Rejected
Chapter 2
The next morning, Legolas was woken by the sun streaming in through a gap in the heavy curtains. A glance out of the window assured him that most of the court was still in bed, but the servants had already begun their day's work. The elf opened the door, and saw that Eliana's door was ajar, meaning that she was up and about. He made his way back to his own room. It was empty, thankfully, and a maid had already been in and cleared up. He changed his clothes, donning a green tunic and grey leggings. He sprinted down the stairs to the hall, where no trace of last night's revels remained. Instead, the tables were set for breakfast, with bowls of fruit already standing in their places. Legolas picked up an apple and headed out through the main entrance of the palace, collecting his bow and arrows on the way, and jogged to the stables.
A few minutes later he was galloping through the forest on his bay stallion, Amuras. When he was far enough from the clearing where the palace stood, he halted and looked around. Mingled with the birdsong and the breeze was the sound of running water. Legolas swung Amuras around and headed for the stream.
About ten minutes later Legolas was out of breath and his forehead glistened with sweat. He wiped his face with his sleeve, and then jumped down from the saddle. The waterfall that joined the stream with the pool was about six metres high, but he made his way down the bank easily, jumping from rock to rock like a mountain goat. He knelt by the water's edge and splashed his face, washing away the sweat and dirt. The water was deliciously cool and it quickly refreshed him.
Suddenly, Legolas heard a rustle. Jumping up, he pulled an arrow from his quiver, set it to his bow, and looked around. What he saw took his breath away. Sat on the opposite side of the pool was Eliana. She wore a white gown, and a crown of daisies sat upon her head. Her fair hair was loose and swept back by the breeze. Her slender hands moved skilfully as she completed another of the daisy crowns and threw it in the water. It bobbed on the surface for a moment before floating away to join another five.
Legolas put away the arrow and moved around the pool to join her. Eliana heard his approach and looked up.
"Oh, hello." She didn't sound too enthusiastic.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude. I come down here often." Legolas sat down beside her and began a daisy chain of his own.
"Don't apologise, I don't mind the company. I was just expecting someone else."
They were both silent for a few minutes. Legolas finished his chain and threw it into the water. He was about to strike up a new conversation when the sound of hoof beats came from the trees. Eliana looked up excitedly. Legolas jumped up and headed towards his horse.
"I will leave you with your friend. Will you be at tonight's banquet?"
"Um.. I believe so.." She replied distractedly. "Um.. thank you for your company, your highness."
"Legolas, please."
"Okay, Legolas." She smiled briefly at him before turning to the trees to greet her friend. Legolas leapt into the saddle and rode away. If he had stayed a few seconds more, he would have seen the passionate embrace Eliana shared with the friend.
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Three weeks passed in no time at all. Thranduil's court thrived in the hot summer weather, and on many days the banks of the river Celduin were packed with elves. But Legolas noticed none of this. His eyes were constantly fixed on Eliana. He marvelled at her hair as it shone in the golden sun. He marvelled at her graceful form as she sped through the water as quick as an otter. He marvelled at her dazzling smile and her crystal blue eyes. In fact, it seemed to Legolas as though she had no faults at all. She was perfect. And she wasn't his. Eliana had persisted in her refusal at Legolas's advances. She had danced with him at banquets, and had accepted his company at picnics and outings, but she made no signs that she returned his feelings for her.
On midsummer's day Thranduil organised a magnificent picnic lunch by the river as a farewell party for Tarumil, who was leaving for his own kingdom. He would take his daughter Dulorime with him until the wedding between her and Legolas was confirmed. There was to be a proper feast in the evening. On the morning of the picnic Legolas woke with a heavy feeling in his heart. He had to win Eliana's heart today, or he would never have the chance again. She would be gone from his life, remaining only as a memory. He quickly ran to his cupboard and pulled out a pale blue tunic and a fresh pair of leggings. Lacing up his brown leather boots, he grabbed his bow and arrow and flew out the door. If he was to win her heart, the sooner he started trying, the more chance he had of succeeding.
The riverbank was crowded with elves- courtiers and servants alike. Blankets were laid out on the fresh green grass, crammed with all kinds of food and drink. Many elves were already in the water, some playing games, others having water fights, as Legolas rode up and dismounted, immediately scanning the area for Eliana. She was sat a little way from everyone else, again making daisy chains. She wore a simple, cream dress and her hair was in one long plait down her back. Unable to suppress a grin of delight, he walked up and sat down next to her.
