Disclaimer: Refer to Chapter One
Story: The Heart's True Home
Author: Silmarien
Rating: PG
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Rocky Ground
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The smell of warm hay, mingled with the earthy scent of horses and dirt, greeted Valia as she slipped into the stables. In her haste to escape Legolas, she had forgotten that she was still clad in her dinner dress and not in one of the tailored riding outfits Elrond had provided her with. But now as she stood in front of a spacious pen that held her mare, she could not help but glance down at the burgundy dinner dress she was clad in. It was an expensive mixing of soft silks and rich embroidery that she knew would have been easily ruined if she simply strolled through a garden, not to mention traipsing through a stable.
While unlatching the gate of the pen, she decided that riding as far away from the Prince as possible was more important than keeping her dress clean. She needed the distance, if only for a little while, to clear her thoughts. Besides, Elrond had had the foresight to provide her with enough dinner outfits to last her till the end of Arda if she had somehow ended up stuck in Laiquarille for that long so one dinner dress was hardly a sacrifice. Her horse approached her as she shut the gate softly behind her, pushing against her shoulder with a warm nose. Turning with a soft smile, Valia stroked the silky nose that was thrust at her.
'Aiya, Aglar. How are you this eve?' she asked, watching with amusement as the horse shook its white head in delight at seeing her mistress. 'I need you to bear me far away from here tonight, my friend,' she spoke in Aglar's ear, before running her hand down the horse's neck to her muscled flanks that rippled under her groomed coat.
Taking down a thick blanket that hung along the stall's gate, Valia threw it over the horse's back, smoothing out the soft material while she whispered comforting words to Aglar. Her hands were still shaking from her recent encounter with Legolas and so she tried to calm her nerves by forcing herself to concentrating on her task, but it was to no avail. She was jittery; the slightest noise from one of the other horses in the numerous pens in the stable made her jump. Her agitation was beginning to affect her horse, who pawed the hay strewn ground in protest to her mistress' tense movements.
The well oiled saddle Elrond had given Valia was hanging along the railing of the pen as well, for which Valia was grateful. She was good with animals, as all elves were, but she had never gained the expertise required to ride bareback on them while galloping along at full speed. Besides that, she wished for the fastest retreat from the palace she could manage and did not trust herself to stay atop her horse as easily bareback as seated securely in a saddle.
Her fingers did not wish to cooperate with her; however, and she only barely managed to get the saddle atop Aglar's back. That in itself was a small feat with her trembling hands to contend with. She made several attempts to hook the straps and fastenings, but they would not pull into place under her coaxing. Frustrated, she let out a sharp breath of air which produced a snort of protest from Aglar.
'Amin hiraetha,' she told her in apology, straightening to scratch the sensitive fur behind the animal's twitching ear.
A sound at the entrance of the stable put a swift halt to Valia's attentions to her mount. She could not see who it was since Aglar's pen was one of the very last in the long row that made up the royal stables, but she could tell by the quiet sounds being made that someone had entered the stables.
'Valia?'
His mellow voice, tinged with an edge of annoyance, sent her into a flurry of activity. Having neither the amount of time, or calm that would be needed to secure the saddle onto her horse, Valia yanked the saddle off Aglar and flung it back over the railing. Quickly turning, she made sure the gate was unlatched and pushed open before she scurried back to her horse and managed to climb atop its back, cringing when she heard the silky fabric of her layered skirts rip.
With a soft command issued from her mistress in elvish, Aglar bolted out of her pen while Valia dug her fingers into the mare's white mane, sending a quiet wish into the air that she would manage to clear the palace grounds without drawing notice to herself.
She flew past Legolas on the back of Aglar, and with another whispered word to her mare, increased the stride of her steed further. The Prince became a blur of golden hair that melted into the brown of the wooden walls as she sped out of the stables and towards the gates of pearl that blocked the entrance to the palace. The gates gleamed under the light of Ithil that was just starting to glow in full splendor in the midst of the stars that dusted the night sky. She was dimly aware of Legolas yelling an order at her back for the gates to be shut.
'Keep the gates open!' the gatekeeper shouted to the other attendants in direct defiance of the Prince.
Several questioning gazes were immediately fixed on him but he held firm in his resolve, raising a hand to stay their movements as Valia approached.
The gates were already pushed wide open, and the Gatekeeper willingly chose to disobey his Prince's orders lest the Lady on the galloping horse not slow down in time, and thereby hurt herself. It was obvious that she was not an expert with horses, though her seat was relaxed enough that they did not immediately fear for her safety. They would not risk her safety.
Riding through the gates, Valia increased Aglar's speed to a hard run until the houses that were nestled between the trees of the city began to run together, and she could no longer tell one from the other. She passed several smaller villages in what seemed to her like rapid succession, and soon realized that she had strayed from the main path when the forest grew denser all the while the path she rode along dwindled into a thin lane. It did not matter though. She needed to put as much distance between her and Legolas as fast as she was able to, though the thought never occurred to her that it was perhaps not the best idea to do so in her agitated state of mind.
The heavy panting of her horse was becoming more pronounced as time wore on, but Valia was far too frantic to pay it much attention. Patting Aglar's neck where sweat was beginning to form from the hard pace Valia had set, she encouraged the mare on, momentarily dropping her gaze to the beautiful creature to offer her what little comfort she could.
