Chapter four. Thank you,
thank you for the reviews. Funny how I get so excited over reviews. A bit
of a longer chapter, so read on.
Legolas took me back to his chambers and seemed a bit tight on having me enter his room. He whirled around before the tip of my bare feet removed itself from the cold tile of the hallway and onto his carpet.
"What?" I glanced behind his shoulder.
"Stay here." He ordered sternly, whirling back around and entering his room. He slammed his door shut and I listened patiently as he scrambled about his room, a good ten minutes later he appeared in front of me. "Here."
I looked down at the pair of pants. "You're kidding me, right?" I looked back up to him and frowned.
"It's the only thing that would suit you." He offered, holding the pair of pants in front of me. "Are you taking them?"
I sighed. I didn't like the idea of wearing his clothes, but I also didn't like the idea of wearing something that looks completely out of range. Meaning it wasn't for me. I sighed and waved him off.
"I'll just stick with the dress." I backed away so he could step away from his room.
He gave me a look. "You cannot wear that. That's your night gown."
"So, you're saying...?"
"Would you like a gown to wear, perhaps." He grabbed my elbow and escorted me back to my room. "There are some maids I could send up to assist you-- Properly." He added, his brows raising.
I looked down at the night gown I was wearing. It was a tad bit light, so I agreed and Legolas seemed pleased. He nudged me inside my room and ordered me to remain there until he fetched a maid to assist me with my attire.
"Fine." I sighed, flopping back against the soft bed. "I have nothing better to do anyway."
The maid, a skinny Elf woman with curly blonde hair, came about twenty minutes after Legolas left. She looked uneasy when she entered the room, a rather large pile of navy blue cloths in her arms. She smiled and made her way over, setting the dress out across the bed and eyeing me. She nodded.
"You're Lady Croft, am I correct?" She took out a brush from the pocket on her apron and regarded me.
"Yes I am." I smiled, watching her try to control her giggles. "And what exactly is humorous?"
"It's just-- When the Prince said you-- Oh, nothing." She threw her hands back in a motion for me to come closer. I did as she bid and allowed her to sit me down on the bed. She immediately began combing my hair. "You have quite a set of strands, my lady. Almost as an Elves!"
"Please, just call me Lara." I made an attempt to get a better look at the gown but failed as her hands shoved my head straight. "And what may my new maid's name be?"
"Oh." I felt her smile. "Keberiel. I live among the wood elves. I usually roam around the halls when I'm wanted."
"Good thing you've been wanted now," I sighed. "I couldn't possibly imagine the last time my hair felt this good being brushed."
"Your bath is ready." She stated, grabbing my wrist. "Come."
I stared wide eyed at the bath that had somehow been set up while my hair was being brushed. How could I know hear someone come in and set up such a big brass bath? The way of the Elves, I suppose. I allowed Keberiel lead me to the bath, a bit flushed at the sweet smell rising from the bubbles.
"This smells like jasmines!" I exclaimed, letting my night gown fall from my body.
Keberiel nodded and made her way over to me from shutting the door. She motioned for the bath and I eagerly accept the warm water inside the rather small bath. My legs hung over the edges and I sunk back happily.
"This feels excellent." I moaned, opening my eyes and gaping as the Elf ran her hands down the tresses of the navy gown. It looked brilliant, even I thought so. I haven't a clue about this place, but something inside me wants to put that dress on just for try. "Will I be really wearing that, Keberiel?"
She frowned at the way I pronounced her name and nodded. "The Prince picked it out himself. Thought it was the fineness of all the spare gowns."
I frowned. "How can you have gowns hanging around? Don't you have Elf women roaming around?"
"Yes..." She looked uneasy again and I sat up in the bath. "Well.."
"Yes?" I prompted her to continue.
"You see," She explained. "The gown that the Prince picked out use to be--"
A knock interrupted her and she smiled apologetically. Setting the dress back on the bed, she ran over to the door and opened it a crack. Not interested in the conversation, I lowered myself back in the bath and closed my eyes, my hair completely soaked and smelling like jasmines. I fell into a day sleep and frowned as my father appeared.
"Father?" I whispered, unsure if that was really him.
He nodded and smiled. "Hello Lara. Glad to see your enjoying yourself, eh?"
"Daddy." I said, my voice shaky. "Daddy-- What are you doing here?" I felt my eyes moving around wildly.
