I'm your Fella, Cinderella

by suziefox

Chapter 14 Up! The cake is made and the flowers are ready! Let the wedding begin! But, trouble is brewing in Middle Earth, what will befall our crazy quartet?

7. Chapter 7

Title: I'm Your Fella, Cinderella!

Chapter: 7

Author: Suzie

POV: Kalia

A/N and such: We're gonna be updating probably about once a week. I beseech you once again to tell your friends to read, as I have become a review junkie pining for the next fix LOL. This is a rather long chapter, as things start to get interesting, and a climax inevitable…erm, no pun intended?? On with the replies!

Honolulu: Thanks for the words of encouragement! We'll keep updating, promise.

P3gurl: Thanks! Glad to hear it, hope we won't disappoint ya!

Jaime: Can't thank you enough! For everything really, and you know what I mean!

Vendea: I am to please *winks*

Tamara: Will do!

Silverdracowolf: Awesome name, btw. Dunno if we will *ever* get them straightened out ya know?

Crystal: Thanks *so* much for humoring my pathetic plea. Hope you like it in the end…

Ebony: I really liked that you liked how the two women are different, yet get along. I think the best friendships are from opposites no?

Gypsy: I'm glad you gave it a chance, and I hope you keep reading.

Makayla: I love the name btw. I hope you keep reading, and thanks for the compliment.

"We're the deadbeat club. We dance in the garden in torn sheets in the rain." –Deadbeat Club B-52s.

Sleep came easily but waking up, however, was another matter. Still, somehow I managed to pull myself from the damp grass and make my way back towards my quarters to bathe and change.

  Along the way I passed the archery ranges, and paused.

  I stared at the dull targets, and worn benches, and disrupted dirt in anguish. Like so many things in my life, this was a fancy I could not – should not – have. Like my feelings for Legolas, no one would ever be able to appreciate my hard-earned skills.

  I felt the grief of the day settle over more like a dark cloak, and I bit back more tears. I had done enough crying for the century. Before I could pull myself away from the ranges, a soft voice called me.

"Kalia." It was Tyrael.

  She sounded unusually meek, and I turned to face her, knowing I still had bitter tears in my eyes. I took in the sight of her. Her silky hair was positively mussed, and her eyes were dim and bleary. Her dress was scrunched as if she had put it on too fast, and her lips were swollen and bruised, as if they had been locked in too-passionate kissing. I felt a pang of envy settle in my stomach.

  I willed myself not to reveal my shock at her appearance, and gave her a questioning glance.

"You desire to enter the tournament, do you not?" She seemed to tremble a bit with some unnamed emotion, and stepped closer to me.

  In the fading darkness I saw telltale signs of finger markings on the nape of her neck. Still I held my tongue.

"'Tis impossible, Tyrael. I am a woman, they would never allow it." I felt anger settle in my throat.

  Just a woman.

"Not impossible, dear friend," she whispered. "I am joining the tournament for hand-to-hand combat."

  I could not hide my shock – how had she done this? Witchcraft? Bribery? Is that why she looked ravished?

"The trick is to disguise ourselves as males! It will work, I assure you."

  She was mad.

  There was no way a panel of judges were going to believe this plush jewel of a elleth was a man, no way, no how.

"Males?" I groused, and then snorted, "I can do so, certainly. My chest is almost non existent. But you!" My eyes settled onto her ample breasts.

"Aye, I know it will be a struggle, but I have a plan," She rolled her eyes at my skepticism. "Trust me, my dear. We can do this. We will enter the tournament in disguise."

  I eyed her warily for a few more moments, pondering this. It would be nice to have a chance to shine at something, for once in my life. I looked down.

   And they could not send me away for this, as it was not a severe crime. I glanced at her again. Her eyes had lit up a bit at the prospect of causing trouble, and I had to admit it was a nice change from the dark look she had when she approached me. Her voice was determined and sure, perhaps she really did have a plan.

  I sighed, and smiled grimly.

"I will join."

  She yelped and pulled me into a rib-crushing embrace, then breathlessly told me she would meet me later. I waved, and returned to my room to face the day.

*

  Haldir had the good grace to not mention our discussion when I saw him the next morning. His eyes didn't even flitter over my puffy eyes, nor comment on my raspy voice. I served him breakfast, drew his bath, and was allowed to retire to my own devices. 

  For some reason, seeing Haldir again managed to kill my juvenile happiness I had found in the thought of joining the tourney. It was as if I could hear his disapproving lecture in my head, reminding me that I was breaking tradition, making an ass of myself, and questioning my motives for joining.

  Was I doing this in a left-handed way to impress the prince I could not have?

  I glanced guiltily down at him while he took his meal, and bit my lip so hard I felt the salty taste of blood on my tongue. He didn't even look up from his food, which I found he was picking at rather than eating. Most unusual for him, as he normally had no problem finishing a meal. If I didn't know better, I would say he felt guilty for our conversation last night, and was punishing himself. This in turn made me feel guilty, for I knew he was only speaking out of concern for me, and it was not every day a man gave a damn about my well being.

  I swallowed hard, and left his room quietly, so as not to disturb him. I was positively miserable.

  A foul mood settled nicely on my shoulders, and I was in no mood for Ty when she approached me in the gardens mid-morning. I was not surprised to see her, as I knew where Legolas was. Despite my reservations I had peeped at the archery ranges and found that Legolas was with Elrohir and Elladan practicing. They were accompanied with that scraggly man who had gawked at me the day before.

  I heard her coming over to me, and didn't bother to look up at her. She was blessed by fate. The object of her desire wanted her just as much as she wanted him – it was merely an issue of consummation.

"Good day, Tyrael." I murmured glumly.

"Hullo." She answered quietly.

  I admit I was shocked, and I looked up at her.

