Lim Aear

Author’s Note: I would like to apologize for not updating as often as I used to, but life is pretty hectic right now. Thank you all very much for your reviews! Please keep telling me what you think of the story, it helps me improve. I would also like to thank my Beta Marisa for the awesome work she did with my story!

Disclaimer: See Prologue.

italics: thoughts

/translations/

Chapter 21

Dancing lessons with Legolas was an interesting experience.

It was true that the elven Prince was more than happy to show her, although he had laughed heartily at her request at first; and kept the amused smile on his face throughout the session, of course. He was humming a tune to set the rhythm, as he led her through and around the furniture of their room in a graceful way, and Elaine had to wonder at his beautiful voice. She honestly hated him sometimes. So much perfection was annoying. But it was hard to express her annoyance when she was laughing and giggling with all the mocking Legolas made of dances and court behavior; he truly despised it! Elaine only then realized how tough all those years must have been for him and especially since he had to pass them alone.

He twirled her and dipped her low…not that it was part of the steps or the choreography, but it was fun…and he never lost the rhythm of the ‘ba bam ba bam ba bam’ tune he was singing. She really had to marvel at the change: the so reserved Legolas of their first encounters had loosened up to the state of a happy, uncaring child. She was so glad to see him laughing and smiling like that… it was the least he deserved for his goodness and kindness toward the people around him all those years.

The first half of an hour was quite productive; Elaine could say with pride that she would at least make a decent performance, if asked to dance. However, the dancing lessons finished quickly, as –in some mysterious way- they ended up hurriedly pulling tunic and dress off each other and found themselves on the floor. Then on the vanity table. And finally on the bed.

The following day passed in a similar fashion, between dancing lessons and more intimate activities, with a short interval between them, when Belwen came to make sure Elaine had picked the right dress for the night’s celebration. What she didn’t know, however, was that the young woman had other plans in mind.

And that’s how Elaine found herself in front of her mirror in the early hours of the evening, applying make-up on her face, with Legolas sitting on the bed behind her, trying to figure out what all the little objects in her small black pack were useful for.

“Although I surely do not see the point of covering your face with all these… substances, I find the result quite appealing”, he said tilting his head to the side. “It brings out the beauty of your eyes.”

Elaine turned her head and gave him a conspiratorial smile.

“Which is exactly the point of make-up,” she replied and turned back towards the mirror.

“’Tis still two hours until the feast…” Legolas complained and looked at her pointedly, but this time his seductive voice had no effect to Elaine, who was deeply concentrated in her task. If she would be introduced as the Princess of Lim Aear, she had to look perfect!

“My hair is still not ready…”

“What is wrong with your hair?”

She had to suppress a giggle. The mighty warrior was actually whining! With a defeated sigh, Legolas got up and walked to the balcony. Elves or humans, when it comes to dressing they are all similarly insufferable! he thought with annoyance and sat down on the wooden floor of the talan, looking at the elves making preparations for the feast below. He turned to look at Elaine a few times and realized -to his dismay- that she was pulling her hair up. When he grew too bored and frustrated with Elaine’s womanish behavior, he got up to dress himself in his formal attire, cringing at the sight of the silver robes. He put on the layers of clothes reluctantly, as Elaine disappeared in the bathroom. He had just put on his crown on the top of his blond head, when Elaine re-emerged from the other room.

He truly didn’t know how to react. First, he had to start breathing again. Second, he had to stop all the naughty thoughts that popped in his mind, which began with the ripping of the dress she had put on. Third, he had to talk.

“You look…”

Easier said than done.

She gave him a small smile at that and looked down blushing. Elaine was not something special in elven eyes. And it was not her unparalleled beauty that took his breath away. It was only that she looked like a true Princess in that dress, that clang to her curves and flowed lusciously at the bottom, as if drawn upon her silhouette. He had never seen a dress like its kind before, but he decided that he liked it better than elven gowns. And, of course, it was the fact that, in his eyes, Elaine would always be the most beautiful creature he had ever seen.

“… breathtaking,” he finished as he approached her and ran his fingers over the sand colored material, that was adorned with small sparkling gems. “What are they?” he asked not being able to recognize their origin.

“Oh! Swarovski crystals,” she answered smiling, pride evident in her voice. “It was a gift from my grandfather, to wear in the dance held in his honor as the newly elected Mayor… I secretly packed it in my first-aid bag,” she babbled on with a smile of self-achievement on her face, missing the way Legolas was running his eyes over her figure.

“’Tis very beautiful,” he said absent-mindedly, as he picked up something from the vanity table and held it in front of her. “Will you do me the honor of wearing this?”

