Disclaimer- Refer to Chapter One
Thanks to all my wonderful reviewers. I do this for you guys! (hooked for life-do you have an email address? You have been leaving reviews but I cannot send you an email to say thanks)
A/N-This turned out to be a lot longer than I thought it would originally be. Special thanks to ObsidianStarlight2002 for her suggestions that I used to help create some of this chapter and ones to come. I have a feeling everyone will like this chapter...go ahead guys, read it and find out what happens : )
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A Truce
Valia grabbed another book from a shelf and placed it in her arms, making the stack she held seven books high.
'May I help you with those?' a low voice asked behind her.
The nearness of the elf made Valia jump and she spun around to meet those all too familiar emerald green eyes. Irritation immediately shot through her. 'You happen to be incapacitated at the moment, if my memory serves me correctly, my lord' replied Valia, casting a meaningful glance at Prince Legolas' wrist. 'And furthermore, I am not a weakling. I do believe I am capable of carrying a few books without injuring myself.'
For some reason, Valia had risen that morning in not the brightest of dispositions. Thinking back on it, she thought that it was probably because today she would be forced to devote a few hours of her time to the aid of the Prince. She did not like the idea of being at his disposal for any reason at all, something strange for her because she generally did not mind helping those in need.
Brushing past Legolas, Valia walked over to a table with other volumes and books stacked in neat piles. 'I took the liberty of already selecting material that I think should be of help to you.' She was using her most professional and formal tone with him, hoping he would not question her decision.
To her dismay, Legolas entirely changed the subject. 'You are in your normal clothing again?' he asked, scanning her simple dress and hair tied back away from her face. The fashion did not flatter her at all, but he figured she knew that and from her past behavior, he guessed that she wore those clothes for that very reason.
'As you see.'
'Why?'
'Why what?' questioned Valia with annoyance.
'You looked lovely yesterday. Why do you wear such simple dresses when your father is an advisor to Lord Elrond and you can afford almost any dress your heart desires?'
'You are awfully bold today. Do you usually criticize a female's choice of clothing when talking with them? I am sorry, but my fashion habits are none of your business, my lord. I will leave you here to look at these,' she said, gesturing to the books on the table. 'If you need any help I shall be somewhere in the room.'
Not waiting for a response, Valia curtsied, turning on her heels and making a swift retreat. She was congratulating herself on escaping the company of the Prince so tactfully when a hand firmly yet gently latched onto her upper arm.
'I was under the impression that you would be helping me for a few hours each day, Valia.'
Valia stopped walking and breathed deeply. She had thought the Prince would not make a scene, but she was unfortunately wrong. And furthermore, why was he now addressing her so informally? Not that she could do anything about it, he was a Prince and she supposed that he could address her anyway he wished, even if she did not like it. The thought irritated her more and she could feel the starting of a headache begin to grow.
Shaking her head, she cleared her mind and turned to Legolas. 'I do not think that you need my help to turn the pages for you, my lord. Your injury does not appear to be that serious. I said you could find me if you had any questions. I need to get back to work now.'
'But Lord Elrond said you were to devote this time to simply helping me. I distinctly remember him saying he would send someone during the time you were aiding me in my research to keep an eye on things in the library for you.'
He was persistent; Valia had to grant him that. Persistent and stubborn. But he would soon learn that she could be just as stubborn. 'Where is Isondil, my lord? Surely you would prefer him to assist you instead of me, if you really need any assistance at all that is.'
'I gave Isondil leave to do whatever he wishes while I am researching. I believe he is with Lady Silia. He said something about them going for a walk.' Legolas waved his hand in the air to dismiss the subject as if it were of little consequence. 'Besides, Isondil is not known for his love of history and research. I think you will suit my needs much better than he.'
Oddly enough, Valia did not have a ready retort and looked down instead. She realized that the Prince was still holding her arm, keeping her in place as if she were a timid animal that would dart away the moment he released her. 'Will you please let go of me?' Valia asked and was amused to see Legolas' eyes widen in surprise as he glanced at his hand on her arm.
'I am sorry,' he mumbled, dropping his hand to his side. An awkward silence hung between the two as both looked anywhere but at each other.
'Well,' said Legolas, breaking the tension. 'Does this mean that you will help me?' Hope lined his face, but for some reason it displeased Valia.
Crossing her arms, she tapped her foot and glared up at the Prince. She looked like an angry elfling to him, and she knew it but did not care. 'I will help you if you answer me a question first.'
'Anything, my lady, within reason of course. I do not think you can convince me to tell you the number of lovers I have had or any thing of that nature,' he teased her with relief. She had finally caved in and agreed to help! He had thought she would fight him till the very end.
'You flatter yourself, my lord.' He was trying to embarrass her and it almost worked, however she would not give him the satisfaction of seeing her squirm. 'What makes you think that I wish to help a rude Prince who does nothing but insult me every time we meet? Answer that satisfactorily and I will gladly help you.' An eyebrow rose in challenge as she stared at Legolas, her eyes boring into him and pinning him where he stood.
'Valia, I never meant to insult you,' said the Prince, turning suddenly serious. It was a drastic change from his light teasing all morning, but it did not faze Valia in the least.
