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The Golden Curtain: Chapter Five.
NOTE: Sentences/words in ":::: word here ::::" Is when someone is communicating telepathically with Galadriel.
~~~~~
The bright sun shone down through the tall thin trees. The morning was humid and stuffy, unusual for the sunny yet cool mornings in Lothlorien. Many of the Elves had been up since the crack of dawn and some had even been awake to greet the sun. Others, namely Esta, had still yet to rise from their peaceful slumber. Lying in her bed, a bed that almost resembled a cloud, she snored softly. Rolling onto her back her tanned leg dangled over the edge, her arms spread as if she were an octopus. The hot light from the sun streamed in from her open terrace, creating shadows on everything. Nothing could hide from the suns rays. Subconsciously Esta attempted to hide from the heat, leaving her leg exposed she hid her face under the cotton soft blanket. The heat had turned her brown leg red. The burning sensation finally brought Esta to the land of the living. Swatting at her leg as if the heat were a fly she flipped out of her bed entangled in a mass of white covers and sheets.
"Ouch" Esta did not feel well at all. Rubbing her leg she untangled the blankets and threw them on the bed. She didn't look to flash either. Her dress turned this way and that. Esta noticed that she had been changed into a new dress. Memories of the past day returned to her groggy mind. She wrinkled her nose in distaste as she jumped on top of the mountain high blankets. She couldn't believe that she had allowed Legolas to help her. Oh sure she was glad he got her from the tree, but she did not need him to hold her hand like a child!
He probably expects a medal Esta rolled her eyes and folded her arms in front of her chest.
Esta's stomach rumbled. Moaning, her nose picked up a sweet scent. Jumping up from her bed she followed her nose. Walking through her bedroom door she wandered into the kitchen.
"It's about bloody time you woke up, I was just about to come in there and get you" Tirane said as she looked up from her baking. Esta only mumbled in response and sat down at the table.
"How are you feeling? Legolas told us what happened" Tirane called over her shoulder.
Esta's stomach leaped into her throat. She was very close to digesting her stomach content the same way it had entered.
"Legolas said you were terrified" this time Tirane came to sit at the table, putting a hand on Esta's. Finally registering that Tirane was talking about the tree incident Esta calmed though she still felt terrible. Clearing her throat she explained what happened.
"Well the Prince deserves a medal!" Tirane had a broad smile on her face, as she rose from her seat and returned to her baking.
"A medal? Only heroes deserve medals" Esta snorted and rolled her eyes.
"Nonsense! Not everyone would have climbed up a tree to save a damsel in distress" Tirane stated.
"I'm not a damsel and I wasn't in distress!" Esta defended.
"I get the feeling you don't like the Prince, why?" Tirane replied rolling her eyes, her voice sounded almost annoyed.
Unsure of Tirane's implications her paranoid mind rushed out a response.
"I never said I didn't like him!" Her mind registered the words immediately and she felt like ripping out her tongue and burning it.
"Oh so you do like him? Good" Tirane said coming out to the table with a basket in her hand.
"You can give him these, they are not a medal but they'll do" Tirane smiled and set the lace basket in front of Esta. Esta stared in disgust.
"You want me to give him muffins?!" Esta's eyes bulged
"And I want you to thank him too" Tirane turned and walked back to the kitchen, Esta on her tail.
"I HATE saying thank you"
"Stop being a brat Esta! You will give Legolas the muffins, you will thank him and you will curtsey. And if I hear that you were rude and nasty to the Prince I swear I will drowned you in the river"
"Well, looks like I'll be meeting you at the river then, because there is no way I'm going to thank that ingrate, let alone curtsey- and I'm taking the muffins." Storming out of the flet, basket in hand, Esta ignored the fact that she was in a nightgown and her hair was everywhere. Tirane only shook her head in disappointment, knowing full well if you played with fire you were going to get burnt.
If he thinks he's getting a thank you he can think again!
Esta walked around like a tornado, most unusual for an Elf. Her hair was now more unruly as it had been when she first woke. The dark purple gown clashed with her brown hair and blue eyes. She looked like a beast- a purple one. Or maybe she was a woman scorned.
First he beds me, then runs off as if I were some whore! God he didn't even pay Esta chuckled, she didn't know why but she did. The weather had only grown hotter. The cicadas made that horrid high-pitched screech, the one that you could never escape from no matter where you went. Basket still in hand Esta continued on her little 'tour'. With no idea where she was going she just wandered around, her head down she watched everything in her path, from the small mushrooms she wanted to eat to the dragonfly she wanted to squash. Esta turned her ears off to the world. Her mind unable to keep up with her feet. Using her peripheral vision she saw Elvish boots not to far in front of her. Deciding she didn't want to stop for conversation neither did she want to crash she turned her course slightly so that she may by pass the 'pot hole'. Her plans however, didn't go as planned. She was jerked back slightly when a warm hand wrapped around her forearm. Angered at being disturbed she snapped her head around ready to punch whoever dared lay a hand on her, dropping the basket the muffins rolled like decapitated heads.
The Elf grabbed her fist before it could make contact. Twisting her around he bound her hands behind her back. Esta was more than angry now. She struggled to get free. Twisting and kicking at her attacker, nothing worked, he obviously had the advantage in strength.
"Calm down." A familiar voice filled Esta's ears. Shocked she stopped struggling and turned her head. She could have screamed at what she saw. She returned to struggling.
"Damn it Legolas! Let me go"
Legolas ignored her plea and kept her hands firmly in place. He wasn't going to let her get away.
