Rogue Solus: LOL! Thanks for being so gracious!
Roxy: Thanks for the compliment! I'm glad you're enjoying this.
Meggie-S: Here's the next chapter; can you remove your curse now? Pretty please?
Psyco 101: 4 "awesomes" in your review; thanks! I hope the upcoming chapters make sense of everything. I hope this hasn't been too confusing! Just let me know!
A/N: Chapter 20 is a bit full of flashbacks of Ziendriel's friendship with Legolas and the others. I hope it's not too boring!
Chapter 20
Ziendriel was all alone.
Her father was, of course, doing his duty as the king's counselor, while her mother had decided a visit to the village was in order. And, Ariel? She had just left moments before, walking briskly past her and announcing curtly, "I have somewhere important to be." She hadn't so much as glanced at her older sister before disappearing out the front door.
So here she was, sitting in the sitting room of her very quiet house, twiddling her thumbs. It was only a moment before the silence began to get to her that she jumped up from the couch with an exasperated growl. She walked over to the bookshelf and began to skim over the many titles.
"What is wrong with me?" she muttered, once she realized many moments had passed. Her eyes had not seen a single title, which frustrated her even more; these were the books that she had taken solace in many times before, when her heart had been betrayed or broken. During those times she would snuggle up on the window seat in the kitchen, a trustworthy book in her lap, immersing her into its world and relieving her of her own. It had never failed her.
Until now.
She could feel the restlessness creep up into her legs, causing her to pace the floor. She immediately abandoned the idea of reading and found her pacing lead her to the windows of the sitting room.
Ziendriel kicked the leg of a nearby chair and gave a growl of frustration. She kicked the same leg once more before slumping down into its seat. "This is so ridiculous!" she told the empty room. Its silence answered her.
She sighed. The last week had been such a nightmare; it had been no wonder Velia had refused to allow her to work in the House. "I have no room here for dramatics, young one," the older Healer had said, not unkindly, "Your services will not be needed until you have a better perspective on your life, love or not."
And so, the restlessness had hit her full force. Idle hands had never been a part of her daily routine and she was not about to start. Not if she could help it, even if it was hard to think of something to occupy her mind.
Ziendriel glanced around the room once more, then let out an exasperated sigh. Distraction would not be found here; she needed to leave, to get some fresh air. Grabbing a shawl made of gossamer silk (for the evening air was turning a bit chilly), she quickly exited the house through the front door, carefully closing the door behind her.
She stood on the porch of her house, her eyes scanning the woods before her, searching for the perfect place to pass the time. Off in the distance, she saw the gardens beckon to her, the lush, green brush swaying silently in the wind. Before she knew what was happening, her feet began to move, steering her closer to the familiar area of the forest.
She was soon standing at one of the many entrance paths to the gardens, uncertainly glancing around. It seemed like forever since she had last set foot in the area; she suddenly felt out of place.
A few yards away, her eyes fell upon the bench that stood there. She felt her breath catch as she stared at it, images flashing before her eyes. Images that she quickly pushed away when she remembered the pain that accompanied them. Slowly, she walked over to the bench, staring at it as she came closer. She stopped a few paces from it and unwillingly allowed a memory to push through…
FLASHBACK
"What amuses thee so?" a voice so suddenly asked from behind her, that she nearly jumped up high into the air.
She quickly got to her feet and turned around to the source. She saw an elf lord standing there, his hands held up in front of him, and apologetic smile on his handsome face. Upon a closer look, her face registered surprise as she realized who it was standing before her. "Milord," she greeted Prince Legolas, son of King Thranduil, somewhat dubiously, and with a slight curtsey, "Forgive me. I did not recognize you for but a moment."
END FLASHBACK
That had been the first day they had met, at the very bench she now looked upon. She remembered that day clearly, for it had marked the beginning of what would be their friendship. She remembered feeling so happy that day, but in hindsight, could not recall if it was because of the memories she had been recalling or meeting the prince.
"Probably both," she muttered to herself, "Although I did not know the latter at the time." She smiled wryly.
Pushing that memory away, Ziendriel took a seat upon what Legolas at one time had called, "our bench." And although it was hard because of its stone structure, she was very comfortable sitting there. From where she sat she could see the greatness of the king's palace, cleverly built into the side of the mountain. It was a magnificent sight to behold in the fading evening light and Ziendriel felt herself relaxing.
Abruptly, the ghost of a voice entered her head and her eyes widened at its sudden appearance. It was a whisper of another memory, one that made her want to smile, but her pride did not allow it. This memory had been created a few days after meeting Gragoc, Lorith and Jhad. Upon learning of her archery lessons with Legolas, the three had insisted upon teaching her to defend herself with a sword….
FLASHBACK
"Relax, Ziendriel," Gragoc told her, handing her a sword. He helped correct her grip on its hilt, then stepped away to examine her stance.
She harrumphed. "How do you expect me to relax when the three of you stand so menacing before me?" she demanded, nodding her head to Lorith and Jhad. They stood in front of her, their swords drawn.
