A/N This chapter might be triggering to some. please review thank you to everyone who has, I greatly appreciate it. Verity is still very young and inexperienced in life so i tried to make this chapter accurate to how someone with her experiences would react. she is very flawed.
I woke up in tangled blankets, my arms wrapped tightly around one of Legolas's. And a puddle of drool on his forearm, that I snuggled so deeply into. I blushed releasing him from my hold. I looked up at him he was still in the same position leaned against the headboard atop my tangled blanket; his eyes were staring blankly at the wall, was he asleep? He looks so handsome, so peaceful. I sat up reaching my hand out to touch and brush his hair out of his face. It was soft and luscious, I pushed a section behind his ear taking him in. his breath quickened but his eyes still stared blankly at the wall. I was safe. I examined him. His pointy ears intrigued me. They were different than mine, yet so similar. I moved my hand to touch those next, softly touching them from the base and trailing my fingertips up to the tip. His body tensed and he let out a deep moan that came out more as a grunt, he grabbed my wrists with his, holding me still. I stared back at his face, embarrassed I had been caught, how long had he been awake? He was smirking, his eyes met mine.
"Are you enjoying your exploration?" My face flushed as I jumped away from him pulling my wrists out of his hold. I looked at him in horror as he chuckled "You were awake?" I squeaked
He didn't reply just laughed. He was awake for all of it. Why can't elves sleep with their eyes closed!
I ran to the wardrobe, getting a change of clothes and into the bathroom quickly, to escape my embarrassment. I could hear him still laughing as I shut the door behind me.
When I had exited having been clean and ready for the day he was no longer in the room. I was sitting on my bed putting on my boots when a soft knock sounded at the door. "Milady?" I opened the door and saw a young maid she bowed deeply "I have come to show you to your new room. "She rose and led me down the winding corridor and several sets of stairs, walking inside and out of the buildings; walking through the Dining Hall and many more corridors, until finally she stopped in front of a door and bowed deeply dismissing herself. I opened the door hesitantly and walked inside and gasped, the room was fit for a queen; the bed was large and plush with many pillows. There was a small desk and chair pushed against the far wall stacks of parchment were scattered about it as if someone had been writing and got sidetracked, the wardrobe was much larger than the one in the Healing Halls, the wood was engraved intricately. There was a small settee in front of a fireplace along the wall. There was also a bathroom connected to this room much like that of the Healing Halls. I felt guilty and elated walking through my new room, how could Aragorn be so good towards me? After knowing- after seeing what I had done. I opened the wardrobe and froze; these weren't the tunics I was used to wearing, they were much larger much like the baggy ones I found on passage to Helms Deep. I saw beautiful elegant dresses of fine quality. The fabric of the tunics was soft and thick much like the silver one Legolas wore, these were a deep green. I changed into them, and put my barely worn tunic and leggings in the wardrobe in its place not wanting them to get washed when they were not even dirty. The clothing swallowed me, and hung loosely off my shoulder. It felt oddly familiar and comforting. I walked to the bed and saw a sheathed sword; I grabbed it holding it up to the light. It had an inscription along the blade 'riel thegn' there was a note on the bed beside it, it read
'This gift is bestowed on the Lady Verity, whose beauty and strength are unmatched. Be it known that all men are minded to raise her by virtue of her honor, loyalty, valor, and skill at arms, to the high rank of Nobility in all of Rohan. –Éomer '
I sighed reading it my eyes welled with tears, how he could think such kind things of me. How could I accept such a gift from them? I reluctantly strapped it to my belt, before wandering out into the hall. I wandered until I was outside on the stone streets, children laughed running past me, women hummed as they carried baskets at their sides. The city was bursting with happiness and relief. I smiled walking past the people I saw. I walked until I happened upon a training field, there were several soldiers sparing with swords. I leaned on a tree watching them. They intrigued me; I didn't look at them with fear for their safety, war had changed me. There was a woman who stood not far from me also watching the spar. She looked familiar… Éowyn!
She was smiling at one of the men who was sparing, he walked to her and embraced her. She let out a squeak as he lifted her up. He had soft features and chestnut brown hair the same length as Aragorn's, I do not recognize him from Rohan, he must be a man of Gondor. He leaned down into her ear and whispered
"Éowyn of Rohan, I say to you that you are beautiful. In the valleys of our hills there are flowers fair and bright and maidens fairer still; but neither flower nor lady have I seen till now in Gondor so lovely" She was blushing and I looked away feeling like I had intruded.
