X. Secrets Uncovered
L is for the way you look at me...
~*~*~
Legolas was walking with Gimli across the valley - tall grass stretching as far as the eye could see, gently swaying with the cool breeze. Stepping on it almost seemed like a shame. The sun was shining broadly, and the sky was a bright light blue, speckled with only a few clouds here and there...
Then something happened which Legolas had never experienced before. The ground on which he was standing began to shake - and shake hard. What is going on? What is happening? Legolas looked to see if Gimli was all right, but somehow Gimli had disappeared. The sky turned dark, as if the sun had just disappeared. Shaking, shaking shaking...
"Legolas..." Someone was calling his name. Faintly. "Legolas..." The voice was getting louder. "Legolas!" And louder until.
Legolas blinked his eyes and sunlight filtered in through the window. "Legolas!" He turned to find Anya by his bed, shaking his shoulder. So it was just a dream, Legolas thought. It was Anya!
"Legolas! Hey, wake up!"
"No." Legolas turned back around and pulled the covers up to his neck.
Anya was persistent though. "And here I thought you wouldn't want to sleep in!"
"I don't."
"Then get up."
"No, that's okay."
"Come now, the festival's begun."
"I don't want to go."
"Why not?"
"I'm too tired."
"Oh that's stupid." Anya tugged at his blankets until she ripped them off his bed. "Cmon, wake up!"
A sudden burst of cool air hit Legolas as she did. Anya's mouth dropped as he sat up and glared at her - he wasn't wearing his tunic, only his leggings. When they were in the forest, he had worn both... but now Anya realized now they actually had a bed to sleep in...
To cover up her embarrassment, Anya sat down on the other bed in the room as Legolas got up, grumbling and cursing Anya under his breath.
"Okay, okay," he growled. "I'm up."
"Good," said Anya, her eyes following him as he walked around.
She wanted to turn her gaze away, but somehow she just couldn't. Now he was looking at her strangely.
"Anya?"
"Hm...?" she asked, not quite out of her daze.
"You don't want to watch me change, do you?"
Anya jerked to look up at Legolas, who now was standing right by her side. "Oh!" Anya jumped out of the bed. "Uh, yes... I mean NO! NO! No... no..." Anya tried to calm herself, but she could feel the heat crawling across her face which she knew was definitely red. "Um, I'll wait for you outside," she said meekly.
She left his room, closed the door, sighed, and leaned against it. I wanted to watch him change? I wanted to watch him change? Oh God, I wonder what he thinks of me now. Huh. Some friend. Wants to watch you change.
Completely lost in her own thoughts, Anya could not stable herself when the door she was leaning on opened. "Oof!" she said when someone caught her. Of course, that someone was Legolas.
He smiled at her as she looked up at him. "Thanks," she said.
"I thought you never wanted me to touch you again." Legolas's eyes danced with laughter.
"Oh," Anya said. "Well, that was then, this is now."
"I see," Legolas said, helping her to her feet. "Well, my lady, shall we go?"
O is for the only one I see...
~*~*~
Anya looked at him - instead of wearing his usual green and brown clothing, Legolas was decked out in something finer. The fabric was smoother (Anya could tell without even touching it) and a soft silver blue.
At the same time, Legolas was looking at what Anya was wearing. A dress. He had never seen Anya in a dress before. It was the color of her eyes, the color of the sky on a cloudless day. Simple, yet very elegant. It showed she had a better figure than she had ever let on with that tunic she wore (his). The sleeves flowed out at her elbows, and in her hair was the white flower chain the hobbits had insisted she take.
"You look... nice." Legolas didn't know what else he could say.
"You too," she mumbled back. "Arwen made me get it. Why do you still have your bow and arrows though?"
"Just in case."
"In case of what?" Before Legolas answered, Anya said, "Oh, never mind. Let's go!"
Legolas allowed Anya to drag him outside where the city was bustling with excitement.
"So what's the festival for?"
"The mayor's birthday or something or the other."
Legolas looked around him - all this for a birthday?
"Don't bother wondering, Legolas, come, let's just have fun!" Anya cried out. She grabbed his hand and continued to drag him through. People were dancing, singing, laughing...
"What are Arwen and Aragorn doing?"
"What does it look like?" Anya asked exasperatedly.
"Sitting."
"No, they're waiting for someone to drop water on their heads."
