Disclaimer- Refer to Chapter One
Thank you all my wonderful reviewers! You guys are the best.
Special Dedication- Ameliebabie, here at your request is another training session. Thanks for the inspiration!
A/N- Perhaps a little more action and allusion to romance than you are used to so far. I hope it's not too sudden or surprising. Because fanfiction will be shut down the 14th and 15th this is my last post until the 16th when it is up and running again. Enjoy.
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~You Are Mine~
'Good, but watch your feet' yelled Isondil over the clashing of the metal.
'I am trying,' cried Valia, ducking a wide swing from Legolas' blade only to encounter Isondil's sword swooping down on her the next second. Her breath was already labored trying to defend herself against two seasoned warriors. She did not know how much more she could take before she collapsed on the ground in a panting heap.
A dull ache began to creep up the fatigued muscles of her arms, exploding into a fiery crescendo. Valia was loosing ground with each blow and her body and mind instinctively reverted to survival mentality. Though her strength was seeping out of her the adrenaline that suddenly coursed through her veins added speed to her movements, affording her a tiny reprieve from the persistent onslaught as her combatants now had to lapse into defensive maneuvers. Beads of sweat began to form on Valia's brow creating large droplets; however her current situation did not afford her the luxury of pausing to wipe the annoying moisture from her face. Her sword sang through the air, expertly deflected by Legolas.
Much to Valia's detriment, sweat started to trickle into one of her eyes. The sting of the salt effectually blinded the she-elf, turning her into a one eyed warrior. This, of course, did nothing but hinder her fast wilting fighting abilities. She lost ground again, deciding that it was a better forfeit than a bleeding gash in her side. Despite her handicap, Valia distinctly saw a perky grin tip the corners of Legolas' thin lips upwards. She did not have much time to contemplate the aggravating smile, so self- assured on his handsome face, before her heel hit an impediment in her trail of escape. All it took was a heavy blow from Legolas to send Valia reeling backwards, tripping over the obstruction in the process.
Her head hit the compact ground with a sickening crack and Valia had a fleeting thought of ripe melons bursting open in juicy reds. That did not last long though, the momentary darkness that followed successful pushing all other thoughts aside. When her vision began to clear she could not help the low moan that escaped her lips. She attempted to lift her head but instantly stopped when she felt cold steel resting gently against her throat. Legolas had placed his blade on her jugular vein, making Valia extremely aware of the pulsing blood flowing there. She swallowed, trying to move her throat as little as possible, and looked up. Legolas appeared over her, his face shadowed by his golden veil of hair.
'Do you admit defeat?'
'I am on the ground, am I not?' Valia inquired with annoyance. Legolas frowned, pushing his blade against her sensitive vein harder.
'You are in no position to talk back, my lady.'
'And you should not be threatening harmless elf maidens at sword point, my lord,' Valia stubbornly replied.
'I will only ask you once more. Do you admit defeat?' He increased the pressure on her vein and Valia's body instantly tried to mold itself into the earth to escape the uncomfortable pressure.
'Yes,' she squeaked in an unusually docile manner, taking in a large gulp of air when the force on her neck decreased. Trying to sit up, she found she could not lift anymore than her head and shoulders off the ground because Legolas was now aiming his gleaming sword tip at her heart.
'I did not grant you permission to get up,' Legolas calmly informed her when he saw her glance at him askance.
Flopping her head back onto the grass with exaggerated resignation, Valia let out an enormous sigh, deflating her chest until the obnoxious point of Legolas' sword no longer touched her. 'Isondil!' she called sweetly, perhaps a little too sugary but that did not matter.
'No Valia,' he said without the slightest hesitation. He had already retreated from the pair and was busy polishing his own sword with ritualistic fervor. 'Whatever it is Legolas wants to do with you is none of my business. If he draws blood, then you may feel free to seek my aid.'
Well that was settled then. What was a she-elf to do under such circumstances? Valia did not have long to contemplate the issue before Legolas poked her in the side with his weapon, attempting to claim her attention.
'That is a sword Legolas, not a stick. Watch where you point that thing,' she said in the condescending voice of a prudish teacher to a pupil.
'I am well aware it is a sword, my lady, perhaps even more than you are.'
