Disclaimer: As we all know, Tolkien owns all things Middle Earth. The guy
was beyond cool. I am merely borrowing from his estate, and they are
welcome to borrow from mine (though they'll find it amounts to a total of
$4.37 and lint).
A/N: This story is based on a dream I had just last night that I can't get out of my mind (though I imagine after you read this you might be jealous of my dreams – hehehehe). I have no idea how long it'll be or how it will turn out. All I know is that it's been sitting in my brain all day and it needs to come out. Further, I find it frustrating that Legolas once again has been setting plot bunnies in my head. (Damn that Orlando Bloom and his perfect eyebrows for making me lose all focus on my other favorite elves, namely Glorfindel.)
Chapter 1 – The First Ball – Part I
It had been many hundreds of year since he had sailed away. He had wandered and explored all the known, and some unknown, lands. When his friend, the dwarf, had passed away he had given serious thought to traveling to the west. But something lured him back to the place of his birth. His thoughts had managed to stray back there at some point everyday he had spent away from it. Thoughts for his father, his friends, the trees, the smell of the forest after a rain. Not a day had gone by that he hadn't thought about how so-and-so or some other would have enjoyed the sights and experiences he was enjoying. He had indulged his wanderlust, and now he was content to be still. And so he traveled back.
Somehow he had managed to sneak into the realm without being noticed. He was pleased to wander around for several days just taking in the changes. His father and Celeborn had renamed the forest Eryn Lasglaen (Wood of the Greenleaves) after the fall of Sauron and the forest had been made safe. It was a tremendous change from the dangerous and dark woods he once helped protect. He felt good to be back.
Some of his father's guards had recognized him a few days ago, and had given him quite the welcome, loudly announcing the return of the elf prince to whomever was within hearing distance (and for elves that was quite far indeed). He had been escorted jovially to his father's palace, and his father greeted him warmly. Then his father had scolded him as though he was a child for not sending word of his return. Legolas found it oddly humorous that no matter how old an elf got, their parents would always have the ability of making them feel as though they had just gotten caught stealing sweets.
Legolas now watched the revelers at this, the first, night of masquerade balls his father had arranged remembering how much his son enjoyed guessing who wore what mask. He had seen and been visited by almost all of his old friends. Standing at his side were two of his closest friends, Flordin and Maluil. The three of them had reacquainted themselves easily these past few days as the festival and balls were arranged. Legolas had inquired about the fourth of their old group and was told that Talariel was out on a scouting party and would return for the festivities now that word had been sent of his arrival.
Legolas was looking forward to seeing her. She had been a never ending source of amusement and mischief as they grew up. Youngest of the group by about 500 years, she had started tagging along with them no matter how they discouraged her when she was only 200 years old. At first she was a continual irritation, following them around everywhere they went. The three of them had grown so annoyed at her that they began to play nasty practical jokes on her to keep her from running after them. But Talariel had taken it all in stride, laughed at herself for falling for all their jokes and determined all the more to be accepted within their group. Soon the jokes became challenges, and dangerous ones at that. The three elves had begun to escalate their challenges egged on by the she-elf's determination, not understanding that they had already begun to accept her and enjoyed her presence. Their egos had to have the last word, and they allowed their trials to become impossible, all to see if Talariel would be able to handle it. A growing admiration and respect combined with some envy on their parts made them careless. It finally caught up with them, when they sent Talariel off on a wild goose chase that went horribly wrong.
When the giant spiders had attacked her, she had almost died. It was sheer luck that Flordin had hung back to check on her progress and to return with news for them to laugh at. Flordin had saved her that day, and the three of them suffered the wrath of all their parents. But the worst punishment of all came from Talariel herself. It took the three of them over 100 years until she would utter a single word to any of them. When she finally accepted their apology, the four of them became inseparable. It was only duty that kept them from each other.
The four grew up to be some of the best warriors Mirkwood had ever known. Likely because they were always challenging each other to sword play or archery contests. Each was adept at all forms of fighting, but they also had their own specialties. Legolas was by far the keenest archer, Flordin was known for his superior skills with daggers, Maluil's sword play was untouchable, and Talariel was lethal in hand to hand combat. The elves thought it both ironic and appropriate that of all of them the she-elf would be the one to be most dangerous up close. To look at her you wouldn't imagine she was capable of hurting a fly. Long straight glossy black hair, full heart-shaped lips, skin like porcelain, high regal cheekbones and eyes the color of a deep blue sunset. Like all she-elves, Talariel was beautiful, graceful and lyrical.