  She seemed lost in her own thoughts, and was picking at a few blades of grass absentmindedly. She glanced up at me, but kept her pretty mouth firmly shut.

  I knew her better than to pry. Whatever was on her mind, she would reveal when she wanted to. For some reason, seeing her looking so blue made me feel even worse. It would seem we both had a rough morning. I decided to lighten the mood at my own expense.

"You'll never believe what happened to your poor Kalia yesterday."

"Hmm?" She was still picking at the grass.

"I received none other than a full-blown declaration of war."

Her dark eyebrows knitted. "From whom?"

"You're favorite golden boy. It seems he prefers to play games with a lady then leave her out to dry."

  I grinned wryly as her head shot up when I mentioned Legolas. Her eyes began to shine and the corners of her mouth turned up.

"Oh, do tell, and spare NO details!" She chirped.

  I stretched my legs out, and relayed the soggy events of the day before. She gasped at my boldness happily, then frowned at his reaction. By the time I had explained my confrontation with Haldir (minus the part in which he revealed he was in love with her) she had a simply delightful light in her cat-eyes, and I could hear the wheels turning in her head.

  She had found mischief to make – now she would be happy again.

"Ahh, well then, my dear, we shall have to avenge this indeed."

"Aye, but how? He is certain to be suspicious of me now that I have revealed I have a frisky side."

"Suspicious of you, yes, but not of his faithful servant. I could lure him to a meeting, and you could do the rest."

  I smiled cheekily, and she matched my expression.

"When?"

"Cannot say, you just be ready."

  I nodded in understanding, and sighed contentedly. Our reverie was broken by the excited cries of Nessa, who was running down the garden path towards Legolas, and the twins. How I wished I could be free to run up to them like that. Tyrael and I looked at each other, and then stealthily crept over towards them to hear what the news was.

"It is wonderful! You shall never guess what the news is!"

"I am sure you are correct in this assumption." Elladan replied dryly.

  I felt a surge of warm feelings towards him.

  Legolas shot the twin an annoyed look, then answered politely.

"What is the news, Ness?" I bit my lip at how informally he addressed her.

  Had they recently become close?

"Mithrandir shall be here for the Beltane Fires! He will certainly bring his renowned fireworks with him!"

"That shall be a treat indeed!" The shaggy man exclaimed.

  Legolas smiled at him, and clasped him on the shoulder.

"And what's more, there shall be a dance! Oh I do hope you will dance with me, Legolas." I worried my eyebrows at the sly way she replied his name in elvish, and when I glanced at Tyrael, she was making a face that looked as if she was going to vomit. I was pleased to discover Elladan wore the same expression.

"I would love to Nessa." He replied softly, and shot Elladan another annoyed look. Elladan's brother wore a bemused expression, and the shaggy man simply smiled.

"Well, I do not want to tarry, I have much to do to prepare so that I might look acceptable. I do not want to be unfit to be seen when your father arrives." She replied to Legolas and his eyes darkened visibly.

She waited a moment for a reply but received none. He seemed suddenly lost in his own thoughts. She licked her little lips, and then strode off back towards the house of Elrond. Ty and I looked at each other curious. She turned away from the ranges, back towards our spot. I hesitated a moment.

"You look as if you have seen a ghost, mellon." The shaggy man replied.

"I have, Estel. The ghost of my freedom," Legolas sighed.

"What do you mean?" Elrohir placed a hand on his shoulder.

"My father has sent word. He wishes for me to marry. If I do not provide a name at the Beltane Fires, then I shall forfeit my station as the heir to Mirkwood."

"Surely he does not intend to do this? He would have to find another to train and sculpt. He has vested thousands of years in your rearing!" Estel exclaimed.

"Aye, he will not choose another, but he will make sure my life is so miserable I would think I am dwelling in Mordor if I do not pick a maiden."

"And who would he like for you to marry?" Elladan asked his eyebrows knitted.

"Surely not who you think Elladan. That is believing in a dream. He seems to fancy Nessa, as she had met with him before on occasion, and she is from a noble lineage. She seems to resemble her Aunt Galadriel in coloring, no?" Legolas sat down on the bench, and leaned his forehead against his bow.

"Aye, she is noble and fair as her aunt. But she is not –"

"Kalia!" I winced, and nearly fell out from the bushes in front of them. Damn that Tyrael!

"KALIA!" Double damn! It was Haldir! I tried to slip away as quietly as I could.

I had to think of a cover, anything, anything!

I looked and saw their amused expressions, and decided to throw some noise in the bushes so that they might think I was simply wandering and not spying. Now, to create a diversion. Think, Kalia, THINK! Ahh. I steeled my reserve, and just as I was about to dash through the foliage, Tyrael's firm hand grasped me.

"Haldir is looking for you! He sounds angrier than a bear with a beehive on his hand!"

"I know, but there is only one way back and that is through the ranges!" She met my eyes, and nodded in understanding. She linked her arm in mine, and we made our entrance.

"So then I said, well let them eat cake!" She gushed, and I laughed nervously.

"Really Tyrael, I have no time for humor. I have lost Haldir's favorite tunic and he will flay me within an inch of my life if I do not find it, if only I could remember which waterfall I was using to wash his laundry last…" I willed myself not to look up at their faces.

"You were at the waterfall northwest of here. Near the mountain paths to the friendly summit." Legolas replied, and I looked into his eyes.

  I felt crimson creep over my face. Tyrael smiled and I pinched her arm to stop her from replying.

"Oh, thank you." I breathed.

"Will he really beat you for losing his tunic?" His eyebrows hadn't lost their frown.

"Oh nay, I was exaggerating He might make me scrub a floor or two is all." I waved my hand.

"Or two thousand is closer to the truth. Your hands are more calloused than a man's" Tyrael exclaimed, then took my small hand and displayed it to them.

