Disclaimer: Refer to Chapter One

Title: Shadow of the Past

Author: Silmarien

Rating: PG

A/N-  Legolas' hair color is back to blond by popular demand. Sorry for the last chapter girls (I don't think there are any guys reading this). All other changes still hold. I forgot about the color of Thranduil's hair from the Hobbit. It's been so long since I last read it.

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Spring Will Come

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The snow that had fallen three weeks past had long ago melted away, once more revealing green grass and winter flowers, waning as the pinnacle of the season passed. Another month and the early shoots of spring flowers would begin to push their way out of the earth to break from their long slumber under the ground. But Legolas would not be there to see the flowers that grew in Earsilme. He would be in Laiquarille again, living below the green leaves that sheltered his father's lands.

Legolas crumpled the letter in his hand that he had received from Lord Elrond. It had arrived early that morning, addressed to Legolas in the flowing script of a well known hand. Thranduil wrote to bid his son start his journey home one week hence. And now Legolas was forced to search for Isondil, letting his friend and traveling companion know that they would be cutting their stay in Earsilme short by over half a month. Not that Isondil would care. He would be bringing his lady back with him to Laiquarille where they were to be married.

Scanning the dinning hall filled with a scattered assortment of late risers; Legolas spotted Isondil seated at a secluded table towards the back of the hall. Two maidens he recognized as Silia and some unknown beauty were sitting with him, enjoying the warmth of the morning sun as it poured through the open windows. Legolas made his way over to them slowly, nodding to Isondil when his friend looked up and noticed him approaching. He saw Isondil lean over the table, whispering something to the maiden across from him, who quickly turned her head to look in Legolas' direction.

Wiping the scowl from his features, Legolas smiled when he recognized Valia's face. Strange that I did not recognize her he thought and took a seat by her when she scooted down the bench to make room for him.

'Is something the matter?' Isondil asked with concern, drawing his arm from around Silia's waist to focus his attention on the Prince.

Legolas bobbed his head, sliding the wrinkled letter across the table. 'Read it,' prompted Legolas when Isondil only stared at the folded paper. His friend leisurely stretched his hand out and drew the letter towards him.

The quiet rustling of Valia's skirt drew Legolas' glance her way and down to her hands that were busily smoothing out the silky fabric. It was the thought of the dress being made of silk that caused him to look at her hard, noticing for the first time that she was wearing the dress he bought for her, complete with his hairpin nestled between a twist of braids that held back her shimmering waterfall of hair, spilling over her shoulders freely. Isondil and Silia were forgotten as Legolas basked in the beauty of Valia, her hair and dress that of a normal elven maiden for the first time since the banquet so many months ago. Legolas now realized that he had never fully appreciated the full potential she hid behind her simple clothes and hairstyle. He saw a gorgeous maiden sitting before him, with beauty that could rival any queen of men and elves.

'Are you alright Legolas?' Valia whispered in worry, placing a hand on his arm. He wore a confused expression on his face, his eyes glazed over as if he walked the paths of the sleeping. 'Legolas?' Valia shook his arm gently, leaning towards him in concern. 'What was the letter about?'

Blinking once, Legolas' dazed expression cleared and his eyes focused on Valia once more. 'I am sorry Valia.' He passed a hand over his eyes before continuing. 'The letter is from my father.'

'What does it say?'

The letter in question was suddenly tossed back to the table by Isondil, the paper fluttering onto the wooden countertop with a faint stirring of air. The elf lord leaned over to Silia and whispered something Valia could not hear into her ear. Silia turned her head sharply looking at Isondil before darting her gaze to Valia and then to the tabletop.

'What is wrong with everyone today?' asked Valia, eyeing the folded letter warily. 'The news cannot be that bad.' No one spoke though, and Valia's fingers twitched with desire to reach across the table and snatch up the letter.

Thankfully, Legolas slid the paper over to her, pushing it towards her in a rustling of paper against wood. 'Read it,' he urged her.

