Disclaimer- Refer to Chapter One
A/N~ This chapter is the result of severe writer's block so if it turns out awful and falls way below my normal standard of writing, please forgive me. I forced it out. I actually found some time to write this. I got all my essays and homework done and decided to write this chapter while watching The Patriot (Thanks to Lindz's last review).
Special note to reviewers~ Thanks so much for all your support. I hit the 200 mark for reviews a couple days ago and I can't believe it. You guys are the best and I can honestly say that this story would not be nearly as long or good if it weren't for your support : ) Some of you are not giving me email addresses that work, so I am sorry if you haven't gotten a thank you from me. I keep getting back the messages saying that they are undeliverable.
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Fluttering Eyelashes
There came a crisp knock on the door and Valia was determined to be the one to answer it this time. She would send whoever it was back to the palace with word to Legolas that she had had enough of all this silliness. After all, a maiden could only handle so much foolishness before it began to get out of hand. Running down the hallway, she hastily threaded her hair through a clasp to keep the obnoxious stuff out of her face before reaching for the door handle.
A large mass of flowers appeared in Valia's face as she swung the front door open. The bright bouquet concealed the face of the bearer, but the hem of his cloak, the dark green leggings, and fine leather boots instantly gave away his identity.
'Legolas? What do you think you are doing?' cried Valia in exasperation, unsuccessfully trying to catch a glimpse of his face through the forest of flowers.
As if reading her thoughts, Legolas lowered his arms to reveal his familiar emerald eyes. 'I brought you flowers,' he stated with a cute frown of penitence curving his lips downwards. The circlet on his brow glimmered in the early morning light as he lowered his head slightly.
'For the last time, I have already forgiven you! You do not need to shower me with gifts or pout to get your way, though I must admit that that look on your face would get you almost anything you wanted.' Valia wanted to slap a hand over her mouth after the words came out. Had she just flattered him? Worst, it was almost on the border of flirting. She certainly hoped he did not take it that way because that was definitely not how she meant it to be.
Legolas curiously cocked his head. Valia had never been one to say such things and he wondered if her injury from yesterday had affected her more than everyone believed it to. Deciding to error on the side of safety, Legolas smiled. 'Would it really? I had no idea,' he remarked innocently.
'For some reason I highly doubt that.' Valia smirked and leaned her weight against the large door. The slight chill in the predawn air invigorated Valia, fully awakening her senses. She was prepared for the verbal sparring about to ensue. 'What is the matter with me!' she burst out suddenly, catching Legolas by surprise. 'I am supposed to be aggravated with you, not pleased to see you. Do you know that my room now looks like a garden thanks to you?'
'Is there something wrong with that?'
'Yes there is,' she stated firmly, her eyes glittering with emotion. She would not back down on this issue no matter how convincing his doe eyed looks of innocence could be. For a seasoned warrior who had been in the most dangerous battles of the third age, an elven warrior who had seen the horror of war with his own eyes and felled hundreds or maybe even thousands by his own hands, he could be quite persuasive at acting naive.
'I am only trying to make amends for yesterday. I would think that any maiden would be happy to receive flowers.'
'Do not play the fool with me Legolas. Need I remind you that I am not like every other she-elf?'
'No, believe me, I am quite aware of that,' he said, raising a hand to silence her. 'Though I still do not understand why you are upset that I have sent you flowers.'
'Indeed? I shall simply have to inform you then. I was pleasantly curled up under my warm blankets this morning, walking the paths of blissful rest, when my mother came into my room just before dawn with a bouquet of flowers in her hand. Waking me, she showed them to me and said that a messenger had just arrived at our door only moments before with them. If it is not annoying enough having to rise at so early an hour after such an eventful day yesterday, I read the card the flowers came with only to discover a very humble note from a certain Prince Legolas begging for my forgiveness for his actions the previous day.'
'Why is that so disagreeable to you?' interrupted Legolas, cocking his head the other way, and in the process sending his hair spilling to one side in a cascade of gold.
'Firstly, because I told you to stop apologizing and second because not five minutes latter, another bouquet of a different variety of flowers arrived at my doorstep.'
'I do not see your point,' said Legolas with feigned obliviousness. He loved irritating Valia because it allowed him the chance to play fight with words, something he did not have the pleasure of doing with many she-elves, or males for that matter. Too many of them were worried about offending a prince. But not Valia. Half the time he wondered if she even remembered that he had a title that earned him the respect of others.
'Legolas, new flowers came every five minutes from then till now. I could open up a floral shop with the assortment I have in my room and now they are spilling into other areas of the house because there is no room left!'
'What would you have me do about it? They are my gift to you. You would not have me take them all back?' he asked pleasantly. His attitude was far too chipper for her.
'An idea to contemplate,' said Valia. 'I am sure there are plenty of other things you could spend all that money on and that would be a far more worthy cause on your part.'
'More worthy than apologizing to you?'
'More like you just want to be free of all the guilt of punching a defenseless maiden.' She was beginning to grow irritated again and a voice in the back of her mind demanded to know why, but she could find no suitable answer. She was always experiencing such extreme emotions with Legolas. One moment she would be content to simply sit in his presence, and the next second she would be outraged by some audacious statement he made. She had the strange impression that Legolas said such things on purpose, though for what reason she did not know. All she knew was that it only served to make her angrier.
'I truly am sorry Valia,' said Legolas. He took her hand in his and placed a chaste kiss on the top. 'You do forgive me do you not?'
'That is it!' said Valia in frustration. 'Do you remember what I told you yesterday about taking back my forgiveness? Well it is official. You are no longer forgiven.'
'You cannot do that,' Legolas exclaimed, taken aback by her suggestion. If she did not forgive him he would never be able to forgive himself. That would not do at all.
'I just did,' was Valia's pat answer. Quickly she shoved her weight off the door and began to slam it shut. But Legolas was faster. His boot was immediately in the path of the door, preventing Valia from effectively sealing herself away from him. With a shove from his hand, the obstacle was no longer in the way. However Legolas now found himself standing before a livid Valia. She placed both hands on her hips and glared at him in challenge, all semblance of a congenial mood gone.
'You want me to beg. That is why you will not forgive me, is it not?' He knew he would not be able to deny her the wish if she asked it of him. He would gladly humiliate himself if it meant that he could secure her friendship once more.
'I beg your pardon?' asked Valia, incredulous that he had deduced such an errant conclusion to her statement. She decided then that she would never understand males, and Legolas in particular. He was just too confusing to her. Why did he always jump to such ridiculous conclusions?
