"Hurt... so much pain..... made me remember." Narya whispered,
clinging to him as tight as she could.
Legolas stared at her for a moment, not understanding. Then it
suddenly clicked. "It made you remember.....how your uncle hurt
you?" He asked, his voice low and troubled. She nodded. Legolas
sighed, feeling awful. He knew why the spanking had hurt so much.
He had spanked her on her wet bottom, and that sure could cause a
sting. He had not thought about her bottom being wet, or he would
have dried her off before spanking her. "Narya, I am sorry." He
told her. "It hurt like that because your bottom was wet, and a
spanking on a wet bottom is very painful. I did not think about
that. I would have dried you off had I been thinking straight,
before I spanked you. I am so sorry."
"It's ok." She whispered. "You didn't mean to."
Legolas sighed and looked down at her. "You're going to have to take
another bath, I'm afraid." He said gently.
"But, I really don't feel well." Narya whispered, still clinging to
him.
"I know you don't baby, but you are a mess." He paused for a moment,
thinking. "If you will allow it, I will bathe you." He told her
softly.
Narya cringed, as she was indeed a mess. She nodded. "I am sorry I
was so bad. I do trust you... this is just.... very scary to me."
She admitted.
"I know love, I know. And you were not bad. It wasn't your fault,
you just had a bad moment is all. Don't worry about it, all right?
It's okay." He watched her a moment, his heart still pounding
hard. "Will you let me bathe you?"
Narya nodded. "Yes....don't ever leave me." The last part was
whispered.
"Leave you?! No, I will not leave you. Did I ever say I would?"
She shook her head no. He hadn't, but she just wanted to hear him
say he wouldn't. "I won't go." She told him. "Never."
"Good, because I will not let you go." He said, and gently stood up
and carried her into the stream. The rag she used and the soap was
resting on a rock near by, and he grabbed them as he walked further
into the water.
"I.... I love you." Narya whispered uncertainly.
He smiled down at her, surprised but very pleased that she said
that. For it made him realize something. "I love you too." He
whispered, his heart soaring. That is what he realized, and he was
so happy.
"Honest?" She asked, surprise and shyness written on her face.
"I am a man of my word, remember?" He smiled at her. Narya blushed
and nodded. "Then you have your answer." He said, then suddenly
frowned. "Baby, do you think you can stand at all?" He asked her as
he looked around the stream, wondering how he was going to bathe
her. She nodded and stood, some color returning to her face. "You
do not have to put your full weight on your legs, only a little.
I'll hold your waist, okay?" Legolas said gently, not wanting her to
hurt herself or become sick again.
"Ok." She told him, melting into his arms. She didn't understand
why this felt so right, but it sure did, and she was so glad it did.
"Good." He said. "Here, lean up against me while I get this ready."
H e said indicating the rag and soap he held.
Narya leaned more against him. "You are so... so... wonderful." She
sighed deeply, a happy sigh, and her eyes held a special light that
they had never held before. He saw that light, and knew his own eyes
contained a light just like it. He smiled as he began to lather the
rag up with the soap, and then he began to wash her gently, singing
softly as he did. It was an Elvish song, beautiful and soothing to
the heart.
After a while, as she listened to him sing, she relaxed so deeply
that she nearly fell asleep. "Whoa, careful baby, you're about to
fall!" Legolas cried, laughing as he caught her before she could
slip under the water. Narya giggled, a sweet clear giggle, and
wrapped her arms around his neck and pecked his cheek, then blushed
prettily. Legolas smiled and kissed her back, right on her lips,
softly, tenderly, deeply. They stayed that way, locked in an embrace
that no creature, living or dead, could ever break. He loved how she
felt. Soft, warm, perfect. He was so happy that she was his.
Smiling, he lifted her in his arms and started back to the shore.
Narya yawned as he carried her out of the water. "Am I yours?" She
asked softly.
"Yes, you are mine." Legolas told her. "Forever and always." He
carried her back to the camp to get a dry towel and gently began to
dry her off. She leaned up and kissed him softly, sweetly, the first
real kiss she had ever given. Then she pulled away, blushing again.