She gave a sound of triumph and breezed past Legolas before snapping around to look at him. 'I am afraid that is not a good enough excuse to pacify me. If you will excuse me, I have better things to do with my time, your highness.'
'No,' barked Legolas, making Valia stand completely still at the authority in his tone. 'I do not excuse you.' He noticed several heads turn his direction at the volume and tone of his voice. Grabbing Valia's arm again he led her toward the far corner of the table where a bookcase standing nearby afforded some privacy.
Valia glared at Legolas and wrenched her arm free of his grip. 'What do you want?' she hissed.
'I wish to explain and I want you to listen. Will you do so voluntarily or must I order you?'
'Speak on but do not waste my time. I have more pressing matters to attend to than standing around while you assuage your guilty conscious.'
Legolas blew air out of his mouth in a frustrated huff. 'It is no wonder you have no friends, Valia.'
'Excuse me?' queried Valia in a voice that was deadly low.
'I am trying to apologize to you and you are not making it very easy, my lady.'
'Well, do forgive me, my prince,' Valia said in mock chastity.
'Will you listen or not?'
'I have told you I shall. It is not my fault you do not say what you wish to and get it over with.'
Legolas was getting upset now and his voice began to rise in volume. 'You are by far the most infuriating female I have ever met! Why must you make everything a battle and be so stubborn?'
'Because it is her nature,' came a regal voice from behind Legolas and Valia. The two turned to see Elrond standing near the table, an amused expression gracing his face.
'Always the flatterer,' Valia said darkly, but Elrond's expression did not change. 'To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit, my lord?'
'I came to see how things were progressing in here, but I see that now may not be the best time. I will be back later when you two have worked out your differences. By the way Valia, I have sent someone up here to replace you until after lunch. You do not need to worry about the library going unattended. It is in capable hands.'
Elrond had taken a few steps away to leave when he paused and with his back still facing them, spoke. 'And Legolas?'
'Yes, my lord?'
'Do not let her obstinacy get to you. Just take her in your arms and passionately kiss her. I am sure she will then forgive you whatever the offense you have committed.' Elrond heard Valia gasp, but he was already across the room before she had time to rain down her fury on him. He knew he would pay dearly for it later though.
Legolas turned back to Valia to see a scowl on her face. He moved a step closer and was amused to see Valia retreat back from him into a corner.
'Do not think to touch me!' she snapped.
'I am only following orders, my lady.' Legolas saw tension ripple through Valia's muscles at his comment. 'But I do not think you would be agreeable to another kiss from me,' he pretended to muss.
'Indeed no,' said Valia, relaxing a little.
'Do I kiss that horribly?'
Valia did not want to think about how well he kissed. She had felt herself start to go dizzy the last time his lips were on hers and she was determined to never let it happen again. 'I think we are a little off the subject at hand, my lord. If you wish to know how you kiss, go find someone who it matters to.'
'Very well, there is no need to get angry Valia. I seem to have forgotten what we were discussing before. Would you be so kind as to refresh my memory?'
'You were trying to apologize and failing miserably at it, if I might add.'
Valia was shocked to see Legolas drop to one knee beside her and take her hand in his. She tried to pull her hand away, but his grip held her fast. 'I am truly sorry, o most fair lady. I had no intentions to insult you with my hasty words, though it might have seemed so. This prince offers his most humble apologies in hopes that you will grace him with your forgivness,' Legolas said eloquently, placing his hand over his heart, but there was a tiny sparkle of teasing in the depths of his green eyes.
'Fine, I forgive you only in the hopes that you will leave me alone by doing so.'
Legolas stood with a beautiful smile and raised her hand to his lips. 'Thank you.'
Valia snatched her hand out of his before he could kiss her and scowled. 'May we get to work now?' she asked testily.
'I thought you had forgiven me,' said Legolas, confused by her continuing foul mood.
'Just because I have forgiven you does not mean that we are friends.'
'I will make a deal with you, Valia.' Legolas had suddenly been struck with an idea.
'I beg your pardon?'
'I will make a deal with you.'
'What kind of a deal?' asked Valia, shifting a little uneasily at his sudden proposal.
'A truce between the two of us.'
A delicate brow rose over her blue eyes and she let out a snort before responding. 'I highly doubt you could offer anything that would tempt me to except.'
Legolas' lips rose with a ghost of a smile. 'Do not be so sure. If you are willing to call a truce and at least pretend to be friendly with me, I am willing to teach you archery. You cannot refuse an offer like that, can you? I know how much you desire to learn the art.'
He was right. She hated to admit it but he was absolutely right. How could he be so cruel to use one of her weaknesses like that? And the chance to learn from someone known so well for his expertise in the area almost made Valia feel giddy. 'I do not think a bribe is a safe foundation for a friendship,' she retorted tartly, hiding her growing discomfort with how things were progressing.
'No, perhaps it is not, but I am willing to accept anything I can for now. Besides, I said you only had to pretend to stand my company. Do you agree?' he asked, stretching out his hand to her.
