Title: I'm Your Fella, Cinderella!
Chapter: Five
Author: Suziefox
POV: Kalia
The next few weeks passed in a blur for me, as excitement grew over the coming tournament. The deadline for submission was fast approaching, and every day young men lined up in the practice ranges, hoping their skills would improve enough for them to join the competition without humiliating themselves. I had taken to exercising at night, when all the men were snug in their beds. The practice brought me great joy and relief from the tensions of the day. How I wished I was a man sometimes, so I too could show my skills to the world.
I had just finished up my routine, and began to make my way back to my quarters. It was a Thursday, and Elrond had thrown a large banquet celebration to honor the birth of his twin sons, Elladan, and Elrohir. Luckily, Haldir had given me the night off, perhaps because he himself was only going to make a brief appearance at the affair. I had noticed he was reluctant to join in the livery when a certain elleth named Tyrael was not present. Perhaps she had been assigned to kitchen duties. I had overheard her say she preferred to be in the kitchens once before. At any rate, Haldir had only attended the affair for one hour, and as soon as the dancing began, he slipped away like a shadow, and politely informed me that he was retiring for the night. In other words, be gone!
Not that I was complaining. I smiled. Sometimes that elf could be quite cranky, but we had come to an understanding. The crickets were singing loudly and I knew that meant the day would be very hot tomorrow. Already the air was thick and warm, and the cool water that flowed through the establishment offered no relief. My gown was sticking to me, as I was sweaty from my practice, and the rough fabric was beginning to chafe under my arms and on my neck. I walked noiselessly on the path back to my wing, my form hidden by the tall flower bushes that were planted so generously around the city. As I reached a clearing, my ears perked up, and I stopped to listen to a conversation. I could hear the faint hum of music, and gentle murmuring. I was near the party.
"You seem distracted of late, mellonamin." A male voice replied. It was familiar.
"Aye, even now, when your friends are interrogating you, you scarcely seem to be paying attention." Another voice added, similar to the first, but lighter, more playful.
"Tell me Elladan, how an elleth manages to weave the magic she does. How she can confound and stir a normally level-headed elf into behaving like a silly elfling with a sly grin and a sharp comment." I nearly gasped. It was Legolas. I dared to peek through the bushes, and found he was talking to the twins. One of them, Elrohir I think, answered.
"Ahh, so it is a woman then! We knew it. Tell me about her." He sat next to Legolas on a marble bench, his sable eyes shining even in the partial darkness. He had a warm smile upon his face.
"She is my servant." Legolas replied wryly. I bit my lip. Tyrael! But when? How? I fought to rouse my feet to move from this spot and away from my hiding place. I should not be hearing this.
"Oh, I see. Is that a problem?" The other twin, Elladan asked.
"Nay, it does not stay my heart if that is what you mean. I yearn for her despite her station. I watch her when she does not know I am looking, marveling in her lovely smile, and bright eyes. She is a light and like a moth I am drawn to her. She could have any lad she desires, I know this, yet it seems her heart is tied to no one in particular."
"Have you tried to tell her of your affections?" Elrohir added.
"Nay, for I fear her sharp tongue would lash out against me, and I could not bear the shame of her rejection. Yet sometimes, when I look in her eyes, she does seem to mirror my desire…"
"If you never show her your feelings, she may never know, Legolas." Elladan replied.
"You are right. I should not be so guarded with my responses to her. If she knew how it was only she that roused me, then she would know my feelings for her." I left before I had to endure any more.
This had to be Tyrael. With her long legs, silky hair, and bright eyes, every man in the city had noticed her. I frowned. She was toying with him and did not have the sense to realize it.
I growled. That silly prat managed to lure the one elf in this entire rotten place that I admired. It was simply not fair. To make matters worse, he was going to start showing her how he felt, which would mean I would have to endure watching her play both Legolas and Haldir at once! That was not acceptable. I would have to have a word with that wretch, and clear the air. She could have one, but not the other. The Prince was mine, even if he would never know it.
