Blissful morning

To celebrate Frances' birthday, here is another chapter !

Legolas was happy. Incredibly, numbly and incommensurably happy. Even more so that the last time his father had praised him, more than he had ever felt in his entire long life, more than he felt he deserved. Yet, his heart basked in the feeling, for it danced in his soaring chest, radiating with joy.

The elf was slouched over the hard-wooden headboard, a few cushions haphazardly thrown under his body to prevent the awkward position from causing stiff muscles. But he didn't mind. Every single part of him was tingling happily, for in his arms lay the lady of his dreams. A lady, mind you, not an elleth. No doubt his father might have a few coloured words about it.

If he ever saw him again, which was doubtful. Not that he cared at the present moment. No. Nothing else mattered than the sleeping form spread over him.

The first sunrays had woken him from his slumber, the deepest and most incredibly deep meditation he had ever experienced. For a while, the elf wondered if he had not fallen asleep; a strange feat for one of the firstborn. That would certainly explain the awkward position in which he lay, and the weight slouched over him. Then the light graced his skin with its welcome warmth, and he had opened his eyes slowly.

The most beautiful sight greeted him, taking his breath away. Some fiery strands of smooth silk had caught fire in the morning glow, scattered over his left arm like a shiny waterfall. Behind them, he could scarcely distinguish Frances' peaceful features as she slept, her face buried into his tunic. Eyes closed, long eyelashes brushing her cheek like a caress, lips as red as a rosebud, she looked as lovely as ever. Her features, so peaceful, had never been so perfect.

Legolas blinked, unsure, for a moment, about being awake. But the soft breeze coming from the window told him so. If his heart soared in happiness, remembering – at last! – the night before. Stunned speechless by the sight of Frances resting peacefully in his arms, he could only stare and relish in his luck. He had kissed her, and pledged his troth, and convinced her of his undying love, a love he would keep alive for eternity!

The reminder of her lips upon his own, soft and pleading, was enough to call a smile upon his face. Yes, there were uncertain times ahead. But she loved him, as much as he loved her. Of this, he was sure. Her concern for his welfare alone, her distress at the idea of him fading, should have been enough. But he had felt it as she settled to sleep against him in the night, her body slackened as he rode Arod back to Minas Tirith. Their bound had called to him with renewed vigour, fuelled by their mutual consent.

Gone was the feeling of impending doom, its harshness forgotten for a moment of happiness. Legolas was no fool. He knew that Sauron would stop at nothing to wipe every other life from the surface of middle earth. But in this blessed moment, he could not hoist his spirit to care.

Granted, the dark Lord would probably have a good laugh at him when he would appear at his door with a spring in his step, the happiness of newfound love on his lips. What would the Maiar know of love, of the pure joy to look upon another's face and just be happy that he exists in the world?

Legolas sighed of contentment. If he died before the black gate, he would at least die a happy ellon. Fulfilled. For the first time since he was born, he felt complete. And from the soft sigh that escaped Frances' mouth as she started to rouse, the sentiment was shared.

The young lady stirred slowly, reluctant to leave his arms as much as he was reluctant to let go. Perhaps she would need a little space? After all, she had barely moved an inch when he had set her in bed beside him, keeping her close. When her eyes fluttered open, she squinted a bit, looking every bit a tiny little animal in the sea of her hair. Then, a look of awe passed over her features, soon followed by a spark of uncertainty.

"Oh. Legolas... You could have... I'm sorry, I have kept you from your rest?"

The elf frowned, unsure about what she meant. He, for one, had marvelled at finding her in his arms. But she was a human woman, him sharing her bed, although they had both been clothed, might be an issue.

"I am well rested, meleth. How was your sleep?"

A strange glow suddenly seemed to seize her as she settled her weight on her elbow.

"Incredible. I cannot remember any of my dreams, though I am sure I was coated in the brightest and softest light ever,"

Legolas smiled fondly.

"I am glad to hear it."

Frances' eyes shyly roamed over his glowing form. With the morning sun, she was quite unsure about the origin of the light in the room. Yet, the young lady could have sworn that he shone more brightly than ever. As a perfect blond eyebrow lifted on his face, she sat up beside him, and claimed his hand. Then her brows furrowed.

