A Rose By Any Other Name

Thank you to everyone who reviewed the last chapter! I’m so glad you all stuck with me!

AzureDragoness: Yeah. Sorry about taking so long. I had the chapter typed out and all, I just had no access to the net at the time. It should be a little better now that I’m back home. ^^

Sister Kitty: I’m so flattered that you check my fic so often! I have a few that I do this with as well. I’m so glad you like it so much! I also thank you for your comments. I just always wonder myself, what goes on when the author or the cameras aren’t looking. How can you build on some of the things that were skipped over or just mentioned? I strive to do this.

jw: LOL! I originally was going to have her already know about Legolas being a prince and just have it sink in later that this means she’s a princess, but I liked the full shock value of the whole sudden package. I’m also a fan of subtle humor. I laughed out loud when the thought popped into my head of the wording she used after smacking Legolas in the chest. Her voice and face cheery, the exact opposite of her words, which were, as always, cleaver and very intelligent. Then after all the extensive and “big” words, she used the word, “beaned” when describing how she thwaped her husband. Glad you enjoyed it!

xoulblade: LOL! Haldir is my favorite elf, tied with Legolas! He’s such an ass! I love him! Just the way he sneers sometimes is so damn sexy!! And also, thank you so much for your reassurance that it’s not a Mary Sue!! Also, Asca and Haldir WILL be at odds for quite some time, but I think eventually he’ll see the light… if a little grudgingly. ^_~

Cait: Thankies for the compliments! And you’ll just have to wait to see what Galadriel spoke to Legolas of. Tll bll be within the next three chapters I think. Love ya much! ^^

NightStrider: What more can I say love that I have not already said. So I’ll have to leave my response to you, short and sweet… besides, we can taore ore about it the next time we see each other. Thanks much for reviewing babe. Luv ya much!