'Just a little further, mellonamin,' she assured, lifting her eyes back up to the narrow path in front of them. She saw the sizeable log that had fallen across the lane too late. She did not have time to ready herself for the quick jump that Aglar made over the obstacle. Even under the best of circumstances, which included her seated in a saddle and riding much slower, she was not sure if she could remain atop her horse. Now, it was going to be nearly impossible. Digging her fingers deeper into the horse's coarse mane, she closed her eyes tightly. It was not the smartest thing she could have done, but she was not thinking of such things just than, and her body tensed, preparing for what would come next.
Her horse had been well trained, however, and managed to make the jump as smooth as possible for her tense rider.
It was not smooth enough.
Valia felt herself tip dangerously forward and was barely able to regain her seat before Aglar's hooves harshly hit the ground on the opposite side of the log. The jolt made her lose her balance, this time permanently. Aglar had managed to slow her pace down almost instantly when she felt Valia beginning to slip, making the inevitable fall a far less perilous one than it had been only moments before.
The Valar must have been looking at Valia kindly at that moment, because she managed to hit the ground feet first and to roll several yards away from the path without encountering any of the trees or shrubbery that were prolific in the area she had just moments before been racing through. Aglar could be heard trotting off into the distance when Valia quickly came to a sudden stop, face first on the ground with her arms and legs sprawled unceremoniously beside her shaking body.
She prayed that her horse would come back for her. She did not want to think of the consequences that would come with being abandoned in unfamiliar territory.
Valia lay for several minutes on the ground, not daring to open her eyes and encounter the possible view of her mangled body. She could stand blood, had even managed to assist Elrond a few times when he had needed help with serious injuries, but the sight of her own blood made her quite squeamish, despite the large number of years she had had to grow accustomed to the view. Yet, she did not feel anything amiss with her bones, besides a dull ache, and she could easily tell that she had had the good fortune to land on a softer area of the ground. Thick grass lay underneath her, cradling her body against the hard earth that could be found just underneath it.
The gentle rustle of Aglar returning to find her mistress made Valia open her eyes, relief pouring through her at the sight of her horse, as she gingerly sat up without experiencing any pain, though her vision spun before her eyes till she sat completely still for several moments, allowing her world to come back into focus. There would probably be several colorful bruises on different areas of her body, she decided, but nothing more serious than that.
She quickly changed her diagnosis, however, when she tried to stand up and a searing pain exploded in her ankle and began to trickle up her leg, creating the sensation of countless pins pricking her skin. Letting out a sharp rush of air, Valia sat back down immediately with a groan and after the pain receded slowly like an outgoing tide, she fixed her ankle with a menacing glare.
Aglar came to her side, nuzzling her mistress as she snorted her sympathy to the injured she-elf. Wrapping her arm around the neck Aglar offered her, Valia rose, cautiously placing weight on her foot only to hiss in pain and fall back down yet again, this time far less gracefully than before. She would definitely be bruised by tomorrow morning.
'Well this is certainly a fix,' she ground out, trying to move her ankle slightly and gasping for breath from the pain it produced. She never would have guessed that such a minor injury could bring someone so much pain. Burying her hands into the carpet of grass underneath her, Valia clenched her jaw and blinked rapidly, desperately trying to clear her vision from the tears that had appeared with the sharp pain. She huffed when Aglar nudged her with her nose, nickering softly.
'I am sorry, dear, but I cannot get up,' she told the horse gently, petting the mare's silky nose. 'I fear that I will hurt myself even worse.' Glancing into the night sky, she noted that Ithil had now reached its peak, spilling silvery beams of light onto her face that danced on the trees as well, casting green leaves with a silver lining. The ride had been longer than she had previously thought it to be.
'Aglar, go back to the palace,' she commanded the animal, running a hand through her horse's mane. She hoped that someone would realize she was missing when her horse showed up at the palace with no rider. 'Vanya sulie,' she whispered as she gently pushed Aglar's nose away from her.
Aglar stood beside her for several moments, her tail twitching as she seemed to contemplate whether it was best to leave her mistress or go get help. Eventually, she seemed to come to a decision as her head bobbed up and down. She bestowed one more gentle nuzzle upon Valia, before she galloped back from where she had come at an admirable pace considering the breakneck speed that had worn her out only minutes ago. But elven horses were known to be loyal far beyond normal animal instincts, often endangering their lives to save their master or mistress, and Aglar was no different.
Valia watched her white mare gallop away with appreciative eyes for the dedication the animal showed in helping her even when she needed rest. When the sound of falling hooves could no longer be heard falling upon the ground, Valia's head slowly lulled, almost touching her chest as she looked at her hands which were clasped in her lap. Trying to remain calm, she slowly looked up and found a tree standing not too far away. If she was able to move beside it, she could rest her weary back muscles against the sturdy trunk.
She stood slowly at first, making sure her balance was stable before she limped towards the natural backrest, wincing as she exerted the slightest pressure against her ankle, even as she heavily favored her good leg, avoiding using her injured one as much as possible. Sinking gratefully onto the ground beside the tree, she carefully stretched her injured ankle out in front of her as her back rested against the trunk and tried to sink into the shadows that fell in obscuring pools around her. She prayed that someone would come for her when Aglar returned to the palace rider-less.
