Prologue
"You can’t force her!" Alvina cried to her master.
"And why is that?" Her master, Natar, said.
"You can’t take an Elf by force it’ll kill her and then you do not have any use for her." Alvina replied.
"You’re sure?" Natar asked. Alvina nodded "Why?"
Alvina stood up; never looking in her master’s eyes "They have their pride. If you take them unwillingly they can’t live with it and pass to the Halls of Mandos."
Natar looked at Alvina "Then I’ll take you" And Alvina let out a sigh. Though she did not want to be taken by him she was glad she could save this Elf, Nessa.
Both of them had been captured by their master, Natar, and he had brought Alvina here sooner then Nessa. Alvina had been here for 15 years and Nessa for just a day and Nessa is very weak.
Alvina looked at Nessa and said "Don’t worry I’ll look after you" in the Elvish tongue and followed Natar to his bedroom. Soon the air was filled what moans from Natar and cries from Alvina…
Chapter 1
"Come on Nessa, we’ve got to get out of here" Alvina cried. Nessa and she had escaped the dungeon of Natar and were now running to the forest. Finally they arrived at the forest and slowed their pace for they knew Natar and his men will never go through the forest by night time. Nessa spotted a spring. "There!" She called out pointed eastwards "There’s a spring" Alvina followed her gaze "Good we’ll go there" She said and after a few minutes they reached the spring.
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"Why do you think they are here?" Elrohir asked his brother, Elladan. "I do not know, Gwanur-nîn [my brother]" Elrohir and Elladan looked at the two females who were asleep. "Do you think they are sick?" Elrohir asked. "I do not know gwanur-nîn. One of them is an Elf and her eyes are closed so I think one of them is at least" Elladan replied and Elrohir nodded.
Alvina stirred and woke up. "Who are you?" She asked once she saw two Elves sitting just a few metres away from her and Nessa and laid her hand around Nessa as protecting her. "I am Elrohir and this is my brother, Elladan" One of them answered. "What do you want?" Alvina asked. "We want to help you" Elladan replied. Alvina looked at the two Elves and then back at Nessa. "Nessa," she said "Wake up." But Nessa didn’t wake up "I think she’s sick! We had a long journey" Elrohir nodded. "We can help. We may not be Healers but our father is a powerful one. We can try to help her and then bring her to our father" Alvina just nodded.
Days later Alvina, Nessa, Elladan and Elrohir reached Imladris, Rivendell in the common tongue. Nessa was placed in a chamber for she was still very sick. Alvina was sitting next to her on a chair. "Wake up, Nessa, saes [please] don’t leave me now…" Alvina whispered to her friend.
There was a knock on the door and soon an Elf walked in. One Alvina has not seen before. "I am Lord Elrond, I am a Healer" He said. Alvina nodded. After a few minutes of checking Nessa’s injuries Lord Elrond turned to Alvina. "Will she be alright?" Alvina asked. Lord Elrond nodded "Yes in a while." and gave Alvina a resuming smile. "You should rest now. You look tired. Let me guide you to your chamber." Alvina nodded. She was tired indeed. She had not slept much for years and when she slept she had terrible nightmares.
"This is your chamber" Lord Elrond said. "Thank you" said Alvina. "Not just for showing me my chamber but also for helping Nessa" Lord Elrond smiled at her. "It was my pleasure. I’ll leave you. Sleep well" With that said Lord Elrond went to his own chambers and Alvina went inside her own.
It was a big room with a bed in the middle of the chamber and next to it a chair and a table. Next to the door was a cupboard. Alvina walked to the bed and lay down. Soon she was fast asleep.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When Alvina woke she saw that there were new clothes laying at the edge of her bed and there was a tray of food placed on the table next to the bed. She placed the tray on her lap and started to eat it. After a while there was a knock on the door. "Come in" She called and Elrohir walked in. "Hello Alvina" Elrohir said, smiling. "Hello…?" Alvina said making a confused face not knowing which twin it was. "Elrohir." Elrohir said smiling. "I see you’re hungry" Elrohir noted once he looked at the tray of food which was already quite empty. Alvina blushed "Yes I haven’t had a proper meal for ye…days" She quickly said noticing the mistake she almost made. "Oh, is that so?" Elrohir asked concerned. Alvina nodded. "Do you want anything else?" He asked. "No, I thank you for your kindness" Elrohir just smiled at her. "Don’t worry about it. Anyway I came here to tell you that your friend has woken up and is calling for you" He said.
"Oh… I’ll dress and go to her."
"Alright" Elrohir said and left the room.
Alvina quickly ate the last of the food she had and then put on the dress that was placed on her bed and went to Nessa.
Nessa had recovered quickly with help of Lord Elrond’s healing skills.
Alvina and Nessa had become good friends with the twins, Elrohir and Elladan and were often found with them. They even learned how to identify the twins. Never did Nessa or Alvina talked about their capture they just said they’ve been in he wild for days. Alvina had grown very fond of Elrohir and both would wonder through the garden of Imladris for hours just to be in each other company.
Today the four of they were sitting once again on the stairs of the Last Homely House. "There’s someone coming" Said Elladan. "Do you know who?" Alvina asked being from the race of Men she did not have the keen eyesight and hearing the Elves had. "Yes" Elladan replied "It’s Legolas of Mirkwood" And both, he and Elrohir, were smiling. "It’s good to see him again" said Elrohir and Elladan nodded. "Who’s he?" Alvina asked Nessa and she shrugged.
Alvina’s question was soon answered when 4 Elves came to a halt just before them. "Legolas" Exclaimed Elrohir and Elladan at the same time and gave one of the Elves a hug. "I see your father didn’t send you alone" Said Elladan once the hug ended. "Would he ever?" Legolas asked smiling. "How are you, mellon nîn [dear friend]?" Elrohir asked. "I am alright. What about you two? Still counting the Orcs you have killed?"
"We lost counting when we killed 1000 Orcs" And Elladan, Elrohir and Legolas laughed. "Oh, Legolas meet Nessa and Alvina!" Legolas bowed to Nessa and Alvina. "Nessa, Alvina meet Prince Legolas of Mirkwood" This time Nessa and Alvina bowed. "It is a pleasure to meet you Prince Legolas" Replied Nessa. "The pleasure is mine" and he smiled.
"Come on, let’s go inside" said Elladan. "We’ve got a lot to talk about" and then they all went inside.
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So the days with Legolas passed and the 5 of them became close friends. Nessa and Alvina both talked about the male Elves a lot for Nessa likes (or was it loves?) Legolas and Alvina like Elrohir. "Why aren’t you going to talk to him? Tell him you like him?" said Alvina. "I do not know. I mean what if he rejects me. What if he laughs in my face?" Nessa sighed. "He will never do that!" Alvina exclaimed. "He would never laugh in your face and besides if you do not try you never know." Nessa once again sighed "You’re right. But what about you?"
"What about me?" Alvina replied.
"Are you going to tell Elrohir?" Alvina looked scared for a moment, but just for a moment.
"I have found out he likes someone else and sees me only as a sister." She whispered.
"I am sorry to hear that" Alvina gave Nessa a weak smile.
"Well to be honest with you I rather am his sister." Nessa frowned.
"And why is that?" She asked.
"I am mortal, he is not. I’ll become a memory for him. Besides I do not want him to die of a broken heart over me." Alvina sighed once more.
"I am sorry to hear that" Nessa said and hugged her mortal friend. After a while they pulled away "Hannon le [Thank you]." She said. Nessa smiled at her. "It is my pleasure, mellon nîn"
"Alvina" Nessa said after a moment of silence. "Hmm?" Alvina replied. "Do they know you can speak Elvish?" Alvina didn’t need to ask who ‘they’ were for she knew exactly who Nessa meant. "No, no one knows except for you." She replied. "Why do you hide that from them?" Nessa asked. She never understood why Alvina only spoke Elvish to her when they were alone. "They…haven’t asked it."
"Come one Alvina that’s no good excuse. You know very well that my people think the race of Men does not want to speak our language so they assume you also do not speak it" Alvina looked at Nessa. "Please Nessa just let it be."
"Why?!" Nessa cried out. "Ever since we came here you’ve… It’s like you’re still captured!" Alvina turned around so Nessa couldn’t see the tears that were forming in her eyes.
"You have not been taken by an Elf" Alvina finally whispered. Nessa taken aback look very shocked. "What did you say?" Alvina turned around to look at Nessa. "I do not speak Elvish to anyone else because I was taken by an Elf who said all those disgusting words to me. -Im anta lle sii’-[I need you now] –Le ier nîn- [you are mine] -Inya faire yal lor almare mi lime tulle. – [I will help you feel better in many ways] My heart fears someone will say that to me once more" Alvina said letting the tears run down her cheeks freely. "And that I can not take" Nessa walked up to her friend and hugged her close. "Mellon nîn, [my friend] the Elf who took you will never take you again. I won’t let him, nor will Elrohir or Elladan, even Legolas will never let that happen. You must trust us, my kin, like you once did."