He laughed softly. "I love it when you do that."
"Do what?" She asked shyly.
"Blush. It looks so pretty on an already beautiful face." He
studied her, caressing her cheek. Then he asked her something that
was surprised them both, but seemed natural, and right. "Will you
marry me, Narya?" He asked, his voice a whisper, his eyes hopeful.
Her mouth dropped open. She had just met him yesterday!!! "What? I
must be hearing things." She said, her eyes round and her heart
beating fast.
"I know. I know it is crazy but........I feel so much love for you
that I want you to be my wife." Legolas told her. "Will you?"
She nodded slowly. "Yes." She whispered, her hand rubbing his chest.
"Yes?" Legolas repeated, shocked and very happy. "You will be my
wife?"
She nodded. "Yes." She repeated louder, then threw her arms around
his neck and kissed him again.
He laughed as he caught her, and then he kissed her back. "We'll get
married in Rivendell." He told her, cuddling her. "Elrond can marry
us. He has done such a thing before."
She nodded, excited. "My darling." She whispered, running her
fingers through his hair.
Legolas sighed and hugged her. "We better get you into some
clothes." He said, smiling. "You've been naked the whole time, even
during my marriage proposal!"
She giggled. "And... you don't care about these?" She asked about
her 'battle' scars.
"No." He told her firmly. "I do not care about those. I already
told you that, baby. You are beautiful where it counts the most.
Here." He said, placing a hand over her heart.
She smiled and kissed him, then shivered. "Perhaps clothes would be
good." She said, and giggled again.
"I would say so." Legolas replied, and got out some pants and a long
shirt for her. "The pants may not fit like I said, but the shirt
should be long enough to cover you." While she got dressed Legolas
went off and changed into some dry clothes as well, and when he came
back he found his Narya wrapped snugly in his clothes. The pants
were much too big like he thought, but the shirt fell to her knees,
which was just long enough.
"Will I get a special dress for our wedding?" She asked, her eyes
sparkling with happiness.
"Yes, you will. There are Elves in Rivendell that can make you the
best dress anyone has ever seen." He kissed her forehead and
grinned. "And some undergarments to go with it, as you no longer
have any." His grin got bigger and mischief sparkled in his eyes as
he reached under the shirt and gave her naked bottom a gentle
squeeze. She yelped loudly and sniffled.
Legolas stared at her, surprised, and then he realized why she had
reacted that way. "I am sorry baby. I forgot that your bottom was
still sore." He kissed her again, feeling terrible.
"You spank so hard." She whispered, rubbing her very tender and red
cheeks.
"Yes. But you earned it, I'm afraid. You were rather naughty." She
hung her head, the magic of the moment rather lost. "Oh now, don't
get upset. It's over, and I am sorry. Smile for me again little
one, for we are getting married soon, and I will take care of you
forever, and spoil you rotten."
She giggled at that, then smiled a little. "Rub it for me?" She
asked, putting her hands on her bottom.
Legolas smiled too, pleased to see her happy again. "Yes, I will rub
it for you. And we will rest today, and leave for Rivendell
tomorrow, if you wish."
"Yes please." She said, holding his hand again.
"All right." Legolas told her and he adjusted himself to where he
was sitting with his legs out so she could rest across them. He
patted his knees, grinning at her. "Back over my knees, little one."
Narya wriggled into place across his knees. "You're so gentle, but
my backside really dislikes you right now." She commented seriously.
"I bet it does." He said just as seriously. "Perhaps its owner will
behave more in the future?" He questioned as he lifted the shirt up
and began to massage her flaming red bottom.
"It very much hopes so, but lady owner is not so sure. Life is
beginning to look up, perhaps more mischief will come her way. She
does not go looking for it you know, it finds her." Narya quipped.
Legolas laughed at that. "I dare say lady owner is stretching things
a bit there."
"What do you mean?" She asked, looking back at him.
"I mean I imagine that you help trouble find you often enough, so to
speak."
