Disclaimer: All names and places that you have heard of belong to J.R.R. Tolkien. Any other names belong to me, Elenya, copyright 2002.
~*~A/N: Oooooh chapter 13!! Yay! Well, then… Let's see how this chapter goes! :) by the way, thanks for all of the reviews!!!~*~
Sunlight poured through Lina's open window. Stretching slightly, she sat up in bed. Dawn was just breaking, so it was still quite early. Contemplating whether or not to return to slumber, she finally decided to wake.
She entered her washroom, where she presently drew a bath. After bathing in water scented by the elanor flowers, she wrapped a robe about her slim body. She opened her wardrobe and selected a pale blue gown. It fitted her body perfectly, accentuating her every curve. She brushed out her ebony hair and tied back half of it in a small ponytail tied by an ice blue ribbon. Glancing at her reflection, she smiled at herself. But she realised that her smile was not a true one of happiness and it turned to a slight frown. Sighing heavily she walked out onto her balcony.
Gazing into the sunrise, she said, "Ai, I must be off. Today I have a busy day ahead of me. There is so much I must do, but I do not know where to begin!" Rather I do not wish to begin.
She was reluctant to do the duty she knew she must: she had to talk to Legolas. She also had to talk to Mithrandir and Arwen, though she knew those two could wait. She only wanted to tell Arwen she was sorry and same for the Wizard. She could not take their advice, no matter how good they thought it to be.
Turning back into her room, she sighed once more. Tilting her head in the air, she set her mind to it. She would first seek out Legolas. She had to. There was no other way and she could no longer wait.
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In his room, Legolas lay awake. He had not slept all night, but lay awake thinking. He had seen Lina talk to Mithrandir and then disappear into the night. She must have gone to her tree, but Legolas was too scared to go after her. He had already made a fool of himself kissing her so suddenly. She hated him and he knew it! Or at least she must! Why had she pulled away? Exasperated, Legolas got up from the bed. He bathed and dressed in a dark green tunic and brown leggings. The sun had just risen, so he decided to leave his room. If Lina would not willingly speak with him, he would have to find her and initiate the conversation himself.
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Walking into the courtyard, Lina stopped by a fountain. Stepping onto its marble platform, she grasped a small apple from a tree that had been leaning over. Jumping lithely down from the stone, she landed on her feet with the light tap her soft shoes made. She bit into the apple, savouring the sweet taste. She continued walking, making her way between the trees and flowers that coloured the courtyard. The sun looked lovely in its early morning shades of yellow. If only I could enjoy this perfect day, Lina thought.
Then, she heard the sound of light footsteps. Darting behind a tree, Lina peeked out. She knew the footsteps were that of an Elf, for they were light and graceful. Then she saw Legolas, walking slowly and deliberately as though he was looking for something… or someone. And he was.
Slowly, Lina stepped out from behind the tree.
"Good morning, Legolas," she said so quietly that even his fair Elven ears could barely hear her.
"My Lady," he said. "How are you this morning?"
"Legolas, forget the polite talk. I need to talk to you about more pressing matters."
"Pray tell, Lady, what do you wish to speak of?" Legolas did not know what he was saying. Just apologise, damn fool! Perhaps she will forgive you!
"Lina," he began again.
"No, Legolas, let me speak," she interrupted.
He nodded his head to show he was listening.
"I am sorry. I really am. And I know I have been having to apologise to you quite a bit since you came here, and I feel terribly about it. But you deserve my sincerest of apologies. I acted like a fool and I wish for you to accept my apology. I should not have run away from you like that, especially giving no explanation. It must have seemed very haughty and impolite and if I wish to be a lady I should not do such things."
"Hush, Lina! Do not say such. You did nothing wrong; it is I who committed a wrongdoing and I will repent for it. My impulses got the better of me and I should not have succumbed to such hasty feelings. I am the one to apologise."
"Nay, Legolas, I have put this off for too long. I need to talk to you. I must speak of the reason I cannot love you. I am sorry for I should have told you days ago."
~*~Hehehe… The suspense! :) Anyway, I know it is a short chapter, but I thought it was a good place to end and I want to go to sleep. I tend to write late at night, which is why I generally have to write on the weekends. I get my best thoughts together late in the day. So, are you going to review?? You are, right? You will, right?? For me????? Please! Thanks everyone! And look for the next chapter… it may come up soon! Hopefully! :) *hugs* elenya~*~