Story Downloaded from Open Scrolls Archive (https://www.openscrolls.net)

Title: For Love, Duty, and Honor (#1012)
Author: saborice
Chapters: 7

Archive: Tolkien
Category: Lord of the Rings
Description: When her elven lover is sent into the mists of a war, Tàri is determined to do whatever it takes to find him before tragedy could strike in this story that concludes that love conquers all. Please review kindly. Thanx to my betas! NOW COMPLETED
Published: 11 Jun 2004
Updated: 19 Jun 2004
Warnings: PG--PG-13
Type: General
Characters: Legolas;Tari


Chapter 1 - Bound For Eternity

Across the plains of ancient realms of Men, the dwellings of dwarves, the homes of hobbits, and the fiery lands of Mordor, lied Lothlorien and Rivendell. Beyond that still was the humble sanctuary of Mirkwood, an elven forest. At the edge of Mirkwood a fair elven maiden stood by the river and awaited her love.

The moon's sullen face cast a pale yellow light upon the spot where she sat and engulfed the pond beside her in its shadow. The water trickled through her slender fingers, as she tickled the ripples by stroking her hand back and forth through the water. Her tidious dark hair, braided to one side, swayed playfully at one shoulder as she hummed a slow tune to herself and peered into the crystal clearness. The maiden's fair face blushed slightly, (to even out her tone), and her eyes sparkled as a reflection emerged into the mirror she looked into. The elf did not turn, but only continued her ways, almost teasing her lover, whom stood watching over her.

"Your sneaking has not yet improved, I see, Legolas," she said, turning to him.

"It is hard for one to sneak, Tàri, if you can hear me a mile away," he answered. "And 'sneaking' isn't the word I'd use. I'd use 'following' instead."

The elven prince with hair of gold took the maiden's hand and helped her to rise. He held her arms at her side as their eyes met. His height was slightly superior to hers. His beauty could not match hers. Her crimson lips parted and smiled, but he kindly couldn't return the favor. His head turned from hers as her happiness dimmed to wonder. The maiden rose her hand to her prince's fair face and turned his eyes to hers once again.

"What ails you, my love?" she asked softly, caressing his cheek with her thumb.

He turned away sharply, but she caught him by the arm and he pulled her to him. He placed his hands below her high cheekbones and caressed them gently, but his eyes still could not meet hers.

"What is it, Legolas?" she asked again.

"It is hard for me to tell you this, Tàri, but you must know now." He looked into her emerald green eyes. "I must leave you for a time, but only a short one."

This time she repelled backward. "I know. The war."

"Then, you understand why I must leave?" Legolas asked.

"No," Tàri said. "I don't. Why can't someone go in you place?"

"Because there is no one else," Legolas answered. "I must go as my father's representative. I must help."

Tàri turned her back to him. Her dress swayed in the night breeze and clinged to her every perfect curve. Legolas lowered his eyes, not knowing her thoughts, and not knowing what to say to his love.

The Following Morning...

The day was still young as the small but brave army of Mirkwood elves took their leave to go and fight for the future of Middle-Earth. The ones left behind crowded to watch their soldier elves go swiftly, and disappear into the mist. Legolas, (suited in the armor he had, and armed with his bow and daggers), followed close in line. Tàri fled to him, like a horse galloping freely across the plains.

"Do you remember when we first met?" she whispered.

"Of course," he replied.

"And do you remember what you said to me?" she asked.

Legolas sighed, "I said that I would bind you to me for eternity."

She stayed turned from his sight, her eyes welling with tears, but her chin strong. "And you have forgotten that allegiance to us."

"No! Never," he said sternly. "It is because I love you that I go to ensure your safety and your future."

Tàri turned and flew into her lover's arms once again. He embraced her with all his strength as she did the same to him. She layed her head on his broad shoulder and cried. "I have no future if it is without you, Legolas."

He lifted her face with his slender, but masculine hand. His eyes lighted like the stars, and his warm smile was confident.

"I will never leave you, Tàri Carnesir. I will return to you," he assured.

"But, I fear that it will not be in the form of life," she cried.

"We will always be one, and no evil could ever break our bond," he reassured.

With that, Legolas sealed his promise with one last kiss, then he turned and took his leave.


