Fan Fiction ❯ Nights ❯ Nights ( Chapter 1 )

1

I could not find sleep. It frustrated me for a while, for I was tired. Gimli snored loudly on my right while Aragorn babbled to Arwen in his sleep. It was very interesting what he was saying. Words like Pendant, dream, and chipmunks somehow wound their way into his little conversation.

Giving up, I pulled my bow to me and fiddled with it. It was the first time I was able to get a good look at it. It was, as Galadriel had told me, strong, taller, and thicker than my original bow. What craftsmanship! It was beautifully made and very flexible.

I stood up and shot a few arrows at fallen leaves. They flew quickly and hit whatever I aimed at. I retrieved the arrows and placed them back in my quiver. I laid my bow next to my knife.

The orcs were moving quickly. I longed to run after them myself, knowing that they were getting further from us with every heartbeat. I could see and hear them moving off into a deep part of the forests ahead. They were about three quarters of a day ahead of us.

Why did they never listen to me? I had told Aragorn to keep going. I realize that my companions are not as fit for running all night and day as an elf. It was still frustrating.

I tried not to think about it, but my mind once again drifted off to Lothlorien. Oh, how I longed to see those beautiful trees again! But most of all, I longed to see the fairest of all. I leaned against a tree and thought about her.

Nevlothiel. I let her name roll off of my tongue. My bright morning sun. I thought of her smiling green eyes and her golden hair, draped upon her shoulders.

I could sense her waiting for me to return. She understood the importance of the journey and why she could not join me on it. Still, I knew that she longed to be here with me. I felt the sides of my eyes growing wet at the thought of her.

I suddenly remembered our song. I pictured her on the couch many days ago, her eyes red from crying. I tried to comfort her by inventing a song. She had made one too. I closed my eyes, and in the language of my people, sang it.

North wind blow me news of her

Who I love and always may

My heart tires on this treacherous road

Bring news of her today

The days have passed since I have seen her face

Bright as the morning sun

I swear to all to return to her

When the deeds are done

She walks alone, her lover gone

Away from Lothlorien

Nevlothiel, my bashful dame

I shall see you once again

Please wait for me, my bright morning sun

I long to fell your embrace

Your lover shall return some day

And gaze again at your face

The seasons may change, again and again

The years shall pass and come

My arms shall long for you more and more

My bright morning sun

I felt a tear roll down my cheek in remembrance of her. How I missed her! Her laugh was like a gentle waterfall, her voice like a fresh burst of summer wind. It was love at first sight for me.

I first saw her face in the Great Hall of Galadriel. She looked younger than the other servants, or at least happier. She glanced at each of our faces the entire time. When Galadriel was not taking away my attention, I was watching her.

The eight of us were dismissed from the Lady and Lord's presence. I rested my back against a tree nearby to our assigned housing. After a moment, I felt eyes watching me. I turned and saw none other than the servant-girl.

She was breath taking at that moment. The hair that fell upon her shoulders caught a hint of the moon above, making it a white-gold color. Her eyes danced in the starlight. I asked if I had seen her before.

`I would not be surprised if you have, for I am a servant of the Lady Galadriel," she told me. I admitted that this new forest had a strange feel to it and she told me of how no harm would come to me. It softened my heart.

She introduced herself as Nevlothiel. Hither Flower Maiden. She was eager to hear of the outside world, for she had never left Lothlorien. I was invited to her house and the rest, well, is history.

I heard Gimli grunt loudly, as though waking up. I shook off the memories and watched him. He rubbed his eyes and sat up, then stared at me and said "Time Cat." With that, he collapsed back down.

I suddenly realized that dawn was not far off. The orcs were, though. I frowned, knowing that our friends grew farther from us. Aragorn stirred and rose.

"They are far far away," I told him sadly. "I know in my heart they have not rested this night. Only an eagle could overtake them now."

2

It was night again. Rest did not come to me as before, but I was not as upset this time. The dark was the only place I could truly escape to in thought. Aragorn was licking the back of his hand and rubbing his face in his slumber. Gimli was tossing about, kicking and swinging an invisible axe at a dream foe.

What a queer band we are, I thought. An elf, a king who dreams of being a cat, and a proud, violent dwarf. I smiled to myself. I felt the urge to drift again.

I could picture Nevlothiel's face. She was gazing out her back window, trying to catch a glimpse of us. But we were too far away. She sighed and sat.

She got up and pulled something from her closet. It was my old bow. I realized that I had left it by the river, finding no use for it any longer with my new one. She ran her fingers along the string.