The victor of the spar smirked at the couple and teased them "Faramir when are you going to be wed already?" Faramir blushed and said something I couldn't hear to the man. The two walked off holding hands, in the bliss of the others company.
It panged my heart making me wish for Legolas even though I had spent all night in his company.
Other soldiers had gathered into the training field all wrestling and laughing, they began sparing and I unsheathed my sword wanting to jump in. So strange when had I enjoyed swordplay? Wasn't I once fearful of it? The closest soldiers quickly let me join their match with questioning looks towards each other. At first one stepped aside allowing me to spar one on one with the second soldier who went easy on me, but soon they were both coming at me from my left and right. I was having so much fun, it felt strange. Purple creeping thyme grew under my feet as we spared. Its herbal fragrance was released under our feet as we sparred. The two soldiers got tired and switched out with another. I laughed dodging the long knife and danced around the blonde haired foe. He came at me so quickly I had trouble keeping up. Wait I know that blonde hair.
"Legolas!" I said breathlessly my sword hitting his knife. He smirked in reply. And I laughed "Did you come to redeem your pride by besting me?" I asked, he laughed and came at me harder, this time tripping me. I dropped my sword as I flailed to catch my balance; he caught me at the waist, staring into my eyes with such heat. He tossed his knife on the ground so now it would be an even match. There was now a large crowd gathered around us watching. I yelped running for my sword, dodging his attempts to grab me I rolled onto the ground and picked it up. He fought me without a weapon, dodging my attacks easily as I swung; he smiled widely seeing my frustration. An idea dawned on me and I smiled back at him. Thick stumpy roots grew out of the ground, causing him to trip, and lose his footing. I raised my sword high in the air in triumph. "VICTORY!" the crowd that had gathered around us had clapped and cheered, while some began to heckle Legolas.
My victory was cut short as he pulled my on top of him continuing the wrestling match on the ground. "That was dirty!" he exclaimed as he flipped us over so now he was on top of me. "It's not against the rules!" I said in defense, my face flushed looking up at his glistening form. He held my wrists down on the soft bed of thyme I had grown; I squirmed underneath him unable to buck him off. He laughed "it may seem to me I have bested you this time." He rose and helped me to my feet. We spent the rest of the day together, laughing and smiling, making me forget about Mordor.
"Legolas, what happens after Aragorn gets coroneted? Where will you go? "We were in the stables; I was petting Verya's neck as Legolas leaned on the wall behind me.
"After the coronation we will be traveling back to my homeland with Gimli." He came up behind me wrapping his arms around my waist, breathing his words into my hair causing me to shudder. "Who made this choice? You just expect me to follow you everywhere with no will of my own?" I turned to him as I said it, now entangled in his embrace, his face inches from mine. I meant it playfully but I could see the hurt on his face, at my comment.
"Wherever you wish to abide that is where I will. I will not lose you again. "He said with a clenched jaw, clearly reliving the times I had gone against his will and gotten hurt.
I stood on my toes and pecked him gently on the lips; when I pulled away our breath was hot on eachothers lips "I would love to see Eryn Galen." I said against his lips. He kissed me in response, his hands pulling me closer to him, his kiss held urgency. My hands had begun to rove his chest, atop his tunic, feeling the muscles and strength underneath. He bit down on my lip causing me to gasp, allowing his tongue entrance to explore my mouth. His hands were running up and down my back, as I rose one up entangling it in his hair. I felt a fervent heat growing low in my abdomen, and a distant throbbing much lower. I felt every part of our body that was touching and pushed myself closer to him. I moaned into the kiss, tugging gently on his hair. He pulled away much to my dismay "Come it is late we should get back."
I grumpily let him lead the way back to the Dining Hall, and made passive aggressive comments anytime someone dare ask me what was the matter. The whole ordeal seemed to make Legolas even more smug, he smirked at me the whole meal. Why did he have this effect on me?
When the meal was over he walked me to my room but instead of walking to his own he entered. "What are you doing you can't sleep in those you stink like horse." I said frantically trying to block his path.
"My stench did not seem to bother you earlier" he smirked watching my face flush and walked past me to the wardrobe, pulling out a tunic and leggings much like the one I was wearing. My face paled.