  The twins and Estel peered down at my small digits, and Legolas took my hand in his. His fingers gently kneaded the worked skin and I tried to ignore the warm sensation that pooled in my chest and belly.

  He didn't look up from his inspection.

"These fingers, the tips are most calloused, that is not the hand of a woman that just does laundry. You have another skill you have not revealed." He smiled at me warmly, and I remembered our encounter in these same ranges once before.

"Aye, and I know what it is." Elladan replied, and I felt my eyes widen.

"Oh?" Legolas asked, and I detected a hint of anger in his voice.

"Not what you would imagine Legolas, you are looking at the hands of an accomplished violin player." He smiled warmly, and I looked down at the ground.

  How had he known? I only used the music room in the late hours of the evening.

"I mean no disrespect my lord, I only wanted to borrow –"

"And no disrespect was perceived, arwen en amin. I had the good fortune of hearing you play last season after a dinner engagement turned sour. Your music was the only thing that allowed me to get rest that evening." I smiled despite my embarrassment.

"You were stationed in the house of Elrond last summer?" Legolas murmured.

"Aye, to serve under Arwen. She is a lady beyond comparison. I should hope to achieve her grace, intellect, and humor." I noticed Estel light up at the mention of Arwen.

"Well lads we would love to stand and chit-chat all day about how wonderful Kalia is, but she really must return to her master." Tyrael grumbled, and tugged at my arm.

  She bowed to the men, and as I was about to do the same, she yanked and with a yelp I was pulled away.

"You should not be getting too cozy with the enemy, remember? He left you in the cold water alone and bothered."

  I frowned, "I know, yet it was so nice to have a conversation with them. 'Twas almost as if I was just an elleth, and not a –"

"Dirty servant?" She added bitterly.

"Aye." I replied miserably, and we made our way back towards my quarters to see what Haldir wanted from me.

*

  The next week passed in a blur. I found I had indeed lost Haldir's favorite tunic, and while I was embarrassed to have to look for it, it was strangely nice to have him grumbling at me about losing my head. He almost had a warm light in his eyes when he ordered me to mend his socks and under things as punishment. He knew I couldn't sew to save my life, yet when he ordered me, his eyes challenged me to do a poor job.

  In the end, I bribed Tyrael to do so in exchange for a pillow of his. I knew she loved his smell, and my prize was just the trick. She snatched up his clothes in a blur and had them back to me the next morning. I shuddered to think of what she did with them.

  So long as they were clean, I would not complain.

  My other duties were also piled high, as I had one more week of punishment for my pond incident.

  Oh yes, Haldir might have been concerned for me, but that did not stop him from making me have double duty in nearly every daily chore. In addition to his laundry, I had to tend to his right hand elves, his own brothers! My hands grew sore, and my back hurt from hauling the wet clothes, but still, it felt nice to have peace in our lives again. Haldir and I stuck up a silent truce after that horrible night, and were even on more intimate terms. 

  Perhaps he isn't used to an elleth who will point out his weakness but not hold it against him. As usual, when thinking of Haldir, Tyrael was never far behind.

  I had to admit I was a bit baffled by the sudden change in her mood towards my employer, as she had been rather jumpy at the mention of his name of late. Not two days before she happened to come upon him and me and that made for a rather awkward moment.

  I was in my quarters, which are adjacent to his, and I was working on feathering his arrows. I looked down at the fine tool, and ran my fingers over the bright feathers, unusual, as most arrows of Lothlorien were subdued, natural hues, and these were adorned with feathers that were a bright merry red and orange. He explained these were going to be used in the tournament, for decoration mostly, as he was preparing them.

"It will be an honor for the participants to have the privilege of using arrows wrought by the March Warden of Lothlórien." I blushed a bit, and looked down at the arrow in my lap.

  My little hands looked unnatural against the sturdy wood.

  I felt rather than saw Haldir's smile. As usual, his gaze nudged me to look at him. It was not the first time I looked in his eyes, but it was the first occasion in which I didn't feel the subordinate. Though I was doing work, I volunteered to this, and he was in my room. In the lazy afternoon light, his hair seemed to shine a darker shade of gold, almost as dark as my own honey blond, and his eyes seemed to have a familiar shape. He had a relaxed smile on his face, and his eyes crinkled merrily. Not for the first time did I wonder why I had not become smitten with him, as in truth we shared more in common than Legolas and I. I could admire his beauty, but not covet it. I knew he was the object of many an elleth's desire, and like Legolas, Haldir had his fair share of servants who pined for him. A few had even plucked minute details from me then shyly admitted I was envied among some servants for being so close to him. I drew myself back from my daydream and raised my eyebrows in a soft gesture of question.

"This is…nice, Kalia." He replied, almost to himself.

"Aye, it is milord." I replied evenly.

"Haldir. Call me Haldir." His eyes revealed he was serious.

"Alright, Haldir." I smiled; he seemed to enjoy hearing his name on my lips. 

  He grinned then picked up a tuft of feather and held it on his large palm. I eyed him suspiciously and continued my repair. His grin settled into a wicked smirk, and he softly blew the feathers at me. The feathers floated in the air like lively snowflakes, and landed into my pile of curls.

"Much better." He laughed then returned to his work.

"If you enjoy it when your wards resemble deranged chickens." I laughed despite myself.

  We soon erupted into a fit of giggles, and at length he leaned over towards me to pluck them from my hair.

"Allow me." He murmured, and I looked down at my lap casually.

  I was feeling quite drowsy in the oppressive heat, and I knew my eyes were drooping. If he noticed he did not say so. At last he was finished, and as he pulled the last feather from my hair, he used it to tickle the side of my face. I giggled and dug into his palm and scattered the feathers he had pulled from my hair in his.

"Much better." I laughed at my parroting and jumped from the chair.

"You will pay for this." He put on his best March Warden face, but I did not believe it.

