Title & Chapter Number: Elencálë (The Light of the Elves) 15/?
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 15
Shu Lien opened her eyes warily. The early morning light greeted her and she relaxed in relief. Taking a deep breath, she took stock of her body. She felt refreshed and, for the first time in her life, whole. It was an internal peace that was settled in her stomach, a solidity that grounded her soul in the world. She had not been sure what to expect when she had opened her eyes. Truthfully, she hadn't expected to open them again at all. She looked over at Legolas, who was lying still beside her.
For a moment she panicked: his eyes were closed! She sat up a bit more, looking him over. He breathed easily and slowly, his face serene and relaxed. Deciding that he was well, she settled down to watch him, leaning her chin on her hands and resting on his chest, lulled by the rise and fall of his breath. She was overcome with a soft, melting adoration.
The sun was just beginning to rise, the ecstatic chatter of birds announcing its arrival. The delicate pink light of dawn caressed the room with a visual warmth and all was at peace. A soft breeze ruffled Legolas' tousled hair and blew a strand across his eyes. Shu Lien reached up and lovingly smoothed it off his peaceful face, before replacing her hand under her chin.
Legolas slowly blinked, then opened his eyes, his body becoming aware of its surroundings. Was he in Mandos? He looked down and saw Shu Lien sweetly smiling at him from his chest, black hair all about her in dark puddles, and sighed with relief. He returned her smile somewhat groggily and stretched slightly, a quick laugh emerging at her protests as her perch was disturbed. For the first time in his long life he felt at home and whole and it was wonderful. He would have thought it a dream - too flatteringly sweet to be substantial -yet here she was, her beauty framed in the tender light of dawn, her warm body pressed against his.
He looked down at her again, his hand coming to her cheek, then froze in shock. Almost at the same moment Shu Lien sat up, looking at him confusedly. With the unconscious abandon of a child, she straddled his stomach, taking his face between her hands. Her hair hung down like a curtain all around them, distracting Legolas immediately into sensuality. Impatiently, she pulled it over one shoulder and then grabbed his face again, turning it toward the windows.
"Your eyes... they have changed color! They are black!" She said, looking from one to the other. Legolas was quickly slipping back into passion at the feel of her naked form straddling him.
"Hmm, yours have changed as well... they are blue" He said somewhat absently, moving a hand up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.
"We are Tatyafëar ... " Shu Lien breathed and paused letting all the implications of the revelation fall into place. "I take it that it is not always so painful..."
Legolas smiled and stroked her cheek. "No my love, I hope not. I did not expect to open my eyes in this world again. I think it was the joining of our fëa that made it so."
Shu Lien lifted her hand to his and brought his fingers to her lips, kissing them attentively. She found it effortless to accept such mysteries of life; It was only over herself that she needed to have control.
Returning her gaze to Legolas, she caught the desire glazing his eyes and smiled, quite aware of his warmth between her legs. Pressing closer, she felt the hardening of his arousal and closed her eyes, moving her hips sensuously against him, enjoying the feeling. She sighed languorously, aware of Legolas' dark eyes watching her, delighting in her unabashed sensuality.
She opened her blue eyes slowly, and bent forward over him, only inches from his face. "I have spent my whole life trying to find out how it feels to be truly alive, truly present," she breathed. "In one night you have taught me."
He smiled, his pulse quickening. "How about another lesson?"
"Mmmmm. That is what I was hoping for," she mumbled as their lips met passionately. Soon their hushed cries joined the birds in the welcoming of a new day.
~*~*~*~
As morning took full hold, Legolas and Shu Lien had to return to the reality of the day. Legolas' father would be expecting him to be leaving this morning, though confronting his father was the last thing he wanted to do at the moment.
He watched Shu Lien's lithe form as she walked, hair swaying at her waist, to the other room to stoop to pick up her night gown. Her muscles all worked in perfect concert, smoothly rolling and rippling under her skin as she moved. She was a perfect mix of fluid grace and practical economy, softness and strength. Sheathing herself in the nightgown, and pulling her hair out to fall once again down her back, she turned to him and smiled before walking out to the balcony to meditate.