'You want me to grovel at your feet for what I have done to you.' It was a statement, not a question. Sinking to one knee, Legolas took one of her hands off her hip and gently held it in his own. 'Forgive me fair maiden, for the wrongs I have inflicted upon you.'
'If you were not mocking me with your fair words I would be tempted to accept,' said Valia. 'But you are jesting and I find it rude.'
'Indeed I am not,' Legolas said in all seriousness. 'You will not stay mad at me forever will you? If you do not want the flowers I shall take them all away myself if it will gain me your kind regard again.'
'Legolas, get up.' Valia was beyond exasperation as he rose to stand. She shook her head and took a deep breath before speaking. 'You are the strangest elf I have ever known. Do you enjoy toying with me?' There was no malice in her words, just acceptance that what she said must be true and that she had reconciled herself to that fate.
Instead of answering her, the elven prince was busy scanning the injury he had inflicted on her. The yellow on her cheek from yesterday had turned into a deep shade of blue, black, and purple and Legolas had no uncertainty that the flesh must be rather tender. For the first time he noticed that she was dressed in her normal work outfit. 'You are not planning on going to the library today, are you?'
'I do not see why I should not,' said Valia, a little thrown off guard by his sudden change of topics. Not that she should not have been used to it by now. It seemed his nature to bring up new topics without any reason whatsoever.
'But you are hurt.'
Valia waved a hand of dismissal and gestured towards her bruised cheek. 'I am well aware of that, I assure you. However, this little bruise will not stop me from going to work.'
'But Valia, you will overexert yourself!'
'Indeed, those were my exact words to her early this morning Prince Legolas.' Narawen appeared from behind Valia and stood beside her daughter in the doorway. Gently she reached up and idly ran her hands through Valia's hair, trying to soothe her obviously irked daughter. 'She can be quite stubborn at times and would hear no suggestions of staying home today.'
'That is because I have no need to stay home today,' Valia replied with a groan of frustration. 'Everyone is treating me as if an orc ran a poisonous blade through my stomach. All of you are over exaggerating.'
'Valia,' objected Legolas. 'I punched you in the face. A head injury may seem a small thing to you, but I have seen it do strange things to elves in battle. You should not treat it so lightly.'
'Legolas, if anything has been injured it is your pride.'
'My pride?' the prince asked, clearly confused by the statement. He glanced at Narawen who also seemed slightly befuddled by her daughter's comment.
'Indeed. To think that you hit me as hard as you could and yet I am perfectly fine less than a day later. You had better be careful Prince Legolas or rumors will begin to fly around that the fabled elven warrior is loosing his touch.' Valia smiled at him cheekily and took the flowers out of his hand. Before the full import of her words hit him, she had already turned around and retreated a few steps into the house. 'I am going to find a vase for these,' she called over her shoulder.
Legolas' jaw dropped open and he turned to face Narawen. 'I do believe your daughter just insulted me.'
'And for some reason it does not surprise me,' murmured Narawen. 'I ask your forgiveness for her. She does not always think before she speaks.'
'Actually, I think her problem is that her brain is entirely too fast and clever for her own good.' Legolas' eyes sparkled with hidden mirth which relieved Narawen. She had thought the Prince had taken offense to her daughter's brash words.
'Will you not come in Prince Legolas?' she asked him. 'I fear my daughter has been negligent in her duties as a host and kept you out in the cold.'
'Yes, I would like that Lady Narawen. And please, do not call me by my title. It feels far too strange to have any of Valia's family address me in so formal a manner.'
Leading Legolas into a small sitting room right off of the front hallway, Narawen indicated for Legolas to be seated but he politely shook his head in refusal.
'To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit today Legolas?' she asked agreeably, choosing to stand as well.
'I must confess it is a rather selfish one,' he sighed. 'I was feeling extremely guilty this morning about what I did yesterday and thought I would make use of the floral shops in the city to apologize to Valia.'
Narawen gave a small indication with her head that she heard him, but did not say anything. She was far too intent on her close examination of the Prince. He wore his guilt very plain across his face and it started the wheels in Narawen's head turning. At first, she had thought he only enjoyed the company of her daughter because they working in the library together. But now a new idea began to dawn in her mind. Valia might mean more than just a friend to Legolas. His actions over the last few days had proved a deepening in their friendship and the strange looks he gave Valia when he thought no one else was watching had caught Narawen's attention a while back.
The rustling of a dress caused both Narawen and Legolas to look towards the hall. Valia walked into the room with Legolas' flowers expertly arranged in a glass vase. 'I suppose I will have to find a place for these in here, considering there is no space for them in my room,' she said, giving Legolas a pointed look. She placed the vase on a side table and came to stand beside her mother, giving her a kiss on the cheek.
'I must be going now mother. I will be late otherwise.'
Narawen bestowed an affectionate smile on her daughter. 'Have a good day dear and do not strain yourself. I know you think you are well, but a head injury can often prove to be deceptive.'
Bobbing her head in acquiescence, Valia turned to Legolas. 'I am afraid you will have to excuse me. Duty calls me elsewhere.'
'Then I shall escort you there,' stated Legolas. He sidled up to Valia's side and wove her arm through his.
'But..' she began to protest.
'No buts,' he said firmly. 'I will not harbor any protests.'
'I am afraid you will have to, Prince Legolas,' a dark haired elf said from the hallway. Everyone turned to see two elves that looked almost identical in appearance standing in the entrance of the room.
'Elladan, Elrohir!' Valia exclaimed with a happy laugh. Breaking from Legolas' hold, she rushed over to them and threw her arms around their necks, giving them each a kiss on the cheek in turn. 'I thought you had forgotten about me and I would have to walk to the palace without you.'
Elladan grabbed Valia and pulled her into a tight hug, speaking over her shoulder to Narawen and a very confused Legolas. 'Valia has neglected us most severely since our return from Tirion. She has not favored us with her company yet so Elrohir and I decided we would claim her for her morning walk to the palace today.' Drawing back a little, Elladan circled his arms around Valia's waist and looked down at her. 'We will not let the Prince steal you from us. Will we Elrohir?'
'Indeed, we shall not. But if Legolas is heading back to the palace he is welcome to join us. That is, as long as he controls himself and will not injure our beloved Valia again.' Elrohir glanced over Valia's bruise with sympathy before throwing a playful smirk at the elven prince.
Not knowing what to do, Legolas' gaze darted to Valia who still stood in the arms of Elladan, much to Legolas' dislike, though he did not know why.
'It is up to you Legolas, but decide quick or we will leave you. I am already late as it is.'
Letting go of his hold around her waist, Elladan hooked Valia's arm through his and Elrohir took her other arm, doing the same. Not waiting for his response, the twins turned Valia around and were quickly out of the house, their voices merrily floating through the air.