Esta managed to get one hand loose. Twisting she thought she was home free. The next thing she knew her back was pinned to a tree, her arms held at her sides by the wrist. Legolas's enraged orbs bore into her. Esta went to kick him in the groin. Legolas had expected such a reaction. Hostile and riled he put a stop to her plans.
"Calm down woman" Legolas growled. He was furious now. He drew his bow and pointed a sharp arrow at her.
Esta wasn't one to give up so easily but the look in Legolas's eyes scared her, she believed that he wouldn't hesitate to hurt her if she pushed him. Swallowing her pride she stopped her movements and let her head fall down, unable to look him in the eye. Her brown hair fell over her shoulders and hid her face.
Legolas looked at her, sighing he lowered his bow. He couldn't believe she could provoke such rage within him. Esta heard him sigh and looked up.
"What do you want?" She sounded bored and annoyed.
"I just want to talk" Legolas furrowed his brow, annoyed at her ignorance.
"Then talk to yourself!" Esta turned to leave, but her freedom was short lived again. Grabbing Esta by the shoulders Legolas turned her around and this time he didn't leave her time to speak.
"I just wanted to make sure your were all right" Legolas released his hold on her small shoulders. Her dress slipped.
"I'm fine" Esta looked away as she pulled the sleeve of her dress back up.
"Really? You don't look all that well" Legolas laughed.
"Very funny" Esta's voiced dripped with sarcasm as she looked back at Legolas's dancing features. Esta just stared at him. Taking a step closer Legolas trained his eyes on the top of her seemingly 'perfect' head. Reaching out he gently smoothed down the hair that stood out and annoyed him. Esta remembered the last time they had been this intimate.
She closed her eyes, trying to stop her mind from wandering to inappropriate thoughts of Legolas.
Legolas on the other hand let his fingers rake through her hair, just as he had down when they made love. His fantasies were over before they had a chance to begin. Esta awoke from her trance and slapped his hand away from her hair.
"I have a maid who does that" Esta kept her view away from his eyes.
Legolas could have slapped her for stopping him, but he didn't. Instead he apologized. And just stared not knowing what to do. His mind racing with thoughts. This was not the way he had intended things to go.
Looking at the forest floor Esta began to kick at the small stones and the dirt. Looking around for more things to kick she saw the muffins lying on the ground.
Damn him! I wanted those
She brushed past Legolas and went to stand over the now UN edible muffins. Legolas looked over at her in curiosity. Coming up to stand behind her he peered over her tanned and now bare shoulder.
"I hope your not gonna eat those?" Legolas smirked.
"No" Esta folded her arms over her chest and rolled her eyes. Slightly nervous with Legolas literally using her for a stand she tried not to show it.
Again Legolas fought to control his body with his mind and not his loins. His mind lost.
Esta stood rigid as Legolas slipped his hand around her waist, coming to rest on her stomach, his mouth resting on her ear.
Esta's breath caught in her throat; unable to think clearly she let her own hand lay on his. Encouraged by Esta's unexpected movement Legolas intertwined the hands that dangled by their sides. Both unable to stop the force that kept them together.
"Please come back to my flet with me?" Legolas whispered into her ear.
"Wha. . What?" Esta turned to look at him, not sure if she heard right.
"Just to talk, we need to, please?" Legolas asked sincerely.
"Fine" Esta knew he was right, they needed to talk.
Releasing her from his grasp, they both walked in the direction of Legolas's flet in silence. His Elven clothing sparkled in the sunlight. He fought to get control of his body; right now his anatomy was making all the calls. Taking her to his flet was a bad idea he decided, but his anatomy wouldn't allow him to stop and turn around. Fully aware of his own intentions Legolas used all his self-control to stop himself from taking Esta then and there.
Esta was nervous. She didn't know what she would do if Legolas were to touch her like that again. She would either kill him or return the touch. Both of which would have dire consequences. She could still feel his lips on her ear and shuddered. As they entered a busy area of Lothlorien a thought popped into her mind.
"I don't think it would look good if we entered your flet together and unaccompanied" Esta looked at him, with a look on her face that he couldn't decipher.
"No one would question my intentions" Legolas said looking down at her as they reached the stairs to his flet. Esta rubbed the back of her neck.
"I would" Esta said, her eyes flickered down below his belt then back up to his eyes. Legolas looked down then snapped his head back up, blushing he didn't look back at Esta. Esta smothered her laughter and only managed to let a smirk slip. Stopping outside his door Legolas pulled out a key and unlocked the heavy wooden door. Like a gentleman he opened the door and let Esta walk inside. She stared in owe at Legolas's chamber. Everything was silver with a blue tinge to it. Not one ray of sunlight burned into his room. It was a lot bigger than the flet Esta shared with Tirane. Esta was momentarily jealous until she felt Legolas's pushy hand on her back. Kicking the door closed he urged her in.
"Sit down" He asked though it sounded more like an order to Esta. In any case she complied and sat down on a rather large bench. Esta sunk into the soft cushions and relaxed; though she didn't want to.
"Would you like a drink?" Legolas still acted like a proper host- although he had rather improper plans on his mind. His back to her as he poured a drink of smooth cold water.
"No thanks, just spit it out Legolas" Esta had had enough of his 'games', she already knew what he had on his mind. She didn't know what she was angry about- that he had those thoughts or that she didn't care. She decided her best defence was rage.
"What? The drink?" Legolas smirked as he turned around, cup in hand. Esta just gave him a dead look.
"All right fine, if you wanna play games" Esta got up to leave. As quick as lightening Legolas dropped his cup and stopped her before she even got near the door.