He moved closer and I lifted my shaky hand from the water. "Stay still. I won't be here for long." I made to speak but he hushed me and continued, "You've better stop these dreams, my daughter. It isn't healthy for you, for who you are. You must understand that I am not going to be here anymore. Your mission at hand is Middle Earth. No more thinking of daddy, understand?"
I narrowed my eyes. His voice sounded suddenly harsh. So, so harsh. "Father--?"
"No." He hissed. I felt the tub shake and my eyes flew open. "Father's gone."
"My lady!" Keberiel was kneeling besides the tub, her eyes large. "I mean.. Lara! Are you alright?"
I nodded slowly, my head suddenly spinning. "Yes-- Why wouldn't I be?"
"You were speaking to yourself." She glanced at the closed door. "Well.. To someone who wasn't actually there."
I nodded, now remembering. She laid out her hand for me to take, but I ignored it and helped myself from the tub a bit wobbly. I have been having plenty of day dreams about my father, but none like this. Why was his voice so different? I didn't want to know. My eyes suddenly darted to the dress Keberiel was holding, and I smiled.
"I'm glad you're here to put it on me." I admitted, holding up my hands so she could ease it onto my body. "There's so many strings I don't know which goes where." After what seemed like hours, the dress was finally filled out against my body. I looked down and blushed. "Sorry.."
"Sorry?" She smoothed down against the fur fabric and pulled back smiling. "There."
"I have rather large.. er.. Never mind." I waved her off and laughed. "I'll brush my hair myself, if you don't mind."
Keberiel nodded and bowed her head softly. She made to leave but turned on her heal at my cries of attempts at brushing my hair. She giggled and moved over to me, taking the brush out of my hand.
"I'm sorry to disobey your orders, but.." She set me down on the bed and brushed out my hair. I flinched as she started to braid the sides. "Oh, I thought you wouldn't mind me braiding it.. It seems so plain."
I sighed and gave up. "Go ahead."
Keberiel finished with my hair and I let out a gasp as I peered at myself through a mirror. My hair looked better than ever. Different, yes, but better. The sides were pulled back in braids against my scalp, the loose strands either curled at the ends or straight. I smiled. I liked it.
"Are you ready to have some lunch?" Her voice brought me back and I nodded.
"Lead the way."
We didn't have to walk much because the 'Grand Hall' was only a few stair cases away. I nervously looked about the fellow Elven civilization with a heavy gaze. I still wasn't use to such compliments. Sighing away all the nervousness, Keberiel laid her hands upon a great wooden door and smiled at me.
"Let us celebrate lunch then, shall we?"
I nodded slowly and was momentarily blinded by the lit room but slowly it was useless against me and the room grew dark. I gave Keberiel a look and she nodded towards the dim room where only a few people stood.
I found my feet unable to stop hesitating as I crept closer towards the middle. Why was it so bloody dark here? I hate the dark. Wishing I had my flare gun, I felt someone creep past me. I jumped back, startled, and grabbed the nearest person by the neck.
"What are you doing?" I recognized the voice as Legolas and I quickly let go.
"You crept up on me, that's all." I murmured, running my hands up and down my bare arm. "What are you doing?"
He held up a bag and shook it. My bag! I grinned wickedly and snatched it from him, rummaging through it and relaxing when everything I remembered putting in there was all where it should be. I turned back to him and grabbed him around the neck, giving him a quick hug.
"You're welcome," He choked out, rubbing his sore neck. Suddenly his eyes went large. "My lady.. Your gown-- The one that I-- It looks.." His eyes roamed around my body. "Perfect." He purred.
"Yeah, thanks." I gritted my teeth. Bloody sod was making me blush! Gods Lara, get a hold of yourself. I allowed a weak smile and looked over his shoulder. Keberiel was there, motioning for something with her hands. I furrowed my brows and rolled my eyes. Honestly. She wanted me to do that? Sighing, I gave in and curtsied. "Your hine ass."
"Excuse me?" When he didn't accept my hand I straightened myself out and glared. "Did you just ash to shine my.. ass?"
"I was being polite." I snapped.
He eyed me slowly and nodded. "Right.."
"Legolas!"
We both turned to the voice of Thranduil. He was making his graceful way over to us, smiling like a bubble head and accompanying two other Elves, both with a darker shade of blonde hair and outfits. I smiled politely and curtsied the King.