My lover kissed the spot where the wood had come smooth from my grasp. My fingers tingled as though they were on it. She bent it and fitted an imaginary arrow in. Aiming at a spot on the wall, she lets the string sing.

Sighing, she turned and entered the bedroom. I could almost hear the sound of her brushing her golden hair. I snapped back into reality. Gimli had snorted too loudly.

The wind was blowing loudly. It carried many noises to my ears. Sounds of animals, the far off orcs, and a small voice. I concentrated on the single voice. I realized that it was singing.

South wind have you brought me news

Of my friends who bear the ring

I pray someday they shall return

When they do, then we shall sing

`There and back again we come

To see what has come of our flight

The elves dance around again

In the land of the Lady of Light'

I wait and stare upon the road

Waiting for love to return to me

Bring him back safely to us

For his quest is as treacherous as the sea

Let me see his face again

Let me touch his golden hair

I want to gaze in to his silver eyes

And feel the love we share

I recognized it in a heartbeat. Nevlothiel! My chest pounded and I felt I would die of longing. I missed her so much.

I wept. I did not care who heard or who saw. My love and grief for her could not be contained any longer. Eventually, I calmed down and simply sat against a tree, letting the salty tears seep through my lips.

"Are you crying?" I heard Aragorn ask. "I thought you would never show emotion." I turned towards him. His hair was in every known direction and he had a horrible smirk on his face.

"Will you shut up, you bastard!" I cried. "Can you not tell the look of a lovesick male?" Aragorn's smile lost some of its power. He crawled next to me and patted my arm.

"I understand your pain, Legolas," he told me.

"It is lies!" I argued. "None can love as I do!"

He sighed. "Nevlothiel is really something."

"She is everything to me!" I sobbed.

"As you are to her."

"I know."

"And when you return, you shall wed and have plenty of beautiful elf babes together," he kidded.

"That is right," I said.

"Just picture life with her, not without her. For true love has only one outcome," he told me. With those last words, he lay back down. I heard his gentle snores within a few moments.

I closed my eyes and pictured us together again. We were picnicking by the river's edge. 3 children, a girl and two boys were splashing in it. Nevlothiel turns to me and tells me that she loves me. We turn and watch our little ones play.

"I wonder what we shall name them…" I asked myself out loud. "Let me see…" I mentally made a list of male names I enjoy. She would pick the girl name.

I decided to name them those of people I meet along my journey. I laid back and thought of positive names. I came up with:

Elladan, Elrohir, Elrond, Glorfindel, Galdor, Frodo, Samwise, Peregrin, Meriadoc, Gloin, Aragorn, Gimli, Boromir, Gandalf, Haldir, Orophin, Erestor, Rứmil, and Bilbo.

I realized that the list was not as vast as it seemed. I will meet others, I reminded myself. Once again, I concentrated on the scene before. But just as it started again, I realized several other names from ancient elvish lore I could use as well.

There was:

Amroth, Gil-Galad, Beren, Barahir, and the name of my beloved father, Thranduil.

The list was much smaller, but I was lost at thought. I would recall lore later. I was too eager to get back to the scene before. I closed my eyes again and drifted.

We were back at our house. It was larger and more grand than the talan in which my companions had slept and the house of Nevlothiel. The children were asleep and my wife and I snuggled by the fire. I ran my fingers through her hair.

She looked up into my face and kissed me. Then she shifted uncomfortably and gets up. She rubs her very pregnant belly and says, "I am going to rest." I join her in the bedroom.

The vision faded. It was getting lighter and I could tell dawn was approaching. Suddenly, I realized that the light is not a golden one but a red dawn. Warning seized my heart and I roused my companions. They take but a moment to rise.

"Awake! Awake!" I cried. "It is a red dawn. Strange things await us by the eaves of the forest. Good or evil, I do not know; but we are called. Awake!"

3

Aragorn tossed himself to the ground and shifted about. "This is indeed uncomfortable ground!" he whined. His face softened and he turned to me. "Are you going to stay up all night again?"

"I do not know."

"Well, good night anyway." With that, he slept. Gimli was sitting on the ground piling twigs. It appeared that he was building a tiny city for ants and night crawlers.

"How come you have not slept for the last few nights? Are you not weary after a long run?" he asked me. He read my face and with a sudden realization, he smiled. "It is your lady friend, isn't it? Well, I have no mate, so I shall rest now. Good night, Legolas."

I watched them both squirm, trying to get comfortable. I soon heard their snores and mutterings, but they tossed about still. I sat upon a stone next to Aragorn. His thumb had found its way into his mouth and he sucked on it like a babe.

