Disclaimer- Refer to Chapter One
Thank you to all you who review my story! I appreciate it so much. I reached the triple digits for reviews with the last chapter! Thank you, thank you, and thank you! Special thanks to SaraPezzini. I utilized one of the ideas she suggested for this chapter.
A/N- Sorry this took so long to post. I hadn't written it and was working on other chapters that are more fun to write. I beg your forgiveness! Don't hate me please. It is really long, so I hope you will pardon me on account of that.
WARNING!!!- The rating of this fic has officially gone up to PG-13. Some of the content below is of a suggestive nature. If you are not old enough, which I do not think any of my readers are, do not read this chapter.
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The Banquet
'Thank you for your assistance ladies. You may leave now.' Much to Valia's relief, numerous hands instantly stopped their fiddling with her and the elven maids curtsied to their lady before leaving. Valia was left sitting in an ornate chair, decked out in the finest clothing money could buy and feeling very unsettled.
'I did not think you could look any better than you did this afternoon, but you have proven me wrong Valia. You look beautiful. Legolas will be speechless.' Celebrian glided over to a table and opened up a delicately carved box, taking something out and wrapping her hand around it before closing the lid again.
'Good,' Valia said with a huff, crossing her arms. 'For all I care he can stay silent all night.'
'Come now,' Lady Celebrian admonished the maiden. 'You cannot honestly tell me that he is that disagreeable to you Valia. I saw you looking at him when he arrived at the tournament today. He is quite handsome, is he not?' Celebrian turned and slowly made her way over to Valia, sitting down on a low stool so she could observe the younger elf's face.
'It is a well known fact that the Prince is handsome,' said Valia sourly.
'True, and it is also known that many a maiden are smitten with love upon first glance of him. Tell me, you have had the opportunity to get to know him better than many others have ever dared to dream of, what do you think of him? He would make a wonderful husband, would he not?'
'I am sure if the right maiden came along, the Prince and she would be quite happy together.'
'You answer in generalities, Valia.'
'You ask in generalities,' retorted Valia stubbornly.
Celebrian sighed and shook her head, placing a hand on Valia's knee. 'You two would make a marvelous pair together Valia. Why do you insist on being so inflexible?'
'I cannot marry and you know it.'
'No, I do not.' Celebrian spoke with an air of authority in her voice that made Valia quaver to hear it. Softening when she saw her reaction, Celebrian sighed once more. 'How many times must others tell you that it was not your fault before you will heed our words?'
Silence permeated the room and Celebrian and Valia were distantly aware of the bustle going on beyond the closed door. 'If an elf truly loves you he will not hold such a thing against you,' Celebrian insisted vehemently. 'He will accept you for who you are and be content to have you at his side for all the ages to come.'
'That is what scares me,' whispered Valia, a single tear trailing down her cheek. 'And that is why I will not let emotions take control of me.' Her voice hardened and a steely look of determination crossed her features. 'I have made sure that no one in the past has fallen in love with me and I will continue to do so.'
Celebrian wrapped her arms around Valia and drew the maiden closer to her, stroking her silky hair gently. 'You may find that it is impossible for you to do, little one. Love will touch you sometime and when it does be ready for it. Do not throw it away or regard it lightly.'
Pulling away with a nod of her head, Valia turned to look out one of the rooms many windows. Guests were beginning to move about the palace lawns and she could see the happy glimmer of thousands of candles amidst the tress and shrubbery, casting a cheery glow into the gloom of the night.
'Come,' Celebrian said, standing up and helping Valia to rise from her chair. She guided the maiden over to a large mirror to look at herself. 'What do you think?'
'It is not me,' said Valia in shock. She had the same feeling then as she did the night before when she stood in front of a different mirror with her mother and father. If she had thought she looked like a normal elven maiden last night, she had been wrong, for now she looked ten times more like one. 'It is not me,' she said sadly, fingering a fold in her skirts. 'Why may I not wear what I normally do? Is the real me so terrible that you make me pretend to be another?'
'Not at all,' Celebrian said, standing behind her and holding her gaze in the reflection of the mirror. 'Valia, you are beautiful. Why do you hide yourself away beneath your plain clothes and simple styles? You were not always that way. There was once a time before I departed over the sea when I thought you could capture almost any elf you wished to. But then I left Middle-earth and when you finally heeded the call of the sea and came here with Elrond I hardly recognized you. You have let the past shadow your life for far too long. Stop pretending the maiden you have carefully crafted to shut love out is the real you.'
'I do not think I can,' murmured Valia, staring at herself critically with a tilted head. 'It has become me. The creation has become the creator. I am not what I once was and do not think I ever will be.'
'But love is a powerful force. It is gentle like a breeze, yet even the breeze can bend the mightiest of mountains to its will. Love may not be as far away from you as you think, Valia. When it comes to you, embrace it and you will find the strength to be your true self.' Celebrian watched as the maiden's face revealed the turmoil deep within her heart, a war against two people living side by side within her.
'I tire of these riddles and insinuations.'
'Then do not think on it any more tonight. I have something for you,' the Lady said changing the subject. She placed something around Valia's neck that glimmered in the candlelight.
'It is beautiful.' A necklace of the finest mithril hung round her neck, sparkling with a dazzling light whenever Valia took a breath. A star was fastened to the chain with a brilliant gem nestled in the center. 'But this is too great a gift, even more than the dresses you have given me for today. You cannot give this to me.'
Celebrian spoke as if she had not heard her protests. 'It is fashioned in the likeness of the Evenstar. It was to be a gift to my daughter when she came to the Valinor, but alas, it was not meant to be. I give it to you now. You have become a daughter to me and I cannot think of a better time for you to wear it than tonight.'
Before Valia could say anything, there came a firm nock on the door. Celebrian went to open it, revealing the figure of a tall elf. 'Prince Legolas, it is good to see you.' With a sweep of her hand, Celebrian invited him into the room. 'I should go find my husband. The banquet will be starting soon. Elrond will send someone to get you when it is time.'
'Thank you my lady,' said Legolas. He watched her leave the room before he dared to turn to Valia. A feeling of discomfiture settled between the two and their gazes lingered on the furniture of the room, only daring to take quick glimpses of the other.
Legolas was impressed with what he saw. He had always had an eye for beauty, but after seeing her a few times now, he never imagined Valia could look as lovely as she did now. She wore a dress of a deeper blue than the one from earlier that day. A sheer fabric of light silver embroidered with elvish runes that told the tale of Earendil, the elves most beloved star, was fitted over the blue fabric, giving the dress a unique sheen. Strands of her hair were twined into a handful of braids, interspersed amidst the rest of her hair that cascaded freely down her back.
'You look very nice Valia,' Legolas thought to say at last, but it sounded stupid to his ears once the words had been uttered.
'I thank you,' replied Valia before the room grew silent again. 'Would you sit down?' she asked, gesturing to a chair a safe distance from the one she took a seat in.
'Thank you, yes.' Legolas swiftly moved to the chair and sank down, relieved to be off his feet. Another silence permeated the air and neither made an attempt to break it, no matter how uncomfortable they were. Valia would rather endure the silence than be forced to speak to the Prince, and Legolas did not want to open his mouth and make a brainless comment that would offend the Lady even more than he already had over the past days.