"Don't. . .don't leave" He had seized Esta's shoulders. His mind sided with the burning desire in his loins. Nibbling at her ear he forgot the splashed water on the floor.
Esta was in a trance. Had anyone known what Legolas's touch did to her she would be mortified.
Esta swallowed and tilted her head to allow him access. He softly nipped at the tender flesh. Sucking and tasting every inch of her neck. Esta could only stand there, unable to think, unable to move.
Turning her around to face her Legolas began nipping at her lips. Ravaging them they turned red and swollen. Legolas was unaware of the rage that was about to be released; he was only concerned with one thing.
Not use to such roughness Esta came back to her normal self.
"Are you done yet!?" Annoyance and anger so very evident in her voice. Legolas stopped and looked at her. He wasn't expecting that. Esta drew back her hand and smacked it across his cheek. He turned back to look at her. Her eyes wide.
"Why did you do that?" Legolas was exhausted. She made him go from sexually frustrated to ready-to-kill just like that.
"Why did I do that? Why did I do that? Are you completely insane or just completely stupid?" Esta was ready to kill him for being so ignorant. Legolas balled his fist and strained to keep them at his side.
"You think that just because your a Prince you can do whatever you want to whom ever you want" Esta wagged her finger in her face, just as Tirane use to do to her.
"You're being ridiculous" Legolas balled his fists at his side and refrained from hitting her. She didn't act like most Elf maidens and that annoyed him to no extent. He was a Prince and as Prince he demanded respect.
"You took advantage of me! And you ran off like I meant nothing as soon as you were satisfied!" Esta was angry but hurt more than anything. Angry at herself for giving into someone who didn't care for her, and enraged at herself for believing that he did care about her when he only wanted one thing.
Legolas could no longer control the words that were on the tip of his tongue.
"You don't mean anything! I am a Prince and you, you are an interbreed" Legolas knew what he had sad was harsh, but it was the truth.
Esta had been called an interbreed before, but not by someone of such high status. He certainly wasn't behaving like a Prince. Esta had never cried over being called an interbreed before, but now she could feel her darkened eyes beginning to swell and sting as if she were stung by a wasp. Esta let all the anger she had been keeping inside her let loose, punching Legolas in the jaw she stormed out of his flet, not looking back once.
Legolas stood there grasping his cheek and wondering what he was going to do. He decided nothing, he knew she wouldn't tell anyone what had happened, so closing the door he went to check his cloud-like complexion for errors.
~~~~
For four days and four nights Legolas and Esta avoided each other. They went about their daily activities without sparing the other a single thought. Legolas couldn't wait to return to Mirkwood and Esta couldn't wait to see the back of him. Tirane, much to Esta's surprise, had dropped the subject of her thanking Legolas and had left Esta to do her own thing. Tirane had been acting rather strange lately, she was hardly around and when she was she never said much to Esta. Esta wondered what could have made her act so strange. She soon forgot about it and never thought of it again.
After every haunting sun set the day of Legolas's departure drew nearer. Both Legolas and Esta could sense something coming but couldn't quite put a finger on it. It made Esta anxious, anxious to the point of exhaustion. Everyday she spent her time swimming in the lake or riding east away from civilization on the back of Manilla- her best friend. Legolas spent his final days with Haldir, either sparring or just talking.
On the eve of their departure a messenger had arrived from Lady Galadriel, she requested Legolas's presence at a special farewell masquerade. The same message had gone to Esta. Every Elf in Lorien had been invited. The invitations had said the ball was a farewell to the Prince, but Galadriel had other plans in mind.
~~~~
Esta was preparing for the ball. She wasn't completely sure if she wanted to go Legolas would be there. Butterflies swam in her stomach as she raced to the bucket at the side of her bed. The food she had eaten for lunch left a burning taste in her throat and she spat and scraped at her tongue trying her best to stop the flames from tainted her already tainted tongue. Walking into her bathroom she splashed water into her mouth and spat it into a sparkling white basin. She didn't feel like going to a ball, she didn't feel like being in the company of anyone either, let alone the entire Lorien population. Sighing she sat down in front of her mirror as a maid came in to do her hair. Her brown hair looked black, and instead of having loose curls in the ends, every strand was dead straight, like a horse's mane. The maid worked wonders on her hair, Esta was glad as she always had a hard time managing her mane. The invitation had specifically asked that everyone must come in disguise, as it was a masquerade. Esta dressed as an Angel. She chose to be Satine, a Seraphim Angel from her favourite fairytale. Esta's dress was as black as Manilla's coat and as smooth as the crystal waters of the Nimrodel. Small golden insects were woven into the black silk. Dragonflies and ladybugs, butterflies and beetles, all small and delicate, giving Esta's oddly curvaceous frame a golden glow. A golden headband sat on the crown of Esta's head, holding back her hair. Small butterfly clips adorned her hair. All of them gold and blue. The missing pieces of the puzzle were the mask and wings. The maid helped to attach the black wings to the back of Esta's dress. They were of medium size, plain but effective. Her mask, by request of Esta, only covered her eyes. Many shades of gold's and bronzes blended into the mask around the eyes.
