Summer Festival
Jamie and Skye went back to Legolas' house early the next morning to set up house. Jamie organized help from some of the ladies in the settlement. Some brought curtains and various kitchen utensils and dishes that Legolas had obviously been lacking. Others donated furniture, making it a much more comfortable house when all was arranged and put away. The seamstress brought three gowns by and two pairs of shoes were also delivered. Skye thought it felt like Christmas morning. Finally, word came that the troubles at the border had passed, and the watch was coming home so most of the ladies went home to their husbands. Jamie put Veon down for a nap on the bed and then sat with Skye at the table. They had a light lunch and just talked.
"It looks much better in here," Jamie said. "Legolas wasn't much of a decorator."
Skye laughed, "I never met a man who was… unless he was gay."
Jamie laughed, "You won't find any of those in this wood."
"No, Legolas made it clear that such behavior was frowned upon. I had these neighbors…"
Jamie chuckled a little and they both just laughed. "Well, I'm glad he had the full San Francisco experience," Jamie said.
"Oh, he did, believe me," Skye said. "He even went to a ballet audition."
"What'd he think?"
"He thought I was robbed," Skye said with a scowl. "The choreographer wanted to know if he was a dancer. He was disappointed when Legolas said no."
"I bet he could if he wanted to. Elves have this ridiculously perfect balance. You wouldn't believe some of the stuff I've seen," Jamie said. "Must be the immortality thing."
Skye looked at Jamie with a flat expression and just coolly asked, "Immortality?"
Jamie's face went pale, "Uh, yeah… you should ask Legolas to explain it to you sometime. It's just a quirk of Middle Earth… no big deal."
Skye smelled a cover and didn't like it. "Elves are immortal, is that what you are trying not to tell me?"
Jamie bit her lip, "You didn't know, did you?"
Skye's expression was dark, "No."
"It's not a big deal; it just takes a little getting used to. He'll always be as hot as he is now, just think of that," Jamie said with a smile.
Skye slowly smiled, "He is hot."
"For a blonde I guess," Jamie said lightly. "I like redheads myself."
Skye suddenly laughed, "I guess we have a little bit to talk about when he gets home."
Jamie's expression sobered, "He loves you, that is obvious to everyone who knows him. Don't let this bother you, okay? It was hard for me too when I found out, but Elves are not like the men we are used to, they're actually as good as they seem."
Skye nodded, lost in thought until the door opened and she saw Legolas standing in the doorway looking over the room. His eyes passed over everything and then settled on his wife and she gave him a smile.
"Well, you're back sooner than we expected. Is everything okay?" Skye asked.
Legolas nodded as he crossed the room to stand by her chair. "What's all this?" he asked.
"A welcome party," Jamie said. "You have been a bachelor so long you didn't even know what you needed, so I took the liberty of making a list and passing it out. It didn't take long for the ladies of the settlement to take care of it. They all just left a few minutes ago, now that the crisis is over."
Legolas just furrowed his brow and looked at Skye. "You surprise me," he said softly, and then noticed her new gown. She finally looked like the princess she was and it pleased him. "Your gown suits you."
Skye blushed, "Three gowns arrived this morning. And two pairs of shoes."
Legolas smiled, "Dance shoes?"
Skye rolled her eyes, but Jamie laughed. Legolas looked around and realized there was no room for her to dance. He peeked in the bedroom and frowned. It was furnished with all the amenities but there was no more floor space. He looked back in the main room with a thoughtful expression.
"We need to add on to the house," he said. "It is too small."
Jamie laughed, "A nursery already?"
"A dance room…" Legolas corrected but paused and smiled, "And a nursery."
Skye blushed at both comments, but said nothing.
Jamie just retrieved Veon from his nap spot on the bed and waved as she left.
Finally alone, Legolas pulled Skye from her chair and into his arms for a hug. He was pleased with the surprise, but even more pleased that his wife seemed to be comfortable here.
"The house has never looked so inviting. Thank you for doing this," Legolas said.
"Jamie did most of it," Skye admitted.
