Part Four
My Immortal
Don't turn away
Don't give in to the pain
Don't try to hide
Though they're screaming your name
Don't close your eyes
God knows what lies behind them
Don't turn out the light
Never sleep never die
Evanescence – Whisper
It was along night as I had feared, and for much of it I was pushed to the outskirts of the tent. Healers busied themselves bustling backwards and forwards from Legolas' prone body, applying this, and tending that. I had tried once or twice to get close enough to hold his hand or even whisper what few words of comfort I could offer in Elvish, but I was always turned away. Osellë had been allowed to sit by him, on account of her being an elf and a long-term friend of Legolas. In her grief for the Prince it would seem that she had forgotten about me and, while it broke my heart to be unable to reach him, I could not blame her. Had I been in her place I had little doubt that I would have done the same. Aragorn had barely stirred from his friend's side, leaving only to fetch clean water or fetch another bandage. The wound to Legolas' shoulder had not yet ceased it's bleeding, a fact which troubled both he and the healers deeply. This much I had been able to gather from the snatches of conversation that I overheard. Another worry, which I had the feeling disturbed Aragorn and Osellë most deeply, was the fact that Legolas had not yet regained consciousness. It had been a full five hellish hours since our brush with the Nazgul, but Legolas had not stirred since he fainted against me in that clearing. Aragorn and Osellë were exchanging ever more frequent worried glances and I ached to know the cause of their concern. I decided the time was ripe for my third attempt to reach the fallen elf. I rose swiftly to my feet and strode confidently forward, hoping to affect the air that I had every right to be at his side. I got the closest yet, a mere three feet away from Legolas' side, before I was intercepted. I gave a half-hearted struggle, as I was lead away, knowing from experience that my complaints and pleas would go unheeded. But this time Aragorn noticed me, and as he did he leapt to his feet and my course was for the second time intercepted. "Let this woman go. She has a right to be near the Prince now." The vice-like grip on my arm was abruptly released and I span on my heel to follow Aragorn gladly to Legolas' side. "Has he not yet awoken?" I queried, hoping that it would spark some explanation of their fears on that matter. My disappointment must have shown when the only response I received was a half-hearted shrug from Aragorn as Osellë tugged at my arm moments later. "Vénea, what troubles you?" she queried. "There is something wrong with Legolas and no-one will tell me what." I responded, my bluntness causing one of the Healers who had been eavesdropping on our conversation to gasp, I turned my worst glare on her before continuing, "I have a right to know. He is my friend too, and I would know the severity of his condition." Aragorn's features softened and he reached out to pat me lightly on the back. "It is probably nothing, young one," he said comfortingly, "But…" I stiffened not liking the sound of that but, "He has been through far worse than this," he blurted, his brow furrowed in confusion, "and he has always been strong, and never remained unconscious for so long. I do not see what is so grievous about his current condition that he will not awaken." He shook his head slightly as if to clear it, then sighed. I shifted my body closer to Legolas, leaning down slightly to get a closer look. His breathing was deep and regular, but somehow it sounded scratchy and grating. I also noticed, with mounting horror, that the fresh bandage applied only a moment before was already soaked red with his blood. "Perhaps it is loss of blood that weakens him," I suggested. Aragorn's brow creased once more, "Perhaps…" he replied slowly, "But come, you too are in need of rest. You can sleep in here for tonight and I will notify you of any changes in Legolas' condition-" the rest of his words were lost as Legolas finally stirred and moaned where he lay. Aragorn was immediately beside him.
