I have returneth with a new chapter! Yay! Okay, here we go. Hehe. I liked the reviews for the last chapter. Hehe. Very funny. :twitch:
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Chapter 24- Ominous Storms and Pasts Revealed
Jaimea didn't respond as she took in his last statement, hoping to find a reason that could prove him wrong. But there was nothing. Legolas inhaled sharply when the elleth unconsciously tightened her grip on his leg in shock and worry.
"Oh Eru…" She gasped, then spun around to face the prince, "We must warn them! Turwaithiel could be a threat to our-" Legolas placed two fingers over her lips, silencing her.
"Hush, be silent, Jaimea. We will not warn them of anything yet. This is only one thing that we can hold against her." He slowly removed his fingers from her and she looked into his eyes questioningly.
"But you father…"
"Will not benefit from us if we reveal to Turwaithiel that we have discovered a fault in her plans, whatever they may be." He finished for her, "No one will know of this, right?" He asked. Jaimea hesitated but finally nodded.
"Right." She said and Legolas smiled.
"Good." He said. The elleth nodded and then faced forward again. After a few moments, she sighed and smiled, chuckling, "What?" The prince asked.
"I guess I don't get another thank you?" She asked playfully. Legolas grinned.
"Do you want one?" He asked. Jaimea suddenly felt heat creeping up her neck.
"Well…I, yes. No! What I mean is, um…" She trailed off. He laughed.
"It is alright. I understand." He said, "Thank you, Jaimea, for keeping this hidden." The prince said. She chuckled nervously and nodded.
"No problem."
Legolas continued to laugh merrily and Jaimea soon put aside her embarrassment and laughed with him. He very carefully placed a kiss on the top of her head, earning him a playful slap on the cheek. He grinned cheekily and she smiled at him.
"So why don't you like storms?" Legolas asked after a while. She flinched but soon regained composure.
"I'd rather not talk about it." She replied.
"But talking will help." The prince urged and he nudged her gently. After a moment, she sighed and rested her head in the crook of his neck. Once again, Legolas inhaled sharply and promptly tilted his head up to be sure they never touched. But he growled inwardly at himself. 'Why do I recoil from her?' He asked himself, 'I should not be acting in such a way.' Very slowly, he brought his head back down and allowed his cheek to rest on her forehead.
"When I was still an elfling, I used to live far away from the palace in the forest. My Ada was a merchant who sold jewelry to the nobles and my Naneth stayed home to help take care of my brother and I." She stopped as tears threatened to spill over down her cheeks. Legolas pulled her closer and caressed her arm gently.
"Go on."
"There was a horrible storm one night, I don't know if you remembered it, and my Ada was outside…"
XXX-FLASHBACK-XXX
The elfling watched from the window as her Ada cleared away some bramble and logs. Heavy drops of rain pelted against it and the sky flashed from lightning. She sighed gloomily and rested her head on her palm.
"Jaimea, dear, come away from the window. Your Ada will be here in just a moment." Said a soft, velvety voice from another room. With one last glance at the elf outside, Jaimea hopped down from the window and went into the kitchen.
A tall elleth with silky, auburn hair smiled at the elfling as she placed a bowl of steaming soup in front of an older ellon with golden brown hair. Her sapphire eyes lit up when she smiled and a small dimple appeared on her left cheek. She motioned for Jaimea to come over.
"Come eat your supper, Jaimea." She said gently and the elfling obeyed.
The three eat in comfortable silence, waiting for the other ellon to come back inside. The elleth began to shuffle her feet anxiously when he did not return. Jaimea kept looking out the window while the other ellon continued to eat his soup silently. Finally, the elleth stood from her seat and gathered her humble dress in her arms, then made her way outside.
Her hair quickly became matted and tangled but she paid no heed to it. The wind whipped violently around her body, nearly knocking her off balance.
"Aerandir!" She shouted but her voice was cut off by the gusts, "Come back in the house!"
