Disclaimer-Refer to Chapter One
Thank you all my wondrous reviewers!
A/N- I am quite proud of this chapter. I actually had some time to add descriptive detail this time. Someone requested that I write longer chapters. I hope the length of this one agrees with you.
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Lessons
Legolas leaned against a tree, twirling an arrow between his lean fingers in the pale light of the predawn. He was expectantly waiting for the figure of a she-elf to appear out of the dense woods that surrounded the clearing.
'What is on your mind, my friend? You seem uncharacteristically silent this morn,' Isondil asked a few paces away. The elven lord was sitting with his back to a tree, meticulously polishing his mithril blade to perfection. All was silent except for the twittering of a few early birds as Isondil waited for the Prince to answer.
'Do you love Silia, Isondil?' questioned Legolas, his eyes rising to meet his friends.
'Yes,' Isondil said firmly, not in the least hesitant. It was strange that Legolas would ask him something like that. But thoughts of Silia pushed out that strangeness of his friend's query.
'But how can you be so sure? You have only just met her.'
'I knew from the moment that I saw her that she was the one made for me. It was something deep within me, as if there had been a hole inside of me that I had never been aware of before, but when I saw her I felt the hole being filled. That does not make any sense,' said Isondil, a comical scowl on his face. How was he to explain with words the feelings he had experienced that were beyond words?
'No it does not,' said Legolas with a small grin.
'I just knew when I saw her Legolas. I knew that she was the one. You will not understand me when I say that. Only until you meet the one the Eru has created for you will you comprehend what I am saying.'
'But not all experience love in the same way. You rush into things when I do not. It is not love at first sight for everyone.'
'Legolas, what is wrong? By any chance does this have something to do with Valia?'
'Why would you think that? I do not know what you are talking about.' He felt a pang of guilt at the small lie, but he did not want Isondil to start thinking ideas about him and Valia that were not true.
'You are evading the question Legolas. I have never known you to hide something from me before. What is wrong?'
Legolas sighed and pushed himself off of the tree. He began to aimlessly walk around, continuing to twirl the arrow he held. 'Honestly, I do not know Isondil. Do not mistake what I am about to tell you. When I went to her house to have dinner with her family, Valia's brother said something that disturbed me.'
Isondil sheathed his sword, giving Legolas his full attention. He had never seen the Prince indecisive about anything before. Legolas was always the one who was in control, who knew what to do in every situation. Seeing him at a loss was new to Isondil and he wondered where the conversation was heading.
'Are you going to tell me what her brother said that has made you so melancholy or just stand there?' asked Isondil, crossing his hands over his chest.
'He said that I was an idol to Valia. I am not certain that he was being truthful or not, but it made me think that...'
'Legolas,' said Isondil.
'Do not interrupt me, Isondil. This is hard enough to say as it is. All my life I have been the one running away from crazed elven maidens who were chasing me. I never felt love for any of them, though many were very beautiful to behold.'
'Legolas!' exclaimed Isondil, getting to his feet.
'Stop interrupting me Isondil! That is an order.' Isondil bowed his head in acquiescence, but did not look at all happy about it. 'As I was saying, I have always been the one running, until now. I have finally met a maiden who is not chasing me, and I find that fascinating. I know I do not love her, but that is not what is important right now. What is is that she is the one running away from me, and I am the one chasing her. I have never had to work so hard in my life to be friends with a she-elf before.'
'That is truly sad, Legolas,' a voice spoke from behind him. Whirling around, Legolas saw Valia standing before him, a bright smile on her face. He frantically searched his mind, and was somewhat relieved to remember that in all that he had just said he had not spoken her name out loud. 'Now I am curious. All the maidens I know would do anything to catch you, except perhaps Silia.' She looked over at Isondil when she said this, giving him a wink. 'Good morning Isondil. I did not expect to see you here.'
'Legolas thinks that you should learn the sword as well as the bow, and since his specialty does not lay with wielding the sword, he asked me to come. I hope you are not too disappointed with my presence.'
'No indeed. You are welcome company, but I am afraid that I did not bring a sword with me and have been trained in swordsmanship even less than in archery.'
'You do not need to worry about a sword for I have brought you one,' said Legolas. Walking over to a tree, he picked up something leaning against it and walked over to Valia. It was a sword, sheathed in a beautiful scabbard with an elvish rendering of a great battle depicted on it in colors of silver and gold.
Valia involuntarily gasped when Legolas handed it to her. 'You can use this,' he said.
Gently taking it from his hands, Valia drew the sword out. It was of elvish making, with flowing runes running down the polished metal. The early light of the morning was reflected in the smooth metal and Valia marveled at the light weight of the weapon. A topaz of deep blue was fixed to the hilt, adding to the aura of the grand sword.
'It was my mother's sword, given to her at the betrothal of my parents,' Legolas said softly. 'I take it with me wherever I go. It is one of but two possessions of hers that I keep to remember her by.'
Valia hastily sheathed the weapon and thrust it at Legolas. 'I would never dare to use it.'
'Nonsense, of course you will use it. I own no other lady's sword and I do not think that you own any. The blade is made of mithril, one of the strongest metals there is. You can do no damage to it,' said Legolas, extending it to her again.
Valia shook her head and backed away a step. 'I know I would find a way to do some damage to it no matter how hard I tried not to.'
'Valia, you will use the sword. Do not be ridiculous.'