"I wasn't talking about the furniture. It is you that makes this house a home. I took you from your world abruptly though it was not your wish. Thank you for staying with me," Legolas clarified.
Skye hugged him a little tighter, "There's no where else I want to be."
Legolas drew back a little so he could kiss her, but her expression gave him pause. She looked at him as if he were a stranger and it worried him.
"Skye? What is it?"
"Is it true that Elves are immortal?" Skye asked bluntly.
Legolas stared into those beautiful blue eyes that seemed to be searching his face for answers. He knew this was news that may change things between him, but he could not lie to her. He hadn't meant to keep it from her; it just hadn't come up yet.
"It is true," Legolas admitted.
"Then your life was never in danger?" she asked weakly as she looked away.
Legolas' heart sank as he realized what she must be thinking. "I can be hurt and killed, just like men, but I do not age or die from illness. The wound was grave as you thought. If you hadn't brought me home…"
Skye hugged him, "I'm still glad I came, but you should have told me."
"I'm sorry," Legolas said.
"I'm going to get old, you know. Gray hair, wrinkles, the works… can you live with that?" Skye asked.
"Yes I can," Legolas said as he bent down and kissed the top of her head. "The only thing I think I cannot face is the thought of losing you."
"Well, you're stuck now; we're married and all… besides, this was your idea," Skye said.
"Indeed it was, and glad I am to have finally convinced you that we were meant for each other," Legolas said. "Now, if this matter is settled, why not show me your shoes?"
"You just want to watch me dance, but there's no room anymore," Skye said.
"I intend to fix that, and soon, but for the moment, we will scoot the furniture against the wall," Legolas said.
Skye smiled at him and went to change her shoes. She put on the blue silk dance shoes and tiptoed back into the main room with a playful smile. Legolas had already moved the table and couch and closed the curtains. He stood in the middle of the room and frowned.
"I want to see the shoes, not the gown," Legolas said.
Skye lifted the hem so he could look and Legolas shook his head at her.
"Woman, how clear must I be?" Legolas asked with a cocked brow.
"Oh, you want me to change?" Skye asked innocently.
Legolas crossed his arms over his chest and smirked at her. It was a fun game. "Lose the gown, Skye. We'll go from there."
Skye smiled and blushed as she twirled on her toes and then loosened the ties on her bodice. Legolas eyes were glued to her and she loved it. She undressed as slowly and provocatively as she could. Her husband watched, entranced. So he was immortal. Someday that might bother her, but at the moment she couldn't care less.
Legolas lounged against his pillow with his wife resting her head on his bare chest. The covers were haphazardly draped over them as their hearts slowly calmed from an afternoon of loving. Legolas looked down at the silk shoes that had been cast on the floor along with his clothes. He smiled to himself remembering the foreplay of dancing around the house. He'd be retrieving clothes from every room, but it was the shoes that held his gaze. He wanted her to share her gift and he was struck with an idea as to how.
"Skye, if I asked you to do something for me, would you?" Legolas asked.
Skye smiled dreamily, "Anything."
"Will you dance at the Summer Festival?" Legolas asked.
Skye opened her eyes suddenly but made no reply. She wasn't sure about that one.
"Will you?" Legolas pressed.
Skye cringed, "I don't know if I should… I would need a costume and music. Do you think people here would like it?"
"They will love it," Legolas said firmly. "You can take care of the costume tomorrow with the seamstress; she already has your size. I'll take care of music. We'll find something you can dance to. Maybe I can get Jamie to sing."
Skye lifted her head to look at him. "Jamie sings?"
Legolas smiled, "Jamie can charm the stars from the sky with her voice, that is her gift. Dancing is your gift and you must share it."
Skye rested her head on his chest again and listened to his heart. She finally decided to give in and she sighed, "When is this festival?"
"One week hence," Legolas said.
Skye sat up abruptly, "That soon? I have to practice!"
Legolas tugged her back into his arms and whispered, "Later." His lips captured hers in a passionate kiss. He couldn't wait to see her perform at the festival.