Playing with the flowing sleeves of her gown, Valia observed the Prince while he looked out one of the large windows. He was not wearing his characteristic clothing, but was garbed in the style of Lord Elrond's people. His silk tunic was the identical match to the color of Valia's midnight blue dress and he wore a pair of finely made black leggings tucked into brown boots. A silver belt was clasped around his waist with the same star upon it that Valia wore around her neck. The only item he wore that gave away his cultural identification was the circlet placed upon his brow, shaped in the form of delicately curling vines and leaves.
Legolas became aware of Valia's studied eye on him and turned to peek at her but she quickly glanced down into her lap, sending the braids of her hair dancing with the sudden movement. It looked enchanting and Legolas could not help but smile to himself, despite his discomfort. If Valia did not hate him so much he thought that she would make a wonderful friend, being different than most of the maidens he had met, who were always flirting or dimwitted or a combination of the two. Valia was like a breath of fresh air, regardless of her stubbornness, or perhaps because of it.
All anger he harbored towards her at the tournament that day melted away and was replaced by something different. Legolas could label it no better than curiosity and tolerance. He loved a good challenge, always had since he was young. He vowed to himself that before the month was over and he returned to his father's kingdom he would be Valia's friend. Possibly it would be one of his greatest tests yet, but he felt certain he would have the satisfaction of seeing Valia open up to him.
Just when Valia thought she could bare the silence no longer a servant came into the room, clearing his throat to get their attention before bowing. 'Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrian summon you to their presence my lord and lady.'
Rising in a fluid motion, Legolas looked down at Valia and waited patiently until she met his bright eyes. 'Shall we, my lady?' he asked, extending his arm to her with a charming smile on his face. Valia stood and examined Legolas' arm as if it were a Mirkwood spider ready to strike her, and then she met Legolas' eyes for a brief moment before brushing past him to follow the servant down the hall.
Maybe winning her over would be more difficult than Legolas had first thought. He would not let that stop him though. The more challenge the better was his motto. Sprinting out of the room, Legolas caught up with Valia and not bothering to ask, captured her arm and looped it through his own, holding it in place when she tried to pull away.
Legolas tried a new tactic with her. 'You should feel honored that I wish to escort you my lady. Almost any other maiden would do anything for the pleasure of my company.'
'And yet despite your pride and their stupidity, for some reason the only emotions I can help but feel are anger and annoyance,' retorted Valia sweetly.
Legolas decided that approach would not work with her. He needed to find another way to make her let her guard down. She was going to be difficult but he would win in the end, and then he would make her admit she had been wrong about him. The thought made him smile. This was going to be a very interesting evening.
The servant led them outside the front doors of the palace and onto the rich lawn. Valia put on a smile that matched the radiant one of the Prince, but it did not reach to her eyes. The large crowd parted for their little entourage and Valia's keen ears heard all the whispers and murmurs that passed between the spectators as she walked by.
A magnificent dais was raised at the far end of the lawn underneath a series of open canopies. Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrian stood to welcome Legolas and Valia when the couple stopped in front of them and bowed.
'Prince Legolas, son of Kind Thranduil, please bring Lady Valia, daughter of Lord Ryland and Lady Narawen forward.' Elrond spoke in his commanding tone and Valia had a hard time suppressing the smile that threatened to break loose at the incredible formality.
Gently Legolas led Valia up the stairs to stand before Elrond and Celebrian. One of Celebrian's maids came forward with a circlet laid on a sea of crimson fabric. She extended it to Elrond, who took it up and placed it in the hands of his wife.
Valia knew what she was to do and releasing Legolas' arm, she curtsied low before her lord and lady with bowed head.
'It is with great joy that we place this crown on your head, Valia, to be a symbol of all that is fair and good in these lands.' Celebrian set the mithril circlet on Valia's head. 'Rise O fair one, the Lady of the Stars.'
Valia stood and Legolas took her arm again without question and turned her to face the assembly. Polite applause wafted into the night air. 'My people,' said Elrond, quieting the crowd with his voice. 'The Lady of the Stars has been crowned. Look on her, for she is the brightest jewel of our land this night. Tonight is a night for merriment and joy. Let the feast begin.'
The soft chatter of elvish broke out as everyone moved to the tables set up under the fabric canopies. A table was set higher than all the others and it was to this one that Lord Elrond, Lady Celebrian, Legolas, and Valia sat. The food was delicious. Elven pastries, rare fruits, and sweet wine made up the main part of the feast, but meat and cakes were also found in abundance.
This was a night when Valia could have enjoyed herself if only she were down with all the other elves, sitting beside her family and observing everyone else. Instead she found that tonight, she was the one being observed by many curious eyes and she did not like the sensation in the least.
The feasting went on all night, but soon after the first elves had finished eating, they wandered onto the lawn, amidst the tall tress and fragrant bushes. Many elves began to gather in a wide clearing not far off where storytelling and singing commenced to the great delight of all.
It was to this area that Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrian went when they had had their fill of food, signaling Legolas and Valia to follow. The air seemed to be overflowing with magic and Valia's mind began to wander into a fairytale playground of enchantment and delight. It was short lived however, when Legolas burst into her dreaming.
'Valia?' he asked, gesturing to a bench.
'You two cannot sit down, Legolas,' Celebrian interrupted him, moving towards him on Elrond's arm.
"Pardon me, my lady?'
'Everyone is waiting for the two of you to dance. No one can start until you have had the first one. You of all people should know that Valia,' she said with a pointed look.
Valia found herself glaring back at Celebrian, something she had done repeatedly over the last few days.
'You would not disappoint everyone would you?' Elrond asked. 'And deny them all the joy of dancing this fine evening?'
'No of course not,' stated Valia. Grabbing Legolas' arm she led him into the center of the clearing, her professional attitude taking over. 'Will someone please play something?' she asked, raising her voice for the multitude of frolicking elves to hear. Not waiting for a response she curtsied to Legolas and took a light hold of him, preparing herself for the music.
Legolas was a little surprised by her take control attitude, something she had never exhibited to him before, but his surprise was quickly replaced by a smirk on as he glanced over her shoulder at Elrond, his eyebrow raised in amusement. Elrond just gave a gracefully shrug of the shoulders before pulling his wife into his arms and planting a kiss on her lips.
'Will someone please play something? We cannot dance without music,' called out Valia with irritation. A number of elves immediately took up their harps and flutes and began to play a sweet melody.
'You seem to be in a bad mood tonight,' Legolas commented as he led Valia through the motions of the dance.
'And you are as full of all your delightful compliments as ever, your highness,' replied Valia sarcastically. 'I simply wish to get this dance over with and retire for the evening to a secluded corner where I can watch others.'
'But who will I dance with if you leave?' Legolas asked with a pout. Maybe it would make her feel guilty and she would change her mind about leaving. He had no such luck though.
'I am sure you can find plenty of elven ladies eager for a dance with the charming Prince. You will not even miss me.'
'So you think I am charming?'
Valia's jaw clenched instinctively. 'I am merely repeating the hearsay that has been flying about lately in regards to your person. I was not espousing my own beliefs.'
'So you have been gossiping about me then?' Legolas was trying to get the lady flustered and he could tell it was working when she let out a sharp breath, her face going a light shade of pink. He had just learned how to make her react to him, a discovery he could now utilize to his advantage.
'It is rather hard to avoid not speaking about you since I was unfortunate enough to be spotted with you on several occasions now. I can hardly walk through the streets without being assaulted by a pack of tittering maidens asking if I happen to know the Prince's whereabouts! And then they wish to know if he is really as handsome and pleasant as everyone says he is.'
