Title: Elven commitment
Author: Warlady
Fandom: Tolkien
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: All the characters from The Lord of the Ring, belongs to Tolkien Estates
Special Warnings: This fanfiction has some of the characteristics of a Mary Sue, if you dislike original female characters in Tolkien fandom, don't read it.
Beta: Alex ( Modifications in beta made by Mayetra)
Timeline: During the events from The Fellowship of the Ring.
Archive: The Tortured Scribes' group board.
Spoilers: None.
Author's Note: If you find some inconsistencies about the canon, they are due to suit the plot properly. Don't flame me for this, please, I have seen worst sins. This is meant to be a one shot story, but if I get reviews asking for more, I would probably add some more chapters.
Elven commitment
Imladris was the most beautiful vision Prince Legolas had seen in a long time. Since Sauron had corrupted his land, Legolas, as well as the other Elves from Greenwood, had helplessly watched how their enchanted home was covered by evil shadows, and was prowled by dark creatures. Even after the Istari Council had exiled the main danger at hand, the woods would never be the same.
Oh, Imladris, the home of Lord Elrond, how he loved the sight of the clear water falls, the sensation of peace that lingered there, the beautiful songs and poetry. In this lovely place, he could relax. He had no need to keep his senses alert, nor worry about the invisible dangers lurking in the shadows. He could watch the stars at night, needless of a companion to guard his safety.
The imminent war against Mordor seemed so far away from here. Yet, he knew the menace was real. But even that couldn't fade the joy that overwhelmed his soul.
It was the day after Elrond's Council. He had joined the Fellowship. He could have declined, as Prince of Mirkwood and only heir. But since Aragorn, the real King of Gondor, offered his sword to protect the Ring Bearer, how could he possible deny his help in such an important mission?
He passed the entire afternoon lying on his bed, looking carefully at the intricate designs of carved vines on the ceiling. Even the chambers at Imladris were better than his own at Mirkwood; this was more cozy and ventilated. A soft knock on the wooden door caught his attention.
"Yes?"
"My Lord, would you want to wash and have your hair braided before dinner?" a quiet female voice called from the corridor, in front of his chamber. That was Delia, one of the handmaids of the house; she had been the one designated to attend him.
Legolas found that he had never been served in a finer way. She was silent, obedient and dedicated to her task. He could barely remember two or three of his servants back home that were as diligent as her, though they were not half as discreet as she was.
Legolas got off the bed and answered the door.
The she-Elf stood before him, her eyes low in respect, she was carrying a porcelain pitcher of scented water and a pile of fresh clothes. She waited in silence.
"Come in, Delia, put the clothes on the bed, I'll be with you in a moment" He said, taking the decanter from her and moving to the bathroom. He had taken a bath in the morning, though it was a custom with Elves to clean themselves as well as possible before attending dinner. He undressed slowly and took a sponge from the bathtub. He cleaned his body thoroughly and then dried with a towel. He walked to the middle of the chamber, the towel wrapped around his waist.
Delia was standing near the window, pretending she was looking outside. It was a polite way used by handmaids to avoid the sight of their masters' nudity.
Legolas smiled, he could tell that the girl was breathing hard, even though it was quite silent He dressed swiftly and walked to her. He placed his palm on her shoulder and she turned around, pinning her eyes to the ground again.
"Would the Lord want me to comb his hair?" she asked, no hint of the previous uneasiness in her voice, though there was an unmistakable pink shade on her cheeks.
"Yes, that will please me very much, Delia." He walked towards the big mirror on the wall and sat on a cushioned chair in front of it.
She drew a comb from the bedside table drawer, then carefully unbraided the golden silk of his hair and started to brush it slowly.
Legolas looked at his reflection on the polished metal. He was beautiful beyond comparison, or so it was what he had overheard from the ladies of his home, although he could not find any difference between himself and other Elves. Yes, there was subtle variants, as the color of the hair and eyes, facial features; but he had never seen an Elf that wasn't 'beautiful beyond comparison'. Of course, there were some exceptions. He looked up to Delia's reflection. She had her eyes fixed on his hair, he could feel how her little fingers ran over his scalp, helping to disentangle the knots that could have formed through the day. It was a pleasant feeling.
"Delia, stop a second and let me see your reflection in the mirror."
The obedient maid interrupted her labor. She hesitated, but finally lifted her chin and let her Lord see her face.
Delia was one of the exceptions to the rule. She was obviously Elven in constitution, but not in height. Her hair had not the characteristic silky quality, and had an undefined color that was not brown, nor red, neither blond, but an odd mixture. Her breasts were small, as her waist, but her hips were too wide by Elven standards. Another remarkable difference was her voice, it owned an uncommon quality among she-Elves, it was deep, calm, not like a male voice though, yet it was not the acute and musical voice of a female of his race. Her face, well, she was not especially beautiful; she was so similar to a female of the Edain.
