Disclaimer: If I owned the LOTR empire, I would be rich, famous, and curled up around a butt nekkid Orlando Bloom, not writing fanfiction. Ok wait maybe he would be wearing the Legolas costume. Bottom line: I'm NOT curled up around Orli, therefore I don't own the LOTR empire and shall make no monies from this. Oh, and I *guess* I would allow Andy to be curled up around a butt nekkid Craig Parker. *sighs* But then she and Jamie would start to fight over him, and it would get kinda messy…still I digress.
Review Reply: Wow you guys kick ass, that's all I'm going to say. We got something like, 26 reviews for chappie 14! I love it. I will have to answer them some other time…cause to quote one review I'm "kind of odd…but tres good none the less." ;)
A/N: Sorry this once again took so bloody long. Twas my (suzie's) fault. I was busy with silly things like work and when I did have time I battled writer's block and another blackout, so if the chappie stinks, well, sowie. :D. *scuffs away, nibbling on her cookie, her hand firmly placed on her bare-assed Legolas*
"I love you Kalia. I've loved you from the moment I saw you, in the stables so many years ago. I am sorry I took so long to muster the courage to tell you."
"Kalia, are you awake?" I felt my body stiffen in surprise, and I dug my face deeper into the pillows. I was still groggy from the exhausting events of yesterday, and I felt as if I had only just slipped into sleep.
"Nay." I grumbled, and my intruder laughed gently. It was a sound too sweet to ignore. I turned over, and lay on my side to face him. A pair of sparkling blue eyes danced before my own, and I felt my breath catch in my throat. His love was laid bare before me, and it was almost too much to look at.
"Good-morning Melamin." He replied, and a long hand smoothed the tufts of hair that were no doubt, sticking up in several directions.
"Good-morning. Why are you here?" I felt my eyebrow cock involuntarily. Part of the reason I found it difficult to sleep was due to the searing kisses and fervent touch he seemed so eager to pass out last night.
"You are not pleased to see me? Have you tired of me already?" His voice feigned hurt; yet, I was delighted to find a hint of truth in his eyes. He was still just as apprehensive about my devotion to me as I was.
"Nay, I shan't tire of you anytime soon Legolas." I answered with a smirk, and he smiled.
"I wanted to see you, before you woke up. For the rest of our lives, I want to be the first thing you see when you wake up." He whispered this so softly, my ears strained to hear him. I rose on one arm, and placed a hand on his cheek.
"That, Legolas, was the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me." I remarked, before leaning close to kiss him. At first I meant for it to be a gentle brush of lips against his, yet soon I found I could not pull away.
I cared naught for what my breath must smell like, all I could process of feel of his hands has he slipped the straps of my gown down on shoulders until they rested on the crook of my elbow. He rose from his position next to my bed, and soon we were both facing each other in an awkward angle, each leaning on one arm. His head soon nudged my own back, as he placed soft kisses on my neck and exposed shoulders, while his free hand firmly held my back up, perhaps to steady me, as I was sure I was trembling like a newborn kitten. It was only when his lips began to devour my neck, inching rapidly down towards the tops of my exposed breasts that I could find my voice to speak again.
"Legolas!" He looked up at me, his lips curling like the cat that caught the mouse, and I chuckled softly.
"Do you wish for me to abort this endeavor?" He murmured silkily, and I felt my resolve wither. His parents plainly wished for us to behave ourselves for the agonizing year before our wedding vows, yet, in truth, I desired him so severely, I could scarcely see straight. I felt dizzy.
"Perhaps, we should." I gasped, as he had eased me down onto my back, and in a fluid motion was astride me, his arousal pressed firmly into my hip.
"You ask much of me Kalia." He remarked, his voice having lost the silkiness, now replaced with raw need. I leaned forward, as if possessed by another's will and placed a hot kiss on the hollow of his throat.
"Dear Valar." He whimpered, and any hope any prayer, I had of behaving ran screaming from my quarters as if Sauron himself chasing.
"Legolas," I crooned, my hips pressing against his, my body eager to have his heat pressed against mine. "Tell me of the other desires you have that involve your being in my bed."
He grinned at me, before adjusting himself so that I might better appreciate the friction our bodies could cause. I bit my lip to stifle the cry of joy.
"There aren't enough hours in the day m'dear." He replied. He motioned to finish the kiss he had begun when I first pulled him to me, but was interrupted by a firm knock on the door.
"Damn." I muttered, as I gave him an apologetic look while pulling myself away from him.
"Kalia? Are you there? It's Tyrael." I sighed at her profound timing.
