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
- 23
- 24
- 25
Hello all. I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays! I am sorry about the long delay in between chapters...again. 2008 was not a good year for my health. I battled pneumonia for a long while and then a ferocious winter storm hit us and I was trapped in my home with my family, and then the holidays were upon us and well...you know how it goes. On a side note, if you have visited my website lately, you�ll have noticed some changes. The first is I am now using the name Saoirse (pronounced seer-sha) Lochlann. I wanted an actual name to bring a little bit more legitimacy to my writing. Elven Lady of Ithilien was only my �user� name and was never meant to be my �author� name, but it stuck. The website address and my user name on FF.net will stay the same. The second is, I have revamped the website, giving it a more updated look and more user-friendly menus as well as an all new gallery and slide show. So go and check it out! Also for those who are just catching up, there are now two books on the table. As this story is a trilogy, the first book, Love�s Redemption, is now complete. The second book, Love�s Awakening, is well underway. Enjoy!
Excerpt from chapter 1...
  �Jordan, this is Gimli, a very good friend of mine. Gimli, may I introduce Jordan.�

  �Hello, Gimli. It�s nice to meet you.� She said politely, extending her hand. Gimli grasped it with his rough, pudgy fingers but did not shake it; instead, he brought it to his lips and kissed it, the coarse hairs of his beard tickling her skin. With a nod of his head and a slight bow, he said, �My lady, it is an honor to meet you.�

  �Do you live here in Minas Tirith?� Jordan asked.

  �Ah, no. My home lies to the west underneath the White Mountains in the Glittering Caves.�

  Jordan raised an eyebrow. �Glittering caves? Sounds fascinating.�

  �Aye, lassie. One of the most beautiful sites you would ever hope to lay eyes on!� Gimli replied enthusiastically.

  �Wow! Well, maybe we will have to visit you sometime.�

  �It would be a privilege.�

  �So what brings you to Minas Tirith?�

  �Why the celebration, of course!�

  Jordan looked at Legolas �Celebration? What celebration?�

  �My love, there has been a change of plans.�
Chapter 2 � What Is and What Shall Never Be

Minas Tirith

Late September, year four of the Fourth Age
  �Cormar�? What is that?�

  �Also known as Ringday in the common speech. It is a day set aside to honor Frodo Baggins, the Hobbit who destroyed the ring of power. However, this is a leap year. Two days are added to the calendar right before Ringday making it a three-day celebration.�

  �Will there be any Hobbits here?� She asked Legolas. She had yet to encounter a Hobbit so far since coming to Middle-earth and was excited about the prospect.

  �I would not think so, no. The Shire is a rather long ways off.�

  �Oh.� She said disappointedly. �You were one of Frodo�s companions, right? One of the Fellowship?�

  Legolas glanced at Gimli uneasily. �Yes. As was Gimli.�

  �You were in it too?� She asked Gimli curiously.

  �Aye lassie, and together, Legolas and I battered down our enemies like waves breaking upon the shore! Cut through seas of Orcs like a hot blade through mutton fat!� He exclaimed, his booming voice rising to a thunderous pitch. �We were unstoppable! Why we even had a competition to...�

  �Gimli...� Legolas gave him a look of warning.

  �Right.� Gimli grinned. �So...How did you two meet?�

  They talked for a few hours longer, with Jordan telling Gimli their carefully rehearsed story about her journey to Minas Tirith to live with her relatives after the death of her parents, her unpreparedness and subsequent injury, and Legolas rescuing her from the Gondorian soldiers. However, the hour of the dinner party was nearing so Gimli bid them farewell and left to get ready.
  Once Gimli was gone, Jordan turned to Legolas and asked, �Why don�t you ever talk about it?�

  �Talk about what?�

  �The war. Your part in the Fellowship.�

  �I have never felt the need. Let the past remain as such, I say. You know what resulted from it. That is the most important thing.�

  �Yes, but it is a part of who you are! I have come to love you but I know so little about your past. How can I hope to understand you better if I don�t know what you went through?�

  �Jordan, war is seldom a pleasant subject. I know how uneasy talk of battle makes you.�

  �But surely there was some good too! I mean, your side won, right? Evil was defeated. You do not have to tell me every gruesome detail, only some of your experiences. How you came to be involved. Places you�ve seen, people you�ve met�like Gimli. He is your friend and yet I�ve never heard you speak of him until today.�

  Legolas sighed heavily and took Jordan�s hands in his. �Forgive me, love. I do not seek to hide my past from you, I only wished to spare you from the darkness. Very well. One day we will sit down and I will tell everything you want to know, but not now. Now, we must get ready for supper at Aragorn�s.�

  �Who else will be there?�

  �Faramir and Eowyn, Eomer, Gimli of course, and Gandalf, whom you have yet to meet.�

  �Gandalf...� She thought for a moment. �Long white hair and beard?�
  Legolas nodded. �I have met him. He helped me settle a dispute with a rather unsavory merchant at the market a while back.�

  �Dispute? What sort of dispute?�

  �He made the mistake in thinking I was a simple-minded woman who would not question his blatant overpricing or intimidation tactics. When I told him I was no longer interested a dress he was selling, he insisted I trade him my pendant for the dress, which I also refused, so he grabbed it. He would not let go, so I pulled away and the chain broke with my pendant still in his hand.�

  �You did not tell me of this!� Legolas said. �Did he try to harm you? Who is this man? I will see that he is thrown from the walls of the city!�

  �No, no. Calm down Legolas. I don�t think he would have tried anything with so many people around. The worst that could�ve happened is that I would have lost my pendant but Gandalf stepped in and made him return it. He also made him give me the dress for the two gold pieces I had.� Jordan then laughed. �You should�ve seen the look on the guy�s face! He was quite humble after that!�

  �Well, it was fortunate that Gandalf was there to assist you. I know how much that pendant means to you.�

  �I don�t know if �fortunate� would be the word. He knows Legolas! He knows my secret. He saw the inscription on the pendant. He started asking me all these questions�like if there were more of my kind in Middle-earth. I think I might have offended him. I told him, rather abruptly, I did not care to discuss it with him any further. I didn�t know if I could trust him. He already knew too much.�

  �It is good that you are cautious, but I would entrust my life to Gandalf. Your secret is safe with him.�

  �Is he really what he says he is? One of the Mai...Mayan...oh, you know what I mean.�

  �One of the Maiar, yes. A servant and helper of the Valar. Then he was known as Olorin. He was one of four Maiar sent to help the free peoples of Middle-earth oppose Sauron and they became know as Istari, or wizards.�

  �You certainly have an interesting assortment of friends�kings, queens, Dwarves, wizards, Hobbits.�

  �Yes, well, unusual am I considered since Elves tend to keep to their own kind, but it suits me.� Then Legolas stopped and sniffed the air. �There it is again.�

  �There is what?�

  �A strange sweet scent about the room that seems to come and go. I cannot place it.�

  Jordan laughed and walked closer to Legolas, holding her arm up to his nose. �Is this what you smell?�

  Legolas� eyes lit up. �Yes!� He grabbed her arm and inhaled the scent deeply, closing his eyes in bliss. He opened them again, piercing blue eyes staring into hers intently. �I must know what it is! I have never smelled anything like it!�

  �It�s my lotion I brought with me from home. I forgot I had it, actually. I found it in the inside pocket of my bag while I was packing.�
She walked over, retrieved the tube from her bag, and handed it to Legolas. He looked at it strangely and turned it over in his hand, examining it. Then he began to squeeze it and bend it back and forth.

  �What manner of material is this that looks like glass but is as pliant as a reed?�

  �Plastic.� She said matter-of-factly.

  �Plastic? I have never heard of it.� He turned the tube this way and that and then shook it. �It is watertight, yes?�

  �Yes.�

  �Can you make this?� He asked, holding the tube out.

  �You mean plastic or the lotion?�

  �The plastic.�

  �No. Actually, neither can I make the lotion. Once it�s gone, it�s gone.�

  �Oh.� He said disappointedly. �I could think of a hundred uses for a container such as this.�

  �Yes, it is useful...and convenient. It is used extensively in my world, but there is one huge drawback: it is hard to dispose of. It doesn�t decompose and if you burn it, it releases toxic fumes. Sometimes, it can be melted down and reused, but it is a difficult process. It has become quite a problem. I think your world may be better off without it.� She took the tube from him, unscrewed the cap, and squeezed a bit of the lotion onto his fingers. �It�s called �Shedonism�. It�s a tropical scent.�

  Legolas rubbed the lotion between his fingers releasing the scent into the air. �Tropical?�

  �Yeah, you know, palm trees, warm sandy beaches?�

  Legolas shrugged and shook his head.

  �That�s a shame. Anyway, it�s made with essential oils of coconut and tiar� blossoms, both of which are indigenous to tropical regions.�

  He took hold of her arm again and with his nose just millimeters from her skin, followed the scent up to the crook of her neck.

  �You smell good enough to eat.� He purred. Jordan�s laugh quickly turned to a sigh as he began to nuzzle her neck. He then turned his attention to her lips. �I remember I promised I would taste your lips again and I plan to make good on that promise.�
He captured her mouth, kissing her deeply, his tongue once again grazing across her lip before thrusting back into to her waiting mouth. She felt his hands kneading her back as he pulled her closer to him. In response, she ran her hands over his broad shoulders, up the sides of his neck, until they came to cradle his face.

