Eternal Life, Eternal Pain
XIII. News of Rising Trouble
From my youngest years
till this moment here
I've never seen
such a
lovely queen
From the skies above
to the deepest love
I've never felt
crazy like this before
~*~*~
"Master, there is someone watching them."
"Who is this?"
"I recognize him. I heard him tell the princess he loves her."
"He could be useful. Get him."
It was getting dark. Jerick knew Lian and Haryon wouldn't stay out there all night, and that eventually he would have to turn around and go back home. He stared out at them. She was so close... yet so far. His heart ached. How could it be he couldn't have her? What did that Haryon have that he didn't?
Sighing and feeling rather desolate, Jerick turned to go home when he crashed into a small dark figure.
"Oh, sorry sir," Jerick started.
The figure looked at him. "My master wishes to see you."
Jerick looked back confused. "What?"
"Come."
Anya had never been happier in her life. The love of her life loved her back. What more could she ask for? Life was perfect. Nothing could ruin it now. The next few days passed blissfully until one day that started so well turned into a nightmare.
"Good morning," she said, sitting down next to Arwen much to Legolas's disappointment. Seeing Legolas's downcast face, Arwen had to laugh.
"Oh, Haryon, you can't expect Lian to always be by your side," Arwen said.
"Shut up Elentaari."
"Elentaari?" Anya asked.
"My name," Arwen explained.
"So what's yours?" Anya asked, turning to Aragorn.
"Russe," Aragorn said pointing to himself. Then pointing to Gimli said, "Miru."
"Ah," Anya said laughing a bit at Gimli's name. "But won't people be suspicious if Gim - I mean Miru doesn't have a dwarf's name?"
"If they ask they shall get nothing but my poker face," Aragorn said.
"Oh," Anya replied. "I see. When did you come up with these names?"
"Lian, dear," Arwen said, "we've been using them for the past few days. Have you been so wrapped up in Haryon that you haven't noticed?"
Anya blushed and started to eat her breakfast while Gimli and Aragorn laughed.
After they finished eating, Arwen and Aragorn excused themselves, saying they wanted to look around Kathlia a bit more, and Gimli walked off, muttering something about meeting up with some hobbits, leaving Anya and Legolas alone.
"Well, Haryon," Anya said smiling, "I guess we shall spend today together as well?"
"Stop teasing," Legolas said.
"Oh come," Anya said. "You're no fun." She jumped out of her seat and took his hand. "Well? Coming or not?"
"You know wherever you go, I am close near," Legolas replied.
It was a beautiful day. The sky was a deep blue, and only a few clouds scattered across it. The sun shone brilliantly, and there was a mild breeze which kept the day from being too hot.
"Look at this, Leg- I mean Haryon," Anya said, pulling him to one of the carts on the side of the road.
"Hello, fair lady," the man there said.
"Haryon, look," Anya said, taking one of the necklaces. It was nothing but a simple silver chain with a glistening yellow charm at the end.
"What is this?" Legolas asked, taking it into his hand. "It looks like a -"
"Flower," Anya finished. "Sundust - my mother added that to my name. It is a yellow flower, much like this one." She turned and put some money into the man's outstretched hand. Then, she put it around Legolas's neck. "To always remember me by," she whispered into his ear.
"Well, then," Legolas said, taking another necklace, "you shall have this to remember me by. A green leaf," he laughed.
Anya gave the man more money before they left.
"So, Anya," Legolas said softly so that only she could hear, "can I call you Sundust?"
"Sundust?" Anya laughed. "No one's ever called me that."
"I know. I want to be special."
"All right, I suppose," Anya said. "As long as you don't call me Dusty."
"Why not?"
"Never mind. If you call me Sundust, then I shall call you Greenleaf."
"Everyone already calls me that," Legolas laughed.
"Would you rather I call you Greeny?"
"Well, no."
"Exactly."
Nearby one of the musicians started to play a tune, attracting some young hobbit children nearby. Anya stopped and listened a bit, smiling. "Legolas, listen," she said quietly.