"I am afraid I shan't be able to afford it. We servants aren't paid terribly well." He smirked in spite of himself, and I danced around the small round work table we had been sitting at. He was following me, in a slow and steady pace.

  I felt like a cornered rabbit.

"Then you shall have to utilize other talents to earn more wages." His eyes shone wickedly.

"Surely you jest, Haldir.  Could you be suggesting I have talents you are unaware of? I am but a simple servant." I placed a hand to my bosom.

"Surely you jest. The simplest part of you is your hair, and it makes Mirkwood seem as complex as a small orchard."  He smiled, and snatched my wrists in a fluid motion, and tossed me onto a chair. I landed harder than he intended to, and he kneeled in front of me to make sure I was not hurt.

"I am fine Haldir, you merely surprised me." I was breathless from dodging him.

  But before he could reply, the door burst open.

"Kalia! They day is waning, we really ought to –" Tyrael stopped short when she saw us.

  In truth, we did appear less than innocent, what with him kneeling in front of me, picking feathers from my hair, concern evident in his eyes. And my legs were parted, though I was wearing the usual drab garb of the servant, and no skin was accentuated.

"Tyrael. Good afternoon." Haldir rose from his place in front of me, and his eyes hardened. Ai Eru, the March Warden returned.

"Good afternoon." Tyrael dropped into a clumsy curtsey.

"What did you want from me Ty? I did not recall having plans." I silently pleaded with her to look at me.

"We did not have any, and I see now you were otherwise engaged. I will see you another time, Kalia."

"Tyrael, wait. I do not think Haldir will mind my leaving him for a bit before dinner." I rose from the chair and began to approach her.

"He certainly will." Haldir replied dryly.

  I looked from Ty to Haldir, and groaned inwardly. If these two were bickering with each other, then I would never survive. They would pull me apart fighting over me! As if to punctuate this point, Ty grasped my wrist.

"Surely milord, you do not need an elleth to feather your arrows. You seem quite adept at maintaining them yourself. Alone." Venom laced her voice.

"I can assure you arwenamin, that you have no idea what I need, nor what duties I am skilled at performing, alone or otherwise." His eyes were dark as coals his large fingers wrapped around my other wrist. He tugged gently.

"If I know not what you are capable of, it is no fault of mine!" She tugged on the other wrist, and her eyes matched the setting sun.

"You have no appreciation for the considerations people take for you, Tyrael. In fact, you are inconsiderate, impulsive, and care naught for your reputation to a fault." He yanked at me harshly.

  I cried out softly.

"At least I act, Haldir, at least I live. I do something!" Her voice had become unnaturally raw. She jerked my arm roughly, and I glared at the two of them.

"Your station allows for such a luxury, Tyrael, mine does not." He answered softly. I decided it was time to end this.

"If you don't mind?" I looked at the two of them angrily.

"I am sorry." He replied then stalked out of the room.

Were it possible, I am sure a small black storm cloud would have followed him.

"As am I." Tyrael answered gruffly, and left in a manner just like his. I stared at the door for several moments, wondering who they were apologizing to. I was also pondering the real topic of that conversation. Whatever it was about neither were keen on making me privy to the details, for when I mentioned it to both, they responded angrily.

  However, I was pleased to discover Haldir cooled off after the incident, and Tyrael was back to lusting after his personal effects. They could never stay at odds with each other for very long it seems.

  One week prior to the famed tournament, she and I waited until the cover of darkness, and in a left-handed scrawl we signed our names on the list of competitors. We had to make haste as tonight was the deadline, and the display had been crowded with men and elves all day long. I was going to be Arion, and Tyrael had chosen Trystalorn. We nearly erupted into a fit of giggles when she scribbled her name on the parchment, but someone was staggering towards us, so we had to bolt away from the display and hide. We didn't bother to look back.

  Two days before the tourney I began to panic. We had a dress rehearsal of sorts, where I tried on the hastily made tunic and leggings Tyrael had made from ripped clothing of Legolas and what I could find of Haldir's. It made us look like shabby Silvan elves, and we had some time trying to work on the story of our origin. She waved it off, deciding we could figure that out later.

  In truth, we did look every bit the part of a man. My pants were a bit baggy, but that was good, as it made me appear heavier than I was. Tyrael strapped her breasts down and wore an old tunic of Haldir's which hung even over her broad shoulders. She too wore loose leggings, so her firm bottom and shapely legs were well hidden.

"Now, we need to do something about your hair. Mine can be braided in the manly fashion easily enough, but yours!" She motioned to my mop of curls.

"I'll work it out Tyrael. Perhaps I could wear a hat or something? Or braid it in tight braids like they wear in the west, where the Halflings dwell?"

"The land of the Halflings!  They call it the Shire, I believe. I forgot there were elves there!"

"Aye, and their numbers are scattered, they do not have one location in particular to dwell in."

"Then we shall be Shire elves." She nodded, and buckled her belt. "How do I look?"

  She opened her arms and I looked her up and down, I had to admit, she did look the part. Her lips were painted with a flesh colored hue that made them appear less full and dry. She smudged some dirt on her face to look rough, and with the heavy boots she had filched, her legs seemed broad and stout.

  She looked perfect.

"Perfect. Not even Haldir will guess who you are." I smiled.

"And you! You look an elfling just shy of coming of age." I frowned, and looked down at my diminutive chest and rail-thin hips.

  No shame whatsoever.

"But that is the point." I murmured. Tyrael didn't hear me; instead she tugged at her braids and brushed down her tunic.

"Oh, I nearly forgot! You have a meeting with the Prince tonight!"

"What?" I squeaked.

"Did you forget our revenge?" She had begun to remove her clothes, and I did the same.

"Nay, I merely thought –" I shook my head.