'And what do you tell them? No, let me guess before you inform me. A condescending smile graces your fair lips and you say that he may be a Prince and he is indeed as handsome as everyone claims he is, but his manners are atrocious. And then you would say that if they asked for your advice, they should sooner have made friends with Sauron himself than waste their time with an arrogant prince such as me. Am I right?'
'Not in the least.'
'Really?'
'Yes.' Valia then clamped her lips shut, refusing to say more.
Legolas was thoroughly intrigued now. For some reason, he desperately wanted to find out what Valia thought of him, but he knew that if he pushed the issue any further, he would just be proving that he was an arrogant prince that wanted she-elves to compliment him to his face.
The music died away in a final melancholy note but Legolas continued to hold Valia in his arms. Light applause rose from the elves watching before many of them paired off and moved into the center as well to enjoy a night of dancing under the stars, something deemed to be quite romantic by the elves who were captivated with the celestial bodies.
A beautiful voice rose in song as the music played again and elven couples began to elegantly sway to the intoxicating music. Legolas returned his gaze to Valia who was looking at her surroundings with wide eyes, enthralled with the scene in front of her. Being distracted, Valia took no notice when Legolas drew her considerably closer and took up the dance, leading her into the swaying mass of couples.
When the song finally came to an end, Legolas found himself staring down at the she-elf in his arms, waiting for her to look up. An elf near the couple coughed, breaking the spell Valia was under. She turned her head and found that she was standing uncomfortably close to Legolas who was looking down at her with an unsettling expression. Valia stood confused for several moments, trying to figure out how she had ended up there.
The third song started and once again Legolas tried to pull Valia into the sea of dancers, but this time she noticed and stood completely still.
'Are you alright Valia?' Legolas asked, giving her a quizzical look.
'Perfectly well, my lord.' She walked past him and sat down on one of the elaborate benches set up along the rim of the clearing. Legolas came and sat beside her, content to just rest for a while.
'You dance very well Valia.' Legolas leaned a bit towards her, trying to engage the maiden in a conversation, but she only bobbed her head up and down once before fidgeting with the folds in her skirt. 'Are you tired?'
'No. Why?'
'You stopped dancing.'
'I distinctly remember saying to you that I only wanted to dance once and then go sit down, my lord. Somehow, you kept me out there for two dances and would have succeeded a third time if someone near me did not cough and bring me back to reality.' She was irritated at herself for loosing control.
'If you are not tired, will you not dance with me again?' Legolas scooted closer to Valia, looking down at her with a pitiful expression of hope. He knew he could get a rise out of her if he continued this train of conversation.
'No.'
'Why?'
'Respectfully, it is none of your business, my lord.'
'If you cannot give me a reasonable excuse then I shall order you to dance with me. I am a Prince after all. You would have no choice but to accept, unless you would rather be sent to the dungeon.'
'You would not dare!' Valia's blue eyes grew wide with shock and a pale fire crept up into her eyes as she turned indignant.
'I would indeed, my lady,' replied Legolas, leaning closer still.
Valia scooted back, but to her dismay found that there was no bench left to move down on. Instead she inclined her body away from the Prince and glared at him in defiance.
'Is that a challenge I see written in those captivating eyes of yours, my lady?'
Valia scowled and ripped her gaze away from him. He was getting far too bold for her.
'I will dance with you, my lord,' someone interrupted.
Legolas and Valia slowly turned to look up from where the feminine voice had come from. Hadrielia stood before the bench, a shimmering vision of everything lovely. If it were not for the predatory look in her eye as she scanned Prince Legolas, Valia would almost think the lady was deserving of all the high praises she received for her looks.
Neither Valia nor Legolas moved or replied to Hadrielia.
'My lord?' Hadrielia asked.
'Yes, forgive me my lady. I would gladly stand up with you, but I have already asked Valia if she would dance with me again.'
'That is alright, Prince Legolas. I believe I was just telling you that I wished to rest. I do not mind if you dance with another lady.'
'Are you sure Valia?' Legolas gave her a pointed stare but she just smiled back sweetly.
'Of course I am.' The sentence was not even out of her mouth yet before Hadrielia was latching onto Legolas and pulling him off the bench.
'But Valia,' Legolas protested.
'I shall be fine, my lord. Do not worry yourself on account of me.' Valia almost felt a twinge of guilt when she saw the deplorable expression on Legolas' face as he looked back at her; he looked like he was being led to his death. She just smiled back and flippantly blew him a kiss. When he glared at her in return before disappearing into the crowd she laughed. It was good to see him be the suffering one. He deserved it after putting her through such misery that night.
A relieved sigh escaped from Valia as she placed her hands on the cool bench behind her and leaned back to observe the dancers. Standing a few paces away from everyone else, Valia saw Elrond and Celebrian dancing together. The lady was pressed close to her husband, her head tucked under his chin and face resting against his chest. Valia saw Elrond say something to her as he rubbed her back in tiny circles, which made Celebrian laugh and snuggle even closer against Elrond.
A feeling of longing and sadness swept over Valia when she observed the intimate scene and she quickly ducked her head, mindlessly reaching up to twirl a strand of her hair. Deep in her heart, she could not deny that what she had just seen was something she desired in her life but unfortunately, could never have.
'What is an exquisite maiden like you doing all alone?' a low voice asked close to her ear. Turning her head, Valia's face came dangerously close to another elf's.
'Lord Garand?' she questioned in surprise.
'May I?' Garand promptly sat down disturbingly close to Valia without waiting for a reply. Valia was trapped at the end of the small bench again, only this time it was far worse than Legolas. She decided that the best thing for her to do was to ignore Garand and he would forget about her and leave.
She was wrong, as usual when it came to such things. 'The Prince has abandoned you for the arms of Lady Hadrielia I see,' said Garnad, tiliting his head close to hers.
'Yes, so he has.'
'I cannot imagine how he could wish for her attentions when he had the most beautiful maiden in the kingdom sitting beside him only moments ago.' Valia could feel Garand's breath tickle her sensitive ears and almost fell off the bench trying to move farther away from him.
'What say you if we take a stroll through the woods and go back to my place?' This elf was worse far worse than Legolas! At least the Prince had enough decorum to not openly seduce someone. In fact, Valia could not even picture the Prince trying to seduce anyone. The idea seemed absurd.
'I thank you, my lord, but I am afraid I must decline.'
'You do not need to fear anything from me, my beautiful flower. I will be gentle.' His voice lowered to a whisper and a seductive smile spread across his face as he trailed a finger along her prominent cheekbone.
'I will have to ask you to move away from me, Lord Garand and to please refrain from the familiarity of whispering,' hissed Valia in panic.
'I know that is not what you really want. There is no need to play coy with me Valia. We both want the same thing. Just come back with me to my fleet. I have some wine and we can get to know each other better.' His eyes traveled down Valia's body, making her feel violated, though he did not touch her.
'No, I do not think I need to get to know you any better than I already do, Lord Garand.'
'Perhaps not, but I would love to get to know you better. To strip away your layers and reveal your true self underneath,' he said, suggestively fingering the fabric of Valia's gown.
'You waste your time with me, Lord Garand. You will not bed me,' stated Valia bluntly. 'Now excuse me, my lord.' She abruptly stood up, almost causing Garand to fall back with the sudden movement.
'Valia...' he called to her retreating back in disbelief. Determination flooded over him and his eyes narrowed. He sprung out of his seat in hot pursuit of his fair female quarry.