"I trust you" Alvina replied.
"Ai, but you need to trust all Elves"
"Like I once did?" Nessa nodded "I’ll try" Alvina answered.
"Hannon le [thank you]" The two friends hugged each other.
As the two friends hugged a figure silently left the room…
Elrohir walked into Alvina’s chamber and sat down on her bed. He looked at her sleeping figure and traced his hand over her face. Alvina stirred in her sleep but did not wake up. Elrohir woke Alvina up shaking her lightly saying. "Alvina, wake up" Alvina stirred once again before opening her eyes. "Elrohir?" She whispered. "Yes it is I." He replied smiling at her confused expression. "What are you doing here?" She asked sitting up a bit. "You promised me to tell me what has been troubling you yesterday." A flicker of emotion went through Alvina’s eyes that Elrohir almost thought that he had imagined it. Almost. "Yes… I promised that…" She mumbled. Elrohir went to stand on the balcony to let her wash herself and dress. When Alvina was done she told Elrohir to get Elladan, Nessa, Lord Elrond, Lord Glorfindel and even Legolas to go to the Hall of Fire. Elrohir gave her a confused expression but said nothing and nodded. After he left Alvina gathered all her strength together and went to the Hall of Fire.
When Alvina entered the room she saw that everyone was already there. She noticed that Nessa and Legolas were cuddled together and smiled at Nessa. She was a bit angry that Nessa hadn’t told her she and Legolas were together but then again Alvina hadn’t visited Nessa either. She saw that Lord Elrond and Lord Glorfindel stopped their chat when she walked in and that Elrohir and Elladan were both looking at her with confused eyes. "Thank you for coming." She said after a few minutes. "You are probably wondering why I summoned you here." There were a few yes and nods of the head and Alvina continued. "Well I wish to tell you the story which brought me here, the story of my past the one that was troubling me yesterday." The last line she said while looking at Elrohir. Alvina paced around for a few moments and the Elves remained silent for they know it was hard for Alvina. "I am telling you this so you know what happened and don’t have to talk behind my back about it and because I think you have the right to know. All of you." She said and stopped again. Finally she said down and her story began…
"My story begins 25 years ago when my mother was pregnant of me and met a certain Elf. He called himself Elleelen and took care of my mother. I don’t know what he did there but he was there the day my mother needed someone to help her and he did. He and an Elven Healer brought me into this world. He helped my mother take care of me for he knew it would be hard to raise a child on your own. He raised me as I was his own. Even though he and my mother always said he wasn’t my father I called him Adar. (Father in the common tongue) He taught me Elvish and the ways of the Elves for as far as I could learn when being 9 years old human. For that was the last time I saw him.
"Being an Elf he couldn’t stay long in Esgaroth as that’s the place I am from. But he came as often as he could once a week. But when I was 9 he didn’t came anymore and my mother told me he was busy. I proposed to my mother to go to him to Mirkwood but my mother said no till change came and my mother couldn’t pay the rent anymore of our house so we left and went to Mirkwood."
Flashback
"Mummy, are we going to see Ada soon" Alvina asked happily. "Yes dear. You’ll see Ada very soon" Alvina smiled and run ahead of her mother stopping at a tree to listen to it but hearing nothing. "Alvina come here." Said her mother and Alvina walked up to her mother. But before she could reach her mother she was grabbed by her arm and thrown to the ground. "Mummy!" She cried out. "Alvina!" Her mother cried out. Alvina run to where her mother was but didn’t see her. "Mummy" She cried out again, tears running down her face. She heard her mother moan but still didn’t see her. So she stood still and cried. "What’s wrong, little one?" A man’s voice asked. Alvina looked at the man. "I lost my mummy." She whispers crying. "Aww you poor little thing" He said. "I know where your mummy is." He said. Alvina looked at the man. "You know where mummy is?" She asked a glint of hope in her eyes. "Yes come with me." He said and Alvina followed.
End Flashback
"That was the stupiest thing I’ve ever done." Said Alvina blinking away the tears. "I should have never done that I should have remembered what my Adar used to tell me ‘Do not go of with strangers’ he used to say. But I did…" She stood up and walked to the window.
Flashback
Alvina arrived at a house which was quite big. She was told to wait there in the hallway and she looked with big eyes around. A man walked up to her and kneeled down next to her. "You know where my mummy is?" She asked with hope in her voice. "You do not need to go to your mummy now." The man answered. "But that man said he was going to take me to my mummy." She replied crying. "You do not need your mummy anymore. You belong to me now!" He said and took her into his arms and thrown her into a room on a bed. Alvina hide her face in the mattress to hide her tears.
End Flashback
"At the beginning nothing happened and they let me work as a slave. You know caring there food. Cleaning up the room. Making up their bed. But when I turned 19 they let me do other things…" Alvina swallowed. "They forced me to pleasure them.
"When I was 20 they had brought an Elf. They were also about to force her but I did not let them and told them they’ll kill her if they did so they never forced her but took me instead. What they did, I will not say for it is too painful..." A tear made its way down her face. "After 5 years we had a change to escape and we did. The Elf and I, for we had developed a friendship, which was the best thing that has happened to me for a while. She never treated me different of the things she knew about me. And for that I am grateful." She gave a weak smile. "When we escaped we where found by two male Elves. I didn’t trust them as I didn’t trust anyone anymore. But even though my fear for them I let them help me, help us for my Elven friend was sick. And those 2 male Elves took us here to Imladris where I found Elleelen. I knew he would not remember me for the last time he had seen me, was when I was a little girl and I have changed since then…" Alvina stopped talking and Elrohir who was sitting stood up. "Who is Elleelen? I have never heard of him before?" Now it was time for Legolas to speak. "I wish to say something…" He started. Everyone (except for Alvina who was starring out of the window) looked at him. "I am Elleelen." He whispered, which shocked everyone.
"It was, as Alvina said 25 years ago. I saw a woman in great pain and walked over to her introducing me as Elleelen so she would not know I was the Prince of Mirkwood. I did not tell her my true identity for my father told me woman were only after your title which I never believe but still I didn’t tell her my true identity. 9 years I have raised Alvina, my little Elf I used to call her. And those 9 years I have never forgotten.
"One day I went to hunt in the forest as patrollers had spotted Orcs in the forest but I found a woman instead. It was Amelia, Alvina’s mother. I kneeled down next to her to help her but there was little I could do. She was dying; I can still remember her last words. ‘Find Alvina’ then she died. That moment is burned into my memory and I swore to Elbereth I would find Alvina. Just to make her last few words come to reality. I never did find her and that was my purpose I came her for the counsel of Elrond for he is known to be very wise." He stopped.
"You never asked for my counsel." Said Elrond. "No, I have not." Legolas replied. "For I know if I asked for your counsel I could not find peace for a while. I needed peace so I waited and hang out with my two old friends Elrohir and Elladan but I also met Nessa and my troubles were forgotten for a while till yesterday…"
"You were thinking about Alvina." Said Nessa remembering the evening at the lake. Legolas nodded. "Yes I was thinking about Little Alvina and the Alvina I met here. My heart told me this Alvina was her for she never looked into my eyes. But my mind told me differently." He sighed. "Why did you never tell him Alvina?" It was Lord Glorfindel’s turn to ask. Alvina still stared out of the window. "You would also not like it when your Adar finds out you’ve been forced…" She said. Elrohir walked up to her and hugged her. Then he signalled for Elladan, his father, Glorfindel and Nessa to leave the room. Nessa hugged Legolas and kissed him then hugged Alvina and left the room…
Legolas stared at Alvina for a while. Alvina noticed this and it just made her feel uncomfortable. After a while Legolas walked up to Alvina, he startled her when he spoke. "I have missed you, my dearest Alvina." He whispered. Alvina turned around "I have missed you too, Ada." She whispered back and then throws herself in his arms.
Alvina walked into the library and looked at the thousand of books standing their. She walked over to a self, picked a book and sat down at the table. "What are you reading, Alvina?" Glorfindel, one of Lord Elrond's households and loyal friend, asked. Alvina showed him the book. "Quenya? Are you familiar with the language?"
"I learned it when I was a little girl. Though I do not know how to pronounce the words." Glorfindel nodded and sat down next to Alvina. "Would you like me to teach you?" Alvina starred at him with wide eyes. "You would do that?" She whispered.
"Yes of course. I would love to help you." Glorfindel replied smiling. "Then I'll be honoured to be helped by you." She answered. "Great. Let's start shall we…?"