Amidst the stinging rain, she made out a black shape slowly coming towards her, struggling to continue on. She met him half way and draped an arm over his shoulders. He had golden brown hair that clung to his face from the rain and deep, chocolate eyes. His pale face had red marks all over from the pelting water and his hunter green tunic and leggings stuck to his body.
"Not yet, Enelya, I need to be sure the house will be safe."
"Please, come in. Jaimea is worried sick about you." Enelya motioned towards the window where, once again, the little elfling was perched, gazing out at her parents.
"No, I just need to move-"
An ear-shattering crack boomed in the sky and a huge bolt of lightning shot down upon the forest. Enelya gasped as a large oak creaked and began to crash down to the earth. She pulled her husband's arm and they tried to run but their bodies were frozen with fear.
The sound of Jaimea's shrill scream rang out through the forest as Aerandir shoved his wife away and the tree crashed down on the earth…and the ellon.
XXX-END FLASHBACK-XXX
Jaimea ended her tale with wide, puffy eyes. Memories came flooding back to her that she thought she had long forgotten. Only when Legolas tighten his grip on her did she make any signs of still being alive.
"Oh, Jaimea, I am so sorry." He whispered, not knowing what else to say. She shook her head and gripped onto his tunic.
"No, it is not your fault." She assured him.
"What happened to everyone?" He asked.
"Ada died that night and Naneth fell into grief, causing her death. My brother left me in the middle of the night once Naneth had died, leaving me alone. I have not seen him since." Her voice caught in her throat as she choked on her sobs and the prince kissed her temple gently. He noticed that even Espenshade had gone still and sorrowful as if she knew what had just transpired.
"Where do you live now?" Legolas asked hesitantly. He didn't want to trouble her even more but he could not help his curiosity and concern.
"I, um, cannot tell you." She said.
"Why?"
"Because I cannot, Legolas." She said more bitterly then she intended, "Sorry. I just don't want to talk about it." The prince nodded in understanding and placed another kiss on her temple.
"I remember hearing about this when I was still an elfling. My Ada and Naneth were both in sorrow and grief but they wouldn't tell me what had happened. They said it was too complicated for me to understand so I was not able to attend the funeral. But I remember it like it was just yesterday." Legolas said.
Jaimea did not say anything and it unnerved the prince.
"You and Espenshade have something in common then." He said quietly. Jaimea furrowed her brow and glanced up at him slightly.
"We do?"
"Yes." The prince began, "Her mate was killed in a storm as well. They were flying around and a lightning bolt hit him, killing him instantly. It was many days before I saw her again." Jaimea frowned and stroked the falcon's back comfortingly.
"The poor thing." She mumbled, "When did this happen?"
"Around the same time my Naneth…" He choked on his words as a tear threatened to escape.
"I understand. You don't have to say anything else." Jaimea said, resting her head in the crook of his neck once again. She sighed, "It seems we all have something in common then."
They said nothing more that night; just sitting in comforting silence. The rain continued to beat down on them and thunder and lightning crack through the sky eerily. Legolas took off his cloak and wrapped it around the trembling form of the elleth. He would rock her gently, singing soft elven songs to comfort her. The two fell asleep in each other's arms like that and slept peacefully despite the bitter weather.
And that is how they would be found the next morning.
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The gentle trickling sound of fresh water dripping from the leaves echoed throughout the forest and the sweet calling of the birds sung to the creatures of the woods. The storm had only recently subsided but a second wave seemed inevitable. High up in the trees, two elves slept peacefully, not yet awoken by the rising sun. A falcon soared above their heads, calling quietly.
Legolas stirred in his sleep and furrowed his brow when he felt something warm and soft up against him. His memory came back to him and he smiled, then tightened his hold slightly on the elleth that slept in his arms. A soft sigh escaped her lips and she nestled deeper into him. Sleep then began to take the prince once more but it was soon washed away when he heard some excited whispers.
"Look at them!" One said and another chuckled.