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'I want to thank you for rescuing my sister, Legolas.' The elven prince was looking anywhere but at the maiden in his arms. She had pressed herself to him so close that no airspace remained between their bodies, a sensation he found extremely unpleasant.
'It was what any elf would have done, my lady. Your thanks are not required.'
'You are so humble,' giggled Hadrielia, pulling back so she could look into his eyes. 'But it makes you more desirable.' Probing hands snaked around Legolas' neck and his heart began to beat furiously with alarm. As a prince, he was taught to always display control and decorum in uncomfortable situations, but this was pushing his patience to the breaking point. Not many maidens had ever dared to be so bold with him before.
Somehow Hadrielia had trapped him for a second dance when the first one had ended and he wished to go find Valia. Unfortunately, the second song turned out to be a well known refrain about the eternal adoration of two lovers. Being careful not to injure his wrist, Legolas reached up his hands and forcefully pried Hadrielia's hands off of him with as much care as he could, bringing them to where they should have been.
A small pout spread over Hadrielia's face, but when she looked down at Legolas' arm it quickly changed to sympathy. 'And you injured yourself too. Does it hurt you overmuch?'
'Nay. It is a mere sprain. Lord Elrond said it was nothing to worry over.'
'How brave you are.'
'Please, I do not deserve your flattery,' protested Legolas.
'But you do Legolas. Why, when I examined that tree yesterday.' Hadrielia's eyes grew wide and she attempted to cover the expression, but Legolas' keen eyes had spotted her slipup.
'What were you doing examining that old tree, if I may ask?' he questioned her, growing suspicious. 'I did not think you were one to take a fancy to observing nature, especially when the mud from walking would ruin your beautiful gowns.'
'I do not know what came over me.' Hadrielia admitted with an air of innocence. 'The urge took over my reason and I went out for a stroll, nothing more. Are you found of observing nature?' asked Hadrielia, trying to distract the Prince.
'I know what you are trying to do and it will not work, my lady. You did not wish me to find out you had observed the tree yesterday. Why, I wonder?'
'I do not know what you mean.' Hadrielia was beginning to grow anxious and uneasy with his perceptive questions.
'You made your sister climb the tree?' Legolas knew he had hit the mark when all she did was shake her head no, not daring to look him in the eyes. 'Yes, you did,' he mused aloud, ignoring her silent denial. 'The question is why did you? Your sister could have been seriously harmed if she had fallen.'
'But she was not because you were conveniently there to save her Legolas.'
'Yes, perhaps a little too convenient for my taste,' he frowned.
Hadrielia was growing frantic. The thought had never occurred to her that someone would find out that she had forced her sister up the tree so that she would have an excuse to be closer to Legolas when he rescued her. She needed to distract the Prince, and fast.
'I almost did not recognize Valia tonight.' At the mention of the lady's name, Legolas snapped back to reality and focused on Hadrielia. She noticed this and smiled attractively, moving closer to Legolas.
'What do you mean?'
'She almost looks pretty tonight,' Hadrielia said. She became happy when she saw that all thoughts of the tree had now fled Legolas' mind.
'She looks more than just pretty tonight. She is a vision,' he sighed. The look that crossed his fair features made Hadrielia grimace. Stepping closer to Legolas she placed a hand over his heart and leaned her head against his chest.
Luckily for Legolas, the song ended just then and he could now tactfully escape the clutches of Hadrielia. However, she kept her hold on the Prince and would not let go when he attempted to move away and another song began to play.
'If you do not mind, I wish to have this dance, my lord,' an angelic voice said to the right of Legolas. He looked to see Valia standing before him, a smirk on her face as she glanced at the female elf plastering herself to him.
'I do not mind in the least. Please excuse me Lady Hadrielia,' Legolas said, with a little too much relief in his voice. He pried her from his body and swept Valia up in his arms, loosing them in the crowd of merry elves.
'Thank you Valia. You have my unending gratitude,' he said seriously.
'Keep it. I have no desire for it,' she replied.
'It is yours all the same.'
Valia changed the subject. 'It seems you are starting to make a habit of relying on me to rescue you from the claws of matrimonial prone maidens.'
'And you are a welcome rescuer, I assure you. Yet, I do not think that I was the only one who needed rescuing,' said Legolas, his sharp eyes not missing the glowering face of Lord Garand standing on the edge of the clearing and observing the couple as they weaved among the other dancers.
'Fair enough,' conceded Valia. 'The elf has decided that I am the next on his long list of she-elves that he wishes to get into bed with.'
'Indeed? I must admit that I cannot deny seeing why he would wish such a thing.' He just did it again. Legolas had opened his mouth before thinking, and by the wave of fury that came over Valia's face, he could tell that he was in trouble again. Why did he keep doing that? She would just start to warm up to him a little and he had to go say something idiotic.
'I have offended you,' he said apologetically.
'I suddenly feel rather tired, my lord. I am going to sit down. Please excuse me.' She broke away from his gentle hold on her and curtsied before disappearing, leaving him to make his way out of the crowd. He decided that now was a good time to find Isondil. He had not seen him the entire night and wondered where he had wandered off to.
However, when he found his friend, he was not surprised to find him preoccupied with Silia. The two were seated by a calm lake of glassy water that reflected the moonlight and stars onto their faces. Legolas turned around immediately to give the couple privacy, but not before he caught a glimpse of Isondil leaning towards Silia as she slid her arms around his neck.
The image unsettled Legolas. He was well aware that all elves had another elf destined to be their soul mate. It was even taught that some recognized their life partner with only a glimpse of them. Nevertheless, Legolas was never one to rush. Battle had taught him that patience was needed in all things and he had applied that to love as well, in no way letting his emotions get the better of him.
Legolas had long ago decided that he would not go in search of love, but wait for it to come to him. He had been close to breaking that decision many times as loneliness swept over him whenever another of his friends bound themselves to a she-elf in the bliss of a united life. But in the end, he had stuck to his decision with fierce determination.
'And look where it has gotten you,' he muttered cynically. 'No where. Maybe it is time for you to take some action. After all, gardens like these do not magically spring forth on their own,' he said, looking at the incredible grounds surrounding him. 'Someone must spend hours of their time tending them. Why should love be different?'
'Enough of these thoughts!' he cried out, another voice taking over in his brain. He did not know what had come over him in the past few days, but he found himself overly reflective and pensive, a disposition he did not like.
'Enough of what thoughts, my lord?' Legolas swiftly turned to find Valia staring at him puzzled. She had been wandering the gardens to escape the stares of curious elves when by chance she had happened on the Prince talking to himself out loud.
'Nothing. I was merely thinking of weighty matters.'
An awkward silence ensued and Valia began to feel the fatigue of the day grow heavy on her when she could not think of anything to say.
'Would you care to go back and dance?' Legolas queried.
'No, I thank you. I am tired and wish to retire for the night. I bid you a good evening, your highness.' Valia curtsied and with swift steps, she sped past Legolas to find her family and thank Elrond and Celebrian for the lovely evening.
'I will see you tomorrow Valia,' Legolas called after her, watching as she retreated into the shadows of the night. She was a complete mystery to him. Why has she suddenly been civil to him just then when she was livid only a few minutes ago?
Whatever the reason, Legolas knew he would get to the bottom of it eventually. A month was plenty of time for him to get to know her.
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That was so long, 15 pages. Did you like it? If you leave your email address with a review I can then send you a thank you, which I would love to do. Don't be shy, please review!