"Your highness." I said, holding out my hand and pulling it back after he kissed it.
He looked as shock as Legolas when looking at me. "My, my. I did not know she enjoyed wearing such fancy gowns, Legolas."
He shrugged. "I suppose."
Thranduil turned back to me and smiled. "This is Mariel and George." The two Elves bow slightly.
I raised an eyebrow at George. "George?" The Elf and the King nodded. "Who would name an elf George?"
"Er, enough chat for one day isn't that right?" Legolas quickly grabbed me by the waist and hurried me off.
"Bye George!" I called over my shoulder as soon as Legolas and I were far from them. "Why'd you do that for?"
"Do you have any idea who those two Elves were?" He hissed.
I threw my back over my shoulders and shrugged. "Two old blokes?"
"No!" His eyes wandered over to the Elves and the King, who were busy chatting to notice us. "They are the head chiefs of the Mirkwood army. They control mostly all of Mirkwood!"
"I thought your father was in total control of all Mirkwood?" I let myself grab a loaf of bread from a vacant table. "I mean, he is King, isn't he?" I took a big bite.
Legolas watched me for a minute and sighed. "Don't you know anything about the Elvish way? The King is in charge, yes, but the army is a much stronger base than that of the.. well--"
"Government?" I finished, taking another bite out of the bread.
"--government, yes." He continued. "Lord Mariel and Lord Georgiel controlled the war of the men back a thousand years ago. After that they were honored as top leaders of Mirkwood. Well, besides my father that is."
I nodded and took the goblet Legolas poured for me. "Interesting." I took a sip and looked around the room. I could now see the entire room. It looked like a grand ball but I couldn't help but notice the way the Woods outside made that room so.. dull. I shuddered, settling down the now empty goblet of wine. "Wow." I turned back to him and hiccuped. "Georgiel still sounds funny."
We spent the rest of our lunch speaking lightly, Legolas downing me with the fine Elven wine that he stated he was so fond of. A couple of times each hour that is. I giggled furiously as Lord Mariel jested about the Men of Gondor. Whatever that was, it was completely hilarious. Poor Legolas though. He didn't seem to think it was funny.
"Lighten up!" I hollered, clapping him on the back. When he budged forward I burst out laughing once more. "Honestly Legolas, you're as stiff as a-- Hiccup-- doorknob."
He gave me one of those looks again. "I beg your pardon?"
"You heard the lady." Mariel exclaimed, pouring me another goblet of wine. "As stiff as a door knob."
"Indeed." I raised my goblet and downed it as fast as I could because Legolas snatched the goblet from me and settled it down rather roughly. "What! I was drinking-- Hiccup-- that!"
"You have had enough." He stated, making it clear that he was in charge.
"If the lady wants another lass my Prince, then that she shall have." Mariel grabbed the goblet back and poured some more wine, hanging it over to me and bowing his head. "For the lovely lady of London."
I grinned. "You've finally got that right!"
"Legolas?" A shaky voice made my head snap to the side. Thranduil was motioning Legolas to come closer.
"Yes, father?" He asked. "Something wrong?"
"Well, I've just found some disturbing news that you should hear about."
I frowned as Thranduil pulled Legolas away from our table. Before he turned a corner, he gave me a look and then turned to Mariel. His eyes narrowed and he walked away. Well, wasn't that just interesting?
Someone was touching my arm. My head snapped back to where the Elf was. "What are you doing?"
He frowned and looked down at me. "You feel so cold."
"Thanks for stating the obvious." I snapped, slamming my goblet down when his hand got too out of control and ran itself down to my thighs. "Stop it!"
His gaze snapped back at me. He still didn't move it away. "So much wine for such a lady. I think I won't be able to resist gazing over your perfectly shaped body if you do not let me touch you now.."
His grip tightened around my thigh and I knew he had gone too far. Making a clear growl at the back of my throat, I fetched his wrinkled vest and pulled him closer to me. The look on his face didn't make him appear frightened, so I grabbed the assaulting wrist with my free hand and snapped it back. His eyes began to water with realisation.
"Bloody hell!" He hollered. I threw him back in his chair and stood.
"I'm drunk, my Lord, but I'm not that drunk." I grabbed a hand full of my dress and walked off.
"My hand-- My hand!" I heard him cry as I made my way over to Legolas and Thranduil.
They had their gazes locked on poor Lord Mariel, and then finally turned to me. Thranduil was first to speak. "What did you do to the head guard?"