"You need to learn a defense," Lorith answered, "You will not always have us as your chivalrous defenders." He grinned at her.
"From what Legolas has told me," she shot back, "It is usually you who need rescuing from the trouble you inflict upon yourselves!" She squealed when Lorith lunged forward and quickly took cover behind the prince.
"Wench," Lorith growled good-naturedly, while Legolas chuckled. She stuck her tongue out.
"Come, Ziendriel," Gragoc called to her, offering her his hand. She took it and allowed him to position her once again. He looked her over, then said, "Good. Now I want you to execute that block I showed you before." He unsheathed his own sword and held it out in front of him. "Ready?" he asked.
Ziendriel swallowed nervously. "I suppose," she answered, doubtfully. Her eyes grew wide when without warning, Gragoc swung his sword high above his head and brought it straight down at hers. She screamed and instinctively brought her own sword up, angled like he had shown her. She flinched when she heard metal clash.
"Good!" Gragoc exclaimed, pleased, "This time, try it without the scr-" He let out a yell when her foot connected with his shin. "What was that for?" he demanded, hearing his friends chuckling. He bent down to rub his injured leg, noticing she had dropped her sword.
"That was for scaring me!" she answered, "And this is for giving me no warning!" Her hand drew back to punch his arm, but Gragoc was quick. Chuckling, he easily dodged her, then grabbed her wrist as he stood up. He spun her around, pinning her arm up against her back. "What will you do now, milady?" he asked, teasingly.
Ziendriel replied by stomping down hard on his foot. When he released her, she spun around. Now facing him, she thrust the heel of her palm towards his nose, forcing his head back. She watched him stumble, the horror spreading across her face.
"Gragoc!" she exclaimed, rushing forward, "Oh, I do apologize! I do not know what came over me; I did not mean to-" She abruptly stopped when she realized he was laughing. She glanced around and found the others doing the same.
Legolas was clutching his sides, doubled over with his laughter, while Lorith and Jhad were leaned up against one another, tears slipping from their eyes. All four were laughing hard, taking great gasps of air.
Ziendriel shook her head, thoroughly puzzled. "You are all possessed!" she surmised.
END FLASHBACK
Ziendriel chuckled at the memory, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. The only reason why she had bested Gragoc at the time was because he hadn't expected her to. In fact, they had all been surprised by it, including herself. I suppose all the time I spent with Lord Elrond's sons was worth it, she thought, giggling. The twins had been more than eager to show her their hand-to-hand combat maneuvers, and even give her a few pointers. Although she had received numerous bruises and pains from it, she had enjoyed the time.
She paused her thoughts on Rivendell then, smiling openly at the memory of her second home. In her mind she could see the beautiful haven hidden away within the lush forest around it, the leaves brushing against the ancient buildings that served as homes to those who lived there. She could hear the great rushing of the rivers and the gentle trickles of the babbling streams. She closed her eyes and imagined herself there, standing in the midst of the beauty of Rivendell, the air rushing past her ears with song.
The memory soon faded away, leaving her with happiness that she sorely needed to feel. She straightened in her seat as her ears caught a sound, causing her to turn slightly behind her. She eyes found the sight of several elven children playing a game of tag further within the gardens. She watched for awhile, smiling at the innocence the young ones displayed, the pure joy written on their faces. They were content and happy, with no cares in the world. Ziendriel envied them, wondering when her life had become so complicated.
She watched as a new child was deemed "it" and giggled when they all scattered in different directions, laughing and screaming in delight….
FLASHBACK
"I have not played this game in centuries!" Ziendriel exclaimed, giggling, "Are you sure it will help me learn whatever it is you are attempting to now teach me?" She arched her brow playfully at the prince.
Legolas chuckled. "If I did not know better, Ziendriel," he teased, "I would say you would do anything to get out of your lessons; including suggesting that we play a child's game!" He moved behind her and took out a blindfold. "Hold still!" he commanded, when she began to wiggle. When she was still, he quickly tied the blindfold over her eyes.
"Tell me what I am supposed to do again?" she asked.
"We will be tuning your senses, Ziendriel," Legolas replied, "All Elves are born with a heightened sense of sight and hearing, but not all utilize them. I will help you those, as well as your sense of smell."
"And a game of tag will do this?" she asked, puzzled.
Legolas smiled. "We will test your hearing skills first," he said, "You are blinded and therefore cannot see me. Use your ears to detect me, Ziendriel." He swiftly walked away.
Ziendriel stood there for a moment, unsure of what to do. She began to nervously chew on her bottom lip. "Legolas?" she called out, tentatively. He did not answer her. She shuffled her right foot forward a bit, then stopped when she felt a rock against her toes.
"You are not trying, Ziendriel!" she heard him call. Her ears caught the sound and she whipped her head to the left. She strained her ears, but only silence met her. Hesitantly, she stepped towards where she had heard him, her footfalls slow and deliberate.
