Lim Aear

Author's Note: Well, since I'm staying in tonight, I thought I'd post the next chapter! I cannot thank you enough for your reviews and your support to Lim Aear. It has surpassed by far all my expectations! However, I would like you to bear with me and read the following note, which I think is quite important.

Someone pointed out to me that Elaine is a little 'Mary-Sueish'. I must tell you I don't mind the term, since many 'Mary-Sues' had me at the edge of my sit with excitement or crying like a baby. I don't know whether Elaine is a 'Mary Sue' or not, but I would like to explain a few things about the points that were raised. Please do not see this as an angry reply, it's only my attempt to fill a few gaps my lack of skills as a writer have created.

Elaine has by no means "breath-taking beauty". But she IS beautiful. I would have nothing less for someone like Legolas, but it's mostly the absurdity of a situation that would arise if she was not beautiful yet managed to catch the eye of an elf upon only seeing her and not having the chance to talk with her. Why would Legolas feel the need to risk being discovered if he wasn't attracted to her in some way that night on the beach? Looks are certainly not enough to make someone fall in love with you, but they DO help, especially when you cannot hold a conversation with that someone to see the richness of their inner world or if you need to move the wheels of the plot in a story. /wink/ Moreover, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and anyone in love see the object of their desire as perfect. Why would Legolas be any different? As for Legolas "flirting" with her, first: he is in love with her and second: he is so old and Elaine is just an innocent child in his eyes -I know I would love to tease her if I were in his shoes.

Elaine DOES have flaws. A lot of them. But you never realise the flaws of another from the first days you know them. It takes time and certain circumstances for them to be revealed. And they are painfully obvious in the next chapters. I had believed I had pictured her insecurity and childishness, her tendency for hasty decisions, as well as the fact that she doesn't face her problems but chooses to ignore them evidently enough for you to recognise, but I probably overestimated my skills as a writer.

I left last the "tortured past". I don't know why 'Mary-Sue' writers have the tendency to use a tortured past as a clichee in their stories. But I can assure you that the relationship portrayed in Lim Aear between Legolas and Elaine is as true as it can be. Unfortunately, it is based on a real story, but fortunately it's not my experience. This happened to someone very close to me and I'm glad that she's finally happy. That's what this story is about: it's a story about how love can save two people from destruction: how Legolas can help Elaine overcome her past and how Elaine can save him from a life of loneliness and biterness.

All this said, you can now move to the actual chapter. Please DO leave reviews saying whatever bothers you. It helps me improve. I'm really sorry for the long note, but I felt necessary to explain some things in this way, since my writing is inadequate to pass through what I want to say. Once more, please let me know if there are any mistakes in the elvish phrases used!


Disclaimer: See Prologue.

italics: thoughts

[translations]

Chapter 14


“We are entering the borders of Lothlorien. The Galadhrim should appear any time soon,” Adanoth informed Elaine and scanned the trees around him, trying to catch a glimpse of the Golden Wood’s wardens. He was an elf, therefore he could feel their presence. But not even an experienced warrior like him could see them when they did not want to be seen.

Belwen looked over at Elaine. Ever since they had come back from camp with Legolas, they had both been silent. Elaine looked very troubled, Legolas looked hurt and they both looked anything but the happy couple they were before they left. Elaine was constantly trying to avoid Legolas and he would gaze at her sadly across the fire. When she had asked them, none of the two told her what had happened, just muttered a quick ‘nothing’ and changed subject. Elaine had even tried to persuade Adanoth and Belwen to ride on their horse with them, but Legolas had actually ordered her to ride with him in an authoritative voice, no more like a lover, but a Prince. Something really bad must have happened, Belwen thought frowning. Legolas was never one to lose his patience and she had witnessed his hurt slowly turning into anger.

Elaine on the other hand seemed lost in her own world. She would just stare emptily to her front and talk only whenever she was asked something. She tensed every time Legolas touched her, yet looked at him with longing and regret when he had his back on her. The battle inside her was plain to see. What bothered her so much? Belwen remembered the hurt she had seen in her eyes that day at the Prince’s room, when she had that unreasonable outburst. What was this girl hiding? Was it that secret that had gotten Legolas angry?

