Hey guys! Here is chapter 7 (woohoo!!) I wanted to let you know that
chapters 4,5,6 have all been fixed up a little. Nothing big so there is
really no reason to go back and read them unless you really want to. I
hope that you enjoy this new chapter and please review! OH.chapters and 8
and 9 are complete as well so if you guys really wanna see them soon
then...REVIEW *smiles sweetly*
Disclaimer- you know the drill
Chapter 7
The Balcony
Nellie was circling Narelle trying to decide if she was finished or not. Narelle was dressed in a gown the color of the darkest wine. Silver lined every corner of the gown making the dress glow. The arms of the gown came to a pointed tip nearly touching the floor while the end of the gown covered Narelle's feet completely. Little silver slippers were placed upon Narelle's feet, though they could not be seen. The gowns neckline was square, low and spread out on her shoulders exposing her collarbones perfectly. A necklace, silver in color, of a leaf was placed upon her neck while a ring of the purest mithril was placed upon her finger. Her hair was half way down and in waves. The part that was up was intertwined will bright silver string laced with wine red flowers. A small silver crown that contained one burgundy jewel that fell between her eyebrows was placed on her head.
"You look beautiful Milady." Nellie stopped circling Narelle and pushed her in front of a mirror. Narelle took in her appearance and smiled softly. "As do you Nellie."
Nellie did look stunning. Her long blond hair was left strait with the exception of a few small braids spun together in the back. Her dress was the darkest of greens with a low back and long arms. Upon her neck lay a small flower given to her by Norno not long ago. Two rings graced her fingers: one a gift from Legolas and the other a gift from her father.
Nellie glanced into the mirror once before turning to Narelle and smiling. "Shall we be off?" Narelle nodded her head and motioned towards the door.
Nellie turned and began for the door. She looped her arm with Narelle's before swinging the door open. Both maidens stopped abruptly upon seeing Norno on the other side of the door preparing to knock. Norno stood still staring at the two maidens with his hand still in the air as if he was going to knock. Seconds passed and still he did not move.
"What are you doing here?" Nellie asked. Norno shook his head as if coming from a state of shock before answering.
"I came to escort you do dinner Nellie."
"And what are we to do with Narelle? Simply leave her?" Nellie asked Norno in a rushed voice.
"Nay we are not to leave her here. Legolas was to escort her, though he seems to have disappeared, therefore I have been ordered to escort you--- both of you, to your father. Lord Thranduil wishes to announce you and have both of you enter together."
"As he wishes." Narelle stated as she walked completely out of her chamber and closed the door. She then turned to Norno and gesturing down the hall stated. "Escort us Lord." Norno laughed and walked down the hall with a maiden on each arm.
*^*^*^*^*^ "Stop fidgeting Narelle."
"I apologize father."
"Do not apologize, simply stop."
Narelle and Lord Elrond stood just out side of the main door leading into the main hall waiting to be announced as Lord Thranduil had requested. Narelle was fidgeting with her dress, for they had been standing there for nearly a half hour, and she was getting rather bored. Lord Elrond cast Narelle a worried look before turning back towards the door and silently waiting.
"Are you truly happy that I am safe father, or is this simply a show while we are in Greenwood," Narelle asked suddenly. She kept her gaze ahead and unfocused as she waited for her father's reply.
Lord Elrond let out a sigh and turned towards his daughter. Narelle refused to meet his gaze as he had hoped, so he simply began without her attention. "I know that you are not happy in Imladris, and I know that this unhappiness is entirely my fault. But, please believe me when I say that I have my reasons, I do not try to make you unhappy." Lord Elrond's hand cupped Narelle's chin and forced her to look at him. "Do you understand?" He asked quietly.
Narelle looked at him for a moment, defiance shown in her eyes. "No." She said as she jerked her chin out of his hand and walked over to the balcony. Lord Elrond dropped his hand by his side in defeat. "I am only trying to protect you Narelle."
"From what!" She nearly yelled. Narelle whipped around to look at him, Lord Elrond noticed that he eyes shown black. Narelle saw the sadness in her father's face and instantly relaxed. "From what?" She asked quieter.
Lord Elrond covered the distance between them so he was face to face with his daughter. "You shall know soon enough, and when you do, the hatred that you feel towards me will subside." Narelle nodded her head in understanding, knowing that she would get nothing more from her father tonight.
"I--." Lord Elrond was cut short by the doors of the ballroom opening. Light flooded onto the darkened balcony making Narelle's pupils retract quickly. "It is time." The guard stated flatly. Narelle stepped up beside her father and looped her arm with his. Lord Elrond smiled softly before the two walked towards the opened doors and into the ballroom.