'No, I will not.'
Legolas sighed and looked at Isondil who appeared amused by the whole situation. 'Very well then,' he said.
Drawing in a deep breath of relief, Valia smiled, but the feeling faded when Legolas spoke again. 'You leave me no other option and I am sorry to do this to you, but it seems there is no other way. I order you to use this sword Valia.'
'That is truly cruel Legolas, do you know that?' asked Valia. 'I think you are abusing the privileges of your title.' She refused to take the sword out of his hand and simply chose to glare at him.
'If you will not cooperate willingly than I will strap this to you myself,' Legolas threatened.
Valia did not believe a word he said and stood defiantly still, not accepting the sword. She grew curious when Legolas seemed to accept her decision and walked past her with indifference. That had been far too easy. But then she felt arms wrap around her waist from behind her, fastening the sword to her side.
'Now why could you have not done that the easy way Valia?' asked Legolas. He was still standing dangerously close and she felt the heat from his body warming her own. The sensation caused Valia to jerk away, horrified at Legolas' actions.
'That was not very princely behavior of you,' she accused.
'Legolas never was one to let his royal title affect him,' said Isondil sarcastically, but his companions could hear the laughter in his voice.
'Very funny Isondil.' Legolas rolled his eyes and then turned back to Valia, examining her closely. Her clothes were far too big for her, hiding her beneath the layers of cloth. Only the sword belt, secured snuggly around her waist, revealed the delicate frame which lay beneath all the material. The soft honey hair that had cascaded down her back so freely the night of the banquet was pulled back into a neat ponytail, effectively hiding its true beauty from the world. Valia began to grow uncomfortable under Legolas' prolonged examination and kept shifting her weight from one foot to the other.
'You will need to wear tighter fitting clothes next time, Valia,' Legolas said at last, completely serious.
'Excuse me?' asked Valia in shock. Her eyes grew wide and her mouth stood slightly agape as she looked from Legolas to Isondil. But Legolas' friend had moved a safe distance away from the two when he saw Legolas staring at Valia. He had his back slightly turned away, but Valia could still see his face contort as he fought with the smile threatening to break out on his face.
Legolas walked up to Valia and rubbed some of the loose fabric on her sleeve between his fingers. 'It will get in the way of your shooting. Do you not have a tighter pair of tunic and leggings? It is obvious that these were not made for you.'
'I have nothing,' said Valia, frustrated when she felt her cheeks flare with heat. She calmed the pounding of her heart, willing the anxiety that rippled through her to be controlled. She was simply not used to a male observing her under such close scrutiny before. That was all that was going on.
'Do you have a way of getting something?'
Valia shook her head, not trusting her voice just than. His nearness made her jittery and she wished nothing more than to run away right then and there.
'I will see what I can do, but we will be hindered for today by all this fabric,' he said, tugging at her sleeve. 'Let me see your bow.'
Legolas confused Valia more than any elf she knew. One minute he was talking about clothes and then without a bat of an eyelash, he asks her for her bow. Taking the weapon from her back she lovingly placed it in the Prince's hands and watched him study the bow with a trained eye. After a few moments, he looked up at Valia and she raised an eyebrow in question.
'Where did you get this?' he asked.
'It was a gift from my brother. It was one of his old training bows from long ago and he said that I could use it.'
'We will have to get you another one of these as well,' said Legolas, annoying Valia to no end.
'Is there anything else you would like me to change your highness? Perhaps my hair? Is the color or length not suitable to the art of archery? Or maybe my personality? Does it not agree with the handling of a bow?' asked Valia, her words thick with sarcasm. Isondil snorted from behind them, no longer able to control his humor at the absurd behavior of the two. Turning, Legolas gave him a warning glare and he quickly sobered, but his lips still curved up slightly with a tiny smile.
'Your hair and personality are perfectly fine Valia but this is a longbow and made for a male elf. That is why you have had such a problem improving at all. You need one that is more slender and fitted to your strength. Look,' he said, taking her hand and placing it around the thick wood of the bow. 'Do you feel how it is too wide for your hand? You should be able to have a firm grasp on it, like this.' Legolas wrapped his hand over hers. 'Do you see the difference?'
'Yes,' she nodded.
'Good. It seems I will have to go in search of a bow for you as well. Until then we can work on your skill with the sword.' Legolas let go of her bow and walked over to a sword resting on a nearby bench. If it were at all possible, Valia would have described the weapon he picked up as more beautiful than the one at her waist. The vibrating sound of its sweet ringing was heard as Legolas drew it from the sheath.
'But I do not want to learn how to use the sword,' protested Valia.
'A good warrior is trained in the use of many weapons, not just one,' Legolas said, slowly making the sharp metal from his sword twirl through the air with delicate turns of his wrist.
'But I am not a warrior, nor will I ever be one,' countered Valia, crossing her arms over her chest.
'I am not so sure about that. You could use the skills in defending yourself against Lord Garand,' joked Legolas.
'I do not know what you are talking about,' said Valia, pretending to be oblivious to Legolas' hidden meaning. Though the idea of holding a sword against Garand's disgusting neck held a certain appeal.
'Do not play innocent with me Valia. We both know what he wants from you. He took no pains to conceal his desire the other day.'
'He will not do anything more, I assure you.'
'I hardly think so. Do not think I am so ignorant as to not have heard the rumors about him as well. He will not stop until he has what he wants from you.'
