XV. United Forever
There's a calm surrender
To the rush of day
When the heat of a rolling
wind
Can be turned away
~*~*~
"No reason to live, the sun doesn't shine; no reason to breathe, cuz you aren't mine..." Anya sang softly.
"Stop that," said Arwen. "It's making me want to cry."
Anya stretched out her legs, relishing the feeling of the soft grass under her feet. She slipped off her tiny slippers and sighed. Arwen and she were sitting out in the rolling valleys by Resrand, enjoying the warm morning sun, although Anya had little to enjoy lately. Somehow, Heri and the rest of her little group had decided to do the exact same thing as Arwen and she were. Shooting death glances to where they sat (with Legolas, of course), Anya replied, "How can I stop? It is how I feel."
"Talk to him, Anya, talk to him."
Heri was playing with Legolas's hair, braiding some of it and twisting other parts. Legolas could only make a face beyond disgust. Heri and her friends mistaking this for happiness and mirth laughed and continued whatever stupidity they were carrying on at the moment.
"He looks a bit busy," Anya replied.
"You never used to care," Arwen said. "You would just barge on in, as if it didn't matter."
"That was back then," Anya sighed. She touched her neck where her green charm hung still; Anya did not have the heart to ever take it off. "Back when we were speaking. Back when Heri and Jerick were unknown names to us. Back when we were still friends. And," Anya added ever so softly as she pulled out her little leaf, "back when we were still in love."
"You are still in love," Arwen replied.
"He's not," said Anya sadly.
Arwen looked at her. "Is that what you truly think?"
Anya blinked. "What else am I supposed to think?"
"Anya, look closer. Legolas cares not for Heri or any of her little friends. He cares for you so much - "
"No," Anya said. "Impossible. How can you tell?"
Arwen sighed. "Just by the way he looks at you, I can tell."
Anya snorted. "Like he ever looks at me anymore."
"Yes he does, Anya, yes he does."
I don't think I've ever been more disgusted in my entire life, Legolas thought miserably. Heri was chattering away, doing something to his hair.
"Yeggie, see this? His hair is so fine," Heri was saying.
Please, shut up. Legolas heaved a silent sigh. Anya's breathing sounded better than this. He looked over to where Anya and Arwen were sitting under a tree. The leaves of the tree were fresh and green, as it was just spring, and little blossoms were starting to bloom from the branches. With the soft green grass all around them, Anya and Arwen looked even more beautiful than ever. Especially Anya, Legolas thought almost miserably. How he longed to hold her, to touch her, to kiss her, to tell her he loved her more than anything in the world...
He turned away. She wouldn't care to hear that.
Where are we now? It seems as if we're miles and miles away from any civilization, and yet, the land looks so familiar. It's dark - but the darkness feels almost unnatural. The sky is a deep royal blue, much closer to black, but still tinted blue. There is no sun, moon, or even a star. Only swirling black clouds can be seen. The scenery is blank. There are no trees, no grass, no life. Only dry, dead foliage as far as the eye can see. Maybe the occasional dead tree stump or tangled weed, but nothing else.
In the middle of it all stands a lone castle-like building made of dark, gray stone. It has many high piercing towers. In one of them, a lone figure stands by a window, surveying the empty, barren land, pondering what to do next. A cold breeze blows, making his cape flap menacingly until the wind finally slows down. There is nothing but utter silence until...
A sudden clang can be heard from the hallway leading to the room at the top of the tower, echoing again and again. The figure jerks his head around toward the noise, making his robes swish. Almost clumsily, a huddled being bumps and feels his way into the room.
"What did he say?" asks the tall figure by the window when the little servant finally managed to stumble to his knees in front of his master.
"He-he-he," stammered the lesser. He couldn't manage to find his voice.
"Say it!"
"Refuses to pay."
The tall figure grabs something and throws it against the wall, cursing loudly and profusely. "Damn!" he finally manages to utter clearly. "DAMN THAT FOOL! DAMN HIM! DOES THE LIFE OF HIS BROTHER MEAN NOTHING TO HIM?"
"He says, 'I know my brother, Traeson, shall agree with me that he would rather sacrifice his life than give up his throne to such evilness as you propose to bring, for no one life is greater than the well-being of Mirkwood. I am certain my brother would do the same if he were in my place, and I would feel the same if I were in his place, hostage.' And..."
"No need to continue. Of course Thranduil would think that; him being so noble..."
"Master, if I may suggest..."
"Suggest what?"
"Seeing as how King Thranduil refuses to surrender his throne, there are other ways."
"Other ways you say."