"I told you she will be here" Said Nessa walking in with Elrohir, Elladan and Legolas. "Yeah after you said she would be in the garden" Elrohir replied and Elladan and Legolas laughed. "You didn't know where she was at all." Nessa said pouting
"You do know this is a library" Said Glorfindel "You are supposed to whisper here."
"Sorry Glorfindel." They all said. "Alvina are you coming? We're going to the waterfalls." Nessa asked.
"Uhm… No thank you. I'll stay here reading." Alvina answered. "Okay." Nessa replied. "What are you reading?" Asked Elrohir. Alvina showed him the book. "Quenya?" Elladan asked. Alvina nodded. "Glorfindel is helping me."
"Indeed I am." Answered Glorfindel.
"Well alright then. We will let you to the reading." Elorhir said. There were a few ‘have funs' and ‘see you later' then the 4 Elves left Alvina and Glorfindel alone.
Alvina looked at the door her Elven friends just walked through and sighed. "Why aren't you going with them?" Glorfindel proposed. "Nah." Alvina answered. "Why not? Shouldn't a girl your age have fun?" Alvina looked at the book in front of her. "I am having fun." She replied. Glorfindel shook his head. "I mean with friends. Hang out with friends." Alvina sighed. "Is something going on?" He asked. "No… well not really." Said Alvina. "You can tell me." Said Glorfindel and placed his hand on her shoulder. "I thank you, Lord Glorfindel, but this is something I cannot tell you." Alvina responded. "Okay. Just remember I am here for you if you need to talk." Alvina nodded. "Thank you."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Nessa and Legolas were cuddled together, nearby a spring, against a tree. Elladan and Elrohir were taking a swim. "Where are you?" Nessa asked Legolas, shaking him lightly. "Huh? What?" He answered. Nessa smiled at him. "You were far away." She said. "Ai, yes I was. I am sorry. I was just thinking…" He replied. "About what?" asked Nessa.
"Something that happened about 25 years ago." He answered. "Care to tell me?" Legolas nodded. "I met a woman back then. She was pregnant and I helped her raise her child as she could not do that on her own. Her husband had died. The child used to call me Adar." He smiled, remembering the little child he had grown so fond of.
"Why used?" Nessa asked. "I haven't seen her for 15 years." He replied sadly. Nessa turned around and hugged him. "I am sorry to hear that." Legolas just smiled a weak smile.
"Hey Legolas? Are you coming?" Elladan shouted from the spring. Legolas smiled. "I am coming." He shouted back. Legolas kissed Nessa and undressed himself till his underclothes. Then he dived into the water and disappeared when he came up again Elrohir and Elladan splashed water against him. Soon a water fight started.
Nessa smiled at the male Elves.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The Elves went back to the house for dinner and after dinner they went to the Hall of Fire for tails and songs. Elrohir noticed Alvina wasn't there and walked to the only place she could be at this time of day: The Garden. He spotted her sitting on the grass against a tree far in thought. "What's a lovely young lady doing in the garden when there are songs and tails in the Hall of Fire." He said with a smile. Alvina looked at him and replied. "I do not feel like having neither song nor tails." Elrohir sat down. "What's wrong?" He asked. "I do not wish to talk about it." She replied coldly. "Fine, but remember I will not leave you unless you've told me." Elrohir answered stubbornly. "Then I guess you'll be hanging out with me the rest of the day." Alvina mumbled. "If I have to" Elrohir answered.
An hour passed neither Alvina nor Elrohir spoke. Alvina sighed causing Elrohir to look at her. "If I promise I will tell you one day, will you leave me alone now?" She said. Elrohir scanned her eyes for a while. "I will leave you if you tell me tomorrow." Was his answer. Alvina sighed. "I'll tell you tomorrow. I promise. Will you please let me be?" She pleaded. Elrohir nodded. "I will let you be but I'll see you tomorrow." And then with one glance back to Alvina he walked off.
Alvina looked at Elrohir's figure walking away from her and then disappear into the house and sighed. She looked at the stars and then closed her eyes. How am I going to tell him? She thought. How can I ever tell him what is troubling me now? Please Elbereth help me! Give me strength…
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Legolas was sitting next to Nessa listening to the Elves of Rivendell singing songs to Elbereth. Nessa sighed and snuggled closer to Legolas. "Why aren't you singing?" Nessa asked. "You want me to sing?" Legolas answered. Nessa nodded. "Yes, I would love to here you sing." Legolas nodded and when the song was over Legolas stood up and pronounces that he was going to sing the next song. Nessa was smiling the whole time. He has such a beautiful voice. She thought and hoped he would sing more often…
Elrohir walked into Alvina's chamber and sat down on her bed. He looked at her sleeping figure and traced his hand over her face. Alvina stirred in her sleep but did not wake up. Elrohir woke Alvina up shaking her lightly saying. "Alvina, wake up" Alvina stirred once again before opening her eyes. "Elrohir?" She whispered. "Yes it is I." He replied smiling at her confused expression. "What are you doing here?" She asked sitting up a bit. "You promised me to tell me what has been troubling you yesterday." A flicker of emotion went through Alvina's eyes that Elrohir almost thought that he had imagined it. Almost. "Yes… I promised that…" She mumbled. Elrohir went to stand on the balcony to let her wash herself and dress. When Alvina was done she told Elrohir to get Elladan, Nessa, Lord Elrond, Lord Glorfindel and even Legolas to go to the Hall of Fire. Elrohir gave her a confused expression but said nothing and nodded. After he left Alvina gathered all her strength together and went to the Hall of Fire.
When Alvina entered the room she saw that everyone was already there. She noticed that Nessa and Legolas were cuddled together and smiled at Nessa. She was a bit angry that Nessa hadn't told her she and Legolas were together but then again Alvina hadn't visited Nessa either. She saw that Lord Elrond and Lord Glorfindel stopped their chat when she walked in and that Elrohir and Elladan were both looking at her with confused eyes. "Thank you for coming." She said after a few minutes. "You are probably wondering why I summoned you here." There were a few yes and nods of the head and Alvina continued. "Well I wish to tell you the story which brought me here, the story of my past the one that was troubling me yesterday." The last line she said while looking at Elrohir. Alvina paced around for a few moments and the Elves remained silent for they know it was hard for Alvina. "I am telling you this so you know what happened and don't have to talk behind my back about it and because I think you have the right to know. All of you." She said and stopped again. Finally she said down and her story began…
"My story begins 25 years ago when my mother was pregnant of me and met a certain Elf. He called himself Elleelen and took care of my mother. I don't know what he did there but he was there the day my mother needed someone to help her and he did. He and an Elven Healer brought me into this world. He helped my mother take care of me for he knew it would be hard to raise a child on your own. He raised me as I was his own. Even though he and my mother always said he wasn't my father I called him Adar. (Father in the common tongue) He taught me Elvish and the ways of the Elves for as far as I could learn when being 9 years old human. For that was the last time I saw him.
"Being an Elf he couldn't stay long in Esgaroth as that's the place I am from. But he came as often as he could once a week. But when I was 9 he didn't came anymore and my mother told me he was busy. I proposed to my mother to go to him to Mirkwood but my mother said no till change came and my mother couldn't pay the rent anymore of our house so we left and went to Mirkwood."
Flashback
"Mummy, are we going to see Ada soon" Alvina asked happily. "Yes dear. You'll see Ada very soon" Alvina smiled and run ahead of her mother stopping at a tree to listen to it but hearing nothing. "Alvina come here." Said her mother and Alvina walked up to her mother. But before she could reach her mother she was grabbed by her arm and thrown to the ground. "Mummy!" She cried out. "Alvina!" Her mother cried out. Alvina run to where her mother was but didn't see her. "Mummy" She cried out again, tears running down her face. She heard her mother moan but still didn't see her. So she stood still and cried. "What's wrong, little one?" A man's voice asked. Alvina looked at the man. "I lost my mummy." She whispers crying. "Aww you poor little thing" He said. "I know where your mummy is." He said. Alvina looked at the man. "You know where mummy is?" She asked a glint of hope in her eyes. "Yes come with me." He said and Alvina followed.
End Flashback
"That was the stupiest thing I've ever done." Said Alvina blinking away the tears. "I should have never done that I should have remembered what my Adar used to tell me ‘Do not go of with strangers' he used to say. But I did…" She stood up and walked to the window.
Flashback
Alvina arrived at a house which was quite big. She was told to wait there in the hallway and she looked with big eyes around. A man walked up to her and kneeled down next to her. "You know where my mummy is?" She asked with hope in her voice. "You do not need to go to your mummy now." The man answered. "But that man said he was going to take me to my mummy." She replied crying. "You do not need your mummy anymore. You belong to me now!" He said and took her into his arms and thrown her into a room on a bed. Alvina hide her face in the mattress to hide her tears.
