Disclaimer- Refer to Chapter One
Some thank yous are in order for those of you who reviewed and made me so happy. I had the urge to finish up this chapter after I got them.
An Introduction
Valia stepped into Elrond's library and breathed deeply. She loved the smell of his books and lovingly ran her hands over them as she passed by. For many years now, Valia had assisted Lord Elrond with his vast collection of lore. He had not given up his hobby when he came to the Undying Lands. In fact, he had even more books and manuscripts now than he did in Imladris.
When Valia still lived in Middle-earth, her father had asked Elrond if he was willing to take Valia on as an assistant in his personal library. She loved books and spent so much time amid Elrond's collection that he and her father had agreed that it would be a good thing for Valia to help the elven lord keep his vast assortment in order, giving him time to attend to other matters.
Valia had gone right to work and from then on she became the official librarian of Elrond's store of knowledge and lore. It did not stop when Valia's family followed Elrond over the sea either.
After Elrond was given control of one of the elven kingdoms of the Valinor and built his great palace, Valia had not shown up to help him for several weeks.
She was shocked when Elrond himself paid her a visit one day and asked where she had been. She had said that she thought he no longer needed her assistance, as many of his books and manuscripts had to be left behind in Middle-earth with the passing.
Elrond had assured her that enough of his collection had come over the sea with him that he still needed her help. 'And furthermore,' he had said, 'I have been given or purchased a large number of new books here in the Grey Havens. I do not have the time to organize them all and need your help. I built a huge room in my palace that I wish to turn into a library for all elves in my kingdom to use, but I need someone to take charge of the enormous task of shelving books and organizing everything. Would you be willing to do this?'
Valia had readily agreed, and every day from then on she could be found in Lord Elrond's library, dusting shelves, putting books back, or helping elves find the topic they wished to read about.
Her work was purely voluntary. She had never asked for any pay since she enjoyed the task and it provided her with a tangible purpose to get up every morning. However, Elrond always seemed to find a way to reward her for her hard work. He had given her a number of her favorite books to keep and often invited her to eat lunch with Lady Celebrian and himself.
Moving to a side room used by Elrond and Valia only, Valia found a new stack of books on the table waiting to be shelved. She quickly set to work and soon gathered up a few books in her arms to put on shelves.
Valia smiled at elves as she passed them in the main room and they greeted her by name. When all but the last book in her hand had found its new home, Valia ran into a problem. The book she held needed to be placed up high and she could not reach the shelf, though she stood on the tips of her toes.
Being too lazy to search out a stool, Valia began to hop up and down, trying to shove the book in place whenever she jumped. It was hardly ladylike conduct, but she did not care. Feeling a tap on her shoulder, Valia turned around to find herself face to face with Elrond.
'If you need help, simply ask for it Valia,' Elrond smiled at her and took the book from her hands. Being taller than Valia by several inches, Elrond was able to place the book in its proper place with ease.
A playful scowl appeared on Valia's face when Elrond turned back to her but his smile simply grew larger. 'I wish to introduce you to newly arrived guests of mine,' Elrond said, extending his arm to her. Valia placed her arm on his and let him lead her away.
Elrond and Valia walked towards a tall elf with blond hair. He stood facing one of the many rows of books, his back to Elrond and Valia. As they drew closer, Valia noticed the fine fabric and intricate embroidery of his clothing. Another elf with brown hair leaned on a table beside the first, but he faced the other way.
Seeing Elrond approach, the second elf stood and bowed. 'Lord Elrond,' he said. Then turning to Valia he bowed again. 'My lady.'
Valia curtsied to the elf and then looked up. His companion had closed the book he was reading with a snap and turned around. Valia's eyes grew wide when she saw who stood before her. It was none other than the rude elf who discovered her at the archery field that morning. She hoped he did not see the resemblance in her with different clothing on, but when he turned to her a wide smile of recognition spread across his face and she could see remembrance register in his green eyes.
'Valia,' Lord Elrond said to her, 'I would like you to meet Lord Isondil.' He pointed to the elf with brown hair, and then turned to the other. 'And Prince Legolas, son of King Thranduil.' Valia could feel her face go pale with horror and shock when Prince Legolas' title was announced, but she quickly masked her emotions.
