Disclaimer- Refer to Chapter One.
A/N-This is my first attempt to make up a story not based on another plotline or set of events written by Tolkien. Please read and review, letting me know what you think. I like constructive criticism as well, or if you notice misspellings or bad grammar. I read through things before I post them and spell check as well, but I cannot catch everything. Thanks!
Early Morning Practice
Valia let out a sigh and glanced up. Her arrow lay at the furthest edge of the target. 'The Blessed Realm may be an elven paradise, but things are definitely not perfect here,' she said to herself ruefully.
She strung another arrow to her bow and pulled back the string, aiming with care. Calming her nerves she placed all her attention at the center of the target. Releasing the arrow she watched it fly into the air.
However, this time the arrow did not even hit the target, but flew into the bushes just beyond. Valia gave another frustrated sigh.
'I give up!' she yelled into the air. 'It is obvious that I have no talent at the sport and have been cursed to see my desire go unfulfilled.'
Stalking towards the target, Valia yanked out her arrows and put them back into her quiver. She then placed her bow and quiver upon a wooden bench and dove into the bushes in search of the stray arrow.
She could not afford to loose another arrow. They had been a gift from her brother, who knew of her secret desire to learn archery and had gifted her with his old bow and a set of his practice arrows. He had received a hug and kiss upon his cheek in thanks, along with Valia's undying devotion though he protested that he had not the time to teach her the art himself.
Not that he did not already have Valia's devotion. She loved her brother dearly and shared all her deepest desires and dreams with him. Over their long years together, the two had become best of friends, quite rare for an older brother and younger sister.
When he had married, Valia felt as if she would be loosing a piece of herself. Yet, to her great relief, her brother had decided to reside at their house, upon his father's request, after he was married. He had his own wing in their spacious home and the addition of his wife to the family created no growing pangs.
So it was that Valia did not have to part with her best friend and dear brother.
Bent to the ground, Valia was entirely absorbed in her task at hand so she did not notice the figure up ahead until her eyes lit on a pair of fine leather boots.
Slowly straightening to her full height, Valia's eyes traveled up the length of the elf before her. He wore brown leggings of fine material and in his hand he carried the most exquisite bow Valia had ever seen. His tunic was the shade of green trees and it appeared rather worn. Long blond hair fell over broad shoulders and looking up still further, Valia's eyes met vivid green ones. The first thing they reminded her of were emeralds.
The stranger held an arrow in his other hand and extended it to her. 'I believe you are looking for this,' he said, a small smile lifting his lips.
Valia glanced down at the arrow in his hand and took it. 'Thank you, my lord,' she muttered, then turned to leave, embarrassment flooding over her. She could feel the flush of her cheeks and inwardly berated herself for getting caught at her secret practice by someone.
'May I ask what you are doing here so early in the morning?' the elf asked her, not affected by her somewhat unfriendly behavior.
'I am practicing archery,' Valia called over her shoulder and stepped out of the brush and back onto the practice field. She meant to collect her belongings and leave before the stranger might recognize her or memorize her features to be recognized at a later time.
But to her great dismay, the unfamiliar elf followed behind her. 'Yes, I could see that. I did not need you to tell me what my eyes told me long ago,' he said with a serious air.
Her back to him, Valia strapped the quiver to her back and picked up her bow. 'Then why did you...' Valia stopped when the full import of his words dawned on her mind. 'Told you long ago?' she asked, turning to him. 'How long have you been watching me?'
The elf looked back at her, amusement clearly displayed on his face. 'Long enough to know you most certainly need the practice.'
Valia scowled at the elf. She thought him far too pompous for her taste. 'I thank you for finding my arrow, sir. I am finished practicing for the day and do not wish to be further insulted so early in the morning. Good day, my lord.' She emphasized her last sentence and bowed her head since it was difficult to curtsey without a dress on. Then, she quickly swiveled on her heel.
'Wait a moment,' the elf said, staying her with a lean hand upon her arm. 'I did not mean to insult you, and you have piqued my curiosity now. Will the fair maiden not tell me why she is out so early in the morning practicing archery?' The elf gave her a charming smile and with it, Valia felt something snap inside of her.
