Title & Chapter Number: Elencálë (The Light of the Elves) 12/?
Author(s): - Author's Index
Fandom: Middle Earth/Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
Rating: NC-17 Romance/Adventure
Disclaimer:
Warnings:
Betas:
Cast: Legolas/Shu Lien
Timeline: AU - Post RotK
Spoilers: None
Summary: This story takes place about 100 years after the quest of the One Ring. Even after the fall of Sauron, the foul breath of evil can still be felt on the winds of Middle Earth. Some say it is just the nature of the world, the shadow of the light. Some say it is rising and has once again become sentient. King Elessar rules with a just and even hand, but Men throughout the land are falling into darkness, succumbing to greed, hatred and violence among themselves and against the world. The Light of the Elves departs as the Eldar continue to withdraw to the West, leaving darkness in their wake.
Notes: Elves do not close their eyes during Reverie. While I have updated the sexual culture of the Eldar to reflect more modern values (and indeed the fact that I feel that such sensual and advanced beings would revel in such a pass time and consider it natural and pure), the concept that Elves can tell if other Elves have had sex actually is Tolkien's.
Chapter 12
Shu Lien had spent more time beside Legolas over the last two days, wanting to lend him some measure of support as he neared his home. Legolas accepted the overture gratefully without question. He would take whatever time he could get with her.
As they neared the Woodland Realm the forest became less dense and the horses could be ridden continuously once more. They skirted the mountains of Mirkwood following the Old Forest River toward the city. Shu Lien listened with interest to stories of Legolas' youth, Elrohir embellishing the tales from behind them while Gimli added quipping commentary.
Suddenly Legolas stopped in mid-sentence, turning to grin at Shu Lien briefly before he tilted his head up slightly. The voice of a bird came from his pursed lips. Shu Lien couldn't distinguish the answering call from the regular symphony of the forest. He smiled again as a figure dropped lightly from the trees ahead of them. The brown-haired Elf, bow slung over his back, smiled warmly and jogged the distance between them, stopping before Legolas' horse to incline his head and touch his forehead and heart.
Bowing his head slightly in answer, Legolas jumped to the ground and grasped the forearm of the archer. They spoke warmly in the Sylvan dialect for a few measures, the light, birdlike language skipping playfully off the breeze. The other Elf turned and made another whistling call to the trees and five more archers dropped down silently. They jogged lightly over to Legolas, also showing their respects as they approached, grinning as he addressed them each in turn in their language.
Switching to Sindarin, he gestured to Shu Lien. "A guest rides with us on Elvish business to Rivendell. Shu Lien of the Mandärin of the Romanórë." Shu Lien bowed, palms together, on her horse as she was introduced. The Elves glanced at her with a brief surprised flash to their eyes, touching their foreheads while inclining their heads slightly. Switching to Common he continued with a small smirk, "And I am sure your remember these two trouble makers, so I won't bother with their introductions."
Gimli snorted. But dismounted awkwardly (more like fell), along with Elrohir (who leapt lightly to the ground), to come and amiably greet the Woodland guard. Shu Lien took the cue and dismounted with them standing beside Gimli as the group chatted. They were obviously very friendly and familiar.
The Wood Elves seemed to have none of the more open and assertive curiosity that was displayed by the Galadhrim. They spoke with soft, smiling voices to the party, not approaching Shu Lien with any questions or stealing unwarranted glances in her direction. They had an almost shy politeness and genuine warmth and made her feel like an accepted part of the group immediately. How much of this was a factor of her being a guest of the Prince, she could not guess, but the overall energy of these elves was different. They held themselves as part of the forest, their posture, movements and words belying a more organic and unassuming way of being. She was very much reminded of the Amaurëa.
Finally Legolas rested a hand on the shoulder of one of the guard and spoke to him at length in the quick bright Sylvan dialect, obviously giving directions, and the Elf nodded with a small incline of his head, touching his forehead, and turned and sprinted into the forest.
Shu Lien had been watching Legolas carefully. He seemed completely relaxed and comfortable with these elves. He balanced a warm congeniality with a restrained and humble acknowledgement of his formal position perfectly and seemed at once both accessible and commanding. As a result the Elves seemed to both like and respect him. She smiled as he turned to her.