"Thank you, Delia, you can continue." He commanded.
She lowered her eyes again and continued with her task. She carefully braided his hair, slowly and precisely.
"Can I ask you something personal?" He had been curious about her appearance since the minute she was introduced to him.
"Yes, my Lord, ask what you want."
"Who are your parents?"
She froze, moved her hands away from his head and blushed. She was shaking, not daring to speak.
"Delia?"
She fidgeted, then replaced her hands on his head and restarted braiding. She breathed in deeply. "My mother was one of Lady CelebrÃan' s maids of company."
"And your father?"
Delia hesitated again, and then said, "When Lady CelebrÃan was abducted by Orcs, my mother was taken away as well. They were rescued, but my mother was not the same, so I have been told, she lost her voice, and her mind. When the healers examined her, they discovered she was with child. She died giving birth to me, and she took the secret of my father's identity to the grave."
Legolas' eyes widened in shock. So, Delia could be actually the daughter of an Orc. Well, she was not the average Elf, but she could not be mistaken for an Orc.
"Sorry, my Lord, I did not intend to startle you." Her voice was trembling, so were her hands, and he could see the glittering tears that were being held back.
Legolas stood from his seat and turned to look at her. He moved his hands to her face, took it between his palms, and lifted it. He felt so guilty when her brown eyes, overflowing with tears, looked at him with a silent plea.
"Do not tell Lord Elrond about this, I did not want to tell you, but I could not lie since you asked it directly. Please, my Lord, forgive me I.I will comb your hair again and will braid it swiftly, nobody has to know I did not accomplish my duty, please." The tears were streaming copiously from her eyes, and she wriggled her hands together nervously.
Legolas felt horrible. Yes, she was a servant, and he was a prince, but before the eyes of the Valar, all Elves were equal.
"No, Delia, you forgive me. I had no right to ask, it is just you do not look like the other Elves. I had no idea of." His words were not enough, or so he felt about them.
"Do not worry, my Lord, I am sure of your good intentions, curiosity is one of the Elves' most valuable virtues, as well as wisdom and beauty. I know what I am, and I should not take offense if somebody reminds me about it. It is true and painful, but I had no right to fail in my duties just because of my selfishness and pitiful pride." She was not crying anymore when she said these words.
Legolas could see how her eyes turned cold and emotionless, some with her face. In that instant, he felt a strange sensation in his heart, it was like he had seen such a look in another pair of eyes, a long time ago. He took his hands away from her and nodded.
"Do not worry, Delia, I will not tell anyone about this little conversation. Please forgive me for my careless question, you are as Elven to me as any other Elf from this house. Could you resume your job and finish with my hair?"
"As you wish, my Lord, and thank you for your generosity with this humble servant."
The dinner was as pleasant as always. Though Legolas was not paying real attention to his food. He was thinking deeply about Delia. The realization of the possibility of her being half Orc really stunned him at the beginning. But this fact had suddenly lost importance to him; actually, he was now looking at her under another kind of light, while she attended the guests, along with the other maids of the house. He realized the uncommon grace that she possessed.
While the others looked pale and perfect, like they were made from the same mold, she stood out, with the rare quality of her hair and face and the neat movements of her limbs. Her arms, long and delicate, her small hands, the way her hips swayed under the common fabric of her servant dress; he watched her enthralled, how was it possible she could be anything but an Elf?
"Would you like more wine, my Lord?"
The questioning voice of the blond she-Elf that stood at his side, holding a silver amphora startled him.
"No, thank you, some water would be just fine."
"As you wish, my Lord." The maid walked away. She addressed Delia, who was carrying the water decanter and the latter nodded.
Legolas looked at her coming towards him. His heart started to thump in his ears, to his utter surprise; it had been hundreds of years since he felt such a surge of intense and uneasy feelings near someone.
"Would you like some water, my Lord?" She asked. Even though the other maid had informed her of his wish, she was instructed to ask, in case he had changed his mind.
"Yes, please, Delia." He answered, slowly, trying to modulate his voice, if it betrayed him he would die of shame. To his joy, his words flowed smooth and neat. But then it happened. When she leant forward, to pour the water in his goblet, he fixed his eyes on the elegant curve of her neck, the way the skin tensed over the muscles and tendons, the line of soft skin that showed from the discrete cleavage of her dress. He felt his face flushing, while a shiver ran up his spine. His leg moved up involuntary in reflex and his knee hit the underside of the table. The goblet lost its balance and fell, with a sharp noise when the crystal hit against the edge of his plate, spreading the water over the food.
The chaos attracted the attention of the entire crowd of guests. And he blushed violently.