I was furious, and my vision blurred my unchecked tears. How familiar a scenario this was; once again, someone out shines little Kalia. She is a light and like a moth I am drawn to her. Indeed. Why did the males of our species fall so hopelessly for the more robust, outspoken elleths? What was so undesirable in a woman who tended to weigh her words and reactions carefully? Would it be better if I tramped around, pushing up assets that were barely there, a vacant smile on my face, and a lewd remark on the tip of my tongue? Did brains never outshine beauty? I rounded a corner, muttering a soft curse, and ran into something hard. Strong arms pulled me from the ground, and I squinted up at my savior, my unruly curls blocking my vision.
"My apologies, I was not looking where I was going." I brushed off my frumpy gown.
"Kalia?" I blushed. It was Haldir. Of all the men to catch me like this!
"Aye." I worried my lip. I could not look him in the eye while I was indulging in such a foolish spectacle.
"Are you well?" He seemed genuinely concerned.
"I am." I replied. He paused, and his blue eyes bore into my own. I cracked. "I had the misfortune of overhearing a conversation," I added.
"About?"
"It would seem his majesty has taken a fancy to his hand maiden." I spat out the last term. She was hardly a maiden.
"Tyrael?" He breathed. He sounded furious. I could hardly blame him. She had played him for a fool.
"The prince seems to believe the feeling is mutual, but that she is reluctant." I looked past him angrily, noting the irony of the calm swans that glided in a large pool in one of the many courtyards.
"I have a pressing matter to attend to. Good evening, Kalia." I looked up. Haldir's jaw was set, and I saw fire in his eyes. Perhaps he was going to make a stand against Legolas for Tyrael's affections. Good. Let him talk some sense into that foolish Silvan elf, whilst I knocked some sense into my quarry. I nodded curtly, and strode purposefully towards her favorite haunt: the kitchens.
************************************
"Hand me more butter! This bird shall be half baked before I have even seasoned it!" Her husky voice bellowed, and a boy just before the age of adulthood, dashed over to her.
"Thank you, Haryon." She replied, and her lips curled grimly. He paused for a moment, then another voice bellowed for him and he left. I watched her for a moment, pondering how to approach her. She was much bigger than I, then again, most of the known elven world was. I was not tall for an elf by any means. Her lean arms were bare, as it was far too hot and steamy in the kitchens, and I found she was as firm and toned as a woman could be. Almost manly.
I gulped. It was now or never. I stepped in and strode over to her.
"Kalia! A pleasure to see you again." She almost sounded sincere. Perhaps I was incorrect in my assumption that she knew Legolas desired her. Perhaps she was oblivious. She smiled, and motioned to offer her hand, but found she had it firmly placed inside the chicken she was dressing.
"Do not worry yourself I do not intend to stay long." I held up a hand, and she shrugged. She used her free hand to grasp a carafe of wine, and in one swift motion, gulped half its contents. She went back to peppering her bird.
"I came to ask you some questions. About the prince." I cringed. I sounded like a little girl compared to her.
She looked up, her smooth raven-colored hair falling over one of her bright eyes in a very seductive way, and I sighed. No wonder he was smitten. She grinned cheekily.
"What would you desire to know?"
I hesitated. There was no way I was going to finish this conversation sober. I looked up at her then my eyes glanced at the assortment of knives that lay before her. She could carve me like a midwinter's goose. I snatched up her carafe and took a generous swing. It was very strong, and I nearly swerved. She winked.
"Lord Elrond's special blend. It will put hair on your chest if you are not careful." She barked out a laugh.
I ran a hand through my curly mane, and pushed it out of my eyes. It was now or never.
"I want you to explain your relationship with the prince." I gave her a sideways glance.
"What do you mean? It is simple enough. Are you doing things differently on your wing?" She wrinkled her dark eyebrows.
"I mean, what did you do for him today for example?" I would bait her with a lewd comment. Surely she would understand.
"There is not much to explain. For example, I polished off his bed post this morning. VERY arduous task, as he has a large bed, and it would go much more easily were he not in the bed while I polish it." She babbled on. My eyes widened. She had lain with him? Surely the Prince had not mentioned that! I grit my teeth.
"You and the prince have been in bed together?" I felt my fists clench.
"Of course? How else would you propose I buff his wood?" She sounded perplexed.
"You treacherous whore!" I shrieked.
"Mind your tongue, pixie! Where do you get off speaking to me like that?" She was growing angry now, but I was too enraged to care.
"You should mind your tongue – it has an infamous reputation. One can scarcely keep up with it, as it is often firmly planted in some poor elf's ear! You are hardly respectable and a spot on the face of servitude!" I hollered back.
