Disclaimer: Refer to Chapter One
Over 400 reviews! Lembas for all my wonderful reviewers :)
Thanks to my beta (yes, I have a beta now!) Elfpilot
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To Dress Like a Princess
'You cannot do this.'
'Valia, stay out of this.' Elrond warned, and his command was supported by several other nods of concurrence in the room.
'I will not let you go through with this,' she continued stubbornly. 'He will receive no mercy at your hands, and while I admit that it would please me,' she said, throwing a glaring look at the bound form of Garand, 'I would not wish the fury of my overly protective relations upon him.'
'We will not let him go unpunished, Valia.' Legolas walked over to her and took her hand but she quickly snatched it away from him.
'He will receive no true justice here and you know it, Legolas.' Legolas returned her glare with one of his own and claimed her hand yet again, refusing to release it when she tried to pull away.
'He is right,' Elrond asserted. 'One way or another he will be punished, whether you wish it or not.'
'I am not objecting to his punishment,' Valia said, placing her free hand on her hip. Legolas continued to hold her other hand, and had come to stand close to her side; turning his narrowed eyes to Garand in a look of such hate it only reaffirmed Valia's resolve.
'What is it you suggest then?' Isondil asked from his position in the corner of the room.
'Send him to Taniquetil. There, the judgment that would pass from the halls there would be far more judicious than any to be issued here. Turn his fate over to the lord of the mountain and a fair sentence will be passed.'
Elrond sank into his chair, placing his hands together at his fingertips in pensive thought. Her words were true but he was not sure if he wanted to relinquish his control of Garand's fate. 'What you say is prudent,' Elrond acknowledged with a sigh. At her look of hope he felt his heart lighten a little.
'However I will not send him away without some judgment on my part. Garand,' he addressed the elf for the first time, standing sulkily between two guards, 'you are forthwith stripped off your title and lands. You are banished from this realm and if you dare to set foot within these boundaries after you are sent to Taniquetil, I will not be responsible for any ill turn that may befall you at the hand of angry elves. Your life shall be forfeit should you return.'
Having thus said all he wanted to and satisfied that he was able to inflict a small sentence on the elf, Elrond told the guards to take him away. Everyone else dispersed when Garand was taken away to leave an apparently moody Elrond to his thoughts. Legolas walked silently beside Valia as she began making her way down the hall.
It had been over two weeks since Garand assaulted Valia, but she could tell that emotions had still not settled. Her physical wounds were now gone, but the emotional injuries and upsets of everyone were far from over. It had only been in the last few days that she had noticed a slight break in the tension of her family and friends.
And then there was the problem of Legolas. He had grown overly protective of her and she was beginning to feel stifled by his constant attention and presence. There were times he thought she was not looking, but she was and she saw the strange expression he would give her. It made Valia uneasy. There was a mixture of protectiveness, caring, and something she could only describe as adoration in his look and it bothered her to no end. She had tried to distance herself from him, but he refused to be pushed aside. She had tried engrossing herself in her work, but he would not allow himself to be replaced with her job. She had even tried not speaking to him but he had simply stayed beside her with an unreadable smile gracing his beautiful lips and carried on a conversation with her as if it did not bother him that she refused to talk. It was growing to the point where Valia thought she would either explode into a million pieces in frustration or strangle the Prince until she erased that pesky smile off his face. She rather enjoyed thinking about the latter idea.
But what disturbed Valia the most was his increased need to make physical contact with her, usually in the form of taking her hand in his. He would occasionally catch her face in a strong hand and run a callused finger over her cheek, causing an alarming heat to flare her skin into an annoying red. She believed he enjoyed making her blush because every time he stroked her cheek he would wait for the faint tinge of pink to blossom before giving her skin a final brush with his fingertips and dropping his hand with a smile.
'Where are we going Valia?' Legolas asked, breaking into her silent musings.
'WE are going nowhere,' she replied. To her dismay, Legolas stayed latched onto her hand. He refused to let go, despite her not so subtle tugs to free her hand, and continued to follow her.
'Then you are working in the library? I thought you had the day off.'
'I do have the day off.'
'And you are going to stay at the palace instead of going somewhere?'
Valia held in her sigh and settled for a small roll of her eyes that went undetected by Legolas. 'I am not staying at the palace today.'
'But I thought you said you were not going anywhere.' The last few words trailed off as Legolas's forehead wrinkled in confusion.
The thought suddenly struck Valia that he looked absolutely adorable and she felt a pang of guilt for pushing him away repeatedly over the last few days. But that was quickly dismissed when she reminded herself of his almost clingy behavior as of late. She looked away determinedly and continued to walk purposefully down the hall. 'I said that WE were not going anywhere, Legolas. I did not say that I was not going anywhere.'
Valia admitted that the comment was perhaps a little rude. She bit her lip when Legolas came to a halt, pulling her to a standstill as well. A bizarre expression flitted across his features before he dropped her hand listlessly. 'O,' he responded, hanging his head at her pronouncement. 'I see what you mean. I shall take your hint.' He looked up and offered a lopsided smile, but she could see the traces of sadness in his attempted pretense of not caring.
'Legolas...'
'No,' he said, stopping her with a raised hand. 'I understand. I hope you have a good day.' Avoiding eye contact, he turned around and made his way slowly back down the hall. He had never thought of the possibility that Valia would not let him be around her. He refused to force himself upon her; a characteristic contrary to the elven way, but it did nothing to lessen the pain of the reality. If he had no hope of gaining her love and was not allowed to be in her sweet, life giving presence he did not know what he would do.
Air was suddenly absent from his lungs as they constricted with the horrifying idea of living a life without Valia. The precious maiden, dearer to his heart than all that had ever been or ever would be, did not want him around her. It was as if the sun had been blackened on the pathways of his life. All was hazy in the reality of the fact that Valia would not love him, would never love him, and did not want his love. Legolas felt his knees begin to grow weak and wandered to an open courtyard to take a seat in rays of the afternoon light. He did not feel the warm beams against his cold skin, though. Nothing would bring warmth to him but Valia. She was his sun, his air, his everything now.