"I apologize, my Lord, for my total clumsiness." Delia came to his rescue, bowing deeply and hurriedly picked up the plate and the shattered goblet, leaving the hall after doing so. Another maid came immediately, cleaned the table and replaced his dishware.
"What a mess!" Commented the Elf who was sitting at his side. "That maid is a total disaster, I do not know how Lord Elrond can let her attend his guests. If she was my servant, she would be in the kitchen, she does not have the correct appearance to."
Legolas did not hear the last sentence, without an apology and in total haste, he stood from his seat and left the hall. He walked corridor after corridor, he went to the kitchens and to the bathing rooms. She was nowhere to be found and he lost his hopes after some time.
The full moon was rising in the horizon. Legolas was looking outside the window of his room, the sound of the music came from the Hall of Fire. The Fellowship would depart in the morning, neither their fate was sure, nor their return. This was the last of his fears, he had offered his protection to the Ring Bearer freely, and would sacrifice his life without blinking an eye if it was required. He was well known because he was brave and had a spirit of fire. But the grief for what he had done to Delia was torturing his mind and soul. True, he had not asked for her help, but he had said nothing to apologize himself. A soft knock on the door brought him back from his thoughts. 'Maybe it is she' he thought and hopefully opened the gate. To his disappointment, the handmaid that was standing in front of him was one of the other ones he had seen at the banquet. Something was totally out of place, though, she was not wearing the servant clothes they regularly used. The she Elf was dressed with a blue dress made of thin silk, and evidently was not wearing anything else under it.
"Can I help you?" he said dryly, raising one of his eyebrows.
"My Lord Elrond told me that maybe you would want some company this night, before you leave to."
"No, thank you." He replied, his face red with fury. It was a custom to provide female company for the Elven warriors of high status. But he had never gotten used to that tradition. If he needed company, he surely knew how to find it, without help. Suddenly, an idea came to his mind. "Do you know where Delia is, the maid that has been attending me these last days?"
"Yes, my Lord, she ran away after the incident with your goblet." She giggled softly, but abruptly shut up when she noticed the deadly glare that Legolas was giving her.
"Ran away, where?"
"Well, I suppose she went to the glades, beside the pond of the Fairy. It is her favorite place, she goes there quite often. My Lord, she is a weird Elf, but Lord Elrond has her here because she is quite skilled and obedient. After tonight I am not so sure, perhaps he will send her away. " The she-Elf smiled, a strange gesture of satisfaction crossing her features.
"Where is this pond you told me about?"
"Not very far, maybe half mile to the west. If you want, I can send someone to look for her."
"No, I can find her. Now, go. somewhere else."
"But, my Lord, if I do not accomplish my mission, I will be punished." She fluttered her blond eyelashes and looked at him, her eyes dark with lust.
"Which is your mission?"
"I am supposed to bring joy and pleasure to one of the warriors of the Fellowship. I chose you because my rank is higher among the servants." She smiled and flushed.
"Did somebody choose to please Gimli son of Gloin?"
"No, my Lord, of course not!" she replied, scandalized and with a look of horror on her beautiful face.
"Well, it is my right to offer a gift to my companions, so, I order you to go and please him."
"But, but, my Lord."
"Are you deaf?"
"As you wish, my Lord."
It was not difficult to find her. He was an expert hunter, and after an hour, her tracks had led him right to the pond of the Fairy. It was a dreamy place, one of the many springs that flowed to the main course of the Bruinen had formed a little pool of clear waters. It was surrounded by glades of soft grass, and the waters from the fount fell to the pond from a crack in the stones, producing musical notes.
He was looking in wonder at the entire place, when he saw her. He tried to hide, but there was no proper place to do it.
Though, it looked like she was not going to discover him, or anything else that surrounded her. She had her eyes closed, and was dancing, her bare feet softly touching the velvet green of the glade, her lithe body bending in beautiful, perfect arcs, then spinning on one foot, or swaying slowly from side to side.
He walked as quietly as he could, which was almost soundless, given his skills. And when he was less than five feet from her, he called her.
She halted her dancing and froze in place. Her eyes opened wide.
"My Lord." she said and bowed deeply.
"Why did you stop?"
"I.this maybe looks odd, I mean, there is no music, and I am dancing."
"No it is not odd, uncommon yes, but not odd. The sound of the water and the whistle of the wind is the oldest kind of music. The first Elves surely danced to the rhythm of nature before they made the first pipes and drums. Besides, Delia, you really are a good dancer. I wonder why you are not dancing with the others, at the Hall of Fire."
She looked hurt by his comment. "I am not there, because I was not invited, My Lord."
His face contorted in anger. "That is not fair!"
Suddenly her expression was of total alarm, she hurriedly replied "I am not complaining, My Lord. Lord Elrond has been so kind and generous with me, he even let me stay when I had no family left in Imladris."