  �I thought we were supposed to get ready for the party.� She tried to say, half of her words muffled by Legolas� lips covering hers.

  Legolas rested his forehead against hers and sighed. �Yes we must...but later, we will continue where we left off...perhaps in a secluded corner of the royal courtyard?�

  �Sneaking off into a dark corner and kissing like a couple of lovesick teenagers? Quite unbecoming an Elven prince, wouldn�t you say?� She teased.

  �Not if no one knows.� He answered with a mischievous grin.
~~~~~
  The sun had already sunk behind the White Mountains when Legolas and Jordan arrived at the gate to Aragorn and Arwen�s private residence. They were joined there by Gimli and the three of them were ushered through the gate by the guards and instructed to meet their hosts in the dining hall. They passed through the courtyard, the foliage now transformed by the fiery hues of autumn set against the rosy backdrop of the coming dusk Torches dotted the courtyard with shimmering lights that danced and mingled with the growing shadows.

  Jordan leaned into Legolas and whispered, �I wish I had a courtyard like this.�

  He simply smiled and patted her arm, which was now intertwined with his.
  Aragorn was seated at the head of the long table with Arwen to his right, then Eowyn and Faramir, and to his left Gandalf and Eomer. As Legolas and Jordan entered the dining hall arm-in-arm, they were greeted by curious looks from both Aragorn and Arwen, no doubt unaware that they had reconciled. Conversely, Gandalf hid his astonishment well behind a pleasant visage to see Legolas together with the foreign woman from the market. By their mannerisms, Gandalf had a good guess as to the nature of their association and he groaned inwardly knowing this would only complicate matters. He would have to speak with Legolas soon.
  All eyes were upon them as Legolas guided Jordan to the two empty seats next to Eomer, pulled out a chair for her, waited for her to sit down, and then took the seat between her and Eomer. Jordan suddenly felt self-conscious being the object of everyone�s curious stares and hoped something would happen to draw everyone�s attention elsewhere. Finally, after Gimli was seated on the opposite site of the table, Aragorn addressed the group.

  �Good evening to you all. I am glad you all could come. Please eat, drink, take what and as much as you will, for my home is yours.� He said graciously. After that, the servants came out, their arms laden with platters of food and vessels of wine and mead, and filled the table�s center so that there was barely any room for plate or cup. It was some time before anyone looked about them or spoke much, except for an occasional murmuring between bites, but when everyone had had their fill, conversation began anew and the wine began to flow. Suddenly, amidst the din, Faramir stood up and called out, �May I have everyone�s attention? Eowyn and I have something we would like to share with all of you.� He glanced at Eowyn, taking her hand, and they exchanged a smile. When all eyes were on him, waiting expectantly, he announced, �Eowyn is with child.�

  After a round of toasts and congratulations, Eomer came over and hugged his sister, then turned to Faramir and shook his hand, clapping him on the back.

  �Congratulations, brother.�

  Jordan sat smiling proudly, as someone already privy to this information. When Legolas noted the look upon her face, he said in wonder, �You already knew!�

  �I am no more privileged than you. I just guessed.� She shrugged her shoulders. �What can I say? I�m a doc...I mean a healer. I recognized the signs.� She silently cursed herself for slipping up again in mixed company.
  At length, the feast ended and the guests followed their hosts outside to the courtyard and through the garden to continue their revelry under the stars. Buried deep in the gardens, stood a gleaming white stone shelter with a peaked roof, supported by a single tall pillar at each corner. Its base was a raised platform, tiered to form two steps on all sides. In the center, burned a small but bright fire in a large metal bowl shined to almost mirror-like perfection and the effect was stunning as the flames glinted off its reflective surface. Jordan gasped softly as they approached the shelter. She had seen only the roof of the structure from afar in her earlier visits; the rest of it had been obscured by the tall hedges and vines that surrounded it. Up close, Jordan saw that it looked very old, perhaps even hundreds of years. The well-worn stone was chipped and cracked. Vines were beginning to overtake one side, hanging down in curtains of pale green. The aging, however, did not detract from its beauty but rather enhanced it�like a forgotten remnant from a glorious age of old concealed in an oasis of green, just waiting for someone to happen upon it. In a circle around the fire-bowl were ornate wooden chairs and benches, plenty for a small gathering. Jordan wondered briefly, if the gracious king and queen entertained here often and whom that might include. They seemed so isolated in their walled home high upon the city.
  They gathered in groups of twos and threes, conversing boisterously, some by the fire and some just beyond the light the fire cast. The night air was thin and cool and it seemed like all but Jordan were either impervious to the cold or better dressed for it. She stood quietly by Legolas� side at the foot of the shelter clutching her thin cloak about her as he talked with Gimli and Aragorn. She listened to them speak, fondly recalling a place she had never heard of�an Elven realm called Lorien. Not wishing to redirect the conversation with all sorts of questions, she let her mind form its own image of Lorien, drawing from the words they used. Lost in thought, she flinched when she felt someone lightly touch her shoulder. She turned her head and saw it was Arwen.

  �Come with me.� She whispered and grasped Jordan by the wrist.
  She led Jordan into the house, through the common living areas and up a grand staircase. Jordan�s eyes darted this way and that, too preoccupied with taking in the lavish d�cor to ask why Arwen had brought her inside. Finally, they arrived at a spacious, richly appointed room. Everything about the room was larger than life, from the tree-sized wooden beams that spanned the ceiling, the enormous stone hearth, the long cushioned chaise lounge that sat in front of it, to the large canopy bed complete with heavy velvet curtains that hung from its frame.

  �Is this your bedroom?� She asked incredulously.

  �Yes. Wait here.� Arwen said and disappeared into an adjoining room.

  When she reappeared, she had a long garment draped over her arm. She held it up so Jordan could see. It was a hooded cloak made of thick, soft fur lined with rich velvet.

  �Put this on. It will help keep you warm.�

  �It�s beautiful!� Jordan breathed. She flung the cloak over her shoulders, fastened the silver star-shaped clasp at her throat, and hugged it to her body. �Thank you, Arwen! I will be sure to get it back to you before we leave.�

  �Keep it. It is my gift to you.� Arwen said, smiling warmly.

  �Are you serious? You do not need it?�

  �I have others.�

  �Thank you, Arwen. I will never forget this.�

  �You are most welcome. Now let us return to the party before they send someone to search for us.� She said with a mischievous smile.

  As they walked down the corridor to the staircase, Arwen said, �You and Legolas have reconciled with his immortality, then?� It was more of a statement than a question, really.

  �No.�

  Arwen raised an eyebrow in surprise. It was not the answer she was expecting. �No?�

  �There is no reconciling with the fact that the one I love faces an eternity of suffering. It is a burden we will carry to the end of my days.�

  �But you have begun a courtship, is this not so?�

  �Yes. Our only other choice was to deny our love and live apart.� Jordan sighed heavily. �I don�t know which is a worse fate. It is a tragic irony that the thing that brings us the most joy will one day be our greatest sorrow.�

  Arwen paused at the top of the stairs. �Without sorrow, there can be no joy, for how then would we recognize it when it comes? Do not regret your decision. The worst fate would be to spend your life wondering if the path you chose was the wrong one. It will eat at you and eventually destroy you. Rejoice in your love and the time you have been given and never look back.�

  Jordan stole a glance at Arwen as they walked downstairs. Perhaps she was speaking from experience. Did she at one time regret her decision to leave her family and her immortality behind? Regardless, to never wonder about whether you made the right choice was easier said than done.
~~~~~
  Outside, Arwen went on ahead to join Aragorn, but Jordan stopped at the small serving table whereon sat a few bottles of wine and a small cask of ale. As she was refilling her goblet, Gandalf approached her, seizing the opportunity to converse with her alone.

