Keslya - Prologue

Author: Bearer of Light

Lord Elrond said that he had healed me from my memories of my captivity in Mordor, but he also added that those memories would always be with me. Even though he tells me that I must forget them, I know that I cannot. I will not be able to forget the painful slash of a whip against my bareback… The cries of pain and death from others who were with me…

Elrond sent me to Eryn Lasgalen after treating me in Rivendell. He says that I was born here and raised in the woods long before I was captured. I did not recall anything of that place, but trusting him, I went there.

I stayed in Eryn Lasgalen for a few days, pondering over whether to stay or not. On my second day of stay, I discovered that I had the gift of healing. Slaét, the oldest and only healer in Thranduil's kingdom, begged me to stay so that he could teach me more about curing and taking care of the wounded. In the end, I decided to stay, thinking that I could start my life my life over with peace, love, and happiness. But I was wrong.

Even though Slaét protested, I decided to live in a tree rather than inside the king's halls. Being outside made me feel free while living inside felt like I was enclosed by walls and couldn't do anything I want freely. I occupied a tall beech tree near the caves, living in the bottom of the tree rather than the top.

Near the roots of the tree, there was a huge hole that opened up to a room just perfect for someone to live in. There were small, cool grooves in the inside of the tree that were just right to store herbs in. I slept in a small area where the roots had parted which was extremely comfortable when fur covers were placed in it.
After nearly a month of living there, I heard small footsteps walk cautiously into my room. By the silent and careful steps that the figures were taking, I could easily tell that they were sneaking into my home with a small tinge of guilt at knowing that I didn't give them permission to come in.

Through narrow eyes, I watched the small figures cautiously move towards my storage of herbs. As one of them stuck their hand into it, I quietly sat up.

"Ah, what a lovely morning it is!" I spoke, stretching my arms out with a yawn. The two children jerked up at hearing my voice and looked down at their feet with shame in their eyes.

"And may I ask, what are you two doing here?" I turned to grab the comb that was set on a nearby table.

"We were looking for some mint, my lady." The young boy named Adrían said, meeting my gaze with an uneasy look.

"Naneth needs it for a stew she's making!" His younger sister, Lestréa piped in brightly.

"A stew?" I asked with surprise as I ran the comb through my hair. "All you needed was mint and you just went into my room without even asking?"

"We're sorry, my lady, but we didn't want to disturb you," Adrían explained in a quiet tone.

"Please don't tell Nana!" Lestréa begged with her tiny hands clasped behind her back.

I studied them for a moment and then walked over to my store of herbs. "Well, I guess you two do know what you did was wrong-"

"Oh yes, we do!"

"And I suppose that you won't do it again-"

"Yes, my lady. We promise we will not sneak into your room without your permission again!" The children said in unison.

"Then in that case," I pulled a couple green leaves out of a small hole, "you can have your mint and tell your naneth that I was already awake when you came here." I placed the herbs into Adrían's hand.

The young elf smiled up at me shyly. "Thank you, Lady Keslya!" He grabbed his sister's hand and darted out of my room. I stood out by the doorway, watching as the two children raced back to their home with high spirits in their steps.

Childhood, I thought silently. Oh how I wish I could remember mine. I went back inside and started braiding my long, dark hair. As I was just tying the end with a piece of dry skin, I heard a familiar voice speak.

"Keslya, he's returned!" My best friend, Caédoth, stuck her head into my room with her blue eyes sparkling.

"Who's returned?" I ask, tying a yellow sash around my waist.

"The father of my child! He's returned!" she replied with delight.

I raised an eyebrow. "Child?" I began to ask. "You have a-"

But before I could finish what I was saying, Caédoth quickly disappeared as she came. Deciding to try and find the answer myself, I stepped outside only to see many people join in a crowd that was waiting for something near the path. I walked up to the end of the crowd, standing on the tips of my toes so I could see what all the commotion was about. Seeing nothing but a faint figure over the heads of many people, I decided to wait and find out who exactly this 'father of Caédoth's child' was.