He looked puzzled at her. How it was possible that she was taking her situation at Elrond's house so mildly? "Why are you so submissive?"
"My Lord, do not be mistaken. It is not submission that you see, it is simple pride. I am proud to serve with swiftness and discreetness, and I can even dare to say you have not been better served before." Her face was filled with something totally new. Her expression was smug.
"I admit it, Delia, you are the best in what you do. Though, I will feel even better attended if you accomplish a special task for me."
"A special task, my Lord? What do you want from me?"
"Dance for me again, under these stars. Give me the delight to see you moving to the rhythm of the streams and the wind. Let my mind be taken away from the pain and the closeness of war and death by the movements of your body."
"As you wish, my Lord." She nodded. She closed her eyes and let the trickle of the water, the whistling wind and the nocturnal birds' sounds guide her movements. Those sounds, lulling her senses, making her body sway and bend, leap and arch, spin and lilt. She and the forest were in deep agreement.
Legolas looked enthralled, for he had seen many dances in his long life, but had never seen something like this. She was in pure rapture, careless of her surroundings, her body was like a leaf carried away by a whirlwind. Though at the same time, there was an energetic surge in her movements, as though her limbs suddenly were possessed by the power of the water and the wind, by the nature that surrounded them.
He could not stand it anymore, his body moved against his will, and suddenly found himself dancing as well. His arms surrounded her waist, and hers wrapped around his neck. Shortly, the dance ended, when his lips met hers in a passionate kiss.
The aurora found Legolas laying on a bed of grass and pine needles, his head cradled in Delia's arms. His eyes were open, though he was in deep reverie. When the sunshine bathed his face, his eyelashes fluttered and he woke up. He kept still some seconds, feeling the comfortable warmth of his new lover against his naked body. But he had to go. He shifted into a sitting position and looked at her.
She was in reverie, a clear smile of satisfaction in her lips.
Legolas smirked smugly, he had placed that smile on her face. The memories of the moments of intimacy they shared brought a flush to his face. It had been her first time, she gave him the gift of her innocence and he took it with great care and passion. He guided her into the ways of love and was highly rewarded when she responded with natural skills. She was meant to belong to him.
"Delia, meleth-nin, wake up," he whispered and softly kissed her lips. The honey of those lovely lips had intoxicated him the whole night, but he just couldn't get enough of them.
"It is morning already, my L., Legolas?" She could not suppress a sudden blush, the formalities had been broken, but she could not get used to the idea.
"Yes, Delia, it is morning. I am afraid that I have to go now, for my fellows await me." A dark shadow eclipsed his fair face.
The same shadow appeared on the she-Elf's features.
"Do not worry, meleth-nin, I would come back to you after this quest ends, and I will honor our vows." Legolas promised.
"My heart will go with you, Legolas, and I will wait for your safe return. Though there is no need to give me such an honor, because I know very well where my place is. I feel happy enough with the night we shared, I should not ask you more than that."
"Ai, my dear, but I would ask you, you will see!" He kissed her, deeply and almost regretted his decision of joining the Fellowship. Though he had given his promise and his word was worth gold.
The Fellowship was ready to leave Imladris, and Legolas inhaled deeply a last gust of the clear and pure air. Maybe a long time would pass before his senses would again rejoice in the delights that Imladris offered him. Though he planned to return, alive and in one piece, he felt his survival was even more important now. now that he had someone awaiting for him.
He looked at his companions, all looked relaxed and jubilant. Even Gandalf was showing a special spark in his eyes. And it was most amusing to see the perplexed faces of Pippin and Sam, surely they were virgins until last night. He was sure the Elven maids had fulfilled all of their needs and left them sated as well. Such maids had been trained and he knew it. But what he had shared with his Delia, he would not trade it for anything.
"Lord Gimli, Lord Gimli!" a beautiful voice called from the highest balcony.
All the companions looked up and Legolas blinked in disbelief when he noticed the voice belonged to the she-Elf that came to his room the night before.
The female let a piece of fabric fall from above, and it came floating down in the breeze. It landed at Gimli's feet, he bent down and picked it up. It was a handkerchief of silk, finely embroidered with gold and silver.
"May the Valar protect you, my brave Dwarf," she called out, and blew a kiss at Gimli.
The Dwarf was quite red under all his beard and hair, and he looked mortified at his companions. "That lass is surely crazy, she presented herself in my room last night wearing almost nothing."
"And what did you do, 'my brave Dwarf'?" mocked Gandalf.
"The same you did with that brunette Elf I saw entering your room, dirty old man!"
At this remark Gandalf's face was covered with the same shade of red Gimli was wearing.
From far away, Delia watched their departure and sighed deeply. Her heart beat with hope, yet her face was stained with tears of fear.
"The Valar protect you, my Lord, wherever you go, my heart will go as well," she muttered .