Now onto the fic my friends! Enjoy and keep up the reviews!

~~~ A Rose by Any Other Name ~~~
Chapter Fourteen

The next time Ascadholiel woke up, it was to the sensation of someone playing with her hair. She opened her eyes and stared at the leafy ceiling for a moment before looking off to her right, where she could feel a source of heat.

Legolas was lying on his side, his head propped on his hand, and his other hand of course playing with her hair and a beautiful smile on his face as he looked at her. His voice was not a whisper, but was soft anyway, as if afraid to break the peace of the moment. “Good morning melme.”

Ascadholiel smiled back at him sleepily and whispered, “Hi.” They were quiet for a moment, Legolas still playing with a lock of her hair, then she whispered again. “Where are we?”

Legolas brushed his fingers softly against her temple. “The Lord and Lady have gifted us with our own talan to stay in while we are here. Lady Galadriel figured that, being newly bonded, we would like our privacy, and with you being injured, you would be far more comfortable here while you healed.”

Ascadholiel sighed and closed her eyes, then said, “And the rest of the fellowship? Where are they?”

“They are in the pavilion below which has been set up for their stay. They are all quite comfortable and have each been up to visit you while you slept last night and part of the morning. I think the dwarf has grown a rather paternal feeling for you.”

Ascadholiel smiled and opened her eyes again. “Gimli is sweet. You should spend some time with him, get to know him for him and not his race.”

Legolas nodded. “If you wish it…”

Ascadholiel nodded as well. “I wish it. It would please me greatly to witness the forming and growth of a friendship between the two of you.”

Legolas leaned down and pressed a kiss to her temple as he continued to caress her cheek. “Then in a few days, once you are well again, I will see if he would like to wander the paths of Lorien with me.”

Ascadholiel nodded again and shifted a little. Her brow creased and she put her hand gently to her bandaged chest. Before she could say anything however, a voice from the doorway to her left, across the room spoke up.

“Elvish healing. Not quite as gifted as Lord Elrond’s, but still quite remarkable.”

Ascadholiel smiled and looked over to Aragorn, who was leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest. “Indeed Aragorn. I feel no pain. I find myself quite relived at this observation.”

Aragorn smiled and walked over to the bed, kneeling down and laying his hand on her brow. His voice was s “Th “The hobbits have been near sick with worry for you. You would not waken when last they came to see you. Legolas kept having to reassure them that it was only a spell and you would wake up when you were well rested. If you are feeling well enough, perhaps they could come for a visit?”

Ascadholiel smiled and shook her head. “No, but I do feel well enough to go down and visit them.”

Legolas made a small sound of protest at this and Ascadholiel turned back to him and slid her hand behind his neck under his silky hair, pulling him down and planning a loving, passion searing kiss to his soft lips. She pulled back only so far so that her lips brushed against his as she whispered, “You said it was just below lover, and I feel so much better than before. Besides, you know I’m safe here and with the fellowship. It’ll be fine.”

Legolas touched his brow gently to hers as he sighed, then nodded. “As you wish melethron (lover).”

Aragorn smiled at the two and their unconscious/unintentional display of their strong and deep love, and then stood. “Good. Now that that is settled, I’ll leave the two of you to wash up and see if I can get someone to bring you some suitable clothing since your Ascadholiel were quite beyond repair.”

Ascadholiel nodded. “Thank you Aragorn.”

The ranger nodded and stepped out of the room, closing the door behind him. Legolas climbed out from under the sheets and rose gracefully from the bed, walking then to the foot of the bed where a small basin and a fluted pitcher of water stood.

Ascadholiel smiled almost lustily as she blatantly watched his gloriously nude body move.
en Len Legolas spoke, his back turned to her, she could hear the smile and slight teasing in his lilting voice. “I can feel your eyes on me beloved. Are you enjoying the view?”

Ascadholiel smirked. You know I am lover. You are more than pleasing to the eyes and you full well know it. I fault you for any aches I might happen to get from jumping that gorgeous body of yours, while in such close yet erotic proximity to you.”

Legolas laughed gently at the old yet always varied and amusing line she used around him, his musical laugh bringing the light of such joy to eye eyes, as he poured the water from the pitcher into the basin. He brought said basin to the side of the bed, a cloth or two draped over his forearm.

Ascadholiel, by this time, had already sat up and was sitting with her legs over the side of the bed, the only thing covering her, the bandaoverover her wounds and the sheet across her thighs and waist, not shy at all any more around her somewhat amorous husband.

Legolas sat beside her and held the basin for her while she washed her face, neck, and hands, not really needing to wash much else since someone, no doubt Legolas, had done so while she was asleep the night before.

When the knock came at the door, Legolas called for them to enter, already seeming to know whom it was.

Galadriel and one of her handmaidens entered, the handmaiden carrying something in her arms. “Good morning Legolas, Ascadholiel. I trust you are feeling better?”

It was obvious whom the question was directed at and Ascadholiel nodded. “Yes Lady. Much better, thank you.”

Galadriel smiled, and then motioned to the handmaiden, who stepped forward, along with her lady. “I have a gift for you Ascadholiel.”

Ascadholiel started a little in surprise. “Lady, you need not gift me with anything. You have ady ady graciously done so much.”

Galadriel raised her hand. “No. This I think is a necessary gift.” Then she reached over and pulled a flowing dress of shining cream-colored material out of the box that the handmaiden held.

Ascadholiel gasped at the sight and rose from the bed, the sheet draped around her, having been pulled up when the knock came to the door. “Gods! It’s beautiful! I… it’s too fine. I can’t take this.” She touched the material a little longingly as she looked up at the tall Lady of the Golden Woods.

Galadriel smiled and held the dress up to Ascadholiel’s body. “But you can. I had it made specially for you. It will grow with you.”

