Adult-FanFiction.org : Lord of the Rings

Love's Redemption	By : mthorsta Category: -Multi-Age > Het - Male/Female Views: 7108 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings (and associated) book series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 21
- 22
- 23
A.N. - Sorry...I know I said I would have this out weeks ago and it was, in large part, already done but I became ill. I can only find time to write in the late evenings and was too tired to stay up that late to finish it. With that said, here is the moment you've been waiting for...
Warning: Contains sexual situations.

Chapter 20 - While You Lay Sleeping
   On their last evening with the Dr�edain, the scouting party was invited to attend a small feast to honor the dead. It was also the village�s final farewell to the yeebo wenas or tall strangers as they were amusingly called. Certainly, they were no longer strangers. Many of the villagers had come to know and respect them as they had fought and bled side-by-side, but the moniker had stuck. In contrast to the boisterous and lively demonstration they partook of when they first arrived in the Dr�adan forest, this was a much more solemn affair with mournful songs and tales of remembrance. As they sat at the high table along with Anoki-Gh�n and his family, they were approached by many of the villagers who adorned them with garlands made of pressed leaves, dried berries, and wooden beads and gave them gifts of small hand-carved likenesses of animals. Legolas, Faramir, and Eomer were once again amazed at the people�s graciousness and willingness to share despite having so little.
   At sunrise, Anoki-Gh�n and a few of his men accompanied the scouting party to the Stonewain Valley. Once they had reached the border, Anoki-Gh�n gave them one last parting gift of dried meat and biscuits in a bundle of cloth for the journey home.

   �Farewell, Anoki-Gh�n. We will not forget you, nor the kindness of your people.� Legolas said.

   �No, it is I who thank all of you. You are not Dr�edain. Your ways not our ways. Yet you all defend village as if your own. Your blood you have spilled upon this land and so a part of it you are forever. Always are you welcome in forest.� He replied.

