The Mystery of Love
THANK YOU ALL FOR THE REVIEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Chapter Twenty-Three
The Title and all the Pain That Goes With it: Part 2
~~~POV-LEGOLAS GREENLEAF~~~
I followed Reyna in to her room and she escorted me to the balcony. "Legolas, there is a lot that comes with the glorious title I was given." Her tone was melancholy.
I smiled, "Of course there is, your are a queen now."
She shook her head. Her eyes filled with pain, "No. I mean; all the blessings I have been given have a price. My immortality, my people, my magic, my wishes; there is a price for all of that." I wanted to ask her to stop, to let me love her and that everything would be fine. I could not do this because I was not sure if it would work. I shook those foolish thoughts away. She looked deeply into my eyes; "I cannot wed you Legolas. I cannot put you through that pain."
I had never mentioned marriage but it was always an unspoken idea. I started to object, "But Cathelle, I. . . " She stopped me as her finger met my lips. Her fingers were warm to the touch.
"Don't say those words again until you have heard me speak." A sigh escaped my lips. Her eyes seemed overwhelmed with anguish; I wanted to kiss all her pain away so badly.
I looked into her despairing brown eyes. "What do you have to say?" I tried to hide my sincere concern incase it discouraged her from talking to me.
She took a heaving breath. "Well, every Fae Queen inherits a curse along with her blessings. All forty Fae Queens before me have died exactly two years after they birthed their first daughter. After I produce an heir my days are numbered. I do not want you to fall in love with me! You can't! I told myself when I found this out that I would never love anyone! Now you have brought out this new feeling in me. Legolas, I won't let you love me. I won't let you care for me so deeply and then be alone."
My breath caught in my throat, I could barely breathe. This lovely girl that sat in front of me would be lost to me if I wed her. I had never thought of children, well not often, and nothing like this ever arose in my mind. I had always pictured Reyna and I living a happy life together and moving to Valinor together in our aged years.
I bit my lip, "You first." She didn't seem to understand that my love was unconditional.
"What?" Her sad eyes filled with questions.
"You stop loving me first Cathelle."
She sobbed, "This isn't a child's game Legolas! This is for your own good! I cannot stop loving you; my heart won't listen. I have tried to stop but I cannot."
I took a deep breath, "Than you should now know how I feel."
Reyna's tears swelled up, "Legolas! I don't care about that. I cannot wed you; I will die and leave you with the burden of our child! I will commit to you knowing that I would leave you behind sooner rather than later!"
I wrapped her in my arms briefly and let go. "You choose not to marry me. If we never bore a daughter we would be fine together, right? You would not die?"
Pale, thin fingers wiped tears from her cheek, "I suppose, but I cannot control that! There is such a small chance that we will bare a son!"
My mind made itself up. I let all pain die from my eyes. "So you will let my love be in vain." I stood and ran from the room quickly. I was not sure where I was going but anywhere was better than in that room with her. I was teeming with rage and staying with her would only tempt my irritability. 'How could she? How on middle earth could she be so selfish?' I was fuming with outrage. I paced along the steps outside until the sun began to rise.
I could not believe it. 'She led me on all this time just so that she could shoot me down! She showed no consideration once so ever!' I pictured her brown eyes again, 'Now I know about those shadows I always saw.' I rolled my eyes. 'Maybe I should leave.I really don't belong here.' I started to turn and saddle Arod when a female voice called out.
"Legolas! Don't!" Arwen's usually soft voice was sharp and reproving. I could tell she was displeased with me from her tone. I groaned lightly.
I turned; Arwen stood at the top of the stairs in a white gown. Her black locks were flowing over her shoulders. I rolled my eyes, "Arwen, I do not belong here. That has been proven tonight; she does not love me. Please do not tell me otherwise."
She stormed down to me, "So all this time you have spent with her is a waste? All your emotions are lies? You love that maiden and she loves you! I can see it in both your eyes whenever you are together! Stop being so rash and foolish! I want you to march back in there and hold her! She needs you! You need to be there for her in her hour of need! How can you say you love her and then turn around and abandon her in her hour of need!"