She quickly stepped out of his reach but did not leave. Her anger had taken the better part of her good sense and left her mad; livid in fact. Thoughts raced through her head that only added to the resentment. He dared to make fun of the dream she had long kept hidden from so many? It had been one of the few things she took delight in after... But no, she would not think about the past.
'First you insult me and now you choose to mock me? I wonder that you expect a response from me,' Valia slowly ground out, observing the elf that stood in front of her with flashing eyes.
Something Valia could not read briefly flickered across the stranger's face but then a smirk found a way upon his face and he opened his mouth to speak. Before he had a chance to defend himself, Valia began again. 'If you insist on knowing, my lord, though I do not know what right you have to, I will satisfy your curiosity and then perhaps you will let me be on my way? Long have I had the desire to learn archery, but being a female, no one is willing to teach me the art. I come to the practice field early in the morning when no elf is yet about so that I may teach myself if I am able.'
'Indeed?' the stranger asked, raising his eyebrows in question. 'A female elf comes out into the woods alone each morning to practice the art of archery, an art only males pursue?' he questioned, placing emphasis on the words 'female elf' and 'only males.'
'Yes indeed, and it has been for this very reason right now that I have done such. You ridicule and mock me to my face, simply because I am of the 'weaker gender,'' Valia responded, thoroughly annoyed by his amusement at her expense. 'I hope I have satisfied your curiosity, my lord, because I am late. If you will excuse me?' she asked, turning before he could answer.
'I would not give up the art so easily if I were you,' the elf called to her retreating back.
'I have no intention to,' Valia shot back, not breaking her stride as she moved off the field and into the forest.
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'Who is that?' another elf asked, just coming onto the practice field.
'I do not know, Isondil. She did not give her name and I did not have time to ask for it.' The elf watched her disappear in the shadow of the trees.
She was the strangest female elf he had met in a long while. Her honey blonde hair was pulled back at the nape of her neck, no braids giving beauty to her long tresses or softening her features. She had been clothed in a loose set of male garments that swallowed up her shape.
But all this was not what the elf found the strangest. She had been the first female in many years who did not act strange in his presence. He knew that he was considered by most females to be an extremely handsome elf, even beyond the normal fairness of his kindred, but that did not make him conceited. On the contrary, he had grown rather weary of the females who either threw themselves at his feet and flirted shamelessly or else completely froze in his presence and could only stutter in response to his queries.
'Hello!' Isondil broke into his thoughts, waving a hand before his eyes. 'You have not been listening to me, my friend. What is the matter with you?'
'I am sorry. I was thinking of the girl. She was rather unique, claiming she wanted to learn archery. I questioned her about it, as you were late in meeting me.' Here the elf paused and gave his friend a pointed look, but he simply shrugged his shoulders in response and flashed a cheeky smile. The elf shook his golden head before continuing on.
'I genuinely wanted to know why she would desire to learn such a unique sport for a female, but I fear she took the meaning of my inquiries in the wrong light. I believe she thought I was trying to insult her. She grew rather hostile and we parted before I was able to introduce myself or ask her for a name or where she lived.'
'What did you say to her?' Isondil asked curiously. 'It must have been quite offensive if she was angry at you after only a brief meeting and abandoned proper decorum after only just meeting you.'
'I do not know what I said that upset her so,' the elf pondered, and then spoke again in complete innocence. 'But there was something else strange about her. She did not act unnatural with me. My looks seemed to have no effect on her.'
'Heaven forbid such a thing should happen.' Isondil teased his friend, placing a hand upon his forehead in mock horror. 'She must be seriously ill to not feel the affects of your good looks! Perhaps we should run after her and brave her wrath so we may see her safely to the Healing House?'
The elf punched his friend in the arm and glowered at him. 'You know very well what I meant Isondil. Well, enough of this. We came here to practice our marksmanship did we not?' he asked pulling an arrow from his quiver.
'We most certainly did,' Isondil replied, taking his bow in his hands to string it. He then changed the topic. 'Speaking of elven maidens, you had better prepare yourself for the banquet. It is in two days time, after the tournament, you know. I have already heard your name being whispered in passing by several females.'
