Adult-FanFiction.org : Lord of the Rings

What Paths We Take	By : Mel99Moe Category: +Third Age > Het - Male/Female Views: 3261 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own any places or characters of Lord of the Rings/Tolkien. No money is being made. This is strictly for personal enjoyment.

Chapter List
- 21
- 22
- 23
Chapter 22 - The Gift

Lorien was under attack. Orcs invaded the Golden Wood late in the night. Haldir had sensed the siege before it happened and called for his brothers, Rumil and Orophin, to gather their troops and head to the borders. They were already at their posts when the Orcs broke through the outer edges of their realm. Haldir noted that the groups were small but they all seemed to congregate to the same place.

“Something much bigger is happening here.” Haldir said to his brothers. “These Orcs do not act on their own. They never have. They have been given orders and told where to invade.”

“I have seen more than common Orcs.” Rumil said. “I witnessed an Uruk Hai organizing a group of these simpletons but he himself did not join the attack. He returned to wherever it is they came from.”

Haldir looked concerned. “An Uruk Hai? Are you sure?”

“It cannot be.” said Orophin. “They were all destroyed along with Sauron. There were none left alive.”

“I know what I saw. There is no mistaking Orcs and Uruk Hai. Haldir, I think some survived and are building armies of Orcs to do their dirty work. They are planning something. I can feel it.” Rumil was determined to make his brothers listen.

Haldir creased his eyebrows. “I have felt it too. Something has changed and evil is finding a way back. I don’t think it was ever meant to be this way. The Lady Galadriel was sure it had all ended along with the destruction of the One Ring; otherwise she would not have left so soon. But the one thing I am sure of is that these armies are attacking only the forests. They know the Elves are diminishing and leaving their homes unprotected. I don’t think it is us they are after, though. They have bigger plans. It is Men they will eventually go to war with.”

Haldir turned to his brothers. “Rumil, Orophin, we must send word to Gondor of our findings. But more importantly, Mirkwood and Ithilien must be notified. If the Orcs take over either of these places, they will have a stronghold against the Elves. Our forests are the best chance we have of defeating the enemy. We are already limited in our numbers and they are using that against us.”

“I don’t understand why they attack Lorien.” Rumil interrupted. “We are furthest away from Men.”

“Yes, but our land is vast.” Haldir answered. “If they take over Lorien, they will be able to make it their headquarters and begin breeding an army big enough to attack Rohan and Gondor. Because we are so far from either of these realms, their plans will go unchecked. We must do all we can to save our home. Now, send out your best messengers. Thranduil and Legolas must be warned, especially Legolas. Ithilien is the most vulnerable and closest to Osgiliath. It is their weak point as Osgiliath is still being reconstructed. And aside from Legolas, the Ithilien Elves are least prepared for attack. We must hurry.”

~^~^~^~^~

The celebration was well underway in Minas Tirith. Eowyn and Legolas were inseparable and Arwen took notice. She had been waiting for the right moment to approach Legolas and pull him aside. She needed to speak to him about her visions. She knew he was leaving very soon to build his ship and she had to try and convince him not to.

Her opportunity finally came along when Gimli offered to take a stroll with Eowyn through the gardens.

“Well, of course.” Eowyn agreed. “I would love to accompany you for a walk this fine evening.” she said, turning to Legolas. “I’ll be back. Save a dance for me, Master Elf.”

Legolas bowed to her. “I shall.” he said as Eowyn walked off with Gimli. Then he yelled to them. “And don’t believe anything the Dwarf says about me, unless it is something good.” he laughed. He sat back down by the fire when Arwen approached him.

“Good evening Queen Arwen. It has been such a lovely evening thus far.” Legolas said, standing once more and bowing to the Queen.

“Legolas, please. We are amongst friends here. There is no need for formalities tonight.” she replied and sat in the chair next to Legolas. “So tell me, how are things in Ithilien?”

“They couldn’t be better. The forest grows more beautiful every day. My people are happy with their home. They will be there for a very long time.” Legolas smiled.

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. Are you still planning on going to the port soon?”

“I’m afraid so, Arwen. I can not change what has already begun. The sea longing is strong, even with Eowyn so close to me again. It calls to me every day and soon I will not be able to ignore it.”