TBC
Author: Warlady
Fandom: Tolkien
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: All the characters from The Lord of the Ring, belongs to Tolkien Estates
Special Warnings: This fanfiction has some of the characteristics of a Mary Sue, if you dislike original female characters in Tolkien fandom, don't read it.
Beta: Alex ( Modifications in beta made by Mayetra)
Timeline: During the events from The Fellowship of the Ring.
Archive: The Tortured Scribes' group board.
Spoilers: None.
Author's Note: If you find some inconsistencies about the canon, they are due to suit the plot properly. Don't flame me for this, please, I have seen worst sins. This is meant to be a one shot story, but if I get reviews asking for more, I would probably add some more chapters.
Elven commitment
Imladris was the most beautiful vision Prince Legolas had seen in a long time. Since Sauron had corrupted his land, Legolas, as well as the other Elves from Greenwood, had helplessly watched how their enchanted home was covered by evil shadows, and was prowled by dark creatures. Even after the Istari Council had exiled the main danger at hand, the woods would never be the same.
Oh, Imladris, the home of Lord Elrond, how he loved the sight of the clear water falls, the sensation of peace that lingered there, the beautiful songs and poetry. In this lovely place, he could relax. He had no need to keep his senses alert, nor worry about the invisible dangers lurking in the shadows. He could watch the stars at night, needless of a companion to guard his safety.
The imminent war against Mordor seemed so far away from here. Yet, he knew the menace was real. But even that couldn't fade the joy that overwhelmed his soul.
It was the day after Elrond's Council. He had joined the Fellowship. He could have declined, as Prince of Mirkwood and only heir. But since Aragorn, the real King of Gondor, offered his sword to protect the Ring Bearer, how could he possible deny his help in such an important mission?
He passed the entire afternoon lying on his bed, looking carefully at the intricate designs of carved vines on the ceiling. Even the chambers at Imladris were better than his own at Mirkwood; this was more cozy and ventilated. A soft knock on the wooden door caught his attention.
"Yes?"
"My Lord, would you want to wash and have your hair braided before dinner?" a quiet female voice called from the corridor, in front of his chamber. That was Delia, one of the handmaids of the house; she had been the one designated to attend him.
Legolas found that he had never been served in a finer way. She was silent, obedient and dedicated to her task. He could barely remember two or three of his servants back home that were as diligent as her, though they were not half as discreet as she was.
Legolas got off the bed and answered the door.
The she-Elf stood before him, her eyes low in respect, she was carrying a porcelain pitcher of scented water and a pile of fresh clothes. She waited in silence.
"Come in, Delia, put the clothes on the bed, I'll be with you in a moment" He said, taking the decanter from her and moving to the bathroom. He had taken a bath in the morning, though it was a custom with Elves to clean themselves as well as possible before attending dinner. He undressed slowly and took a sponge from the bathtub. He cleaned his body thoroughly and then dried with a towel. He walked to the middle of the chamber, the towel wrapped around his waist.
Delia was standing near the window, pretending she was looking outside. It was a polite way used by handmaids to avoid the sight of their masters' nudity.
Legolas smiled, he could tell that the girl was breathing hard, even though it was quite silent He dressed swiftly and walked to her. He placed his palm on her shoulder and she turned around, pinning her eyes to the ground again.
"Would the Lord want me to comb his hair?" she asked, no hint of the previous uneasiness in her voice, though there was an unmistakable pink shade on her cheeks.
"Yes, that will please me very much, Delia." He walked towards the big mirror on the wall and sat on a cushioned chair in front of it.
She drew a comb from the bedside table drawer, then carefully unbraided the golden silk of his hair and started to brush it slowly.
Legolas looked at his reflection on the polished metal. He was beautiful beyond comparison, or so it was what he had overheard from the ladies of his home, although he could not find any difference between himself and other Elves. Yes, there was subtle variants, as the color of the hair and eyes, facial features; but he had never seen an Elf that wasn't 'beautiful beyond comparison'. Of course, there were some exceptions. He looked up to Delia's reflection. She had her eyes fixed on his hair, he could feel how her little fingers ran over his scalp, helping to disentangle the knots that could have formed through the day. It was a pleasant feeling.
"Delia, stop a second and let me see your reflection in the mirror."
The obedient maid interrupted her labor. She hesitated, but finally lifted her chin and let her Lord see her face.
Delia was one of the exceptions to the rule. She was obviously Elven in constitution, but not in height. Her hair had not the characteristic silky quality, and had an undefined color that was not brown, nor red, neither blond, but an odd mixture. Her breasts were small, as her waist, but her hips were too wide by Elven standards. Another remarkable difference was her voice, it owned an uncommon quality among she-Elves, it was deep, calm, not like a male voice though, yet it was not the acute and musical voice of a female of his race. Her face, well, she was not especially beautiful; she was so similar to a female of the Edain.