"You obviously enjoy this activity, my lady," he said.
She looked up and smiled at him.
"It keeps me occupied, your highness."
He looked at her sternly. She laughed gaily.
"Alright, Legolas! If you insist."
"'Your highness' makes me feel uncomfortable," he replied. He accepted the glass of wine she offered him. Suddenly she glanced behind her.
"Oh, er... excuse me, um... I have to... um...," Eliana looked distracted as she got up and shook the stray petals from her lap. "Um, goodbye, um..."
Legolas looked up and was about to reply, but he saw that she had already disappeared. When he looked around for her he couldn't see her anywhere. His brother, Doriel, sauntered up.
"Legolas, are you alright? You look like you've lost something."
The elf didn't reply, but ran off. He had to find her.
The afternoon passed in a blur to Legolas, and Eliana was nowhere to be seen. Eventually evening came, and the banquet was well under way, but there was still no sign of her, and Legolas was worried. He tried to concentrate as Lord Tarumil made a speech, thanking King Thranduil for his hospitality.
"I would also like to thank his Majesty for the great joy he is bringing to my kingdom by agreeing to an alliance between our lands. So it is with great pleasure that I raise my glass to Legolas and Dulorime , whose forthcoming marriage will bring this about." Tarumil smiled broadly at the couple, who were seated together for this occasion.
The rest of the hall raised their glasses in a toast. Legolas tried to hide his discomfort in front of the hall, but as soon as the dancing began, he rushed to his favourite antechamber. He collapsed in a chair by the window and sighed with relief at finally being away from the crowd. Then, as the elf gazed around the room, he noticed the red velvet armchair in the corner, where Eliana had been sat when he first met her. Legolas sighed again, this time with sorrow. He was about to sit down when the door burst open and a whirlwind of blonde and midnight blue raced into the room and threw itself into the chair.
"Eliana!" Legolas gasped.
"Oh, hello," she replied. "Don't tell me, you're here to escape the torment that is an arranged marriage." She raised her eyebrows.
He looked at her in surprise, then threw his head back and laughed. She swiftly joined him.
"I've been forced to dance non-stop with the dashing young men of court. You would think my father was trying to marry me off, as well!"
Eliana glanced out of the window at the clear night sky, her sharp eyes taking in every star shining brightly in the atmosphere. Legolas wondered how on earth he could not have spotted her when she looked so enchanting, as she swept over to him, her gown showing off her slender body to perfection.
"You know what, Legolas? I think I might take you up on your long-standing offer. The gardens do look their best in the moonlight. Care for a stroll?"
She offered her arm, as though she were a gallant knight. Stunned, Legolas took it, and together they strolled down the corridor. At the stairs they met a party of guards coming up, and throwing away all formality, they raced past them and threw themselves out into the night air. They eventually came to a rough wooden bench near the woods, and sat down, too exhausted to even speak. After a few minutes, Legolas turned towards Eliana.
"Eliana, I-" he hesitated.
She was leaning back against a tree. She turned lazily towards him, and he pulled her up so he was looking straight into her eyes.
"Eliana I want you to know-" he couldn't bring himself to say it. Instead he flung himself upon her and kissed her passionately. He was shocked when she threw him off.
"Legolas! What are you playing at?" She got up swiftly and moved away, her hands pressed against her cheeks in shock. He moved towards her.
"I- I thought.. you felt.. the same way.."
"The same way? Wha- what do you mean? Surely not-" Eliana tried to laugh, but it faded away.
"Eliana, I love you. I've loved you since the evening when we first met. I will always love you. Please tell me you feel the same way!" He gazed into her eyes unblinkingly, silently pleading her to say she did. She looked back at him, her heart racing as much as his, wishing she were somewhere else.
"Legolas, I don't know - I don't know how to put it. I don't want to hurt you, but." she got up and turned away. Legolas stood next to her and put his hand on her shoulder.
"Eliana, tell me, please."
She faced him, staring into his eyes. She forced herself to stop the tears that formed in her own eyes.
"Legolas, I don't love you." She ran out of the room before she had to see his face. Legolas watched her go, tears streaming down his face. He collapsed on the floor and wept.