'What are you hinting at? Stop being so vague,' Valia retorted in irritation. When was the elf going to let her off the ground? It was getting rather painful due to a hard object digging into her back and wriggling away from it was out of the question since Legolas was prodding her again with his sword.
'I am not the one who ended up on the ground, you were. You keep forgetting to watch where you are going Valia. If you are ever trying to defend yourself, your lack of attention will get you into trouble.'
'There is only so much you can expect me to learn in so short a time!' Valia cried in utter exasperation.
Legolas' eyes narrowed even more than they already were at her outburst, forming into tiny slits of dark green. The absurd image of a cat flashed through Valia's mind, yet when she peered up at him more closely the association did not seem so ridiculous. Right now he looked like he was in attack mode, about ready to pounce on her unexpectedly without the slightest warning. He was cool and collected, that making him a danger in itself if she had truly been an enemy. 'He has the grace and speed of a cat too, and can be just as adoringly playful when he wants to be. Not to mention the sleek form,' Valia thought scanning his lithe figure with the appreciative eye of a critic who knows the difference between a good model from a bad one. She wondered why she had never noticed that aspect of him before. True, she was well aware that he was gorgeous and almost any maiden would willingly give her own blood to receive a favorable look from those captivating green eyes of his, but she had never really looked at him before to determine his merits by her own standards.
'We have been training for nearly eight months,' Legolas interrupted her scrutiny, not noticing her apparent appraisal of him or the faint tinge of pink that rose to her cheeks.
What was she doing blushing? It had been several millennium since she had done that. 'Good grief, get a hold of yourself Valia,' she admonished herself. 'After all, it is only Legolas.'
The elf in question continued on in complete oblivion. 'You continue to make the same mistake every time.'
'I think I have improved admirably,' she defended herself with a haughty look. 'I did beat you yesterday.'
'But you did not today,' Legolas stated pointedly.
'Your point, your highness?'
'My point is that I will do whatever I have to so that you will remember.'
'And that would entail...?'
'For today, that would necessitate mending my cloak. There is a tear in it that needs repaired before the clothing is ruined.'
'I am not your servant!' vehemently protested Valia. 'If you want your clothes fixed go find a maid.'
'I will have to decline the suggestion. Do you know that by dwarvish custom you belong to me now and I may do whatever I wish with you? When a dwarf captures another by fair means in battle, their quarry becomes theirs. You are mine.' He stated this with an air of complete seriousness and Valia was not sure whether she should laugh or be absolutely horrified at the suggestion. She chose to continue in the same venue he had addressed her. That was the safest remedy to the strange discourse Legolas was pursuing.
'Thankfully I am not a dwarf and neither are you, nor are we anywhere near a dwarvish kingdom,' she said gravely, schooling her face into a solemn expression to match his own.
'But you forget that I traveled nearly a century with a dwarf. I find that some of their queer habits and traditions are quite appealing.'
'No doubt, but that does not mean they hold any sway over me.'
'Beg your pardon my lady, but with my sword pointed at your heart, anything I declare has a sway over you.'
Valia decide to mumble some unintelligible comment that Legolas did not have the desire to decipher.
'You are mine,' he repeated again firmly.
'Well it seems decided than,' Isondil interjected with a cheeky smirk as he appeared in Valia's restricted field of vision. 'I will leave you to her than Legolas. I am to meet Silia soon and do not wish to be late.'
'I imagine not,' replied Legolas, not taking his gaze or sword off of Valia.
'Namarie!' Isondil said cheerily, disappearing from Valia's sight as quickly as he had appeared.
'You cannot leave me here with this crazy elf!' protested Valia. Her objections had no influence over Isondil though, who was hastily beating a trail back to the palace to his love's side. 'Well, I suppose I know who my true friends are!' she said in a huff when the humming of the infatuated elf could no longer be heard. Another poke was placed in Valia's ribs, reminding her of the presence of her relentless tormentor.
'Cease your prodding,' Valia command with as much authority as Lady Celebrian herself. 'I am not your horse; therefore you need not treat me as such.'
'Your are mine nevertheless,' was Legolas' cryptic answer.
'I am not!'
'Yes you are,' he said, not in the least perturbed by her persistent denial. 'You will mend my cloak.'
'Gladly, if it will remove the point of your sword from my person and will successfully relinquish your wholly unfounded and unwanted claim on me.'