With tingling fingers, Valia took the letter in her hands, unfolding the rough paper that was rumpled with creases. She ran her hand over the fine elvish script, realizing that it must be something important to have Legolas' own father write him. Scanning the hastily scrawled writing, she let the words sink into her mind before lowering the letter.

'I thought you were to stay another month,' Valia stated at last, not in the least happy that she was to be separated from her friends. 'One week is so short a time.'

'I realize that, but we cannot stay if my father bids us come back Valia.'

Deciding that she most definitely did not like the idea of Legolas and Isondil leaving so soon, taking Silia, the only real friend she had, with them, Valia disgustedly tossed the letter away from her. 'There is nothing that can be done than. You shall go and leave me here all alone.'

'You will not be left alone Valia,' assured Legolas adamantly. 'We will write to each other and if you ask it of me, I promise that I will come to you if ever you need me.'

'Pretty words, but they will do nothing to bring you back here once you go back to Laiquarille.'

If it were not for his sense of duty, Legolas would have defied his father at that very moment and wrote a letter back to him saying he would not be returning to Laiquarille anytime in the near future.

'Valia!'

All heads turned at the sound of her name to see Elrohir coming towards their table, a bright glow of excitement on his face. Ignoring the others, Elrohir sat down on the side of Valia's bench that was not yet occupied, forcing her to wedge herself between him and Legolas.

'You will never guess who I have just spoken with,' Elrohir exclaimed, grabbing one of Valia's hands and squeezing it in joy.

'I am sure I cannot. I know of no one who could produce such excitement in you. Have you been seeing a maiden and not telling me?' Valia asked suspiciously.

'No! May the Valar protect us, no!' Elrohir laughed and clasped Valia's hand tighter. 'Valia! You will not believe who has returned.'

Everyone else at the table stared curiously at the excited elf lord, transformed into a tiny elfling in his delight. All wished to know who it was who had returned and Legolas especially wanted to know why Valia would care at all.

'There he is now,' Elrohir exclaimed, pointing to an approaching figure. Valia turned in the direction Elrohir pointed and Legolas felt the jolt of recognition that rippled through her body when she saw the billowing of familiar robes of purple. Legolas had no idea how she did it, but in the time it took the somewhat familiar looking elf to make his way to their table, Valia had somehow extricated herself from between him and Isondil and stood to greet the newcomer with radiant eyes and a soft smile on her lips.

She looked so delighted to see the elf, happier than she had ever been to see Legolas and the Prince instantly felt the cold grip of jealousy sink its nails into him. He looked the stranger up and down with narrowed eyes, turned a dangerous shade of brittle green, and a slight frown pulled his lips downward when he saw the silver circlet on the elf's brow, studded with diamonds and rubies. Why did he look so familiar? Searching for the answer to the question was abandoned when Legolas saw the elf take Valia's hand and lean over it, placing a kiss on her hand, lingering over her skin too long for Legolas' liking. Who did this elf think he was? He had no right to kiss Valia's hand. No one did but Legolas. That was his hand that should only be touched by his lips.

However Valia did not seem perturbed by the elf's attentions. She actually began laughing at him and playfully pushed him away with her free hand, shaking her head with a grin on her face. The elf, who Legolas decided must be a descendant of some royal line, looked up at her with a guilty smile on his face, but the twinkle in his eyes wiped away any expression of penitence.

The next moment the golden haired elf scooped Valia up into his arms and twirled her around in dizzying circles. Legolas almost flew to Valia's side to defend her from the over zealous elf, but a well timed kick under the table stopped him. Isondil shook his head in warning; his eyes discouraging Legolas from doing anything rash.

What Legolas could only describe as a squeal emanated from the spinning maiden and his eyes became dark slits as he glared at the circlet clad elf holding Valia in his arms. Elrohir laughed from behind him, giving Legolas the sudden urge to turn around and punch him or shove him off the bench, whichever would hurt more. Instead, he clenched his hands into fists, the skin turning white at the loss of blood, and Legolas resolved that he would whisk Valia away from the elf just as soon as he possibly could.

