A Two-Sided Triangle
Legolas's heart pounded in time to his silent footfalls as he raced across the Pelennor fields after Aerlaer. He held no hope of catching the imp; a dark silhouette disappearing amongst the many tents of the encampment.
Reaching the edge of the camp he slowed to a halt, stealing himself a moment. Never had he imagined her to be just as wild as she was. Near unpredictable. Elusive yet real. So very real. No longer a figment of my dreams or memories. A grin pulled at his lips, which still tingled from how she had kissed him moments earlier. He craved more, sure in every fiber of his body he could never get enough of her. Were elves meant to be so passionate? Was this behavior between them normal?
Legolas recalled a long-ago conversation with Elladan and a much younger Aragorn in Imladris concerning Aerlaer. Elladan had said she needed someone to challenge her in every way, physically and mentally. And she had picked him. He could not deny it, out on the plains in the darkness, a simple kiss had turned into an exciting competition and she had won it, completely slaying his senses. He would win round two, whenever that may be.
Perhaps he could win round two now? With sure stealth, Legolas roamed around the tents, searching. Surely Aerlaer was hiding somewhere from him, most likely watching.
"–I do not know where he is." He caught the sound of her voice some distance away through the many tents, tone polite, although clipped.
"Well would you assist me in trying to find him? I must speak with him urgently regarding our departure tomorrow." That voice. No. Legolas stalked through the winding, narrow paths between tents, towards them.
"I do not think that is a wise idea Bregon." It was strange, Aerlaer spoke clear and louder than usual, it did not bode well with him. It was almost a cryptic call for help. He did not hear the vile guard's reply and quickened his pace where he thought they might be. Aerlaer spoke again and this time she sounded annoyed; her voice had taken on a regal and untouchable tone.
"We have had this discussion, there is nothing you might say to sway me."
"Perhaps my words will have little effect, but I assure my actions would persuade you." Legolas heard the man's voice, low and suggestive as he rounded the side of a tent to see Aerlaer glaring defiantly at him. Her entire body was tense, ready to fight or flee if need be and he had no doubt she would fight this disturbing man. Choosing to bite down on the anger now rippling through him, Legolas strode up to Aerlaer.
"I believe you may have won our game." He brushed his lips gently against her cheek before turning to Bregon. The man's features contorted into a scowl at his little display of affection. Good.
"Bregon, forgive me, I did not at first see you. Are you in need of assistance?" Legolas went with polite innocence, enjoying watching how the man fought to keep his composure.
"I was just asking the Lady Aerlaer here to assist me in finding Prince Imrahil, for I have matters to discuss regarding our departure tomorrow." He replied, staring at Aerlaer's arm which Legolas was nonchalantly running his hand along. Mine.
"As I already told you, I have no idea." Aerlaer replied, seeming calmer by his appearance. "Perhaps Legolas could help you?" She turned and looked up to him, gently brushing her hand against his. "Do you know where Prince Imrahil has set up his quarters?" She asked sweetly. Legolas fought back a laugh.
"As a matter-of-fact I do know." He turned to Bregon who may have been the picture of indifference, but his eyes were cold and angry. Stupid human to think he could mess with Aerlaer or me. "Would you allow me to take you to him?" After a strained moment, Bregon nodded, conceding defeat.
"Yes, it would be appreciated, thank you." Legolas doubted it was appreciated at all.
"Well now that is sorted, I will leave you both to find the Prince then. Bregon, I am sure I will no doubt be seeing you at some point during our journeying tomorrow." She nodded a dismissal, before her gaze found Legolas's. "I will see you back at our tent." She said almost suggestively. He knew she was playing it purposely so Bregon may take a hint, but her tone caused his heart to flip as she brushed a light kiss on the corner of his mouth. Oh, she is a wicked thing.
"I'll be there shortly." He murmured, nudging her in the direction of their tent before gesturing to Bregon.
"Follow me." Legolas said and began striding swiftly towards the direction of Imrahil's part of the large encampment. Bregon followed him stride for stride and Legolas could feel the anger radiating off the man.
"I am curious, elf–" Bregon began in a hard tone. Ah here we go, now Aerlaer is out of sound and sight, he's going to try and have it out with me.