"Legolas…" I couldn't finish my thought I was so horrified, he turned to me smiling widely holding his fresh change of clothes in his hand. "Legolas! Why didn't you tell me when you saw me these were yours! "I said my face scarlet. His jaw clenched as his eyes darkened with an unknown emotion "I like seeing you wear my clothing, I like that you prefer It." his voice was husky. I sighed throwing my hands into the air "so the journey to Helms Deep that mysterious bag…." I trailed off and he laughed
"Aye"
I smiled seeing how all along he had secretly cared for me. I wonder if this is actually his room. Or if he had things moved here? He passed by me into the bathroom. While he was in there I quickly changed into a fresh pair of clothes.
I was snuggled into the blanket when he finally emerged; his hair was wet as if he took a quick bath. I ogled at him, as he approached. I tore the blankets off and patted the bed next to me; I didn't want him to spend another night sleeping sitting up in such an uncomfortable position. I also very much wanted his body closer to mine.
When he made it to the bed, he hesitated. Then after much thought he crawled into the bed and laid on his back. He didn't lie under the blankets I pulled back for him; instead he pushed them aside so I got all of them. Making me look like a giant fuzzy caterpillar. I turned and faced him on my side; he wasn't looking at me his eyes were shut, lost in deep thought. "Legolas what does that word mean you call me sometimes? lóth nin"
He opened his eyes then and turned his head towards me. I held my breath waiting for his response "Lóth means flower." I blushed heavily, I don't know why; it's not exactly like he complimented me. But the endearment still had the same effect. I fell asleep dreaming of our kiss in the stable had he not stopped us and what it would have turned into. When I woke up Legolas was sitting up watching me, his face had a soft pink tinge as he stared at me. I sat up quickly embarrassed, "What?" I asked quietly, my face red. Can bonded see inside our heads? Did he see my dream?
"You were just talking and making noises in your sleep is all." He stood up stretching.
"What did I say?!" I asked horrified. "You said my name." he said walking to the bathroom. Ugh I groaned falling back onto the bed. He knew my thoughts; he knew exactly what I was dreaming. At least he was kind enough to give me privacy as I died of my shame. I got ready for the day and left the room before Legolas got out of the bathroom, hurrying myself so maybe when I saw him again he would forget, and maybe I would forget as well. I wore one of the dresses this time, feeling strange wearing Legolas's clothing, it was a light purple, reaching my ankles. It was the most casual one I could find quickly in the wardrobe, in my franticness to run and hide in shame. It was plain with no embellishing yet still looked elegant and of fine quality, the fabric was smooth and draped well. It surely looked strange when I added my sword to my belt, the sword clashed with the aesthetic.
I walked through the hall with a smile on my face, heading towards the dining room, the only ones awake and here were the hobbits, and unfamiliar faces scattered among the tables. I smiled and waved at them and joined their table after grabbing an apple.
Pippin and Merry were arguing over who in fact was the tallest when I sat down.
"Milady, please would you tell Merry that he has succumbed to delusions and he is tall in only his tales." Pippin said turning to me with a grin
Merry scoffed at that, jumping out of his seat to wrestle Pippin. The rest of the table laughed looking on their silly antics. Frodo and Sam chatted about the coming coronation with excitement while I finished my apple. I snuck away after I was done, wanting to stroll around the city in solitude. The dress made me feel uncomfortable the people in the city didn't pass me by with a glance when I wore it like they did before in my usual attire. Some would stop and stare, especially the men. I wandered until I was back in the stable longing to take Verya for a ride, I'm sure he wanted one too, with how long I had been put out. I had a stable boy help me get him ready, fetching a saddle and a bridle for me. He looked at me strangely at the request but didn't argue. He seemed conflicted at the request, but I assured him I wasn't going far. I did not plan on riding far, seeing as I had no real sense of direction and didn't know my way around this world. We trotted out of the gates, then I urged him to a gallop, laughing into the wind as we ran along the plains, and into the forest. I dismounted and leaned against a tree resting as Verya wandered close by. I shut my eyes listening to the sounds of nature, the pulse the forest seemed to have. There was a ringing in my ears, I felt something wiz past my face and opened my eyes in time to see Verya get shot in the leg by an arrow.
"No!" I screamed jumping to my feet as he raced away leaving me stranded, alone with whoever shot the arrow. Dread crept over me, whoever shot the arrow meant to not kill me. They wanted me alive with no means to escape. I knew Verya would find his way back to the city.
A whistle rang out, and men dressed the same as the ones I had seen in the black tower emerged from all around me. There were 5 in total. My breath caught in my throat as the trauma surged through me, leaving me paralyzed.