Legolas, the fabled warrior of Mirkwood forest, was stricken with terror at the idea of needing Valia that much. If he did not put up a guard around his quickly spiraling emotions he knew it would swiftly turn to grief. He reminded himself that Valia did not know of his feelings and it was realistic to think that she did not want to spend all her waking hours with him. He would need to learn to give her space. After all, he did not want to scare her away.
He scolded himself for breaking his resolve to be content to take whatever she willingly offered him. It was becoming an almost daily struggle to not reach out himself and gently pry her fingers open that shielded her love and tenderness from others, especially him.
A soft rustling of skirts came from behind Legolas as Valia joined him on his bench, observing her surroundings in silence. They sat that way in harmonizing quiet, neither daring to voice the whispers in their hearts. The peace was broken by a melancholy Legolas, who, unable to resist, took up one of her slender hands and held it, a surge of happiness coursing through him when she did not pull away, though the feeling was somewhat bittersweet.
'I am going to buy a dress today, Legolas,' she said softly, in an echo of the gentle breeze stirring the leaves of tree branches. 'I put a tear in one of mine the other day. Would you like to join me?' Valia was not sure he heard her when he continued in his same position, delicately running his thumb over her fingers, his touch kissing her knuckles with affection.
'Legolas?'
A slight stirring met her effort and she heard the imperceptible sigh that escaped her companion's lips, though no other sound followed. At a loss for what to do in his brooding state, Valia moved her attention to the foliage of the courtyard, watching a clump of yellowed grass shiver under the influences of the winter wind.
'Thank you, but no.' He said at last, shaking his golden head. 'I am well aware of the chore it can be to entertain unwanted company.' He gave a distant smile, not entirely meant for the comfort of Valia, and busied himself with nudging a small pebble on the pathway with his boot.
The comment was not meant to sting, of that Valia was sure, but it did so nevertheless and she flinched at the words. 'You are not unwanted company Legolas.' She tightened her slack hand around his lean fingers in an attempt to reassure him. The action drew his eyes to hers for a passing moment, before dropping back to their past activity.
'You do not need to try and cheer me Valia. I have no claim on you other than friendship and that certainly does not give me the right to your presence whenever I wish it.'
'I will let you pick out the dress,' She persisted, ignoring his halfhearted protests.
He looked up again with the same haunting smile and Valia felt her heart grow heavy under the sadness in his eyes.
'Come, you had best take advantage of my offer. It has never been extended to a male before. Would you not like to be the first to declare that the prim Lady Valia let you pick out a dress for her?'
'Any dress I choose?'
Valia caught her cheek between her teeth and hesitated, but the hopeful look and brightening in Legolas' eyes pushed aside her discomfort at the idea. 'I suppose. I trust that you are too kind to force me to buy something I normally do not wear.'
Legolas, who was feeling better with her offer and apparent regret at forcing him away, ignored the questioning tone. 'You promise that you will wear it Valia? I know you would be capricious enough to simply let me pick out the dress to brighten my mood and then promptly shove it into a deep corner of your wardrobe to never see the light of the sun again.'
Valia feigned hurt and pulled her hand from his. 'Of course I will wear it. If you knew me as well as you claimed you did you would realize I would not waste money on a dress I would never wear.' She stood, wrapping her thick shawl closer around her shoulders for protection against the wind that was growing more insistent. 'Will you accompany me or am I forced to shop alone?'
With the first genuine smile yet, Legolas grabbed Valia's hand and darted off down the hall. 'I passed by a dress shop the other day that had the most beautiful dresses Valia! We shall make you look a princess in one of those.'
Valia instantly regretted her offer. 'Legolas, I need this dress to work in the library,' she clarified.
'I am sure we can find one for that.' He replied, keeping their pace at a brisk walk as he looped Valia's hand through his arm. He rested his other hand on top of hers and she was obliged to pick up her skirt so as not to trip because of his fast strides.
They arrived in the upper shopping district of the elven city in good time and Valia soon found herself standing before a specialty shop for lady's dresses. 'I am not sure if we will find what we are looking for in here, Legolas.' She tried to dissuade him, noticing the expensive wood of the door and the scripted elvish on the door sign that indicated the shop catered to wealthy patrons.
'Nonsense,' Legolas countered. 'This shop will suit our needs quite well.'
They stepped through the door and in one sweeping glance Valia knew that she was doomed. There was not a single dress in sight that was not made of rich fabric. Many had intricate patterns embroidered on the material in thread of gold and silver with the majority cut into scooping neck and backs.
'Legolas, perhaps we should find some other place.' She said, giving his arm a small tug to suggest they exit before they were spotted.
'Hush, Valia.' Legolas replied, apparently no longer suffering from a fit of melancholy. He was once again his commanding royal self and Valia swallowed back her string of protests when the owner of the shop walked towards them.
'Prince Legolas,' She greeted, dipping into a curtsey. 'What an honor it is to have you in my shop! To what do I owe this great privilege?'
'We are looking for a dress.' He made a gesture towards Valia who scooted closer to him when she saw the lady's appraising glance run over her. Legolas smiled and patted her hand in reassurance.
'What did you have in mind? I have several dresses that would suit her skin tone and figure perfectly, but perchance you want a specific type of dress?'
'Would it be possible to look around ourselves?' The Prince asked.
'Whatever you wish, my lord. If you need anything at all please let me know. My name is Caleniel.'
'Thank you, Lady Calenial.' Said Legolas. He waited until the lady had left to help another customer before glancing down at Valia who was now standing pressed against him, as if he would shield her from the horrors around her. He would have happily done just that under any other circumstance but not when she had willingly let him pick a dress out for her. He was going to take full advantage of the situation.