"You may find it of great convenience that both Princess Karlianya and Prince Legolas are together in one place, making our job far easier than it should. After we take the princess, thus taking Lanmuir as well, we can take Mirkwood."
"So you are suggesting we murder the prince?"
"Exactly."
An enchanted moment
And it sees me through
It's enough for this restless
warrior
Just to be with you
~*~*~
The sun was beginning to work her magic on Anya. She was beginning to drift a tiny bit. It's such a beautiful day, she thought.
Yes, it is, my pretty.
Anya jerked her head up in surprise.
Remember me?
Why can't you just leave me alone?
You are mine.
I am nobody's.
You belong to me. You are my property. You were from the moment you were born, the moment you were conceived.
So which is it? Conception or birth? You contradict yourself.
Stop being snide with me. I shall say this once more: Come with me, or your companions face death.
I am tired of your empty threats! Go away! I shall never give in to your evilness!
So you choose death...
No. I choose not to give in to YOU.
It is useless. What can be gained by resisting me? Take your place.
What can be gained? Innocent lives, that's what!
What do their lives mean to you?
If I ever knew that a innocent child died on my behalf, I would certainly die of misery! Any child that had never had the chance to live his or her life to the fullest because of me.
You curse yourself.
I don't care, Anya thought defiantly.
She waited... but there was no reply.
The rest of the day literally lagged by for Anya. When dinner finally came, Anya felt greatly relieved that soon, she would finally be able to go back to her room - not to sleep because her dreams were haunted - but to remain in lonely solitude, pondering over what was and could have been if it had not been for that day she and Legolas... Oh, what was the use. Keeping her eyes to the floor, she slowly shuffled her feet toward where Aragorn, Gimli, and Arwen were dining. Dinner in the tavern Early Dawn was often hectic, busy, and very crowded.
Anya ran right smack into someone. Actually, two someones. Without bothering to look up, Anya muttered, "Pardon."
"It's quite all right," answered a familiar voice.
She looked up. Groaning, Anya realized who it belonged to - Heri. Naturally, she'd run into Legolas too whom Heri had been dragging around everywhere, showing him off like he was some sort of prize to be won.
Heri recognized her too. Sizing her up a bit, Heri realized the girl in front of her was also an elf with beauty she could not match. Yet, she stuck her chin out proudly and said almost mockingly, "Just as long as you keep your hands to your own things."
Anya continued to look down at the floor, her face starting to redden.
"I wouldn't want Haryon wandering alone you know. Never know what ladies might be out there, trying to take what's mine."
Anya's hands began to tighten into fists.
Legolas desparately wanted to hit Heri, but being the gentleman he was, he managed to control himself. Anya on the other hand, he was not certain could hold out for Heri's mocking.
"Haryon and I've talked about it - yes, I know, somehow we manage to squeeze in talking between all the kiss-"
Enough was enough. Anya looked up at Heri in pure fury. Legolas almost felt sorry for Heri at that moment, positive Anya would do something horribly drastic, like punching her in the nose or stomach. Instead, the look on Anya's face began to tear down, making Legolas's heart fall with it. Seeing her look so lost hurt him.
Without warning, Anya fled out of the room, tears streaming down her face.
Finally, Legolas managed to do something right for a change. "Sundust!" he called out, using her nickname he had so longed to say. He followed her up the stairs to her room, running in quickly before she closed the door. Slowly, Legolas closed the door behind him and strided over to where Anya was.
Anya was standing by the window, crying loudly and openly as if she didn't care anymore. She didn't care if anyone heard her suffering or saw the pain she had endured in her heart for so long.
Legolas came up from behind her. Wrapping his arms around Anya, he whispered into her ear, "Sundust, don't cry. Sundust..."
Hearing Legolas call her "Sundust" made Anya cry even harder.
"Anya," Legolas said softly in her ear, "don't cry."
Tears dripped onto Legolas's hand as he reached to Anya's face to wipe away the wetness. Anya could hardly breathe, she was crying so hard. Legolas put one of his hands into her hair, smoothing it as he finally managed to whisper, "Sundust... don't cry... I love you."
"Oh, Legolas!" Anya turned and started to cry again, this time, her head resting on his shoulder. "I missed you so much, Greenleaf," she finally murmured after sobbing a while. "I missed you too much."
"And I, you," Legolas replied. He pulled away, smiled as he saw her face, and tried to dry her tears. "Don't cry."
"I'm not," Anya choked out.
"Oh this again," Legolas laughed. "Well, dry that water about your face before someone thinks you really are."
Anya tried to laugh, but she only managed to cry harder. "Oh, I'm so stupid," she said.