"What's a pretty thing like you doing traveling without an escort? Don't you know the woods can be dangerous?" a man said walking towards me, I took a step back, my back hitting the tree. He nodded towards his left and two more men flanked my sides circling in on me. My eyes were wide with fear as I tried with all my might to grow my vines. My mind was too unfocused shrouded by fear and Sauron's torment. I drew my sword, not willing to go down without a fight. The leader smirked amused. "I always love the ones that fight" a horn sounded in the distance, or maybe it was my imagination thinking of Helms Deep again.
The 3 that were closest to me came at me at once while the other two stood farther off waiting their turn. They weren't trying to kill me I realized as I blocked their blows; they were trying to immobilize me, to give me a fate worse than death. While one would distract me with the sword another would try to pin my arms back, the third spent his time trying to trip me. I willed my vines again praying trying to think about Legolas but nothing. I jumped pushing myself off the tree slicing the throat of the one closest to me, but tripped as the leader threw my legs out from underneath me. I rolled on the ground clutching tightly to my sword knowing if I lost it I would lose my chance. My resolve was fading. My breath was quick and my pulse drummed against my ears. If I can't stop them soon I'm going to not be able to control myself. Will I be a sobbing mess like many times before? That wouldn't stop them. The other two men joined in the fight now, angry I had killed one of their own. Now they were out for blood. They would get their pleasure from me and leave me for dead. The ground rumbled as if something was approaching but I couldn't hear it, all I heard was my pulse. My steps were slower and my swings were choppy as my vision got more and more clouded with flashbacks. I was knocked to the ground at some point, the men began to cut away the front of my dress; the leader straddled me while the remaining three held down my arms and legs. I whimpered feeling the cool air touch the bare flesh of my chest as the leader hungrily cut lower and lower.
"Please don't please" I said trembling. My vision clouded again as I was back in the tower, Sauron in my mind. My vines rose up on their own accord but were weak and slow, as if they were hesitant not able to hear my subconscious command. He cut lower and lower reaching my naval as my vines wrapped around his ankles. I heard shouting in the distance and the pressure on my arms and legs seemed to lessen, an arrow shot through the man on top on my and he crumpled on top of me. The vines holding him in place at his ankles and calves. My eyes were shut as I screamed and thrashed against his weight, I could hear horse hooves approaching.
"Legolas look away; she would not want you all to see her like this."
I faintly heard someone dismount and run to my side pulling the dead bodies off my arms and someone cutting the vines away from the man's ankles to pull him off of me.
I was covered with two cloaks, one being fastened backwards.
"Aragorn who were they?!"
"Evil men, servants of Sauron who have no place now, we will double the patrol now knowing they're in our lands."
"Did they..?"
"No, we got here in time."
I was being lifted and screamed and thrashed against whoever was holding me.
"Verity, its Aragorn you're safe, you're safe." My brain felt underwater, vines climbed up out of the ground circling whoever held me.
The voice said more panicked "Verity you're safe it's over!" the vines crawled up his boots slowly.
The voice sounded familiar. I opened my eyes squinting at the person who held me no longer fighting his grasp. "Aragorn?" I looked around me seeing Legolas, they were the only two there. Did they see my nakedness? Did they see my bare chest? The men who had been holding me down laid in a heap on the ground, the one who was on top of me had several extra arrows through his chest and his throat slit. I know that couldn't have happened when I was laying there or maybe it did. The vines retreated into the ground and Aragorn let out a breath. He set me on the ground cautiously and my knees gave out, he caught me steadying me. "Are you injured?" he asked me with his hand holding my shoulder. Vines encircled my feet wrapping themselves higher and higher climbing up my ankles and calves. I couldn't control it, I could control anything, I felt dead. Looking at him in the eyes, I again saw him die all those times in Mordor. Legolas was at my side now. "Peace, peace." He whispered in my ear
I couldn't feel peace all I felt was terror. The vines began to get tighter and go higher reaching my thighs.
