Disclaimer: As we all know, Tolkien owns all things Middle Earth. I am
merely borrowing from the estate, and they are welcome to borrow from mine
(though they'll find it amounts to some fine art posters and two boxes of
Cornflakes).
Chapter 4 – The Second Masquerade Ball
Legolas spent the rest of the day with his father and some old family friends, catching up on news and tales, but his mind was never all there. He found his thoughts drifting to the mysterious lady he danced with the night before. He fervently hoped that Talariel would convince her to come to the ball that evening.
A few hours later, Legolas found himself much in the same position as the night before. He stood with Maluil and Flordin talking about the revelers and dancing with various partners. Legolas's eyes strayed to the many entrances of the ballroom looking for a certain she-elf. Strangely though, it was Talariel he was looking for. She had been absent from dinner and now she was no where to be seen. It concerned Legolas that it would possibly be two nights in a row that he would not have the pleasure of a dance with his old friend. He turned to his friends to ask about her, but it seemed that they both had disappeared for a dance.
Thranduil noticed his son looking for someone and asked "Whom are you looking for Legolas?"
"Talariel. I was hoping to have a dance with her this evening. Have you seen her?" he replied.
Thranduil looked around and saw that she stood on the far side of the room looking their way. "There she is, son. On the far side of the room" said Thranduil, motioning in her direction.
Legolas looked to where his father was motioning and all thoughts of whom he had been looking for flew out of his head. There stood the lady he had been thinking of all day. His breath caught and a smile crept up his face. Legolas made his way through the crowd to greet her, never gazing away from her lest she disappear from his sight.
Talariel had been in an agony of indecision the entire afternoon. She wavered from joy to anger and back to joy at Legolas's reaction towards her. She was more than a little disappointed that he hadn't recognized her that morning. Perhaps he had been away too long, or perhaps he was just blinded by their shared past that he refused to see what was in front of his face. In any case, it gave Talariel pause and made her vacillate on whether or not to participate in the masquerade. She thought briefly about attending mask-free, but that would be considered an extreme faux pas, especially as the unmasking would take place the next evening at the crest of the full moon. And Legolas would continue to ask about the 'mystery lady' even if she did not make an appearance. No, if she would attend it would have to be masked.
Further, Talariel could not deny the truth to herself. She loved the prince still after all this time, and the feel of his arms around her as they danced, and the way he looked at her though he did not know who she was, gave her heart wings. She would selfishly take advantage of the situation and deal with the heartbreak of the truth later. For the next two nights Talariel would force the doubts and anger and confusion to the back of her mind and pretend that he knew who she was and that he only had eyes for her. Her decision made about attending, Talariel went to her meager wardrobe and chose a gown for the ball.
After a bath and a great deal of deep calming breaths, Talariel glanced once last time at her reflection in the mirror. Her long gown of deep garnet clung to her curves and fell off her shoulders, accenting the pale skin of her shoulders. She decided to put her hair up for a change and the open neckline of the dress emphasized the graceful line of her neck. A few strands of her hair fell around her face, framing it. She wore no jewelry, for she owned nothing of any real value. A warrior by profession, she had had little patience for the more feminine accents many of the ladies of the realm took time with. The few pieces she owned were more keepsakes of pleasant memories of her parents or previous relationships. Sighing with resignation that perhaps she should have paid more attention to the more delicate and feminine things in the past rather than traipsing off with Maluil, Flordin and Legolas, she decided that she wasn't going to look any better or worse the longer she stared at herself. Grabbing the same mask she wore the previous night, she left her room and headed for the ball.
At the entrance she paused to look for Legolas as she had done the previous night. And like before she indulged herself in watching him. This night he seemed to be distracted, as if looking for something or someone. Talariel sighed softly thinking that he was looking for his mystery lady, rather than her. The irony of this thought was not lost on her and a sardonic smile crept onto her face because of it. It was then that she saw him approach her, a wide grin lighting up his face.
Legolas thought she looked more alluring this evening in the red gown. Though its cut was less risqué than many of the other gowns, its color was an almost blatant invitation in his eyes. The deep crimson of it stood out from all the other pale and pastel colors that filled the room.