Arwen was afraid of this. Was it too late to try and make him stay? She had to try. “Legolas, I need to tell you something and I hope you will consider what I’m about to ask of you.”

Legolas sensed her sudden serious mood. “What is it? What has happened?”

“I had a vision, a vision of the future if you choose to go through with your plans.” Arwen told Legolas everything she saw in her dreams. He listened intently and hung on every word.

“And you think this is why there is much activity amongst the Orcs?” Legolas asked.

“I do. It seems all our fates are changing because of this one decision.” Arwen replied. “If you leave, your father will die, leaving Mirkwood unprotected. Ithilien will be next. Then it will only be a matter of time before they attack the cities of Men.”

Legolas starred into the fire. “I don’t understand. I am but one Elf. How could the world change because of me?”

Arwen knew it was time to tell him what she knew about him, what she had learned as a child. “I know more about you then you think, Legolas Thranduilion, and there are some things you need to know. But first, tell me, have you had any visions of your own?”

Legolas thought for a moment. How could she have known? “Well, yes. But I’m not so sure it’s a vision as it seems more like a dream.”

Arwen sat next to Legolas, waiting for him to continue. When he did not, she took his hand. Her touch helped her to see into Legolas’ mind and he finally opened up to her.

“There is a child, a girl. For some reason, I am drawn to her. I feel a need to protect her. But I know not who she is or who’s child she is. Like I said, it seems more like a dream then anything.”

Arwen was reminded of the dreams Eowyn had told her of, about a blue eyed, blond haired child. “What does this child look like?”

“I can see her very vividly. She has eyes like the sky and hair the color of wheat.” Legolas said and Arwen sat back in her chair. “What does this mean, Arwen?” he asked when he saw her expression.

“It is time I told you of your destiny. When I was a child, I overheard my father speaking to Galadriel. She had foreseen the War of the Ring, but especially the forming of the fellowship. She knew you were to join them but knew Elrond would not let you go, by orders from your father. Thranduil has been overly protective of you with good reason. You already know that it is you which keeps him bound to the earth since the death of your mother. Elrond was fully aware of this, which is why he would have denied your request to represent the Elves on that perilous journey. But it was a risk worth taking since Galadriel knew your true path began with the joining of the fellowship. Only the Valar knew your true purpose and it remains that way even now.”

Legolas was shocked to hear this. “The Valar? What are you saying?”

Arwen smiled. “Legolas, you are a chosen one and from what I understand, a chosen Elf is meant to sire a child of great importance. I believe you have seen a vision of your own daughter.”

Legolas creased his brow. “My child? But I am not bound to anyone. How can this be?”

“You are bound to Eowyn, are you not?”

“Well not completely. We never had a proper binding. Besides, it is forbidden between…”

“You gave her your heart didn’t you?”

“Completely.” Legolas said.

“That was enough. You are bound to her.”

“I don’t understand. If I am bound to her then why do I fade?” Legolas asked, confused.

“Because she is human. An Elf can never be truly bond to a human the same way they would bond to another Elf. Eowyn’s love is enough to keep you on this earth as long as she lives.”

“Then why do I feel the effects of fading already, even when she is near?”

“You suffer from the sea longing. It accelerates the process. Had you not heard the gulls cry, you would not be experiencing the feel of fading. This was why Galadriel warned you of the sea. But you chose to stay true to the fellowship and so the sea longing was inevitable.” Arwen stopped a moment to give Legolas a chance to absorb this information. “Please Legolas; do not build your ship just yet. You must follow your path to its end.”

“I must stay and find the Elf who is to bare my child. Am I being given a second chance to fall in love then, for as you know, my heart already belongs to Eowyn?” Legolas said, unable to see himself loving anyone but her.

“My dear Legolas, Eowyn is your hearts desire. You will not love another besides her; therefore she must be the bearer of your child. The Valar knew you would fall for this mortal woman and have made allowances for both of you to be together.”

“Eowyn was meant to be with Faramir. She still loves him. She told me of the feelings she still has for him. How is it she is the one who will carry my child if she is to be with Faramir?” Legolas said, utterly bewildered by now.