'You are in no position to be demanding a truce, my lady,' he said sternly, entirely diplomatic in his voice and bearing.
'I am when I have something you desire,' she retorted smartly.
'You will cooperate Valia,' he confirmed with a self-assured smile. Sheathing his sword, Valia was relieved to no longer have the unpleasant object threatening her body. She rolled onto her stomach with a groan and clumsily tried to massage her back where the hard object had been boring into her spine. Turning her head to look the other way, she saw a gnarled tree root sticking out where she had only moments before been pinned down.
'You are hurt?' Legolas asked with worry, kneeling beside her in concern when he saw the root and Valia rubbing her back. 'Ai! I did not know you were laying on that Valia. Why did you not say something?'
'It was not of much importance to me when I had a sharp sword pointed at particularly vulnerable parts of my body,' she grumbled.
'I would not knowingly hurt you Valia, you are aware of that? I did not know,' Legolas said, slight pleading lacing his words.
'Feeling guilty are we?'
He made no response and instead he gently moved her hand off her back, placing it by her side. His eyes followed the curve of her back made visible by her fitted tunic. It looked so welcoming to Legolas, like the delicate curve of a young sapling and he found himself fascinated, wondering what it would feel like beneath his hand.
Supple fingers began to caress her back tenderly and Valia went taunt as unease took hold of her. The sensation was not entirely unpleasant as warmth began to heat her tender skin, Legolas' healing abilities flowing into her. The fingers moved from the sore skin on her upper back and began to glide downwards, tracing the line of her spine with a feather touch. She flipped to her back as quick as a frightened deer ran through the forest and grasped Legolas' arm in a firm grip. Their arms hovered in midair and Legolas noticed that Valia's chest was rising faster and deeper than normal.
'What are you doing?' she whispered faintly, and despite the softness he could still hear the accusation in her voice.
'Valia,' he soothed in an attempt to dispel the panic that was pervasive in her dilated blue eyes, turned almost black with strong emotion. He tried to lower his hand to her face but she maintained her iron hold, making it impossible for him to move. She was suddenly running away, sprinting through the tall trees that were showering their last vestiges of green leaves refusing to submit to their copious golden counterparts that now adorned the branches. Legolas did not think he had ever seen an elf move so fast before. He had no idea how Valia had gotten off the ground and began her mad dash away from him in the time it would have taken him to notch an arrow to his bow.
Springing to his feet, he was after her in an instant, her honey blond hair betraying her with its bright sheen. He followed her telltale tresses through the myriad of trees, rapidly shortening the distance between them. Not even bothering to call to her, he concentrated all his efforts on catching her and was rewarded when after a minute he was within arms reach of his objective. The next moment he wrapped his arms around her waist, but the combined momentum of their sudden stop and Valia wildly swinging her legs into the air caused Legolas to loose his balance. He fell backwards with Valia still held securely in his arms, rolling to the ground to avoid as much bruising as was possible.
He was on top of Valia and pinning her arms above her head so fast that the thought of struggling against the move did not have the time to enter her mind. He stared down at her with an intensity that made Valia shudder and despite her best efforts she could not escape the hold he had on her eyes. 'What is wrong?' he almost screamed but his gasping breaths hindered him from the full use of his vocal chords.
'You!' Valia spat out with venom that shocked Legolas. 'What were you trying to do back there? You made me a promise and I expect you to keep it!' If Legolas had trouble shouting, Valia certainly did not and the sheer volume of her words made him flinch back. Taking advantage of the situation Valia was able to free one of her hands, but to her dismay it was secured again just as quickly as she was able to release it and her brief escape only redoubled Legolas' efforts at keeping a secure hold on her. He had no qualm in laying his full weight on top of her and proficiently wrapped his legs around hers so that she was immobilized.
'I was only trying to see if you were injured,' he yelled, matching her volume easily, his lungs having had a bit of respite while he was trying to hinder Valia's attempted escape.
'That was no healer's touch!'
'Well it was not what you thought it was either!'
'Then what was it?'
'It...I...it was...' Legolas could come to no satisfactory answer to that question and found himself experiencing a rare occurrence; he was at a complete loss for words.
'It was!' Valia declared triumphantly, her eyes ablaze with righteous indignation.