"Half a moment, I'm not decent!" I remarked grumpily, while running my fingers through my hair.
She seemed to ponder this for a second before replying. "That makes no sense Kalia we have seen each other stark as the day we were born."
She sounded both impatient and excited, and I could hardly imagine what had developed during the course of the few hours that had passed since we had parted, that would arouse such a commotion. Legolas sighed, and I found he had managed to compose himself. I pulled my robe on, and called for her.
"Enter."
She dashed in, and I found she still wore the same blue dress she had on the night before. I could see the faint tint of shadows under her eyes, and wondered if she had slept at all.
"Ahh, I see now why you are not decent." She remarked, as she took in Legolas' blush and my rumpled bed.
"Don't be daft Tyrael, Legolas just arrived." I snapped my nerves still raw. It was only a partial lie and in the few moments that had passed since he had arrived, my body was humming in a familiar ache for him.
"I see." She remarked dryly, and I knew she did not believe me.
"Well, did you have a purpose, or has his parents sent you to spy on us and make sure we were behaving ourselves?' I groused once again, narrowing my eyes when her face paled a moment at the mention at being enlisted to spy on us. Surely they wouldn't??
"Nay, I came to join you in the halls for breakfast. It shall be our first, and I thought you would be up already agonizing over what to wear." I rolled my eyes at her suggestion. Sure, I enjoyed wearing nice garments, but I was no priss.
"Ah, so your belly ruled you actions. There is the Tyrael I know. As far as deciding what to wear, it matters not what I wanted to wear, I only have my servant's garb to wear therefore that is how I shall be dressed."
"Kalia, I could arrange for a seamstress to come and prepare clothes for you, or at least alter a dress." Legolas spoke for the first time.
"Nay, I could not accept it. The nearest servant is Olieria, and she is nursing a babe still, and it would put her out terribly to have to come for a call at this hour. I will be fine."
He seemed touched by my consideration of the servants, but did not comment.
"Good! Then find something to wear and let us go!" Tyrael chirped.
"Not so fast. I need a bath, and judging for the state of your rumpled clothes, so do you." I wrinkled my nose, imaging what stains could be found on her dress.
One hour, and a trip to her room for a fresh gown later, we found ourselves being escorted into the common dining hall. There, we were greeted with curious glances of our peers, and the occasional whisper. The feeling of hundreds of eyes upon me made me want to squirm like a toddler, and I willed myself not to cling to Legolas. I scanned the room for a free table, before the clear voice of Elladan addressed us.
"Legolas, Kalia, Tyrael! Come, join us!" I turned and found him approaching us, wearing a deep blue tunic that made his eyes shine like jewels. I smiled at him warmly.
"Good day Elladan. I trust you rested well." Legolas remarked as he clasped his forearm fondly.
"Aye, if you excuse my having to tell my daughter a bedtime story." He winked at Tyrael, who blushed. It was nice to see someone who could tease her properly.
He led us over to the royal dining hall, chattering about the array of dishes they would be serving that morning, to honor the Prince's engagement, and I felt my stomach lurch in surprise. I could no longer detach myself from their functions, as I too was a noble, and engaged to the prince. Sure enough, when we entered the hall all turned and bowed to us out of respect. I was still unused to the term "Your majesty."
When we arrived, I felt tenfold worse than I had when we had made a spectacle of ourselves at the tournament. The nobles were just a curious and displeased with our change in status as our own peers, except their disdain was more blatant, as they were not intimidated by Elladan and Legolas like the servants were. They knew gentile manners would not allow either elves to respond with a harsh remark like Tyrael and I would have with our peers. Elladan and Legolas seemed thoroughly unfazed by the attention, yet I sensed that Tyrael was just as uncomfortable as I was. I felt the eyes taking in my drab gown, and cropped hair, and I was also aware of their scandalized assessment of Tyrael, who, they did not know was Elladan's daughter. Before we sat down at our places at the head table, Elladan turned an addressed the crowd.
"My friends, I have good news this morn." He clapped his hands together, and the gentle hum of soft conversation silenced.
"Last night, my family took council with the Lady Galadriel, and His Majesty the King of Mirkwood, and a new discovery was made. I present to you, Tyrael, my daughter." He pulled her closer to him, and smiled warmly, and turned to face the nobles, who were murmuring excitedly.
Tyrael faced them nervously, and waved, and I knew from her posture, that she would rather clean out a mortal privy, then be in front of everyone. Perhaps she and I had more in common than I realized. After a moment's pause, we sat down at the table, waiting for a servant to take our order for food.