'I do not wish to discuss this with you,' said Valia with a tone of finality, placing her hands on her hips 'It is none of your business.'
'I was under the impression that you did not wish his continued attentions towards you. Had I known otherwise at the time, I would not have bothered saving you from his presence at the library.'
'I did not need your rescuing, my lord. I can handle Lord Garand on my own.'
'I highly doubt that Valia. He will do whatever he needs to, whether you are willing or not.' There was a strange glint in Legolas' eyes that Valia did not understand. He had slowly been advancing on her and she was loosing ground, her back now pressed against the trunk of a tree. Why was he pushing the issue so forcefully?
'I will not speak of this with you anymore!' Valia said, her voice rising slightly in volume, anger lacing her words. 'I will worry about my own affairs.'
'He will have his way in the end.' Legolas was now looming over Valia and she felt insecure, making her get even angrier. She would not let Legolas push her around like this.
'It was a fleeting fancy. I do not even know how I caught his attention in the first place. I never have before.'
'You do not? Then let me inform you, my lady. A man like Lord Garand is always looking for his next victim. He comes to the banquet the other night, and beholds a beautiful maiden in a deep blue dress that he has never seen before. She wears a circlet of mithril and stardust on her brow and her hair flows freely down her back, looking like silky strands of gold in the candle and starlight.'
Legolas reached out and pulled her hair over her shoulder, gently running his fingers down the length of the long tresses, ignoring Valia's outrage at his words and actions. 'The dancing starts and Garand spots the lovely maiden sitting by herself, observing instead of joining in the merriment. He approaches her, only to discover that he has indeed seen the maiden before. He is shocked at the transformation of the reclusive, unassuming maiden he used to know to what she looks like now, a gorgeous vision. He decides that her innocence only adds to her charm and that seals his decision. She is the next one on his long list that he wished to conquer. It is that simple Valia. You mean nothing more to him that that,' spat out Legolas, sickened to even be uttering the thoughts of someone like Lord Garand.
Yet most of what he said was true for himself as well. Valia had been very beautiful that night, and it did not go unnoticed by him. But there was one difference between him and Garand. To Garand, Valia was simply something unattainable, and that is why he perused her so persistently. He was like a spoiled elfling, wanting that which he could not have and once he got what he wanted of her, he would be done with her. Legolas would never do such a thing to Valia.
'I am perfectly well aware of what his intentions are, Prince Legolas. I am not a child, and I am certainly not near as innocent as you appear to think I am. Just because I do not push myself forward like other maidens does not mean that I am naïve in the ways of males and females.' Valia's voice held no trace of emotion. It was deadly calm, which gave her words more credibility than all the anger or hatred she could ever have display would.
'What are you insinuating?' asked Legolas, his eyes narrowing to tiny slits of green.
Isondil cleared his throat. The situation was getting way out of hand and he needed to stop it before Legolas did something he would regret latter. He decided to take drastic measures. 'Excuse me, but I came here to practice archery and sword fighting, not watch you two have a lover's quarrel.'
Valia spun around, her eyes on fire. 'We are not lovers,' she hissed vehemently. 'If you value our continued acquaintance, never suggest such a thing again.'
'I am just repeating the gossip that has been traveling around,' Isondil said nonchalantly. His plan was working well. Both Legolas and Valia had forgotten about each other and had their full attention on Isondil. He realized that maybe that was not the best thing. Perhaps his plan had worked a little better than he wished it to. Now he had to face the wrath of not only his prince and lord, but also an enraged female.
'What rumors?' snapped Legolas, taking on his regal tone and mannerisms. He did that whenever he was angry and Isondil knew to choose his words carefully when he got in such moods.
'Do not be angry with me, my lord. It is simply that others have observed you and Valia together on several occasions and now and they are beginning to say that you two are lovers.'
'And who has said this?' Legolas asked.
'Have you been so oblivious that you have not heard the whispering and knowing looks all around you Legolas? The gossip is spreading like wildfire.'
'I do not understand,' said Valia, feeling the blood drain from her face and the heat from her anger being cooled into an icy dread. It was true that she had seen the whispers and looks, but thought it was due to her being named Lady of the Stars, not to her relationship with Legolas. She glanced over at him with a disturbed look and found that he wore the same expression on his face as well.
'I am only saying that others have seen you together and they assume that you two are more than friends. Think about it. If Legolas can help it, he never dares to spend more than an hour in the same maidens company for fear that she will begin to get ideas. From what I have heard, you are rarely in any male elf's company at all Valia. Suddenly, the two of you are seen in public on several occasions together. Legolas chooses Valia to be the Lady of the Stars, Valia accepts, to the amazement of all. Valia is helping Legolas with his research at the library. And then, we come to the icing on the cake. Valia invites Legolas to come to her house for dinner, which he readily accepts. Come on you two. Everyone is beginning to put the pieces together and their conclusions are very realistic, considering the circumstances.'
'That is it. I have had enough of this,' said Valia, striding away from the two elves with determined steps. If others thought that she and Legolas were lovers, than she would do everything in her power to convince them otherwise, even if that meant staying away from him and giving up her archery lessons. She could not afford for these rumors to continue.
'Wait, Valia. We are not done here,' Legolas said, stopping her with a hand on her shoulder.
'I think it is wise if we stop now.'
'Why? Do not tell me you actually care what others think of you and me?' Legolas knew that he had said the right thing when Valia's jaw tensed and she turned to fully face him, blue ice in her eyes.