Thank you to all you who review my story! I appreciate it so much. I reached the triple digits for reviews with the last chapter! Thank you, thank you, and thank you! Special thanks to SaraPezzini. I utilized one of the ideas she suggested for this chapter.
A/N- Sorry this took so long to post. I hadn't written it and was working on other chapters that are more fun to write. I beg your forgiveness! Don't hate me please. It is really long, so I hope you will pardon me on account of that.
WARNING!!!- The rating of this fic has officially gone up to PG-13. Some of the content below is of a suggestive nature. If you are not old enough, which I do not think any of my readers are, do not read this chapter.
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The Banquet
'Thank you for your assistance ladies. You may leave now.' Much to Valia's relief, numerous hands instantly stopped their fiddling with her and the elven maids curtsied to their lady before leaving. Valia was left sitting in an ornate chair, decked out in the finest clothing money could buy and feeling very unsettled.
'I did not think you could look any better than you did this afternoon, but you have proven me wrong Valia. You look beautiful. Legolas will be speechless.' Celebrian glided over to a table and opened up a delicately carved box, taking something out and wrapping her hand around it before closing the lid again.
'Good,' Valia said with a huff, crossing her arms. 'For all I care he can stay silent all night.'
'Come now,' Lady Celebrian admonished the maiden. 'You cannot honestly tell me that he is that disagreeable to you Valia. I saw you looking at him when he arrived at the tournament today. He is quite handsome, is he not?' Celebrian turned and slowly made her way over to Valia, sitting down on a low stool so she could observe the younger elf's face.
'It is a well known fact that the Prince is handsome,' said Valia sourly.
'True, and it is also known that many a maiden are smitten with love upon first glance of him. Tell me, you have had the opportunity to get to know him better than many others have ever dared to dream of, what do you think of him? He would make a wonderful husband, would he not?'
'I am sure if the right maiden came along, the Prince and she would be quite happy together.'
'You answer in generalities, Valia.'
'You ask in generalities,' retorted Valia stubbornly.
Celebrian sighed and shook her head, placing a hand on Valia's knee. 'You two would make a marvelous pair together Valia. Why do you insist on being so inflexible?'
'I cannot marry and you know it.'
'No, I do not.' Celebrian spoke with an air of authority in her voice that made Valia quaver to hear it. Softening when she saw her reaction, Celebrian sighed once more. 'How many times must others tell you that it was not your fault before you will heed our words?'
Silence permeated the room and Celebrian and Valia were distantly aware of the bustle going on beyond the closed door. 'If an elf truly loves you he will not hold such a thing against you,' Celebrian insisted vehemently. 'He will accept you for who you are and be content to have you at his side for all the ages to come.'
'That is what scares me,' whispered Valia, a single tear trailing down her cheek. 'And that is why I will not let emotions take control of me.' Her voice hardened and a steely look of determination crossed her features. 'I have made sure that no one in the past has fallen in love with me and I will continue to do so.'
Celebrian wrapped her arms around Valia and drew the maiden closer to her, stroking her silky hair gently. 'You may find that it is impossible for you to do, little one. Love will touch you sometime and when it does be ready for it. Do not throw it away or regard it lightly.'
Pulling away with a nod of her head, Valia turned to look out one of the rooms many windows. Guests were beginning to move about the palace lawns and she could see the happy glimmer of thousands of candles amidst the tress and shrubbery, casting a cheery glow into the gloom of the night.
'Come,' Celebrian said, standing up and helping Valia to rise from her chair. She guided the maiden over to a large mirror to look at herself. 'What do you think?'
'It is not me,' said Valia in shock. She had the same feeling then as she did the night before when she stood in front of a different mirror with her mother and father. If she had thought she looked like a normal elven maiden last night, she had been wrong, for now she looked ten times more like one. 'It is not me,' she said sadly, fingering a fold in her skirts. 'Why may I not wear what I normally do? Is the real me so terrible that you make me pretend to be another?'
'Not at all,' Celebrian said, standing behind her and holding her gaze in the reflection of the mirror. 'Valia, you are beautiful. Why do you hide yourself away beneath your plain clothes and simple styles? You were not always that way. There was once a time before I departed over the sea when I thought you could capture almost any elf you wished to. But then I left Middle-earth and when you finally heeded the call of the sea and came here with Elrond I hardly recognized you. You have let the past shadow your life for far too long. Stop pretending the maiden you have carefully crafted to shut love out is the real you.'
'I do not think I can,' murmured Valia, staring at herself critically with a tilted head. 'It has become me. The creation has become the creator. I am not what I once was and do not think I ever will be.'
'But love is a powerful force. It is gentle like a breeze, yet even the breeze can bend the mightiest of mountains to its will. Love may not be as far away from you as you think, Valia. When it comes to you, embrace it and you will find the strength to be your true self.' Celebrian watched as the maiden's face revealed the turmoil deep within her heart, a war against two people living side by side within her.
'I tire of these riddles and insinuations.'
'Then do not think on it any more tonight. I have something for you,' the Lady said changing the subject. She placed something around Valia's neck that glimmered in the candlelight.
'It is beautiful.' A necklace of the finest mithril hung round her neck, sparkling with a dazzling light whenever Valia took a breath. A star was fastened to the chain with a brilliant gem nestled in the center. 'But this is too great a gift, even more than the dresses you have given me for today. You cannot give this to me.'
Celebrian spoke as if she had not heard her protests. 'It is fashioned in the likeness of the Evenstar. It was to be a gift to my daughter when she came to the Valinor, but alas, it was not meant to be. I give it to you now. You have become a daughter to me and I cannot think of a better time for you to wear it than tonight.'
Before Valia could say anything, there came a firm nock on the door. Celebrian went to open it, revealing the figure of a tall elf. 'Prince Legolas, it is good to see you.' With a sweep of her hand, Celebrian invited him into the room. 'I should go find my husband. The banquet will be starting soon. Elrond will send someone to get you when it is time.'
'Thank you my lady,' said Legolas. He watched her leave the room before he dared to turn to Valia. A feeling of discomfiture settled between the two and their gazes lingered on the furniture of the room, only daring to take quick glimpses of the other.
Legolas was impressed with what he saw. He had always had an eye for beauty, but after seeing her a few times now, he never imagined Valia could look as lovely as she did now. She wore a dress of a deeper blue than the one from earlier that day. A sheer fabric of light silver embroidered with elvish runes that told the tale of Earendil, the elves most beloved star, was fitted over the blue fabric, giving the dress a unique sheen. Strands of her hair were twined into a handful of braids, interspersed amidst the rest of her hair that cascaded freely down her back.
'You look very nice Valia,' Legolas thought to say at last, but it sounded stupid to his ears once the words had been uttered.
'I thank you,' replied Valia before the room grew silent again. 'Would you sit down?' she asked, gesturing to a chair a safe distance from the one she took a seat in.
'Thank you, yes.' Legolas swiftly moved to the chair and sank down, relieved to be off his feet. Another silence permeated the air and neither made an attempt to break it, no matter how uncomfortable they were. Valia would rather endure the silence than be forced to speak to the Prince, and Legolas did not want to open his mouth and make a brainless comment that would offend the Lady even more than he already had over the past days.