"Aragorn! Se indóme slaime iel "[she will slay herself]
I heard a voice singing in Elvish and felt my body go limb as everything went black. I woke up in a sleep chemise back in the room I shared with Legolas. I felt numb. I longed for death. What had happened was blurry and fragmented I remembered the man on top of me laughing as he cut away my dress but nothing after. Did he rape me? I feel disgusting. After Aragorn's coronation I will leave. I will not go to the Mirkwood; Legolas deserves a woman who isn't so … tainted by darkness. Why wasn't I able to stop him? Why did I freeze? Am I that useless? "Good morning are you hungry?" I looked up and saw Legolas sitting on the bed atop the blankets staring down at me. He probably hadn't slept however long I've been here. Always worrying for me. I sat up, ignoring him and grabbed a change of clothes and went into the bathroom. The next week was much the same, I had started requesting my meals to my room and avoided even my other companions, I had begun to only see Legolas at night as he didn't seem to know the right decision to make and erred on the side of letting me have my space. I didn't sleep in the bed next to him; I slept in the settee across the room. I ignored all his attempts to communicate with me. One day he said "Verya has been healing well perhaps you'd like to go riding?"
He just needed to move on. He just needed to find someone who wasn't so damaged. Sometimes I would feel like there was a hand holding mine, and with my half asleep eyes see a body lying on the floor next to the settee, but by morning I was always alone again. The morning of the coronation I dressed in a flowing blood red dress, which made my pale skin glow and shine even more. I tied my sword to my belt. Knowing as soon as the coronation was over I would be leaving. I wrote a note on the parchment I had found on the desk in the far corner to Legolas.
'I'm sorry. I'm tainted, damaged goods I'm no match for a prince, or an elf, I'm not of any worth. You deserve better. Why didn't you save me? Why didn't you come sooner, if you can feel my feelings and fëa how did you not know? I do not wish to hurt you, but I do not think we are right for each other we live in different worlds. I do not know if I am your bonded as you say, I will be leaving the city tonight, Do not follow me. '
I wanted to write more. I wanted to tell him I love him. I wanted to tell him I couldn't remember what happened and it scared me. But I didn't. Knowing if I started putting those details in I would back out of my plan. I walked out into the garden of the citadel, pacing in the early dawn hours. I grew a small patch of baby's breath, and gently weaved the delicate white flowers, into a crown and twin bracelets. I braided my hair intermingling pieces within it. When I was finished I looked like true enchantress of the woods. Baby's breath from my world symbolizes new beginnings. I wonder if the implications are the same here. When the time was right I made my way to the courtyard overlooking Minas Tirith, where the coronation would take place. I snuck into the crowd not wanting to draw attention to myself, though all around me recognized me and murmured. Aragorn emerged from the palace followed by Gandalf; it was hard to see what was going on from where I stood in the crowd.
"Now come the days of the king. May they be blessed." I heard Gandalf say but couldn't see over the people standing in front of me.
"This day does not belong to one man but to all. Let us together rebuild this world… that we may share in the days of peace." Aragorn said loudly as I craned my neck to try to see him. He walked through the crowd as he passed the people around me bowed; I quickly knelt down along with them. He walked through them to me and pulled my chin up to look at him "My friend there is no strength without suffering, you have hid in your burden for too long. It is good to see you again." He said clasping my shoulders raising me up. I hugged him tightly, longing for the human connection I have pushed away for the last week. He returned my embrace and whispered in my ear "go to him Verity. He will not turn you away. "He broke our embrace and continued on. I watched as he stood before a blonde head and clasped his shoulder.
My breath caught in my throat when I got a glimpse of the blondes face. Legolas looked so regal, wearing a silver circlet, his hair was pulled back no longer in his normal braids at the temple, he wore a silver tunic. My heart longed for him. He stepped aside and an elven woman ran and embraced Aragorn, she must be Arwen. He grabbed her tightly and kissed her. They broke their embrace and walked hand in hand together and stood before the hobbits. They were perfect together. My heart skipped a beat in pain, I would never have that. Arwen was an equal to Aragorn, a princess in her own right. Not marred or tainted.
Aragorn and Arwen walked to the 4 hobbits who bowed to him. "My friends! You bow to no one." Aragorn said with conviction. Aragorn then knelt down low bowing to them and everyone followed suit. Aragorn stood and walked hand in hand with Arwen into the palace as everyone filed behind him to enjoy in the festivities. This was when I planned my escape. Everyone would be dancing and merry making and nobody would be there to stop me. I quickly made my way to the stables and got Verya ready for travel. I had no destination in mind. I had no plan. All I had was my sword and waterskin. I knew I would need to hunt or forage for my meals, or wither away and starve. Starving sounded nice I suppose. I've never tried growing edibles but maybe I could try that. I never had much luck with it on earth.
I urged Verya to a gallop once we were out of the city gate, not looking back.
