Disclaimer- Refer to Chapter One
I want to say a big thank you to all who have reviewed my story so far. Thanks so much guys for all your support!
A/N-This is a very, very short chapter. I couldn't put it with the next chapter, which I promise to all those of you who have persistently asked, will be the banquet. Enjoy it all the same, it ends the cliffhanger from the previous chapter.
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A Tradeoff and Kiss
Isondil turned to Lord Elrond and spoke. 'I highly doubt that this has ever been done before, my lord, but I have a request to make.'
Lord Elrond's brow rose in question. 'Speak on, Lord Isondil. I shall listen to your request.'
Glancing down at Valia, Isondil gave the bewildered maiden a reassuring squeeze of the hand. 'While the charms of Lady Valia are indeed vast, I wish to let another elf have the honor of a kiss from the Lady of the Stars and her hand at the banquet.'
Murmurs flew through the crowd and there was a stirring of excitement. Everyone was shocked by the unexpected request.
'You wish to let someone else kiss the Lady? Indeed, such a thing has never been done before,' replied Elrond with his regal tone, well known by all the elves in his realm.
'I know it is strange my lord and in no way do I mean to offend the Lady of the Stars. She is quite enchanting, but I do not feel that I have earned the honor of her attentions.'
'But you are the champion of the tournament, Lord Isondil. By right, you have won the Lady's for the day.'
'Then I may pass the honor to another if I wish, may I not? If I have your favor in the matter, that is.'
A silent message passed between Elrond and Celebrian before the elven lord turned to address Isondil. 'This is a strange request, Lord Isondil, but if that is truly your wish, you have won the honor of choosing thus. Who would you give the Lady of the Stars to?'
Valia could not help but feel like a piece of property, being passed around from one elf to the next, without anyone asking her opinion. Did she not have any say in the matter? After all, she did happen to play a large role in the question at hand.
'I wish to give the honor of the kiss and escort to Prince Legolas, my lord. I am certain he would have won the tournament today if it were not for his valiant rescue of the elfling. He proved himself the true winner last night, through his bravery and swift thinking. Therefore, I feel that it is he that has earned the honor of the Lady's hand, and not I.'
No, not Prince Legolas! Valia could live with the choice of almost anyone but him. The thought of Lord Garand, arrogant and rude Lord Garand, kissing her was more pleasing to her than having Legolas even lay a finger on her.
Her mental protest continued unheeded as Lord Elrond turned to Legolas slowly; his brow raised in his character question. 'Do you accept the honor Lord Isondil offers you Prince Legolas?'
The Prince looked back utterly confused before glancing at Isondil and darting his gaze to Valia's. She did not appear happy about the situation in the least and Legolas could not help but feel the same. He sent a subtle glare in Isondil's direction, who knew without a doubt that he would be receiving a verbal beating from the Prince when the day was over. But always being the gentleman, Legolas stood and bowed to Lord Elrond, plastering a fake smile on his face and revealing nothing of his inward emotions.
'Who would be foolish enough to refuse a kiss and evening with such a striking maiden as the Lady of the Stars? I am honored to accept Lord Isondil's offer.'
The sun shone down on Valia, heating her skin. But she knew it was not from the warm rays that she felt so hot right now. Her eyes shut tight when she heard the Prince's acceptance. She did not think she would be able to bear the humiliation of giving Legolas a kiss.
But bear it she must and Isondil, with a smile upon his fair face, looped Valia's arm through his own and led her up the stairs to meet Prince Legolas halfway. Winking at the maiden, he placed her hand in the Prince's and quickly walked away from the two to sit safely beside Lady Silia.
Lord Elrond's regal tone once more floated out over the crowd. 'So it shall be. Prince Legolas, you may now claim a kiss from the Lady of the Stars.'
A hush settled on all who watched. Even the birds stilled in their trees and appeared to watch with eager interest the events about to proceed. Time stopped and for Legolas and Valia everything moved forward painfully slow.
Legolas honestly did not want to force the maiden to do something she did not desire to, though a part of him thought it would be sweet retribution for her stubborn anger against him. Leaning close to her, Legolas whispered softly in her ear so that none other could hear.
'I will not make you do that which you detest, Valia. I respect you too much for that. Tell Lord Elrond that you do not wish to kiss me and you shall be released from your obligation.' His warm breath tickled Valia's neck, causing her to become intensely aware of his nearness.
With that awareness, there came a clear thought, standing out amidst the turmoil of her mind. He meant to belittle her. By telling Elrond that she declined to kiss Legolas, she would be admitting that kissing him meant something to her. The thought disturbed her somewhat, for there seemed to be a hint of truth to it.