Playing with the flowing sleeves of her gown, Valia observed the Prince while he looked out one of the large windows. He was not wearing his characteristic clothing, but was garbed in the style of Lord Elrond's people. His silk tunic was the identical match to the color of Valia's midnight blue dress and he wore a pair of finely made black leggings tucked into brown boots. A silver belt was clasped around his waist with the same star upon it that Valia wore around her neck. The only item he wore that gave away his cultural identification was the circlet placed upon his brow, shaped in the form of delicately curling vines and leaves.
Legolas became aware of Valia's studied eye on him and turned to peek at her but she quickly glanced down into her lap, sending the braids of her hair dancing with the sudden movement. It looked enchanting and Legolas could not help but smile to himself, despite his discomfort. If Valia did not hate him so much he thought that she would make a wonderful friend, being different than most of the maidens he had met, who were always flirting or dimwitted or a combination of the two. Valia was like a breath of fresh air, regardless of her stubbornness, or perhaps because of it.
All anger he harbored towards her at the tournament that day melted away and was replaced by something different. Legolas could label it no better than curiosity and tolerance. He loved a good challenge, always had since he was young. He vowed to himself that before the month was over and he returned to his father's kingdom he would be Valia's friend. Possibly it would be one of his greatest tests yet, but he felt certain he would have the satisfaction of seeing Valia open up to him.
Just when Valia thought she could bare the silence no longer a servant came into the room, clearing his throat to get their attention before bowing. 'Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrian summon you to their presence my lord and lady.'
Rising in a fluid motion, Legolas looked down at Valia and waited patiently until she met his bright eyes. 'Shall we, my lady?' he asked, extending his arm to her with a charming smile on his face. Valia stood and examined Legolas' arm as if it were a Mirkwood spider ready to strike her, and then she met Legolas' eyes for a brief moment before brushing past him to follow the servant down the hall.
Maybe winning her over would be more difficult than Legolas had first thought. He would not let that stop him though. The more challenge the better was his motto. Sprinting out of the room, Legolas caught up with Valia and not bothering to ask, captured her arm and looped it through his own, holding it in place when she tried to pull away.
Legolas tried a new tactic with her. 'You should feel honored that I wish to escort you my lady. Almost any other maiden would do anything for the pleasure of my company.'
'And yet despite your pride and their stupidity, for some reason the only emotions I can help but feel are anger and annoyance,' retorted Valia sweetly.
Legolas decided that approach would not work with her. He needed to find another way to make her let her guard down. She was going to be difficult but he would win in the end, and then he would make her admit she had been wrong about him. The thought made him smile. This was going to be a very interesting evening.
The servant led them outside the front doors of the palace and onto the rich lawn. Valia put on a smile that matched the radiant one of the Prince, but it did not reach to her eyes. The large crowd parted for their little entourage and Valia's keen ears heard all the whispers and murmurs that passed between the spectators as she walked by.
A magnificent dais was raised at the far end of the lawn underneath a series of open canopies. Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrian stood to welcome Legolas and Valia when the couple stopped in front of them and bowed.
'Prince Legolas, son of Kind Thranduil, please bring Lady Valia, daughter of Lord Ryland and Lady Narawen forward.' Elrond spoke in his commanding tone and Valia had a hard time suppressing the smile that threatened to break loose at the incredible formality.
Gently Legolas led Valia up the stairs to stand before Elrond and Celebrian. One of Celebrian's maids came forward with a circlet laid on a sea of crimson fabric. She extended it to Elrond, who took it up and placed it in the hands of his wife.
Valia knew what she was to do and releasing Legolas' arm, she curtsied low before her lord and lady with bowed head.
'It is with great joy that we place this crown on your head, Valia, to be a symbol of all that is fair and good in these lands.' Celebrian set the mithril circlet on Valia's head. 'Rise O fair one, the Lady of the Stars.'
Valia stood and Legolas took her arm again without question and turned her to face the assembly. Polite applause wafted into the night air. 'My people,' said Elrond, quieting the crowd with his voice. 'The Lady of the Stars has been crowned. Look on her, for she is the brightest jewel of our land this night. Tonight is a night for merriment and joy. Let the feast begin.'
The soft chatter of elvish broke out as everyone moved to the tables set up under the fabric canopies. A table was set higher than all the others and it was to this one that Lord Elrond, Lady Celebrian, Legolas, and Valia sat. The food was delicious. Elven pastries, rare fruits, and sweet wine made up the main part of the feast, but meat and cakes were also found in abundance.
This was a night when Valia could have enjoyed herself if only she were down with all the other elves, sitting beside her family and observing everyone else. Instead she found that tonight, she was the one being observed by many curious eyes and she did not like the sensation in the least.
The feasting went on all night, but soon after the first elves had finished eating, they wandered onto the lawn, amidst the tall tress and fragrant bushes. Many elves began to gather in a wide clearing not far off where storytelling and singing commenced to the great delight of all.
It was to this area that Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrian went when they had had their fill of food, signaling Legolas and Valia to follow. The air seemed to be overflowing with magic and Valia's mind began to wander into a fairytale playground of enchantment and delight. It was short lived however, when Legolas burst into her dreaming.
'Valia?' he asked, gesturing to a bench.
'You two cannot sit down, Legolas,' Celebrian interrupted him, moving towards him on Elrond's arm.
"Pardon me, my lady?'
'Everyone is waiting for the two of you to dance. No one can start until you have had the first one. You of all people should know that Valia,' she said with a pointed look.
Valia found herself glaring back at Celebrian, something she had done repeatedly over the last few days.
'You would not disappoint everyone would you?' Elrond asked. 'And deny them all the joy of dancing this fine evening?'
'No of course not,' stated Valia. Grabbing Legolas' arm she led him into the center of the clearing, her professional attitude taking over. 'Will someone please play something?' she asked, raising her voice for the multitude of frolicking elves to hear. Not waiting for a response she curtsied to Legolas and took a light hold of him, preparing herself for the music.
Legolas was a little surprised by her take control attitude, something she had never exhibited to him before, but his surprise was quickly replaced by a smirk on as he glanced over her shoulder at Elrond, his eyebrow raised in amusement. Elrond just gave a gracefully shrug of the shoulders before pulling his wife into his arms and planting a kiss on her lips.
'Will someone please play something? We cannot dance without music,' called out Valia with irritation. A number of elves immediately took up their harps and flutes and began to play a sweet melody.
'You seem to be in a bad mood tonight,' Legolas commented as he led Valia through the motions of the dance.
'And you are as full of all your delightful compliments as ever, your highness,' replied Valia sarcastically. 'I simply wish to get this dance over with and retire for the evening to a secluded corner where I can watch others.'
'But who will I dance with if you leave?' Legolas asked with a pout. Maybe it would make her feel guilty and she would change her mind about leaving. He had no such luck though.
'I am sure you can find plenty of elven ladies eager for a dance with the charming Prince. You will not even miss me.'
'So you think I am charming?'
Valia's jaw clenched instinctively. 'I am merely repeating the hearsay that has been flying about lately in regards to your person. I was not espousing my own beliefs.'
'So you have been gossiping about me then?' Legolas was trying to get the lady flustered and he could tell it was working when she let out a sharp breath, her face going a light shade of pink. He had just learned how to make her react to him, a discovery he could now utilize to his advantage.
'It is rather hard to avoid not speaking about you since I was unfortunate enough to be spotted with you on several occasions now. I can hardly walk through the streets without being assaulted by a pack of tittering maidens asking if I happen to know the Prince's whereabouts! And then they wish to know if he is really as handsome and pleasant as everyone says he is.'