"Why would they do that?"
"Legolas, I was being sarcastic."
"Oh. So what is it they're truly doing?"
"Someone's sketching them, Legolas."
"I see."
Many artisans had come out during the festival and set up booths in hope of making some extra money. At one, Arwen was sitting in a chair, and Aragorn stood behind her. Both of them were smiling softly as an elderly man sketched their likenesses onto a roll of parchment. Legolas watched the man, entranced by his skill. It was like Arwen and Aragorn were actually in the paper. He was about to step closer to get a better look when he heard Anya laugh loudly.
"What is it?"
Anya kept laughing, but pointed to Gimli sitting with a few hobbits - making the dwarf look like a giant. They were taking part in a drinking contest.
"Isn't it a bit early to drink?" Legolas inquired.
"Yep." Anya continued to laugh. "Well, whatever makes him happy, I suppose."
"Drinking does."
"No kidding, Legolas," Anya said sardonically.
"None whatsoever."
Anya rolled her eyes, not even bothering to explain to him she was joking anymore. She took his hand again and led him through the swarms of people. There was so much to see, so much to do...
"Anything you'd like to do, Anya?" Legolas asked her.
"Mm... Look!" Anya pointed away off into the distance. "It looks like they're having an archery contest."
"I see."
Anya looked shrewdly at him. "Why don't you try, Legolas?" Let's see if he really is who he says he is.
Legolas shook his head and smiled. "No," he said. "I'd prefer not."
"Oh come now, you can't be that bad with the bow."
"Don't you know who I am?" Legolas asked.
"You're Legolas Greenleaf of Mirkwood."
"No, who I am."
"What did I just say?"
"I'd rather not."
"Why?"
"Do you have to know everything?"
"Yes."
Legolas just rolled his eyes.
"Prove it."
"Prove what?"
"That you can shoot. Archery. I think you're trying to hide the fact you really can't use your bow," Anya said haughtily.
Legolas saw red. Angrily, he snapped, "All right." He pulled the bow from his back and said to her, "Give me a target."
Anya looked around. "That," she said, pointing to a tree about two hundred paces away.
"What?" Legolas said. "You want me to hit the tree? That's not exactly hard. I bet even you can do it."
Ignoring the insult, Anya said, "No. Hit the apple."
Legolas looked again. There was a small, tiny light yellow-green blob. If Anya hadn't pointed it out, he would have missed it. The little thing blended in with the leaves well. "All right," he said to Anya. "But first - why don't we make a little bet?"
Anya laughed. "Okay. What?"
"If I hit it, you do whatever I tell you."
"Fine." Anya smiled, crossing her arms.
Legolas almost carelessly slung an arrow to his bow, aimed a bit, and let the arrow fly. Anya watched it as it zipped through the sky and pierced the apple right through the middle. Anya gasped a bit, then sighed.
"Ha," Legolas smirked. "I hit it."
"All right, congratulations."
"What should I tell you to do first..."
"Hm?" Anya asked innocently. "What are you talking about?"
"Our bet," Legolas said, a bit confused. "You lost."
"But we never shook on it," Anya said, grinning.
Legolas groaned and walked away. As he did, he wondered, Does she really not know who I am?
Behind him, Anya watched him walk a bit. So you really are Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood.
When Anya caught up with Legolas, he asked her, "Anya do you know who Elessar is?"
"Elessar?" Anya asked. "Yes, he's the ki- I mean, he's Aragorn."
"Yes, but," Legolas said, "I mean who he is."
"Aragorn."
Here we go again, Legolas thought.
"Why do you ask, Legolas?"
"Oh, forget it."
Anya remained silent for a while. Keeping up this act was getting harder and harder.
V is very, very extraordinary...
~*~*~
"This is beautiful, Arwen." Anya surveyed the finished sketch.
"Of course it is," Aragorn retorted. "Arwen's in it."
"That was so corny," Anya said.
"But it's true!" Aragorn leaned to kiss his wife.
"I think I've lost my appetite," Anya declared. She looked at the food in front of her and pretended to gag. Arwen laughed melodiously as Anya did. "Come now, it isn't that bad, Anya," Arwen said. "Aragorn can be much worse. Just ask Legolas!"
Legolas just nodded. Gimli jumped in. "Much worse." He stopped to take a long drink. "Especially during that whole Eowyn fiasco!"
