Chapter 3

Title: I'm Your Fella, Cinderella!

Chapter: Three

Author: Suziefox

POV: Kalia

"You look lovely this evening, Nessa." His soft voice pierced the gentle murmur of the room, and my throat tightened. If only he was talking to me. I sighed.
 

 Her shrill laughter startled an older elf, who was dozing in a corner, clutching a goblet. Amazingly, he didn't lose a drop of wine when he jumped, and he brought the cup to his lips and drank heartily.

"Thank you Legolas, I have been planning on wearing this gown sense the last festival." I cringed. Now that was a sign of industriousness. The festival only came once a year after all.

How many years had I been to this festival since my family arrived in Mirkwood for servitude so many generations ago? In truth I had lost count. I knew then I desired him, but an elfling, already tall and adorably gangly. I never put much faith into the sparkling tales of love-at-first-sight my foster-sisters told me at night when trying to tame my unruly hair, yet, when I saw him, I knew then I was smitten. I could remember it as if it was happening before my eyes. He was arriving with his handsome father, from a hunting trip. I was reluctant to accept my new chores in the forest, and had glumly wondered what would make my work worth while. As if in a dream, he galloped into the stables, and slid of the horse like the enchanted river of Greenwood. His hair was not as long of course, and his face still round with youth, but all he had to do was glance in my direction, and I was taken.

At first I denied myself the release of admission that I was besotted with such an unattainable prize. I even willed myself to fancy other young elves in my youth. But always I would compare them to him, and he became a pox upon my chances of marriage. How could I find a suitable mate when I desired him? Though he did not know it, I would follow him in secret sometimes, and watch as he became a skilled warrior and future ruler. Indeed, I adopted most of my hobbies with the hope that I would one day impress him. Naturally, pure logic took over, and while I never believed I would have the chance to impress the prince, I had found my fancy towards him had become a blessing of sorts, for I found new passions to pour myself into.
 

The years passed quickly, and I grew, though not much I might add. My desire for him cooled and settled into a comfortable ash. I found I could criticize him and even despise him at times, for to my dismay, he grew up to be a respectable royal. Which, when you are a servant translates to someone who saw right through you. I opened my eyes, unaware that they had even been closed. Now, in the short space of one day, this golden prince had managed to rile me up from a silly moment in a broom closet. It was as if I was an adolescent again.
 

 I glanced around the room. My face and arms were still sore from my little run-in with Tyrael in the halls. I was convinced that that melleth was either extremely mad, or extremely clever, either of which was dangerous in a woman. She was so brash, so cheeky! My face flushed at her quick assessment of my smouldering affections towards Legolas. Our conversation nearly drove me to trouble. Luckily, Haldir wasn't in his quarters when I arrived, but I scarcely had time to change my robe and scrub off the layers of mud before the final warning bell rang for dinner. If I wasn't present, Elrond himself would tan my hide. It was the fastest bath I ever took in my life. This brings me to back to dinner. I loathed these occasions. Nothing more than stuffy royals, sipping too much wine and binging on too-rich foods. Never found much intelligent conversation.
 

 I looked at Haldir, to make sure he didn't want for anything. I was both pleased and annoyed to discover he did not. Well, he wanted for nothing I could give him. That Tyrael was serving him, and kept finding an excuse to brush against his ears suggestively with her hand as she poured him wine, or took a plate away. Poor elf looked like he wasn't sure if he was going to burst or cry. I nearly chuckled. I felt eyes on me, and scanned the room. Legolas. Of course. He discreetly nodded for me to come to him, and biting back a groan, I complied.
 

He would ask me to come, when he was flanked by half a dozen other servants who would cut their ear tips off to serve him. He would beckon me from the comfortable shadows into the glowing light, for Elbereth knows what. I deftly weaved through the throngs of inebriated elves over to him. Upon closer inspection, I noticed Nessa, bless her soul, was employing the same tactics as Tyrael, but perhaps with reluctant results. She kept whispering into his ear, and he had a strained look in his face. I would have laughed, were it not for the fact that he was looking deep into my eyes.