"I was afraid that you had stayed only for my sake and broken your back resting like this."

Legolas's thumb caressed her palm slowly, his smooth skin leaving a warm sensation on her hand. Then, he kissed her temple. So sweetly, so softly, his breath only brushing her skin as his lips deposited this token of love. Frances turned to him, her whole body asking for more, begging for his touch. Her shoulder nudged close to him, and her eyes met his. The ocean stared back at her in its infinite depth, the corner of his eyes cringing a bit in a soft smile.

"It is of little consequence," he breathed. "I had the privilege to guard your sleep, and it warmed me enough to spend the best of nights. Besides, it is the second one I spend in a similar position."

The soft smiled had turned to a cheeky grin, and Frances frowned before realising what he had admitted. The night before, the same light had watched over her and saved her from that horrible nightmare. She had thought it all a frenzy at the time, the soft nudge on her arm and the low voice that had commanded her back to sleep. But now she understood. Laying her head on his shoulder, Frances squeezed his hand in gratefulness.

"It is because of you, you know. This light than engulfed me in my sleep, it is yours. I remember it quite well, from the days we spent in Moria as I followed you. And the path of the dead as well. It is your light that kept me going."

The elf's breath hitched, but he kept silent. How long had she been admiring him without his knowledge? Had this been such a long time?

"Last night. You saved me from a terrible nightmare..."

"Is that so? Would you like to tell me about it?"

Frances shuddered, and Legolas circled her shoulders in a gesture of comfort.

"No, I'd rather not. I have you today, it is more than I could ever ask for. Let us enjoy life when it is still time."

"A wise choice, meleth. To which I adhere wholeheartedly"

His voice, low and sensual, created goosebumps on her arm. Adamant not to think about it for the time being, Frances turned to him with a twinkle in her eyes.

"It is the second time that you rest in a terrible position. But next time maybe, we can try sleeping in the bed, with the covers and all?"

Legolas started as a blush crept slowly over Frances' skin, his blue eyes staring at her.

"Ah, this is not... Oh God! Not what I meant," she stuttered.

The elf repressed a grin for a while, his expression so boyish that his long years disappeared in a blink. She bit her lip and he couldn't help but laugh at her crimson face. She was way too adorable when embarrassed!

"Do not fret, meleth. I have understood your meaning quite well. I was afraid that you might find me too bold to stay with you. If you so wish, I can flee through the window as I have done yesterday morning."

Frances frowned deeply, unsettled by the proposal. Legolas's heart leapt into his throat, beating like a drum.

"Why would you do that ?"

"To preserve your dignity"

"Ah ... uh..."

She was at loss for words, not a small feat considering her sharp wit.

"You only have to ask, Frances. I will not put you in a difficult position"

Had she been less nervous, the young lady would have laughed at the double meaning behind those words. But Legolas was earnest.

"I can't think of anything more honourable than to be yours. But I understand that the rules of middle earth could be different from my home world. And I also gather that as a Prince, you might have to hide this relationship to others."

Legolas's heart thumped wildly at this; she had misunderstood his meaning so badly! Abashed, he seized both of her hands in his.

"Do not, for one instant, think that I would hide my love for you. It takes all my strength of will not to yell at the top of my lungs on the summit of Echtelion's tower such is my happiness. This bond we have ... it is a present from the Valar."

Frances' answering smile should have been radiant, but he could detect some hidden concern in her wavering gaze.

"Are you sure, Legolas? Are you sure about all this?"

"Aye, Meleth. I have doubted long enough."

And shame washed over him as he recalled those days where he had shunned her for the sake of protecting his heart. He should have known that it was a battle long lost, that his soul was already bound to her even there! The shift of his mood called her to him, and she gently stroked his cheek, marvelling in the softness of his skin, silently asking that he unburdens his worries.

And Legolas did, explaining all that had transpired in his mind from Dunharrow to the fields of Pelennor. Somehow, lost in his own worries, he had overlooked that his distance would have hurt Frances. But as he spoke, voice unsure and hands slightly trembling, he saw the depth of her suffering in her hazel eyes. What an elfling he had been!