"Thank you, Delia, you can continue." He commanded.
She lowered her eyes again and continued with her task. She carefully braided his hair, slowly and precisely.
"Can I ask you something personal?" He had been curious about her appearance since the minute she was introduced to him.
"Yes, my Lord, ask what you want."
"Who are your parents?"
She froze, moved her hands away from his head and blushed. She was shaking, not daring to speak.
"Delia?"
She fidgeted, then replaced her hands on his head and restarted braiding. She breathed in deeply. "My mother was one of Lady CelebrÃan' s maids of company."
"And your father?"
Delia hesitated again, and then said, "When Lady CelebrÃan was abducted by Orcs, my mother was taken away as well. They were rescued, but my mother was not the same, so I have been told, she lost her voice, and her mind. When the healers examined her, they discovered she was with child. She died giving birth to me, and she took the secret of my father's identity to the grave."
Legolas' eyes widened in shock. So, Delia could be actually the daughter of an Orc. Well, she was not the average Elf, but she could not be mistaken for an Orc.
"Sorry, my Lord, I did not intend to startle you." Her voice was trembling, so were her hands, and he could see the glittering tears that were being held back.
Legolas stood from his seat and turned to look at her. He moved his hands to her face, took it between his palms, and lifted it. He felt so guilty when her brown eyes, overflowing with tears, looked at him with a silent plea.
"Do not tell Lord Elrond about this, I did not want to tell you, but I could not lie since you asked it directly. Please, my Lord, forgive me I.I will comb your hair again and will braid it swiftly, nobody has to know I did not accomplish my duty, please." The tears were streaming copiously from her eyes, and she wriggled her hands together nervously.
Legolas felt horrible. Yes, she was a servant, and he was a prince, but before the eyes of the Valar, all Elves were equal.
"No, Delia, you forgive me. I had no right to ask, it is just you do not look like the other Elves. I had no idea of." His words were not enough, or so he felt about them.
"Do not worry, my Lord, I am sure of your good intentions, curiosity is one of the Elves' most valuable virtues, as well as wisdom and beauty. I know what I am, and I should not take offense if somebody reminds me about it. It is true and painful, but I had no right to fail in my duties just because of my selfishness and pitiful pride." She was not crying anymore when she said these words.
Legolas could see how her eyes turned cold and emotionless, some with her face. In that instant, he felt a strange sensation in his heart, it was like he had seen such a look in another pair of eyes, a long time ago. He took his hands away from her and nodded.
"Do not worry, Delia, I will not tell anyone about this little conversation. Please forgive me for my careless question, you are as Elven to me as any other Elf from this house. Could you resume your job and finish with my hair?"
"As you wish, my Lord, and thank you for your generosity with this humble servant."
The dinner was as pleasant as always. Though Legolas was not paying real attention to his food. He was thinking deeply about Delia. The realization of the possibility of her being half Orc really stunned him at the beginning. But this fact had suddenly lost importance to him; actually, he was now looking at her under another kind of light, while she attended the guests, along with the other maids of the house. He realized the uncommon grace that she possessed.
While the others looked pale and perfect, like they were made from the same mold, she stood out, with the rare quality of her hair and face and the neat movements of her limbs. Her arms, long and delicate, her small hands, the way her hips swayed under the common fabric of her servant dress; he watched her enthralled, how was it possible she could be anything but an Elf?
"Would you like more wine, my Lord?"
The questioning voice of the blond she-Elf that stood at his side, holding a silver amphora startled him.
"No, thank you, some water would be just fine."
"As you wish, my Lord." The maid walked away. She addressed Delia, who was carrying the water decanter and the latter nodded.
Legolas looked at her coming towards him. His heart started to thump in his ears, to his utter surprise; it had been hundreds of years since he felt such a surge of intense and uneasy feelings near someone.
"Would you like some water, my Lord?" She asked. Even though the other maid had informed her of his wish, she was instructed to ask, in case he had changed his mind.
"Yes, please, Delia." He answered, slowly, trying to modulate his voice, if it betrayed him he would die of shame. To his joy, his words flowed smooth and neat. But then it happened. When she leant forward, to pour the water in his goblet, he fixed his eyes on the elegant curve of her neck, the way the skin tensed over the muscles and tendons, the line of soft skin that showed from the discrete cleavage of her dress. He felt his face flushing, while a shiver ran up his spine. His leg moved up involuntary in reflex and his knee hit the underside of the table. The goblet lost its balance and fell, with a sharp noise when the crystal hit against the edge of his plate, spreading the water over the food.
The chaos attracted the attention of the entire crowd of guests. And he blushed violently.