That left a bewildered Legolas standing next to Narawen staring at the empty hallway.
'I would suggest you run or you will not be able to catch up with them in time Legolas.' Narawen watched with an indulgent smile as her words sent Legolas into movement. He hastily bid her goodbye and swiftly flew out of the room, leaving Narawen alone.
It did not take long for Legolas to catch up with the happy trio of elves, but he soon found himself regretting his actions. Valia's attention was entirely absorbed with the incessant chatter of the twins and paid little heed to the presence of Legolas. This left him to his own devices, trailing close behind the others. He watched with narrowed eyes as Elladan whispered something into Valia's ear before pressing a kiss to the creamy skin of her temple. Jealous flared within him in an instant. Valia was his friend, not theirs.
The ridiculous thought made Legolas even more confused. Elladan and Elrohir obviously had a long history with Valia. They had probably grown up together as elflings in Imladris, playing with each other amidst the safety of the green trees. If anyone had a right to her attention, they did. 'Stop being so childish,' he scolded himself. 'You are acting like you own her.'
His thoughts were interrupted when he almost tripped into Valia who stood still before him. Peering over her shoulder he saw Hadrielia coming down the path looking as lovely as ever. Pristine white flowers were twined into her hair, complimenting her dark beauty. She stopped when she reached the small party of elves and seeing Legolas, a gleam immediately sprung into her eyes. Surveying the Prince up and down, she then let her attentions fall to Valia held securely between the handsome twins of Lord Elrond. Hadrielia could not comprehend how Valia was in the company of these three very desirable male elves. The only logical explanation she could think of was that they had all taken Valia as a pet project. They must have felt sorry for the poor she-elf who could not attract any males with her simple looks and unladylike behavior.
'My dear Valia,' she said, trying her best to be civil to the disgrace of a female elf in front of her. She noticed the dark bruise that covered her right cheek and smiled malevolently, but was quick to turn it into a pretty one as she looked at the elf lords.
'Hadrielia?'
'How pleasant it is to see you this morning. And you, my lords,' she said with a graceful curtsey. The elves returned the gesture and bowed back.
'Whatever did you do to your face? It looks positively awful,' Hadrielia burst out, fake worry lacing her words.
'Does it really? I had not noticed. I thank you for telling me. I shall be sure to look at it as soon as I arrive at the palace,' Valia said with mock horror, placing a hand over her mouth to pretend worry. Elladan and Elrohir could not hold back their snickers, though they were fast to catch themselves. Elrohir cleared his throat and looked at Hadrielia, who saw the laughter that radiated from the green orbs.
She decided the best course would be to simply smile back and pretend she did not notice. 'What a happy coincidence. I am going to the palace as well. Do you mind if I join you?'
'But you were walking away from the palace just now my lady,' Elladan interjected.
'Yes, are you going back so soon after you have just left?' asked Elrohir, a twinkle in his eyes.
'I have realized that I forgot something,' Hadrielia said. 'Would one of you be so kind as to escort me back?' she boldly asked.
'I am sorry, but Lady Valia has staked a claim on all of us as walking partners this fine morning. We would not dare to be rude and ask her to dismiss us from our duties,' Elladan apologized. 'What is it you have lost?'
'My glove,' Hadrielia responded hastily, taking a step forward.
'Tell me lady, is it custom for you to carry three gloves around with you wherever you go?' Elrohir asked, looking at her two gloved hands pointedly.
Legolas could not believe it. They were toying with the lady, playing with her like she had no feelings. He could see the pink tinge of embarrassment begin to redden her face. There was no way she could escape this situation without a major injury to her pride. While Legolas would have loved to see that happen, he also knew that he would only be stooping to her level if he played along in this game.
'I would be happy to escort you, Lady Hadrielia. Of course, that is only if Lady Valia does not object.' Legolas walked to stand beside the now mortified elven maiden and placed her arm through his own, but never let his eyes stray from Valia. She glanced from Legolas to Hadirelia and then back to Legolas again in utter confusion. Hurt crept into the blue depths of her eyes before Legolas saw it change to icy hardness.
'I care not,' said Valia with indifference, pulling Elladan and Elrohir closer to her.
Hadrielia threw her a catty smile and leaned towards Legolas, resting her free hand on top of his arm and fluttering her long lashes at the Prince. The two elven women stared at each other with cool eyes, carefully measuring their strength of will.
'Come Elladan and Elrohir. I will be late if I am postponed any longer,' Valia said at last. 'I am sure Prince Legolas can escort Hadrielia back to the palace on his own.'
Lord Elrond's sons nodded their heads, realizing what had just taken place before them. They walked past Legolas and Hadrielia and once again, did not wait to see if Legolas followed.
'I cannot thank you enough for escorting me back to the palace,' Hadrielia said sweetly when the others were out of hearing range.
'It is my pleasure, my lady.'
'Please call me Hadrielia, your highness,' she purred, pressing herself against the prince. Her overpowering scent assaulted Legolas' senses and he tried to put some space between them. Hadrielia only pushed herself against him tighter and began fluttering her eyelashes again.
'Very well Hadrielia,' Legolas said, trying to remain calm. 'Shall we go to the palace then?'
'I will follow wherever you take me Prince Legolas,' Hadrielia responded, her voice taking on a slightly seductive edge.
'Alright,' squeaked Legolas. He cleared his throat before continuing to speak, his voice changing back to its normal pitch. 'Let us make haste.'
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Legolas watched Valia from across the library, not daring to approach her. It had been hours since he had escorted Hadrielia back to the palace. After passing her off on one of the first elves he found, Legolas had gone in search of Valia. It looked like he would need to apologize again, only he did not know if she would forgive him this time. It was that thought that kept Legolas rooted to his spot, hidden in the shadows as he observed the calm movements of Valia. He was not fool enough to take her serene demeanor to mean that what happened earlier that morning did not have any effect on her.
The wall around her emotions was up once again. The wall he had worked so hard to break down was now back in place, and he had the uncanny feeling that it was stronger than ever. He would not be let through the heavily guarded fortress of her goodwill and affections so easily again. Outside, she looked placid. Inside, he was sure that a furious storm was raging.
And Elladan was another issue. Legolas did not even know how to address that problem. Not that her friendship with the elf lord should be a problem. Legolas simply did not like it.
Legolas had been too busy brooding to notice that Valia had long ago become aware of his presence. And what a shock he would be in if he knew what her true thoughts really were. Waves of guilt were washing over her, as relentless as the pounding ocean on the shores of the Valinor. She had been unkind to Hadrielia. She would normally not have cared about seeing the maiden brought low, yet what happened that morning was cruel. She had let Elladan and Elrohir mock Hadrielia to her face and done nothing to stop them. In Valia's mind, that put her on the same level as Hadrielia, a place she never wished to be.