It had been a year since I left that day; the memory is still fresh in my mind. I had spent much of that time in Fangorn forest, becoming very close with the Ent's, spending much of my day helping to heal the forest. The stumps closest to Isengard I found were not dead as they looked, when I reached deep down with my power I found their roots were still white with life, and soon gave them the energy to sprout once more from their stumps. I travelled to Edoras every few months, selling flowers in order to buy things I couldn't get or make myself in the forest, each time Éomer and his new bride opened their home to me urging me to stay a few days. They never asked about Legolas knowing it was a tender subject. Nor did they speak of his whereabouts though I know Éomer kept in contact with him.
Today was much like those visits in the past; we were gathered in the Dining Hall at Edoras. Lothíriel, Éomer's wife turned to me and said "I really wish you would visit more! It is such a joy to have your company, since Éowyn has settled with Faramir I seem to be surrounded by only men."
I smiled kindly at her though my smile did not reach my eyes.
"You seem to be buying more this time than you usually do, do you plan on hibernating in that forest all winter?" Éomer teased me
"I will be traveling to Minas Tirith; the king has requested my counsel regarding the Druadan forest."
Éomer smiled widely exchanging looks with Lothíriel. Aragorn and I kept contact still though I haven't seen him since the coronation. We wrote each other letters, when I visited in Edoras, Lothíriel would hand me a stack of mail. I wrote to every one of my companions save for Legolas, I just didn't know what to say to him. He hasn't tried to reach out to me either, following my wishes in the letter to not follow me. In almost all of Aragorn's letters we talk of the matter, we've grown very close even if from a distance, he always chastises me like an older brother but never pushes it too far. He's told me he felt similar feelings with Arwen, and he ran from his destiny for a long time, but I always tell him this isn't the same. There are some things that time cannot mend. Some hurts that go too deep… that have taken hold. And as long as I shoved it aside and pushed it deep inside I could fake a smile and go on.
The next day they bid me off on my journey, I rode with a nervous pit in my stomach. Not reaching Minas Tirith until late in the evening on the 4th day.
Aragorn and Arwen greeted me at the city gate. I bowed my head to them my crown of evergreens bobbing as I did. My hair was braided with holly berries and sprigs of cypress. I wore a green cloak and had a white tunic and leggings on. My sword was strapped to my belt. "You will be upset with me." Aragorn said after we gave our hellos and he had a stable boy come to get Verya.
I groaned shoving him playfully "What is it? Out with it, I can't bear waiting a month for a reply like in the forest." He laughed as we continued walking towards the palace.
"I had guessed you would have arrived by the evening and had a feast prepared in your honor."
I groaned. We laughed and teased each other like siblings, every now and again Arwen would join the conversation, but she was quiet for the most part.
When we got to the Dining Hall, someone announced our presence with a loud voice that rang out in the entire hall. "I give you King Elessar and Queen Arwen, and the Lady Verity of the Fangorn forest." All the attendants stood and bowed as we walked in. I flushed at the attention; Aragorn led us to the table at the head of the room. There were so many people here; did he invite the entire city? I saw short wiry red hair as we approached and ran to the table beating Aragorn. "Gimli!" I shouted reaching him. He smiled at me "There's the lass! They wouldn't serve us until you got here, I was about to go fetch you myself." he said grumbling
"Last we spoke you said you planned on seeing the glittering caves did you?" I asked taking my seat next to him.
"Aye the most beautiful place in all of Middle Earth." He answered blissfully. Someone sat across from me, but I was still facing Gimli not noticing much out of the corner of my eye. It's probably some important guard or counselor.
The feast was served in a family style, with serving platters and bowls filled with food set along the center of the tables, while we all had empty plates in front of us. I laughed thinking about Gimli having to suffer looking at this feast and being tempted.
"Let the feasting begin!" Aragorn bellowed standing up at the head of the table holding out a goblet as he spoke.
Gimli didn't hesitate and quickly piled his plate high grumbling under his breath how it took him long enough. I put mostly dessert on my plate, having it as a rarity only in Edoras, I knew I would pay for it with a stomach ache but I didn't care. My plate was filled with custards and cakes.
I looked up feeling a gaze on me, and gasped seeing Legolas sitting directly across from me. He didn't change at all; his hair was even done in the same braids along his temple. I stared at him holding my fork midair; my eyes were pained, and welled with tears. Why was he here? Why was he sitting across from me? I was finally starting to act normal. I had a purpose. I healed the trees in the forest, I was the second in command at Isengard. I was a noble woman of Rohan; I had my own business that was quite lucrative I might add! Why does he have to sit here and make me want to question my decision? We stared at each other neither speaking for a long time. Why wasn't he in his kingdom?