   He bowed down and touched his brow to the ground before them and his men followed his lead. Legolas, Faramir, and Eomer bowed in return.
~~~~~
   They had suffered much over the preceding weeks, but as they traveled now through the Stonewain Valley, their hearts were lightened and their pace swift, so eager were they to return to the city. By noon, they had reached the Grey Woods at the mouth of the Stonewain Valley. The Pelennor fields stretched out before them and in the distance Minas Tirith rose up like a gleaming white spike against the dull gray rock, a beacon of encouragement. They were almost there.
   Despite their exhaustion, immense relief was felt by all as they passed through the Great Gate, however, their return was bittersweet. They were, after all, the bringers of sad tidings. Their deeds would have warranted them a hero�s welcome, but they received no more than a few passing glances as they slipped through the city, for there were none who knew of them. Their mission had been carried out in secret and so it would remain. Ascending the city levels seemed to them now as the longest part of the journey thus far and for Legolas, the anticipation grew with every step. Would he find her here? Would she still desire him after his callous departing words? He tried to put it out of his amind, concentrating instead on the first task at hand, however unpleasant it was. They must now tell Mariwen that her husband, Firindor, is dead. The responsibility would have fallen to Mordren as he was Firindor�s commanding officer, but as he was now gone too, the task was left to Legolas, Eomer, and Faramir as Firindor�s companions.

   �Is it me or do these roads seem steeper than when we last walked them?� Faramir asked.

   �Nay. I feel it too. It is as if someone has tipped the very foundation of the city to our disadvantage.� Legolas said.
   (To hear accompanying soundtrack, visit elvenladyofithilien dot com)
   Finally passing through the gate to the sixth level, they approached the Houses of Healing with increasing dread. All three of them felt terribly heartsick for the poor young woman even before they broke the news. Legolas gazed further up the street and suddenly felt a twinge go through his core that took his breath away. He saw a woman walking towards the seventh level gate that looked like Jordan. She walked with no cane, which led Legolas to believe he was mistaken, but while he watched her, he perceived the slightest limp as she walked. He ran a few steps towards her then stopped, leaving Eomer and Faramir to wonder what he was up to.

   �Jordan?� He called out.

   The woman stopped and slowly turned around. Legolas� heart leapt into his throat. It was her! She hadn�t left the city after all!

   �Legolas? Oh my gosh, Legolas!� She cried.

   She ran towards him and he ran towards her as well, but each stopped just short of the other. Now face to face, their hearts ran the full spectrum of emotions. They stared at each other apprehensively, breathlessly; neither of them able to speak.

   �I thought you had left. I thought I would never see you again.� He finally choked out.

   �I know. I�m sorry Legolas. I�m so sorry.�

   Her whole body began to tremble; no longer able to contain her emotions, and they came bursting forth like a river that had breeched its dam. He closed the distance and swept her up in an embrace. He let out a sigh of relief and buried his face in her hair, hugging her tightly. She choked back a sob and tears ran down her cheeks as she clung to him, wetting his tunic.

   �Shh. It is alright now.� He whispered soothingly as he held her.

   �I never wanted to hurt you. I was just so scared. Tell me its not too late for us?� She sobbed.

   �Only when you or I no longer draw breath, would it be too late.� He pulled back a little and lifted her quivering chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. �You are here as am I. There is nothing to stand in our way now.�

   Jordan felt a stab of fear through her chest and she hugged him tighter. If only she could be so certain. He might think differently after hearing what she had to say but this was not the time nor place to bare her soul, so for the time being, she let herself just enjoy the feeling of his arms around her.
   They stood in the middle of the road holding on to each other without a care of what was going on around them. Oh, how he wanted to tell her he loved her right then and there but he held back. Declaring your love to another for the first time should be a sacred moment and deserved a more fitting venue than a city street.

   When her tears subsided, she pulled away and let her eyes drink in the sight of him. Her eyes wandered from the healing cut on his cheek, over to the tear in the arm of his tunic revealing the bandage underneath, and down to the dark stain of blood on the sleeve. She reached up with a shaking hand and gently touched the thin red line that marred his beautiful face. It broke her heart to see the injuries he had suffered.

   �You�re hurt.� She said, barely more than a whisper.

   He shook his head. �A few scratches, �tis nothing to worry about.�

   She clung to him again and laid her head on his chest for a moment, then looked up and said, �I know you have just arrived but there is something I have to tell you. It cannot wait. Can we go someplace quiet to talk?�

   A look of concern crossed Legolas� face but before he could answer, Eomer and Faramir came walking up, having grown rather impatient waiting for him on the side of the road.

   �I am sorry to interrupt your reunion, but I have a wife that I would like to be reunited with as well. Can we please just get this over with?� Faramir said.

   Legolas sighed and released Jordan from his arms. She looked to Faramir then to Legolas.

   �What is he talking about?�

   �There is something we must do�� Legolas said.

   �What is it? I�ll go with you.�

   �No!� He said a little more forcefully than he meant to, then softened his voice. �No. I do not want you to have to bear witness to it�please.� He implored her. He took her hands and brought one to his lips. �Wait for me here. I shall return as quickly as I can.�

   �Uh, okay, sure.� She said, somewhat confused.
   She watched with curiosity as they walked towards the Houses of Healing and went inside, wondering what this task was that she should not witness. A few moments later, she heard muffled shrieking and the words �no, no� over and over again coming from within the building. It sounded like Mariwen. Jordan ran as fast as she could, flying through the doorway, taking no notice of Legolas, Faramir, and Eomer standing there. Her eyes immediately went to Mariwen on her knees rocking and weeping; Astrid standing over her with a hand on her shoulder. Jordan fell to her knees beside her and grabbed Mariwen�s hands.

   �What happened? What happened?� Jordan shouted.

   �Firindor is gone! He�s dead!� Mariwen sobbed.

   She knew Firindor was Mariwen�s husband and that he was a Gondorian soldier, but that was all. Mariwen did not speak of him often. She shot a glance at Legolas, trying to make sense of the situation.

   �Was he with the scouting party?� Jordan asked.

   �Yes.� She squeaked.

   �Oh dear God. Oh, sweetie, I�m so sorry.� She said and threw her arms around her, crying her own tears for her friend�s agony. She sat on the stone floor and held Mariwen as she sobbed hysterically, rocking her and stroking her hair.
   As there was nothing they could do to help the woman, Faramir and Eomer slipped out the door. Only Legolas remained, standing quietly to the side, waiting for Jordan.

   �Come on, honey. You can�t stay here on the floor. Astrid, help me.�

   Together, they lifted Mariwen�s limp, uncooperative body, guided her over to one of the beds, and laid her down.

   �Get her something to make her sleep, the strongest thing you�ve got.� Jordan whispered to Astrid.

   Jordan sat on the floor next to the bed holding her hand and murmured words of comfort. Astrid returned shortly with a cup of herb-laced tea and while Jordan sat Mariwen up, Astrid coaxed her to drink the concoction. She had finally exhausted herself from sobbing, becoming listless and despondent as she retreated within herself to try and escape the pain. They laid Mariwen back down, and Jordan glanced over at Legolas who was still waiting patiently by the door.

   �Can you handle this for a moment? I�ll be right back.� Jordan said to Astrid.

   �Yes. Go ahead. We�ll be just fine, won�t we? She said soothingly to Mariwen, petting her hand.
   Jordan walked over to Legolas who stood with his arms folded across his chest, watching her intently as she came towards him. His face was masked by a look of expressionless calm and Jordan could not tell by it if he was angry or not.

   �I�m sorry Legolas. I know you told me to wait outside but��

   �Please, do not apologize. I simply wanted to spare you the sight of another�s suffering. I did not realize you knew her.�

   �I�ve spent a lot of time here while you were gone and we became friends. I know I said I wanted to talk to you and I still do, but I don�t want to leave Mariwen until at least I know she�ll sleep for awhile.�

   He tucked an unruly strand of her hair behind her ear. �I understand. Take as much time as you need to attend to your friend. I will use the opportunity to bathe and change. When you are ready, come to me in my quarters.�

   �Okay. Thank you, Legolas.�

   She gave him a quick hug and returned to Mariwen�s side.
   Jordan took a cool cloth and wiped Mariwen�s tear-stained face as she sang a quiet song to sooth her. It was not long before Mariwen was asleep; a brief reprieve from her pain. Jordan walked slowly back to her quarters with conflicting emotions. She could not deny how happy and relieved she was that Legolas had returned even while her friend grieved. As Jordan rejoiced, Mariwen faced a long, hard road of despair and uncertainty. Legolas had been injured which meant at some point his life could have been in danger as well. How easily their positions could have been reversed. She tried not to dwell on it.
~~~~~
   Back in her quarters, she quickly brushed her hair and checked her appearance in the mirror. She was growing nervous now. How would Legolas react to what she was about to tell him? She said a quick prayer for strength and courage, slipped out of her quarters and knocked on the door to his quarters. It opened so quickly, as if he were waiting right on the other side, it startled her, but as before, his expression gave nothing away as to his state of mind.