'No, Valia, listen to me,' replied Legolas with a sigh. 'I meant nothing more than concern for a friend in that touch.'
'Friend!' screeched Valia. 'Friends do not caress each others backs!'
'Valia,' Legolas pleaded with her to listen.
'You promised! You promised me Legolas!' She directed all her strength in trying to break free from him but soon discovered that it was hopeless. Instead she lay perfectly still and decided to assault him with her words. 'Do you remember what I told you when you we made our agreement?'
'Please Valia, just listen to me,' Legolas said, ignoring her question. When she made no response he surged forward. 'I do not know what came over me. My hand seems to have rebelled against my mind. It is just that the curve in your back looked so intriguing; I know that sounds ludicrous but I had to know what it felt like. I was curious, that is all. I did not mean..you do not think..Valia,' he strangled her name out with pure desperation. He fixed his bright green eyes on her, his brows furrowing in distress. 'You will not hold that against me will you? I am sorry mellonamin. You must forgive me.'
Valia wanted nothing more than to slice his body into little parts and send them back to Thranduil piecemeal until he looked at her with those emerald eyes of his. She cursed herself when she felt her resolve begin to melt away like ice thrown into a searing furnace. One tiny glance of sheer misery from him and he had her bending to his will.
'Those stupid eyes of yours!' Valia sighed in frustration and Legolas felt a spark of hope ignite in his soul when he felt her go lax underneath him.
He did not relax however; as a sharp point was shoved into his backside and a low voice ordered him to stand up slowly. He felt the metal dig into his skin to emphasize the instruction.
'Raise your hands!' the mysterious figure commanded. Legolas was swift to comply and his hands were over his head in an instant. 'Now step away from her.' Before Legolas could follow the command Valia had sprung to her feet, heedless of the leaves and twigs clinging to her hair and dress, and lunged behind Legolas, securing the dagger that endangered Legolas.
'It is fine Lord Garand, I assure you,' she said stiffly, revealing to Legolas the identity of his mysterious assailant. The prince gradually turned around with the threat of impaling no longer immediate and glared at Garand with ruthless fury.
'Do not say it is fine Valia when it is obvious it is not,' Garand objected, casting a look over Legolas and Valias' rumpled clothing and the bright red heating Valia's cheeks. Valia surveyed their appearance and flushed a deeper red when she realized what he was assuming. 'Do you think just because you are a prince that you can have any maiden you wish?' he questioned Legolas with distain clearly evident on his features.
'What do you accuse me of?' Legolas growled, his eyes turning a brilliant shade of green in his wrath. 'You dare to have the audacity to say such things to me!'
'Just because Valia refuses to have you for a partner over me does not mean that you have to force yourself on her,' Garand taunted. 'I am sure there are plenty of other maidens who you could bed with far more ease than the struggle she would put up.'
'You would know,' Legolas replied darkly, clenching his fists and making a move towards the offensive elf.
'Are you blind? You clearly cannot handle the fact that she favors me over you. I do not take kindly to you trying to lay claim to my she-elf.'
'She is not yours, nor will she ever be. If anyone is blind, it is you!' Legolas took another step towards Garand who met him with a small advance of his own.
'No!' Valia snapped, storming between the two male elves with fury that could have rivaled that of Sauron himself if he were still alive. 'You will not do this again. I suggest you both walk your separate ways before I decide to use this dagger on the both of you.' She proved her point by holding the weapon up and alternately turning it on each of them.
'Fine, but you are coming with me,' Garand said, pulling Valia to his side with a jerk. 'I will not let him have his way with you, prince or not. You are my love, not his.'
'I will decide whose love I am and who I go with,' corrected Valia crossly. She ripped herself out of Garand's unnecessary hold and walked over to Legolas, snatching up his hand without question and storming away with him in tow, ending all possibility of further objection or fighting by either of the elves. Legolas was wise and kept his mouth shut since he seemed to be in her good grace again. He followed obediently and let her lead him wherever she was heading, for the first time thankful for Garand's presence, but only because it meant Valia was no longer angry at him.
Garand's eyes narrowed as he watched them disappear. 'You are mine,' he stated to her back, but neither Legolas nor she heard the quiet declaration. 'It is only a matter of what will make you realize it.'
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Short chapter, I know, but was it still good? Please leave your email with your review so that I can send you a thank you!