Anya laughed. "Oh, it couldn't have been that bad, could it? I mean Eowyn - " she cut off herself, mentally screaming at herself.
"Anya? You know how Eowyn is?"
"No," Anya answered, perhaps a bit too quickly.
"I see," Arwen said softly, eyeing Anya who was blushing and staring hard at her food.
Anya picked up her fork and stuck it into her food. She proceeded to prod it. Then, she just kept poking it and poking it.
"Didn't your mother ever tell you not to play with your food?" Aragorn laughed. "It's considered bad manners in most cultures."
"Well, my mother never really told me to stop. She'd just glare at me."
"But Anya, I thought you said your parents died when you were young, and you didn't remember them," Gimli said, very obviously confused.
"What? My mother... oh, right," she tried to say convincingly. Anya turned back to her food and started poking it again.
"Anya? Anya? Anya..."
Arwen gave up. Anya was obviously ignoring her. Watching Anya destroy her carrots, she thought, What could Anya possibly be hiding?
"Aragorn, inye rergne ya Anya moru," (I wonder what Anya hides) Arwen said, still looking at Anya. The girl moved from her carrots and began to smash her potatoes, showing no indication she understood what Arwen said.
"Man?" (What?) Legolas asked.
"Anya saira si quetil uuye," (Anya doesn't understand Elvish) Aragorn answered. Anya looked at him, trying to appear puzzled.
"Laume! Ser ea quende!" (Impossible! She is an elf!) Legolas replied, a bit surprised at Anya's facial expression.
Anya looked at Legolas. "Ter ie teera," (You are right) Anya whispered.
~*~*~
Legolas sat with Aragorn and Gimli and watched Anya swirling around with the music. Arwen was standing by her, laughing softly. Anya was obviously saying something to make Arwen laugh. She stopped spinning, stopped, curtseyed, and joined Arwen in laughter. Legolas gazed at her off in the distance. I wonder what she's saying.
Gimli took another big swig of his wine glass. He looked at Aragorn and asked, "What's wrong with him?" pointing toward Legolas.
Aragorn smiled mischievously. "Watch this." He leaned over to Legolas and whispered, "HEY!"
Legolas practically jumped out of his skin. Turning to glare at Aragorn, he snarled, "What?"
Aragorn continued to grin. "What are you looking at?"
Legolas had turned back toward Anya. "Huh?"
Gimli and Aragorn started to chuckle. "I think," Gimli said, "Legolas may have some feelings for our mysterious elf maiden."
"What are you talking about, Gimli? I don't understand," Legolas said.
"Feelings, Legolas, feelings," Aragorn said. He touched his heart. "Feelings in here. Do you care for Anya?"
"Of course."
"How much?" Aragorn asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Very much."
"Would you do anything for her?"
"Yes."
"Would you go to the ends of the world for her?"
"To Mordor and back."
"Would you give up anything - everything for her?"
"Yes." Legolas dreamily gazed at Anya. She was sitting in a chair, tapping her foot to the quick music. Now a young man walked up to her. Anya looked up, smiled, and nodded. He took her hand and led her out to the circle. They started to dance. Legolas narrowed his eyes.
Aragorn looked where Legolas was looking and almost burst out laughing. "Legolas, I think you're in love."
Legolas snapped his head to face Aragorn. "Love?" he repeated warily.
"Yep."
"This is not love," Legolas insisted. "Love is weak, love is pointless, love is evil! This cannot be love! Could it?"
"Ooh boy," Gimli muttered. "He's in deeper than I thought."
Aragorn nodded. "Legolas, this is love."
"How...? Impossible!" Legolas said desperately.
"What's wrong with being in love, Legolas?" Aragorn asked.
"Love - it destroys. It weakens whatever it touches." Legolas continued, "Look what it did to my father! Look what it did to my uncle!"
"And look what it's doing to you! Legolas, denying it isn't the answer."
"Yeh, it just makes it worse," Gimli said.
Legolas glared at Gimli. "Oh what do you know about love."
Gimli winced, but did not say anything.
"Well," Aragorn said slowly. "Anya is rather beautiful with her blue eyes and brown hair. She's excellent with her bow and swordplay..."
"You already married! Are you forgetting Arwen already?"
