Chapter 20

The early chirping of the birds rose Evelyn from her bed. Little sleep had found her that night as she tossed and turned. The scent of the woodland prince permeating her nose, with aromas of pine and vanilla, the feel of his chest under her hand, the rise and fall of his chest, the intensity of gaze. She threw the sheets away from her body as she flung herself from the bed growling in frustration. Gripping the balcony railing she let her eyes wander as the grew accustomed to the still dark sky. Evelyn knew what she needed and rushed to her dresser. Pulling out her clothes she had not worn in many years. She pulled the breeches on, fidgeting for a moment, getting used to having tight material around her legs again and then pulled on an old grey tunic. She did not bother to tuck it in, but rather let it flow freely around her thighs. Evelyn slung a cloak around her shoulders and pulled her hair back as she left her room.

The familiar scent of the stables was welcomed to her troubled mind and she smiled as she heard Granat nicker affectionately to her. It had been too long since she had ridden. Evelyn swung herself on his broad back and gave him an affectionate hug. They made their way from the stables to the main gate, where the guards gave her a quizzical look, but allowed her to pass. Once outside the gate, she let the stallion go.

Granat took off galloping across the open green fields, his large hooves slinging grass and dirt. Evelyn could feel the power of his muscles rippling under her as he carried her away from her troubles. His long wavy forelock and mane whipped in the wind, and she found herself smiling despite herself.

After a few miles, the horse slowed to a trot as they came upon a line of trees. Evelyn did not bother to direct him; he knew to where she wished to go. Another few miles down and the rushing of a small waterfall could be heard. The mist already drifting into the trees, the droplets clinging to them. They emerged into the clearing, the small pool rippling from the cascade of water, the banks lush and green from the plentiful water supply.

Sliding off his back, she gave him a light pat on the rump, "Go on, I know you want to."

With a snort and shaking his head the stallion plunged into the water. He made it only a few feet until the water reached his belly before turning around to eye his owner who stood smiling at the water edge. Granat pawed the water impatiently, splashing Evelyn with a spray of refreshingly cool water.

"Okay, okay, I am coming." She laughed, holding her hands up in surrender, as if the horse understood her. He continued to paw the water until she walked out of his reach. The darkness around her made it more difficult to locate to foot holds on the side of the waterfall, but soon Evelyn found them and began to climb her way to the top.

The waterfall was small, only about seven feet high, and luckily the pool was deep, making the perfect jumping spot. Evelyn caught her breath once she made it to the top, noting she had let herself get out of shape since coming to Gondor. She let her cloak fall off, pooling on the stone beneath her feet. Walking to the edge, she saw her horse looking up and snorting at her, rearing in impatience, making her laugh as she leaped from the ledge.

The water hit her with a refreshing blow, she knew it was cold, but it she could no longer tell. Evelyn gasped for breath as her head broke the surface, and none too quick as Granat was already making his way towards her. They played their own version of cat and mouse in the pool, each taking turns who went after the other until they were both exhausted, and the sun starting to peak across the horizon. Pulling herself from the water Evelyn made her way back to the top of the ledge as the white stallion rolled on the shore, turning himself a nice shade of green and brown.

She stood on the edge facing the East. The sun was close to rising, the first rays of light began streaking the sky, the thin clouds were beginning to turn a deep shade of purple and red. Her wet clothes clung to her body as a soft wind rolled by and she closed her eyes. The wind brought with it the scent of pine and vanilla.

…

Legolas reeled back and let his arm fly, his fist encountering the wall. The pain shooting through his hand was still not enough to push the thoughts from his mind. He was in turmoil, body, mind, and soul. Her scent was everywhere, a mix of lavender and cloves.

Why did he dance with her last night? He knew better, he knew nothing good would come from it. It had left him more confused than ever and awake the rest of the night. However, when he saw her leading Beriadan to the dance floor it had been the last straw. He had ignored it when he saw them talking in private, when his friend escorted her to her friends, but the dance had taken it too far. The idea of his hands on Evelyn in such away caused the anger to rise in him like a geyser, there was no controlling it, as he left Corwen's side and stalked to the dance floor, ready to rip Beriadan's head from his shoulders. He was saved from such desperate measures as his friend fled from him at one look at the murderous look on his face.

