I am such a dork. I skipped a chapter! Sigh.... anyway, this will help it
make more sense! Darn it I'm dumb!
Chapter Three - A Celebration
The fireworks lighted the sky. The guests all stood on a balcony over looking the forest and cheered appreciatively. A group of elven maidens squealed excitedly at the loud explosions. Legolas had never realized just how much of an annoyance their giddy behavior was until recently. Several times he caught groups of them following or staring at him and giggling when they caught his eye. They were young maidens who didn't really know much better, they did not have the wisdom that the years would bring, not like Melriadora who watched the display with mild interest.
One of them came over to him. "I'm glade you have returned to us." She leaned forward giving him a kiss on the cheek. Legolas was somewhat taken back by her forward behavior and barely managed to politely reply. She then walked away, giggling.
Melriadora, who was one his arm as his escort, to his surprise was stifling a chuckle.
"What?" He asked her, turning to see into her eyes. Melriadora managed to clean up for the evening rather nicely, even if she did stick out. Instead of the typical light colored gown elven women normally wore to such occasions, Melriadora had a gown of dark red. It was stunning on her, highlighting her deep golden hair, Legolas had nearly choked when he saw how beautiful she looked.
She smiled, "Them." She said indicating the annoying young elves, "And the look on your face. Could you be a bit more obvious that you dislike them?"
Legolas flushed, "I don't mean to be rude."
"No, I'm sure you don't." She grinned, "And besides, I doubt they picked up on it anyway."
More fireworks exploded overhead and she looked up at them with interest. While she wasn't looking he turned to watch her face, giving her an amused look. He then turned to see a group of women watching him and giggling.
He sighed, "Why do they do that?" He asked Melriadora.
She smiled looking back at him, "Why? Legolas, you're handsome, brave, noble, kind, gentle, and you're still single. That's like waving red meat in front of a pack of starving dogs."
He felt himself blush slightly and looked away. "You flatter me, Melri."
She turned, catching his eye. "No, I'm not trying to flatter you. You're very special Legolas."
He started to reply, but then his father stood at the high table to greet the guest and announce the start of dinner. Everyone fell silent and turned their attention to his father. Legolas caught a glimpse of Gimli and felt guilty. Melriadora had taken much of his attention, although his friend was enjoying telling stories of great battles and probably hadn't even noticed.
"Good evening all! We are here tonight to celebrate the return of my dear son, Legolas, and to welcome his friend and companion Gimli Gloin's son of the dwarves, to Mirkwood." There was applause as Gimli and Legolas came forward to stand by his father. When the applause died down, Thranduil continued, "Also, there is another return that needs to be recognized. Accompanying my son tonight is Lady Melriadora, formerly of Mirkwood and now of the Isle in the Mists."
There was applause and a whisper ran through the crowd, as Melriadora went foward to stand beside Legolas, ignoring the looks from some of the other women in the crowd, she took his arm, 'let them chew on that for awhile' she thought to herself.
Legolas turned and gave her a small smile, as he led her to a seat next to his for the meal.
"So, when will we leave on your mission?" Legolas asked, halfway through dinner.
Melriadora gave him a strange look, "What do you mean, we?"
Legolas took her hand under the table, "Melriadora, you are still not fully recovered, and I doubt you will linger long enough to heal. I have to make sure you come out all right." He smiled, "Besides, you'll need help. You can't do it alone."
She sighed, "But Legolas, you've just returned, I feel wrong about taking you away so soon."
Legolas looked around the room, then back to her. "Melri, as much as I love Mirkwood, I won't be happy here unless I know you're safe."
She looked at him for a while, processing what he just said. Legolas watched her wanting to shout that he loved her but kept himself contained, waiting for her to speak.
She finally nodded, "All right." Melriadora looked away, "We leave tomorrow."
"Where do we start?" He asked, sounding like a child excited for a trip.
She laughed at him; "There is a lost Temple somewhere in the Misty Mountains."
"But you don't know where?"
"It is said that somewhere in the Lonely Mountain there is a clue." She sighed, "This is going to be a long journey."
He beamed, "Longer I'll get to be with you."
She gave him a look of mixed annoyance and amusement, and was about to reply when Brinar, an archer and guard of Mirkwood, approached her. "My Lady, May I be as bold as too request this dance?" He asked with a deep bow.
Melriadora did not want to be rude, she flashed him a smile, "I'd love too." With that they stepped onto the dance floor.
Legolas watched as Melriadora laughed and danced with the other men. She was so full of life, and was quite graceful on the dance floor. He stood and began to cross the dance floor, to her. One of the flirtatious maidens tried to incept him but he ignored her. He reached Melriadora who was dancing with Brinar still. He tapped Brinar on the shoulder.
