Eternal Life, Eternal Pain

XII. Love By Sunrise

~*~*~

My friends say you're so into me
And that you need me desperately
They say you say we're so complete

But I need to hear it straight from you
If you want me to believe it's true
I've been waiting for so long it hurts
I wanna hear you say the words, please

~*~*~

After she had rested a whole night, Anya was up and moving the next day against Arwen's wishes. But Anya, stubborn as she was, had her way, more or less. She had wanted to go back on the road, but that was where Arwen drew the line.

"You may roam around the city, but that is all. Legolas, do stay with her. We don't want any more attacks, do we?" Arwen had said. "And tell no one who you are. We can trust no one."

Of course, Arwen did have other reasons for asking Legolas to stay with Anya, but she also did worry about her safety.

So, Anya was wandering around Kathlia with Legolas by her side.

"I was afraid to come here," Anya said.

"Yes, but why?" Legolas asked.

"The memories," Anya said, her voice fading a bit.

"You've been here before?"

Anya nodded and sighed.

"Lanmuir is close by," she said. "I came with my father once. Some horrible things happened while we were here. Father told me I was to marry Helnulka while we visited this city. Then we went home, Mother saw my tears, asked what was wrong... Father told her... what he had told me in Kathlia."

"Oh," Legolas said. "But why here?"

Anya shrugged. "Don't know."

The two wandered around the little city for a while, looking around. Anya and Legolas were watching a silversmith working when they were interrupted by a voice behind them.

"Excuse me, fair lady?"

Anya turned around and saw it was the young man from the night before. The one that had asked her to dance, but Legolas had cut in.

"Hello," she replied. "Good day to you."

"You sang beautifully last night. I see you are as beautiful as your voice," he said, winking.

Legolas wanted to strangle him, but Anya just laughed.

"You flatter me."

"My name," he said, sweeping a bow, "is Jerick."

Anya was a bit hesitant in her reply. Curtseying, she replied, "And mine is Lian." (LEE-an)

"Liann," he repeated. "Such a beautiful name for such a beautiful face."

Remember what you said about self-control, Legolas. I know you want to punch him right on the nose, but you must control yourself. Self-control, Legolas. Self-control. Don't punch him... don't kick him.. Legolas glared at the man.

"May I have the pleasure of joining you? On whatever you two are doing?"

Before Legolas could refuse him, Anya said, "Of course!"

"And who might this be?" Jerick asked, sweeping an arm toward Legolas.

"Oh... that's... Haryon." Anya made a face.

"I see. And, Haryon is your..." he eyed Legolas.

Anya looked at Legolas. "Friend," she finished.

"Friend," Jerick repeated. "I see."

Legolas and Jerick just glared at each other for a while before Anya desperately said, "Let's go!"

"Yes," Jerick replied, his eyes never leaving Legolas's deadly stare. "I agree..."

For the first time, Legolas spoke. Taking Anya's hand he said gently, "Let's go, Lian... Jerick," he added nastily.

~*~*~

Don't, don't let me be the last to know
Don't hold back, just let it go
I need to hear you say
You need me all the way
Oh, if you love me so
Don't let me be the last to know

~*~*~

"Legolas, who is that?"

Arwen looked out. They were eating dinner outside that night. Tables were set up around in a circular fashion, musicians were playing their instruments, and people were dancing. Jerick had insisted that Anya dance with him, saying she owed him from last night. As he walked out with Anya, he turned back to smirk at Legolas.

Aragorn frowned. "I do not trust him."

"Neither do I," Legolas said through gritted teeth.

"What is his name again?" Arwen asked

"Jerick."

"And you did not tell him your names?"

"No," Legolas replied. "Anya said her name was 'Lian' and that mine was 'Haryon'."

"I see," Arwen said.

"And he just came out of nowhere?" Gimli asked.

Legolas nodded. He glared out where Jerick was dancing with Anya. I could take my bow and arrow... he's not that hard of a target.

"Ahem," Aragorn said. "Legolas, answer the question."

"Question? Did you ask me a question?"

"No, I did not, but apparently it would not have mattered for your mind is clearly elsewhere." Aragorn looked out where the people were dancing. "Why don't you go ask her?"

"Ask her? You mean Anya?" Legolas sighed quietly. "She's rather busy right now."

"Legolas, if you don't do something, Jerick will take Anya away from you."

