The Power of Love

Disclaimer: I own nothing of J.R.R. Tolkien's and in no way mean any disrespect towards him in the process of writing this story. All characters except those created by me belong wholly and fully to J.R.R. Tolkien.

AN/ Wow! I was riding my horse today and completely fell off over one of the jumps. I went on a really long ride this Friday and it got me thinking what it would be like riding for days and days. Anyway, so i just had to put that in this chapter! LOL hope you like,

xxx

Rain Dreamer

xxx

Chapter 16: Celeblas returns

When Legolas at last opened his eyes he saw an image of perfection. Araviniel was lying next to him, her head on his bare chest and her body molded into his side. Their cloaks were covering them and in the east a fair tint of pink lit the sky. Her steady breathing continued next to him as he fully awakened.

I'll be your dream, I'll be your wish I'll be your fantasy.

I'll be your hope; I'll be your love be everything that you need.

I love you more with every breath truly madly deeply do...

I will be strong I will be faithful 'cause I'm counting on a new beginning.

A reason for living. A deeper meaning. Yeah…

I wanna stand with you on a mountain,

I wanna bathe with you in the sea.

I wanna lay like this forever,

Until the sky falls down over me.

And when the stars are shining brightly in the velvet sky,

I'll make a wish send it to heaven then make you want to cry…

The tears of joy for all the pleasure and the certainty.

That we're surrounded by the comfort and protection of…

The highest powers. In lonely hours. The tears devour you…

I wanna stand with you on a mountain,

I wanna bathe with you in the sea.

I wanna lay like this forever,

Until the sky falls down over me…

Oh can you see it baby?

You don't have to close your eyes 'cause it's standing right before you.

All that you need will surely come...

I'll be your dream I'll be your wish I'll be your fantasy.

I'll be your hope; I'll be your love, be everything that you need.

I'll love you more with every breath truly madly deeply do...

I wanna stand with you on a mountain,

I wanna bathe with you in the sea.

I wanna lay like this forever,

Until the sky falls down over me...

I wanna stand with you on a mountain,

I wanna bathe with you in the sea.

I wanna live like this forever,

Until the sky falls down over me...

He ran his hand over her silken blond and red hair and breathed a sigh of contentment. She stirred and opened her eyes slowly. When her emerald eyes broke the soft pink of her eyelids he smiled. She looked up at him with an expressionless face that somehow bothered him. She had slept soundly next to him but he picked up faint murmurs in her trance-like sleep last night.

She only met his eyes briefly before looking down to their cloaks. He took a deep breath of morning air and kissed her forehead. Last night was wonderful and he still remembered flashes in his head that brought smiles to his face.

Araviniel snuggled deeper into him, trying to gain as much warmth as possible. He sighed and sat up, the cloaks falling to his waist. Araviniel gathered hers up to her chest and looked at him blankly.

When he turned he saw her face. Getting up, he grabbed his black leggings and silver tunic. Araviniel did not remember him changing out of his wet things. When he was dressed he brought her over her light green leggings and fawn brown tunic. She kept her eyes on him as he sat down next to her.

She slid her tunic and undershirt over her bare chest and slid on her leggings. He smiled at her and she came over, sitting between his legs. She leaned back against his chest and closed her eyes. His arms came around her waist and she smiled finally.

"I love you Araviniel."

She tilted her head to the side and smiled up at him. He leaned down to kiss her but she playfully avoided his mouth, moving her head to the side. He smiled and pulled her closer to him. He tried once more and was again eluded.

Legolas moved quickly, coming around the front of her and pushing her down into the long grass. In an instant his lips were on hers and she smiled against him. He finally broke the kiss and smiled down on her.

"It seems as if I've captured you my love."

Araviniel grinned. But before he could say more her legs came up and knocked his out from under him, causing him to roll to the side so as not to land on her. She quickly rolled on top of him, her legs straddling his waist and finally her clear voice broke the morning quiet.

"I don't know…it looks to be the opposite in my perspective my love."

He grinned at her and she laughed softly, music and happiness in her eyes…until she saw a face in the trees.

Araviniel quickly got off of Legolas and he rose beside her. Tatharion immerged from the trees, a blank face and coldness in his eyes. The cold look pierced Araviniel's heart like a jagged knife.

"We should be leaving soon. We need to get a head start if we plan to save Lothlorien in time. Distraction could be fatal."

He then turned to leave but Araviniel stepped forward and grabbed his arm.

"Wait Tatharion."