'Let me down Glorfindel!' Valia gasped, causing Legolas to pale considerably at the mention of the elven Lord's name. That was why he had looked so familiar to Legolas; he had met him at his stay in Imladris before he had set out with his companions on the quest to destroy the ring. Thoughts of his conversation with Hadrielia flooded Legolas' mind.

Lord Elrohir and Lord Glorfindel would be quite the catch for any maiden. There was a point when I thought she would have the lucky choice of having to decide between the two.

Legolas decided that he would most definitely usher Valia away from Glorfindel at the first opportunity.

'When did you return Glorfindel?' Valia exclaimed when the elven lord set her down on the ground again.

'Only this morning eleninya.'

A low rumble reverberated in the back of Legolas' throat. Eleninya? Did he just call her eleninya? Legolas' mood darkened even more at the revelation of a nickname but he hid his displeasure behind his well developed mask of indifference.

'We were not expecting you back until a month or two from now.' Valia looked Glorfindel over with an appraising eye, finding him unchanged in his appearance since she had last seen him over ten years ago. He still wore the same richly tailored robes that he always had, the same circlet rested over his brow, and he still styled his golden locks like he always had; only a few well placed braids holding back the rest of his blond hair.

'Do I meet your expectations?' Glorfindel asked with a raised brow. The purple sleeves of his robe swelled as he stretched out his arms for Valia to have a better look, making her laugh.

'The Vanyar have not changed you in the least.'

'No, I suppose they have not,' observed Glorfindel, glancing down at his clothes. 'But look at you Valia.' He took her hands and held them slightly parted in the space between her and him, allowing him to scan her dress and hair. 'I hardly recognized you with that dress on and your hair down. You look absolutely lovely.'

'Does she not remind you of pleasant times in Imladris?' asked Elrohir.

'Indeed she does. As beautiful as ever,' mussed Glorfindel.

'Ask her who she received the dress and hairpin from.'

'Elrohir!' cried Valia, spinning around to glare at him. The elf shrugged his shoulders in innocence, avoiding Valia's hard look by leaning across the table to whisper something to Isondil and Silia. Breakfast lay disregarded on the plates, not nearly as interesting as the scene unfolding.

Before turning back to Glorfindel, Valia noticed that Legolas had an odd expression of coldness on his face, his eyes strangely guarded. What was wrong with everyone today?

Swiveling back to Glorfindel, she met the challenging lift of one of his golden eyebrows.

'Prince Legolas was kind enough to purchase them for me,' Valia stated, her matter of fact tone warning Glorfindel not to push the issue further.

'Than we thank you for your generosity,' Glorfindel told the elf beside Elrohir that he remembered from long ago as Legolas. 'I also have a gift for you Valia,' continued Glorfindel.

'A gift? Whatever for? Your homecoming is gift enough for whatever the occasion.'

'You do not think I would forget the day you were begotten do you? Ten years away is not enough time to make me forget such an important date. How fortunate that I return from my absence only two days after the joyous occasion has passed.' The mention of a gift for Valia snapped Legolas out of his moody trance. He did not remember Valia ever mentioning the day she was begotten.

'You never said anything about your day of begetting,' Legolas remarked softly.

'That is because I do not like others knowing about it,' Valia retorted, still facing Glorfindel, but scowling at him for pointing out the day. The elf lord simply smiled back at her and reached into his robes to pull out an object wrapped in brown paper, handing it to Valia.

'What else do you have hidden in there?' Valia asked, eyeing his robes with curiosity. Legolas clamped a hand to the side of the bench he was seated on to stop himself from springing from his chair and forcibly dragging Valia away from Glorfindel. How could she think to ask such a question of him?