'Do you see anything you like?' He questioned; looking around him to see many dresses Valia would very easily look good in.
He felt her shake her head in the negative against his shoulder. 'Perhaps I can just have the tear in my old dress mended.'
Legolas laughed softly and reluctantly stepped away from Valia to search through a rack of silk dresses. 'I will not let you rob me of the pleasure you have granted me, mellonamin. Why not look around yourself?'
'Simple! I know that there is no dress in here that is to my liking.' Valia declared, sinking into a nearby chair and watching Legolas move from one row of dresses to the other like a happy bird flitting from branch to branch. Occasionally he would take one off a rack to examine it closer before putting it back, dissatisfied with some defect or another.
'I have not been in many ladies' clothing shops before. Do they often make dresses beforehand?' Inquired Legolas while sifting through a row of beaded clothing. 'It seems strange that they would sew the dress before they know if a lady wants it or not.'
'It is not a common practice, but those who can afford to pay a high price for a dress that is needed at the last minute may come to shops such as this one.'
'Have you ever been here before?'
'No,' Valia shook her head and stood to wander past a display of accessories. 'My mother usually has a seamstress come to our house to take our measurements and make our dresses to our specification.'
'I take it she lets you and your sister choose the styles you want. Earuviel's dresses are quite a bit different from yours.'
'Yes, our tastes tend to never agree with each other.'
Brushing his hand over a gauzy fabric, Legolas glanced at Valia who was busy digging through a pile of shawls on a low table. She seemed to be in a fairly pleasant mood at the moment and had readily answered all his other questions so Legolas took a deep breath to ask what he really wanted to. 'Why do you not wear dresses like other elven maidens?'
He knew she had heard him from her sudden stilling. Her jaw clenched subtly and she straightened herself, trying to look indifferent to his query. 'I have no need to dress like other maidens. I am not trying to impress prospective elves to ask for my hand in marriage like others are.'
'But Lady Celebrian and other elven ladies who are married still dress in clothes like these,' He objected, holding the sleeve up of a dress in indication. 'And you cannot say that they are trying to catch the attention of possible suitors.'
'No, but they dress to please their husbands.'
'Do you mean to say that you never wish to marry?' He watched closely for Valia's response, who had turned her back to him. Her shoulders tensed, which told him all he needed to know without seeing her face.
'If the right elf were to ask me I might.'
Legolas nearly dropped the garment he held in his hand at the shock of her words. 'I was under the impression that you never wished to love.'
Valia turned around with a blank look and stared at Legolas. 'Why would you think something like that?'
Shrugging, Legolas quickly put the dress back to busy his hands. 'I heard that you had a number of admirers on Middle-earth, including Elrohir and Glorfindel, and...you did make me promise to never fall in love with you. I thought...' Legolas stopped talking and swallowed hard, feeling the tension that started to radiate from Valia.
'Who have you been talking with?'
'No one in particular,' Legolas attempted to say casually, though he could hear the pitch of his voice rise.
'No one indeed,' He heard Valia mutter. 'Have you found a dress yet?' she asked. Her words were clipped, though he noticed she tried to sound unaffected.
'Not yet.'
Valia strayed over to the other side of the rack he was searching through so she could see his face better. 'When do you return back to your father's realm?' She asked, playing with the fringe on a hemline.
'Soon, I am afraid. With any luck, it won't be for another month and a half. I have grown rather fond of Lord Elrond's home. I shall miss the places and elves I have met.' He admitted, looking up at Valia with a wistful smile.
'You must come visit again,' she suggested. 'I daresay I have never had so much excitement in my life on Valinor in the small time you have been here. I would not be surprised if I grew indolent once you left.'
'Far be it from me to be the cause of depriving Lord Elrond's realm of one of its brightest jewels. If I must, I will come visit you and rescue you from your lethargy.'
'You will be too busy once you return to bother with acquaintances made in distant lands. I shall miss you, Legolas.' She admitted.
'Will you?' He had not thought she would feel so strongly about his departure, certainly not as much as he would.
'Of course I shall. Who else will be good enough to help me practice my pathetic archery skills and teach me the joys of watching stars appear while on the seas?' She quickly began to examine dresses after her admission, not exactly sure why she had just admitted what she did.
'I am sure Tandir will easily replace me once I am gone.' Smirked Legolas, following her example and continuing his search for the perfect dress.
'But it will not be the same.'
'Then we will write each other if it would make you happy and I will come and visit whenever I can be spared. You know that you are welcome to come visit me sometime as well Valia. The palace is lonely without a lady of the house. I am sure your presence would be appreciated by not only me.'
Valia smiled thoughtfully. 'We shall see.' She threw herself into searching through garments so she could mull over all that had just been spoken between them. She truly would miss her friend. Legolas had become a dear companion to her since their truce so many months ago. It hardly seemed fair that she had found a wonderful male friend only to have to part with him so soon.
There came a cry of joy from Legolas, followed by quiet murmurs Valia did not understand and she curiously looked over at him. 'What about this one, Valia?' Legolas held up a dress that she was sure would fit rather nicely into the wardrobe of Hadrielia.
'That is not funny, Legolas.' She said, turning back to sifting through another row of dresses.
'Then I suppose it is good that I was being serious.'
Valia whirled around with a modest dress in her hands that would have pleased the most prudish of elves and gazed at Legolas with wide eyes. 'You cannot be serious.' She said, examining his face with astonishment, for it was indeed perfectly serious.
The owner of the shop chose that exact moment to check in on her two customers. 'You have fine taste, my lord!' She said happily upon seeing the dress he held in his hands. 'The cut will look very well on your lady.'
'I was just trying to convince her of that.' Legolas said with a proud smile beaming on his face.