'Valia, what is your decision?' whispered Legolas urgently. They did not have very much time before the spectators would begin to grow restless.
His words made her snap to the present, her muscles tensing. She would not let him trample her pride, the last shreds of her dignity. Little by little she tilted her head up and looked into Legolas' green eyes, a challenge plainly written in the midnight blue depths of her own eyes.
Silky fabric came into contact with her hand as she braced her palm against Legolas' chest to steady herself. Valia felt his heart rate increase as she rose on her toes and pressed her lips against his.
The applause from the crowd was deafening, but Legolas took no heed to it. Instinctively his hand reached up to cradle the back of Valia's neck, keeping her closer to him; enjoying the fleeting feel of her lips against his.
The kiss lasted for but a moment and when Legolas pulled away he was perplexed by the expression on Valia's face. The look of fear passed over her features, briefly causing her fair skin to pale.
And then it was gone as quickly as it came, replaced by her usual emotionless expression. It had all happened so quickly that Legolas thought he had imagined it, but when he looked at her eyes he could still read the fright lingering there.
He wondered what he had done to make her so afraid. It could not be the things he had said to her in the past, for though she had taken them as an insult, they were nothing to be scared about. Why had his kiss scared her so? 'Are you alright, Valia?' he asked quietly.
She nodded her head, avoiding his gaze. Luckily, Elrond took a step forward and gracefully raised a hand to silence the crowd. When all had quieted, he turned to Legolas and Valia, who still stood near one another. Valia could see the amusement dancing in his eyes and it made her flush for some reason.
'The Prince has received a kiss from the Lady of the Stars and tonight he shall escort her at the banquet.' Raising his eyes he looked out over the crowd assembled on the lawn. 'You are all invited to attend tonight. We shall have a night of merrymaking and joy. I hope to see you all there!'
A final cheer burst from the crowd before the hum of activity filled the air as elves mingled with one another, talking of the afternoon events and the banquet to come. Soon everyone began to leave in preparation for the coming evening and Lady Celebrian came to lead Valia back to the palace to prepare for the nights festivities.
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Did you like it? Don't be shy, leave a review. If you put your email on the review I can also send you a thank you : ) Please review!
I want to say a big thank you to all who have reviewed my story so far. Thanks so much guys for all your support!
A/N-This is a very, very short chapter. I couldn't put it with the next chapter, which I promise to all those of you who have persistently asked, will be the banquet. Enjoy it all the same, it ends the cliffhanger from the previous chapter.
*********************************************************
A Tradeoff and Kiss
Isondil turned to Lord Elrond and spoke. 'I highly doubt that this has ever been done before, my lord, but I have a request to make.'
Lord Elrond's brow rose in question. 'Speak on, Lord Isondil. I shall listen to your request.'
Glancing down at Valia, Isondil gave the bewildered maiden a reassuring squeeze of the hand. 'While the charms of Lady Valia are indeed vast, I wish to let another elf have the honor of a kiss from the Lady of the Stars and her hand at the banquet.'
Murmurs flew through the crowd and there was a stirring of excitement. Everyone was shocked by the unexpected request.
'You wish to let someone else kiss the Lady? Indeed, such a thing has never been done before,' replied Elrond with his regal tone, well known by all the elves in his realm.
'I know it is strange my lord and in no way do I mean to offend the Lady of the Stars. She is quite enchanting, but I do not feel that I have earned the honor of her attentions.'
'But you are the champion of the tournament, Lord Isondil. By right, you have won the Lady's for the day.'
'Then I may pass the honor to another if I wish, may I not? If I have your favor in the matter, that is.'
A silent message passed between Elrond and Celebrian before the elven lord turned to address Isondil. 'This is a strange request, Lord Isondil, but if that is truly your wish, you have won the honor of choosing thus. Who would you give the Lady of the Stars to?'
Valia could not help but feel like a piece of property, being passed around from one elf to the next, without anyone asking her opinion. Did she not have any say in the matter? After all, she did happen to play a large role in the question at hand.
'I wish to give the honor of the kiss and escort to Prince Legolas, my lord. I am certain he would have won the tournament today if it were not for his valiant rescue of the elfling. He proved himself the true winner last night, through his bravery and swift thinking. Therefore, I feel that it is he that has earned the honor of the Lady's hand, and not I.'
No, not Prince Legolas! Valia could live with the choice of almost anyone but him. The thought of Lord Garand, arrogant and rude Lord Garand, kissing her was more pleasing to her than having Legolas even lay a finger on her.