I shut my eyes and fell into a brief sleep. Dreams flowed to me and played before me. But I was jerked awake by a noise. Gimli had woken and was watching me intently.

"Dreaming about Lothlorien, eh?" he mocked.

"Of course."

"I am sure there are plenty of little elf babies running about."

"Oh ha ha. For your information, they are sleeping."

"I was right indeed."

"Damn your pride."

He chuckled and lay back down. Aragorn was drooling, as he often did. But because of his inability to find comfort, he tossed about, flinging his spittle into the air. A speck landed on his cheek and he leapt up.

"Back, you vile fiend!" he cried. He grabbed Andứil and brandished it. Realizing that the only living things about were trees, a dwarf, and a restless elf, he blushed deeply and apologized. I raised my hand to show that it was nothing.

"I was dreaming of a great battle. It was raining," he informed me.

"I understand. Must you drool in sleep?"

He wiped it from his face. "It's a bad habit."

"It is a disgusting one."

"I do not sleep with my eyes wide open."

"All elves do."

"It's so creepy, though! I'll be up on watch and you will just be staring off into space."

"If it bothers you so much, I can close them."

"Please!"

I shut my eyes. "Better?"

I waited for a response and then opened them, only to find him sleeping at my feet. I kicked his stomach and he rolled back onto his blanket. He moaned and pulled it to him. "Damn winter," he mumbled wearily.

I stood up and walked about. Through my mind, the lyrics of ancient songs ran. I felt my mouth moving to them, but I was too lost in thought to hear my voice. All I know is that as I sang, the wind grew still and the world around seemed less menacing.

My people have always loved singing. As children, we would play in the woods and sing songs to the trees. Our voices, I have heard, are like angels. Aragorn asks me to sing when I am on watch, for it soothes him on restless nights.

I continued to walk. My mouth closed and the wind started back up. A chill ran through my bones and I shivered. I pulled my cloak closer to me and breathed in the scent of it.

When the Galadhrim gave me the cloak, they told me that the Lady and her servants made them especially for us. Deep inside me, I have always felt that Nevlothiel made mine. When I pull it to me, it feels like an embrace. If it did not warm me, it at least gave me hope.

I thought of her again. I remembered the day after our meeting; we met at the spot I first spoke to her. We walked along the river and she told me she had not slept. She went out that evening and saw an orc scout.

Haldir, who had seen her emerge from her house, shot it. They had known each other since they were both very young. He asked to wed her. I remember feeling like my world would collapse.

But then she promised that her heart was not with him. "There is something special about you," she told me. "Galadriel knows it too." I admitted that I could not sleep that night either. We realized what fate had done.

I placed my hand gently against her cheek and felt the warmth of her face. It grew warmer as she blushed. She rose up her thin hand and placed it slowly upon my own. Something made me turn away from her. We walked for a while, enjoying one another's presence.

I suddenly wished to bathe my feet, so we sat down and placed our toes in the cold, clean water. It barely seemed like it was winter in this land. I felt so much warmer. We both thought for a bit. Finally, I turned to her and asked her, "Is it possible to fall in love with someone you have known for less than a day?" Her eyes grew wide, for I could tell she had been thinking the same.

"Legolas, I…" she trailed off. I stared into her eyes. They glowed like dew drops on a new spring leaf. I felt myself leaning forward, uncontrolled. My lips parted and they brushed hers.

Nevlothiel pressed her lips against mine. I reached out and pulled her closer to me. The kiss ended and she sat back and opened her eyes. I stared into her eyes again, deep green as a Mirkwood summer.

"Yes, I am sure," I smiled. Pulling out my feet, I set them on the dry ground and motioned for her to scoot closer. I reached to her and pulled her to my heart. I twirled her soft blonde hair in my fingers.

The wind was howling louder, now. I turned back to my companions and realized that Aragorn was awake once again. "I'm not even going to ask," he said. I smiled and returned to his side.

Crouching down next to him, I looked him in the eye. "Why do you keep waking?"

"Why are you never asleep?"

"It never found me."

"And you stopped singing," he whined. "Please sing!"

"Is it not strange that you are asking another man to sing you lullabies?"

"You're an elf, not a man."

"Damn good thing, too!"

He glared at me. "Fine! Have it your way. But I'll never sleep on this ground on my own!"

I sighed. "Alright, Elessar. What shall I sing?"

He clapped his hands like a child. "Ooh! Ooh! Make one up!"