He broke the silence first "I hope your journey found you well." he said quietly his voice almost a whisper. A part of me was upset at him for not saving me sooner from the men. Some supposed bond? So he could feel my location and my fear but …
"It was well, thank you." I said holding his gaze. There was a thick tension in the air. Aragorn and Arwen were at the far side of the table able to talk to each other without feeling it as much as poor Gimli. But Gimli was stuck rambling nervously to himself hating the awkward tension.
"I didn't know you would be here." I said finally.
"We have not been back long, we just got back from the caves, we are aiding in the repair of the city." I turned to Gimli as I replied
"Gimli never made mention of you accompanying him to the caves." Gimli tipped his ale back so he could escape having to answer. I didn't mean for my comment to come out as bitter as it did.
I turned to Aragorn wanting out of this conversation. "Aragorn what do you need my help with regarding the forest?" my voice was laced in irritation. How could none of them mention Legolas at all? I understand they were being respectful to my tenderness but a head ups hey he's going to be here would have been greatly appreciated. Maybe he asked them not to tell me?
"Are you in that much of a hurry to get to business you can't enjoy your meal first?"
"Yes!" I said. The sooner I get done the sooner I can go back to my normal life.
"The Drúedain that inhabited it have migrated west, there is now no one to keep watch of the forest to keep bandits out." I shuddered and he frowned remembering that day and regretting how he worded his sentence.
"You could double your patrols; you did not need me to come all this way to walk through your woods searching for bandits. Why did you truly send for me? "
"I thought you would do the job well and I trust you with it."
"Alright I should be able to get the forest mapped out for you in a week, and map out the best spots for guard posts then I will be returning to Fangorn" I snipped
Arwen gasped "that will be the dead of winter!"
"Aye" I said then faced Aragorn "maybe you should not have sent me for a fool's errand, at the beginning of winter."
He scoffed at me "Treebeard cannot manage a mere few more weeks without you?"
I huffed in response. He could, Treebeard could, but the saplings were young and tender and needed protection in this harsh winter.
"Tomorrow I will have one of our best warriors, come to your room to escort you to the forest."
"You think I've forgotten where it is?!" I hissed, his eyes softened in pity. "I've gotten along far better on my own this last year without any escort or help. I will not be requiring one. "I crossed my arms over my chest like a brat. I haven't had any episodes since that night, any adversary I came across I handled calmly and was able to control myself and my powers, with ease. Even in the close calls I've had.
"Last I checked Aragorn was king of Gondor not Verity" he said playfully breaking me out of my seething. When we would exchange letters, he would always say I had to listen to his advice since he was king.
"Fine but I only want one." He smiled widely in triumph and the table suddenly felt less tense. Gimli told me of their travels, and his plan to go home after the winter to rally a contingent of dwarves to travel to the glittering caves and mine there. Legolas spoke briefly only when asked questions but did not contribute to the conversation otherwise for the rest of the evening. Arwen led me to my room and I was glad to see it was a different one than the last one I had stayed in with Legolas, my pack and all my things laid on the bed. I took my boots off and fell asleep without even changing my clothes, exhausted from my journey and emotions coursing through me.
When I woke the next day I dressed in a white off the shoulder peasant style dress, and wore my green cloak. I left my hair down, untangling the berries and evergreen branches from my hair I had slept last night and not having the energy to re braid it. I had just strapped my sword to my belt when I heard a soft knock at the door. I opened it, surprised to see Legolas of all people. "What are you doing?" I asked trying to keep my voice neutral.
"I am here to escort you." he said with conviction.
Should I go to Aragorn and demand someone different? No he's surely still asleep and I can stand his company for a few days it won't be that bad surely. I sighed and walked past him "keep up."
We rode there without delay the horses were already saddled and waiting for us at the stables, we rode silently as I led the way. As we approached I slowed reliving that day's events up to where I couldn't remember. We were deep in the forest when he spoke breaking the silence.
"I blame myself for you getting taken by Sauron. And for what happened here. "His voice was quiet but wavering with emotion. I didn't look at him I faced forward as he rode beside me. "That day you left with Gandalf, I begged him to let you stay." We dismounted at a small creek allowing the horses to drink and rest.