"It is well, mellon nin, I am here." Aragorn's words reached Legolas through a haze of confusion and pain, and he moaned again trying to find the composure to speak. "Where…" he managed to force out from his unresponsive body, "You are in my tent, healing. Fear not, it will be well," Aragorn's voice responded softly and Legolas groggily opened his eyes to see hazy shapes drifting above his vision. "Aragorn, I can't see you!" he whispered, his panic rising. "It hurts, please take it out! Please! Why are you doing this?" he questioned his friend as the agony speared through his shoulder and the voice that had kept him trapped in the realms of darkness called out to him once more. "You're my friend, aren't you? He's lying, isn't he?" Legolas' questions became closer together and more frantic as his desperation mounted. I do not lie. The voice drowned out all else and Legolas shook from the sheer evil that radiated from it. My tower fell but I live on inside you, Master Elf. You can't fight me. You've tried, you've failed and now you'll kill them all. It's all your fault. I'll win, I always win. The voice tore through him and he sobbed as he realised that the voice spoke truth. Sauron still lived. This evil poison of Mordor that had tipped the arrowhead contained his essence. Slowly he would succumb to the Dark Lord's power and Middle Earth would be lost. Using the last of the will that was left to him he called out for Aragorn to hear, "Take it out! He is here, he lives still! Remove it or kill me now!" His vision hazed and the pain in his shoulder returned ten-fold. Disobedient elf! Must I beat all sense into you? You've lost and your defiance will cost you dearly. I see with your eyes the vision that is hidden from you. Your friends despair. What do I see now? A human maiden approaches... She cares for you and you have feelings for her. She will be the first to die at your hand. Suffering the loss of loved ones for all eternity will be a fitting punishment for you, I think. Knowing they died by your hand and your sneering face was the last thing they saw. I'll see to it that this body never dies. You'll live forever knowing what you've done. The evil laughter resounded in his ears and the threat shook him to his very core, "No, please…no." The face of Vénea shone hazily above his vision, "Please…no."
"I won't hurt you, I swear! Legolas, lasto beth nin! Hear me!" I sobbed uncontrollably, his soft pleas too much too bear. I held him close, not wanting to let him go, not ever, wanting too stop his cries and heal every hurt. But I could not, I could only hold him close and pray, I buried my face in his tunic and the sobs poured out. I felt a gentle touch on the back of my head, and I lifted my bleary eyes slowly, gulping for breath, tears still coming in hiccups. " I did not mean you," Legolas' voice was strained as if he spoke with extreme effort, "He is here. He will not leave me alone, I did not mean-" he drew in as sudden breath as if something pained him, but then continued, his voice even softer that before, "Do not leave me, please, he tells me things and I do not want to hear them. Stop him, please… make it so I cannot hear his lies…" his voice trailed off and he gave a sharp moan of pain, I could feel his hold on consciousness slipping so I cried in desperation, "What should I do?" his voice drifted back almost inaudibly, "Sing…" I sucked in a breath and worked to keep the tremor out of my voice.
I began the only song I knew that contained even a few words in Elvish,
May it be an evening star
Shines down upon you.
May it be when darkness falls
Your heart will be true.
You walk a lonely road,
Oh how far you are from home
Mornie utulie (darkness has come)
Believe and you will find your way
Mornie alantie (darkness has fallen)
A promise lives within you now
May it be the shadow's call
Will fly away
May it be you journey on
To light the day
When the night is overcome
You may rise to find the sun
Mornie utulie (darkness has come)
Believe and you will find your way
Mornie alantie (darkness has fallen)
A promise lives within you now
A promise lives within you now
As I finished I noticed that Legolas' breathing had lost some of it's ragged edge and I let loose a sigh in relief. Unsure of my next action I looked to Aragorn for guidance. He motioned his hand in a circular gesture and I took that to mean that he wished for me to repeat the song and I obliged immediately, starting from the beginning once more. Osellë's rich voice joined mine and we sang the song over and over again, my voice becoming steadily harsher, no matter how hard I tried to match her. I gulped in another ragged breath and readied myself to repeat the song, for what must have been the fifteenth time, when I felt a water-skin pressed into my hands. "For your throat," said Aragorn gently, giving the water bag a final push in my direction. "You must be thirsty," I needed no further encouragement and I raised the bag to my lips the cool water refreshing my parched, dry throat. While I was distracted with drinking, another man entered the tent and I recognised him as the one who had taken the Halfling, Frodo, from me. His eyes were an almost unnaturally bright blue and his beard and hair perfectly white. I dropped the water-skin in amazement and stared in surprise as he knelt next to me and attempted to pull the now sleeping elf from my clutches. I snarled at his action and only held Legolas tighter, coiling my body to spring should he risk another attempt to remove Legolas from me. Aragorn quickly intervened, perhaps recognising the warning look in my eyes, " I wouldn't if I were you Gandalf, Vénea tends to be a bit protective when Legolas is unconscious. Maybe you should try a different tactic." Gandalf frowned in frustration, dividing his glare between Aragorn and I. He turned face me and at first I saw unmasked annoyance, but as he stared into me something in his gaze changed and his expression softened. "Please. He needs my help and I would not see this young elf die." The word 'die' galvanised me into action and I, still somewhat reluctantly, relinquished my hold on the slumbering elf and Gandalf lowered him gently to the ground. Osellë's arms fastened around me and I allowed her to drag me away a few feet. I was now out of hearing of Gandalf's words but Osellë had not released her hold on me and I was too tired to put up much resistance. He leant over Legolas and I saw the elf stiffen and arch his back, though his eyes remained shut they were now squeezed together and his breathing was erratic. I tensed myself and waited anxiously for Gandalf's next move.