Legolas did as she said. "What is it I am listening to?" Legolas asked.
"The song."
He listened a bit more. "I suppose it is nice."
"Oh, you do not know it. The song reminds me of you," Anya added smiling.
"How?" Legolas asked.
Anya sang:
Let me be your only love
Let me take you far beyond the stars
Let me be your wings
Let me lift you high above
Everything we're dreaming of will soon be ours
Anything that you desire
Anything at all
Everyday I'll take you higher
And I'll never let you fall
Let me be your wings
Leave behind the world you know
For another world of wondrous things
We'll see the universe
And dance on Saturn's rings
Fly with me and I will be your wings
Anything that you desire
Anything at all
Everyday I'll take you higher
And I'll never let you fall
We'll see the universe
And dance on Saturn's rings
Heaven isn't too far
Heaven is where you are
Stay with me and
Let me be your wings
"Love, Legolas," Anya said, "knows no boundaries. Remember that. No matter what, I will always love you. I will always be by your side, and I'll never, ever let you fall. Just remember me."
"I could never forget you, Anya," Legolas said softly, kissing her forehead. "And I shall always love you too. And only you."
Paint my love
You should paint my love
It's the picture of a thousand
sunsets
It's the freedom of a thousand doves
Baby you should paint my love
~*~*~
At dinner, Anya was talking with Arwen. Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas had gone out to "collect news" as they said.
Anya was just showing Arwen her necklace when someone tapped her on the shoulder. Expecting it to be Legolas, she turned around.
"Lego- Jerick?" Anya said, seeing who it was.
"Hello, Lian," Jerick said stiffly.
"Hi!" Anya said smiling.
"May I join you two ladies?"
"Elentaari?" Anya asked Arwen who nodded. "Yes, you may, Jerick."
"Thank you," Jerick said, sitting down. He looked at Arwen and said, "You are quite beautiful, Lady Elentaari."
Arwen smiled, "Thank you."
"Don't even think about it, Jerick, she's married," Anya said laughing.
"I know," Jerick replied. "I was merely commenting on her beauty."
"Oh," Anya said blushing.
"It is quite all right," Jerick said to Anya. "You did not know."
"So, do you live here, Jerick?" Arwen asked him.
Jerick nodded. "Yes, I do. Alone."
"You are human?"
"Yes, I am."
"I see," Arwen said. "How has Kathlia been? It is a beautiful city."
"Yes, it is," Jerick said. "I moved here, away from my home. I traveled here once and enjoyed my stay here, and despite my family's arguments and protests, I packed up and moved here."
"I haven't seen you around for the past few days, Jerick. Where have you been."
"Around," Jerick said coolly.
"Around where?" Arwen asked.
"How is it any of your business?" he snapped.
"Sorry," muttered Arwen.
The rest of dinner was eaten without anyone saying much of anything else. Anya was still embarrassed, and Arwen was a bit ticked. Finally, it was Anya that broke the silence. Standing up, she said much too formally, "I'm tired. I think I shall retire to my room now."
Arwen nodded. "Good night, sweet dreams."
Jerick stood up. "Let me take you to your room."
Anya just wanted to go to bed. "All right," she said wearily.
"Lian," Jerick said as they walked up the stairs in the tavern, "I've been meaning to ask you..."
"What is it?"
"If I could spend tomorrow with you. I wish to show you something."
Anya looked at his eager eyes. "I suppose I could."
Jerick smiled. "You are too kind."
"But what about Haryon?" Anya asked.
"I suppose... he could come," Jerick said a bit reluctantly.
"Good night," Anya said, entering her room. She closed the door behind her and fell onto her bed. Exhausted and sleepy, she immediately drifted into a dreamless sleep.
Jerick stood in front Anya's door just looking at it.
He stood there too long.
"You!" someone called to him behind him. "What are you doing here?"
The young man turned around and saw Legolas striding toward him. "What are you doing here?" Legolas repeated.