The look of disapproval Legolas had given the three of them as he took Hadrielia's arm was enough to chastise Valia. She knew that he had been angry with them for humiliating the maiden, though his displeasure had changed to dread when she began to bat her lashes at him. Valia decided that she owed Legolas an apology, which did not make her any happier, considering she would have to repent because of Hadrielia. But she would do it all the same, and soon too. Legolas' constant stare was beginning to unnerve her. He had sat in a dark corner of the library watching Valia for a good part of the morning now.
Taking a deep breath, Valia tried to build up her courage as she placed a stray book back in its proper home. It was now or never she decided and slowly began to make her way over to Legolas, who instantly noticed and shoved himself up from the table he had been leaning on to greet her.
'Do you not have something better to do with your time than sit around the library all day?' Valia asked. That was probably not the best thing to say first she thought, but at least she had said something.
'It is quiet in here and allows me the opportunity for reflection.'
'You have been here hours. You must have many things to reflect on.'
'Yes.'
Silence descended between them; almost forming a physical barrier it was so strong. All Valia's bravery failed her in that torturous moment and she found that all her carefully planned words had flown with her courage. She cleared her throat softly and fixed her eyes on one of the silver clasps on Legolas' tunic. 'Alright,' was the only thing she could think to say before deciding that it would be a good time to make a hasty retreat.
Too fast for her to escape, Legolas grabbed each of her hands and drew her closer to him, looking down as he fiddled with her fingers. 'What is Elladan to you?' he delicately asked.
'Excuse me?' Valia questioned, not sure she had heard Legolas correctly. What did Elladan have to do with anything that was going on?
'You two are lovers are you not? You are his betrothed,' he stated with certainty. It was the only logical explanation Legolas could think of as to why Valia would let Elladan hold her the way he had that morning.
Valia's eyes grew large with shock before she laughed at the absurdity of the idea. Her and Elladan lovers! Indeed, you might as well say that she was best friends with Hadrielia herself. Just as fast as the laughter began it stopped when Valia noticed others looking at them. 'I do not see what business it is what Elladan is to me or why you feel you have the right to know matters that do not concern you,' Valia said in a hushed voice.
'I have a right to know because I am your friend. Why have you not told me all this time we have known each other that you belonged to another?'
'Because there is nothing to tell,' replied Valia heatedly. 'And even if there were, I am under no obligation to tell you everything. Why are we even discussing this? It is ludicrous.'
'It is not. I have counted you among my closest acquaintances Valia and all this time you have been hiding your engagement from me.'
'Hiding! I have been hiding no such thing from you,' snapped Valia, wrenching her hands out of Legolas' hold and backing up a few steps. Only she was stopped when she hit a solid mass behind her.
'What has my Valia been hiding from you?' Elladan asked. He had come into the library to see if Valia had wanted to join him and Elrohir for lunch, and found normally calm Valia in an impassioned argument with Prince Legolas.
Elladan's use of the word my to describe Valia had not gone unnoticed by him. So it was all true then. He glanced down at Elladan's hand that rested comfortably on Valia's shoulder and saw the glint of silver around his forefinger. A betrothal ring. Thinking hard, Legolas tried to remember if he had ever seen a ring on Valia's hand. He did not trust his memory at the moment and looked down to see if she wore one. To his ire, she had her hands clasped behind her back.
'How long have the two of you been engaged?' he asked.
'Engaged?' Elladan asked in confusion. 'I have been engaged for several years now, a long time compared to the normal customs of my kin, but I have had to travel on many business trips for my father as of late.'
'I am surprised that you have agreed to such a long wait, Valia,' Legolas said to an amused elf maiden. She had figured out what Legolas was thinking several comments back but did not feel the urge to correct him. This conversation was turning out to be far more interesting. Why would the thought of her being engaged make him so mad? She could only think of one reason, and she refused to believe that that was why he was angry.
'I care not how long Elladan wishes to wait. It is of little concern to me.'
'Of little concern to you? I would think that your marriage would be of great importance.'
'I do not understand,' said a puzzled Elladan. 'You are getting married Valia? When did this happen? Why have you not yet informed me you silly she- elf? Who is he?'
'I have not informed you because I am not getting married,' Valia replied, calming the deluge of questions from Elladan. 'Prince Legolas has just jumped to false conclusions.'
Now both the elf lords were confused and Valia could not help but laugh. 'Elladan, would you please inform the Prince that it is not I you are marrying, but a lovely elf maiden from a nearby city.'
'What?' choked Legolas.
This only made Valia laugh harder. 'My, you have turned a pretty shade of pink, Legolas. I do believe the color suits you.' That only caused the heat in Legolas' cheeks to flare further, making the color rise into his leaf shaped ears.
'I believe that I have missed something,' Elladan said shaking his head. 'No need to explain though. I need to go meet my beautiful betrothed for lunch. I will see you later Valia. Good day Legolas.' Placing a kiss on Valia's brow, Elladan was out of the room in a matter of seconds, off to find his beloved.
With Elladan gone, Legolas and Valia were left to themselves. Each found their gaze caught by the others and they were both unable to escape the power it exerted over them. They carefully studied each other, delving into the very depths of their eyes.
'I am sorry,' they said in unison. Legolas let out a soft chuckle and Valia felt the corners of her mouth tip upwards in a smile as she ducked her head to study her hands.
'Friends?' she asked.
'Yes, always. I would not have it any other way mellonamin.'
'Good.' She looked back up to see a once more peaceful Legolas leaning his weight against the table behind him. His eyes had returned to a calm green, reminding Valia of the vivid leaves of the summer trees that she loved so much. It was in that moment that she realized how much Legolas' friendship meant to her. She could not remember the last time she had a male elf for a friend. A few millennium at the very least. Most males who Valia was allowed to socialize with did not wish to maintain friendship with the strange she-elf, especially since she refused to move anywhere past friendship in her relationships.
She suddenly felt the overwhelming urge to thank him for being one of the first male elves besides her brother to understand her in so long. Stepping over to him she placed her hands on his shoulder and bent down to kiss his smooth cheek. 'Thank you Legolas,' she said with a smile, pulling away just a little.
'For what?' Legolas breathed out, a look of awe on his fair face.
'For understanding,' she said before placing another kiss on his cheek and going back to work, leaving a very perplexed Legolas who did not understand at all.
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Can anyone tell me how to get italics and bold print to appear when you upload a document? I would appreciate that very much.