Sighing, Legolas got up from the bed and pulled on minimal clothes from last night. Then he left his rooms to arrange for Shu Lien's things to be brought to his room, and another bath prepared.
~*~*~*~
When Shu Lien emerged from the balcony, Legolas was lying on his bed, bathed and dressed, hands behind his head, looking up at the ceiling. She immediately recognized the look in his eyes. As she herself did, when Legolas needed to process something, he withdrew from those around him and what he then needed most was to be left alone. Careful not to disturb his thoughts, Shu Lien picked up some of the clothes that had been brought to his room and withdrew to bathe.
When she emerged, Legolas was still in the same position. Shu Lien gently squeezed his arm as she walked by him, just letting him know she was there. He would talk to her when he was ready. She went about preparing for the day, laying out some of the things in her packs, folding her night clothes, putting some jasmine in her hair.
Picking up her brush, she went out into the living area. Walking to the table where she had left her charge last night, she chastised herself for her carelessness. She always slept with the ring beside her bed. Picking up the cloth purse, she stumbled slightly in surprise as a gentle warmth ran up her arm. A voice whose tone was merely that of a breath whispered through her hair words that were too faint to understand. She would have believed it to be a breeze, but for a sweet smell of honeysuckle that was left haunting the back of her mouth and the subtle heat that warmed her hand. Slowly the heat dissipated and Shu Lien remained looking at her hand for a moment. With a short exhale, she lifted her tunic to tie her charge in place at her waist, her brow still furrowed in confusion. This was the first time Elencálë had spoken to her.
Releasing thoughts of speculation, she sat on one of the couches. Folding her feet under her, she began to brush her hair, letting the movements of her brush soothe her mind. More immediate concerns rose and gently demanded her attention.
In one night so much had changed. She would not pretend that part of her was not distressed by her neatly defined identity being changed in a way that confused her, but her heart felt whole, she felt at peace, and she deeply knew that this was the right decision. Adjustment would take time. She would be patient with herself. She had no regrets.
Gentle hands came around hers as she brushed her hair. "May I?" Legolas asked quietly.
Shu Lien relinquished the brush with a sigh. "I missed you braiding my hair."
"So did I," he breathed, placing a kiss on her cheek from where he stood behind the couch. With slow, careful strokes he ran the brush through her hair, his other hand smoothing over the shining strands after the brush. He took his time brushing it gently and thoroughly, then placed the brush on the back of the couch.
"May I braid it in an Elvish style?" Shu Lien nodded. Legolas' hands moving in her hair always relaxed Shu Lien. He was so tender and attentive.
He plaited the sides over the ears, handing her the small braids to hold while he began an intricate plait in the back, eventually working the side braids into it. He would have preferred to leave the back loose, but he knew that her people wore their hair tightly bound. It was like a meditation for Legolas. He loved the feel of the silky black locks in his fingers, and watching the braids take shimmering shape as his fingers deftly worked. By the time he was tying off the long plait with the twine, he had tied up his loose emotions as well and felt calm and resolved.
Placing his hands on her shoulders he took a deep breath. "I am going to renounce my title, my place in Mirkwood..." He spoke the words quietly, waiting for her reaction.
Shu Lien said nothing but placed her hands over his on her shoulders and brought one of his hands down in front of her, turning it over to kiss his palm. Turning slightly, she tugged on him until he came over the back of the couch. She pulled his head into her lap as his body stretched out. Looking down at him lovingly, she stroked the hair away from his face and placed a warm palm on his cheek. "How did you make your decision?" she asked him gently, with no trace of censure or judgment in voice or eyes.
Legolas sighed, grateful that she was not going to challenge his decision. He didn't know why he had thought she would; she was not like everyone else. Any other time he had brought up such a thing, even in rash anger, his brother or friends would call him a fool. Such a decision would also affect his future throughout the endless days of the Undying Lands.
"Actually I was thinking that you would not be happy here being princess or queen. The ways of Mirkwood may remind you of home, but were you to live here in such a capacity, the palace politics and superficial pomp and circumstance would drive you mad!"