The story of Satine was anything but a fairytale fore there was no happy ending for Satine. Tragedy and false love was the story of Satine. It was more of a myth than Fairytale fore evidence of Satine's birth can be found in Sicilee. She was labelled 'Satan's Satine'. Found in the woods as a baby she was meant for a life of angelic deeds in the skies above, instead she spent her days upon mortal soil where her innocence was corrupted. Confused with no leader she was soon persuaded to use magic for evil. Satine is said to be the only reason the evil Jericho was able to reach his hand into the walls of the Syerian Kingdom. The green plains of Sicilee turned to dry desserts. The silver moon went to sleep and awoke a bland colour of yellow. Jericho, Satine's lover now sat on the throne of Sicilee. Built on false dreams and hope was the weapon that destroyed the ruling family and the beauty of the country that once was Sicilee. The Royal family was imprisoned in the underground cells, where no light or fresh air reached. A she-Elf Luthien was taken to that same underground cells so many centuries ago. Satine realised the wrong ways of her doings too late for her to right them; she gave up her life. According to legend she wanders the forests of Sicilee where she was abandoned, guiding those who have lost their way. She was a fallen Angel.
Esta always believed Satine was the reason Tirane and her mother had made it to the Golden Curtain some thousand years ago. Rising from her chair Esta tied on her mask and went to find Tirane, who to her amusement was dressed as a beetle. Despite how funny a beetle may have sounded Tirane looked still looked beautiful in her red and black dress.
~~~~~
Legolas was pleased that Galadriel and Celeborn had been kind enough to organize him and his company a night of fun and relaxation before the final leg home. Legolas had little time to organize his attire, but thankfully Haldir had offered to help. By the time of the ball, Legolas stood clad in black leggings, boots and tunic, with a black cape draping his shoulders and flowing to his ankles. His black mask covered only his eyes, leaving his pink lips and paled nose exposed. Legolas looked very different, no one could say they had ever seen the Prince in black. His electrifying eyes were more visible, if that were possible, against the black of his clothing. He left his creamy blonde hair in its usual style, not wanting to put to much effort into how he looked. Haldir dressed in his usual attire only saying that he was on duty and may have to leave at any time, wearing a costume would slow him down.
~~~~
Esta arrived with Tirane on her arm to the ball. They were late, which came as no surprise to Tirane. The musicians were already playing, couples were dancing on the floor and many people ate and drank from the food court. At the top of the room sat Galadriel and Celeborn on their massive thrones. The entire room was decorated in silver lighting and materials. Silver flower centrepieces decorated the many tables. So many plates of food made it hard to see the wooden tables that they sat on. Everywhere Esta looked she saw crowds of people, all in costume and all busy in their own worlds.
Tirane dragged Esta in as they walked to the huge table that Galadriel sat at. Plastering on a fake smile as if she were a clown Esta greeted the Lady and Lord and took her seat next to Tirane. Esta was on edge the whole time, knowing Legolas could show up at anytime. Taking up her wine she gulped it down, wiping the excess from her mouth.
"Where are you manners Esta?" Tirane gave her a scolding look. Esta scowled in return.
"Stop being such a hypocr-" Esta was cut short as a voice came from behind her.
"I hope you don't talk like that to everyone Esta?" Haldir stood over her a broad smile on his face as he opened his mouth and dropped a strawberry in it, Legolas stood behind him trying to go unnoticed. Lady luck was not on his side tonight.
"LEGOLAS! Come sit down and eat" Tirane pointed to the chair next to Esta as Haldir went to sit in the chair next to Tirane. Legolas hesitated, looking at Esta as if he needed her approval. In return Esta only nodded and returned to face the ballroom. She lost her appetite and spent several minutes just gazing at the dancers while trying her hardest to ignore the Elf next to her. The harder she tried the harder it got.
Stop fidgeting, stop ripping the serviette, put down the knife
~~
Legolas watched Esta out of the corner of his eye as she tore up anything she could get her hands on. He sighed and removed the irritating mask from his head.
"I don't think your meant to take it off" Esta said in a I-know-all voice, her head and eyes still trained on the muffin she was slowly ripping to shreds with her fork.
"It's irritating my skin" Legolas said sincerely not wanting to start a fight.
"Oh" Esta didn't spare him a glance and continued on with the slaughter of her muffin.
Galadriel had been watching the two with great interest.
~~~~
Half an hour later Haldir and Tirane got up to dance after they're lengthy conversation was over. Legolas had gotten up to talk with some of the Elves from Mirkwood, leaving Esta alone with Galadriel as Celeborn had gotten up and left without a word.
Esta liked Galadriel, she really did she thought she was an amazing Queen, she just didn't like being alone with her. She could feel Galadriel's eyes piercing her head. Try as she might she couldn't stop herself from looking up at the Lady. She was right; the Elf's eyes were looking right at her. Esta forced a small smile and looked back down.
:::: Why aren't you dancing?:::: Esta had talked to Galadriel through her mind before, but not in a very long time.
:::: I don't feel well:::: Esta answered in half-truth as she looked up to meet Galadriel's icy eyes.
:::: You know why don't you?:::: Galadriel had a small encouraging smile on her face. Esta had a small frown on hers. She didn't understand and Galadriel realised she didn't know.
:::: You're with child::::
Esta could have died. In fact she was pretty sure she did. White clouds and bright lights surrounded her until someone's voice brought her to reality. Opening her eyes she saw Tirane, Galadriel and Legolas sitting down, in her room. Bolting upright she frantically pushed herself off her bed. Everyone got up to stop her.
"Esta please sit down, you need to rest and we need to talk" Tirane said as she pushed the young woman down into the marsh mellow pillows.
"Talk about what?!?" Esta said angrily hoping that what she thought Galadriel had told her was a figment of her imagination.
"The baby" Galadriel smiled.
Legolas sat in a dark corner, his head in his hands. His shoulders sagged as if he were an old man next to his wife's death bed.
~~~~~~~
A/N: I'm not to sure where Satine came from, she just kind of happened lol. Sorry the update took long.
