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Chapter One:
"A transfer? But, Marianel, I have been under your supervision for so long, and do not wish it. Surely there are others who can fulfill these duties! What is it that makes an elleth such as myself suitable for this task in the beginning?"
"Riva," Marianel sighed as she looked over at the young elf before her, not finding joy in the way that her demeanor crumpled so at the thought of this new job, "The king simply asked of me which of my apprentices I deemed the most respectable, honorable, and hard-working. You were the first that came to mind, as you are all of those things! I did not know at the time I answered, what his meaning behind the question was. I am sorry, my dear."
Pushing a lock of her long, straight, auburn hair from her eyes, Riva looked up from the floor upon which her gaze had been fixed. She gave a small smile as she spoke.
"I do appreciate that you hold me in such high regard, my friend. And I know that it is an honor to be assigned to such a task. I suppose that I am just scared, in a way. I have never known a real mother, and over these many years have begun to look at you as such. You have guided me well through these times, and for that, I am eternally grateful. I still do not wish to leave you, or my duties assigned to me here, but if it will keep you in good standing with the King's court, I shall accept my new duties without hesitation and uphold this high regard the King no doubt now has me in."
Knowing that she must hurry in order to prepare for her transfer, she walked over to Marianel, hugged her, and said her goodbyes. Promising to still visit with her and keep in close contact, she gathered her things and quickly made her way to speak with the head of the castle's servants, in able to locate her new quarters, and learn more about this new job.
Upon reaching the large, cold room that she had grown accustomed to over the years, Riva knocked on the heavy, wooden door, and awaited a response from the inside.
"You may enter," a sharp, female voice rang clear throughout the air.
"Ah, Riva. You must be here for your new assignment," An elderly female elf with graying hair and even grayer eyes smiled at her from behind a sturdy, oak table. "Come, sit, young one."
"Elema, it is well to see you this day. I trust you are doing fair." Riva said calmly as she took a seat in the hard chair offered to her.
"Yes, yes. I am quite well these days. Now that my sons are married and happily settled down, I don't have as much to worry myself with. Except, that is, with the King's son," she laughed. "It seems that Prince Legolas has had quite a hard time as of late being able to keep a personal maid for his quarters. This is why you have been brought in for this transfer, Riva."
Slightly confused, Riva made note to speak after she knew the older elf before her was finished, "My lady, I am a bit puzzled as to why the maids before were unable to sustain their positions as the Prince's maid. Will you explain?"
"Since the young Prince has returned from the War of the Ring, he has been quite….unsettled, it seems. Four different young elleths have been given the position that you are being given, and none have lasted for more than a mere week, at the most! Why, the last one, poor Allaine, left the castle in tears in less than an hour's time! None of the former maids wish to speak of what happened between themselves and Prince Legolas, but I stand under the firm belief that he cannot be this way without reason," she paused in her words for a moment, and then continued, "Marianel has said that you have a way about you…A way for understanding those around you and setting them at ease. I think it was this characteristic, which made the King select you over all others that were being kept in mind. You should feel honored, Riva."
Riva looked around her new quarters. This was undoubtedly nicer than the flet in which she had previously spent her nights and free time. There was a small balcony, overlooking the side gardens, beside which stood a moderately fine bed with four, sturdy, iron posts. In one corner, stood a large, wooden chest, which she was surprised to find when she opened, was already filled with clothing. She looked over the dresses, each very modest, but at the same time, nothing to scoff at.
She knew that she must have been given these extra luxuries simply because of whom it was that she would be serving in the castle. The servants in this new wing even had access to a washroom of their own, instead of having to bath in the public bathhouses in the village. This would be one thing that she would not take for granted.
She placed her belongings down on the softness of her new bed, and quickly tidied herself before her first meeting with the Prince, which was to take place shortly. After gathering what supplies she might possibly need to meet Prince Legolas' first requests, she made her way out the door, and down the long, dimly light corridors.