Legolas sensed the need for privacy and nodded to them both. Then, taking his cloak, he headed back for camp.

Tatharion avoided her eyes and stared off into the trees. Araviniel stepped in front of him, small tears streaming down her cheeks. She looked at his face which was turned away and began, in a trembling voice, to speak.

"There was a time where I thought you would never pause to look into my eyes. There was a time where I thought you would do anything for me."

He looked at her, emotion finally showing in his face, although it was anger.

"Have I not done enough for you? Have I not given you to him when deep inside I love you like nothing I could ever explain. Have I not heard your cries for him while I waited in the cold with nothing but lies and a broken heart?! Is that not enough for you?"

She was crying openly and her hands were trembling. "You haven't let me go."

He stepped closer and grabbed her wrist. "I can't! I love you, I told you I would always be there for you! I told you I would always love you! I will not go back on my word, simply because I can't."

She pushed into him, her arms wrapping around his waist. The hug was not shared. He stood with his arms at his side and his own tears to battle. She cried into his chest and said,

"I will always love you Tatharion. You will always be in my heart. Please forgive me. I cannot choose you when I know my path lies elsewhere. I love him. You know everything about me. You know my fears and my pains. You are the deepest, dearest, most trusted friend I could ever have. I love you for that."

He softened, finally giving in to her. A soul mate and a lover, his role was the former. Somehow, deep inside, that made sense. He pushed away from her, seeing the fear of anger and disappointment in her eyes he gave her a sad smile. He leaned forward and they shared a savoring and gentle last kiss.

As the sun finally rose in the east and Hughes filled the sky, they broke the kiss and their love…forever.

Legolas threw his cloak over his shoulders and tied it in front of him, blocking out the morning cold. His footsteps were silent and his mind was running as he walked. Millions of thoughts passed through him and he did his utmost not to lose all concentration.

When he broke through the trees and came across the campsite he saw Silvegil readying everything for their trip. He sighed and stepped up to the other elf. He began helping him pack their belongings as he thought of Araviniel. The way her hair came around them like a curtain, The way she looked at him when he kissed her, the way she touched him…

"Where is she?" asked Silvegil.

Legolas glanced back into the trees and said softly, "She is with Tatharion "

Silvegil nodded and slung a bag over his horse's flanks. His muscular build made him intimidating to most people but Legolas was anything but intimidated by him. His silver hair was tied back and his eyes were a mask of emotionless fathoms.

Legolas finished packing up and then erased all traces of their campsite. After they had finished they both sat down in uncomfortable silence. Legolas pulled his hair over his shoulder and braided it quickly. Then, tying it with leather strands from his pouch, he sighed. The morning air was cold.

Finally Tatharion immerged from the trees. Legolas saw a change in him. There was evidence of tears on his face and his eyes were no longer blank and cold.

"Where is Araviniel?" Legolas asked.

Tatharion looked behind him and his brow furrowed.

"She was right behind me." He stated.

Suddenly her soft, clear voice broke the uneasiness. "I am here." She said, coming out of the trees. Legolas smiled at her, although troubled by the tears still lingering in her eyes. She gave him a genuine half-smile and relief washed over him. It was settled then. Perhaps she had found peace with Tatharion after all.

Araviniel and Silvegil shared unspoken words between them and it seemed as if a burden was lifted off of her then. Legolas still felt it odd how they had become so close in the small amount of time that they knew each other. In some ways they seemed almost connected somehow…he was also very protective over her. He was as mysterious as his pewter eyes and sliver hair

Then, in one swift motion, Araviniel mounted her white steed, previously his own, and said smoothly, "We ride for Mirkwood. Come fate and disaster, we shall not stray from our path." Sirdail reared and with a firm nudge she galloped off.

In seconds they also were mounted. Legolas whispered to his black stallion and he took off after Araviniel. Tatharion, on his flaxen colored stallion, watched as white rode side by side with black, the colors melted together blending in perfect harmony. He glanced at Silvegil who was also looking thoughtfully at the pair that was quickly fading in the distance. His silver appearance was almost reverent, as if he had seen death and overcome it, having no fear. He looked perfect on top of his pure white horse, who shared his unearthly glow.

Tatharion smiled slightly, what a contrast Tatharion was to the elf besides him. He also seemed in contrast to Legolas. Araviniel did not know how much pain she had dealt to him. Even though he was now in a new light of where their relationship stood, the way it probably should have been all along, he still felt her absence like an empty space inside of him.