"Yes?" Legolas asked calmly, trying not to smirk.
"The Lady Aerlaer, how long have you known her?" He asked innocently.
"We met centuries ago." Legolas replied, hoping this would deter the mortal idiot.
"I find it curious that despite meeting her so long ago, she is not your wife or whatever term you elves use." Bregon left the comment hanging in the air between them. Legolas could not help it; he clenched his jaw.
"We met long ago yes, but it has not been until recently we have re-connected as such."
"It must have been recent indeed for I do not think this had occurred along the Anduin, but after." He mused aloud.
"Does it matter?" Legolas clenched his fists at his side as Bregon chuckled in response, a near-cruel sound. His knuckles strained, itching to connect with the man's face.
"It does indeed." Bregon's degrading mirth subsided, his cold gaze locking onto Legolas's. "One way or another I will convince Aerlaer she should be with me." Legolas abruptly halted, having reached Imrahil's guarded tent.
"Nobody convinces Aerlaer of anything." He snapped. "If you knew anything of elves or of her, you would know that." The man simply chuckled again, and Legolas fought to keep his anger in check, knowing any outburst would bode ill for Aragorn, Aerlaer and the twins. He did not wish to make enemies with these Gondor men, but he knew he had made an enemy with the delusional man before him.
"We shall see." He replied with another chuckle.
"Prince Imrahil's tent is there." He said coldly, gesturing to the two guards watching them, before spinning and stalking away. He needed to find Aerlaer and learn exactly why this man was convinced she would look at him twice, why he entertained the idea of a relationship with her. Ugh, the very idea made Legolas's stomach twist as if he had bitten into a rotten apple.
"Legolas!" He snapped his head to his left to see Taurorn running towards him, a frown creasing his usually carefree features.
"What is the matter?" He asked as the ranger fell into stride with him.
"Walk with me my friend, we need to talk."
…
As Aerlaer neared the tent she stopped a moment. All her earlier energy from the sweet-blood had left her and now she realised maybe her actions out on the fields had been a little reckless. Oh, how she had felt alive though! Was it normal behavior? Legolas had reacted the same, so perhaps it was? It was as if they were both burning embers, suddenly striking, causing sparks. In turn causing flames, which threatened to leap out of control. She'd never seen any of her own kin act so. Maybe they did? Maybe she had never noticed? All Aerlaer knew was she did not like being distanced from the other elf.
How had she survived centuries away from his side? She barely had. It was the lies she had been fed which had corralled her heart, but even then, she'd still held some small hope of something which made entirely no sense. She and Legolas still had much to speak of.
Walking the remaining distance to the tent entrance, Aerlaer ducked in to see Elladan and Elrohir were not yet in. Her gaze fell on her sleep roll, and then Legolas's and her heart kicked into a gallop, a silly grin rounding her cheeks. Grabbing her sleep roll, she butted it up next to Legolas's, effectively creating a huge sleep roll for them both. Laughter drifted in from outside, and she looked up in time to see her cousins enter the large tent.
"What's this?" Elladan chuckled. "I really have been replaced." He feigned mock hurt and Aerlaer threw her bunched-up cloak at him.
"You'll never be replaced." She said with a bittersweet smile, recalling how Elladan used to stay with her to help her sleep when she had been in Lorien.
"Where is Legolas?" Elrohir asked curiously changing the subject. "Have you left that poor ellon out on the fields?"
"No, he is dealing with a slight issue I had concerning a guard." Her mood darkened at the thought of Bregon. Elrohir's eyes widened and then shot towards Elladan.
"That guard asking all those questions, I knew he was bad news!" He said to his twin who nodded, brows drawn together in a scowl.
"What did he do?" Elladan asked.
"He has this insane notion I am attracted to him."
"Has he not seen a certain blonde Sinda Prince practically attached to your side?" Elrohir asked.
"He has. He thinks he is better than Legolas." She said and the twins snorted in laughter.
"Perhaps he is not used to rejection." Elladan wondered aloud.
"Perhaps he is just a prat." Aerlaer interjected and they laughed again, nodding.