"Let us away? The city is but a half hour on horse from here. I have sent a runner so that we shall be able to enjoy warm baths before our supper." Nodding with an anticipatory smile she leapt onto her horse, waiting as the others followed suit, Gimli getting some help from Elrohir. Legolas continued to speak with the guard in this home tongue and then finally also leapt to the back of his horse. The captain of the group, who had been introduced as Lortaur, leapt up to ride behind Legolas on his horse and the rest of the group melted back into the forest without a word.
As they rode along, Legolas listened attentively as Lortaur updated him on the events in his absence. Shu Lien road beside Elrohir to the rear, with Gimli riding ahead beside Legolas.
Elrohir and Shu Lien spoke of nothing, and soon her eyes were drawn to the houses that began appearing in the forest along the river. If she had been slightly less observant, she might have missed them. They were built as whispers of the coming evening around the trees and natural formations of the forest, unassuming, subtle architecture that mimicked the grace of the forest. It had none of the more ostentations glory of Caras Galadhon, but exuded a simple elegance. Wood and stone had been formed carefully in ornate yet subtle embellishment. There were no sharp corners or harsh lines, all was as a forest dream. Wood elves obviously did not hold themselves apart from their world, but existed as an organic peoples, entwined inexorably with the heartbeat of the land. Memories of the Romanórë rose unbidden, softening the feel of her breath in her throat and making her nose and eyes sting as a gentle prodding reminder of all that was lost. She swallowed heavily and tried to turn her attention to the chuckling conversation Gimli, Legolas and Lortaur were now having.
Elrohir seemed content to ride in silence beside Shu Lien. His face was upturned slightly to the trees above and he breathed deeply of the dusk. Though he was looking forward to a warm bath, dinner and comfortable bed, he was glad that they would only be spending three days in Mirkwood. He wanted now to get back home to Rivendell. A ghost of a smile played across his face. Watching the painful dance between Shu Lien and Legolas had brought forth many hours of contemplation of his own situation and feelings. He did not want to end up suffering the agony and turmoil exhibited by his friends on this journey. He was ready to admit that he may indeed be in love. Almost.
~*~*~*~
The light had almost completely faded when the palace buildings came into view. It had been woven so seamlessly into the fabric of the forest and constructed in such a delicate and open way that its massive size seemed humbled and diminished. The structure was built around and in some cases over the lazy Forest River, and the soothing sound of meandering water mixed with the evening sounds of the forest wove a relaxing and ephemeral atmosphere. Open hallways connected buildings whose walls and many balconies overlooked the gardens which were sculptured in a way that achieved the casual random beauty of nature. Plants and vines obscured the walls, an intricate wooden detail emerging like smile here and there from amidst the leaves. Its spirit was that of the wind, sighing through the forest, bowing the flowers with gentle insistence, fingering the leaves lovingly. A tribute to the soul of the verdant wood.
Legolas had stolen several measuring looks to Shu Lien along the journey. As he dismounted, he watched her face as she took in every detail of his Woodland home. Her face was not formed in the subtle delighted smile he had hoped for, her eyebrows were slightly knitted and eyes unreadable. Was it not what she had hoped? His breath left his lungs with a hollow open feeling at these thoughts as he turned to the party of elves who descended the stone steps to greet them.
"Brother! Welcome home. I hope your journey has been kind to you and your guests." A blond Elf greeted them warmly in Common, descending with a broad, bright smile. He did not resemble Legolas much past his coloring, and the quick light look to his eye belied a wicked sense of humor and seemed in complete contradiction to the brooding measuring gaze which peered from Legolas` face more often than not.
"It has indeed, for the most part." Legolas answered as they grasped forearms and then pulled each other in for a brief, warm embrace. "Allow me to introduce Shu Lien of the Mandärin from the Romanórë. She is traveling to Rivendell on Elvish business." Legolas gestured to Shu Lien who had dismounted and walked forward, bowing with palms pressed together. "This is my little brother Galion." He said with a wry grin as she rose and Galion rolled his eyes in mock exasperation.
"My brother forgets that I have not been an Elfling for nearly as many millennia as he, and therefore such a qualifier is no longer appropriate." Galion met Shu Lien's eyes warmly, inclining his head and touching his forehead. His gaze was then captured by the other Elf in their company.
"And Elrohir! We haven't had such a pleasure in quite some time." As the two embraced Galion whispered into his ear with a smile, "You should bring her with you and visit more often." Elrohir did not respond but pulled back fixing Galion with an embarrassed grin before cutting his eyes accusingly to Legolas who cleared his throat, suppressing a smile as he glanced at his feet.
