The Mystery of Love
A/N: Only 5 people reviewed my last update...that hurt. You guys still out there? Anyway, thanks to:
Blue Eyes
Fernvigiel
Big Rikku Fan
Anime Elvengirl
Tap-dancing Hobbit (you were the first! Love you!)
Chapter Fifty (cont.)
With a smirk, he countered my verbal assault. "Scum, huh? Not much of a reputation to live up to." He swung his blade through the air, causing it to hum. I heard the sound start, and ducked before the blade reached me.
Just like when Legolas proposed to me, my senses were soaring above normal. Every part of my body was hypersensitive. I could hear every drop of perspiration on his body form. My ears picked up even the sound of his odd robes rubbing together. He wore a pair of very loose pants and a robe tied over them. A hooded cloak concealed his figure but his Westron and his build gave his race away.
"I take that last comment back, for a human like you, scum is too much of a compliment." With a quick flick of my blade, I ran up and sliced his cloak away. He had dark brown locks that curled and fell to his shoulders. His eyes were a captivating green and his face was cleanly shaven. "You are a half-breed too..." I was unsure of whether I was asking him or confirming my suspicion. His face was too noble to be human, and he had no hair on it once so ever.
"It takes a wise woman to see through my human blood. Yes, I am half Elf, like you...and like Lotewen."
Lotewen, that name made me sick. After a few seconds, I managed to refrain from rolling my eyes dryly. "Do not tell me that you are her mate..."
He laughed, it was a very throaty laugh but it was genuine. "Not in this lifetime arwen en amin (my lady). I would rather be hung by a dwarf." I laughed lightly, my airy joy flitting into the forest and all around. I could hear the birds chirping in reply.
"At least we see eye to eye on some things. What is the name of the man I must slay to get to Lotewen?"
"My birth name is Pilin'ereb but you may call me anything your heart desires..." His forest green eyes twinkled.
Pilin'ereb, such a strong but painful elven name. He must have been a brave but solitary man. "Lonely arrow? Such a title is an interesting name for a warrior. My name is Reyna which means 'Queen' in my native tongue."
"You are feigning? Are you truly a queen? I was not told as much by Lotewen..." Some sort of thought process shifted in his mind.
"Yes, I am truly a Queen. Queen of the Wicca Fae. Lotewen did not inform you because she feels that she is the rightful heir to the throne. Does that change anything Edan {man}?"
He considered it for a moment. "Only how many flowers I must bring to your funeral."
"How could a funny man such as yourself end up working with some one as shallow and vapid as my dear sister?"
Edan shifted, "It is funny you would ask. I was with the Army of Gondor and she promised me a plot of land near the Grey Havens where I could raise a family. The land there is supposed to be fertile and lovely. I could not resist such an offer."
I bit my lip, "So you have bound yourself to a woman? One to start a family with?"
He laughed, "That is just it, I have yet to find one. If I am lucky, I will find one who can almost compare to half the beauty of this being before me. The likes of you are befitting only to a Prince."
Something dreadful caught in my throat. "This is not so. My Prince deserves better than I am giving him..." I raised my sword, bent on helping Legolas. "We 'were' fighting..."
With a smile, he yielded. "How about this...I fold under the condition that you forget this battle ever happened and open yourself to a proposition of friendship?"
I blushed, "If I could win all battles like that I would not need my daggers. Proposal accepted but bring me Lotewen first."
He nodded, "A smart choice. She will be out shortly."
~~~POV-LEGOLAS THRANDUILLION~~~
I walked down the wing, my hearing and sight finely tuned and awaiting any disturbance. That's when I picked up what I had been waiting for, a soft humming. It was an elven tune but the voice was so silky, it must have been an elf's.
Without question, I followed it. My balance was off as I drew my bow back and I had to redo it. 'What is wrong with me? Could it be my argument with Reyna? I hope she is okay...'
A surge of anger flew through me as I recalled why we were arguing. How could she possibly still wonder about my intentions? Curse that Fae; she always found a way to stress my heart to its limits.
That is when I recalled why I was here. Lotewen, my old lover and the sister of my Eldar, was now torturing my sister and Reyna's closest companion. What was she doing in Lorei's chambers? That was where the sound came from.