Thank you all my wonderful reviewers! You guys are the best.
Special Dedication- Ameliebabie, here at your request is another training session. Thanks for the inspiration!
A/N- Perhaps a little more action and allusion to romance than you are used to so far. I hope it's not too sudden or surprising. Because fanfiction will be shut down the 14th and 15th this is my last post until the 16th when it is up and running again. Enjoy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~You Are Mine~
'Good, but watch your feet' yelled Isondil over the clashing of the metal.
'I am trying,' cried Valia, ducking a wide swing from Legolas' blade only to encounter Isondil's sword swooping down on her the next second. Her breath was already labored trying to defend herself against two seasoned warriors. She did not know how much more she could take before she collapsed on the ground in a panting heap.
A dull ache began to creep up the fatigued muscles of her arms, exploding into a fiery crescendo. Valia was loosing ground with each blow and her body and mind instinctively reverted to survival mentality. Though her strength was seeping out of her the adrenaline that suddenly coursed through her veins added speed to her movements, affording her a tiny reprieve from the persistent onslaught as her combatants now had to lapse into defensive maneuvers. Beads of sweat began to form on Valia's brow creating large droplets; however her current situation did not afford her the luxury of pausing to wipe the annoying moisture from her face. Her sword sang through the air, expertly deflected by Legolas.
Much to Valia's detriment, sweat started to trickle into one of her eyes. The sting of the salt effectually blinded the she-elf, turning her into a one eyed warrior. This, of course, did nothing but hinder her fast wilting fighting abilities. She lost ground again, deciding that it was a better forfeit than a bleeding gash in her side. Despite her handicap, Valia distinctly saw a perky grin tip the corners of Legolas' thin lips upwards. She did not have much time to contemplate the aggravating smile, so self- assured on his handsome face, before her heel hit an impediment in her trail of escape. All it took was a heavy blow from Legolas to send Valia reeling backwards, tripping over the obstruction in the process.
Her head hit the compact ground with a sickening crack and Valia had a fleeting thought of ripe melons bursting open in juicy reds. That did not last long though, the momentary darkness that followed successful pushing all other thoughts aside. When her vision began to clear she could not help the low moan that escaped her lips. She attempted to lift her head but instantly stopped when she felt cold steel resting gently against her throat. Legolas had placed his blade on her jugular vein, making Valia extremely aware of the pulsing blood flowing there. She swallowed, trying to move her throat as little as possible, and looked up. Legolas appeared over her, his face shadowed by his golden veil of hair.
'Do you admit defeat?'
'I am on the ground, am I not?' Valia inquired with annoyance. Legolas frowned, pushing his blade against her sensitive vein harder.
'You are in no position to talk back, my lady.'
'And you should not be threatening harmless elf maidens at sword point, my lord,' Valia stubbornly replied.
'I will only ask you once more. Do you admit defeat?' He increased the pressure on her vein and Valia's body instantly tried to mold itself into the earth to escape the uncomfortable pressure.
'Yes,' she squeaked in an unusually docile manner, taking in a large gulp of air when the force on her neck decreased. Trying to sit up, she found she could not lift anymore than her head and shoulders off the ground because Legolas was now aiming his gleaming sword tip at her heart.
'I did not grant you permission to get up,' Legolas calmly informed her when he saw her glance at him askance.
Flopping her head back onto the grass with exaggerated resignation, Valia let out an enormous sigh, deflating her chest until the obnoxious point of Legolas' sword no longer touched her. 'Isondil!' she called sweetly, perhaps a little too sugary but that did not matter.
'No Valia,' he said without the slightest hesitation. He had already retreated from the pair and was busy polishing his own sword with ritualistic fervor. 'Whatever it is Legolas wants to do with you is none of my business. If he draws blood, then you may feel free to seek my aid.'
Well that was settled then. What was a she-elf to do under such circumstances? Valia did not have long to contemplate the issue before Legolas poked her in the side with his weapon, attempting to claim her attention.
'That is a sword Legolas, not a stick. Watch where you point that thing,' she said in the condescending voice of a prudish teacher to a pupil.
'I am well aware it is a sword, my lady, perhaps even more than you are.'