Inwardly she began to rebuke herself, something she did quite often, when she noticed the silver circlet upon his head. However, she consoled herself because she did not remember seeing the identifying mark of royalty upon his head at the practice field that morning.
'My lord, Prince Legolas,' Valia said demurely, curtseying to each.
Elrond continued the introductions. 'Legolas, Isondil, may I present to you Lady Valia, daughter of Lord Ryland, one of my chief advisors. She has been the assistant in my library for centuries now. I do believe she knows more about the books on these shelves than I do,' Elrond said good-naturedly.
The two elves bowed to Valia and Legolas caught the elven maiden unawares when he took up her hand in his own. 'Lady Valia and I have met once already,' he said to Elrond, then sent a tentative smile to her as he bent over her hand and kissed it.
Quickly pulling her hand out of his, Valia clasped her hands in front of her and looked down at her dress, clearing her throat.
'Really?' Elrond was saying, a brow lifted in question. 'And you have only just arrived, Legolas. Do tell me where you have had the pleasure of meeting one another already.'
A fresh surge of horror swelled over Valia. Lord Elrond must not find out where she had been that morning. Before Legolas could answer Elrond's query, she spoke. 'I was walking through the forest early this morning, my lord. By chance, I lost something that belonged to me and was looking for it. Prince Legolas was good enough to come along and find it for me.'
'How fortunate for you then, Valia,' Elrond said.
'Indeed,' Valia answered simply with a bob of her head. She dared not look up at the prince, for she knew that if she did so she would loose her composure.
All four elves glanced up simultaneously when they heard the toll of a bell in the distance. 'I would like the three of you to join me for afternoon lunch,' Lord Elrond invited. 'I believe we can discuss the reason for the introductions to Lady Valia there, if she does not object.'
'Not at all, my lord,' Valia assured him, though silently she cringed at the thought of spending more time than necessary with the prince. 'But what of the library? It should not be left unattended.'
Elrond immediately turned to a passing servant and beckoned them to his side. With a quiet command, the servant scurried away on an errand.
'All has been taken care of, my lady,' Elrond said with a smile, offering his arm to her again. Valia smiled in return and looped her arm through his, allowing him to lead her and the other elves out of the library and down the hall.
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When everyone was seated comfortably and the meal was served Elrond looked at his companions. Prince Legolas sat to his right and Valia to his left. Lord Isondil sat contentedly next to the lady.
Elrond was puzzled by the behavior of the elves before him. Valia was toying with the food on her plate, barley eating anything, and looking up even less. She appeared uncomfortable, something rather rare for her, and kept shifting in her seat.
Prince Legolas had his eyes fixed upon the maiden as if by sheer willpower he could make her eyes meet his, though the lady was apparently avoiding such an event at all costs. He only looked away from her when he took a bite of food, but promptly turned his attention back to her again when the fork came to his mouth.
Lord Isondil had a strange grin upon his face and kept glancing from the prince to the lady.
To the relief of both Elrond and Valia, Lady Celebrian entered the large dining hall and made her way to the table. Valia thought the dazzling elven lady glowed with a soft light as she approached them. Elrond stood to greet his wife, taking her hand in his. She bestowed a loving smile and tender kiss on her husband, before turning to greet the others who had stood when she came to the table.
'Good day Prince Legolas, Lord Isondil. Valia, it is a pleasure to see you at our table this afternoon. How are you?'
'Very well, my lady. Thank you for your concern.' Celebrian had moved to the empty chair next to Legolas, and Elrond began to pull it out for her. Swiftly, Valia picked up her plate and goblet and moved from her chair to sit on the other side of Isondil.
'What are you doing, Valia?' Celebrian inquired, already thinking she knew the answer to her question.
'I fear I was in your seat, my lady, but I have rectified the situation and you may now sit in your proper place.'
Celebrian's soft laughter floated through the air and Valia looked into the lady's eyes in surprise. 'Will you ever stop being so formal with us Valia? You are almost our own child, you are here so much. Elrond and I love you like a daughter.'
A genuine smile was on Valia's face as Celebrian came around the table and pulled her into a hug. Valia had long ago become a favorite of Elrond and Celebrian. She thought it had something to do with the loss of their daughter Arwen.