She lunged forward, and with her free hand snatched me up in one fluid motion. She lifted her other hand to strike me, but the bird it was still attached thus hindering her attack, and the chicken flew across the room, and landed against the wall. I heard someone yelp in surprise, but I cared not who saw me. Her eyes followed the chicken, and I took advantage of her hesitation, and punched her squarely in the eye.
"Blasted she-elf!" She bellowed, as she swung blindly. She had the advantage of size and strength, but I could easily dodge her. I jumped backwards, and my arms swung out, hitting a bag of flour, spilling it everywhere. Petrenella ran into the room, took in the sight of our brawl, and bellowed for Haryon to seek help. She motioned to come between us, but when we both growled at her, she shyly backed away.
"This is lunacy! You are both acting foolish!" She cried.
"This is long overdue! She has toyed with the wrong elleth!" I replied then grunted as she managed to sneak a firm blow to my stomach. I groaned.
"I know not what you are talking about! I have not played with anything that belonged to you." She answered, and I growled and tackled her boldly. She slipped in the spilled flour, and we rolled in the ground. Somehow I managed to best her, and I pinned her down beneath me, and wrapped my hands around her neck. They scarcely fit. I tightened my grip with all my might.
"Why him? Why could you not bother some other elf? You have known from day one that I fancied him, why could you not leave him alone?" I felt my voice crack with pent up anguish and anger.
"I-don-know-what-" I shook her violently, and her head cracked against the floor with every word.
"Don't lie to me! You said as much yourself, you were buffing his wood this morn!" I narrowed my eyes, and loosened my grip a little. She saw her chance, and flipped me over, my hands still on her neck like a vice.
"Yes! I polished his bed. As in with rags, and oil. What did you think?" She exclaimed, and I swore I saw honesty in her eyes.
I kicked her in the stomach, and she grunted, and I flipped her over again. Once on top of her, she kicked me in the stomach, and stumbled to her feet. She was drunk, and while I wasn't my head was getting cloudy. Perhaps it was from the wine, or perhaps it was from the cuts of meat she was throwing at my face. She tossed a rather large cut of steak at me, and I ducked, and it landed somewhere behind me. Her eyes widened at the sight of whoever she struck, and with a cry, I leaped on her again, and wrapped my legs around her waist, and my hands clamped down on her neck again.
"Then you didn't really seduce him? You have no feelings for him at all?" I growled.
"No, none at all." Her voice quacked like a wounded duck.
"Kalia! Tyrael! What in Arda are you doing?!" I winced. Strong hands clamped down over my own, and I felt someone drag me off of her. It was Legolas. Haldir had wisely chosen to take on restraining Tyrael, as she was nearly as strong as he was.
"What is the meaning of this?" Legolas barked, and I flinched. I couldn't look in his eyes. He glared at Tyrael, and I met her gaze. She held her tongue.
"If they will not tell you, then perhaps they will tell father." I looked over to Elladan, and could have swallowed my tongue. Apparently we had managed to strike both brothers with pieces of flying meat. The chicken had very likely broken Elrohir's nose, and the steak had busted Elladan's pretty lips. Despite the trouble we were in I felt my battered lips curl.
"Come along." Legolas replied gruffly then tugged at my arm. His long fingers wrapped around my arm completely and he had no difficulty in pulling me along. Haldir yanked at Tyrael, and I noticed a hint of amusement in her eyes. What a pickle I had gotten myself into. All for a foolish elf-prince who didn't even care. I bit back a sigh.
The walk to Elrond's study was in silence, marked only by the faint sounds of our elven footsteps. Despite the pandemonium that took place in the kitchens, guests were still having a wonderful time in the banquets. Such was the life of the privileged. I looked at Tyrael briefly, and to my amazement saw a bit of understanding in her eyes.
As soon as the fresh air hit my face I had sobered up considerably, and my anger towards her drained. She truly did not fancy Legolas I knew this, for if she did she surely would have noticed the state he was in. His pale golden locks, normally braided neatly and carefully, were undone and hanging haphazardly. The fine pale green silk shirt he wore seemed to hang on his shoulders sloppily, as if he had just put them on, or they had been manhandled.