'I do not want others gossiping that you and I are more than just friends. It is not true and if stopping it means that we cannot be seen in each others company besides at the library, than I am willing to do that.'
'You surprise me Valia. What does it matter what they think?' goaded Legolas, convincing himself in the process. 'Let them think whatever they will, it does not concern us. We know that we are simply friends and that is all that matters. Come,' he said taking her small hand in his. 'We must start your training.'
Valia reluctantly let Legolas pull her back to Isondil. She did not like the fact that Legolas knew how to manipulate her so well. He was entirely too good at it. She needed to build up her defenses against him. Yet little did she know, Legolas was already beginning to tear down the strong wall she had built around her heart. But she would not make that discovery until weeks had passed. For now, she remained oblivious.
Dragging her out into the middle of the clearing, Legolas drew his sword. 'Now, think of me as someone spreading all those nasty rumors about you and I and attack me.'
Valia's sword rang from it's sheath and she held it before her, surprising Legolas by her nearly perfect form. She was upon him with a speed that stunned him, allowing him no time for anything but defense.
'You say you have had little sword training?' he asked, defending himself from another blow. She was surprisingly strong for her skinny frame and Legolas wondered where it all came from.
Their swords locked together, each struggling to push the other off.
'It was long ago, in Rivendell.'
Legolas proved to be the stronger of the two and sent Valia stumbling back a few steps, but just as quickly her sword was raised, blocking a swing from Legolas. 'I thought you said that the elves of Imladris do not look favorably on women learning to handle weapons.'
Legolas was gaining ground stroke by stroke. Valia retained her cool composure, trying to remember all the training she had received from ages past.
'Lord Elrond himself taught me the art. None would dare question his actions.'
'But why did he find it necessary to teach you?' Legolas asked. He attempted to flick the sword out of her wrist but Valia saw what he was trying to do and instinctively drew her sword back.
'He wished me to know how to defend myself. It was after..' Valia's words broke off as memories flashed before her eyes. She was not concentrating anymore and Legolas took the opportunity. With a delicate move of his wrist, Valia's sword went flying out of her hand and fell onto the ground. Legolas touched the tip of his sword over Valia's heart in sign of victory, but the maiden seemed unaware of him. 'After what?' Legolas asked curiously. He lowered his sword and sheathed it.
'Nothing,' said Valia, but Legolas could see her hands tremble slightly. He chose to drop the delicate subject, seeing that it agitated her.
'Very well done Valia,' Isondil congratulated, clapping his hands. 'That was quite impressive. How long has it been since you last held a sword?'
'Almost two thousands years.' This caused both Legolas and Isondil to raise their eyebrows in wonder. However Valia did not notice because images were still flashing through her mind, making her oblivious to her surroundings.
'You have retained a surprising amount of knowledge after so long a time, my lady,' Isondil commented.
'I had a good teacher. Besides, the body remembers, does it not?'
'As you say.'
Valia shook her head, scattering the pictures from her mind. She found herself looking at the ground and saw her sword on the ground. Bending over, she picked her weapon up and dusted it off on her shirt. Putting it back in its sheath, she unbuckled the belt from around her waist and handed the sword back to Legolas.
'Thank you for lending it to me.'
'No, keep it for now,' said Legolas, gently pushing her outstretched hands back towards her.
'I would not wish to be responsible for so precious an item if something happened to it. Please do not make me take it home.'
Legolas took the sword from her hand and walked past her to collect his other weapons.
'I think we have found where your expertise lays Valia,' said Isondil. 'You handle the blade very well for one who has not picked it up in almost two millennium. It would be an honor if you would let me hone your skills while Legolas teaches you archery.'
'I would be honored to learn whatever I can from you Isondil. Thank you for the offer. Unfortunately, I must be going now. It was good of you to come this morning. Shall I see you tomorrow?'
'I will be waiting here, my lady,' said Isondil, bowing with mock formality.
'Than I shall wait with expectancy till next we meet, my lord,' Valia returned with a curtsey of her own, though it looked comical without a dress on.
'May I walk you home?' asked Legolas. He was standing beside her now, his bow strapped to his back and a sack thrown over his shoulder with his other equipment in it.
'I do not know if that would be such a good idea Legolas.'
'O come now. Would it not be fun to send all those gossiping ninnies into a frenzy? And if you would bestow a hug upon this most humble prince when we got to your door, think of all the rumors that would be spread.' There was a mischievous glint in Legolas' eyes and Valia could not help but laugh.
'It is settled than, my good Prince! We would not wish to disappoint the masses, would we?'
'No indeed, my lady. Shall we?' He extended his arm to Valia who took it, an impish grin on her face. Perhaps the prince was not so bad after all. Why would she need to be so cautious and defensive if they were only ever to be good friends? The thought made Valia laugh aloud as her tension eased from her. She had not had this much fun in ages.
'I will see you back at the palace Isondil,' Legolas called over his shoulder as the two moved off into the forest.
Isondil shook his head as they left, a large smile breaking out on his fair face. What Legolas could not see was very obvious to Isondil. With a sigh he raised his eyes to the blue sky. 'What will it take for him to realize?' Isondil asked to the wind as it played with the braids in his hair. Isondil hoped it would not be too much longer before Legolas discovered his feelings.