"I apologize, my Lord, for my total clumsiness." Delia came to his rescue, bowing deeply and hurriedly picked up the plate and the shattered goblet, leaving the hall after doing so. Another maid came immediately, cleaned the table and replaced his dishware.
"What a mess!" Commented the Elf who was sitting at his side. "That maid is a total disaster, I do not know how Lord Elrond can let her attend his guests. If she was my servant, she would be in the kitchen, she does not have the correct appearance to."
Legolas did not hear the last sentence, without an apology and in total haste, he stood from his seat and left the hall. He walked corridor after corridor, he went to the kitchens and to the bathing rooms. She was nowhere to be found and he lost his hopes after some time.
The full moon was rising in the horizon. Legolas was looking outside the window of his room, the sound of the music came from the Hall of Fire. The Fellowship would depart in the morning, neither their fate was sure, nor their return. This was the last of his fears, he had offered his protection to the Ring Bearer freely, and would sacrifice his life without blinking an eye if it was required. He was well known because he was brave and had a spirit of fire. But the grief for what he had done to Delia was torturing his mind and soul. True, he had not asked for her help, but he had said nothing to apologize himself. A soft knock on the door brought him back from his thoughts. 'Maybe it is she' he thought and hopefully opened the gate. To his disappointment, the handmaid that was standing in front of him was one of the other ones he had seen at the banquet. Something was totally out of place, though, she was not wearing the servant clothes they regularly used. The she Elf was dressed with a blue dress made of thin silk, and evidently was not wearing anything else under it.
"Can I help you?" he said dryly, raising one of his eyebrows.
"My Lord Elrond told me that maybe you would want some company this night, before you leave to."
"No, thank you." He replied, his face red with fury. It was a custom to provide female company for the Elven warriors of high status. But he had never gotten used to that tradition. If he needed company, he surely knew how to find it, without help. Suddenly, an idea came to his mind. "Do you know where Delia is, the maid that has been attending me these last days?"
"Yes, my Lord, she ran away after the incident with your goblet." She giggled softly, but abruptly shut up when she noticed the deadly glare that Legolas was giving her.
"Ran away, where?"
"Well, I suppose she went to the glades, beside the pond of the Fairy. It is her favorite place, she goes there quite often. My Lord, she is a weird Elf, but Lord Elrond has her here because she is quite skilled and obedient. After tonight I am not so sure, perhaps he will send her away. " The she-Elf smiled, a strange gesture of satisfaction crossing her features.
"Where is this pond you told me about?"
"Not very far, maybe half mile to the west. If you want, I can send someone to look for her."
"No, I can find her. Now, go. somewhere else."
"But, my Lord, if I do not accomplish my mission, I will be punished." She fluttered her blond eyelashes and looked at him, her eyes dark with lust.
"Which is your mission?"
"I am supposed to bring joy and pleasure to one of the warriors of the Fellowship. I chose you because my rank is higher among the servants." She smiled and flushed.
"Did somebody choose to please Gimli son of Gloin?"
"No, my Lord, of course not!" she replied, scandalized and with a look of horror on her beautiful face.
"Well, it is my right to offer a gift to my companions, so, I order you to go and please him."
"But, but, my Lord."
"Are you deaf?"
"As you wish, my Lord."
It was not difficult to find her. He was an expert hunter, and after an hour, her tracks had led him right to the pond of the Fairy. It was a dreamy place, one of the many springs that flowed to the main course of the Bruinen had formed a little pool of clear waters. It was surrounded by glades of soft grass, and the waters from the fount fell to the pond from a crack in the stones, producing musical notes.
He was looking in wonder at the entire place, when he saw her. He tried to hide, but there was no proper place to do it.
Though, it looked like she was not going to discover him, or anything else that surrounded her. She had her eyes closed, and was dancing, her bare feet softly touching the velvet green of the glade, her lithe body bending in beautiful, perfect arcs, then spinning on one foot, or swaying slowly from side to side.
He walked as quietly as he could, which was almost soundless, given his skills. And when he was less than five feet from her, he called her.
She halted her dancing and froze in place. Her eyes opened wide.
"My Lord." she said and bowed deeply.
"Why did you stop?"
"I.this maybe looks odd, I mean, there is no music, and I am dancing."
"No it is not odd, uncommon yes, but not odd. The sound of the water and the whistle of the wind is the oldest kind of music. The first Elves surely danced to the rhythm of nature before they made the first pipes and drums. Besides, Delia, you really are a good dancer. I wonder why you are not dancing with the others, at the Hall of Fire."
She looked hurt by his comment. "I am not there, because I was not invited, My Lord."
His face contorted in anger. "That is not fair!"
Suddenly her expression was of total alarm, she hurriedly replied "I am not complaining, My Lord. Lord Elrond has been so kind and generous with me, he even let me stay when I had no family left in Imladris."
