Disclaimer: See Prologue.
A/N: Thanks to everyone who reviewed! Sorry about the wait - I realize that I used to update every other day, but things like school and writer's block are starting to catch up. Your reviews really do keep me going. And if you have any ideas gnawing at your brain, do not hesitate to mention them in your review! They are helpful! Don't forget to review!
Words in ITALICS are ELVISH
Chapter 29
Picking Flowers
In the morning, Haldir and his brothers roused the fellowship from their slumber to escort them into the heart of Lórien.
The hobbits had questioned Arodwen about the fresh cuts and bruises she had, but the elleth did not answer them; her eyes downcast and lips pursed.
The gloominess that she held did not last for long, however, for they soon entered the magnificent city. Her eyes were alight with silent wonder, and a smile graced her lips as she gazed at everything around her.
The Mallorn trees seemed to grow ever onward up to the sky, standing like giant sentinels. They had arrived at sunset, so the beautiful forest was cast a fiery glow upon the ground, trees, and foliage. Small streams meandered aimlessly throughout the wood, the sunlight reflected in the crystal clear waters.
They passed a few elves on occasion; most were silent and brooding.
But Arodwen had seen an ellon and elleth walking amongst the trees; the ellon's arm wrapped about the elleth's waist as the smiling pair laughed and whispered sweet endearments to each other...
Unwillingly, she felt a pain growing in her heart, and the sting of tears in her eyes.
She could have that... She could share that with Legolas... Hear him whispering 'Lle naa vanima... Im meleth lle... Lle naa cormamin, melamin, faeramin, aníramin...' (You are beautiful... I love you... You are my heart, my love, my spirit, my desire...) to her, as they walked together in the light of Lórien...
Why will you not let yourself have that happiness? Her heart asked, the aching pain still present.
She couldn't find an answer...
"Mani naa ta?" (What is it?)
Arodwen looked to her right to find Legolas looking at her with his brows knitted in concern.
"Mani?" (What?) She asked, returning the confused look.
"You seemed so happy, then you frowned as if you were in pain. Mani naa ta?" Legolas pressed. He had seen the pained look in her eyes; how could he miss it?
Arodwen hesitated, looking away from him and into the trees so he could not see her eyes. "Nothing, Legolas. Im vaer, avo osto." (I'm fine, don't worry)
Legolas sighed, looking very somber. He sighed, as though a great weight was suddenly pressed upon his shoulders. Not looking at her, he whispered, "It pains me greatly when you lie to me..."
"Legolas-" she tried to protest
"Why?" Legolas asked more firmly, irritation and anger evident in his powerful voice. He stared hard at her, awaiting an answer.
Arodwen opened her mouth to speak, but thought better of it, and resumed walking to the stairs that would lead to the flet of the Lady.
Legolas shook his head in a defeated way before following after her. She's not getting away that easily... he thought, falling into step behind Aragorn.
When they reached the landing, (much to the relief of the hobbits, who had by then begun to pant with each stair they climbed) Aragorn stood before them as leader, with his hands clasped in front of him, waiting.
Arodwen almost felt the need to cover her eyes when the Lord and Lady appeared. The luminescence of the Lady Galadriel was powerful... She was beautiful, serene, poised and graceful, but beyond the façade the Lady wore, was the powerful she-elf that ruled her people with love and resolve.
Revered, Arodwen sank to one knee, and remained there with a bowed head.
She could feel the piercing stare of Galadriel throughout Celeborn's interrogation. It almost made her cry out in surprise when she heard a stern, wise, but yet soft voice echo in her mind.
'You are blessed and cursed; as are most of us with power. Love him whilst you are able, Aüleiell. Denying yourself such bliss and completeness will be regretted.' (Daughter of Aüle)
Arodwen slowly forced herself to look upon the Lady, her own eyes at once becoming ensnared in the dark sapphiregems that were Galadriel's eyes.
'I do not understand, my lady...' Arodwen answered, her mind's voice trembling. She understood who the lady spoke of, just... not why there was such urgency. What did the Lady know that she did not?
'You shall. I will send you a summons so that we may speak more openly onthis. 'Till then, heed my words; let him love you. And in turn, let yourself love him. He can comfort and protect you when you are unable. He loves you more than his next breath - he will not betray you. Love him, penneth.' (little one)
An elf led them to an area that had been prepared for the fellowship's use.
Aragorn had decided that they would stay for a month; to recuperate, train, and find some peace.
Arodwen set her pack at the end of the long comfy cushion that was set upon a convenient niche in the mallorn tree's gigantic roots. Letting her hands rest upon her bed for the next two fortnights, she closed her eyes and listened to the sad lament that was filling the air. She felt the sorrow of Gandalf's fall more clearly now, and it brought tears to her eyes as she remembered the wizardly grandfather.