"Tyrael, I have a request."
"Yes Ada?" She replied, her knees bobbing up and down nervously. In the corner, a small group of Rivendell noblewomen were sizing her up, and gesturing rudely to her dress and hair. I wanted to storm over there and slap them.
"I wish to have you join me in my quarters for breakfast. I believe now would be a good time to try our hand at art." His eyes shone with tenderness, and I felt a pang of envy. I would never know a father's love, and I never had.
"Now? I don't know-"
"I shall make sure to distract you with food." He cut her off with a friendly wave of his hand.
She bit in inside of her cheek thoughtfully for a moment, then the corners of her lips turned up.
"Alright, let's go then." She rose from the table quickly, and he followed, after placing a hand on Legolas' shoulders in a silent goodbye.
Legolas turned to face me, and smiled. It was then that I became aware of his fingers, which were laced with my own. I wanted to suggest we too take our meal in his quarters, but that thought was dashed from my mind, when I saw Haldir approaching, looking worse for wear.
"Uncle, good-morning." I knew I could scarcely hide the concern in my voice, and even Legolas seemed thrown by his preoccupied face.
"Good morning Kalia, Legolas." He sat down tiredly at the table, just as a servant approached us to offer food.
After a brief moment of deciding, she scurried away, and I turned to face Haldir, the question hot on my lips.
"I have spoken to Elladan." He set his jaw, and looked over his shoulder as if the elf would appear behind him suddenly.
"And?" I queried, finding myself unusually impatient. Perhaps I had not slept enough.
"If I wish to marry his daughter, I must endure a state of celibacy, like you and the Prince." He snatched up the cup of draught the servant had given him, and drank heartily.
"That's it?" I remarked sharply. He sounded as if he had been ordered to pluck a hair from a bull's ass, or even worse, had been told he could not marry Tyrael. I wasn't the least bit surprised at his decision to marry her, for I had known, perhaps longer than anyone, just how long he had loved her well.
"That's it? Surely you jest Kalia. I am not noble or as virtuous as you are. I might be older, but I am by no means, that old!" He groused, and Legolas smiled.
"I am not as virtuous as you believe me to me Haldir." His blue-grey eyes shot up and met mine, before eyeing his plate of food miserably.
"That is not the only problem I think Kalia." Legolas remarked, and Haldir nodded. It would seem he knew more about Haldir than I thought.
"I have sent word to my family back home, my father is sure to attend the vows." He murmured so softly, I had to strain to hear him.
I had never considered his relationship with his father, and thinking back, he always mentioned his brothers, or mother, when speaking of his family.
"When will he arrive?" Legolas continued.
"A month, perhaps a bit longer," He sighed. "At least I shall have ample time to arrange the ceremony. I do hope you will be there Kalia, provided she agrees to marry me." He took my hand in his, and I smiled warmly.
"Of course, she will, and of course I will." I leaned forward, and kissed his forehead.
*
Hours later, I found myself walking in the gardens, alone. Legolas had been called to read a message from Mirkwood, and it was then that I was reminded of his duties at the warrior, as well as the Prince. I knew then, that my marrying him would not just entail looking pretty and staring deep into his eyes lovingly. As a Princess, I too would have my responsibilities, and I was not so daft as to believe I was not a bit intimidated. Would I disappoint him?
I must have been quite distracted, for I soon found I had wandered to the outskirts of a small rose garden. In the center of the small courtyard sat a small group of noblewomen, who were talking amongst themselves. I motioned to join them, and perhaps establish a relationship with them, yet instinct stayed my progress.
"I cannot imagine what the world is coming to when a prince decides to marry a kitchen wench. A serf for Elbereth's sake! Whatever was he thinking?"
"He probably was not thinking at all. I do not trust that Kalia as her name is, one bit. Have you not noticed how queer he has been behaving lately? She looks queer herself, and I have heard rumour that she wasn't even from Lothlórien. She could very well be some kind of fey spirit that has taken hold of Legolas. Have you not seen her eyes, and how many elves do you know are as small as she? She is surely the…"
I winced despite myself and slunk away from the group. When I turned around, I was face to face with Tyrael.
"Kalia-"
I held up a hand to halt her, shaking my head.
"Tis nothing I haven't heard before Tyrael. Forest Demon, scullery wench. Outsider. And most often, bastard."
I let out a quavering sigh and walked with her, away from the gardens until we found our own place, where we had practiced our skills for the tournament, and spent long hours discussing nothing in particular.
Tyrael said nothing, yet her presence was comforting, and I found myself continuing.