'And what do you tell them? No, let me guess before you inform me. A condescending smile graces your fair lips and you say that he may be a Prince and he is indeed as handsome as everyone claims he is, but his manners are atrocious. And then you would say that if they asked for your advice, they should sooner have made friends with Sauron himself than waste their time with an arrogant prince such as me. Am I right?'
'Not in the least.'
'Really?'
'Yes.' Valia then clamped her lips shut, refusing to say more.
Legolas was thoroughly intrigued now. For some reason, he desperately wanted to find out what Valia thought of him, but he knew that if he pushed the issue any further, he would just be proving that he was an arrogant prince that wanted she-elves to compliment him to his face.
The music died away in a final melancholy note but Legolas continued to hold Valia in his arms. Light applause rose from the elves watching before many of them paired off and moved into the center as well to enjoy a night of dancing under the stars, something deemed to be quite romantic by the elves who were captivated with the celestial bodies.
A beautiful voice rose in song as the music played again and elven couples began to elegantly sway to the intoxicating music. Legolas returned his gaze to Valia who was looking at her surroundings with wide eyes, enthralled with the scene in front of her. Being distracted, Valia took no notice when Legolas drew her considerably closer and took up the dance, leading her into the swaying mass of couples.
When the song finally came to an end, Legolas found himself staring down at the she-elf in his arms, waiting for her to look up. An elf near the couple coughed, breaking the spell Valia was under. She turned her head and found that she was standing uncomfortably close to Legolas who was looking down at her with an unsettling expression. Valia stood confused for several moments, trying to figure out how she had ended up there.
The third song started and once again Legolas tried to pull Valia into the sea of dancers, but this time she noticed and stood completely still.
'Are you alright Valia?' Legolas asked, giving her a quizzical look.
'Perfectly well, my lord.' She walked past him and sat down on one of the elaborate benches set up along the rim of the clearing. Legolas came and sat beside her, content to just rest for a while.
'You dance very well Valia.' Legolas leaned a bit towards her, trying to engage the maiden in a conversation, but she only bobbed her head up and down once before fidgeting with the folds in her skirt. 'Are you tired?'
'No. Why?'
'You stopped dancing.'
'I distinctly remember saying to you that I only wanted to dance once and then go sit down, my lord. Somehow, you kept me out there for two dances and would have succeeded a third time if someone near me did not cough and bring me back to reality.' She was irritated at herself for loosing control.
'If you are not tired, will you not dance with me again?' Legolas scooted closer to Valia, looking down at her with a pitiful expression of hope. He knew he could get a rise out of her if he continued this train of conversation.
'No.'
'Why?'
'Respectfully, it is none of your business, my lord.'
'If you cannot give me a reasonable excuse then I shall order you to dance with me. I am a Prince after all. You would have no choice but to accept, unless you would rather be sent to the dungeon.'
'You would not dare!' Valia's blue eyes grew wide with shock and a pale fire crept up into her eyes as she turned indignant.
'I would indeed, my lady,' replied Legolas, leaning closer still.
Valia scooted back, but to her dismay found that there was no bench left to move down on. Instead she inclined her body away from the Prince and glared at him in defiance.
'Is that a challenge I see written in those captivating eyes of yours, my lady?'
Valia scowled and ripped her gaze away from him. He was getting far too bold for her.
'I will dance with you, my lord,' someone interrupted.
Legolas and Valia slowly turned to look up from where the feminine voice had come from. Hadrielia stood before the bench, a shimmering vision of everything lovely. If it were not for the predatory look in her eye as she scanned Prince Legolas, Valia would almost think the lady was deserving of all the high praises she received for her looks.
Neither Valia nor Legolas moved or replied to Hadrielia.
'My lord?' Hadrielia asked.
'Yes, forgive me my lady. I would gladly stand up with you, but I have already asked Valia if she would dance with me again.'
'That is alright, Prince Legolas. I believe I was just telling you that I wished to rest. I do not mind if you dance with another lady.'
'Are you sure Valia?' Legolas gave her a pointed stare but she just smiled back sweetly.
'Of course I am.' The sentence was not even out of her mouth yet before Hadrielia was latching onto Legolas and pulling him off the bench.
'But Valia,' Legolas protested.
'I shall be fine, my lord. Do not worry yourself on account of me.' Valia almost felt a twinge of guilt when she saw the deplorable expression on Legolas' face as he looked back at her; he looked like he was being led to his death. She just smiled back and flippantly blew him a kiss. When he glared at her in return before disappearing into the crowd she laughed. It was good to see him be the suffering one. He deserved it after putting her through such misery that night.
A relieved sigh escaped from Valia as she placed her hands on the cool bench behind her and leaned back to observe the dancers. Standing a few paces away from everyone else, Valia saw Elrond and Celebrian dancing together. The lady was pressed close to her husband, her head tucked under his chin and face resting against his chest. Valia saw Elrond say something to her as he rubbed her back in tiny circles, which made Celebrian laugh and snuggle even closer against Elrond.
A feeling of longing and sadness swept over Valia when she observed the intimate scene and she quickly ducked her head, mindlessly reaching up to twirl a strand of her hair. Deep in her heart, she could not deny that what she had just seen was something she desired in her life but unfortunately, could never have.
'What is an exquisite maiden like you doing all alone?' a low voice asked close to her ear. Turning her head, Valia's face came dangerously close to another elf's.
'Lord Garand?' she questioned in surprise.
'May I?' Garand promptly sat down disturbingly close to Valia without waiting for a reply. Valia was trapped at the end of the small bench again, only this time it was far worse than Legolas. She decided that the best thing for her to do was to ignore Garand and he would forget about her and leave.
She was wrong, as usual when it came to such things. 'The Prince has abandoned you for the arms of Lady Hadrielia I see,' said Garnad, tiliting his head close to hers.
'Yes, so he has.'
'I cannot imagine how he could wish for her attentions when he had the most beautiful maiden in the kingdom sitting beside him only moments ago.' Valia could feel Garand's breath tickle her sensitive ears and almost fell off the bench trying to move farther away from him.
'What say you if we take a stroll through the woods and go back to my place?' This elf was worse far worse than Legolas! At least the Prince had enough decorum to not openly seduce someone. In fact, Valia could not even picture the Prince trying to seduce anyone. The idea seemed absurd.
'I thank you, my lord, but I am afraid I must decline.'
'You do not need to fear anything from me, my beautiful flower. I will be gentle.' His voice lowered to a whisper and a seductive smile spread across his face as he trailed a finger along her prominent cheekbone.
'I will have to ask you to move away from me, Lord Garand and to please refrain from the familiarity of whispering,' hissed Valia in panic.
'I know that is not what you really want. There is no need to play coy with me Valia. We both want the same thing. Just come back with me to my fleet. I have some wine and we can get to know each other better.' His eyes traveled down Valia's body, making her feel violated, though he did not touch her.
'No, I do not think I need to get to know you any better than I already do, Lord Garand.'
'Perhaps not, but I would love to get to know you better. To strip away your layers and reveal your true self underneath,' he said, suggestively fingering the fabric of Valia's gown.
'You waste your time with me, Lord Garand. You will not bed me,' stated Valia bluntly. 'Now excuse me, my lord.' She abruptly stood up, almost causing Garand to fall back with the sudden movement.
'Valia...' he called to her retreating back in disbelief. Determination flooded over him and his eyes narrowed. He sprung out of his seat in hot pursuit of his fair female quarry.