Valia regarded him with cool eyes, looking him up and down with crossed arms. Her well built wall was crumbling, but she would not let him claim a total victory over her. 'I shall agree only if you promise me something first.'
'And what might that be?'
'You must promise me that you will not fall in love with me.'
The utter seriousness of her voice and the absurdity of the request threw Legolas for a loop. He searched her eyes for a teasing glint but found none. 'Excuse me?' he asked incredulously.
'I said you must promise me that you will not fall in love with me or there is no deal.'
'You jest with me,' cried Legolas, somewhat taken aback by her unusual demand.
'Indeed I do not. Give me your word or this conversation ends forthwith.'
'If that is the only way to convince you, then I give you my word to not fall in love with you.' Legolas felt strange saying the words but he reached out his hand to Valia again anyway. 'Do we have a deal then my lady?'
'Yes,' Valia replied firmly, shaking his hand. 'But I give you this fair warning, should you break your promise to me I will never speak to you again, my lord.'
'Understood,' Legolas said with a nod of the head. 'And now I call upon our truce and have a request to make.'
'Yes?' Valia stood imperially, her voice just as regal as the tone Elrond used so often. Legolas smiled at the similarity between the two.
'Stop calling me 'my lord,' and stop calling me 'Prince Legolas.' I think that we can be a bit less formal with each other.'
'And what am I to call you then, for you are indeed my lord and a Prince. Do you mean for me to only call you your highness?'
Legolas shrugged his shoulders gracefully and looked down at the floor, suddenly feeling a bit nervous.
'Well if you do not know, then I do not know who does,' retorted Valia, placing her hands on her hips.
Clasping his hands behind his back, Legolas looked at Valia. 'Will you please just call me Legolas?'
Valia gave no indication that she heard him, but Legolas could see a flicker of something in her eyes. An uneasy feeling began to overwhelm him that she would refuse his request, claiming it improper for her to address someone above her station by only their given name.
However, to his surprise and delight, she accepted. 'If that is your wish, Legolas.' The words rolled from her mouth slowly, as if she were testing the sound and feel of them while she spoke. For some reason Legolas beamed when he heard her say his name and happiness filled his heart.
Grabbing a chair from a nearby table, Legolas pulled it over and gestured with his head for Valia to be seated. With a glance at her new "friend", Valia sat in the comfortable chair, mentally preparing herself for the weeks ahead of her.
Legolas took a seat next to her. 'When do you wish to start your archery lessons?' He looked like an excited elfling and Valia could not help but laugh.
'You are terribly eager.'
'I am only here for a month, as you are already well aware. If I am to teach you anything, I will need all the time I can.'
'Since you know more about such things than I, you decide.' Valia's head was swimming with all that had unexpectedly changed in the past few minutes and she found that her mind would not let her think clearly. She gently began to massage her temples with her fingertips.
'Will the morning after tomorrow be alright? I will meet you at your house at dawn and we can walk to the practice field together.'
'What about your wrist?'
'The injury was not that serious. I should be able to use it by then.'
'Fine, the day after tomorrow, but I will meet you at the field. Can we get to work now, Legolas?' Valia felt unsettled by the sudden friendliness and wished to have some time to think without having to speak.
The Prince smiled when he heard his name and nodded his head in acquiescence. They each grabbed a book and a comfortable quiet settled between them, only broken by the rustling of pages. Valia was in her element, feeling very contented to be buried deep within a book.
And now that Legolas had apologized, she found that she did not mind his company, especially since he had promised not to fall in love with her. She did not know what had overtaken her when she made him swear such a thing to her. 'As if I would ever be under the danger that he would fall in love with someone like me!' Valia thought to herself. It sounded ridiculous to her now, but she needed to have his word all the same. She could not risk the bud of friendship blossoming into something more.
Research went on for an hour before Valia got up to find a few more books. When she returned to the table Legolas sent her a smile. 'Tired?' he asked.
'No,' Valia said and shook her head before returning to her book. She became so absorbed in her work that she did not notice the elf that was standing beside her.
Someone cleared their throat and Valia and Legolas both looked up from their reading to find a dark haired elf standing near Valia's chair. He had his hands clasped behind him and was gazing at Valia intently.
'Lord Garand?' asked Valia tentatively, not believing her eyes. A feeling of disgust welled up in her as she remembered his actions from the previous night.
'Good day, my lady,' he said with a deep bow. He acknowledged Legolas with an incline of the head before turning back to Valia. 'I thought I would find you here.'
'Pardon me?' Valia questioned in confusion.
'I was looking for you.'
'I am sorry, Lord Garand. If you need someone to help you, Lord Elrond has appointed another elf to tend to the library for a few hours while I am busy.'
'I do not require assistance in the library.'
Valia had no idea what to say in reply to that, so instead she looked to Legolas in bewilderment. The prince had been watching the exchange with keen interest, his gaze darting between Garand and Valia.
'I saw these when passing through a field this morning and thought of you Valia.' Garad pulled a bouquet of bright red wild flowers from behind his back and extended them to a stunned Valia. She could think of nothing to do to get out of the situation.
'You do me too much honor, Lord Garand. My beauty is nothing compared to them,' said Valia without emotion.