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Alright, you know what to do. Please leave a review and make me happy. And PLEASE leave an email address so I can send a thank you and comment on your comments!
Thank you all my wondrous reviewers!
A/N- I am quite proud of this chapter. I actually had some time to add descriptive detail this time. Someone requested that I write longer chapters. I hope the length of this one agrees with you.
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Lessons
Legolas leaned against a tree, twirling an arrow between his lean fingers in the pale light of the predawn. He was expectantly waiting for the figure of a she-elf to appear out of the dense woods that surrounded the clearing.
'What is on your mind, my friend? You seem uncharacteristically silent this morn,' Isondil asked a few paces away. The elven lord was sitting with his back to a tree, meticulously polishing his mithril blade to perfection. All was silent except for the twittering of a few early birds as Isondil waited for the Prince to answer.
'Do you love Silia, Isondil?' questioned Legolas, his eyes rising to meet his friends.
'Yes,' Isondil said firmly, not in the least hesitant. It was strange that Legolas would ask him something like that. But thoughts of Silia pushed out that strangeness of his friend's query.
'But how can you be so sure? You have only just met her.'
'I knew from the moment that I saw her that she was the one made for me. It was something deep within me, as if there had been a hole inside of me that I had never been aware of before, but when I saw her I felt the hole being filled. That does not make any sense,' said Isondil, a comical scowl on his face. How was he to explain with words the feelings he had experienced that were beyond words?
'No it does not,' said Legolas with a small grin.
'I just knew when I saw her Legolas. I knew that she was the one. You will not understand me when I say that. Only until you meet the one the Eru has created for you will you comprehend what I am saying.'
'But not all experience love in the same way. You rush into things when I do not. It is not love at first sight for everyone.'
'Legolas, what is wrong? By any chance does this have something to do with Valia?'
'Why would you think that? I do not know what you are talking about.' He felt a pang of guilt at the small lie, but he did not want Isondil to start thinking ideas about him and Valia that were not true.
'You are evading the question Legolas. I have never known you to hide something from me before. What is wrong?'
Legolas sighed and pushed himself off of the tree. He began to aimlessly walk around, continuing to twirl the arrow he held. 'Honestly, I do not know Isondil. Do not mistake what I am about to tell you. When I went to her house to have dinner with her family, Valia's brother said something that disturbed me.'
Isondil sheathed his sword, giving Legolas his full attention. He had never seen the Prince indecisive about anything before. Legolas was always the one who was in control, who knew what to do in every situation. Seeing him at a loss was new to Isondil and he wondered where the conversation was heading.
'Are you going to tell me what her brother said that has made you so melancholy or just stand there?' asked Isondil, crossing his hands over his chest.
'He said that I was an idol to Valia. I am not certain that he was being truthful or not, but it made me think that...'
'Legolas,' said Isondil.
'Do not interrupt me, Isondil. This is hard enough to say as it is. All my life I have been the one running away from crazed elven maidens who were chasing me. I never felt love for any of them, though many were very beautiful to behold.'
'Legolas!' exclaimed Isondil, getting to his feet.
'Stop interrupting me Isondil! That is an order.' Isondil bowed his head in acquiescence, but did not look at all happy about it. 'As I was saying, I have always been the one running, until now. I have finally met a maiden who is not chasing me, and I find that fascinating. I know I do not love her, but that is not what is important right now. What is is that she is the one running away from me, and I am the one chasing her. I have never had to work so hard in my life to be friends with a she-elf before.'
'That is truly sad, Legolas,' a voice spoke from behind him. Whirling around, Legolas saw Valia standing before him, a bright smile on her face. He frantically searched his mind, and was somewhat relieved to remember that in all that he had just said he had not spoken her name out loud. 'Now I am curious. All the maidens I know would do anything to catch you, except perhaps Silia.' She looked over at Isondil when she said this, giving him a wink. 'Good morning Isondil. I did not expect to see you here.'
'Legolas thinks that you should learn the sword as well as the bow, and since his specialty does not lay with wielding the sword, he asked me to come. I hope you are not too disappointed with my presence.'
'No indeed. You are welcome company, but I am afraid that I did not bring a sword with me and have been trained in swordsmanship even less than in archery.'
'You do not need to worry about a sword for I have brought you one,' said Legolas. Walking over to a tree, he picked up something leaning against it and walked over to Valia. It was a sword, sheathed in a beautiful scabbard with an elvish rendering of a great battle depicted on it in colors of silver and gold.
Valia involuntarily gasped when Legolas handed it to her. 'You can use this,' he said.
Gently taking it from his hands, Valia drew the sword out. It was of elvish making, with flowing runes running down the polished metal. The early light of the morning was reflected in the smooth metal and Valia marveled at the light weight of the weapon. A topaz of deep blue was fixed to the hilt, adding to the aura of the grand sword.
'It was my mother's sword, given to her at the betrothal of my parents,' Legolas said softly. 'I take it with me wherever I go. It is one of but two possessions of hers that I keep to remember her by.'
Valia hastily sheathed the weapon and thrust it at Legolas. 'I would never dare to use it.'
'Nonsense, of course you will use it. I own no other lady's sword and I do not think that you own any. The blade is made of mithril, one of the strongest metals there is. You can do no damage to it,' said Legolas, extending it to her again.
Valia shook her head and backed away a step. 'I know I would find a way to do some damage to it no matter how hard I tried not to.'