She knew that she would never replace their daughter, but the couple found comfort in having an elf maiden around the same age as Arwen would have been in their house. Valia did not mind and gladly accepted the role, loving the idea of having two sets of parents, though she still treated the Lord and Lady with the utmost respect.
They had tried many times to convince the maiden to address them and act less formally in their presence. In the two and a half millennium she had been in the Blessed Realm, Valia had slowly learned to become more natural in their presence. Yet she always lapsed into her former formality when others were present.
'It is fine Lady Celebrian,' Valia said, returning her hug. 'I would feel more comfortable if I moved and let you have the seat of honor.'
Celebrian brushed her hand over Valia's cheek and smiled. 'Very well then, my dear, though you know you do not have to move for my sake.' Then she reached down and picked up Valia's plate and cup, moving to the other side of the table. 'Sit next to Legolas instead. I cannot see you if you sit beside Isondil.'
Valia's eyes dialated and her heart began to race when she recognized a familiar gleam in the lady's silver eyes. This had happened many times before. Lady Celebrian had made numerous attempts to match Valia with a suitable husband in the past. Valia had begun to notice the physical signs the lady displayed when she thought she had found another potential spouse for her.
Thinking it was the least she could put up with in return for the steadfast love of Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrian, Valia had endured the matchmaking with good humor, but was always able to discreetly inform the chosen elf for her future life that she was not interested.
But this situation was different. Not him. Not Prince Legolas. Unfortunately, there was nothing Valia could do about the situation at the moment. She walked around the table numbly and gave Celebrian a wooden smile before taking a seat.
Celebrian smiled at her husband and gave him an affectionate kiss on the temple before sitting down on his left. The male elves then sat down and returned to eating. Mechanically, Valia began to go through the motions along with the others, but she could not taste the food, and it was with a great effort that she swallowed anything.
It took a large amount of liquid to keep her mouth moist enough to do such, so much so that when Valia reached for her goblet after only a few bites, she discovered that it was empty.
She made a move to stand up and refill her drink, but before she could even rise from her chair, Legolas anticipated her need and placed his hand on her glass. 'Allow me, my lady.' Giving her no time to protest, he deftly plucked the goblet from her hand and moved to a nearby table to pour her another glass of wine.
Valia stilled completely, a sudden change from her fidgety nature all throughout the meal. It drew the attention of all the other elves who sat around her and Valia's eyes slowly rose to meet those of Lady Celebrian's.
An amused smile and bright twinkle graced the fair face of the lady as she winked at Valia. 'Is something the matter, my dear?'
Clearing her throat, Valia shook her head. 'No, I am fine, thank you.'
Legolas returned and placed Valia's glass on the table before sitting down in his seat. Thinking it would draw more unwanted attention to herself if she said nothing, Valia quietly thanked the prince and then glanced at Elrond with pleading eyes.
'Valia, I assume you are wondering what need you have to meet the Prince and his friend,' Elrond said, to her absolute and utter relief. She mentally told herself to thank him when they were alone.
For now, she settled for a grateful smile and nodded her head. 'Yes, I have been wondering why you thought it necessary for me to meet them.'
Servants came into the room, taking everyone's plates and then exited. Settling back in his chair, Elrond explained. 'King Thranduil has been having a problem with agriculture in his realm. It seems that something is preventing the earth from growing food. He does not wish to import all the agricultural needs for his kingdom, as it is quite costly to do so. Do you understand?'
Valia nodded and Elrond continued. 'Thranduil knows of my library and has sent Prince Legolas and his friend here to do some research about the matter. I have willingly agreed to help in any way I can, and it seems that the best way for me to do that would be to introduce Legolas and Isondil to you.'
'How so, my lord?'
'You are acquainted with all the books that we have and I suspect that you have read a good number of them. If you are willing, I would like you to aid them in their research. They will be here for a month and I can send someone into the library to help you when you are with the Prince. He wishes to do a few hours of research each afternoon until he leaves.'
Silence fell in the room as all eyes once again turned to Valia. She was trapped and she knew it. No one would dare refuse when royalty asked for their help. Mustering a smile, Valia tried to look pleased about the prospect. 'Of course I am willing, Lord Elrond.'
'It is settled then,' Elrond said with a smile and clap of his hands.