Please feel free to review and leave your email address if you decide to do so. I like to send thank yous to my reviewers : )
A/N~ This chapter is the result of severe writer's block so if it turns out awful and falls way below my normal standard of writing, please forgive me. I forced it out. I actually found some time to write this. I got all my essays and homework done and decided to write this chapter while watching The Patriot (Thanks to Lindz's last review).
Special note to reviewers~ Thanks so much for all your support. I hit the 200 mark for reviews a couple days ago and I can't believe it. You guys are the best and I can honestly say that this story would not be nearly as long or good if it weren't for your support : ) Some of you are not giving me email addresses that work, so I am sorry if you haven't gotten a thank you from me. I keep getting back the messages saying that they are undeliverable.
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Fluttering Eyelashes
There came a crisp knock on the door and Valia was determined to be the one to answer it this time. She would send whoever it was back to the palace with word to Legolas that she had had enough of all this silliness. After all, a maiden could only handle so much foolishness before it began to get out of hand. Running down the hallway, she hastily threaded her hair through a clasp to keep the obnoxious stuff out of her face before reaching for the door handle.
A large mass of flowers appeared in Valia's face as she swung the front door open. The bright bouquet concealed the face of the bearer, but the hem of his cloak, the dark green leggings, and fine leather boots instantly gave away his identity.
'Legolas? What do you think you are doing?' cried Valia in exasperation, unsuccessfully trying to catch a glimpse of his face through the forest of flowers.
As if reading her thoughts, Legolas lowered his arms to reveal his familiar emerald eyes. 'I brought you flowers,' he stated with a cute frown of penitence curving his lips downwards. The circlet on his brow glimmered in the early morning light as he lowered his head slightly.
'For the last time, I have already forgiven you! You do not need to shower me with gifts or pout to get your way, though I must admit that that look on your face would get you almost anything you wanted.' Valia wanted to slap a hand over her mouth after the words came out. Had she just flattered him? Worst, it was almost on the border of flirting. She certainly hoped he did not take it that way because that was definitely not how she meant it to be.
Legolas curiously cocked his head. Valia had never been one to say such things and he wondered if her injury from yesterday had affected her more than everyone believed it to. Deciding to error on the side of safety, Legolas smiled. 'Would it really? I had no idea,' he remarked innocently.
'For some reason I highly doubt that.' Valia smirked and leaned her weight against the large door. The slight chill in the predawn air invigorated Valia, fully awakening her senses. She was prepared for the verbal sparring about to ensue. 'What is the matter with me!' she burst out suddenly, catching Legolas by surprise. 'I am supposed to be aggravated with you, not pleased to see you. Do you know that my room now looks like a garden thanks to you?'
'Is there something wrong with that?'
'Yes there is,' she stated firmly, her eyes glittering with emotion. She would not back down on this issue no matter how convincing his doe eyed looks of innocence could be. For a seasoned warrior who had been in the most dangerous battles of the third age, an elven warrior who had seen the horror of war with his own eyes and felled hundreds or maybe even thousands by his own hands, he could be quite persuasive at acting naive.
'I am only trying to make amends for yesterday. I would think that any maiden would be happy to receive flowers.'
'Do not play the fool with me Legolas. Need I remind you that I am not like every other she-elf?'
'No, believe me, I am quite aware of that,' he said, raising a hand to silence her. 'Though I still do not understand why you are upset that I have sent you flowers.'
'Indeed? I shall simply have to inform you then. I was pleasantly curled up under my warm blankets this morning, walking the paths of blissful rest, when my mother came into my room just before dawn with a bouquet of flowers in her hand. Waking me, she showed them to me and said that a messenger had just arrived at our door only moments before with them. If it is not annoying enough having to rise at so early an hour after such an eventful day yesterday, I read the card the flowers came with only to discover a very humble note from a certain Prince Legolas begging for my forgiveness for his actions the previous day.'
'Why is that so disagreeable to you?' interrupted Legolas, cocking his head the other way, and in the process sending his hair spilling to one side in a cascade of gold.
'Firstly, because I told you to stop apologizing and second because not five minutes latter, another bouquet of a different variety of flowers arrived at my doorstep.'
'I do not see your point,' said Legolas with feigned obliviousness. He loved irritating Valia because it allowed him the chance to play fight with words, something he did not have the pleasure of doing with many she-elves, or males for that matter. Too many of them were worried about offending a prince. But not Valia. Half the time he wondered if she even remembered that he had a title that earned him the respect of others.
'Legolas, new flowers came every five minutes from then till now. I could open up a floral shop with the assortment I have in my room and now they are spilling into other areas of the house because there is no room left!'
'What would you have me do about it? They are my gift to you. You would not have me take them all back?' he asked pleasantly. His attitude was far too chipper for her.
'An idea to contemplate,' said Valia. 'I am sure there are plenty of other things you could spend all that money on and that would be a far more worthy cause on your part.'
'More worthy than apologizing to you?'
'More like you just want to be free of all the guilt of punching a defenseless maiden.' She was beginning to grow irritated again and a voice in the back of her mind demanded to know why, but she could find no suitable answer. She was always experiencing such extreme emotions with Legolas. One moment she would be content to simply sit in his presence, and the next second she would be outraged by some audacious statement he made. She had the strange impression that Legolas said such things on purpose, though for what reason she did not know. All she knew was that it only served to make her angrier.
'I truly am sorry Valia,' said Legolas. He took her hand in his and placed a chaste kiss on the top. 'You do forgive me do you not?'
'That is it!' said Valia in frustration. 'Do you remember what I told you yesterday about taking back my forgiveness? Well it is official. You are no longer forgiven.'
'You cannot do that,' Legolas exclaimed, taken aback by her suggestion. If she did not forgive him he would never be able to forgive himself. That would not do at all.
'I just did,' was Valia's pat answer. Quickly she shoved her weight off the door and began to slam it shut. But Legolas was faster. His boot was immediately in the path of the door, preventing Valia from effectively sealing herself away from him. With a shove from his hand, the obstacle was no longer in the way. However Legolas now found himself standing before a livid Valia. She placed both hands on her hips and glared at him in challenge, all semblance of a congenial mood gone.
'You want me to beg. That is why you will not forgive me, is it not?' He knew he would not be able to deny her the wish if she asked it of him. He would gladly humiliate himself if it meant that he could secure her friendship once more.
'I beg your pardon?' asked Valia, incredulous that he had deduced such an errant conclusion to her statement. She decided then that she would never understand males, and Legolas in particular. He was just too confusing to her. Why did he always jump to such ridiculous conclusions?