"May I?" Not even waiting he scooped her into his arms and they began to soar. They moved across the floor never breaking eye contact, not even aware that their dancing was the center of attention. Finally, the song ended and they stopped dancing but lingared in each other's arms, breathing heavily.
The room burst into applause breaking their moment. They smiled, acknowledging the applause, and then Melriadora told him that she should go get some rest. He nodded, and escorted her to her chamber. She turned to him and smiled.
"Good night Legolas, I will see you in the morning." She said.
He kissed her hand, "Good night Melriadora, sleep well." With that she nodded, shut the door, and collapsed into sleep.
Legolas however, went to see his father. He had to inform him of his descsion to leave again.
King Thranduil did not even give Legolas a chance to say anything when his son approuched him. "You'll be leaving with Lady Melriadora, I assume?"
Legolas studied his father to read his opinion. Legolas was no longer a young elf, he did not need his father's permission, but he was still interested in his opinion. "Yes Father."
Thranduil sighed, looking at his son with concern. "Legolas, my son, are you sure that is wise?"
Legolas felt a stab of anger but held it back, his Father was right after all, and he knew it. He loved Melriadora and did not know if he could take her leaving again, however, the damage was already done, the second he saw her he did not want her to leave.
"I must see that she makes her journey safely, or my mind will not be at ease." He declared, looking up at his Father.
Thranduil raised an eyebrow, "You still love her, do you not?" This was not a question, more of an observation. Thranduil was well aware of how his son never even considered another maiden, painfully aware in fact. Legolas was his only son, and he wished his son to have the joys of a family of his own. However, Legolas only had eyes for Melriadora, and had Thranduil not doubted their love due to their young ages at the time, perhaps Melriadora would never have left, and Legolas would have many children of his own by now. Thranduil felt that deep down, all the pain his son had suffered because of Melriadora's absence, was his fault.
Legolas did not answer for a moment. Then he looked up determined, "Yes, I love her. I will always love her, even though she and I can never-" He stopped, trailing off.
Thrandruil listened to his son, concerned, and then nodded. "Very well son, you must do what you must. I only hope that you will return to us safely once again." He paused again, "And perphas, you will in time find the love you wish for."
Legolas gave his father a small smile, "Good night father." He said, turning to leave.
"Rest well, Legolas." Thranduil watched his son leave with a small smile and thought vaguely of his wife. Legolas was so much like her. So loving and devoted. His wife had diminished after the birth of their son, putting so much of her own strength into him, and left Mirkwood for Valinor shortly after Legolas was born. His son had then become his world and it pained him to deny him anything. He hoped after this journey, Legolas truly would find happiness, with or without his true love.
Rest well Legolas did, he dreamed about the past. Of the days when he and Melriadora were young, running through the forest challenging each other to races, archery, teasing, as children do. He remembered the day she left for the Isle, he had thought his heart was breaking then. He remembered every second they had spent together, every touch, every look, everything. However, while Legolas slept well, Melriadora did not.
A knock woke Melriadora out of her sleep, she sat up and went to see who would be bothering her at this hour. There stood Linwen, waiting to speak with her as if she had much on her mind. Linwen was Melriadora's sister. Linwen was 50 years younger than Melriadora and the sisters barely knew one another. They had never been close, Melriadora didn't even realize Linwen was still in Mirkwood.
"May I come in?" Linwen asked.
"Of course." Melriadora stood aside to let her sister in.
Linwen sat in a chair by the fire, looking prim and proper. Her eyes studying her sister.
"I did not know you were still here, Linwen." Melriadora said, sitting across from her.
"I need to speak with you, Melriadora. There are some things I wish to say." Linwen sat up straighter. "What exactly are you doing?"
Melriadora hesistated. "What do you mean?" She asked.
"With Prince Legolas." Linwen asked, a smile appeared on her face noticing her sister's surprised expression. "Sister, I may not know you well, but I know love when I see it."
"Linwen-"
"Stop." Linwen told her, standing. "You love him, he loves you. You both deserve one another. Stop playing these childish games, Melriadora!" She took her sister's hands and kissed her cheek, "And let yourself fall in love." With that Linwen stood and turned to leave. "I am heading West, Melriadora. Please keep my words in mind." With that she left Melriadora to her thoughts.
Melriadora sighed and lay back down on her bed. Linwen's words echoing in her mind. She did not know Linwen well, but she doubted Linwen would not joke about this sort of thing. "Am I that obvious?" She asked herself. She shifted her weight to a more comfortable position and decided to get some rest. Tomorrow would be the start of a long journey, and whether or not she still loved Prince Legolas or not, she would need all of her strength.
* * * * * * * * * *
A/N- Sorry about that! Um.... yeah... so that explains a few things! I'm surprised you guys weren't insanely confused!!! If you were, hope this clears things up!