Explaining the concept of tights to an Elf seamstress wasn't easy. Skye tried calling them socks, hose, knickers… but nothing registered. After a carefully detailed description of the fabric and function of the garment she finally got through. What she had was adequate, though not exactly right. Undergarments were made to keep her modest for leaps and such, and the costume was finished as well. It was no tutu, but Skye hated those. It was like a peasant dress, with a tea length full skirt of blue to match her shoes, a tan bodice and white frilly blouse. She felt like the princess from Disney's Sleeping Beauty. If she had an orchestra, she could dance to the same songs. She'd already modeled it for Legolas, and he liked it, but he liked anything she wore. A few of the elves have agreed to play music for her, and Jamie said she'd sing. All Skye had to do was pick a song, so she sat with Jamie, trying to decide.
"Well?" Jamie asked.
"I don't know what they'd like," Skye said. "I'd give anything for a CD player and some Tchaikovsky."
Jamie laughed, "If you can pick a song I know, I can sing it for the musicians and they can play along."
Skye pondered her costume a moment and then sighed, "Sleeping Beauty comes to mind…"
Jamie smiled at the memory of the Disney classic. "I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream…" she started to sing.
Skye smiled and joined her, "I know you the gleam in your eyes is so familiar a gleam…"
Jamie stopped and smiled, "Perfect!"
"Yeah, but I need one more thing," Skye said seriously.
"What?"
Skye smiled, "A partner."
Jamie cocked a brow at her, "Where are you going to find another ballet dancer in Middle Earth?"
"I know one," Skye said. "Guess."
Jamie just smirked and shook her head, "He'll say no."
Skye stood from the table, "No he won't."
Legolas and Skye sat at the table eating dinner. It was quiet despite all the activity in the settlement preparing for the festival. There would be many guests here son, including one that Legolas was most anxious to see… Gimli. He took another bite of bread and glanced at his wife who was watching him intently. She looked like a cat who'd swallowed a bird.
"What?" he asked nervously.
"Legolas, if I asked you to do something for me, would you?" she asked him sweetly.
Legolas knew the echo of his own words was deliberate, and he wondered what he was about to agree to. He couldn't say no, not after all the work she'd already done to prepare for the festival. He sighed and gave her a smile, "Yes."
Her smile was nothing short of dazzling, "Dance with me at the festival."
Legolas had just taken a bite and suddenly started coughing from the shock. "You can't be serious."
"I am serious, you'd be great!"
Legolas took a drink of wine to gather his composure and looked at her completely seriously, "I'll never walk on my toes, Skye."
Skye giggled, "Male dancers don't do that at all. I want to do a song Jamie's going to sing and it is definitely a pas de deux."
"A what?"
"A duet," Skye clarified. "I need a partner, please." She gave him a sad look and batted her eyelashes at him playfully.
Legolas smirked at her ploy but offered one last protest, "You know I have to maintain a little dignity, I have to lead around here you know."
Skye looked at him indignantly, "Ballet is very dignified, and I promise to be nice and let you wear your normal clothes."
Legolas looked at her suspiciously, "As opposed to what?"
Skye's smile broadened at the thought of Legolas in tights. He'd probably run the other way if he'd ever seen a dancer's costume. "Never mind," she finally said.
Legolas sighed and returned his gaze to his plate. "I will do as you ask, but I fear you will regret it."
Skye just sat back in her chair and sighed with satisfaction, "Nope, but you will after I put you through the practice. Eat up, we'll start after dinner."
Guests were arriving all day, and Legolas saw to everyone's needs as to lodging and such. He remained in the square most of the morning while Skye saw to the preparation of the hall for the feast that evening. Aragorn and his family had arrived early and after their greetings, went to Cilmo's house for the afternoon. Ẻomer and his family were coming down the path, and Legolas smiled at the sound of a familiar voice. Gimli must have traveled with the King of the Rohirrim, and Legolas stepped into the open to greet everyone. Ẻomer and Lothiriel greeted and hugged him and then Legolas turned his attention to the annoyed looking dwarf.
"Gimli, why so cross? This is a day of celebration," Legolas said, but knew what was probably bothering his friend.