Aragorn laughed. Legolas had fallen headfirst into his trap. "I do not care to love Anya as anything more than a friend. She's all yours Legolas."
"You mean..." Legolas started faintly.
"Yes, Legolas. You are in love."
Legolas groaned. "I thought I said never."
Gimli laughed a bit. "Never say never."
"You just did," Legolas shot back.
"Have you told Anya?" Aragorn asked.
"Told Anya what?"
"Legolas, are you really that dense that you don't know what I'm talking about?" Aragorn looked at him with an exasperated look.
"I told her we were friends..." Legolas started.
"FRIENDS?" Gimli roared. Aragorn sighed. "And what did Anya say to that?" Gimli asked.
"She agreed?" Legolas was unsure what to say.
"Oooh, man," Aragorn moaned. "Friends? You asked her to be friends? You really are thick-headed. Tell her you love her you idiot! Tell her before someone else takes her like that fellow dancing with her out there! Before she changes her mind!"
"What?"
"Never mind." Aragorn thought, If Arwen really is right, then Anya
should feel the same.
Love is all that I can give to you
Love is more than just a game for two
~*~*~
Anya was having the time of her life. She was having more fun than she had had for years. Arwen smiled at Anya.
"Having fun, Anya?"
"Absolutely!"
"I wonder if this could get any better," Arwen hinted.
"Well," Anya replied not thinking, "it could be with one more thing... Oh..."
"One more thing?" Arwen teased. "I think you mean one more person."
"What are you talking about, Arwen?" Anya knew her cover was blown.
"Legolas!" Arwen laughed. "You love him."
"Oh, is it that obvious?" Anya grimaced.
Arwen laughed. "You don't want Legolas to know?"
Anya made a face. "Well..."
"Of course you do. Tell him."
"Are you crazy? That'd be incredibly stu-"
"Stupid? People do stupid things when they're in love."
Anya said nothing.
"Anya, how much do you like him?"
"Oh, I don't know."
"Then I'll tell you: A lot."
"Really?" Anya looked at Arwen. "How can you tell?"
Arwen sighed. "Just the way you look at him, talk to him, smile at him."
"Do you think Legolas likes me as well?"
"Perhaps. I think he can sense how you feel too..."
Anya mumbled, "Yeah, right... Mr. I-Don't-Know-Love."
Arwen turned to look behind her where her husband, Gimli, and Legolas were sitting, deep in conversation. "You might be surprised, Anya."
Two in love can make it
Take my heart and please don't break it
~*~*~
"What's wrong?" Anya asked.
Arwen frowned. "I don't know. The someone is supposed to be singing right now... but nobody is on stage. Come, we'll find out."
Legolas looked over at the commotion. "What's going on?" he asked Aragorn and Gimli.
"Dunno. Let's go see."
They got up and walked toward the rowdy crowd, angry there was no music.
Backstage...
"What is the matter?" Arwen demanded.
A hobbit named Feebo was pacing when he heard Arwen's question. "Can either of you sing?"
Arwen shook her head. "No, I was not gifted with that art."
"You?" The hobbit turned toward Anya.
"No!" Anya quickly answered.
"What is wrong?" Arwen asked.
"The performer hired for this timeslot has come down with a sore throat. She can't sing. We need somebody! Anybody! You hear how they are out there!"
Seeing Feebo in such worry distressed Anya. Although she didn't want to, she walked toward Feebo, placed a hand on his shoulder and said, "I'll do it."
"Will you?" Feebo was visibly relieved.
Anya made a bit of a face. "Yes."
"Anya don't force yourself to do anything."
"I'll be fine. What should I sing?"
Feebo shrugged. "Whatever you wish."
Anya thought a bit. "All right."
"Thank you so much Lady... What is your name?"
"Anya."
"Lady Anya."
"It is nothing."
Anya walked onstage amidst the cheers of the crowd...
Back in the crowds..
"What?" Aragorn looked at the cheering crowd.
"I think someone's on stage... but I can't tell..." Gimli said, jumping up.
"Of course you can't tell," Legolas said, rolling his eyes. He turned to look onstage, and a familiar figure stood up there. That dress - why have I seen it before? It's blue like Anya's... "Anya! It's Anya! Oh... no..." Legolas remembered how horribly she sung while they had been walking toward Kathlia.