'That is none of your business, my lady,' laughed Glorfindel, motioning for her to open the present in her arms. Smiling, Valia looked down at the gift. It was no bigger than the size of a large book, which Valia assumed it was by the weight of the object. Glancing up at Glorfindel one last time, she ducked her head and began tearing away the coarse paper, the crinkling of the thick material loud in the now empty dinning hall.

Valia's heart leapt when she saw the unmistakable glimpse of a brown leather binding. Her fingers eagerly tore away at the remaining paper, revealing the elven words inscribed into the cover of the book in silver.

'Glorfindel,' she whispered, raising her wide eyes to look at him in amazement. 'Where did you find it?'

'At a small library in some out of the way place. The owner was very loathe to part with it when I asked if he would be interested in letting me purchase it so I resorted to telling him about the enchanting maiden back in Earsilme who had been searching for a copy of it for over two ages now and would be grieved to learn that I had run across a copy but was unable to bring it back to her. He agreed to let me buy it afterwards.'

Valia clutched the book to her chest, a rare copy of a collection of her favorite childhood tales, and drew Glorfindel into a one handed hug. 'It is perfect,' she spoke sincerely, kissing his cheek before drawing away. 'Thank you.'

The uncomfortable silence that had descended on the table of elves behind them was ignored as Glorfindel ran the back of his fingers lightly across Valia's cheek. 'I have missed you eleninya.' His hand dropped to hers, wrapping strong fingers around her slender ones.

'And I you.'

A clearing of a throat drew Valia's eyes back to the table to find Isondil, Silia, and Elrohir casting worried glances Legolas' way, though the Prince seemed perfectly fine to her, perhaps a little more reserved than usual, but he did not give the impression of anything being amiss.

'Is something the matter?' asked Valia, slightly annoyed by the persistently strange behavior of everyone.

'Do you not have somewhere to be?' questioned Silia, her voice lined with some meaning Valia did not understand. 'Is it not time for you to be at the library?'

'It is my day off today. You know that Silia.'

Tugging her hand, Glorfindel drew Valia's focus back his way.

'Would you like to join me for lunch?' he asked.

Disappointment coursed through Valia as she remembered her promise to Legolas from yesterday. 'I have already agreed to have lunch with Legolas.' The gentle rustling of her skirts caused Legolas' gaze to turn to her face and he found her looking at him with a mixture of pleading and hope. 'You do not mind if Glorfindel joins us, do you?'

'Of course not.' Of course I do not mind. Take my heart in your hand and crush it mercilessly, throwing it back in my face. I do not mind. But no matter how much Legolas hated the idea of sharing Valia for any period of time with the other elf; he was not able to deny Valia her wish if it was what would make her happy.

'I shall find you before lunch than,' Glorfindel told her. 'I must go speak to Elrond now.'

Valia hid her displeasure at having him leave and smiled. 'I am glad you come back to us safely Glorfindel.'

'As am I, Valia. I shall see you later.' He gave her hand one more squeeze before releasing it and exiting the dining hall swiftly.

Valia watched him go, gently rocking her hips back and forth to create a relaxing sound of swaying fabric. Clutching her book to her with both hands, she smiled and turned around to find everyone staring at her.

'What is wrong with everyone?' cried Valia, agitated at the glares she was receiving from Silia and Isondil and the despondent look on Legolas' face.

'Nothing Valia,' Elrohir assured. 'I think you find us all a little out of sorts today. I promised Elladan I would meet him for a bit of sword practice this morning. I should be going.' Elrohir stood, placing a chaste kiss on Valia's temple before passing by.

As soon as he was gone, Isondil and Silia stood as well.

'It is such a beautiful day today,' noted Isondil. 'The sky is blue and the sun shines warm. Silia and I are going for a walk. Please excuse us.' The couple quickly made their exit, leaving Valia to stare down at a now openly moody Legolas.

'Are you going to leave me too?' she asked.

'Not unless you wish it,' Legolas sighed, running his finger lazily over the grain pattern of the wooden tabletop.