"You went on an adventure and didn't take me with you," Gimli accused.
"Indeed, I admit it. The journey was most unexpected," Legolas said.
"Rumor has it you are married," Gimli said gruffly as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Where is she?"
"Master dwarf, be kind," Lothiriel said.
"Aye, my lady, I will, but he must answer for depriving me of yet another wedding feast. The lads are one thing, but you, Legolas… you know better," Gimli said looking truly hurt.
Legolas put a hand on his friend's shoulder, "I was following your advice. Come, let's go talk in private and you can ask me all about it."
Gimli smirked as they headed down the path, "Finally, someone listened to me."
Skye ran back and forth between the kitchen and the hall. Everything was being taken care of but she needed to feel useful. Lyneya was sitting in a chair in the corner of the gathering hall kitchen and watched her comings and goings with amusement. She saw Skye returning yet again and called to her.
"Skye, stop this. Everything will be ready without you hovering about. Go prepare for your dance… or meet some of the guests," Lyneya said.
Skye paled at the thought of meeting the guests. She knew there were kings and lords from all over coming and she was nervous. But preparing for her performance was a good idea. "I'll go and change for the feast… and make sure my costume is laid out for later."
Lyneya sighed, "Good idea." As Skye left, Lyneya turned her attention back to the cooks. She had come to help with the food, but Eruanna had insisted she rest. She was pondering going home, since no one would let her help anyway. The healer said she would have a difficult labor and should prepare for it now. Truthfully, Lyneya felt like a stuffed Oliphaunt. She couldn't put on her own shoes anymore and it was annoying. She couldn't wait to have this child.
Skye tried to cross the square without running into anyone, but there were lots of people about. Some of them she recognized, even if their names eluded her. But there were others, obviously guests here for the festival. She saw a man and woman dressed regally, but in a style that differed from what she'd seen. The man was tall and broad with a blonde beard and long hair. He wore a tunic of rich green trimmed in gold and his lady dressed in a deep blue gown trimmed in white and gold. Skye kept walking as if she didn't notice them, thankful that they were already engaged in conversation with several of the rangers. But she wouldn't escape the encounter so easily as the lady in blue addressed her as she passed.
"Hello," she said. "Are you one of the guests form Gondor?"
Skye halted, turned and offered her a friendly smile. "No, my lady. I live here in the wood, though I can understand the mistake. Not being and elf myself, I do not look as though I belong. My name is Skye, welcome to Ithilien," Skye said formally, trying to be the hostess she was expected to be.
"Oh, thank you. I am Lothiriel from Rohan and this one here is my husband Ẻomer," Lothiriel said. Ẻomer was still talking to Cilmo so he didn't hear their discussion.
Skye realized she was being shamefully informal with royalty, "Oh, your majesty, forgive my lack of manners."
"Not at all, we have only met and this is your home after all," Lothiriel said with a smile. Ẻomer finally turned his attention to his wife again when Cilmo left and she introduced Skye. "Ẻomer, this is Lady Skye."
"Pleased to meet you," he said with a smile.
Skye curtsied, "The honor is mine."
Ẻomer looked around the square and finally furrowed his brow, "Where has our host got to?"
"Legolas is not doubt seeing to other guests. I apologize for his absence. Have you some place to rest before the feast?" Skye asked.
"Not yet," Ẻomer said as he gave her his full attention again.
"Then please come to my house. It is small, but comfortable, and you can refresh yourselves after your long journey," Skye said.
"We'd be delighted," Lothiriel said.
"Great! Come with me, it is but a short walk from the square," Skye said as she led the way down the narrow path.
Ẻomer and his wife followed their new acquaintance in silence. It had been a few years since they had visited the wood and much had changed, but Ẻomer thought the path seemed familiar. He hadn't had the heart to visit since his cousin Miranda left, but he was certain he'd been this way before. He saw a house up ahead and suddenly realized whose it was.
"My lady, how came you to live among the Elves?" Ẻomer asked, trying not to sound nosey.
"I married an Elf," she said as she reached the steps to the porch and turned.