She stuck her tongue out at him. "I resent that remark." She huffed
playfully, and then she giggled.
Legolas laughed again. "Only because you know it is true." He told
her. He glanced at her bottom as he continued to rub it. "You know,
I am not always going to do this for you when you get spanked, nor
will I always apply the cream." He told her softly after a moment of
silence.
She looked stunned. "Why?" She asked, clearly upset.
"Now don't get too upset, baby." He said quickly. "It's just that
there will be times when you really deserve the spanking, and the
soreness that occurs after it. It's part of the spanking. Part of
the lesson. But do not worry. I will probably rub it for you after
a while, when you have had time to think about what you did and why
you were spanked. Do you understand me, baby?" For a moment she
said nothing, and then she just shrugged. She didn't really
understand, so she didn't know what to say.
Legolas sighed. He knew she did not understand, and he knew why. He
hoped to find a way to make her understand someday. But he knew that
today was not the day for that. Sighing again, Legolas helped her up
and kissed her, placing her on his lap. For a long time they sat
there, and just enjoyed each other's company. Then she fell asleep
again in his arms, tucked close and safe, a peaceful look gracing her
face.
"There it is." Legolas said the next evening as they both sat upon
his horse, which stood on a small hill. They looked down at the
valley and at the magical place that nestled there. Rivendell.
Narya sighed happily, feeling secure with Legolas' arms around her.
Her bottom was feeling better now, thank goodness since it had been a
long ride! "It's so beautiful." She said softly, her eyes taking in
everything.
"It is." Legolas agreed, feeling her happiness. "Wait until we are
in the house of Elrond. The feeling one gets is beyond imagination."
"Are there a lot of Elves here?" She asked as they continued towards
Rivendell.
"There are a good deal of them." He told her as he guided his horse
down the hill carefully. "But it is not as full as it used to be."
Narya nodded. "And here we shall be married?" She asked, her eyes
sparkling with happiness.
"We will be. By Elrond himself, which shall be a great honor."
She smiled leaned against Legolas' muscular chest and sighed happily
again. "I have never felt so good." She whispered.
"I am glad baby." He gently kissed the top of her head, feeling very
good himself.
They made it down the hill slowly, and Narya watched as they passed
through a large arched gate, and soon they were right in Rivendell,
in the courtyard of Elrond's house. They must have been spotted long
before they reached Rivendell, for there were many Elves waiting for
them, including Elrond himself.
Narya gulped and leaned a little more against Legolas. She was
secretly rather afraid of large crowds, having not been around many
people during her upbringing. She gave a soft whimper, then tried to
hide it. "Do not be afraid little one." Legolas whispered to her.
He could feel her apprehension and heard her whimper. "No one with
harm you here." Narya said nothing, only swallowed hard.
Legolas smiled at the group as he brought the horse to a stop and got
down. He turned and gently helped Narya down, who still looked
scared. She held his hand rather tightly, her eyes filled with
anxiety, as she walked slowly beside Legolas. She knew he'd protect
her, but she was still nervous. He could feel her tension, almost
like it radiated off her, and he hoped once she saw how nice everyone
was, she would calm down.
He walked her slowly to the group before them, and spoke
first. "Greetings, Lord Elrond." He said to the noble Elf and bowed
slightly. "Thank you for meeting us." Narya, feeling liked she
should do something, attempted to curtsey before Lord Elrond, but
instead ended up tumbling right over backwards, almost pulling
Legolas down with her. Her face flamed red as laughter and chuckles
were heard. They were not being mean, they merely found it amusing,
not realizing how badly they were making her feel.
"Narya, are you alright baby?" Legolas asked as he helped her
straighten up. He knew how horrified she was, and felt for her. She
nodded, and as soon as he helped her off the ground she hid behind
him, mortified. Such a display would have brought hell at her old
home, and she wondered if she would get in trouble here.
"Do not be frightened, love." Legolas told her as he attempted to
get her hand and guide her back to his side. "No one is angry at
you. Come, greet Lord Elrond. He wishes to meet you."