Apparently, Aragorn was thinking the same thing. "I hope she doesn't sing that song about birds flying in the sky."
Up on stage, Anya looked a bit nervously around. Couples stood, waiting for the music to begin. What am I doing? Anya screamed in her head. If I do this, they'll find me! She searched the crowd, apparently not finding who she was looking for. Her eyes rested upon Legolas's who was staring intently at her, making her stomach flutter even more. Looking back as intently, Anya began to sing:
Night has passed
Sun will rise
Memories flow like a stream
And my love never dies
Once upon a summer's dream
You
will hold me safe and warm
Through cold nights and thunderstorms
Knowing we could never part
Deep within my heart
Love
me now
Love me true
Remember me till next we meet
And the love I have for you
Once upon a summer's dream
You
will hold me safe and warm
Through cold nights and thunderstorms
Knowing we could never part
Deep within my heart
Ar
err melme quela uuva (And my love fades not)
Yaaresse i laire
maur (Once upon a summer dream)
Knowing
we will ne'er part
Once
upon a summer's dream
Legolas looked at her - and he was not alone. Many young men had turned to watch Anya sing. He couldn't believe how beautiful her voice was. It was like music from heaven... as Anya was...
Loud applause rang out as Anya curtseyed and stepped off the stage. Anya was still looking at him...
After finishing her song, Anya sighed. Well, it looks like maybe they haven't found me yet.
As she stepped off, the group of musicians after her started up a fast jig.
For a while, Anya continued to look around, wondering if "they" had found her yet. Seeing no sign of them, Anya relaxed a bit, although she knew just because she couldn't see them didn't mean "they" weren't there.
"Excuse me, young lady."
A handsome young man bowed in front of her. Anya faked a smile and curtseyed.
"You have a lovely voice."
"Why thank you good sir."
"Could I have the pleasure of dancing with you?" the young man asked her, smiling rather broadly.
Before Anya could reply, someone said, "I'm sorry sir, but she has promised me."
The young man glared at the person behind Anya. "Very well," he said stiffly.
Anya whirled around to see who could be so rude. "Who do you- eph!" She ran into whoever it was.
The man stepped back as Anya hit him. "You like running into me, don't you?"
"Legolas!" Anya looked up at him.
"May I have this dance?" he asked, holding out his hand.
"Certainly," she smiled. "But this song is ending." The jig had just finished.
"There'll be another one," Legolas laughed. "Come."
Almost at the exact moment Legolas said that, another song started. But instead of being a fast one as Anya had anticipated, it was a slow melody. Seeing Legolas's reaction, she could tell he was thinking the same thing.
"Um," Anya mumbled, "I think... I think we have to be a bit closer for this song."
"I... I know," Legolas managed to say. "I... I've danced many times... this song..." He couldn't managed to say a full sentence.
Anya's heart raced as Legolas moved so he was much nearer to her. Her breath started to quicken a bit as he placed his hand around her waist. Anya took his other, and together they moved with the music.
Legolas couldn't stop looking into her eyes. She was so beautiful. "Anya," he whispered.
"What is it, Legolas?" she whispered back.
Legolas tried to laugh. "Why are we whispering?" he asked softly.
"You started it..."
They said nothing for a while, but Legolas never stopped gazing at her blue eyes.
"You sing well..."
Anya smiled a bit. "Thank you, sir."
Aragorn grinned at Gimli. "We did good, mate."
Arwen smiled. "They look so good together like that." Laughing, she added, "Their clothes even seem to match!"
It was true. Legolas's silver-blue tunic seemed to perfectly accompany Anya's sky-blue. It was almost as if they had planned it so it would look that way.
Gimli lifted his glass toward them. "Cheers, Legolas," he said quietly. "At long last, you have found love."
The song ended far too quickly in Anya's opinion. After it ended, Legolas let her go, but he stayed standing close to her.
"Anya?"
"Yes?"
"Um, I have something to tell you..."
"Yes?" Anya asked a bit hesitantly.
"I... I ... I lo..."
"What is it Legolas?" Anya wondered if Legolas could hear her heart pounding.
"I love yo... your song!"
"Oh," Anya replied with heavy disappointment.
"You... you sing really nice."
"You already said that."
Legolas stared at her, not saying anything. The torches and moonlight all around made it look like she was glowing.
"Anya..." he took her hands into his. She looked deep into his eyes as their faces neared each other's...