Ẻomer looked at her a moment, and remembered the rumors he'd heard about Legolas being married. He decided to take a chance and just ask. "Then you are… Lady Greenleaf?"
Skye blushed as she climbed the steps and paused at the door, "Yes, that's the rumor. Please, won't you come inside?"
Lothiriel laughed brightly, "You left us at a disadvantage, lady Skye."
"No, I'm not used to the title yet," Skye admitted as she opened the door. "I'm not… from around here."
She held the door for her guests to enter and then followed them inside. Legolas and Gimli were seated at the table having a discussion and they stood to greet them as they entered.
"Welcome to my home, Ẻomer… Lady Lothiriel," Legolas said with a smile. "I see you've met my wife, Skye."
"Yes," Ẻomer said with a smirk. "We figured it out eventually. She is most charming. Where did your meet?"
Gimli looked Skye over a moment and frowned. "A redhead from Sanfrancisco, interesting choice, Elf."
Legolas shot him a warning look and Gimli just sighed and offered Skye a smile, "Welcome lass, I'm Gimli."
Skye brushed aside the comment, not sure what it meant anyway. "Thank you, Lord Gimli. Legolas speaks of you often. He has been most anxious to see you these past weeks. He tells me you are quite the story teller. I look forward to hearing about some of your adventures."
Gimli smiled at her friendly manner and flattery, "I can tell you about the lad here," he said elbowing Legolas. "We've shared quite a few adventures together."
Legolas cleared his throat, "Won't you all make yourselves comfortable? I'll bring some wine."
"No, you sit and visit with your friends, I'll bring the refreshments," Skye said as she headed to the kitchen. She needed a breather.
Legolas sat with his three guests and was confronted by their expectant looks. He visibly cringed and then blushed, "What?"
"She's lovely," Ẻomer said.
"I like her," Lothiriel said.
"A redhead?" Gimli asked again with a cocked brow.
"The color is called Auburn," Legolas said indignantly. "Do not read into something as trivial as hair color. I love Skye. She's an amazing woman."
Gimli gave a snort, still certain that the coincidence was just too much. He knew Legolas had carried feelings for Miranda, at least for a while. But he forced a smile when Skye returned with not only wine, but…
"What are these?" Gimli asked as he took a small disc like pastry from the tray.
"Sugar cookies," Skye said, "My mother's recipe."
Gimli sniffed it then tasted one. He smiled, "She can cook, Elf, I'll give you that."
Skye forced a smile. She had a feeling that the dwarf didn't like her very much. She excused herself to go change for the feast. As she closed the door she sighed heavily. What did she expect, that everyone would just fall at her feet? Of course not. But what did she do to bug her husband's best friend? She laid out her dance costume for later and then put on her formal gown for the feast. It was… sky blue, and she giggled at the thought. The color was chosen since it suited her complexion, but still… sky blue. How can you not giggle?
As the afternoon wore on, it was time to go to the hall for the feast. Legolas and Skye walked with their houseguests down to the square where they met Aragorn and his family. Eldarion and Miiriel were there along with all of Miranda's children and their families, save Nárello and Lalaith. They all entered the hall and took their seats. Faramir and Ẻowyn were already seated and Nyére and Polodrin were greeting some of the Avari as they came in to be seated. Soon the hall was filled, and Legolas led Skye to their seats at the head table. On one side sat the royalty of Gondor and on the other side sat the royalty of Rohan. Legolas stood and greeted the gathering.
"Summer is the time of mild weather and light hearts, what better time than this to gather with friends and neighbors? I welcome to all, the greats of Gondor and Rohan, Kings and their families, Lords and ladies, Elves and dwarves and men. Let the feast begin!"
There was cheering and applause as the food was brought out and the wine was served. The meal was fine, with all the favorites of the elves and some recipes donated by the human inhabitants of the wood as well. The feasting went on for hours as light conversation and laughter filled the hall. As the hour grew late and all had eaten their fill, it was time for entertainment. The food was cleared away and tables were moved to give floor space. First was music and lays chronicling tales of the elves. Some were of things old, and some were more recent, like the tale of the Hiri Nolwë or the tale of the Avari's journey to the wood. Then there was dancing, and the Avari showed everyone what festivals were all about.
