Decisions

The next morning brought about an awkward silence between the two lovers. Darlene was confused but didn't dare complain. She sat in bed long after he had left and not had come back. Annoyed, she got up and went to see what could be taking him so long. She found him facing the window.

"Legolas?" She asked. He turned towards her.

There was something in his look that worried her. And she walked towards him. "Legolas, what is wrong?"

"I fear we have done too much too soon."

"But-"

"Let me finish Darlene, you are young and still very naïve."

Her brow crinkled in confusion. "And while I do not regret that I have had time with you, it cannot be."

"So that's it then. Was I just a one night stand?" She asked quietly.

"You mistake what I am trying to say. I was sent by your birth parents to find you. I never should have done what I did with you."

"Now they look for me?! I've been all alone for all these years and now they want me?"

Legolas sighed. Darlene backed away from him. "Did you sleep with me only to gain my trust?"

"No! Darlene, they did not even know you were alive. You were taken from them when you were a few days old. And I did not do any of this simply to gain your trust."

"Then I am deceived."

Legolas sighed and walked to the couch.

"If your father learns of what happened between us, he will have me killed or worse, I will lose the only friend I've ever had."

"But that would mean that you are older than me."

"Yes, as I already told you. Darlene, it was entrusted to me to return you home. That pendant on your neck told me that you are my dear friend's daughter. But I cannot bring myself to bring you home. For the choice does not reside with me but with you."

"Where is home?"

"I wish I could tell you."

"Who gave me that pendant?"

"Your grandfather. He is the one who brought you here."

"Why?"

"It was a time of peril and he did not wish for you to be harmed. When he came to find you, it was too late. You must understand that he never meant to leave you here."

"And you volunteered to retrieve me?"

"It was the request of your mother."

"But I don't understand why you said we can't be together."

"You might not now, but you will."

She turned her face away from him and he realized the impact of his words. He stood and walked to her, wrapping her in an embrace.

"Why are you being so nice to me if you don't love me?" She asked.

"I do love you Darlene but-"

"I don't care about what my father says." She whispered fiercely, her face buried into his chest. "Why can't you just forego it and tell him the truth."

"Darlene your father would be so angry. You are so much like him in spirit. How would you feel if you were in his position?"

"Mad…maybe betrayed. But I…can't he see how much it would hurt us both?"

"Besides, who said that we have to give up now?" He asked. She looked up and saw his naughty grin. She giggled and shook her head.

She carefully detangled herself from him.

"We should probably get dressed before anyone shows up."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Well, my foster father is going to be here any minute and we have to get to the wedding. Besides, if he's anything like my real father, you can expect him to be less than thrilled to see his daughter prancing around the apartment naked with a naked man."

Legolas laughed and conceded the matter. Once they were dressed, there was a knock at the door. Legolas settled himself on the couch while Darlene answered the door.

"Dad!" She said to the man at the door.

"Are you and Carrie ready?"

"Unfortunately, Carrie couldn't come but she introduced me to Karl's friend, Luke, who asked if he could come. And since there is an extra seat, Carrie's, I said yes."

Legolas stood up and shook his hand.

"It is a pleasure to meet you sir. You have quiet a daughter here."

"Darlene's a good kid, most of the time. Darlene, can I see you over there for a moment?"

"Sure thing dad."

They stepped to the side and for a few seconds entered into a heated discussion, finally the man sighed and let Darlene win.

"So Luke, what do you do for a living?"

"I guard the borders of the land."

"Border patrol. What about your father?"

"He is very powerful and I am good friends with the king."

"Any siblings?"

"Only an older brother. No sisters."

"He married yet?"

"No, he is not. And I am but a stranger to your daughter."

"Well?"

"All right, you can bring him, but if I see his hand go below your waist when you two are dancing, his ass is mine."

"Dad!"

After the wedding Legolas observed Darlene interacting with her foster family. She seemed more at ease around them, and more carefree. She was currently joking with her brother in law, George. Her sister Fiona stood back smiling.

"Darlene, you never told us about your friend."

"My name is Luke and I was more than happy to escort Darlene to this joyous occasion."

"He has such a nice voice."

"His eyes are gorgeous! The again, Dar always had a thing for blondes with blue eyes."

"Be quiet you nut." Darlene said. Legolas laughed. "Well, farewell, I am tired and have to get home."

Darlene stared at the other half of the pendant.

"So this will bring us back to Middle Earth?" She asked. 'Do I trust him enough to believe him?'

"Yes. But it is only if you want to go. The choice is yours Darlene."

She thought for a moment, and then nodded slowly. Lifting her end of the pendant. Then she paused.

"Where will we end up?"

"In the garden. Is there anything you wish to bring with you?"

"Hold on."

She ran to her bedroom and grabbed a backpack. Working quickly, she packed some of the things that were very precious to her. Darlene came back and gave him a kiss. "Now I am ready."

They connected the two pieces of the pendant and the apartment disappeared.