Isondil smiled as his friend let out an audible sigh and rolled his eyes. 'I would rather not go than be forced to dance with every fawning maiden in the kingdom here. I thought I could leave all such nonsense behind me when I came to the Grey Havens, but I am continually proved wrong.'
Isondil laughed. 'I wish I had your problems,' he said as he tested the resistance of his string.
'And I would gladly give it to you if I could,' was the only reply before an arrow was released from his bow, landing in the center of the target.
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Valia had never been more embarrassed in her entire life. Her fury only added to the emotion. She went to the practice field early so that no one would see her miserable attempt to learn archery. Besides, most elves, whether male or female, did not understand why a female should or would ever want to learn the sport.
Yet someone had finally stumbled upon her attempt and even had the audacity to make fun of her to her face. Valia's cheeks turned red as she remembered the stranger's comments.
'I will not let his mockery dishearten me,' Valia ground out through clenched teeth. 'I will try even harder to learn now and prove to everyone that I am capable of accomplishing the art.'
Valia came to her house and the door opened quietly before her. 'Thank you Fiwen,' Valia said to the servant as she stepped into the hallway. Fiwen was always one of the first to rise in the house and had discovered Valia's secret long ago. However, Fiwen loved Valia and so she let the elf maiden swear her to secrecy about the early morning archery practices.
'Your father is already up and had left the house, my lady,' Fiwen said. 'Are you alright? You look flushed.'
'No, I am fine. It is simply the outside air. Thank you, Fiwen. I think I shall take a bath before coming down to breakfast.' With that, Valia moved towards her room. She walked into her bathroom and filled the bathtub on her own. Valia had never been comfortable with making the servants do every task for her when she was perfectly capable of doing things on her own. Unbeknownst to her, this had endeared Valia to the servants of her father's house.
The warm water felt luxurious against Valia's skin and she stayed in the water longer than she had intended to, letting the anger and memory of the egotistical elf seep out of her mind and body with every passing minute. Hearing the sound of her mother and sister walking down the hall, Valia reluctantly stepped out of the tub and wrapped a soft towel around her.
Moving into her room, Valia opened up the doors of her wardrobe. Simple dresses of inexpensive material hung in a neat row. Pulling out a modest dress the color of lilacs, Valia slipped it on and quickly ran to her vanity to brush her hair.
Valia's mother, Narawen, had often tried to get her daughter to pick dresses that were more fitting of her station in life. Rylad, Valia's father, was an advisor to Lord Elrond and thus, their family received high status among elves in Elrond's realm.
Valia remembered the last time her mother had sent for a tailor and seamstress to make new clothes for her and her sister. The elves had flashed fancy silks and laces in front of Valia's face and brought several sample dresses to show her as well. Her mother had pointed to a dress and made Valia try it on. Valia had blushed when she stepped in front of the mirror to look at herself. The dress had a rounded neckline that barley covered her shoulders and though it revealed nothing, was far too low cut for Valia's taste.
Valia had shaken her head at her mother. 'I cannot wear this Mother; you know I would not be comfortable in such an outfit. And besides, my work would not be suitable for such an elegant dress. It would suit Earuviel far better than me.'
In the end, Valia had chosen three of the plainest and most modest gowns out of the bunch brought by the elves. She had also chosen some of the least expensive material as well. 'Will you not pick a few more, my dear?' Narawen had asked her daughter. 'Your wardrobe is hardly full and you wear the same dresses over and over again.'
'What do I need hundreds of dresses for Mother? I do not mind wearing the same thing twice.'
Narawen had sighed. 'You do not mind if I pick a few for you then? There will be several parties and events to attend over the summer, and you will need a few dresses that are far more elaborate than your normal wardrobe.'
'Whatever you wish, Mother,' Valia had said to pacify her mother. Valia would have much rather been reading the book she was almost done with than choosing festival gowns. Her mother had let Valia go shortly after that and called Earuviel, Valia's sister into the room, to pick out her wardrobe.
Valia finished taming her hair into a ponytail and secured it at the base of her neck. She ran out of her room and down the hall. The smell of breakfast wafted down the corridor and Valia's stomach growled.