*^*^*^*^* "And now, my honored guests, I give to you the very reason of this feast. Please welcome with open hearts Lord Elrond of Imladris and his daughter Narelle."
Narelle sucked in a breath as she entered the ballroom. The room was filled with elves, all silent, and all staring at her. She felt enclosed and vulnerable; with all her strength she puffed up her chest and raised her chin trying to show that royal blood flowed through her veins. Soon the ballroom exploded with the sound of cheers of elves clapping and yelling their welcome. Lord Elrond guided his daughter over to sit beside the queen before he took his spot next to Lord Thranduil.
"Let the feast begin!"
Another set of clapping and cheers erupted as Lord Thranduil finally took his seat. Dinner went by quickly for Narelle. Nellie, who was now seated beside her, spent most of the time pointing out different elves that she wished Narelle could meet. Before they knew it they were being led down to an open room decorated with dim lights and beautiful tapestries. Soon music could be heard and dancing began. Narelle was soon left alone in the corner of the room. Nellie had been whisked away by many handsome elves as soon as dancing had begun. Narelle could feel many elves looking at her and speaking in whispers. She felt uncomfortable and was about to find away out when a hand on her shoulder stopped her.
"My Lady, I have been watching you from across the room throughout the night and I wonder now if our night of dancing could begin." Narelle turned to see Norno smiling back at her with a twinkle in his eye.
"My Lord." Narelle bowed. "I would be honored." Norno smiled and taking Narelle's hand led her to the dance floor.
*^*^*^*^*^
Narelle laughed for the hundredth time that night as Norno spun her in a circle once again. The night had ended up being wonderful. As soon as Norno led Narelle to the dance floor elves flocked to dance with her. The only elf that had not asked her to dance was Legolas. Narelle was still waiting patiently for Legolas to fight Norno for her love as he declared he would earlier. Narelle had been watching Legolas out of the corner of her eye the entire night. He sat quietly in a corner, alone and watching. Every few minutes a few brave maidens would approach him hoping to receive a dance, though every time they were kindly turned down. Though, a few moments earlier Legolas had disappeared from his corner and was nowhere to be found. Narelle walked gracefully off the dance floor declaring she needed to rest for only a moment. She soon found the balcony that was attached to the ballroom and walking out on it took in a deep breath of air. The wind lightly blew her hair behind her as she looked out into the night sky. She sighed and closed her eyes relaxing against the railing that ran along the balcony. Narelle's eyes darted open as soon as she felt someone watching her. She looked deep into the forest hoping to catch a glimpse of the thing watching her. Her breathing deepened when her eyes caught site of a shadow moving in the dark. As soon as the moment had come, it went. Narelle took one last deep breath before turning quickly and heading inside.
"Wait." Narelle's head shot to the other side of the balcony; there a figure shaped as an elf approached her.
"I've been watching you dance through out the night."
"I know; I have been watching you also." The elf came out of the shadows revealing himself.
"Walk with me my Lady." Legolas offered his hand to Narelle while speaking gently. Narelle slipped her hand into his as if she was in a trance. Her dark brown eyes glued to his piercing blue ones.
"As you wish." Narelle heard herself say, though she didn't remember opening her mouth. They started to walk towards the end of the balcony; their gazes staying locked the entire time.
"Narelle! Narelle! Are you out here?" Narelle whipped around towards the sound of the voice, instantly shaken from the trance she was in.
"Norno, I am over here." Norno turned towards the voice with a smile on his face. His smile soon dropped as soon as he saw Narelle's hand clasped in Legolas'.
"Oh, forgive me my Lady I thought you were alone." Norno started to turn back inside.
"Norno, wait I was just returning inside. Are you ready for another dance?" Narelle let go of Legolas' hands and ran towards Norno, a smile playing on her lips.
Before reaching Norno Narelle shot a glace back into the vast darkness deep into the woods, an eerie feeling filling her. The wind seemed to blow a wicked voice into her ears. She squinted her eyes trying to make out the figure in the darkness. A feeling of hate and darkness filled her as if something had entered her soul, yet instead of feeling empty she felt full and alive. As the voice entered her soul she could feel her eyes change black. Her breath began deep and her eyes unseeing. The only sound in her ears was the dark voice chanting his words louder and louder.
"Narelle?"
Narelle's eyes shot back to Norno's. She shook her head as if waking from a dream. Suddenly the wind stopped and with it the voices. She nearly lost her balance as she felt the darkness leave her soul. Shaking her head once more she turned her head to Norno; a smile lit her face as if nothing had happened. Norno instantly lit up as he grabbed her hands and pulled her inside laughing. Legolas stood, alone, on the balcony watching the retreating form of his best friend and the strange maiden whom had come into his life. Letting out a sigh he turned and rested his hands on the railing of the balcony. He stared out into the darkness and let the soft, warm breeze wash over his face. "One day I shall get to talk to you," he said quietly to himself.