I smirked. Legolas, to my surprised, looked far pleased than upset. "That was brilliant."
"Thank you for noticing." I rubbed the side of my head and belched. "My apologies."
"Was he offending you in any way?" Thranduil lightly grabbed my wrist but I pulled back chuckling.
"Honestly, would I break his hand for no reason?" I smiled at Legolas. "Of course he was. Bloody annoying, really."
There was a pause as Legolas and I stared at each other. Thranduil coughed once, then twice, finally getting our attentions. He smiled. "I would like to discuss something with you, Lara, that I have already discussed with my son."
"Go right ahead." I threw back my hair. "I've got all night, after all."
"Well, father has some important news. One that has to do with every single life on Middle Earth." Legolas looked to his father uneasily, then back at me. "Including yours, my lady."
I nodded slowly as Thranduil began talking. Something about a Ring made of Power a long, long time ago and of a great battle. Oh! The battle of men that Legolas was talking to me about. I nodded thoughtfully as he began to explain the results of not destroying the Ring of power and what must now happen.
"And you say a hobbit is in charge of this?" They nodded. "What's a hobbit?"
"A hobbit is a halfling." Legolas explained. I shrugged. "Well, he's almost like a child in the eyes of men. Understand now?"
"Yes."
"Lara." Thranduil grabbed my hands gently in his and brought them to his lips. "My daughter. I ask it of you to do me a rather large favor."
I nodded. "Anything."
He took a deep breath. "Will you accompany my son a few other Elves to Rivendell for a short council with the Lord there?"
I narrowed my eyes. A council? I remember my last council. Mr. Powell and his devilish words that tried so hard to persuade me into giving in to his ways. Well, after all, I am in Middle Earth and the Lord of this Rivendell place didn't seem so bad. I'm still drunk though. Who knows.
"My lady?"
"Yeah?" I shook my head and smiled apologetically. "Sorry Legolas. Um, yes my Lord. I will go with Legolas and his 'fellow Elves' to this Rivendell place as soon as you leave."
"Good. You'll be leaving tomorrow at dawn." Thranduil looked far from pleased.
"Dawn?" I groaned and ran my fingers through my hair. "Ah well. I came here for some action, after all."
Legolas took me back to his chambers and seemed a bit tight on having me enter his room. He whirled around before the tip of my bare feet removed itself from the cold tile of the hallway and onto his carpet.
"What?" I glanced behind his shoulder.
"Stay here." He ordered sternly, whirling back around and entering his room. He slammed his door shut and I listened patiently as he scrambled about his room, a good ten minutes later he appeared in front of me. "Here."
I looked down at the pair of pants. "You're kidding me, right?" I looked back up to him and frowned.
"It's the only thing that would suit you." He offered, holding the pair of pants in front of me. "Are you taking them?"
I sighed. I didn't like the idea of wearing his clothes, but I also didn't like the idea of wearing something that looks completely out of range. Meaning it wasn't for me. I sighed and waved him off.
"I'll just stick with the dress." I backed away so he could step away from his room.
He gave me a look. "You cannot wear that. That's your night gown."
"So, you're saying...?"
"Would you like a gown to wear, perhaps." He grabbed my elbow and escorted me back to my room. "There are some maids I could send up to assist you-- Properly." He added, his brows raising.
I looked down at the night gown I was wearing. It was a tad bit light, so I agreed and Legolas seemed pleased. He nudged me inside my room and ordered me to remain there until he fetched a maid to assist me with my attire.
"Fine." I sighed, flopping back against the soft bed. "I have nothing better to do anyway."
The maid, a skinny Elf woman with curly blonde hair, came about twenty minutes after Legolas left. She looked uneasy when she entered the room, a rather large pile of navy blue cloths in her arms. She smiled and made her way over, setting the dress out across the bed and eyeing me. She nodded.
"You're Lady Croft, am I correct?" She took out a brush from the pocket on her apron and regarded me.
"Yes I am." I smiled, watching her try to control her giggles. "And what exactly is humorous?"
"It's just-- When the Prince said you-- Oh, nothing." She threw her hands back in a motion for me to come closer. I did as she bid and allowed her to sit me down on the bed. She immediately began combing my hair. "You have quite a set of strands, my lady. Almost as an Elves!"