Relieved, Valia sat down beside him, watching him trace the wood while she nibbled on her bottom lip.

'I cannot believe I am holding a copy of this book,' she tried, hoping Legolas would say something, but he did not, only continued following the twists of the wood. 'It was very kind of Glorfindel.'

Legolas' tracing suddenly stopped, and Valia observed him carefully as he sat still for several minutes, before surprising her by springing to his feet. 'I feel suddenly tired Valia. I am going back to my chambers.'

And then he walked away, leaving a very confused Valia at an empty table.

'Legolas,' she called to his retreating form, but he did not stop at the sound of his name. A sudden flood of irritation swept through Valia and she stood as well, trailing after Legolas as he made his way to his rooms, moving quite fast for someone who professed to be so weary.

The weak groan of an opening door was heard down the corridor, and Valia picked up her pace, but by the time she had rounded the corner, Legolas had already slipped into his room and shut the door firmly behind him. Placing her book on the hallway table, Valia stood in front of the door, hands dangling limply at her sides, contemplating whether it was best to persist or give up and leave Legolas alone.

Curiosity got the best of her, it always did.

'Legolas,' Valia pleaded through the door, rapping lightly against the smooth wood. 'Legolas what is the matter?' she asked, sighing when there was no response. Banging her clench fists against the door, she flinched at the pain but continued to press her hands against the wood while closing her eyes in frustration. 'Do not shut me out like this Legolas.'

Those must have been the magic words to open the sealed door, for the next second it flew back, sending Valia careening into Legolas' chest at the sudden loss of her support. She wrapped her arms around his waist to prevent herself from falling, and ended up clinging to him, her face buried in his abdomen in a most embarrassing position, legs spread apart so far she was in danger of ripping her dress. Legolas came to her rescue and gently took each of her arms, helping her to stand up; not letting go till he was sure she had fully regained her balance.

The muffled noise of feet in the hallway made Valia pull away, looking out the door with worry. If anyone found her in the Princes' chambers, alone, rumors would quickly begin to circulate about improper behavior. She took a hesitant step backwards, towards the hallway, but Legolas caught her arm and pulled her back towards him.

'We will leave the door open,' he spoke. He knew what she was thinking, having the same thought in his own mind at the sound of the unknown feet in the corridor. 'If we stay in this room and keep the bedroom door closed no one will think anything is wrong.'

Nodding her head in ascent, Valia watched him through lowered lashes as he moved to his bedroom door and shut it, then wandering over to a window, keeping his back turned to her.

'You are angry,' she stated. That was a stupid thing to say Valia! Of course he is angry. Could you not think of something more intelligent than that? 

'I am not angry.'

'You are not a good liar,' Valia countered, walking up behind him. A larger distance than usual remained between them as she stopped far enough away for propriety's sake, staring at the tense muscles in his neck she could see twitch through the curtain of his blond hair. 'What have I done to anger you?'

'I am not angry with you.'

'Then why did you run from me?'

The loud exhale of air from Legolas was all the answer she was privileged to as he continued to stare outside. Catching her lower lip between her teeth, Valia fidgeted with the green layer of fabric on her dress, kneading the material in her hands with nervous energy as the silence began to disconcert her.

Shifting restlessly, she drifted over to one of the plush chairs in the room and plopped into the seat, not caring if she sat down like a lady or not. She continued to play with her skirt, occasionally lifting her eyes to Legolas who stood unmoving by the window. Valia pursed her lips, creating a thin ribbon of pink as she tried to remember what she had done wrong. He had seemed fine when he first came to the dinning hall, sad that he would be leaving Earsilme soon, but certainly not angry. Now that she thought harder about it, it was not until Glrofindel had arrived that Legolas grew angry.

But that made no sense. Why should Legolas be angry at the arrival of Glorfindel? No, he must not be angry at Glorfindel…perhaps…

Another sigh came from Legolas and he stirred for the first time, raising a hand to the window, the glass warmed by the sun.