Standing before her, Legolas peered into her eyes and felt his heart skip a beat as he noted her initial shyness and hesitancy followed by her sweet smile of acceptance at his nearness. Choosing to be as silent as she had the night before, he uttered only one word, "Bain'alphamin", and extended a hand out to her as an invitation to dance with him. The warmth and softness of her hand slipping into his sent a jolt up his arm and Legolas felt his whole body focus its attention solely on the lady gracing him with a dance.
As he pulled her into his arms for a waltz, Talariel's brain shut out everything but the elf holding her. It was as if the room had emptied of all its inhabitants and the music was drifting in the air by magic. Their eyes met and held, a world of questions and the acceptance of the lack of answers exchanged in their gaze. Talariel closed her eyes and leaned into Legolas, resting her head on his shoulders as they danced.
Legolas smiled widely and took advantage of the situation by leading their dance onto a secluded balcony. Those elves who had been lingering on the balcony smiled at the couple and indulged their prince by quietly removing themselves to allow them some privacy. Now in relative seclusion, Legolas closed his eyes as well and rested his cheek on Talariel's head. Together they danced this way for a long time, neither noticing the passing time.
As one song melded into other songs, Legolas unconsciously rubbed his partner's back and lightly trailed the fingers of the hand that had been holding hers up and down her arm. Talariel's arms gently wound themselves around his neck at some point and she sighed with contentment while a smile played on her face. Curious, Talariel shifted and turned her face to look up at the prince.
Legolas met her gaze and noting her small smile of contentment, smiled back at her. The moment locked into both their memories as perfect. A cool breeze played in the air, the night sky clear and the stars twinkling. The music floating around them, the hushed noise of the ball in the near distance, and the two elves who were at complete peace in each other's arms.
Without a thought to his actions, Legolas lowered his head and ran his lips over Talariel's. She gave a small gasp as his lips touched hers but did not pull away. Legolas gazed down at her, his smile gone, his eyes half open and darkening with desire. Talariel met his eyes and could not know that her eyes mirrored his passion. Not realizing what she was doing, she tilted her head up and glanced at his lips. Legolas needed no further enticement and leaned down for another, more passionate, kiss.
At first, only a gentle press of mouths and light caresses of lips, it quickly intensified as Legolas wound his arms around her body and pulled her close. Talariel's hands tightened around his neck and one ran through his hair, pulling him to her and matching his passion. She traced his lower lip with her tongue and felt him gasp with delight at the feel of it. Legolas responded by plunging his tongue into her parted lips, and the two made love to each with their mouths. Both began to moan at the pleasure of it and hands started to roam freely between the two bodies.
Legolas ran his hand up her side and cupped the underside of her breast. At hearing her moan in reaction, he caressed the breast fully and ran his thumb over her nipple, feeling it harden from his ministrations. Talariel was in a whirlwind of sensations and emotion. Her body was attempting to lean further into his hand but refused to break their kiss. No one in her past had ever made her body react this way and she couldn't get enough. She ground her hips into his and was rewarded for her eagerness with his groan and the feel of his arousal against her.
Legolas gripped her hips and pressed her to him. He broke from her lips and traced kisses down her jaw to her neck and collar. Her head was thrown back giving him access and her heard her murmur his name just under a whisper. Not stopping his attentions, he couldn't help but smile with pride that she had spoken for the first time since their meeting and it was his name she had whispered. Somewhere in the back of his mind he registered how familiar her voice was, but he was in a haze of desire and refused to think on it.
Wrapping his arms around her fully once more, he kissed his way back up to her lips. He began to whisper against her lips gentle endearments between kisses. He ran his hands up to her hair and pulled all the pins the held her tresses. He ran his fingers through her hair, pulling away from her to watch it cascade down around her shoulders. He stared at her hair as he played with it, again his mind registering how familiar it was to him. Pushing the thoughts away, Legolas pulled her to him to kiss her again.
As their tongues played against each other, Talariel ran her hands up his chest feeling the splay of muscles underneath his shirt. She marveled at his strength and wondered what his skin would feel like. Pulling at his shirt, she managed to delve her hands under it and when her palms ran over his nipples she heard his quick intake of breath and smiled at her new knowledge of him. Taking some initiative with no thoughts of the consequences, she pulled his shirt up exposing his chest to the night air. She leaned to him and proceeded to lick, nibble and kiss his chest.