“I’m not sure I have an answer for that. I can still envision her with Faramir also. But one thing I know for sure is that she loves you both. You are all connected in some way and that is still to be shown. Maybe you have not given your ultimate sacrifice yet.” Arwen tried to comfort him.

“I have given up my immortality. What more is there to sacrifice?” he said.

Suddenly it made sense to Arwen. His ultimate sacrifice was not his life. “It is the child.” she whispered as if thinking out loud.

“The child?” Legolas asked. His mind could not wrap around this situation quite yet. “The child is my atonement?”

“You are to give Eowyn the child she could not have with Faramir. Galadriel said you were to heal someone with your love and there is no greater love than that of a child. You will heal Eowyn with this gift.”

“Then what is the sacrifice? Nothing would please me more than to have a child with her.”

Arwen thought a moment. “The only thing stronger than love is the sea longing.”

Legolas got up and walked over to the fire. He hung his head as he realized what was to happen to him. “I will not be here long enough to see her grow up, will I? That is the penance I must pay. I will only be allowed to stay long enough to defeat the evil uprising. Then I will have to leave and follow the sea. My father will finally be allowed to step down and take his final rest. Eowyn will no longer be burdened by our bond and she will once again seek the love she still has for Faramir. He will be the one to raise my child. He will get his wish. Is this what is to happen, Arwen?”

“It seems like this is your true path after all. But you must remember, only the Valar knows what lies before us and they work in mysterious ways.”

Legolas turned to her. If she didn’t know any better, she’d say she saw a tear in his eye. “I don’t know if I can do this, Arwen. I have always wanted a child of my own but knew I was the last of my kind. Now I have the opportunity to create a life but I will not be allowed to be a part of it. It all seems quite cruel at the moment, yet it is the most unselfish act one could perform; the ultimate sacrifice.”

Arwen stood up and went to Legolas, laying a hand on his arm. “I will leave you to ponder your thoughts. I don’t think you should say anything to Eowyn just yet, not until you have come to a decision. Take some time to think about this, Legolas. May the Valar guide you. Listen to the wind. It is how they will speak to you.”

“Thank you Arwen. I’m glad we talked.” Legolas bowed to her and watched her walk away, leaving him by the fire to contemplate this new awareness. Life had just become a lot more confusing. What would he do now? Which way would he turn? Would he take this course the Valar seemed to lay before him?

~^~^~^~^~

Eowyn and Gimli were walking through the gardens, enjoying the sights and smells. They sat down on a bench under a tree. Gimli had been telling her of the adventures he’d had with Legolas but now he sat silent.

“So, what are your plans now, Gimli?” Eowyn asked, trying to start up another conversation.

Gimli did not answer right away, as if he had not heard her. He was looking down at his hands and finally spoke. “Eowyn, do you know how much the Elf loves you?”

This was unexpected but Eowyn answered him. “Of course I do. And I still hold a special love for him also but I do not think we will be anything but friends from here on out.”

“And you know of his sea longing?” Gimli asked, still looking down.

“I have seen it. I know he plans to go off soon to build his ship, though I will admit, I wish he would not. Do you still plan on joining him?”

“I made my Elf friend a promise and I will not break it. However, I can not help but feel he is being too hasty in his decision to sail. He is very young for an Elf and I feel there are more things I must do here on earth before I leave with him. It is you he stays for. He would have left much sooner if you were… well… if you were still with Faramir.” Gimli was uncomfortable bringing up such a sore subject.

“And you think if Legolas and I were a couple again, he would stay and put off his leaving until the end of my days.” Eowyn answered for him. Gimli looked away from her, embarrassed to even be thinking such a selfish act. Eowyn put her hand on his. “It is alright, Gimli. That same thought crosses my mind every day but I would be keeping him here for myself. Legolas suffers from the longing and I know how much he wants to see Valinor before he fades. I can not be the one to stop him from his dreams and neither should you. The day Legolas sails away will be the saddest day I think I will ever experience in my lifetime, even more so than losing Faramir, but it is one I must endure.”

Gimli looked up at her. “You still love him… Faramir, I mean.” It was more of a statement than a question.