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The Golden Curtain: Chapter Five.
NOTE: Sentences/words in ":::: word here ::::" Is when someone is communicating telepathically with Galadriel.
~~~~~
The bright sun shone down through the tall thin trees. The morning was humid and stuffy, unusual for the sunny yet cool mornings in Lothlorien. Many of the Elves had been up since the crack of dawn and some had even been awake to greet the sun. Others, namely Esta, had still yet to rise from their peaceful slumber. Lying in her bed, a bed that almost resembled a cloud, she snored softly. Rolling onto her back her tanned leg dangled over the edge, her arms spread as if she were an octopus. The hot light from the sun streamed in from her open terrace, creating shadows on everything. Nothing could hide from the suns rays. Subconsciously Esta attempted to hide from the heat, leaving her leg exposed she hid her face under the cotton soft blanket. The heat had turned her brown leg red. The burning sensation finally brought Esta to the land of the living. Swatting at her leg as if the heat were a fly she flipped out of her bed entangled in a mass of white covers and sheets.
"Ouch" Esta did not feel well at all. Rubbing her leg she untangled the blankets and threw them on the bed. She didn't look to flash either. Her dress turned this way and that. Esta noticed that she had been changed into a new dress. Memories of the past day returned to her groggy mind. She wrinkled her nose in distaste as she jumped on top of the mountain high blankets. She couldn't believe that she had allowed Legolas to help her. Oh sure she was glad he got her from the tree, but she did not need him to hold her hand like a child!
He probably expects a medal Esta rolled her eyes and folded her arms in front of her chest.
Esta's stomach rumbled. Moaning, her nose picked up a sweet scent. Jumping up from her bed she followed her nose. Walking through her bedroom door she wandered into the kitchen.
"It's about bloody time you woke up, I was just about to come in there and get you" Tirane said as she looked up from her baking. Esta only mumbled in response and sat down at the table.
"How are you feeling? Legolas told us what happened" Tirane called over her shoulder.
Esta's stomach leaped into her throat. She was very close to digesting her stomach content the same way it had entered.
"Legolas said you were terrified" this time Tirane came to sit at the table, putting a hand on Esta's. Finally registering that Tirane was talking about the tree incident Esta calmed though she still felt terrible. Clearing her throat she explained what happened.
"Well the Prince deserves a medal!" Tirane had a broad smile on her face, as she rose from her seat and returned to her baking.
"A medal? Only heroes deserve medals" Esta snorted and rolled her eyes.
"Nonsense! Not everyone would have climbed up a tree to save a damsel in distress" Tirane stated.
"I'm not a damsel and I wasn't in distress!" Esta defended.
"I get the feeling you don't like the Prince, why?" Tirane replied rolling her eyes, her voice sounded almost annoyed.
Unsure of Tirane's implications her paranoid mind rushed out a response.
"I never said I didn't like him!" Her mind registered the words immediately and she felt like ripping out her tongue and burning it.
"Oh so you do like him? Good" Tirane said coming out to the table with a basket in her hand.
"You can give him these, they are not a medal but they'll do" Tirane smiled and set the lace basket in front of Esta. Esta stared in disgust.
"You want me to give him muffins?!" Esta's eyes bulged
"And I want you to thank him too" Tirane turned and walked back to the kitchen, Esta on her tail.
"I HATE saying thank you"
"Stop being a brat Esta! You will give Legolas the muffins, you will thank him and you will curtsey. And if I hear that you were rude and nasty to the Prince I swear I will drowned you in the river"
"Well, looks like I'll be meeting you at the river then, because there is no way I'm going to thank that ingrate, let alone curtsey- and I'm taking the muffins." Storming out of the flet, basket in hand, Esta ignored the fact that she was in a nightgown and her hair was everywhere. Tirane only shook her head in disappointment, knowing full well if you played with fire you were going to get burnt.
If he thinks he's getting a thank you he can think again!
Esta walked around like a tornado, most unusual for an Elf. Her hair was now more unruly as it had been when she first woke. The dark purple gown clashed with her brown hair and blue eyes. She looked like a beast- a purple one. Or maybe she was a woman scorned.
First he beds me, then runs off as if I were some whore! God he didn't even pay Esta chuckled, she didn't know why but she did. The weather had only grown hotter. The cicadas made that horrid high-pitched screech, the one that you could never escape from no matter where you went. Basket still in hand Esta continued on her little 'tour'. With no idea where she was going she just wandered around, her head down she watched everything in her path, from the small mushrooms she wanted to eat to the dragonfly she wanted to squash. Esta turned her ears off to the world. Her mind unable to keep up with her feet. Using her peripheral vision she saw Elvish boots not to far in front of her. Deciding she didn't want to stop for conversation neither did she want to crash she turned her course slightly so that she may by pass the 'pot hole'. Her plans however, didn't go as planned. She was jerked back slightly when a warm hand wrapped around her forearm. Angered at being disturbed she snapped her head around ready to punch whoever dared lay a hand on her, dropping the basket the muffins rolled like decapitated heads.
The Elf grabbed her fist before it could make contact. Twisting her around he bound her hands behind her back. Esta was more than angry now. She struggled to get free. Twisting and kicking at her attacker, nothing worked, he obviously had the advantage in strength.
"Calm down." A familiar voice filled Esta's ears. Shocked she stopped struggling and turned her head. She could have screamed at what she saw. She returned to struggling.
"Damn it Legolas! Let me go"
Legolas ignored her plea and kept her hands firmly in place. He wasn't going to let her get away.