Narawen and Earuviel looked up when Valia entered the dinning room. 'Good morning, dear,' her mother said from the end of the table.
'Good morning Mother.' Valia placed a kiss on her mother's cheek before sitting down on her right side. 'Good morning Earuviel,' Valia said, looking at her sister seated across the table.
'Good morning,' Earuviel replied. Valia smiled at her little sister. The two were not many years apart from each other, but enough that Valia had felt that she had a hand in the raising of her sister.
Earuviel was a very pretty elf and knew it too. Her long blond hair fell to the small of her back in delicate curls and braids. She had a cream complexion and big brown eyes. Her fair features had won her the heart of many of the elves in their kingdom, but Earuviel did not have the desire to pick just one yet.
If Earuviel knew that she was pretty, than Valia knew she was rather plain to look at, but she never felt envious towards her sister. Earuviel enjoyed the attention that came with her beauty. Valia was content to keep a close circle of friends and remain out of the spotlight.
'We are going shopping for a new dress today, Valia,' her sister said. 'You know that the yearly archery competition is in two days and I cannot be seen in last year's dress. Do you want to come with us to get a new dress as well? You wear all of yours over and over again and shall need a new one for the competition too.'
'No, Earuviel, but thank you anyways. I do not need a new dress, but I do hope you have fun shopping. Perhaps you will find something that will make all the other she-elves in the kingdom jealous of you,' Valia teased.
Earuviel's face lit up as she imagined it. She turned quickly to her mother. 'Are you ready, Mother? Can we go now?'
'Yes, little one. I am ready. Are you sure you do not want to come with us Valia?'
'No,' Valia said as her mother kissed her cheek. 'I need to be at work today or Lord Elrond will not be pleased.'
'Very well, my dear. We will see you tonight.' Valia waved as her mother and sister as they left the room.
A servant brought Valia's food out to her and she thanked him before hungrily turning to her plate. She had just taken her first bite of food when Tandir walked into the room.
'Hello sister,' he greeted her and sat down opposite her. 'How are you this fine morning?'
'Very well, thank you.' Valia looked at her brother as he talked to a servant about his breakfast. When he was done Valia spoke. 'You are dressed in old clothes. Where are you going?'
'To the practice fields, of course. You have not forgotten about the tournament?'
'No indeed. Earuviel has just left to buy a new dress for the event.'
'And you did not go with her? Do you mean to tell me that you are not going? I expect you to be there to cheer me on.' Tandir's eyes sparkled as he teased his sister.
'Of course I will be there. I would not miss the famed archery tournament. And you know very well that I dislike picking out a new dress for every occasion. I would rather be practicing to be in it as you are. Besides, I am going to work today.'
'You are the strangest she-elf I know,' her brother shook his head. 'I cannot believe that you prefer Lord Elrond ordering you around to buying clothes or catching a husband.'
'He does not order me around, and I do not want to be some ninny she-elf that only thinks about fashion and how to catch a husband all day long.'
'You are not getting any younger, Valia,' her brother said, his tone turning somewhat fatherly. 'Perhaps it is time you thought of such things before it is too late.'
Valia looked down. Her hands lay clenched in her lap, the knuckles beginning to turn white. In a voice barley audible to even Tandir's elvish ears, she whispered, 'I could not marry even if I wished it.'
'That is not true and you know it, Valia. What happened was not your fault. If anyone was to hold such a thing against you than he would not be worthy to secure your affections and claim you for a wife. I hardly think there is an elf in the entire kingdom who would protest to a past that you had no choice about.'
Valia had heard enough. She was finished eating, so she stood up. Coming around the table she kissed her brother on the forehead.
'Goodbye, Brother. Good luck at practice.'
Tandir stared at Valia with a worried expression on his face. 'You know I only want what is best for you. You are my sister and any elf should feel honored to have you for a wife. I should know. I have to live with you every day.'
Valia nodded her head and gave Tandir a small smile. 'I know, dear brother. Thank you.'
'Have fun at work,' her brother called as Valia left the room. She waved her hand to him and then disappeared down the hall.