"How long do you think they were like that?"
Legolas willed himself to wake up and for his eyes to unglazed. He mumbled some incoherent words.
"Shh, he is waking up!" One said and they both grinned.
"Oh, this is priceless!" Another said, suppressing his laugh.
"Shut up!"
Slowly but surely, the haze over the prince's eyes disappeared and he blinked. When he saw the sight before him, his eyes widened. Elladan and Elrohir were perched on the same branch, grinning back at him.
"Hello, Legolas!" Elrohir exclaimed.
"How did you sleep?" Elladan asked with a smirk. Legolas felt heat creeping up his beck and he nudged the elleth in front of him gently. Jaimea awoke slowly and yawned, trying to blink the sleep out of her eyes. She sighed tiredly and focused on the two in front of her. Just as they had done to the ellon, they grinned at her and she turned her head away in embarrassment. Elladan chuckled, still grinning.
"Well, my good Elrohir, I think it is best we leave these two alone." Elladan said, "It is quite obvious we are interrupting something. The younger twin fought to keep back his laughter though his shoulders shook.
"I agree." He then swung his legs off the branch and Elladan followed suit, "Farewell, you two! We now go to tell everyone the news!" He exclaimed and before Legolas could stop them, they bounded down the tree and sprinted back towards the cave. The prince growled.
"Move, Jaimea!" He ordered and she did quickly. Legolas leapt off the branch and slid down the trunk of the tree. He then followed the amused twins in mad pursuit. Jaimea watched the three and began the descent, though taking her time unlike Legolas had done. She began her own run back to the cave, the yelling of the prince filling the land and scaring off some very annoyed birds.
"You will not tell a soul!" Legolas ordered by they only laughed as they disappeared behind the falling wall of water. Legolas still pressed on and he leapt through the waterfall, grinding his teeth.
He rounded the corner and got there just in time to see the two Noldor elves stop in the center of the room. The others were busy preparing to leave but they turned their attentions to the grinning twins.
"Elladan! Elrohir!" Legolas growled but they didn't look back.
"Legolas slept with Jaimea!" They shouted in unison, both laughing. The prince froze as all eyes shifted to him.
Estel was grinning much like his foster brothers and the three elleths covered their mouths femininely to stifle their giggles. Norui's brow was raised almost to his hair line. Mithrandir had a bright smile on his face and Turwaithiel wore a smirk.
Jaimea soon came dashing in, drenching from both the rain and the waterfall, and she stopped beside the youngest prince. Her gaze met those of her companions and she turned away in embarrassment, knowing full well that they knew already. Legolas swallowed nervously as he gazed wide eyed at them all. Estel cleared his throat.
"Well," The human began with a laugh, "This is certainly a surprise."
"Nothing happened." Legolas growled. The twins laughed.
"Of course, Legolas." Elrohir said, "You didn't realize you had your arms around Jaimea."
"Or that you slept together the whole night." Elladan added. Legolas opened his mouth to retort but his brother beat him to it.
"Elladan! Elrohir!" Leave the matter be and get packing!" Norui ordered and threw a couple of packs at them. The two began to gather their things, still laughing. The Crown Prince glance at Legolas and Jaimea, then went back to his business but his shoulders still quaked with laughter. The young prince gritted his teeth and left to gather his belongings. Jaimea glanced among the other who had continued their packing and with a quiet sigh, she left to do the same.
After a quick bite of lembas, the group prepared their horses and started off once again, the group finally back together. Turwaithiel and Mithrandir led the group at a brisk trot. Norui followed behind them followed by Legolas, Lothron, Melyanna, the twins, Jaimea and then Estel and Arwen bringing up the rear. They rode for many hours, never stopping to take a break. The ground was still soggy from the previous storm, slowing down the horses more then they would have liked. The sun shone her light down upon them but dark clouds were beginning to take shape. After a while, the wizard looked upon this gloomy sight and frowned.
