Chapter 16

The Eyes of the Lost

It had been four days since Gloradir left for help. Legolas was getting worse and the stitches had popped. I was starting to lose hope and that's when they came. A group of people on horseback. I smiled and started to wave frantically.

"Hey! Over here! Please help!" I shouted.

The came to us and I saw they were elves. But they weren't elves from Lothlorien. Gloradir was with them and he jumped off his horse.

"Rivendell was closer."

I nodded and an elf on a dark horse came forward. They started to talk in elvish and they took Legolas.

"Hey! Where are you taking him!? He can't travel!"

I tried to stop them but Gloradir grabbed me.

"We are going with them to Rivendell. It is much closer and they can help him. Lord Elrond is a wondrous healer. The very best."

I nodded and we got on the horses. We went over the mountains and down into a beautiful valley. It took us a few days and Legolas was immediately rushed away. I ran after them but I was stopped by guards. They said something I didn't understand and I glared at them.

"Move or I'll move you myself! I don't speak you language."

"My lady."

I groaned and looked at an elf with brown hair.

"My lady, my lord Elrond is trying to heal your companion. When he is done you may go in."

I narrowed my silver eyes and grabbed him by the front.

"Écoute-moi, écoutez bien et bon! Je vais briser cette porte si vous ne me laissez pas! Je dois être là avec lui! Je dois voir qu'il va bien. Je l'aime!" (You listen to me, you listen good and proper! I will break that door down if you don't let me in! I need to be in there with him! I need to see that he's alright. I love him!)

I hadn't even realized I was shouting, or that I was crying. He looked sad and pat my back.

"I will take you in. Come with me my lady."

I followed him and he knocked on the doors.

"Enter."

The elf opened the doors and I saw Legolas lying on the bed. I gasped and ran over to him.

"Oh god! Legolas!"

I took his hand but his eyes remained closed. I touched his cheek and sighed.

"This is my fault. I should've been paying attention. I'm so sorry." I whispered.

Someone put a hand on my shoulder and I jumped. The elf who'd helped Legolas immediately stepped back.

"I'm sorry I-I just don't like it when people touch me from behind."

He just stared at me, as though he were seeing a ghost. I raised my eyebrow.

"Is there something wrong?"

He suddenly shook his head and smiled kindly.

"Welcome to Imladris, lady Jupiter."

I was surprised he knew my name.

"How did-"

"The prince repeated your name several times as I helped him."

I nodded.

"Just call me Jupiter or Jupe. And thank you, thank you so much for helping him. I don't know what I'd do without him. I owe you everything."

"No, Jupiter. You owe me nothing at all. You are welcome to stay here as long as you like."

I smiled and he hurried from the room. There was something strange about the way he looked at me, almost like he knew me or something. I didn't have time to think about that now. I had to focus on Legolas. The sun set and the moon and stars lit up the room. The windows were large and open, the silky drapes blowing in. It was beautiful here, but it would never be Lothlorien. It would never be home. I was so tired and I knew we were finally safe. I laid my head down on the bed and quickly fell asleep.

Legolas' POV

I slowly opened my eyes and looked around. I was in Imladris. I felt someone move beside me and I turned to find Jupiter there. She laid there beside me in nothing but her tunic and trousers. Her chest was slowly rising and falling with each breath she took. He long dark hair fell over her shoulder and waist. One of her hands was in mine, as though she had been holding my hand before I fell asleep. I smiled at her and watched the moonlight illuminate her skin. I could sense her starting to wake up and I touched her cheek. Her eyes opened and she gasped when she saw me.

"Legolas!"

She sat up and gently put her arms around me. I could feel her tears on my skin and I held her tightly.

"I was so scared. I've never been so scared in my whole life."

"There is no need to fear any longer. I am here and I am healing well. I am sorry to have worried you."

She took a deep breath and held me tighter. I closed my eyes and breathed in the scent of her hair.

"How long was I asleep?"

"Nearly two days. I haven't left your side, not once. I couldn't." she whispered.

I smiled a bit.

Amin mela lle Jupiter.

I dared not say the words out loud. It was far too soon. I just held her in my arms, thankful I had lived to do so. She pulled back slightly and looked into my eyes. Her stunning silver eyes were brimmed with tears. I shook my head and wiped them away. She smiled a bit and took another deep breath.

"Our friends will be happy you're awake. I've never seen Haldir so worried."

I chuckled.

"I did not mean to any of you through such worry. I just….an orc was too close and I had to save you. I cannot lose you or watch you die. My heart would break and it would kill me." I said.

She smiled softly and put her hand on my face. I closed my eyes and leaned into the palm of her hand.

"I promised you I wouldn't leave you. I'm grateful for what you did, but I never want to see you in pain again."

I covered her hand with mine.

"Forgive me."

"Already done."

I smiled and pulled her lips to mine.

Jupiter's POV

Je t'aime Legolas!

I pulled away before things got out of hand and smiled at him.

"You must be starving. I'll be right back."

I gave him a quick kiss before leaving the room. It was almost as though I'd been here before. I knew exactly where to go. I shrugged and kept walking. I passed the library on the way and my eyes widened. I'd always loved books, they allowed me to escape from what used to be my reality. I was definitely going to come back there later. As I turned I bumped into Elrond.

"Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't see you."

"No need for apology. Why are you up so late? Is everything alright?"

"No everything's fine. Legolas is awake! I was going to get him some food."

"I am happy to hear he has finally awakened."

He was avoiding my eyes again.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Why do you always avoid looking at my eyes? Did I do something?"

He sighed and shook his head.

"No, your eyes….they are the same color as my brother's. Elros was his name. He died many years ago."

My eyes went wide and my jaw dropped. I didn't know how to respond to that.

"Are you well?" he asked.

I slowly nodded.

"Did I say something wrong?"

"No um….it's just that uh, I've been told I'm a daughter of Elros or something. But I need to get Legolas that food, excuse me."

I ran past him and towards the kitchens. I didn't know how to process what had just happened. I went back to the room and closed the door.

"I was afraid you lost your way."

I didn't want Legolas to know I was upset. I smiled and turned to him with a laugh.

"No, no. I saw the library and I love books. I'm sorry I took so long."

I brought the food over to him and sat down. He ate like he hadn't eaten in years. I smiled and wiped a bit of food from the corner of his mouth. I set the tray aside when he was done and looked out the window.

"You are hiding something from me." he said softly.

"What makes you think that?"

"I can feel it."

I sighed and smirked.

"It's hard having a boyfriend you can't lie to."

"Boyfriend?"

I busted up laughing and when I calmed down I explained it to him. He smiled and took my hand.

"Jupiter, tell me what is troubling you." he said gently.

I wove my fingers with his and took a deep breath.

"Elrond, his brother was Elros. I'm still not entirely sure what it means to be a daughter of Elros. Does this make him my uncle or something? I just don't understand."

Legolas slowly nodded and squeezed my hand.

"We will speak to him together. We can find out the truth."

I smiled softly and laid my head against his chest.

"Thank you." I whispered.

He kissed the top of my head and wrapped his arms around me.