Like it? Don't like it? Want to tell me why? Please do so by hitting the review button! It's much appreciated and makes my author fingers want to type up more faster.
A/N-This is my first attempt to make up a story not based on another plotline or set of events written by Tolkien. Please read and review, letting me know what you think. I like constructive criticism as well, or if you notice misspellings or bad grammar. I read through things before I post them and spell check as well, but I cannot catch everything. Thanks!
Early Morning Practice
Valia let out a sigh and glanced up. Her arrow lay at the furthest edge of the target. 'The Blessed Realm may be an elven paradise, but things are definitely not perfect here,' she said to herself ruefully.
She strung another arrow to her bow and pulled back the string, aiming with care. Calming her nerves she placed all her attention at the center of the target. Releasing the arrow she watched it fly into the air.
However, this time the arrow did not even hit the target, but flew into the bushes just beyond. Valia gave another frustrated sigh.
'I give up!' she yelled into the air. 'It is obvious that I have no talent at the sport and have been cursed to see my desire go unfulfilled.'
Stalking towards the target, Valia yanked out her arrows and put them back into her quiver. She then placed her bow and quiver upon a wooden bench and dove into the bushes in search of the stray arrow.
She could not afford to loose another arrow. They had been a gift from her brother, who knew of her secret desire to learn archery and had gifted her with his old bow and a set of his practice arrows. He had received a hug and kiss upon his cheek in thanks, along with Valia's undying devotion though he protested that he had not the time to teach her the art himself.
Not that he did not already have Valia's devotion. She loved her brother dearly and shared all her deepest desires and dreams with him. Over their long years together, the two had become best of friends, quite rare for an older brother and younger sister.
When he had married, Valia felt as if she would be loosing a piece of herself. Yet, to her great relief, her brother had decided to reside at their house, upon his father's request, after he was married. He had his own wing in their spacious home and the addition of his wife to the family created no growing pangs.
So it was that Valia did not have to part with her best friend and dear brother.
Bent to the ground, Valia was entirely absorbed in her task at hand so she did not notice the figure up ahead until her eyes lit on a pair of fine leather boots.
Slowly straightening to her full height, Valia's eyes traveled up the length of the elf before her. He wore brown leggings of fine material and in his hand he carried the most exquisite bow Valia had ever seen. His tunic was the shade of green trees and it appeared rather worn. Long blond hair fell over broad shoulders and looking up still further, Valia's eyes met vivid green ones. The first thing they reminded her of were emeralds.
The stranger held an arrow in his other hand and extended it to her. 'I believe you are looking for this,' he said, a small smile lifting his lips.
Valia glanced down at the arrow in his hand and took it. 'Thank you, my lord,' she muttered, then turned to leave, embarrassment flooding over her. She could feel the flush of her cheeks and inwardly berated herself for getting caught at her secret practice by someone.
'May I ask what you are doing here so early in the morning?' the elf asked her, not affected by her somewhat unfriendly behavior.
'I am practicing archery,' Valia called over her shoulder and stepped out of the brush and back onto the practice field. She meant to collect her belongings and leave before the stranger might recognize her or memorize her features to be recognized at a later time.
But to her great dismay, the unfamiliar elf followed behind her. 'Yes, I could see that. I did not need you to tell me what my eyes told me long ago,' he said with a serious air.
Her back to him, Valia strapped the quiver to her back and picked up her bow. 'Then why did you...' Valia stopped when the full import of his words dawned on her mind. 'Told you long ago?' she asked, turning to him. 'How long have you been watching me?'
The elf looked back at her, amusement clearly displayed on his face. 'Long enough to know you most certainly need the practice.'
Valia scowled at the elf. She thought him far too pompous for her taste. 'I thank you for finding my arrow, sir. I am finished practicing for the day and do not wish to be further insulted so early in the morning. Good day, my lord.' She emphasized her last sentence and bowed her head since it was difficult to curtsey without a dress on. Then, she quickly swiveled on her heel.
'Wait a moment,' the elf said, staying her with a lean hand upon her arm. 'I did not mean to insult you, and you have piqued my curiosity now. Will the fair maiden not tell me why she is out so early in the morning practicing archery?' The elf gave her a charming smile and with it, Valia felt something snap inside of her.