I glared, "She doesn't need anyone. She is a big girl; she can care for herself. My love for her is unreturned and taken for granted so I am of no use here."
Arwen's blue eyes lit furiously, "If you leave Glacia tonight I will wash my hands of you forever! What has gotten in to you? You used to be a gentleman and now you are rude and uncaring. This young woman has strong feelings for you that you are showing little regard for!"
My reply was dry, "I am sorry, my heart was just shattered. Maybe it is you who needs to show consideration! I cannot just stay here and not love her!"
"Then love her."
I threw my hands in the air angrily, "She just told me not to!"
Arwen calmed, "She is a girl; she is not sure of what she wants. If you truly want her heart then you must stay here and love her." I dropped my hands to my side.
"I will stay tonight but if she angers me anymore I will depart, fair enough?"
Arwen nodded and walked me back inside. I talked with her as we strode down the halls. After a while I departed for my chambers.
~~~POV CHANGE-REYNA LINDELE~~~
I shut my door soundlessly behind him; the noiseless tears that had been trailing down my pale cheeks had stopped. I locked the large dead bolt. I silently approached the door to his room and opened it. I walked through his room and locked the door to the hall. 'That uncaring jerk can sleep on the floor outside for all I care.'
As I locked his door I grabbed the down comforter from his bed and wrapped myself. It smelled of sweet lilac and pine, just like he did. I inhaled deeply and sighed at his sweet scent. I wrapped myself in it and sat on his balcony. I stared at the moon and stars for hours. Tears of deep heartbreaking pain slid down my flushed cheeks. Memories filled my mind, images of the daces we had shared. Thoughts of how perfectly everything could have turned out. I reminisced about the first time we met.
~~~FLASHBACK~~~
My eyes fluttered open, "Gandalf?" My voice was parched. I sat up and embraced the elderly man, "Gandalf!!" Aragorn and another elf shifted uncomfortably and Gandalf turned. His eyes were lit up in merriment; the blond elf's were twinkling with excitement as he looked at me curiously.
Gandalf smiled, "Allow me to introduce you to a good friend of mine, Reyna. She is of an ancient race called the Wicca Fae to answer your question Lorei. She is a woman of the Mother. They are like the female Istari. Immortal, magic and wise these people are." Lorei smiled and approached me from the doorway. I did not like the way he walked; he was cocky and overconfident. I watched the other elf carefully. His blue eyes were striking.
Lorei took my hand and kissed it lightly on bended knee, "I am called Lorei, Prince of Mirkwood, a Woodland Elf."
I swiftly withdrew my hand. I could feel my voice go cold. I spoke darkly, "Is your hand doth touch mine again you shall never produce an heir."
The young elf near Aragorn found himself hiding a chuckle as Lorei stormed out and Aragorn broke out into a fit of laughter. Gandalf laughed loudly and he released the giddy urge to laugh as he fell to the floor, drowning in his own laughter. I glance around, unsure of what was so funny.
The elf stood again and walked over to me, "Miss, I advise you not to speak to an Elven Prince in such a manner ever again. I am but an elf who resides in this town." His eyes still twinkled with amusement. I smiled at him. He bowed low to me and I giggled lightly. I cupped my hand over my mouth, 'I am giggling like a she-elf!'
He smiled and turned to see I was smiling at Arwen, who was preparing to smack the young elf in the rear as he bent over to bow. He turned quickly and Arwen's eyes laughed with merriment. The elf gave her a falsely reproving glare and stepped away.
Arwen walked up to me and extended her pale hand. I smiled and nodded, "I am Arwen, daughter of Elrond, who is King of Rivendell." I placed my hands under and over hers. I nodded respectfully to my old friend. Aragorn put a hand on her shoulder, trying to convince her to rest more. I greeted her less formally, showing the other that we knew one another.
I looked at the floor when I addressed them, "I am Reyna, granddaughter of Queen Lerama. My mother ruled the territory of Glacia.it is far past the Grey Havens." No one asked of my parents, thankfully, because that was a subject I often wished to bring up.