Legolas looked up at her with a short laugh, before returning his gaze to the ceiling. "As I was thinking this, I realized that I was really using you as an excuse to finally come to terms with my own feelings. That, indeed, I have never been happy being a prince and certainly would never survive being king... This is not what I was meant to do." He looked at her again, a soft sadness misting his eyes. "I do not want to spend our precious days doing anything that will not bring joy to our life together. Continuing on in this empty role is certainly not going to do this." His eyes searched hers.
Shu Lien looked deeply into his eyes, stroking his hair. "You see yourself clearly. You have made a wise and difficult decision." She leaned over and kissed his lips softly. "I will always stand beside you."
Legolas closed his eyes briefly and then snaked his hand up behind her head and pulled her down for another lingering kiss. "Thank you," he whispered as he released her.
Together they rose. Shu Lien's hand curled around the crook of Legolas' arm and they walked to breakfast, to meet Lord Thranduil.
~*~*~*~
* They walked silently to the dining hall. Breakfast was always a communal event at the castle and was served buffet-style over conversation in the main dining room. Elves of the castle and community came and went. Lord Thranduil stayed through the two hours that breakfast was served. It was when he was accessible and available to Mirkwood.
Both Legolas and Shu Lien were trying to still their minds and release the tense emotions that were boiling up within them. Legolas was wondering whether he would be able maintain his composure in the face of his father's reaction. However he gladly remarked that he did not feel as tense as he would have imagined. Shu Lien was a comfort to have at his side.
Shu Lien, on the other hand, was feeling oddly anxious about confronting the other Elves. As was the Elvish way, they would know immediately that Legolas and Shu Lien were bound, and it made her feel exposed. She wondered what they would think of her. It was a strange feeling; she was not used to worrying what others thought. She had never had such occasion, always having walked the path of absolutes.
As they neared the door to the dining hall, each let their minds settle. Shu Lien squeezed Legolas' arm, and he turned and smiled at her. As their eyes met, all concerns melted in the warmth that spread through their chests. "I love you." Legolas whispered, and they stepped through the door.
The large airy room was its usual bustle of people and conversations - the bright, light start to another day. The ceiling was high and plants and vines adorned the walls and columns. Morning light streamed in from large opened windows which covered one wall. Several birds drifted between the columns, calling out their rapture to the morning.
When Legolas and Shu Lien entered the room, several of the Elves near them turned to greet them, paused - visibly started - and then smiled warmly. As they passed friends and comrades of Legolas' on their way towards the front of the room, the reactions they got were all similar. Shu Lien felt no censure at all from the Wood Elves; on the contrary there was a soft buzz of excitement and happiness that began to hover around the room. By their proud entrance and carriage, it was obvious to all that they were not only joined, but bound as well. Legolas was respected and well-liked among his people, and they were pleased he had finally found his heart. Their judgments went no further than that. Shu Lien had done a good job keeping the tension at bay, but any residual effects dropped effortlessly from her shoulders. She was ready to confront Lord Thranduil, though she knew he would not be so gracious.
Gimli, Elrohir and several of Legolas' old friends were eating at the other side of the room. Sensing the change in energy in the room and hearing the soft murmurs of conversation, they all looked up and caught the vision of Legolas and Shu Lien walking in a seemingly casual, unhurried way towards the table where Lord Thranduil was meeting with one of his Elves.
A beaming smile grew immediately on Elrohir's face and he looked down at Gimli who was looking indignant. "What!? Are you going to sit there ogling me with that face all morning or are you going to speak?" Gimli asked exasperatedly.
"Legolas and Shu Lien are bound," he said happily.
Gimli's face broke into a grin under his beard. "Well it is about time!"
~*~*~*~
Lord Thranduil sensed the change in the room as well and looked up to see his son coming towards him, Shu Lien at his side. His greatest fear this morning had been realized. Anger ignited immediately and he stood abruptly. "Legolas... come," he said through clenched teeth, his voice dangerously low. With barely a look in their direction, he stalked off to one of the antechambers to the side of the hall.
