"It's about time that you showed up," grinned Arwen as Jindaia entered her
room a few minutes later. "You know how helpless I am when it comes to
making myself presentable," she joked.
Jindaia returned her smile. She had never seen anyone who needed less help being beautiful than Arwen. If her fair complexion, sky blue eyes and ebony hair did not work for her, then her kind and loving personality did. In fact, the only aspect of Arwen that rivaled her looks was the warmth of her heart. She had been Jindaia's closest friend for as long as Jindaia could recall.
"I was just out enjoying nature," Jindaia said as she began to style Arwen's long black locks.
"Oh I know you better Jin," Arwen said, using her nickname for Jindaia. "I know that you were out for your morning bath in your secret pool. You cannot fool me. The only thing I cannot figure is why you are later than common."
"As I was crossing your bridge I met an elf I had not met before," Jindaia replied, in answer to Arwen's questioning. "I met your friend Legolas by the stream. He seemed rapt in the flow of the water."
"Hmm. That does sound like Legolas. He often chooses to walk in the gardens or woods when he wishes to relax." Realizing what the appearance of Legolas must mean, Arwen spoke excitedly, "If Legolas is here, then Aragorn must be here also!"
As Jindaia finished pulling Arwen's curls back into a half-bun, a knock sounded on the door. Arwen rushed to the door, opening it to find Aragorn on the other side. "Melamin," she sighed as she fell into his open arms. Before she could sneak past them into the hall Aragorn caught her arm.
"It is good to see you again too, Jindaia," he said before turning once again to Arwen. The last image Jindaia had of them as she turned the corner was of them sharing a passionate kiss.
As she rounded the corner, she bumped into someone. Nearly falling, she grabbed hold of the nearest thing, which happened to be two strong, muscular arms clad in moss green. Having seen the tunic once before that day, she knew immediately who had caught her.
"So, we meet again so quickly," he smiled as he helped her regain her balance.
"Oh! I am so sorry Legolas. I should watch where I am going," she stammered, the tips of her ears turning pale pink as she became embarrassed.
"On the contrary, I find that I enjoy our encounters, expected or not," he said, noticing her embarrassment. "Really, it is no problem. I was just going to greet Arwen," he said as he started to walk around the corner.
"No!" she said quickly, and as he looked back at her, she clarified, "Aragorn has just gone to greet her and I fear that she is quite busy at the moment." She watched as a look of understanding passed over his handsome face.
"Then perhaps I will leave it for a time," he said. He moved to leave again, but hesitated as he laid his slender hand upon her arm, "Could you show me to my chambers, Jindaia?"
"Of course Legolas, follow me." And she started down the hall toward the end of the home. "Your room is directly across the hall from mine."
They walked in silence until they reached his door. He twisted the doorknob and pushed the door open, but just before he stepped into his room he turned and took her hand. "Thank you for your help, Jindaia," he whispered as he brushed his lips over the top of her hand. He turned and entered the room and closed the door behind him.
Jindaia stood at the door for a moment before whispering, "You are quite welcome, Legolas."
*-*-*
Legolas smiled as he stood in his room, his elvin hearing picking up every syllable of her reply through the door. As he walked toward his bed, he noticed that his belongings had already been brought to the room. He began to unpack his supplies and clothing. As he placed his quiver, bow and knives in the armoire, he wondered if he would have the opportunity to practice archery in the next few days. He had gained the reputation of being one of the most skilled archers in middle earth, which meant much practice to hone his skills.
He decided to bathe and wash the journey's dust off of himself before Lord Elrond's feast later in the evening. Removing his clothing and unbraiding his hair, he headed into the bath chambers. A maid had already drawn a tubful of water and he sank gratefully into its comforting warmth and allowed himself to relax. Several long minutes later he rose from the water and began to dress in a silver tunic and midnight blue leggings. At last he braided his hair in the traditional style and left his room.
As he pulled his door shut behind him, Legolas looked up to see Jindaia's door in front of him. Thinking to be courteous, he tapped lightly on the door and was surprised to see her when she answered it. She smiled as she saw him and opened the door wider.
