Disclaimer-Refer to Chapter One
I want to thank each and every one of you as a group who have reviewed my story. It gives me incentive to write the next chapter when I know people are actually reading and liking it. Thanks!
The Lady of the Stars
The arrow that came from Legolas' bow had hit the target dead center. Valia could not help but marvel at the Prince's skill, despite her dislike of his character. A deafening cheer broke from the crowd like a mighty wave, and applause followed Legolas as he walked away from the field and towards Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrian.
Once in front of the platform, Legolas inclined his head to Celebrian and looked at Elrond, who stood up and reached for a pole that was propped up next to his chair. Descending the stairs, the elven lord stopped on the last step and addressed Legolas.
'You are the winner of the tournament today, and by your excellent skills, you have been given the right to choose any lady amidst the crowd that you wish to be the Lady of the Stars. Pick wisely, for she shall represent all that is fair and good in these lands.'
Legolas nodded his head, sending golden wisps of hair dancing in the sunlight. Wrapping his hand around the pole Elrond held out to him, Legolas turned around to be greeted by complete silence. All eyes were upon him, and though he was a prince and had held the attention of many more elves before, the quiet bothered him, making him self-conscious.
He scanned the crowd before him. Several of the maidens were uncommonly pretty, and he spotted Hadrielia. He had to admit that the maiden was gorgeous, but looks were not everything, and if he were to win tomorrow, he knew he could not bear to be in her company at the banquet all night long.
Several minutes passed in which the Prince looked over the crowd, finding none that pleased his eye. Stillness descended over everything, becoming as suffocating as a blanket.
'Prince Legolas, I do not mean to rush you along, but if we continue at this rate we will be here long after nightfall,' Lord Elrond said from behind him. Legolas turned around to face him and laughed, breaking the tension in the air.
'Forgive me, my lord. You have so many worthy maidens in your kingdom, I seem to be at a loss to choose just one. I will not keep you waiting much longer.' His eyes inspected those on the platform, realizing that others sat on either side of the Lord and Lady.
A bright yellow dress, the color of sunflowers, caught his attention. It was Lady Silia. Legolas smiled. If he could find no other, he would choose her, though he had a feeling it would upset Isondil to have his best friend bestow attention upon her.
Walking parallel to the platform with the pole in hand, Legolas hoped that his friend would understand. The Prince simply did not wish to choose a stranger out of the crowd. It might give the maiden ideas that he had an interest in her, and the Valar only knew he did not need to encourage that sort of attention. It was too readily bestowed on him as it was.
Lady Silia smiled at Legolas when he made eye contact with her, coming to stand before the she-elf. He was about to extend the pole out for the Lady to accept the necklace dangling from the end, when Silia looked to her left without moving her head. She repeated the gesture several times and then raised her eyebrows at Legolas as if to subtly tell him something.
Confused, Legolas glanced at the elf sitting next to Silia. It was Lady Valia.
He had not noticed the maiden with her muted color dress, sitting next to the bright yellow of Silia's. At first, relief swept over Legolas when he looked at her. Here was the she-elf he would choose. They had met on several occasions now and she had not thrown herself at him like others had.
Then another thought hit him. He had offended her. She was mad. No, not just mad, seething at him for his comments. He had not meant his words to be taken the way she had interpreted them, though. He had merely been surprised to find her at the practice field the first day they had met and had not thought about what he said. On reflection, he realized that he must have seemed an egotistical prince to her, snobbish and not caring if he offended a lowly she-elf.
Perhaps she might consider forgiving him if he chose her. If he would be honest with himself, he had to admit that he had been looking for her the second he turned around with the pole in his hands, but he was disappointed not to find her in the crowd. Now finding her, he felt strangely uncertain.
Valia was not even paying attention to what was happening. She was looking down at her nails and playing with them, not being interested in who the Lady of the Stars would be.
Legolas made up his mind and gratefully bowed his head to Silia. She inclined her head almost imperceptibly and smiled at him as he took a step to the right.
Valia noticed something glimmering just to her left and slowly looked up. A silver star on a fine chain hung between her sister and her. Her eyes traveled down the pole, inching along the smooth wood till they came in contact with the emerald green ones of Prince Legolas.
Dread, absolute and utter dread fell upon her. She sent a prayer to the Valar. Let it be my sister he wishes to choose. Let her be the Lady of the Stars.
As if her prayers had been heard and answered, Earuviel reached out to take the necklace from the pole. Valia, who had not noticed till then that she was not breathing, took a giant gulp of air and felt herself immediately relax.