"Please, just call me Lara." I made an attempt to get a better look at the gown but failed as her hands shoved my head straight. "And what may my new maid's name be?"
"Oh." I felt her smile. "Keberiel. I live among the wood elves. I usually roam around the halls when I'm wanted."
"Good thing you've been wanted now," I sighed. "I couldn't possibly imagine the last time my hair felt this good being brushed."
"Your bath is ready." She stated, grabbing my wrist. "Come."
I stared wide eyed at the bath that had somehow been set up while my hair was being brushed. How could I know hear someone come in and set up such a big brass bath? The way of the Elves, I suppose. I allowed Keberiel lead me to the bath, a bit flushed at the sweet smell rising from the bubbles.
"This smells like jasmines!" I exclaimed, letting my night gown fall from my body.
Keberiel nodded and made her way over to me from shutting the door. She motioned for the bath and I eagerly accept the warm water inside the rather small bath. My legs hung over the edges and I sunk back happily.
"This feels excellent." I moaned, opening my eyes and gaping as the Elf ran her hands down the tresses of the navy gown. It looked brilliant, even I thought so. I haven't a clue about this place, but something inside me wants to put that dress on just for try. "Will I be really wearing that, Keberiel?"
She frowned at the way I pronounced her name and nodded. "The Prince picked it out himself. Thought it was the fineness of all the spare gowns."
I frowned. "How can you have gowns hanging around? Don't you have Elf women roaming around?"
"Yes..." She looked uneasy again and I sat up in the bath. "Well.."
"Yes?" I prompted her to continue.
"You see," She explained. "The gown that the Prince picked out use to be--"
A knock interrupted her and she smiled apologetically. Setting the dress back on the bed, she ran over to the door and opened it a crack. Not interested in the conversation, I lowered myself back in the bath and closed my eyes, my hair completely soaked and smelling like jasmines. I fell into a day sleep and frowned as my father appeared.
"Father?" I whispered, unsure if that was really him.
He nodded and smiled. "Hello Lara. Glad to see your enjoying yourself, eh?"
"Daddy." I said, my voice shaky. "Daddy-- What are you doing here?" I felt my eyes moving around wildly.
He moved closer and I lifted my shaky hand from the water. "Stay still. I won't be here for long." I made to speak but he hushed me and continued, "You've better stop these dreams, my daughter. It isn't healthy for you, for who you are. You must understand that I am not going to be here anymore. Your mission at hand is Middle Earth. No more thinking of daddy, understand?"
I narrowed my eyes. His voice sounded suddenly harsh. So, so harsh. "Father--?"
"No." He hissed. I felt the tub shake and my eyes flew open. "Father's gone."
"My lady!" Keberiel was kneeling besides the tub, her eyes large. "I mean.. Lara! Are you alright?"
I nodded slowly, my head suddenly spinning. "Yes-- Why wouldn't I be?"
"You were speaking to yourself." She glanced at the closed door. "Well.. To someone who wasn't actually there."
I nodded, now remembering. She laid out her hand for me to take, but I ignored it and helped myself from the tub a bit wobbly. I have been having plenty of day dreams about my father, but none like this. Why was his voice so different? I didn't want to know. My eyes suddenly darted to the dress Keberiel was holding, and I smiled.
"I'm glad you're here to put it on me." I admitted, holding up my hands so she could ease it onto my body. "There's so many strings I don't know which goes where." After what seemed like hours, the dress was finally filled out against my body. I looked down and blushed. "Sorry.."
"Sorry?" She smoothed down against the fur fabric and pulled back smiling. "There."
"I have rather large.. er.. Never mind." I waved her off and laughed. "I'll brush my hair myself, if you don't mind."
Keberiel nodded and bowed her head softly. She made to leave but turned on her heal at my cries of attempts at brushing my hair. She giggled and moved over to me, taking the brush out of my hand.
"I'm sorry to disobey your orders, but.." She set me down on the bed and brushed out my hair. I flinched as she started to braid the sides. "Oh, I thought you wouldn't mind me braiding it.. It seems so plain."
I sighed and gave up. "Go ahead."
Keberiel finished with my hair and I let out a gasp as I peered at myself through a mirror. My hair looked better than ever. Different, yes, but better. The sides were pulled back in braids against my scalp, the loose strands either curled at the ends or straight. I smiled. I liked it.
"Are you ready to have some lunch?" Her voice brought me back and I nodded.
"Lead the way."