"The locals never believed my mother was being honest when she swore my father was a real elf, who had perished. Upon arriving she was spent, her spirit was barely kept in this world, and she was prone to fits of hysteria."
Though I was very small at the time, the image of her sweat stained body, thrashing against the sheets, wailing for my father, would haunt me during dark nights.
"Eventually, she was deemed incompetent, and I was embraced by a simple family from Lothlórien, who adopted me into their house, and a life of servitude. I remember being glad for the change, glad to have someone to watch over me, preparing meals regularly, and brushing my hair at night."
Tyrael smiled along with me, perhaps reminded of those who had shown her great kindness in her lifetime.
"I never bid my mother farewell. She faded away, and by the time she had, I had submerged myself entirely into my new family. I-"
I was surprised to feel the cool tears pouring down my face. I wiped them angrily.
"I even denied being her daughter for during adolescence, embarrassed by what they called her. They, they called her crazy Celairiel." I whispered.
"Kalia," Tyrael began, and wrapped long arms around me.
"I grew up, and I tried so hard so hard to distance myself from my mother. I soon began to fantasize over my father, imagining what kind of man he was, and praying for his family to come and claim me, and take me to where I would be accepted. But no one ever came, and all I had to look forward to was my palace duties." I sighed then continued.
"I was never very sociable Tyrael, I kept mostly to myself. Remember how I told you I used to steal off to the forest to work on my archery?"
Tyrael nodded.
"I would leave because, well, because no one really cared for me in the palace. I had few friends, and the few I had growing up, well, they got married, and moved on. So really, I've been all alone all my life."
"You're not alone anymore Kalia. You have Legolas."
I smiled, and nodded in agreement.
"When I fist saw him, I felt both enraptured and inadequate all in one breath. Though I knew he wouldn't, couldn't desire me, I honed other skills, in case, one day, I would get my chance to show him, that the queer bastard girl could and was, something to be reckoned with. And now, I have my chance, where I've always dreamed of, and I'm terrified, that I'll fail. I'm so scared Tyrael, that he'll change his mind. What if-"
"He won't Kalia. He loves you, he really does." Tyrael tightened her grip on my shoulders and I leaned against her with a sob.
"You and I have much in common little Kalia. We were both underappreciated by our peers as children," The corners of her lips curled in such a way that it was impossible to determine if she was scowling or smiling wryly.
"We both preferred solitude over socialization, and we both fretful of the love that has been offered us, sitting up pondering over it until our eyes cross and drool pours from our lips."
I snickered at her silly remark and sighed.
"Tyrael?"
"Yes Kalia?"
"You're my best friend."
Tyrael didn't respond for several moments, and I began to wonder if I had overstepped my bounds until she responded.
"You're my best friend too Kalia." She replied, and I looked up into her face, and found it was smiling like my own.
**
Two weeks passed in a bit of a flurry, as I soon found myself spending long hours in Legolas' mother's quarters re-learning the finer points of needlework and court gossip. Though his mother was a lovely elleth, who was both kind and witty, I soon found myself painfully bored, and missing Tyrael's antics and Haldir's solid companionship.
It was only when his mother caught me staring wistfully down at the courtyard, where Elladan, Haldir, Tyrael, Orophin, Rúmil, and Elrohir, were all engaged in a lively conversation, that his mother finally sensed my discontent and sent me off to join them.
My faith in her supreme loveliness was instantly renewed.
From then on, she would only ask me to join her for breakfast, which, we usually took in her quarters, with the King and Legolas. There, we would discuss the events of the previous day, and I would bend my ear to the soft discussion between Thranduil and his son on the events of Mirkwood.
I could sense something was brewing that had both father and son unsettled, though nothing that would drive them into immediate action.
Once breakfast was over, I was free, for the first time that I could ever recall, to roam the grounds as I pleased, and so I did. Usually, I would end up napping underneath a shady tree, perhaps one with fragrant flowers, or tasty fruit, but sometimes, I would settle in a grove near the archery ranges, and spend hours practicing my craft, and repairing my equipment intermittently.
It was on such an occasion, that I found myself enjoying the company of Haldir, who managed to free himself from his duties as March Warden to picnic with me and join me in the meditative pastime of fletching arrows.
"I have something for you Kalia."
I looked up from my comfortable spot on the soft wool blanket, and smiled shyly.
"Haldir, you shouldn't have."
"But I did." He replied with a smile, and then shyly produced a brown wrapped package that was rather long and awkward.
I looked down at the mystery package and looked up at him.
"Tyrael had naught to do with this did she?"