Legolas had meant to pick Earuviel. What had she been thinking? As if Prince Legolas would have chosen Lady Valia, plain and simple Valia, when he could have selected any other maiden. The thought now seemed absurd.
Shifting her position, Valia watched Earuviel lean forward, her hand almost around the chain to take it from the pole.
'My lady,' came Prince Legolas' apologetic voice. 'I am truly sorry, but I did not intend to give the necklace to you.'
Earuviel, whose hand was now wrapped around the necklace, looked at the Prince in astonishment. A bright red slowly began to tinge her cheeks, creeping up to the tips of her ears. Her mouth opened, and then was snapped shut.
Suddenly, she snatched her hand away from the chain. 'I am sorry,' she mumbled. 'I thought.' She did not finish her sentence; the words dying in her throat.
Valia was tense again. Her sister was more embarrassed then she had ever seen her before and she did not wish to add to her discomfort. Quickly glancing down into her lap, Valia observed her clasped hands resting there.
Moments crept by and no one made a move to do anything.
'Lady Valia?' asked Prince Legolas slowly and only loud enough for those close to hear.
Against her will her eyes raised to meet his. She was trapped and her mind raced to see a way of escape. What could she do? Ignore him? That was out of the question. Refuse the honor? Yes, that was what she would do.
Thinking she had not heard him the first time, although she had looked at him after he had called her name, Legolas spoke louder, for all to hear. 'I choose Lady Valia, daughter of Lord Ryland, as the Lady of the Stars.'
Valia could hear the whispers all around her and the crowd rapidly came alive with the fluttering of movement, but she herself made no move to take the proffered necklace.
A hard nudge connected with Valia's side and she winced. Silia had elbowed her and Valia glared at her. Unfazed, Silia glared back at her friend.
In a whisper only Valia could hear, her friend spoke. 'Take the necklace Valia. We made a deal. I am holding you to your promise. Do not dare think of going back on your word.'
Looking at the necklace, Valia took a deep breath to calm her pounding heart. She saw her hand reach out to grasp the chain, but did not remember initiating the action. She felt as if she were someone else, a mere bystander observing her own actions.
The necklace was in her hands and she could hear the roar of the crowd in the distance. Before she knew what had happened, Legolas stood before her, hand outstretched for her to place her own slender hand into.
When her hand made contact with his, she was jolted back to reality.
'Are you alright, Lady Valia?' asked Legolas while escorting her to Lord Elrond.
'I am fine, thank you.'
Elrond offered his arm to his wife, who took it, and the two descended the stairs to meet Legolas and Valia. Celebrian gave Valia a motherly look and wink, and then took the necklace from her hands. Unfastening the clasp, she put the chain around Valia's neck, securing it and kissing her cheek before stepping back.
'The Lady of the Stars has been chosen,' Elrond declared to all the elves. 'Tomorrow will decide who shall escort Lady Valia at the banquet, and do not forget that tomorrow's winner will also receive a kiss from the Lady. Lady Celebrian and I wish to see you all there.'
Cheering erupted once more from the crowd and Elrond gestured for Valia and Legolas to follow his wife and him. They walked to the palace and up to Lord Elrond's study.
'I must say, you have made an excellent choice Legolas,' Elrond said from behind his desk.
Valia, who was still on Legolas' arm, tensed. The Prince felt it and thought carefully before responding.
'Thank you, Lord Elrond. However, I think my reasoning was a more selfish one than you think. I felt somewhat uneasy choosing a lady I did not know, and as Lady Valia and I have already been acquainted before, she seemed the logical choice.' Legolas hoped what he said would put Valia at ease, and when he felt her muscles relax a little, he smiled.
The elven prince had not known that the winner of tomorrow's tournament would also receive a kiss from the Lady of the Stars. He reminded himself to give Isondil a verbal thrashing the next time he saw him.
'You put her to shame, Legolas,' said Celebrian. 'Would you have her think the only reason you chose her was because she was the only one you had spoken with before? What of her beauty or the pleasure of her company? Do you mean to say you did not pick her for those reasons?'
Legolas winced inwardly. He had no idea how to respond to the Lady's comments. No matter what he said, he knew Valia would twist the meaning of his words and take offense, and he had not even had time to apologize and explain his words from their first meeting.
Valia saved him from thinking of a reply. 'I do not believe that is what he meant, Lady Celebrian, and I think you know that too. I take no offense to his words.' Turning her attention to Elrond, Valia continued to speak before Celebrian could reply. 'Is there something important you wished to see me about, Lord Elrond? If not, I must be on my way.'