This is when Skye quietly excused herself and went to change for her performance. She donned her costume and wrapped her dance shoes in a small cloth sack before walking back to the hall. She slipped into the kitchen to change her shoes and waited. Jamie joined her there shortly.
"Are you ready for this?" Jamie asked.
Skye was more nervous than she thought she'd be. "How many kings are out there?"
Jamie laughed, "They but their pants on one leg at a time just like everyone else. You'll be great!"
Skye gave hr half a smile and closed her eyes to prepare herself mentally. She had to put herself into the part.
Jamie watched at the door and then she turned back to Skye and announced, "It's time."
Skye's eyes flew open and she heaved a sigh, "Wonderful."
Jamie took her place by the musicians as the floor cleared. Legolas left to join his wife and Nyére introduced the performance.
"A dance called ballet," she announced.
Everyone murmured curiously about the strange title and then gave Jamie their attention. They thought perhaps it was she that would dance. But Jamie just nodded to the musicians to play as she set up the scene.
"A young princess has been in hiding from an evil sorceress. She lives with her three aunts and has been taught to be distrustful of strangers. She dreams of meeting a handsome prince some day. Unknown to her, today is that day…." Jamie steps back and watches as Skye dances in carrying a basket of berries. Her footwork is well practiced, and her skirt, though still modest is short enough for everyone to see her feet. It is obvious by the reaction of the crowd that they are impressed.
Skye did a lighthearted dance, skipping about the room like a young girl might. She pretended to pick more berries here and there and then set her basked down. She looks around to see if anyone is there, and then pretends to meet someone. She points to herself with a questioning look and then smiles shyly as she curtsies. She pretends to hold and invisible partner and dances around as though waltzing and Jamie begins to sing with the music.
"I know you I walked with you once upon a dream. I know you the gleam in your eyes is so familiar a gleam. And I know it's true that visions are seldom all they seem, but if I know you… I know what you'll do. You'll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream…"
Skye twirled and danced on her toes as Legolas entered the hall and pretended to see her for the first time. Skye didn't notice him, and everyone held their breath to see what he would do. Skye's dance surprised them, but the thought of Legolas dancing had them floored. He walked up behind her and caught her hands and danced with her in perfect time. She suddenly stops and looks and then backed away in surprise. It was quite the display of acting as he assured her he was not there to harm her. He asks her to dance, and she timidly accepts, and then everyone gasped when he catches her in a lift and then dips her suddenly. Jamie starts to sing again, a little brighter this time and Legolas and Skye go all out in their dance.
Aragorn couldn't believe it. He'd never seen his friend do anything like that in all his life. It was obvious that he loved Skye very much. Gimli just stared in shock. He'd been all wrong about Skye. There was nothing to do with Miranda in this relationship, that was obvious. He owed Legolas an apology.
With the dance concluded, Legolas and Skye gave a bow and the room erupted in cheers and applause. Legolas blushed, and backed away, leaving Skye standing alone in the middle of the room. She looked around at the crowd and slowly smiled. Finally, she was the prima ballerina, and she'd never been so happy. They accepted her, and she finally felt at home. She bowed again and tried to return to her seat but Legolas shook his head and pointed to the floor.
"Give us another," he said.
Skye shook her head but the crowd kept shouting, "More."
Skye looked to Jamie who shrugged. "What do you want to do?" Jamie asked.
Skye pondered it a moment and then smiled, "You mind singing acapella?"
"No."
"How about True Colors by Cyndi Lauper?" Skye suggested.
Jamie smiled and nodded. She stepped out of the way and started to sing. Skye danced her heart out for that song, and that was their encore. The ballet performances turned out to be the talk of the festival, and Skye was not only accepted, but appreciated by the Elves. Legolas was so proud of her, and no one had anything negative to say about his performance either. Elves respected the arts, and Skye had brought something new and wonderful to the wood. She finally belonged.
END.