"Nothing, Haryon. I merely brought Lian up here after she said she was tired and wished to sleep."
"I see," Legolas said, his eyes still lit with anger. "Well, I suppose you should take your leave now. It is late. Shouldn't you rest?"
"Yes," Jerick said. He walked by Legolas and down the stairs.
Legolas watched until he heard the door to the tavern close. Satisfied that Jerick was gone, Legolas went to his own room.
Outside, Jerick stared up at the windows, wondering which was Anya's. "Sleep well..." he said softly.
Been around the world
then I met you girl
It's like
coming home
to a
place I've known
From the skies above
to the deepest love
I've never felt
crazy like this before
~*~*~
That morning, Aragorn announced that he was going to "collect news" again.
"But Russe," Arwen asked, a bit confused, "did you not do that last night?"
Aragorn made a bit of a face. "I heard of something last night that did not settle well with me. I must know more. Haryon? Miru? Shall you join me please? It should be helpful."
Gimli quickly agreed. Legolas was a bit hesitant. Anya, seeing this, said to him, "Haryon, go."
"What will you be doing, Lian?"
Anya was unsure of how to answer. "Well... Jerick asked me..."
Legolas narrowed his eyes. "I see."
"Don't you think that, Greenleaf," Anya said sternly. "Remember - Jerick and I are just friends."
"Right," Legolas said a bit sarcastically. "You don't see the way he looks at you, Anya."
"Are you distrusting me already?" Anya asked. "If you do not, then..."
"Anya, don't go."
"Legolas Greenleaf, you cannot tell me what to do! He is my friend, and I shall meet my friends as I wish! You are not my father, you are not my mother, you are not related to me in anyway, so what makes you think you can command me like some sort of a dog?!" Anya was furious. How dare he! I thought he was better than that!
"Anya, I told you not to go. I don't want you to go!"
"This is stupid!" Anya shouted.
"I know it is!" Legolas countered. "And you're making it worse!"
"Me?" Anya replied. "Me? What about you?"
Legolas just stared at her. "What?"
"You!"
"Me? Oh, please, Karlianya, you are so full of yourself!" Legolas gave her a half sneer. "That's it, I'm leaving. Goodbye."
"Good riddance!" Anya shouted at his back. Legolas sort of waved his arm, as if saying he didn't care.
"You shouldn't have shouted each other's name like that, Lian," Arwen said quietly after Legolas left.
Anya felt close to tears. "Did we just have an argument? Over Jerick?'
Arwen nodded. "Don't worry about it. Legolas is just being immature as always," she said, laughing a bit. "He'll get over it soon. You have to learn how to deal with his hot temper sometimes."
"Tell me about it," Anya groaned.
"But," Arwen continued, "you have to learn to control your temper as well. I guess both of you being royalty..."
"Are you saying I was spoiled?" Anya asked, her voice getting a bit testy.
"Well," Arwen said, "in a way, yes."
Anya sighed. "You're right, I suppose. Oh, here comes Jerick."
Jerick walked over to them. "Good morning, Lian, Elentaari."
Anya tried to laugh a bit. "You sound so formal, Jerick. Loosen up a bit."
He attempted to smile.
He wasn't like this when I first met him, Anya thought. She was beginning to wonder about him - he was acting so differently. So which one was the real Jerick?
"Let's go, Lian," he said.
Anya said nothing but stood up and followed him outside. "So where are we going?" Anya asked as he led her far out of the city, miles and miles away.
Jerick smiled a bit. "You'll see."
This did not please Anya. After they walked for another few minutes, she said, "Come on, tell me!"
He burst out laughing. "Oh, don't worry. I know you'll like it. I know how much you love nature, right?"
Anya nodded.
"You love flowers, trees, scenery..."
"How do you know?" Anya asked, laughing.
"Well... uhhh..." Jerick mumbled. "I suppose all elves do?" he quickly covered.
Anya smiled. "Of course."