'No Valia, nothing of importance that would convince you to stay a while longer.' Elrond came around the desk and enveloped Valia in a gentle hug. 'Goodbye, my dear. Please realize what an honor it is to be chosen as the Lady and enjoy yourself. You hardly ever receive the recognition you deserve.'
'I will, Elrond,' whispered Valia. She kissed his cheek and smiled at him.
Celebrian came to stand with the two and caressed Valia's cheek, placing her own kiss on Valia's forehead. 'You know we love you, dear. When we look at the lovely elf maiden you have become, it is with the pride of parents.'
Tears misted Valia's eyes. However had she been so lucky to receive the love of these two noble elves? Throwing her arms around both their necks, she hugged them close to her.
'I love you too,' was her reply, before she released them and slipped out the door.
Legolas had quietly observed the whole scene from a distance. When Valia left, the Lord and Lady turned to him. Celebrian had her arms wrapped around Elrond's waist, and he held her close to him with an arm draped over her shoulders.
'It seems the Lady has acquired two sets of parents,' said Legolas somberly.
'She is very dear to our hearts,' Celebrian replied, nestling her head into Elrond's chest. 'We want only the best for her.'
'Be gentle with her Legolas,' Elrond said in turn.
'Pardon, my lord?' Legolas was not quite sure he had heard the elf lord correctly.
'Be gentle with her. She has hardened her heart for many years now to the attentions of any elf and it has become like ice. If you are demanding and force yourself upon her, she will break. But be patient with her, and the frost that binds her heart will melt and spring will follow, welcoming you in as well.'
Understanding dawned on Legolas. 'Thank you for your advice, my lord, but it is not my intention to win a special place in Lady Valia's heart. If you will excuse me? I wish to find out where Isondil has wandered off to.'
Elrond nodded his head and Celebrian and he watched the elven prince exit the room.
'He does not see what lies in his own heart yet, beloved,' said Celebrian.
'Give him time, melamin, give them both time. They cannot deny what is in their hearts for forever, whether it is only friendship or something more that lies hidden deep within.'
'I just hope they realize it before it is too late.'
'As do I.' Elrond placed a kiss on the top of Celebrian's head and pulled her tighter to him.
You know the drill. Make me happy by pushing that review button down there and a thank you will in your inbox if you leave your email address. (that's not meant to be bribery, although it sure does sound like it, it's all voluntary)
Please Review!
I want to thank each and every one of you as a group who have reviewed my story. It gives me incentive to write the next chapter when I know people are actually reading and liking it. Thanks!
The Lady of the Stars
The arrow that came from Legolas' bow had hit the target dead center. Valia could not help but marvel at the Prince's skill, despite her dislike of his character. A deafening cheer broke from the crowd like a mighty wave, and applause followed Legolas as he walked away from the field and towards Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrian.
Once in front of the platform, Legolas inclined his head to Celebrian and looked at Elrond, who stood up and reached for a pole that was propped up next to his chair. Descending the stairs, the elven lord stopped on the last step and addressed Legolas.
'You are the winner of the tournament today, and by your excellent skills, you have been given the right to choose any lady amidst the crowd that you wish to be the Lady of the Stars. Pick wisely, for she shall represent all that is fair and good in these lands.'
Legolas nodded his head, sending golden wisps of hair dancing in the sunlight. Wrapping his hand around the pole Elrond held out to him, Legolas turned around to be greeted by complete silence. All eyes were upon him, and though he was a prince and had held the attention of many more elves before, the quiet bothered him, making him self-conscious.
He scanned the crowd before him. Several of the maidens were uncommonly pretty, and he spotted Hadrielia. He had to admit that the maiden was gorgeous, but looks were not everything, and if he were to win tomorrow, he knew he could not bear to be in her company at the banquet all night long.
Several minutes passed in which the Prince looked over the crowd, finding none that pleased his eye. Stillness descended over everything, becoming as suffocating as a blanket.
'Prince Legolas, I do not mean to rush you along, but if we continue at this rate we will be here long after nightfall,' Lord Elrond said from behind him. Legolas turned around to face him and laughed, breaking the tension in the air.
'Forgive me, my lord. You have so many worthy maidens in your kingdom, I seem to be at a loss to choose just one. I will not keep you waiting much longer.' His eyes inspected those on the platform, realizing that others sat on either side of the Lord and Lady.
A bright yellow dress, the color of sunflowers, caught his attention. It was Lady Silia. Legolas smiled. If he could find no other, he would choose her, though he had a feeling it would upset Isondil to have his best friend bestow attention upon her.