"More wine sire?" I breathed softly against his face, as it was too loud to simply ask him. I closed my eyes for a moment, and fought to resist the urge to inhale his smell. His hair brushed against my cheek and I bit my lip. Valar, he smelled good. Why hadn't I noticed earlier? Perhaps because I was covered in horse shit.
 

He nodded stiffly, and I poured. He held his cup up with long strong hands, and I steadied my own. Guiltily, my mind recalled our close encounter in the closet, and without warning my eyes darted down onto his ears. His tips were distinctly pink, and if I didn't know better, I would think he was aroused. I wasn't the only one who noticed, as Nessa had taken in his condition as well. I frowned, and pulled my flask away. He looked up at me, an odd light in his eyes.

"Is that all your majesty?" I replied softly, trying to not notice the smug expression on Nessa's face. Apparently, my attention was too diverted, and as I was *ignoring* Nessa's grin, a besotted elf across the table pounded his fist on the table, and the impact from his gesture shook the whole table. In one fluid motion, my arms were jerked, and the entire contents of the flask poured onto Legolas' lap. He yelped in shock, but did not rise, as that would reveal his…condition…to the whole of the room.

"Yes, Kalia, that is all." He voice was stiff, and his face flushed with anger.
  I opened my mouth to apologize, but he shot me a warning look, and I retreated across the room back to the shadows. I could hear a soft concerned murmuring, but luckily, the Prince saw no need to punish me, and chose to point out how it was the movement from the table that cause my arms to fail me. I wished I could die right there.
 

I prayed this dinner would be over. My mind was racing. How is it possible to be so interested in a fellow after one brief encounter when you endured years of separation? In my defence, I had not had time to collect my thoughts over our encounter in the closet. How did I feel about knowing I had aroused him? Perhaps it wasn't me at all. Apparently his body responded whenever it saw fit, even if he was repulsed by the person. He had said he felt as much about Nessa earlier, and I saw how he stirred for her just now. I had been a fool. There was nothing special about me, I knew that all along. I tried to block the curious stares from across the room by focusing on something else. My ears picked up a conversation near me.

"The bathroom is over there." Tyrael's bawdy voice replied. She sounded as if strong spirits were mother's milk for her, and had burned her throat away. Haldir, now sufficiently besotted, grinned up to her uncharacteristically.

"I have no need to relieve myself, madam." He replied silkily. Her yellow cat like eyes gleamed.

"Sure you do." Her eyes fluttered downward, onto his lap, and I rolled my eyes. Just like men. So easily riled up.

I bristled. Haldir, poor thing, looked down, and turned red as a milkmaid during the Beltane Rites. He looked as if he swallowed his tongue.
 

 Tyrael laughed heartily, and the brazen woman stroked his ear tips coyly then skidded away! The nerve of that woman! My hands dropped to my sides, and I could scarcely hide my shock. Haldir rose, in more than one way, and made a quiet, yet urgent exit. I followed, though markedly slow, so as not to interrupt him whilst he relieved himself. That would have been simply too embarrassing.
 

 I brushed down my drab muslin gown before knocking.

"Enter." He replied, a hint of fatigue in his voice.

"It is Kalia, I come to ask of you would need anything before you retire." I curtseyed, and then closed the door behind me.
 

He had removed his dinner clothes, and slept in nothing more than silky pale blue pants. The full moon poured into his quarters from the window, casting a gentle blue glow over his broad shoulders. His hair, though not as long as Legolas' fell down and covered part of his chest. I tore my eyes up, and prayed he didn't notice my appraisal. As my eyes travelled to his face I found his eyes were closed, and his mouth slightly open.

"Nay, I desire nothing that you could offer me, Kalia." He replied smoothly, and I bit back tears. He wasn't the first to tell me that. I cleared my throat.

"Good evening then." I curtseyed, and left his room, a slight sob in my throat.
***********
  The next morning I was up before the birds. As usual, I had to see to it that Haldir's fire was lit, his clothes placed out before him, the curtains drawn, fresh towels and a clean wash basin ready to receive him. I left his room with a soft snick of the door, never giving his sleeping form a second glance.
 