What had happened since I left to approach Tyrael? Had Haldir and he battled? I glanced over at Haldir. His clothes were not in a state of disarray, though his hair was just a tad out of place, hardly unnoticeable, yet I knew him well. His jaw seemed slightly swollen as well, but he did not seem to be in pain.
"Stay here." Haldir replied, in a tone that would brook no response. He, Legolas, and the twins entered the study and closed the door behind them. I looked at Tyrael.
"Ty, I apologize. I lost my head." I looked at her.
"Don't fret, my pretty. I would have done the same. I should have clarified. At least we have come to an understanding."
"Have we?" I worried my eyebrow.
"We have. Neither of us desires what, or who, the other thinks." She replied evenly, and winked.
"Then, you want-"
She held a hand up.
"You shall spoil the air of mystery I have if you continue."
I smiled.
"You are a great warrior, Tyrael. Were you not drunk you would have certainly clobbered me."
She grinned.
"And you are mighty though small. Even sober I would have had great difficulty dealing with your attack. You have quite a right hook."
I snickered, and she rubbed her jaw.
The door opened suddenly, and the stern face of Elrond bored into us. We quickly masked our humorous exchange.
"Come." He replied calmly. We obliged.
Once inside the study, he sat behind a grand desk, and folded his hands neatly. His dark eyes glittered like hot coals and his gaze burned my pained face. At length he sighed softly. "Can either of you offer a reasonable explanation as to why two elleths as yourselves could be driven to such an undignified display?" He asked dryly. I looked down at the wooden floor, suddenly very interested in a frayed edge on a rug.
"Tyrael, long have you served my kitchens faithfully. Why would you attack Kalia?"
My eyes shot up to her face, to see her indignant expression.
"My lord I-"
"She was baited my lord. I started the confrontation." I replied softly.
"Kalia?" Legolas breathed softly. I forced myself to look into his eyes. Dark blue pierced my own forest green, and all I saw was shame. How I could be lost in those swirling orbs. I felt my throat tighten. How I had made a fool of myself.
"Still, she did not strike first. I am guilty of that indiscretion." Tyrael replied.
"It matters not who began this silly display. You shall both be punished." Haldir remarked dryly, his face the mask of the March Warden. I knew that face well.
"Punished?" I could have laughed at how Ty's voice squeaked.
"Aye." He looked at her, and I did not miss the smoldering fire there. Even now, when he was at odds with her, he desired her. I was plainly envious.
"As Tyrael is my charge, I shall dole out her punishment as I see fit. Legolas, Kalia is from your realm, so you should do the same." Elrond replied.
"I take it you ladies shall not be lured into such altercations again?" Elladan spoke for the first time.
"Nay my lord, we have sorted our differences. Come Kalia, let us clean up. I apologize about the steak." She gestured towards Elrohir but her eyes flickered to Haldir, who seemed taken back by her gesture. The corners of her mouth twitched.
"And I the chicken." I added, and glanced at Elladan guiltily. It would seem Elrond had healed them both.
Tyrael linked her large arm in mine daintily, and gently motioned to leave.
"We shall be in our quarters, awaiting our punishment, with your leave milord." She saluted Elrond in the formal elvish fashion and I did the same.
Elrond nodded the affirmative, and I opened the door suddenly, and half the kitchen staff nearly fell onto the floor with a collective grunt. Elrond looked down at the tangle of bodies, then at us, a sour look upon his face.
"Come child, we have much to discuss." Tyrael's voice broke the moment, and we continued on. As we made our way down the hall our sharp ears could hear the twins comment.
"Never understood elleths." Elladan replied.
"Aye, one moment they are at each others' throats-" Elrohir began.
"And the next moment they are the best of friends." Elladan finished.
"Boys, I have lived since the stars were young, and I still do not understand them." Elrond replied, and Tyrael snickered.
Once we were in my room Tyrael sat me down and sighed. In the warm glow of the candlelight she looked as fair as any elven woman sung about in the ballads of old. It was no wonder Legolas fancied her. I relayed the conversation I overheard between Legolas and the twins, and Tyrael brushed it off like water from a duck's back.
"That means nothing Kalia. He could have been referring to any servant. He did after all, travel with dozens of servants from Mirkwood. How many were female?" I blanched. She was right. At least 20 servants had joined the prince for the occasion, and at least half were female!