I'm coming for you now!
"No!" Anya screamed. She jerked back her face from Legolas's and knelt onto the ground.
"Anya!" Legolas was a bit startled. "What's wrong, Anya? Was it something I did?" He bent down to get closer to her.
Anya's breath became very ragged. "They... they're coming!"
"Who's coming?"
"Legolas, GO AWAY!"
"What?"
"Go! Run! Leave! I don't want to see you! Go away!"
Legolas couldn't believe she had just said that.
"Don't you understand? Get the hell out of here! I don't want to see you!"
Legolas felt his heart shatter into a thousand pieces. "Fine," he hissed.
Watching him leave, Anya started to cry. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I love you, too. But, if you stay with me, you'll only get hurt. I love you too much."
Anya ran back to the tavern they had stayed in. Nobody was there to stop her. She grabbed her things. "I should have left long ago!" she cried shrilly. "They've found me! He's found me! Oh God, please don't let him hurt them," Anya whispered. Holding her sword in her hand, she looked at it determinedly. "Over my dead body they will."
Screams rose from the city. "Oh no!" Anya cried. "I've put everyone here in danger!"
Anya ran to the window and looked out. She could see the dark-cloaked figures searching for her.
"No!" she cried out softly. "I have to go before they hurt anyone!"
She ran down the stairs, out the door, and out among the crazied crowd. Anya heard Aragorn cry out, "Legolas! Gimli! Arwen!"
Anya slipped into an alleyway where she prayed no one would see her - friend or enemy.
"Legolas!" Anya heard Arwen cry out. "Where's Anya?"
"I do not know." was the cold reply. A tear fell down Anya's cheek.
"Forget it!" Gimli shouted. "Come on! We'll find her later!"
"Goodbye," Anya said to them. At least I got to hear their voices one last time...
But as she walked out, she bumped right into Aragorn.
"Anya!" Aragorn cried in surprise. "Are you all right? We need your help! I think orcs are attacking!"
"Oh..."
Arwen stood next to her. "Are you all right, Anya?"
Aragorn said, "I already asked her. She seems fine."
"GET THE PRINCESS!" One of cloaked orcs pointed in their direction.
"Over my dead body!" Aragorn shouted out. Arwen gave a look of fear. "Arwen," Aragorn whispered, "why are they after you?"
"I don't know," Arwen said softly.
Anya whimpered a bit. Quietly as possible, she ran out of the city, into the forest.
"THERE SHE GOES! GET HER!"
Aragorn held up his sword but there was no need - the orcs ran right past them, leaving Aragorn to wonder, If they aren't after Arwen, who could they possibly be after?
Anya turned back to find a whole troop of dark cloaked orcs chasing her. They were no match for Anya, but she knew they far outnumbered her. There was no way she could outrun them all.
I've got you where I want you now. Why don't you just give up?
Never!
Give up now, and I'll let your friends go. You wouldn't want them to die, would you?
Shut up!
Especially your precious little prince...
Fuck you!
Would you really?
Shut the hell up!
I've told you: You can run, but you can't hide. I WILL find you!
The orcs were getting nearer. Anya gave one last spurt of energy, but she was weary. She could feel the energy draining out of her body slowly... She would have to stop soon.
To make matters worse, one of the orcs shot an arrow at her, hitting her in the shoulder.
Anya cried in pain and fell.
"YOU IDIOT." One of the few orcs who could speak - who obviously was the leader - began to beat the orc who had fired the arrow. Agonized screams filled the air.
Anya, touched her back where the arrow hit her. She was bleeding heavily. At this rate, she could bleed to death.
The screaming continued - but now more orcs were. Anya was confused. Why?
Love was made for me and you
~*~*~
Legolas pulled out another arrow and shot at the one he assumed was their leader. Seeing their captain fall, the others ran away in fear. He ruthlessly shot down as many as he could, his eyes lit up with rage.
When all the orcs had either gone or fallen in death, Legolas ran to Anya.
"Anya!" He helped her up.
It couldn't be... could it? Anya looked up. "Legolas?" she asked weakly.
"Yes, it's me. Are you all right?"
"Are they all gone? From the city? Is anyone hurt?"
"Besides you? No." Legolas looked at her injury and slowly took out the arrow. Anya winced in pain.
"Is everyone all right?"
