man/elf love forever :)

OK. This is going to be a pretty emotional post, with some serious gushing.;)

I have dicovered another wonderful, stunning, unbelievably good A/L fanfiction writer. Capella. She describes the whole story of man and elf in a series of many-chaptered fics, all set in the same universe, totally canon, yet with many original characters and additional plotlines that weave seamlessly together. The language is flawless, the characterization masterful, the sex overwhelmingly hot, and the emotional depth of it all takes my breath away. And since it is canon, Aragorn does follow his destiny and marry Arwen, and his erotic relationship with Legolas comes to an end. They never stop loving each other, but are not together anymore - and while Aragorn tries to find some kind of happiness with Arwen, Legolas travels south to finally see the sea, and has a fiery romance with Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth. Now, I am a total A/L freak and the first person to say: oh no, I cannot read it, it hurts too much to see either of them paired with someone else. But this was simply too well-written to let go... and besides, it really wouldn't seem fair on Legolas if he just pined away after Aragorn's marriage, eaten from the inside by jealousy and grief. He truly deserves better. And the relationship with Imrahil is so beautifully depicted, so tender and honest... Legolas never makes a secret of the fact that his true love lies elsewhere... and Imrahil, who has recently buried his dearest wife, the other half of his soul - understands. They help each other to overcome their loneliness and despair. Which makes the whole thing totally believable somehow... indeed, all the characters in this universe are vibrantly alive and true in their complexity. The A/L relationship itself is full of surprises - and utterly heartbreaking in its intensity. I don't even know anymore how many times these stories have made me cry - in the best, most cathartic way. And I don't think I have ever come across such a deep portrayal of Legolas: seemingly cool and detached, as befits a high-born elf, but in fact teeming with powerful emotions under the surface... and capable of such complete, utter love and devotion. Without falling into useless, selfish martyrdom, I should say. His love and affection has a true healing power, for himself as well as others. He is unbelievably strong - because he suffers, and doesn't run away from the pain - but also doesn't let himself be defeated. In a way, this is more beautiful, more moving than if he had faded away from grief. Because the love never dies...

OK. That's it. I'm crying again. And no, I am not PMS-ing - nor is there a full moon in sight.;) It's words, just words... more than enough for me, as it turns out... *sigh*