Glancing at Celebrian, Valia saw the laughter threatening to overflow from the lady. Beaming at her husband, she reached for his hand and he took hers, gently enfolding it in his own. He brought her fingers up to his lips and placed a loving kiss on them.
'There is one more thing I wish to discuss with you before you leave Valia. The archery tournament is in two days time and I will close the library for the competition on both days. I know how much you enjoy watching the sport and could not in good conscious make you stay amongst all those books while everyone else is having fun.'
'Thank you.'
'You were planning on going, were you not?' Celebrian asked. 'It should hold special interest for you this year.'
'Why is that?'
'Legolas will be in it. He is a renowned archer. I doubt that you will find a better mastery of the skill in another elf.' There was that twinkle in her eyes again and Valia coughed before answering.
'I was already planning on attending, my lady. My brother told me this morning that he had enrolled and made me agree to attend, though he did not need to try very hard to convince me.'
'Good, then we shall see you there,' Celebrian said, rising from her seat. Everyone else stood and Elrond extended his arm to his wife who took it. The couple bid their guests good day and walked out of the room.
An awkward moment of silence hung in the air after they had left. 'I think I shall retire to my quarters,' Lord Isondil stated. 'I have several letters that need attending to before the day is done.' He walked around the table and took Valia's hand, placing a chaste kiss on it. 'It was a pleasure meeting you, Lady Valia. I look forward to spending more time in your company in the coming days ahead.'
Valia smiled and curtsied. 'As do I, my lord.'
'Please, call me Isondil. Everyone from home calls me that.'
'Very well, Isondil. I believe it is time I take my leave as well and return to the library.'
'May I escort you?' Isondil asked, chivalrously extending his arm to her with a grin.
Valia could not stop the laugh of delight that escaped her lips. She could tell that Isondil was a joy to be around and she knew they would quickly become good friends. 'Gladly,' she said, looping her arm through his.
'I will see you later, Legolas.' Isondil turned to the remaining elf and Valia curtsied to him in farewell.
With a bow, Legolas looked at Valia. 'My lady.' She made no response, allowing Isondil to guide her through one of the doors and safely away from the prince.
*Phew* That's done. Did you like it? Press the review button and let me know. I appreciate it!
Some thank yous are in order for those of you who reviewed and made me so happy. I had the urge to finish up this chapter after I got them.
An Introduction
Valia stepped into Elrond's library and breathed deeply. She loved the smell of his books and lovingly ran her hands over them as she passed by. For many years now, Valia had assisted Lord Elrond with his vast collection of lore. He had not given up his hobby when he came to the Undying Lands. In fact, he had even more books and manuscripts now than he did in Imladris.
When Valia still lived in Middle-earth, her father had asked Elrond if he was willing to take Valia on as an assistant in his personal library. She loved books and spent so much time amid Elrond's collection that he and her father had agreed that it would be a good thing for Valia to help the elven lord keep his vast assortment in order, giving him time to attend to other matters.
Valia had gone right to work and from then on she became the official librarian of Elrond's store of knowledge and lore. It did not stop when Valia's family followed Elrond over the sea either.
After Elrond was given control of one of the elven kingdoms of the Valinor and built his great palace, Valia had not shown up to help him for several weeks.
She was shocked when Elrond himself paid her a visit one day and asked where she had been. She had said that she thought he no longer needed her assistance, as many of his books and manuscripts had to be left behind in Middle-earth with the passing.
Elrond had assured her that enough of his collection had come over the sea with him that he still needed her help. 'And furthermore,' he had said, 'I have been given or purchased a large number of new books here in the Grey Havens. I do not have the time to organize them all and need your help. I built a huge room in my palace that I wish to turn into a library for all elves in my kingdom to use, but I need someone to take charge of the enormous task of shelving books and organizing everything. Would you be willing to do this?'
Valia had readily agreed, and every day from then on she could be found in Lord Elrond's library, dusting shelves, putting books back, or helping elves find the topic they wished to read about.
Her work was purely voluntary. She had never asked for any pay since she enjoyed the task and it provided her with a tangible purpose to get up every morning. However, Elrond always seemed to find a way to reward her for her hard work. He had given her a number of her favorite books to keep and often invited her to eat lunch with Lady Celebrian and himself.
