The Favor

A few months passed and Le'ariel did well to stay clear of the prince. She kept thinking back to the horrible incident that happened in the forest the last time they spoke.

It began to rain one day and carelessly, she forgot to bring inside the comforters that were drying on the branches across the bridge. In her rush to save them, she didn't hear Legolas calling her. When she finally heard his voice from behind, she slipped and fell on her behind.

She wasn't only soaking wet but now even dirtier. You could tell the prince was amused as he jogged in her direction. She grumbled a few words to herself, wiping some of the mud off her face, hair, and clothes.

"My apologies, milady. I did not mean for that to happen to you," he smiled with a slight laugh. "I merely wanted to warn you not to cross the bridge at this time. The river is growing turbulent and the bridge is unstable to be used."

"Thank you for the warning," she replied with her teeth half-clenched. She stomped away mumbling again to herself and left him where he was. At the present time she no longer felt as embarrassed as she did when it happened. Le'ariel was angrier at the fact that it was Legolas who witnessed her make a fool of herself, which made her even grumpier.

Legolas, on the other hand, didn't understand why she was so upset with him. But, he decided it was best to avoid bothering her because knowing the type of elf she was, he was not going to get anywhere with the foul attitude she carried for him. The chambermaid tried to be as polite as she could around him when she had to, but he sensed that if she could shoot an arrow through his eye, she would. Legolas didn't mean to laugh at her when she fell. It was a sudden impulse that he was sure if it were him in her place, she would have done the same.

She really needs to lighten her mood…

I I I

"Balrog's eye!" yelled Keldir in the archery range.

"Do not gloat yet, my friend." Legolas let go of his arrow and split Keldir's in a second. He turned to him and bowed. "Still want to gloat?" he smirked.

"Why must you always strip me of my victory?" The captain crossed his arms.

"Because I can," he smiled, "and besides, I am the prince and I can do as I please!" He added a laugh.

Keldir rolled his eyes. "Hmm…yes…good excuse."

They walked over to the targets and collect the arrows that were still in good condition. The rest they would use for the bond fire later that evening. The prince placed his bow on a bed of leaves and sat down on one of the logs with Keldir in tow. "The air is nice and crisp again today, another good day for riding."

"Yes, indeed. The Narbeleth season is fast approaching in these Woods. Tis almost time for the yearly festival to begin."

"Ah, yes...the Narbeleth Gathering," smiled Legolas.

The Narbeleth Gathering was a gathering in Mirkwood to welcome the changing season from summer to fall. It was always held during this time of year signaling the short days associated with fall and winter. Most of the celebrants were younger elves, such as Legolas and his friends. The king and queen would make an appearance in the beginning but then shortly retire for the night leaving Legolas to do his mischief. This gathering involved jugs full of miruvor—which wouldn't be much of a festival without it.

"I hear your cousin will be joining us again this year."

"Yes, he is. Adanion is most excited. Tis been quite a few centuries since he journeyed back to our Woodland Realm and I believe he plans to stay for longer this time."

"I also hear he has not graced us with his presence because of his wife sailing West."

The prince nodded. "He wanted time to himself after her calling to the Sea. It was a difficult time for him, but it appears he is back on his feet from what he has written."

"I know the feeling…it was the same for me when my dear wife sailed. We vowed to love one another until the End and agreed—mostly on her part—that I was free to choose another mate if I wished. I was hesitant at first, but still agreed. I know she is much happier now and that is all that matters."

"After all these centuries, Keldir, why have you not taken a new mate?"

Keldir elbowed him with his ever-knowing look. "New mate? Answer your own question, my friend. Tis one to zero with the odds in my favor."

"Yes, father Keldir, I know," Legolas said with a soft laugh. "Tis not my time yet but soon...hopefully. Once I find her, I will know."

"Are there even any maidens left?" joked the captain. "But, fair enough. So, what can we do to welcome your cousin's arrival?"

"I thought of a few things but he says in a recent letter that he does not want us to make a fuss over his arrival because, after all, he is only family. He stated he only wished to catch up with old friends and enjoy the outdoors as much as possible with us before the Gathering."

"Cooped up too long inside Rivendell, I presume?" Keldir chuckled.

"Possibly. But, I do know of something we could do to make his stay at least a comfortable one, if not a memorable arrival."

"Such as?"

"You shall see..." Legolas impishly grinned.

I I I

"Mother, the last piece of silverware has been set," Le'ariel told her. She was in the palace dining hall again.

"Thank you, dear. Now please just arrange the flowers in the center then you can be on your way."

"Yes, mother."

Le'ariel filled up her day with other duties around the palace after her required chore of cleaning the rooms in her section. Keeping herself occupied as much as possible cleared her mind of things that she would rather not think upon, in other words, things that she didn't feel the need to deal with—also known as Legolas.

If he wanted to do whatever he pleased, with whoever he pleased, it was none of her business. Le'ariel was tired of hearing him doing this and doing that. The past few months were calm with little or no mention of the prince from her friends.

Legolas peeked inside the room and saw them setting up for the midday meal. The prince wasn't sure how they would react to his presence, especially her, but he had to ask. Clearing his throat, he fully stepped inside so he could be seen.