Legolas and Shu Lien followed, dropping hands and walking through the door he held for them and into the room. Lord Thranduil glared at Shu Lien (he had wanted Legolas to follow alone) as he walked past them and then turned around.
"What is the meaning of this?" His voice was a hiss.
Legolas regarded him for a while, gathering himself, admonishing himself not to engage in his father's emotional baiting. "Father, I will not be traveling to Dale this morning but will be continuing on to escort Shu Lien to Rivendell in the morrow." His voice was calm and soft; he paused. "Father, I have found my mate. Shu Lien and I are bound."
Legolas had never seen his father so angry. His face was reddening and his lips were pressed tightly together. "Well, *that* is obvious. To all in the dining hall, I might add." He growled. "Your choice of companions has always been a disgrace. But here you've had your choice of any Lothlórien archer you wish - if that is the type you prefer - and you come into my breakfast hall having joined with a mortal Mandärin nun from the Romanórë on a visit through our country? Do you make your choices to humiliate me?! Well, you have succeeded..." he spat as he turned and paced a few steps, eyes locked angrily before him.
It took all of Legolas' strength to breathe through his anger. The insult to Shu Lien ignited an intense rage. Shu Lien put a calm hand on his arm and he turned and met her gently warning eyes. He returned his gaze to his father. "I have also come to tell you that I am stepping down."
His father spun around on him, incredulous. "What?!"
"I am relinquishing my title as crowned prince. Galion will now be your successor." Legolas spoke evenly, trying not to let his anger bleed into his voice.
"You are more a fool than I thought! Such a decision will carry over to your place in Valinor! Would you really throw away all of this for a mere blink of your immortal eye?" He gestured dismissively at Shu Lien.
That was it. Legolas snapped inside. He took a step towards his father, his black eyes dangerous. "You will not talk of my mate... or to her... or in her presence... in any way that is disrespectful! Be warned!" Legolas took a breath to try to still his rage, "I do not ask you to condone my choices in life, but I do demand that you treat me, and Shu Lien, with the civility we deserve. If this is not something you are able to do, then I shall simply leave Mirkwood this moment and never take another look over my shoulder. As you have so poignantly indicated," Legolas sneered, "I have been given very little time with my love. I do not intend to spend one minute of that precious time engaged with those who cannot respect us." Legolas stood, eyes flashing, jaw clenched, in front of his father.
King Thranduil was taken aback,. He was desperate though. If appealing to his son didn't work, perhaps appealing to the woman....
He turned to her, taking a step toward her and began quietly, willing his voice to softness, though it came out more like a whine. "You mortals do not understand what it is for our people to love you. You want to possess our beauty, our eternity, our strength, but in doing so you destroy us. Legolas will fade away as you age and die." Thranduil was beginning to loose any control and his voice began rising again, "If you truly cared for him you would return to your own country. Your selfishness, your greed will destroy him in the end." He swallowed, eyes darting frantically. "And what of your vows? If those of your Way, are so easily broken, what about the vow that you have given my son? Will you not..."
"Father!" Legolas bellowed, face flushed with fury, and stepped toward him menacingly, fists clenched at his side. Shu Lien intercepted and placed a hand on his arm. It was a long moment before he could tear his enraged eyes from his father's and meet her gaze. What he saw there was the cool blue of the sky, the soft sounds of the ocean, the gentleness of her sighs. The fire drained immediately from him and he breathed, stepping back, turning his back on both of them as he stilled himself.
Shu Lien turned and met Lord Thranduil's gaze. He licked his lips somewhat nervously, wondering what was coming next. Thranduil's words did indeed sting and awoke that little part of one's mind that is always willing to betray its owner in a heartbeat, but Shu Lien knew that he spoke things he did not mean, and things that had nothing to bear with Legolas' and her relationship. She was most worried about Legolas and how difficult this was for him.
But her years of brutal dedication to her training served her well. She fought to maintain her attention to what was actually happening rather than her emotional reaction to it. She let the rest fall away. Through it all she reminded herself of Elrohir's words: Thranduil used to be very like Legolas. She took a moment, trying to channel the compassion, the empathy she would extend her love, were he to become so twisted by pain. Shu Lien bowed, low. Straightening, she came towards him one step.