"Legolas, you are just in time to assist me," she said as she turned her back to him, "Could you please clasp my necklace for me?" she asked sweetly.
"Of course," he replied as he took the chain from her hands and brought it around her neck. She raised her hair so he could fasten the chain, and as she did, he caught a whiff of her scent. She smelled like wildflowers. He felt stirred being so close to such beautiful maiden, but he hid it well. After he fastened the chain, he removed her hair from her hands and smoothed it over her shoulders. It was silky under his hands and he felt himself being drawn to her. Once again, he inhaled the scent of her hair.
Hearing him inhale, Jindaia turned to him and asked, "Shall we go to the feast?"
He looked at her in her dark blue dress with beaded trim and thought she looked beautiful. She only lacked one thing. "One moment," he said as his eyes swept the room before landing on her dressing table. He walked across the room and removed a few small white blossoms from the vase. He turned to her and asked, "May I put these in your hair?"
"Yes, please do," she replied. She lowered her head as he came near, and stood quietly as he placed them throughout her hair. When he had only one flower left, he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and placed a flower there. As he did, his fingers lightly brushed the shell of her ear and warmth infused her whole being. Her eyes closed as she stood close enough to him to smell him. He smelled of the outdoors.of sunshine. She noticed that he had grown very still and opened her eyes to look at him. He was looking intently at her, his blue eyes dark and fiery. He traced his finger from behind her ear, underneath her jawline, to beneath her chin. He looked as if he wanted to kiss her, but there was a knock at the open door and they both turned to see Aragorn smiling at them. Legolas let his hand fall back to his side.
"Well Lady Jindaia, I see that you already have an escort for tonight," Aragorn smirked. Jindaia merely walked past him and turned to say to Legolas, "Thank you for fastening my necklace."
As she disappeared down the hall in front of them, Aragorn looked at Legolas with a smile. "She's a sweet creature. I've never known her to say a harsh word to anyone. You could do far worse than her."
Legolas looked after her, "I know," he stated softly, before realizing that Aragorn had trapped him into admitting that he liked Jindaia. He shook his head amusedly before walking to catch up with Jindaia as she turned the corner.
*-*-*
Arwen sat at the main table between her father, Elrond, and her betrothed, Aragorn. She had never been happier than she was at this moment, at her betrothal feast. She glanced around the table at all of the friends who had become dear to her over the years. At one end of the table she saw Gimli, who was presently heralding some young elves with his stories about the courageous elf warriors at Helms Deep. Next to Gimli sat her brothers Elledan and Elrohir, and then her father. Just past Aragorn sat Legolas. She was pleased to see Jindaia sitting at Legolas' other side. Aragorn had told her about the moment that he had accidentally interrupted earlier, and it intrigued her to think of making a match between Legolas and Jindaia, two of her favorite elves. As she sat there, she slowly began to devise a plan. Tapping Aragorn's shoulder, she soon had his full support and the plan was underway.
After the feast, there was much entertainment to be had. A band began to play and before long the great hall was filled with dancing and merriment. As Jindaia stood at the edge of the crowd, Aragorn approached and tapped her on the shoulder. Turning, she was surprised to see Aragorn without Arwen.
"Would you care to dance, Jindaia?" he asked politely.
"Certainly," she replied. She was soon in the middle of the floor dancing with Aragorn, who moved very gracefully for a mortal.
From another spot in the room, Legolas watched Aragorn and Jindaia as he danced with Arwen. He looked at Arwen to see her pouting. "Come now Arwen, why mar such a beautiful face with such a pretty pout?" he asked jokingly.
"Well now," she replied, "my betrothed is dancing with another, of whom my current dance partner also seems to be enamored." Legolas glanced quickly at her only to see her smiling.
"So, you think that I am enamored with Jindaia?" he asked playfully, "So what if I am?"
Arwen smiled contentedly at him, saying, "It is just as it should be. Go and dance with her."