'Valia, you will use the sword. Do not be ridiculous.'
'No, I will not.'
Legolas sighed and looked at Isondil who appeared amused by the whole situation. 'Very well then,' he said.
Drawing in a deep breath of relief, Valia smiled, but the feeling faded when Legolas spoke again. 'You leave me no other option and I am sorry to do this to you, but it seems there is no other way. I order you to use this sword Valia.'
'That is truly cruel Legolas, do you know that?' asked Valia. 'I think you are abusing the privileges of your title.' She refused to take the sword out of his hand and simply chose to glare at him.
'If you will not cooperate willingly than I will strap this to you myself,' Legolas threatened.
Valia did not believe a word he said and stood defiantly still, not accepting the sword. She grew curious when Legolas seemed to accept her decision and walked past her with indifference. That had been far too easy. But then she felt arms wrap around her waist from behind her, fastening the sword to her side.
'Now why could you have not done that the easy way Valia?' asked Legolas. He was still standing dangerously close and she felt the heat from his body warming her own. The sensation caused Valia to jerk away, horrified at Legolas' actions.
'That was not very princely behavior of you,' she accused.
'Legolas never was one to let his royal title affect him,' said Isondil sarcastically, but his companions could hear the laughter in his voice.
'Very funny Isondil.' Legolas rolled his eyes and then turned back to Valia, examining her closely. Her clothes were far too big for her, hiding her beneath the layers of cloth. Only the sword belt, secured snuggly around her waist, revealed the delicate frame which lay beneath all the material. The soft honey hair that had cascaded down her back so freely the night of the banquet was pulled back into a neat ponytail, effectively hiding its true beauty from the world. Valia began to grow uncomfortable under Legolas' prolonged examination and kept shifting her weight from one foot to the other.
'You will need to wear tighter fitting clothes next time, Valia,' Legolas said at last, completely serious.
'Excuse me?' asked Valia in shock. Her eyes grew wide and her mouth stood slightly agape as she looked from Legolas to Isondil. But Legolas' friend had moved a safe distance away from the two when he saw Legolas staring at Valia. He had his back slightly turned away, but Valia could still see his face contort as he fought with the smile threatening to break out on his face.
Legolas walked up to Valia and rubbed some of the loose fabric on her sleeve between his fingers. 'It will get in the way of your shooting. Do you not have a tighter pair of tunic and leggings? It is obvious that these were not made for you.'
'I have nothing,' said Valia, frustrated when she felt her cheeks flare with heat. She calmed the pounding of her heart, willing the anxiety that rippled through her to be controlled. She was simply not used to a male observing her under such close scrutiny before. That was all that was going on.
'Do you have a way of getting something?'
Valia shook her head, not trusting her voice just than. His nearness made her jittery and she wished nothing more than to run away right then and there.
'I will see what I can do, but we will be hindered for today by all this fabric,' he said, tugging at her sleeve. 'Let me see your bow.'
Legolas confused Valia more than any elf she knew. One minute he was talking about clothes and then without a bat of an eyelash, he asks her for her bow. Taking the weapon from her back she lovingly placed it in the Prince's hands and watched him study the bow with a trained eye. After a few moments, he looked up at Valia and she raised an eyebrow in question.
'Where did you get this?' he asked.
'It was a gift from my brother. It was one of his old training bows from long ago and he said that I could use it.'
'We will have to get you another one of these as well,' said Legolas, annoying Valia to no end.
'Is there anything else you would like me to change your highness? Perhaps my hair? Is the color or length not suitable to the art of archery? Or maybe my personality? Does it not agree with the handling of a bow?' asked Valia, her words thick with sarcasm. Isondil snorted from behind them, no longer able to control his humor at the absurd behavior of the two. Turning, Legolas gave him a warning glare and he quickly sobered, but his lips still curved up slightly with a tiny smile.
'Your hair and personality are perfectly fine Valia but this is a longbow and made for a male elf. That is why you have had such a problem improving at all. You need one that is more slender and fitted to your strength. Look,' he said, taking her hand and placing it around the thick wood of the bow. 'Do you feel how it is too wide for your hand? You should be able to have a firm grasp on it, like this.' Legolas wrapped his hand over hers. 'Do you see the difference?'
'Yes,' she nodded.
'Good. It seems I will have to go in search of a bow for you as well. Until then we can work on your skill with the sword.' Legolas let go of her bow and walked over to a sword resting on a nearby bench. If it were at all possible, Valia would have described the weapon he picked up as more beautiful than the one at her waist. The vibrating sound of its sweet ringing was heard as Legolas drew it from the sheath.
'But I do not want to learn how to use the sword,' protested Valia.
'A good warrior is trained in the use of many weapons, not just one,' Legolas said, slowly making the sharp metal from his sword twirl through the air with delicate turns of his wrist.
'But I am not a warrior, nor will I ever be one,' countered Valia, crossing her arms over her chest.
'I am not so sure about that. You could use the skills in defending yourself against Lord Garand,' joked Legolas.
'I do not know what you are talking about,' said Valia, pretending to be oblivious to Legolas' hidden meaning. Though the idea of holding a sword against Garand's disgusting neck held a certain appeal.
'Do not play innocent with me Valia. We both know what he wants from you. He took no pains to conceal his desire the other day.'
'He will not do anything more, I assure you.'
'I hardly think so. Do not think I am so ignorant as to not have heard the rumors about him as well. He will not stop until he has what he wants from you.'