'I do not understand what I have done to offend you,' Valia confessed, stumbling over the words with a furrowed brow. Dropping her gaze to her lap, she watched her hands as they toyed with her dress as if they had a mind of their own, clutching and releasing the supple fabric repetitively.

Two hands, strong and lean, appeared in her field of vision, gently extricating her skirt from her hands before taking her hands and enfolding them in their own. Valia looked up to see Legolas kneeling before her, his green eyes examining her. She opened her mouth to speak but Legolas shook his head, discouraging Valia from saying anything.

The only thing Legolas saw in her eyes was confusion and worry for him, mingled with a bit of self reproach. Did she know what her eyes did to him when they looked at him with such worry? All of Arda ceased to exist when she looked at him that way. His only coherent thought was to bring back the happiness to her; to rekindle her inner flame once more so that she shined bright.

One of Legolas' hands reached up to brush a stray hair from Valia's forehead, trailing down her face to cup her cheek in his hand. Valia closed her eyes and felt herself lean into his touch, surprised by the sudden explosion of warmth that heated her when his hand, rough from archery calluses and years of fighting but still strangely smooth, was pressed against her skin. Legolas began to rub his thumb over her cheekbone, enraptured by her placid behavior, watching as the action caused her eyelids to flutter open.

Looking into his eyes, Valia felt remarkably overwhelmed by a hidden intensity she found buried beneath the calm surface, a glimmer of powerful emotions raging behind a front of cool composure. His eyes were beautiful, deep pools of green that teased the looker to discover their hidden secrets if they dared. What were his secrets? Valia wondered what lay guarded in the depths of his heart, what wishes and desires he treasured within him. Not aware of her own reaction, she leaned towards him, enjoying the heat she felt radiating from his body into hers. Legolas shifted closer to her, awakening some frozen part of Valia's mind.

What are you doing Valia?

It was a question they both asked, one wondering if she had lost all sensibility, and the other puzzled at her sudden display of pleasure to his touch. Their foreheads met and Valia breathed deeply, smelling an alluring blend of mint and the aroma of the forest on Legolas' skin. She brought her fingers up to his face, grazing her hand over his high cheekbone and lowering her touch to the small space between his earlobe and jaw, messaging the skin in tiny circles. He was so soft, so satisfying to touch, to stroke, to caress.

I do not know what I am doing.

 A contented hum started in the back of Legolas' throat as her fingers moved over his face, tracing his features like he had wished she would have done so many times before. She traced her fingers over his jaw line, raising them when she reached his chin to run lightly over his lips so delicately that Legolas was not entirely sure that she had even touched them. He slid his hand under her hair to rest against the back of her neck as she brought her fingers to the base of his earlobe again. A shiver of delight rushed through him.

I am dreaming again.

Legolas peered up into her dark eyes, eyes that held all the stars and sea he ever needed in their wide extent. Raising his head he touched his nose to hers, nuzzling against her. How glorious it was to be able to touch her and be touched back! Valia ran her tongue over her dry lips when she felt Legolas' hot breath on them. Her hand dropped to his neck when he moved in closer, his lips hovering just over hers, tempting her to meet him. She breathed in sharply. It was all too much; the sensations, the feel of him, the desire burning within her for his touch, for him to break down her walls and rescue her from herself; to take her hand and lead her from her defenses.

Pull away Valia!

Legolas saw the sudden fear spring into her eyes. It shadowed all her other feelings into a dim resemblance of the love he had seen in her eyes only moments ago.

Love.

Yes, Legolas was sure it had been love. A love she kept hidden so well behind the thick barrier that separated her from any real attachment to another elf. But it was there all the same, and it was a love for him that gave his heart more hope than he had allowed himself to think of until then.

Valia loved him.