Legolas looked worriedly at her and said, "Surely she would not dance with me. I am a stranger to her and she may not wish to know me."
Arwen patted his shoulder consolingly, "You might be surprised Legolas." And with that she danced him to the middle of the room, near to Aragorn and Jindaia.
Jindaia's back was turned, but she knew the moment that Legolas was near. She could smell him and her skin began to tingle. She felt a tap on her shoulder and was surprised when she turned and he asked Aragorn to switch dance partners. Aragorn quickly took Arwen in his arms and danced her away toward the other side of the room.
*-*-*
Legolas hesitantly placed one hand on Jindaia's waist and took her hand with his other. She placed her hand on his shoulder and was surprised at the softness of his hair. They began to dance quietly at first as they made their way over to the edge of the crowd.
Legolas did not know where to start with her. "Jindaia, Aragorn speaks highly of you," he said.
He was rewarded to see a smile on her face as she replied, "He is like a brother to me. I hope that he speaks well of me."
"Oh, he does," Legolas said, "and I am inclined to believe that he does not exaggerate, though he did not do your beauty justice."
Jindaia's ears turned light pink as she subconsciously toyed with the end of one of his braids. "Arwen has told me much of you also. She has told me that you are one of the best archers in middle earth."
Watching her ears turn an interesting shade of pink, he picked up on his favorite subject, "Archery is a favorite pastime of mine. Do you shoot?"
Looking down, she replied, "No. Aragorn tried to teach me once, but he was not very patient when I did not learn immediately."
"Then I shall make it my mission to teach you the art of archery before my time in Rivendell ends." Legolas offered.
"I shall accept your offer, Legolas," Jindaia said quietly.
As they continued dancing, Legolas became aware of her fingertips toying with his braid. The longer he held her, the more he felt he needed to know about her. He looked up to see that they were near a balcony.
"Would you like to step outside for a moment?" he asked her gently.
"Yes, a little cool air would feel good," she answered.
They walked onto the balcony where they sat on an empty bench and looked out over the skies and forests of Rivendell.
"How did you come to be in Rivendell, Jindaia?" Legolas inquired.
"We were traveling from Lorien when I was young. On the way here, our group was attacked by Orcs. My parents were badly wounded but managed to get me to Rivendell. Even elvish medicine could not save them, but they passed into Mandos knowing that I would be safe here. Lord Elrond promised my parents that he would see that I was cared for and raised me as a sister to Arwen. He has always been a father to me. The only time I have left Rivendell since that time was to return to Lorien once to meet my aunt, Galadriel," she explained. She glanced at him to see him looking intently at her.
"My heart weeps for your loss, Jindaia," he spoke softly.
"Thank you, but I have a grand life in Rivendell. I have never lacked anything, physically or emotionally during my time here. There is no need to feel pity for me because I gave up my self pity long ago."
He took her hand and entwined his fingers with hers, pulling her hand up to his mouth. His breath was warm on her hand as he whispered, "Such a brave, strong soul." He then kissed her hand gently.
He looked up at her and saw tears shining in her eyes in the moonlight. "What is bothering you, Jindaia?" he asked.
"You are such a kind and gentle elf," she said through a small smile.
He looked at her a moment longer before gently pulling her toward him. He wrapped his arms around her and she leaned her head on his shoulder. She could hear the steady beat of his heart as he held her close.
*-*-*
Later that night Legolas walked Jindaia down the hallway toward their chambers. Aragorn and Arwen had long since retired for the night, joyful at being reunited after such a long while.
As they approached Jindaia's door, Legolas took her by the arms and turned her to face him. "I wish to thank you for such an entertaining evening, my lady."
"Thank you, my lord, for such a fine night," she replied as they both chuckled at the mock formality between them.
"I expect to see you at the archery range bright and early," Legolas said as he opened her door for her.