She knew that she couldn't have prevented his fall, and had to let it happen... But that did not make the pain any less grievous.
She regretted her violent behavior against Legolasat the time ofGandalf's fall now. Her mind had not been clear; she hadn't seen reason. Only a friend who was in peril.
Food had been laid out upon the carved stones and seats; a fountain bubbled merrily at the center of their 'camp'.
Aragorn approached her quietly, hesitant to disturb her peace. But he had noticed her frail looking appearance, and did not want her health to wane. "Come and take food, prestol wen." (troubled maiden) he coaxed, turning her away from the bed and nudging her toward the delicious food laid out.
"I have no desire for food, Estel..." she said in a far off voice, her eyes looking glazed.
"Nonsense." he chided, pressing a honey roll into her hand.
She gazed at it mutely, before setting it back upon the tray among it's fellows. "I am going for a walk around the realm... If anyone is to inquire, I pray you tell them not; I wish to find some peace."
Aragorn did not answer, but just stood there, eyeing her warily. It seemed that instead of finding relief, Arodwen was feeling the weight of her problems and worries even more.
"Avo osto, Estel. I will return before night is at it's darkest." she assured him with a smile, turning and walking down a different path that would lead to gardens and glades of niphredil and elanor blossoms. (worry not)
Arodwen idly braided some of the beautiful flowers she had picked along the path, while walking slowly and humming softly a song of Yavana. The woods around her were very quiet, save for the small rustle of the long grasses as they swayed under the wind's invisible hand.
Seeing those two elves today had opened her eyes; made her see how much she wanted Legolas's love. He would protect her... comfort her... reassure her... cherish... love...
But then, there was Galadriel's warning. She knew that love between her and Legolas would not last forever, but still...
And then, there were the dreams she had last night...
"Elen lumennyn omentilmo, bain wen." came a gentle voice, soothing and with an undercurrent of one who is enraptured. (A star shines on the hour of our meeting, beautiful maiden)
Arodwen just grinned to herself, knowing who was behind her.
"Will you not speak, Lothdîn?" he asked, coming to stand right behind her; his warm breath caressing her neck. She shivered involuntarily, and he chuckled softly. Legolas encircled her in his arms from behind, saying, "My beautiful flower shivers with cold; but I know not what to do to keep her warm." (silent flower)
Arodwen could almost see the cheeky grin plastered on Legolas's face.
"Saesa omentien lle si, hir nin." she answered softly, allowing her own hands to rest upon his own that lay on her waist. They weresoft, and paleas the moonlight. Buton the palms that lay against her waist, she knew shefind calluses from extensive bowmanship; proof thtat he was never idle, that he could protect and defend..."And this flower is neither silent, nor cold. It simply wonders what it has done to earn the prince's affectionate ways." (Please meeting you here, my lord)
Again, she heard him laugh, softly, and huskily.
Legolas turned her gently around in his arms, finally able to look at her properly. He caressed her cheek cautiously, hoping he was not pressing past the boundaries she had erected against him. But lately, since she had been warming up to him again, he felt he could be bolder...
"This flower," he said, happy that she didn't push his hand away, "Has always held the prince's heart..."
Arodwen closed her eyes and grinned, pressing her cheek against his hand. "But still, this flower cannot understand why the prince chooses it, out of all the other beautiful blossoms in the vast garden..." she said, referring to the many exquisite elf maidens in middle-earth who vied for Legolas's love. "Why pick a Lilly, when you can have a Rose?" she asked softly, her eyes raising her eyes to gaze back into his with inquisitiveness, and a small smile.
Legolas smirked at her, and pressed his forhead against hers, provoking a wider grin.He gazed at her wantonly, before whispering, "Lilies, do not have thorns..."
She could only smile up at him; out of retorts.
"It seems my flower has fallen silent again..." He nudged his nose against her affectionately.
"It has no desire to argue with a prince..." she answered, letting her fingers trace the embroidary on his silver-blue tunic.
He caught her hand gentlywithout breaking his gaze on her, and held it splayed over his heart. "Has this prince earned a kiss for finding the most beautiful blossom in all Arda?"
Arodwen continued to grin, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her hand. "I suppose he will," she whispered in answer,"When he finds such a blossom."
Legolas let go of her hand, and swiftly cradled her head in both of his with the gentleness one uses to hold a babe. His eyes spoke in volumes as the bored into hers; reflecting the immeasurable love he held, and always would hold, for her. He bent his head down to hers, so their lips were nearly touching. "He has..."
She gazed up at him for a brief moment with a look full of ardent love, before letting her eyes flutter closed as Legolas leaned in, and captured her lips with his in the most tender kiss a lover could give...
This is probably my favorite chapter thus far... Please REVIEW and tell me if you think so too. Don't forget to leave your ideas/thoughts too! Thanks bunches!