"Yes, I think that is the case." Elrohir said. "If he bothers you anymore, let us know, little cousin. We will deal with him accordingly." He added with a dangerous grin.
"If he gets such a notion in his head, I will deal with him and he will learn I do not like being messed with." She ground out, and received two smirks.
The tent flap whipped inwards, startling the three of them, and Legolas ducked through followed by Taurorn. Both held dark gazes, Legolas's meeting hers, resembling a thundercloud.
"If that man comes within fifteen feet of you again, I will not hesitate to seriously harm him." Legolas said in a low and dangerous voice. Taurorn nodded at his side.
"He is even worse than you think, Aerlaer." He murmured to which the twins looked worriedly at the ranger.
"How so?" Elrohir asked while Aerlaer stared at them both, trying to push back her growing unease.
"Up until you arrived in Minas Tirith, Bregon had been incessantly harrying Aida, and on a few occasions has forcefully kissed her." Taurorn explained. Aerlaer nodded. It did not surprise her. "I caught him speaking to one of the guards, he wants you." Aerlaer laughed derisively at that but inside she felt a mixture of sickness and fury.
"Well I am sure after seeing me with Legolas, he will back off." Legolas shook his head.
"It seems that is not the case at all, as he decided to let me know." Legolas said with evident annoyance. "He has a sneaky way of weaseling information from one to use to his own advantage." He muttered, angrily shaking his head. Aerlaer walked forward and placed a reassuring hand on his arm.
"His words are empty for he will never get a chance for anything to come of them." She said. "Besides, I am perfectly capable of severely harming him if need be."
"I am glad." Legolas murmured, gazing down at her.
"What of Aida though?" She asked worriedly, turning towards Taurorn.
"Aida has her father accompany her to and from the Houses of Healing. It seems provided she has company; he leaves her alone."
"Good. Now I believe we now have–six-hundred-and-eighty years' worth of conversation to make up for." She gave Legolas a bright, disarming grin which seemed to better his mood for he returned her a genuinely happy smile.
"Yes well, keep the talking down to quiet whispers and I don't want to hear six-hundred-and-eighty years' worth of kissing being made up for while I am trying to sleep." Elrohir informed them regally to which Taurorn let out a snort. "I have ridiculously good hearing, remember." The Elrohir added as he kicked his boots off and flopped down onto his sleep roll, throwing his long cloak over himself.
"I trust you've got all that energy out of your system, little cousin?" Elladan asked and Aerlaer looked at the floor as she nodded. He snickered going about preparing to rest.
Aerlaer sank down onto her own sleep roll as Taurorn laid down on his near the entrance. Legolas put out the low flame of the lamp. The sleep roll beside her rustled, and Aerlaer sensed him stretching out beside her. Legolas made no move to reach out although she knew he faced her. What thoughts were racing through his mind? Perhaps like her, wondering what to say first?
"Why did you attend the dance?" His voice whispered into the small space between them. It was not what she had expected him to ask, but then to start from the beginning, it would be easier.
"It was originally Aerthor's idea. We had come of age just days earlier decided to have a little fun for ourselves, along with the friends we ran with. Aerthor convinced Ada we wished to visit Rivendell. Instead, on our way to Rivendell, we stopped in a copse near a stream and Thenid used a black walnut mixture I had secretly concocted to dye my hair dark while Beran dyed my brother's. We changed from travelling attire to something fit for a party. Adorning masks I'd borrowed, we proceeded to sneak into your father's masked dance unnoticed."
"You danced with one of my guard friends that eve." Legolas commented. "His name was Fael."
"I think there were only three I danced with before you asked me." Aerlaer recalled with a near silent laugh. "I remember you seemed to expect you had to ask me. You were quite strange." A smile played at the corner of her mouth at the memories.
"I was contemplating sneaking away before you knocked into me. Everyone knew it was me, all the ellith kept propositioning me to ask them to dance with them. You were the first elleth I wanted to dance with. I do not know what I would have done if you had refused—probably commanded you to."
"Oh yes, that would have gone down splendidly, for I would have refused you then."
"Would you have?" He asked curiously.
"Most likely. If I had found out you were some jumped up Sinda Prince, you would not have stood a chance." She snickered.