I braced myself for a gift wrapped snake, or some other hideous animal that she would find adorable, and want me to love.
He chuckled and shook his head.
"Nay, this is all my own doing."
I let out a breath I wasn't aware I was holding, and pulled the twine apart. The burlap fell away, to reveal a stunning longbow, and a quiver full of arrows.
"Oh Haldir," I looked down in disbelief at the site before me.
Each arrow was inlaid with the finest gold paint I had ever seen, and I recognized the elvish symbol for Ithilien carved on the arm of the longbow. The symbol for Ithilien was superimposed over the Greenleaf of Mirkwood, and the Mallorn leaf of Lothlórien. Both leaves were painted green and gold respectively, and the elvish was a silvery hue that I suspected would glow in the moonlight.
I looked over at him, tears blurring my vision.
"I made it for you, to honor your new family."
I felt my face crinkle up, and I let out a soft sob as I found myself being pulled into his embrace.
"Thank you Haldir. I cannot find the words to convey how happy I am to have received this. For the first time, I know what it feels like to have a family, and I admit it is a bit overwhelming."
Haldir looked down at me, after placing a soft kiss on my forehead, and frowned.
"You have always had family. You said you were raised by a family in Mirkwood."
"Aye, but," I sighed; not wanting to sound ungrateful.
"I've always longed to have a family of my own. I am so envious of Tyrael, though I am ashamed to admit it. She has a grandfather, uncles, an aunt, and a whole village of extended relatives. And she has a father."
I added the last comment so softly, I wasn't sure if he even heard me.
"Kalia," He cleared his throat, and held me closer.
"You have uncles, and cousins, and a whole forest of friends who shall be clambering to meet you. You are about to inherit a kingdom full of relatives, even if they are only via marriage, you have two troublemaking uncles who adore you, and a grandfather who left his post to come meet you just as much as he left to meet his future daughter in law. And,"
He made sure I looked at him as he said this, "You have an uncle who loves you very much, and who has always thought of you as being as precious as his own daughter would be. I cannot and will not try to replace your father, but I'd be honored to be as close to you as a father would be."
I nodded my head in agreement, as he wiped the tears from my eyes that had not stopped flowing since he produced his gift.
"You already are Haldir."
"Good, then let us not tarry on this talk of presents. I did not wish for you to cry when I gave it to you, I wanted you to be happy."
"I am happy Haldir, I love it. It is almost too fine a weapon to use."
I looked down at my old worn quiver and Bow.
"Do you think you shall put them up now?"
I shook my head.
"I'll keep them, and use them still, as they are functional, and dear to me."
I remembered the first time I set out to use them, and against my own will, was taken back to that day, many many years before.
"Kalia, don't tarry out there, you return before supper. And stay away from the nobles!"
"Alright sister!"
I ran to the last ring of bushes that marked the yard that surrounded our humble talan, and stealthily scooped up my coveted secret. The wood was still rough then, and the bow would be lengthened many times as I grew, but it was mine, made with my own two hands, which were still small, and pillowed with baby fat.
I looked up in the sky, and reckoned by the sun's position that I would have two hours of practice before the king would return and I would have to tend to his horses. I would need to make haste, as I had a long walk to the practice ranges
Along the way I hummed a few schoolyard rhymes I had learned by listening to the nobles; servant children were not allowed to attend school during the day unless it did not conflict with their duties. Therefore, most servant children never learned the games and rhymes the nobles did, as they spent their school hours by candlelight, feverishly scratching down the answers to the lessons the teacher would dish out, before retiring to an exhausted slumber.
At length, I found I had arrived at the beginners range, but found it was filled with occupants. Two nobles: a father and a daughter.
"Now listen to Ada Nessa. Take your bow, like this,"
I watched in silence as the father wrapped her small fingers around the bow, and positioned her arms in such a way that she might be able to properly place and fire an arrow.
"Like this Ada?"
"That's it, now take aim, that's it, and let the arrow go."
I saw her wobbly arrow fly out, and land harmlessly on the forest floor. My first inclination was to stifle a smirk, until I saw her toddle over to the arrow, pick it up turn around happily, only to find herself being swooped up into a loving embrace.
"Good job little one."
The sounds of her shriek of laugher echoed through the trees, as I walked away from the range. I suddenly didn't feel much like practicing.
"Kalia?"
I looked up at Haldir, and blushed
"I've been off in my own world again haven't I?"
"Actually, you were telling me," He shifted uncomfortably.
"You were telling me about the first time you used your first bow and quiver. Or rather, how you didn't use it."