   �Hello.� She said.

   �Hello. Come in.�

   He closed the door behind her and without warning grabbed her and kissed her ferociously as if he were dying of thirst and her lips alone could slake his need. Startled at first, she stiffened but quickly relaxed into him and slid her hands around to his shoulder blades digging her fingers into them. She began to kiss him back harder, matching his intensity. He knotted his fingers in her hair, preventing her from pulling away as his tongue sough entrance to her warm mouth. She parted her lips and tasted his tongue with her own. Their tongues swirled and dueled while their lips crushed against each other, bruising the tender flesh. They parted only for need of air; gasping, chests heaving. Jordan�s head was spinning from the headiness of their kiss. He had kissed her before but never like this; never with such animalistic desire, the thought of which made her blush. Legolas pressed his forehead against hers, panting, trying to catch his breath. She could smell the mixture of his freshly bathed skin with just a hint of sandalwood and rain on a summer�s evening. She closed her eyes and inhaled the intoxicating scent.

   �Wow.� She whispered breathlessly.

   Legolas chuckled softly. �I have waited so long to do that. I have missed you.�

   �I�ve missed you too, Legolas.�
   He led her to the couch and motioned for her to sit down, then sat next to her.

   �I meant to say this earlier but I noticed you are walking without the aid of your cane. Has your leg healed?�

   �Well, its not fully healed but it is strong enough to support my weight. I worked on rehabilitating it every day you were gone to keep myself busy.�

   He took her hand and pressed his lips to it, then smiled.

   �I am happy for you. Now you can put the dark times of your arrival behind you.�

   He said nothing more but looked to her expectantly, waiting for her to speak and she smiled back nervously. She was suddenly self-conscious with her hair disheveled and her cheeks flushed and burning from the passion of their kiss. How do you follow something like that? She had hoped she could just come out with what she needed to say, unflinchingly and without hesitation, but now that she sat face to face with Legolas, she had no idea of how to begin.

   �Would you like some wine?� He asked, breaking the silence.

   �Yes!� She blurted out a bit too eagerly owing to her nervousness.
   �Wine, yes wine is good.�
   While Legolas was across the room with his back turned opening the bottle, she sagged, allowing herself to breath again. He carried two goblets over, offering one to her. She finally dared to look up into his eyes and accept the goblet.