The only good thing about being a personal servant, if there was to be one, was that you are allowed considerably more free time that other servants. I would not be due back until lunch, when I would have to clean up Haldir's morning mess, and draw his clothes for dinner. The pale pink daylight began to pour over the beauty that was the last Homely House, and I smiled. At least my surroundings were lovely. I had wanted to explore more yesterday, but circumstances would not allow it. Today I would have my chance. I tramped along the worn garden paths, and inhaled the sweet smells of the flowers. Summer was the prettiest season to me, when the world opened up to reveal its blooming green fragrant glory.
 

 I wanted to find the archery range, hoping to use my own humble bow and scarce arrows to practice my craft. I knew most men would be inhaling their first meal, and I would have the most privacy I could afford. I found I was correct in my calculations, as no one was using the advanced course, and I sat my bow down to access my challenge. There were several targets quite far away, and I would be properly challenged. I looked down to pick up my bow, and found myself face to face with the loveliest bow I had ever laid eyes on. It was a dark rich wood, sturdy yet elegant, and carved with lovely elvish then inlaid with golden runes for protection. It was a longbow, and nearly as tall as I, and I could barely wield it. Next to the bow were arrows so grand, I would have to save a year of wages to buy just one. They were hand made, the feathers placed with such care that it would have taken hours just to make one. Their tips were sharpened to a point, and from solid metal. These were a treasure to have lying around! I looked over my shoulder. How I would love to try to shoot just one. Surely whoever owned this equipment would notice if I did. I fingered the arrow absentmindedly.

"Why are you toying with my arrow?" His soft voice nearly made me scream. How had he come upon me without my knowing?

"I meant no disrespect, sire."
 

He smiled warmly, and stepped closer.

"I see you admire them."

"Who wouldn't? I was admiring the craftsmanship. Whoever made these had a steady skilled hand"

  He picked them up, and twirled the arrow in his hand lazily, the long beam falling through each finger, down, then up again. I looked away at the bull's eye, and frowned. Leave it to a royal to spoil a perfectly good morning.

"How would you know so much about a person based on this one arrow?"

"For hardworking people like servants the fruits of their labor are the only means of communication or self expression. It is a concept I would not expect you to understand, begging your pardon." I bit my tongue. The prince was surely going to tire of my mouth soon, and I would be punished. If I offended him, he didn't act like it.

"Would you like to try it? Perhaps the bow is too much for you." He replied smoothly, and I imagined I heard a hint if petulance in his voice.

"I have wielded a bigger bow than this before." I replied then picked it up. He stepped back, and allowed me more room. I plucked up an arrow from his quiver, and strung it. He was right it was a taunt string, but nothing I couldn't adapt to with time. I aimed for the furthest target. I would show him how well I could pluck his string. I narrowed my eyes, and released the arrow. It hit the bull's eye with a satisfying thud. I swallowed a smirk.

"Exemplary." He breathed softly. I stepped back, and placed the bow next to his quiver. I shrugged shyly. I knew I was good. He wasn't the only one in Mirkwood who spent hours at the ranges.

  He picked up the bow, and unlike me, it suited him much better. It seemed to be a part of his body, rather than a weapon. He strung the bow, and released the arrow, without even narrowing his eyes to verify his position. With a sickening crack, his arrow pierced mine, splitting it in two.

  I looked up at him, and the corners of my mouth curled a little. Was he challenging me? I rose from my spot and he handed me the bow.

"I always enjoy aiming for that target." He pointed to one a few feet from the first one we had picked. It was closer to us. I raised my patented eyebrow, and strung the bow.

He leaned in closer to me, his face bathed in mild curiosity. He seemed interested in how someone as diminutive as myself managed to string an arrow that was nearly as tall as myself. His hair ticked my neck when he leaned down to check my alignment. I fought the urge to shiver. I narrowed my eyes again, aiming for my target.

"Kalia! Kalia!" Petrenella bellowed, so the whole of Rivendell could hear. I felt his smile beside me.

"Duty calls." He replied, and my eyes lingered in his deep blue depths for more than a moment. He licked his lips. I fired, without looking, and handed the bow to him.

"Good day your majesty." I bowed, and rushed after Petrenella to silence her before Elrond himself came to find me. I stole a glance behind me, and smiled a full toothy grin. My arrow had pierced his.

So, what do you think about that Mr. Hot Pants Greenleaf! *Collects herself* Sorry. Didya Like? You did? Well the click that shiny review button!