Legolas remembered her as being beautiful (as all elves were), but until he had returned he hadn't realized that he couldn't recall anything about her appearance other than her dark hair and blue eyes. He would need Flordin or Maluil to point her out for him. Legolas simply remembered her as the mischievous little imp who got them all into trouble and laughed when they were blamed, using her sex as her defense. It was her wit, humor, intelligence and genuine spirit that he recalled during the times he had thought of her on his travels. He was looking forward to the four of them carousing once again.
The Hall was filled with extraordinary looking she-elves, both dark and light haired. All beautiful, all charming, all rather boring. Legolas easily recognized most of the she-elves, even though they all wore masks. He danced with many of them, enjoying the feel of being back in the company of the familiar. As the evening stretched, he began to grow listless. As if he was looking for something. It was the same pang that had led him back. Irritated that he could not simply enjoy himself, he was about to excuse himself from his friends to go off to be alone when he caught a glance of something out of the corner of his eye. Turing to see what it was that caught his attention, he felt as if the breath was knocked out of him.
Standing and speaking to his father was a she-elf so striking that Legolas could not believe he hadn't noticed her earlier in the evening. She wore a black mask of swan feathers that blended so well with her hair that one couldn't tell wear the mask ended and her hairline began. Taking in her form, Legolas smiled with appreciation at the curves and lines of her body. Her simple taupe colored gown accented the darkness and sheen of her hair and smooth creamy skin. It did not go unnoticed to Legolas that for the first time in many years that pang he almost constantly felt in his gut had disappeared at the sight of her. Without realizing what he was doing, he moved to her side to ask for a dance.
Talariel had only recently arrived at the palace from her scouting trip. She had quickly donned a gown, grabbed the nearest mask for the ball and hurried to the Hall to join the celebrations.
She had received news of her friend's return the other day and could not get back fast enough in her opinion. She had missed Legolas terribly. Though separations between the four of them were common enough as adults, when she heard that Legolas was indulging his wanderlust she hadn't allowed herself to believe he would ever return. She had sunk into a depression that lasted several years. Flordin and Maluil had understood what was going on, even if she hadn't, and did their best to comfort and support her until she shook herself out of it. Talariel loved them both as brothers and was glad for their presence in her life. They had been her backbone and rock for the first few years Legolas was gone.
She hadn't realized that at some point she had fallen in love with the prince until he was gone. She wondered if she would have said anything to him had she known. Probably not, as wanderlust for an elf was impossible to ignore. All the years the four of them were together, each had had relationships outside their group. It was an almost unconscious decision and agreement between them all, as though it would have made things awkward to have relationships within the group. Of course, just because one determines not to, does not mean that one can control their emotions. And it had been obvious to Maluil and Flordin of Talariel's growing feelings for their fourth, even though neither player recognized it. It had taken many years, but Talariel grew out of her depression and life continued. She had even found a modicum of happiness, though she was never as happy as when Legolas was still there.
Now he was unexpectedly back, and Talariel's nerves were on edge. She couldn't wait to see him again, and found she was somewhat jealous that her other friends had the luck to be home upon his return. She wondered what changes there were in him.
When she first entered the Hall she spotted him immediately. He stood on the far side of them room with Flordin and Maluil, talking and laughing with anyone who approached him. Indulging herself for a little while, she watched him dance with any number of she-elves, smiling at his grace and litheness. She had remembered him exactly. The only obvious change in him was the way he carried himself. He was much more confident and carried himself the way a worldly traveler would. It suited him.
She slowly made her way through the crowd to greet him, when Thranduil spotted her and detained her by asking about her scouting party. She made polite conversation with him after giving him her news, congratulating him on the return of his son and commenting on the masquerades. As she spoke to Thranduil, she felt someone watching her. She turned to see Legolas staring at her intently. When their eyes met, she gave him a wide welcoming smile and was inordinately pleased when he approached and asked her for a dance.