Legolas couldn't believe what she was doing and he wouldn't have stopped her for anything. Knowing that they could be discovered only increased the thrill of their actions. When her tongue found his nipple he thoughtlessly cried out "Talariel!" and groaned in pleasure.
Upon hearing him cry her name, Talariel stiffened immediately. She pulled out of his embrace almost violently and stared at him in shock. Was it possible that he knew who she was and had been toying with her all this time? The sheer horror of that thought caused her to go pale and she was momentarily frozen to the floor.
Legolas immediately realized what had happened and he was incredibly ashamed and furious at himself. He had no idea why he had said his friend's name, and it was a confusion that he would have to deal with after he salvaged the situation. He couldn't bear the thought that he had hurt this lady, whom he had almost seduced. She made him feel more alive than he had ever felt.
"Bain'alphamin, I am sorry. I do not know what possessed me. I beg your forgiveness" he whispered fervently as he attempted to reach for her.
Talariel pulled out of his grasp and took a step back. She shook her head as she realized that he still didn't know who she was. A wave of confusion hit her. Unsure if she was pleased that he had cried her name or mortified that he was apologizing for doing it. Inwardly admonishing herself for playing this stupid game with him thinking she could handle her emotions, her eyes filled with uncontrolled tears that threatened to spill over, only further humiliating her.
Seeing her tear filled eyes and watching as she inched backwards, Legolas took a step forward wanting to comfort and reassure her that she was the only one in his heart and mind. "Please. Please do not go. My heart aches only for you, bain'alphamin. I am sorry" he whispered. But she turned and ran.
Legolas cursed at himself and ran a hand through his hair. He adjusted his clothing and after a few more moments, returned to the ball. He was astonished how much time had passed, and was ribbed mercilessly by Flordin and Maluil because of it. Once again, his two friends had a glint in their eye as though they knew something he did not and he was not in the mood for their teasing this evening. Excusing himself from their company, he made his way to the far side of the room and watched the dancers absentmindedly.
Thranduil had watched his son and Talariel dance and then move to the balcony. He had made sure that the couple would not be disturbed. He saw the way they looked at each other, and knew it meant only one thing. In the king's mind, his son had made an excellent choice. Thranduil adored Talariel. She was intelligent, strong, witty and was able to hold her own with any elf, particularly Legolas. It pleased him immensely that she spoke her mind to him and took none of his cavalier attitude. She would make an excellent match for his son, especially as she had grown up alongside Legolas. He knew that the best relationships often began in friendship first and grew into love with time.
The king had seen Talariel run off quite upset earlier and now saw his son brooding alone against a wall. Maluil and Flordin had been kind enough to inform the king of their little prank on his son, and though he had to admit the situation was quite amusing, he did not like to see his son like this. It was time for it to end. He walked to Legolas and quietly stood next to him for a short time. Placing a comforting hand on his son's shoulder, Thranduil said "It might help if you told me what you did to upset Talariel so much."
Legolas frowned at his father and said "Talariel? What are you talking about, father? I have not seen Talariel all night."
"Is that so? That's strange. I could have sworn you danced with her all night" said Thranduil, and smiled at his son as the realization of what Thranduil had said sunk in.
Legolas was stunned speechless. Absorbing the information, he frowned slightly and asked "Why did she not say something to me?"
"I have found that when someone holds a secret like this it is because they are afraid of the outcome with the truth. You have been friends for a very long time, Legolas. Perhaps she is concerned that her feelings would not be returned. That you would still see her as only a friend."
Still surprised at this turn of events, Legolas asked "What do I do now?"
Thranduil laughed and said "Why, you figure out what you have to do to gain her favor again, and then you see where things go naturally from there. I, for one, had a feeling this day would come as she wrapped the three of you around her fingers when she refused to speak with any of you for a hundred years. I wasn't sure which of the three of you she would love, but I am incredibly pleased it is you, Legolas. Now do not do anything foolish to ruin it further son." With that said, Thranduil laid an indulgent hand on his son's head, making Legolas feel as though he was a child again but causing him to grin.
He was glad his father had told him about Talariel. It gave him much to dwell on, and Legolas left the ball to wander the woods for the rest of the night deep in thought.