'No it is not,' Garand agreed, leaning down. He moved close to her ear so that Legolas could not hear him. 'For you are far more beautiful than they. Do you not see how they blush in shame being near so great a beauty as you?'
Valia's eyes widened with horror as he said the words and her gaze frantically searched out Legolas' who immediately saw her desperation.
'What brings you here Lord Garand, if it is not for the library?' asked Legolas quickly. His question forced Garand to draw away from Valia to address the Prince, but there was a deadly fire in his eyes as he spoke.
'I came for the pleasure of seeing the lovely Valia, can you blame me?'
'Not at all,' conceded Legolas, his gaze flickering to Valia.
Lord Garand took the opportunity to turn back to her as well. 'Are you doing anything tonight?' he queried.
'Tonight?' Valia thought hard but to her annoyance, came up with a lack of words. 'No, why?' She winced inwardly when the question escaped her mouth, knowing full well she had just set herself up for what Lord Garand wished to ask next.
'Perfect!' he purred aloud, squatting down to eye level with Valia. 'You can come over to my fleet then. We will have dinner under the stars and have the rest of the evening to do whatever suits our fancy. I just bought a new bed for my room, rumored to be a relic of sorts. You may want to take a closer look at it.' Valia did not like the direction the conversation was taking. She heard that Lord Garand was very fond of the company of she- elves, but she had never believed the rumors that he hunted down the lady he took a fancy to until he got her in his bed until now.
'I am afraid you will have to forgo the pleasure of Valia's company tonight, Lord Garand,' interrupted Legolas, coming to Valia's rescue.
'I think that is for the Lady to decide,' growled Garand.
'She already has.' Legolas' eyes narrowed in challenge.
'Excuse me?' asked Garand, his eyes narrowing as well. Valia nervously glanced at the two elves, wondering what was about to happen. 'I have not heard her refuse my offer yet.'
'Valia seems to have forgotten that she invited me over to her house for dinner tonight, but luckily for her, my memory is better than hers. I fear that she already has plans for tonight, Lord Garand, and I will not be persuaded to give up my claim on her for the evening.'
'You lie!' Garand snarled. 'She would remember if she had plans tonight. She is not stupid.'
'I never said she was, but it has been several days since she invited me and it was in passing, so I shall forgive her poor memory.'
'Please inform Legolas that he is mistaken,' Garand said, turning his attention back to Valia.
'I am afraid he is right, Lord Garand,' replied Valia, feeling a pang of guilt at the lie, but not caring since it would rid her of the horrible elf in front of her. 'Legolas expressed a desire to meet my brother when I told him that he was fond of archery and I invited him to dine with my family and I tonight. The excitement of the past few days made me completely forget about it. I am sorry.'
'No, it is fine,' Lord Garand said, but his dark look as he glanced at Legolas belied his words. 'Perhaps another time?' he asked Valia, his expression returning neutral.
'Perhaps,' Valia replied. 'But now I will have to ask you to excuse us Lord Garand. 'We are pressed for time and need to focus on our work.'
'Very well.' Garand straightened and bowed to Legolas and Valia. 'I will see you sometime soon?' he asked her.
'I do not doubt it,' Valia breathed out with a sigh. She was sure that he would go out of his way to find her when she did not approach him.
'Good. Then I look forward to our next meeting,' Garand said before leaving Legolas and Valia.
'I do not like him,' commented Legolas as he watched Garand's retreating form. 'He is too open with his intentions.'
'Indeed. Thank you for saving me, Legolas. I believe it is no longer you who are in my debt, but I that am in yours.'
'How pleasant for me than,' smiled Legolas. Valia could not comprehend how she no longer felt animosity towards the Prince when he made his audacious comments. Where had all the anger suddenly disappeared to? Truth be told, now that she knew he no longer meant what he said in a chauvinistic manner, she found his subtle humor quite funny.
'But alas,' sighed Legolas, 'I fear that you shall not be in my debt for much longer.'
'And why is that?'
'Because I actually do wish to go to your house tonight but cannot show up without an invitation.'
'You want to come for dinner,' asked Valia in puzzlement. 'Why?'
'I have no other engagements for the night, and meeting your family would be far more enjoyable than moping about the palace all night.'
'O,' Valia said, but than her mind went blank. What was wrong with her this morning? Her mind had addled.
'Are you going to reduce me to begging for an invitation Valia? I did not think you as cruel as to force a Prince onto his hands and knees in supplication.'
'Of course not, I am sorry.' Valia's mind began to function again and she smiled. 'My family and I eat dinner at seven in the evening. Would you like to dine at my house tonight, Legolas?'
'I would indeed, Valia. Thank you for the offer.'
'You are welcome. I shall expect you promptly at seven,' teased Valia, returning the light banter to their conversation.
'Then I shall not be late.'
They both smiled at each other before taking their books back up to resume studying. Neither was aware of the silent form of Elrond as he retreated from the two with a mischievous smile on his usually serious face. He needed to find Celebrian to inform her they would be one guest short for the evening meal.
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Awe, I like that ending, but you may not. Which is why you should review and let me know what you think. (and if you leave your email address I can send you a thank you!)