"Must I?"

He put on an immature pout.

"Alright! My god!" I thought for a moment. "It shall be of our quest. The first song of our journey shall be mine." With that note, I began:

From Rivendell the Nine set out

On a journey far away

They walked along for many miles

Without the light of day

Many enemies followed them

Always close at hand

Chased them into Moria

Away from above land

Dreams were lost in those desolate mines

Their hearts were always troubled

For a balrog waited for them there

And into shadow One of them crumbled

They escaped the darkness, luckily

Hoped never to go back again

Their leader led them through the land

Into the fair Lothlorien

Another was lost, in a different way

Along the river side

He had fallen in to the spell

Of his future bride

They left the fair Nevlothiel

On boats they sailed the Anduin

For many a day floated along

Until they met the land again

The fellowship was breaking

He tried to take the prize

The bearer ran along with friend

To our great surprise

Boromir of Gondor

Soon after fell to foe

They took the two little ones

And we chased them now in woe

"Was that supposed to soothe me?" Aragorn grumbled.

"Well, sorry!" I cried. "I did the best I can!"

"Did you have to be so morbid?"

"Yes."

"Well, then sing me the song of Nimrodel. It is at least a soothing melody."

I sighed and sang the song to him. He was asleep hardly after the first paragraph. I stood up again and walked about. I felt another memory sweep over me.

It had been a day since our first confession of love. We had gone out later that night and she had fallen asleep in my arms. I had watched her the whole night. When she slept, her eyes were closed the entire time and she lay on her hair.

It had rained, so we had spent the day curled up on the fire. Aragorn found us there and I insulted him greatly, for he had insulted me with his presence. He left in a great fit. I said farewell to Nevlothiel, for I wished to make things right again with my friend.

I arrived to the talan and walked into great mess. Boromir was lying on the couch and leapt up at my arrival. "Legolas!" he cried. "We did not expect you at all!" Sam, who was puffing a pipe in a large wooden chair nearby practically sent the weed flying everywhere. He grabbed his little heart and steadied himself.

Aragorn entered into the room. He glared at me and said "Get out of my sight, you damn elf." He waited a moment and walked up to me, grabbed my shoulders and shook me hard. "I said `GET OUT!" I did not waver. He put a fist in my stomach and sat next to Boromir on the couch.

Pippin and Merry popped their heads out of the kitchen. "What did you do to Strider anyway, master Legolas?" Merry asked. I did not answer for a moment, for the pain from his punch was great. I could not breathe. I stood heaving and then straightened up.

"I (gasp) insulted his (gasp) race," I managed to say. I waited a few minutes and felt the air come back to me. "I should not have said those things, Aragorn. I am truly sorry for my rudeness."

Pippin came in and said, "Reenact the scene. We shall understand the argument better." Aragorn glared at us both a moment and agreed. I took a moment and remembered every painful thing I had told him.

"How long have you been sitting there?" I demanded.

"Since the rain started. Nevlothiel's house is closer than our barracks. I thought I would stay dry and surprise you two."

I glanced at a pretend Nevlothiel. "How come it is always when we want to be alone someone decides to intrude on us?" I turned back to Aragorn. "What are you smoking in that pipe anyway?"

"Erm…. Uhh…" Aragorn stammered.

"I thought so," I smiled.

"Elves are so frustrating."

"Well, do not try and marry one of us then."

"You leave Arwen out of this!"

"Do you feel peculiar kissing someone 3,000 years older than you?"

"I said leave Arwen alone!"

"Then do not start mocking my race," I spat. Aragorn muttered something under his breath. "What was that?" I put a hand behind his ear and leaned towards him. "There are exceptions? Well, I suppose there are now. But there are not in your race. Humans are all the same."

"We are not!"

"Loud, obnoxious…"

"Excuse me!"

"Pigheaded, power hungry…"

"Stop that right now!"

"Born leaders, self confident…."

Aragorn drew his sword and cried, "YOU WILL STOP NOW!" I closed my mouth. "DO NOT MOCK ANY RACE FROM NOW UNTIL YOU ARE BACK IN MIRKWOOD OR YOU SHALL FIND YOURSELF SLAIN AT MY FEET! UNDERSTOOD?" I nodded.

"Forgive me, Aragorn. I got carried away." I bowed low and set down my bow at Aragorn's feet. Aragorn glared at me for a moment, then with a swish of his cape, left the room.

He reentered and said, "That is exactly how it was." Boromir sat with his mouth gaping open. Pippin kept shaking his head. Sam had run out when Aragorn drew his sword.