Valia realized a chill permeated the air after the initial shock of her fall and injury began to wear off. She tried not to panic as she brought both her legs close to her, mindful of her ankle, and wrapped her arms around her knees, trying to conserve as much of her body heat as she could. While it was true that the cold did not affect the race of elves as severely as it did the other beings that remained in Arda, if an elf lingered in harsh enough elements long enough, it began to affect their minds and movements, slowing them down as if great weights hung from their limbs.
Valia pursed her lips, anger flaring deep within herself that she had been as stupid as to run off without cloak or a word as to what she was doing. She normally was more sensible than that. What if no one came for her? She knew very little of the art of healing bone damage, only the basics that every elf was taught, combined with small improvements she had made through reading books on the subject and several talks with Elrond. She did not think her limited knowledge would help her mend a broken ankle though, especially her own. The pain of setting it would have her passed out on the forest floor if she attempted it herself.
Shivering, Valia looked into the sky anxiously, relieved that it was at least a clear night. The stars looked like diamonds, hard and cold, glittering against the black velvet of the sky. While that meant that the temperature would become even colder as the night wore on, it also meant that there would be no rain or hail for her to contend with. Her dress fabric pooled like burgundy water around her legs, a tangible source of warmth for her against the cold. Wrapping the extra folds of fabric in her dress closer around her, Valia settled into her spot, for the first time grateful for the excess material that weighed down the dress.
Now if only someone would come for her!
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Legolas could not swallow the slight panic that rose in his throat. The head of the royal stables had told him that the lady, whose arrival the Prince had been asked to be informed of once she arrived back at the palace, had not yet returned. However, the Stable Master added that a rider-less horse that was from Earilme's entourage had been found prancing impatiently in front of the main gates of the palace. The attendants at the gates had informed the Stable Master that it had looked like the same one a lady had ridden out with earlier that eve.
'You are sure it is one of their horses?' he questioned the Stable Master, conveying the worry that he hid beneath his cool demeanor when he reached out and grasped the attendant's upper arm.
'Yes, my lord. I believe it is the horse that the Lady rode while in the Earsilme party, if my memory does not fail me. I remember quite clearly being impressed with the mare when she brought it to me on the day of her arrival. The animal was extremely well behaved under her hand.'
Legolas gave a curt nod while he tightened his hold on the other elf's arm. 'Please go get my horse, as well as the Lady's horse immediately. I will meet you on the front steps of the palace as soon as you are done.'
'As you wish, my Prince,' he returned, bowing before he walked towards the stables, his stride faster than it normally was due to the urgency in his Prince's voice.
Legolas only stayed long enough to ensure that the Stable Master was moving at a pace swift enough to please him, before he walked briskly towards the royal apartments and his room. He quickly changed out of his formal robes and into one of his more comfortable riding outfits, consisting of a tunic, leggings, and boots, before adding his thick cloak for extra protection against the cold night temperatures. He spared only enough time to grab sufficient food to make a decent meal for two people, blankets, and medical supplies, in the event that Valia had gotten hurt. Legolas then rushed out to the front lawn of the palace where two horses were now waiting for him.
'Thank you,' he called to the Stable Master as he leapt atop his horse and quickly urged the animal towards Valia's mare. He slowed to a stop when he had sidled up to the white horse that matched his own steed perfectly. The irony of it was not lost on him, and his lips quirked into a harsh smile, despite the serious situation he found himself in.
'Where is your mistress, fair one?' he asked the horse, stroking the animal's back and forcing himself to remain calm when he noted that the mare appeared to be agitated. The horse seemed pleased with the compliment he had given her, however, and the restless twitch in her ears and tail diminished considerably with his words.
Legolas turned a genuine smile upon the horse as he drew near her head. 'You are every bit as beautiful as your mistress,' he whispered to her, continuing to place gentle strokes along the horse's neck. The animal looked weary, even though she held her head erect with the same stubborn pride that Valia exhibited so often. 'I am loath to ask such a thing of you, but will you guide me to your mistress? I fear I will not be able to find her without your help.'
As if she understood every word he said, Aglar shook her head, causing her mane to dance around on her neck, before walking to the gates that had been opened for the Prince to leave through. When Aglar paused at the entrance, Legolas turned his attention to his own horse.
'Come Arod,' he told his steed, named in honor of the horse that had borne him through his many trials in Middle-Earth. 'We must go find Valia, my friend,' Legolas whispered.
Arod sensed his master's concern, and quickly trotted over to Valia's horse, following after the mare without need of an order. He followed her easily, as the white mare led him down the main path that trailed from the city to the palace, setting the pace at a brisk run.
Not far into the ride, Legolas realized that Valia must have been highly disturbed when she had left the palace, for her trail diverged from the main path shortly into her ride and seemed to turn down the lesser known trails the farther along she went. Legolas could easily make out the signs of Valia's frantic escape from him. The heavy prints of her horse showed that she had been traveling at a fast run, with little concern as to where she was coming from or going to.
Her pace had been much faster than Legolas was pleased with.
He frowned as her mare continued forward at a tireless speed, leading him far away from the main trail through Laiquarille and into the woods that had been left to grow completely wild by his father. The forest became dense as he traveled into areas of land that were left completely untouched by the elves of Laiquarille, except for the thin trails that ran through them. Tall trees and shrubs began to hem in the path on both sides, while branches quivered as he rode past them. If she had come this far, she could have met with many dangers.