We didn't have to walk much because the 'Grand Hall' was only a few stair cases away. I nervously looked about the fellow Elven civilization with a heavy gaze. I still wasn't use to such compliments. Sighing away all the nervousness, Keberiel laid her hands upon a great wooden door and smiled at me.
"Let us celebrate lunch then, shall we?"
I nodded slowly and was momentarily blinded by the lit room but slowly it was useless against me and the room grew dark. I gave Keberiel a look and she nodded towards the dim room where only a few people stood.
I found my feet unable to stop hesitating as I crept closer towards the middle. Why was it so bloody dark here? I hate the dark. Wishing I had my flare gun, I felt someone creep past me. I jumped back, startled, and grabbed the nearest person by the neck.
"What are you doing?" I recognized the voice as Legolas and I quickly let go.
"You crept up on me, that's all." I murmured, running my hands up and down my bare arm. "What are you doing?"
He held up a bag and shook it. My bag! I grinned wickedly and snatched it from him, rummaging through it and relaxing when everything I remembered putting in there was all where it should be. I turned back to him and grabbed him around the neck, giving him a quick hug.
"You're welcome," He choked out, rubbing his sore neck. Suddenly his eyes went large. "My lady.. Your gown-- The one that I-- It looks.." His eyes roamed around my body. "Perfect." He purred.
"Yeah, thanks." I gritted my teeth. Bloody sod was making me blush! Gods Lara, get a hold of yourself. I allowed a weak smile and looked over his shoulder. Keberiel was there, motioning for something with her hands. I furrowed my brows and rolled my eyes. Honestly. She wanted me to do that? Sighing, I gave in and curtsied. "Your hine ass."
"Excuse me?" When he didn't accept my hand I straightened myself out and glared. "Did you just ash to shine my.. ass?"
"I was being polite." I snapped.
He eyed me slowly and nodded. "Right.."
"Legolas!"
We both turned to the voice of Thranduil. He was making his graceful way over to us, smiling like a bubble head and accompanying two other Elves, both with a darker shade of blonde hair and outfits. I smiled politely and curtsied the King.
"Your highness." I said, holding out my hand and pulling it back after he kissed it.
He looked as shock as Legolas when looking at me. "My, my. I did not know she enjoyed wearing such fancy gowns, Legolas."
He shrugged. "I suppose."
Thranduil turned back to me and smiled. "This is Mariel and George." The two Elves bow slightly.
I raised an eyebrow at George. "George?" The Elf and the King nodded. "Who would name an elf George?"
"Er, enough chat for one day isn't that right?" Legolas quickly grabbed me by the waist and hurried me off.
"Bye George!" I called over my shoulder as soon as Legolas and I were far from them. "Why'd you do that for?"
"Do you have any idea who those two Elves were?" He hissed.
I threw my back over my shoulders and shrugged. "Two old blokes?"
"No!" His eyes wandered over to the Elves and the King, who were busy chatting to notice us. "They are the head chiefs of the Mirkwood army. They control mostly all of Mirkwood!"
"I thought your father was in total control of all Mirkwood?" I let myself grab a loaf of bread from a vacant table. "I mean, he is King, isn't he?" I took a big bite.
Legolas watched me for a minute and sighed. "Don't you know anything about the Elvish way? The King is in charge, yes, but the army is a much stronger base than that of the.. well--"
"Government?" I finished, taking another bite out of the bread.
"--government, yes." He continued. "Lord Mariel and Lord Georgiel controlled the war of the men back a thousand years ago. After that they were honored as top leaders of Mirkwood. Well, besides my father that is."
I nodded and took the goblet Legolas poured for me. "Interesting." I took a sip and looked around the room. I could now see the entire room. It looked like a grand ball but I couldn't help but notice the way the Woods outside made that room so.. dull. I shuddered, settling down the now empty goblet of wine. "Wow." I turned back to him and hiccuped. "Georgiel still sounds funny."
We spent the rest of our lunch speaking lightly, Legolas downing me with the fine Elven wine that he stated he was so fond of. A couple of times each hour that is. I giggled furiously as Lord Mariel jested about the Men of Gondor. Whatever that was, it was completely hilarious. Poor Legolas though. He didn't seem to think it was funny.
"Lighten up!" I hollered, clapping him on the back. When he budged forward I burst out laughing once more. "Honestly Legolas, you're as stiff as a-- Hiccup-- doorknob."