'I do not wish to discuss this with you,' said Valia with a tone of finality, placing her hands on her hips 'It is none of your business.'
'I was under the impression that you did not wish his continued attentions towards you. Had I known otherwise at the time, I would not have bothered saving you from his presence at the library.'
'I did not need your rescuing, my lord. I can handle Lord Garand on my own.'
'I highly doubt that Valia. He will do whatever he needs to, whether you are willing or not.' There was a strange glint in Legolas' eyes that Valia did not understand. He had slowly been advancing on her and she was loosing ground, her back now pressed against the trunk of a tree. Why was he pushing the issue so forcefully?
'I will not speak of this with you anymore!' Valia said, her voice rising slightly in volume, anger lacing her words. 'I will worry about my own affairs.'
'He will have his way in the end.' Legolas was now looming over Valia and she felt insecure, making her get even angrier. She would not let Legolas push her around like this.
'It was a fleeting fancy. I do not even know how I caught his attention in the first place. I never have before.'
'You do not? Then let me inform you, my lady. A man like Lord Garand is always looking for his next victim. He comes to the banquet the other night, and beholds a beautiful maiden in a deep blue dress that he has never seen before. She wears a circlet of mithril and stardust on her brow and her hair flows freely down her back, looking like silky strands of gold in the candle and starlight.'
Legolas reached out and pulled her hair over her shoulder, gently running his fingers down the length of the long tresses, ignoring Valia's outrage at his words and actions. 'The dancing starts and Garand spots the lovely maiden sitting by herself, observing instead of joining in the merriment. He approaches her, only to discover that he has indeed seen the maiden before. He is shocked at the transformation of the reclusive, unassuming maiden he used to know to what she looks like now, a gorgeous vision. He decides that her innocence only adds to her charm and that seals his decision. She is the next one on his long list that he wished to conquer. It is that simple Valia. You mean nothing more to him that that,' spat out Legolas, sickened to even be uttering the thoughts of someone like Lord Garand.
Yet most of what he said was true for himself as well. Valia had been very beautiful that night, and it did not go unnoticed by him. But there was one difference between him and Garand. To Garand, Valia was simply something unattainable, and that is why he perused her so persistently. He was like a spoiled elfling, wanting that which he could not have and once he got what he wanted of her, he would be done with her. Legolas would never do such a thing to Valia.
'I am perfectly well aware of what his intentions are, Prince Legolas. I am not a child, and I am certainly not near as innocent as you appear to think I am. Just because I do not push myself forward like other maidens does not mean that I am naïve in the ways of males and females.' Valia's voice held no trace of emotion. It was deadly calm, which gave her words more credibility than all the anger or hatred she could ever have display would.
'What are you insinuating?' asked Legolas, his eyes narrowing to tiny slits of green.
Isondil cleared his throat. The situation was getting way out of hand and he needed to stop it before Legolas did something he would regret latter. He decided to take drastic measures. 'Excuse me, but I came here to practice archery and sword fighting, not watch you two have a lover's quarrel.'
Valia spun around, her eyes on fire. 'We are not lovers,' she hissed vehemently. 'If you value our continued acquaintance, never suggest such a thing again.'
'I am just repeating the gossip that has been traveling around,' Isondil said nonchalantly. His plan was working well. Both Legolas and Valia had forgotten about each other and had their full attention on Isondil. He realized that maybe that was not the best thing. Perhaps his plan had worked a little better than he wished it to. Now he had to face the wrath of not only his prince and lord, but also an enraged female.
'What rumors?' snapped Legolas, taking on his regal tone and mannerisms. He did that whenever he was angry and Isondil knew to choose his words carefully when he got in such moods.
'Do not be angry with me, my lord. It is simply that others have observed you and Valia together on several occasions and now and they are beginning to say that you two are lovers.'
'And who has said this?' Legolas asked.
'Have you been so oblivious that you have not heard the whispering and knowing looks all around you Legolas? The gossip is spreading like wildfire.'
'I do not understand,' said Valia, feeling the blood drain from her face and the heat from her anger being cooled into an icy dread. It was true that she had seen the whispers and looks, but thought it was due to her being named Lady of the Stars, not to her relationship with Legolas. She glanced over at him with a disturbed look and found that he wore the same expression on his face as well.
'I am only saying that others have seen you together and they assume that you two are more than friends. Think about it. If Legolas can help it, he never dares to spend more than an hour in the same maidens company for fear that she will begin to get ideas. From what I have heard, you are rarely in any male elf's company at all Valia. Suddenly, the two of you are seen in public on several occasions together. Legolas chooses Valia to be the Lady of the Stars, Valia accepts, to the amazement of all. Valia is helping Legolas with his research at the library. And then, we come to the icing on the cake. Valia invites Legolas to come to her house for dinner, which he readily accepts. Come on you two. Everyone is beginning to put the pieces together and their conclusions are very realistic, considering the circumstances.'
'That is it. I have had enough of this,' said Valia, striding away from the two elves with determined steps. If others thought that she and Legolas were lovers, than she would do everything in her power to convince them otherwise, even if that meant staying away from him and giving up her archery lessons. She could not afford for these rumors to continue.
'Wait, Valia. We are not done here,' Legolas said, stopping her with a hand on her shoulder.
'I think it is wise if we stop now.'