I opened the door with a hard shove and saw Loraine lying on Lorei's bed with her mouth gagged. Ariane ran to her, "Melamin!" Watching them hug and kiss was enough to send me into a rage. I looked around for Serina, she was not anywhere to be found. 'A trap...Reyna is in trouble.' I turned to Ariane, "Reyna needs our help!"
With that, I ran out of the room, bent on finding my lover. Lotewen was not here, neither was Serina. That was not a good sign. Reyna would do anything to spare Serina's life...and that was what worried me most.
~~~POV-REYNA LINDELE~~~
"Does this proposition of friendship include allowing Lotewen her life?" I stared hard into his green eyes. True, I did prefer peace but not at the cost of sparing Lotewen's life.
My human friend smiled. "I do not care what you do to the she-elf. She is corrupted by evil as it is."
"So it is obvious how evil she is?" He nodded. "Does it surprise you that she is my sister?"
His green eyes widened, "That woman shared your blood. Impossible!"
Lotewen walked out of the forest. "Oh, go away Pilin. I knew you were worthless. Luckily, I have a back-up plan." Behind her, she pulled a form out of the shadows.
I gasped, "Serina! Let her go. How dare you play so lowly!"
A smirk crossed her face, "How could I resist? I mean, you are ever so loyal to your friends. It was all too easy really." She held an elven dagger to Serina's throat.
"Stop it! State you your demands! Legolas and I will meet them at any cost! Please, just let her go!"
Serina looked at me, "Reyna! Don't do this! Just let her kill me!"
Lotewen hissed, "Dina!" {Be silent!} "Reyna, if you want your friend to live I want you to take that emerald dagger on your belt and thrust it straight through that hefty torso of yours."
I bit my lip, "Fine." Serina started to fight Lotewen in protest but I turned to her. "Tampa!" {Stop!} "I know you do not understand this Serina, but I owe it to you after not saving your sister, and I owe it to you for being there for me." I removed my armor, so as not to get it bloody, and unsheathed my weapon. I raised my bright emerald blade level with my head.
"From the earth I was born, and to the earth I shall return." Almost like it was not my hands holding the dagger, but another's, it plunged into my stomach. The blood immediately seeped through my tunic. While the pain was quite excruciating, seeing Legolas run up to me as I fell hurt even more. He held my hand and stared at me. Lotewen threw Serina down, and Pilin helped her up. The forlorn look in the blue eyes of my lover was enough to make me start crying.
Serina was whispering to Pilin and he nodded. Quietly, he slipped into the woods. Legolas continued to stare at me. "Melamin, why did you do this? If only you had waited..."
I turned to him, "Serina is my friend. I would do anything to keep her safe and that was the price Lotewen named. Legolas, I told you I would hurt you someday. Perhaps it is better that I die like this than later when I leave children behind." I was crying now, I truly did not want to leave him. I loved this man more than anyone and now I had to leave him.
He cried, hundreds of tears poured from his crystalline eyes. I had never seen his blue eyes quite so blue, blue with anguish. "Reyna...I won't let you die." He started to compress the wound. I held his tunic against my gash as he held my hands. I loved him so much and I tried to make my eyes express what my words could not.
"Just kill Lotewen before I bleed out, please...I must see her die." Legolas stood with his elven daggers in hand.
Lotewen was still standing there, gloating. As she stared at me, she paid no attention Serina. Serina quickly grabbed her arms and held them behind her back. Legolas ran at her and slashed a deep cut on either cheek. This was the sign of an elven outcast.
Next, he thoroughly scared her by pointing to each part of her body he would like to stab. Serina turned her to face the forest and stepped a little to the side. I could see a clear shot at her back now. I took it, with a little difficulty. As my arrow flew at her, I fell back down and started to gasp for breath.
"Legolas, tula sinome seasa." {Legolas, come here please.} He was at my side in a moment. He held my hands firmly.
"You will pull through, Pilin is looking for some herbs as we speak."
I looked up at him. "Legolas, do not fret, I do not fear what lies ahead."
Loraine and Ariane walked out and gasped. Lotewen's body laid on the ground, forgotten, while Legolas, Ariane, and Loraine quickly surrounded me. Serina was looking for herbs with Pilin. I was starting to bleed a lot now, more than I thought possible. It was evident that I would not survive.
With a sharp breath, I turned to Legolas. "Never forget me okay?"
He bit his lip to fight back a sob. "Do not speak in such a manner, you will get through this." I just stared at him. "I promise to never forget you."