Legolas pushed back the irritation that tried to break forth within him at the evidence of Valia's unwise behavior. After all, most of the blame lay with him, he recognized. It had not been wise to lay in wait for her in her own room. He himself hardly knew why he had done so in the first place. When his mother had told him that Valia was there, actually in Laiquarille, he had desired to see her with his own eyes. He had had to know for certain that she had come. It was a strange explanation, he knew, but it was the truth.
The vision of her riding away from him in the stables, stunning and elegant in her burgundy dress, flashed before his eyes. It pained him greatly that she was running away from him, even now after all the years that had passed since their first meeting. She had truly been a wonderful sight for his weary heart, even though he had only been granted an image of her backside as she rode away from him, the excess layers of her skirts fluttering after her in the wind.
She had not even spared time to take a cloak with her, he realized suddenly.
Growling in frustration, Legolas quickened the pace of his horse, catching up with Valia's mare and willing the tired animal to move faster. The search for her was taking far too long. Legolas was slowly beginning to have doubts as to the mare's reasoning abilities as the time continued to gradually creep by and there was still no sign of the lady that he longed to lay eyes on.
He was beginning to loose hope of finding her before Ithil waned in the sky and Anor rose to take its place. A characteristic most uncommon for a member of the First Born. He considered calling out to Valia's horse and turning around to search the path they had just come from more closely. He opened his mouth to issue the command when a faint glimmer of golden light flickered into his field of vision. He halted his speech, and peered ahead closely. It did not take him long to realize that the light was no illusion created by his worried mind, but the honey colored hair of Valia that was shinning under the light of the moon.
The sight of her bathed in moonlight, sitting in against a tree trunk in silent repose made his heart leap. She was more beautiful than he had ever remembered her being right then, far more so than in Earsilme when he had seen her crowned Lady of the Stars. As his horse trotted into the clearing she sat in, he slipped off the animals back before it stopped, as Valia looked up with relief shinning on her features as brightly as the moon overhead. The expression quickly turned guarded, however, when she saw who it was who had come to rescue her.
He felt all the love that he had so careful pushed aside into the deep recesses of his heart threaten to break loose, and overwhelm him, as he observed her slender frame huddled against the tree as if it would provide her with warmth. Her cheeks and nose were tinged a light shade of red from the cold, while the rest of her face was paled to an unnatural shade of white.
'Valia,' he breathed in relief, quickly stepping across the distance to her and kneeling before her among the thick carpet of grass. He loosed the pack that he had strapped onto his back, and dug out one of the blankets he had placed there. Wrapping it neatly about her shoulders, he brought the edges together in front of her, while his hands lingered on the fabric a moment longer than necessary. 'You worried me,' he told her, and while his concern was entirely sincere, the tone came out harsh. He chastised himself instantly when she physically pulled away from him and her eyes grew remote.
'Forgive me for inconveniencing you, my lord,' she replied in due fashion.
Her reply was clipped and both looked away from each other to gain control of themselves before words passed between them that they did not really mean and would later regret. Legolas let his gaze drop to his pack, staring at the cloth sack with unfocused eyes. The situation felt unreal to him.
That Valia was in Laiquarille again after so long a time was an idea that he had toyed with at times, but had never thought would come true. He thought he knew her too well, the stubbornness in her that would refuse to let her come to his home, even if it were not to see him. He had apparently misjudged her and because of his shortsightedness, had also failed to prepare himself for the emotions her appearance inevitably produced in him.
'And for my betrothal, no less,' he mentally reminded himself. After years of waiting for her to come to him, and then when he had finally resigning himself to a life without her, she appeared again. He had already promised himself to another she-elf. He did not dare to think how things could get any worse than that. Nor could he help the mocking laugh that echoed through his head.
Risking a sideways glance her way, Legolas found Valia fingering the edge of the blanket. He reached for his pack again and pulled out a red apple, a rare treat for Laiquarille, which was only possible now because of the agricultural research that Legolas had brought back with him from Earslime four centuries ago.
'Here,' he told her, offering the ripe apple to her. She lifted her head, granting Legolas a view of her face, which was cleared of any emotion other than a faint trace of her lingering wariness. Her eyes flitted up to his for a brief moment before returning to the apple. She took it from his hand, sending a pleasurable sensation through him as her fingers brushed against his. Settling her hands into her lap with the apple held securely between them, she ran her fingers along the firm skin of the fruit.
'Are you injured?' he questioned, placing his hand on her arm and scanning her figure for any visible signs of hurt. While her dress was dirty and torn in a few places, he could not see any bruises or swelling. At least not from where her skin peaked out from underneath the blanket and the layers of skirt fabric, though he could sense pain emanating from her. He concluded that she must have been riding too fast and fallen off her horse when the animal jumped over the log he had passed back on the trail. 'Are you alright, Valia?' he asked again, squeezing her arm gently when she did not immediately answer him. She was not looking at him, however. All he could see of her face was a wrinkled brow. He followed her gaze down to his hand that rested against her arm and was perplexed as to what was holding her attention so well.
His eyes widened slightly with comprehension when he saw his silver betrothal ring glinting on his index finger under the moonlight. Snatching his hand back, he dropped his gaze from her, suddenly feeling like a foolish elfling.