His comment rendered Valia completely speechless, not because of his smug satisfaction, but because he appeared to not care at all that she had just been wrongly labeled as "his lady." She replaced the dress she had been examining and folded her arms over her chest.
'If you will sit over there,' Caleniel suggested, pointing to a chair. 'I will help her change into the dress so you can see it on her.'
'I am not putting that on!' Valia said with determination, pointing at the offending dress that the lady had taken from Legolas.
'Now, Valia,' Legolas chastised. 'Do not be difficult. You have made me a promise and I will hold you to it.'
She muttered something under her breath that Legolas could not fully hear. Only the words "taking advantage" and "immodest" were distinguishable. Legolas smiled and cheerfully sat down in the chair Calieniel had pointed to, while the lady directed Valia behind a curtained partition.
Legolas's ear twitched at the muted noise of fabric and he assumed that Valia had given in and changed without a fight. His assumptions were correct when a few minutes later Calieniel emerged with an uncharacteristically red faced Valia in tow who clutched her shawl around her as if it was a life necessity.
Standing, Legolas swept his gaze over her. 'From what I can see, it looks good on you, Valia, but you must take off the shawl if I am to decide whether it is perfect or not.' 'I am not taking off this shawl.' Growled Valia.
'Of course you are.' Legolas said. He walked over to Valia, circling around her once, and with a sudden flick of his wrist, somehow managed to deftly remove the protective shawl from Valia's shoulders.
Valia let out a rush of air that could easily have been mistaken for a hiss. 'You seem to be quite good at that. Have you had much practice?'
Ignoring her, Legolas took a few steps back so he could see the full affect of the dress. He had chosen a deep shade of green for the color, thinking it would match perfectly with her hairpin. The color also did wonders for Valia. The brightness was a much better contrast with her skin tone than her usual subdued pastels. Her creamy skin almost glowed against the emerald green.
Legolas's mouth became uncomfortably dry as he noticed her delicate collarbones, revealed for the first time by the scooping neckline. He wanted nothing more than to pick her up in his arms and place kisses in the small valleys above each bone, trailing his lips up her neck and onto her ear and hairline. Her hair was also improved by the color, he noticed. The silky waterfall shining bright against the deep green reminded Legolas of the blending of summer and fall when the green leaves of the trees met the golden fields of wheat.
'I do believe you have found your dress.' Caleniel said to Valia when Legolas remained speechless.
'Legolas, I am not getting this dress.' Valia protested adamantly.
'If you will not buy it, than I will do it for you.' He said, proving he had by no means lost his ability to speak.
'I told you I needed a dress for work. This,' She gestured to the garment she wore. 'Is not suitable for work.'
'I fail to see why it is not. If anything, it will attract more elves to Lord Elrond's library for a chance to glimpse his lovely assistant.'
This comment was met with the raising of an elegant brow over blue eyes. 'Do not be ridiculous. This is the most impractical monstrosity I have ever laid eyes on.'
The presence of Caleniel was quickly forgotten as the two elves began to quarrel over the practicalities of an elven maiden's wardrobe. Smiling, the lady slipped away to hear the conversation from a distance and step in to assist the Prince if the need arose.
'Tell me one thing that is wrong with it Valia,' Legolas challenged.
'These sleeves!' Valia began flapping her arms wildly and the belled sleeves began to flutter about her. 'I could take flight with these.'
'Regrettably, I do not think that is required in your line of work Valia. I would enjoy seeing you try. However, you do not make a very convincing argument. I do not think you will be making a habit of flailing your arms about in the library, in which case your sleeves will not be in the way.' Legolas snatched her arms out of the air and held them still so the sleeves could land compliantly at her sides, entirely out of the way.
'Well, the skirt is too long. I shall be tripping over it wherever I walk.'
'That is why there is a slit in the top fabric Valia. Honestly, you are the lady here, not I. Why do I have to inform you of these things?' What he said was true. The green layer of fabric had a slit down the front of it, starting at the waistline, which mirrored the flight pattern of the migrating birds in the autumn. Valia wore a light cream colored garment underneath the emerald top layer that was cut far enough above the ground for easy movement of the feet.
'It is not sensible.' Valia attempted lamely, knowing she had been defeated.
'I shall go and pay for it.' Said Legolas with a smile, bending over to press his lips to her forehead. 'You look lovely. Do you know that?' He whispered into her ear and then brushed past her before she could say anything.
Unconsciously, a smile began to form over Valia's lips. She fingered the gold embroidery of leaves that stood out against the vivid green of the fabric. It felt strangely good to be thought pretty again, even if it was just a friend who thought so. She made her way to the side room so she could change back into her other dress. However, Legolas had somehow managed to pay Caleniel and collect Valia's old garment during her brief musing.
'Are you ready to go?' He asked.
'As soon as I change back.' She said, taking her dress in his hands and trying to pull it out of his grip, but he would not let go. 'Let me have my dress, Legolas.'
'No. You promised me that you would wear the one that I picked out for you.'
'And I will,' She protested, still yanking on her old dress without success.
'You can start now.' Legolas, being a head taller than Valia, easily held her dress out of her reach. She tried to grab it out of the air, but found herself far too short. Bracing a hand against Legolas's chest, she stood on her toes, yet she was still unable to reach it and her hand barely brushed the fabric.
'Fine.' Valia sighed, sinking back to her feet. 'You win this time, but I need my shawl. It is cold out there.'
'Very well, lovely one.' Legolas agreed, wrapping her shawl around her shoulders. He pulled her hair out to drape freely over her back and with sparkling eyes, unlatched the clasp holding her tresses in place.
Valia was well aware of what he had done, but bit her tongue, knowing him well enough to realize it would be pointless to battle him over recovery of the clasp. She reconciled herself to holding out her hand so that Legolas could tuck it into the crook of his elbow and escort her home.