Aragorn bowed, "Lady Reyna. I am Aragorn, son of Arathorn, the King of Gondor and Isildur's heir." I smiled familiarly and my mocha eyes reflected understanding as he hesitated to name himself as Isildur's heir. I tried to tell him silently that I knew how he felt.
I turned to the blond elf. I examined his long blond tresses and sparkling blue eyes. I could see him examining me in turn. His ears were delicately pointed, unlike mine. I had seen elves before but they still never ceased to fascinate me. I smiled at him, "And you, young elf? What of your heritage and your name?"
He bowed his head, "I am an Elf of Mirkwood. I am but a bastard." Aragorn started to object but a sharp look from Gandalf silenced him. Arwen let out a sigh of frustration and walked out of the room with Aragorn. He looked up at me, "Call me Ari." I smiled; his lie was obvious but I would play along for now. He fascinated me. Arwen I knew and Lorei was not one I wanted to know so Legolas caught my eye immediately. He looked devilishly handsome. His finely boned features definitely attracted me to him at first sight.
~~~END FLASHBACK~~~
He was so kind and sweet. He still is but he was more tolerant and understanding then. I never thought he would act so rashly. If I had known he would turn to treat me like this I am not sure of what I would have done. I wept a little while longer. I noticed the sun rise slowly over the mountain peaks and I sighed deeply. "I will have to speak with him soon. I am worried though, how will I forgive him. Will he ever forgive me? Doesn't he realize that I would give up my title at a moment's notice just to be with him? If only it were that simple." I crept into my room and pulled on a large white t-shirt. I pulled another pair of clean underwear on and sighed. So I didn't look marvelous, he had probably left in the night anyway. I pulled my shirt over my thighs and unbolted the door. I pulled the door open and gasped. My eyes widened with surprise.
~~~END~~~
That was yet another cliffhanger. Am I getting better at these? =P! Well, R&R! All your advice and comments are deeply appreciated. Vanya Sulie! Namaarie!
THANK YOU ALL FOR THE REVIEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Twenty-Three
The Title and all the Pain That Goes With it: Part 2
~~~POV-LEGOLAS GREENLEAF~~~
I followed Reyna in to her room and she escorted me to the balcony. "Legolas, there is a lot that comes with the glorious title I was given." Her tone was melancholy.
I smiled, "Of course there is, your are a queen now."
She shook her head. Her eyes filled with pain, "No. I mean; all the blessings I have been given have a price. My immortality, my people, my magic, my wishes; there is a price for all of that." I wanted to ask her to stop, to let me love her and that everything would be fine. I could not do this because I was not sure if it would work. I shook those foolish thoughts away. She looked deeply into my eyes; "I cannot wed you Legolas. I cannot put you through that pain."
I had never mentioned marriage but it was always an unspoken idea. I started to object, "But Cathelle, I. . . " She stopped me as her finger met my lips. Her fingers were warm to the touch.
"Don't say those words again until you have heard me speak." A sigh escaped my lips. Her eyes seemed overwhelmed with anguish; I wanted to kiss all her pain away so badly.
I looked into her despairing brown eyes. "What do you have to say?" I tried to hide my sincere concern incase it discouraged her from talking to me.
She took a heaving breath. "Well, every Fae Queen inherits a curse along with her blessings. All forty Fae Queens before me have died exactly two years after they birthed their first daughter. After I produce an heir my days are numbered. I do not want you to fall in love with me! You can't! I told myself when I found this out that I would never love anyone! Now you have brought out this new feeling in me. Legolas, I won't let you love me. I won't let you care for me so deeply and then be alone."
My breath caught in my throat, I could barely breathe. This lovely girl that sat in front of me would be lost to me if I wed her. I had never thought of children, well not often, and nothing like this ever arose in my mind. I had always pictured Reyna and I living a happy life together and moving to Valinor together in our aged years.
I bit my lip, "You first." She didn't seem to understand that my love was unconditional.
"What?" Her sad eyes filled with questions.