Gandalf leant over Legolas, his words casting a potent spell to cast out evil. There was evil there, Gandalf had felt it from the moment he entered the tent. It seemed weak and frail, but the fact that it already had so much control over the elf worried the wizard. Legolas was fighting, but if this evil had so much strength, even when weak, how long could Legolas fight it? His frown deepened further in worry and he threw everything he had into the incantation, speaking with the authority of the White Wizard. "Tolo Legolas!" he cried out his voice was booming and he felt the elf beneath him, stiffen, convulsing upwards violently, as dark acrid smoke began to pour out and gather in a black shadow above his body. Gandalf felt the presence there, it was Sauron himself! How Legolas had got into this situation and found the strength to defy the Dark Lord was beyond Gandalf's comprehension, but his resolve was now iron clad and he fought to keep his entire concentration focused on the elf. One slip-up now would cost Legolas his life. Loud crashes from the opposite side of the tent ricocheted through him and for one split-second Gandalf felt his concentration waver. When he refocused on the elf, Legolas had drawn the black shadow back within his body and Gandalf could feel the might of Sauron's evil there. He had failed.
I saw the healer walk into the stack of tinderboxes, but my mortal reactions were too slow to prevent what happened next. I saw Gandalf's concentration break and the evil presence return to Legolas' body. My heart almost stopped within me as I watched in dread as the elf that lay on the floor of the tent opened his eyes. His gaze bored into me and I saw no recognition in it, only malice. I could see no trace of Legolas within their depths. Standing to his feet in one fluid motion this being flung the wizard across the tent and repeated the motion moments later with Aragorn. Both lay dazed and unmoving, momentarily too stunned too act. A voice that came from Legolas' mouth, but seemed the most opposite to his own of any I had ever heard, issued from his lips. "You lose. Did you really think you could go against me and win? My tower has fallen but I prevail. This elf will be my host until the final days of Middle-Earth. Know that you failed to protect him, just as you shall fail to protect all the other free-beings of Middle-Earth." He laughed then and a sound more cruel and humourless I had never heard and hope I shall never have to again, "But Sauron does keep his promises." He continued, his eyes scanning the confines of the tent, "Where's that human maiden I made a promise to this elf about?" I stiffened; knowing instantly that it was me that this Dark Lord spoke of. Osellë moved in front of me to shield me from view, but I pushed her aside and rose. I had heard tales of the evil of this Dark Lord Sauron, but I had never seen his tower, nor the Eye that had burned above it. At that moment I had no idea what I was getting myself into. "Is it I that you seek?" I asked boldly, taking a step forward, my eyes flashing in defiance. Sauron whirled to face me, and laughed once more. "Such foolish bravery," he intoned, "How like a mortal! I shall enjoy killing you, I think." I took a step backward, almost falling over Osellë as I did so. "I think not, you hellspawn." I replied with a sneer, doing a good job of hiding my fear, or at least, so I hoped. "Legolas will not allow it." My faith in Legolas gave my words extra strength and I summoned the courage to look him in the eye and raise my chin. He laughed once more and the sound sent tremors down my spine, "Such faith you have! How that will change when I kill you with these hands!" he raised Legolas' hands for emphasis and advanced on my position, a foreign expression of malice twisting Legolas' beautiful features into a face I did not recognise. For the first time I felt a twinge of fear in the pit of my stomach, but I held my ground and did not retreat from his advance. He stopped a mere foot from where I stood and slowly raised an arm, "Now you will die," he whispered, but I did not close my eyes, nor wait for the blow to fall. I stared him dead in the eye and replied, my own voice soft with hate and rage, "No. Now you will fall." His grimaced at me and raised his arm higher to deliver a fatal blow. As I looked him calmly in the face, I heard a sobbing intake of breath from Osellë behind me and motion from across the tent as both Aragorn and Gandalf struggled to stand. My gaze honed down until all I saw were two wonderfully beautiful eyes and I stared into them, hoping that their owner would return to them before all was lost.
