Ithildin - Legolas x OC

Chapter 40: Relief

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I can feel the warmth of sunlight on my arm and shoulder...on my face. Beneath my fingers, a warm hand grasps mine.

My eyes flutter open. Yes. Sunlight, in a bright room.

And...Legolas.

"You're awake." He breathes out in relief from where he kneels beside me on the floor, bringing my hand up to his lips to place a gentle kiss.

"Am I?" I ask quietly. "This could be a dream...a very nice dream, if you're here."

He smiles wider at me, love shining in his eyes. "A very nice dream indeed."

"Aragorn...?" I ask, frowning.

"He's fine." He looks down at my torso. "And you are too."

I sigh, my eyes closing. "Good. That's good."

"How do you feel?"

I frown again, then open my eyes. "Tired. I have never felt tired before. I don't like it."

He chuckles lightly, then strokes my hair. My face falls into sadness and he inclines his head at me. "What?" He asks softly.

"You." I say to him. "You were...so scared."

He looks almost offended. "Of course I was. I thought I would lose you...if I did, I do not know what would have become of me." He says softly.

I take my hand out of his to cup his face, his skin soft beneath mine and his jaw strong. His eyes flutter closed in a sigh.

"I'm sorry." He whispers.

"Whatever for?" I frown.

He pauses, forcing his eyes to stay closed as if he cannot bear to look at me. "For failing you. For not staying at your side as I promised I would."

"Legolas." I say sharply. "This was not your fault. You don't need to worry about what might have happened."

"I don't want to." He opens his eyes, his voice deep as he says, "Amariel, my love for you is too strong to even fathom the idea of living without you."

"I know." I stroke his cheek with my thumb. "But we're both fine. We're here, and we're together. Just as we said."

I notice the sleeve of my dress...a white dress that I was not wearing before.

"Who dressed me?" I suddenly ask.

Legolas smirks a little. "It...seems like we may need to be wed after all. To save your honour."

My eyes flare wide but he grins, chuckling as he shakes his head.

"Eowyn did," he corrects. "It was the only time I left your side."

I huff, shaking my head at him. "I was on death's door, Legolas...now is not the time for jokes."

"I apologise," he says softly, turning his head to kiss the inside of my palm.

Hesitation fills his eyes as he slowly takes my hand in his and brings it down from his face, holding it gently.

"But..."

"No." I say quickly, his eyes snapping up to mine as he frowns.

"No?"

"No—I don't mean no, but..." I shake my head. "Don't ask now." His face softens. "Not yet...I would like to see my father first...and yours."

"Mine?" He quirks an eyebrow.

"Yes..." I say quietly. "If that is okay with you."

"I...do not think it the best idea," he says slowly with sigh. "But I think it is needed."