"You thought old Tyrael had lost her wits, eh? Well I merely failed to mention it. I have arranged this since Monday, actually." She seemed smug to have kept it secret for so long.

"Why did you not tell me?" I felt sheen of sweat form on my brow.

"I knew you would lose your nerve if I gave you warning." She grinned cheekily.

I opened my mouth and closed it like a fish, and she cackled. "Ahh, that's the expression the prince wore when I told him his Kalia wanted a tryst with him in the moonlight."

  Moments later, I was being ushered to my room to bathe, and put on a dress that was barely there. It would seem Ty had nicked many items over the years, and this flowing dress was a prime example. I prayed it was not one of Nessa's. The hours crept by painfully slowly, as I went over my plan in my head. At last, Ty slipped a paper under my door, telling me he was waiting, and I slipped out like a wraith into the balmy night air.

  I knew the path to the waterfall well. Over the summers I had been there countless times. My feet made no noise as I stepped barefoot on the groomed grass. The waterfall was actually about one league from the city, and it was not a very large one. It was part of a series of waterfalls that fed the musical streams, rivers, and ponds that dotted Rivendell. This one fell down onto a shallow basin of sorts, then that basin became the summit of a larger waterfall. I would often bathe behind the first fall, wading in the shallows on a warm summer's night.

  It was there that I would meet my prince. I felt a chill squeeze my throat. Could I meet him and play the part tonight? I sincerely hoped I wouldn't get lost in his eyes, or lose my voice in his kiss. I gulped, and shook my head. For all I knew he could simply have agreed to come to tell me he and I were only to be friends, and I would have to relinquish my foolish flirtations for good.

  He was, after all, nearly betrothed to Nessa.

  Without realizing it I found I was nearly up the gentle path to the fall. I could hear a larger fall roaring in the distance, and smelt the damp rocks and honeysuckle that lined my path. The crickets were singing louder than ever. When I reached the summit I found I was alone.

  I frowned, wondering if Ty had been jesting, and turned to look down in the valley of Rivendell. I saw many houses shrouded in darkness the bright moon their only guide. The stars were twinkling merrily, and a few wisps of cloud floated lazily across the sky. The largest house, the house of Elrond was the only dwelling not completely dark, as a few faint golden lights could be seen. I imagined it was from the kitchens and laundry; the laundry detail would rise hours before dawn to ensure breakfast and fresh clothes were ready. They would soon be making their way up here to these very falls to wash if my plans were in order.

  Now where was my victim?

"Where are you Legolas?" I whispered, and frowned.

"Right here." Firm hands circled around my waist and large hands settled on my belly, which lurched in surprise.  His moist breath tickled my bare shoulders, and I nearly fainted.

"You startled me." I breathed, and hoped I didn't sound too pathetic.

"Amin hiraetha." I could feel the smile in his voice.

"Liar." I grinned despite myself.

  For several moments we stood, I in his embrace, watching the starlight fade, and the purple hue of the sun pour from the mountains. I drank in the soft flutter of his heart against my back, and knew I would never feel this again. I tried to memorize his smell, his solid form. I bit my lip to check the tears that wanted to develop.

"Beautiful." I whispered.

"Aye." He replied, but I felt his eyes on me. I smiled softly.

   He motioned to turn me to face him, and I stalled. I had not composed myself, he could see too much if he saw me now. I made a noise of protest, and he paused.

"Let me look into your eyes. I love your eyes, they are warm, and their color is the prettiest I have seen. Far more unique than blue, or violet or grey like most elves. They remind me of the forest." He murmured, and his hands brushed over my shoulder pulling my hair away.

"I should think a normal green would be more acceptable." I found my voice unnaturally deep, almost sultry like Tyrael's.

"Nay, and your hair, I love your hair, wild and carefree. Very unusual." I felt his fingers in my curls, and I closed my eyes. 

  He turned me around, and I felt his face hover near mine dangerously. I licked my lips, and opened my eyes. I looked into his which in the pale moonlight were as dark as the night sky. I could see the stars and the rising sun in his eyes, and felt my heart twinge with guilt. Perhaps I should not do this…I found my resolve, and my voice.

"Take your clothes off." His eyes widened in surprise, and he smiled. His desire was apparent.

"As you wish, arwenamin." He bowed, and began to remove his clothes.

  He began with his shoes, then his leggings, and tunic. I couldn't help but smile as I discovered he had brought his bow and quiver with him.  He handed me his clothes, and I took them casually.

"Now go and stand behind the waterfall, and turn around. I do not wish you to see me while I disrobe." I kept my voice steady, and he smiled.

  He slipped behind the fall, and waited patiently. I knew even if he peeked, his view was obstructed by the water and the tall rocks I was positioned near. I paused several moments, deciding what to do. It was now or never. Fate would make the decision for me, as I heard the soft footfalls of the laundry detail coming to their favorite wash pool.

"Amin hiraetha, Legolas." I whispered, and clung to his clothes for dear life. I stood on the edge of the fall, my feet nearly slipping in the icy water. The ladies voices could be distinctly heard.

"Well, I am just coming to make sure that you do not damage the lace. That lace came from Gondor I'll have you know." I groaned. Nessa! Up at this hour?

  Legolas must have heard the commotion too, for he dashed from his hiding spot, through the cool waterfall. He was looking for me. I looked at him, my anguish apparent, and mouthed, "Amin hiraetha." one last time before I dove silently into the waterfall, his clothes in my hand. I could not read the expression on his face.

I felt instantly miserable when I returned. Tyrael was waiting in my room, her face a mixture of anxiety and anticipation. She knew as well as I the trouble I could and most likely would be in when Legolas returned. I couldn't even smile at the vision of Nessa's perfect face when her intended was caught clinging to his quiver for dear life in the cold water.  As soon as I looked into Tyrael's eyes, the grief settled in my chest, and I burst into tears.