Ascadholiel’s eyebrows drew together atle tle in confusion at that statement. “Grow with me? But I’m through growing…”

Galadriel smiled mysteriously. “No on is ever truly finished growing, pen-neth (young one). Especially a woman. Now please, take the gift. I think it would look lovely on you.”

Ascadholiel smiled a little tearfully at the ellenath, then finally nodded. “Thank you Lady.”

Galadriel smiled wider, since she never really stopped, and nodded, then turned to Legolas. “I believe Aragorn wishes a word with you young prince.”

Legolas bowed slightly. “Very well. Thank you Lady… for everything.” Then he stepped over to Ascadholiel. “I will wait for you outside melme.”

Ascadholiel nodded and tilted her head up as he kissed her. Then he walked out the door, closing it again behind him as she watched him, wandering vaguely how and when he had gotten dressed, hair braided, without her knowing or at least hearing. “Ah, the mystery of elves.” She muttered.

She started then as Galadriel chuckled knowingly, obviously following herughtughts. The lady spoke then, a little amusement still in her voice. “Well then Ascadholiel, let us get you dressed shall we?”

Ascadholiel nodded and shamelessly dropped the sheet since she was around just females. Normally she would have been self-conscious since her body still wasn’t at all in shape really, but she had the confidence of Legolas’ love to help her with that. No matter what she looked like, or what anyone else thought, she knew Legolas would always love her, and that’s all that mattered.

The elven dress, she found out, was a little more complicated to get on than she had originally thought, especially with her injuries hampering her movements. When it was finally on though, Galadriel lead her to a chair and had her sit, while she herself combed through the human’s blonde hair, which was just a little longer than shoulder length. She brushed it until it shone, and then braided tiny, elaborate braids into the hair at the temples, weaving tiny white blossoms in a wreath around her head, weaving in also, tiny mythril and crystal beads.

Galadriel spoke softly as she did this. “Only you, in all this forest, maar aar a wreath such as this one. It is a crown worn in the style of the wood elves, Legolas’ people, which you, as a princess of the woodland realm have the right and honor to wear.”

Ascadholiel reached a hand up to gently touch the flowers that cascaded elegantly over her brow. She smiled. “I never thought that something like this would happen all those nights at home when…” She abruptly trailed off, not having meant at all to say that.

Galadriel gave a gentle squeeze to her left shoulder with one fine hand. “You need not worry. I know of your unfortunate past.”

Ascadholiel turned in her chair swiftly to stare at Galadriel with wide eyes.

The Lady simply gave a small, comforting smile. “It is my gift that I am able to see these things.”

Ascadholiel sat for a moment, then smiled herself. “In a way, I find myself in a position of utmost relief. It saves me the complicated and unsavory process of explaining it again.”

Galadriel smiled and pulled her up from the seat. “Still, if you ever have a need to talk, or simply lean on some one, you may seek me out, day or night.”

Ascadholiel’s eyes nearly filled with tears and she collapsed into Galadriel’s arms in a hug. “Thank you Lady. Never, if I live to be as old as Legolas, could I ever hope to repay the kindness you have shown to me and my friends.”

Galadriel shook her head, the same knowing smile still on her face as she gently laid a soft hand on the human’s cheek. “You have lightened the dear heart of one of my kin with your presence and love. That is payment enough indeed. Now go. Your husband awaits to take you to your friends, as they too await to see you.”

Ascadholiel smiled and nodded heading swiftly to the door, the silken gown whispering about her. Her reflection on a hanging mirror by the door caught her attention and her eyes widened. She turned back and smiled brightly at Galadriel, making her face radiant, then turned and headed out the door. She looked around for a moment, stepping up to the railing on the other side of the walkway from her door, and realized that they were so high up in one of the massive trees. Movement to the left caught the human’s eye and she turned to see Legolas and Aragorn walking towards her.

Aragorn had obviously just recently washed as his hair and clothing was clean. Legolas had changed into something other then the normal traveling clothes he usually wore, which were the only clothes Ascadholiel had ever seen him in. These flowing clothes were a cream color matching her gown. ((a.n.: Think of what he was wearing for the Council of Elrond.))

The elf had cleaned up a little more as well, his hair brushed until shining and braided as it normally was, only now the single braid in the back was finished off with a mythril clip in the shape of the royal crest of Mirkwood.

The two males walked up to Ascadholiel with looks of near awe on their faces that made her blush and smile brightly. Aragorn reached her first, picked up one of her hands and placed a gentle kiss to the back of it, his slightly trimmed stubble brushing against her skin.

Ascadholiel blushed a few shades darker, having never had someone make a gesture like that to her. He stepped back and she looked to Legolas, who had wonder shining in his bright eyes.

Legolas stepped up to her now and let one of his hands reach up and brush lightly over the flowers that made up her tiara.

Ascadholiel was still blushing as she said softly. “I’ve never looked like this before. I feel so beautiful.”

Legolas’ hand trailed down to her cheek and he looked deep into her eyes, his voice soft and full of breathtaking love as he spoke in elvish, not caring that Aragorn or anyone else was there and could understand fully. “*But you are beautiful. I’ve seen it always. It’s just been made apparent not to everyone else.*”

Ascadholiel blushed again, but leaned her face into Legolas touch and answered in kind. “*You only say that because you’re my husband.*”

Legolas smirked and put his forehead against hers. “*I say it because you are the light of my soul.*”

Ascadholiel’s eyes sparkled with light and tears of joy, before they fluttered shut as Legolas’ lips pressed tenderly against hers. Her arms came up and drifted around his neck as she seemed to melt against him, his hands cupping her face and pulling her up against him, uncaring and unthinking that they were within view of most of the occupants of the woods and were bound to attract attention.