Narya let him maneuver her to where she was standing beside him
again, her head mostly down, looking upon her bare feet. "He-he-
hello L-Lord Ell-rond." She stuttered from her nervousness.
"Greetings child." Elrond said, his deep voice strong and
powerful. "Welcome to Rivendell. I hope you enjoy your stay."
Narya said nothing, and continued to stare at her feet. She was
still horrified at what she had done. "Will you not let me look upon
your face?" Elrond asked into the silence. Narya shook her head no,
which made Elrond smile kindly. He reached out to tilt her head up.
As one finger touched her chin, something in Nary snapped, and she
screamed and jumped behind Legolas, shaking slightly. Elrond looked
stunned, his hand still extended for a moment, before he lowered it.
He gave Legolas a questioning look. "Legolas, is she....?" Elrond's
voice trailed off, not sure how to finish.
"Tetched?" Glorfindel finished the sentence, trying to gently
inquire whether or not Narya was off in her head.
"No." Legolas assured him quickly. "She...she has had a hard life
and is not used to people."
"Who is she?" Elrond asked. "Where did you find her?" Narya
remained hidden behind Legolas, one hand squeezing his nearly to
death, her eyes closed.
"It is a very long story, my Lord." Legolas replied. "Perhaps we
can get her settled in a room, maybe get her something to eat. I am
sure she needs some rest as well. While she is being taken care of,
you and I can sit, and I will tell you everything. If you will allow
it, my Lord."
Elrond nodded. "Of course. Come inside, I'll have a maid tend to
her, draw her a bath and find her some proper clothing." A teasing
smile played across his lips, which Legolas barely caught. The Elf-
Lord found it amusing that he was now protector of a young,
frightened Elf maiden, who was clad in naught but a long shirt!
Legolas' shirt, no doubt. "And see to anything else she needs." He
added, and beckoned everyone inside.
Legolas nodded his thanks and turned to Narya. "Come baby. We will
go inside and get you comfortable, okay?" Narya nodded, peeking a
look at everyone, still clutching his hand tightly. Everyone went
inside, watching the scared girl quietly.
clinging to him as tight as she could.
Legolas stared at her for a moment, not understanding. Then it
suddenly clicked. "It made you remember.....how your uncle hurt
you?" He asked, his voice low and troubled. She nodded. Legolas
sighed, feeling awful. He knew why the spanking had hurt so much.
He had spanked her on her wet bottom, and that sure could cause a
sting. He had not thought about her bottom being wet, or he would
have dried her off before spanking her. "Narya, I am sorry." He
told her. "It hurt like that because your bottom was wet, and a
spanking on a wet bottom is very painful. I did not think about
that. I would have dried you off had I been thinking straight,
before I spanked you. I am so sorry."
"It's ok." She whispered. "You didn't mean to."
Legolas sighed and looked down at her. "You're going to have to take
another bath, I'm afraid." He said gently.
"But, I really don't feel well." Narya whispered, still clinging to
him.
"I know you don't baby, but you are a mess." He paused for a moment,
thinking. "If you will allow it, I will bathe you." He told her
softly.
Narya cringed, as she was indeed a mess. She nodded. "I am sorry I
was so bad. I do trust you... this is just.... very scary to me."
She admitted.
"I know love, I know. And you were not bad. It wasn't your fault,
you just had a bad moment is all. Don't worry about it, all right?
It's okay." He watched her a moment, his heart still pounding
hard. "Will you let me bathe you?"
Narya nodded. "Yes....don't ever leave me." The last part was
whispered.
"Leave you?! No, I will not leave you. Did I ever say I would?"
She shook her head no. He hadn't, but she just wanted to hear him
say he wouldn't. "I won't go." She told him. "Never."
"Good, because I will not let you go." He said, and gently stood up
and carried her into the stream. The rag she used and the soap was
resting on a rock near by, and he grabbed them as he walked further
into the water.
"I.... I love you." Narya whispered uncertainly.
He smiled down at her, surprised but very pleased that she said
that. For it made him realize something. "I love you too." He
whispered, his heart soaring. That is what he realized, and he was
so happy.