"I've ruined everything Tyrael! Now he is sure to hate me!" I wailed, and she shoved a pillow in my face to shush me.

  It was still too early for people to be awake after all, and Haldir was grumpy in the morning. If I wasn't so sad I would have surely laughed at the befuddled expression on Tyrael's face. She looked as if she had no idea as to what to do with a crying elleth.

"It cannot be as bad as all that, now stop crying." She patted my back gently.

"It is! I have betrayed his trust, and for what? A foolish prank. What have I done?" I pounded my pillow.

"Nonsense. You merely gave him a taste of his own medicine." She pulled me from my pity session roughly. "You must keep a level head, Kalia. You have a big day tomorrow, and you cannot fall to pieces now. Years from now, elleths will remember our bold statement; we cannot have you like this."

Leave it to Tyrael to stroke my feminist side. She was right of course. I looked at her tiredly as she pulled out a fresh dress for me to wear, and pulled my hair back out of my face into a tight bun.

  When did we switch roles?

  I sighed, and rose from my bed, and peeled off my sheer dress. I wasn't suited for such finery anyway. She smiled at my initiative, and clasped her hands together.

"Good, now I will meet you one last time tonight for a final practice round alright?"

  I nodded silently, and she slipped out the door quietly. I willed myself to face the day, and found that as the sun rose, my spirits did too, and I could face Haldir without too much guilt. I had rationalized my actions, and I was wronged that day in the pond. By luncheon I was even humming Ty's favorite drinking song softly to myself.  I strode into the main dining hall, eager to take my own meal since Haldir decided to eat with the masses today, and found my master eyeing me curiously. I frowned slightly, and walked over to him.
"Is something troubling you milord?" I was unsure if his eyes were bemused or reproachful.

"Not exactly. I have heard troubling news is all." He sipped his drink lazily, and his eyebrows shot up a bit.

"Concerning?" I felt my happy mood fly away.

  He knew.

"Concerning Legolas Greenleaf being found in a compromising position in the falls early this morning. Where were you before breakfast, Kalia? I did not hear you snoring."

  I opened my mouth ready for a hot retort, and then remembered we were in the company of others. He would not take kindly to insubordination here.

"I was asleep. I was very tired – perhaps I was too tired to snore." I lifted my chin haughtily, and he allowed a grin.

"Then you would not have an idea as to how the prince was found as he was?" He chewed on a slice of bread casually.

"Nay milord, I dare say few can manage every time the prince is caught with his pants down." 

  He caught my wrist in a lightening fast motion, and his smile faded.

"I did not say his pants were down."

   I feigned shock. "How else could he have been found that would have been compromising?"

  He deliberated for a moment, and then relinquished his grip. The man was strong! I rubbed it absentmindedly.

"You may go." He replied, and I left him to ponder his breakfast.

  I did not see Legolas all day, and I took my dinner in my room so I wouldn't have to face him at dinner. Tyrael and I met in our secret garden one last time, and bid each other good evening.

"We meet one hour before dawn, here, to change and ready ourselves." She added as she trotted back to her quarters.

  I sighed, and rubbed my eyes. I was feeling unnaturally sleepy tonight. My eyes felt heavy, yet elves don't sleep with their eyes closed. I made my way back to the main path to my quarters. My legs felt heavy, and my feet were dragging on the ground. I stumbled and fell, and strong arms captured my waist and stopped me from hitting the ground. I turned slowly and found I was face to face with Legolas. I wrinkled my eyebrows at how long it took me to make my mouth open up and ask him a question.

"Mani naa lle umien what are you doing?" I asked dumbly, and felt my hand rise to my clammy forehead.

"Nothing that you would not do to me, lirimaeramin my lovely one." He replied softly.

  I felt decidedly nauseous, and without warning, my stomach lurched and I felt the contents of my dinner rise from my throat.

"You said she would not be harmed! Thrine amin!" I could hear his scowl.

"Nay, it will not harm her. Perhaps we have given her too much. I have never seen an elf get sick." It was Estel! He was in on this?

"They don't." Elrohir replied dryly. I forced my eyes open and glanced at him warily. What did they intend to do?

"Quel kaima." Elladan whispered, as he scooped me into his arms, and I knew no more.

The next morning I woke up feeling groggy and queasy. I groaned. This was not going to be a good day. I felt large hands shaking me roughly.

"Wake up! We shall be late!" It was Tyrael. I must have slept in.

"I'm sorry, I must have been tired." I mumbled, and pulled the covers down from my face. I rubbed my eyes and looked at her. Her face was unusually pale.

"What happened?" She whispered.

"What do you mean?" I replied. I lifted my hand to run through my hair. My hair!

"AIYA!" my anguished voice echoed throughout all of Rivendell. A few dogs barked in response, and I heard the echo of a baby cry. Tyrael's hand clamped over my mouth.

"Dina! Do you want Haldir in here?" She hissed.

  I sobbed against her hand, as tears flowed unchecked. I heard Haldir stumble sleepily, and Tyrael shoved me down and covered me just as he burst through the door. She held her hand over my shoulders to stop me from being seen.

"What is the matter?" He sounded breathless, and I heard the soft melodic hum of his bow being strung.

"Nothing! She is not feeling well. She is on her cycle." Tyrael replied.

"I thought her cycle was two weeks ago?" He sounded puzzled. I blushed under the covers. He knew?

"Well, erm, she has it again, that is why she is so troubled."

"Perhaps she should see a healer. Can she walk?" I heard his bare feet land softly on the marble floor.

"Aye, Haldir, she can walk. She will be alright." Tyrael sounded irritable.

"If she is well then." He answered at length.

"I am milord." I added glumly. I hoped he could not hear the anguish I felt. How could he do this to me? My hair! That was the embodiment of an elleth's womanhood! How could he be so cruel? Had I been that unjust? I stifled a sob.