As he escorted her to the dance floor, Talariel almost laughed out loud when she realized why and how formal he was being. Legolas had no idea who she was.
******
Reviews please? Thank you!
A/N: This story is based on a dream I had just last night that I can't get out of my mind (though I imagine after you read this you might be jealous of my dreams – hehehehe). I have no idea how long it'll be or how it will turn out. All I know is that it's been sitting in my brain all day and it needs to come out. Further, I find it frustrating that Legolas once again has been setting plot bunnies in my head. (Damn that Orlando Bloom and his perfect eyebrows for making me lose all focus on my other favorite elves, namely Glorfindel.)
Chapter 1 – The First Ball – Part I
It had been many hundreds of year since he had sailed away. He had wandered and explored all the known, and some unknown, lands. When his friend, the dwarf, had passed away he had given serious thought to traveling to the west. But something lured him back to the place of his birth. His thoughts had managed to stray back there at some point everyday he had spent away from it. Thoughts for his father, his friends, the trees, the smell of the forest after a rain. Not a day had gone by that he hadn't thought about how so-and-so or some other would have enjoyed the sights and experiences he was enjoying. He had indulged his wanderlust, and now he was content to be still. And so he traveled back.
Somehow he had managed to sneak into the realm without being noticed. He was pleased to wander around for several days just taking in the changes. His father and Celeborn had renamed the forest Eryn Lasglaen (Wood of the Greenleaves) after the fall of Sauron and the forest had been made safe. It was a tremendous change from the dangerous and dark woods he once helped protect. He felt good to be back.
Some of his father's guards had recognized him a few days ago, and had given him quite the welcome, loudly announcing the return of the elf prince to whomever was within hearing distance (and for elves that was quite far indeed). He had been escorted jovially to his father's palace, and his father greeted him warmly. Then his father had scolded him as though he was a child for not sending word of his return. Legolas found it oddly humorous that no matter how old an elf got, their parents would always have the ability of making them feel as though they had just gotten caught stealing sweets.
Legolas now watched the revelers at this, the first, night of masquerade balls his father had arranged remembering how much his son enjoyed guessing who wore what mask. He had seen and been visited by almost all of his old friends. Standing at his side were two of his closest friends, Flordin and Maluil. The three of them had reacquainted themselves easily these past few days as the festival and balls were arranged. Legolas had inquired about the fourth of their old group and was told that Talariel was out on a scouting party and would return for the festivities now that word had been sent of his arrival.
Legolas was looking forward to seeing her. She had been a never ending source of amusement and mischief as they grew up. Youngest of the group by about 500 years, she had started tagging along with them no matter how they discouraged her when she was only 200 years old. At first she was a continual irritation, following them around everywhere they went. The three of them had grown so annoyed at her that they began to play nasty practical jokes on her to keep her from running after them. But Talariel had taken it all in stride, laughed at herself for falling for all their jokes and determined all the more to be accepted within their group. Soon the jokes became challenges, and dangerous ones at that. The three elves had begun to escalate their challenges egged on by the she-elf's determination, not understanding that they had already begun to accept her and enjoyed her presence. Their egos had to have the last word, and they allowed their trials to become impossible, all to see if Talariel would be able to handle it. A growing admiration and respect combined with some envy on their parts made them careless. It finally caught up with them, when they sent Talariel off on a wild goose chase that went horribly wrong.
When the giant spiders had attacked her, she had almost died. It was sheer luck that Flordin had hung back to check on her progress and to return with news for them to laugh at. Flordin had saved her that day, and the three of them suffered the wrath of all their parents. But the worst punishment of all came from Talariel herself. It took the three of them over 100 years until she would utter a single word to any of them. When she finally accepted their apology, the four of them became inseparable. It was only duty that kept them from each other.
The four grew up to be some of the best warriors Mirkwood had ever known. Likely because they were always challenging each other to sword play or archery contests. Each was adept at all forms of fighting, but they also had their own specialties. Legolas was by far the keenest archer, Flordin was known for his superior skills with daggers, Maluil's sword play was untouchable, and Talariel was lethal in hand to hand combat. The elves thought it both ironic and appropriate that of all of them the she-elf would be the one to be most dangerous up close. To look at her you wouldn't imagine she was capable of hurting a fly. Long straight glossy black hair, full heart-shaped lips, skin like porcelain, high regal cheekbones and eyes the color of a deep blue sunset. Like all she-elves, Talariel was beautiful, graceful and lyrical.