Please Review!
Thanks to all my wonderful reviewers. I do this for you guys! (hooked for life-do you have an email address? You have been leaving reviews but I cannot send you an email to say thanks)
A/N-This turned out to be a lot longer than I thought it would originally be. Special thanks to ObsidianStarlight2002 for her suggestions that I used to help create some of this chapter and ones to come. I have a feeling everyone will like this chapter...go ahead guys, read it and find out what happens : )
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A Truce
Valia grabbed another book from a shelf and placed it in her arms, making the stack she held seven books high.
'May I help you with those?' a low voice asked behind her.
The nearness of the elf made Valia jump and she spun around to meet those all too familiar emerald green eyes. Irritation immediately shot through her. 'You happen to be incapacitated at the moment, if my memory serves me correctly, my lord' replied Valia, casting a meaningful glance at Prince Legolas' wrist. 'And furthermore, I am not a weakling. I do believe I am capable of carrying a few books without injuring myself.'
For some reason, Valia had risen that morning in not the brightest of dispositions. Thinking back on it, she thought that it was probably because today she would be forced to devote a few hours of her time to the aid of the Prince. She did not like the idea of being at his disposal for any reason at all, something strange for her because she generally did not mind helping those in need.
Brushing past Legolas, Valia walked over to a table with other volumes and books stacked in neat piles. 'I took the liberty of already selecting material that I think should be of help to you.' She was using her most professional and formal tone with him, hoping he would not question her decision.
To her dismay, Legolas entirely changed the subject. 'You are in your normal clothing again?' he asked, scanning her simple dress and hair tied back away from her face. The fashion did not flatter her at all, but he figured she knew that and from her past behavior, he guessed that she wore those clothes for that very reason.
'As you see.'
'Why?'
'Why what?' questioned Valia with annoyance.
'You looked lovely yesterday. Why do you wear such simple dresses when your father is an advisor to Lord Elrond and you can afford almost any dress your heart desires?'
'You are awfully bold today. Do you usually criticize a female's choice of clothing when talking with them? I am sorry, but my fashion habits are none of your business, my lord. I will leave you here to look at these,' she said, gesturing to the books on the table. 'If you need any help I shall be somewhere in the room.'
Not waiting for a response, Valia curtsied, turning on her heels and making a swift retreat. She was congratulating herself on escaping the company of the Prince so tactfully when a hand firmly yet gently latched onto her upper arm.
'I was under the impression that you would be helping me for a few hours each day, Valia.'
Valia stopped walking and breathed deeply. She had thought the Prince would not make a scene, but she was unfortunately wrong. And furthermore, why was he now addressing her so informally? Not that she could do anything about it, he was a Prince and she supposed that he could address her anyway he wished, even if she did not like it. The thought irritated her more and she could feel the starting of a headache begin to grow.
Shaking her head, she cleared her mind and turned to Legolas. 'I do not think that you need my help to turn the pages for you, my lord. Your injury does not appear to be that serious. I said you could find me if you had any questions. I need to get back to work now.'
'But Lord Elrond said you were to devote this time to simply helping me. I distinctly remember him saying he would send someone during the time you were aiding me in my research to keep an eye on things in the library for you.'
He was persistent; Valia had to grant him that. Persistent and stubborn. But he would soon learn that she could be just as stubborn. 'Where is Isondil, my lord? Surely you would prefer him to assist you instead of me, if you really need any assistance at all that is.'
'I gave Isondil leave to do whatever he wishes while I am researching. I believe he is with Lady Silia. He said something about them going for a walk.' Legolas waved his hand in the air to dismiss the subject as if it were of little consequence. 'Besides, Isondil is not known for his love of history and research. I think you will suit my needs much better than he.'
Oddly enough, Valia did not have a ready retort and looked down instead. She realized that the Prince was still holding her arm, keeping her in place as if she were a timid animal that would dart away the moment he released her. 'Will you please let go of me?' Valia asked and was amused to see Legolas' eyes widen in surprise as he glanced at his hand on her arm.
'I am sorry,' he mumbled, dropping his hand to his side. An awkward silence hung between the two as both looked anywhere but at each other.
'Well,' said Legolas, breaking the tension. 'Does this mean that you will help me?' Hope lined his face, but for some reason it displeased Valia.
Crossing her arms, she tapped her foot and glared up at the Prince. She looked like an angry elfling to him, and she knew it but did not care. 'I will help you if you answer me a question first.'
'Anything, my lady, within reason of course. I do not think you can convince me to tell you the number of lovers I have had or any thing of that nature,' he teased her with relief. She had finally caved in and agreed to help! He had thought she would fight him till the very end.
'You flatter yourself, my lord.' He was trying to embarrass her and it almost worked, however she would not give him the satisfaction of seeing her squirm. 'What makes you think that I wish to help a rude Prince who does nothing but insult me every time we meet? Answer that satisfactorily and I will gladly help you.' An eyebrow rose in challenge as she stared at Legolas, her eyes boring into him and pinning him where he stood.
'Valia, I never meant to insult you,' said the Prince, turning suddenly serious. It was a drastic change from his light teasing all morning, but it did not faze Valia in the least.