"Truly?" He asked in mild dismay.
"It is lucky you aren't such a thing." Aerlaer reached out, found his hand, tangling her fingers about his.
"I went after you. When you fled, I tried to find you. My father was completely against it, although I do not know why."
"I tried to return, but Aerthor would not let me. He drove me relentlessly onward to Rivendell. I had decided once we returned home, I was going to look for you.
"If only you had told me your name."
"A regret which ate away at me for many years." She sighed.
"I looked for you within the herd once, as well as searching the entire Greenwood.
"I wish I had never dyed my hair."
"I wish I had at least told you who I was, but I feared you would treat me differently, and loved the way you treated me equally."
"When in fact we have been equals all along."
"Which leaves me entirely confused, for why would my father discourage me so vehemently from finding you? He knew who you were. I am sure of it."
"And why did my own Adar lock me away in Lorien and feed me lies, convincing me I was so wrong in heart and mind?"
"How long were you in Lorien?"
"Three-hundred years."
"Three…oh Aerlaer." His voice cracked, and he moved at her side, shifting. An arm came to wrap around her and pull her close. Aerlaer sighed as her head came to rest against his neck and she inhaled the familiar scent of woodlands. "Never again shall we be apart." He promised and placed a gentle kiss upon her head.
"I spent those three years putting all my energy into weapons and combat training." She murmured. "I guess I can thank you for being as skilled as I am today. She teased, hoping to re-lighten the mood between them.
"And I you, for my father finally let me join the guard, although I think it was a ploy to have me be too busy to keep searching for you." He chuckled. "I too honed my skills as my own distraction."
"And now we are evenly matched in a fight."
"In knives maybe, I am still yet to duel you with a sword, and I am pretty sure I am the better archer." Legolas replied smugly.
"There is only one way to find out." Aerlaer whispered her challenge.
"Accepted." His chest rumbled with a half-held back chuckle. "Just know, if I floor you in a sword fight, I cannot guarantee a simple kiss upon my cheek will suffice as a victors prize." Aerlaer grinned at his teasing—or was it more flirting? Lifting her head, she searched out his lips, gently kissing him.
"Is that more what you had in mind?" She asked innocently and felt his body laughing against hers once more.
"You haven't had to fight against yourself, but it is extremely attractive." He breathed the words out, breath tickling her throat causing a shiver to unfurl deliciously down her spine. Then his mouth was pressed firmly against hers, drowning out all rational thought.
"Will you two cut it out already?" Elrohir cried out in exasperation. They both broke away, but Aerlaer was sure Legolas was grinning as she was.
"We should probably sleep." Legolas said and she nodded against him.
"Yes, you need to rest a little more." She realised she had not checked his heart for quite some time and did so now, placing her hand over it. There was silver swirling around her golden lifeforce. Legolas really was going to be alright! Not caring if Elrohir complained, she found those sweet lips again, which the tang of apricot still lingered on, and kissed him.
"What did I say?" Elrohir grumbled and she laughed against Legolas's mouth.
"His lifeforce is returning!" She called out to him excitedly and then Legolas kissed her back, clearly just as glad as she.
"Well that is a fine thing. I was right, he just needed rest." Elrohir replied. "Much like what I'd like right now, so please, oh please, will you go to sleep!"
"Very well, oh grumpy one." Aerlaer snickered. Leaving her right hand against Legolas's heart, she wrapped her other in an embrace about his shoulders and rested her head against his neck again. He in turn rested his head upon hers. How long had she simply wished for this?
"I gather I will not be subjected to your fury in the morning if you should so happen to awaken with my hands entangled in your hair?" He teased. She shook her head against him.
"I love you." She replied happily and heard him chuckle lightly as her hair faintly glowed.
"And I love you." He whispered back, holding her a little closer, his voice thick with emotion, and perhaps also the sleep creeping up on him. Those were the words Aerlaer closed her eyes to, falling into dreams.
Is there anybody out there? Merry Christmas! I'm still not dead! Proper review answers etc coming tomorrow with the next chapter installment! Wait, did I say another chapter! Get used to them! I love being on break! :D
xx A