Legolas remembered her as being beautiful (as all elves were), but until he had returned he hadn't realized that he couldn't recall anything about her appearance other than her dark hair and blue eyes. He would need Flordin or Maluil to point her out for him. Legolas simply remembered her as the mischievous little imp who got them all into trouble and laughed when they were blamed, using her sex as her defense. It was her wit, humor, intelligence and genuine spirit that he recalled during the times he had thought of her on his travels. He was looking forward to the four of them carousing once again.
The Hall was filled with extraordinary looking she-elves, both dark and light haired. All beautiful, all charming, all rather boring. Legolas easily recognized most of the she-elves, even though they all wore masks. He danced with many of them, enjoying the feel of being back in the company of the familiar. As the evening stretched, he began to grow listless. As if he was looking for something. It was the same pang that had led him back. Irritated that he could not simply enjoy himself, he was about to excuse himself from his friends to go off to be alone when he caught a glance of something out of the corner of his eye. Turing to see what it was that caught his attention, he felt as if the breath was knocked out of him.
Standing and speaking to his father was a she-elf so striking that Legolas could not believe he hadn't noticed her earlier in the evening. She wore a black mask of swan feathers that blended so well with her hair that one couldn't tell wear the mask ended and her hairline began. Taking in her form, Legolas smiled with appreciation at the curves and lines of her body. Her simple taupe colored gown accented the darkness and sheen of her hair and smooth creamy skin. It did not go unnoticed to Legolas that for the first time in many years that pang he almost constantly felt in his gut had disappeared at the sight of her. Without realizing what he was doing, he moved to her side to ask for a dance.
Talariel had only recently arrived at the palace from her scouting trip. She had quickly donned a gown, grabbed the nearest mask for the ball and hurried to the Hall to join the celebrations.
She had received news of her friend's return the other day and could not get back fast enough in her opinion. She had missed Legolas terribly. Though separations between the four of them were common enough as adults, when she heard that Legolas was indulging his wanderlust she hadn't allowed herself to believe he would ever return. She had sunk into a depression that lasted several years. Flordin and Maluil had understood what was going on, even if she hadn't, and did their best to comfort and support her until she shook herself out of it. Talariel loved them both as brothers and was glad for their presence in her life. They had been her backbone and rock for the first few years Legolas was gone.
She hadn't realized that at some point she had fallen in love with the prince until he was gone. She wondered if she would have said anything to him had she known. Probably not, as wanderlust for an elf was impossible to ignore. All the years the four of them were together, each had had relationships outside their group. It was an almost unconscious decision and agreement between them all, as though it would have made things awkward to have relationships within the group. Of course, just because one determines not to, does not mean that one can control their emotions. And it had been obvious to Maluil and Flordin of Talariel's growing feelings for their fourth, even though neither player recognized it. It had taken many years, but Talariel grew out of her depression and life continued. She had even found a modicum of happiness, though she was never as happy as when Legolas was still there.
Now he was unexpectedly back, and Talariel's nerves were on edge. She couldn't wait to see him again, and found she was somewhat jealous that her other friends had the luck to be home upon his return. She wondered what changes there were in him.
When she first entered the Hall she spotted him immediately. He stood on the far side of them room with Flordin and Maluil, talking and laughing with anyone who approached him. Indulging herself for a little while, she watched him dance with any number of she-elves, smiling at his grace and litheness. She had remembered him exactly. The only obvious change in him was the way he carried himself. He was much more confident and carried himself the way a worldly traveler would. It suited him.
She slowly made her way through the crowd to greet him, when Thranduil spotted her and detained her by asking about her scouting party. She made polite conversation with him after giving him her news, congratulating him on the return of his son and commenting on the masquerades. As she spoke to Thranduil, she felt someone watching her. She turned to see Legolas staring at her intently. When their eyes met, she gave him a wide welcoming smile and was inordinately pleased when he approached and asked her for a dance.
As he escorted her to the dance floor, Talariel almost laughed out loud when she realized why and how formal he was being. Legolas had no idea who she was.
******
Reviews please? Thank you!