The very thought sent another shiver through him, even as all the love in her eyes faded to panic. It would be so easy to lift his lips to hers and claim her as his own, wipe away all her fears in his embrace and assure her that all was well, make her understand that she was his jewel that he would always treasure. He would not force her into something that she did not want though. She was not ready yet; she was still the beautiful bud of a flower, just opening up to the influences of spring to reveal all her potential for love and beauty. If he forced her, he would break her, marring her loveliness forever when she finally bloomed. The victory would be sweeter when she willingly yielded herself to him and opened up of her own free will. She was starting to already. She just did not know it yet, and Legolas decided that he would be patient enough to wait until the time was perfect.

Footsteps echoing faintly in the hall caught Legolas' attention and he instantly moved away from Valia, and back to the window to look out over Elrond's grounds before Valia even had time to realize he was gone. An imperceptible smile lingered over his lips as he thought of the love Valia held for him in her heart. He hoped that he would not have to wait very long for her to open herself to him. They only had a week.

Valia was left in complete confusion. One moment Legolas had been in front of her, overwhelming her with his aura, and in the time it had taken her to blink, he was no longer there. Whirling around in her seat, she looked to the window, finding him standing in the same position he had been before, but a small smile tugged his lips upwards.

'Is something the matter my lady?' he asked, noticing the confused expression she tried to mask.

Had it all been a dream? Valia turned back around and placed her hands in her lap, clasping them together. 'No, everything is fine.' But was it really? She could not decide which thought disturbed her more: that the whole thing had never really happened or that it had and she had responded so eagerly to it.

A knock came from the doorway followed by a clearing of the throat and Valia looked up to see Glorfindel standing in the doorway, silhouetted in a shower of sunbeams that added to the impression of strength he exuded.

'I am sorry.' Glrofindel cast a sidelong look at Legolas who had his back turned entirely to the room. 'Elrond wished to see you Valia.'

Regardless of her wish to stay and talk with Legolas to sort out her confusion, Valia rose and settled her skirts around her. 'Very well. I will see you at lunch Legolas.' It was a question more than a statement and Legolas acknowledged her by swiveling away from the window to lock eyes with her.

Valia.

He spoke her name in her mind, laden with meaning that made it hard for Valia to believe that their intimate scene had only been a figment of her imagination. But that was not what held her attention. It was the fact that his voice was even in her mind. To communicate in such a way was a rare gift among the elven kind; those who possessed it generally only sharing the bond with their spouse, a bond of husband and wife that was said by those who had the ability to be more intimate than even the physical joining of two lives. How was he able to speak in her mind?

'I will meet you in the dining hall for lunch,' Legolas assured her. The terse nod she bestowed on him produced a flicker of amusement in Legolas' bright eyes. She was back to her usual self once more, a wall of steel hiding herself from curious individuals. But he had seen her true feelings, the faint glimmer of hope that flashed through her heavy armor like the distant shimmer of the sun on water to a thirsty wanderer in the desert. She would be his, as surely as the spring flower would inevitably unfold its petals to reveal herself to her lover, the sun.

He watched her turn from him, her eyes lingering on him before turning to Glorfindel.

'May I escort you to Elrond's study?' Glorfindel asked her as she glided past him.

'No, thank you. I wish to go alone.' The book on the table was not forgotten as Valia passed out of Legolas' room. She picked it up, pressing it to her chest, and sauntered down the hall, lost in a sea of turbulent thoughts, leaving two blond haired elven warriors in her wake.

The brilliant green of her skirts was barely out of sight before the two elves turned to face each other, a silent challenge in each of their eyes as they weighed the worthiness of their opponent, each sure that he would come out the victor in the battle about to be waged.

-~~*~~-

Lunchtime came swiftly for all, and it was not long before Valia found herself sitting with her two silent companions, trying to fill in the silence of their speech with her own words.

'When I was little, I used to think that stars were tiny insects glowing high up in the night sky.'