“I do, Gimli. I love them both very much but it seems I was not destined to be with either one. That is why I must leave. I am returning to my home in Rohan soon. It is time to start a new life. If I stay, Legolas will be slow in building his ship. And it tortures me to know Faramir is so close yet I never see him. It will be good for all of us if I leave.” Eowyn saw the despair in Gimli’s eyes. “Now don’t you worry, Master Dwarf. I will be fine and I hope you will come visit me for I do look forward to your stories. You are quite the bard.”

Gimli was blushing behind that thick beard but Eowyn couldn’t tell. “I will, Lady Eowyn, I will visit every chance I get.”

They got up and went back inside. Eowyn found Legolas and he led her to the dance floor. She noticed a look in his eye but could not quite put her finger on it. He seemed different but in a good way; more content.

“I can not hold off any longer. It is time for us to redeem the dance we are owed.” Legolas said.

“Is everything alright, Legolas?” Eowyn asked as they started their dance. “You seem distracted.”

“I am fine. I just had a long talk with Arwen. She has helped me to sort out a few things that have been plaguing my mind as of late. It’s nothing to worry about.” he said and quickly dropped the subject.

Eowyn figured he was talking about dealing with his longing and didn’t question him anymore. They enjoyed the rest of their evening as did everyone else. They decided to spend the night in the city and head back to Ithilien in the morning.

When the party died down, Legolas walked Eowyn to her room. It had been a long day and they were both very tired. Now they stood just outside her door.

“I had a lovely evening, Legolas.” she said looking into those beautiful eyes. There was something there that looked so familiar. “Would you care to come in a minute?”

He knew he should not be alone with her in her room but the offer was not so easy to turn down. “Maybe just for a minute. I know you are tired and I shall not keep you too long.”

“I am never too tired for you.” she said and he felt a heat begin to grow deep within.

They entered her guest quarters and Legolas instantly started a fire for her. He knew she would be chilled though he did not feel the effects of the cold. Eowyn got a kettle and heated some water. “Care for some tea to help ease your mind?”

“I already feel more at ease just having you near.” he replied. Now it was Eowyn’s turn to feel the heat, and not from the fire. She looked back over her shoulder to where Legolas stood. He was still the most beautiful creature she’d ever seen. Why did they have to remain just friends? Why couldn’t she let herself go and be with him again? If she let herself go with him, she would want to hang onto him forever and he would never leave to follow his dreams.

Legolas made himself at home and sat down on the rugs near the fire. Eowyn brought over two cups and poured the tea, handing one to Legolas.

“Please, will you join me by the fire?” Legolas said gesturing for her to sit by him on the rugs. He held out his hand to her and helped her down to the floor. He noticed her hair’s golden glow as the light of the fire danced off her long wavy tresses. He smiled as a memory came to him.

“And what are you smiling about?” she said.

“Seeing you by the fire reminds me of the first time I met you in Rohan. You were standing by the fire and the light shown in your hair. You wore a heavy dark green dress and a look of despair. Your mind was burdened with the coming of war.”

“And you offered to lend me your ear saying you were a good listener if I needed to talk. I remember as if it were yesterday.” Eowyn smiled. “It was the beginning of a wonderful friendship. You helped me through those dark days.”

Legolas thought about what she said. Had he always healed her, even then, before he knew her so well? “I was glad to be of service to you.” he said, watching her as she gazed into the fire. Could he truly help heal her again?

Eowyn looked to where Legolas sat. He seemed preoccupied. What was he thinking, she wondered? “Did you know back then that we would end up as more than friends?”

Legolas smiled. “I hoped we would, though in the back of my mind I knew it was forbidden. I had never done anything like that before. I have always been a strict follower of Elven laws. But there was something different about you. I was instantly drawn to you.”

“You were the first Elf I had ever seen.” Eowyn went on. “I had heard stories of the attraction humans felt toward the Firstborn and I was determined not to let my fascination show. I’ll admit it was hard to turn away from you at first glance.”

“You were very stern.” Legolas laughed. “I myself had not met many human women and I thought you possessed a quality I had never known existed among females. Then I watched you practice with your blade. I knew you were not like any woman in Middle Earth. You had the heart of a warrior and I must admit how attractive that made you.”

“So you are saying you were enticed by my rough skills? You are not much different than a man in that way. What is it about a woman being in charge that attracts males whether they are human or elf-kind?” she asked.