"I felt everything you felt in that tower." He whispered I finally turned and faced him; his face was wet with tears, his eyes not meeting mine.
"The only reason I had hope that you were alive was the pain I felt coming through our bond."
He met my eyes now his face was hard. "That day- I rushed as fast as I could- aragor- I felt your fear, I wish I would have reached you sooner. It will always be my biggest regret."
I took a step towards him "why didn't you write me? Why didn't you speak all of this to me before?"
"You shut me out!" he yelled, causing me to take a step back from him, my hand resting on my sword. He flinched seeing me do this then said softer "would you have believed me if I told you then?"
"Tell me. What am I feeling now then?" I said my gaze hard as my own tears streamed down my face.
"You feel overwhelmed, and abandoned.- However now as I speak you are feeling withdrawn and remorseful"
I ran to him, throwing my arms around him. We both cried into eachothers hair as we embraced. Out of relief and guilt on both sides. I pulled away from him first "I'm sorry I ran from you, I thought you wouldn't want to be with me after what happened- I don't blame you for it." I looked up at him when I said this. His body shook with sobs instantly. "I don't blame you Legolas" I buried my head into his chest wrapping my arms around him tightly. I haven't seen him this upset since after the battle of Helms Deep. Even then it was just tears; I've never seen him sob uncontrollably. I was the cause of his pain. I was the reason he was hurting. We stood embracing long after we had calmed down neither one of us wanting to let go.
" lóth nin Tell me of this last year?" He said into my hair, making me cry all over again. How was he so easy to forgive me?
I told him of my ride from Minas Tirith that day I left, how I was lost for a week riding aimlessly until Verya took me to Edoras, seeming on his own accord. How the people there revered me and treated me as if I were their own princess. I told him of my quest for Fangorn after that and the healing of the trees, the small business I had selling flowers, about how no matter how hard I tried the only edible plants I could grow were herbs. Even when I bought the seeds myself. I told him of my many encounters with evil men during my travels to and from Edoras, how I rarely used my sword now being so in tuned with my power.
Then I asked him to recount his tale, he spoke of traveling to the Mirkwood with Gimli, his father the Elvenking whose normal cold demeanor was broken by Gimli, who he now regarded much like a son of his own. He told me of their travels to Gimli's home and the glittering caves, how while residing in Gondor he had taken up training a lot of the young men in the way of archery.
We spoke all this while still embracing, my head buried in his chest and his in my hair.
"I don't remember much of what happened that day…." I started "after they held me down and started- cutting my dress away I don't know what happened my memory is blank, I don't know what they did to me, I don't know if I was-"
He loosened his hold, looking down at me; his expression was one as he just had a revelation.
"We got there in time lóth nin, do not burden yourself anymore." He said looking into my eyes. I felt a wave of relief hit me hearing that, knowing no matter what happened after they cut away my dress my maidenhood still remained intact, my virtue. The gift I was saving for my husband.
I pulled away from him "we should get to work…" my stomach growled loudly at that and he laughed walking to his horse and pulling out a metal container that was strapped to the saddle and sat on the grounding opening it up. He pat the soft earth next to him and I quickly joined him. The cold moist soil making my shiver and pull my cloak closer over myself. He opened the container and it held the cake from last night's feast. "I saw how much you liked it at the feast so I asked for some to take on our outing." I smiled in reply, not able to form words at his gesture.
He didn't bring any silverware so we ate with our hands, our hands grazing each other ever so slightly as we would reach in to get another piece. The rest of the day we spent wandering the forest, marking the trails and certain trees as landmarks, we didn't find any signs of anyone residing there.
I would use any excuse I could think of to 'accidentally' brush my hand against his again, as if I had a silly school girl crush. I felt so comfortable in his presence yet wholly unnerved, as now I wasn't sure where we stood. I knew we both loved each other, but did he want more? Did I want more? We both had jobs now and seemed to be making a difference here, could I ask him to leave Gondor for Fangorn? Would he ask me to stay in Gondor and forsake the saplings and Treebeard?
The ride back was quiet and peaceful; we entered the Dining Hall right as they were serving dinner. Aragorn smiled mischievously seeing us together. I sat down beside him, Arwen sat across from me and Legolas sat next to me with Gimli across from him.
"How were the woods?" Aragorn asked smiling widely
I flushed, not wanting to speak of our little progress or how we had spent most of the day in eachothers arms.
"It's bigger than I remembered it might take me a bit longer to get it mapped. " I said not meeting his gaze.