End Flashback
"At the beginning nothing happened and they let me work as a slave. You know caring there food. Cleaning up the room. Making up their bed. But when I turned 19 they let me do other things…" Alvina swallowed. "They forced me to pleasure them.
"When I was 20 they had brought an Elf. They were also about to force her but I did not let them and told them they'll kill her if they did so they never forced her but took me instead. What they did, I will not say for it is too painful..." A tear made its way down her face. "After 5 years we had a change to escape and we did. The Elf and I, for we had developed a friendship, which was the best thing that has happened to me for a while. She never treated me different of the things she knew about me. And for that I am grateful." She gave a weak smile. "When we escaped we where found by two male Elves. I didn't trust them as I didn't trust anyone anymore. But even though my fear for them I let them help me, help us for my Elven friend was sick. And those 2 male Elves took us here to Imladris where I found Elleelen. I knew he would not remember me for the last time he had seen me, was when I was a little girl and I have changed since then…" Alvina stopped talking and Elrohir who was sitting stood up. "Who is Elleelen? I have never heard of him before?" Now it was time for Legolas to speak. "I wish to say something…" He started. Everyone (except for Alvina who was starring out of the window) looked at him. "I am Elleelen." He whispered, which shocked everyone.
"It was, as Alvina said 25 years ago. I saw a woman in great pain and walked over to her introducing me as Elleelen so she would not know I was the Prince of Mirkwood. I did not tell her my true identity for my father told me woman were only after your title which I never believe but still I didn't tell her my true identity. 9 years I have raised Alvina, my little Elf I used to call her. And those 9 years I have never forgotten.
"One day I went to hunt in the forest as patrollers had spotted Orcs in the forest but I found a woman instead. It was Amelia, Alvina's mother. I kneeled down next to her to help her but there was little I could do. She was dying; I can still remember her last words. ‘Find Alvina' then she died. That moment is burned into my memory and I swore to Elbereth I would find Alvina. Just to make her last few words come to reality. I never did find her and that was my purpose I came her for the counsel of Elrond for he is known to be very wise." He stopped.
"You never asked for my counsel." Said Elrond. "No, I have not." Legolas replied. "For I know if I asked for your counsel I could not find peace for a while. I needed peace so I waited and hang out with my two old friends Elrohir and Elladan but I also met Nessa and my troubles were forgotten for a while till yesterday…"
"You were thinking about Alvina." Said Nessa remembering the evening at the lake. Legolas nodded. "Yes I was thinking about Little Alvina and the Alvina I met here. My heart told me this Alvina was her for she never looked into my eyes. But my mind told me differently." He sighed. "Why did you never tell him Alvina?" It was Lord Glorfindel's turn to ask. Alvina still stared out of the window. "You would also not like it when your Adar finds out you've been forced…" She said. Elrohir walked up to her and hugged her. Then he signalled for Elladan, his father, Glorfindel and Nessa to leave the room. Nessa hugged Legolas and kissed him then hugged Alvina and left the room…
Legolas stared at Alvina for a while. Alvina noticed this and it just made her feel uncomfortable. After a while Legolas walked up to Alvina, he startled her when he spoke. "I have missed you, my dearest Alvina." He whispered. Alvina turned around "I have missed you too, Ada." She whispered back and then throws herself in his arms.
Legolas and Alvina spent a lot of time together. To get up on old times they said. Elladan, Elrohir, Lord Elrond, Lord Glorfindel and Nessa saw the change in Alvina; you could say that she was alive again. As the days passed Alvina and Elrohir started to hang out even more as before. Nessa and Legolas were always seen together.
Nessa and Alvina also talked a lot. About the things they had done while they were ‘apart' how Legolas and Nessa got together and so on.
Nessa and Alvina have been trained by the male Elves. Elrohir and Elladan taught the females how to sword play and Legolas taught them how to use a bow and arrows. Both were doing well and once in a while the 5 of them went out to go Orc hunting, for Elrohir and Elladan hated and despised those creatures.
As days, weeks, even months passed by the friends grew ever closer, if that was possible. Elladan had found a girl friend himself and was with her while Legolas and Nessa were in Legolas' room.
"Legolas?" Nessa asked her beloved. "Hmm?" He replied braiding her hair. "Has Alvina talked to you about Elrohir?" She asked unsure. "You mean that she's in love with him?" He replied. "Yes." She answered. "So she has?" Legolas stopped. "No…" said he. "But how do you know?" Nessa asked turning around. "You can see it in the little things she does. He hugs her she shivers or blushes." Nessa starred at him. "You noticed all that?" She asked dumbly
"Ai, it's my duty as an Adar." He replied smiling and then hugged her. "Do not worry, love, they'll tell each other sooner or later." Nessa sighed. "Isn't there anything we can do? She does not live for ever like Elrohir." Legolas thought for a while. "You are right. We should do something for her though she is stubborn." He replied with a smile. "Yes that she is." Nessa replied then she kissed him…
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Nessa walked to the library where she knew Alvina was. She saw that Glorfindel was once again helping Alvina with her Quenya lessons. "Good day Glorfindel, Alvina" Said Nessa. "Good day Nessa" They both answered. "I hope I am not interrupting but I would like to take a walk with Alvina, if that is alright of course" said she. Alvina looked at Glorfindel and Glorfindel nodded "Yes you can go we are done for today." He smiled. Alvina stood up and walked after Nessa saying "Thanks Glorfindel and Bye" They walked through the gardens of Imladris.
The females were first talking bout the weather and what they've done today and so on. As the hours passed by Nessa changed the subject. They went to sit down for a while against a tree.
"Alvina?" Nessa asked "Why do you not tell Elrohir you love him and do not give me the crap of ‘I am mortal'" she said. Alvina looked at Nessa. "I do not want him to know." She answered lamely. "Alvina, you've got to tell him. It's killing you." Alvina laughed. "Come on Nessa. I cannot die of a broken heart you know." She replied sarcastic. "That's not what I meant." Nessa answered. "You are hurting. I see it day by day." At this Legolas who had walked up to them, sat in front of Alvina. Alvina looked at him. "Are you in this too?" She asked. Legolas stayed quiet. "Why don't you just leave me alone?" Alvina exclaimed and got up and stormed off. Nessa was about to follow her when Legolas stopped her. "Let her be." He said. "She'll be alright." Nessa sat down next to Legolas. "How are you so sure?" She asked "You saw she was very angry. I have never seen her like this and…" Nessa was about to say more when Legolas stopped her with a kiss. "Do not worry, love, she will be alright." said Legolas once they broke apart. Nessa sighed. "If you say so." And she kissed him again but she was still worried for Alvina. What if she isn't okay? She thought.
Alvina was running to where ever her legs were taking her. Once she couldn't get any further she collapse down on the ground, weeping. "Why don't they just leave me alone?" She asked to no one in particular. When she calmed down a bit she saw that she was sitting nearby a spring. She dipped her hands in the water and cleaned her face with it. After that she starred at her reflection. "Why should I bother to tell him? He doesn't even like me. He said so himself." She once again asked to no one.
Suddenly she got an ache at the place her heart is placed and she grabbed it falling to the ground weeping.
Elrohir sat in the tree Legolas told him to. He thought about the conversation he and Legolas had before. "Elrohir, you should tell Alvina you love her." Legolas had said. "It is killing you." He is right Elrohir thought. It is killing me. "I cannot tell her." Elrohir had answered. "Why not?" Legolas had asked. "She doesn't want me as her lover she only sees me as her brother." He had replied. "I heart her talking to Nessa. She said so." He had said sadly. "But Elrohir, if you do not tell her and she finds out after you have passed to the Halls of Mandos do you not think she'll be hurt?" Elrohir sighed. "You are right. What should I do?" He asked because he knew Legolas had a plan if not he would not be here now. Legolas had told him Nessa was going to talk to Alvina and when they would be done talking Alvina will be at the spring to think. That's why Elrohir was sitting in the tree waiting for Alvina.
He saw her running to the spring and collapse down on the floor. He got out of the tree as silent as any Elf can and slowly walked up the Alvina. Now she was grabbing her heart and it hurt to see her like that. "Alvina?" He slowly asked sitting down next to her. "What is wrong?" He asked. "Nothing" Alvina murmured. "Something is wrong. Please tell me." He pleaded. Alvina looked him in the eye. "I just have a heartache…" She mumbled. "You love someone?" He asked with a twitch of sadness in his voice. "I do." She answered sadly. "Have you told him?" He asked and Alvina shook her head. "Why not?" He asked wanted to know what hold her back. "I cannot for he does not love me." Elrohir was a bit shocked. "And why does he not love you?"