"My Lady Turwaithiel, I fear that the rain clouds have returned." He said. She didn't respond for a while, staring straight ahead but she finally turned to the Istar.
"Yes, my lord, they have indeed returned." She replied with a grim tone.
"What do you think we should do? It could prove ill if we continued but we must make up ground." He said. Turwaithiel sighed and glanced up to the sky, "Turwaithiel?"
"We should continue riding until the storm is right above our heads."
"But we are out on the plains. There will be little or no shelter." Mithrandir said.
"Mithrandir, we have lost much time, as you said. We need to make up that ground even if it means getting drenched." She replied sternly. The wizard stared into her eyes and held them. Gray delved into blue and the Lady turned from the stare. She cleared her throat then urged her stallion into a canter. Mithrandir watched her fleeting back then halted his stallion. The others stopped beside him with questioning looks.
"The storm is returning," He said and Jaimea shuddered. Legolas glanced over at her and smiled.
"It will be fine." He mouthed to her. She managed a weak smile and turned to the wizard again.
"Lady Turwaithiel says we should continue riding until the storm is right on top of us." With that, the Istar incited his horse to gallop and he was off. The others glanced between each other before following.
The company traveled many miles that day, unhindered by any beast. They made camp in the middle of the plains and when they awoke the next morning, the dark clouds still loomed behind them like a predator would stalk its prey; waiting for the right moment to strike.
Chill wind swept around them and stung their faces until they were chapped. The occasional drop of rain would fall, dripping down their arms and running into their eyes. There was nothing around them save the dry grass and the occasional bush or tree. Ravens croaked above their heads and soared through the gray, dreary sky. No one really knew where they were going or how much longer it would take except maybe Turwaithiel or Mithrandir. Espenshade swooped over head silently like a shadow as she took up the hunt. Thunder boomed in the distance and the birds scattered from their trees in a frenzy. The falcon chose this moment to strike down one of the dark colored birds and the plummeted to the barren ground. Almost immediately, she began tearing the feathers off the creature until a shrill whistle brought her back to her master's shoulder.
Turwaithiel stopped once she was far ahead of the group and looked back. They appeared as small shapes on the horizon. She glared and looked up into the sky. Her frown disappeared and was replaced with a smirk.
The sky was almost black and the gray clouds were slowly swirling above the companions. The birds shrieked in fright and began flying wildly towards the north. The land was eerily quiet and still, only the bitter breeze filling the emptiness. Thunder rumbled and lightning flashed behind them. Dust then rose up from the land in clouds as fresh water splashed onto dry earth. Turwaithiel's smirk grew and she patted her stallion's neck.
"It looks great, Uhako," She said, "It will be perfect." The horse snorted in response.
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Estel looked up the sky suspiciously. It was too dark and too quiet. He turned to those around him but they were too occupied with keeping their eyes on the Lady then paying attention to the sky. The human saw Espenshade flying low to the ground and she had her feathers puffed up. She landed in Legolas's lap and after the elf whispered some things to the falcon, he pulled his pack around and the bird hopped in.
The human quirked his head and Legolas turned to look at him. He gave Estel a curious look but he soon smiled in understanding, then faced forward again.
Estel almost flew off his horse when everyone stopped suddenly in their tracks. He grumbled, sitting himself upright. Turwaithiel had stopped as well and he glared at her.
"The storm is returning." She said and Estel rolled his eyes.
'Even an orc could figure that out.' He thought bitterly and glared at the woman.
"I have misjudged it. It would be wise to seek shelter." She continued. Quiet murmurs struck up in the group and the woman waited patiently like she always did. Espenshade still remained hidden in her master's pack.
Turwaithiel's horse snorted suddenly and laid his ears flat against his head. The woman's grip tightened on the reins and she whispered some words that even the elves had trouble hearing.
"Milady, why do you call your horse 'my love'?" Elladan asked curiously. Turwaithiel glared at the Noldor elf but she quickly softened and smiled.