Her mental protest continued unheeded as Lord Elrond turned to Legolas slowly; his brow raised in his character question. 'Do you accept the honor Lord Isondil offers you Prince Legolas?'
The Prince looked back utterly confused before glancing at Isondil and darting his gaze to Valia's. She did not appear happy about the situation in the least and Legolas could not help but feel the same. He sent a subtle glare in Isondil's direction, who knew without a doubt that he would be receiving a verbal beating from the Prince when the day was over. But always being the gentleman, Legolas stood and bowed to Lord Elrond, plastering a fake smile on his face and revealing nothing of his inward emotions.
'Who would be foolish enough to refuse a kiss and evening with such a striking maiden as the Lady of the Stars? I am honored to accept Lord Isondil's offer.'
The sun shone down on Valia, heating her skin. But she knew it was not from the warm rays that she felt so hot right now. Her eyes shut tight when she heard the Prince's acceptance. She did not think she would be able to bear the humiliation of giving Legolas a kiss.
But bear it she must and Isondil, with a smile upon his fair face, looped Valia's arm through his own and led her up the stairs to meet Prince Legolas halfway. Winking at the maiden, he placed her hand in the Prince's and quickly walked away from the two to sit safely beside Lady Silia.
Lord Elrond's regal tone once more floated out over the crowd. 'So it shall be. Prince Legolas, you may now claim a kiss from the Lady of the Stars.'
A hush settled on all who watched. Even the birds stilled in their trees and appeared to watch with eager interest the events about to proceed. Time stopped and for Legolas and Valia everything moved forward painfully slow.
Legolas honestly did not want to force the maiden to do something she did not desire to, though a part of him thought it would be sweet retribution for her stubborn anger against him. Leaning close to her, Legolas whispered softly in her ear so that none other could hear.
'I will not make you do that which you detest, Valia. I respect you too much for that. Tell Lord Elrond that you do not wish to kiss me and you shall be released from your obligation.' His warm breath tickled Valia's neck, causing her to become intensely aware of his nearness.
With that awareness, there came a clear thought, standing out amidst the turmoil of her mind. He meant to belittle her. By telling Elrond that she declined to kiss Legolas, she would be admitting that kissing him meant something to her. The thought disturbed her somewhat, for there seemed to be a hint of truth to it.
'Valia, what is your decision?' whispered Legolas urgently. They did not have very much time before the spectators would begin to grow restless.
His words made her snap to the present, her muscles tensing. She would not let him trample her pride, the last shreds of her dignity. Little by little she tilted her head up and looked into Legolas' green eyes, a challenge plainly written in the midnight blue depths of her own eyes.
Silky fabric came into contact with her hand as she braced her palm against Legolas' chest to steady herself. Valia felt his heart rate increase as she rose on her toes and pressed her lips against his.
The applause from the crowd was deafening, but Legolas took no heed to it. Instinctively his hand reached up to cradle the back of Valia's neck, keeping her closer to him; enjoying the fleeting feel of her lips against his.
The kiss lasted for but a moment and when Legolas pulled away he was perplexed by the expression on Valia's face. The look of fear passed over her features, briefly causing her fair skin to pale.
And then it was gone as quickly as it came, replaced by her usual emotionless expression. It had all happened so quickly that Legolas thought he had imagined it, but when he looked at her eyes he could still read the fright lingering there.
He wondered what he had done to make her so afraid. It could not be the things he had said to her in the past, for though she had taken them as an insult, they were nothing to be scared about. Why had his kiss scared her so? 'Are you alright, Valia?' he asked quietly.
She nodded her head, avoiding his gaze. Luckily, Elrond took a step forward and gracefully raised a hand to silence the crowd. When all had quieted, he turned to Legolas and Valia, who still stood near one another. Valia could see the amusement dancing in his eyes and it made her flush for some reason.
'The Prince has received a kiss from the Lady of the Stars and tonight he shall escort her at the banquet.' Raising his eyes he looked out over the crowd assembled on the lawn. 'You are all invited to attend tonight. We shall have a night of merrymaking and joy. I hope to see you all there!'
A final cheer burst from the crowd before the hum of activity filled the air as elves mingled with one another, talking of the afternoon events and the banquet to come. Soon everyone began to leave in preparation for the coming evening and Lady Celebrian came to lead Valia back to the palace to prepare for the nights festivities.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Did you like it? Don't be shy, leave a review. If you put your email on the review I can also send you a thank you : ) Please review!