'I hurt my ankle,' she informed him abruptly. She clenched her jaw tight to clamp down on the sting that was threatening to produce tears at the sight of his ring. How could he act so worried towards her when he was promised to another?
'What?' He looked up at her sharply before glancing down at her feet, which were hidden underneath the thick layers of blanket and dress.
'My ankle, your highness,' she grit out, blinking hard several times while she straightened her back. 'It is hurt. I am not sure whether it is sprained or not, and I do not know the proper way to treat it on my own if it is in fact fractured.'
Legolas lifted the hem of her gown before he thought through the action and promptly dropped it back down with an apology when she jerked her legs away from him. 'May I look at your ankle?' he tried again, this time remembering proper etiquette. He let his lips curve upwards in a small smile when he saw the stain of red putting color into her pale cheeks, once devoid of color from the cold air.
She granted him permission by moving her injured foot towards him, though she did not give him the pleasure of meeting his eyes, a fact he would have found almost humorous if it were not for the current situation he found himself in. She was displeased with him; he could feel it, as he lifted her hem once more and brought her ankle gently up into his lap. Making sure that he did not move the ankle more than necessary, he gently slipped her shoe off her foot and cautiously began to examine the injured area, which had already begun to swell. He frowned at the damage, whispering soft words of healing as he tried to determine the seriousness of the injury.
Valia, on the other hand, was trying to desperately stop the stirring in her heart at having Legolas' hands on her once more after their four centuries of absence. All anger at his intrusion in her room was forgotten as his long fingers, lightly calloused from the use of his bow, trailed across her skin with a tenderness that made her forget the chill of the night air far too easily. She fidgeted nervously with the apple in her lap, twisting it around in her hands as his examination went on. She scolded herself for letting her feelings go as far as they had. He was betrothed to another, after all.
Yet she could not help her reaction.
Watching him from underneath her lashes, she mentally asked herself why she had ever refused his offer of marriage. Underneath the silver light of Ithil, he looked to be everything she had even wanted in a spouse, and she knew in her heart that it was not just the moonlight that caused her to think so. He had never been anything but loving with her, even if his more passionate nature carried him away at times when she wished he would simply leave her be. She was forced to grudgingly admit to herself that he would always lay claim to a part of her heart that no one else ever had a hope of touching.
'Do not think of such things, Valia,' she silently chided herself, trying to force such thoughts away from her mind. Now was not the time. 'You will only get yourself into trouble.'
Noticing her apparent unease, Legolas lifted his gaze to hers briefly, and was far more than pleased to see that the faint blush that had tinged her cheeks a soft rosy color before was now a blazing fire when he caught her staring at him. Where Valia was embarrassed at the direction her thoughts had taken her, Legolas was also reluctant to admit that he enjoyed the effect he was having on her.
Clearing her throat, Valia shifted uncomfortably. 'How bad is it?' she asked, dropping her gaze to the foot that still lay cradled in his lap and for the first time relaxing the stiffness in her tone.
'You have done of a very thorough job of giving yourself a fractured ankle, my lady,' Legolas told her with the barest hint of amusement.
Groaning, Valia leaned further back into the curve of the tree trunk behind her. 'How long will it be till I can walk again?'
'With help, you need not be hindered at all. But you will not be able to go about by yourself for a few more days at the least.' He rummaged through his pack once more and pulled out a long strip of cloth to wrap her injured ankle with. It would have to do until he could get her to a healer who would be able to brace the fracture in the bone so that it would be able to heal faster. While he delicately began winding the fabric about her ankle, he kept a vigil on her face, making sure that he did not cause her any pain. She appeared to relax though, even going so far as to adjust the blanket tucked around her shoulders and take a bite of the apple he had given her.
Legolas let out an involuntary sigh of relief when he felt her muscles begin to relax under his hands. 'How exactly did this happen?' he asked her when she was in between a bite of her apple. 'I assume you fell from your horse, jumping over the log perhaps?'
Nodding, Valia sat up straight and caught his gaze, holding it steadily for the first time since he had found her. 'I am sorry,' she apologized.
'For what?' A surprised eyebrow arched over an emerald eye.
'Everything,' she replied quietly, settling back against the tree trunk again to take another bite of her apple. 'And nothing,' she added in afterthought.
Legolas took it for what it was, feeling a small lightening of his heart that he had not been able to relieve on him own in years. He had thought it was all the answer he would be able to get out of her, and was surprised when she continued on after a short while.
'I had not known you would be here or I would not have come. Elrond assured me you were in Estel under the auspices of Lady Galadriel.'
'I had not planned on coming,' Legolas admitted, willing to give a little information in exchange for her more genial demeanor. A voice warned him that he was treading on dangerous ground, but he dismissed it as he lowered himself to a sitting position on the ground, keeping Valia's foot in his lap as he continued to pass his hand over the injury, infusing healing into the break as he had been taught. He made sure that she looked warm and comfortable before he explained any further. 'I thought it best to come back for the celebration, though it was not expected of me by my father.'
'You do not wish to foster the anger of your future bride?' Valia surprised even herself with the glib comment, especially because of the subject it portended to. 'Forgive me,' she apologized after a moment of stunned silence between them. 'I did not mean…' She grew flushed and stopped speaking, clamping her mouth closed, creating a thin line with her lips.
'It is fine,' Legolas dismissed, feeling somewhat dazed at the surreal conversation that they were having. 'I did indeed think that it would be wise that I should be present for that reason, among others.'