Esta managed to get one hand loose. Twisting she thought she was home free. The next thing she knew her back was pinned to a tree, her arms held at her sides by the wrist. Legolas's enraged orbs bore into her. Esta went to kick him in the groin. Legolas had expected such a reaction. Hostile and riled he put a stop to her plans.
"Calm down woman" Legolas growled. He was furious now. He drew his bow and pointed a sharp arrow at her.
Esta wasn't one to give up so easily but the look in Legolas's eyes scared her, she believed that he wouldn't hesitate to hurt her if she pushed him. Swallowing her pride she stopped her movements and let her head fall down, unable to look him in the eye. Her brown hair fell over her shoulders and hid her face.
Legolas looked at her, sighing he lowered his bow. He couldn't believe she could provoke such rage within him. Esta heard him sigh and looked up.
"What do you want?" She sounded bored and annoyed.
"I just want to talk" Legolas furrowed his brow, annoyed at her ignorance.
"Then talk to yourself!" Esta turned to leave, but her freedom was short lived again. Grabbing Esta by the shoulders Legolas turned her around and this time he didn't leave her time to speak.
"I just wanted to make sure your were all right" Legolas released his hold on her small shoulders. Her dress slipped.
"I'm fine" Esta looked away as she pulled the sleeve of her dress back up.
"Really? You don't look all that well" Legolas laughed.
"Very funny" Esta's voiced dripped with sarcasm as she looked back at Legolas's dancing features. Esta just stared at him. Taking a step closer Legolas trained his eyes on the top of her seemingly 'perfect' head. Reaching out he gently smoothed down the hair that stood out and annoyed him. Esta remembered the last time they had been this intimate.
She closed her eyes, trying to stop her mind from wandering to inappropriate thoughts of Legolas.
Legolas on the other hand let his fingers rake through her hair, just as he had down when they made love. His fantasies were over before they had a chance to begin. Esta awoke from her trance and slapped his hand away from her hair.
"I have a maid who does that" Esta kept her view away from his eyes.
Legolas could have slapped her for stopping him, but he didn't. Instead he apologized. And just stared not knowing what to do. His mind racing with thoughts. This was not the way he had intended things to go.
Looking at the forest floor Esta began to kick at the small stones and the dirt. Looking around for more things to kick she saw the muffins lying on the ground.
Damn him! I wanted those
She brushed past Legolas and went to stand over the now UN edible muffins. Legolas looked over at her in curiosity. Coming up to stand behind her he peered over her tanned and now bare shoulder.
"I hope your not gonna eat those?" Legolas smirked.
"No" Esta folded her arms over her chest and rolled her eyes. Slightly nervous with Legolas literally using her for a stand she tried not to show it.
Again Legolas fought to control his body with his mind and not his loins. His mind lost.
Esta stood rigid as Legolas slipped his hand around her waist, coming to rest on her stomach, his mouth resting on her ear.
Esta's breath caught in her throat; unable to think clearly she let her own hand lay on his. Encouraged by Esta's unexpected movement Legolas intertwined the hands that dangled by their sides. Both unable to stop the force that kept them together.
"Please come back to my flet with me?" Legolas whispered into her ear.
"Wha. . What?" Esta turned to look at him, not sure if she heard right.
"Just to talk, we need to, please?" Legolas asked sincerely.
"Fine" Esta knew he was right, they needed to talk.
Releasing her from his grasp, they both walked in the direction of Legolas's flet in silence. His Elven clothing sparkled in the sunlight. He fought to get control of his body; right now his anatomy was making all the calls. Taking her to his flet was a bad idea he decided, but his anatomy wouldn't allow him to stop and turn around. Fully aware of his own intentions Legolas used all his self-control to stop himself from taking Esta then and there.
Esta was nervous. She didn't know what she would do if Legolas were to touch her like that again. She would either kill him or return the touch. Both of which would have dire consequences. She could still feel his lips on her ear and shuddered. As they entered a busy area of Lothlorien a thought popped into her mind.
"I don't think it would look good if we entered your flet together and unaccompanied" Esta looked at him, with a look on her face that he couldn't decipher.
"No one would question my intentions" Legolas said looking down at her as they reached the stairs to his flet. Esta rubbed the back of her neck.
"I would" Esta said, her eyes flickered down below his belt then back up to his eyes. Legolas looked down then snapped his head back up, blushing he didn't look back at Esta. Esta smothered her laughter and only managed to let a smirk slip. Stopping outside his door Legolas pulled out a key and unlocked the heavy wooden door. Like a gentleman he opened the door and let Esta walk inside. She stared in owe at Legolas's chamber. Everything was silver with a blue tinge to it. Not one ray of sunlight burned into his room. It was a lot bigger than the flet Esta shared with Tirane. Esta was momentarily jealous until she felt Legolas's pushy hand on her back. Kicking the door closed he urged her in.
"Sit down" He asked though it sounded more like an order to Esta. In any case she complied and sat down on a rather large bench. Esta sunk into the soft cushions and relaxed; though she didn't want to.
"Would you like a drink?" Legolas still acted like a proper host- although he had rather improper plans on his mind. His back to her as he poured a drink of smooth cold water.
"No thanks, just spit it out Legolas" Esta had had enough of his 'games', she already knew what he had on his mind. She didn't know what she was angry about- that he had those thoughts or that she didn't care. She decided her best defence was rage.
"What? The drink?" Legolas smirked as he turned around, cup in hand. Esta just gave him a dead look.
"All right fine, if you wanna play games" Esta got up to leave. As quick as lightening Legolas dropped his cup and stopped her before she even got near the door.