"Honest?" She asked, surprise and shyness written on her face.
"I am a man of my word, remember?" He smiled at her. Narya blushed
and nodded. "Then you have your answer." He said, then suddenly
frowned. "Baby, do you think you can stand at all?" He asked her as
he looked around the stream, wondering how he was going to bathe
her. She nodded and stood, some color returning to her face. "You
do not have to put your full weight on your legs, only a little.
I'll hold your waist, okay?" Legolas said gently, not wanting her to
hurt herself or become sick again.
"Ok." She told him, melting into his arms. She didn't understand
why this felt so right, but it sure did, and she was so glad it did.
"Good." He said. "Here, lean up against me while I get this ready."
H e said indicating the rag and soap he held.
Narya leaned more against him. "You are so... so... wonderful." She
sighed deeply, a happy sigh, and her eyes held a special light that
they had never held before. He saw that light, and knew his own eyes
contained a light just like it. He smiled as he began to lather the
rag up with the soap, and then he began to wash her gently, singing
softly as he did. It was an Elvish song, beautiful and soothing to
the heart.
After a while, as she listened to him sing, she relaxed so deeply
that she nearly fell asleep. "Whoa, careful baby, you're about to
fall!" Legolas cried, laughing as he caught her before she could
slip under the water. Narya giggled, a sweet clear giggle, and
wrapped her arms around his neck and pecked his cheek, then blushed
prettily. Legolas smiled and kissed her back, right on her lips,
softly, tenderly, deeply. They stayed that way, locked in an embrace
that no creature, living or dead, could ever break. He loved how she
felt. Soft, warm, perfect. He was so happy that she was his.
Smiling, he lifted her in his arms and started back to the shore.
Narya yawned as he carried her out of the water. "Am I yours?" She
asked softly.
"Yes, you are mine." Legolas told her. "Forever and always." He
carried her back to the camp to get a dry towel and gently began to
dry her off. She leaned up and kissed him softly, sweetly, the first
real kiss she had ever given. Then she pulled away, blushing again.
He laughed softly. "I love it when you do that."
"Do what?" She asked shyly.
"Blush. It looks so pretty on an already beautiful face." He
studied her, caressing her cheek. Then he asked her something that
was surprised them both, but seemed natural, and right. "Will you
marry me, Narya?" He asked, his voice a whisper, his eyes hopeful.
Her mouth dropped open. She had just met him yesterday!!! "What? I
must be hearing things." She said, her eyes round and her heart
beating fast.
"I know. I know it is crazy but........I feel so much love for you
that I want you to be my wife." Legolas told her. "Will you?"
She nodded slowly. "Yes." She whispered, her hand rubbing his chest.
"Yes?" Legolas repeated, shocked and very happy. "You will be my
wife?"
She nodded. "Yes." She repeated louder, then threw her arms around
his neck and kissed him again.
He laughed as he caught her, and then he kissed her back. "We'll get
married in Rivendell." He told her, cuddling her. "Elrond can marry
us. He has done such a thing before."
She nodded, excited. "My darling." She whispered, running her
fingers through his hair.
Legolas sighed and hugged her. "We better get you into some
clothes." He said, smiling. "You've been naked the whole time, even
during my marriage proposal!"
She giggled. "And... you don't care about these?" She asked about
her 'battle' scars.
"No." He told her firmly. "I do not care about those. I already
told you that, baby. You are beautiful where it counts the most.
Here." He said, placing a hand over her heart.
She smiled and kissed him, then shivered. "Perhaps clothes would be
good." She said, and giggled again.
"I would say so." Legolas replied, and got out some pants and a long
shirt for her. "The pants may not fit like I said, but the shirt
should be long enough to cover you." While she got dressed Legolas
went off and changed into some dry clothes as well, and when he came
back he found his Narya wrapped snugly in his clothes. The pants
were much too big like he thought, but the shirt fell to her knees,
which was just long enough.
"Will I get a special dress for our wedding?" She asked, her eyes
sparkling with happiness.