He looked puzzled at her. How it was possible that she was taking her situation at Elrond's house so mildly? "Why are you so submissive?"
"My Lord, do not be mistaken. It is not submission that you see, it is simple pride. I am proud to serve with swiftness and discreetness, and I can even dare to say you have not been better served before." Her face was filled with something totally new. Her expression was smug.
"I admit it, Delia, you are the best in what you do. Though, I will feel even better attended if you accomplish a special task for me."
"A special task, my Lord? What do you want from me?"
"Dance for me again, under these stars. Give me the delight to see you moving to the rhythm of the streams and the wind. Let my mind be taken away from the pain and the closeness of war and death by the movements of your body."
"As you wish, my Lord." She nodded. She closed her eyes and let the trickle of the water, the whistling wind and the nocturnal birds' sounds guide her movements. Those sounds, lulling her senses, making her body sway and bend, leap and arch, spin and lilt. She and the forest were in deep agreement.
Legolas looked enthralled, for he had seen many dances in his long life, but had never seen something like this. She was in pure rapture, careless of her surroundings, her body was like a leaf carried away by a whirlwind. Though at the same time, there was an energetic surge in her movements, as though her limbs suddenly were possessed by the power of the water and the wind, by the nature that surrounded them.
He could not stand it anymore, his body moved against his will, and suddenly found himself dancing as well. His arms surrounded her waist, and hers wrapped around his neck. Shortly, the dance ended, when his lips met hers in a passionate kiss.
The aurora found Legolas laying on a bed of grass and pine needles, his head cradled in Delia's arms. His eyes were open, though he was in deep reverie. When the sunshine bathed his face, his eyelashes fluttered and he woke up. He kept still some seconds, feeling the comfortable warmth of his new lover against his naked body. But he had to go. He shifted into a sitting position and looked at her.
She was in reverie, a clear smile of satisfaction in her lips.
Legolas smirked smugly, he had placed that smile on her face. The memories of the moments of intimacy they shared brought a flush to his face. It had been her first time, she gave him the gift of her innocence and he took it with great care and passion. He guided her into the ways of love and was highly rewarded when she responded with natural skills. She was meant to belong to him.
"Delia, meleth-nin, wake up," he whispered and softly kissed her lips. The honey of those lovely lips had intoxicated him the whole night, but he just couldn't get enough of them.
"It is morning already, my L., Legolas?" She could not suppress a sudden blush, the formalities had been broken, but she could not get used to the idea.
"Yes, Delia, it is morning. I am afraid that I have to go now, for my fellows await me." A dark shadow eclipsed his fair face.
The same shadow appeared on the she-Elf's features.
"Do not worry, meleth-nin, I would come back to you after this quest ends, and I will honor our vows." Legolas promised.
"My heart will go with you, Legolas, and I will wait for your safe return. Though there is no need to give me such an honor, because I know very well where my place is. I feel happy enough with the night we shared, I should not ask you more than that."
"Ai, my dear, but I would ask you, you will see!" He kissed her, deeply and almost regretted his decision of joining the Fellowship. Though he had given his promise and his word was worth gold.
The Fellowship was ready to leave Imladris, and Legolas inhaled deeply a last gust of the clear and pure air. Maybe a long time would pass before his senses would again rejoice in the delights that Imladris offered him. Though he planned to return, alive and in one piece, he felt his survival was even more important now. now that he had someone awaiting for him.
He looked at his companions, all looked relaxed and jubilant. Even Gandalf was showing a special spark in his eyes. And it was most amusing to see the perplexed faces of Pippin and Sam, surely they were virgins until last night. He was sure the Elven maids had fulfilled all of their needs and left them sated as well. Such maids had been trained and he knew it. But what he had shared with his Delia, he would not trade it for anything.
"Lord Gimli, Lord Gimli!" a beautiful voice called from the highest balcony.
All the companions looked up and Legolas blinked in disbelief when he noticed the voice belonged to the she-Elf that came to his room the night before.
The female let a piece of fabric fall from above, and it came floating down in the breeze. It landed at Gimli's feet, he bent down and picked it up. It was a handkerchief of silk, finely embroidered with gold and silver.
"May the Valar protect you, my brave Dwarf," she called out, and blew a kiss at Gimli.
The Dwarf was quite red under all his beard and hair, and he looked mortified at his companions. "That lass is surely crazy, she presented herself in my room last night wearing almost nothing."
"And what did you do, 'my brave Dwarf'?" mocked Gandalf.
"The same you did with that brunette Elf I saw entering your room, dirty old man!"
At this remark Gandalf's face was covered with the same shade of red Gimli was wearing.
From far away, Delia watched their departure and sighed deeply. Her heart beat with hope, yet her face was stained with tears of fear.
"The Valar protect you, my Lord, wherever you go, my heart will go as well," she muttered .
TBC