'What are you hinting at? Stop being so vague,' Valia retorted in irritation. When was the elf going to let her off the ground? It was getting rather painful due to a hard object digging into her back and wriggling away from it was out of the question since Legolas was prodding her again with his sword.
'I am not the one who ended up on the ground, you were. You keep forgetting to watch where you are going Valia. If you are ever trying to defend yourself, your lack of attention will get you into trouble.'
'There is only so much you can expect me to learn in so short a time!' Valia cried in utter exasperation.
Legolas' eyes narrowed even more than they already were at her outburst, forming into tiny slits of dark green. The absurd image of a cat flashed through Valia's mind, yet when she peered up at him more closely the association did not seem so ridiculous. Right now he looked like he was in attack mode, about ready to pounce on her unexpectedly without the slightest warning. He was cool and collected, that making him a danger in itself if she had truly been an enemy. 'He has the grace and speed of a cat too, and can be just as adoringly playful when he wants to be. Not to mention the sleek form,' Valia thought scanning his lithe figure with the appreciative eye of a critic who knows the difference between a good model from a bad one. She wondered why she had never noticed that aspect of him before. True, she was well aware that he was gorgeous and almost any maiden would willingly give her own blood to receive a favorable look from those captivating green eyes of his, but she had never really looked at him before to determine his merits by her own standards.
'We have been training for nearly eight months,' Legolas interrupted her scrutiny, not noticing her apparent appraisal of him or the faint tinge of pink that rose to her cheeks.
What was she doing blushing? It had been several millennium since she had done that. 'Good grief, get a hold of yourself Valia,' she admonished herself. 'After all, it is only Legolas.'
The elf in question continued on in complete oblivion. 'You continue to make the same mistake every time.'
'I think I have improved admirably,' she defended herself with a haughty look. 'I did beat you yesterday.'
'But you did not today,' Legolas stated pointedly.
'Your point, your highness?'
'My point is that I will do whatever I have to so that you will remember.'
'And that would entail...?'
'For today, that would necessitate mending my cloak. There is a tear in it that needs repaired before the clothing is ruined.'
'I am not your servant!' vehemently protested Valia. 'If you want your clothes fixed go find a maid.'
'I will have to decline the suggestion. Do you know that by dwarvish custom you belong to me now and I may do whatever I wish with you? When a dwarf captures another by fair means in battle, their quarry becomes theirs. You are mine.' He stated this with an air of complete seriousness and Valia was not sure whether she should laugh or be absolutely horrified at the suggestion. She chose to continue in the same venue he had addressed her. That was the safest remedy to the strange discourse Legolas was pursuing.
'Thankfully I am not a dwarf and neither are you, nor are we anywhere near a dwarvish kingdom,' she said gravely, schooling her face into a solemn expression to match his own.
'But you forget that I traveled nearly a century with a dwarf. I find that some of their queer habits and traditions are quite appealing.'
'No doubt, but that does not mean they hold any sway over me.'
'Beg your pardon my lady, but with my sword pointed at your heart, anything I declare has a sway over you.'
Valia decide to mumble some unintelligible comment that Legolas did not have the desire to decipher.
'You are mine,' he repeated again firmly.
'Well it seems decided than,' Isondil interjected with a cheeky smirk as he appeared in Valia's restricted field of vision. 'I will leave you to her than Legolas. I am to meet Silia soon and do not wish to be late.'
'I imagine not,' replied Legolas, not taking his gaze or sword off of Valia.
'Namarie!' Isondil said cheerily, disappearing from Valia's sight as quickly as he had appeared.
'You cannot leave me here with this crazy elf!' protested Valia. Her objections had no influence over Isondil though, who was hastily beating a trail back to the palace to his love's side. 'Well, I suppose I know who my true friends are!' she said in a huff when the humming of the infatuated elf could no longer be heard. Another poke was placed in Valia's ribs, reminding her of the presence of her relentless tormentor.
'Cease your prodding,' Valia command with as much authority as Lady Celebrian herself. 'I am not your horse; therefore you need not treat me as such.'
'Your are mine nevertheless,' was Legolas' cryptic answer.
'I am not!'
'Yes you are,' he said, not in the least perturbed by her persistent denial. 'You will mend my cloak.'
'Gladly, if it will remove the point of your sword from my person and will successfully relinquish your wholly unfounded and unwanted claim on me.'