Chapter 2 - The Only Fate Is What We Make

Thanx to my beta-reader!

It had been three days and three nights since her love had left, but it seemed more like an eternity. Tàri had become depressed, a thing never witnessed in the elven race. She had let herself drown in worry and thoughts that Legolas would never return, when faith became obselete. On the third day, Tàri's father, Rùmil, a lord of Mirkwood approached his sulken daughter, and took her into his arms. His dark locks of hair tickled at Tàri's nose and cheeks as she wet them with her tears.

"Daughter, I know why you cry," he said.

"I fear for him, Father. I fear he will come home slain." Tàri cried. She wrapped her fingers around her father's hair.

"I understand, but you should not worry yourself like this over nothing." her father's words scorned her mind. "I do not want you to die of a broken heart."

Tàri stood from her father, for she was ashamed at his horrid words. Rùmil was a wise and kind father, yes, but this was a case in which it differed.

"How can you say that to me?" Tàri asked as she wiped away her tears.

"Legolas Greenleaf will never return. This war is the war to end all wars," he replied.

Out of anger and hurt now, Tàri replied, "Legolas is the finest of the elven warriors."

"All of the elven warriors are trained, yes, but they will be no match of what's to come. Forget him and take another that still remains here."

"The ones that remained are cowards as are you. Your words are poison to me, Father. You've lost your faith," Tàri smirked. "I love him, and he will return, no matter what you say."

Away from her father's sight, Tàri fled. She needed to seek comfort from one of her older brothers, Calaglin, the one person who she knew would not fail her. He had not left with the others to fight, but yet, he was no coward. She searched for her brother throughout the forest until she came upon him at the pier, staring out into the distance, almost entranced by the sea.

Tàri approached him and held his arm, and she heard him sigh. He did not turn to her, but only continued to search the horizen with his eyes. Calaglin was one of the most handsome elves in Mirkwood next to Legolas. His braided blond hair swayed to the side at his mid-back and his pale, yet fair face tilted toward the sun.

"The sea is calm today, but the lands I feel are disturbed," he said in his strong voice, that seemed to caress the wind as he spoke them. "You, dear sister, are the lands."

"Father has lost reason. He says there is no hope."

"There is still hope, except for those who forget."

"But can hope bring him back safely?"

"Only fate can bring him back."

Then, Calaglin pivited, as if being summoned, to see his sister glowing with determination.

"The only fate is what we make for ourselves."

Calaglin embraced his sister tightly. He bent inward and whispered to her. "Your fate is in your hands. Go to him." Tàri faced her brother, and brought her rosy, plush cheek to meet his. Then, she turned and left his side.

Tàri flew to her domain where she quickly readied for leave. She knew that fate would not abide by her wishes, unless she confronted head on. She hurridly prepared and saddled her faithful steed, Kaira, for she knew her father would send elves out to stop her. No one could stop her will, though, not now, not ever.

With a kick of Tàri's heels, Kaira flew from the stable and onto the wind's back. Once she crossed the river, she never looked back once as she left behind her sorrow.


Chapter 3 - Dire Straits

The rays of the new morning sun danced across Legolas's face, prickling his skin, and warming him to the touch. The weather seemed fair, and welcomed him as he stepped from his fellowship's sleeping hole in a cave. Never once had he not thought about his beloved Tari, yet Legolas had also not forgot his duty to this quest.

There were nine in this fellowship, including Legolas. Four were of hobbit kind, Frodo, the ringbearer, and his three mates, Sam, Merry, and Pippin. The halflings barely reached Legolas's waist, but they had good hearts. A dwarf named Gimli, often kept the cheerful side on a downpoint, but was great with an axe. The great wizard, Gandalf, was both wise and kind. He sadly was lost in the Mines of Moria. Lastly, the two men of Gondor; Boromir, son of Denethor, and Aragorn, son of Arathorn, and sole heir to the throne of Gondor. Both mens' views often differed, but both were good leaders, and only wanted what was best for their people.

The quest to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom, in the land of Mordor would be a long, dangerous journey. Great risk would be involved, but the risk was worth it, if Legolas could keep Tari from harm.