Walking parallel to the platform with the pole in hand, Legolas hoped that his friend would understand. The Prince simply did not wish to choose a stranger out of the crowd. It might give the maiden ideas that he had an interest in her, and the Valar only knew he did not need to encourage that sort of attention. It was too readily bestowed on him as it was.
Lady Silia smiled at Legolas when he made eye contact with her, coming to stand before the she-elf. He was about to extend the pole out for the Lady to accept the necklace dangling from the end, when Silia looked to her left without moving her head. She repeated the gesture several times and then raised her eyebrows at Legolas as if to subtly tell him something.
Confused, Legolas glanced at the elf sitting next to Silia. It was Lady Valia.
He had not noticed the maiden with her muted color dress, sitting next to the bright yellow of Silia's. At first, relief swept over Legolas when he looked at her. Here was the she-elf he would choose. They had met on several occasions now and she had not thrown herself at him like others had.
Then another thought hit him. He had offended her. She was mad. No, not just mad, seething at him for his comments. He had not meant his words to be taken the way she had interpreted them, though. He had merely been surprised to find her at the practice field the first day they had met and had not thought about what he said. On reflection, he realized that he must have seemed an egotistical prince to her, snobbish and not caring if he offended a lowly she-elf.
Perhaps she might consider forgiving him if he chose her. If he would be honest with himself, he had to admit that he had been looking for her the second he turned around with the pole in his hands, but he was disappointed not to find her in the crowd. Now finding her, he felt strangely uncertain.
Valia was not even paying attention to what was happening. She was looking down at her nails and playing with them, not being interested in who the Lady of the Stars would be.
Legolas made up his mind and gratefully bowed his head to Silia. She inclined her head almost imperceptibly and smiled at him as he took a step to the right.
Valia noticed something glimmering just to her left and slowly looked up. A silver star on a fine chain hung between her sister and her. Her eyes traveled down the pole, inching along the smooth wood till they came in contact with the emerald green ones of Prince Legolas.
Dread, absolute and utter dread fell upon her. She sent a prayer to the Valar. Let it be my sister he wishes to choose. Let her be the Lady of the Stars.
As if her prayers had been heard and answered, Earuviel reached out to take the necklace from the pole. Valia, who had not noticed till then that she was not breathing, took a giant gulp of air and felt herself immediately relax.
Legolas had meant to pick Earuviel. What had she been thinking? As if Prince Legolas would have chosen Lady Valia, plain and simple Valia, when he could have selected any other maiden. The thought now seemed absurd.
Shifting her position, Valia watched Earuviel lean forward, her hand almost around the chain to take it from the pole.
'My lady,' came Prince Legolas' apologetic voice. 'I am truly sorry, but I did not intend to give the necklace to you.'
Earuviel, whose hand was now wrapped around the necklace, looked at the Prince in astonishment. A bright red slowly began to tinge her cheeks, creeping up to the tips of her ears. Her mouth opened, and then was snapped shut.
Suddenly, she snatched her hand away from the chain. 'I am sorry,' she mumbled. 'I thought.' She did not finish her sentence; the words dying in her throat.
Valia was tense again. Her sister was more embarrassed then she had ever seen her before and she did not wish to add to her discomfort. Quickly glancing down into her lap, Valia observed her clasped hands resting there.
Moments crept by and no one made a move to do anything.
'Lady Valia?' asked Prince Legolas slowly and only loud enough for those close to hear.
Against her will her eyes raised to meet his. She was trapped and her mind raced to see a way of escape. What could she do? Ignore him? That was out of the question. Refuse the honor? Yes, that was what she would do.
Thinking she had not heard him the first time, although she had looked at him after he had called her name, Legolas spoke louder, for all to hear. 'I choose Lady Valia, daughter of Lord Ryland, as the Lady of the Stars.'
Valia could hear the whispers all around her and the crowd rapidly came alive with the fluttering of movement, but she herself made no move to take the proffered necklace.
A hard nudge connected with Valia's side and she winced. Silia had elbowed her and Valia glared at her. Unfazed, Silia glared back at her friend.
In a whisper only Valia could hear, her friend spoke. 'Take the necklace Valia. We made a deal. I am holding you to your promise. Do not dare think of going back on your word.'
Looking at the necklace, Valia took a deep breath to calm her pounding heart. She saw her hand reach out to grasp the chain, but did not remember initiating the action. She felt as if she were someone else, a mere bystander observing her own actions.
The necklace was in her hands and she could hear the roar of the crowd in the distance. Before she knew what had happened, Legolas stood before her, hand outstretched for her to place her own slender hand into.
When her hand made contact with his, she was jolted back to reality.