'You want me to grovel at your feet for what I have done to you.' It was a statement, not a question. Sinking to one knee, Legolas took one of her hands off her hip and gently held it in his own. 'Forgive me fair maiden, for the wrongs I have inflicted upon you.'
'If you were not mocking me with your fair words I would be tempted to accept,' said Valia. 'But you are jesting and I find it rude.'
'Indeed I am not,' Legolas said in all seriousness. 'You will not stay mad at me forever will you? If you do not want the flowers I shall take them all away myself if it will gain me your kind regard again.'
'Legolas, get up.' Valia was beyond exasperation as he rose to stand. She shook her head and took a deep breath before speaking. 'You are the strangest elf I have ever known. Do you enjoy toying with me?' There was no malice in her words, just acceptance that what she said must be true and that she had reconciled herself to that fate.
Instead of answering her, the elven prince was busy scanning the injury he had inflicted on her. The yellow on her cheek from yesterday had turned into a deep shade of blue, black, and purple and Legolas had no uncertainty that the flesh must be rather tender. For the first time he noticed that she was dressed in her normal work outfit. 'You are not planning on going to the library today, are you?'
'I do not see why I should not,' said Valia, a little thrown off guard by his sudden change of topics. Not that she should not have been used to it by now. It seemed his nature to bring up new topics without any reason whatsoever.
'But you are hurt.'
Valia waved a hand of dismissal and gestured towards her bruised cheek. 'I am well aware of that, I assure you. However, this little bruise will not stop me from going to work.'
'But Valia, you will overexert yourself!'
'Indeed, those were my exact words to her early this morning Prince Legolas.' Narawen appeared from behind Valia and stood beside her daughter in the doorway. Gently she reached up and idly ran her hands through Valia's hair, trying to soothe her obviously irked daughter. 'She can be quite stubborn at times and would hear no suggestions of staying home today.'
'That is because I have no need to stay home today,' Valia replied with a groan of frustration. 'Everyone is treating me as if an orc ran a poisonous blade through my stomach. All of you are over exaggerating.'
'Valia,' objected Legolas. 'I punched you in the face. A head injury may seem a small thing to you, but I have seen it do strange things to elves in battle. You should not treat it so lightly.'
'Legolas, if anything has been injured it is your pride.'
'My pride?' the prince asked, clearly confused by the statement. He glanced at Narawen who also seemed slightly befuddled by her daughter's comment.
'Indeed. To think that you hit me as hard as you could and yet I am perfectly fine less than a day later. You had better be careful Prince Legolas or rumors will begin to fly around that the fabled elven warrior is loosing his touch.' Valia smiled at him cheekily and took the flowers out of his hand. Before the full import of her words hit him, she had already turned around and retreated a few steps into the house. 'I am going to find a vase for these,' she called over her shoulder.
Legolas' jaw dropped open and he turned to face Narawen. 'I do believe your daughter just insulted me.'
'And for some reason it does not surprise me,' murmured Narawen. 'I ask your forgiveness for her. She does not always think before she speaks.'
'Actually, I think her problem is that her brain is entirely too fast and clever for her own good.' Legolas' eyes sparkled with hidden mirth which relieved Narawen. She had thought the Prince had taken offense to her daughter's brash words.
'Will you not come in Prince Legolas?' she asked him. 'I fear my daughter has been negligent in her duties as a host and kept you out in the cold.'
'Yes, I would like that Lady Narawen. And please, do not call me by my title. It feels far too strange to have any of Valia's family address me in so formal a manner.'
Leading Legolas into a small sitting room right off of the front hallway, Narawen indicated for Legolas to be seated but he politely shook his head in refusal.
'To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit today Legolas?' she asked agreeably, choosing to stand as well.
'I must confess it is a rather selfish one,' he sighed. 'I was feeling extremely guilty this morning about what I did yesterday and thought I would make use of the floral shops in the city to apologize to Valia.'
Narawen gave a small indication with her head that she heard him, but did not say anything. She was far too intent on her close examination of the Prince. He wore his guilt very plain across his face and it started the wheels in Narawen's head turning. At first, she had thought he only enjoyed the company of her daughter because they working in the library together. But now a new idea began to dawn in her mind. Valia might mean more than just a friend to Legolas. His actions over the last few days had proved a deepening in their friendship and the strange looks he gave Valia when he thought no one else was watching had caught Narawen's attention a while back.
The rustling of a dress caused both Narawen and Legolas to look towards the hall. Valia walked into the room with Legolas' flowers expertly arranged in a glass vase. 'I suppose I will have to find a place for these in here, considering there is no space for them in my room,' she said, giving Legolas a pointed look. She placed the vase on a side table and came to stand beside her mother, giving her a kiss on the cheek.
'I must be going now mother. I will be late otherwise.'
Narawen bestowed an affectionate smile on her daughter. 'Have a good day dear and do not strain yourself. I know you think you are well, but a head injury can often prove to be deceptive.'
Bobbing her head in acquiescence, Valia turned to Legolas. 'I am afraid you will have to excuse me. Duty calls me elsewhere.'
'Then I shall escort you there,' stated Legolas. He sidled up to Valia's side and wove her arm through his.
'But..' she began to protest.
'No buts,' he said firmly. 'I will not harbor any protests.'
'I am afraid you will have to, Prince Legolas,' a dark haired elf said from the hallway. Everyone turned to see two elves that looked almost identical in appearance standing in the entrance of the room.
'Elladan, Elrohir!' Valia exclaimed with a happy laugh. Breaking from Legolas' hold, she rushed over to them and threw her arms around their necks, giving them each a kiss on the cheek in turn. 'I thought you had forgotten about me and I would have to walk to the palace without you.'
Elladan grabbed Valia and pulled her into a tight hug, speaking over her shoulder to Narawen and a very confused Legolas. 'Valia has neglected us most severely since our return from Tirion. She has not favored us with her company yet so Elrohir and I decided we would claim her for her morning walk to the palace today.' Drawing back a little, Elladan circled his arms around Valia's waist and looked down at her. 'We will not let the Prince steal you from us. Will we Elrohir?'
'Indeed, we shall not. But if Legolas is heading back to the palace he is welcome to join us. That is, as long as he controls himself and will not injure our beloved Valia again.' Elrohir glanced over Valia's bruise with sympathy before throwing a playful smirk at the elven prince.
Not knowing what to do, Legolas' gaze darted to Valia who still stood in the arms of Elladan, much to Legolas' dislike, though he did not know why.
'It is up to you Legolas, but decide quick or we will leave you. I am already late as it is.'
Letting go of his hold around her waist, Elladan hooked Valia's arm through his and Elrohir took her other arm, doing the same. Not waiting for his response, the twins turned Valia around and were quickly out of the house, their voices merrily floating through the air.