He gave me one of those looks again. "I beg your pardon?"
"You heard the lady." Mariel exclaimed, pouring me another goblet of wine. "As stiff as a door knob."
"Indeed." I raised my goblet and downed it as fast as I could because Legolas snatched the goblet from me and settled it down rather roughly. "What! I was drinking-- Hiccup-- that!"
"You have had enough." He stated, making it clear that he was in charge.
"If the lady wants another lass my Prince, then that she shall have." Mariel grabbed the goblet back and poured some more wine, hanging it over to me and bowing his head. "For the lovely lady of London."
I grinned. "You've finally got that right!"
"Legolas?" A shaky voice made my head snap to the side. Thranduil was motioning Legolas to come closer.
"Yes, father?" He asked. "Something wrong?"
"Well, I've just found some disturbing news that you should hear about."
I frowned as Thranduil pulled Legolas away from our table. Before he turned a corner, he gave me a look and then turned to Mariel. His eyes narrowed and he walked away. Well, wasn't that just interesting?
Someone was touching my arm. My head snapped back to where the Elf was. "What are you doing?"
He frowned and looked down at me. "You feel so cold."
"Thanks for stating the obvious." I snapped, slamming my goblet down when his hand got too out of control and ran itself down to my thighs. "Stop it!"
His gaze snapped back at me. He still didn't move it away. "So much wine for such a lady. I think I won't be able to resist gazing over your perfectly shaped body if you do not let me touch you now.."
His grip tightened around my thigh and I knew he had gone too far. Making a clear growl at the back of my throat, I fetched his wrinkled vest and pulled him closer to me. The look on his face didn't make him appear frightened, so I grabbed the assaulting wrist with my free hand and snapped it back. His eyes began to water with realisation.
"Bloody hell!" He hollered. I threw him back in his chair and stood.
"I'm drunk, my Lord, but I'm not that drunk." I grabbed a hand full of my dress and walked off.
"My hand-- My hand!" I heard him cry as I made my way over to Legolas and Thranduil.
They had their gazes locked on poor Lord Mariel, and then finally turned to me. Thranduil was first to speak. "What did you do to the head guard?"
I smirked. Legolas, to my surprised, looked far pleased than upset. "That was brilliant."
"Thank you for noticing." I rubbed the side of my head and belched. "My apologies."
"Was he offending you in any way?" Thranduil lightly grabbed my wrist but I pulled back chuckling.
"Honestly, would I break his hand for no reason?" I smiled at Legolas. "Of course he was. Bloody annoying, really."
There was a pause as Legolas and I stared at each other. Thranduil coughed once, then twice, finally getting our attentions. He smiled. "I would like to discuss something with you, Lara, that I have already discussed with my son."
"Go right ahead." I threw back my hair. "I've got all night, after all."
"Well, father has some important news. One that has to do with every single life on Middle Earth." Legolas looked to his father uneasily, then back at me. "Including yours, my lady."
I nodded slowly as Thranduil began talking. Something about a Ring made of Power a long, long time ago and of a great battle. Oh! The battle of men that Legolas was talking to me about. I nodded thoughtfully as he began to explain the results of not destroying the Ring of power and what must now happen.
"And you say a hobbit is in charge of this?" They nodded. "What's a hobbit?"
"A hobbit is a halfling." Legolas explained. I shrugged. "Well, he's almost like a child in the eyes of men. Understand now?"
"Yes."
"Lara." Thranduil grabbed my hands gently in his and brought them to his lips. "My daughter. I ask it of you to do me a rather large favor."
I nodded. "Anything."
He took a deep breath. "Will you accompany my son a few other Elves to Rivendell for a short council with the Lord there?"
I narrowed my eyes. A council? I remember my last council. Mr. Powell and his devilish words that tried so hard to persuade me into giving in to his ways. Well, after all, I am in Middle Earth and the Lord of this Rivendell place didn't seem so bad. I'm still drunk though. Who knows.
"My lady?"
"Yeah?" I shook my head and smiled apologetically. "Sorry Legolas. Um, yes my Lord. I will go with Legolas and his 'fellow Elves' to this Rivendell place as soon as you leave."
"Good. You'll be leaving tomorrow at dawn." Thranduil looked far from pleased.
"Dawn?" I groaned and ran my fingers through my hair. "Ah well. I came here for some action, after all."