Chapter Three - A Celebration
The fireworks lighted the sky. The guests all stood on a balcony over looking the forest and cheered appreciatively. A group of elven maidens squealed excitedly at the loud explosions. Legolas had never realized just how much of an annoyance their giddy behavior was until recently. Several times he caught groups of them following or staring at him and giggling when they caught his eye. They were young maidens who didn't really know much better, they did not have the wisdom that the years would bring, not like Melriadora who watched the display with mild interest.
One of them came over to him. "I'm glade you have returned to us." She leaned forward giving him a kiss on the cheek. Legolas was somewhat taken back by her forward behavior and barely managed to politely reply. She then walked away, giggling.
Melriadora, who was one his arm as his escort, to his surprise was stifling a chuckle.
"What?" He asked her, turning to see into her eyes. Melriadora managed to clean up for the evening rather nicely, even if she did stick out. Instead of the typical light colored gown elven women normally wore to such occasions, Melriadora had a gown of dark red. It was stunning on her, highlighting her deep golden hair, Legolas had nearly choked when he saw how beautiful she looked.
She smiled, "Them." She said indicating the annoying young elves, "And the look on your face. Could you be a bit more obvious that you dislike them?"
Legolas flushed, "I don't mean to be rude."
"No, I'm sure you don't." She grinned, "And besides, I doubt they picked up on it anyway."
More fireworks exploded overhead and she looked up at them with interest. While she wasn't looking he turned to watch her face, giving her an amused look. He then turned to see a group of women watching him and giggling.
He sighed, "Why do they do that?" He asked Melriadora.
She smiled looking back at him, "Why? Legolas, you're handsome, brave, noble, kind, gentle, and you're still single. That's like waving red meat in front of a pack of starving dogs."
He felt himself blush slightly and looked away. "You flatter me, Melri."
She turned, catching his eye. "No, I'm not trying to flatter you. You're very special Legolas."
He started to reply, but then his father stood at the high table to greet the guest and announce the start of dinner. Everyone fell silent and turned their attention to his father. Legolas caught a glimpse of Gimli and felt guilty. Melriadora had taken much of his attention, although his friend was enjoying telling stories of great battles and probably hadn't even noticed.
"Good evening all! We are here tonight to celebrate the return of my dear son, Legolas, and to welcome his friend and companion Gimli Gloin's son of the dwarves, to Mirkwood." There was applause as Gimli and Legolas came forward to stand by his father. When the applause died down, Thranduil continued, "Also, there is another return that needs to be recognized. Accompanying my son tonight is Lady Melriadora, formerly of Mirkwood and now of the Isle in the Mists."
There was applause and a whisper ran through the crowd, as Melriadora went foward to stand beside Legolas, ignoring the looks from some of the other women in the crowd, she took his arm, 'let them chew on that for awhile' she thought to herself.
Legolas turned and gave her a small smile, as he led her to a seat next to his for the meal.
"So, when will we leave on your mission?" Legolas asked, halfway through dinner.
Melriadora gave him a strange look, "What do you mean, we?"
Legolas took her hand under the table, "Melriadora, you are still not fully recovered, and I doubt you will linger long enough to heal. I have to make sure you come out all right." He smiled, "Besides, you'll need help. You can't do it alone."
She sighed, "But Legolas, you've just returned, I feel wrong about taking you away so soon."
Legolas looked around the room, then back to her. "Melri, as much as I love Mirkwood, I won't be happy here unless I know you're safe."
She looked at him for a while, processing what he just said. Legolas watched her wanting to shout that he loved her but kept himself contained, waiting for her to speak.
She finally nodded, "All right." Melriadora looked away, "We leave tomorrow."
"Where do we start?" He asked, sounding like a child excited for a trip.
She laughed at him; "There is a lost Temple somewhere in the Misty Mountains."
"But you don't know where?"
"It is said that somewhere in the Lonely Mountain there is a clue." She sighed, "This is going to be a long journey."
He beamed, "Longer I'll get to be with you."
She gave him a look of mixed annoyance and amusement, and was about to reply when Brinar, an archer and guard of Mirkwood, approached her. "My Lady, May I be as bold as too request this dance?" He asked with a deep bow.
Melriadora did not want to be rude, she flashed him a smile, "I'd love too." With that they stepped onto the dance floor.
Legolas watched as Melriadora laughed and danced with the other men. She was so full of life, and was quite graceful on the dance floor. He stood and began to cross the dance floor, to her. One of the flirtatious maidens tried to incept him but he ignored her. He reached Melriadora who was dancing with Brinar still. He tapped Brinar on the shoulder.