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Over 400 reviews! Lembas for all my wonderful reviewers :)
Thanks to my beta (yes, I have a beta now!) Elfpilot
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To Dress Like a Princess
'You cannot do this.'
'Valia, stay out of this.' Elrond warned, and his command was supported by several other nods of concurrence in the room.
'I will not let you go through with this,' she continued stubbornly. 'He will receive no mercy at your hands, and while I admit that it would please me,' she said, throwing a glaring look at the bound form of Garand, 'I would not wish the fury of my overly protective relations upon him.'
'We will not let him go unpunished, Valia.' Legolas walked over to her and took her hand but she quickly snatched it away from him.
'He will receive no true justice here and you know it, Legolas.' Legolas returned her glare with one of his own and claimed her hand yet again, refusing to release it when she tried to pull away.
'He is right,' Elrond asserted. 'One way or another he will be punished, whether you wish it or not.'
'I am not objecting to his punishment,' Valia said, placing her free hand on her hip. Legolas continued to hold her other hand, and had come to stand close to her side; turning his narrowed eyes to Garand in a look of such hate it only reaffirmed Valia's resolve.
'What is it you suggest then?' Isondil asked from his position in the corner of the room.
'Send him to Taniquetil. There, the judgment that would pass from the halls there would be far more judicious than any to be issued here. Turn his fate over to the lord of the mountain and a fair sentence will be passed.'
Elrond sank into his chair, placing his hands together at his fingertips in pensive thought. Her words were true but he was not sure if he wanted to relinquish his control of Garand's fate. 'What you say is prudent,' Elrond acknowledged with a sigh. At her look of hope he felt his heart lighten a little.
'However I will not send him away without some judgment on my part. Garand,' he addressed the elf for the first time, standing sulkily between two guards, 'you are forthwith stripped off your title and lands. You are banished from this realm and if you dare to set foot within these boundaries after you are sent to Taniquetil, I will not be responsible for any ill turn that may befall you at the hand of angry elves. Your life shall be forfeit should you return.'
Having thus said all he wanted to and satisfied that he was able to inflict a small sentence on the elf, Elrond told the guards to take him away. Everyone else dispersed when Garand was taken away to leave an apparently moody Elrond to his thoughts. Legolas walked silently beside Valia as she began making her way down the hall.
It had been over two weeks since Garand assaulted Valia, but she could tell that emotions had still not settled. Her physical wounds were now gone, but the emotional injuries and upsets of everyone were far from over. It had only been in the last few days that she had noticed a slight break in the tension of her family and friends.
And then there was the problem of Legolas. He had grown overly protective of her and she was beginning to feel stifled by his constant attention and presence. There were times he thought she was not looking, but she was and she saw the strange expression he would give her. It made Valia uneasy. There was a mixture of protectiveness, caring, and something she could only describe as adoration in his look and it bothered her to no end. She had tried to distance herself from him, but he refused to be pushed aside. She had tried engrossing herself in her work, but he would not allow himself to be replaced with her job. She had even tried not speaking to him but he had simply stayed beside her with an unreadable smile gracing his beautiful lips and carried on a conversation with her as if it did not bother him that she refused to talk. It was growing to the point where Valia thought she would either explode into a million pieces in frustration or strangle the Prince until she erased that pesky smile off his face. She rather enjoyed thinking about the latter idea.
But what disturbed Valia the most was his increased need to make physical contact with her, usually in the form of taking her hand in his. He would occasionally catch her face in a strong hand and run a callused finger over her cheek, causing an alarming heat to flare her skin into an annoying red. She believed he enjoyed making her blush because every time he stroked her cheek he would wait for the faint tinge of pink to blossom before giving her skin a final brush with his fingertips and dropping his hand with a smile.
'Where are we going Valia?' Legolas asked, breaking into her silent musings.
'WE are going nowhere,' she replied. To her dismay, Legolas stayed latched onto her hand. He refused to let go, despite her not so subtle tugs to free her hand, and continued to follow her.
'Then you are working in the library? I thought you had the day off.'
'I do have the day off.'
'And you are going to stay at the palace instead of going somewhere?'
Valia held in her sigh and settled for a small roll of her eyes that went undetected by Legolas. 'I am not staying at the palace today.'
'But I thought you said you were not going anywhere.' The last few words trailed off as Legolas's forehead wrinkled in confusion.
The thought suddenly struck Valia that he looked absolutely adorable and she felt a pang of guilt for pushing him away repeatedly over the last few days. But that was quickly dismissed when she reminded herself of his almost clingy behavior as of late. She looked away determinedly and continued to walk purposefully down the hall. 'I said that WE were not going anywhere, Legolas. I did not say that I was not going anywhere.'
Valia admitted that the comment was perhaps a little rude. She bit her lip when Legolas came to a halt, pulling her to a standstill as well. A bizarre expression flitted across his features before he dropped her hand listlessly. 'O,' he responded, hanging his head at her pronouncement. 'I see what you mean. I shall take your hint.' He looked up and offered a lopsided smile, but she could see the traces of sadness in his attempted pretense of not caring.
'Legolas...'
'No,' he said, stopping her with a raised hand. 'I understand. I hope you have a good day.' Avoiding eye contact, he turned around and made his way slowly back down the hall. He had never thought of the possibility that Valia would not let him be around her. He refused to force himself upon her; a characteristic contrary to the elven way, but it did nothing to lessen the pain of the reality. If he had no hope of gaining her love and was not allowed to be in her sweet, life giving presence he did not know what he would do.
Air was suddenly absent from his lungs as they constricted with the horrifying idea of living a life without Valia. The precious maiden, dearer to his heart than all that had ever been or ever would be, did not want him around her. It was as if the sun had been blackened on the pathways of his life. All was hazy in the reality of the fact that Valia would not love him, would never love him, and did not want his love. Legolas felt his knees begin to grow weak and wandered to an open courtyard to take a seat in rays of the afternoon light. He did not feel the warm beams against his cold skin, though. Nothing would bring warmth to him but Valia. She was his sun, his air, his everything now.