"What? Take Anya away from me? I do not even have her."

Aragorn shook his head. "Are you just going to sit back and watch?"

"Is there anything else I could do?"

"Well, gee, let me think about that," Aragorn said sarcastically.

"All right, you do that," Legolas replied.

The three groaned.

* * *

Jerick was holding onto Anya much to tightly for her liking. "Lian," he whispered into her ear. "You're absolutely gorgeous." Then he pushed her away and swirled her around and around before pulling her back close again.

Dizzy, Anya slumped into his arms. "Could you stop that please?" she asked. Her head was still spinning. "It is making me feel sick." If he continued to spin her like that, Anya was going to throw up.

"And what fun would be in that?" Jerick laughed. "Come, let's get away from here."

"Get away from here?" Anya asked.

"Yes, wouldn't you like it?" Jerick asked, smiling broadly at her.

"Well..." Anya didn't know how to say no politely.

"Of course you do!" With that, Jerick took her hands and ran out.

"Jerick, I'm not sure... Oooh... it's so beautiful."

Jerick had taken Anya to a hill just outside the city. The moon was full and glowing. He bent down and picked a daisy. "Lian," he whispered in her ear, standing behind her, and showed her the flower, taking Anya by surprise.

"Lian, I love you," he whispered. Anya, caught up in the moment, said nothing.

"Jerick?" He leaned in to kiss her. Her head was spinning. What am I doing?! Their faces got nearer and nearer...

"Stop!" Anya suddenly cried out, pushing Jerick away. She breathed in deeply. She couldn't believe what she had almost allowed herself to do.

"Lian, is something wrong?" Jerick asked quietly. He smoothed back her hair and put the little daisy into her hair. "There," he said smiling. "Perfect. Just as you are. Perfect in every way."

"Jerick, I..."

"I know I haven't given you much time," Jerick said softly. "I just had to tell you."

"I am sorry," Anya said softly.

"It is not your fault that you are so beautiful, Lian. Or so desirable. We can just be friends."

"Friends," Anya repeated. That word again.

Jerick smiled. "Yes," he said.

"Just friends?" Anya asked.

"As you wish, Lian."

"All right."

"Let me escort you back to your room. It is getting late," Jerick said, taking her hand. He slowly led her back into Kathlia, entered the Weeping Willow, the tavern she was staying in, and went upstairs to her room. "This is where I leave," Jerick said softly.

"Good night, Jerick," Anya said after she opened her door.

"Good night, dear angel." He kissed her on the cheek. "Sweet dreams." With that, Jerick turned and left.

* * *

Where was that Anya? Legolas couldn't sleep, not knowing where the hell she was. Gimli was already snoring away.

Night. The stars glistened in the sky. He was getting restless. I knew I shouldn't have let Anya go out with that... boy. If he does anything to harm her, his head will roll. Legolas gripped his bow tightly.

Outside, he heard voices. Anya's... and that boy's.

Legolas slowly opened his door and looked outside.

Then he saw Jerick kiss Anya.

Legolas couldn't believe his eyes. Did he just kiss her? His head suddenly felt very heavy. Holding his head in one hand, he closed the door with his other and leaned against it. He was losing his balance. Slipping... falling... His head was getting heavier and heavier - as well as his heart. Not bothering to change, Legolas trudged into bed, his head and heart pounding, falling into a restless slumber.

* * *

"Arwen?"

"Anya is something wrong?" Arwen asked as she opened her door.

"No," Anya said. "But I'm afraid something will be very soon."

Aragorn looked at her. "Is this about orcs... or another matter?"

"Another matter," Anya replied.

"Let me guess..." Arwen started.

"I don't even need a guess. It is about Legolas, isn't it?"


~*~*~

Your body language says so much
Yeah, I feel it in the way you touch
But till' you say the words it's not enough
C'mon and tell me you're in love, please

~*~*~

The next morning, before dawn, Legolas awoke. Gimli was already awake as usual. The five had often risen before the sun rose to get a head start on things.

Legolas had a massive headache. Why? he wondered for a moment. Then he remembered what he had seen last night... Anya... Oh God. He put his head into his head. How could he have been so stupid? Why couldn't he just say it? That he cared for her above all things? That he'd do anything for her? Why couldn't he tell her he loved her? Loved her more than he loved his own life?