"I do not know the answer to that question." Alvina answered. "All I know is that he said to his brother that he likes someone else." Alvina's hand once again went to her heart. Elrohir didn't know what to do only to think she loves someone else. Slowly he felt a heartache and now he was the one who fell to the ground grabbing his heart. "Elrohir what is wrong?" Alvina asked rushing over to him but Elrohir did not answer. Alvina placed his head in her lap. "Elrohir?" She asked. Elrohir let out a scream which meant only one thing. His heart is breaking Alvina though. "No Elrohir! You cannot leave me!" She cried out.
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Lord Elrond who was talking to his oldest son heard the scream and both of them were rushing towards it. So were Legolas and Nessa.
Lord Elrond and Elladan were the first to reach Elrohir and Alvina.
Alvina was still crying, saying over and over again not to leave her. "What happened?" Elladan asked rushing over towards his twin brother. "I…I…don't know. He screamed holding his heart." Alvina mumbled. Lord Elrond went to check on Elrohir and saw that he had not passed to the Halls of Mandos yet but he was very weak. He picked his youngest son up and the three of them walked to Elrohir's chamber. "Legolas and Nessa get some warm water and blankets. Alvina I need you to find Glorfindel. Elladan you can help me out." Elrond ordered. Everyone went to do there task.
After a few hours Lord Elrond was done. "Alvina, you need to sleep." He said. "I want to stay here." Alvina replied stubbornly. Legolas rose and went to Alvina. "Come my daughter, you need to rest." And he picked Alvina up. "No, put me down, I want to stay here." She said, struggling to get free. She didn't want to leave Elrohir not after what happened.
Legolas carried Alvina to her chamber and placed her in her bed. Nessa had walked after them and was helping to change Alvina into her nightshirt. They weren't even done yet and Alvina had fallen asleep. Legolas went to lay next to Alvina on one side and Nessa on the other so the three of them slept through the night.
Every day Alvina sat beside the bed Elrohir was laying on and every night Legolas and Nessa dragged her out of the chamber to let her get some sleep. They understand Alvina wanted to be with Elrohir but Alvina was not an Elf and needed her rest.
In Elrohir's chamber Lord Elrond was talking with Elladan. "So you say he loves Alvina but does not want to tell her for she just wants him as her brother?" Elrond asked. "Yes Ada. He loves her very much. I think that's why he did not leave because Alvina said to him not to leave her." Elladan answered. "You are right. But if this happen again he might not survive for the call to the Halls of Mandos is strong when you are weak of a broken heart." Elladan nodded but did not look at his father. Elrond took note of this so he asked "You are hiding something? Has this happen before?" Elladan sighed. "Yes Ada." He whispered. "What?!" Elrond exclaimed. "Why did he not come to me? When did it happen and how many times?" Elladan thought for a second before answering. "This was the 2nd time and he did not go to you for he did not want any one to know." Elrond sighed. "As stubborn as me." He mumbled under his breath. "Then he should be lucky that he did not pass to the Halls of Mandos and we should be lucky as well." Elladan walked over to his father and hugged him.
Alvina slipped out of bed when she woke up the next morning. It was what she always did when she woke up. She walked to Elrohir's chamber and found Elladan and Lord Elrond there. She hugged Elladan and Lord Elrond before asking "How is he?" Lord Elrond was the one to answer. "He's getting better day by day." Alvina nodded and went to sit on the chair beside Elrohir's bed. Lord Elrond nodded to Elladan to leave the room. They said there goodbyes and walked out of the chamber. Alvina took Elrohir's hand in her own. "Please ‘rohir, wake up." She whispered. Elrohir stirred in his sleep but did not wake up. A streak of his hair hand fallen on his face and Alvina tugged it behind his ear. "Do not leave me dearest Elrohir." She whispered in one pointed ear and placed a kiss on his forehead.
Elrohir felt someone was sitting next to him. He opened his eyes but the sunlight that was shining through the window hurt his eyes so he closed them again. Slowly he opened them again and when he got used to the light he looked around the room. He saw he was in his own room and Alvina was sitting next to him. She was asleep. He saw that she was holding his hand and he smiled. He raised his hand a little to wake her up but he was too weak so he just looked at her.
Alvina woke up. Her back hurt a lot from the position she fell asleep in. She sat up to stretch herself and looked at Elrohir. He was still asleep she saw. She took a hold of his hand again and kissed it. Slowly Elrohir woke up. "Elrohir?" She whispered thinking it was just one of her dreams. Elrohir gave her a weak smile and she knew he was awake. "Oh Elrohir I was so worried about you." She cried hugging him. "I'm going to call Lord Elrond." Alvina got up and walked through the door she saw a servant and told her to get Lord Elrond immediately.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Days passed and Elrohir had gotten better. Alvina visited him every day except for today. She had not gone to him yet and was on her way to find Glorfindel. When she reached the library and did not find him there she turned around causing her to bump into someone. "Counsellor Erestor, I am sorry. I did not see you." She quickly apologized. "Ai Alvina, it does not matter. Can I help you?" He replied with a smile which was quickly hidden behind his mask. "Aye, I was... I am looking for Lord Glorfindel; do you might know where he is?" Erestor nodded. "He is at Lord Elrond's studies. You wish to speak with him?" Alvina nodded. "Yes but it isn't important I can wait."
"Can I help?" Alvina looked at Erestor never before had the counsellor proposed his help. To Alvina he was always cold, actually, now to think about it he was cold against anyone. "Ai, I see. You need Glorfindel's help." He said started to get away. He should have known better then to ask if he could help her. "No actually I think you can help me counsellor Erestor." Alvina quickly said putting a hand on his shoulder to stop him and gave him a smile. Erestor turned around. "Very well." He said and both of them walked to the garden.
Once they reached the garden they went to sit on the bench. "How can I help you, Alvina?" Erestor asked. "Well I need your advice." Alvina replied. "Uhm… What if you are in love with someone but that someone is in love with another would you tell that someone that you are in love with her?" Erestor blinked. "Uhm… I guess I would but I will need some more information. Is this the fact that you are in love with Elrohir but dare not to tell him." Alvina blinked, shocked. "You know?" She whispered. "Aye, I did." He replied. "If I were you, who I know I am not, I would tell him. He almost died of grief maybe your love will help him get through his most unbearable time." Alvina stayed quiet for a moment letting the word sink in. "I think you are right counsellor Erestor." She said and stood up. "Anytime, Alvina." He replied with a smile. "Even though I hid behind my mask I am always here to help you." Alvina looked at him. "To bad you hid behind you mask all the time. It will do you good to come out of that mask." Erestor smiled at her. "I cannot do that." He said with a sad tone I his voice. Alvina knew better than to ask more of that subject so she changed it. "Well thank you counsellor Erestor for your time." And she hugged him. Erestor smiled on the embrace. "Anytime, little one." He said. When they pulled away Alvina walked off to Elrohir's chamber
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Legolas and Nessa were sitting at the other side of Imladris watching the sun go down. Nessa was snuggled up to Legolas and he was braiding her hair. (For so far he could do that!) Softly he tugged on her hair which made her face him then he bends down and kissed her lips. "Amin mela lle [I love you]" He said when they pulled away. "Ar amin mela lle" Nessa whispered back. This time she claimed Legolas' lips…
"I got a message from my father." Legolas said after a few moments. "What did he say?" She replied. "He needs me there." He answered. "Will you be going?" Nessa asked in a sad tone. "Aye, I have to." He replied. Nessa nodded. "Of course."
"Will you come with me?" He suddenly asked. "I can't…" She said. "I mean I want to but, Alvina…" She trailed off. "Alvina will be fine. I can ask her to come with us." Nessa nodded. "Alright, we'll ask her." Legolas kissed her again. "If you do not want to go I understand." Nessa turned around. "Nah, I do want to go…It's just that I do not think Alvina will and I would hate it to leave her alone."
"I agree to that but one day I have to introduce you to my father…" He said with a smile. "I wasn't joking Leggy!" She said getting angry, even though she used her name for him. "I know Ness'" He said. "I am just saying that Alvina will be alright in the time we are away." Nessa nodded. "Yes she will be alright though she will not like it."
"True." Legolas said and both of them felt silent.
"But I do need to go." Legolas said "You can stay here if you want to." Nessa stared in his eyes. "I'll see." She said smiling and kissed him again.
After the pulled away for the need for air they stared in each others eyes. "Gerish nin meleth na-den I methed o lû. [You have my love until the end of time.]" He said and kissed Nessa again. "Then would you bind yourself to me?" Nessa asked. "Always!" He said and both of them went to Legolas' chamber.