"I am sorry, meleth nin, for hurting you so! I had not realised until I felt your distress through our bond, how my behaviour had affected you."

And he marvelled at her willingness to forgive as she kissed him, for she had every reason to get revenge and hurt him back with sharp words and anger. But she did not, wrapping instead her arms around him and holding fast. He returned the gesture, his soul free of torment, his heart content to have told her the truth. Eventually, she sat again, close enough so that her side touched the length of his body.

"So this bond we share, how does it work?"

"I can feel how you fare. It has started like a spark of strangeness within my own body at first, only calling for my attention when you were particularly distressed. But now it gets stronger, and will be complete when we ... if we..."

"Complete? It is not yet complete?"

"The link is sealed through physical bonding."

"Oh."

There she was, once again crimson and trying to hide in the folds of his tunic. But the time was not to jest. It was pretty uncomfortable for him, to be the one to deliver such news to his intended. In any other case, the elleth would have been aware of this. Her embarrassment, though, was as real as his. Did she think him impatient to complete the bond? To bed her? Not that he would refuse, should she wish it. But those were elvish customs, and he knew human's traditions to be very different on that account.

"Hush Meleth, there is no rush."

"But will you want to? I mean, if we seal this relationship, you will have no chance to have another once I'm gone."

His expression darkened for a bit, and his blue eyes lost themselves far away. He had thought she would clear this possibility from her mind after their conversation the night before, but here she was, trying once more to escape this finality.

"There is only one bond for us. Sealed or not, you are the only one for me, and will ever be. There can be no other"

Frances nodded, deep in thoughts. She was searching, deep within, a sensation that was not hers. And she found it; this little exasperation that pointed through the undying love. Her eyes widened, and she smiled reassuringly at the elf beside her.

"I have felt weird things, sometimes, like thoughts that did not belong to me entirely. But I had no idea this could be a Feä bond. I had no idea it could be done, with me being human and all!"

Suddenly his face brightened, like the sun in a blue sky. She was dazzled by his sight.

"I am glad. In time, you will be able to share as much of me as I share of you. It was my bound to you that called me by your side yesterday eve."

Frances' face fell, and she dipped her head in shame. In her joy, she had quite forgotten about the fight with Aragorn.

"Oh. About that, I fear I must apologize."

Legolas's heart clenched as fear and regrets passed over his beloved face, angst seeping through their bond.

"I have known Aragorn most of his life. Can I be of help ?"

"Maybe I can recall the events to you, you might be able to advise be on the best way to fix this mess."

Legolas nodded, unfazed by her weird wording. He was now quite accustomed to her unusual images. As Frances spoke, his hand shyly stroked her hair, long fingers going through the maze of reddish strands. She did not object to his ministrations, and the elf turned the young lady around to brush it. Her words, anguished, flew out of her mouth as he marvelled at the softness sliding through his fingers. Relishing in the touch, Legolas created two waterfall braids to frame her beautiful face, leaving the rest unbound.

Many times, she seemed at loss of words, her eyes closing as he worked his way through her locks. Freshly washed, they were strangely disciplined, tumbling in waves yet rolling around in ringlets that seemed artificial such was their perfection. Legolas took his time, his eyes serious, his voice smooth and soothing, as his crafted hands worked through Frances' hair. Little by little, the young lady relaxed against his touch, her fears lessening.

Once the elf deemed Frances ready, he stood up. Straightening his tunic, he put on his jerkin discarded in haste the day before. His bracers he left in the room. Today, there would be no fighting of foul creatures. Today was dedicated to love, and the amazing young woman who had accepted his suit. Offering his arm, the woodland prince felt a shiver run up his spine as she set her hand at the crook of his elbow. The gesture, so familiar, claimed her as his, and it brought him such joy that he could not refrain from grinning like a lovesick fool.

His dazzling smile threatened to turn Frances' knees to jelly. She had to lift her head to contemplate his handsome features, and it felt like gazing at the sun. Her joy was so unexpected, so complete that her heart seemed ready to burst. And then, they stepped outside of her room, and even knowing that she was on her way to apologise to Aragorn, nothing could dampen her mood