circle of trees. Already, there were many elves gathered. Apparently, much of Lorien had decided to see what was going on. The marriage of Elven royalty was something to see.
The elves stopped Kat before she entered the circle. One handed her a bunch of white flowers tied with a blue silk ribbon. Another tucked a single flower behind her ear. With a kiss on the cheek by all the women that attended her, they urged her forward to where Legolas was standing at the other end of the circle. He was dressed in the same clothes he arrived in. Around his shoulder was a fine cloak made of a fine silvery-gray material. On his head was a silver circlet. On Legolas' right side stood Lord Celeborn. He motioned Kat to his other side, facing Legolas.
Legolas smiled as he reached out and took Kat's hand. In the distance, the ethereal sound of singing elves could be heard. Kat was in awe and nervous all at the same time. She knew how traditional, western weddings worked, but had no idea what to expect of an elvish one. Celeborn took Legolas and Kat's joined hands and held them to chest level. Legolas flattened his hand against Kat's so that they were palm to palm. Celeborn then placed their palms between his hands.
"Legolas, son of Thranduil, son of Oropher and Elenril of Aelin-Brethil, you stand together today to be united as one. The bonds of marriage are to be taken beyond this land and across the sea, where your love will flourish in the undying lands, remaining true forevermore. Legolas, do you commit yourself fully and truly to Elenril? Do you promise to let nothing hinder your love for her, in this land and beyond?"
"I promise," said Legolas, his eyes filled with more emotion than Kat had ever seen. "Le anon veleth nin."
"Elenril, do you commit yourself fully and truly to Legolas? Do you promise to let nothing hinder your love for him, in this land and beyond?"
Kat swallowed heavily as Celeborn finished. Apparently, there was not divorce in Elven tradition. She was essentially pledging herself to him for eternity. He would be bound to her forever. Did he know what he was getting himself into? Did she?
"I promise. Le annon veleth nin."
Celeborn released their hands and placed a silver ring over both their hands. Legolas took a deep breath and looked in her eyes with the same fire.
"Le melathon an-uir."
Something in Kat nudged her to say the same.
"Le melathon an-uir."
I will love you forever.
Celeborn said a blessing over them. Legolas kissed Kat on the forehead and like that, they were wed. From the meeting with Galadhriel to the end of the ceremony, a little more than an hour and passed, Kat thought.
The singing elves could be heard outside the ring of trees and Celeborn, joined by Lady Galadhriel, followed Kat and Legolas, still joined by the silver ring out of the circle of trees. They followed the procession of singing elves, followed by the rest of the wedding guests.
The song ringing through the trees spoke of love and the everlastingness of it. Kat felt uneasy about this idea of love that elves had. She had personally never been in love. She had plenty of boyfriends and dated as much as the next girl, but it was all for fun. She was focused on more important things like school and getting into university. Love was for after, some concept that would be actualized in the future. Love was a difficult subject. She saw it crumble and fail so many times in her life. Her parents, Julie's short-lived marriage, her best friend's cheating fiancé – all instances of love failing miserably. Love was something Kat didn't take much stock in.
And yet she was married.
The one commitment of love for all to see. Sure it was light at times, but not in Middle-Earth, but anything was better than the threat of being with Dalkir. Kat couldn't imagine being eternally bound to him, even if it was just until she left.
The procession led Legolas and Kat back to their room. It suddenly struck her what this meant. This was going to be their honeymoon suite for the night. Kat could feel herself get very tense and nervous, with sweaty palms and all.
They entered the room and the door closed behind them. The singing elves lingered for a while before the song grew distant and faded away.
"Wow," said Kat after a long silence. "What a day."
Legolas looked at her and nodded. They both looked at each other for a long time before sinking back into an awkward silence again. Kat sat on the bed while Legolas idly walked around the room.
"Legolas?" said Kat as she stood and walked over to him. He turned away from the window of which he was staring out.
"Yes?"
Kat stood in front of him and took his hand.
"Thank you," she said, looking him in the eye. "Thank you to agreeing to this."
Legolas laughed.
"You act like it's some burden, having to marry you. Elenril, you know my feelings for you. Now you tell me. Is agreeing to this union your decision about us? You still have not given me a direct answer."
What could Kat say to that? To say that she didn't want to be with Legolas meant that he would forever be married to a woman who didn't want him. Even if that were the case, she wouldn't tell him. It would break his heart, and Kat knew that eventually, it would break hers. She wasn't in love with him, not like he was with her, but she had to admit that feelings were present. Unsure as they were, the feelings were there and because of their situation, they could be acted on. Kat just hoped that Legolas would understand her when she let him in on her secret modern identity. Kat wondered what Galadhriel was thinking when she decided that they needed to be married. She knew who Kat really was, yet she urged her to get married to Legolas anyway. Was this some sort of clue into how things would end? Would Legolas accept her as the real her? What was keeping her from just telling Legolas the truth, right there and then? Would his feelings suddenly deteriorate the minute he knew the truth? Was there any harm in him not knowing? Not according to Galadhriel. She said she would help Kat when she was ready to let Legolas know. Well, before they took a waltz down the aisle was a pretty bloody good time to let him in on the truth. Yet she didn't say anything. Should she have said something?
"Elenril?"
Kat was brought back to reality at the sound of Legolas' voice.
"Sorry, I got lost in my thoughts," she said.
"I could see that," he said with a smile, "but you still haven't answered my question. What is your answer?"
Kat swallowed hard.
"Legolas, I have feelings for you, but-."
"You don't love me," answered Legolas for her.
She nodded in return.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be. Knowing you have feelings is a good start. Maybe something can develop between us," said Legolas.
"We should have had this conversation before going through with this marriage," said Kat remorsefully.
"Or maybe you should have more hope that things will work out," said Legolas. "It was you who agreed to this. Actions may speak louder than you think."
"You amaze me Legolas," said Kat. "You always have so much hope, especially for me. I just don't understand it sometimes."
"And I don't understand how such a confident and regal elf can't have any hope for herself," said Legolas as he kissed her on the forehead. Kat blushed slightly. She looked up at him and brought his face down to hers, kissing his lips lightly. She could feel him smile as he accepted her kiss. His lips pressed against hers deeper, and Kat could feel herself submit to his kiss without yield. Something about the situation and the smell of him intoxicated her and stripped away her inhibitions. His hands lingered around her face before his light touch traced down her shoulders and on to her hips. Kat wrapped her arms around Legolas' neck and pulled herself closer to him.
As their kissing became more frenzied, Legolas pulled away.
"Are you comfortable with this?" asked Legolas, his face slightly flushed.
"Actions speak louder," said Kat with a smile before meeting his lips again.
Le annon veleth nin I give you my love