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'I want to thank you for rescuing my sister, Legolas.' The elven prince was looking anywhere but at the maiden in his arms. She had pressed herself to him so close that no airspace remained between their bodies, a sensation he found extremely unpleasant.
'It was what any elf would have done, my lady. Your thanks are not required.'
'You are so humble,' giggled Hadrielia, pulling back so she could look into his eyes. 'But it makes you more desirable.' Probing hands snaked around Legolas' neck and his heart began to beat furiously with alarm. As a prince, he was taught to always display control and decorum in uncomfortable situations, but this was pushing his patience to the breaking point. Not many maidens had ever dared to be so bold with him before.
Somehow Hadrielia had trapped him for a second dance when the first one had ended and he wished to go find Valia. Unfortunately, the second song turned out to be a well known refrain about the eternal adoration of two lovers. Being careful not to injure his wrist, Legolas reached up his hands and forcefully pried Hadrielia's hands off of him with as much care as he could, bringing them to where they should have been.
A small pout spread over Hadrielia's face, but when she looked down at Legolas' arm it quickly changed to sympathy. 'And you injured yourself too. Does it hurt you overmuch?'
'Nay. It is a mere sprain. Lord Elrond said it was nothing to worry over.'
'How brave you are.'
'Please, I do not deserve your flattery,' protested Legolas.
'But you do Legolas. Why, when I examined that tree yesterday.' Hadrielia's eyes grew wide and she attempted to cover the expression, but Legolas' keen eyes had spotted her slipup.
'What were you doing examining that old tree, if I may ask?' he questioned her, growing suspicious. 'I did not think you were one to take a fancy to observing nature, especially when the mud from walking would ruin your beautiful gowns.'
'I do not know what came over me.' Hadrielia admitted with an air of innocence. 'The urge took over my reason and I went out for a stroll, nothing more. Are you found of observing nature?' asked Hadrielia, trying to distract the Prince.
'I know what you are trying to do and it will not work, my lady. You did not wish me to find out you had observed the tree yesterday. Why, I wonder?'
'I do not know what you mean.' Hadrielia was beginning to grow anxious and uneasy with his perceptive questions.
'You made your sister climb the tree?' Legolas knew he had hit the mark when all she did was shake her head no, not daring to look him in the eyes. 'Yes, you did,' he mused aloud, ignoring her silent denial. 'The question is why did you? Your sister could have been seriously harmed if she had fallen.'
'But she was not because you were conveniently there to save her Legolas.'
'Yes, perhaps a little too convenient for my taste,' he frowned.
Hadrielia was growing frantic. The thought had never occurred to her that someone would find out that she had forced her sister up the tree so that she would have an excuse to be closer to Legolas when he rescued her. She needed to distract the Prince, and fast.
'I almost did not recognize Valia tonight.' At the mention of the lady's name, Legolas snapped back to reality and focused on Hadrielia. She noticed this and smiled attractively, moving closer to Legolas.
'What do you mean?'
'She almost looks pretty tonight,' Hadrielia said. She became happy when she saw that all thoughts of the tree had now fled Legolas' mind.
'She looks more than just pretty tonight. She is a vision,' he sighed. The look that crossed his fair features made Hadrielia grimace. Stepping closer to Legolas she placed a hand over his heart and leaned her head against his chest.
Luckily for Legolas, the song ended just then and he could now tactfully escape the clutches of Hadrielia. However, she kept her hold on the Prince and would not let go when he attempted to move away and another song began to play.
'If you do not mind, I wish to have this dance, my lord,' an angelic voice said to the right of Legolas. He looked to see Valia standing before him, a smirk on her face as she glanced at the female elf plastering herself to him.
'I do not mind in the least. Please excuse me Lady Hadrielia,' Legolas said, with a little too much relief in his voice. He pried her from his body and swept Valia up in his arms, loosing them in the crowd of merry elves.
'Thank you Valia. You have my unending gratitude,' he said seriously.
'Keep it. I have no desire for it,' she replied.
'It is yours all the same.'
Valia changed the subject. 'It seems you are starting to make a habit of relying on me to rescue you from the claws of matrimonial prone maidens.'
'And you are a welcome rescuer, I assure you. Yet, I do not think that I was the only one who needed rescuing,' said Legolas, his sharp eyes not missing the glowering face of Lord Garand standing on the edge of the clearing and observing the couple as they weaved among the other dancers.
'Fair enough,' conceded Valia. 'The elf has decided that I am the next on his long list of she-elves that he wishes to get into bed with.'
'Indeed? I must admit that I cannot deny seeing why he would wish such a thing.' He just did it again. Legolas had opened his mouth before thinking, and by the wave of fury that came over Valia's face, he could tell that he was in trouble again. Why did he keep doing that? She would just start to warm up to him a little and he had to go say something idiotic.
'I have offended you,' he said apologetically.
'I suddenly feel rather tired, my lord. I am going to sit down. Please excuse me.' She broke away from his gentle hold on her and curtsied before disappearing, leaving him to make his way out of the crowd. He decided that now was a good time to find Isondil. He had not seen him the entire night and wondered where he had wandered off to.
However, when he found his friend, he was not surprised to find him preoccupied with Silia. The two were seated by a calm lake of glassy water that reflected the moonlight and stars onto their faces. Legolas turned around immediately to give the couple privacy, but not before he caught a glimpse of Isondil leaning towards Silia as she slid her arms around his neck.
The image unsettled Legolas. He was well aware that all elves had another elf destined to be their soul mate. It was even taught that some recognized their life partner with only a glimpse of them. Nevertheless, Legolas was never one to rush. Battle had taught him that patience was needed in all things and he had applied that to love as well, in no way letting his emotions get the better of him.
Legolas had long ago decided that he would not go in search of love, but wait for it to come to him. He had been close to breaking that decision many times as loneliness swept over him whenever another of his friends bound themselves to a she-elf in the bliss of a united life. But in the end, he had stuck to his decision with fierce determination.
'And look where it has gotten you,' he muttered cynically. 'No where. Maybe it is time for you to take some action. After all, gardens like these do not magically spring forth on their own,' he said, looking at the incredible grounds surrounding him. 'Someone must spend hours of their time tending them. Why should love be different?'
'Enough of these thoughts!' he cried out, another voice taking over in his brain. He did not know what had come over him in the past few days, but he found himself overly reflective and pensive, a disposition he did not like.
'Enough of what thoughts, my lord?' Legolas swiftly turned to find Valia staring at him puzzled. She had been wandering the gardens to escape the stares of curious elves when by chance she had happened on the Prince talking to himself out loud.
'Nothing. I was merely thinking of weighty matters.'
An awkward silence ensued and Valia began to feel the fatigue of the day grow heavy on her when she could not think of anything to say.
'Would you care to go back and dance?' Legolas queried.
'No, I thank you. I am tired and wish to retire for the night. I bid you a good evening, your highness.' Valia curtsied and with swift steps, she sped past Legolas to find her family and thank Elrond and Celebrian for the lovely evening.
'I will see you tomorrow Valia,' Legolas called after her, watching as she retreated into the shadows of the night. She was a complete mystery to him. Why has she suddenly been civil to him just then when she was livid only a few minutes ago?
Whatever the reason, Legolas knew he would get to the bottom of it eventually. A month was plenty of time for him to get to know her.
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That was so long, 15 pages. Did you like it? If you leave your email address with a review I can then send you a thank you, which I would love to do. Don't be shy, please review!