Alvina walked into Elrohir's chamber and was surprised when Elrohir wasn't in his bed but on the balcony instead and alone. Alvina walked up to him but knew he had already heard her so she waited till he said something. "I thought you wouldn't come today." He said looking up to face Alvina. "I am sorry, I was busy." Alvina replied. "Do not apologize, you are not ordered to come every day." Elrohir smiled. "That I am not, no." Alvina mirrored the smile. "How are you feeling today? Out of bed and without Elladan or Lord Elrond?" Elrohir chuckled "Yes I ordered them to leave me alone for a while."
"You want me to leave?" Alvina asked. "No, actually it was you I needed to talk to…" Elrohir gestured for Alvina to sit down. When Alvina sat down he took a deep breath. "What I need to tell you is very hard. I do not even know where to begin." Alvina stayed quiet. Elrohir stood up and paced around for a while then he took another deep breath. "I am in love with you. I know you just love me as your brother but I couldn't keep this from you any longer." He sat down again. Alvina was shocked, she couldn't believe he was in love with her…and that meant… "Your heart broke because of me?" She gasped. Elrohir nodded "Aye." Alvina shook her head and she stared at her hands. Elrohir got up and walked over to her and hugged her. "I know you do not like the fact that my heart can break because of you but if you do not reject my love and just let me love you, my heart will not break anymore." He said softly. "How would you know? What if I die?" Elrohir sighed. "Then I have learned how to live without your love." Alvina looked at him. "And what if I love you?
"If I have your love and you die?" Alvina nodded. "Then I do not know what will happen." He sighed again. Alvina got up. "I am sorry; I need to think for a while." Elrohir nodded and Alvina walked off.
Elrohir looked at the door startled for the fact that Alvina had said that she might love him too…
When Alvina left Elrohir's camber she started to run not caring where her legs would take her. When she stopped she stood in front of the door of Counsellor Erestor's chamber. She did not know why she was here but somehow she was glad. She knocked on the door hoping he would be there and when the door opened she let out the breath she did not know she was holding. "Alvina? What's wrong?" Erestor asked confused. "I wish to talk to someone but if you are busy…" Alvina started to turn around. "No, it is okay." Said Erestor. "Please come in." Both of them walked in and sat down. "What is wrong?" He asked concerned when Alvina didn't say anything. ""Elrohir…" She only said. Erestor kneeled down in front of her making her look into his eyes. When Alvina finally looked into his eyes he started to speak. "Please listen to me. I know both of you are in love with each other. It is very obvious. If I were you I should tell him you love him because it will do him good. He will not die if you die then as long as you do not bind yourself to him. Though I have heard that even though an Elf will bind himself or herself to a mortal they'll survive with the love they receive from their family. I have faith that Elrohir will survive though I do not encourage you to bind yourself to him so soon. Just tell him you love him and he'll survive."
"And if I don't?" Alvina asked. "Then he'll either die of a broken heart or he'll become like me…" Alvina looked confused. "Like you?" Erestor nodded. "I do not understand?"
"A long time ago I was in love with a mortal myself. She did not return my love and married another person. I never told her I love her so I got over the fact that she didn't love me back by only turning as cold as I am today." Erestor sighed. "Please understand that I do not want Elrohir to end up like me…" Alvina nodded. "Though you are not as cold as you say you are." She said with a smile and Erestor smiled to. "Thank you, little one." He said hugging her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A week later and Alvina hasn't been to Elrohir ever since. Elrohir was getting better even though he didn't see Alvina. Nessa and Legolas were worried about Alvina for they, or actually no one, haven't seen Alvina for over a week. But they all knew that Alvina was in Imladris for they knew she will not go outside without anyone and since only Alvina was missing they knew she was in Imladris, somewhere.
Legolas and Nessa were once again looking for Alvina. "Where can she be?" Nessa asked worried. "I do not know, love." Legolas answered and he hugged her.
Elrohir was walking around the garden wondering where Alvina was. He heard soft footsteps behind him and knew it could not be an Elf for the steps were too heavy he turned around and saw Alvina standing in front of him. He let out the breath he did not know he was holding when he saw her smiling. "I wish to apologize for my behaviour this last week. I just needed time to think things through." Alvina said.
"Apology accepted." Elrohir replied. He signalled for her to sit down she sat down and looked a bit uncomfortable. Then she stood back up and paced around.
"I've did a lot of thinking, about what you said to me that day and I wanted to tell you that I…L-love you." She stuttered and stopped pacing. Elrohir got up and searched her eyes. "You love me?" He replied not knowing if he heard her right. Alvina nodded. Elrohir smiled and hugged her. She hugged him back. Elrohir placed his lips on hers for the first time but she pulled back.
"I do not know what to do." She said, shyly. Elrohir smiled at her. "Then let me show you." And they kissed.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Everyone was seated at the dining table except for Erestor and Alvina. Everyone was talking about all kinds of things when Erestor and Alvina walked in hand in hand. Alvina was feeling a bit nervous so she had grabbed Erestor's hand and he gave her an encouraging squeeze. When they entered Legolas, Nessa and Elladan got up and hugged Alvina and overwhelming her with questions. After a few minutes they allowed Alvina and Erestor to sit down. Alvina sat next to Glorfindel and opposite Elrohir. Next to Alvina was Erestor. On the other side of Elrohir where Legolas and Nessa and at the head of the table sat Lord Elrond.
Once dinner was done, as it was already that late, everyone went to the Hall of Fire to hear some songs and tails. Alvina had dragged Erestor with her. Lindir began with his tale and everyone listened. When he was done some applauded and some cheered.
Elrohir stood up and after he got everyone's attention he spoke up. "I wish to sing." He said with a smile. "And I dedicate this song to someone special." He looked at Alvina and she looked a bit stunned but happy. He cleared his throat and began to sing.
You Treat Me Like A Rose
You Give Me Room To Grow
You Shone The Light Of Love On Me
And Gave Me Air So I Can Breathe
You Open Doors That Close
In A World Where Anything Goes
You Give Me Strength So I Stand Tall
Just Like A Rose
Once he was done with this verse he stopped, never leaving Alvina's eyes. She was still smiling and stood up once Elrohir ended. They slowly walked up to each other and once they reached each other they kissed.
Nessa and Legolas stared at them in awe for both of them believed Alvina had found love in Erestor but this proved them wrong and they smiled at seeing their friends kiss. Nessa looked at Legolas who still tears in her eyes for she found the song very beautiful, Legolas looked at Nessa and kissed her seeing the hint in her eyes.
As the night went on Legolas and Nessa went to approach Alvina. "Vina? Can we have a word with you?" Legolas asked Alvina and she nodded. They walked over to the balcony. "Vina, I got a message from my father, he wants me to come home. Now I asked Nessa if she wanted to come with me and she said yes, I hoped you'll come with me as well." Alvina's face paled. "We understand if you do not want to go back to that place." Legolas said reassuring her. Alvina shook her head.
"I dare not go there. Not yet that is." Legolas nodded. "I understand." And he hugged her.
"I'll look after her." Said Elrohir who had overheard their conversation. Legolas looked at him. "I am sure you will, mellon-nîn" He and Elrohir smiled at each other. Nessa hugged Alvina. "I'll miss you." She said. Alvina returned the hug. "And I you." She replied.
All of them spent that night together with Elladan too. But the morning approached and it was time to say bye to Legolas and Nessa. Each gave a hug to their friends and then mourned their horses and took off.
Legolas and Nessa were on their way to Mirkwood. They had set camp for the night. Nessa was cuddle in Legolas' arms. "By the next turning I have to leave you." Legolas said suddenly. Nessa looked at Legolas. "Why?" she asked. "I have received another letter from my father he wishes I get at Mirkwood as soon as I can. So I won't go to Lothlórien." Nessa's expression saddened. "I hoped you would come with me so I could introduce you to my parents." Legolas sighed. "So would I. But we'll visit Lothlórien once my business is done in Mirkwood." He kissed her. Soon two pairs of eyes were vacant.
In the morning they had a small breakfast and already said there goodbye's and were on their way again. When it was time for them to part they found it incredible difficult. But now Nessa was alone on her way to her home land. After some days she saw the borders of Lórien and her pace slowed down. Once she entered Lórien she was met by Haldir, Guardian of the woods, and his brothers Orophin and Rúmil. They took her to the Lord and the Lady of the wood and received a royal welcome, even her parents were there.
She spent a few weeks in Lothlórien with her family but she missed Legolas to much so now she was on her way to Mirkwood. A week before she would leave she had sent Legolas a message telling him she would leave Lothlórien soon.