Legolas kissed her on the forehead. "Not to me."
"I'm sorry," Anya whispered.
"And I am, as well," Legolas replied, holding Anya tighter. He didn't want to let go... ever.
"The fight we had over Jerick... that should have never happened," said Anya softly.
Legolas sighed. "I should have trusted you."
Anya shrugged. "I should have been more understanding."
"So should I," Legolas countered. "And I doubt I helped matters much when... I... kissed Heri..." he managed to stutter.
Anya tightened. "I know," she whispered. Then, her tears became laughter. Legolas looked at her in concern, wondering if she had gone insane. "Look at us," said Anya, "both trying to take the blame! Oh, I suppose we were both at fault."
"I'm sorry," Legolas said.
"You already said that," Anya answered. "Only one thing remains..."
Legolas was thinking along the same lines as Anya. Slowly, he drew closer to her until their lips touched in a soft kiss. Soon, that innocent little sign of love became deeper and filled with passion that both had been holding for so long. Anya kissed him as she'd never kissed him before...
Was it all just a dream? Legolas shuffled in bed. He got up and looked around, wondering where he was. This isn't my room! Where am I?
Then suddenly, all in one quick wave, the things he had done last night came rushing back toward him. He turned. There he saw Anya sleeping quietly there, confirming his fears.
Legolas leaned down until his face was close to Anya's. A soft smile was upon her lips, and she was breathing gently. She looked so serene and innocent and yet...
"What have I done?" Legolas whispered.
And can you feel the love tonight
It is where we are
It's enough for this
wide-eyed wanderer
That we got this far
And can you feel the love tonight
How it's laid to rest
It's enough to make kings and vagabonds
Believe the very best
~*~*~
Anya felt a cool gust of wind hit her making her shiver. Then she felt the blankets around her move a bit as someone was trying to keep her warm. Anya felt so comfortable where she was, she didn't want to move.
When she finally managed to open her eyes, she saw Legolas sitting by her. He had put his leggings back on. He sat with one leg stretched out, the other bent, using the bended one as a prop for his arm which in turn held up his head. His other hand stroked Anya's bare shoulder rhythmically. Legolas was gazing out the window as moonlight streamed in.
Feeling Anya stir, Legolas once again bunched the blankets around her. "Maybe you should put your clothes back on," said Legolas almost abashed. Anya noticed Legolas was avoiding any eye contact with her, keeping his eyes downcast. "You might catch cold," he continued. "It's a rather cool night. Perhaps I should close the window."
He took this chance to turn his back to Anya as she pulled on her tunic and then her leggings. After slamming the window shut, he sighed and let his arms fall to his sides. Still facing the window, Legolas said quietly, "I'm sorry."
Anya rose and walked toward him. Standing by his side and leaning gently against him, she asked, "Sorry for what?"
At her touch, Legolas almost jumped back, making Anya stumble a bit to regain her balance. Blushing, Legolas steadied her, but still he refused to hold her as she had wanted.
"Sorry for what?" Anya repeated.
"For... you know," Legolas mumbled. "What happened?"
Anya stood there, looking at him completely confused. "What happened? The argument? We already went through that, Greenleaf."
"No," he replied. "For... taking away your innocence - especially since we are not wed, or even promised."
Anya sighed. "Is that all?" she asked quietly.
Legolas turned to look at her, almost shocked. "All? What do you mean all? Isn't that a problem with you? That in one stupid night, I did what I did, forever ruining your future? I took away something you'll never get back, Anya, do you understand that? Never, no matter what you do. Your innocence, your..." Legolas turned away. "I cannot believe I was such a fool. I am so ashamed of myself. What I've done to you." He shook his head miserably. "I don't know how I can ever face you again."
"Greenleaf, look at me," Anya said softly, tilting his head so they saw eye-to-eye. "I love you, and I cannot think of anyone I'd rather give it to, but you. I love you from the bottom of my heart, and I know I shall love you always and forever. That is enough for me, and it should be enough for you.
"Don't think it was some foolish mistake. Love is no mistake. Everything happens in this world for a reason, Legolas, even if you can't see it at first. There's a good reason behind everything, whether it may seem horrible or not at first, there is a good reason behind it all."
"What of this then?" Legolas asked, not convinced. "What good of this?"
Anya took his hand. "It shows our love," Anya said. "Forever we are one."
Legolas took Anya into his arms. "The first thing I do when I get home is to marry you, Sundust. You mean the world to me."
"I better!" Anya joked.
"You do," Legolas replied sincerely.
"The first thing I do today is to tell Heri," Legolas said.