Legolas moved over closer to her until they were facing each other with their knees touching. “So often it is the male who approaches the female. When we are faced with a challenge, it makes things much more exciting.” he said gazing into her eyes.

“So I was a challenge to you then?” she said, testing him, trying to get him flustered.

“Well, I didn’t mean it like that. You are very headstrong and…”

“Oh, so I was untamed and you were just the one to conquer my wild ways?”

“Now you are putting words in my mouth. I just meant that… oh never mind.” he was upset that he could not explain his meaning.

Eowyn laughed. “You are so handsome when you are agitated.”

Legolas could not help himself and he leaned forward and kissed her to stop her laughing at his expense. Now she would see who was in charge.

She had not kissed him in a very long time. It felt so good to have his lips pressing against hers again. This is why she did not back away and let the kiss happen. It was very innocent, just lips touching lips but she knew it could quickly turn into so much more.

Legolas sat back and looked at Eowyn. He smiled at her. “That was nice.”

“Yes.” she whispered. It seemed she had lost her voice.

They gazed into each others eyes. Eowyn was more intense with her look and Legolas noticed.

“What do you see?” he asked.

“I’m not quite sure. It’s like I have seen these eyes before but not on you, someone else.” Eowyn had to force herself to turn away.

Legolas had finished his tea. “Maybe I should go now. You need your sleep.”

Eowyn really didn’t want him to leave. “Legolas, would you stay with me tonight? I mean, as friends? Please? I don’t feel like being alone tonight.”

Legolas wanted nothing more than to spend the night with her, wishing it would be more than a friendly sleepover. He kept his feelings in check. “If you insist.”

Eowyn went behind the room divider and changed into her nightgown. When she walked out, Legolas’ heart skipped a beat. She was beautiful, no matter what she wore. He watched as she slipped into her bed. Legolas walked over to her and kissed her on the forehead. “Goodnight my fair Eowyn.”

“Goodnight, Legolas.” she answered laying her hand to the side of his face. Legolas closed his eyes and kissed the palm of her hand. Then he walked over to the divan on the other side of her room.

Eowyn peeked out from under the covers to watch Legolas undress. He undid the clasps of his tunic and pulled it off of his shoulders. Next, he released the mithril buttons of his silver undershirt and took it off. His bare chest shown in the moonlight. She longed to rub her hands along the rippled muscles of his lean body. She watched as he sat and reached down to take off his boots. Her heart beat as she secretly hoped he would take off his leggings too, but he would not be sleeping in the nude this night. The leggings stayed on and he lay down on the divan, starring at the ceiling. It seemed such a shame to have this perfect being in her room but not in her bed. If only she could experience him one more time before he left.

Eowyn slowly closed her eyes with thoughts of Legolas’ naked body lying next to her. It was just wishful thinking though. She drifted off to sleep and visions of Legolas filled her unconscious mind.

~^~^~^~^~

Later, Legolas was brought out of his reverie by sounds of crying and moaning. He got up and went to Eowyn’s bedside. She was tossing and turning, clearly having some sort of dream. Her face seemed distressed. He watched her as she struggled with her dream.

“No. No, please don’t go. Don’t leave me alone.” she cried. Legolas wondered who she begged to stay, him or Faramir. She seemed to be settling down a bit so he turned to go back to his resting place. Suddenly she began yelling. “The light. It’s leaving. No. No, someone please help. Come back. I can’t lose it. Come… back!”

The Elf ran to her side. She was thrashing around in her bed. Legolas laid a hand on her forehead and spoke elvish words to calm her. She immediately reacted to his touch and calmed. Slowly, Eowyn opened her eyes to find Legolas’ handsome face looking back at her. She began crying, the dream still fresh in her mind. Legolas crawled into bed with her and held her in his arms while she let her emotions run out.

“Are you feeling better now?” he asked after she had calmed a bit.

“Yes. I’m glad you were here with me this time.” she said, wiping the tears from her cheeks.

“You have had this dream before?”

“Many times. And each time it seems more real to me. I just don’t know what it means.”

“Tell me about this dream, Eowyn. What is this light you speak of?” Legolas asked as he stroked her arm.