She gave a sound of triumph and breezed past Legolas before snapping around to look at him. 'I am afraid that is not a good enough excuse to pacify me. If you will excuse me, I have better things to do with my time, your highness.'
'No,' barked Legolas, making Valia stand completely still at the authority in his tone. 'I do not excuse you.' He noticed several heads turn his direction at the volume and tone of his voice. Grabbing Valia's arm again he led her toward the far corner of the table where a bookcase standing nearby afforded some privacy.
Valia glared at Legolas and wrenched her arm free of his grip. 'What do you want?' she hissed.
'I wish to explain and I want you to listen. Will you do so voluntarily or must I order you?'
'Speak on but do not waste my time. I have more pressing matters to attend to than standing around while you assuage your guilty conscious.'
Legolas blew air out of his mouth in a frustrated huff. 'It is no wonder you have no friends, Valia.'
'Excuse me?' queried Valia in a voice that was deadly low.
'I am trying to apologize to you and you are not making it very easy, my lady.'
'Well, do forgive me, my prince,' Valia said in mock chastity.
'Will you listen or not?'
'I have told you I shall. It is not my fault you do not say what you wish to and get it over with.'
Legolas was getting upset now and his voice began to rise in volume. 'You are by far the most infuriating female I have ever met! Why must you make everything a battle and be so stubborn?'
'Because it is her nature,' came a regal voice from behind Legolas and Valia. The two turned to see Elrond standing near the table, an amused expression gracing his face.
'Always the flatterer,' Valia said darkly, but Elrond's expression did not change. 'To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit, my lord?'
'I came to see how things were progressing in here, but I see that now may not be the best time. I will be back later when you two have worked out your differences. By the way Valia, I have sent someone up here to replace you until after lunch. You do not need to worry about the library going unattended. It is in capable hands.'
Elrond had taken a few steps away to leave when he paused and with his back still facing them, spoke. 'And Legolas?'
'Yes, my lord?'
'Do not let her obstinacy get to you. Just take her in your arms and passionately kiss her. I am sure she will then forgive you whatever the offense you have committed.' Elrond heard Valia gasp, but he was already across the room before she had time to rain down her fury on him. He knew he would pay dearly for it later though.
Legolas turned back to Valia to see a scowl on her face. He moved a step closer and was amused to see Valia retreat back from him into a corner.
'Do not think to touch me!' she snapped.
'I am only following orders, my lady.' Legolas saw tension ripple through Valia's muscles at his comment. 'But I do not think you would be agreeable to another kiss from me,' he pretended to muss.
'Indeed no,' said Valia, relaxing a little.
'Do I kiss that horribly?'
Valia did not want to think about how well he kissed. She had felt herself start to go dizzy the last time his lips were on hers and she was determined to never let it happen again. 'I think we are a little off the subject at hand, my lord. If you wish to know how you kiss, go find someone who it matters to.'
'Very well, there is no need to get angry Valia. I seem to have forgotten what we were discussing before. Would you be so kind as to refresh my memory?'
'You were trying to apologize and failing miserably at it, if I might add.'
Valia was shocked to see Legolas drop to one knee beside her and take her hand in his. She tried to pull her hand away, but his grip held her fast. 'I am truly sorry, o most fair lady. I had no intentions to insult you with my hasty words, though it might have seemed so. This prince offers his most humble apologies in hopes that you will grace him with your forgivness,' Legolas said eloquently, placing his hand over his heart, but there was a tiny sparkle of teasing in the depths of his green eyes.
'Fine, I forgive you only in the hopes that you will leave me alone by doing so.'
Legolas stood with a beautiful smile and raised her hand to his lips. 'Thank you.'
Valia snatched her hand out of his before he could kiss her and scowled. 'May we get to work now?' she asked testily.
'I thought you had forgiven me,' said Legolas, confused by her continuing foul mood.
'Just because I have forgiven you does not mean that we are friends.'
'I will make a deal with you, Valia.' Legolas had suddenly been struck with an idea.
'I beg your pardon?'
'I will make a deal with you.'
'What kind of a deal?' asked Valia, shifting a little uneasily at his sudden proposal.
'A truce between the two of us.'
A delicate brow rose over her blue eyes and she let out a snort before responding. 'I highly doubt you could offer anything that would tempt me to except.'
Legolas' lips rose with a ghost of a smile. 'Do not be so sure. If you are willing to call a truce and at least pretend to be friendly with me, I am willing to teach you archery. You cannot refuse an offer like that, can you? I know how much you desire to learn the art.'
He was right. She hated to admit it but he was absolutely right. How could he be so cruel to use one of her weaknesses like that? And the chance to learn from someone known so well for his expertise in the area almost made Valia feel giddy. 'I do not think a bribe is a safe foundation for a friendship,' she retorted tartly, hiding her growing discomfort with how things were progressing.
'No, perhaps it is not, but I am willing to accept anything I can for now. Besides, I said you only had to pretend to stand my company. Do you agree?' he asked, stretching out his hand to her.
Valia regarded him with cool eyes, looking him up and down with crossed arms. Her well built wall was crumbling, but she would not let him claim a total victory over her. 'I shall agree only if you promise me something first.'