Aragorn watched helplessly as his dear friend, who was now forever lost, raised an arm to strike down the young girl. He wanted nothing more than to close his eyes, but his horror-struck body would not obey him and he saw as that arm fell with lightening speed to strike the deadly blow. At the last possible second the arm stopped and hung in the air, no more than an inch from Vénea's body. He watched in amazement as Legolas' body began to shake and Sauron looked in fury at the arm, before yelling aloud, it would seem to no one in particular, "NO! It was not supposed to be like this! I was supposed to win! I cannot be defeated!" the trembling increased and the distorted version of Legolas' voice grew weaker, "How was I to know the elf's destiny was with a mortal? Damn you all to the seven hells!" The voice died away altogether and Aragorn heard the voice, the true voice, of his friend whisper one word before his body went limp and sagged to the ground. As he hit the ground, a cloud of black smoke rose up from it and a faint shrieking could be heard, "You haven't won this!" Aragorn ignored it and forcing his body to work he flew to the side of his fallen friend, finally returned to himself.
"Vénea…" I heard the softly spoken word drift from between Legolas' battered lips before his eyes rolled back into his head and he collapsed to the ground. I saw as the dark cloud rose from him and the evil voice of Lord Sauron sounded in my ears, "You haven't won this!" I shivered, the words repeating themselves over and over in my pounding head. I watched as the ground rushed up to meet me and I fell limply by Legolas' side.
It was some time later when I awoke and the tent was all but empty. Sunlight drifted in shafts through the thick tent material and I could not suppress the joy that rose up in me as I felt in my heart that Sauron's evil had been purged from this land. Memory slammed into me and with a sickening wrench of fear I remembered what that freedom might have cost. I threw myself onto my side and let out a huge sigh of relief as I saw Legolas curled into a foetal position, sleeping soundly on my left. I drew in a deep breath and let the sound of his steady, rhythmic breathing calm the fears in my heart. Reaching out, my small hand found his slender one and I grasped it tight, the contact giving me the reassurance I needed to drift back into slumber.
Everything hurt. Even breathing was a trial. Legolas shifted his position slightly, the shafts of sunlight burning their imprint onto his retina. Looking carefully from side to side, Legolas noticed that Aragorn slumbered on his left and Vénea on his right. Both held one of his hands and a small smile crossed his features. Turning over fully he gently extricated his hand from Vénea's grip and faced Aragorn, shaking his friend gently into wakefulness. "Hello mellon nin." The soft words came from Aragorn as he returned to awareness slowly and lazily stretched out his aching limbs, before the full force of memory slammed into him, turning quickly he assessed his friend with concerned eyes, "Are you well? What-" Legolas let out a soft laugh and pressed a slender finger to Aragorn's lips, silencing the words he had yet to speak, "Maem," he answered softly, "I am well." Aragorn relaxed slightly and rolled onto his back his, next words so soft no-one but Legolas could catch them, " I thought we had lost you, when Sauron spoke… I am sorry my friend, I should have realised sooner." His eyes were dark with self-blame and he turned to look at Legolas, imploring his friend to forgive him. Legolas shuddered as the dark memory flowed through him, "For a time you did loose me," he answered quietly, "I had all but succumbed to the Dark Lord's control. But then..." he frowned as the memory eluded him, "But then something happened and I found the strength to fight His will. I thank you my friend, for whatever you did." He closed his eyes wearily, preparing to let sleep steal him, but Aragorn's gentle touch disturbed him, " Nay, not I, my friend. It was Vénea who saved you, she called you back from the shadow and by both your efforts Sauron is vanquished." Legolas' eyes registered shock, "Vénea? But…" he sighed loudly, " I should never have dragged her into this. Was she hurt? If He touched her I will-" his words were cut off as Aragorn quickly shook his head," No. She is well, if a little tired." he smiled gently, a knowing glint in his eye, "I'll make ready to break camp and leave the two of you in peace." Without another word Aragorn exited the tent and Legolas turned slowly to face the sleeping woman. " Vénea?"