I smiled, "Than it is time." I took one more breath and I felt my lungs compress, I could not breath in again. I coughed up blood and never took my eyes off Legolas. "Namarie." {Farewell.}
~~~POV-LEGOLAS THRANDUILLION~~~
Tears fell as I kneeled there. "No. No. No!" This could not be happening. I shook her a little bit, her eyes were still open partly but they were different.
"Brother, she is gone. I am so sorry." Loraine closed her eyes.
I refused to move, "NO!" Ariane took my arm, and Loraine the other as they hoisted me to my feet. As if I was too numb to move for myself, they escorted me into the palace. I didn't take my eyes of Reyna's body until the door closed. Then more tears fell. I pulled from my friends' grasp and fell to the floor. "NO! THIS ISN'T FAIR! FIRST MOTHER, THEN FATHER AND NOW MY ELDAR!! CURSE IT ALL!" I was banging my fists against the marble tiling and sobbing terribly.
Ariane and Loraine stayed with me. "I am so sorry." My sister's voice was a little comforting, but then I wished to hear Reyna's and the pain worsened.
"When Reyna said she would hurt me, I had no idea..." 'No idea it could hurt this much...' my thoughts finished my sentence.
Serina was still outside with the body, in fact, she stayed out there until nightfall. When she entered all four of us sat at the dinner table. I could not eat. The food in front of me made me nauseous. I looked up at Loraine. "I think I am going to try and sleep."
She nodded, "Of course? Would you like assistance?"
For a moment, I stared at her. She too was grieving, and I was being selfish. I stood, "No, thank you." With that, I pulled myself along the halls, as hollow and empty as they were. I opened my chamber's door and paused in the doorway. I rubbed my eyes wearily; I was very tired. I needed sleep. I needed a lot of sleep.
"Legolas..." I shook my head and lay down, pleading for rest to find me. It did not...I was left with my mind tricks and nightmarish images...
~~~To Be Continued~~~
Oh God, I cried when I wrote that. So sad, especially the end of Lego's POV. There will be an epilogue. Do not ask me if she is really dead, or if there will be a sequel, until you read the epilogue which should be out in three days' time. I have to go find some tissues now...my poor Reyna. She was like my baby... *sob*
A/N: Only 5 people reviewed my last update...that hurt. You guys still out there? Anyway, thanks to:
Blue Eyes
Fernvigiel
Big Rikku Fan
Anime Elvengirl
Tap-dancing Hobbit (you were the first! Love you!)
Chapter Fifty (cont.)
With a smirk, he countered my verbal assault. "Scum, huh? Not much of a reputation to live up to." He swung his blade through the air, causing it to hum. I heard the sound start, and ducked before the blade reached me.
Just like when Legolas proposed to me, my senses were soaring above normal. Every part of my body was hypersensitive. I could hear every drop of perspiration on his body form. My ears picked up even the sound of his odd robes rubbing together. He wore a pair of very loose pants and a robe tied over them. A hooded cloak concealed his figure but his Westron and his build gave his race away.
"I take that last comment back, for a human like you, scum is too much of a compliment." With a quick flick of my blade, I ran up and sliced his cloak away. He had dark brown locks that curled and fell to his shoulders. His eyes were a captivating green and his face was cleanly shaven. "You are a half-breed too..." I was unsure of whether I was asking him or confirming my suspicion. His face was too noble to be human, and he had no hair on it once so ever.
"It takes a wise woman to see through my human blood. Yes, I am half Elf, like you...and like Lotewen."
Lotewen, that name made me sick. After a few seconds, I managed to refrain from rolling my eyes dryly. "Do not tell me that you are her mate..."
He laughed, it was a very throaty laugh but it was genuine. "Not in this lifetime arwen en amin (my lady). I would rather be hung by a dwarf." I laughed lightly, my airy joy flitting into the forest and all around. I could hear the birds chirping in reply.
"At least we see eye to eye on some things. What is the name of the man I must slay to get to Lotewen?"
"My birth name is Pilin'ereb but you may call me anything your heart desires..." His forest green eyes twinkled.
Pilin'ereb, such a strong but painful elven name. He must have been a brave but solitary man. "Lonely arrow? Such a title is an interesting name for a warrior. My name is Reyna which means 'Queen' in my native tongue."
"You are feigning? Are you truly a queen? I was not told as much by Lotewen..." Some sort of thought process shifted in his mind.