Legolas led the group since his sight was keen and his hearing was advanced. Then, as they came around a bend, a battle was taking place before them. With hobbits, it would've been foolish to fight. Everyone dashed into the bushes, as Aragorn and Boromir dragged the kicking Gimli in behind. He was a little too bold at times. Leaving the others in the safety of the brush, Aragorn and Legolas crept closer for a better view. Legolas's heartbeat was steady, yet his mind raced his breathing. Suddenly, he darted from the brush, leaving Aragorn in awe.

"Legolas!" his voice echoed.

Each shot was aimed beautifully, as Legolas massacured the group of mettling orcs one by one. Once he made it to the end of the river, Aragorn and the others took over the slaughter, until the river ran red.

Legolas knelt by one of his own in disbelief, for it was his own kind that had fallen by the hand of the enemy. Then, from behind him, Legolas heard Aragorn call out to him. "Legolas, here!"

Legolas catapulted over a boulder, and came to Aragorn's side. Legolas focused his eyes on the elf at Aragorn's feet.

"Rùmil," Legolas whispered, placing his hand on his comrade's chest wound.

"Legolas, leave it," Rùmil gurgled out. "It is done."

His body quivered slightly, for his nervous system was ruptured from the arrows.

"Listen to me, Legolas," Rùmil ordered. "You.....you must find my daughter. Find Tàri."

"Tàri?!" Legolas spit out. "Why, where is she?!"

"It's my fault. I drove her away with my own selfishness and demise," Rùmil confessed. "She left not a day ago to search for you."

"Then, that explains why you were here," Legolas said, connecting the dots.

Rùmil nodded slightly, "Tell her.... tell her, I was wrong. You are honorable, my son. Take good care of her."

"I promise. I vow to you," Legolas answered sternly. Rùmil turned his head toward the sky. Then, he took his last breath, and died in the arms of Legolas.

Legolas tilted his head, bent inward, and kissed Rùmil on his forehead.


Chapter 4 - Another Decision

Darkness came upon the fellowship quickly as they set camp near about the cliffs, overlooking the ghastly plains. Legolas stood at the cliffs, wrapped in his cloak, and his hood was cast. His mind was distant as all he thought of was Tàri now. His golden locks scarecly swayed in the chilling night breeze, as he shifted his eyes to the small hobbit Samwise Gamgee, who had crept beside him. The hobbit wrapped his cloak around his pudgy little arms and sighed heavily, as if trying to catch Legolas's attention.

Legolas hadn't moved, yet said, "You miss your home."

Sam nodded, "Yes, this is all new to me."

"You must be a great gardener to hold such honors," Legolas tempted.

"I promised Mr. Gandalf I'd take care of Mr. Frodo, and that's what I'm gonna do," Sam replied humbly.

Legolas peered down at Sam. "I think Gandalf would be proud you held your word."

"Yes, he would," A voice interrupted from behind the two.

Aragorn approached the elf and hobbit casually, and rested his hand upon Sam's shoulder.

"Better you be getting off to bed, Master Samwise," Aragorn suggested. "You'll need your strength for the journey home to the ones you miss."

"Do I ever......Rosie Cotton..." he mumbled, disappearing from sight.

Legolas and Aragorn gazed at the ominous night only lit by the faceless moon above. Neither spoke at first, for they knew not what to say. Then, Aragorn broke the silence.

"You fear for her," Aragorn acknowledged.

Aragorn bent inward and whispered to Legolas as if someone was eavesdropping.

"If you leave in the night, I understand," He told Legolas. "Carry out the action in which you believe to be the best."

"You urge me to leave so suddenly," Legolas noted. "Is it because you fear I will not return to her, or that because you cannot be with Lady Arwen now?"

"I only want for you to follow your heart," Aragorn answered.

Aragorn pat Legolas's shoulder with his masculane hand and left his side the same as he had appeared.

The Following Morning......

Dawn approached the horizen and casted it light throughout Middle-Earth. Soon, the fellowship feared light would be engulfed by darkness. Aragorn and the others arose from a sleepless night and prepared for the day's journey. The hobbit, Sam, took a few paces astray of the group and peered across the perimeter.

"Where is Legolas?" he asked Aragorn with wonder.

Everyone stopped where they stood and twisted their bodies around every which way. Boromir, who's brawn was more than his brains at times stood atop a rock and gleamed.