I heard my name, but it sounded as if it came from a long way distant, and I turned in my sleep, reaching out groggily with my hands to find the source of the voice. My searching hands were clasped in the grip of another and I blearily opened my eyes to find the Prince of Mirkwood smiling at me. "Legolas, you are awake!" I gasped, pulling myself upright, "Are you well?" I questioned, my previous anxiety not fully quelled. He rolled his eyes at me and spoke softly, as if suspecting I was not yet fully awake. "I am fine. You are the second person today to ask that and already I grow weary of it! It is you who concerns me." he said, his fair features creasing in concern, "I am better that I thought I would be." I responded with a laugh, turning my head slightly so that I faced him fully, "Has the evil gone?" I asked, I needed to hear it from his own mouth, before I could really believe it was true. Legolas smiled sadly before responding, "Yes, thanks to you. Aragorn told me of your actions. I am afraid I do not fully remember," he touched his temple lightly, his expression apologetic. I smiled at him, pleased, "It is well that you do not remember, Legolas." I responded honestly, "I only wish that I too could forget…" I could not suppress the shudder that followed the dark memory. Legolas looked at me in concern, and I attempted to pull off a nonchalant, shrug, but failed, my shoulders hunching miserably. He turned full onto his side, pulling both his arms free and extended them towards me, "Come here," he said gently. With some trepidation I inched closer, careful not to touch his wounded shoulder and came to a stop about six inches from his body. He wrapped his arms about me and pulled me closer, until my body rested fully against his. "Now," he said softly, "we can both go back to sleep." I relaxed against him and soon after I felt his breathing become deeper and steadier as sleep stole him. I snuggled deeper into his grasp and allowed my self to drift of into pleasant dreams.
Aragorn woke me up gently when he and the stretcher-bearers arrived, and he assisted me in disentangling myself from the still sleeping Legolas' grip. Legolas sighed when I was finally freed and shifted in his slumber, pulling his arms back closer to his body. We lowered him gently onto the palette and even in sleep he moaned as the movement tore at his still aching shoulder. We moved out, Aragorn and I walking at Legolas' side, as the convoy moved on towards Gondor. Osellë was nowhere to be seen and it struck me that I had also not seen the dwarf, Gimli, since Legolas was taken ill. This was something of puzzlement as, in my previous experiences, the dwarf had always been over protective of his Elven companion, whom he saw as younger than Aragorn and himself. It was odd that I was thinking this, just as I heard the voice of that same dwarf from a spot not so far distant, " Where is he? You tell me now or I'll have your head off!" I laughed along with Aragorn as the stout dwarf came into view, holding a young officer at axe-point. His threat was forgotten as soon as he sighted the unconscious elf, Aragorn and myself. With a cry he raced over to us, " What's that lad been up to now?" he demanded, "Stupid elf!" Aragorn and I could tell from the look in his eye that Gimli's harsh words came from concern, and we laughed gently. "Legolas is in no danger now, Gimli," Aragorn reassured and the dwarf harrumphed slightly, but I noticed his worried expression go down a notch. "Why were you not present last night?" I questioned, voicing my previous quandary. Gimli harrumphed again and I noticed a blush spreading over his face, "An orc shot me in the…" The rest of his words trailed off into mumbling, but Aragorn and I had heard enough. We both collapsed into helpless laughter, the further grumbling of Gimli only adding to our merriment. We continued in high spirits as we passed through the white towers of Gondor.