She quickly stepped out of his reach but did not leave. Her anger had taken the better part of her good sense and left her mad; livid in fact. Thoughts raced through her head that only added to the resentment. He dared to make fun of the dream she had long kept hidden from so many? It had been one of the few things she took delight in after... But no, she would not think about the past.
'First you insult me and now you choose to mock me? I wonder that you expect a response from me,' Valia slowly ground out, observing the elf that stood in front of her with flashing eyes.
Something Valia could not read briefly flickered across the stranger's face but then a smirk found a way upon his face and he opened his mouth to speak. Before he had a chance to defend himself, Valia began again. 'If you insist on knowing, my lord, though I do not know what right you have to, I will satisfy your curiosity and then perhaps you will let me be on my way? Long have I had the desire to learn archery, but being a female, no one is willing to teach me the art. I come to the practice field early in the morning when no elf is yet about so that I may teach myself if I am able.'
'Indeed?' the stranger asked, raising his eyebrows in question. 'A female elf comes out into the woods alone each morning to practice the art of archery, an art only males pursue?' he questioned, placing emphasis on the words 'female elf' and 'only males.'
'Yes indeed, and it has been for this very reason right now that I have done such. You ridicule and mock me to my face, simply because I am of the 'weaker gender,'' Valia responded, thoroughly annoyed by his amusement at her expense. 'I hope I have satisfied your curiosity, my lord, because I am late. If you will excuse me?' she asked, turning before he could answer.
'I would not give up the art so easily if I were you,' the elf called to her retreating back.
'I have no intention to,' Valia shot back, not breaking her stride as she moved off the field and into the forest.
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'Who is that?' another elf asked, just coming onto the practice field.
'I do not know, Isondil. She did not give her name and I did not have time to ask for it.' The elf watched her disappear in the shadow of the trees.
She was the strangest female elf he had met in a long while. Her honey blonde hair was pulled back at the nape of her neck, no braids giving beauty to her long tresses or softening her features. She had been clothed in a loose set of male garments that swallowed up her shape.
But all this was not what the elf found the strangest. She had been the first female in many years who did not act strange in his presence. He knew that he was considered by most females to be an extremely handsome elf, even beyond the normal fairness of his kindred, but that did not make him conceited. On the contrary, he had grown rather weary of the females who either threw themselves at his feet and flirted shamelessly or else completely froze in his presence and could only stutter in response to his queries.
'Hello!' Isondil broke into his thoughts, waving a hand before his eyes. 'You have not been listening to me, my friend. What is the matter with you?'
'I am sorry. I was thinking of the girl. She was rather unique, claiming she wanted to learn archery. I questioned her about it, as you were late in meeting me.' Here the elf paused and gave his friend a pointed look, but he simply shrugged his shoulders in response and flashed a cheeky smile. The elf shook his golden head before continuing on.
'I genuinely wanted to know why she would desire to learn such a unique sport for a female, but I fear she took the meaning of my inquiries in the wrong light. I believe she thought I was trying to insult her. She grew rather hostile and we parted before I was able to introduce myself or ask her for a name or where she lived.'
'What did you say to her?' Isondil asked curiously. 'It must have been quite offensive if she was angry at you after only a brief meeting and abandoned proper decorum after only just meeting you.'
'I do not know what I said that upset her so,' the elf pondered, and then spoke again in complete innocence. 'But there was something else strange about her. She did not act unnatural with me. My looks seemed to have no effect on her.'
'Heaven forbid such a thing should happen.' Isondil teased his friend, placing a hand upon his forehead in mock horror. 'She must be seriously ill to not feel the affects of your good looks! Perhaps we should run after her and brave her wrath so we may see her safely to the Healing House?'
The elf punched his friend in the arm and glowered at him. 'You know very well what I meant Isondil. Well, enough of this. We came here to practice our marksmanship did we not?' he asked pulling an arrow from his quiver.
'We most certainly did,' Isondil replied, taking his bow in his hands to string it. He then changed the topic. 'Speaking of elven maidens, you had better prepare yourself for the banquet. It is in two days time, after the tournament, you know. I have already heard your name being whispered in passing by several females.'