“You may go no further,” a strong voice commanded and Belwen was brought abruptly out of her thoughts when she realised they were surrounded by about fifteen wardens, their arrows pointed towards them. Legolas smiled for the first time that day and got off his horse. The wardens lowered their bows in respect for the Prince of Lim Aear.

“Mae govannen, Haldir!” he exclaimed and approached the elf who had spoken.

While they greeted each other, the wardens helped the rest of the traveling group dismount. Elaine looked down at the pair of hands which held a strong grip on her waist and brought her effortlessly down to stand before a tall elf with silvery blond hair and an amused expression on his face.

“Mae govannen, Lady Elaine. I am Rúmil”, he said in his musical voice and bowed to her.

Elaine stood still in awe. Is there actually an UGLY elf?? The beings around her were magnificent! She shifted uncomfortably from one leg to another. She didn’t like people bowing to her. She managed to give Rúmil a shy smile and turned around to find herself looking at the chest of someone clad in grey. Ok, this guy is TALL, she thought amused. Her eyes traveled over a pair of much broader shoulders than those of Legolas and settled on the elf’s face. She barely suppressed her gasp. A pair of grey eyes were piercing through her, like one of the deadly arrows in their quivers. His hair was silvery blond, like the rest of the wardens, but his straight nose and strong jaw matched the aura of superiority and haughtiness he was giving away.

He quirked a dark brow at her staring openly at him and she looked away embarrassed, a red hue spreading on her cheeks.

“Welcome to the Golden Wood, Lady Elaine. Our Lady awaits you. I am the Marchwarden of Lórien. My name is Haldir.”

She opened her mouth to speak. Her voice however, had different ideas. She could only gape at him, images of dominant males and sexy, arrogant elves messing up her trail of thought. She shook her head to clear the forbidden pictures. She had just had one of the most serious fights in her life only hours ago and she was actually drooling over the Marchwarden. Had she been so much deprived of feelings lately? Had she really become that thick-skinned? Or was she just trying to find something to distract her heart from being torn to pieces at the sight of the blond elf standing some feet away from her?

“Nice to meet you”, she finally said and smiled courteously. Haldir nodded and stepped away, an amused look on her face.

Legolas had been watching Elaine from behind Haldir, his jaw set hard. He never noticed his fists had clenched to an uncomfortable point and that he was actually glaring at them. HIS Elaine should not be looking at him like that. HIS Elaine should have eyes only for him. HIS Elaine…

He stopped his last thought a look of utter horror on his features. Was he… jealous? He? A Prince? One of the Firstborn? Experiencing such ignoble and vile sentiments?? He let out a small groan and smoothed the lines that had formed on his forehead with his fingers. He pinched the bridge of his nose and squeezed his eyes shut. He slowly opened them letting out a sight. Just what was it this young woman did to him?

****************************************************************************

Elaine looked in awe around her. She thought Lim Aear was beautiful, but this place… Not even in her wildest dreams would she have imagined such beauty! Above her, enormous trees stood tall, their leaves golden, their trunks silver. Spiraling stairs led to houses built on their branches; if that could ever be possible! she thought and kept walking, completely in a daze. There was something in the air of that place. Something that gave a dream-like quality to the experience, making Elaine feel as though she had tasted a forbidden fruit. The thousands of tiny lights flickering around her were hypnotizing. It was as if the stars had decided to hide in the city. And the people… Oh the people! No wonder they were called the ‘High Elves’!

Suddenly she felt very self-conscious. She must have probably looked like an ugly frog among them. Not even the beautiful dress she had changed into before reaching their borders did anything to make her feel better. How would she face the Lady of the Golden Wood? How would she look upon the face of the being Legolas had so vividly described? A sudden faltering in her steps made Legolas aware of her discomfort.

“Is something wrong?” he whispered leaning towards her.

“I can’t go up there”, she muttered under her breath and avoided looking at him. The only thing that wouldn’t help at that moment, was the feeling of regret that had bitterly settled in the pit of her stomach for her behavior towards him.

