Chapter 3
All heads tuned as they entered the room. And in unison, the entire room bowed to signal the entrance of the Prince.
"Wow."
Legolas merely shrugged and rolled his eyes, but Rhys was overwhelmed. She was not used to that much attention.
Legolas led her over to a table and they sat down, accompanied by Mari and her date.
"So, what's this whole party for?"
"Well, it's basically a 'victory party.' Father thought it would be marvelous to throw a party since, thanks to Gimli and me, a peace treaty has been signed by the Elves of Mirkwood and the Dwarves. You know, we've been at each other's throats for centuries and now, we've finally negotiated peace."
"Oh! Isn't Gimli that dwarf that was in the Fellowship with you when you went to Rivendell to destroy the Ring?"
"Yeah, how WAS Rivendell?"
"Rivendell was amazing. I'd never seen anyplace so beautiful, save Lorien."
"I bet you miss Rivendell, huh?"
"Well, Rivendell WAS fantastic, but there's not place like home."
"Oh no, Rhys…"
"What, Mari?"
Mari made sure Legolas wasn't paying attention.
"Look. Over by the entrance. Look who decided to show up."
"He has no power over me anymore. It doesn't bother me. Gil can do whatever he wants."
"True, but why don't you make him jealous?"
"Good idea."
Before she could act, though, Legolas offered his hand to her for the third time that day.
"Care to dance?"
Rhys didn't answer, but didn't hesitate to take his offered hand.
Thank you for this moment
I gotta say how beatuiful you are
Of all the hopes and dreams I could have prayed for
Here you are
If I could have one dance forever
I would take you by the hand
Tonight it's you and I together
I'm so glad I'm your man
Every head turned to see them gliding across the room. Somehow, Rhys managed to ignore them and focused only on Legolas.
And if I lived a thousand years you know
I'd never could explain
The way I lost my heart to you that day
But if destiny decided I should look the other way
Then the world would never know
The greatest story ever told
And did I tell you that I love you to night
I don't hear the music when I'm looking in you eyes
But I feal the rythem of your body close to mine
It's the way we talk that's sends me
It's the way we'll always be here
Your kiss your pretty smile you know I die for
Oh baby you're all I need
Meanwhile, Mari and Elral danced close by, both keeping an eye on their best friend.
"They really do look cute together, huh?"
"What do you think his father with say?"
"For now? Who cares?"
And if I lived a thousand years you know
I'd never could explain
The way I lost my heart to you that day
But if destiny decided I should look the other way
Then the world would never know
The greatest story ever told
And did I tell you that I love you just how much I really need you
Did I tell you that I love you tonight
Tonight
And if I lived a thousand years you know
I'd never could explain
The way I lost my heart to you that day
But if destiny decided I should look the other way
Then the world would never know
The greatest story ever told
And did I tell you that I love you just how much I really need you
Did I tell you that I love you tonight
As the song ended, Legolas pulled her into a tight embrace. As she wrapped her arms around his neck, she knew that she'd never felt happier. They stood like that long enough for Elral and Mari to get a glimpse of them before another couple of dancers blocked their view. Just then, the "DJ" announced that Kareokee was available. Rhys's eyes lit up. She'd always loved to sing.
"Would you mind?"
"Mind what? If you get up there and sing? Not at all. I'd love to hear you."
Rhys grinned and hurried to the stage before someone else could get there first. She skimmed through the songs available and settled on one she liked. Well, it IS a slow song, but I guess everyone wouldn't mind two slow songs in a row. I know Mari will be pleased. She thought with a wicked grin. She told the DJ of her selection and took her place at the microphone and cleared her throat so that the DJ would know she was ready.
Come to think of it, it's not really a romance song, but it's still slow. So she took a deep breath, looked out into the crowd, closed her eyes, and started singing.
We rode into town the other day,
Just me and my daddy
He said I'd finally reached that age
Where I could ride on a horse next to him,
That of course was not quite as wide.
We heard a crowd of people shouting,
And so we stopped to find out why
And there was that man that my dad said he loved,
But today there was fear in his eyes.
When she opened her eyes, there was hundreds of faces starting back at her. Some of them were seated at tables, but most of them stood. No one said a word, but simply listened to the meaningful lyrics.
So I said "Daddy why are they screaming?
Why are the faces of some of them beaming?
Why is he dressed in that bright purple robe?
I bet that crown hurts him more than he shows.
Daddy, please, can't you do something?
He looks as though he's going to cry.
You said he was stronger than all of those guys.
Daddy please tell me why,
Why does everyone want him to die?"
She looked out and saw Mari and Elral, staring up at her with an expression Rhys couldn't name.
Later that day, the sky grew cloudy
And daddy said I should go inside.
Somehow he knew things would get stormy,
Boy was he right.
But I could not keep from wondering
If there was something he had to hide.
So after he left I had to find out,
I was not afraid of getting lost
So I followed the crowds to a hill where I knew men had been killed.
And I heard a voice come from the cross.
She looked around the room again and saw…Gil. He was staring at her, also with an unnamable expression. She looked away and stared at the ceiling.
It said "Father why are they screaming?
Why are the faces of some of them beaming?
Why are they casting their lots for my robe?
This crown of thorns hurts me more than it shows.
Father please, can't you do something,
I know you must hear my cries.
I thought I could handle a cross of this size.
Father remind me why,
Why does everyone want me to die?
Oh when will I understand why?"
Her eyes searched to room again and this time they found Legolas. His expression, however, was fully readable. He looked at her with complete awe and admiration. And… love?
"My precious Son,
I hear them screaming.
I'm watching the face of the enemy beaming.
But soon I will clothe you in robes of my own
Jesus, this hurts me much more than you know.
In this dark hour, I must do nothing,
Though I've heard your unbearable cry.
The power in your blood destroys all of the lies.
Soon You'll see past their unmerciful eyes.
Look there below, see the child
Trembling by her father's side.
Now I can tell you why.
She is why You must die."
As she finished the song, the room erupted in thundering applause. She smiled weakly, and, placing the microphone back on its stand, she stepped off the stage and walked directly toward Legolas. But something stopped her from getting there. Gil stepped in front of her just as Legolas approached. Gil took her hand in his.
"That was amazing. I never knew you could sing like that."
Rhys looked at him for a moment, then pulled her hand from his.
"You never bothered to find out, either."
Without a backward glance, she closed the distance between her and Legolas.
"Rhys, that was amazing. I've never heard anyone sing that well. It was beautiful."
"Thank you, Legolas."
They looked into each others eyes for a moment and, as though they could read each others minds, leaned forward and sealed the distance between them. She wrapped her arms around his neck, not even caring that the entire room was witnessing her kissing the Prince. Gil stared on in a mixture between surprise and horror. Rhys did exactly what she had intended since they first broke up. She had made Gil unbelievably jealous, but out of all the irony, she neither meant to nor knew she had done so.
So??? What do you think? Should I write a sequel???? Please review. I need your thoughts. Thanks!