Soon the crowd parted to allow an open space for the figure to walk through. The figure turned out to be an elf, blond haired with sparkling blue eyes. As he walked through the crowd of elves, I saw many women run up to him and quickly kiss him on the cheek.

"Legolas, you've returned!" Several people cried out with joy.

I watched in silence as he continued to walk in the crowd, laughing and hugging several people that came up to him. Then, I noticed that he was coming towards me. I faced his direction without any hesitation, not knowing what to do.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw an elleth holding a child in her arms that was clapping his hands with delight. I noticed that several people were shooting hostile gazes at the dwarf that was following Legolas, clearly trying to show that he was not welcome. I focused my eyes on the figure before me and noticed that he was now facing me. I stared up unblinkingly into his blue eyes that seemed to be examining me closely.

"Would you like a kiss, O fair maiden?' he asked me quietly.

"No, my lord." I bowed my head slightly then returned my gaze to his. He tilted his head, his eyes now filled with interest.

"I'll see you later, my maiden."

I stood there with my eyes seeming to be frozen by his. I felt like I was unconscious, or at least hypnotized like a snake would to his prey.

"My lord, your father wishes to see you." An elf said, making Legolas jerk his gaze away from me.

"I'll be there," he said, turning to follow the king's messenger.

I felt his eyes suddenly dart back to me and I lowered my gaze, pretending to find a sudden interest in people's shoes. When I heard his footsteps leave, I unknowingly stared back at him as he walked away.

Now why does he look familiar? I scratched my neck in confusion. I know I've seen him somewhere...

~()~()~()~

I hummed to myself quietly as I chewed on the sweet, bright red berry. Today was one of the rare days that I wasn't busy. There were a couple people whose wounds had to be checked, and a child that had gotten stung by a bee. No one had serious injuries, and I found out that I had the whole day to myself.

I spent it with Caédoth, just mostly walking in the forest and watching the squirrels chase each other in branches while the birds were quietly singing their cheerful songs that would lighten up anyday. We returned back near sundown and I cursed myself after remembering that the stocks were nearly empty and needed to be filled. After eating a short supper of rabbit and bread, I forced myself to the task of checking herbs.

Opening a small packet that carried some greens, I drew back as I scented something sharp in the air. Staring down at the small, crushed leaves, I saw a light green substance that was clinging to several of them.

"Mold." I muttered as I closed the packet. "I must have forgotten to dry my hands off last time I grabbed some. Waste of yarrow."

Holding the pouch in both hands, I settled it outside near my doorway. I placed a dark red stone on it that was a sign to everyone that it must not be touched. Placing a hand in my hair, I turned around only to stop when I heard footsteps approaching.

"Are you busy, my lady?"

I turned around as I recognized the voice and saw him standing nearly a foot away from me. I found myself avoiding his eyes, instead turning down to the ground.

"Busy?" I cleared my throat and forced my gaze to meet his. "No, not really. Why? Is something wrong?"

"It's nothing serious," he answered lightly. "My arms itch and I think it's from poison ivy."

"Why didn't you go see Slaét?" I asked with my hands on my hips.

"He was asleep."

Figures, I thought. I stepped aside and motioned for him to come in. I tried not to watch as he went inside, laughing quietly at the thought that just came to me. It was mostly children who came to me with poison ivy, not warriors!

"Sit down," I ordered him as I went to my storage and pulled out a few herbs. "Now tell me-" I paused to think of his name, "Legolas, when did your back start feeling itchy?"

"Nearly an hour ago. I was out hunting."

"An hour?" Once I had gathered all the herbs I need, I quickly walked to his side and stared down at the light red skin that outline the muscles in his arms. Placing some angelica in my mouth, I started chewing it up into a paste.

"So, how long have you been here?" He asked as I began placing the poultice onto his skin.

"Nearly three months," I replied as I rubbed the juices in with my fingers.

"Three months?" Legolas said in a thoughtful voice. "No wonder I have not seen you here before."

"My lord, could you please roll up your sleeves? They're getting in the way..."

He stared down at his hands which were covered in paste. "I really can't seem to."

Of course! What was I thinking?

"Have you been to Rivendell?" he asked, watching as I edged his sleeves upwards.