"Legolas!" Anya. It was Anya.

"Get up, silly." She opened his door and stood in its frame, smiling at him.

She's so beautiful...

"I have a headache," Legolas said softly.

Anya laughed. "Just that?" But seeing the look on his face, she became worried. "Legolas, are you all right?" she asked, stepping closer. "You don't look so well. Perhaps you really are sick." She grinned at him. "You'll be fine - after all you're supposed to be a brave warrior, remember? I'll call Arwen in."

No, stay! "That'd be nice," Legolas said coolly. Damn, I think I got it mixed up.

"Be right back," Anya said.

Legolas watched her go. "Stay please?" he asked to nobody.

Anya returned within a couple minutes with Arwen on her tail. "What is it, Legolas?" Arwen asked softly.

"I don't know," Legolas said, looking down at the floor.

Anya made a bit of a face. "I'll get you some water. You look like you might need it."

"Yes, please," Arwen said.

When Anya left, Arwen turned to him and asked, "Legolas, what is it? You do not look ill at all, but the expression on your face is one I have never ever seen before in all the years I have known you."

"It is nothing," Legolas said. "My head hurts."

"Your head?" Arwen asked. "Or your heart?"

Legolas looked at her sharply. "What?"

"I see now. You saw Jerick kiss Anya goodnight last night."

"How did you know?"

"Anya told me, of course. She came to talk to me last night."

"What did she say?" Legolas looked at Arwen eagerly.

Arwen patted him on the head, smiling. "I'm sorry, little prince. I cannot tell you. I promised."

Legolas slumped back, glaring at Arwen, almost pouting. "Why?" he was on the verge of whining.

Arwen almost laughed. "I said, I promised."

"Does she love him?"

"I cannot say."

"So she does!" Legolas yelled out. "She loves him!"

"I never said that, Legolas."

"This isn't fair!" He jumped out of bed. "This isn't fair!"

"I see you're feeling better," Arwen said.

"Oh, stop it, Arwen, it's not funny!" Legolas was in rage. "This isn't fair!"

"You sound like a child, saying that so many times."

"It's not! He's only known her for one day, and they fall in love?"

"Legolas..."

"It's not right! I never got a chance!"

"Never got a chance? You've had many. Every minute you're with her you get the chance."

Legolas shook his head. He had been pacing and stood in one corner of his room, by the window where light was beginning to stream in, while Arwen remained by his bed. He was so distracted, he didn't even notice the door opening. "How am I supposed to tell Anya I love her?"

Anya stared at him from the doorway.

* * *

Oh, I don't know if I should go in yet... Anya thought. She was holding the flask of water in her hand. Shouting was in Legolas's room. After she had been waiting for at least five minutes before she gave up.

Pushing open the door, Anya stepped into the room and heard Legolas yell, "How am I supposed to tell Anya I love her?"

There was an uneasy silence. Arwen finally said, "I think you just did, Legolas. I shall leave now."

Legolas turned red. This was the last thing he had had thought would happen.

Anya looked back at him. Did he just say what I thought he did?

Seeing that Legolas was not going to say anything, Anya said, "Here's your water."

"Thank you," Legolas mumbled. He took it from her and set it down on the nightstand by his bed.

"So," Anya said after another pause, "I see you're feeling better."

Legolas nodded, not trust himself to say anything.

Two can play this game, Anya thought. "So Legolas," she said silkily, "how's your head?" She slowly raised her hand and held it against his forehead. Legolas jumped back at her touch. Anya smiled flirtatiously. "Oh you are getting rather hot... Are you all right? Maybe you should take this tunic off..." Anya trailed her hand along his shoulder and down his arm. "Well, maybe you're not that warm. Your hands are cold," she said taking one in her hands.

"Hm..." Anya said looking at him. "I..."

Legolas couldn't stand any more of her taunting. He grabbed her and kissed her hard on the lips.

Anya was taken aback by this sudden move, but she relaxed and put her arms around her neck, deepening the kiss. Her tongue slowly pushed until Legolas allowed it to enter his mouth...

The sun had begun to rise... Light was beginning to stretch across the room before Legolas had to break away.

"It's about time," Anya said, laughing.

"Huh?" Legolas was still trying to get over the kiss. "Sorry, I'm kind of new at this," he mumbled.