"You stop loving me first Cathelle."
She sobbed, "This isn't a child's game Legolas! This is for your own good! I cannot stop loving you; my heart won't listen. I have tried to stop but I cannot."
I took a deep breath, "Than you should now know how I feel."
Reyna's tears swelled up, "Legolas! I don't care about that. I cannot wed you; I will die and leave you with the burden of our child! I will commit to you knowing that I would leave you behind sooner rather than later!"
I wrapped her in my arms briefly and let go. "You choose not to marry me. If we never bore a daughter we would be fine together, right? You would not die?"
Pale, thin fingers wiped tears from her cheek, "I suppose, but I cannot control that! There is such a small chance that we will bare a son!"
My mind made itself up. I let all pain die from my eyes. "So you will let my love be in vain." I stood and ran from the room quickly. I was not sure where I was going but anywhere was better than in that room with her. I was teeming with rage and staying with her would only tempt my irritability. 'How could she? How on middle earth could she be so selfish?' I was fuming with outrage. I paced along the steps outside until the sun began to rise.
I could not believe it. 'She led me on all this time just so that she could shoot me down! She showed no consideration once so ever!' I pictured her brown eyes again, 'Now I know about those shadows I always saw.' I rolled my eyes. 'Maybe I should leave.I really don't belong here.' I started to turn and saddle Arod when a female voice called out.
"Legolas! Don't!" Arwen's usually soft voice was sharp and reproving. I could tell she was displeased with me from her tone. I groaned lightly.
I turned; Arwen stood at the top of the stairs in a white gown. Her black locks were flowing over her shoulders. I rolled my eyes, "Arwen, I do not belong here. That has been proven tonight; she does not love me. Please do not tell me otherwise."
She stormed down to me, "So all this time you have spent with her is a waste? All your emotions are lies? You love that maiden and she loves you! I can see it in both your eyes whenever you are together! Stop being so rash and foolish! I want you to march back in there and hold her! She needs you! You need to be there for her in her hour of need! How can you say you love her and then turn around and abandon her in her hour of need!"
I glared, "She doesn't need anyone. She is a big girl; she can care for herself. My love for her is unreturned and taken for granted so I am of no use here."
Arwen's blue eyes lit furiously, "If you leave Glacia tonight I will wash my hands of you forever! What has gotten in to you? You used to be a gentleman and now you are rude and uncaring. This young woman has strong feelings for you that you are showing little regard for!"
My reply was dry, "I am sorry, my heart was just shattered. Maybe it is you who needs to show consideration! I cannot just stay here and not love her!"
"Then love her."
I threw my hands in the air angrily, "She just told me not to!"
Arwen calmed, "She is a girl; she is not sure of what she wants. If you truly want her heart then you must stay here and love her." I dropped my hands to my side.
"I will stay tonight but if she angers me anymore I will depart, fair enough?"
Arwen nodded and walked me back inside. I talked with her as we strode down the halls. After a while I departed for my chambers.
~~~POV CHANGE-REYNA LINDELE~~~
I shut my door soundlessly behind him; the noiseless tears that had been trailing down my pale cheeks had stopped. I locked the large dead bolt. I silently approached the door to his room and opened it. I walked through his room and locked the door to the hall. 'That uncaring jerk can sleep on the floor outside for all I care.'
As I locked his door I grabbed the down comforter from his bed and wrapped myself. It smelled of sweet lilac and pine, just like he did. I inhaled deeply and sighed at his sweet scent. I wrapped myself in it and sat on his balcony. I stared at the moon and stars for hours. Tears of deep heartbreaking pain slid down my flushed cheeks. Memories filled my mind, images of the daces we had shared. Thoughts of how perfectly everything could have turned out. I reminisced about the first time we met.
~~~FLASHBACK~~~
My eyes fluttered open, "Gandalf?" My voice was parched. I sat up and embraced the elderly man, "Gandalf!!" Aragorn and another elf shifted uncomfortably and Gandalf turned. His eyes were lit up in merriment; the blond elf's were twinkling with excitement as he looked at me curiously.