Dalorien heard him without looking up from what she was doing. "Hello, Prince Legolas."

"Good day, Dalorien...Le'ariel..." Le'ariel gave him a half grin without looking in his direction either. "Le'ariel, if possible, may I speak with you a moment?" he asked politely.

"Go on, Le'ariel, I can handle the rest," said her mother.

With much hesitation she left quietly with Legolas, walking down the hallway in awkward silence. Legolas finally stopped in an area where no one was around. "Firstly, I would like to apologize to you for my rude behavior the other day while it was raining. I did not mean to embarrass you and if I have offended you, I am sorry. Truly. You may not care for my apology but I want to make it known in hopes that you will not hold it against me forever."

"Was that all you wanted, your Highness? To apologize to me?" Le'ariel had a feeling he would eventually approach her, but her mood wouldn't be swayed so easily. Not today. It would take time. "If so, may I go back to my duties?"

"That and…I have a favor to ask of you."

"A favor, your Highness?" She looked skeptically at him. "Why go to me for your favor? If there is something you need done any servant is capable of doing it for you…within reason, of course."

"Yes, I am well aware," Legolas tried to hide his frustration, "but I would like for you to do this for me. It is not on your listed schedule that is why I am asking this as a mere favor. "

"And what might that be?" Le'ariel was somewhat curious. She deduced it couldn't hurt to hear what he had to say at least. Besides, she did have the right to refuse the favor.

"I was wondering if you would be willing to help me with something."

"Help you do what exactly?" If this favor of his was a ploy to get another maiden, Le'ariel would really let him have it!

"Adanion will be joining us for the Narbeleth Gathering this year and does not want a grand welcoming—which is understandable—but still, I would like his welcoming and stay with us to be a pleasant one," Legolas explained.

"Your cousin from Rivendell?"

Le'ariel remembered him from a few centuries ago when he, Legolas and Keldir were often seen riding in the forest together. She knew him best from her mother because, like the prince, he was also very fond of her pies. He once pleaded with the chambermaid to bake him one but she didn't know the recipe her mother used to give it the sweet flavor they craved so much.

"Yes, he will be staying with us for a time."

"What did you have in mind, your Highness?"

"Please, call me Legolas as I told you before. No one is around."

"Yes, I know, but it does not seem—"

"Proper?"

"Well, yes." Le'ariel nodded. "If Lady Minar caught me addressing you so casually, she—"

"Do not worry about Minar," he stopped her with his hand. "If you think Keldir and I are a hand full in the kitchens, make sure she does not serve you any of her famous stew. Minar could kill off a whole army of Orcs with one sniff of that concoction. That was the reason she was removed from the kitchens and placed in the laundering section. It took her centuries of kissing my mother's behind to get where she is now."

"My mother never told me of that!" Le'ariel muffled her laugher with her hands. "I assume you are not very fond of her?"

"Minar was a third-class cook. Your mother was already the best by then and did not have to witness the horrors of her cooking."

"Hearing your story does not make Lady Minar seem so threatening now," the female elf smiled at the pictures in her head. The prince returned her smile without realizing he was staring at her features. Le'ariel noticed and averted her eyes away and blushed. "So, what is this favor you are asking of me?" She quickly moved the conversation back on track before her face looked like a ripe tomato.

"Oh, yes, well…" Legolas composed himself, "I was wondering if you could help me decorate a guest chamber for Adanion? I presume your duty as a chambermaid not only comes with knowing how to make a room clean and tidy but comfortable as well?"

"Comfortable?"

"Yes, comfortable. I was thinking the softest pillows and comforters we had and maybe a few nice velvet drapes that resemble the ones in my own chamber? Something that would make Adanion feel at home. You are the best chambermaid we have and your mother says that you dabble in decorating as well."

Now Le'ariel understood why her mother dismissed her so quickly from the dining hall and inwardly whined at the thought. Still, she found the prince's idea amusing. She thought it was nice of him to go through so much trouble for his cousin's stay in Mirkwood.

"So, what do you say? Would you be willing to help me? Of course, I do not want this task to conflict with your regular chores so whenever you are available."

"And what will you do during the times I am not available?"

Legolas shrugged. "Try and have Keldir help until you are?" He looked at her unsure of his own idea.

The chambermaid laughed. "Good luck with that one!"

"So, you agree then?" he smiled hopeful at her.

She took a moment to think it through. "If I agree to help you, you must do as I say and follow my instructions without question."

"Of course! Your time is my time."

"Hmm...very well then. I will help you. I must see the room you wish to decorate before we get started."

"Understood!" he smiled happily. "I will show it to you tomorrow."

"I should be done with my morning chores before noon. Any servant should know where I am."

"Thank you, Le'ariel." Legolas bowed. She slightly bowed her head in return.

He showed her one last smile and proceeded down the hallway to find a nice suitable chamber for his cousin. The elf-prince left with a lighter step in his walk. Once he disappeared around the corner, she finally exhaled and slumped against the wall.

First, I was upset with him and now I am helping him? Oh, Le'ariel. What have you gotten yourself into?