Just before she turned to walk into her room, Legolas pulled her to him and planted a soft kiss on her lips. The feel of his lips against hers was wonderful. They were so soft and full, yet powerful and skillful. He placed his hands on her waist as she ran her hands up over his shoulders and around behind his neck. He moved his lips against hers, inviting her to open her lips. She did so and he gently tasted her mouth with his tongue. Getting braver, she met his tongue with her own as he kissed her. His arms slid around her waist and brought her closer to him as he pulled his mouth from hers and whispered, "Sweet dreams, Jindaia," before giving her one last gentle squeeze and leaving for his own room.
"Good night, Legolas," she sighed as she closed her door with a smile. Once again his elvin ears picked up her words and he shut his door contentedly, looking forward to a restful night and an enjoyable visit in Rivendell.
*-*-*
Jindaia entered her chambers and quietly began to ready herself for sleep. A maid had already been through all of the chambers turning down coverlets as she made her way throughout the house. Jindaia smiled to herself as she removed the flowers and pins from her hair. She removed her dress and stood before the mirror, studying herself in her night shift. She was of an average build for an elf maiden, with long brown hair and blue eyes. She had the fair, milky skin that was common for elves. She was slightly taller than Arwen, but still shorter than Aragorn and Legolas.
Thinking of Legolas made the smile on her face grow softer. She had only known him for the day, but she had known of him for years, especially since the quest of the ring had begun. He was very pleasant to be around. Not only was he fair to look at, but he also had a very gentle soul. He treated her as if she was a treasure, and she appreciated his humor.
As she moved to her bed, covered in a soft blue coverlet, she reflected on the day before finally noticing that her lips still tingled from the kiss he gave her as he said goodnight. She looked forward to her archery lessons with the Prince of Mirkwood.
The next few weeks would be very interesting, indeed.
- - -
Meanwhile, Legolas was getting ready for bed in his chambers. As he stripped off his clothing and slid in between the forest green covers of his bed he also was remembering that incredible kiss. He had kissed many maidens over his years, but none of the kisses he had ever experienced were quite like this kiss. When he held her in his arms, he felt complete.
Still feeling the aftershocks of that kiss, he fell, exhausted, into the deepest sleep of his life.
Jindaia returned her smile. She had never seen anyone who needed less help being beautiful than Arwen. If her fair complexion, sky blue eyes and ebony hair did not work for her, then her kind and loving personality did. In fact, the only aspect of Arwen that rivaled her looks was the warmth of her heart. She had been Jindaia's closest friend for as long as Jindaia could recall.
"I was just out enjoying nature," Jindaia said as she began to style Arwen's long black locks.
"Oh I know you better Jin," Arwen said, using her nickname for Jindaia. "I know that you were out for your morning bath in your secret pool. You cannot fool me. The only thing I cannot figure is why you are later than common."
"As I was crossing your bridge I met an elf I had not met before," Jindaia replied, in answer to Arwen's questioning. "I met your friend Legolas by the stream. He seemed rapt in the flow of the water."
"Hmm. That does sound like Legolas. He often chooses to walk in the gardens or woods when he wishes to relax." Realizing what the appearance of Legolas must mean, Arwen spoke excitedly, "If Legolas is here, then Aragorn must be here also!"
As Jindaia finished pulling Arwen's curls back into a half-bun, a knock sounded on the door. Arwen rushed to the door, opening it to find Aragorn on the other side. "Melamin," she sighed as she fell into his open arms. Before she could sneak past them into the hall Aragorn caught her arm.
"It is good to see you again too, Jindaia," he said before turning once again to Arwen. The last image Jindaia had of them as she turned the corner was of them sharing a passionate kiss.
As she rounded the corner, she bumped into someone. Nearly falling, she grabbed hold of the nearest thing, which happened to be two strong, muscular arms clad in moss green. Having seen the tunic once before that day, she knew immediately who had caught her.
"So, we meet again so quickly," he smiled as he helped her regain her balance.
"Oh! I am so sorry Legolas. I should watch where I am going," she stammered, the tips of her ears turning pale pink as she became embarrassed.