"Aye, you are right. Not to mention any servant girl from Rivendell aside from you that might have captured his eye. 'Tis a hopeless venture for a silly elleth." I frowned.
"Don't frown like that; it hides all your beauty." She fussed. I looked up at her and grinned wryly.
"I have little to pass around, thus I shall take your advice."
"Nonsense. Now listen up, for I do not tell many this, but you are quite beautiful Kalia." I snorted in a very unladylike manner.
"Beautiful? Ha! With my wild hair, tan skin, and boyish figure? Indeed. I look more Gondorian than Sindar!" I rubbed my forehead tiredly.
"Gondorian indeed. You should hope to be so tall." She laughed, and I glared at her.
"You are intelligent, your eyes are breathtaking, and you have a smile that lights up the room. And besides, people take you seriously." I looked at her, a bit surprised at her revelation. Had I detected a hint of envy in her voice? I would have no chance to ponder this, as a gentle knock on the door interrupted us.
"May we talk later?" I asked, as I rose from my spot.
"Certainly. I have to prove to you that you are indeed the object of the golden boy's affections, so you will not clobber me again." She chuckled, and the knock became more insistent.
"Oh, for Elbereth's sake, enter!" She snapped.
Haldir thrust the door open angrily, and his glittering eyes roved across the room. He settled his gaze on her, for a moment then replied, "Lord Elrond is looking for you. He expected you to be finished cleaning up by now." She jumped up from my bed, and dashed out of the room unceremoniously. He let out a soft sigh, and she redoubled back, and bowed in front of him impishly, then ran off again. I bit back a smile. Haldir turned around without word, leaving the door open. I wrinkled my eyebrows, and cursed the manners of March Wardens, then rose to close the door. A long hand stayed my own, as Legolas entered the room. I jumped at the contact of his hand on mine, and closed my eyes in embarrassment.
"I have come to decipher what punishment is suitable for the shame you have brought upon my house." I looked down, and he stepped in. He closed the door behind him. I stood in the middle of the room, hands clasped in front of me, head towards the ground.
"Look at me!" He snapped, and I looked up. I dreaded this. If he looked in my eyes, he would surely know my affections for him, and that would be simply too much humiliation. At length, he ran his fingers through his now loose hair, and began to pace. I did not move, listening to the soft noise his shoes made against the floor as he paced. He paused in front of me, so close I could feel the heat radiating from him.
"Tell me what motivated your actions." I knew I could not lie, but that did not mean I had to tell the entire truth.
"Foolish jealously, your majesty." He grunted.
"Pride fosters jealously. Therefore you shall be humbled a bit." He shot me a sideways glance.
"You have behaved in a most unladylike fashion therefore you shall have unladylike labor. You shall have to bear water for the men in the ranges for one month. Your first priority shall be Haldir of course, but when you are not serving him, you shall be serving me. Let us see how the long hours in the sun, at my beck and call will do for you." He eyed me for a reaction. I kept my face stony. He called that a punishment? It was a dream come true. Well, the part where I get to be with him for hours was at least. I knew the job of a water bearer was a sore one, as you were leered at, and oft had to carry heavy equipment. If you damaged it, or even dropped it, you could be beaten. I would see too it that I never made such a mistake. I would let this prince think he had upset me, for him. I shot him a sad look. He blinked slowly, and gave a satisfied grunt.
"As you wish, sire." I replied, and saluted him.
"You are to meet us at the ranges two hours before sunrise. Whatever chores the March Warden would have you do before breakfast must be completed prior to this, as it is unlikely you will be have time to return to the room. It was too much time on your hands that allowed for this folly in the first place." I nodded, cursing silently. Already it was late, and I would have but precious few hours of sleep. He seemed to hesitate a moment, before he spun on his heels and left the room with a sharp slam of the door.
*******************************************************
I would not see the Prince for several days after that thank the Valor. It was embarrassing enough as it was. I awakened that following morn, only to find Legolas and most men had taken a hunting party out, and would not return for a few days.