Legolas, the fabled warrior of Mirkwood forest, was stricken with terror at the idea of needing Valia that much. If he did not put up a guard around his quickly spiraling emotions he knew it would swiftly turn to grief. He reminded himself that Valia did not know of his feelings and it was realistic to think that she did not want to spend all her waking hours with him. He would need to learn to give her space. After all, he did not want to scare her away.
He scolded himself for breaking his resolve to be content to take whatever she willingly offered him. It was becoming an almost daily struggle to not reach out himself and gently pry her fingers open that shielded her love and tenderness from others, especially him.
A soft rustling of skirts came from behind Legolas as Valia joined him on his bench, observing her surroundings in silence. They sat that way in harmonizing quiet, neither daring to voice the whispers in their hearts. The peace was broken by a melancholy Legolas, who, unable to resist, took up one of her slender hands and held it, a surge of happiness coursing through him when she did not pull away, though the feeling was somewhat bittersweet.
'I am going to buy a dress today, Legolas,' she said softly, in an echo of the gentle breeze stirring the leaves of tree branches. 'I put a tear in one of mine the other day. Would you like to join me?' Valia was not sure he heard her when he continued in his same position, delicately running his thumb over her fingers, his touch kissing her knuckles with affection.
'Legolas?'
A slight stirring met her effort and she heard the imperceptible sigh that escaped her companion's lips, though no other sound followed. At a loss for what to do in his brooding state, Valia moved her attention to the foliage of the courtyard, watching a clump of yellowed grass shiver under the influences of the winter wind.
'Thank you, but no.' He said at last, shaking his golden head. 'I am well aware of the chore it can be to entertain unwanted company.' He gave a distant smile, not entirely meant for the comfort of Valia, and busied himself with nudging a small pebble on the pathway with his boot.
The comment was not meant to sting, of that Valia was sure, but it did so nevertheless and she flinched at the words. 'You are not unwanted company Legolas.' She tightened her slack hand around his lean fingers in an attempt to reassure him. The action drew his eyes to hers for a passing moment, before dropping back to their past activity.
'You do not need to try and cheer me Valia. I have no claim on you other than friendship and that certainly does not give me the right to your presence whenever I wish it.'
'I will let you pick out the dress,' She persisted, ignoring his halfhearted protests.
He looked up again with the same haunting smile and Valia felt her heart grow heavy under the sadness in his eyes.
'Come, you had best take advantage of my offer. It has never been extended to a male before. Would you not like to be the first to declare that the prim Lady Valia let you pick out a dress for her?'
'Any dress I choose?'
Valia caught her cheek between her teeth and hesitated, but the hopeful look and brightening in Legolas' eyes pushed aside her discomfort at the idea. 'I suppose. I trust that you are too kind to force me to buy something I normally do not wear.'
Legolas, who was feeling better with her offer and apparent regret at forcing him away, ignored the questioning tone. 'You promise that you will wear it Valia? I know you would be capricious enough to simply let me pick out the dress to brighten my mood and then promptly shove it into a deep corner of your wardrobe to never see the light of the sun again.'
Valia feigned hurt and pulled her hand from his. 'Of course I will wear it. If you knew me as well as you claimed you did you would realize I would not waste money on a dress I would never wear.' She stood, wrapping her thick shawl closer around her shoulders for protection against the wind that was growing more insistent. 'Will you accompany me or am I forced to shop alone?'
With the first genuine smile yet, Legolas grabbed Valia's hand and darted off down the hall. 'I passed by a dress shop the other day that had the most beautiful dresses Valia! We shall make you look a princess in one of those.'
Valia instantly regretted her offer. 'Legolas, I need this dress to work in the library,' she clarified.
'I am sure we can find one for that.' He replied, keeping their pace at a brisk walk as he looped Valia's hand through his arm. He rested his other hand on top of hers and she was obliged to pick up her skirt so as not to trip because of his fast strides.
They arrived in the upper shopping district of the elven city in good time and Valia soon found herself standing before a specialty shop for lady's dresses. 'I am not sure if we will find what we are looking for in here, Legolas.' She tried to dissuade him, noticing the expensive wood of the door and the scripted elvish on the door sign that indicated the shop catered to wealthy patrons.
'Nonsense,' Legolas countered. 'This shop will suit our needs quite well.'
They stepped through the door and in one sweeping glance Valia knew that she was doomed. There was not a single dress in sight that was not made of rich fabric. Many had intricate patterns embroidered on the material in thread of gold and silver with the majority cut into scooping neck and backs.
'Legolas, perhaps we should find some other place.' She said, giving his arm a small tug to suggest they exit before they were spotted.
'Hush, Valia.' Legolas replied, apparently no longer suffering from a fit of melancholy. He was once again his commanding royal self and Valia swallowed back her string of protests when the owner of the shop walked towards them.
'Prince Legolas,' She greeted, dipping into a curtsey. 'What an honor it is to have you in my shop! To what do I owe this great privilege?'
'We are looking for a dress.' He made a gesture towards Valia who scooted closer to him when she saw the lady's appraising glance run over her. Legolas smiled and patted her hand in reassurance.
'What did you have in mind? I have several dresses that would suit her skin tone and figure perfectly, but perchance you want a specific type of dress?'
'Would it be possible to look around ourselves?' The Prince asked.
'Whatever you wish, my lord. If you need anything at all please let me know. My name is Caleniel.'
'Thank you, Lady Calenial.' Said Legolas. He waited until the lady had left to help another customer before glancing down at Valia who was now standing pressed against him, as if he would shield her from the horrors around her. He would have happily done just that under any other circumstance but not when she had willingly let him pick a dress out for her. He was going to take full advantage of the situation.