"Stop worrying!" Legolas tore off a bit of his shirt. My best shirt... hell for her anything's worth it. "Worry about yourself! You're bleeding."
"No kidding..." Anya whispered.
"None whatsoever."
"Legolas, I was joking."
"I know..."
Anya's eyes began to close. "Legolas?" she whispered.
"What is it, Anya?" He finished wrapping up her injury. "That'll only hold you for a while. I have to get you back to the city!" Legolas took Anya into his arms and carried her.
"Legolas..."
"Is something wrong?" Legolas looked at her. Anya's hair was a mess, the flowers in her hair were gone, and her dress was covered in dirt and blood. "I need to get you back to the city quickly."
"Legolas, I'm sorry."
"Sorry? For what?"
"For yelling at you. For telling you I didn't want to see you. I didn't mean it. I just didn't want you to get hurt." Anya's eyes began to water.
Legolas held her close to him. "It's okay," he murmured.
Anya leaned against him. "I love yo..." her voice faded as she fainted.
As fast as he could, Legolas ran toward the city.
When Anya finally woke up, the first thing she saw was Arwen smiling at her.
"How are you feeling?" Arwen asked her. She took a cloth and continued to clean Anya's wound.
"Better, I guess," Anya replied faintly.
"You scared us," Arwen said. "We were afraid you wouldn't make the night."
Anya looked outside. The moon had set and the sky was almost starless.
"Where's Legolas?" she asked.
"Oh!" Arwen laughed. "I probably should let him in. He's been a nerve wrack. He was so horrible, I had to make him leave, and he still came in every ten minutes or so. Actually..." Arwen added thoughtfully, "he should be barging in any minute now."
As soon as those words left Arwen's mouth, Legolas pushed open the door and stormed in. "Anya!" he said the moment he saw her sitting up.
"What did I say about touching me, Legolas?" she pretended to ask sternly.
Legolas ignored her joke. "I was afraid you'd die."
"Takes more than that to kill this girl," Anya replied.
Arwen quietly left the room.
For a moment, neither of them said anything. Legolas sat down next to Anya's bed and took her hand. "Are you all right?'
"I think," Anya replied.
"If anything happened to you, I don't know I could ever forgive myself," Legolas murmured.
"Don't worry," Anya replied. "I'm fine. You can forgive yourself."
Legolas tried to smile.
"Don't blame yourself, Legolas. It's my fault." Anya made a face. "I should have left when I had the chance," she whispered.
"Anya... I need to tell you something..."
But before Legolas could continue, loud shouting could be heard outside.
"Arwen, stop being silly."
"Aragorn, keep down your voice! You'll wake up half the city shouting like that!"
"Aragorn, please be considerate..."
"Gimli, please stay out of this. Arwen, let me in now."
"No! She just got up and she is seriously wounded. Anya needs rest!"
"Why did you let Legolas in?"
"Why does it matter to you why I did?"
"It does! How can we trust her? The orcs were after her! Couldn't you tell?"
Arwen was about to reply when the door to Anya's room opened. In the doorway, Anya stood, Legolas supporting her.
"Anya!" Arwen cried out. "You should be resting! Get back in bed."
"I'm all right," Anya said. "Let him in, Arwen."
"But..."
"It's all right, Arwen. Thank you though."
Arwen said nothing, but moved out of the way so Aragorn could get in.
The moment Anya was back in her bed, Aragorn looked at her sternly and said, "I think you have some explaining to do. Who were they? Why were they after you? More importantly, who are you? You are obviously not what you told us. You pretended to not know Elvish, but in your song, you sang it. You tell us your parents died when you were young, but apparently that was a lie too."
Anya sighed. "I guess... you do have the right to know. I put all your lives in danger. You deserve to know."
Legolas sat down on the bed and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "What is it, Anya?" he whispered into her ear.
"First of all," she said softly, "my name is not Anya."
A/N: Not Anya? Your name's not Anya??? Then what the heck is it? So we
finally got to this, ay? So what other secrets does... "Anya" hold?
And when will Legolas finally get to tell Anya he stinkin loves her? Eef. Crazy
this is.
**Credits for the songs: L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole. The song Anya sings was written by sister and me. It is to the tune of "Once Upon a December" in Anastasia.***
Thank you to those of you who take the time to review my story. Much love to ya.