He sighed, nudging his horse and finally galloping off after the other two. He was quickly pursued by Silvegil, who rode on ahead of him. After a few minutes they were all riding side by side, challenging the sun as it rose into the sky, racing time, and ultimately, life itself.

It had been several days of little rest and hard riding before they finally crossed the river and reached the borders of the Mirkwood forest. They were well exhausted and Araviniel felt as if she would fall off her horse. Although she had tried to hide it from the others she knew that Legolas had noticed. When he stopped his horse in front of the trees and dismounted he walked over to her horse.

He patted Sirdail's main and said to her, "You're tired, we all need rest. We shall camp here and tomorrow I shall guide us safely through the forest."

Araviniel did not protest and slowly sliding off Sirdail's back, she stood on her weak legs. Unfortunately she underestimated the toll the ride had taken on her. Her legs gave out from underneath her. Just as quickly as she was falling she was caught. Legolas scooped her up with his right arm under her knees and his left arm under her back.

She squinted her eyes dizzily and said weakly, "Thank you."

He set her down on the ground and knelt down to eye level with her. She read concern on his face and tried to give him an encouraging smile but she could barely even keep her eyes open. It was only seconds later that Tatharion came into her blurry vision and placed a cool hand on her forehead. The setting sun cast an orange haze on everything and soon she found her eyelids fluttering shut.

When she at last opened her eyes she was lying on a blanket, covered, and near the fire. She saw Legolas with his back against the tree, watching her, and Tatharion sitting next to the fire, staring into its blaze. Her head was swimming and she grunted as the light added to the pain.

Legolas got up and walked over to her. He placed his hand on her head and handed her something warm to drink. She downed the liquid and sighed, her eyes closing as the drink gave immediate relief to her headache. She shivered slightly, despite the warmth from the fire and looked into Legolas' blue eyes.

"How long have I been sleeping?" she asked, still drowsy.

He smiled at her and said softly, "Almost five hours now, Love."

Tatharion, sitting across the way, cringed at Legolas's use of the endearment. He stared off into the trees and with a skillful eye, spotted Silvegil crouching down on one of the branches. He shivered as he watched the elf gaze, with piercing silver eyes, into the forest.

Araviniel looked across the way and saw Tatharion staring up into the trees. She followed his gaze and saw Silvegil. She closed her eyes tightly and then opened them. He seemed so familiar but she just couldn't grasp why. She turned back to Legolas. She wanted him to hold her so she could bury her head in his shoulder. She was getting colder.

Legolas starred at her and then pulled her gently into his lap. She cuddled against him and let her heavy eyelids fall. He pulled the blanket around her and picked her up, sitting back against the tree with her safely in his arms He closed his eyes with weariness and fell into a light sleep.

When Legolas awoke he was lying on the ground with Araviniel curled against him. The fire had gone out long ago and Silvegil was sleeping off to the side. Tatharion was not anywhere in sight. Legolas looked off into the trees but could not catch a glimpse of him.

Araviniel stirred next to him and he felt her shiver slightly in the morning cold. He smiled and pulled her tightly against him. She sighed and he felt her breathing quicken. She was awake fully now. After a quick sweep with her eyes she pointed out the obvious.

"Tatharion is missing."

Legolas smoothed her hair and said softly, "Do not worry about him. He probably needed some time alone."

She shook her head and sat up quickly. "He would not leave m… us here like this. He would have stayed until he knew I was better. I must go look for him."

Legolas grabbed her wrist and pulled her back down against him. "Rest. I will look for him."

She looked doubtful but lay back down anyway. Her head found a grassy mound and she closed her eyes, contented.

Legolas sauntered off into the trees, still half asleep. He looked around until his eyes rested on a chilling sight. There on the ground were dead orcs. Blue black blood was soaking into the ground and Legolas looked around anxiously. He found no sight of Tatharion and fear rose inside him. Immediately he drew his knives and spun in a half circle. No one was there, just an eerie silence.

He took off for the camp sight as fast as his strong legs would carry him. When he came into the clearing his fear filled eyes met up with Araviniel. She was kneeling with her head downward. Above her stood an angry orc with his fist clenched cruelly around her hair. He yanked her head up and she let out a painful whimper.

Silvegil was being restrained by three other orcs. With a powerful kick to the stomach he was silenced. Araviniel had an emotionless face. Only Legolas could determine anger and hate in her eyes.

The orc smiled wickedly at Legolas and drew his knife, placing it at the base of Araviniel's throat.