Chapter 2
The next morning, Legolas was woken by the sun streaming in through a gap in the heavy curtains. A glance out of the window assured him that most of the court was still in bed, but the servants had already begun their day's work. The elf opened the door, and saw that Eliana's door was ajar, meaning that she was up and about. He made his way back to his own room. It was empty, thankfully, and a maid had already been in and cleared up. He changed his clothes, donning a green tunic and grey leggings. He sprinted down the stairs to the hall, where no trace of last night's revels remained. Instead, the tables were set for breakfast, with bowls of fruit already standing in their places. Legolas picked up an apple and headed out through the main entrance of the palace, collecting his bow and arrows on the way, and jogged to the stables.
A few minutes later he was galloping through the forest on his bay stallion, Amuras. When he was far enough from the clearing where the palace stood, he halted and looked around. Mingled with the birdsong and the breeze was the sound of running water. Legolas swung Amuras around and headed for the stream.
About ten minutes later Legolas was out of breath and his forehead glistened with sweat. He wiped his face with his sleeve, and then jumped down from the saddle. The waterfall that joined the stream with the pool was about six metres high, but he made his way down the bank easily, jumping from rock to rock like a mountain goat. He knelt by the water's edge and splashed his face, washing away the sweat and dirt. The water was deliciously cool and it quickly refreshed him.
Suddenly, Legolas heard a rustle. Jumping up, he pulled an arrow from his quiver, set it to his bow, and looked around. What he saw took his breath away. Sat on the opposite side of the pool was Eliana. She wore a white gown, and a crown of daisies sat upon her head. Her fair hair was loose and swept back by the breeze. Her slender hands moved skilfully as she completed another of the daisy crowns and threw it in the water. It bobbed on the surface for a moment before floating away to join another five.
Legolas put away the arrow and moved around the pool to join her. Eliana heard his approach and looked up.
"Oh, hello." She didn't sound too enthusiastic.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude. I come down here often." Legolas sat down beside her and began a daisy chain of his own.
"Don't apologise, I don't mind the company. I was just expecting someone else."
They were both silent for a few minutes. Legolas finished his chain and threw it into the water. He was about to strike up a new conversation when the sound of hoof beats came from the trees. Eliana looked up excitedly. Legolas jumped up and headed towards his horse.
"I will leave you with your friend. Will you be at tonight's banquet?"
"Um.. I believe so.." She replied distractedly. "Um.. thank you for your company, your highness."
"Legolas, please."
"Okay, Legolas." She smiled briefly at him before turning to the trees to greet her friend. Legolas leapt into the saddle and rode away. If he had stayed a few seconds more, he would have seen the passionate embrace Eliana shared with the friend.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Three weeks passed in no time at all. Thranduil's court thrived in the hot summer weather, and on many days the banks of the river Celduin were packed with elves. But Legolas noticed none of this. His eyes were constantly fixed on Eliana. He marvelled at her hair as it shone in the golden sun. He marvelled at her graceful form as she sped through the water as quick as an otter. He marvelled at her dazzling smile and her crystal blue eyes. In fact, it seemed to Legolas as though she had no faults at all. She was perfect. And she wasn't his. Eliana had persisted in her refusal at Legolas's advances. She had danced with him at banquets, and had accepted his company at picnics and outings, but she made no signs that she returned his feelings for her.
On midsummer's day Thranduil organised a magnificent picnic lunch by the river as a farewell party for Tarumil, who was leaving for his own kingdom. He would take his daughter Dulorime with him until the wedding between her and Legolas was confirmed. There was to be a proper feast in the evening. On the morning of the picnic Legolas woke with a heavy feeling in his heart. He had to win Eliana's heart today, or he would never have the chance again. She would be gone from his life, remaining only as a memory. He quickly ran to his cupboard and pulled out a pale blue tunic and a fresh pair of leggings. Lacing up his brown leather boots, he grabbed his bow and arrow and flew out the door. If he was to win her heart, the sooner he started trying, the more chance he had of succeeding.
The riverbank was crowded with elves- courtiers and servants alike. Blankets were laid out on the fresh green grass, crammed with all kinds of food and drink. Many elves were already in the water, some playing games, others having water fights, as Legolas rode up and dismounted, immediately scanning the area for Eliana. She was sat a little way from everyone else, again making daisy chains. She wore a simple, cream dress and her hair was in one long plait down her back. Unable to suppress a grin of delight, he walked up and sat down next to her.