Meanwhile, Haldir was working tirelessly to perfect his hand to hand combat skills, and that required my attendance. He would have me fetch him water, or a towel, or sometimes his light lunch. Despite my embarrassing outburst in the kitchen, he and I had come to a silent understanding, and while I still found him stiffer than Legolas' bow, he was fair, and honest. Eventually, he would nudge me into conversations about the affairs of Rivendell, and we discussed everything from the progression of combat skills to the best vineyard in Lothlorien. It was nice to have someone to talk to, who could appreciate my interests, and he never seemed surprised or angry to discover I was not a dimwit. He seemed a bit pleased that I had managed to hold my own with the fiery Tyrael. He had suggested as much when he commented on my fast reflexes. If only he would smile more. Tyrael really needed to get her hands on him. I smiled. She would traumatize him.
The tournament was in a few weeks, and all the men were out in droves, mostly to show their lady love how skilled and manly they were. I never found such displays very impressive myself, as all their display proved to me was that most were in desperate need of a bath and a change of clothes. Every night my nose would be full of dust, hay, and a penetrating musk that only men and livestock can produce. I would be tired to the bone, and my normally olive skin had been baked to a golden honey like my hair. Luckily, I was relieved of my duties today, as Tyrael had lasciviously offered to take my duties as water bearer for the day.
"How would you explain my absence?"
"Simple, I will mention a subject no man would dare question." Her yellow eyes gleamed.
"What would that be? Marriage?"
"No – though that is a good one. No. Female problems." She grinned and I smiled slightly. She was right. All a woman needed to do was even mumble the suggestion that she was on her cycle and a man would recoil as if she was covered in oozing green boils from head to toe. Luckily, I was no where near my cycle, and I intended to take advantage of the hot day by taking a swim in a secluded pond I found near the border.
I tore through the woods rather noisily for an elf, humming a silly drinking song Tyrael had introduced me to a few days ago, and smiled. Since we came to an understanding, we had become rather cozy. Once she had arrived at my quarters with a large flask of Elrond's best wine, and a wicked gleam in her eye. Soon, we had long shawls wrapped around our heads, and had removed all but our undergarments, and were skipping around the room, goblet of wine in our hands, shouting at the top of our lungs. She leaped on my small bed, and began to jump up and down like a child, and would have continued all night, were it not for the fact that the little bed collapsed under her study weight, and the frame cracked soundly in two. We made such a racket we would have roused the entire wing.
Thankfully, most of the wing consisted of the warriors of Lorien, and they were away on a hunting trip. I had quite a time explaining my damaged bed to Haldir, and decided it was better he believe I had a scandalous romp then tell him the truth. He simply raised an eyebrow, and his eyes flickered with what I came to recognize as laughter. I had to scrub floors as punishment for a week, but even that was ruined by Tyrael, who joined me when Legolas was in the archery ranges, and thought it would be amusing to tie the brushes on her feet and skid across the slick floors merrily – that is, until she crashed into a two thousand year old vase and fell down two flights of steps. For heaven's sake, she really was too big to act like such a little girl. Somehow, with her bright eyes and easy smile she wiggled her way out of punishment, and I was left to finish my chores in peace.
Eventually my noisy meandering led to my intended pond, and I found I had a rather impressive intruder. He was perched on a tree branch, his fair skin shining in all his naked glory and he dove into the cool water with a gentle splash. I leaned against a tree, covertly taking in the sight of him. If only he knew how I desired him. I sighed. His lean arms tore through the water lazily, and he floated face up, his long erm, body bobbing up and down. His eyes were closed, and a relaxed smile creased his face. Little droplets of water pooled on his long dark lashes, and glittered like the jewels of Feanor. Speaking of jewels, my eyes glanced downward. I was pleased to see the Prince of Greenwood was not as adolescent as I previously thought, or rather he was not *always* excited. I snickered, as the water must have been cold, and he stirred from his lazy reverie. I tried to duck out of sight, but I realized it I was not positioned in a place that I could escape easily. I would have to face him.
He let his long legs fall into the water, and I felt a pang of disappointment. If he was shy about my seeing him naked, he certainly didn't look it. His pale eyes were now a dangerous dark blue, and glinted at me in an unnerving feral manner. He smiled softly, and I looked down.
"If I didn't know better, I would think you were following me Kalia. Once again I steal away to a location I did not think anyone else knew of, and once again you follow me here." I tried to look calm, as he couldn't possibly know the truths he spoke.
"How do you not know I did not find this location before you?" I replied.
"Because I am older than you, and have been here more often." He shot back.
I snorted.
"How old do you think I am?"
He smiled.