"Don't. . .don't leave" He had seized Esta's shoulders. His mind sided with the burning desire in his loins. Nibbling at her ear he forgot the splashed water on the floor.
Esta was in a trance. Had anyone known what Legolas's touch did to her she would be mortified.
Esta swallowed and tilted her head to allow him access. He softly nipped at the tender flesh. Sucking and tasting every inch of her neck. Esta could only stand there, unable to think, unable to move.
Turning her around to face her Legolas began nipping at her lips. Ravaging them they turned red and swollen. Legolas was unaware of the rage that was about to be released; he was only concerned with one thing.
Not use to such roughness Esta came back to her normal self.
"Are you done yet!?" Annoyance and anger so very evident in her voice. Legolas stopped and looked at her. He wasn't expecting that. Esta drew back her hand and smacked it across his cheek. He turned back to look at her. Her eyes wide.
"Why did you do that?" Legolas was exhausted. She made him go from sexually frustrated to ready-to-kill just like that.
"Why did I do that? Why did I do that? Are you completely insane or just completely stupid?" Esta was ready to kill him for being so ignorant. Legolas balled his fist and strained to keep them at his side.
"You think that just because your a Prince you can do whatever you want to whom ever you want" Esta wagged her finger in her face, just as Tirane use to do to her.
"You're being ridiculous" Legolas balled his fists at his side and refrained from hitting her. She didn't act like most Elf maidens and that annoyed him to no extent. He was a Prince and as Prince he demanded respect.
"You took advantage of me! And you ran off like I meant nothing as soon as you were satisfied!" Esta was angry but hurt more than anything. Angry at herself for giving into someone who didn't care for her, and enraged at herself for believing that he did care about her when he only wanted one thing.
Legolas could no longer control the words that were on the tip of his tongue.
"You don't mean anything! I am a Prince and you, you are an interbreed" Legolas knew what he had sad was harsh, but it was the truth.
Esta had been called an interbreed before, but not by someone of such high status. He certainly wasn't behaving like a Prince. Esta had never cried over being called an interbreed before, but now she could feel her darkened eyes beginning to swell and sting as if she were stung by a wasp. Esta let all the anger she had been keeping inside her let loose, punching Legolas in the jaw she stormed out of his flet, not looking back once.
Legolas stood there grasping his cheek and wondering what he was going to do. He decided nothing, he knew she wouldn't tell anyone what had happened, so closing the door he went to check his cloud-like complexion for errors.
~~~~
For four days and four nights Legolas and Esta avoided each other. They went about their daily activities without sparing the other a single thought. Legolas couldn't wait to return to Mirkwood and Esta couldn't wait to see the back of him. Tirane, much to Esta's surprise, had dropped the subject of her thanking Legolas and had left Esta to do her own thing. Tirane had been acting rather strange lately, she was hardly around and when she was she never said much to Esta. Esta wondered what could have made her act so strange. She soon forgot about it and never thought of it again.
After every haunting sun set the day of Legolas's departure drew nearer. Both Legolas and Esta could sense something coming but couldn't quite put a finger on it. It made Esta anxious, anxious to the point of exhaustion. Everyday she spent her time swimming in the lake or riding east away from civilization on the back of Manilla- her best friend. Legolas spent his final days with Haldir, either sparring or just talking.
On the eve of their departure a messenger had arrived from Lady Galadriel, she requested Legolas's presence at a special farewell masquerade. The same message had gone to Esta. Every Elf in Lorien had been invited. The invitations had said the ball was a farewell to the Prince, but Galadriel had other plans in mind.
~~~~
Esta was preparing for the ball. She wasn't completely sure if she wanted to go Legolas would be there. Butterflies swam in her stomach as she raced to the bucket at the side of her bed. The food she had eaten for lunch left a burning taste in her throat and she spat and scraped at her tongue trying her best to stop the flames from tainted her already tainted tongue. Walking into her bathroom she splashed water into her mouth and spat it into a sparkling white basin. She didn't feel like going to a ball, she didn't feel like being in the company of anyone either, let alone the entire Lorien population. Sighing she sat down in front of her mirror as a maid came in to do her hair. Her brown hair looked black, and instead of having loose curls in the ends, every strand was dead straight, like a horse's mane. The maid worked wonders on her hair, Esta was glad as she always had a hard time managing her mane. The invitation had specifically asked that everyone must come in disguise, as it was a masquerade. Esta dressed as an Angel. She chose to be Satine, a Seraphim Angel from her favourite fairytale. Esta's dress was as black as Manilla's coat and as smooth as the crystal waters of the Nimrodel. Small golden insects were woven into the black silk. Dragonflies and ladybugs, butterflies and beetles, all small and delicate, giving Esta's oddly curvaceous frame a golden glow. A golden headband sat on the crown of Esta's head, holding back her hair. Small butterfly clips adorned her hair. All of them gold and blue. The missing pieces of the puzzle were the mask and wings. The maid helped to attach the black wings to the back of Esta's dress. They were of medium size, plain but effective. Her mask, by request of Esta, only covered her eyes. Many shades of gold's and bronzes blended into the mask around the eyes.