"On the contrary, I find that I enjoy our encounters, expected or not," he said, noticing her embarrassment. "Really, it is no problem. I was just going to greet Arwen," he said as he started to walk around the corner.
"No!" she said quickly, and as he looked back at her, she clarified, "Aragorn has just gone to greet her and I fear that she is quite busy at the moment." She watched as a look of understanding passed over his handsome face.
"Then perhaps I will leave it for a time," he said. He moved to leave again, but hesitated as he laid his slender hand upon her arm, "Could you show me to my chambers, Jindaia?"
"Of course Legolas, follow me." And she started down the hall toward the end of the home. "Your room is directly across the hall from mine."
They walked in silence until they reached his door. He twisted the doorknob and pushed the door open, but just before he stepped into his room he turned and took her hand. "Thank you for your help, Jindaia," he whispered as he brushed his lips over the top of her hand. He turned and entered the room and closed the door behind him.
Jindaia stood at the door for a moment before whispering, "You are quite welcome, Legolas."
*-*-*
Legolas smiled as he stood in his room, his elvin hearing picking up every syllable of her reply through the door. As he walked toward his bed, he noticed that his belongings had already been brought to the room. He began to unpack his supplies and clothing. As he placed his quiver, bow and knives in the armoire, he wondered if he would have the opportunity to practice archery in the next few days. He had gained the reputation of being one of the most skilled archers in middle earth, which meant much practice to hone his skills.
He decided to bathe and wash the journey's dust off of himself before Lord Elrond's feast later in the evening. Removing his clothing and unbraiding his hair, he headed into the bath chambers. A maid had already drawn a tubful of water and he sank gratefully into its comforting warmth and allowed himself to relax. Several long minutes later he rose from the water and began to dress in a silver tunic and midnight blue leggings. At last he braided his hair in the traditional style and left his room.
As he pulled his door shut behind him, Legolas looked up to see Jindaia's door in front of him. Thinking to be courteous, he tapped lightly on the door and was surprised to see her when she answered it. She smiled as she saw him and opened the door wider.
"Legolas, you are just in time to assist me," she said as she turned her back to him, "Could you please clasp my necklace for me?" she asked sweetly.
"Of course," he replied as he took the chain from her hands and brought it around her neck. She raised her hair so he could fasten the chain, and as she did, he caught a whiff of her scent. She smelled like wildflowers. He felt stirred being so close to such beautiful maiden, but he hid it well. After he fastened the chain, he removed her hair from her hands and smoothed it over her shoulders. It was silky under his hands and he felt himself being drawn to her. Once again, he inhaled the scent of her hair.
Hearing him inhale, Jindaia turned to him and asked, "Shall we go to the feast?"
He looked at her in her dark blue dress with beaded trim and thought she looked beautiful. She only lacked one thing. "One moment," he said as his eyes swept the room before landing on her dressing table. He walked across the room and removed a few small white blossoms from the vase. He turned to her and asked, "May I put these in your hair?"
"Yes, please do," she replied. She lowered her head as he came near, and stood quietly as he placed them throughout her hair. When he had only one flower left, he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and placed a flower there. As he did, his fingers lightly brushed the shell of her ear and warmth infused her whole being. Her eyes closed as she stood close enough to him to smell him. He smelled of the outdoors.of sunshine. She noticed that he had grown very still and opened her eyes to look at him. He was looking intently at her, his blue eyes dark and fiery. He traced his finger from behind her ear, underneath her jawline, to beneath her chin. He looked as if he wanted to kiss her, but there was a knock at the open door and they both turned to see Aragorn smiling at them. Legolas let his hand fall back to his side.
"Well Lady Jindaia, I see that you already have an escort for tonight," Aragorn smirked. Jindaia merely walked past him and turned to say to Legolas, "Thank you for fastening my necklace."
As she disappeared down the hall in front of them, Aragorn looked at Legolas with a smile. "She's a sweet creature. I've never known her to say a harsh word to anyone. You could do far worse than her."