'Do you see anything you like?' He questioned; looking around him to see many dresses Valia would very easily look good in.
He felt her shake her head in the negative against his shoulder. 'Perhaps I can just have the tear in my old dress mended.'
Legolas laughed softly and reluctantly stepped away from Valia to search through a rack of silk dresses. 'I will not let you rob me of the pleasure you have granted me, mellonamin. Why not look around yourself?'
'Simple! I know that there is no dress in here that is to my liking.' Valia declared, sinking into a nearby chair and watching Legolas move from one row of dresses to the other like a happy bird flitting from branch to branch. Occasionally he would take one off a rack to examine it closer before putting it back, dissatisfied with some defect or another.
'I have not been in many ladies' clothing shops before. Do they often make dresses beforehand?' Inquired Legolas while sifting through a row of beaded clothing. 'It seems strange that they would sew the dress before they know if a lady wants it or not.'
'It is not a common practice, but those who can afford to pay a high price for a dress that is needed at the last minute may come to shops such as this one.'
'Have you ever been here before?'
'No,' Valia shook her head and stood to wander past a display of accessories. 'My mother usually has a seamstress come to our house to take our measurements and make our dresses to our specification.'
'I take it she lets you and your sister choose the styles you want. Earuviel's dresses are quite a bit different from yours.'
'Yes, our tastes tend to never agree with each other.'
Brushing his hand over a gauzy fabric, Legolas glanced at Valia who was busy digging through a pile of shawls on a low table. She seemed to be in a fairly pleasant mood at the moment and had readily answered all his other questions so Legolas took a deep breath to ask what he really wanted to. 'Why do you not wear dresses like other elven maidens?'
He knew she had heard him from her sudden stilling. Her jaw clenched subtly and she straightened herself, trying to look indifferent to his query. 'I have no need to dress like other maidens. I am not trying to impress prospective elves to ask for my hand in marriage like others are.'
'But Lady Celebrian and other elven ladies who are married still dress in clothes like these,' He objected, holding the sleeve up of a dress in indication. 'And you cannot say that they are trying to catch the attention of possible suitors.'
'No, but they dress to please their husbands.'
'Do you mean to say that you never wish to marry?' He watched closely for Valia's response, who had turned her back to him. Her shoulders tensed, which told him all he needed to know without seeing her face.
'If the right elf were to ask me I might.'
Legolas nearly dropped the garment he held in his hand at the shock of her words. 'I was under the impression that you never wished to love.'
Valia turned around with a blank look and stared at Legolas. 'Why would you think something like that?'
Shrugging, Legolas quickly put the dress back to busy his hands. 'I heard that you had a number of admirers on Middle-earth, including Elrohir and Glorfindel, and...you did make me promise to never fall in love with you. I thought...' Legolas stopped talking and swallowed hard, feeling the tension that started to radiate from Valia.
'Who have you been talking with?'
'No one in particular,' Legolas attempted to say casually, though he could hear the pitch of his voice rise.
'No one indeed,' He heard Valia mutter. 'Have you found a dress yet?' she asked. Her words were clipped, though he noticed she tried to sound unaffected.
'Not yet.'
Valia strayed over to the other side of the rack he was searching through so she could see his face better. 'When do you return back to your father's realm?' She asked, playing with the fringe on a hemline.
'Soon, I am afraid. With any luck, it won't be for another month and a half. I have grown rather fond of Lord Elrond's home. I shall miss the places and elves I have met.' He admitted, looking up at Valia with a wistful smile.
'You must come visit again,' she suggested. 'I daresay I have never had so much excitement in my life on Valinor in the small time you have been here. I would not be surprised if I grew indolent once you left.'
'Far be it from me to be the cause of depriving Lord Elrond's realm of one of its brightest jewels. If I must, I will come visit you and rescue you from your lethargy.'
'You will be too busy once you return to bother with acquaintances made in distant lands. I shall miss you, Legolas.' She admitted.
'Will you?' He had not thought she would feel so strongly about his departure, certainly not as much as he would.
'Of course I shall. Who else will be good enough to help me practice my pathetic archery skills and teach me the joys of watching stars appear while on the seas?' She quickly began to examine dresses after her admission, not exactly sure why she had just admitted what she did.
'I am sure Tandir will easily replace me once I am gone.' Smirked Legolas, following her example and continuing his search for the perfect dress.
'But it will not be the same.'
'Then we will write each other if it would make you happy and I will come and visit whenever I can be spared. You know that you are welcome to come visit me sometime as well Valia. The palace is lonely without a lady of the house. I am sure your presence would be appreciated by not only me.'
Valia smiled thoughtfully. 'We shall see.' She threw herself into searching through garments so she could mull over all that had just been spoken between them. She truly would miss her friend. Legolas had become a dear companion to her since their truce so many months ago. It hardly seemed fair that she had found a wonderful male friend only to have to part with him so soon.
There came a cry of joy from Legolas, followed by quiet murmurs Valia did not understand and she curiously looked over at him. 'What about this one, Valia?' Legolas held up a dress that she was sure would fit rather nicely into the wardrobe of Hadrielia.
'That is not funny, Legolas.' She said, turning back to sifting through another row of dresses.
'Then I suppose it is good that I was being serious.'
Valia whirled around with a modest dress in her hands that would have pleased the most prudish of elves and gazed at Legolas with wide eyes. 'You cannot be serious.' She said, examining his face with astonishment, for it was indeed perfectly serious.
The owner of the shop chose that exact moment to check in on her two customers. 'You have fine taste, my lord!' She said happily upon seeing the dress he held in his hands. 'The cut will look very well on your lady.'
'I was just trying to convince her of that.' Legolas said with a proud smile beaming on his face.