  Jordan looked up and eyed him warily. �Hello, Gandalf.� She said coolly.

  �I think we may have started off on the wrong foot.� He began. �I did not mean to frighten you that day at the market. I was surprised to find one of your kind here again and I was merely curious. I had no intent to exploit the knowledge gained.� Gandalf explained.

  Jordan stiffened defensively. �I was not frightened.�

  �Indeed.� He looked this way and that, then leaned in. �Now that you know my intent, perhaps you would speak to me about it now?� He asked quietly.

  �Legolas says I can trust you, so I will take him at his word. What do you want to know?�

  �Why have you come? Why was the link to Middle-earth reestablished after so many years?�

  �What do you mean reestablished?�

  �We were assured by your people, the Travelers, that no one else henceforth would cross the breach.�

  �They are not �my people�. Well, not really, anyway. These Travelers that you speak about, the People of the Stars, whatever you are calling them, they are an ancient race of people known as the D�ni. They have been dead for centuries and their civilization is in ruins. I cannot be held responsible for what they told you.�

  �So you are not of the D�ni?�

  �My mother was D�ni. I am half�a fact that was kept hidden from me until just recently. I have never lived among them and I know very little about them. The linking book was unearthed when some ruins being excavated collapsed. I used it and now it�s destroyed.�

  �You are certain?�

  �Yes. Dr. Watson�he�s a friend of my father�s�he told me he would destroy it after I linked in.�

  �But you did not witness its destruction.�

  Jordan shifted her weight nervously; uncomfortable with how the conversation had turned. This was more than innate curiosity. She was beginning to feel as if this was an interrogation for some crime committed. �Well, no. How could I?�

  �Then you are not certain.�

  �He gave me his word. I trust him. That�s all I can tell you.�

  �Who now inhabits your world if not the D�ni?�

  �The race of Men I guess you would consider them.�

  �And they have harnessed the power of the D�ni to move between worlds?�

  �No. They know how to use it but no one knows how it works.�

  �So, the D�ni were more advanced than the people inhabiting your world now.�

  �No. Except for the technology of the linking books, their society appears very primitive in comparison.� Jordan paused to think for a moment, then said, �Why is it so important that the link be destroyed? Is it so no more of �my people� can come here?�
  Suddenly, Legolas came up from behind and laid his hand on Jordan�s shoulder.

  �I was hoping the two of you would get to know each other.�

  Jordan turned and smiled, grateful for the interruption. �Legolas!� She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.

  �Where did you go? I could not find you.� Legolas asked.

  �Oh, I was cold. Arwen brought me inside and gave me a warmer cloak to wear. Then I was here talking to Gandalf.�

  Legolas� face fell when he realized his oversight. �Oh Jordan, I am so very sorry. I am not affected by the cold and sometimes it does not occur to me that others are. I will be more attentive in the future.�

  �Legolas, it�s okay.� She scoffed. �I don�t expect you to coddle to my every need. I would have said something if it became too much to bear.�

  �I just want you to enjoy yourself.�

  �I am.� She assured him.

  �Very well.�

  For a moment, they gazed into each other�s eyes but in this lingering exchange, though simple as it seemed, there passed between them a surge of unbridled emotions that held no need for words�a fact that was not lost on Gandalf, however.

  Gandalf cleared his throat snapping them back to attention. �If you would be so kind, Lady Jordan, there is something I would like to speak with Legolas about...alone.�

  �Oh! Well, okay.� She said, somewhat confused. �I will be by the fire, then.�

  �And I will join you there momentarily.� Legolas said. Cupping her chin, he kissed her lips sweetly, then released her. As she walked away, she wondered nervously what the old man could possibly have to say to Legolas that she could not hear. Had she broken some ancient treaty by coming here? It was too late now; she and Legolas had burned the linking book. No one could force her to return home.
  �So...that is the way of it between you two, is it?� Gandalf said.

  �Yes. You do not approve?�

  �Whether I approve or not has no bearing.� He paused for a moment studying the Elf. �What does matter, however, is how deeply your feelings run for this woman.�

  �I love her, Gandalf. I would lay down my life for her.�

  Gandalf�s expression became grave. �Then this will be difficult for you to hear.�

  �I do not understand. Of what do you speak?�

  �Legolas, how much do you know about her past?�

  �I know she is not from Middle-earth, if that is what you are referring to.�

  �So, she has been forthcoming about her origins...then you know she is half D�ni.�

  Legolas narrowed his gaze, taking a bit of offence to the inquiry. Gandalf was in essence calling her integrity into question. �Of course! The fact that she is half D�ni actually works to our advantage. Her lifespan is longer than that of mortal man, not unlike the Dunedin.�

  �Is it now?� He said with genuine surprise. Gandalf seemed to contemplate this for a moment, dragging out the silence between them. Then at last, he spoke. �She should not have come here, Legolas. She has put all of Middle-earth at risk.�

  �That is preposterous! What risk could she possibly pose?�

  �She has opened a door that should have never been opened! We cannot be certain that the link on the other side has been destroyed, and if it has not, what happens when others decide to follow her lead? Jordan said herself that her society is far more advanced than the D�ni�a people who can fashion a book to move between worlds! Imagine what her people could do to a world so primitive in comparison to theirs if they were so inclined?�

  Legolas shook his head. �No. Jordan told me her friend would burn the book therefore destroying the link and I choose to believe he kept to his word.�

  �Just because you believe a thing does not necessarily make it true. The lady Jordan even admitted she could not state with absolutely certain that the link was destroyed because she did not witness it with her own eyes.�

  Legolas threw his arms in the air. �What would you have me do, then?� He asked, an acidic tone to his voice.