"You obviously enjoy this activity, my lady," he said.
She looked up and smiled at him.
"It keeps me occupied, your highness."
He looked at her sternly. She laughed gaily.
"Alright, Legolas! If you insist."
"'Your highness' makes me feel uncomfortable," he replied. He accepted the glass of wine she offered him. Suddenly she glanced behind her.
"Oh, er... excuse me, um... I have to... um...," Eliana looked distracted as she got up and shook the stray petals from her lap. "Um, goodbye, um..."
Legolas looked up and was about to reply, but he saw that she had already disappeared. When he looked around for her he couldn't see her anywhere. His brother, Doriel, sauntered up.
"Legolas, are you alright? You look like you've lost something."
The elf didn't reply, but ran off. He had to find her.
The afternoon passed in a blur to Legolas, and Eliana was nowhere to be seen. Eventually evening came, and the banquet was well under way, but there was still no sign of her, and Legolas was worried. He tried to concentrate as Lord Tarumil made a speech, thanking King Thranduil for his hospitality.
"I would also like to thank his Majesty for the great joy he is bringing to my kingdom by agreeing to an alliance between our lands. So it is with great pleasure that I raise my glass to Legolas and Dulorime , whose forthcoming marriage will bring this about." Tarumil smiled broadly at the couple, who were seated together for this occasion.
The rest of the hall raised their glasses in a toast. Legolas tried to hide his discomfort in front of the hall, but as soon as the dancing began, he rushed to his favourite antechamber. He collapsed in a chair by the window and sighed with relief at finally being away from the crowd. Then, as the elf gazed around the room, he noticed the red velvet armchair in the corner, where Eliana had been sat when he first met her. Legolas sighed again, this time with sorrow. He was about to sit down when the door burst open and a whirlwind of blonde and midnight blue raced into the room and threw itself into the chair.
"Eliana!" Legolas gasped.
"Oh, hello," she replied. "Don't tell me, you're here to escape the torment that is an arranged marriage." She raised her eyebrows.
He looked at her in surprise, then threw his head back and laughed. She swiftly joined him.
"I've been forced to dance non-stop with the dashing young men of court. You would think my father was trying to marry me off, as well!"
Eliana glanced out of the window at the clear night sky, her sharp eyes taking in every star shining brightly in the atmosphere. Legolas wondered how on earth he could not have spotted her when she looked so enchanting, as she swept over to him, her gown showing off her slender body to perfection.
"You know what, Legolas? I think I might take you up on your long-standing offer. The gardens do look their best in the moonlight. Care for a stroll?"
She offered her arm, as though she were a gallant knight. Stunned, Legolas took it, and together they strolled down the corridor. At the stairs they met a party of guards coming up, and throwing away all formality, they raced past them and threw themselves out into the night air. They eventually came to a rough wooden bench near the woods, and sat down, too exhausted to even speak. After a few minutes, Legolas turned towards Eliana.
"Eliana, I-" he hesitated.
She was leaning back against a tree. She turned lazily towards him, and he pulled her up so he was looking straight into her eyes.
"Eliana I want you to know-" he couldn't bring himself to say it. Instead he flung himself upon her and kissed her passionately. He was shocked when she threw him off.
"Legolas! What are you playing at?" She got up swiftly and moved away, her hands pressed against her cheeks in shock. He moved towards her.
"I- I thought.. you felt.. the same way.."
"The same way? Wha- what do you mean? Surely not-" Eliana tried to laugh, but it faded away.
"Eliana, I love you. I've loved you since the evening when we first met. I will always love you. Please tell me you feel the same way!" He gazed into her eyes unblinkingly, silently pleading her to say she did. She looked back at him, her heart racing as much as his, wishing she were somewhere else.
"Legolas, I don't know - I don't know how to put it. I don't want to hurt you, but." she got up and turned away. Legolas stood next to her and put his hand on her shoulder.
"Eliana, tell me, please."
She faced him, staring into his eyes. She forced herself to stop the tears that formed in her own eyes.
"Legolas, I don't love you." She ran out of the room before she had to see his face. Legolas watched her go, tears streaming down his face. He collapsed on the floor and wept.