'And what might that be?'
'You must promise me that you will not fall in love with me.'
The utter seriousness of her voice and the absurdity of the request threw Legolas for a loop. He searched her eyes for a teasing glint but found none. 'Excuse me?' he asked incredulously.
'I said you must promise me that you will not fall in love with me or there is no deal.'
'You jest with me,' cried Legolas, somewhat taken aback by her unusual demand.
'Indeed I do not. Give me your word or this conversation ends forthwith.'
'If that is the only way to convince you, then I give you my word to not fall in love with you.' Legolas felt strange saying the words but he reached out his hand to Valia again anyway. 'Do we have a deal then my lady?'
'Yes,' Valia replied firmly, shaking his hand. 'But I give you this fair warning, should you break your promise to me I will never speak to you again, my lord.'
'Understood,' Legolas said with a nod of the head. 'And now I call upon our truce and have a request to make.'
'Yes?' Valia stood imperially, her voice just as regal as the tone Elrond used so often. Legolas smiled at the similarity between the two.
'Stop calling me 'my lord,' and stop calling me 'Prince Legolas.' I think that we can be a bit less formal with each other.'
'And what am I to call you then, for you are indeed my lord and a Prince. Do you mean for me to only call you your highness?'
Legolas shrugged his shoulders gracefully and looked down at the floor, suddenly feeling a bit nervous.
'Well if you do not know, then I do not know who does,' retorted Valia, placing her hands on her hips.
Clasping his hands behind his back, Legolas looked at Valia. 'Will you please just call me Legolas?'
Valia gave no indication that she heard him, but Legolas could see a flicker of something in her eyes. An uneasy feeling began to overwhelm him that she would refuse his request, claiming it improper for her to address someone above her station by only their given name.
However, to his surprise and delight, she accepted. 'If that is your wish, Legolas.' The words rolled from her mouth slowly, as if she were testing the sound and feel of them while she spoke. For some reason Legolas beamed when he heard her say his name and happiness filled his heart.
Grabbing a chair from a nearby table, Legolas pulled it over and gestured with his head for Valia to be seated. With a glance at her new "friend", Valia sat in the comfortable chair, mentally preparing herself for the weeks ahead of her.
Legolas took a seat next to her. 'When do you wish to start your archery lessons?' He looked like an excited elfling and Valia could not help but laugh.
'You are terribly eager.'
'I am only here for a month, as you are already well aware. If I am to teach you anything, I will need all the time I can.'
'Since you know more about such things than I, you decide.' Valia's head was swimming with all that had unexpectedly changed in the past few minutes and she found that her mind would not let her think clearly. She gently began to massage her temples with her fingertips.
'Will the morning after tomorrow be alright? I will meet you at your house at dawn and we can walk to the practice field together.'
'What about your wrist?'
'The injury was not that serious. I should be able to use it by then.'
'Fine, the day after tomorrow, but I will meet you at the field. Can we get to work now, Legolas?' Valia felt unsettled by the sudden friendliness and wished to have some time to think without having to speak.
The Prince smiled when he heard his name and nodded his head in acquiescence. They each grabbed a book and a comfortable quiet settled between them, only broken by the rustling of pages. Valia was in her element, feeling very contented to be buried deep within a book.
And now that Legolas had apologized, she found that she did not mind his company, especially since he had promised not to fall in love with her. She did not know what had overtaken her when she made him swear such a thing to her. 'As if I would ever be under the danger that he would fall in love with someone like me!' Valia thought to herself. It sounded ridiculous to her now, but she needed to have his word all the same. She could not risk the bud of friendship blossoming into something more.
Research went on for an hour before Valia got up to find a few more books. When she returned to the table Legolas sent her a smile. 'Tired?' he asked.
'No,' Valia said and shook her head before returning to her book. She became so absorbed in her work that she did not notice the elf that was standing beside her.
Someone cleared their throat and Valia and Legolas both looked up from their reading to find a dark haired elf standing near Valia's chair. He had his hands clasped behind him and was gazing at Valia intently.
'Lord Garand?' asked Valia tentatively, not believing her eyes. A feeling of disgust welled up in her as she remembered his actions from the previous night.
'Good day, my lady,' he said with a deep bow. He acknowledged Legolas with an incline of the head before turning back to Valia. 'I thought I would find you here.'
'Pardon me?' Valia questioned in confusion.
'I was looking for you.'
'I am sorry, Lord Garand. If you need someone to help you, Lord Elrond has appointed another elf to tend to the library for a few hours while I am busy.'
'I do not require assistance in the library.'
Valia had no idea what to say in reply to that, so instead she looked to Legolas in bewilderment. The prince had been watching the exchange with keen interest, his gaze darting between Garand and Valia.
'I saw these when passing through a field this morning and thought of you Valia.' Garad pulled a bouquet of bright red wild flowers from behind his back and extended them to a stunned Valia. She could think of nothing to do to get out of the situation.
'You do me too much honor, Lord Garand. My beauty is nothing compared to them,' said Valia without emotion.