Moving to a side room used by Elrond and Valia only, Valia found a new stack of books on the table waiting to be shelved. She quickly set to work and soon gathered up a few books in her arms to put on shelves.
Valia smiled at elves as she passed them in the main room and they greeted her by name. When all but the last book in her hand had found its new home, Valia ran into a problem. The book she held needed to be placed up high and she could not reach the shelf, though she stood on the tips of her toes.
Being too lazy to search out a stool, Valia began to hop up and down, trying to shove the book in place whenever she jumped. It was hardly ladylike conduct, but she did not care. Feeling a tap on her shoulder, Valia turned around to find herself face to face with Elrond.
'If you need help, simply ask for it Valia,' Elrond smiled at her and took the book from her hands. Being taller than Valia by several inches, Elrond was able to place the book in its proper place with ease.
A playful scowl appeared on Valia's face when Elrond turned back to her but his smile simply grew larger. 'I wish to introduce you to newly arrived guests of mine,' Elrond said, extending his arm to her. Valia placed her arm on his and let him lead her away.
Elrond and Valia walked towards a tall elf with blond hair. He stood facing one of the many rows of books, his back to Elrond and Valia. As they drew closer, Valia noticed the fine fabric and intricate embroidery of his clothing. Another elf with brown hair leaned on a table beside the first, but he faced the other way.
Seeing Elrond approach, the second elf stood and bowed. 'Lord Elrond,' he said. Then turning to Valia he bowed again. 'My lady.'
Valia curtsied to the elf and then looked up. His companion had closed the book he was reading with a snap and turned around. Valia's eyes grew wide when she saw who stood before her. It was none other than the rude elf who discovered her at the archery field that morning. She hoped he did not see the resemblance in her with different clothing on, but when he turned to her a wide smile of recognition spread across his face and she could see remembrance register in his green eyes.
'Valia,' Lord Elrond said to her, 'I would like you to meet Lord Isondil.' He pointed to the elf with brown hair, and then turned to the other. 'And Prince Legolas, son of King Thranduil.' Valia could feel her face go pale with horror and shock when Prince Legolas' title was announced, but she quickly masked her emotions.
Inwardly she began to rebuke herself, something she did quite often, when she noticed the silver circlet upon his head. However, she consoled herself because she did not remember seeing the identifying mark of royalty upon his head at the practice field that morning.
'My lord, Prince Legolas,' Valia said demurely, curtseying to each.
Elrond continued the introductions. 'Legolas, Isondil, may I present to you Lady Valia, daughter of Lord Ryland, one of my chief advisors. She has been the assistant in my library for centuries now. I do believe she knows more about the books on these shelves than I do,' Elrond said good-naturedly.
The two elves bowed to Valia and Legolas caught the elven maiden unawares when he took up her hand in his own. 'Lady Valia and I have met once already,' he said to Elrond, then sent a tentative smile to her as he bent over her hand and kissed it.
Quickly pulling her hand out of his, Valia clasped her hands in front of her and looked down at her dress, clearing her throat.
'Really?' Elrond was saying, a brow lifted in question. 'And you have only just arrived, Legolas. Do tell me where you have had the pleasure of meeting one another already.'
A fresh surge of horror swelled over Valia. Lord Elrond must not find out where she had been that morning. Before Legolas could answer Elrond's query, she spoke. 'I was walking through the forest early this morning, my lord. By chance, I lost something that belonged to me and was looking for it. Prince Legolas was good enough to come along and find it for me.'
'How fortunate for you then, Valia,' Elrond said.
'Indeed,' Valia answered simply with a bob of her head. She dared not look up at the prince, for she knew that if she did so she would loose her composure.
All four elves glanced up simultaneously when they heard the toll of a bell in the distance. 'I would like the three of you to join me for afternoon lunch,' Lord Elrond invited. 'I believe we can discuss the reason for the introductions to Lady Valia there, if she does not object.'
'Not at all, my lord,' Valia assured him, though silently she cringed at the thought of spending more time than necessary with the prince. 'But what of the library? It should not be left unattended.'
Elrond immediately turned to a passing servant and beckoned them to his side. With a quiet command, the servant scurried away on an errand.
'All has been taken care of, my lady,' Elrond said with a smile, offering his arm to her again. Valia smiled in return and looped her arm through his, allowing him to lead her and the other elves out of the library and down the hall.