Chapter 7
The Balcony
Nellie was circling Narelle trying to decide if she was finished or not. Narelle was dressed in a gown the color of the darkest wine. Silver lined every corner of the gown making the dress glow. The arms of the gown came to a pointed tip nearly touching the floor while the end of the gown covered Narelle's feet completely. Little silver slippers were placed upon Narelle's feet, though they could not be seen. The gowns neckline was square, low and spread out on her shoulders exposing her collarbones perfectly. A necklace, silver in color, of a leaf was placed upon her neck while a ring of the purest mithril was placed upon her finger. Her hair was half way down and in waves. The part that was up was intertwined will bright silver string laced with wine red flowers. A small silver crown that contained one burgundy jewel that fell between her eyebrows was placed on her head.
"You look beautiful Milady." Nellie stopped circling Narelle and pushed her in front of a mirror. Narelle took in her appearance and smiled softly. "As do you Nellie."
Nellie did look stunning. Her long blond hair was left strait with the exception of a few small braids spun together in the back. Her dress was the darkest of greens with a low back and long arms. Upon her neck lay a small flower given to her by Norno not long ago. Two rings graced her fingers: one a gift from Legolas and the other a gift from her father.
Nellie glanced into the mirror once before turning to Narelle and smiling. "Shall we be off?" Narelle nodded her head and motioned towards the door.
Nellie turned and began for the door. She looped her arm with Narelle's before swinging the door open. Both maidens stopped abruptly upon seeing Norno on the other side of the door preparing to knock. Norno stood still staring at the two maidens with his hand still in the air as if he was going to knock. Seconds passed and still he did not move.
"What are you doing here?" Nellie asked. Norno shook his head as if coming from a state of shock before answering.
"I came to escort you do dinner Nellie."
"And what are we to do with Narelle? Simply leave her?" Nellie asked Norno in a rushed voice.
"Nay we are not to leave her here. Legolas was to escort her, though he seems to have disappeared, therefore I have been ordered to escort you--- both of you, to your father. Lord Thranduil wishes to announce you and have both of you enter together."
"As he wishes." Narelle stated as she walked completely out of her chamber and closed the door. She then turned to Norno and gesturing down the hall stated. "Escort us Lord." Norno laughed and walked down the hall with a maiden on each arm.
*^*^*^*^*^ "Stop fidgeting Narelle."
"I apologize father."
"Do not apologize, simply stop."
Narelle and Lord Elrond stood just out side of the main door leading into the main hall waiting to be announced as Lord Thranduil had requested. Narelle was fidgeting with her dress, for they had been standing there for nearly a half hour, and she was getting rather bored. Lord Elrond cast Narelle a worried look before turning back towards the door and silently waiting.
"Are you truly happy that I am safe father, or is this simply a show while we are in Greenwood," Narelle asked suddenly. She kept her gaze ahead and unfocused as she waited for her father's reply.
Lord Elrond let out a sigh and turned towards his daughter. Narelle refused to meet his gaze as he had hoped, so he simply began without her attention. "I know that you are not happy in Imladris, and I know that this unhappiness is entirely my fault. But, please believe me when I say that I have my reasons, I do not try to make you unhappy." Lord Elrond's hand cupped Narelle's chin and forced her to look at him. "Do you understand?" He asked quietly.
Narelle looked at him for a moment, defiance shown in her eyes. "No." She said as she jerked her chin out of his hand and walked over to the balcony. Lord Elrond dropped his hand by his side in defeat. "I am only trying to protect you Narelle."
"From what!" She nearly yelled. Narelle whipped around to look at him, Lord Elrond noticed that he eyes shown black. Narelle saw the sadness in her father's face and instantly relaxed. "From what?" She asked quieter.
Lord Elrond covered the distance between them so he was face to face with his daughter. "You shall know soon enough, and when you do, the hatred that you feel towards me will subside." Narelle nodded her head in understanding, knowing that she would get nothing more from her father tonight.
"I--." Lord Elrond was cut short by the doors of the ballroom opening. Light flooded onto the darkened balcony making Narelle's pupils retract quickly. "It is time." The guard stated flatly. Narelle stepped up beside her father and looped her arm with his. Lord Elrond smiled softly before the two walked towards the opened doors and into the ballroom.
*^*^*^*^* "And now, my honored guests, I give to you the very reason of this feast. Please welcome with open hearts Lord Elrond of Imladris and his daughter Narelle."