"I never tell a lady such a thing. It is sure to offend her." I smiled. Smart elf.
"Ah, well then at least you recognize I am old enough to be sensitive about my age."
He laughed; a warm hearty laughter and I felt my insides jump.
"Oh Kalia, you really are funny. I meant no so thing." He laughed again, and slowly paddled closer to me. I held my ground.
"You should smile more. You have a beautiful smile." He replied softly.
"Oh, don't I look beautiful otherwise?" I knew I was fishing for a compliment, but it was not everyday Legolas Greenleaf was dropping compliments.
"Nay, I did not say that." He did not say I was beautiful either. I had been presumptuous. I hid my disappointment.
"Well, I am smiling now your majesty." I was. I stepped closer to him, and he began to creep even closer to the shore. He hadn't lost the dangerous glint in his eyes.
"Aye, and why are you smiling now?" I saw his arms tense, and gulped as his muscles twitched. I wondered what else twitched.
"I'm smiling because I am going to take your clothes, and run faster than sight back to Rivendell." I laughed, grabbed the aforementioned articles, and bolted from the pond.
I slowed down a bit, confused as I did not hear his yelp of surprise or anger. I was playing a dangerous game, and knew I could very conceivably be punished…again. Yet since I had been closed up in a closet with that prince I had not been acting myself. Perhaps it was Tyrael; she had me smiling far too much. Suddenly, damp hands clamped down over my smiling mouth, and a firm wet body pressed against mine. My eyes widened in surprise. We were within shouting distance to the house. Someone could hear us, or even see us! How would we explain? He refused to relinquish his iron grip on my mouth, and another arm shot out and wrapped around my waist. He yanked at me, and with a slight cry, I was tugged back into the shelter of the woods. I willed my body to not press against his, and closed my eyes as I felt his breath on my neck. His breathing was erratic, and I was not sure if it was due to anger or arousal. I found he was leading me back to the pond. Backwards.
Soon, we were back were I began, and I wondered what punishment he was going to dish out. Soft lips began to assault the nape of my neck, and he removed his hand from my mouth, and against my will I let out a soft cry. If it was possible to make love to a few inches of space, then he did. His tongue darted out, and he lapped and nipped the sensitive skin from the hollow of my throat, to the back of my neck. When I was sure I was going to melt into a pool of lust, his warm tongue darted out, and his teeth grazed the tip of my ears, one after the other. I moaned, and my hands leaped up behind me, and buried themselves into his hair. He still had not allowed me to face him. His hand gripped my waist more firmly, and he pressed himself into my back pointedly, erm, no pun intended.
He continued his ministrations on my ears, driving me even more insane, and then he gently tore my hands from his hair and placed them down at my sides. I grinned, my body humming with anticipation. He was going to turn me around, and make love to me right there on the shore. I just knew it. He scooped me up into his arms, and I kept my eyes closed, for fear that I would wake up from a dream if I opened them. I should have opened them sooner. He leaned his face closer to mine, and his lips hovered a scant distance before my own, then curled into a smug grin. My eyes reflected confusion, and before I knew what was happening, I was being tossed unceremoniously into the cool water, clothes and all.
I yelped out in irritation, and was left with the fading sounds of his laughter as he ran away, pulling on his clothes. Water was dripping down into my eyes, and I growled. My clothes were ruined, my pride sorely wounded, and my hair would look as if I was attacked by a pack of birds. I glowered at the direction he departed and lost myself in my murderous thoughts for sometime.
Surely, the prince had to know. This meant war.
I made a soggy path towards the establishment, grumbling under my breath. How in the world was I going to explain my state to Haldir? Already he had been still sore from someone streaming his undergarments in the sparring courtyard for all to see. He berated me for not minding his laundry, and then I had to retrieve them. I fell into manure and the stench was such that he couldn't bear to have me serve him, and had called for another to take my place while I cleaned up. Of course, as fate would have it Tyrael was assigned to serve him that day, thus his irritation was stroked even more. It would seem Tyrael excelled in making me look irresponsible either directly or indirectly. Now what would he think? I sighed, and make an effort to ignore the curious glances I received. It would seem some men from other lands had arrived for the tourney, and they seemed quite fascinated in the sight of a soggy elleth
. A particularly shaggy looking fellow with bright eyes stared for a full minute until Elrohir nudged him softly and laughed. I merely cocked my eyebrow, and made my way back to my quarters.
