Haldir Speaks-
I had nothing to say to him for a while. But I grew content at just holding him in my eyes. But it's strange isn't it? Here is a man that I would have let die without turning a hair a day ago and now I have just saved him. It was instinct. Then again if I had just fought against him to let him die, I would have had an opportunity at freedom.
"Rest, we have a long way ahead of us tomorrow." He said as he through another log into the fire.
"It is better if I stay watch for a while when you sleep, there might be a few of them still larking around." I replied as I wrapped my cloak around me.
"Why don't I take the watch for the first half of the night?"
I glared at Eomer. Why would he do this when this is why he brought me along? Was he afraid that I would murder him in his sleep and then run away? Now, if it were someone like lord Aragorn, I may consider it. But I would hardly stoop to such a level.
"You're hurt…" He said suddenly, disrupting my thoughts. I looked up, a little startled. My hand curled instinctively around my waist where I received only a minor blow.
"Oh, that's nothing. I'll be able to ride tomorrow. I already took care of it."
"Are you sure?"
Why did he care so much? It was only a scratch, nothing to fuss over. Before I knew it he moved closer to me and removed my arm, looking at the wound. A rush of warmth swept over me as he touched me and even more when he smiled. I could not help but sway slightly when the strong arms came to peel off the bloody bandages and began to replace them with fresh ones.
He was sitting too close to me. I wanted him to move away… I didn't want him near me. This was too strange, having feelings like that. Plus I was his servant, what did it matter to him as long as I could do what he wanted.
"What's wrong?" Eomer said as he noticed the dazed look I supposed I was giving off.
"Just a little tired…" I said quickly.
"Then sleep." He said softly, helping me unroll my blankets.
Eomer Speaks-
I watched as the beautiful began to curl up, still a little unsure. I'm certainly not going to treat him like a slave. He deserved much better than that, as did all of his kind. His shallow green eyes slowly drifted vacant as he gave me a look of what I hoped was gratitude.
Tomorrow we would reach the near by home of the duke. I had never spoken to this man before. But I was already under the impression he could be nothing good, seeing how he was a close friend of this King. I shook my thoughts away for a moment as I pulled the pale blanket over the slender elf.
He moaned softly in his sleep and flinched when I touched him. It was hard for him to trust people. I can understand, yet I hope he would warm up to me soon.
Half way through the night he woke me and said that he could not sleep any longer. I rested the best I could, trying not to look it the blond beauty wrapped in his blanket, admiring the stars.
Legolas Speaks-
I began to understand what Haldir meant when he spoke of the dreaded palace. It was torture scrubbing those floors. The other elves were not kind to me, not that I had expected any better.
"Do you think yourself better than us?" They taunted me. I had no reply to that. I had never heard a comment so unprovoked but I was not going to sit around and argue.
I isolated my self, just as I had always done before. But if only that were enough.
Serving that man breakfast was hell. I hate him; being a somewhat handsome man he has a heart of black tar. He seemed to hate me and like me more than the other servants, whom he mostly left alone except the occasional taunts. It seemed that this lord did everything he could to make me miserable. He would strike me and kick me, which I did not truly mind that much for I was used to it. But playing with my hair? Running his fingers down my body?
Damn him.
Eomer Speaks-
We arrived at the duke's halls a little earlier than we had expected. We were told to enter and wait for him for he was to join us, well me, for a late lunch. Haldir shifted from side to side, looking at the dimly lit halls. It was afternoon but you would never be able to tell in these darkened rooms.
"I don't like this place, sire." He said softly. I was surprised at him calling me sire again then I realized the pairs of eyes watching and understood.
"We are only here for a few nights."
"Yes, sire." He said as he withdrew, his lips pressed tightly together.
I had imagined a quite plump looking man but what I saw was a strong man taller than I was and very handsome. I frowned, not liking the smirk on the man's face. His cold gray eyes suddenly trailed to Haldir and raised an eyebrow. I had noticed that most of his slaves were not elves and they were all dark haired like he was.
"Shall we proceed then, you are…"
"Eomer." I replied gently.
"Indeed. I have heard of your valiant strides at battle." He said still stealing glances at Haldir. I could sense the blond elf's tension as I stole a glance at him myself.
"Come, I think you will find the food in my halls quite satisfying."
"I am sure I will." I said politely. Haldir nodded to me and withdrew to a corner. Judging from his expression, he was very relieved.
The towering duke led me into his dining quarters and to a grand table with rich foods piled about. I sat down and began to tell him of why I had come and the king's need to borrow 100 horses. He replied without so much as caring as sipped on his wine.
"Your servant…" He brought up the topic suddenly, "He is an elf."
"Yes." I replied, wondering where this odd conversation was going.
"I have been short of good servants around here, and from the looks of it he is quite efficient."
I did not answer my but hand tightened around my wine glass.
"Would you be willing to sell him to me? I will of course provide you with the horses you need and you can have the pick of my best steeds."
"I thank you for your kindness," I said through my teeth, I would rather eat my own arm than let him lay a finger on the elven beauty. "But I am not in the position to sell or buy servants."
Haldir Speaks-
I was given some bread and water as I waited for Eomer to finish. I was happy not being in that room. I hate men and confrontation. Most of all I hated men in confrontation.
When he came out he seemed to be very testy.
"Did something happen?" I said softly as we approached a private room.
"No… nothing."
I nodded. I knew better than to ask too many questions.
When I was about to settle my self to sleep the duke approached me.
"If you are looking for my master…" I began but stopped when he his hand reached my shoulder.
"No, I am looking for you."
"I…" I could not think of a thing to say so I just backed away.
"I daresay it is quite dull in that palace of your king… you would have a lot fun if you work for me…"
"That is not my decision to make…"
"Want to make a bet of it?" He said as he shoved me hard against the wall. I groped around for my sword but it was taken from me. His hands gripped my wrists as an insane smile came over his face.
"Let me go…" I snapped, struggling to break free. He began to nibble down my throat, massaging his tongue on my skin. I kicked him as hard as and it freed one of my hands. I was able to shove him off me and I ran like mad. But his arms found me again but this time he shoved me to the ground and positioned himself on top of me. An ice cold hand began to undo my leggings despite my struggles. A few bruises were beginning to form upon me. I reached for a piece of what seemed to be broken glass from the beer bottle and jabbed him hard in the shoulder forcing him to release me. He struck me hard again this time causing blood to leak from my mouth.
"What's going on?" A familiar voice rang around me as a hand helped me up. I was limping slightly and I tried hard not to look at Eomer.
"You… need to teach that elf some manners…" The duke was shaking in fury.
Eomer's eyes went instantly cold and I was so relieved that he was not looking at me. "Manners? As in forcing yourself upon unwilling servants?" He said as he let me lean against him.
"He is only an elf… why do you protect him?"
"He is my friend…"
I looked up, startled. Friend? A friend?" I was a bit unaware of what that was regarding men.
The duke spat bitterly looking at me with hatred. I knew at once that this was going to be a disaster.