"I want to know if you Woodland elves have gotten any better at crafting ale in the last few months. I don't know if I will be able to endure another visit if all I have to drink is that backwash that you presented me with last time." Gimli grumbled with a mirthful look to his eye, obviously referencing an old joke, as the two amiably grasped forearms.
"Well, we shall see if we can better impress the delicate Dwarvish palate at our late dinner." Galion snorted. "But first I am sure you would like a bath... or, rather, *I* would like you to have a bath. " He grinned mischievously at the travel-worn company.
They retreated to their horses to remove their packs, some other of the palace elves joined them amidst soft greetings, helping them remove their packs, chatting amiably with them, others coming to lead the horses away.
Galion pulled Legolas aside and said quietly, "Father sends his regrets for not greeting you, but he has been in a conference with the leaders of the Long Lake towns all afternoon and evening. I am sure such news comes as a fair disappointment to you." Galion spoke the words completely evenly, but his eyes belied their sarcasm.
Legolas sniffed. "It seems I am indeed a recipient of the blessings of the Valar this evening."
~*~*~*~
Shu Lien was led to her room by a soft-spoken female Elf named Nimloth. She moved with the unhurried grace of the wind in the reeds and smiled like the moon reflecting off the pond from which they grew. She had the same gentle, unassertive presence as all of the Wood Elves she had encountered so far. Nimloth showed her to a peaceful, sedate room, on a lower level with a large courtyard garden, whose only barrier to the night beyond was a stone porch heavy laden with a fragrant flowering vines so that it was at once both open and private. The soft colors of the decor and the gentle yellow lighting of the rice paper lanterns relaxed Shu Lien immediately and she turned and thanked the Elf with a grateful smile and bow. Nimloth took Shu Lien's now wrinkled and soiled garb from her packs for cleaning, promising to bring her some temporary clothes until hers were washed. Then, with a deferential nod, she withdrew, promising to return to lead her to supper within the hour. Shu Lien was left to the steaming bath and serene surroundings.
~*~*~*~
Shu Lien was standing out on the terrace with her eyes closed. The only sounds were the breath of the evening breeze whispering like a lover in her hair and the sweet chirping of the crickets delicately framing the velvet night. A soft knock at her door awoke her and she went back inside, crossing the room to the door.
Nimloth greeted her with an appreciative smile. Shu Lien looked charming in Wood Elf attire. The subtle earth tones of the tunic and leggings complimented the natural attentive and gentle nature that shone easily through her eyes and movements.
"You look like an Elf." She grinned as Shu Lien fell into step.
Shu Lien smiled softly. "A kind compliment. My room is so lovely. It reminds me very much of home in the Romanórë."
"The Prince asked that it be set aside for you especially." Nimloth was pleased by her appreciation. No questions were asked of Shu Lien and nothing demanded. The Elf led her in amiable silence to dinner.
~*~*~*~
Legolas and Galion were enjoying a light conversation and brotherly banter as the food was being served on the large balcony terrace. The evening breeze was gentle and sweet, and the sound of water and crickets provided all the musical accompaniment needed. The almost full moon hung as another lantern in the sky giving a soft silver glow to the warm cheerfulness of the flickering candles. It was a perfect evening for a meal outdoors. Legolas was almost to the end of a sentence when she walked in, and the last words fell absently from his tongue as his eyes locked immediately on Shu Lien.
Shu Lien strode in her thoughtful way onto the balcony in the garb of the Wood Elves, her eyes darting over the terrace, a pleased smile upon her lips. To see her in his home dress brought a strange lump to Legolas' throat and he smiled in spite of himself. Her eyes ran over each of the guests finally landing on him and her smile widened as she inclined her head ever so slightly. Coming to a halt before the table, she bowed low pressing her palms together to the other guests who had risen in the customary welcome.
"Good evening." She said simply in Sindarin, meeting the eyes of each unselfconsciously. Various answers returned from the party and she took her seat as indicated between Elrohir and another female of the Woodland Realm. In all there were twelve. Legolas and his brother, her party and a group of other elves who looked to be both archers and courtiers.
Galion watched in astonishment as the woman walked onto the terrace and stole his brother's consciousness. He regarded Legolas, fascinated, with a slightly open-mouthed smile, his eyes running over every detail of the enchanted expression on his face. He was completely unconscious of anything but the graceful being who was approaching the table. Galion had never seen his reticent, private, controlled brother affected in such a way.