'Why? Do not tell me you actually care what others think of you and me?' Legolas knew that he had said the right thing when Valia's jaw tensed and she turned to fully face him, blue ice in her eyes.
'I do not want others gossiping that you and I are more than just friends. It is not true and if stopping it means that we cannot be seen in each others company besides at the library, than I am willing to do that.'
'You surprise me Valia. What does it matter what they think?' goaded Legolas, convincing himself in the process. 'Let them think whatever they will, it does not concern us. We know that we are simply friends and that is all that matters. Come,' he said taking her small hand in his. 'We must start your training.'
Valia reluctantly let Legolas pull her back to Isondil. She did not like the fact that Legolas knew how to manipulate her so well. He was entirely too good at it. She needed to build up her defenses against him. Yet little did she know, Legolas was already beginning to tear down the strong wall she had built around her heart. But she would not make that discovery until weeks had passed. For now, she remained oblivious.
Dragging her out into the middle of the clearing, Legolas drew his sword. 'Now, think of me as someone spreading all those nasty rumors about you and I and attack me.'
Valia's sword rang from it's sheath and she held it before her, surprising Legolas by her nearly perfect form. She was upon him with a speed that stunned him, allowing him no time for anything but defense.
'You say you have had little sword training?' he asked, defending himself from another blow. She was surprisingly strong for her skinny frame and Legolas wondered where it all came from.
Their swords locked together, each struggling to push the other off.
'It was long ago, in Rivendell.'
Legolas proved to be the stronger of the two and sent Valia stumbling back a few steps, but just as quickly her sword was raised, blocking a swing from Legolas. 'I thought you said that the elves of Imladris do not look favorably on women learning to handle weapons.'
Legolas was gaining ground stroke by stroke. Valia retained her cool composure, trying to remember all the training she had received from ages past.
'Lord Elrond himself taught me the art. None would dare question his actions.'
'But why did he find it necessary to teach you?' Legolas asked. He attempted to flick the sword out of her wrist but Valia saw what he was trying to do and instinctively drew her sword back.
'He wished me to know how to defend myself. It was after..' Valia's words broke off as memories flashed before her eyes. She was not concentrating anymore and Legolas took the opportunity. With a delicate move of his wrist, Valia's sword went flying out of her hand and fell onto the ground. Legolas touched the tip of his sword over Valia's heart in sign of victory, but the maiden seemed unaware of him. 'After what?' Legolas asked curiously. He lowered his sword and sheathed it.
'Nothing,' said Valia, but Legolas could see her hands tremble slightly. He chose to drop the delicate subject, seeing that it agitated her.
'Very well done Valia,' Isondil congratulated, clapping his hands. 'That was quite impressive. How long has it been since you last held a sword?'
'Almost two thousands years.' This caused both Legolas and Isondil to raise their eyebrows in wonder. However Valia did not notice because images were still flashing through her mind, making her oblivious to her surroundings.
'You have retained a surprising amount of knowledge after so long a time, my lady,' Isondil commented.
'I had a good teacher. Besides, the body remembers, does it not?'
'As you say.'
Valia shook her head, scattering the pictures from her mind. She found herself looking at the ground and saw her sword on the ground. Bending over, she picked her weapon up and dusted it off on her shirt. Putting it back in its sheath, she unbuckled the belt from around her waist and handed the sword back to Legolas.
'Thank you for lending it to me.'
'No, keep it for now,' said Legolas, gently pushing her outstretched hands back towards her.
'I would not wish to be responsible for so precious an item if something happened to it. Please do not make me take it home.'
Legolas took the sword from her hand and walked past her to collect his other weapons.
'I think we have found where your expertise lays Valia,' said Isondil. 'You handle the blade very well for one who has not picked it up in almost two millennium. It would be an honor if you would let me hone your skills while Legolas teaches you archery.'
'I would be honored to learn whatever I can from you Isondil. Thank you for the offer. Unfortunately, I must be going now. It was good of you to come this morning. Shall I see you tomorrow?'
'I will be waiting here, my lady,' said Isondil, bowing with mock formality.
'Than I shall wait with expectancy till next we meet, my lord,' Valia returned with a curtsey of her own, though it looked comical without a dress on.
'May I walk you home?' asked Legolas. He was standing beside her now, his bow strapped to his back and a sack thrown over his shoulder with his other equipment in it.
'I do not know if that would be such a good idea Legolas.'
'O come now. Would it not be fun to send all those gossiping ninnies into a frenzy? And if you would bestow a hug upon this most humble prince when we got to your door, think of all the rumors that would be spread.' There was a mischievous glint in Legolas' eyes and Valia could not help but laugh.
'It is settled than, my good Prince! We would not wish to disappoint the masses, would we?'
'No indeed, my lady. Shall we?' He extended his arm to Valia who took it, an impish grin on her face. Perhaps the prince was not so bad after all. Why would she need to be so cautious and defensive if they were only ever to be good friends? The thought made Valia laugh aloud as her tension eased from her. She had not had this much fun in ages.
'I will see you back at the palace Isondil,' Legolas called over his shoulder as the two moved off into the forest.
Isondil shook his head as they left, a large smile breaking out on his fair face. What Legolas could not see was very obvious to Isondil. With a sigh he raised his eyes to the blue sky. 'What will it take for him to realize?' Isondil asked to the wind as it played with the braids in his hair. Isondil hoped it would not be too much longer before Legolas discovered his feelings.
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