   �Thank you.�

   Legolas sat back down on the couch, leaning back deeply into the cushions. He put one arm behind his head, resting his head against his hand, and sighed contently.

   �How is Mariwen?� He asked.

   Jordan took a sip of her wine. �Not well. She is taking this very hard.� After a pause, she asked, �What happened out there Legolas?�

   Legolas briefly explained the events leading up to Firindor�s death, keeping the gruesome details to a minimum.

   �So, it was really nothing more than a tragic misunderstanding.�

   �I am afraid so.�

   �Oh, that�s terrible!�

   Jordan stared down into her wine goblet, swirling the red liquid, as her eyes began to tear up. It was strange how quickly life could change. One action�one decision�one misstep is sometimes all it took to irrevocably transform your life or the lives of the people around you into something unrecognizable. It was something she knew all too well in her line of work, but had allowed herself to forget.
   Legolas noticed the change in her demeanor. He leaned forward and put his hand on her shoulder.

   �What is it?� He asked gently.

   The tears she tried to fight back came spilling down her cheeks.

   �What if you would have walked into that building? It could have been you instead of....�

   Legolas stopped her. �No.� He shook his head. �No. Elven senses are much keener than a man�s. I would have sensed him long before Firindor did.�

   �But you are injured, so you were obviously in some sort of danger.�

   �Yes, Jordan. We were forced to engage in battle, � He would not tell her how close he came to death and how Mordren saved his life, �but it is over now. The Orcs were slaughtered and I am whole and well. You must understand, I have trained in the art of warfare longer than many of the lives of men. Dying in battle will not be my fate.�

   �I know you are skilled, Legolas, but I still worry about you. I am not used to this sort of thing.�

   �Well, if it is any comfort to you, I do not imagine there will be many more battles ahead. Aragorn has united the lands, made peace with Gondor�s enemies, and stanched those who would oppose him. This little Orc rebellion was simply a minor disturbance, but they are destroyed now. So, you see?� He stroked her hair gently. �There is no more cause for worry. Beside it is my duty to protect you, not the other way around.� After a pause, he said, �Now, what was it that you wanted to tell me?�

   Jordan took a deep breath, fighting to maintain her composure. This was it - the moment of truth.

   �I wanted to explain to you the reason I was going to leave.�

   �It matters not why you were going to leave. All that matters to me is that you did not.�

   �No, Legolas. You need to know, before we go any further. It might affect the way you feel about me.�

   �Do you not understand by now?� He cupped her chin with his hand and looked into her eyes. �I have given my heart to you. It cannot be undone and nothing you could say or do could make it so.�

   �Please, Legolas.� She begged him. �Let me say this before you speak another word.�

   He furrowed his brows in concern but nodded his head, allowing her to continue. She covered her face with her hands briefly, then shook her hands out, exhaling heavily.

   �Okay, okay.� She said underneath her breath.

   It was clear to Legolas that Jordan was very nervous, so he took her hand to lend support and waited patiently. Her heart was racing and she had to force herself to speak.
�Just start talking, Jordan. Say something, anything.�
   �You have to understand the idea of becoming close to someone�of falling in love with someone�scares me to death. But no matter how hard I tried to prevent it, I still found myself drawn to you and the more time we spent together, the more I came to care about you. You are so unlike anyone I�ve ever met; so unlike the men in my world,� she brushed her hand against his cheek and smiled, �so brave and honorable and kind. It is true what I said to you that night in the garden, I don�t feel like I belong here, but it is in the times we are together that I lose myself, and it doesn�t matter where I am just as long as I am with you. Before, I closed myself off from everyone, refusing to feel, barely existing, never really living. You made me feel alive again. I could laugh again. I felt safe with you. The way you looked at me; your gentle touch, your kiss; it made me feel�desirable. I had forgotten what it felt like to be desired, to be cared for, and it felt good. You gave me hope that there was a better life to be had and I wanted it; I wanted it so badly. No matter how frightened I was to risk my heart or frightened about what the future holds for us, a life lived without you, either in my world or yours, was the most frightening prospect of all. So I had to try, even though I knew I could lose you�

   �Why would you think you could lose me?� He asked, somewhat taken aback. �I know my parting words were not very sympathetic but they were spoken out of anger. You must know I did not mean them.�

   �Oh Legolas, I know. It�s not that. I know what it means for you to be with a mortal and how much you will suffer after I am gone. I know you said you were willing to accept such a fate but I couldn�t let you do that, not without knowing everything about the one your sacrifice was for, and I was too afraid to tell you.�

   Legolas took her hand. �You know there is nothing that you cannot speak to me about. Have I not given you enough cause to trust me? Am I not fair and reasonable?�

   �You are.� She sighed. �I just assumed once you knew, you would no longer want me.�

   �It is not that simple, Jordan. Elven hearts are not fickle. I could never just disregard my feelings for you no matter what the issue.� He said.