That left a bewildered Legolas standing next to Narawen staring at the empty hallway.
'I would suggest you run or you will not be able to catch up with them in time Legolas.' Narawen watched with an indulgent smile as her words sent Legolas into movement. He hastily bid her goodbye and swiftly flew out of the room, leaving Narawen alone.
It did not take long for Legolas to catch up with the happy trio of elves, but he soon found himself regretting his actions. Valia's attention was entirely absorbed with the incessant chatter of the twins and paid little heed to the presence of Legolas. This left him to his own devices, trailing close behind the others. He watched with narrowed eyes as Elladan whispered something into Valia's ear before pressing a kiss to the creamy skin of her temple. Jealous flared within him in an instant. Valia was his friend, not theirs.
The ridiculous thought made Legolas even more confused. Elladan and Elrohir obviously had a long history with Valia. They had probably grown up together as elflings in Imladris, playing with each other amidst the safety of the green trees. If anyone had a right to her attention, they did. 'Stop being so childish,' he scolded himself. 'You are acting like you own her.'
His thoughts were interrupted when he almost tripped into Valia who stood still before him. Peering over her shoulder he saw Hadrielia coming down the path looking as lovely as ever. Pristine white flowers were twined into her hair, complimenting her dark beauty. She stopped when she reached the small party of elves and seeing Legolas, a gleam immediately sprung into her eyes. Surveying the Prince up and down, she then let her attentions fall to Valia held securely between the handsome twins of Lord Elrond. Hadrielia could not comprehend how Valia was in the company of these three very desirable male elves. The only logical explanation she could think of was that they had all taken Valia as a pet project. They must have felt sorry for the poor she-elf who could not attract any males with her simple looks and unladylike behavior.
'My dear Valia,' she said, trying her best to be civil to the disgrace of a female elf in front of her. She noticed the dark bruise that covered her right cheek and smiled malevolently, but was quick to turn it into a pretty one as she looked at the elf lords.
'Hadrielia?'
'How pleasant it is to see you this morning. And you, my lords,' she said with a graceful curtsey. The elves returned the gesture and bowed back.
'Whatever did you do to your face? It looks positively awful,' Hadrielia burst out, fake worry lacing her words.
'Does it really? I had not noticed. I thank you for telling me. I shall be sure to look at it as soon as I arrive at the palace,' Valia said with mock horror, placing a hand over her mouth to pretend worry. Elladan and Elrohir could not hold back their snickers, though they were fast to catch themselves. Elrohir cleared his throat and looked at Hadrielia, who saw the laughter that radiated from the green orbs.
She decided the best course would be to simply smile back and pretend she did not notice. 'What a happy coincidence. I am going to the palace as well. Do you mind if I join you?'
'But you were walking away from the palace just now my lady,' Elladan interjected.
'Yes, are you going back so soon after you have just left?' asked Elrohir, a twinkle in his eyes.
'I have realized that I forgot something,' Hadrielia said. 'Would one of you be so kind as to escort me back?' she boldly asked.
'I am sorry, but Lady Valia has staked a claim on all of us as walking partners this fine morning. We would not dare to be rude and ask her to dismiss us from our duties,' Elladan apologized. 'What is it you have lost?'
'My glove,' Hadrielia responded hastily, taking a step forward.
'Tell me lady, is it custom for you to carry three gloves around with you wherever you go?' Elrohir asked, looking at her two gloved hands pointedly.
Legolas could not believe it. They were toying with the lady, playing with her like she had no feelings. He could see the pink tinge of embarrassment begin to redden her face. There was no way she could escape this situation without a major injury to her pride. While Legolas would have loved to see that happen, he also knew that he would only be stooping to her level if he played along in this game.
'I would be happy to escort you, Lady Hadrielia. Of course, that is only if Lady Valia does not object.' Legolas walked to stand beside the now mortified elven maiden and placed her arm through his own, but never let his eyes stray from Valia. She glanced from Legolas to Hadirelia and then back to Legolas again in utter confusion. Hurt crept into the blue depths of her eyes before Legolas saw it change to icy hardness.
'I care not,' said Valia with indifference, pulling Elladan and Elrohir closer to her.
Hadrielia threw her a catty smile and leaned towards Legolas, resting her free hand on top of his arm and fluttering her long lashes at the Prince. The two elven women stared at each other with cool eyes, carefully measuring their strength of will.
'Come Elladan and Elrohir. I will be late if I am postponed any longer,' Valia said at last. 'I am sure Prince Legolas can escort Hadrielia back to the palace on his own.'
Lord Elrond's sons nodded their heads, realizing what had just taken place before them. They walked past Legolas and Hadrielia and once again, did not wait to see if Legolas followed.
'I cannot thank you enough for escorting me back to the palace,' Hadrielia said sweetly when the others were out of hearing range.
'It is my pleasure, my lady.'
'Please call me Hadrielia, your highness,' she purred, pressing herself against the prince. Her overpowering scent assaulted Legolas' senses and he tried to put some space between them. Hadrielia only pushed herself against him tighter and began fluttering her eyelashes again.
'Very well Hadrielia,' Legolas said, trying to remain calm. 'Shall we go to the palace then?'
'I will follow wherever you take me Prince Legolas,' Hadrielia responded, her voice taking on a slightly seductive edge.
'Alright,' squeaked Legolas. He cleared his throat before continuing to speak, his voice changing back to its normal pitch. 'Let us make haste.'
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Legolas watched Valia from across the library, not daring to approach her. It had been hours since he had escorted Hadrielia back to the palace. After passing her off on one of the first elves he found, Legolas had gone in search of Valia. It looked like he would need to apologize again, only he did not know if she would forgive him this time. It was that thought that kept Legolas rooted to his spot, hidden in the shadows as he observed the calm movements of Valia. He was not fool enough to take her serene demeanor to mean that what happened earlier that morning did not have any effect on her.
The wall around her emotions was up once again. The wall he had worked so hard to break down was now back in place, and he had the uncanny feeling that it was stronger than ever. He would not be let through the heavily guarded fortress of her goodwill and affections so easily again. Outside, she looked placid. Inside, he was sure that a furious storm was raging.
And Elladan was another issue. Legolas did not even know how to address that problem. Not that her friendship with the elf lord should be a problem. Legolas simply did not like it.
Legolas had been too busy brooding to notice that Valia had long ago become aware of his presence. And what a shock he would be in if he knew what her true thoughts really were. Waves of guilt were washing over her, as relentless as the pounding ocean on the shores of the Valinor. She had been unkind to Hadrielia. She would normally not have cared about seeing the maiden brought low, yet what happened that morning was cruel. She had let Elladan and Elrohir mock Hadrielia to her face and done nothing to stop them. In Valia's mind, that put her on the same level as Hadrielia, a place she never wished to be.
