Chapter 2: A snake in the grass.
As Azura ran, she was unaware of one of the other servant girls watching her approach. This was Pelladil. Her black hair hid her glassy, green eyes and wanted more then anything to make Azura's life miserable. For a long time she knew of Azura's love for Legolas and so she used it to her advantage. If she was too lazy to do work she turned to Azura and said; "Do my chores Azura or I'll tell the king of your secret love with the prince."
Afraid that Pelladil was telling the truth, Azura ended up doing both Pelladil and her own chores. Each night she would go to bed tired and wake up feeling weak and powerless. Whenever the king would ask if something was wrong, Azura would just shake her head and continue working. Her secret was just to precious to have spread around the castle grounds.
As Azura ran past Pelladil reached out and pulled Azura back. Startled, Azura let out a gasp, but Pelladil threw her hand over Azura's mouth. "Where are you going?" she hissed.
"To the castle gates. Someone seems to be arriving?" Azura said after Pelladil took her hand away.
"What do you think your prince is coming back?" Azura nodded. "Go to him then, but if you mention to him what I've been doing to you, you'll regret ever being born. Is that clear?" she said digging her nails into Azura's flesh till she drew blood. Azura began to cry. Pelladil released her grip and threw Azura to the ground.
When Azura got up and dusted herself off she noticed that Pelladil was gone. The blood from her arm was flowing quickly so she pulled out a handkerchief and wrapped it around the wound. She wiped away her tears and walked the rest of the way to the gates.
Legolas was pleased to have such a large crowd of people welcome him home. He scanned the crowd for Azura and finally spotted her walking towards the platform, where his parents stood. She didn't look too happy, but she was still beautiful in his eyes. He knew that she could sing like a bird and that she was so graceful when she danced.
He rode his horse up to the gate and proceeds to dismount. "Father how good it is to be home again. My apologies for being away longer then intended."
"Let us worry about that later my son. All that is important to me is seeing you back home where you belong. You can tell me of your adventures later," Thranduil said giving Legolas a big hug. Then he saw Gimli come up and dismount his own horse. "Well Legolas I'm sure you have a rational explanation for this."
"Father allow me to introduce my good friend, Gimli, son of Gloin. He was a member of our fellowship and has given me the opportunity to visit some exciting and unique places within Middle-Earth. For that I am showing him my home and my people."
"King Thranduil, may I say that you have a beautiful kingdom. And you are lucky to have such a remarkable son might I add."
"Thank you master dwarf." He turns to see Azura approach. "Ah, Azura I was just about to call for you. Will you take the dwarf up to our guest quarters and settle him in for the night?"
"Yes, your highness. But may I first get some water to clean out these cuts I received while watering the roses?" Azura asked calmly.
Legolas looked over and saw that the handkerchief had blood soaking through it. "Let me have a look at it." Azura held out her arm and Legolas removed the cloth. The cuts were deep and looked painful. They didn't look like rose thorn scratches to him. "Azura meet me at the secret place tonight. I can bring you something to take care of that," he whispered.
"Azura please take the guest to his room and then you are free for the rest of the evening," Thranduil stated.
"Thank you your highness. I will do it right away." She turned to Gimli. "Follow me and we'll get a room set up for you."
Gimli followed her up the steps and into the palace. Legolas watched them go. He wondered what the cut in Azura's arm was from, but for this moment he realized that other things had to be taken care of first…
To be continued…
Thanks for the review Sarah. I've others that I told this to say it was good so I hope to get more reviews in soon. I'm surprised that I'm posting the second chapter all ready. I guess it's because I'm bored and have nothing better to do.