And there stood his other problem—Corwen. The elleth was insufferable. He was not sure what he had seen in her so many years ago. At one point, he believed she would be his wife, until she broke off their courtship. His father sent him from Mirkwood then, to find the one called Strider. What neither of them could have foreseen was the path that would set him on and lead him here. Legolas sank into the closet chair. Now more than ever he was glad things ended the way they had between Corwen and himself. She had attached herself to him since he established the colony in Ithilien and coming to Gondor, doing her best to win him back. In his mind, he knew he needed to end it, however, it felt good to have her on his arm where Evelyn used to be.

Legolas cursed, realizing suddenly the emotion that had been overwhelming him, jealousy. It was the same emotion he subconsciously was trying to evoke from Evelyn, but had failed. Instead she had roused those feelings from deep within him without even trying. It was clear, he had not rid himself of the woman as good as he thought he had. If anything, the connection he felt between them was stronger than ever. He stood abruptly from the chair, causing it to smack into the table, causing Beriadan to jump and look over at his friend. Evelyn was not mortal.

Beriadan seeming to read his mind spoke up startling Legolas who thought his friend fast asleep, "If you are going after her, I would suggest you hurry, she is already leaving the stables." He could make out the white form of the horse and rider

It took no more encouragement as the Prince of Mirkwood bolted through the door and down to the stables. He was astride his horse and racing through the dark streets as fast as he could. Legolas kept his steed at a comfortable distance, not wanting to make his presence known until his was ready. Though he about blew it was he watched her make a mad leap from the cliff. It took every ounce of will power he had not to go charging in after her. If she had not broken the surface so quickly, Legolas was sure he would have been in after the woman.

From the bushes, he watched them play some sort of game between them for countless minutes. His legs began to ache from squatting, and he was grateful as he watched them both leave the water, Evelyn mostly hidden behind the white stallion. Standing, he moved to follow her up the cliff.

…

She did not turn around. As soon as the scent hit her nostrils her heart began beating wildly in her chest, her palms sweating, her muscles tensing in anticipation of whatever was to come. Evelyn did not acknowledge Legolas as he stood behind her, she kept her eyes focused on the horizon, the first orange glow of the sun peeking over the trees.

Oh, how she wanted to turn and face him. How she had wished for this day, when he would come find her. Yet now that he was here, she was not sure she was ready. Did she have the strength to do what she must? She closed her eyes and bowed her head and let out a sigh. His voice broke through.

"Will you look at me?" His voice was soft and husky, filled with as much uncertain emotion as she felt boiling inside her. Evelyn's head turned on its own accord, her eyes meeting his through the wisp of hair fallen from her tie.

Legolas drew in a sharp intact of breath. How was this the woman he saw and danced with last night? Where was the scornful and prideful beauty that held him captive throughout the evening? This was not her. Aye, she was beautiful still, but her eyes were dim with dark circles under them, her face thin and hollow.

She gave a small wistful smile, "You seem surprised." She stated, still unable to take her eyes from his. He looked as she had always remembered, tall and lithe, his well-muscled physique hidden under his tunic and jacket. What she did not see was the anger that seemed to always lurk beneath the surface of his eyes, instead she saw something else, was it hope?

Not sure what to say for a moment, he just stood there gazing, "You are different."

"Time changes us all." She did not elaborate, then flicked her wrist slightly around her face, covering it with a dusting of frost, brightening up her features, and covering the dark circles, "And illusion helps." Evelyn tore her gaze away and looked over the waterfall, seeing the outline of Ithilien in the distance and Legolas made his way to stand beside her, unsure of what to say. A knot was forming in his stomach, beginning to realize he was the cause of her emptiness, for that was how she looked before—empty. Evelyn filled the silence for him, "I see you achieved your vision of Ithilien."

"Aye, I did. It is nearly perfect." He replied angling his body towards her, letting his eye roam over her, he wished he had not. She was drenched, and her men's clothing clung to her body, not leaving much for his imagination. He almost swore, but managed to bring his gaze back to her face.

"Nearly?" She questioned, looking to where he stood, to see he was much closer than she thought, Evelyn silently cursed his silent movement. Her heart beat increased as he closed their proximity. Watching as he raised his hand, she could do nothing, as his calloused hand cupped her face.