The look of disapproval Legolas had given the three of them as he took Hadrielia's arm was enough to chastise Valia. She knew that he had been angry with them for humiliating the maiden, though his displeasure had changed to dread when she began to bat her lashes at him. Valia decided that she owed Legolas an apology, which did not make her any happier, considering she would have to repent because of Hadrielia. But she would do it all the same, and soon too. Legolas' constant stare was beginning to unnerve her. He had sat in a dark corner of the library watching Valia for a good part of the morning now.
Taking a deep breath, Valia tried to build up her courage as she placed a stray book back in its proper home. It was now or never she decided and slowly began to make her way over to Legolas, who instantly noticed and shoved himself up from the table he had been leaning on to greet her.
'Do you not have something better to do with your time than sit around the library all day?' Valia asked. That was probably not the best thing to say first she thought, but at least she had said something.
'It is quiet in here and allows me the opportunity for reflection.'
'You have been here hours. You must have many things to reflect on.'
'Yes.'
Silence descended between them; almost forming a physical barrier it was so strong. All Valia's bravery failed her in that torturous moment and she found that all her carefully planned words had flown with her courage. She cleared her throat softly and fixed her eyes on one of the silver clasps on Legolas' tunic. 'Alright,' was the only thing she could think to say before deciding that it would be a good time to make a hasty retreat.
Too fast for her to escape, Legolas grabbed each of her hands and drew her closer to him, looking down as he fiddled with her fingers. 'What is Elladan to you?' he delicately asked.
'Excuse me?' Valia questioned, not sure she had heard Legolas correctly. What did Elladan have to do with anything that was going on?
'You two are lovers are you not? You are his betrothed,' he stated with certainty. It was the only logical explanation Legolas could think of as to why Valia would let Elladan hold her the way he had that morning.
Valia's eyes grew large with shock before she laughed at the absurdity of the idea. Her and Elladan lovers! Indeed, you might as well say that she was best friends with Hadrielia herself. Just as fast as the laughter began it stopped when Valia noticed others looking at them. 'I do not see what business it is what Elladan is to me or why you feel you have the right to know matters that do not concern you,' Valia said in a hushed voice.
'I have a right to know because I am your friend. Why have you not told me all this time we have known each other that you belonged to another?'
'Because there is nothing to tell,' replied Valia heatedly. 'And even if there were, I am under no obligation to tell you everything. Why are we even discussing this? It is ludicrous.'
'It is not. I have counted you among my closest acquaintances Valia and all this time you have been hiding your engagement from me.'
'Hiding! I have been hiding no such thing from you,' snapped Valia, wrenching her hands out of Legolas' hold and backing up a few steps. Only she was stopped when she hit a solid mass behind her.
'What has my Valia been hiding from you?' Elladan asked. He had come into the library to see if Valia had wanted to join him and Elrohir for lunch, and found normally calm Valia in an impassioned argument with Prince Legolas.
Elladan's use of the word my to describe Valia had not gone unnoticed by him. So it was all true then. He glanced down at Elladan's hand that rested comfortably on Valia's shoulder and saw the glint of silver around his forefinger. A betrothal ring. Thinking hard, Legolas tried to remember if he had ever seen a ring on Valia's hand. He did not trust his memory at the moment and looked down to see if she wore one. To his ire, she had her hands clasped behind her back.
'How long have the two of you been engaged?' he asked.
'Engaged?' Elladan asked in confusion. 'I have been engaged for several years now, a long time compared to the normal customs of my kin, but I have had to travel on many business trips for my father as of late.'
'I am surprised that you have agreed to such a long wait, Valia,' Legolas said to an amused elf maiden. She had figured out what Legolas was thinking several comments back but did not feel the urge to correct him. This conversation was turning out to be far more interesting. Why would the thought of her being engaged make him so mad? She could only think of one reason, and she refused to believe that that was why he was angry.
'I care not how long Elladan wishes to wait. It is of little concern to me.'
'Of little concern to you? I would think that your marriage would be of great importance.'
'I do not understand,' said a puzzled Elladan. 'You are getting married Valia? When did this happen? Why have you not yet informed me you silly she- elf? Who is he?'
'I have not informed you because I am not getting married,' Valia replied, calming the deluge of questions from Elladan. 'Prince Legolas has just jumped to false conclusions.'
Now both the elf lords were confused and Valia could not help but laugh. 'Elladan, would you please inform the Prince that it is not I you are marrying, but a lovely elf maiden from a nearby city.'
'What?' choked Legolas.
This only made Valia laugh harder. 'My, you have turned a pretty shade of pink, Legolas. I do believe the color suits you.' That only caused the heat in Legolas' cheeks to flare further, making the color rise into his leaf shaped ears.
'I believe that I have missed something,' Elladan said shaking his head. 'No need to explain though. I need to go meet my beautiful betrothed for lunch. I will see you later Valia. Good day Legolas.' Placing a kiss on Valia's brow, Elladan was out of the room in a matter of seconds, off to find his beloved.
With Elladan gone, Legolas and Valia were left to themselves. Each found their gaze caught by the others and they were both unable to escape the power it exerted over them. They carefully studied each other, delving into the very depths of their eyes.
'I am sorry,' they said in unison. Legolas let out a soft chuckle and Valia felt the corners of her mouth tip upwards in a smile as she ducked her head to study her hands.
'Friends?' she asked.
'Yes, always. I would not have it any other way mellonamin.'
'Good.' She looked back up to see a once more peaceful Legolas leaning his weight against the table behind him. His eyes had returned to a calm green, reminding Valia of the vivid leaves of the summer trees that she loved so much. It was in that moment that she realized how much Legolas' friendship meant to her. She could not remember the last time she had a male elf for a friend. A few millennium at the very least. Most males who Valia was allowed to socialize with did not wish to maintain friendship with the strange she-elf, especially since she refused to move anywhere past friendship in her relationships.
She suddenly felt the overwhelming urge to thank him for being one of the first male elves besides her brother to understand her in so long. Stepping over to him she placed her hands on his shoulder and bent down to kiss his smooth cheek. 'Thank you Legolas,' she said with a smile, pulling away just a little.
'For what?' Legolas breathed out, a look of awe on his fair face.
'For understanding,' she said before placing another kiss on his cheek and going back to work, leaving a very perplexed Legolas who did not understand at all.
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Can anyone tell me how to get italics and bold print to appear when you upload a document? I would appreciate that very much.
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