"You should know better!" cried Boromir. "I would have done more than drawn my weapons if you'd said that to me!" I turned my face away from them. I turned back and Aragorn was standing next to me. His eyes looked wet, as though about to weep.

"What are we doing, Legolas?" he asked me. "We are ruining our friendship!" I nodded. "I forgive you. I would have done the same thing if I had been surprised so badly."

I smiled. "You alone can understand love, friend Aragorn."

"Come, now! All is forgiven between us and we shall sup!" he cried. Frodo immediately entered from the kitchen and brought with him a tray. On it were many fresh foods the Galadhrim had provided them with. There was fish, warm bread, red meat, and to everyone's surprise, vegetables and fruits.

We feasted to our hearts content. Following the supper, Pippin fetched seven beers and a glass of merlot. As the others grew drunk, I watched and sipped my wine slowly. Soon enough, the mugs turned into several pints. Boromir kept giggling like a little child.

Pippin, who was youngest and was also most vulnerable to alcohol, turned towards me and said, "Hownevlothielyoudidnotcomehomelastnight?"

"Pardon?"

Frodo stepped forward. "He asked how Nevlthoiel is doing and why you did not come home last night."

"Ah." I leaned back in my chair and placed my feet on the table. "Nevlothiel is as fine as a spring morning." They all leaned forward. I realized what they were aiming at.

"Well? Why didn't you return?" Aragorn persisted.

"Unlike Aragorn, I am not that hasty," I said. They all leaned back. "She had fallen asleep and I merely wanted to make sure nothing happened to her. We had been walking and we had seen many orcs in the woods."

"That's lame," said Aragorn. "You wanted to see if she was alright all night, but you are leaving her now?"

"Yes."

"Sad… very sad…" Strider commented. "If you love her…"

"ARAGORN!"

"What?" he leaned towards me and said, "I dare you to do the job right this time."

I closed my ears. "This is just sick, Elessar."

He smiled.

I shook my head. "I cannot."

"Yes you can, Legolas."

"No I cannot…"

Aragorn had a sudden gleam of understanding. "You are a virgin, aren't you?"

They all gaped at me. "What of it?" I snapped.

He laughed violently. "2,931 years of virginity! You're a brave man!"

I felt my face go red. "Elves are not as hasty as humans…"

"You're probably the last elf in these woods who…"

"SHUT UP!" I cried. Aragorn excused us and brought me into the next room.

"Go to her, Legolas."

"No! No! I refuse!" I whined. He shook me.

"You love her, don't you?"

I immediately said, "More than anything."

"Than you are ready."

I considered it. She had promised to wait for me after all.

"But what if she is not ready?"

Aragorn smiled. "She is. Go pack some clothes."

I sighed and went off.

A hand grabbed my shoulder and spun me around. I snapped out of my memories and glanced down at the dwarf. "And what was that for?" I cried. "I was thinking!"

"Are you not weary?" Gimli asked. "You have not slept in 3 nights."

"I am well aware of that."

"Then at least try to slumber."

I sighed. "Alright, alright, I shall. But the instant I realize sleep shall not come, I will not force myself to lie on the ground."

"Agreed," replied Gimli sternly. His forehead softened. "I am your friend. I am just concerned about your health." His response made me smile.

We returned to the campsite and lay down next to Aragorn. The instant I heard the dwarf's snoring, I leapt up again. I walked slowly about and gently sang again. Nevlothiel once again entered my thoughts.

A love so strong, no road could hide

The weary traveler and his dame

From one anothers side

For they were one in the same

Return to me, my love

I shall return to you

May I once again hold your hand

And walk in the new morning dew

You shall rise again

Bright morning sun

Freshen the earth with your light

Bring to me a day of love

And comfort me in night

The road is long

I grow sicker every day

Sicker from lack of sleep

In my heart you shall stay

I shall return to you, my love

You shall wait for me

Your face will warm my heart again

And all my days with glee

Your smile brightens the darkest hour

Your eyes bring snow and sun

Your love shall bring me strength

Till all the battles are won

Stay, lover, stay

In Lothlorien

I will travel down the dusty road

Into your arms again

Save yourself, Bride

I want you badly in my arms

We marry on the day I return

So be ready to sound the alarm

I shall walk victorious to you

Kiss you on the hand

Think of me as I think of you

Till I return to your homeland

I saw a light glint over the horizon. Thus my nights of memory ended. I stood, watching. I felt Aragorn join me on my left, Gimli joining my right side. Together, we welcomed the pale dawn.