  Haldir left the room silently, punctuated by the soft snick of the door closing. Tyrael let out a huge breath of air she was holding.

"That was too close. I could swear he knew." She looked at me sympathetically.

"I doubt it. Perhaps he knows how cruel the prince is." I replied, a sob in my throat.

"Nay, he is not cruel. Perhaps he did not do it, or perhaps it was an accident." She rubbed my back soothingly. It would seem she was getting good at comforting me lately.

"An accident? How does one accidentally cut off four feet of hair?" I groused, and tugged at the inch long curl that had settled over my ear.

"I don't know." She sighed.

"Well, it doesn't matter now. The only good thing is that now I will fit in perfectly. They will not recognize me for sure." I gasped.

"What?"

"What if he knows I intend to join the competition and that is why he did this?" I clung to her forearm wildly.

"Never. This was just an ill-timed prank. He could have simply revealed our identity to Elrond if he wanted to reveal our intentions." Tyrael replied.

"You are right, again." I added ruefully, and rose.

"Well let's go then. We haven't got all day!" She replied briskly, and I rushed to wash.

  We darted across the city wildly, as we were going to be late. When we arrived at our secret location, I tugged at my dress carelessly, and we snatched on our clothes. In the daylight we did certainly look like young men, and we smiled. Tyrael had wrapped herself so tight, she could barely speak. When I suggested she loosen it she shook her head fiercely.

"Nay, I am fine! I should not have eaten breakfast. I am terribly nervous." She looked at me sheepishly.

"As am I. How do I look?" I brushed my careworn tunic down and looked up at her.

"Perfect!" She chirped.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased to welcome you to this year's Summer Tournament!" Elrond's clear voice rang out and the large crowd cheered happily. My stomach felt as if it had a rock in it. There were so many people. I self-consciously tugged at my cloak. No one seemed to care.

"Bowmen, line up here!" I looked at Tyrael, and she smiled stiffly.

"Quel marth good luck!" she whispered.

"You too!" I nodded, and ran off to join the long line of elves and men who had joined.

  There were at least fifty men in all.  They handed us bows from Lothlórien, said to be the finest in the known world, and I felt my jaw drop in awe. They were exquisite. I pawed the well worked wood reverently, and then composed myself when the judge strode past me to verify I was in position.

"Ready! Aim! Fire!" I narrowed my eyes, and focused. I felt the familiar hum of the bow as I strung it, and released the arrow fluidly.

  It hit dead center.

"Mae govannen." I stiffened; the judge smiled down at me and looked over at the target I had hit.

"Diola lle." I replied softly, and he clapped me on the back so hard I nearly fell.

  He moved on down the line, writing down scores as he went. I watched as he paused in front of Legolas, and winked, not even bothering to look at his target. He knew as I did, that he had hit it dead center.

"Bowmen, move!" The judge barked, and we filed in a single line to another range. This was more difficult than the first, as it was like the first, but several things obstructed the target, such as wooden animals, and a few trees. We were to line up and one by one shoot for the target. I waited to be last in line, hoping Legolas, as well as Elladan, Elrohir, and Estel, would be engrossed in conversation while I took my turn.

  It worked. I breathed a sigh of relief, and fired again, hitting my target easily. It was, as usual, dead center.

"Well done again lad! I daresay you might give Legolas some competition this year!"

  The judge patted my back again, and I blushed and looked down at the ground.

"I hope not." I mumbled, and kicked the ground idly.

  Once again we moved, and continued like this for two hours until we had gone through every range in Rivendell, as well as five they had built for the occasion. Legolas and I both were tied for the lead, each having a perfect score.

  He had not noticed me yet, and I was glad of this. It would seem Tyrael was right! I could enter this competition without worry of discovery! I was beaming by the time the final round came along.

"It is now time to tally scores, and enter the elimination round!  The following may stay: Estel, Elladan, Elrohir, Glorfindel…" I blocked out the judges voice and the happy cheers of the massive crowd that was watching us.

  Our last challenge would be a series of basic targets and a few moving ones that would be vaulted by a few young elves. I glanced over to the sparring ring. Tyrael had a burly elf, named Gilliam up in the air, and spun him around before dropping him to the ground with a cry. He was very still, and rolled on the ground in pain. At last he raised a hefty arm up in defeat.

"Amin lava! I yield!" He cried.

  Tyrael whooped and raised her arms happily. Her eyes met mine, and she smiled and winked.

"…Legolas, and Arion!" I snapped my head back as the crowd began to cheer wildly.

  I noticed most were women, and most were cheering for Legolas, still I found the courage to hold a hand up and salute then politely.

"Come lad, show them your face! Pull down your cloak." The judge tugged at my cloak and I yelped.

"Yee! Eek!" I drew away from him sharply.

"Thank you sir, but I am fine." He looked at me confused, and shook his head. I did look rather silly, as it was sweltering and anyone with sense was removing their clothing.

  This included Legolas.

  His pale skin glowed in the sunlight, and his silvery hair shone golden in the light. I swallowed hard, reminding myself that I was a man and I would do well to pay attention to the target rather than Legolas. I sighed, and waited my turn to have my shot. I was so absorbed arranging my arrows, that I did not hear someone approach me.

"You are a fine bowman." My eyes widened.

"Diola lle, Legolas." I replied gruffly.

  He nodded politely and sat his Mirkwood quiver next to the provided set from Lothlorien.

"Where did you learn?" He was fingering his lovely arrows, and didn't bother to look up at me.

"I taught myself. I would steal away into the woods, running like I was being followed, and shoot at trees. I began with the truck, and soon my targets became the smallest leaves I could find." I smiled at the memory.

  On more than one occasion I had angered many a wasp's nest or sleeping bird. He laughed at my revelation.