"Here, Lian," Jerick said. "See? I knew you'd like it."
Any remaining thoughts of her fight with Legolas that morning left Anya's mind. "Roses! I love roses," she said. "They're starting to bloom."
Jerick nodded. Anya tugged at one rose. "Doesn't that hurt?" Jerick asked, astounded at what Anya was doing.
"Nope," she replied. "Here, it's for you." She handed it to him.
"For me?"
"It's yellow - yellow roses stand for friendship," Anya explained.
"Oh," Jerick said. "Thank you."
Jerick watched Anya fluttering around, looking at the different flowers.
"So, Lian," Jerick said. "What's wrong between you and Haryon?"
Anya's face darkened. "Nothing," she spat out, her voice full of contempt.
"Nothing?" Jerick asked. "Something. Tell me. You'll feel better if you let it out."
Anya shook her head. "It's nothing. Le - I mean Haryon was just being silly and immature."
Jerick looked at her. "How can it be nothing? Your face says it all."
"Fine," Anya sighed. "We had an argument. When I told him this morning I was going to go with you today, Haryon threw a fit. Sometimes, he acts like a little baby. Always wants everything his way. We've only been together for a few days, and already he's so protective of me? So possessive? I can't live like that. I need freedom to move, freedom to do what I please. I just didn't like Haryon telling me what to do. Who I could see or couldn't see. It is nothing."
"You're too good for him," Jerick said softly.
Anya looked at Jerick. "What?"
"You're too good for him," he repeated. "I could give you more, Lian..."
"Jerick, I'm flattered, really I am," Anya said. "But even through our little argument, I still care for Haryon."
"You deserve better, Lian!" Jerick took her hand. "And I could give you that."
"I thought you said we'd just be friends," Anya whispered.
"Do you love me, Lian?"
"No! I love..."
"Haryon? You think that is love? No, Lian, no. Believe me... I love you more than he could ever..."
"No, no, no..." Anya stepped back from Jerick. "Stop this, Jerick."
"I'm sorry," he whispered, stepping back. "I don't know what got into me."
Anya patted him on the back. "It's all right."
Paint my love
you should paint my love
it's the picture of a thousand
sunsets
it's the freedom of a thousand doves
Baby you should paint my love
~*~*~
"Are you sure, Jerick?" Aragorn asked.
Anya and Jerick had been walking back to Kathlia when they met Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli. Anya made a point of turning her back to Legolas, who merely ignored her. Seeing this, Anya resorted to the old-fashioned insult of sticking out her tongue.
Jerick was telling Aragorn that he had heard of a growing threat outside Kathlia. "I heard it from a few farmers," he continued. "They were traveling down that road," he said, pointing. "They said they saw something traveling through the forest that was not human."
"This is not good," Gimli said. "Russe, perhaps we should be on the move."
Aragorn looked at the sun overhead. "If we leave now, we can get a good start before nightfall. Go get Elentaari, Gimli. Haryon, Lian, pack your things. We shall leave as quickly as possible." Then turning to Jerick he said, "Thank you very much, Jerick."
The young man made a face of pain. "It was nothing," he replied in a whisper.
Aragorn shook his head. "You see, I fear that there may be some sort of force trying to make some sort of comeback... Oh well, your news is along in a chain of others I have heard these past few days. You may not realize how helpful you have been."
Jerick stiffened at Aragorn's words. "I said it was nothing."
"You're a good man," Aragorn said, patting Jerick on the shoulder. "Thank you for your help."
With every word, Jerick's face got tenser and tenser. He almost couldn't stand it. Relief washed through him as he watched Aragorn leave, walking toward Kathlia to join his companions.
"I did my job."
"So you did, little boy. Thank you. You have served me well. What was it I promised you?"
"You know what you promised me. Don't act dumb."
"Oh... yes... well I'm sorry, but I am afraid I shall have to break my promise. The girl is mine."
"But...! You said!"
"And you believed me? Fool! Mooltin! Get one hundred ready for an attack!"