“Why not?” Legolas asked confused.

“Hellooo? Look at me! What am I supposed to do here?” she hissed and finally turned to look at him, regretting it immediately. What was it about him that made her weak in the knees? His unparalleled beauty? The fact that he was an elf? The aura of respect he emanated? Or that she forgot all her problems and troubles when she was beside him and became once again the person she was before that fateful night? Get a grip Elaine! Don’t let those blue eyes sway you from your decision!

Haldir heard the exchange between the couple and decided to intervene. He hadn’t missed the look the Prince had shot him before, but he decided to help the situation nonetheless. The Lady was waiting and from what he could tell, the two didn’t seem capable of solving the situation without a fight.

“If his Highness allows, I will personally escort you to the Lord and Lady of Lothlórien, as was their original request,” he said daring a look at the Prince.

He expected to see a scowl on his face again, or some other sign of annoyance, but all he saw was a stoic mask of indifference. If ever, Prince Legolas gave him a very courteous nod and motioned towards Elaine with his hand. So he offered his arm to Elaine who took it hesitantly and who decided not to open her mouth again unless she got into any more awkward situations like that. Legolas followed them up the stairs, trying to keep his emotions in control. He would act as he was brought up to do: like a Prince. He was no mortal lad to run after her whims. If she didn’t want to tell him her secret, then he wouldn’t press her. If she wanted to act foolishly, then he wouldn’t stop her. He had done everything in his power to show her his love and if she wasn’t able to accept it yet, he would wait. There was nothing more his dignity allowed him to do.

After climbing what had looked like hundreds of steps to Elaine, they reached a platform, which she figured out was a ‘talan’. It was guarded by two Wardens, also dressed in grey, who stood unmoving like statues. The place seemed to glow everywhere she looked. Her eyes fell upon some steps between the two wardens, to what seemed the source of the light. She had to squint her eyes to see what was there because the light was so bright… She was finally able to make out two figures walking down the steps and she bowed, when she noticed Legolas doing the same.

Rise child.

She blinked. Was she hearing things or had someone really spoken into her mind?

She felt delicate fingers touching her chin, pushing her head upwards. Her heart welcomed the warmth and sense of tranquility that spread within her. She rose slowly, her eyes looking up to meet a pair of blue ones that were searching the darkest corners of her mind. It was unsettling and comforting at the same time: unsettling because she couldn’t tell anyone of her secrets and she felt exposed; comforting, because someone finally shared the burden in her heart and she didn’t feel so alone anymore. The weight on her shoulders lessened in a magical way. Thank you. Thank you so much. Her eyes glazed with emotion. You are indeed the Lady of Light. With a beauty that reached and surpassed perfection, she was bathed in the light of her wisdom.

Do not fear child, the voice said again. She had not imagined it; it was the Lady. She was smiling at her gently.

“Hirnich e, Legolas Thranduilion. Dan… gerithach e hebed?” [You (have) found her, Legolas son of Thranduil. But… will you be able to keep her?]

Elaine realised that the Lady had spoken to Legolas, as she turned to look at him after she had uttered the words. Legolas looked troubled. What had she told him?

“Harthon i e hebithon”, he answered softly and looked down. [I hope that I will keep her]

The Lady knows I am losing her. If I haven’t lost her already, he thought, desperation creeping in his heart.

“Pân ned lû, Legolas. Pân ned lû”, the Lady told him giving him a reassuring smile. [All in time, Legolas. All in time.]

Elaine dared a peek at the elf behind the Lady. She assumed he was Lord Celeborn, from the way he was dressed and the way he stood beside the Lady. He wore a gentle smile on his face and was assessing her curiously.
“Tonight you will rest. We shall speak tomorrow, Elaine,” the Lady told her in her musical voice and a female elf appeared behind them. “Limiel will escort you to your chambers.”