"My father taught me." He replied.

"He is a good warrior and excellent archer."

"You know him?" He seemed surprised.

"Nay, I have heard stories." I added quickly. "Those are from your kingdom?" I pointed to his arrows, which were shining in the bright light.

"Aye, these are special." He pulled one out and handed it to me to inspect. I rolled them over my fingers as if it was the first time I saw them,

"Were they a gift from an admirer?" I blushed at my forwardness.

  He laughed.

"Nay, I made them myself. I can recall the wood I felled to make each and every one. I do not use them carelessly." I felt my smile fade.

  He made these? I willed myself to find my voice.

"Then you must have a patient hand, you are an excellent craftsmen." He nodded as I gave him his arrow back.

"Thank you." He smiled sweetly then squinted in the blaring sun.

"Legolas!" The judge hollered, and he rose to have his turn.

  I watched him go, and felt terrible. I had told him he would know nothing about patience and hard work, yet he had a quiver full of proof that would tell another story. I heard a yelp and a growl and glanced over towards Tyrael. She and Haldir were locked in a fierce battle, and it would seem Tyrael had the upper hand for a moment. The two lunged at each other in a dizzying flash, and arms, legs, and bodies writhed as they tried to best the other. It was so hot I had to squint to focus to see them through the rippling heat waves.

"Arion!" I jumped.

  I turned and found several pairs of eyes on me. I rose from the hot bench and strode over to the first target. Just as I did the first time, my bow sang happily as I met each and every target. With each new one, the crowd, which had hushed, would gasp in surprise. The last target had an additional moving target, to the left. You would have to fire two arrows at once to hit them. Legolas had done so, but his arrow did not hit the dead center. It has cost him a few points. I took a deep breath, and readied my arrows. I did not care who was there, who was in the lead, or what my position was. I repeated this in my head like a mantra, and closed my eyes.

  I fired.

"Yes!" I heard the judge exclaim, and the crowd clapped happily. I opened my eyes, only to find a familiar pair of blue ones before my own. His eyes shone in recognition.

  I paled.

"I have seen that expression before. I know of only one archer who closes their eyes to get a better aim at the target." His voice was so soft, I could barely hear it.

  The others ran up to me, and grasped my hand merrily. Estel clapped my back roughly, while exclaiming how well I had did, to finally best Legolas at a target, and I smiled weakly. Estel and the twins quieted, and it was then that I felt several degrees cooler. Estel had removed my cloak's hood from his affectionate clap. I gulped and looked up at the crowd.

  No one seemed to recognize me.

"There we go, good show, Estel. The poor lad would surely catch a stroke staying under that hood all day!"  The judge smiled at us, and I removed my cloak and let it fall to the ground carelessly.

"One target left lads! Come Legolas, Arion, you two are the finalists!" He walked us over to another target, that was like the first we faced, only three times as far away.

This would be a test of basic aiming skills. I glanced at Legolas nervously; he merely looked at the target. I frowned.

"Arion, you go first this time lad." I nodded and felt bile rise in my throat.

  Elves are not supposed to get ill. I reminded myself numbly. I drew my weapon, and aimed. I fired without hesitation, and waited for the page to signal if I had hit the dead center.  He raised his hand and the crowd cheered again. I released a breath I did not know I was holding.

"Legolas." The judge replied, and tallied my score.

  He placed his arrow silently, and fired just as he had in the early summer when we were alone in the ranges. Just as the first time, his arrow split mine in two perfectly. The crowd yelped happily, and I distinctly heard the familiar howl of his father.

  I smiled despite myself. He looked down at me, an odd expression on his face, and I nodded at him stiffly.

  I aimed again, but my ears pricked up when I heard cries of distress. We all glanced over towards the sparring ring, and I saw Tyrael swoon then fall in a disheveled heap in the ring. Haldir looked down puzzled, and began to shake her gently. His face was drawn with worry.

"What is wrong with him?" I heard a woman cry in fear.

  I licked my lips and looked at the judge.

"Fear not lad, they will fix him up. Go on then." I looked back at my target.

"He isn't breathing!" Haldir cried, and I yelped in fear.

"Tyrael!" I whispered, and looked at Legolas.

  He seemed to understand. I knew if I left I would lose my position, but something was wrong with Tyrael. I growled angrily, and fired my arrow blindly. I heard the definitive crack as my arrow split his.

"Arion, where are you going? You will be disqualified!" The judge exclaimed.

"I already am! I am not Arion, my name is Kalia!" I shouted over my shoulder as the crowd gasped. I peeped at Elrond who rose from his chair in shock.

"Then Legolas is the winner!" The judge cried, and some scattered applause dotted the stands.

  Many were murmuring in confusion, shock, and worry over the fallen elf in the sparring ring. I ran over to her and sank onto my knees. Legolas was fast at my heels.

"Tyrael!" I cried, and grasped at her tunic.

  She was turning a pale blue. I snatched off her cloak, and tore at her shirt angrily. I felt tears prick my eyes. This was a foolish folly, and now she had paid dearly. I looked up at Haldir, who looked both stricken and angry.

  I focused on Tyrael.

"Breathe damnit!" I shouted, and ripped at her tunic.

  I unraveled her wrapping, and the color returned to her face. I snatched off my own tunic, as I had an undershirt on, and ignored the startled gasps in the background. I tugged it over her head, and tapped her face gently. She moaned, and began to choke and gasp for air like a fish out of water.

"Aye, that's it my girl, breathe, breathe." I tugged her up from the ground, and smoothed her damp hair down, rocking her gently.

  She opened her bright eyes, and glanced at the ring of angry faces that were looking down at her. It was then that I noticed her bruised chin, and swollen lips. Haldir looked no worse for wear except his hair was undone.

"Did I win?" She rasped, and I laughed heartily, then kissed her flushed forehead.

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