"What about Aragorn, Arwen, and Gimli?"
"They'll find out soon enough."
Anya nodded. "Oh... here she comes. Should I leave?"
Legolas shook his head as Heri and Reean came near. "Why, good morning, Hary!" Heri said.
"Heri," Legolas replied coolly.
Heri's eyes darted ever so quickly to Anya and then back to Legolas. "So, today I thought we'd..."
"Heri, I don't love you. I don't even like you."
The young girl looked back at him. "Excuse me?" she asked.
"You heard me."
Reean started laughing. Heri blushed scarlet.
"I've had enough of you showing me around as if I were an item to be desired instead of a living being as I am. You're a good enough girl, Heri," Legolas continued. "I'm sure you shall find a man to better suit you."
Reean was still laughing when she directed Heri away.
Legolas sighed. "That was easy," he said.
Anya laughed. "You're good at that. But," she added, "I'll never let you do that to me!"
Legolas grinned. "You think you're that special?"
Before Anya could come back with some sort of indignant reply, Legolas held up a little flower and said, "Kiss me?"
Seeing this, Anya burst out laughing. "Oh, Greenleaf," she said happily as she leaned down to kiss him on the cheek. She took the little flower and placed it into her hair. "The first flower you've ever given me. You're such a romantic all of a sudden!" Anya kneeled on the cool grass, still wet with dew. Once again, she was out in the middle of nature. Amidst the rolling hills of grass... It was so beautiful.
"This is so lovely," Anya sighed, leaning into Legolas's arms. "I'd want to stay here in these hills forever."
Legolas looked a bit alarmed. "Oh?"
"Yes," Anya laughed, "but I have no intention of doing so."
"Oh," Legolas said again, this time almost relieved.
There's a time for everyone
If they only learn
That the twisting kaleidoscope
Moves us all in turn
~*~*~
"So you two finally mended your problems, eh?" Gimli chortled at dinner.
Legolas took Anya's free hand and smiled. "I'd say."
"About time," Aragorn said. "I was beginning to wonder if I would have to lock you two in a room before you two would finally sort out your differences! Looks like I didn't have to resort to such drastic moves." He paused and laughed. "I'll have to remember that, just in case you two decide to fight again - which I find could be highly possible."
Anya scowled at him. "I'm taking that as an insult."
"And," Aragorn said smiling, "it was meant to be!"
Anya groaned.
"So how'd ya do it?" Gimli asked. "How'd you two finally resolve your problems?"
Legolas shifted a bit uncomfortably, looking at Anya, who to his surprise remained very calm. "Last night, that witch Heri said some rather rude things, which rather upset me, and Haryon came to comfort me." She smiled at Legolas.
"See, it wasn't that hard, Lian," Arwen said laughing. "You simply had to cry, and men fall for it everytime."
Aragorn looked up from his plate. "So that's how you do it!"
Arwen rolled her eyes.
"And all this time, I've been trying to figure it out," Aragorn finished.
"Russe, that was the lamest joke yet," Anya said.
"Joke?"
"You mean, you are not jesting?"
"Jesting about what?"
"Never mind."
"No, really, tell me."
"Just eat, Russe."
There's a rhyme and reason
To the wild outdoors
When the heart of this
star-crossed voyager
Beats in time with yours
~*~*~
Anya slept alone that night, but had no qualms about it until a nightmare struck her cold.
She didn't know where she was this time. Everything around her was so peaceful. She stood in a meadow, a bundle of flowers in her hand. They all very lovely until some of them began to die.
Curious, Anya looked a bit closer. The flowers were now gone. All of them, dead or alive.
Soon, all the plant life disappeared. It was dark again.
"Where am I?" Anya began to panic.
Up above, she could seen an image of her friends. "Legolas!" she cried out, holding her hands. But they could not see her or hear her.
Finally, it seemed as if they recognized her. Turning toward her, Arwen said, "How could you do that to us?"
Anya said, "Oh, no what did I do now?"
"You know what you did."
Anya groaned. She knew she had let the enemy come again...
Relennia sat by her window back in the Golden Forest.
She knew all things. She knew what Legolas and Anya had done... and what they had yet to do. She turned away from the sight of her beautiful wood for it did not please her. The heaviness in her heart weighed down her spirits.
"So it begins," she whispered. "So it begins."
A/N: Just a short lil chapter to fill ya up. Nothing really to say about this, except, it really seems like it's goin nowhere? Naaaaw! It's all part of my scheme! My story! My plot! Review, thanks.
**Credits to Elton John for the song "Can You Feel The Love Tonight"**