The story of Satine was anything but a fairytale fore there was no happy ending for Satine. Tragedy and false love was the story of Satine. It was more of a myth than Fairytale fore evidence of Satine's birth can be found in Sicilee. She was labelled 'Satan's Satine'. Found in the woods as a baby she was meant for a life of angelic deeds in the skies above, instead she spent her days upon mortal soil where her innocence was corrupted. Confused with no leader she was soon persuaded to use magic for evil. Satine is said to be the only reason the evil Jericho was able to reach his hand into the walls of the Syerian Kingdom. The green plains of Sicilee turned to dry desserts. The silver moon went to sleep and awoke a bland colour of yellow. Jericho, Satine's lover now sat on the throne of Sicilee. Built on false dreams and hope was the weapon that destroyed the ruling family and the beauty of the country that once was Sicilee. The Royal family was imprisoned in the underground cells, where no light or fresh air reached. A she-Elf Luthien was taken to that same underground cells so many centuries ago. Satine realised the wrong ways of her doings too late for her to right them; she gave up her life. According to legend she wanders the forests of Sicilee where she was abandoned, guiding those who have lost their way. She was a fallen Angel.
Esta always believed Satine was the reason Tirane and her mother had made it to the Golden Curtain some thousand years ago. Rising from her chair Esta tied on her mask and went to find Tirane, who to her amusement was dressed as a beetle. Despite how funny a beetle may have sounded Tirane looked still looked beautiful in her red and black dress.
~~~~~
Legolas was pleased that Galadriel and Celeborn had been kind enough to organize him and his company a night of fun and relaxation before the final leg home. Legolas had little time to organize his attire, but thankfully Haldir had offered to help. By the time of the ball, Legolas stood clad in black leggings, boots and tunic, with a black cape draping his shoulders and flowing to his ankles. His black mask covered only his eyes, leaving his pink lips and paled nose exposed. Legolas looked very different, no one could say they had ever seen the Prince in black. His electrifying eyes were more visible, if that were possible, against the black of his clothing. He left his creamy blonde hair in its usual style, not wanting to put to much effort into how he looked. Haldir dressed in his usual attire only saying that he was on duty and may have to leave at any time, wearing a costume would slow him down.
~~~~
Esta arrived with Tirane on her arm to the ball. They were late, which came as no surprise to Tirane. The musicians were already playing, couples were dancing on the floor and many people ate and drank from the food court. At the top of the room sat Galadriel and Celeborn on their massive thrones. The entire room was decorated in silver lighting and materials. Silver flower centrepieces decorated the many tables. So many plates of food made it hard to see the wooden tables that they sat on. Everywhere Esta looked she saw crowds of people, all in costume and all busy in their own worlds.
Tirane dragged Esta in as they walked to the huge table that Galadriel sat at. Plastering on a fake smile as if she were a clown Esta greeted the Lady and Lord and took her seat next to Tirane. Esta was on edge the whole time, knowing Legolas could show up at anytime. Taking up her wine she gulped it down, wiping the excess from her mouth.
"Where are you manners Esta?" Tirane gave her a scolding look. Esta scowled in return.
"Stop being such a hypocr-" Esta was cut short as a voice came from behind her.
"I hope you don't talk like that to everyone Esta?" Haldir stood over her a broad smile on his face as he opened his mouth and dropped a strawberry in it, Legolas stood behind him trying to go unnoticed. Lady luck was not on his side tonight.
"LEGOLAS! Come sit down and eat" Tirane pointed to the chair next to Esta as Haldir went to sit in the chair next to Tirane. Legolas hesitated, looking at Esta as if he needed her approval. In return Esta only nodded and returned to face the ballroom. She lost her appetite and spent several minutes just gazing at the dancers while trying her hardest to ignore the Elf next to her. The harder she tried the harder it got.
Stop fidgeting, stop ripping the serviette, put down the knife
~~
Legolas watched Esta out of the corner of his eye as she tore up anything she could get her hands on. He sighed and removed the irritating mask from his head.
"I don't think your meant to take it off" Esta said in a I-know-all voice, her head and eyes still trained on the muffin she was slowly ripping to shreds with her fork.
"It's irritating my skin" Legolas said sincerely not wanting to start a fight.
"Oh" Esta didn't spare him a glance and continued on with the slaughter of her muffin.
Galadriel had been watching the two with great interest.
~~~~
Half an hour later Haldir and Tirane got up to dance after they're lengthy conversation was over. Legolas had gotten up to talk with some of the Elves from Mirkwood, leaving Esta alone with Galadriel as Celeborn had gotten up and left without a word.
Esta liked Galadriel, she really did she thought she was an amazing Queen, she just didn't like being alone with her. She could feel Galadriel's eyes piercing her head. Try as she might she couldn't stop herself from looking up at the Lady. She was right; the Elf's eyes were looking right at her. Esta forced a small smile and looked back down.
:::: Why aren't you dancing?:::: Esta had talked to Galadriel through her mind before, but not in a very long time.
:::: I don't feel well:::: Esta answered in half-truth as she looked up to meet Galadriel's icy eyes.
:::: You know why don't you?:::: Galadriel had a small encouraging smile on her face. Esta had a small frown on hers. She didn't understand and Galadriel realised she didn't know.
:::: You're with child::::
Esta could have died. In fact she was pretty sure she did. White clouds and bright lights surrounded her until someone's voice brought her to reality. Opening her eyes she saw Tirane, Galadriel and Legolas sitting down, in her room. Bolting upright she frantically pushed herself off her bed. Everyone got up to stop her.
"Esta please sit down, you need to rest and we need to talk" Tirane said as she pushed the young woman down into the marsh mellow pillows.
"Talk about what?!?" Esta said angrily hoping that what she thought Galadriel had told her was a figment of her imagination.
"The baby" Galadriel smiled.
Legolas sat in a dark corner, his head in his hands. His shoulders sagged as if he were an old man next to his wife's death bed.
~~~~~~~
A/N: I'm not to sure where Satine came from, she just kind of happened lol. Sorry the update took long.
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