"Beneath your anger is fear. You have lived in agonizing fear that you will lose your son, as you lost your wife." Shu Lien spoke gently, slowly. "Yet you lose your son because you push him away, not because he abandons you. Legolas has been a worthy tribute to his father, as all of Middle Earth can attest. Yet you cannot see him as he is. You dominate instead of embrace."
Thranduil's eyes were wide with confusion and shock. He did not expect such words, and they cut him deeper than any weapon could have.
"Your son is very much like you, and because of this, you feel you must force him to make the same sacrifices that you have made in the name of duty. You punish yourself and your son brutally for a horrible tragedy that was not any fault of your own. And look at you..." Shu Lien held out an open hand, speaking very softly, knowing that these words hurt, "Your spirit is bitter and angry and it strangles the family who loves you. Why not let your honorable sacrifices deliver a legacy of choices to him that you never had?" Shu Lien stopped then, letting her hands drop to her sides. Her eyes watched him without judgment as his mind reeled.
"Do not meddle in business that is not your own." Tharanduil finally managed to hiss.
Shu Lien's eyes blazed a moment, but she spoke evenly and firmly. "On the contrary, my lord, this is my husband's happiness. And that is very much my business."
Thranduil took a couple of gasping breaths as he regarded her angrily but turned to Legolas who had been watching them, arms crossed. "You have chosen a woman as irreverent and incorrigible as your mother!"
Legolas uncrossed his arms, walking the two steps to Shu Lien's side. "Did you not love her?" he asked softly.
Thranduil stared at him a moment and then dropped his head heavily. His voice came as no more than a wheeze. "With all my heart and soul." There was a long pause. He cleared his throat and said a little louder, not looking up, "Get out."
Shu Lien took Legolas' hand, and they moved to leave. Legolas had his hand on the door when Thranduil spoke again, in a defeated, tired voice. "Legolas... What has happened to your eyes?"
Legolas looked briefly at Shu Lien and smiled. "We are Tatyafëar." They left the room before he had a chance to react.
~*~*~*~
They exited into the main hall, each letting out a breath they had not known they were holding. Shu Lien looked up at Legolas. His face was an unreadable mask of self-control, but his breath was uneven and his limbs trembled ever so slightly. He needed some time... Before she could get farther than this, Galion was approaching them, smiling happily. Legolas pushed down his emotions even farther and returned his brother's smile.
Galion could only guess the kind of welcome he had gotten from their father and wanted nothing more at that moment than to show Legolas that his brother and friends indeed were supportive and very happy for him. Galion knew how complex the situation was for Legolas, but also knew that the only thing that was truly important was his heart. And his heart was freed by this woman, anyone could see that. Even under the heavy weight on his shoulders that their father had no doubt provided - which he was trying valiantly to hide - there was a light burning brightly in Legolas that he had never seen. Galion embraced him warmly and long.
"Brother, I am elated." He whispered in Legolas' ear and then pulled back to look into his eyes. He stopped cold, brow furrowing. Instinctively he looked to Shu Lien's eyes and then back again at Legolas.
Legolas gave him an amused smile. "We are Tatyafëar."
Galion was completely taken aback. He gazed in wonder at his brother, then slowly came to with a beaming, accepting smile. Galion was not one to be caught up in the details of anything.
Galion turned then to Shu Lien who was looking on, smiling softly at them. He took her hands and kissed each of her cheeks sweetly. "I am very pleased and proud to call you sister, Shu Lien.... And I am forever in your debt for finally bringing joy to my miserable brother." He grinned, glancing evilly at Legolas, who snorted. Shu Lien just gave him a soft smile.
Galion took both of their hands and brought them forward into the room. Elves who had been watching surreptitiously began to make their way forward to congratulate Legolas and Shu Lien.
As he saw Elrohir and Gimli charging forward, Legolas leaned towards Galion, placing a hand on his shoulder as he whispered in his ear, "I have relinquished my title, Galion. You are now his heir." Galion pulled away to look incredulously at his brother. But Legolas had turned and was walking toward his friends.
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