"Yes, I am truly a Queen. Queen of the Wicca Fae. Lotewen did not inform you because she feels that she is the rightful heir to the throne. Does that change anything Edan {man}?"
He considered it for a moment. "Only how many flowers I must bring to your funeral."
"How could a funny man such as yourself end up working with some one as shallow and vapid as my dear sister?"
Edan shifted, "It is funny you would ask. I was with the Army of Gondor and she promised me a plot of land near the Grey Havens where I could raise a family. The land there is supposed to be fertile and lovely. I could not resist such an offer."
I bit my lip, "So you have bound yourself to a woman? One to start a family with?"
He laughed, "That is just it, I have yet to find one. If I am lucky, I will find one who can almost compare to half the beauty of this being before me. The likes of you are befitting only to a Prince."
Something dreadful caught in my throat. "This is not so. My Prince deserves better than I am giving him..." I raised my sword, bent on helping Legolas. "We 'were' fighting..."
With a smile, he yielded. "How about this...I fold under the condition that you forget this battle ever happened and open yourself to a proposition of friendship?"
I blushed, "If I could win all battles like that I would not need my daggers. Proposal accepted but bring me Lotewen first."
He nodded, "A smart choice. She will be out shortly."
~~~POV-LEGOLAS THRANDUILLION~~~
I walked down the wing, my hearing and sight finely tuned and awaiting any disturbance. That's when I picked up what I had been waiting for, a soft humming. It was an elven tune but the voice was so silky, it must have been an elf's.
Without question, I followed it. My balance was off as I drew my bow back and I had to redo it. 'What is wrong with me? Could it be my argument with Reyna? I hope she is okay...'
A surge of anger flew through me as I recalled why we were arguing. How could she possibly still wonder about my intentions? Curse that Fae; she always found a way to stress my heart to its limits.
That is when I recalled why I was here. Lotewen, my old lover and the sister of my Eldar, was now torturing my sister and Reyna's closest companion. What was she doing in Lorei's chambers? That was where the sound came from.
I opened the door with a hard shove and saw Loraine lying on Lorei's bed with her mouth gagged. Ariane ran to her, "Melamin!" Watching them hug and kiss was enough to send me into a rage. I looked around for Serina, she was not anywhere to be found. 'A trap...Reyna is in trouble.' I turned to Ariane, "Reyna needs our help!"
With that, I ran out of the room, bent on finding my lover. Lotewen was not here, neither was Serina. That was not a good sign. Reyna would do anything to spare Serina's life...and that was what worried me most.
~~~POV-REYNA LINDELE~~~
"Does this proposition of friendship include allowing Lotewen her life?" I stared hard into his green eyes. True, I did prefer peace but not at the cost of sparing Lotewen's life.
My human friend smiled. "I do not care what you do to the she-elf. She is corrupted by evil as it is."
"So it is obvious how evil she is?" He nodded. "Does it surprise you that she is my sister?"
His green eyes widened, "That woman shared your blood. Impossible!"
Lotewen walked out of the forest. "Oh, go away Pilin. I knew you were worthless. Luckily, I have a back-up plan." Behind her, she pulled a form out of the shadows.
I gasped, "Serina! Let her go. How dare you play so lowly!"
A smirk crossed her face, "How could I resist? I mean, you are ever so loyal to your friends. It was all too easy really." She held an elven dagger to Serina's throat.
"Stop it! State you your demands! Legolas and I will meet them at any cost! Please, just let her go!"
Serina looked at me, "Reyna! Don't do this! Just let her kill me!"
Lotewen hissed, "Dina!" {Be silent!} "Reyna, if you want your friend to live I want you to take that emerald dagger on your belt and thrust it straight through that hefty torso of yours."
I bit my lip, "Fine." Serina started to fight Lotewen in protest but I turned to her. "Tampa!" {Stop!} "I know you do not understand this Serina, but I owe it to you after not saving your sister, and I owe it to you for being there for me." I removed my armor, so as not to get it bloody, and unsheathed my weapon. I raised my bright emerald blade level with my head.
"From the earth I was born, and to the earth I shall return." Almost like it was not my hands holding the dagger, but another's, it plunged into my stomach. The blood immediately seeped through my tunic. While the pain was quite excruciating, seeing Legolas run up to me as I fell hurt even more. He held my hand and stared at me. Lotewen threw Serina down, and Pilin helped her up. The forlorn look in the blue eyes of my lover was enough to make me start crying.