I looked down at my hands, and looked over at the dusty ranges. I found I had nothing to say to him, though I did rejoice in knowing I had shared my memory with him. At least now, he held a better understanding with me, even if I couldn't bring myself to talk about it.
"Thank you Haldir." I didn't have to clarify.
"Now enough of these tears, the baby girl of the family cannot spend lovely afternoons swimming in rough memories. What else is new and exciting?"
I chuckled at his brisk change of subject, and nick name, but gladly took it.
"Nothing much to discuss. Legolas is sure to be molting by the time of our wedding, though I daresay he is coping better than my uncle hmm?"
I gazed at his strained expression, which I knew was due to more than just his concern for his niece.
"Kalia, she is trying to kill me. I fear I shall go mad by the end of the month! Did she tell you what happened just last week?"
I snickered despite myself.
She had indeed, though I was surprised to hear him mention it. She thought it would be grand to surprise him by waking him up with her mouth all over his body, and he did indeed wake up to find he had tossed her off the bed in his sleep, and spent the better part of the morning apologizing.
I wondered, with a wince, if he still bore teeth marks.
"I tried to stop her when she told me of her plans Haldir, but I knew I couldn't do so without revealing your secret."
"It is no fault of yours, or mine." He added darkly, and I was sure he was thinking of his future father in law. "The bruise has only just begun to heal, she still hasn't forgiven me, and to make matters worse, Elladan and Elrohir have found new material to tease me incessantly about."
I laughed despite myself.
"Are they still riding you over Tyrael's hand shake gone wrong?"
Lately the twins had found it amusing to perform a silent reenactment of Tyrael's handshake, in which Elladan would motion to shake Elrohir's hand, pretend to trip, and end up thumping his brother in the crotch.
"No, Elrond caught them at dinner last week, and admonished them. Serves them right too, they had recruited my own brothers, and should have known Elrond would notice four elves making a silent spectacle of themselves."
I lost any pretense of reserve, and the two of us leaned onto each other, and laughed until we had tears of joy pouring from our eyes.
"Well, soon it shall be over Haldir, and you will be parted from your bothersome in-laws."
"Aye, but I shall be parted with my Kalia as well, and my heart is not looking forward to it."
"Neither is mine, but I promise to visit often. I fear you shall soon tire of you niece being underfoot."
"I doubt it, and besides, the time here is not all that bad, even with Elladan's punishment – I mean, requirements."
I snorted at his slip.
"At least my father hasn't arrived yet. I shall know no peace once he arrives."
He added this so softly, I had to strain to hear him, but when I did, I clasped his shoulder sympathetically.
"I'm sure it won't be all that bad Haldir."
**
"Legolas-"
He held up a hand to silence me.
"Relax."
I snorted. That was easier said than done. I found myself seriously questioning his sanity, and my own, for I did allow him to lead me into a broom closet. It was only when he stepped into a bucket again, that I realized it was the same closet we had found ourselves in at the beginning of summer.
I looked up at him, and found his eyes had shifted into a dangerous shade of blue, and that usually meant he was about to do something that would have me swoon, and find it difficult to speak.
I didn't have to wait long.
Without warning, he pulled me to him, and pinned be against the wall. His lips soon found it amusing to set my skin afire, then pull away and let the air cool me off until I shivered as if we were atop Caradhas instead of in the stuffy closet.
"Legolas!" I hissed, as his hands began to roam, and once again my skirt was hiked up around my waist.
In a fluid motion he lifted me up, and my legs clamped around his waist like a vice. I moaned at the delicious friction his arousal was causing, and he chuckled, grittily.
"You'll have to be very very quiet Kalia."
I could have seen stars just from his tone of voice.
Soon, he was devouring my mouth, and I was eagerly responding, my hands buried deep in his hair, my now familiar gesture.
"Clothes. Off. Now!"
I would have laughed at my unrefined speech, but he moaned into my mouth, and I found I wasn't much interested in humor anymore. Part of me was a bit disappointed at the thought that our first time would be in a broom closet.
However that part was politely told to go rut with a dwarf, once his nimble fingers grasped at my under things, and tugged insistently. I braced myself for the shock of the cool air hitting my skin, but that moment never came, as I was once again distracted by Legolas' nimble fingers exploring the more delicate areas of my anatomy.
I have never been more appreciative of a thumb in my whole life.
"Shh, melamin. Here, bury your face in my shoulder."
I was amazed that he could sound so put together, when it was all I could do not to howl like a cat in heat, or bay at the moon like a wolf, but I did as he instructed.