Nessa entered Mirkwood and sensed something was wrong so her hand was on the hilt of her sword and her eyes were scanning every inch of the wood. Then it happened Men were running towards her and inclosing her she fought with them and even slain most of them but still she was surrounded and couldn't get away. She got shot in her right arm making her release her sword in pain. The Men were closing in on her and one of them threw his cloak over her then he grabbed her and binds her hand and legs. After that the world grew dark for Nessa's eyes…
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Legolas sensed something was wrong but he did not know what. The only thing that entered his mind was thoughts of Nessa. And when one thought entered his mind he quickly gathered some guards and left in search for Nessa. He knew she would be near the borders of Mirkwood if not already entered so he was on his way there.
He finally reached a spot were he knew Nessa had been for there lay a piece of her dress. It was torn and blood was on it. He saw footprints on the ground. Those are not of Nessa… He thought. Men! He cursed every living Men on Middle-Earth for capturing Nessa. He signed for his guards to follow him and he followed the footprints.
The Men took Nessa to Esgaroth and put her in a small chamber. When Nessa woke up, she looked confused around not knowing where she was. Her perfect Elvish hearing heard someone coming and backed away against the wall. Her fear grew worse when she saw Natar. Nessa tried to get away from Natar but he grabbed her and pushed her against the wall.
"What do you want from me?" Nessa asked frightened. "You" Natar replied. "Your mine at last. Now tell me, where is the other one. Where's Alvina?"
"I am never going to tell you where Alvina is. I won't let you have her!" Nessa replied, stubborn and slapped his face. Natar became very angry and slapped Nessa in her face and Nessa fell to the ground. "Then I will have you and when I break you I'll have Alvina as well." And he left the room, smiling.
Days past by and Legolas was still looking for Nessa. "Leave it be." A female Elf said. "You have been looking for her for days and still you have not found her. Do you really think she is still alive?" Legolas turned around to look at her. "I know she's still alive, Armír!"
"How do you know?" She replied getting angry "You've been looking for days, Legolas, DAYS! And still naught! Just give up. Eventually you've got to marry me! Your father said so!" Legolas was getting angry himself and raised his voice. "My true love is captured and all you can think of is getting married! No, Armír, I am NOT going to marry to you, even if it means to disobey my father!" Armír, taken aback didn't know what to say anymore so she walked away. Legolas gathered some guards around him and ordered them to go with him to Esgaroth, for he had not looked there yet.
For days Natar thrashed Nessa, when she did something wrong he would punish her even more. One day when Nessa was lying in the dungeon Natar walked in. "Nessa, I like to have some fun tonight." He said with a wide grin and grabbed Nessa by her hair and dragged her into his own room. All the way Nessa begged not to do this for she knew she would die if he would force her. Natar threw Nessa on his bed. "Undress yourself." Natar demanded. Nessa began to open her dress. Her fingers shook so she could not open the buttons as fast as Natar liked so he ripped her dress open and threw the offended clothes away. Then he threw her on the bed, Natar who was also naked climbed on her. He kissed her face then her lips, all the while Nessa tried to push Natar of but he had a good grip on her.
Suddenly Natar was thrown of Nessa and through teary eyes Nessa could see Legolas walking towards her. He grabbed a sheet and placed it on Nessa. He sat down next to Nessa and gently touched her shoulder, Nessa flinched away from his touch and Legolas looked confused at her though he did know why she did that. "Nessa, it is me." He said slowly. Nessa sat up and hugged her knees rocking herself and crying.
When Natar was pulled off Nessa he called for guards, men were walking in and soon a fight started. Elves and Men were fighting each other. The men were defeated by the Elves and Sealbeth, one of Legolas' best friends and guard, had a hold on Natar. "Legolas, what do you want to do with him?" He asked. Legolas turned to look at him with hate filled his eyes. "Kill him!" He said. "Slowly." And he turned back to Nessa. He tried to resume her everything was alright but he got no answer nor reply from her so he gathered her up in his arms and took off, back to Mirkwood.
-The next morning-
Nessa woke up because someone was playing with her hair and when she saw Legolas she smiled. "Good morning, my love." He said smiling back at her. "Good morning, Nîn ind." Legolas was about to kiss her but she turned away. "I am sorry, I…" Nessa apologized. "It is alright." Legolas replied, finally understanding what was wrong with her.
They got out of bed and went to the bathroom, taking a bath together. Nessa went to sit in the bath till the water reached her neck; Legolas looked at her to see if those men hadn't injured her badly. Nessa felt his eyes on her and smiled at him but after a while found it strange that he looked so…as he was searching for something. "Legolas, what are you doing?" Nessa asked, confused. "Nothing" Legolas quickly said and looked away. Nessa sighed. "I am fine, nothing more than a few scratches, the will famish." After a silence she replied. "For a second I thought I was… I was…" She couldn't finish the sentence for it was too hard to say. She wouldn't cry so she swallowed a few times. Legolas saw a lonely tear making its way down her cheek but he did not know what to say so he hugged her. When Nessa didn't flinch he hugged her closer Nessa couldn't hold back anymore so she cried. "Now I know how Alvina feels." Nessa sobbed. "It was dreadful; I thought that I was never going to see you again."
"Do not worry, it's all over now. He is never going to hurt you again." Legolas said. He felt awful because he couldn't think of anything else to help Nessa except those words. Nessa nodded and wiped away her tears. "Amin mela lle, Legolas. Thank you."
"You are welcome. I love you too." Legolas said with a smile and kissed Nessa gently on her lips.
When they finished they went to the dining room. "Good morning Adar." Said Legolas once he spotted his father sitting at the table. "Morning, my son." He answered. "And who is this?" He said "Adar, may I introduce Nessa. Nessa this is my father." Nessa shook Tranduil's hand saying. "A pleasure to meet you sir." Thranduil smiled. "Pleasure is all mine." They took their seats and at their breakfast. "I spoke to Armír today." Thranduil began. "What did she say?" Legolas replied. "The marriage…" Legolas looked at his father. "I am not going to marry her if that is what se meant." Thranduil smiled. "Aye, I already figured that one out." He said while looking at Nessa. Nessa blushed and looked away. "I just wanted to tell you that it was okay to marry Nessa instead of Armír I don't really like her anyway…" Legolas looked at his father and smiled then he looked at Nessa and when their eyes met the smiled at each other.
After dinner Legolas and Nessa went out to explore Mirkwood. They first went to Legolas' favourite place; The Spring. He sat down on a rock and Nessa went to sit in front of him, staring into the water. "This is a really nice place" Said Nessa after a long silence. "It is." Legolas replied with a smile. "I used to come here to think or to hide from my father." Legolas started to braid Nessa's hair. "I've never brought anyone here, you know." He said. "Why didn't you?" Nessa answered. "I think I just wanted to have a place for myself. Not wanting anyone to know where I was."
"And yet you brought me here."
"Aye, I did." Legolas stopped braiding Nessa's hair and Nessa turned around. "I wanted to share this with you, like I want to share everything with you." Nessa stayed quiet not knowing what to say. "I wanted to ask you something but I do not think this is the moment." He said looking into her eyes. "I'll wait till both of us are ready." Nessa looked confused at him. "As you wish." She replied.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
As time passed on Legolas and Nessa spent a lot of time in Mirkwood. Sometimes they even went to Lórien. Twas a beautiful night when Legolas took Nessa to his favourite place once again. They sat down enjoying the silence. "Nessa?" Said Legolas after a while. "Hmm??" She replied. "Do you remember that question I wanted to ask you?" Nessa nodded. "I think both of us are ready for that question now." Legolas took Nessa hand and guide her to stand. Then Legolas went down on one knee and fished a box out of his pocket. "Nessa, will you marry me?" Nessa, shocked, didn't know what to say. Legolas stood and placed the ring on her left ring finger and she looked at the ring. "Won't you say anything?" Legolas, becoming nervous. Nessa looked at the ground and shook her head. "I am sorry." Said Nessa. "I can not do this." And placed the ring back in Legolas' hand. "Why?" Legolas asked, looking at the ring and then back at Nessa. "Saes don't do this. I love you. I don't understand." He said, letting the tears fall from his eyes. "I cannot tell you." Nessa whispered and then she turned around and ran away. Legolas starred at the stop Nessa stood just a few seconds ago then he turned around, back to the water, and sank to the ground. Not caring if anyone saw that he was crying…
Nessa slowed down and leaned against a tree. "I know why you are crying!" Armír said walking towards her. "What?" Nessa asked facing her. "You cry cause of Legolas." And Armír sat down and Nessa followed. "So?" She replied. "You shouldn't leave him, he loves you very much."
"And what would you know of that?" Nessa snarled at her. "I know because at the time when you were… you know he couldn't stop worrying about you. He couldn't stop thinking about you. But as you know his father told him to marry me but I do not want him to be sad. He loves you and you two should be together. You deserve the happiness you will find in each other. And you know what?"