His comment rendered Valia completely speechless, not because of his smug satisfaction, but because he appeared to not care at all that she had just been wrongly labeled as "his lady." She replaced the dress she had been examining and folded her arms over her chest.
'If you will sit over there,' Caleniel suggested, pointing to a chair. 'I will help her change into the dress so you can see it on her.'
'I am not putting that on!' Valia said with determination, pointing at the offending dress that the lady had taken from Legolas.
'Now, Valia,' Legolas chastised. 'Do not be difficult. You have made me a promise and I will hold you to it.'
She muttered something under her breath that Legolas could not fully hear. Only the words "taking advantage" and "immodest" were distinguishable. Legolas smiled and cheerfully sat down in the chair Calieniel had pointed to, while the lady directed Valia behind a curtained partition.
Legolas's ear twitched at the muted noise of fabric and he assumed that Valia had given in and changed without a fight. His assumptions were correct when a few minutes later Calieniel emerged with an uncharacteristically red faced Valia in tow who clutched her shawl around her as if it was a life necessity.
Standing, Legolas swept his gaze over her. 'From what I can see, it looks good on you, Valia, but you must take off the shawl if I am to decide whether it is perfect or not.' 'I am not taking off this shawl.' Growled Valia.
'Of course you are.' Legolas said. He walked over to Valia, circling around her once, and with a sudden flick of his wrist, somehow managed to deftly remove the protective shawl from Valia's shoulders.
Valia let out a rush of air that could easily have been mistaken for a hiss. 'You seem to be quite good at that. Have you had much practice?'
Ignoring her, Legolas took a few steps back so he could see the full affect of the dress. He had chosen a deep shade of green for the color, thinking it would match perfectly with her hairpin. The color also did wonders for Valia. The brightness was a much better contrast with her skin tone than her usual subdued pastels. Her creamy skin almost glowed against the emerald green.
Legolas's mouth became uncomfortably dry as he noticed her delicate collarbones, revealed for the first time by the scooping neckline. He wanted nothing more than to pick her up in his arms and place kisses in the small valleys above each bone, trailing his lips up her neck and onto her ear and hairline. Her hair was also improved by the color, he noticed. The silky waterfall shining bright against the deep green reminded Legolas of the blending of summer and fall when the green leaves of the trees met the golden fields of wheat.
'I do believe you have found your dress.' Caleniel said to Valia when Legolas remained speechless.
'Legolas, I am not getting this dress.' Valia protested adamantly.
'If you will not buy it, than I will do it for you.' He said, proving he had by no means lost his ability to speak.
'I told you I needed a dress for work. This,' She gestured to the garment she wore. 'Is not suitable for work.'
'I fail to see why it is not. If anything, it will attract more elves to Lord Elrond's library for a chance to glimpse his lovely assistant.'
This comment was met with the raising of an elegant brow over blue eyes. 'Do not be ridiculous. This is the most impractical monstrosity I have ever laid eyes on.'
The presence of Caleniel was quickly forgotten as the two elves began to quarrel over the practicalities of an elven maiden's wardrobe. Smiling, the lady slipped away to hear the conversation from a distance and step in to assist the Prince if the need arose.
'Tell me one thing that is wrong with it Valia,' Legolas challenged.
'These sleeves!' Valia began flapping her arms wildly and the belled sleeves began to flutter about her. 'I could take flight with these.'
'Regrettably, I do not think that is required in your line of work Valia. I would enjoy seeing you try. However, you do not make a very convincing argument. I do not think you will be making a habit of flailing your arms about in the library, in which case your sleeves will not be in the way.' Legolas snatched her arms out of the air and held them still so the sleeves could land compliantly at her sides, entirely out of the way.
'Well, the skirt is too long. I shall be tripping over it wherever I walk.'
'That is why there is a slit in the top fabric Valia. Honestly, you are the lady here, not I. Why do I have to inform you of these things?' What he said was true. The green layer of fabric had a slit down the front of it, starting at the waistline, which mirrored the flight pattern of the migrating birds in the autumn. Valia wore a light cream colored garment underneath the emerald top layer that was cut far enough above the ground for easy movement of the feet.
'It is not sensible.' Valia attempted lamely, knowing she had been defeated.
'I shall go and pay for it.' Said Legolas with a smile, bending over to press his lips to her forehead. 'You look lovely. Do you know that?' He whispered into her ear and then brushed past her before she could say anything.
Unconsciously, a smile began to form over Valia's lips. She fingered the gold embroidery of leaves that stood out against the vivid green of the fabric. It felt strangely good to be thought pretty again, even if it was just a friend who thought so. She made her way to the side room so she could change back into her other dress. However, Legolas had somehow managed to pay Caleniel and collect Valia's old garment during her brief musing.
'Are you ready to go?' He asked.
'As soon as I change back.' She said, taking her dress in his hands and trying to pull it out of his grip, but he would not let go. 'Let me have my dress, Legolas.'
'No. You promised me that you would wear the one that I picked out for you.'
'And I will,' She protested, still yanking on her old dress without success.
'You can start now.' Legolas, being a head taller than Valia, easily held her dress out of her reach. She tried to grab it out of the air, but found herself far too short. Bracing a hand against Legolas's chest, she stood on her toes, yet she was still unable to reach it and her hand barely brushed the fabric.
'Fine.' Valia sighed, sinking back to her feet. 'You win this time, but I need my shawl. It is cold out there.'
'Very well, lovely one.' Legolas agreed, wrapping her shawl around her shoulders. He pulled her hair out to drape freely over her back and with sparkling eyes, unlatched the clasp holding her tresses in place.
Valia was well aware of what he had done, but bit her tongue, knowing him well enough to realize it would be pointless to battle him over recovery of the clasp. She reconciled herself to holding out her hand so that Legolas could tuck it into the crook of his elbow and escort her home.
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