Isondil smiled as his friend let out an audible sigh and rolled his eyes. 'I would rather not go than be forced to dance with every fawning maiden in the kingdom here. I thought I could leave all such nonsense behind me when I came to the Grey Havens, but I am continually proved wrong.'
Isondil laughed. 'I wish I had your problems,' he said as he tested the resistance of his string.
'And I would gladly give it to you if I could,' was the only reply before an arrow was released from his bow, landing in the center of the target.
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Valia had never been more embarrassed in her entire life. Her fury only added to the emotion. She went to the practice field early so that no one would see her miserable attempt to learn archery. Besides, most elves, whether male or female, did not understand why a female should or would ever want to learn the sport.
Yet someone had finally stumbled upon her attempt and even had the audacity to make fun of her to her face. Valia's cheeks turned red as she remembered the stranger's comments.
'I will not let his mockery dishearten me,' Valia ground out through clenched teeth. 'I will try even harder to learn now and prove to everyone that I am capable of accomplishing the art.'
Valia came to her house and the door opened quietly before her. 'Thank you Fiwen,' Valia said to the servant as she stepped into the hallway. Fiwen was always one of the first to rise in the house and had discovered Valia's secret long ago. However, Fiwen loved Valia and so she let the elf maiden swear her to secrecy about the early morning archery practices.
'Your father is already up and had left the house, my lady,' Fiwen said. 'Are you alright? You look flushed.'
'No, I am fine. It is simply the outside air. Thank you, Fiwen. I think I shall take a bath before coming down to breakfast.' With that, Valia moved towards her room. She walked into her bathroom and filled the bathtub on her own. Valia had never been comfortable with making the servants do every task for her when she was perfectly capable of doing things on her own. Unbeknownst to her, this had endeared Valia to the servants of her father's house.
The warm water felt luxurious against Valia's skin and she stayed in the water longer than she had intended to, letting the anger and memory of the egotistical elf seep out of her mind and body with every passing minute. Hearing the sound of her mother and sister walking down the hall, Valia reluctantly stepped out of the tub and wrapped a soft towel around her.
Moving into her room, Valia opened up the doors of her wardrobe. Simple dresses of inexpensive material hung in a neat row. Pulling out a modest dress the color of lilacs, Valia slipped it on and quickly ran to her vanity to brush her hair.
Valia's mother, Narawen, had often tried to get her daughter to pick dresses that were more fitting of her station in life. Rylad, Valia's father, was an advisor to Lord Elrond and thus, their family received high status among elves in Elrond's realm.
Valia remembered the last time her mother had sent for a tailor and seamstress to make new clothes for her and her sister. The elves had flashed fancy silks and laces in front of Valia's face and brought several sample dresses to show her as well. Her mother had pointed to a dress and made Valia try it on. Valia had blushed when she stepped in front of the mirror to look at herself. The dress had a rounded neckline that barley covered her shoulders and though it revealed nothing, was far too low cut for Valia's taste.
Valia had shaken her head at her mother. 'I cannot wear this Mother; you know I would not be comfortable in such an outfit. And besides, my work would not be suitable for such an elegant dress. It would suit Earuviel far better than me.'
In the end, Valia had chosen three of the plainest and most modest gowns out of the bunch brought by the elves. She had also chosen some of the least expensive material as well. 'Will you not pick a few more, my dear?' Narawen had asked her daughter. 'Your wardrobe is hardly full and you wear the same dresses over and over again.'
'What do I need hundreds of dresses for Mother? I do not mind wearing the same thing twice.'
Narawen had sighed. 'You do not mind if I pick a few for you then? There will be several parties and events to attend over the summer, and you will need a few dresses that are far more elaborate than your normal wardrobe.'
'Whatever you wish, Mother,' Valia had said to pacify her mother. Valia would have much rather been reading the book she was almost done with than choosing festival gowns. Her mother had let Valia go shortly after that and called Earuviel, Valia's sister into the room, to pick out her wardrobe.
Valia finished taming her hair into a ponytail and secured it at the base of her neck. She ran out of her room and down the hall. The smell of breakfast wafted down the corridor and Valia's stomach growled.