It was some time later before I was able to look in on Legolas. He still slept soundly where we had left him and I relaxed into a chair beside his bed, curling up into a ball and preparing myself to go to sleep. I had been given my own room within the palace of Gondor, but I preferred not to be alone, and, with Osellë missing, Legolas was my only choice. Movement from the bed caught my attention, and I looked up to see Legolas staring at me. I smiled, "How do you feel?" I inquired softly, "You have slept for most of the day." He eased himself up onto his elbows and glanced around the room before settling his gaze on me. "I feel like a cave troll used me for an anvil. Where are we?" The confusion was evident in the Prince's eyes; " We are in the palace, in Gondor. Aragorn and Gimli would be here but, unfortunately, they have business to attend to. King stuff," I informed him with a casual shrug. He let out a soft laugh. "Help me stand," he implored, "I would see the stars, it seems to have been so long since I saw them last." I moved to the side of the bed and allowed him to lean on me as he got to his feet. He winced as he stood, the movement jarring his shoulder and I moved my arm to loop it about his waist and help support his weight. He looked at me in surprise and I stared back, feigning innocence. " Fear not." I said softly, a wicked smile brightening my features. "I think you no less of a man!" Legolas aimed a gentle smack of reprimand at my shoulder, and I flinched at the motion, thinking he truly meant to hit me as he had the night before, under the influence of Sauron. Legolas, stopped, seeing my response and spoke in alarm, "I will not hit you, Vénea! And nor will anyone else if I am at all involved. Who has scared you that you respond such?" I stared down at the floor cursing myself for showing that response. "It is all this battle, Legolas," I responded, my gaze never leaving the floor, " It has set my nerves on edge." I lied, hoping that he would believe my untruths, not wanting to tell him the real reason for my response. He sighed and put a comforting arm about my shoulder, "Alas that war should come to have to have this effect on the young. But come, the stars are untouched, let us hope that their beauty can also heal us." I helped him to make his way out onto the balcony and for a time we simply stood, side by side, gazing at the heavens. "The stars are beautiful are they not?" sighed Legolas after some time, "It does my heart good to hear their song." A smile was my only response and I imagined that I too could hear the far off songs that the stars spun. I tore my gaze from the heavens to the elf that stood by my side. On this starry night the brightness of the heavens seemed to shine in him and he lit our surroundings with a soft blue glow. I gasped, "Legolas! You are… glowing!" I blurted out and he looked at me startled, then smiled, "Oh, I forgot. You have not been around elves much have you?" I shook my head slowly and watched as the glow on the balcony dimmed. "Is that better?" he asked. I shook my head, stronger this time, "No." I answered definitely. "I would far prefer to see your glow than any darkness. Do not dim it. Glow for one who cannot." I added the last sentence softly, part of me wishing more than ever that I was an elf. Things would be so much easier then; I would have grace and beauty. And the growing feelings for Legolas would be so much easier to realise. He turned a serious gaze on me and using one hand tilted my chin up so I was forced to look him in the eyes. "I have never seen anyone glow as you do in my eyes." he answered simply. I felt myself melting against him and a sudden rush of sweetness as his lip met mine. It felt wonderful; it felt true, like nothing could ever feel more right. I gave in to sweetness and wrapped my arms about Legolas, even as he did the same to me.
So preoccupied were we with each other that neither of us even noticed the rustling in the foliage beneath the balcony, nor the soft sob as Osellë ran off into the night.