Soup being sloshed in bowls was her rejoinder to her latest attempt to start a conversation. Legolas and Glorfindel seemed more interested in each other than they did in her. Valia almost felt like she was an unwelcome third party as she watched their gazes continue to dart to each other, a silent conversation passing between the two that Valia did not know the language of.

'Of course it did not help that Tandir encouraged me to believe such things.'

Still no response. Only guarded looks passing between two warriors.

'It was not until atar told me that they were the light given to us by Varda that I learned otherwise. I remember Tandir mocking me for no less than a year afterwards that I must have been the most gullible elfling in the entirety of Arda.'

And still the looks persisted, Valia now sure that she had been completely forgotten in the silent conversation taking place between the two. I have only been entertaining myself with my speech this past hour.

A delicate sigh escaped her lips, as insubstantial as the touch of the morning mist on the ground. The clatter of her spoon dropped into her bowl brought Legolas and Glorfindel's heads snapping her direction in time to see her preparing to leave them.

'Where are you going?' Glrofindel asked, confused as to why she was leaving.

Valia gave him a withering look. 'I am surprised you even noticed, so engrossed were you in staring at Legolas. I do not think you require my help in finishing out your present conversation with him and as you take no interest in my stimulating stories I will leave you in peace so you two can speak more openly. I know the burdens of having an unwanted third party with you.' In one graceful move, Valia slid out of her chair.

'Valia,' Legolas began, but was stopped by the raising of one of her finely shaped eyebrows, daring him to continue at peril of unknown consequences.

'Good day, my lords.' Swishing fabric from her skirts was Valia's final farewell as she spun around and stalked away to find Silia, muttering under her breath about the infuriating tendencies of the opposite sex. Perhaps it was best that she was not married, for she knew she would most certainly go insane if her husband acted the way her lunch companions did.

Glorfindel and Legolas watched her go, understanding full well that they were not in her good graces for the time being.

'She can be as difficult to handle as a fiery mare at times.' Glorfindel peered into his bowl, spooning the broth into his mouth.

'I am sure she is if you do not know how to handle her, but even the free spirit of the most wild horse becomes docile at the gentle hand of a familiar rider.'

'The spirit of some will not bend to the will of any other than their master.'

Legolas began tracing the grain of the table again, running a lean finger over the groves in the wood. 'Who is to say who it is a mare chooses to bend her will to or not? Is it not her choice and once it is made, does the mare not follow the biding of her masters every command?'

 'Perhaps,' Glorfindel agreed, picking up his silver goblet to swirl the deep burgundy liquid with a methodical twist of his wrist. 'But what should happen if the master that the mare chooses leaves her? Does she not then bend her will to a new master if one should come along that is willing to tame her again?' Brining the goblet to his lips, Glorfindel took a small drink and observed the Prince over the silver rim, watching him ponder the best words to say in answer to the questions.

Legolas picked up his own goblet, frowning into the dark liquid that distorted his image into an almost unrecognizable picture. Taking a large gulp, he set the goblet on the table firmly. The strength of the rich drink worked to calm his nerves and he enjoyed the lingering aftertaste which stayed long after the liquid slid down his throat. 'The mare always listens to the call of her first master,' he told Glorfindel determinedly before standing up to take his leave. 'She never forgets his voice, no matter how far away he is or how long he is gone.'

Glorfindel rotated on his chair, looking up at the Prince with a thin smile. 'But once he leaves her, she is no longer his anymore. She belongs to another, whether she remembers her former master or not.'

The underlying challenge was all too clear for Legolas. 'If you will excuse me, I need to speak with Lord Elrond.' Legolas inclined his head, maintaining all the dignified grace of his station, despite his anger, and walked away from the elf lord without looking back.

Valia will be mine.

And he knew just how he was going to do it. Valia's day of begetting was not forgotten by Legolas and was the perfect excuse to make the first move. He headed towards Lord Elrond's study, intent on finding the best silversmith in the land for Valia's gift.

-~~*~~-

eleninya- my star

atar- father

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