Legolas looked after her, "I know," he stated softly, before realizing that Aragorn had trapped him into admitting that he liked Jindaia. He shook his head amusedly before walking to catch up with Jindaia as she turned the corner.
*-*-*
Arwen sat at the main table between her father, Elrond, and her betrothed, Aragorn. She had never been happier than she was at this moment, at her betrothal feast. She glanced around the table at all of the friends who had become dear to her over the years. At one end of the table she saw Gimli, who was presently heralding some young elves with his stories about the courageous elf warriors at Helms Deep. Next to Gimli sat her brothers Elledan and Elrohir, and then her father. Just past Aragorn sat Legolas. She was pleased to see Jindaia sitting at Legolas' other side. Aragorn had told her about the moment that he had accidentally interrupted earlier, and it intrigued her to think of making a match between Legolas and Jindaia, two of her favorite elves. As she sat there, she slowly began to devise a plan. Tapping Aragorn's shoulder, she soon had his full support and the plan was underway.
After the feast, there was much entertainment to be had. A band began to play and before long the great hall was filled with dancing and merriment. As Jindaia stood at the edge of the crowd, Aragorn approached and tapped her on the shoulder. Turning, she was surprised to see Aragorn without Arwen.
"Would you care to dance, Jindaia?" he asked politely.
"Certainly," she replied. She was soon in the middle of the floor dancing with Aragorn, who moved very gracefully for a mortal.
From another spot in the room, Legolas watched Aragorn and Jindaia as he danced with Arwen. He looked at Arwen to see her pouting. "Come now Arwen, why mar such a beautiful face with such a pretty pout?" he asked jokingly.
"Well now," she replied, "my betrothed is dancing with another, of whom my current dance partner also seems to be enamored." Legolas glanced quickly at her only to see her smiling.
"So, you think that I am enamored with Jindaia?" he asked playfully, "So what if I am?"
Arwen smiled contentedly at him, saying, "It is just as it should be. Go and dance with her."
Legolas looked worriedly at her and said, "Surely she would not dance with me. I am a stranger to her and she may not wish to know me."
Arwen patted his shoulder consolingly, "You might be surprised Legolas." And with that she danced him to the middle of the room, near to Aragorn and Jindaia.
Jindaia's back was turned, but she knew the moment that Legolas was near. She could smell him and her skin began to tingle. She felt a tap on her shoulder and was surprised when she turned and he asked Aragorn to switch dance partners. Aragorn quickly took Arwen in his arms and danced her away toward the other side of the room.
*-*-*
Legolas hesitantly placed one hand on Jindaia's waist and took her hand with his other. She placed her hand on his shoulder and was surprised at the softness of his hair. They began to dance quietly at first as they made their way over to the edge of the crowd.
Legolas did not know where to start with her. "Jindaia, Aragorn speaks highly of you," he said.
He was rewarded to see a smile on her face as she replied, "He is like a brother to me. I hope that he speaks well of me."
"Oh, he does," Legolas said, "and I am inclined to believe that he does not exaggerate, though he did not do your beauty justice."
Jindaia's ears turned light pink as she subconsciously toyed with the end of one of his braids. "Arwen has told me much of you also. She has told me that you are one of the best archers in middle earth."
Watching her ears turn an interesting shade of pink, he picked up on his favorite subject, "Archery is a favorite pastime of mine. Do you shoot?"
Looking down, she replied, "No. Aragorn tried to teach me once, but he was not very patient when I did not learn immediately."
"Then I shall make it my mission to teach you the art of archery before my time in Rivendell ends." Legolas offered.
"I shall accept your offer, Legolas," Jindaia said quietly.
As they continued dancing, Legolas became aware of her fingertips toying with his braid. The longer he held her, the more he felt he needed to know about her. He looked up to see that they were near a balcony.
"Would you like to step outside for a moment?" he asked her gently.
"Yes, a little cool air would feel good," she answered.
They walked onto the balcony where they sat on an empty bench and looked out over the skies and forests of Rivendell.