"Yes, you will. There are Elves in Rivendell that can make you the
best dress anyone has ever seen." He kissed her forehead and
grinned. "And some undergarments to go with it, as you no longer
have any." His grin got bigger and mischief sparkled in his eyes as
he reached under the shirt and gave her naked bottom a gentle
squeeze. She yelped loudly and sniffled.
Legolas stared at her, surprised, and then he realized why she had
reacted that way. "I am sorry baby. I forgot that your bottom was
still sore." He kissed her again, feeling terrible.
"You spank so hard." She whispered, rubbing her very tender and red
cheeks.
"Yes. But you earned it, I'm afraid. You were rather naughty." She
hung her head, the magic of the moment rather lost. "Oh now, don't
get upset. It's over, and I am sorry. Smile for me again little
one, for we are getting married soon, and I will take care of you
forever, and spoil you rotten."
She giggled at that, then smiled a little. "Rub it for me?" She
asked, putting her hands on her bottom.
Legolas smiled too, pleased to see her happy again. "Yes, I will rub
it for you. And we will rest today, and leave for Rivendell
tomorrow, if you wish."
"Yes please." She said, holding his hand again.
"All right." Legolas told her and he adjusted himself to where he
was sitting with his legs out so she could rest across them. He
patted his knees, grinning at her. "Back over my knees, little one."
Narya wriggled into place across his knees. "You're so gentle, but
my backside really dislikes you right now." She commented seriously.
"I bet it does." He said just as seriously. "Perhaps its owner will
behave more in the future?" He questioned as he lifted the shirt up
and began to massage her flaming red bottom.
"It very much hopes so, but lady owner is not so sure. Life is
beginning to look up, perhaps more mischief will come her way. She
does not go looking for it you know, it finds her." Narya quipped.
Legolas laughed at that. "I dare say lady owner is stretching things
a bit there."
"What do you mean?" She asked, looking back at him.
"I mean I imagine that you help trouble find you often enough, so to
speak."
She stuck her tongue out at him. "I resent that remark." She huffed
playfully, and then she giggled.
Legolas laughed again. "Only because you know it is true." He told
her. He glanced at her bottom as he continued to rub it. "You know,
I am not always going to do this for you when you get spanked, nor
will I always apply the cream." He told her softly after a moment of
silence.
She looked stunned. "Why?" She asked, clearly upset.
"Now don't get too upset, baby." He said quickly. "It's just that
there will be times when you really deserve the spanking, and the
soreness that occurs after it. It's part of the spanking. Part of
the lesson. But do not worry. I will probably rub it for you after
a while, when you have had time to think about what you did and why
you were spanked. Do you understand me, baby?" For a moment she
said nothing, and then she just shrugged. She didn't really
understand, so she didn't know what to say.
Legolas sighed. He knew she did not understand, and he knew why. He
hoped to find a way to make her understand someday. But he knew that
today was not the day for that. Sighing again, Legolas helped her up
and kissed her, placing her on his lap. For a long time they sat
there, and just enjoyed each other's company. Then she fell asleep
again in his arms, tucked close and safe, a peaceful look gracing her
face.
"There it is." Legolas said the next evening as they both sat upon
his horse, which stood on a small hill. They looked down at the
valley and at the magical place that nestled there. Rivendell.
Narya sighed happily, feeling secure with Legolas' arms around her.
Her bottom was feeling better now, thank goodness since it had been a
long ride! "It's so beautiful." She said softly, her eyes taking in
everything.
"It is." Legolas agreed, feeling her happiness. "Wait until we are
in the house of Elrond. The feeling one gets is beyond imagination."
"Are there a lot of Elves here?" She asked as they continued towards
Rivendell.
"There are a good deal of them." He told her as he guided his horse
down the hill carefully. "But it is not as full as it used to be."
Narya nodded. "And here we shall be married?" She asked, her eyes
sparkling with happiness.
"We will be. By Elrond himself, which shall be a great honor."
She smiled leaned against Legolas' muscular chest and sighed happily
again. "I have never felt so good." She whispered.