'Are you alright, Lady Valia?' asked Legolas while escorting her to Lord Elrond.
'I am fine, thank you.'
Elrond offered his arm to his wife, who took it, and the two descended the stairs to meet Legolas and Valia. Celebrian gave Valia a motherly look and wink, and then took the necklace from her hands. Unfastening the clasp, she put the chain around Valia's neck, securing it and kissing her cheek before stepping back.
'The Lady of the Stars has been chosen,' Elrond declared to all the elves. 'Tomorrow will decide who shall escort Lady Valia at the banquet, and do not forget that tomorrow's winner will also receive a kiss from the Lady. Lady Celebrian and I wish to see you all there.'
Cheering erupted once more from the crowd and Elrond gestured for Valia and Legolas to follow his wife and him. They walked to the palace and up to Lord Elrond's study.
'I must say, you have made an excellent choice Legolas,' Elrond said from behind his desk.
Valia, who was still on Legolas' arm, tensed. The Prince felt it and thought carefully before responding.
'Thank you, Lord Elrond. However, I think my reasoning was a more selfish one than you think. I felt somewhat uneasy choosing a lady I did not know, and as Lady Valia and I have already been acquainted before, she seemed the logical choice.' Legolas hoped what he said would put Valia at ease, and when he felt her muscles relax a little, he smiled.
The elven prince had not known that the winner of tomorrow's tournament would also receive a kiss from the Lady of the Stars. He reminded himself to give Isondil a verbal thrashing the next time he saw him.
'You put her to shame, Legolas,' said Celebrian. 'Would you have her think the only reason you chose her was because she was the only one you had spoken with before? What of her beauty or the pleasure of her company? Do you mean to say you did not pick her for those reasons?'
Legolas winced inwardly. He had no idea how to respond to the Lady's comments. No matter what he said, he knew Valia would twist the meaning of his words and take offense, and he had not even had time to apologize and explain his words from their first meeting.
Valia saved him from thinking of a reply. 'I do not believe that is what he meant, Lady Celebrian, and I think you know that too. I take no offense to his words.' Turning her attention to Elrond, Valia continued to speak before Celebrian could reply. 'Is there something important you wished to see me about, Lord Elrond? If not, I must be on my way.'
'No Valia, nothing of importance that would convince you to stay a while longer.' Elrond came around the desk and enveloped Valia in a gentle hug. 'Goodbye, my dear. Please realize what an honor it is to be chosen as the Lady and enjoy yourself. You hardly ever receive the recognition you deserve.'
'I will, Elrond,' whispered Valia. She kissed his cheek and smiled at him.
Celebrian came to stand with the two and caressed Valia's cheek, placing her own kiss on Valia's forehead. 'You know we love you, dear. When we look at the lovely elf maiden you have become, it is with the pride of parents.'
Tears misted Valia's eyes. However had she been so lucky to receive the love of these two noble elves? Throwing her arms around both their necks, she hugged them close to her.
'I love you too,' was her reply, before she released them and slipped out the door.
Legolas had quietly observed the whole scene from a distance. When Valia left, the Lord and Lady turned to him. Celebrian had her arms wrapped around Elrond's waist, and he held her close to him with an arm draped over her shoulders.
'It seems the Lady has acquired two sets of parents,' said Legolas somberly.
'She is very dear to our hearts,' Celebrian replied, nestling her head into Elrond's chest. 'We want only the best for her.'
'Be gentle with her Legolas,' Elrond said in turn.
'Pardon, my lord?' Legolas was not quite sure he had heard the elf lord correctly.
'Be gentle with her. She has hardened her heart for many years now to the attentions of any elf and it has become like ice. If you are demanding and force yourself upon her, she will break. But be patient with her, and the frost that binds her heart will melt and spring will follow, welcoming you in as well.'
Understanding dawned on Legolas. 'Thank you for your advice, my lord, but it is not my intention to win a special place in Lady Valia's heart. If you will excuse me? I wish to find out where Isondil has wandered off to.'
Elrond nodded his head and Celebrian and he watched the elven prince exit the room.
'He does not see what lies in his own heart yet, beloved,' said Celebrian.
'Give him time, melamin, give them both time. They cannot deny what is in their hearts for forever, whether it is only friendship or something more that lies hidden deep within.'
'I just hope they realize it before it is too late.'
'As do I.' Elrond placed a kiss on the top of Celebrian's head and pulled her tighter to him.
You know the drill. Make me happy by pushing that review button down there and a thank you will in your inbox if you leave your email address. (that's not meant to be bribery, although it sure does sound like it, it's all voluntary)
Please Review!