  �I know this is difficult Legolas, but you must send her back to where she came from. The link must be severed.�

  Anger flashed in Legolas� eyes. �No! I will not hear of it! Even if I could, I would not!� Then the corners of Legolas� mouth curved up slightly into an almost smug smile. �This is her home now whether you would accept it or not. She would require the linking book to return to her world and she burned it as a sign of her commitment to me.�
~~~~~
  Jordan sat by the fire along with the rest of the party listening as Gimli told a tale. While the others laughed at his exaggerated storytelling antics, Jordan kept glancing out into the darkness at the shadowy figures of Gandalf and Legolas. She could not hear what was being said but judging by their mannerisms, they were having a heated discussion. Suddenly a force hit her like a gust of wind, causing her to jerk and nearly fall out of her chair, and she let out a startled cry. Strangely enough, the force seemed to come from within her rather than from outside. All talking ceased and all eyes were on her.

  �Are you alright, Lady Jordan?� Aragorn asked.

  A wave of nausea washed over her as she settled into her seat again. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear nervously, trying to hide her embarrassment. �Uh...yeah. I, uh, I thought I felt something touch me but I guess it was my imagination. It must be the wine getting to me,� she lied to him, her eyes darting anxiously in Legolas� direction. �Sorry. Please go on, Gimli.�

She tried to ignore what had just happened and continue listening to Gimli�s story, but she couldn�t get it out of her mind. It was a similar feeling to the incident at breakfast and she knew that somehow it had to do with Legolas. Something was wrong. What is taking you so long, Legolas?
~~~~~
  �You fools! Now we are at the mercy of anyone who wishes to come through!�

  �Only if the link on the other side still exists, which it does not! The Valar would not have brought us together had her presence here been a danger.�

  �The Valar? What is this nonsense?�

  �We were meant to be, Jordan and I. Ours was not a meeting of chance. The Valar brought us together and we came to love each other.�

  �Legolas, you do not honestly believe that the Valar would purposely pair an Elf and a mortal, do you?�

  �If I did not, I would not have said it. I prayed that the Valar would one day find me someone to share my life with and they did. I was not expecting that person to be a mortal but that is whom they chose to lead me to and who am I to question those who are far wiser? They must have seen in us a need the other could fulfill, and so far that has proven to be true.�

  �I would hear this tale of yours of the Valar�s supposed divine intervention.�

  �It was late spring. I was in Emyn Arnen when I sensed a strange disturbance in the Southern woods of Ithilien; not necessarily malevolent in origin, just strange, but yet I felt an overwhelming urge to seek it out. For days I rode, searching, but I found nothing untoward. By that time, I had traveled further than my senses could have possibly reached. I finally decided to turn back and it was then that I encountered Jordan in the woods�fleeing on horseback from two Gondorian soldiers intent on her capture. It did not take too long for them to catch up to her with the state she was in�as I discovered soon enough�she had gone days without food or water, was overcome by exhaustion, and badly injured. Had I not intervened, I do believe she would have died in their charge. Do you see now? The powers of the Valar were urging me on�to find her, to save her. This was not of my own doing.�

  �That proves nothing, Legolas. The disturbance you sensed could have retreated once you drew near, and instead, you encountered the Lady Jordan.�

  �No. This was no coincidence. I know it when I look into her eyes! I feel it in my heart!� He argued. �And if it is proof you seek, I have it. There was a time when she was going to leave. She was scared...scared of what would become of us should we dare to chance. A Vala named Est� stopped her. She stopped her from using the book to return home because it was a mistake. She left behind a handkerchief with the ancient language embroidered in mithril thread�a token of her visit. I will show it to you if you desire.�

  Gandalf shook his head, leaning heavily on his staff. �No, no. Your word is proof enough Legolas Greenleaf. I have never known an Elf to lie. I do not know if I believe that the Valar have brought you two together, but the fact that they are at least aware of who and what she is, is a small comfort to me.� Gandalf softened the tone of his voice. �Listen to me, Legolas. I do not say these things to be cruel. For the love of all things good, I hope you and Jordan are right about the link, but if you are not, there may be dark times ahead for you. The Valar will no longer come to the aid of the free peoples of Middle-earth. The survival of this world now rests in the hands of Men and they must learn to stand on their own two feet.�

  �But you are still here.� Legolas said weakly, hoping it counted for something.

  �My time here is nearly done. I will be leaving these shores come next spring.�

  Legolas� eyes slid closed for a moment and his heart sank. �You are sailing to Valinor.�

  �Yes, but I will not be going alone.�

  �Who?�

  �The bearers of the rings of power.�

  �Lord Elrond? Lady Galadriel?�

  �Yes. With Sauron�s hold over the rings broken, so is the power that kept their lands fair and untouched for so long. Rather than see their lands diminish, they have chosen to move on. But there are other ring-bearers, lest we forget, and they are deserving of a special accord in their own right.�

  Legolas� eyes widened. �Frodo?�

  Gandalf nodded.

  �But how is that possible?�

  �It was never said that the children of Iluvatar other than the Firstborn could not enter into Valinor, only that they would never find it.�

  �Will he then become immortal?� His mind turned to Jordan in this respect. If somehow she could be granted passage to Valinor, would she also be granted immortality?