"What?" Nessa replied, curious. "You are the one for him… and if I were you I should not let him go…" Nessa thought a while in silence than she spoke up: "You are right. I'll go to him. May you find your true love one day!" Armír smiled when Nessa took off.
Nessa walked back to the spring, seeing Legolas was watching the waterfalls. "Legolas…" She said barely in a whisper. Legolas turned around hearing his name. "Nessa…" He said. "I wanted to apologize for my behaviour. I should not…" Nessa didn't know what else to say so she stayed quiet. "Tis okay." Legolas said, walking up to her. "I mean I shouldn't have asked you to marry me this soon after you was…" Nessa placed her finger on his lips stopping him from speaking. They looked in each other's eyes and it seemed that Legolas could read Nessa's mind and he kissed her. "You didn't answer my question." He said. Nessa looked at the ring and smiled. "I would love to marry you." Legolas also smiled out of happiness and kissed her again, while kissing, he put the ring, once again, on Nessa's left finger…
10 years had passed and for 10 years Nessa and Legolas stayed at Mirkwood. Sometimes they visited Lórien but this day was the first day in 10 years for them to go back to Imladris. Both were eager to see their friends again but especially Alvina. For, as a mortal, she would have change in the 10 years they did not see her and also because it was her 35th birthday and no one knew they were coming.
They went inside seeing Erestor and Alvina dancing they went over to Elrohir and Elladan who were laughing together watching Alvina and Erestor. "Legolas! Nessa!" Yelled Elrohir and hugged his two friends "When did you got here?" Elladan asked. "Just a few minutes ago." Nessa answered, smiling.
Alvina heard the yell and turned around spotting Elrohir and Elladan hugging Legolas and Nessa. She ran up to them and gave them a big hug. "Ada, Nessa!" She yelled. "This is the best birthday I've ever had." She confessed seeing her best friend and her ‘Ada'.
Time passed on when Nessa and Legolas took Alvina aside. "Alvina, we need to tell you something." Legolas began. "Yeah." Said Alvina, encouraging. "I've asked Nessa to be my wife." Legolas said carefully. "And what was her answer?" Alvina asked, with no emotion. "I said yes." Said Nessa, looking at Legolas and then back to Alvina for any reaction. "You did?" She said coldly and Nessa nodded. Suddenly Alvina hugged both of them yelling "this is wonderful, congratulations!"
Then she took them by the hand and dragged them back inside.
"Everyone, may I have you attention please." She said waiting for all her guest to be quiet. "I did not believe this birthday could get any better until Ada and Nessa walked in. But now they've told me something which even made my birthday better." She said stopping for a moment to take a breath. "They are betrothed to each other. They're going to get married!" She exclaimed. And everyone hugged them, saying congratulations.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Today whole Imladris was in an uproar because today was the day that Nessa and Legolas were going to take their vows. They were going to get married in Imladris because both thought it as their second home and because they couldn't convince Alvina to go to Mirkwood and they didn't want to marry without her. Nessa had asked Alvina to be her maid of honour and Legolas asked the twins to be his best men for he couldn't choose between them. Legolas had invited his family and some of his friends from Mirkwood and were happy that they all arrived. Nessa had also invited her family and they came as well.
Nessa and Legolas, both couldn't remember the ceremony for they only had eyes (and ears) for each other. They were at the after party now dancing. So were Alvina and Elrohir.
Legolas had left Nessa side for a moment and when he came back the music had stopped. He began to sing:
There is no one in this world,
Who can love me like you do,
That is the reason that I,
Wanna spend forever with you.
When he stopped everyone cheered and Legolas wiped the tears away that had fallen down from Nessa eyes and then she kissed him.
After the dance Nessa and Alvina went to talk to each other.
Ness, I am so happy for you." Said Alvina once they stood on the balcony. "I thank you Alvina. But yet I see sadness in your eyes." Nessa replied. "Do not doubt that I am not happy for you, because I am."
"I do not doubt that, but I cannot help but notice that you look sad this evening."
"I just… It's just that…" Alvina sighed. "You looked so happy when you took your vows and so did Ada and yet I know I'll never be this happy with Elrohir." She sighed once again.
"Ai Vina, you and Elrohir can be as happy as I am with Legolas, you just need to find out how! You may not want to marry him…" Nessa couldn't finish her sentence because Alvina interrupted her. "But I do want to marry him. It just cannot be…"
"Maybe it cannot be but it is not unheard of a Mortal marrying an Immortal." Alvina gave her a look. "I know you do not want to break his heart but maybe it is worth taken the risk."
"Nah Nessa. It cannot be. We will find a way to be as happy as you and Ada." Nessa smiled at her. "You will find a way to be very happy." She stopped for a while. "Didn't Elrohir look beautiful tonight?" Nessa asked. "Yes, he did." Alvina said blushing. "I have never seen him so beautiful before." She said truthfully still blushing. Nessa smiled at her.
Legolas walked up to them. "Hello Ada." Said Alvina and hugged him. "Hello my two beautiful ladies." He replied smiling. "What were the two of you talking about?"
"About how beautiful Elrohir looked tonight." Nessa replied. "You're already looking at other male Elves. It is our wedding day." He half joked, half trying to look as if he was serious but failed miserable. "Oh yes my dear. That is my duty as a best friend." She joked back. Neither noticing that Alvina was blushing from her ears to her toes…
Epilogue
Nessa and Legolas walked into Alvina's room. Long have they been away…Too long. Alvina was dying of old ages and had asked Legolas and Nessa to visit her one last time. As they approached the bed they saw Elrohir sitting on a chair next to the bed. He nodded to them and went to wake up Alvina. "Vinnie, Nessa and Legolas are her." He whispered. Alvina slowly woke up and turned her head to the voice. Nessa and Legolas walked into her view. "Nessa, Ada!" She said as cheerful as she could. "My daughter." Legolas said grabbing her hand. "Dear Alvina." Said Nessa sitting down next to Legolas.
"Still as beautiful as ever." She said. "So are you." Said Legolas. "Do not lie dear Ada, I know I am old." She said smiling. "Ai maybe you are but you are still beautiful." He said, smiling. "Thank you." She said.
"I have summoned you for a reason." Alvina began. "I wished to see you before I die…" She said sadly. "And we are happy to see you again." Said Nessa. "It is good to see you too." She said stopping for she was already out of breath. "I do not have much time. I can feel it." Alvina looked at Elrohir and he went to the cupboard. He grabbed something out of it and returned to Alvina. "I made this for you. So you could remember me when I am not here anymore." She showed them two necklaces. "They have something carved in it." She handed them to their rightful owners. Both the necklaces had the shape of a heart and on that heart was craved an A, on the A were flowers, roses to be exactly for they were Alvina's favourite flowers. "So you'll remember me." Alvina said again. Legolas and Nessa both hugged Alvina and kissed her cheek then they left the room.
Elladan, Elrond, Glorfindel and Erestor entered the room. Glorfindel was the first to walk up to the bed. "Dearest Glorfindel." Alvina said "I wish to thank you for all the things you have taught me. The language and the history of Middle-Earth. I have enjoyed all the time we spent together." Glorfindel smiled at her and then also kissed her cheek and hugged her and left the room.
Elrond was next up. "I thank you, Lord Elrond, for taking me in your house. You have giving me a family which I ever dreamed of." Lord Elrond also smiled at her and left the room.
Then Elladan walked up to the bed. "Dearest Elladan. Thank you for taken care of me and Nessa when you found us. And also thank you for being my friend." Elladan went to hug her and Alvina whispered in his ear "Take good care of him when I'm gone." Elladan nodded in the hug and then broke it and also left the room.
Erestor sat down on the bed and took Alvina's hand. "Thank you, my dearest Erestor, for being my friend when I didn't want anyone around me. You were the one to listen to me when I wanted to be alone." Erestor smiled a sad smile. "I'll miss you dearest Alvina." Alvina also gave a said smile. "Find love again, Erestor. That is my wish for you." Erestor nodded and kissed her cheek, hugged her and then left the room.
When the couple were alone Elrohir lay down next to Alvina and hugged her as close as he could. "I love you, Elrohir" Alvina whispered tiredly, all the talking had exhausted her. "And I love you." Elrohir whispered back and placed his lips on hers. Then placed a ring around her ring finger and smiled at Alvina seeing her expression. "I will always love you." Elrohir whispered. When Elrohir's perfect hearing couldn't hear Alvina's heartbeat anymore he started to cry. He cried because he had lost his lover. He cried because he had lost his one true love. And he cried…
The End!
Although I'm gone remember me
Please be strong, I'll never leave
just hold on, to the memory
While I'm here all I'm thinking about is tomorrow