*****
Review kindly. They are most appreciated. =)
Chapter 4 – The Second Masquerade Ball
Legolas spent the rest of the day with his father and some old family friends, catching up on news and tales, but his mind was never all there. He found his thoughts drifting to the mysterious lady he danced with the night before. He fervently hoped that Talariel would convince her to come to the ball that evening.
A few hours later, Legolas found himself much in the same position as the night before. He stood with Maluil and Flordin talking about the revelers and dancing with various partners. Legolas's eyes strayed to the many entrances of the ballroom looking for a certain she-elf. Strangely though, it was Talariel he was looking for. She had been absent from dinner and now she was no where to be seen. It concerned Legolas that it would possibly be two nights in a row that he would not have the pleasure of a dance with his old friend. He turned to his friends to ask about her, but it seemed that they both had disappeared for a dance.
Thranduil noticed his son looking for someone and asked "Whom are you looking for Legolas?"
"Talariel. I was hoping to have a dance with her this evening. Have you seen her?" he replied.
Thranduil looked around and saw that she stood on the far side of the room looking their way. "There she is, son. On the far side of the room" said Thranduil, motioning in her direction.
Legolas looked to where his father was motioning and all thoughts of whom he had been looking for flew out of his head. There stood the lady he had been thinking of all day. His breath caught and a smile crept up his face. Legolas made his way through the crowd to greet her, never gazing away from her lest she disappear from his sight.
Talariel had been in an agony of indecision the entire afternoon. She wavered from joy to anger and back to joy at Legolas's reaction towards her. She was more than a little disappointed that he hadn't recognized her that morning. Perhaps he had been away too long, or perhaps he was just blinded by their shared past that he refused to see what was in front of his face. In any case, it gave Talariel pause and made her vacillate on whether or not to participate in the masquerade. She thought briefly about attending mask-free, but that would be considered an extreme faux pas, especially as the unmasking would take place the next evening at the crest of the full moon. And Legolas would continue to ask about the 'mystery lady' even if she did not make an appearance. No, if she would attend it would have to be masked.
Further, Talariel could not deny the truth to herself. She loved the prince still after all this time, and the feel of his arms around her as they danced, and the way he looked at her though he did not know who she was, gave her heart wings. She would selfishly take advantage of the situation and deal with the heartbreak of the truth later. For the next two nights Talariel would force the doubts and anger and confusion to the back of her mind and pretend that he knew who she was and that he only had eyes for her. Her decision made about attending, Talariel went to her meager wardrobe and chose a gown for the ball.
After a bath and a great deal of deep calming breaths, Talariel glanced once last time at her reflection in the mirror. Her long gown of deep garnet clung to her curves and fell off her shoulders, accenting the pale skin of her shoulders. She decided to put her hair up for a change and the open neckline of the dress emphasized the graceful line of her neck. A few strands of her hair fell around her face, framing it. She wore no jewelry, for she owned nothing of any real value. A warrior by profession, she had had little patience for the more feminine accents many of the ladies of the realm took time with. The few pieces she owned were more keepsakes of pleasant memories of her parents or previous relationships. Sighing with resignation that perhaps she should have paid more attention to the more delicate and feminine things in the past rather than traipsing off with Maluil, Flordin and Legolas, she decided that she wasn't going to look any better or worse the longer she stared at herself. Grabbing the same mask she wore the previous night, she left her room and headed for the ball.
At the entrance she paused to look for Legolas as she had done the previous night. And like before she indulged herself in watching him. This night he seemed to be distracted, as if looking for something or someone. Talariel sighed softly thinking that he was looking for his mystery lady, rather than her. The irony of this thought was not lost on her and a sardonic smile crept onto her face because of it. It was then that she saw him approach her, a wide grin lighting up his face.
Legolas thought she looked more alluring this evening in the red gown. Though its cut was less risqué than many of the other gowns, its color was an almost blatant invitation in his eyes. The deep crimson of it stood out from all the other pale and pastel colors that filled the room.