Narawen and Earuviel looked up when Valia entered the dinning room. 'Good morning, dear,' her mother said from the end of the table.
'Good morning Mother.' Valia placed a kiss on her mother's cheek before sitting down on her right side. 'Good morning Earuviel,' Valia said, looking at her sister seated across the table.
'Good morning,' Earuviel replied. Valia smiled at her little sister. The two were not many years apart from each other, but enough that Valia had felt that she had a hand in the raising of her sister.
Earuviel was a very pretty elf and knew it too. Her long blond hair fell to the small of her back in delicate curls and braids. She had a cream complexion and big brown eyes. Her fair features had won her the heart of many of the elves in their kingdom, but Earuviel did not have the desire to pick just one yet.
If Earuviel knew that she was pretty, than Valia knew she was rather plain to look at, but she never felt envious towards her sister. Earuviel enjoyed the attention that came with her beauty. Valia was content to keep a close circle of friends and remain out of the spotlight.
'We are going shopping for a new dress today, Valia,' her sister said. 'You know that the yearly archery competition is in two days and I cannot be seen in last year's dress. Do you want to come with us to get a new dress as well? You wear all of yours over and over again and shall need a new one for the competition too.'
'No, Earuviel, but thank you anyways. I do not need a new dress, but I do hope you have fun shopping. Perhaps you will find something that will make all the other she-elves in the kingdom jealous of you,' Valia teased.
Earuviel's face lit up as she imagined it. She turned quickly to her mother. 'Are you ready, Mother? Can we go now?'
'Yes, little one. I am ready. Are you sure you do not want to come with us Valia?'
'No,' Valia said as her mother kissed her cheek. 'I need to be at work today or Lord Elrond will not be pleased.'
'Very well, my dear. We will see you tonight.' Valia waved as her mother and sister as they left the room.
A servant brought Valia's food out to her and she thanked him before hungrily turning to her plate. She had just taken her first bite of food when Tandir walked into the room.
'Hello sister,' he greeted her and sat down opposite her. 'How are you this fine morning?'
'Very well, thank you.' Valia looked at her brother as he talked to a servant about his breakfast. When he was done Valia spoke. 'You are dressed in old clothes. Where are you going?'
'To the practice fields, of course. You have not forgotten about the tournament?'
'No indeed. Earuviel has just left to buy a new dress for the event.'
'And you did not go with her? Do you mean to tell me that you are not going? I expect you to be there to cheer me on.' Tandir's eyes sparkled as he teased his sister.
'Of course I will be there. I would not miss the famed archery tournament. And you know very well that I dislike picking out a new dress for every occasion. I would rather be practicing to be in it as you are. Besides, I am going to work today.'
'You are the strangest she-elf I know,' her brother shook his head. 'I cannot believe that you prefer Lord Elrond ordering you around to buying clothes or catching a husband.'
'He does not order me around, and I do not want to be some ninny she-elf that only thinks about fashion and how to catch a husband all day long.'
'You are not getting any younger, Valia,' her brother said, his tone turning somewhat fatherly. 'Perhaps it is time you thought of such things before it is too late.'
Valia looked down. Her hands lay clenched in her lap, the knuckles beginning to turn white. In a voice barley audible to even Tandir's elvish ears, she whispered, 'I could not marry even if I wished it.'
'That is not true and you know it, Valia. What happened was not your fault. If anyone was to hold such a thing against you than he would not be worthy to secure your affections and claim you for a wife. I hardly think there is an elf in the entire kingdom who would protest to a past that you had no choice about.'
Valia had heard enough. She was finished eating, so she stood up. Coming around the table she kissed her brother on the forehead.
'Goodbye, Brother. Good luck at practice.'
Tandir stared at Valia with a worried expression on his face. 'You know I only want what is best for you. You are my sister and any elf should feel honored to have you for a wife. I should know. I have to live with you every day.'
Valia nodded her head and gave Tandir a small smile. 'I know, dear brother. Thank you.'
'Have fun at work,' her brother called as Valia left the room. She waved her hand to him and then disappeared down the hall.
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