"I am glad baby." He gently kissed the top of her head, feeling very
good himself.
They made it down the hill slowly, and Narya watched as they passed
through a large arched gate, and soon they were right in Rivendell,
in the courtyard of Elrond's house. They must have been spotted long
before they reached Rivendell, for there were many Elves waiting for
them, including Elrond himself.
Narya gulped and leaned a little more against Legolas. She was
secretly rather afraid of large crowds, having not been around many
people during her upbringing. She gave a soft whimper, then tried to
hide it. "Do not be afraid little one." Legolas whispered to her.
He could feel her apprehension and heard her whimper. "No one with
harm you here." Narya said nothing, only swallowed hard.
Legolas smiled at the group as he brought the horse to a stop and got
down. He turned and gently helped Narya down, who still looked
scared. She held his hand rather tightly, her eyes filled with
anxiety, as she walked slowly beside Legolas. She knew he'd protect
her, but she was still nervous. He could feel her tension, almost
like it radiated off her, and he hoped once she saw how nice everyone
was, she would calm down.
He walked her slowly to the group before them, and spoke
first. "Greetings, Lord Elrond." He said to the noble Elf and bowed
slightly. "Thank you for meeting us." Narya, feeling liked she
should do something, attempted to curtsey before Lord Elrond, but
instead ended up tumbling right over backwards, almost pulling
Legolas down with her. Her face flamed red as laughter and chuckles
were heard. They were not being mean, they merely found it amusing,
not realizing how badly they were making her feel.
"Narya, are you alright baby?" Legolas asked as he helped her
straighten up. He knew how horrified she was, and felt for her. She
nodded, and as soon as he helped her off the ground she hid behind
him, mortified. Such a display would have brought hell at her old
home, and she wondered if she would get in trouble here.
"Do not be frightened, love." Legolas told her as he attempted to
get her hand and guide her back to his side. "No one is angry at
you. Come, greet Lord Elrond. He wishes to meet you."
Narya let him maneuver her to where she was standing beside him
again, her head mostly down, looking upon her bare feet. "He-he-
hello L-Lord Ell-rond." She stuttered from her nervousness.
"Greetings child." Elrond said, his deep voice strong and
powerful. "Welcome to Rivendell. I hope you enjoy your stay."
Narya said nothing, and continued to stare at her feet. She was
still horrified at what she had done. "Will you not let me look upon
your face?" Elrond asked into the silence. Narya shook her head no,
which made Elrond smile kindly. He reached out to tilt her head up.
As one finger touched her chin, something in Nary snapped, and she
screamed and jumped behind Legolas, shaking slightly. Elrond looked
stunned, his hand still extended for a moment, before he lowered it.
He gave Legolas a questioning look. "Legolas, is she....?" Elrond's
voice trailed off, not sure how to finish.
"Tetched?" Glorfindel finished the sentence, trying to gently
inquire whether or not Narya was off in her head.
"No." Legolas assured him quickly. "She...she has had a hard life
and is not used to people."
"Who is she?" Elrond asked. "Where did you find her?" Narya
remained hidden behind Legolas, one hand squeezing his nearly to
death, her eyes closed.
"It is a very long story, my Lord." Legolas replied. "Perhaps we
can get her settled in a room, maybe get her something to eat. I am
sure she needs some rest as well. While she is being taken care of,
you and I can sit, and I will tell you everything. If you will allow
it, my Lord."
Elrond nodded. "Of course. Come inside, I'll have a maid tend to
her, draw her a bath and find her some proper clothing." A teasing
smile played across his lips, which Legolas barely caught. The Elf-
Lord found it amusing that he was now protector of a young,
frightened Elf maiden, who was clad in naught but a long shirt!
Legolas' shirt, no doubt. "And see to anything else she needs." He
added, and beckoned everyone inside.
Legolas nodded his thanks and turned to Narya. "Come baby. We will
go inside and get you comfortable, okay?" Narya nodded, peeking a
look at everyone, still clutching his hand tightly. Everyone went
inside, watching the scared girl quietly.