Chapter 25
Loyalty and Love
Gandalf had returned with Eomer and his riders. I smiled at Eomer and greeted him.
"My sister spoke of you. She told me what Theodred said before he died. And I thank you for keeping my sister safe."
He, Gandalf, Gimli, my father and Théoden did not follow us back to Edoras. They turned in direction of Isenguard. When we arrived in Edoras Eowyn helped me to get Legolas to a room. I lay him on the bed and checked his wound. It was healing, most elves were fast healers, but it would take time before he truly recovered from this one.
"It will be a day or two before the others return." Eowyn said.
I nodded but could not find the will to answer her. She seemed to understand.
"I shall leave you two."
She left the room and I took Legolas' hand. He had fallen asleep. I had to smile, for he looked so peaceful. I moved his hair from his face and gently stroked his face.
To the Sea, to the Sea! The white gulls are crying,The wind is blowing, and the white foam is , west away, the round sun is ship, grey ship, do you hear them calling,The voices of my people that have gone before me?I will leave, I will leave the woods that bore me;For our days are ending and our years failing.I will pass the wide waters lonely are the waves on the Last Shore falling,Sweet are the voices in the Lost Isle calling,In Eressea, in Elvenhome that no man can discover,Where the leaves fall not: land of my people for ever!
I sang to him and I would stroke his hand or his face. I never left him. One night he awoke in pain.
"Legolas!"
He squeezed his eyes shut and I took his hand. He squeezed it, it hurt but I said nothing, for I knew his pain was greater. Tears came to my eyes, for I hated seeing him in so much pain. The pain passed and he slowly opened his eyes.
"Gilraen?"
I smiled and nodded.
"How long have you been here with me?"
"I never left."
He smiled.
"~I should have known better.~"
"~Shhh-hh! Do not speak. You must rest.~" I whispered.
"~I will find no rest.~" he stated.
I sighed and rested my forehead against his shoulder. Tears fell and he seemed to know.
"~No tears Gilraen my love.~" He whispered.
"~I cannot take seeing you in such pain! I wish there were some way to take your pain unto myself!~" I cried.
"~I would never allow it! Gilraen look at me.~"
I looked up with tears in my eyes. He wiped them away and stroked my cheek.
"~I will recover! I will never leave you love.~" He said.
I smiled through the tears and hugged him gently.
"I love you."
"I love you too." He murmured.
I pulled away and smiled at him. He smiled but then looked around.
"Where is your father?"
I explained what had happened, how Gandalf had come with Eomer and his riders. I told him that they had gone to Isenguard.
"Yet you did not?"
I shook my head.
"I came here with you. I swore I would not leave your side, and that is a promise I intend to keep." I said.
He smiled and brought my face closer to his. I closed my eyes and pressed my lips to his. His tongue pried my mouth open and explored my mouth. I knew what he was trying to do, and as much as I wanted to let him have his way…he was wounded and this would only prolong his recovery. I would not have that. When his hands began to lift my shirt I pulled back shaking my head.
"No meleth. Not while you are so badly wounded."
He sighed and I lifted his face gently.
"I never said you could not kiss me."
He smiled and did just that. I loved when he kissed me, he was gentle and warm. The way his hands caressed my face and body was unlike anything. I would never love anyone as much as I loved Legolas. There was a knock on the door. Legolas and I separated and Eowyn walked in.
"They have returned!"
I smiled. I wanted to go and greet them, but I knew Legolas could not yet walk.
"~Gilraen your loyalty shall be the death of you.~" Legolas chuckled.
I looked at him. He kissed my temple.
"Go."
I smiled and gave him a quick kiss. Then I ran through the halls and saw my father.
"Ada!"
I ran forward flung myself into his arms. He laughed and embraced me. As I pulled away I saw two faces I feared I might not see again.
"Merry! Pippin!"
I rushed forward and hugged them both.
"Gilraen! You are safe!"
"We feared you would not escape the uruks." Pippin said.
I smiled.
"You should know that no servant of Saruman or Sauron can harm me." I said.
They smiled and nodded.