"May I?" Not even waiting he scooped her into his arms and they began to soar. They moved across the floor never breaking eye contact, not even aware that their dancing was the center of attention. Finally, the song ended and they stopped dancing but lingared in each other's arms, breathing heavily.
The room burst into applause breaking their moment. They smiled, acknowledging the applause, and then Melriadora told him that she should go get some rest. He nodded, and escorted her to her chamber. She turned to him and smiled.
"Good night Legolas, I will see you in the morning." She said.
He kissed her hand, "Good night Melriadora, sleep well." With that she nodded, shut the door, and collapsed into sleep.
Legolas however, went to see his father. He had to inform him of his descsion to leave again.
King Thranduil did not even give Legolas a chance to say anything when his son approuched him. "You'll be leaving with Lady Melriadora, I assume?"
Legolas studied his father to read his opinion. Legolas was no longer a young elf, he did not need his father's permission, but he was still interested in his opinion. "Yes Father."
Thranduil sighed, looking at his son with concern. "Legolas, my son, are you sure that is wise?"
Legolas felt a stab of anger but held it back, his Father was right after all, and he knew it. He loved Melriadora and did not know if he could take her leaving again, however, the damage was already done, the second he saw her he did not want her to leave.
"I must see that she makes her journey safely, or my mind will not be at ease." He declared, looking up at his Father.
Thranduil raised an eyebrow, "You still love her, do you not?" This was not a question, more of an observation. Thranduil was well aware of how his son never even considered another maiden, painfully aware in fact. Legolas was his only son, and he wished his son to have the joys of a family of his own. However, Legolas only had eyes for Melriadora, and had Thranduil not doubted their love due to their young ages at the time, perhaps Melriadora would never have left, and Legolas would have many children of his own by now. Thranduil felt that deep down, all the pain his son had suffered because of Melriadora's absence, was his fault.
Legolas did not answer for a moment. Then he looked up determined, "Yes, I love her. I will always love her, even though she and I can never-" He stopped, trailing off.
Thrandruil listened to his son, concerned, and then nodded. "Very well son, you must do what you must. I only hope that you will return to us safely once again." He paused again, "And perphas, you will in time find the love you wish for."
Legolas gave his father a small smile, "Good night father." He said, turning to leave.
"Rest well, Legolas." Thranduil watched his son leave with a small smile and thought vaguely of his wife. Legolas was so much like her. So loving and devoted. His wife had diminished after the birth of their son, putting so much of her own strength into him, and left Mirkwood for Valinor shortly after Legolas was born. His son had then become his world and it pained him to deny him anything. He hoped after this journey, Legolas truly would find happiness, with or without his true love.
Rest well Legolas did, he dreamed about the past. Of the days when he and Melriadora were young, running through the forest challenging each other to races, archery, teasing, as children do. He remembered the day she left for the Isle, he had thought his heart was breaking then. He remembered every second they had spent together, every touch, every look, everything. However, while Legolas slept well, Melriadora did not.
A knock woke Melriadora out of her sleep, she sat up and went to see who would be bothering her at this hour. There stood Linwen, waiting to speak with her as if she had much on her mind. Linwen was Melriadora's sister. Linwen was 50 years younger than Melriadora and the sisters barely knew one another. They had never been close, Melriadora didn't even realize Linwen was still in Mirkwood.
"May I come in?" Linwen asked.
"Of course." Melriadora stood aside to let her sister in.
Linwen sat in a chair by the fire, looking prim and proper. Her eyes studying her sister.
"I did not know you were still here, Linwen." Melriadora said, sitting across from her.
"I need to speak with you, Melriadora. There are some things I wish to say." Linwen sat up straighter. "What exactly are you doing?"
Melriadora hesistated. "What do you mean?" She asked.
"With Prince Legolas." Linwen asked, a smile appeared on her face noticing her sister's surprised expression. "Sister, I may not know you well, but I know love when I see it."
"Linwen-"
"Stop." Linwen told her, standing. "You love him, he loves you. You both deserve one another. Stop playing these childish games, Melriadora!" She took her sister's hands and kissed her cheek, "And let yourself fall in love." With that Linwen stood and turned to leave. "I am heading West, Melriadora. Please keep my words in mind." With that she left Melriadora to her thoughts.
Melriadora sighed and lay back down on her bed. Linwen's words echoing in her mind. She did not know Linwen well, but she doubted Linwen would not joke about this sort of thing. "Am I that obvious?" She asked herself. She shifted her weight to a more comfortable position and decided to get some rest. Tomorrow would be the start of a long journey, and whether or not she still loved Prince Legolas or not, she would need all of her strength.
* * * * * * * * * *
A/N- Sorry about that! Um.... yeah... so that explains a few things! I'm surprised you guys weren't insanely confused!!! If you were, hope this clears things up!