"I think you are ready now, yes?"
I looked up, surprised by his questioning tone of voice. I had never waited so long to do something in my whole life!
"More than ready Legolas."
He nodded slowly, and it was then that it occurred to me that he might be a bit nervous. I lifted a shaky hand and caressed his cheek.
"Amin mele lle Legolas"
It would seem this was all the encouragement he needed. He bent his knees for leverage, but had seemingly forgotten that his leg was still in the bucket, and nearly lost his footing.
I groaned loudly.
He had been so close I could feel the heat radiating off him. I wanted to cry.
"Sorry mela-"
Before he could finish his apology, the door was snatched open abruptly.
"Oh sweet Elbereth I am so sorry!"
I wanted to melt into the floor right then and there. I would never ever live this down.
Legolas turned around and looked up into the startled face of our intruder, and paled. I felt my heart get up and scamper away at his reaction.
"Halthon!"
I froze from my attempts at getting up, and was pleased that Legolas was trying to use as much of his body to protect my modesty. I was also pleased to discover his body had calmed down, no pun intended.
"Legolas! Fancy seeing you here. I hope that is your betrothed you are fraternizing with? Is that you Kalia? I would hate to think you were dishonoring someone other than my only granddaughter."
I groaned inwardly, whilst trying to surreptitiously find my undergarments and pull them on. I found them in the bucket with Legolas' foot.
"Pleased to meet you grandfather." I replied miserably.
He leaned down and extended his hand, and to my horror, when I returned the gesture I found my hand was full of the very articles of clothing I had been so keen on hiding from him.
"Yes, well, we can have our proper introductions when you are decent. Now, could you direct me to the privy?"
"The privy?" I had never heard Legolas' voice hit such a high note.
"Three doors down, on the left grandfather."
He smiled beautifully, and winked.
"That's my girl. Oh, and you might want to make haste, I do believe your parents were not far behind me Legolas."
I threw my head back with an audible thud, as he closed the door.
"Kalia, if we don't get dressed swiftly my father will feed my balls to orcs!"
I snickered softly at his concern, but still managed to shimmy into my clothes, and help him pull his foot out of the bucket.
Moments later we emerged from the closet, just as his parents rounded the corner. I hoped they didn't notice our disheveled state, yet all concerns I might have had about that were halted once I saw the grim look on his father's face.
"Kalia, Legolas, I trust the day is treating you kindly?"
I wanted to shout, "No!" but Legolas answered for us instead.
"It is. You look troubled father."
His face softened a bit at Legolas' concern. He opened his mouth to reply, but was cut off by the arrival of Tyrael and Haldir.
"Is it true then? Has your grandfather arrived early?"
I felt the king's glare at her lack of manners, but she did manage a rather awkward curtsey for the queen.
Tyrael still hadn't forgiven the king for being opposed to our engagement. I don't think she would ever forgive him really.
"Aye, he is here, and I think we should join him for a proper introduction."
I was glad his mother responded before I accidentally revealed we had already seen him. I caught Legolas glace worriedly at his father, then at Haldir, and made a mental note to speak with one of them later.
Something was amiss, and they were not talking about it.
Once we arrived in Elrond's sitting room, I found we were joined by quite the "who's who" of Rivendell. It would seem that my grandfather was a respected and honored man.
"And is this my only granddaughter?"
I only paused for half a moment in confusion, before playing along, and silently thanking him with my eyes.
"Aye, grandfather, I am Kalia."
I bowed deeply, and he pulled me up into a warm embrace. He had a hearty laugh, and the sensation of his laughter rumbled nicely against his chest. It was a feeling not unlike that which I had when embracing Haldir, and I was instantly warmed to him.
"Lovely, simply lovely. You are as pretty as your mother, and grandmother too!"
I looked down at the floor shyly, and smiled.
"And is this Haldir's new love?"
Tyrael beamed at him, and I had the sneaky suspicion that she thought he was very attractive. I kept this thought to myself.
"Aye, father, this is Tyrael."
I cocked an eyebrow at Haldir's tone, and the arm that was wrapped securely around her waist. Perhaps I wasn't the only one who noticed Tyrael's approval. Haldir's father did not address him, nor did Tyrael, who instead chose to draw away from him and embrace her future father in law.
"Elen sila lumenn omentilmo a star shall shine on the hour of our meeting."
I smirked at Tyrael's smooth tongue. I was sure she had acquired these manners from myself.
**
Hours later I found myself enjoying an after dinner stroll with Legolas. He had a council with his father, Mithrandir, Haldir, Elladan, Elrohir, Galadriel, Celeborn, Elrond, and Halthon just before dinner.