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When everyone was seated comfortably and the meal was served Elrond looked at his companions. Prince Legolas sat to his right and Valia to his left. Lord Isondil sat contentedly next to the lady.
Elrond was puzzled by the behavior of the elves before him. Valia was toying with the food on her plate, barley eating anything, and looking up even less. She appeared uncomfortable, something rather rare for her, and kept shifting in her seat.
Prince Legolas had his eyes fixed upon the maiden as if by sheer willpower he could make her eyes meet his, though the lady was apparently avoiding such an event at all costs. He only looked away from her when he took a bite of food, but promptly turned his attention back to her again when the fork came to his mouth.
Lord Isondil had a strange grin upon his face and kept glancing from the prince to the lady.
To the relief of both Elrond and Valia, Lady Celebrian entered the large dining hall and made her way to the table. Valia thought the dazzling elven lady glowed with a soft light as she approached them. Elrond stood to greet his wife, taking her hand in his. She bestowed a loving smile and tender kiss on her husband, before turning to greet the others who had stood when she came to the table.
'Good day Prince Legolas, Lord Isondil. Valia, it is a pleasure to see you at our table this afternoon. How are you?'
'Very well, my lady. Thank you for your concern.' Celebrian had moved to the empty chair next to Legolas, and Elrond began to pull it out for her. Swiftly, Valia picked up her plate and goblet and moved from her chair to sit on the other side of Isondil.
'What are you doing, Valia?' Celebrian inquired, already thinking she knew the answer to her question.
'I fear I was in your seat, my lady, but I have rectified the situation and you may now sit in your proper place.'
Celebrian's soft laughter floated through the air and Valia looked into the lady's eyes in surprise. 'Will you ever stop being so formal with us Valia? You are almost our own child, you are here so much. Elrond and I love you like a daughter.'
A genuine smile was on Valia's face as Celebrian came around the table and pulled her into a hug. Valia had long ago become a favorite of Elrond and Celebrian. She thought it had something to do with the loss of their daughter Arwen.
She knew that she would never replace their daughter, but the couple found comfort in having an elf maiden around the same age as Arwen would have been in their house. Valia did not mind and gladly accepted the role, loving the idea of having two sets of parents, though she still treated the Lord and Lady with the utmost respect.
They had tried many times to convince the maiden to address them and act less formally in their presence. In the two and a half millennium she had been in the Blessed Realm, Valia had slowly learned to become more natural in their presence. Yet she always lapsed into her former formality when others were present.
'It is fine Lady Celebrian,' Valia said, returning her hug. 'I would feel more comfortable if I moved and let you have the seat of honor.'
Celebrian brushed her hand over Valia's cheek and smiled. 'Very well then, my dear, though you know you do not have to move for my sake.' Then she reached down and picked up Valia's plate and cup, moving to the other side of the table. 'Sit next to Legolas instead. I cannot see you if you sit beside Isondil.'
Valia's eyes dialated and her heart began to race when she recognized a familiar gleam in the lady's silver eyes. This had happened many times before. Lady Celebrian had made numerous attempts to match Valia with a suitable husband in the past. Valia had begun to notice the physical signs the lady displayed when she thought she had found another potential spouse for her.
Thinking it was the least she could put up with in return for the steadfast love of Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrian, Valia had endured the matchmaking with good humor, but was always able to discreetly inform the chosen elf for her future life that she was not interested.
But this situation was different. Not him. Not Prince Legolas. Unfortunately, there was nothing Valia could do about the situation at the moment. She walked around the table numbly and gave Celebrian a wooden smile before taking a seat.
Celebrian smiled at her husband and gave him an affectionate kiss on the temple before sitting down on his left. The male elves then sat down and returned to eating. Mechanically, Valia began to go through the motions along with the others, but she could not taste the food, and it was with a great effort that she swallowed anything.
It took a large amount of liquid to keep her mouth moist enough to do such, so much so that when Valia reached for her goblet after only a few bites, she discovered that it was empty.
She made a move to stand up and refill her drink, but before she could even rise from her chair, Legolas anticipated her need and placed his hand on her glass. 'Allow me, my lady.' Giving her no time to protest, he deftly plucked the goblet from her hand and moved to a nearby table to pour her another glass of wine.