"What do you think I'm talking about?" Anya smiled. She looked out the window. "Sunrise again." She took his hands and looked at him. "It was sunrise when I first fell in love with you, then sunrise when I woke to find you had saved my life, and it was sunrise when you first told me you loved me, and it was sunrise when you first kissed me, and now, it shall be sunrise when I tell you... that I love you as well," she added with a whisper.

Anya moved closer to Legolas who took her into his arms and pulled her down onto his bed where Anya sat in Legolas's warm embrace watching the sunrise. It was like a dream come true.

"I love you," he said.

"I know, you said it already."

"Not really. I have been trying to say it for so long... When I thought you had fallen for Jerick, I was crushed."

"Jerick?" she asked. "We are just friends. Not like your kind of friend, Legolas," she added.

"Stop it..." Legolas said. "All that's important now is... I love you."

"Jeez, you say it once and now you can't stop! I've created a monster."

"I just want you to know... I love you."

"Okay, Legolas, I get the picture."

"But," Legolas said, clearly teasing her, "I... hate you."

Anya jerked out of his arms. "What?"

Legolas laughed, hugging her again. "Just kidding."

"Oh." Anya leaned back against him. "Well, you better damn well be."

"You know it," Legolas whispered into her ear, kissing her gently on the cheek.

~*~*~

C'mon baby, c'mon darling, ooh yeah
C'mon, let me be the one
C'mon now, oh yeah

~*~*~

Seeing Legolas and Anya holding hands as they came down for breakfast made Arwen smile. Though she tried to hide it, Aragorn and Gimli made no such attempts. They began giving Legolas a hard time the moment he sat down.

"Heeeeey! There he is now, Mr. I-Have-A-Headache! Looks like it got him a girl! Maybe I should try it sometime!"

"It worked for me! Ow! Arwen! That hurt!"

Arwen glared at her husband.

Legolas was starting to turn pink. Grinning, Anya kissed him on the cheek, making him turn red as a tomato.

"Awwww... Isn't that so cute?" Gimli laughed.

"Isn't it?" Anya said sweetly.

"Arwen, I'm not hungry anymore," Aragorn joked.

"Really? Then let me take this..."

"NO!"

~*~*~

I need to hear you say
You love me all the way
And I don't wanna wait another day
I wanna feel the way you feel

~*~*~

"So what is the news? Has the ransom been paid yet?"

"No sir. King Thranduil shows no sign of paying."

There was a silence. The messenger meekly asked, "What shall we do sir?"

"DO I HAVE TO THINK OF EVERYTHING FOR YOU? ARE YOU REALLY THAT STUPID!" Whip lash...

"Master... My mind does not work like yours... I'd be so honored if it did..."

"You are right. I blame you wrongly. 'Tis not your fault."

"So what do you suggest master?"

"Tell him if he does not pay, his brother will die, and that I shall have no qualms of it."

"Yes, master."

"And what of the other matter?"

"Other matter, sire?"

"Must I whip you again? I am getting tired of this endless exercise!"

"Master... no... We are waiting for the right time to take..."

"The right time? And when might this be?"

"She is far too well-guarded by her companions!"

"So take her when she is not."

"Master, the elf prince refuses to leave her side."

"Then rid of him."

"His skills are far beyond ours, Master."

"I don't give a damn, RID OF HIM! I must have her!"

"Yes, master."

~*~*~

Don't, just let me be the one
Don't hold back, just let it go
I need to hear you say
You need me all the way
So…baby, if you love me
Don't let me be the last to know

~*~*~

Anya and Legolas spent that day happily under a tree outside the city, just sitting and talking, both feeling like they were in heaven. This was bliss beyond bliss...

Jerick watched from afar, his eyes covered in a veil of envy. "Lian is mine!" he growled, staring at Legolas.

A/N: Well, it's about gawsh-darn time, Legolas! I was beginning to wonder if he'd ever finally manage to tell Anya. But now, that's out of the way, another problem arises. Geez. Anya and Legolas don't exactly have it very easy, do they? So many unanswered questions... I hope Jerick doesn't do anything drastic! (Wait a minute, I control him! Well, I totally forgot myself there!) And what of that matter of that weirdo following Anya? This is just getting stranger and stranger... (And it's just the beginning...)

**Credits to Britney Spears for the song, Don't Let Me Be the Last to Know.**