   �But it goes against the custom of your people.�

   �I have always understood there are differences between our cultures and was I willing to accept that. Had I not been willing, I would have never allowed our association to move beyond the boundaries of friendship. Now, let us bring this issue to light once and for all so that we may put it to rest.�

   With a shaking hand, she brought her goblet to her lips and took a sip of wine for courage.

   �Um�back home, there was a man I worked with at the hospital. His name was Christian. We became friends and eventually fell in love.�

   It would have been foolish for Legolas to think there were no other loves before him. In their short lives, mortals were compelled to seek a mate early on. It was the natural course of things, but it pained Legolas� heart just the same.

   �Our relationship lasted for several years and in the time I was with him,� she paused, swallowing a lump in her throat, �I shared myself with him. My body is no longer pure.�

   Her heart was pounding and she held her breath, waiting for his response.

   �Oh, I see.� He said quietly. After a long pause, he finally spoke again. �Well�I cannot say I am not somewhat disappointed to learn this�only for the reason that if one day we should marry, our physical union will not be a new and wondrous experience for both of us, but as I told you before, nothing can change the way I feel about you.�

   Jordan let out a huge sigh of relief and began to tremble. She squeezed her eyes shut and tears leaked out from underneath her eyelids and slid down her cheeks.

   �Oh, Jordan. I did not realize you had so many concerns about us. It would explain the change in your manner towards me since arriving in the city. I just wish you would have come to me sooner. Your torment and mine could have ended long ago.�

   �I know. I made a mess of things, but I am not strong like you.� She said through her tears. �I am a coward. I thought it would be for the best if I just left � before either of us became too attached. That way I would not risk the pain of rejection and you could move on and find someone else; another elf perhaps. Someone who you could spend eternity with instead of a few short years.�
   Legolas sighed heavily. �Perhaps the fault is mine as well. Neither one of us were as forthcoming as we should have been that night. I do not have much experience in these matters. When I discovered you were going to leave, I was angry and hurt. I did not know how to handle it, and I fear I made a very poor attempt. I became stubborn and hardhearted in response. I know you tried to tell me some of your concerns, but I was trying so hard to convince you to stay, I did not listen to your reasons for leaving. I let my thoughts become clouded by my emotions; I just could not stand the thought of you leaving.� He paused and smiled, brushing a tear from her cheek with his thumb. �It seems I have little control over my emotions when I am around you.�

   Jordan lowered her eyes and smiled back shyly.

   �It is true.� Legolas continued. �The pairing of an elf and a mortal is a complicated matter and not something easily entered into. Later that evening, I thought back to our argument and I realized where I had gone astray. Yes, I do believe we are destined by the Valar but I failed to explain how and why. I know it would seem that I am subjecting myself to the whim of the Valar simply because they asked it of me, but it does not work that way. The Valar would never force their will on anyone, but offer their grace as a gift. You see, I trust in their wisdom on such matters. They existed before the creation of Arda and are as endless as the tide. They have brought us together not because they arbitrarily decided it to be so, but because their sight is far-reaching. They saw in us a need that the other could fulfill; two halves that would someday become whole. I have searched my heart and my mind; I have given the matter careful consideration and I chose to accept their gift,� he took ahold of Jordan hands and locked eyes with her, �not out of any duty or obligation, but because I love you and I am willing to face whatever fate awaits me to be by your side until the end of your days.�
   Jordan�s heart began to race. In the back of her mind, she suspected that was how Legolas felt about her, but to actually hear him speak the words�to know that it was true was such an incredible, overwhelming feeling. She thought she would never hear those words again and it was still all a bit hard to believe. All she could do was stare at him in shock, unable to speak, barely able to breathe. Legolas was becoming more worried with each passing second that she did not respond. Tears began to stream down her cheeks again as she looked into the eyes of the beautiful Elf who loved her. She had never met a being more kind, caring, self-sacrificing, or honorable than he. He was her guardian angel when she was in danger; her devoted friend when she was in need. In truth, she had always loved him; it just took some time to recognize it.

   �Jordan?� He questioned her softly.