Valia stilled completely, a sudden change from her fidgety nature all throughout the meal. It drew the attention of all the other elves who sat around her and Valia's eyes slowly rose to meet those of Lady Celebrian's.
An amused smile and bright twinkle graced the fair face of the lady as she winked at Valia. 'Is something the matter, my dear?'
Clearing her throat, Valia shook her head. 'No, I am fine, thank you.'
Legolas returned and placed Valia's glass on the table before sitting down in his seat. Thinking it would draw more unwanted attention to herself if she said nothing, Valia quietly thanked the prince and then glanced at Elrond with pleading eyes.
'Valia, I assume you are wondering what need you have to meet the Prince and his friend,' Elrond said, to her absolute and utter relief. She mentally told herself to thank him when they were alone.
For now, she settled for a grateful smile and nodded her head. 'Yes, I have been wondering why you thought it necessary for me to meet them.'
Servants came into the room, taking everyone's plates and then exited. Settling back in his chair, Elrond explained. 'King Thranduil has been having a problem with agriculture in his realm. It seems that something is preventing the earth from growing food. He does not wish to import all the agricultural needs for his kingdom, as it is quite costly to do so. Do you understand?'
Valia nodded and Elrond continued. 'Thranduil knows of my library and has sent Prince Legolas and his friend here to do some research about the matter. I have willingly agreed to help in any way I can, and it seems that the best way for me to do that would be to introduce Legolas and Isondil to you.'
'How so, my lord?'
'You are acquainted with all the books that we have and I suspect that you have read a good number of them. If you are willing, I would like you to aid them in their research. They will be here for a month and I can send someone into the library to help you when you are with the Prince. He wishes to do a few hours of research each afternoon until he leaves.'
Silence fell in the room as all eyes once again turned to Valia. She was trapped and she knew it. No one would dare refuse when royalty asked for their help. Mustering a smile, Valia tried to look pleased about the prospect. 'Of course I am willing, Lord Elrond.'
'It is settled then,' Elrond said with a smile and clap of his hands.
Glancing at Celebrian, Valia saw the laughter threatening to overflow from the lady. Beaming at her husband, she reached for his hand and he took hers, gently enfolding it in his own. He brought her fingers up to his lips and placed a loving kiss on them.
'There is one more thing I wish to discuss with you before you leave Valia. The archery tournament is in two days time and I will close the library for the competition on both days. I know how much you enjoy watching the sport and could not in good conscious make you stay amongst all those books while everyone else is having fun.'
'Thank you.'
'You were planning on going, were you not?' Celebrian asked. 'It should hold special interest for you this year.'
'Why is that?'
'Legolas will be in it. He is a renowned archer. I doubt that you will find a better mastery of the skill in another elf.' There was that twinkle in her eyes again and Valia coughed before answering.
'I was already planning on attending, my lady. My brother told me this morning that he had enrolled and made me agree to attend, though he did not need to try very hard to convince me.'
'Good, then we shall see you there,' Celebrian said, rising from her seat. Everyone else stood and Elrond extended his arm to his wife who took it. The couple bid their guests good day and walked out of the room.
An awkward moment of silence hung in the air after they had left. 'I think I shall retire to my quarters,' Lord Isondil stated. 'I have several letters that need attending to before the day is done.' He walked around the table and took Valia's hand, placing a chaste kiss on it. 'It was a pleasure meeting you, Lady Valia. I look forward to spending more time in your company in the coming days ahead.'
Valia smiled and curtsied. 'As do I, my lord.'
'Please, call me Isondil. Everyone from home calls me that.'
'Very well, Isondil. I believe it is time I take my leave as well and return to the library.'
'May I escort you?' Isondil asked, chivalrously extending his arm to her with a grin.
Valia could not stop the laugh of delight that escaped her lips. She could tell that Isondil was a joy to be around and she knew they would quickly become good friends. 'Gladly,' she said, looping her arm through his.
'I will see you later, Legolas.' Isondil turned to the remaining elf and Valia curtsied to him in farewell.
With a bow, Legolas looked at Valia. 'My lady.' She made no response, allowing Isondil to guide her through one of the doors and safely away from the prince.
*Phew* That's done. Did you like it? Press the review button and let me know. I appreciate it!