"Yes. I lived there for nine months before moving here," I answered quietly.

I heard him turn his head. "I remember you!" he exclaimed, "Weren't you the one Elrond was teaching?"

I swallowed before speaking. "Yes," I whispered.

"I remember walking past his room and seeing Elrond teaching you of the different languages in Middle-Earth. He asked me to practice with you." Legolas turned around to face me. "I must say that you have gotten better-"

"Would you please stop moving your arms?" I asked in a slightly raised voice. "You're making me mess up!"

"I'm sorry, my lady," he apologized, growing still. "Do you remember me?"

"Just faintly. I remember your eyes, that's all." I stepped back to my storage. "It's done, just don't touch it. Give it some time to dry."

"What is your name?"

"Keslya."

There was a long pause. "May I ask why such a fair lady like you is not married yet?" I heard him say.

"Married?" I laughed as I faced him. "I have been courted by many; many who give me gifts and treat me well. There have been many men that I could already be married with, but I choose not to."

"And why is that?"

"Because… I am not interested in their expensive gifts and their sweet-talking." I replied as I examined some coltsfoot.

"And what pleases you?"

I pretended not to hear him and continued to rummage through the many herbs. "Ah, I've run out of comfrey and laurel! Now that's eight herbs I need to find tomorrow!" I counted on my fingers. "Comfrey, laurel, marigold, woodruff, yarrow, dock, fennel, and lythe."

"Why doesn't Slaét give you some of his?" Legolas asked. "I'm certain that he has a large amount hidden in storage."

"He says that if I am to be a healer, I must learn to get supplies on my own," I answered. "He's like that." I walked over to him and touched his back. "It's dry."

I heard him pull sown his sleeves as I walked back to my hoard. "Thank you," he said softly. I expected him to leave but grew surprised when he didn't. Shrugging off his presence, I pretended to be busy, hoping that he would soon discover that he was not needed anymore. But he stayed and after a few moments, I stopped and watched him over my shoulder.

"How can you just run off into battle without even knowing whether you will survive or not?" I questioned him in a quiet voice.

"In a battle, I tend to not think of myself but of others," he replied. "When you're fighting, you think of the future of the world and your families. The safety of our families is worth risking our lives."

"But don't you fear death?"

"Yes, I must admit that I fear it. But if death wishes to claim you, you cannot escape from it." He stood and came to my side. "Do you need help-"

"No, my lord! I was just going to bed anyway," I stretched out my arms and yawned. "Good night, my lord. Leave safely." I walked over to my small desk and picked up my comb.

"Goodnight, my lady." Legolas bowed his head slightly and turned to leave. I watched his retreating back and dropped my comb as I raced out to my doorway and leaned out.

"Legolas!" I called and smiled as he turned around. "Next time you want to visit me, don't rub poison ivy on yourself on purpose!"

Even from the distance, I could see his cheeks redden. I watched as he quickly turned around and ran back towards the cave. Sighing, I glanced up at the branches of my tree only to see a small figure seated on one of them.

"Ooo! The Lady Keslya's in love!" The small voice said with excitement. "Keslya loves Prince Legolas! Keslya loves Prince Legolas!"

Before the young elf could even react, I climbed up the tree and placed my hand over his mouth. "Quiet, Adrían!" I whispered. "Don't say a word of this to anyone or else I'll tell your nana that you woke me up this morning and are staying up far past your bedtime. Fair deal?"

He quickly nodded his head and climbed back down the tree. Little scamp, I thought to myself as I jumped down and went back into my hollow. Staring up at the moon, I assured myself that I felt nothing towards him.

He's a distraction, that's all. I argued silently. A distraction.

~()~()~()~

I did not notice when I dozed off, and woke up to the bright sunlight shining in my room. Standing, I remembered about the yarrow that needed to be thrown out and went outside to do the task. To my surprise, the yarrow was not there. I stared down at the leaf wrap that was placed underneath the red stone and picked it up. Surprise filled me when I saw all the herbs I needed inside it and I closed my eyes.

I did not know that meeting his gaze would be my first mistake.