"Come closer he-elf and put down your weapon"

Legolas only had to glimpse at the thin stream of blood that was forming at the knife's contact to Araviniel's throat before he set his weapons down on the ground. Then a cry was heard. Legolas glanced off wildly to the sound and saw Tatharion impale an orc that was holding him with a concealed knife.

The leader quickly removed the knife from Araviniel's throat and in one swift motion slid the blade slowly across her shoulder. She screamed and tried to pull away, restricted by his hold on her hair. Blood quickly covered her shoulder and Tatharion stopped struggling.

Legolas walked up to the leader and cringed at the sight of Araviniel's eyes They were cold and vicious.

"Your friend here is very beautiful. I know my master would be very interested in making her a slave of his own personal use."

Araviniel seemed angry and hateful but Legolas saw the flicker of fear behind her eyes.

"What do you want?" He asked.

The orc smiled with broken yellow and black teeth. He pulled Araviniel to her feet and said, "Nothing more thank you. She will do just fine. You however, shall die." He threw Araviniel to the ground and drew his crocked sword, charging Legolas, weaponless and defenseless.

Araviniel crawled to her feet in time to see Legolas roll to the side as the orc swiped his blade for Legolas's head. She stumbled up and grabbed the knives on the ground. She threw one to Legolas and then ran for the orc.

Suddenly the other orcs stirred from nearby. Two came for her at a run, swords high. She dodged the first blow and made a poor attempt to block the other. The long knife was not enough and the orc's sword clashed against it, overpowering her. She fell down to her knees and the orc lowered his sword. He was about to end her life when a loud booming voice filled the air. A blinding light came from the right and Araviniel looked to find Silvegil in all his splendor.

His robes were pure white and glistened with an angelic radiance. His silver eyes flashed with anger and power. He had the orcs that were holding him writhing on the ground, shielding their eyes. The orc attacking Legolas dropped his sword and the one above Araviniel fell to the ground screaming and holding his ears.

"Let my daughter go!" He said with a strong and looming voice.

Araviniel looked at him with shock and realization. She crawled away from the screaming orc and took a deep breath. She stared at him intently and then, astonished, she picked up the true identity of Silvegil bright-sword. Even in his new found power she was able to picture him as her father, his soft skin and sharp features.

"Leave this place and never return, else the vengeance of the Valar be upon

you!"

The orcs fled for their lives and just as quickly as his power appeared, it lessened. He walked to Araviniel and stood above her with emotionless eyes and she felt tears come to her own. He took her hands and pulled her into him, holding her once again after so long.

She pushed away from him and asked, "How?"

He sighed and said, "The Valar granted me a stay on Arda once again, until my work here is done. Your grandmother felt it best I tell you in my own time. I have missed you much my dear. My heart ached when I heard of your imprisonment within the walls of your own home. To lose your brother and mother was such a pain that I could not bear. Yet the fear of losing you was greater. Forgive me for leaving you in the arms of traitors I knew not until your grandmother told me."

She shook her head. "Silvegil? Why do you call yourself that?"

"My name no longer fits me. I have seen Valinor in its glory and after your mother's death I am no longer the same."

Araviniel looked over at Legolas, realizing she had not seen if he carried any wounds. After seeing him untouched she closed her eyes and let her healing powers take over. It all made sense now.

Flashback

Araviniel waited for the lady to continue. After a moment Galadriel said softly, "Your father has returned to this world." Araviniel sat back in her chair and looked at the lady with big eyes. "…How…I…?" Galadriel smiled. "For a short time only he has been given the right to return and aid you in the upcoming war." Araviniel nodded and closed her eyes. "Adar…"

"His footsteps have taken him to this very forest. He is here somewhere, searching for you."

Araviniel looked up at her grandmother. "I must find him!"

Galadriel shook her head. "No my dear. You must leave on your mission tonight. When he comes to these halls I shall send him your way. There is no time to lose. If we spare just a moment Lothlorien will be that much closer to the attack."

End Flashback

Her arm wound closed itself and she opened her eyes. There he was, her father. The elf she died to know and yearned to love, her daddy. To think he was with them the whole time…

Silvegil pulled his daughter into him and embraced her. Araviniel closed her eyes and breathed in his mysterious scent…it was so familiar.

"Oh Adar! If only you had stayed!"