'You are in no position to be demanding a truce, my lady,' he said sternly, entirely diplomatic in his voice and bearing.
'I am when I have something you desire,' she retorted smartly.
'You will cooperate Valia,' he confirmed with a self-assured smile. Sheathing his sword, Valia was relieved to no longer have the unpleasant object threatening her body. She rolled onto her stomach with a groan and clumsily tried to massage her back where the hard object had been boring into her spine. Turning her head to look the other way, she saw a gnarled tree root sticking out where she had only moments before been pinned down.
'You are hurt?' Legolas asked with worry, kneeling beside her in concern when he saw the root and Valia rubbing her back. 'Ai! I did not know you were laying on that Valia. Why did you not say something?'
'It was not of much importance to me when I had a sharp sword pointed at particularly vulnerable parts of my body,' she grumbled.
'I would not knowingly hurt you Valia, you are aware of that? I did not know,' Legolas said, slight pleading lacing his words.
'Feeling guilty are we?'
He made no response and instead he gently moved her hand off her back, placing it by her side. His eyes followed the curve of her back made visible by her fitted tunic. It looked so welcoming to Legolas, like the delicate curve of a young sapling and he found himself fascinated, wondering what it would feel like beneath his hand.
Supple fingers began to caress her back tenderly and Valia went taunt as unease took hold of her. The sensation was not entirely unpleasant as warmth began to heat her tender skin, Legolas' healing abilities flowing into her. The fingers moved from the sore skin on her upper back and began to glide downwards, tracing the line of her spine with a feather touch. She flipped to her back as quick as a frightened deer ran through the forest and grasped Legolas' arm in a firm grip. Their arms hovered in midair and Legolas noticed that Valia's chest was rising faster and deeper than normal.
'What are you doing?' she whispered faintly, and despite the softness he could still hear the accusation in her voice.
'Valia,' he soothed in an attempt to dispel the panic that was pervasive in her dilated blue eyes, turned almost black with strong emotion. He tried to lower his hand to her face but she maintained her iron hold, making it impossible for him to move. She was suddenly running away, sprinting through the tall trees that were showering their last vestiges of green leaves refusing to submit to their copious golden counterparts that now adorned the branches. Legolas did not think he had ever seen an elf move so fast before. He had no idea how Valia had gotten off the ground and began her mad dash away from him in the time it would have taken him to notch an arrow to his bow.
Springing to his feet, he was after her in an instant, her honey blond hair betraying her with its bright sheen. He followed her telltale tresses through the myriad of trees, rapidly shortening the distance between them. Not even bothering to call to her, he concentrated all his efforts on catching her and was rewarded when after a minute he was within arms reach of his objective. The next moment he wrapped his arms around her waist, but the combined momentum of their sudden stop and Valia wildly swinging her legs into the air caused Legolas to loose his balance. He fell backwards with Valia still held securely in his arms, rolling to the ground to avoid as much bruising as was possible.
He was on top of Valia and pinning her arms above her head so fast that the thought of struggling against the move did not have the time to enter her mind. He stared down at her with an intensity that made Valia shudder and despite her best efforts she could not escape the hold he had on her eyes. 'What is wrong?' he almost screamed but his gasping breaths hindered him from the full use of his vocal chords.
'You!' Valia spat out with venom that shocked Legolas. 'What were you trying to do back there? You made me a promise and I expect you to keep it!' If Legolas had trouble shouting, Valia certainly did not and the sheer volume of her words made him flinch back. Taking advantage of the situation Valia was able to free one of her hands, but to her dismay it was secured again just as quickly as she was able to release it and her brief escape only redoubled Legolas' efforts at keeping a secure hold on her. He had no qualm in laying his full weight on top of her and proficiently wrapped his legs around hers so that she was immobilized.
'I was only trying to see if you were injured,' he yelled, matching her volume easily, his lungs having had a bit of respite while he was trying to hinder Valia's attempted escape.
'That was no healer's touch!'
'Well it was not what you thought it was either!'
'Then what was it?'
'It...I...it was...' Legolas could come to no satisfactory answer to that question and found himself experiencing a rare occurrence; he was at a complete loss for words.
'It was!' Valia declared triumphantly, her eyes ablaze with righteous indignation.