"It is still missing something." His voice was deep and strained as he watched her face. He saw her fear and pain, but he also saw her desire which matched his own.

"What?" Evelyn managed to squeak out. Her arms hanging uselessly by her sides, as the ellon before her tugged her closer.

"You."

She knew Legolas was going to kiss her, but it did not stop the jolt that went through her body as his lips met hers, sending a warmth spreading through her body. Giving in to her desires, her arms found his neck, her hands entwining in his hair. His other hand gripped her waist, pulling her flush against his body. She could feel his heart beating against hers. Her tongue teased at his lips, parting them, deepening the kiss. It was as if the world had shifted and for that moment, it was only her and Legolas. He groaned as her tongue danced with his. He even tasted of Vanilla. It consumed her. A spark of electricity shot up her spin as his hand left her waist to caress the scars on her back.

It was not until Evelyn realized her hands were trying to find their way inside his tunic that her sense returned to her, abruptly stopping their kiss. She leaned her palms against his heaving chest as she gasped for breath. Unable to look at him, she starred at his chest.

"I can't do this." Her voice whispered.

Legolas pulled back, brows knitting together, trying to comprehend her words. He brought his hands to rest on her forearms, letting her tunic fall back into place. The illusion on her face gone, she laid herself bare before him. "I do not understand."

"This," she stated pointing at them, "Us."

"We can figure whatever this is out."

Evelyn let out a bitter laugh, "That is the problem. You don't know what this is, or if it is even what you want. At first it was confusing and conflicting emotions, and then there was nothing because you thought I was mortal after listening to your father. Did you know he knew I was immortal, did he tell you?" another bark of laughter erupted from her at his expression, the surprise and rage answering her question. "And now, you know the truth, I am immortal, and now we can figure out 'whatever' this is."

"Exactly, there is nothing hindering us. I do not understand what is going on with me, what I am feeling, but I do know that I am better when I am with you." He almost was pleading as he stepped toward her again. Evelyn backed away, tears building in her eyes.

"No. Have you even once thought of me and what I'm feeling? What I have felt since the beginning?" She was greeted with silence, "You are to self-absorbed to see beyond yourself. You stated to me once that 'I came back.' I chose to come back; I chose because you asked me to Legolas that day on Pelennor Fields when you kissed my tortured and broken body." His bewildered expression did not stop her, "And what did I get in return? You abandoned me. I LOVED YOU! And you broke me worse than anything the Easterling army could have done to me." The tears were flowing freely now, but neither made any move to stop them. "I wanted to fade, every day since that day we met by the White Tree, but I could not. I was not granted that gift. But your father knew that to when he spun his webs. It took me thirty years, to get to where I am, thirty years to fix your damage. And now I must see you every day, see you with her," She cried, "I cannot trust you with my heart, I cannot go through that again, I would leave, I would go home to Valinor." She was greeted with silence. "I wish things could be different, because Valar help me, I still love you."

"I cannot change the past, if I had known my father was lying, I would not have left you." He protested, his mind spinning with the information she had just hurled at him. His anger at his father was growing by the minute, how could he have done such a thing? Told him such lies?

"You could have known, all you had to do was listen, but you chose to walk away, that was your mistake and mine was not going after you. But your biggest mistake was that you did not listen to your heart Legolas, you took your father's word above all else without questioning. This is your life, not his, as much as he wants what is best for you. You have to forge your path and make your own decisions if you even want to be more than the Prince of Mirkwood."

Evelyn turned away from him then he eyes looking at the fully risen sun, she listened to the birds' chirp, she felt the exhaustion creeping through her limbs, the hollowness spilling through her veins. She was only kidding herself, she was not saving herself from heartbreak again, Evelyn was sure she was breaking all over again pushing him away after wanting this for so long. But this was not how she wanted him. How long he stood behind her she did not know. After a time, she heard the galloping of hooves echoing in the distance, growing fainter and fainter. She screamed, as loud, and as long as her lungs could scream, releasing her heartbreak for the world. Legolas heard the mournful cry as he raced away from her, he hesitated, wanting to turn back for her, but instead he kicked his steed faster away from the cliff and form Evelyn.