Valia remained silent until she was sure that she was once again under control of herself. 'Do you love her?' she asked bluntly, holding her breath after the words were out. She had decided at some point that she would not be satisfied till she heard the answer from his own lips. Secondhand knowledge was something she did not trust unless there was no other option, which was not the case here.
Legolas turned to her with a blank look on his face before he paled slightly. 'Valia.' He stopped speaking for a moment, and then corrected himself. 'My lady.'
Valia held up a hand to stop him. 'You have said all you need to.' She slowly pulled her bound foot out of his lap. 'I wish you both a joyful future together.'
'You mistake my words,' Legolas interrupted, but added nothing more to his bland comment.
They were at an impasse which would not likely be resolved any time soon, if at all. Legolas was bound to his obligation as Prince of Laiquarille. His people and family wished to see him married and happily settled, something he himself yearned for as well. And if Valia would not agree to wed him, then he had resolved to move on, no matter how dear she would always be to him. The irony of her being the only one that he would ever truly be happy with was not lost on him, however.
'We will leave when your horse has had a chance to rest,' Legolas told her when her movements became restless, not voicing any of his silent musings. He pulled out the extra blanket he had had the foresight to take with him, and wrapped it around his own shoulders as he nibbled on a bit of bread he had found warming in the oven in his frantic search for food back at the palace.
As soon as Valia finished her apple, she tossed the core deeper into the forest, knowing the animals would appreciate the gift. 'Aglar,' she called out to her mare when the silence grew to be oppressive between the Prince and her. The white horse, upon hearing her mistress call her, left the grass she had been happily grazing on, and came to stand beside Valia, lowering her head till she could easily nuzzle the she-elf's shoulder.
'Diola lle,' she told the creature, scratching her horse behind its twitching ears as the animal nudged her face gently and turned her wide eyes on the Prince. Much to Valia's consternation, her horse wandered over to Legolas and nudged him in friendly greeting as well.
'Your horse seems to have taken a liking to me,' he commented while rubbing the mare's nose.
'So I see,' Valia replied, none too pleased with the actions of her steed. 'It is getting late and I am growing cold again, my lord. Can we not travel back to the palace yet?'
Legolas dropped his hand from where it was still stroking the mare and glanced questioningly at Valia. 'Does my presence disturb you so much or are you merely loath to part from the attentions of your traveling companion for so long, my lady?' It was more than a little uncalled for, but the formal way in which she insisted on referring to Legolas annoyed him. No to mention the fact that Legolas could not keep the image of Valia in Glorfindel's arms out of his mind.
She had not even put up a struggle.
The blue in Valia's eyes darkened several shades and she clenched her fists. Her head snapped up before she met Legolas' gaze with a cold fire blazing within her features. 'That is none of your business,' she retorted, the ice in her voice matching the intensity of the fire in her countenance.
Yet for all her anger, Legolas could detect the hurt in her voice that his words had caused, and he quickly dropped his gaze, no longer able to withstand the force of her blue orbs. 'It seems that it is my turn to offer an apology, my lady. I should never have said such a thing.' He was embarrassed that he had let his emotions run out of control once more when she had not. It did not bode well for the future weeks that he would have to endure.
'I do not see why I am to be condemned for a kiss when you are the one who is betrothed. Save your accusations and spiteful comments for someone else, your highness, for I will not suffer your charges when I could lay heavier ones at your own feet.' Her tone was resolute, remaining calm and neither faltering or growing in volume.
'Valia…'
'I think it is time that we leave,' she stated firmly, though she softened her tone as she struggled to her feet with a grimace and slight hiss at the pain that began to throb in her ankle once more at her exertion. She took a faltering step towards her horse, before she was hindered from her progress by Legolas suddenly grasping her.
'You cannot ride alone,' he told her, supporting her weight with his arm from where he stood beside her. 'Do not argue with me on this matter, Valia,' he stated, curbing all her premature protests. 'You will be in danger of injuring yourself further, no matter how gentle your mare may be. I will not be responsible for worsening your injury further.'
Valia bit down on the inside of her cheek, taking a deep breath to steady herself. She would keep as much of her dignity as she was able. 'Very well, my lord. Do we ride your horse or mine?' She kept her eyes focused ahead of her, staring off into the trees and studiously avoiding his pulling gaze with all her strength.
'We shall ride mine, if it will not discomfort you.' Legolas took the small inclination of her head as an assent, before calling out for Arod, who obediently came to his master's side. 'You will have two to carry home with you this night, my friend,' he told the horse, before releasing Valia's arm, only stepping away from her when he was sure that she was steady on her feet. He gathered his pack, putting his extra supplies back into it, along with the blanket that still hung around his shoulders. Turning at last to his horse, he leapt atop Arod's back.
Bending down, Legolas extended his hand to Valia, watching as she eyed his hand for several moments, mentally weighing the consequences of accepting the gesture. He felt an enjoyable tingle work its way into his hand when she slipped her slim palm into his larger one, curling her thin fingers around his as he tightened his hold in response.
In one fluid motion, he hoisted her up in front of him, deciding that it was best that she not sit behind him in case something unexpected happen on their journey back to the palace, and he was not able to stop her from falling in time. When he was sure that she was safely, and comfortably, sitting in front of him, Legolas called a commanded out to Aglar to follow them as he urged Arod back onto the trail.