Galion turned slightly, feeling eyes on him, to see Elrohir regarding him as he watched Legolas. Galion cocked a questioning eyebrow to him, broadening his incredulous smile. Elrohir simply raised his eyebrows briefly and suppressed a grin.
After Shu Lien had sat down and Elrohir had begun introductions to the other elves at that end of the table, Legolas returned his attention to his brother, as if nothing at all had occurred. Legolas obviously did not realize how transparent his feelings were, probably because he was not accustomed to them overrunning the closely guarded bounds of his heart.
Only smiling gently, Galion allowed his brother to begin another conversation without comment, but watched him carefully throughout the rest of the meal.
He could see why Legolas was drawn to Shu Lien. She was a most unusual human. Yet it was not her delicate features that ensnared him, if Galion had to guess. In one night he could tell they were very well suited. She moved with the attentive grace of the elves and with the strength and precision of a well-trained warrior. They both had a way of restraint, discipline, melancholy, thoughtfulness. But their energies were complimentary, if Legolas was the sun, Shu Lien was the moon.
Galion caught Shu Lien looking up to subtly watch his brother several times throughout the meal. He sighed inwardly. From the little Legolas had related to him of the Mandärin before the meal and what he knew of his own brother's fanatical suppression, there were more obstacles to such a match than merely the difficult fact that she was mortal. His brother had always been given a difficult path to walk.
~*~*~*~
Dinner had been delightful for Shu Lien. The meal they had been served had been fresh, simple but delectable, and without meat - in her honor. She had enjoyed her quiet conversations with the Wood Elves, listening to their stories and sharing some of her own peoples. They were good-natured, warm and undemanding of her, their curiosity only evident in way the table quieted suddenly and attention was rapt whenever she spoke of the Romanórë. She found their subtle mix of sophistication, innocence and openness charming. They had less of the contemplative seriousness and melancholy exuded by the Amaurëa. They delighted in accepting each new moment as it was, as the birds enthusiastically welcomed every dawn. The forest had taught them well.
As the night wore on, no one wanted to end the festivities, but finally the late hour could not be denied. After many goodnights, the traveling party gathered together for their trek to their guest rooms, Legolas escorting them. Shu Lien walked down the softly lit hallways and could almost believe she were back at home, passing through the halls of the Amaurëa when she had lived there during her training. She closed her eyes briefly with a sad smile and indulged the fantasy.
After Elrohir and Gimli were dropped off at their adjacent rooms on the upper level, Legolas and Shu Lien continued to walk down the halls towards her rooms across the courtyard on the opposite lower level of the guest hall.
The night breeze wafted through the open hallway, tempting the candles in the lanterns to dance to its sigh and Shu Lien breathed deeply. The soft sounds of her light step, the whispering of their clothes, the trilling insects in the wood were soothing in their balanced simplicity. But Shu Lien felt Legolas' tension. She glanced up to his face which was focused ahead of him, set in detached calm, as he walked, hands clasped behind him sedately.
"The Woodland Realm is indeed exquisite, Legolas." Returning her gaze ahead of her, Shu Lien's voice was hushed as if to not disturb delicate fabric of the evening.
Legolas' brow furrowed slightly as he stole a glance at her. "But yet you are disappointed..." His voice was soft, unsure.
Shu Lien's brow knitted and she stopped abruptly, turning to him. and placing a light hand on his arm. "No." She breathed. "Your stories, though skillfully woven, have not done it justice. It is serene and subtle and elegant. Your home sings with the grace and spirit of the wood, Legolas." She looked into each of his eyes trying to convey her sincerity. "Perhaps what you sense is that it reminds me so of home... of the Amaurëa. The memories... the loss...still hold my heart captive, and walking in your gentle land brings them back. I am homesick, nothing more." Shu Lien continued to regard him as his tension melted into a small smile at her compliments.
"I am glad it pleases you." He whispered in his dulcet voice. His smile broadened as he impulsively offered his arm to her and with a grin of her own she wrapped her hand around his elbow and they continued their walk, unhurried, silent, through the silvery moonlit evening. For the few moments before they said good bye at Shu Lien's rooms, all of the past had dropped away and it was as if they were back in the innocence of Gondor.
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