The next morning Osellë was still nowhere to be found. I searched for her everywhere there was time to before I was summoned to the coronation. Aragorn's coronation was to be a massive event. Banners and streamers hung from every available space and the people sang and laughed with joy: their King was home. For much of that day I had seen neither hide nor hair of Legolas, much to my dismay. He was kept busy, acquainting himself with the newly arrived elves, running errands and preparing for some important, as yet absent, Elvish guest. I had little to do with the preparations, so I busied myself hunting for Osellë and trying not to be a nuisance. The time for the coronation came quickly, for me at any rate, and I had long since given up trying to force my wild, dark curls into submission. Smoothing down the hem of my first new gown in years I tried to blend in with the smartly dressed elves and men that surrounded me. Aragorn had not yet arrived and already my legs longed to sit. I forced myself to wait, but it still seemed an age before anything of importance even began to occur. I watched as the Crown of Gondor was placed on Aragorn's head and he stepped forward to greet his people. He moved slowly, bowing here, and talking there until he reached a small knot of elves and I noticed Legolas at their head. He smiled fondly at his friend, and from his bearing you would never have guessed he had a shoulder wound at all and I was amazed at how well he concealed it. Aragorn greeted him warmly and Legolas responded in kind, treating his friend to knowing smile before quickly stepping to one side. Aragorn's attention was diverted from his friend to the Elven maiden who had walked forward into the space Legolas had just vacated. I watched in fascination as she lowered her hood and revealed the most beautiful face I had ever seen. "Arwen…" Aragorn whispered her name entranced and gathered his new Queen into his arms. The crowd went wild in joy. I felt a touch at my elbow and turned to see Legolas standing there. With a motion of his head he bade me follow him and, thoroughly confused, I obeyed. He took me by the hand and towed me along until we reached the gardens of the Houses of Healing. I had not often had opportunity to visit this place and I marvelled at its beauty. Two Halflings raced past us laughing aloud and I recognised them as Merry and Pippin, friends of Frodo. They called out words of encouragement to Legolas who attempted to silence them by launching himself at them in mock attack. They only laughed harder and ran faster, and Legolas laughed himself as they rounded a bend in the path and disappeared from view. This only served to heighten my confusion and I turned, opening my mouth to question Legolas, but he motioned me to silence before I could speak. Taking me by the hand once more he led me in silence to a bench that overlooked the sea and sat down on it, motioning me to do the same. My confusion reached fever pitch, but just as I felt I was about to burst with unanswered questions, Legolas spoke. "You are probably wondering why I brought you here, are you not?" I nodded vehemently, waiting for the explanation. "I have something that I wanted to ask you in private." His serious expression changed momentarily as he added, "But it would seem Aragorn has let slip to someone," remembering Merry and Pippin's behaviour. He turned to face me once more. "This is an important question, so do not let your answer be swayed by circumstance or anything other than your true feelings." I nodded once more, wishing he would get to the point. "Aragorn has long predicted that this day would come, but I always thought it folly. Until now." His voice was soft and meaningful and almost drove me to insanity! Unable to control my raging curiosity any longer I burst out, "Please Legolas! Hold me in suspense no longer! Out with it!" He placed both his hands on my shoulders and pulled me close, so our foreheads were almost touching. "I have fallen in love," he said softly. "Please be my wife." I was stunned into silence. I opened my mouth but no words came out. These feelings were not one-sided then. He loved me also! I thought that I must burst for joy or maybe leap over the moon, but though I could not move from where I sat, though my heart sang within me. "I will marry you Legolas, and I can think of nothing I want more than to be your wife!" He turned to face me, his own happiness showing clearly on his face and I laughed with the joy of it. Crushing his lips against mine we sealed our betrothal with a kiss. He placed his hands on my hips and raised me into the air, twirling around and around. I laughed again and he lowered me down, our hands joined and we whirled around in dizzying circles, drunk on our love for one another. It was dark by the time we finished celebrating and, our hands never parting, we ran back to tell Aragorn and Arwen the good news. We found them in their chamber and burst in. They did not even seem surprised, in fact Aragorn's only response was, to Legolas, "What did I tell you!", and Arwen turned her calm, yet joyful gaze upon me and gave a solitary wink. Legolas and I shared a room that night and my last thought before sleep claimed me was of how beautiful our wedding was going to be.
Little did I realise all was not as well as it seemed, attested to by the soft sobbing from outside our bedroom window. But Legolas and I were already fast asleep.