"The coward," He scoffed. "I bet he left during the night."

Pippin mumbled, "And I bet he could strike you threw your head with an arrow before you said another word."

He and the other hobbits smirked, having had a bit too much pipeweed during the night.

Boromir, slightly enraged, began to approach the wee hobbit who insulted him.

"You are awefully brave Master Hobbit, for such a small and defenseless creature," declared Boromir, raising Pippin by the cloak.

Suddenly, an arrow whistled through the crisp air and landed near Boromir's feet. As his attention was turned, Pippin knawed at Boromir's hand, and bounced backward from his grasp. As Boromir went for the hobbit once again, a voice called out to him.

"Boromir!" Legolas called from afar. "It seems as if you were more defenseless than he was."

Aragorn smiled and welcomed back his comrade. Boromir, followed by the others, began his path ahead once again toward Mount Doom. Aragorn eyed Legolas in wonder.

"I have a quest to fulfill," Legolas said, his face glowing with pride.


Chapter 5 - With No Time To Spare

Thanx to my beta!

It had been almost three nights without her beloved, and Tàri began to lose the sense of Legolas's touch. She waved her hands through the air, as if painting an image with his lingering touch. Tàri stood at the base of a weeping willow, and began to sway. She raised her hands and began to twirl in a rotating motion faster and faster. Then, she stopped suddenly, realizing that she wouldn't be caught if she slipped and fell.

Tàri sighed deeply and placed a stray hair back from her porcelain-like face. She retreived her small dagger from a rock, and placed it into her sash. Then, her horse awoke from its slumber slightly and whinnied alertingly. Tàri's green eyes rose cautiously as the bush branches cracked, and the leaves rustled. Her heart beated more quickly with anticipation.

Abruptly, Tàri swung around, her dagger at hand, as orcs emerged from behind the bushes and trees. She cleared one off from the start, while another fell face first into her dagger. Tàri shreiked as an eyeless orc grabbed ahold of her. Thrustingly, she kicked him into the tree, and ran toward her horse. She grappled at her silver bow and arrows, and slapped the mare gently on the rear. As the horse retreated, Tàri rose her bow steadily. Simultaneously, she was struck from behind.

It was well into the night when Tàri finally awoke. She lay quietly upon her side as her eyes examined her surroundings. She was alone and alive, but just only. She turned slightly, and collapsed onto her back. Pain seered throughout her now fragile body. She held her hands to her chest and counted the pulses of her slowing heartbeat. Tears ran down her face as she cried for Legolas. She was losing her fight. Tàri was dying.



Legolas caressed his beloved bow, which was bestowed upon him by Lady Galadriel. He wrapped the string through its hoops and strung it to his liking, before setting the bow at his side. He glanced around the camp momentarily, where the rest of the fellowship had taken to bed, before standing and walking into the distance. Legolas hummed a tune almost silently to himself, as he gazed at the midnight moon that hung lowly above the lands. He stopped at took in a breath of the thinning fresh air and sighed.

The night seemed calm enough, but Legolas could not keep his mind off of Tàri, and his promise to Rùmil. He knew she would never give up hope, yet he smiled, for Legolas knew this was his beloved's strength. He knew his promise must be kept to his journey. It was his duty.

Then, Legolas quieted and stopped in his tread. He closed his crystal eyes as he fixed them on Tàri. He tried, yet he could not see anything but darkness. Suddenly, a sound echoed through the wood as a fair colored mare galloped to Legolas's side. Legolas grabbed ahold of the reins at stroked the horse's mane. It was Tàri's.

"Legolas, what is it?" Aragorn's voice called out from behind.

Legolas said nothing, but only looked back at him.

Aragorn nodded. "Go!"

Legolas grabbed his bow and arrows, lept onto the mare's back and raced into the night. He knew now that she was all that mattered to him, and love was reason enough.


Chapter 6 - Nick Of Time

Legolas rode long into the night not knowing where he was headed, or what he would fine. It seemed, though, that the mare knew exactly where to go. The horse began to trot slowly as it and Legolas came to a seperation in the woods. Its ears flew upward as it listened attentively to its surrondings. Then, it squealed and jumped, resulting in Legolas tumbling to the ground. He grabbed ahold of his bow and arrows and lurked further into the wood.