  �No. Not even Iluvatar Himself can change the nature of one�s flesh and blood in life. He will age and pass on as any other Hobbit would.�

  �Oh.� Legolas said sadly.

  �Take heart, Legolas, all mortal beings have a final resting place. Where that truly is, I cannot say, but I have no doubt his spirit will find its way there when the time comes.�

  �But why would he want to leave the Shire? And what of Sam? He will be devastated.�

  �It goes ill with Frodo.�

  �Why? What has happened?� Legolas asked, his expression full of concern.

  �The emotional and physical trauma he suffered under the effects of the ring has taken a great a toll on his spirit.�

  �But he is so young! Surely there is a way for him to be healed and live out his life in the Shire. Perhaps he just needs more time.�

  �Sometimes there is no mending the hurts of the past.�

  �Then we have done him a grievous wrong. That burden should have never been his to bear.� Legolas lamented.

  �You forget, Legolas, no one forced Frodo�s hand. He took on this burden willingly.�

  �We should not have let him! There were bigger, stronger persons than he that could have accepted the challenge in his stead.�

  �You saw what happened at the council. Frodo was the only who could withstand the ring�s influence, and just barely as it turned out. Not even you can say you were not in the least bit tempted by its power.�

  Legolas dropped his gaze to the ground. �No, I cannot.� After a moment, he looked up again, his jaw set in determination. �It is not right, Gandalf, that we are about to celebrate his heroism when all he wishes to do is forget it. He should be living a life of comfort, enjoying the status that his accomplishment affords him.�

  �If only all things were right and just in this world, but they are not. Do not be sad for Frodo. He is being given a chance to finally find the healing and peace he so desperately longs for and I believe he will do just that. Besides, Bilbo will be there to keep him company.�

  �Bilbo?�

  �Yes. Bilbo was also once a ring-bearer for a time. Legolas, do not tell the others just yet. I would like to tell everyone personally in my own time.�

  �If that is your wish, I will abide by it.� Then he added sadly, �In a way, I almost pity myself more, for I will never see him again.�

  Gandalf smiled sympathetically and patted him on the back as they walked back towards the shelter. �I know, Legolas. I know.�
~~~~~
  When Legolas and Gandalf finally rejoined the group, Eomer graciously moved to another chair so Legolas could sit down next to Jordan. He took her hand and she leaned in and whispered, �Is everything okay?�

  He forced a smile. �Everything is fine, my love.�

  He was convincing enough and so the whole incident was temporarily forgotten by Jordan�Legolas� mysterious conversation with Gandalf, the odd feeling. With Legolas once again by her side, a feeling of relaxed contentment settled over her and she let herself be taken by the beautiful surroundings and the pleasant company.
  While the others talked, laughed, and enjoyed their ale and wine, Legolas spoke little the rest of the evening. The conversation with Gandalf weighed heavily on his heart. It pained him to know of Frodo�s suffering, and now, life as he knew it was about to be irrevocably changed. It would begin with the departure of the ring-bearers, but it would not end there. More and more Elves will move on to the Undying Lands. Their great kingdoms will diminish and fade into ruin. Aragorn and Arwen, Gimli, all of his friends, even his beloved; they will all eventually die, one by one, and there would be nothing he could do to stop it no matter how tightly he tried to hold on to them. Of course, he had always known this in his heart, but it wasn�t until now that it seemed an inevitable truth. He could not help but wonder what all this had been for then. Why had he fought so hard? What had he been trying to save?
(To hear soundtrack, visit elvenladyofithilien dot com)
  As the night wore on, the temperature began to plunge and now no one, save Legolas, could escape its effects, despite the fire�s attempt to drive it away. So at last, the party ended with a round of goodnights and farewells. Accompanied by Faramir and Eowyn, Legolas and Jordan walked back to their guest quarters in relative silence through the empty streets, mindful of the late hour.

  �Whew!� Jordan sighed grateful to be back in her room. She shrugged off her new cloak and laid it carefully on the chair. �Well, I have to say I actually had fun! What a beautiful place that is. Of course, it would have been nicer in the summer.�

  Without a word, Legolas grabbed Jordan and hugged her tightly, almost to the point where it was difficult to breath, and buried his face in the crook of her neck.
His sudden display of affection took her by surprise. �Oh! Hi.� She let out a short laugh, thinking he was being playful. She expected him any second to start kissing her ravenously as he had before the party, but when he made no attempt to further his advances or even move, she became concerned once more.

  �Are you alright, Legolas?�

  �Yes, love. I am fine.� He mumbled into her hair.

  Then Jordan remembered the two strange incidents she had experienced and wanted to see if Legolas could shed any light on them. �Hey, Legolas? There was something I wanted to talk to you about.� She tried to pull away but he would not let her go.

  Without even lifting his head, he said wearily, �Can it wait until tomorrow? I am tired.�

  �Tired?� She laughed. �You don�t get tired.�

  He loosened his hold on her and slowly lifted his head. She pulled back a bit and cradled his face in her hands expecting to see a wisecracking smile, but what she saw instead startled her. He had a pale, blank expression and the light was gone from his eyes. He looked so...vulnerable...so fragile. She stroked his cheek and studied his face trying to understand the change that had come over him. She had never seen him quite like this before and she was beginning to realize something was very wrong despite his attempts to convince her otherwise.

  �Are you sure you�re alright?�

  �Yes. I just want to go to sleep.�

  She assumed that whatever was troubling him must have something to do with the conversation with Gandalf and it was obvious he was not ready to talk about it. She pulled him into her, guiding his head to rest on her shoulder again and stroked his hair, feeling an overwhelming need to comfort him.

  �Okay...we don�t have to talk. It�s okay. It�s okay.� She whispered, continuing to stroke his hair.

  �I love you so much, I just want to hold you in my arms and never let go.�

  Jordan squeezed her eyes shut to hold back her tears. There was an almost desperate edge to his voice, which was so uncharacteristic of him, and it left her feeling helpless and bewildered. Without knowing what was wrong, there was no way she could help him.

  �I love you, too, Legolas.� She answered, her voice strained by emotion.

  They stood for a long time, locked in their embrace, neither one talking.

  Finally, he said quietly, �I do not wish to return to my quarters.�

  Jordan withdrew from him, her features twisted in confusion, �But I thought you wanted to go to sleep.�

  �I do.�

  Then it dawned on her what he was alluding to and her eyes widened. �Oh, you mean you want...I thought you said that was forbidden!�

  ��Forbidden� may have been a poor choice of words. Discouraged perhaps. We are in love and as long as we do not let our passions overtake us...I just want to be near you. If you are not comfortable with it, I will understand.� He held his breath waiting for her answer. It was quite unorthodox to be certain, but he could see no harm in it.

  Jordan smiled. �No. It�s fine. I would really like it if you stayed. Just let me go change into my nightgown.�

  When she returned from the bathing chamber, Legolas had already stripped down to his leggings and was lying on his back in the bed, under the coverlet, staring at the ceiling. Jordan blew out the few remaining candles and climbed in beside him. In the darkness, she leaned over him, her hand fumbling clumsily for his face. Finding what she sought, she brought her lips to his. She kissed him softly, running her hand tentatively across his bare chest, exploring the skin finally exposed to her touch for the first time. It felt as smooth as velvet stretched over the hard muscles underneath and just a scattering of fine, soft hair. Legolas brought his arm around her and ran his hand up the bumps of her spine as he returned the kiss. Jordan felt a mix of nervousness and excitement as they pushed the boundaries of intimacy. This was a new experience for them as a couple and she suddenly felt like a teenager taking the first awkward steps towards sexual discovery. However, she could already feel the tension building between them. They were treading a fine line between a loving touch and creating arousal, so she broke off their kiss and laid down next to him.

  �How do you want to me to lie?� He whispered.

  She turned onto her side facing away from him. �Lay on your side next to me.� She whispered back. He did as she asked but left a gap between them. �Closer.� She said. He moved closer and she scooted back against him. He seemed tense and unsure of himself at first but finally settled into her curves and relaxed. Now with him snug up against her, she reached back and took his hand, pulled his arm over her, and clasped his hand to her chest. Because of their difference in height, she found she fit perfectly in the contour of his body.

  �There. We call this spooning in my world.�

  �Spooning?�

  �Yes. �Cause we are lying together in the shape of a spoon...well, kinda.�

  �An interesting analogy.�

  �Are you comfortable?�

  With a sigh, he said, �Very much so. And you?�

  �Mmm hmm.�

  Legolas was silent after that and Jordan listened to his quiet, even breaths, feeling the rise and fall of his chest against her back.

  �Legolas?� She whispered into the darkness, wondering if he had fallen asleep. He did not stir. �Hmm. Goodnight then.�

  �Goodnight, meleth n�n.� He echoed in his head.

  Within minutes, she drifted off to sleep, content in his arms. Legolas, however, only feigned sleep and he held her throughout the night, watching over her as she dreamed, not wanting to waste a single precious moment of the opportunity he had been granted.
Elvish Translations:

      meleth n�n = my love
  Author�s note: In regards to the timing of Gandalf�s departure, I decided to use the movie�s timeline instead of the book�s. I needed him to remain in Middle-earth for the sake of the plot.
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Love's Redemption