When she had walked a few feet, she stopped and listened again. Only the sounds of the forest could be heard and Ziendriel felt herself growing frustrated. I do not think I can do this! She thought to herself.
Just as quickly as the thought had entered her head, she pushed it out. No, she thought, Legolas has taken the time to do this for me. I will appear very ungrateful if I did not try.
She took a deep breath and strained her ears. She could hear the rushing water of the nearby river, the leaves that swayed in the wind and…She paused as a sound, so faint that it might have been miles away, reached her ears. "What is that?" she murmured to herself, her head cocked. It sounded as if a soft wind was blowing throw a hollow tree, rushing out, then drawn back in. She listened as it repeated its actions, turning her body towards it.
Her feet began to move, slowly at first, then with a bit more confidence. The sound grew louder with every step and Ziendriel knew what she was hearing: Legolas breathing. With a smile, she quickened her step a bit, then stumbled. She let out a startled, "Oh!" before landing in a shallow bank of the river.
She quickly took the blindfold off and laughed at the sight of herself. Her dress was soaked and she had lost a slipper. "Mother is going to kill me!" she giggled, trying to stand. The heavy weight of the wet material made it hard.
Legolas suddenly appeared by her side, and helped her up. He was chuckling, the laughter dancing in his eyes. "Maybe you should concentrate on stopping your feet more quickly," he suggested, teasingly.
She swatted his arm. "Oh, do be quiet and help me!" she demanded. She lifted the hem of her dress, grasping his hand. She allowed him to lead her out of the water. "Was I close?" she asked, eagerly.
Legolas chuckled. "Yes, you were," he answered, "Once I saw you were heading towards me, I quickly changed my position. I believe you were too caught up in being pleased with yourself that you did not detect my movement." He tapped her nose with his finger.
She pushed it away. "This was only the first time, Legolas!" she exclaimed, "You cannot expect me to be as good as you on my first try!"
He just laughed. "No, I cannot," he admitted, "But, you will be."
END FLASHBACK
Ziendriel shook her head. "That seemed like a lifetime ago!" she said, sighing. She folded her hands on her lap and glanced back at the playing children. Strangely, in all their laughter and playing, the elflings reminded her of Legolas and his three companions. In all the time she had come to know them, they had been much like the children she saw now: laughing and joking, and making those around them happy. She thought back to the many times she had spent in the company of the four elven lords and was not surprised when she realized that all were times of laughter and joy.
"We had so many days of happiness," she murmured, "Were they all based on this wager? Or do they truly have feelings of friendship for me?" Her thoughts went back to the day of their confrontation, when she had revealed to them that she knew the truth. She remembered their faces as she had told them she no longer thought of them as friends and would no longer call them such. Their eyes had been filled with such shame that they had looked away.
But there had been something else. At the time she had noticed it, but her breaking heart had not allowed her mind to process it. From behind the shame, she had seen sorrow reflecting; sorrow that had manifested itself after she had announced she would no longer hold them and their friendship in her heart. She could see it plainly in her mind's eyes and wondered at it.
And then, it hit her. They truly do hold me as a friend! She thought, amazed, seeing each face in turn. Her heart lightened and she felt her shoulders lift. Her mind went back through all the times they had shared together and saw the little actions that they had performed for her that confirmed her realizations.
There was Gragoc teaching her bird calls; Lorith telling her his most embarrassing moments; Jhad giving her advice whenever she needed. And, Legolas…both her mind and her heart paused on the prince. He had done more for her than she had imagined. He had taught her about herself and about love and friendship, both of which she had not known much of. He had done the most for her and was a better person for it.
"What have I done?" Ziendriel whispered, horrified. Her thoughts wandered back to their last conversation, the confrontation. How could she have been so cruel to even suggest that she did not care for them? She shook her head, sadly. "Idiot!" she told herself, "You have stumbled across the greatest gift of friendship, only to throw it away like some undesirable thing!"
And love. Her heart screamed, Do not forget about love!
Ziendriel suddenly blushed, remembering the kiss Legolas had given her. It had been her first and her lips would forever feel his against them. She lightly pressed her fingertips against her lips and smiled softly. And she made up her mind.
"I will go to them and beg their forgiveness," she decided, firmly, "Yes, even if it means crawling before them and pleading on bended knees. I will have my friends back!"
She stood from her seat and purposefully strode away, towards the main hall. It was the most likely place for her friends to be and she knew she would find them.
Ziendriel had just disappeared into the main hall, when Legolas rounded the opposite end of the path, just missing the maiden. He came to a stop before the very bench she had been sitting on moments ago, and sat upon it.
He sat for a moment, staring up into the sky. The light was fading fast and the stars were beginning to twinkle. With a heavy sigh, he looked back down to the bench.
"I miss her, too," he told the stone seat, running his hand over its smooth surface, "I can only pray now that she will forgive me and return to the both of us." He patted the seat, then chuckled. Talking to a stone bench! He thought to himself, smiling.
Chuckling, he got to his feet and slowly walked away, heading to the path that led into the forest.