Then, Legolas hid between the trees as he heard the sound of grunting and footsteps. He inconceivably blended into the trees and waited as a small group of orcs marched by. Legolas exhaled sharply as his eyes came upon the treasure the orcs carried behind. Tied to a post and being dragged along behind was Tàri!

Legolas yelled to direct attention to himself as he released two sets of three arrows. The orcs hadn't a chance against this great archer. As the orcs dropped like flies, Legolas rushed to his beloved's side. A tear ran down Legolas's face has he untied Tàri and held her close.

"Legolas," Tàri managed to whisper.

Legolas peered down at Tàri, who's pale emerald eyes could hardly flutter open. Legolas smiled and embraced her, covering her face with kisses. She tried to smile as she wrapped her fingers around his golden locks.

"Well, hello there," Tàri said softly.

"Tàri...." he began.

"I'm afraid I'm dying, my love," she replied.

"No," Legolas answered. "I will not let you die, Tàri Carnesir. I'm going to take care of you."

Legolas lifted Tari into his strong arms, brought her to the returning mare, and rode into the dawn.

They rode for miles until they came upon a secluded cavern hidden behind a waterfall. Legolas released the lovely mare and carried Tàri into the cave. He placed his cloak on the ground and set her down gently. He sat beside her and held her lovingly.

Tàri smiled as her breathing became even more shallow. Her fair elven face became pale, and her eyes distant.

"Legolas," she said, grasping him.

"No, don't do that, my darling. Do not give up," Legolas cried, peering into her eyes. "There must be a way."

Tàri sighed and caressed Legolas's face softly with her hand. He kissed it lovingly.

"Make love to me, Legolas," she said, smiling. "Make love to me, my beloved...my true love."

Though his eyes worried of her condition, she reached up and pulled him to her lips.

Her essence intoxicated Legolas as he passionately kissed her. She ran her fingers through his soft blond hair as she removed his cobalt blue shirt, revealing his brawn arms and chest. She ran her hand along his chest, stomach, and back, as if discovering him all over again. He kissed her lips and neck as he held her to him and unbuttoned her silver dress. Tàri slipped her arms from the gown and removed it, exposing her full nakedness to him. His eyes sort of smiled at her beauty, as she reached to undo his belt. Legolas slipped from his remaining clothes and arched over Tàri. He was no stranger to her desire.

He entered her then, gently, slowly, as if the first time again. Her arms grasped his back, as he moved inside of her, making her feel beautiful. He explored her body with his mouth and hands, each place further than the rest. Each time more pleasuring than before. Tàri closed her eyes and moaned softly, as she felt the life within her growing. Still, they continued fully. Legolas ran his fingers through her hair as he continued to kiss her lovingly. Tàri moaned, as each of her heartbeats grew more rapid to match that of his. Her pale emerald eyes grew dark with love and lust. Her fair porcelain flushed with color, as Tari felt alive again by Legolas. Finally, Legolas collapsed beside Tàri and embraced her tightly.


Legolas and Tàri spent days in seclusion with one another, whilst the darkness around them on Middle Earth continued to stir. On the third day, Tàri's strength had become full again, so she and Legolas left their sanctuary behind the waterfall and rode for Mirkwood. The lands seemed different somehow, but maybe it was the weather or the company.

The two rode deep into the night and into the morning when they finally came upon the sanctuary of Mirkwood. Legolas accompanied Tàri into the boundaries of the haven. Legolas held Tàri at the waist and tried to smile. Tàri placed her hand gently under his chin and raised his eyes to hers.

"Now you are afraid, my love?" she claimed. "You have given me and everyone hope. I have trust in you that you will succeed."

Legolas clasped Tàri and kissed her as if it were his last day.

"Now go," she said smiling.

Legolas kissed her once more before taking to the woods.


Chapter 7 - EPILOGUE: After The War

After the days began to clear and the darkness retreated into the shadow, the lands of Middle-Earth was rid of the evil that had tortured it for so long. Loved ones could be together and live out the rest of their lives in peace. Parents could sigh and pray thanks that their children would never have to pick up a sword and be drawn to battle. Warriors will be laid to rest. Kings will be remembered. Heroes will go on in story and live forever.
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