Elaine looked wide-eyed at the beautiful tiara in his hands. She knew he was not just asking her to wear a jewel; he was indirectly asking her to take her place as the Princess of Lim Aear by his side. Even if she had thought it over many times in her mind the past couple of days, she still hesitated. How could she, a mere mortal woman, neither coming from an important family nor being an important person herself, become a Princess of an elven realm? What good could she do to the wise elves of Lim Aear? And for how long? What had she done to deserve such an honor? You love their Prince and he loves you in return; and now you are his wife, a voice responded in her head. She raised her eyes and upon seeing the glittering blue eyes of her husband –how strange the word sounded!- in front of her, she nodded.

Legolas smiled brightly and fixed the tiara in her blond hair, a strange feeling of relief traveling through his veins. It was a big step for Elaine, he understood that. And he was glad that she understood his duties to his people and agreed to comply with them. He leaned in and captured her lips in a soft kiss, then motioned for her to lead the way; it was time for the royal couple of Lim Aear to make their appearance. Elaine smiled and took a few steps towards the door.

Legolas’ face paled.

“Meleth nín, where is the rest of your dress?” he asked motioning towards her back that was bared down to her waist.

“Oh,” she replied innocently. “That‘s all of it.” She gave him a sheepish smile and opening the door, she exited the talan.

Legolas stared after her for a few seconds then shrugged and followed her to the stairs. The Golden Wood was in for a surprise. At least, the night would be interesting!

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Her first appearance as the Princess of Lim Aear could have gone better. She had imagined it glorious, with someone announcing their arrival, the elves wearing shocked faces at the way she had chosen to dress (she had always loved that kind of attention)…appraising or disapproving looks and whispers… something… ANYTHING! However, she was disappointed to see that they had quietly made their way to the long table next to the Lord and Lady of Lorien; how silly of her to think she could actually steal her radiance with a few Swarovski crystals! And the only reaction she received was some raised eyebrows. Oh, and of course the shocked face of Belwen- priceless, in Legolas’ opinion. Damn elves and their discretion! Of course, there had been the awfully uncomfortable bowing to them that she hated, but no walking down stairs with eyes locked upon them, no trumpets, no “Ladies and gentlemen, the Prince and Princess of Lim Aear!”, no clapping! Wasn’t it always like that in the movies?? Apparently, reality is far less glorious than girlish dreams, she thought with irritation, as the high heels of her sandals sank in the soft ground, making walking a tough effort on her part.

You had to admire her courage, though.

In front of the wise, immortal elves of the Golden Wood, she had exchanged pleasantries, danced without stepping on anyone’s foot (after taking off her shoes in frustration of course, earning a string of melodic laughter from the Lady of Light) engaged in conversation without sounding stupid, but naturally sounding like a 20-year-old woman of modern times…and managed to pass the night without doing anything overly embarrassing.

Some had liked her and rejoiced in her freshness, some had thought the Prince’s choice pure madness. Legolas cared for neither. He watched Elaine with a smile, wishing secretly to take off the much debated dress. She was his sweet young mortal. His beautiful Elaine that had put all other ellyth fighting for his heart to shame. She was who she was; with her imperfections and her virtues.

She was the woman he loved. And he blessed the Valar he had finally found her.

The Lady shared a knowing smile with him, seeing the happiness written plainly for someone less insightful than she was to see. However, Legolas missed the hue of sadness that her lips acquired as he turned from her to smile at Elaine, who was chatting and laughing with Belwen and Adanoth a little further. The Lady knew; and her heart ached at the knowledge.

“It wasn’t that bad!” Elaine said with a dramatic sigh, as she lay her head on Legolas’ lap, both facing the river. They had bid their goodnights and stolen away in the forest, to the quietness of the river. The elf who was resting his back against a tree, looked down at the woman as he ran his fingers through a stray strand of hair.

“You are drunk, ël tithen nín,” he replied with an amused smile. Elaine had drunk a lot; and Lothlorien’s wine was one of the strongest. /my little star/

“I’m not drunk,” she protested and pushed herself up from the soft grass to look at him.

Legolas’ jaw tensed, his desire coming to life as he took in her figure. Her hair had almost come undone, strands of it having escaped her intricate twist. Her cheeks were flushed and the night’s silvery light was making the iridescent paint on her eyes glitter playfully and making her eyes look like two big emeralds. Her luscious lashes were lowered and her lips parted. His eyes traveled to her bare shoulders and the way her breasts were begging to be free of the constraining neckline of her dress, all the more standing out by the way she had propped up her upper body.

An elf could take only so much.

He slowly reached and pulled out the pins in her hair, one by one, with sacredness, as if it was some kind of a ritual. It was not long before her thick mane framed her face, now falling in waves on her shoulders, from being twisted on her head. It would be pointless to try and look through the elf’s eyes, but he was sure she was the most enchanting picture he had ever seen. The tiara on her head served only to fuel his desire further: she was his wife; his princess; and he would make love to her.