'No it is not,' Garand agreed, leaning down. He moved close to her ear so that Legolas could not hear him. 'For you are far more beautiful than they. Do you not see how they blush in shame being near so great a beauty as you?'
Valia's eyes widened with horror as he said the words and her gaze frantically searched out Legolas' who immediately saw her desperation.
'What brings you here Lord Garand, if it is not for the library?' asked Legolas quickly. His question forced Garand to draw away from Valia to address the Prince, but there was a deadly fire in his eyes as he spoke.
'I came for the pleasure of seeing the lovely Valia, can you blame me?'
'Not at all,' conceded Legolas, his gaze flickering to Valia.
Lord Garand took the opportunity to turn back to her as well. 'Are you doing anything tonight?' he queried.
'Tonight?' Valia thought hard but to her annoyance, came up with a lack of words. 'No, why?' She winced inwardly when the question escaped her mouth, knowing full well she had just set herself up for what Lord Garand wished to ask next.
'Perfect!' he purred aloud, squatting down to eye level with Valia. 'You can come over to my fleet then. We will have dinner under the stars and have the rest of the evening to do whatever suits our fancy. I just bought a new bed for my room, rumored to be a relic of sorts. You may want to take a closer look at it.' Valia did not like the direction the conversation was taking. She heard that Lord Garand was very fond of the company of she- elves, but she had never believed the rumors that he hunted down the lady he took a fancy to until he got her in his bed until now.
'I am afraid you will have to forgo the pleasure of Valia's company tonight, Lord Garand,' interrupted Legolas, coming to Valia's rescue.
'I think that is for the Lady to decide,' growled Garand.
'She already has.' Legolas' eyes narrowed in challenge.
'Excuse me?' asked Garand, his eyes narrowing as well. Valia nervously glanced at the two elves, wondering what was about to happen. 'I have not heard her refuse my offer yet.'
'Valia seems to have forgotten that she invited me over to her house for dinner tonight, but luckily for her, my memory is better than hers. I fear that she already has plans for tonight, Lord Garand, and I will not be persuaded to give up my claim on her for the evening.'
'You lie!' Garand snarled. 'She would remember if she had plans tonight. She is not stupid.'
'I never said she was, but it has been several days since she invited me and it was in passing, so I shall forgive her poor memory.'
'Please inform Legolas that he is mistaken,' Garand said, turning his attention back to Valia.
'I am afraid he is right, Lord Garand,' replied Valia, feeling a pang of guilt at the lie, but not caring since it would rid her of the horrible elf in front of her. 'Legolas expressed a desire to meet my brother when I told him that he was fond of archery and I invited him to dine with my family and I tonight. The excitement of the past few days made me completely forget about it. I am sorry.'
'No, it is fine,' Lord Garand said, but his dark look as he glanced at Legolas belied his words. 'Perhaps another time?' he asked Valia, his expression returning neutral.
'Perhaps,' Valia replied. 'But now I will have to ask you to excuse us Lord Garand. 'We are pressed for time and need to focus on our work.'
'Very well.' Garand straightened and bowed to Legolas and Valia. 'I will see you sometime soon?' he asked her.
'I do not doubt it,' Valia breathed out with a sigh. She was sure that he would go out of his way to find her when she did not approach him.
'Good. Then I look forward to our next meeting,' Garand said before leaving Legolas and Valia.
'I do not like him,' commented Legolas as he watched Garand's retreating form. 'He is too open with his intentions.'
'Indeed. Thank you for saving me, Legolas. I believe it is no longer you who are in my debt, but I that am in yours.'
'How pleasant for me than,' smiled Legolas. Valia could not comprehend how she no longer felt animosity towards the Prince when he made his audacious comments. Where had all the anger suddenly disappeared to? Truth be told, now that she knew he no longer meant what he said in a chauvinistic manner, she found his subtle humor quite funny.
'But alas,' sighed Legolas, 'I fear that you shall not be in my debt for much longer.'
'And why is that?'
'Because I actually do wish to go to your house tonight but cannot show up without an invitation.'
'You want to come for dinner,' asked Valia in puzzlement. 'Why?'
'I have no other engagements for the night, and meeting your family would be far more enjoyable than moping about the palace all night.'
'O,' Valia said, but than her mind went blank. What was wrong with her this morning? Her mind had addled.
'Are you going to reduce me to begging for an invitation Valia? I did not think you as cruel as to force a Prince onto his hands and knees in supplication.'
'Of course not, I am sorry.' Valia's mind began to function again and she smiled. 'My family and I eat dinner at seven in the evening. Would you like to dine at my house tonight, Legolas?'
'I would indeed, Valia. Thank you for the offer.'
'You are welcome. I shall expect you promptly at seven,' teased Valia, returning the light banter to their conversation.
'Then I shall not be late.'
They both smiled at each other before taking their books back up to resume studying. Neither was aware of the silent form of Elrond as he retreated from the two with a mischievous smile on his usually serious face. He needed to find Celebrian to inform her they would be one guest short for the evening meal.
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Awe, I like that ending, but you may not. Which is why you should review and let me know what you think. (and if you leave your email address I can send you a thank you!)
Please Review!