“I am utterly alone. Every one I ever loved or cared for is gone. I feel deep despair and nothingness. But then there is this light, a little floating light as bright as your elven stars. It floats around me and fills me with hope. A feeling of love emanates from this light and it washes over me like a great wave. It’s a love like none I’ve ever felt before. I reach out for it, feeling like I need to embrace it somehow. But when I do, the light floats up to where I can not reach it. Then, suddenly it shoots off and disappears, leaving me in darkness. I am alone again and this time it is forever.” Eowyn began to cry again.

“You are not alone. I am here now. It is alright, meleth.” Legolas could not help but call her by that endearment. He laid gentle kisses on her face, trying to calm her. Eowyn turned her head and caught one of his kisses on her lips.

They kissed innocently at first but it soon became more sensual. Their tongues slipped out and began caressing each other. Eowyn turned onto her side so she was facing him as they lay in her bed. She brought her hand up and laid it on his naked chest. His skin felt so warm and smooth to her touch. She wanted him badly, had wanted him for some time now.

Legolas was losing himself to her touch. He wished to feel her naked skin against his chest. His hand rested on the side of her face letting the softness of her hair brush against the back of his hand. Her kiss was giving him such strength and life he had not felt in some time. It was good to feel so alive again. If only he could stay like this forever.

Eowyn let go of his lips and looked deep into his eyes again. They were dark with desire, no longer blue like the sky. She had seen this look many times before and knew where it would lead to if she did not stop this. But she didn’t want it to stop. All those months of innocent flirting had led to this moment of passion. Her body was yearning for him. Her soul was calling out to his and she saw the answer in his eyes. He wanted her just as badly. She just wanted to let go and let this love happen, throwing all caution to the wind.

But she couldn’t. Her conscience wouldn’t let her continue. She’d never forgive herself if she prevented him from following his path. He was not meant to stay and if they did this now, he would never leave.

Legolas started kissing and nibbling on her neck but noticed when her body stiffened. He stopped and looked at her again. The passion he’d sensed a moment ago was now replaced by constraint. He felt like the wind had been knocked out of him. She was right, of course. They should not have let things get this far.

“I’m sorry, Legolas, but we shouldn’t. We have made our paths and they do not travel together. I’m afraid if we let this happen, we will never get back on course. We’ll be stuck here forever.”

Legolas knew she was right. “And would that be such a bad thing?” he smiled.

“I want nothing more than to be stuck in forever with you. But your sea longing will overcome you. I will still lose you. At least this way you will see your precious Valinor before you fade.” she said.

Suddenly, Legolas remembered Arwen’s words about his true path. He could cure her of her fears of loneliness but could he leave this world and his child behind? He had not given it much thought yet.

Legolas sat up and looked at Eowyn, brushing a strand of hair from her face. He smiled down at her then kissed her forehead. “Get some rest. The sun will be rising soon and we have a long day ahead of us.” Leaving her side was hard to do. He walked to where he put his clothes and got dressed. He went to the door and turned the knob. But before he left, he glanced over his shoulder to look upon her beauty once more. “Will you be alright?” he asked.

“Yes.” she whispered, wishing he would not leave but knowing it was for the best.

“I won’t be far if you should need me again.” Legolas said and left her room. He closed the door behind him and stood there a moment. It took every ounce of will power not to run back to her. He could still feel his soul reaching out for hers and he realized just how closely bonded they were.

He went outside and spent the rest of the evening contemplating over his choice to give her a child. Arwen’s words kept coming to the front of his mind. ‘A chosen one is to sire a child of great importance.’ It seemed like he had no other choice. He wondered what this life would do for the world. Would he ever know? What would happen if his daughter was never born?

The wind blew, rustling the leaves in a nearby tree. Legolas closed his eyes and listened. He missed his forest home. The wind blew again and he concentrated on the sound.

“She will shape the world of men, bringing the goodness and hope of the Elves with her, instilling it within their minds for many generations.” said the voice on the wind.

“Then it was meant to be.” Legolas answered. The Valar had spoken just as Arwen said they would. He looked out into the distance and another thought came to him. The light, Eowyn’s dream, was not just a dream but a vision. This light was a soul not yet placed in a body.

“My child’s soul.” he whispered to himself. “She comes to Eowyn in a dream. I will heal her with this child. I will heal her fear of loneliness. A part of me will be left with her after I fade. I know what I must do then.”