'No, Valia, listen to me,' replied Legolas with a sigh. 'I meant nothing more than concern for a friend in that touch.'
'Friend!' screeched Valia. 'Friends do not caress each others backs!'
'Valia,' Legolas pleaded with her to listen.
'You promised! You promised me Legolas!' She directed all her strength in trying to break free from him but soon discovered that it was hopeless. Instead she lay perfectly still and decided to assault him with her words. 'Do you remember what I told you when you we made our agreement?'
'Please Valia, just listen to me,' Legolas said, ignoring her question. When she made no response he surged forward. 'I do not know what came over me. My hand seems to have rebelled against my mind. It is just that the curve in your back looked so intriguing; I know that sounds ludicrous but I had to know what it felt like. I was curious, that is all. I did not mean..you do not think..Valia,' he strangled her name out with pure desperation. He fixed his bright green eyes on her, his brows furrowing in distress. 'You will not hold that against me will you? I am sorry mellonamin. You must forgive me.'
Valia wanted nothing more than to slice his body into little parts and send them back to Thranduil piecemeal until he looked at her with those emerald eyes of his. She cursed herself when she felt her resolve begin to melt away like ice thrown into a searing furnace. One tiny glance of sheer misery from him and he had her bending to his will.
'Those stupid eyes of yours!' Valia sighed in frustration and Legolas felt a spark of hope ignite in his soul when he felt her go lax underneath him.
He did not relax however; as a sharp point was shoved into his backside and a low voice ordered him to stand up slowly. He felt the metal dig into his skin to emphasize the instruction.
'Raise your hands!' the mysterious figure commanded. Legolas was swift to comply and his hands were over his head in an instant. 'Now step away from her.' Before Legolas could follow the command Valia had sprung to her feet, heedless of the leaves and twigs clinging to her hair and dress, and lunged behind Legolas, securing the dagger that endangered Legolas.
'It is fine Lord Garand, I assure you,' she said stiffly, revealing to Legolas the identity of his mysterious assailant. The prince gradually turned around with the threat of impaling no longer immediate and glared at Garand with ruthless fury.
'Do not say it is fine Valia when it is obvious it is not,' Garand objected, casting a look over Legolas and Valias' rumpled clothing and the bright red heating Valia's cheeks. Valia surveyed their appearance and flushed a deeper red when she realized what he was assuming. 'Do you think just because you are a prince that you can have any maiden you wish?' he questioned Legolas with distain clearly evident on his features.
'What do you accuse me of?' Legolas growled, his eyes turning a brilliant shade of green in his wrath. 'You dare to have the audacity to say such things to me!'
'Just because Valia refuses to have you for a partner over me does not mean that you have to force yourself on her,' Garand taunted. 'I am sure there are plenty of other maidens who you could bed with far more ease than the struggle she would put up.'
'You would know,' Legolas replied darkly, clenching his fists and making a move towards the offensive elf.
'Are you blind? You clearly cannot handle the fact that she favors me over you. I do not take kindly to you trying to lay claim to my she-elf.'
'She is not yours, nor will she ever be. If anyone is blind, it is you!' Legolas took another step towards Garand who met him with a small advance of his own.
'No!' Valia snapped, storming between the two male elves with fury that could have rivaled that of Sauron himself if he were still alive. 'You will not do this again. I suggest you both walk your separate ways before I decide to use this dagger on the both of you.' She proved her point by holding the weapon up and alternately turning it on each of them.
'Fine, but you are coming with me,' Garand said, pulling Valia to his side with a jerk. 'I will not let him have his way with you, prince or not. You are my love, not his.'
'I will decide whose love I am and who I go with,' corrected Valia crossly. She ripped herself out of Garand's unnecessary hold and walked over to Legolas, snatching up his hand without question and storming away with him in tow, ending all possibility of further objection or fighting by either of the elves. Legolas was wise and kept his mouth shut since he seemed to be in her good grace again. He followed obediently and let her lead him wherever she was heading, for the first time thankful for Garand's presence, but only because it meant Valia was no longer angry at him.
Garand's eyes narrowed as he watched them disappear. 'You are mine,' he stated to her back, but neither Legolas nor she heard the quiet declaration. 'It is only a matter of what will make you realize it.'
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Short chapter, I know, but was it still good? Please leave your email with your review so that I can send you a thank you!