Gandalf smiled, "Allow me to introduce you to a good friend of mine, Reyna. She is of an ancient race called the Wicca Fae to answer your question Lorei. She is a woman of the Mother. They are like the female Istari. Immortal, magic and wise these people are." Lorei smiled and approached me from the doorway. I did not like the way he walked; he was cocky and overconfident. I watched the other elf carefully. His blue eyes were striking.
Lorei took my hand and kissed it lightly on bended knee, "I am called Lorei, Prince of Mirkwood, a Woodland Elf."
I swiftly withdrew my hand. I could feel my voice go cold. I spoke darkly, "Is your hand doth touch mine again you shall never produce an heir."
The young elf near Aragorn found himself hiding a chuckle as Lorei stormed out and Aragorn broke out into a fit of laughter. Gandalf laughed loudly and he released the giddy urge to laugh as he fell to the floor, drowning in his own laughter. I glance around, unsure of what was so funny.
The elf stood again and walked over to me, "Miss, I advise you not to speak to an Elven Prince in such a manner ever again. I am but an elf who resides in this town." His eyes still twinkled with amusement. I smiled at him. He bowed low to me and I giggled lightly. I cupped my hand over my mouth, 'I am giggling like a she-elf!'
He smiled and turned to see I was smiling at Arwen, who was preparing to smack the young elf in the rear as he bent over to bow. He turned quickly and Arwen's eyes laughed with merriment. The elf gave her a falsely reproving glare and stepped away.
Arwen walked up to me and extended her pale hand. I smiled and nodded, "I am Arwen, daughter of Elrond, who is King of Rivendell." I placed my hands under and over hers. I nodded respectfully to my old friend. Aragorn put a hand on her shoulder, trying to convince her to rest more. I greeted her less formally, showing the other that we knew one another.
I looked at the floor when I addressed them, "I am Reyna, granddaughter of Queen Lerama. My mother ruled the territory of Glacia.it is far past the Grey Havens." No one asked of my parents, thankfully, because that was a subject I often wished to bring up.
Aragorn bowed, "Lady Reyna. I am Aragorn, son of Arathorn, the King of Gondor and Isildur's heir." I smiled familiarly and my mocha eyes reflected understanding as he hesitated to name himself as Isildur's heir. I tried to tell him silently that I knew how he felt.
I turned to the blond elf. I examined his long blond tresses and sparkling blue eyes. I could see him examining me in turn. His ears were delicately pointed, unlike mine. I had seen elves before but they still never ceased to fascinate me. I smiled at him, "And you, young elf? What of your heritage and your name?"
He bowed his head, "I am an Elf of Mirkwood. I am but a bastard." Aragorn started to object but a sharp look from Gandalf silenced him. Arwen let out a sigh of frustration and walked out of the room with Aragorn. He looked up at me, "Call me Ari." I smiled; his lie was obvious but I would play along for now. He fascinated me. Arwen I knew and Lorei was not one I wanted to know so Legolas caught my eye immediately. He looked devilishly handsome. His finely boned features definitely attracted me to him at first sight.
~~~END FLASHBACK~~~
He was so kind and sweet. He still is but he was more tolerant and understanding then. I never thought he would act so rashly. If I had known he would turn to treat me like this I am not sure of what I would have done. I wept a little while longer. I noticed the sun rise slowly over the mountain peaks and I sighed deeply. "I will have to speak with him soon. I am worried though, how will I forgive him. Will he ever forgive me? Doesn't he realize that I would give up my title at a moment's notice just to be with him? If only it were that simple." I crept into my room and pulled on a large white t-shirt. I pulled another pair of clean underwear on and sighed. So I didn't look marvelous, he had probably left in the night anyway. I pulled my shirt over my thighs and unbolted the door. I pulled the door open and gasped. My eyes widened with surprise.
~~~END~~~
That was yet another cliffhanger. Am I getting better at these? =P! Well, R&R! All your advice and comments are deeply appreciated. Vanya Sulie! Namaarie!