Legolas bowed respectfully, noticing with amusement that Elaine mimicked his every move. She was so anxious of following the etiquette! They all followed Limiel to their chambers, leaving Elaine and Legolas last. They passed staircases winding around the barks of the huge trees, platforms that seemed to grow out between the branches of the trees and finally ascended the last staircase to a talan slightly distanced from the others that looked certainly bigger than the ones assigned to their friends. The elleth stopped in front of the door and opened it. She said something to Legolas in elvish and bowing, she left.

Legolas motioned for Elaine to get inside the room and followed her behind. She stopped in the middle of it and looked around in amazement. The first thing she noticed was that there was no ceiling, but a canopy of leaves. She could see the stars twinkling between the branches. The pale moonlight created shapeless patterns on the wooden floor, changing constantly with every rustle of the leaves to the gentle breeze. Stars?? Moonlight?? Wow. You totally forget you’re in a cave! She had never imagined the extent of Elven magic. It was rather big, she noted, and held every comfort. One of its sides had no wall, but opened to a sort of a balcony which overlooked the heart of Caras Galathon from a distance. Elaine avoided walking close to the edge, since there was no railing or anything else to protect her from falling over. She rolled her eyes. Why would there be any need of a railing? It wasn’t like an elf would trip over and fall in a moment of clumsiness!

“Is this my room or yours?” she asked coming back into the room and looking around at the furniture.

“OUR room”.

She turned around abruptly, her ponytail flying behind her.

“We’re sharing… a room?”

“Aye.”

She could not believe her luck! All her previous plans of avoiding him and distancing herself suddenly shattered to pieces. How could she, when the man of her dreams was in the same room with her?

He’s not the man of your dreams!! He’s NOT the man of your dreams!! He’s a freakin’ elf Prince with freakin’ pointed ears that you can’t freakin’ love!!

She pinched the bridge of her nose and tried to hush the voices in her head. They never really helped, anyway.

“Was this your idea?”

“No.”

Legolas was trying hard to keep his rising anger in control. He crossed his arms in front of his chest, in case he ‘accidentally’ threw and crashed something to the wall behind her. He had developed a habit of not being able to control himself lately. Some hours ago she was willing to share his bed and now she couldn’t even share a room with him??

“Was it the Lady’s idea?”

“Aye. But fear not, I will not stay. You may sleep in peace.”

Oops. Wrong answer. Her ego didn’t really like what she heard.

“Why? Where are you going?” she asked trying to sound indifferent.

Legolas suppressed a smile. He didn’t fall for it.

“I have not visited Lothlorien for a long time. I have many friends to see”, he answered leaning casually against the wall.

“Oh”.

You don’t care, you don’t care – what if there is any ex-girlfriend of his here??- you don’t care, you don’t care, you don’t care –what if a stupid elf lady hits on him??- you don’t care, you don’t care, you don’t care…

“You do not mind, do you?” Legolas asked amused. She displayed her emotions so freely, that girl.

…YOU DON’T CARE!!!

“Of course not!” she answered a little too cheerfully. “Go ahead, I will get some sleep, I’m very tired!” She waved her hands towards the door and started searching through her things, which had been brought to the room before they had arrived, to conceal her uncomfortable state.

Cocky male. To think he believed she was jealous!

Ha! Me jealous!

“As you wish”, he answered sighing and bouncing off the wall, walked to the door. “Losto mae.” [Sleep well]

With that, he closed the door and was gone. So was Elaine’s desire to sleep. She kept searching furiously in the dresses and gowns that Belwen had packed for her and when she finally found something that looked like a night gown, she threw it on the bed and slammed the top of the case close. She was mad with rage and she couldn’t tell why. Of course he wanted to see his friends. And why would she care if he met some elleth?? Didn’t she want to distance herself? To leave him?

The sharp pain in her chest told her she didn’t want to leave him, but she ignored it, as she had ignored everything else. Everything was fine. It was all a game, which she could end whenever she wanted. She did not love, she did not care, she did not have to worry.

She wiped the tears in her eyes and got up to change into her night gown. She lay on the bed and hugged a pillow close to her chest. She repeated her last thoughts several times, she cried a few more, until exhausted, she fell asleep.


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