When Tyrael and I tried to question Haldir and Legolas, we were silenced by both the king and Elrond.
I was unsure if they did not want us to know, or if they did not want the matter to be discussed in public.
"Legolas?"
"Uma?"
"What were you discussing before dinner, and why weren't Tyrael and I allowed to attend the meeting?"
I cast him a sidelong glance, as we sat down near a fountain.
"I apologize for that Kalia. My father has…traditional beliefs when it comes to discussing affairs of the state with women."
"Lady Galadriel was there." I remarked gently.
"Aye, but the Lady has several thousand years seniority on my father, and, is a ruler in her own right. In my father's eyes I think you are still a servant to him, and even as a princess, I shan't expect him to discuss politics with you."
I grinned wryly.
"He should, we servant's are more savvy than we let on. I could probably prevent a political coup if he let me."
Legolas laughed softly, and kissed my head.
"Tell me Legolas. If we are to be married, I don't want secrets to stand between us. I need to know what is troubling you."
He bit his lip for a moment, before answering.
"Orcs have been spotted in large numbers in the Gladden fields."
I gasped in shock; that was so close to here and to Mirkwood too!
"They could easily ambush us on our way home Legolas!"
He seemed surprised to discover I was familiar with geography. I bit back my irritation.
"That is what is of concern to us. Scouts have returned just this evening, and they have reportedly disappeared, but that is just as worrisome as knowing where they are. We fear they might be planning an attack on Lothlórien, and Haldir has decided he must leave within the week. Father has ordered the house ready to leave as well, as he feels vulnerable to attack whilst he is not within his borders."
I blanched in shock. Not only would I be parted from Tyrael sooner than I had imagined, I feared for Haldir's grief. Would he wait until he had addressed the problem with his borders and return to Tyrael, or hasten the wedding and take her with him? Either way would be painful for all parties concerned, though I believed Tyrael would fare better if Haldir did not leave her in Rivendell.
"What will Haldir do? What will we do? Will you have to go out and fight?"
I shifted on the edge of the fountain, and he rubbed my bare arms soothingly. I suddenly felt very cold.
"I may have to fight Kalia, it is my duty. I am to be king. But that doesn't mean you need worry. You know as well as I that I have seen my share of skirmishes before, and I am confident in my own competency as a warrior. We will go home, you shall plan our wedding with my mother, and not worry about me. Perhaps the sighting was a fluke, and the orcs have retreated into the bowels of the world where they belong. What I must do now, is get you to bed. We have an early morning tomorrow, as I will have to send messages and scouts back to Mirkwood to alert them of our early arrival, and you shall have to prepare and debrief the staff."
I nodded numbly, as he pulled me up from the fountain. All I could see was the sight of Legolas being returned on a stretcher, bloody and broken. I couldn't stifle the violent shiver that took me.
"Kalia, do not worry. You shall give yourself night terrors over things that have yet to pass. For now, just enjoy your time left with your friend."
And so I did.
I found Tyrael sulking in the music room with her Ada, listening to him play the tune I had created at the feast. When her eyes met mine, I had to force myself not to run over to her and weep. I knew she was unaware of the troubles that Haldir was faced with, yet I could not divulge that information to her. I would have to leave that to Haldir.
After a brief conversation in which I promised to meet with her for luncheon the next day, I begged off staying to play, claiming fatigue and a busy schedule tomorrow. They let me go. Legolas walked me to my room, and I was both relieved and disappointed when he didn't try to recreate the scene we had in the broom closet earlier.
His mind was preoccupied.
As I brushed my hair down for the evening, I stood out the window of my new quarters.
To say they were lavish would have been an understatement. I had a pristine view of the mountains, and my room was situated in such a way that I could see a gap between two peaks, and the faint glimmer of the fields that the mountains separated Rivendell from. I was sure it was my imagination, but I could swear I saw a dark fog rolling in from that gap, from the east. I shivered at the sight, pure blue-black mist that would not even give way to starlight, and turned away. I prayed this skirmish with the orcs would be settled soon.
As I drifted off to sleep, I thought of Tyrael being left alone in the city, and sighed. I sincerely hoped that whatever would come, Haldir would not leave Tyrael alone, to watch the dark mist roll in.
*Dodges the various fruits and veggies that are being tossed at her to update again* Alright folks, you know the drill, click the nice review button to stroke our ego, erm, I mean, to offer us good advice, and we will write diligently like the monkeys, erm, I mean dedicated artists we are!