Narelle sucked in a breath as she entered the ballroom. The room was filled with elves, all silent, and all staring at her. She felt enclosed and vulnerable; with all her strength she puffed up her chest and raised her chin trying to show that royal blood flowed through her veins. Soon the ballroom exploded with the sound of cheers of elves clapping and yelling their welcome. Lord Elrond guided his daughter over to sit beside the queen before he took his spot next to Lord Thranduil.
"Let the feast begin!"
Another set of clapping and cheers erupted as Lord Thranduil finally took his seat. Dinner went by quickly for Narelle. Nellie, who was now seated beside her, spent most of the time pointing out different elves that she wished Narelle could meet. Before they knew it they were being led down to an open room decorated with dim lights and beautiful tapestries. Soon music could be heard and dancing began. Narelle was soon left alone in the corner of the room. Nellie had been whisked away by many handsome elves as soon as dancing had begun. Narelle could feel many elves looking at her and speaking in whispers. She felt uncomfortable and was about to find away out when a hand on her shoulder stopped her.
"My Lady, I have been watching you from across the room throughout the night and I wonder now if our night of dancing could begin." Narelle turned to see Norno smiling back at her with a twinkle in his eye.
"My Lord." Narelle bowed. "I would be honored." Norno smiled and taking Narelle's hand led her to the dance floor.
*^*^*^*^*^
Narelle laughed for the hundredth time that night as Norno spun her in a circle once again. The night had ended up being wonderful. As soon as Norno led Narelle to the dance floor elves flocked to dance with her. The only elf that had not asked her to dance was Legolas. Narelle was still waiting patiently for Legolas to fight Norno for her love as he declared he would earlier. Narelle had been watching Legolas out of the corner of her eye the entire night. He sat quietly in a corner, alone and watching. Every few minutes a few brave maidens would approach him hoping to receive a dance, though every time they were kindly turned down. Though, a few moments earlier Legolas had disappeared from his corner and was nowhere to be found. Narelle walked gracefully off the dance floor declaring she needed to rest for only a moment. She soon found the balcony that was attached to the ballroom and walking out on it took in a deep breath of air. The wind lightly blew her hair behind her as she looked out into the night sky. She sighed and closed her eyes relaxing against the railing that ran along the balcony. Narelle's eyes darted open as soon as she felt someone watching her. She looked deep into the forest hoping to catch a glimpse of the thing watching her. Her breathing deepened when her eyes caught site of a shadow moving in the dark. As soon as the moment had come, it went. Narelle took one last deep breath before turning quickly and heading inside.
"Wait." Narelle's head shot to the other side of the balcony; there a figure shaped as an elf approached her.
"I've been watching you dance through out the night."
"I know; I have been watching you also." The elf came out of the shadows revealing himself.
"Walk with me my Lady." Legolas offered his hand to Narelle while speaking gently. Narelle slipped her hand into his as if she was in a trance. Her dark brown eyes glued to his piercing blue ones.
"As you wish." Narelle heard herself say, though she didn't remember opening her mouth. They started to walk towards the end of the balcony; their gazes staying locked the entire time.
"Narelle! Narelle! Are you out here?" Narelle whipped around towards the sound of the voice, instantly shaken from the trance she was in.
"Norno, I am over here." Norno turned towards the voice with a smile on his face. His smile soon dropped as soon as he saw Narelle's hand clasped in Legolas'.
"Oh, forgive me my Lady I thought you were alone." Norno started to turn back inside.
"Norno, wait I was just returning inside. Are you ready for another dance?" Narelle let go of Legolas' hands and ran towards Norno, a smile playing on her lips.
Before reaching Norno Narelle shot a glace back into the vast darkness deep into the woods, an eerie feeling filling her. The wind seemed to blow a wicked voice into her ears. She squinted her eyes trying to make out the figure in the darkness. A feeling of hate and darkness filled her as if something had entered her soul, yet instead of feeling empty she felt full and alive. As the voice entered her soul she could feel her eyes change black. Her breath began deep and her eyes unseeing. The only sound in her ears was the dark voice chanting his words louder and louder.
"Narelle?"
Narelle's eyes shot back to Norno's. She shook her head as if waking from a dream. Suddenly the wind stopped and with it the voices. She nearly lost her balance as she felt the darkness leave her soul. Shaking her head once more she turned her head to Norno; a smile lit her face as if nothing had happened. Norno instantly lit up as he grabbed her hands and pulled her inside laughing. Legolas stood, alone, on the balcony watching the retreating form of his best friend and the strange maiden whom had come into his life. Letting out a sigh he turned and rested his hands on the railing of the balcony. He stared out into the darkness and let the soft, warm breeze wash over his face. "One day I shall get to talk to you," he said quietly to himself.