"Attack! You said you wouldn't hurt them!"
"Well, I lied. Fool of a man to believe me!"
"I'm going to tell them! Warn them!"
"You're not going anywhere! Get him!"
"NOOOOO!"
"Honestly, will you two just kiss and make up?" Aragorn asked Legolas as they walked down the road Jerick had pointed. Anya had stubbornly refused to walk anywhere near Legolas, and so Arwen and she walked slowly behind.
"If she apologizes," Legolas replied.
"Why don't you?" Gimli asked.
"I didn't do anything wrong."
"Legolas, you accused her wrongly of having affection for another man."
"Yes, so?" Legolas asked.
"You were jealous, weren't you," Aragorn said.
"Of what?"
"That she was spending time with Jerick. That's really dumb, Legolas."
"Why would I be jealous of Jerk?" Legolas asked.
"Well, that was immature," Gimli commented.
"Shut up, Gimli."
"That was immature too!" Gimli said laughing.
"Gimpy."
"Stop it, elf-boy."
"Shut it, dwarf."
"Are you always in such a bad mood?" Gimli retorted.
"Maybe!" Legolas said, his temper flaring. He stared at Gimli. "Why don't you see?"
"Geez, what's gotten into you?" Gimli asked almost timidly, seeing the rage in Legolas's eyes.
Legolas ignored Gimli and turned around where Anya and Arwen were lagging. "Don't you think we should tell them to hurry a bit?" Legolas asked. "They're holding us back a bit."
"I'd rather they hold us back than let you get anywhere close to Anya," Aragorn said.
Since you came into my life
the days before all fade to black and
white
Since you came into my life
Everything has changed
~*~*~
"So... first watch..." Aragorn paused. For a while, Anya and Legolas had taken the first watch, but obviously, that was not going to work. "Anya and... Arwen? Arwen, will that be all right?"
Before Arwen said anything, Anya said to nobody in particular, "I suppose Arwen would be better company than... another certain elf might be." She looked up at the sky. "Besides, I doubt he would trust me when we're on our watch. He'd probably..."
"Shut it," Legolas snarled.
"Huh?" Anya asked innocently. "What's wrong, Legolas Greenleaf?"
"You know what's wrong Karlianya Sundust."
"Would you two please stop bickering?" Arwen asked, annoyed.
"Ask him." "Ask her."
Arwen sighed. "I guess not."
Anya glared at Legolas who did the same. "Moron," Anya mouthed. Legolas continued to glare at her.
"Anya, why don't you two just make up?"
"What Arwen?" Anya asked.
"Just forgive and forget. Fights like this will blow over if you let it. There's no sense in holding a mindless grudge."
"Mindless? He kept saying that I liked Jerick!"
"Yes, that was wrong of him, but you also shouted back at him. Why don't you just forgive him, and get on with life? It's much easier," Arwen said. "Trust me, little Anya. I know. I've lived many years, and I've seen many things."
Anya sighed.
"Do you still love him?" Arwen asked her softly.
"I... I... I don't know," the young elf replied. "I'm so confused."
"It's all right." Arwen put a comforting arm around Anya's shoulders.
"I don't understand how we could have gone from perfection to mass destruction," Anya said.
Arwen laughed. "I've never heard it put that way."
"You must admit, it describes it perfectly."
"Yes, it does. But... maybe you should start rebuilding."
Anya looked at where Legolas was sleeping. "As soon as he wants to," she said.
"Well, you won't kno - Did you hear something?"
Anya's eyes widened. "Yes..."
A/N: Yeah, this chapter was rather boring. *sighs* Unfortunately, it was rather necessary and will be very important in future chapters. You'll see. Legolas, Legolas, Legolas... you really know how to disappoint a being, don't you? Geez, can you believe this guy? Heh. Poor guy. He was right about Jerick though. But we already knew. Oh... this is confusing.
**Credits to Michael Learns to Rock and Jascha Richter for the song, "Paint My Love."**