Legolas ran back inside and went to Eowyn’s room. He slowly opened the door and entered, walking to her bedside. She was asleep now, deep in her slumber. He took off all his clothes and crawled into bed beside her. She didn’t stir. He whispered his love for her into her ear. She moaned and turned to face him, eyes still closed.

“You came back.” she said fluttering her eyes open. “I wanted this, Legolas, but was afraid it would change your course.”

“Eowyn” he whispered, looking into her beautiful eyes. “What if I told you I could heal you, keep these bad dreams from ever returning, and keep you from ever feeling loneliness again?”

“What? But how? You are leaving. You cannot stay.” she said, now sitting up in bed.

“You are right. I cannot stay, though I am putting off building my ship. There is one last task for me to complete before I can leave. That is not important now. What I have to offer you is a gift.” he said taking her hand.

“A gift? I don’t understand.”

“I know of your vision about the light but tell me, have there been others you see over and over?”

“There is one but I doubt it is a vision.” she said.

“What is it about?” he asked, hoping he would be correct in his assumptions.

“I have seen a child. She seems very familiar to me.” Eowyn said, remembering.

Legolas smiled at the mention of the word ‘she’. “It is a girl then?”

“Yes. She has beautiful blonde wavy hair and…”

Legolas interrupted. “And her eyes?” he said. He put his fingers to Eowyn’s chin, forcing her to look into his eyes.

Suddenly, Eowyn recognized the familiarity. “They are like yours, an exact copy.”

“My gift, Eowyn. She is my gift to you should you accept it.” He leaned in and kissed her.

“The child?” she said confused.

“Our daughter. There is something I need to tell you, something Arwen brought to my attention earlier, at the party.” Legolas proceeded to tell Eowyn everything he had discussed with Arwen; being a chosen one, his healing powers, siring a child of importance, everything he knew for sure.

“Let me give you this gift and you will never be alone again. With this child, a part of me will live on. You have only to look in her eyes and you will find me there.”

“But won’t you stay, Legolas? Stay and we will raise her together.” Eowyn hoped he’d say yes.

“I cannot. It is too late for me, even with the birth of this baby. I have heard the call of the sea. It will never leave me alone.”

Eowyn searched his face for some other answer but there was none. This was what would happen. But she also saw contentment in his gaze. She could see how badly he wanted this for her. He could leave this earth knowing she would be happy, never fearing loneliness again. She thought of her dream, the light and the love she felt. It was a child’s love, her and Legolas’ child. Somehow, it made sense to Eowyn. She held Legolas’ face in her hands and kissed him. “Your gift to me is a child, but my gift for you is the satisfaction of knowing I will never be alone for the rest of my days.”

“You have made me so happy, meleth nin.” Legolas said and he kissed her fully with no reserves. “Do you, Eowyn, give your consent for conception?” he asked, commencing the elvish ritual.

She remained silent a moment as she remembered her vision. ‘You must agree and give your consent to him. He is the chosen one. It is your destiny to accept his gift.’ She smiled to Legolas. “Yes. I accept this most precious gift, my prince.” she said, kissing him again.

“As do I.” Legolas smiled. “May the Valar bless this knew life we are about to create.”

He wasted no time getting her out of her nightgown. She lay naked on the bed, waiting for him. Legolas kissed and sucked her breasts. She moaned when she felt his hot breath on her skin. His tongue traveled up the side of her neck, back to her mouth. Eowyn brought her hand up and caressed his ear, relishing the feel of its uniqueness, knowing just what such ministrations would do to him.

Legolas was on fire. He nudged her legs apart with his knee. She did not need much coaxing. He lowered his body onto hers, resting his arousal just outside her entrance. He looked into her eyes once more. “You are sure this is what you want, meleth nin? Once we start, there will be no turning back.”

“For once in my life I have never been so sure of anything I’ve ever wanted more. I love you, Legolas. I will always love you no matter where you are.” she said.

“Oh meleth.” Legolas said as he slid into her body. For so long had he dreamed of this moment, being back inside her warmth. This time he would leave her with more than a memory. He made love to her for more than satisfaction. This time there was a purpose. His desire built with every thrust. Her moans spurred him on to fulfill his duty.