Only Legolas briefly noted Galadriel and her handmaiden stepping out of the room onto the walkway, the Lady pausing for a moment to admire the couple who were so obviously in love with each other, before she motioned to Aragorn, and the three of them wandered away.

Legolas soon after broke the kiss, breathing only a slight bit harder, his breaths more sighs, his hands gently sweeping from her face to her bare shoulders, his hands soft and warm. He smiled and whispered, “One would almost think you an elf with your hair covering the tops of you ears like that.”

Ascadholiel snorted a little, thinking about the rest of her usual physical appearance. “Yeah, almost, but not quite.”n shn she reached a hand up to the bandages that were quite obvious in the off-the-shoulder gown she wore. “Do the bandages make it look too odd?”

Legolas chuckled gently as he shook his head. “Not at all my love. They are a testament to your valor and courage. You received that wound saving my life. In a way, it is a blessed thing.” He turned and held his right arm out to her, his hair gleaming silver in the mysterious light of the golden wood.

Ascadholiel smiled back at him and wrapped her left arm around the one he offered, her hand gently grasping his forearm as he tucked it e toe to his side. Together they walked along the walkway, Ascadholiel staring around in wonder, taking in the sights since the first time she had been in a great deal of pain.

She saw elves, glowing with the same light Legolas seemed to, walking along different walkways, seeming to float really. Every once in a while the couple would pass one or two and the passing elves would incline their heads in greeting and occasionally stop to exchange a few words.

Ascadholiel’s mood was bright as they began their descent down the stairs, despite all that had happened. She was in a peaceful, beautiful land, wearing beautiful clothes, with her beloved husband, who had eyes only ever for her, at her side. Nothing could dampen her mood!

“*Well, I’m surprised. She cleans up rather nicely. Tell me, has it improved her foul mouth or wit any?*”

Ascadholiel didn’t even pause. She spun around and socked Haldir in the jaw as hard as she could with her good arm, making the galadhrim’s head snap to the side as he swayed slightly back. “*I’ve had enough from you, you arrogant prick! Why don’t you just bite your sharp tongue and learn some manners!*” She shouted, the sound carrying well in the forest.

Haldir’s head slowly turned back to face her, murder in his piercing eyes.

Legolas moved to stand in front of his wife when he saw the look.

Haldir though, never took his eyes from hers, and she did not back down in the least, anger playing over every feature. “*You are lucky that you are a lady, or should I say female.*”

Ascadholiel snapped back, her voice still quite loud in her anger. “*And you’re lucky that Legolas stepped in front of me! I’m tired of you! I have no desire to hear or witness any more acts of insult or cruelty, especially from the likes of you. Do you know how badly your attitude make me reflect on a race I hold in such high esteem now? Were I another, your insult would do your whole race injury and I would prefer not to even have that one dark shadow in my mind when I look upon this place and the people in it as a whole! This race is the race of my husband, and I will not have you sully his peoples name in my mind, for I honor him above all others!*”

Her tirade would have gone on were it not for the stern voice that sounded from over Haldir’s shoulder. “*Enough! A fine thing this is! It does not do well for a March-warden of ‘Lorien, and a Princess of Mirkwood to stand here squabbling as such.*”

Haldir turned and knelt down to his Lord, while Ascadholiel’s flush of anger turned to a blush of embarrassment and she bowed her head.

Celeborn slowly looked from one to the other, his gaze obviously disapproving. He looked down at the elf who knelt before him and said firmly, “*Haldir, I am disappointed with you and would speak with you in private. Go now to my study and await me there. I will be there shortly.*”

Haldir nodded and stood. “*Yes my Lord Celeborn.*” Then he walked past Celeborn without a backwards glance, almost none of the haughtiness in his stance now.

Ascadholiel still looked thoroughly embarrassed, with her head down. She looked up though when cool, gentle fingers touched her chin and guided her head up. Celeborn was standing in front of her, a stern look still on his face, Legolas having moved to the side. She met his eyes however, looking very much like a child who had just gotten caught with her fingers in the cookie jar.

The Lord merely looked at her a moment, then said, “*Was striking one of the ranking members of the Galadhrim really the wisest thing to do?*”

Ascadholiel decided as always, to be blunt and truthful. “Most likely not, though I don’t regret it. I felt he deserved it. No one had asked his opinion on my state of dress or affairs, so I felt that his criticism was wrong and cruel, said simply for the purpose of being hurtful. Not only was it an insult to me, but I felt it an insult to the race of elves as well.*”
leboleborn’s eyes seemed to bore into her and she had the urge to shrink down under his stare, but she believed in what she had said, and so, stood proudly. Celeborn saw this and turned to smile at his cousin Legolas, who was looking proudly at his wife. “*You have chosen your mate well son of Thranduil.*” Then he looked back at Ascadholiel. “*I will speak with Haldir about his inappropriate behavior, and I expect you next time, if there is one, to stay your hand in anger.*”

Ascadholiel sighed in relief and nodded her agreement.

Celeborn leaned a little closer than and whispered in common, with a gleam of amusement in his eyes, “Though between you me and your husband… Galadriel, Orophin, Rumil, and I have been waiting a long time for someone to slap some of the arrogance out of him. It was just ironic that it was a human woman who did it and not another warrior.”

Ascadholiel laughed and leaned forward, placing a brief kiss to the elven lord’s cheek. “Thank you Lord Celeborn. I will endeavor to slacken my anger in regards to Haldir while in his proximity in the future.”

Celeborn smiled and nodded to her and Legolas before he turned and walked away back up the stairs towards his study.

**********

A.N.: There you have it folks! Chapter Fourteen! Whatcha thinking ne? Tell me all about it! Damn…. I’ve lost my touch for these after chapter author’s notes. Feedback people? Pleaseys?! Much luvs! Namaarie!

~Celesta Hellewise Harman