Valia started when a hand circled around her waist, adjusting her position so that she sat closer to the elven Prince than she would have liked.
'I apologize, my lady, but you managed to travel an admirable distance this eve, and if we are to reach the palace before Anor begins to travel high into the afternoon sky, we will have to quicken our pace.'
Forcing her tense muscles to relax, Valia ordered her body to lean further into his. 'As you wish, my lord.' She felt the hand on her hip tighten for a brief moment, before it relaxed again and Arod broke into a light canter, before he quickly turned the pace into a gallop. Valia chanced a glance over Legolas' shoulder, happy to see that her mare effortlessly kept pace with Legolas' steed.
Valia knew that it was best that she sat in front in case she accidentally slipped again, but she was at a disadvantage as the cold wind whipped mercilessly at her body.
With a shiver, she settled her blanket closer around her, berating herself for her foolish behavior earlier. Thankfully, it was only Legolas and the attendants at the gate of the palace that had any knowledge of her foray. She was certain that Legolas would make no mention of the incident. Too many brows would rise in curiosity at his ardent search for her. If anything, he would make sure that tongues did not begin to waggle.
Legolas felt her shiver from the cold and swiftly drew his cloak around them, enfolding her beneath the protective barrier of the warm fabric as he realized that she was not accustomed to the harsh winters, as the ones in Laiquarille tended to be. It felt good to have her in his arms once more, he admitted to himself, even if it was only for the brief ride back to the palace. He would enjoy it while it lasted, he told himself, before giving her up to whatever fate Iluvatar had for their lives, either together or not.
The ride back was markedly quiet and ended all too soon for the both of them. Valia allowed herself enjoy the truce that seemed to form between them; at least until they neared the royal city and Legolas drew away from her, physically and emotionally. She understood why, as she herself scooted farther away from him, and yet there was still a painful sting that plagued the separation. Valia found herself hoping that she would either not have to endure the presence of the Prince more than necessary during her stay, or else find a way to leave sooner than Glorfindel and she had originally planned to.
It would be the only way she could survive the following days without getting burnt, and she refused to be the one to get hurt if she could do anything to prevent it.
As they arrived back at the palace, the first rays of Anor were driving away the darkness of the night, filling the horizon with a warm glow that began to transform the blackness around it to a pale blue. Legolas was the first to dismount Arod, sliding gracefully off his horse, before he turned to Valia to assist her off Arod's back.
She had no idea how it had happened, but one moment she was taking his hand for help to the ground, and the next she was being scooped into his arms and carried up the palace steps.
So much for trying to stop any gossip.
'Legolas, what are you doing?' she demanded in a fit of shock. It took all of the willpower she possessed not to slide her arms around his neck in case he somehow managed to drop her. She reminded herself that he was quite capable of carrying her though, and settled for clenching her hands in her lap, a habit she seemed to be developing in full force whenever he was in her presence.
'You need to see a healer about your ankle, and unless you would like one of the attendants to carry you to the healing hall, I suggest that you stop protesting, Valia.' He continued to walk up the steps and into the palace, greeting those who passed with an incline of the head and, if required, a few polite words. All seemed happy to have their Prince back home and wished to tell him of their joy at his safe return to Laiquarille and his betrothal to Lady Hadrielia.
Valia was thoroughly red by the time they made it to the hall that was reserved for healing. It seemed to her like everyone in the palace had thought the early hour was a convenient time to meander through the halls. A good number of elves had even mistaken her for Legolas' betrothed and wished them both great happiness in their future life together. Legolas had merely thanked them, not bothered at all that they had her mixed up with Hadrielia, and continued to walk down the halls unperturbed.
Valia hated him for his composure.
Arriving at the Healing Hall, Legolas set her down on one of the beds and stepped back, explaining to the healer, who had immediately appeared when they had entered the room, what had happened to Valia. Legolas watched as the healer went to work attending Valia directly before he left the room quietly.
From under her lowered lashes, Valia watched him go, not certain whether she was pleased that he was no longer there or not. The news of her injury seemed to spread like the aggravating flies that used to multiply in droves back in Middle-Earth during the summer months. Within the time it took for the healer to apply salves to her injury and bind it, Valia had received a visit from Thranduil and Elowen, and even the Stable Master, who assured her that her horse had been taken care of and was now happily stabled with plenty of oats to keep her happy. Glorfindel and Cithien were the last to arrive, just as the healer was finishing wrapping her ankle snuggly to secure the brace he had set upon her ankle that would keep her ankle from bending unnecessarily.
They walked in, arm and arm, Cithien apparently laughing about something Glorfindel had said, and by the look upon Glorfindel's face, he seemed to be highly enjoying her rapt attention. Valia smoothed her suspicious features into a scowl when they finally looked her way.
'Are you alright, Valia?' Cithien asked, dropping her hand from its resting place on Glorfindel's arm and walking over to the bed with light steps.
'I am fine,' Valia replied, offering Cithien a genuine smile before she went back to fixing Glorfindel with a none too friendly look. The tension in the room became palpable when the healer finished his ministrations and left the bedside to give them some privacy.
'Is something wrong?' Cithien questioned, looking from Valia to Glorfindel in confusion. 'Do you need something, my lady?'
'A sword would be nice,' Valia ground out, maintaining eye contact with Glorfindel all the while.