Eowyn matched his thrusts, letting him completely fill her each time. He knew just how to move within her, making her heat rise more and more until she thought she would scream. “You are magnificent, Legolas.” she whispered in his ear.

Legolas quickened his rhythm as he felt the fire building deep within him. Eowyn was writhing beneath him as he was moving across her body. He slowed his movements and looked deep into her eyes. “Are you ready, meleth nin? I am very close.”

“Yes, I’m ready. Fill me with your love and your life.” she panted, teetering on the brink of satisfaction.

“I love you, Eowyn.” he said commencing his thrusts once again. He did so now with his mind set for conception.

Eowyn was quickly losing all control of her body. Every nerve tingled, every hair stood on end. She felt the heaviness of her body slip away and the airiness of her soul come forth. She opened her eyes and saw Legolas as never before. He glowed with some inner light which separated from his earthbound body. He was truly a thing of perfect beauty. He was pouring every ounce of love he had for her into this one moment. Her senses were heightened. She felt every movement he made as her climax rose from deep within.

Legolas was experiencing something similar. He had never felt anything like it before and as his climax approached and his rhythm increased, he uttered the most beautiful elvish words Eowyn had ever heard. They rolled off his tongue like silk, each one seemingly connected to the one before it.

“Open your eyes, meleth nin. Look deep and see the purity of the Elves. We must make the connection for this to work.”

Eowyn looked and saw his blue eyes. She looked deeper, through the blue of his iris, through the black of his pupils and there she saw a small glimmer, like a star. “I see something, a light.”

“Don’t turn away. Look into my eyes.” he said still maintaining his rhythm. “Oh, meleth nin, I am so close now.”

“Yes Legolas, don’t stop.” she panted, balancing on the edge of complete satisfaction. She remained fixed on the light in his eyes, all the while feeling her climax build to an overwhelming level.

Suddenly, Legolas cried out in elvish and the light that seemed so small and distant suddenly grew big and bright. It seemed to burst forth from him and enter into Eowyn. At the same moment, they both reached the ultimate climax either one had ever experienced. Eowyn cried his name aloud at the moment of her satisfaction. Legolas felt his seed pour into her willing body and shouted many elvish endearments. This extreme perception lasted longer than what seemed normal. Their bodies had become one as their souls did also. Then Eowyn felt something wash over her. She could feel her body change instantly; like she was welcoming in such love and joy she’d never known before. There was no mistake what it was. She had conceived.

When they recuperated a bit, she spoke. “I feel it, Legolas. I feel your love buried deep within my womb. It is the same sensation I had in my dreams, when I looked at the floating light. There is a warmth within. Am I with child?”

Legolas looked down at her with a grin that stretched from ear to ear. “Yes, meleth. Life begins within you now. She is here.” he said, laying a hand on her abdomen. He slowly slid from her body and moved down so that his head rested where his hand had just been. “Eowyn, I give you this child, freely. Raise her as your own as you see fit. Make sure she knows her true origin. She will be like Elrond’s children, a Peredhil and will one day have to choose to live life as a mortal or an Elf. This she must decide on her own with no influence from anyone. She will know what is right for her.” He moved up to lie along side Eowyn and kissed her once more. “As for her destined path, I do not know what is in store for her. Only the Valar know her true purpose. Whatever it is, it must be very important.”

Eowyn looked at him and saw relief on his countenance. “Thank you for loving me so much as to give me a gift such as this. Once again you have made a sacrifice on my behalf. I almost don’t feel worthy of your affection as I have nothing to offer in return except a promise to give this child the life I could only have dreamed of. She will be raised in the world of men but I will make sure she has an adept understanding of elvish culture. I only wish you could be here to see her grow.”

Legolas smiled. “I wish that too, meleth. But I promise not to leave before her birth. I want to look upon her at least once before I sail to the West.” he said. He wrapped his arms around her and sang a song in his native tongue, an elvish lullaby, he said. He taught Eowyn the words that night so that she could sing it to their daughter. Later, as Eowyn learned his language, she would learn it was not a lullaby at all but a love story, their story; of an Elven Prince and a Shieldmaiden who’s love would never die.
- 21
- 22
- 23
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

What Paths We Take