Standing before her, Legolas peered into her eyes and felt his heart skip a beat as he noted her initial shyness and hesitancy followed by her sweet smile of acceptance at his nearness. Choosing to be as silent as she had the night before, he uttered only one word, "Bain'alphamin", and extended a hand out to her as an invitation to dance with him. The warmth and softness of her hand slipping into his sent a jolt up his arm and Legolas felt his whole body focus its attention solely on the lady gracing him with a dance.
As he pulled her into his arms for a waltz, Talariel's brain shut out everything but the elf holding her. It was as if the room had emptied of all its inhabitants and the music was drifting in the air by magic. Their eyes met and held, a world of questions and the acceptance of the lack of answers exchanged in their gaze. Talariel closed her eyes and leaned into Legolas, resting her head on his shoulders as they danced.
Legolas smiled widely and took advantage of the situation by leading their dance onto a secluded balcony. Those elves who had been lingering on the balcony smiled at the couple and indulged their prince by quietly removing themselves to allow them some privacy. Now in relative seclusion, Legolas closed his eyes as well and rested his cheek on Talariel's head. Together they danced this way for a long time, neither noticing the passing time.
As one song melded into other songs, Legolas unconsciously rubbed his partner's back and lightly trailed the fingers of the hand that had been holding hers up and down her arm. Talariel's arms gently wound themselves around his neck at some point and she sighed with contentment while a smile played on her face. Curious, Talariel shifted and turned her face to look up at the prince.
Legolas met her gaze and noting her small smile of contentment, smiled back at her. The moment locked into both their memories as perfect. A cool breeze played in the air, the night sky clear and the stars twinkling. The music floating around them, the hushed noise of the ball in the near distance, and the two elves who were at complete peace in each other's arms.
Without a thought to his actions, Legolas lowered his head and ran his lips over Talariel's. She gave a small gasp as his lips touched hers but did not pull away. Legolas gazed down at her, his smile gone, his eyes half open and darkening with desire. Talariel met his eyes and could not know that her eyes mirrored his passion. Not realizing what she was doing, she tilted her head up and glanced at his lips. Legolas needed no further enticement and leaned down for another, more passionate, kiss.
At first, only a gentle press of mouths and light caresses of lips, it quickly intensified as Legolas wound his arms around her body and pulled her close. Talariel's hands tightened around his neck and one ran through his hair, pulling him to her and matching his passion. She traced his lower lip with her tongue and felt him gasp with delight at the feel of it. Legolas responded by plunging his tongue into her parted lips, and the two made love to each with their mouths. Both began to moan at the pleasure of it and hands started to roam freely between the two bodies.
Legolas ran his hand up her side and cupped the underside of her breast. At hearing her moan in reaction, he caressed the breast fully and ran his thumb over her nipple, feeling it harden from his ministrations. Talariel was in a whirlwind of sensations and emotion. Her body was attempting to lean further into his hand but refused to break their kiss. No one in her past had ever made her body react this way and she couldn't get enough. She ground her hips into his and was rewarded for her eagerness with his groan and the feel of his arousal against her.
Legolas gripped her hips and pressed her to him. He broke from her lips and traced kisses down her jaw to her neck and collar. Her head was thrown back giving him access and her heard her murmur his name just under a whisper. Not stopping his attentions, he couldn't help but smile with pride that she had spoken for the first time since their meeting and it was his name she had whispered. Somewhere in the back of his mind he registered how familiar her voice was, but he was in a haze of desire and refused to think on it.
Wrapping his arms around her fully once more, he kissed his way back up to her lips. He began to whisper against her lips gentle endearments between kisses. He ran his hands up to her hair and pulled all the pins the held her tresses. He ran his fingers through her hair, pulling away from her to watch it cascade down around her shoulders. He stared at her hair as he played with it, again his mind registering how familiar it was to him. Pushing the thoughts away, Legolas pulled her to him to kiss her again.
As their tongues played against each other, Talariel ran her hands up his chest feeling the splay of muscles underneath his shirt. She marveled at his strength and wondered what his skin would feel like. Pulling at his shirt, she managed to delve her hands under it and when her palms ran over his nipples she heard his quick intake of breath and smiled at her new knowledge of him. Taking some initiative with no thoughts of the consequences, she pulled his shirt up exposing his chest to the night air. She leaned to him and proceeded to lick, nibble and kiss his chest.
