Ullume, Ten Meles (Forever, For Love)

Chapter 7

They found Legolas sitting along the wall of the stables. His head back and his eyes closed. He was so still. Aragorn looked at Gimli and knelt down next to his friend.

“Legolas?” he reached out to touch his arm. Legolas slowly opened his eyes. His lashes wet from his tears.

“After all this time. I thought she was dead. Lost to me forever.” Aragorn sat down next to his friend.

“Are you positive that it is she?”

“Yes. How could I ever forget her?” he said quietly.

Aragorn glanced at Gimli and reached to help Legolas stand. “Come my brother, let us go to the castle.” He said gently.

“Eldarion says she does not know who she is.”

“No, she has no memory of who she is.” Aragorn said as they made their way. “Legolas.” Aragorn said gently. “She has whip marks on her back.”

Legolas felt a pain in his stomach again, but continued walking. “Do they pain her?”

“I do not believe so, they are scars now.” Aragorn said as they walked through the doors to the castle. He looked over at Gimli who was watching Legolas with great concern.

“Perhaps you should rest laddie.” He said.

“No. Please, I need to see her. I need to speak to her.” Legolas said looking at Aragorn.

“I will have Arwen take her to the library. She seems to enjoy it there.” Aragorn said.

Legolas smiled. “She always has.” He said. He glanced down at himself. “I need to clean myself up.” He said and removed himself to his rooms.

Aragorn and Gimli watched as Legolas left. “Do you think she will remember who he is?” Gimli asked.

“I do not know. Perhaps by seeing him, it may help to trigger some sort of memory.” Aragorn said. “If you’ll excuse me Gimli, I need to find Arwen.” He said nodding his head and went in search of his wife. When he found her, he told her of what had happened. She was elated to hear this news, but at the same time, worried that it would cause her friend great stress. Aragorn could see the worry in his wife’s eyes and tried to reassure her. Arwen nodded and went to ‘Ireth’s’ rooms.

‘Ireth’ turned when she heard the knock on the door and heard it open slowly. She bowed when she saw Arwen enter her chambers. Arwen laughed.

“What have I told you my friend about bowing.” She said. ‘Ireth’ smiled at her. “Come now, there is someone I wish for you to meet.”

“Who?” ‘Ireth’ asked becoming very nervous.

“A very dear friend. He is like a brother to the king and I. His name is Legolas.” Arwen said gently, wondering if the name would rekindle a memory.

“Legolas?” ‘Ireth’ asked. “Is he elf-kind?”

Arwen nodded as she moved to the wardrobe. She pulled out a flowing gown of green, knowing that it was Legolas’ favorite color. “Come, let us change you for dinner.” She said as ‘Ireth’ moved to change. “I’d like you to meet him before dinner.”

“Alright.” She said quietly. Once she was dressed, Arwen helped to fix her hair. Leaving it down but adding a few braids.

“There, you look beautiful.” Arwen said with a smile.

“I am far from it my lady.” ‘Ireth’ said quietly. Arwen smiled weakly and reached for her hand.

“Come.” She said and together they made their way to the corridor.

Legolas quickly washed and changed into a blue tunic and gray breeches. He made sure the pendant was visible. He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. His heart was beating very fast. He was very excited, but at the same time, sad. He wished he knew what had happened to her during their time apart. He left his rooms and headed to the library. He saw Arwen coming towards him with a smile.

“Is she in there?” he asked tentatively.

Arwen nodded. “She is.” She said softly and kissed him on the cheek before walking away.

‘Ireth’ was thumbing through a book by the window when she heard the door open. She turned to see the elf that had been watching her from the stables. Her heart leapt to her throat. She did not know him, but there was something familiar about him. She set the book down and slowly approached him.

Legolas seemed to hold his breath as he watched Tari move towards him. He couldn’t speak. She was still beautiful.

“Ireth’ stood before him. She swallowed hard. What was it about this elf that made her feel different? She slowly raised her hand and touched his cheek.

Legolas didn’t move. He closed his eyes when she touched him. It had been too long without her touch. He slowly opened her eyes to see her watching him.

“Do you know me?” she whispered, not taking her hand away from his face.

Legolas reached up and took her hand in his and nodded. “Yes.” He said in a hushed whisper. He kissed her hand and looked deep into her eyes. ‘Ireth’ moved her hand to touch the teardrop pendant that hung around his neck.

“Who am I?” she asked, not pulling away from him.

“You are Princess Tari of Dorthonian.” He said quietly. He looked at her face and watched her eyes roll back as she fainted. Legolas caught her in his arms before she fell to the ground. He carried her in his arms to his rooms and gently lay her on his bed.

Aragorn and Arwen watched as Legolas carried Tari to his rooms. Arwen wanted to rush to them, but Aragorn held her back.

“Leave them be meles. Leave them be.” He said quietly. He took her hand and led her to the dining hall.

Legolas sat by her side, not moving. Just watching her. He gently smoothed back her hair. She mumbled something, but did not awaken until he touched her cheek. She did not appear frightened but simply looked at him.

“You fainted.” He said quietly.

“How do you know me?” she asked watching him.