"How did you come to be in Rivendell, Jindaia?" Legolas inquired.
"We were traveling from Lorien when I was young. On the way here, our group was attacked by Orcs. My parents were badly wounded but managed to get me to Rivendell. Even elvish medicine could not save them, but they passed into Mandos knowing that I would be safe here. Lord Elrond promised my parents that he would see that I was cared for and raised me as a sister to Arwen. He has always been a father to me. The only time I have left Rivendell since that time was to return to Lorien once to meet my aunt, Galadriel," she explained. She glanced at him to see him looking intently at her.
"My heart weeps for your loss, Jindaia," he spoke softly.
"Thank you, but I have a grand life in Rivendell. I have never lacked anything, physically or emotionally during my time here. There is no need to feel pity for me because I gave up my self pity long ago."
He took her hand and entwined his fingers with hers, pulling her hand up to his mouth. His breath was warm on her hand as he whispered, "Such a brave, strong soul." He then kissed her hand gently.
He looked up at her and saw tears shining in her eyes in the moonlight. "What is bothering you, Jindaia?" he asked.
"You are such a kind and gentle elf," she said through a small smile.
He looked at her a moment longer before gently pulling her toward him. He wrapped his arms around her and she leaned her head on his shoulder. She could hear the steady beat of his heart as he held her close.
*-*-*
Later that night Legolas walked Jindaia down the hallway toward their chambers. Aragorn and Arwen had long since retired for the night, joyful at being reunited after such a long while.
As they approached Jindaia's door, Legolas took her by the arms and turned her to face him. "I wish to thank you for such an entertaining evening, my lady."
"Thank you, my lord, for such a fine night," she replied as they both chuckled at the mock formality between them.
"I expect to see you at the archery range bright and early," Legolas said as he opened her door for her.
Just before she turned to walk into her room, Legolas pulled her to him and planted a soft kiss on her lips. The feel of his lips against hers was wonderful. They were so soft and full, yet powerful and skillful. He placed his hands on her waist as she ran her hands up over his shoulders and around behind his neck. He moved his lips against hers, inviting her to open her lips. She did so and he gently tasted her mouth with his tongue. Getting braver, she met his tongue with her own as he kissed her. His arms slid around her waist and brought her closer to him as he pulled his mouth from hers and whispered, "Sweet dreams, Jindaia," before giving her one last gentle squeeze and leaving for his own room.
"Good night, Legolas," she sighed as she closed her door with a smile. Once again his elvin ears picked up her words and he shut his door contentedly, looking forward to a restful night and an enjoyable visit in Rivendell.
*-*-*
Jindaia entered her chambers and quietly began to ready herself for sleep. A maid had already been through all of the chambers turning down coverlets as she made her way throughout the house. Jindaia smiled to herself as she removed the flowers and pins from her hair. She removed her dress and stood before the mirror, studying herself in her night shift. She was of an average build for an elf maiden, with long brown hair and blue eyes. She had the fair, milky skin that was common for elves. She was slightly taller than Arwen, but still shorter than Aragorn and Legolas.
Thinking of Legolas made the smile on her face grow softer. She had only known him for the day, but she had known of him for years, especially since the quest of the ring had begun. He was very pleasant to be around. Not only was he fair to look at, but he also had a very gentle soul. He treated her as if she was a treasure, and she appreciated his humor.
As she moved to her bed, covered in a soft blue coverlet, she reflected on the day before finally noticing that her lips still tingled from the kiss he gave her as he said goodnight. She looked forward to her archery lessons with the Prince of Mirkwood.
The next few weeks would be very interesting, indeed.
- - -
Meanwhile, Legolas was getting ready for bed in his chambers. As he stripped off his clothing and slid in between the forest green covers of his bed he also was remembering that incredible kiss. He had kissed many maidens over his years, but none of the kisses he had ever experienced were quite like this kiss. When he held her in his arms, he felt complete.
Still feeling the aftershocks of that kiss, he fell, exhausted, into the deepest sleep of his life.