"I have been with Uhako for many, many years, milord, and he has grown to be my most faithful companion." She explained. Elladan smiled and nodded in understanding. Turwaithiel then put her attentions to the others, "Well? What shall we do?"
"There is no where nearby, "Norui said, "I think we may have to continue through this." He suggested and she glared.
"Have you failed to notice the weather, prince, or can you simply not understand the ways of the skies?" She asked bitterly and the Crown Prince narrowed his eyes, gritting his teeth.
"Nay, lady, I have not failed to notice the sky. I am well aware of the wind's change. A terrible storm draws near, yes, but I think it would be best if we continue on and follow your original advice." He said with just as much bitterness. Turwaithiel growled and gazed around at the others.
"Fine. We shall continue." Then with a sharp kick to her horse's flanks, she sped away from them. The group looked between each other in confusion, suspicion and worry.
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Yay! It is done! Er, this chapter I mean. Hehe. Was this one longer? It seemed like it. I am ultimately happy with this one, too. The part about Jaimea's past was just something random I put in. It wasn't in the original version so I think it turned out pretty well. I hope you liked it and I hope it didn't seem Mary Sue-ish. I needed to include it so it will help get the plot for the sequel going. Anywho!
Amisara- Oooh! A new reader! Welcome Aboard the Manwathiel Express ™! Hehe! Yea, I was in a slump then. That was when I would only get one review a chapter sometimes. But now I realize that as long as I enjoy it, I should keep doing it. (Unless it comes to the point where it is so bad and it is taken down. Lol) I'll try to work on that problem. I've been told that before and I am trying my best. -- Sigh. Thanks for reading and reviewing! Nice pen name, by the way!
corina- Sorry I forgot to thank you last time! I was doing it differently then I usually do and I just skipped right over you. :( . Thanks for the compliments! Hope to hear from you again!
HyperSquishy- Look who's back! I thought you left or something. Lol. And you are correct, silly elves. I guess I will eventually do something with them but it will be looong. Hehe. And, of course, there will be problems! This story includes angst. Just look at my bio. Hehe. Thanks for reading and reviewing. Great to hear from you again!
Jousting Elf With a Sabre- HA! If she knew you said that, she would be most honored! She enjoys the Dark Side. Lol. Yea, that sounds good. You start it though, okay? So I know what you want to do with it. And I am starting to get into Star Wars now so maybe I will be able to help a little! I'm still a Tolkien Geek all the way though. I shall not be converted! MUAHAHA! Hehe. Thanks for reading and reviewing! By the way, I am getting to the part with your character! It won't be posted for a little while but it is getting there!
Lasien- LOL! Well, that is a new one. I have thought about her trying to 'snag a prince' and I still am but I'm not sure yet. Hehe. My friend that it is based off of would probably kill me though. She doesn't like Legolas. . I don't know what it wrong with her. Lol. And yes! A blossoming romance! Finally! Hehe. Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Legolas's Girl 9- Hehe. Lol. I know. The girls in these romance stories are so lucky, aren't they::kicks all the girls: HOW DARE YOU! Hehe. Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Swasti- Lol, I know. That would be interesting, eh? Hehe. Yea, I know I should start updating more often and it bugs me to death but I am so busy at school right now. My teachers have been loading me project after project. Sometimes four at a time and they all just HAPPEN to be due on the same day. Heh. I think they do it on purpose. . Curse those teachers! I will try harder next time. Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Vanaloth- I forgot you, too! Gah! Stupid me. Forgive me, please. Yea, poor guy. -- OH WELL! It is fun! Hehe. Nah, I love him to death. If anything really happened to him, I would die. (He exists! He lives in my room and eats my pizza! And so does Norui! CURSE THEM!) Thanks for reading and reviewing!
OKAY! That is all! School is out in about 10 days and then I will be FREEE! Hopefully quicker updates, too! Thank you all so much for reading!
Until Next Time,
Manwathiel