   She swallowed hard, choking back a sob. �I love you too, Legolas.�

   His eyes shined with unshed tears, reflecting the joy he felt in his heart. He grabbed her up in a crushing embrace. She flung her arms around him, laughing through her tears. He held her face in his hands and covered it with kisses.

   �I love you, I love you.� He said over and over. �By the Valar, I love you.�

   She stroked his hair and caressed his face, taking care not to brush over the cut on his cheek. Her heart felt like it would burst with the sheer joy and relief she felt now that she could express her affections freely.

   �My beautiful Legolas, I love you too.�

   The world was lost to them, as he lowered his head to drink from her parted lips slowly and deeply; a kiss born of pure love. She opened her mouth further, inviting him to explore and he did so obligingly, gently teasing her mouth with his tongue. Their lips brushed against each others tenderly once more before they parted. He held her lovingly in his arms and she rested her head on his shoulder.
   To her embarrassment, she desperately needed something to wipe her nose from the crying she had done. She remembered she kept the handkerchief Est� had given her tucked in her sleeve. As she dabbed her eyes and nose with it, Legolas recognized it right away as the mithril-stitched cloth Jordan had held in her hand that night.

   �Where did you get that?� He asked.

   �Oh this? You know, it was so strange. After you left me in the garden, I just broke down and cried, I felt so terrible for hurting you. I didn�t think it was loud enough for anyone to hear but a woman came over and sat down and talked with me for awhile. She said her name was Est�. She gave it to me to dry my tears. It is odd for someone to comfort a complete stranger in my world, but I just felt so at ease with her for some reason and before I knew it, I��

   Legolas� heart skipped a beat. �Stop for a moment. Did you say Est�?�

   �Yes. Before I knew it, I was spilling my heart out to her. She was very kind but she said the strangest things.�

   �Are you certain her name was Est�?�

   �Yes Legolas, I am certain.� She stress, becoming a little agitated at his questioning.

   �What did she say to you?� He asked curiously.

   Jordan described to Legolas their conversation in detail.

   He smiled. �Those are strange words indeed.�

   �I was hoping I could find her again. I wanted to thank her for her kindness and return this to her.� She said, holding up the handkerchief. �It looks rather special. I know you are not from here but have you heard of anyone in the city called Est�?�

   Legolas smiled more radiantly than ever. �Yes, I have heard of her, but you will not find her in Minas Tirith.�

   He now understood the origins of strange language stitched around the handkerchief�s edges and why he could not comprehend it. There was no one in Middle-earth who could.

   Jordan frowned. �Well, where can I find her?� She asked, growing impatient with his ambiguity. �Why are you smiling?�

   �Only if she so chooses to reveal herself, will you see her again, my love. She is one of the Valar.�

   Her jaw dropped open. �What?�

   �Est� the gentle, healer of hurts and of weariness. Grey is her raiment; and rest is her gift - to quote the old text.�

   Her eyes widened as the implication of this became clear. She was no less surprised than if someone told her she had been visited by an angel. Then she scrunched her face up, held her head in her hands, and groaned in embarrassment.

   �You mean to tell me I cried all over one of the Valar?� She wailed which elicited a laugh from Legolas.

   �Oh my love, if she is the healer of hurts and weariness, somehow I do not think you would be the first.�

   She let out a half sob, half laugh. Then her hand flew to cover her mouth. �Oh, no! I called them cruel! I didn�t know!�

   Legolas chuckled softly, took her into his arms, and kissed the top of her head.

   �I think they will understand. It seems we have both found favor in the Valar�s sight.�

   After a moment, Jordan said, �Legolas, do the Valar have�special powers?�

   �I am not sure what you mean by special but they are powerful. They helped shape the world you see around you.�

   �You know, like�magical.�

   �I do not know if you would call it �magical� but they are capable of a great many things. Why do you ask?�

   �Well, after Est� left, the link became disabled for a short time. Now, it�s possible the link is simply unstable, after all, it is hundreds of years old. The book could have sustained damage in that time, but do you think its possible maybe Est� had something to do with it?�

   �Whether the Valar would have command over something that is not of this world, I cannot say for certain, but it is possible I suppose. It would not be beyond them to manipulate certain circumstances if the need arose.�

   �It just seemed so coincidental, you know? With all the talk about fate and destiny, I had to question whether or not fate had somehow intervened but perhaps it was not fate at all. Perhaps it was Est� who prevented me from making such a rash decision, knowing I would regret it�and I would have, terribly, once the reality of what I had done hit me and I had to face the fact that I would never see you again. It�s terrifying to think about. What I should have done when I found the book was just put it aside until I had calmed down and was able to think clearly about what really mattered to me. Anyway, whatever or whoever was responsible, I got that chance.�

   �If that is the case, then I owe her my deepest gratitude, but I am afraid we will never know for certain.�

   �Legolas, there is something I would like to do. Will you help me?�

   �Of course I will, my love. What is it?�

   �Burn the linking book.�
~~~~~
   Legolas followed her out onto their shared balcony and into her quarters. While Jordan retrieved the linking book from the drawer in the sideboard, Legolas took some kindling from the wood box next to the fireplace and lit it with one of the long matches on the mantle.

   �Let the fire catch hold before you put the book in or I will need to relight it.�

   She opened the linking book revealing a clear image of the D�ni city and showed it to Legolas.

   �It�s too bad the link was destroyed on that side. I would have loved to show you the D�ni city and the Garden Ages.�

   �How can you be sure it is?�

   �Dr. Watson gave me his word and I trust in it.�

   Once the kindling had mostly become consumed by the flames, Legolas said, �Alright. Whenever you are ready.�

   She tossed it in as carefully as she could and it immediately caught fire and burned bright and hot, hissing and popping.    Legolas wrapped his arm around her shoulders and together they watched it char and turn to ash.

   �There. It is done. Now I am yours forever.� Jordan said.
   His only response was to lean in and capture her mouth. He kissed her softly, running his hands up her back and into her hair, knotting his fingers in it. He sucked at her lips, tugging them gently, then trailed light kisses along her jaw line to her earlobe. She let her head drop back slightly, losing herself in the sensation. Legolas took advantage of the exposed curve of her neck, grazing the skin with his tongue, vowing silently to himself to leave no part untasted when the moment would finally allow. She pressed her body into his, letting out a low moan, and ran her hands over his shoulders and back, feeling the way his muscles moved underneath his tunic. The power to elicit such a reaction by his touch was a new experience for Legolas and it sent a shiver through his core. She reached up and gently tipped his head to the side, returning the favor, kissing her way up his neck, her breath cooling the moist skin where she had kissed. She pulled his head down a little closer to her reach, combing through his hair with her fingernails to sweep it out of the way, and ran her tongue along the curve of his ear to the delicately pointed tip causing him to inhale sharply.

   She smiled and whispered into his ear, �Do you like that?�

   �Yes.� He breathed.

   Jordan released Legolas� head and let her fingers slide to the small mithril clasp at his throat. She unhooked it and then the one below it, pushing open the neckline of his tunic and gently kissed the skin she had exposed. Legolas sighed and plunged his hands into her hair. Lower and lower she kissed until she reached the bottom of the opening. No one had ever before touched or kissed him this manner and he let out a low growl, nearly driven mad with desire. He pulled her upright by the arms and kissed her hard on the mouth. His hands found their way to the small of her back and pulled her body towards his forcefully. He let his lips wander down to the hollow of her neck, then along her collar bone, kissing and sucking insistently. He lowered his head a little more, his lips moving down to the neckline of her dress, just at the swell of her breasts. Jordan moaned softly and suddenly Legolas pulled away with a gasp and laid his head on her shoulder. They sagged against each other, panting and trembling.

   �I�m sorry, I got a little carried away.� She said finally.

   �Mmm. As did I.�

   �Tell me again you love me.�

   �I love you Jordan.�

   Closing her eyes, she sighed contently.

   �I will never tire of hearing that.�

   �And I will never tire of saying it.�

   They turned their eyes towards the fireplace and the fire had burned completely out.

   �What do we do, now?� Jordan asked.

   �Whatever we wish. We have our whole future ahead of us. But for now, we could retire to the balcony and finish our wine. It is a rather beautiful evening tonight; the day�s warmth still lingers.�

   �Yes. I would like that.�
   They walked out on to the balcony and Legolas slipped into his quarters to retrieve their goblets, quickly refilling them before he returned. He set them both on the small table next to the chaise, then sat down beside Jordan and pulled her sideways on to his lap, cradling her. She curled up against him, rested her head in the crook of his neck, and the wine was all but forgotten. They delighted in touching and becoming familiar with the details of each other�s body; the feel of her hair sliding through his fingers, the smoothness of his skin, the curve of her hip, the hollow of his neck.
   �The stars are so beautiful tonight. You know I came out here every night while you were gone. I�d look out over the city as far as I could see into the darkness, when everything was quiet and no one was around. I knew you were out there somewhere and I thought�I thought maybe�� She let her voice trail off. �Well, anyway��

   �No. What were you going to say? You thought what?�

   �Oh, nevermind. It�s silly.� She said, waving him off.

   �No, playing drinking games with a Dwarf is silly.�

   �Playing drinkin�.What?� She shook her head in bewilderment.

   Legolas chuckled. �Nothing. Tell me. You thought what?�

   �Well�I thought maybe if I thought of you and called out to you, that somehow you would know I am here and that somehow it would keep you safe. I would fly out across the miles in my mind and imagine I could find you out in the vast wilderness, at a little campsite underneath the trees or something, and I would reach out, hoping in some small way I could comfort you.�

   Legolas could only stare at her with his mouth slightly agape. So he hadn�t imagined it. She had consciously reached out to him, and he had actually felt her presence.

   �See? Pretty silly, huh?�

   He shook himself from his thoughts. �No, no. I do not think it silly; on the contrary. I think it is a very kind and sweet gesture.�

   �Anyway, I was so anxious and restless waiting for you to return, it was the one thing that made me feel�connected to you.� She gave a quick laugh. �I even sang you to sleep one night�even though I knew you would not hear it.� She admitted sheepishly.

   �Well, I would hear it now. Sing it to me.�

   �No!� She laughed. �No way!�

   �Come now. I want to hear my song.� He jabbed her playfully in the ribs and she squirmed. �Oh? What is this?�

   He began to tickle her sides and she shrieked and roared with laughter, trying desperately to wiggle out of his grasp.

   �No! No!� She shrieked and kicked her legs. �Ah, stop!�

   �You will wake up half the city with your shrieking!�

   �Then stop tickling me!� She whined.

   �Sing me the song!� He commanded. Then, he stopped tickling her long enough for her to respond.

   �No!� She panted raggedly, so he renewed his assault, tickling her mercilessly.

   �Okay! Okay! I�ll sing it. Just stop tickling me!� She squealed.

   �Thank you.� He said, grinning smugly.
   She finally began to sing and Legolas felt like someone had stolen his breath away. It was the song he had heard that night out on the plains of Anorien. But how? She had said she felt anxious and restless which is exactly what he had felt when he tried to reach out to her in his thoughts. The fact that he actually heard the song she sang to him in his mind was further proof that they shared an emotional connection on some level. Apparently somehow they had formed the beginnings of a bond between their fe�r without a physical union. It was still very weak yet and seemed to only make itself known when strong emotions were projected, which is why he did not feel it all the time. He thought back to the emotional outbursts he experienced at the delegate�s dinner and in the garden the night before he left, which was so unlike him, and now he understood. He had been experiencing her emotions and they were amplifying his own and overwhelming his senses. Now that he knew what was happening, he would be better able to control it in the future and separate her emotions from his own. It was a blessing from the Valar and he silently thanked them for this wondrous gift. He knew it was difficult for Jordan to understand the ways of the Eldar and he also knew how emotionally taxing the day had been for her. He decided not to burden her just yet with this newfound realization.

   �Thank you, my love, for the beautiful song. A comfort it would have been indeed.� He said when she had finished.
   (To hear accompanying soundtrack, visit elvenladyofithilien dot com)
   Neither one spoke for a while; nothing needed to be said. It was enough just to be in each other�s arms and take pleasure in the closeness they now shared. Finally, Jordan spoke.

   �Legolas�when did you first realize you loved me?�

   He looked down at her contently reclining on his lap and smiled, placing a kiss on her forehead.

   �The night you were supposed to leave, I heard you return to your quarters. I did not know why you waited to leave but I had to see you one last time. I waited until you were asleep, then I came into your quarters. I looked down upon you and while you lay sleeping, my love, I realized I could not bear to live without you � it was then I knew I loved you.�
   As they looked out over the city, it took on new meaning for both of them: once a place of foreboding, shadowed by pain and lingering memories of the past, was now an icon of rebirth, joy and light. They would look upon it forevermore as the place they found their one true love. For so long, she had imagined a future without companionship, without love, and yet she had come to find it with an immortal Elf in a world that was not her own � the most unexpected and impossible turn of events imaginable. But what a chance�what a destiny�because for a heart turned cold by betrayal and pain, for a heart lost and broken, there could be no redemption except by love and it was through this love that she would learn to live again.
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Love's Redemption