He leaned in to kiss her, capturing her lips in a demanding kiss. Elaine moaned, mostly surprised in her light-headed state, but complied. Legolas pushed her gently to lie on the ground, moving his kisses on her exposed neck and collarbone. She opened her eyes and looked at the trees above her, the small lights winking playfully at her. The intertwined branches of the trees above them created surreal shapes, the shadows forming images that awoke her imagination. Just as her husband’s lips reached the top of her dress’s neckline, she lowered her brows as she came to a sudden realization: would there not be an official ceremony? Would she never wear the white dress of the wedding she had always dreamed of? Would she not be able to share such a happy occasion with her loved ones?

“Legolas?” The elf raised his head from her bosom and looked at her. “Are we not having a real wedding?”

The elf looked at her under dark brows in confusion.

“What do you mean by ‘real’?” he asked and tucked a strand behind her ear.

“You know… white wedding dress, family, friends, exchange of oaths…”

Legolas smiled still confused at how she had come up with a question like that all of a sudden.

“If you wish.”

Elaine hugged him tightly.

“Thank you so much! My mum would be devastated if she missed my wedding day… and Jessica would never forgive me if I didn’t make her one of my bridesmaids!”

Legolas tensed and stopped nibbling on her neck, as he slowly sat up next to her. He looked down and massaged his forehead perplexed. He had grown so used to her presence in Lim Aear, that he had come to feel she had always belonged there.

“What?” she asked alarmed and sat up too.

“Meleth nín…” he trailed off not knowing how to tell her.

Elaine suddenly became more than sober, getting a hint of what he was about to tell her. He couldn’t ask that of her! What would be next?

“Legolas, please… they’re my family… and… and Jessica is my best friend!” she took his hands in hers and tilted her head to look into his eyes; pleading with him. But he kept avoiding her gaze.

“There are rules, Elaine, and exactly because I am the Prince, I am more bound to them than anyone else…”

“But… But you let me go! And I know they will keep it a secret!”

“Elaine, I beg of you, try to understand…” he turned to look at her but she refused to accept the facts.

“Legolas what in the world am I going to tell them? Do you expect me to just throw away my life and come to stay with you? Disappear from the surface of Earth with no explanations?”

As much as the elf wanted to deny the truth in her words, he could not. He was more reasonable than that. Although he had made plans in his mind about them, he had forgotten one very important variable: that she had a life of her own; dreams; and hopes. He could not deny her all that. But how to find a solution that would leave both of them satisfied?

“I have to continue my studies… And the university is pretty far from here! My own house is two hours away! And… and… I have friends, Legolas! I want to go to clubs and bars and do all kinds of stupid stuff!” Elaine continued, suddenly feeling as if she was fighting to avoid an upcoming imprisonment.

“I never asked you to give up your freedom for me, Elaine. I only asked you to give me your heart,” Legolas told her softly, understanding her fears. It was only natural for a young woman of her age; she had taken already more steps than expected. Although he was desperate to spend every second of her short life next to him, he would give her space. “All in time, Legolas. All in time.” Galadriel’s voice echoed in his mind. “Do what you have to do. I will wait. But do not ask me to break the rules I am supposed to represent and protect.”

Elaine nodded. It was only fair. The thought saddened her immensely, but she knew there was no other way. Legolas’ statement was final and she knew better than question the judgment of her husband and Prince of Lim Aear. She had married him and there was nothing else that mattered; she had said so herself. They would find a way… somehow. She certainly preferred a life with Legolas than a glamorous wedding with someone that could never make her feel so complete. Everything had a price, as the Lady had told her. If that was the only price she had to pay… she would gladly do so. She sighed and started worrying her lip.

“What am I gonna tell them?” she asked Legolas, turning to look at him perplexed. It was something they had to think about.

“I know not,” he answered with a sigh, looking equally troubled. “We will think of something.” He offered her a small smile and gathered her in his arms. Elaine leaned into his chest, her cheek resting next to his.

“What have we done wrong?” she asked after a few moments of silence, both lost in their own thoughts.

“We fell in love,” Legolas answered after mulling over her question for a few moments.

“Is that so bad?”

“Bad or good, right or wrong… it happened. And I am more than glad it did.”

Legolas kissed her cheek tenderly and Elaine smiled. She was more than glad too.

“Legolas, can we go back to the talan?”

“Are you not feeling well?” he asked with concern, assuming she had started feeling sick because of the wine.

“I want to take this dress off… it’s constricting me!” she answered with a dramatic sigh and Legolas smiled slyly.

“I would be more than happy to assist you, my Lady,” he replied in a mockingly formal tone and picked a giggling Elaine up in his arms, heading for their talan.