'My lady?' Cithien shifted her weight onto her other foot, gazing down uneasily at Valia.
'Would you be so kind as to excuse us, Cithien?' Glorfindel asked, coming to stand beside the confused maiden.
'Of course. If you need anything, please call me Valia,' she told the glowering female, before retreating from the room, glad that she was not required to stay and witness what was about to take place. Even Glorfindel appeared ill at ease at the look Valia was giving him. Cithien was more than happy to be dismissed by the lady.
Glorfindel sat down tentatively at the end of the bed, out of arm's reach of the angry she-elf glaring at him. 'How did this happen?'
'It does not matter how it happened,' Valia clipped out, still trying to keep a rein on herself.
Glorfindel wisely kept silent. He turned his gaze away from the fiery eyes that he could feel beginning to burn into him and looked at the arrangement of flowers by her bed instead. Shifting uncomfortably when she remained stubbornly silent, he braved a small glance her way, disappointed to see that her face only darkened when his eyes came to her face. 'Why on Arda are you staring at me that way, Valia?' he asked at last in exasperation. 'Your look could slay a charging band of orcs,' he added.
'Do not toy with me Glorfindel. I am in no mood to deal with your games.'
'I am not playing any games, Valia,' he bit back, matching her venom easily. Valia was one of the few elves who was fortunately able to stand up to the elven lord when he grew angry, and she simply crossed her arms over her chest and settled back into the pillows propped between her and the wall. 'What ever is the matter, Valia?'
'You promised me, Glorfindel! You and Elrond promised me he would not be here,' Valia growled. Sitting up abruptly, she brought her face close to his, her eyes narrowed to mere slits as she continued to stare him down.
'Valia, you can hardly hold me responsible for this. I am not the Lady of Light. I do not have the gift of foresight that she does. I saw the letter Thranduil sent Elrond. Legolas was supposed to be in Estel studying under Galadriel. He was only going to come back in time for the wedding. I do not know why he is here unexpectedly. I only just found out myself when he came to tell me you were injured.'
If Valia was always able to stand up to Glorfindel, Glorfindel was always sure that he could pacify Valia's anger. He watched with something akin to extreme relief as her features melted from the resemblance of an angered balrog, which he would never tell her to her face since he highly valued his life, to a pout that could be easily described as pretty, even if did make her look like an elfling.
'I am sorry for yelling at you Glorfindel. I am taking out my frustration on you,' she admitted with a sigh. 'But it is not fair. I do not wish to stay here when he in the same city as I, and Elrond swore to me he would not be here.'
'You would run and make it look like his presence means something to you?' Glorfindel raised a golden eyebrow as he watched her eyes narrow again.
'No,' she declared sullenly, her shoulders stooping slightly. Sighing in frustration, Valia ran a hand through her tangled hair. 'I was fine. I was over him Glorfindel.'
'I know you were, eleninya.' He reached out to her, brushing the back of his hand along her cheek before dropping it down.
'You seem to have taken a liking to someone,' Valia suddenly changed the subject to a safer one, giving him a look of hurt that even the most naïve elf would easily be able to tell was fake. 'What happened to that kiss you gave me Lord Glorfindel?' She set her hands on her hips, after she swung her legs over the side of the bed to sit beside him. The teasing was easier for her to deal with than pondering about Legolas, even if the change of subject had been abrupt.
A faint dusting of pink settled over Glorfindel's cheeks and Valia felt a large smile grow on her face. She had never seen Glorfindel blush before. 'I am sorry, Valia. I was sincere in my attentions towards you, but Cithien…'
'It is fine, Glorfindel,' Valia assured, placing one of her hands over his that rested in the space on the bed between them. 'It is for the best. We never acted more than siblings towards each other anyway, and when we did try to act as if our relationship was more than friendly, it always seemed forced. I am sure we would have been able to make it work if we had married, but I am well aware that it would have lacked the proper intensity of emotions.' She shut her mouth, not daring to say anymore lest she unwittingly confess something that would hurt them both.
'You truly are a perfect match for him, Valia. Hadrielia is not worthy to hold the title or the honor of being known as his wife.'
Valia felt a tear spill onto her cheek as she gave him a half hearted smile as he steered the topic back to him again. 'It is my fault she is now going to be bestowed with the title and not I. She was right Glorfindel. I had my chance and did not take it. I have no right to be angry with her now. I have no right to be angry at all.' She allowed him to gather her into his arms and settled her head against his shoulder as he tenderly stroked her hair. His familiarity managed to calm her nerves, but left her feeling hollow. Pushing the disconcerting feeling aside, she pulled away from his embrace and sat up straight. 'Enough of this pity. I do not need it, Glorfindel,' she stated firmly, brushing the tears that had fallen away from her cheeks and offering him a true smile. 'Let us enjoy our time here while we can. Besides, if you spend all your time comforting me, who will woo Cithien into accepting your offer of marriage? I shall be very disappointed if an understanding is not reached between the two of you before we leave.'
She was rewarded with another blush that spread across the fair complexion of the golden haired elf before he excused himself and swiftly fled from the room. Valia smiled softly at the sight of the retreating elf lord and settled back against her pillow.
-~~*~~-
Aiya- Hail (Quenya)
Aglar- Glory (Sindarin)
Vanya sulie- Fair winds
Diola lle- Thank you