Serina was whispering to Pilin and he nodded. Quietly, he slipped into the woods. Legolas continued to stare at me. "Melamin, why did you do this? If only you had waited..."
I turned to him, "Serina is my friend. I would do anything to keep her safe and that was the price Lotewen named. Legolas, I told you I would hurt you someday. Perhaps it is better that I die like this than later when I leave children behind." I was crying now, I truly did not want to leave him. I loved this man more than anyone and now I had to leave him.
He cried, hundreds of tears poured from his crystalline eyes. I had never seen his blue eyes quite so blue, blue with anguish. "Reyna...I won't let you die." He started to compress the wound. I held his tunic against my gash as he held my hands. I loved him so much and I tried to make my eyes express what my words could not.
"Just kill Lotewen before I bleed out, please...I must see her die." Legolas stood with his elven daggers in hand.
Lotewen was still standing there, gloating. As she stared at me, she paid no attention Serina. Serina quickly grabbed her arms and held them behind her back. Legolas ran at her and slashed a deep cut on either cheek. This was the sign of an elven outcast.
Next, he thoroughly scared her by pointing to each part of her body he would like to stab. Serina turned her to face the forest and stepped a little to the side. I could see a clear shot at her back now. I took it, with a little difficulty. As my arrow flew at her, I fell back down and started to gasp for breath.
"Legolas, tula sinome seasa." {Legolas, come here please.} He was at my side in a moment. He held my hands firmly.
"You will pull through, Pilin is looking for some herbs as we speak."
I looked up at him. "Legolas, do not fret, I do not fear what lies ahead."
Loraine and Ariane walked out and gasped. Lotewen's body laid on the ground, forgotten, while Legolas, Ariane, and Loraine quickly surrounded me. Serina was looking for herbs with Pilin. I was starting to bleed a lot now, more than I thought possible. It was evident that I would not survive.
With a sharp breath, I turned to Legolas. "Never forget me okay?"
He bit his lip to fight back a sob. "Do not speak in such a manner, you will get through this." I just stared at him. "I promise to never forget you."
I smiled, "Than it is time." I took one more breath and I felt my lungs compress, I could not breath in again. I coughed up blood and never took my eyes off Legolas. "Namarie." {Farewell.}
~~~POV-LEGOLAS THRANDUILLION~~~
Tears fell as I kneeled there. "No. No. No!" This could not be happening. I shook her a little bit, her eyes were still open partly but they were different.
"Brother, she is gone. I am so sorry." Loraine closed her eyes.
I refused to move, "NO!" Ariane took my arm, and Loraine the other as they hoisted me to my feet. As if I was too numb to move for myself, they escorted me into the palace. I didn't take my eyes of Reyna's body until the door closed. Then more tears fell. I pulled from my friends' grasp and fell to the floor. "NO! THIS ISN'T FAIR! FIRST MOTHER, THEN FATHER AND NOW MY ELDAR!! CURSE IT ALL!" I was banging my fists against the marble tiling and sobbing terribly.
Ariane and Loraine stayed with me. "I am so sorry." My sister's voice was a little comforting, but then I wished to hear Reyna's and the pain worsened.
"When Reyna said she would hurt me, I had no idea..." 'No idea it could hurt this much...' my thoughts finished my sentence.
Serina was still outside with the body, in fact, she stayed out there until nightfall. When she entered all four of us sat at the dinner table. I could not eat. The food in front of me made me nauseous. I looked up at Loraine. "I think I am going to try and sleep."
She nodded, "Of course? Would you like assistance?"
For a moment, I stared at her. She too was grieving, and I was being selfish. I stood, "No, thank you." With that, I pulled myself along the halls, as hollow and empty as they were. I opened my chamber's door and paused in the doorway. I rubbed my eyes wearily; I was very tired. I needed sleep. I needed a lot of sleep.
"Legolas..." I shook my head and lay down, pleading for rest to find me. It did not...I was left with my mind tricks and nightmarish images...
~~~To Be Continued~~~
Oh God, I cried when I wrote that. So sad, especially the end of Lego's POV. There will be an epilogue. Do not ask me if she is really dead, or if there will be a sequel, until you read the epilogue which should be out in three days' time. I have to go find some tissues now...my poor Reyna. She was like my baby... *sob*