She couldn't help the blame. It stood looming above her father like a swarm of insects. She felt him stiffen and say softly, tears in his eyes,

"Nurnon Araviniel. Garon ún naw Manen ann el… Manen ann Araviniel? Tell me the truth. How long has this been going on?" (I'm sorry Araviniel. I had no idea how long you…how long Araviniel? Tell me the truth. How long has this been going on?")

She shuddered. "A year after you left Cúdir began to change. He…" she began to cry harder into his chest. Her head swam as she tried to tell herself that it wasn't her father's fault. She knew it was. Her fists clenched and she sobbed harder. Suddenly all her anger reeled out of her and she began to beat his chest with her fists. She cried out at him.

"It's all your fault! You did this! You left me alone! You left me there to die! I hate you! I hate…you"

Her father just stood there as she broke down and cried. His hands wrapped around her wrists, holding her away from him. She knew she hadn't hurt him, she wasn't strong enough. Tears and anger were in his eyes. Legolas, standing off to the side, thought Silvegil might lash back but to his surprise he just stood there and had let her beat her fists on his chest.

Araviniel felt her strength leave her. She was no longer happy with her father's return. Looking up at him, tearstained, she asked shakily, "Why? Were you even planning on coming back? Why did you leave me here?"

She didn't wait for him to finish.

"Didn't it ever cross your mind that I would be happier with my father in Valinor then here alone with no idea of love or mercy from my very own parents? Didn't you ever think of taking me with you?"

Silvegil shook his head and stepped toward her. Araviniel retreated a few steps back and he sighed.

"I knew it would be like this. I knew you would not forgive me. You were the only other elf who could take the throne. To take you with me would be folly! I could no more bring you with me then stay myself. I love you with all my soul. You are so much like your mother, yet in so many more ways unlike anything I have ever seen. I would never, ever leave you alone to suffer! I had no idea Cúdir would take your mother's death out on you."

Araviniel shook her head, "Why not? You did! I know every time you looked at me you cringed with regret. I know you left these shores and blamed me for her death. You left me standing on the dock screaming for you, wanting my father. You ignored me and relished in the relief of leaving your worries behind, leaving me behind."

Legolas looked in shock at Silvegil. The silver elf said not a word. His eyes read regret and shame. It was true then; he did leave her behind for revenge, in his rash and painful grief.

Silvegil took a deep breath and looked straight at Araviniel.

"Please do not hold the past against me. For 300 years you have lived in the past, you have regretted it, hated it, cried over it, loved it, shamed it, and wished on it. You have never once looked to the future. I was wrong, deadly wrong; I am ashamed to say I left my only daughter and the one who truly was innocent in all of this alone here. I was a coward and I ran away from my fears and regrets. I have come back to redeem myself in your eyes by helping you on this mission, I have come back for you, because I love you."

Araviniel starred at him and cringed. She shook her head and slowly lowered herself to the ground. Her long fingers found the grass and she clutched it. Nothing could describe the deep burning pain, nothing could compare to the utter confusion.

"How ironic you should return after Cúdir had been imprisoned and my life has truly begun again. How completely ironic you should return just as I was getting over you, just when things were beginning to become happy."

"You call war and bloodshed happiness? Do you truly believe this prince shall give you happiness!? I have seen more then you could ever see in this world Araviniel and I know that you will not find love in this elf! All he cares about is having you for the night! You are so naïve."

Araviniel jumped up and screamed at him.

"NAÏVE? Is that what you think Father?! Trust me, I have seen more then you know! I have seen those who take and never give and I have seen those who use! I know first hand exactly what that is like! I have tasted it, felt it, breathed it and for 300 years I have lived it! Don't presume to tell me I'm naïve! I know all about lust and I also know that Legolas is not like that at all!"

He snickered,

"Are you so sure? Do you know exactly what went on between him and the other elleth of the palace after you returned to Lothlorien?"

Araviniel looked at him harshly and snapped,

"I no longer wish to speak with you. You mean nothing to me. Your words are poison!"

Silvegil closed his eyes tightly and took a deep breath. When he opened them Araviniel gazed into the true eyes of her father, crystal blue. She walked to him and lightly rested her palm on his cheek.

"What happened to you?"

He blinked and once again silver replaced blue. She took a sharp breath and let her hand fall to her side. Silence erupted around them and Silvegil said softly,

"I am truly sorry Araviniel. I never intended for any of this to happen. I only wish you happiness. I fear what shall happen if you commit to this elf. He doesn't know what real love is."

She smiled sadly.

"Nor do I father, nor do I."