Legolas couldn't believe what she was doing and he wouldn't have stopped her for anything. Knowing that they could be discovered only increased the thrill of their actions. When her tongue found his nipple he thoughtlessly cried out "Talariel!" and groaned in pleasure.
Upon hearing him cry her name, Talariel stiffened immediately. She pulled out of his embrace almost violently and stared at him in shock. Was it possible that he knew who she was and had been toying with her all this time? The sheer horror of that thought caused her to go pale and she was momentarily frozen to the floor.
Legolas immediately realized what had happened and he was incredibly ashamed and furious at himself. He had no idea why he had said his friend's name, and it was a confusion that he would have to deal with after he salvaged the situation. He couldn't bear the thought that he had hurt this lady, whom he had almost seduced. She made him feel more alive than he had ever felt.
"Bain'alphamin, I am sorry. I do not know what possessed me. I beg your forgiveness" he whispered fervently as he attempted to reach for her.
Talariel pulled out of his grasp and took a step back. She shook her head as she realized that he still didn't know who she was. A wave of confusion hit her. Unsure if she was pleased that he had cried her name or mortified that he was apologizing for doing it. Inwardly admonishing herself for playing this stupid game with him thinking she could handle her emotions, her eyes filled with uncontrolled tears that threatened to spill over, only further humiliating her.
Seeing her tear filled eyes and watching as she inched backwards, Legolas took a step forward wanting to comfort and reassure her that she was the only one in his heart and mind. "Please. Please do not go. My heart aches only for you, bain'alphamin. I am sorry" he whispered. But she turned and ran.
Legolas cursed at himself and ran a hand through his hair. He adjusted his clothing and after a few more moments, returned to the ball. He was astonished how much time had passed, and was ribbed mercilessly by Flordin and Maluil because of it. Once again, his two friends had a glint in their eye as though they knew something he did not and he was not in the mood for their teasing this evening. Excusing himself from their company, he made his way to the far side of the room and watched the dancers absentmindedly.
Thranduil had watched his son and Talariel dance and then move to the balcony. He had made sure that the couple would not be disturbed. He saw the way they looked at each other, and knew it meant only one thing. In the king's mind, his son had made an excellent choice. Thranduil adored Talariel. She was intelligent, strong, witty and was able to hold her own with any elf, particularly Legolas. It pleased him immensely that she spoke her mind to him and took none of his cavalier attitude. She would make an excellent match for his son, especially as she had grown up alongside Legolas. He knew that the best relationships often began in friendship first and grew into love with time.
The king had seen Talariel run off quite upset earlier and now saw his son brooding alone against a wall. Maluil and Flordin had been kind enough to inform the king of their little prank on his son, and though he had to admit the situation was quite amusing, he did not like to see his son like this. It was time for it to end. He walked to Legolas and quietly stood next to him for a short time. Placing a comforting hand on his son's shoulder, Thranduil said "It might help if you told me what you did to upset Talariel so much."
Legolas frowned at his father and said "Talariel? What are you talking about, father? I have not seen Talariel all night."
"Is that so? That's strange. I could have sworn you danced with her all night" said Thranduil, and smiled at his son as the realization of what Thranduil had said sunk in.
Legolas was stunned speechless. Absorbing the information, he frowned slightly and asked "Why did she not say something to me?"
"I have found that when someone holds a secret like this it is because they are afraid of the outcome with the truth. You have been friends for a very long time, Legolas. Perhaps she is concerned that her feelings would not be returned. That you would still see her as only a friend."
Still surprised at this turn of events, Legolas asked "What do I do now?"
Thranduil laughed and said "Why, you figure out what you have to do to gain her favor again, and then you see where things go naturally from there. I, for one, had a feeling this day would come as she wrapped the three of you around her fingers when she refused to speak with any of you for a hundred years. I wasn't sure which of the three of you she would love, but I am incredibly pleased it is you, Legolas. Now do not do anything foolish to ruin it further son." With that said, Thranduil laid an indulgent hand on his son's head, making Legolas feel as though he was a child again but causing him to grin.
He was glad his father had told him about Talariel. It gave him much to dwell on, and Legolas left the ball to wander the woods for the rest of the night deep in thought.
*****
Review kindly. They are most appreciated. =)