The wing was painfully still when I arrived, so much so that the sound of the waterfalls seemed to roar in the airy halls. I had stopped dripping for the most part, but I was still disheveled. My hand had just touched the door knob of my room when a stern voice called me.
"Kalia?" I nearly yelped.
I opened his door softly and cursed elven hearing. Inside, I found my master had returned and was not very happy. I cursed mentally. I should have been back from the pond, and readied his clothes for dinner, as well as made sure his lunch was waiting. Then of course there was the issue of tending to his weapons, which were laying on his bed, spilling dust and grass on the fine heavy comforter. I looked into his eyes and winced. He wore his panted scowl.
"You are late." He did not need to voice my errors, for he saw my appraisal of the room.
"My apologies. I have no reasonable excuse for my lack of responsibility and I will accept whatever punishment you see fit." I looked down, yet I could feel his burning gaze upon me. Against my will, I looked up again. His eyes glowed with anger.
"And what if I am weary of punishing you?" I felt an icy chill settle between my shoulders. Did he mean to send me away? Or worse, to relieve me of my duties?
"Sir I-"
"There is no need to fret. I do not wish to send you away, Kalia." He sounded almost tender.
"But I fear you are losing your head to a silly fancy. Despite the mishaps you seem to inevitably fall into, I believe you are one of the most level-headed elleths I have met. That is why I am so disappointed when you allow yourself to be tricked into folly."
I frowned. What was he getting at? He sighed, and I knew from the soft rustle of his clothes that he had sat down. I had begun to put his weapons away, and tidied up the room, pulling out his dinner clothes and brushing down the bed. He seemed agitated at my working.
"Sit down. Now listen. Despite whatever you may think, some masters are aware of some of the desires and tribulations of their staff." My eyes shot up at him. Had he read my mind?
"I am a March Warden, it is my duty to know the will and worries of my men Kalia, do not make me to me wiser than I am not. Besides," He added with a wry grin,"You are not very talented at hiding your emotions; you wear your heart on your sleeve for all your intelligence. One just has to look in your eyes, and suddenly your stony face is revealed."
He was absolutely right. My mind recalled the night Legolas berated me for fighting Tyrael. I could not show my eyes for I knew he would *know* how I felt for him. As if reading my mind, Haldir spoke again softly.
"You love him." It was as if he was stating a fact. I opened my mouth to protest but he cut me off. "You may not be aware of it, or perhaps you might feel it is a childish inclination, but whatever it is, it is written plain as day across those eyes of yours Kalia."
"It is nothing that I cannot control, if I may be so bold to say so."
"Is it? How many times have you suffered because you cared for him? Even now, you risk your employment because you have tarried too long thinking of him. Oh, and do not look at me like that! One does not have to be Galadriel to recognize the symptoms. You are not the only one who has ever cared for someone they should not." His voice grew strained, and I looked at him in understanding.
"You care for her." My tone of voice mirrored his. He looked out the window, an unnaturally soft expression on his face.
"Despite all common sense." He sighed. "Yet I am not so thick as to believe we could be together. She is fire Kalia, and I am sure to be burned. I do not wish the same fate on you. You are too valuable a servant to me to allow that." He looked over at me then softened at my indignant expression. "In truth Kalia, I am perhaps being overprotective."
I snorted in response.
"But the fact of the matter is you and I are not so unalike. We are governed with our minds, and logic. And you know that an affair with the prince would only end in pain, and the confirmation of all your worst fears. What if he disregarded your station and returned your affections? In the end, would the Prince really be able to go against the wishes of his father and people for you?"
I bit back the tears that had rushed to my eyes. How right he was. I let out a strangled cry and rose from my chair angrily.
"You may be right about my feelings Haldir of Lothlorien, but do not confuse your reservations with that of the Prince! The truth of the matter is that he cares naught for me, and so you need not worry about that. You should spend more time pondering your own feelings instead, if you pardon my boldness." He rose in shock, his regret written across his face.
"Kalia-"
I rushed out of his room, a soft sob escaping my lips, and tore through the halls eager for some privacy to cry. In my hurry I had thought I saw Tyrael's eyes glow in the fading light, but I was unsure. At last I found myself in dense bushes, and I cried until I fell into an exhausted slumber.