Disclaimer: We do not own all the stuff owned by the Tolkein estate…so don't sue…we're poor anyways so it'd be a waste
Look for A/N at the end
Reaching the end of the corridor after leaving her friend, Nerina could barely contain her excitement.
"Where are you taking me?" Nerina asked in a delighted whisper as Gandalf led her down a stone stairway.
He smiled and said softly, "It's a secret." He pulled what appeared to be a blindfold from his robes. "Do you trust me?" he whispered.
Nerina's eyes widened slightly, but she smiled as she replied softly, "Of course I do, Gandalf." She blushed as he held the palm of his hand gently against her cheek. She breathed in as he tied scarf around her head.
He took her hand in his and they continued down a corridor for a few minutes in silence before coming to a stop. Nerina shivered slightly from the chill of the corridor, but she found if she tilted her face upwards, she could feel a steady warm glow from above.
"Wait here a moment," Gandalf said, grasping her hand in reassurance before letting go.
Standing blind and alone, Nerina rocked back and forth on her heels. She placed her hands out in front of her and slowly turned around, feeling nothing, not even the solid comfort of a wall.
Just then she heard Gandalf's voice from above. "Can you hear me, Nerina?"
"Yes," she called back.
"Good. Now I want you to follow my instructions."
She grinned wickedly, "Do I have to call you 'Master?'"
He laughed, "You are strange sometimes. But no, you do not…at least not today."
"Okay, I'm ready," she called.
"Alright, Nerina, I want you to move forward three steps. You can put your hands in front of you if it makes you feel more secure."
She moved forward slowly, counting her steps and grasping at the air in front of her.
"Very good, now if you'll take one large step forward and move your hands in front of you, please."
As her hands reached out, Nerina started when her fingers brushed a metal bar. She smoothed her hands over it in examination and realized it was the rung of a ladder.
"Climb up," Gandalf called in amusement.
She sighed, "You're twisted, making a blindfolded person climb a ladder."
"Trust me, it's worth the climb."
Nerina found the bottom rung with her foot and slowly started to climb. She wasn't afraid, but she didn't want to tempt fate by rushing blindly. When she felt that she'd reached the top, she heard Gandalf's voice very close to her and she stretched out her hand, which he held as she climbed out and put her feet on solid ground.
She smiled as he moved behind her and placed his hands on the blindfold. "Are you ready?" he murmured.
"Yes," Nerina said, a smile playing upon her lips.
The blindfold fell away from her eyes and she gasped in delight as she stared in amazement about her. Tall oaks, lush and comforting in their stature, surrounded them. Wildflowers were abundantly scattered about them and Nerina swore she saw colors she'd never known to exist.
Nerina spun around and shook her head at Gandalf in disbelief. "You are amazing," she said softly. "This place is beautiful. Thank you for bringing me here," she murmured and lifted her hand to wipe a small tear from her eye.
Gandalf placed a finger under her chin and raised head so he could look into her eyes. "I'm happy that it pleased you." He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and drew her close before bending his head and capturing her lips in a soft, hesitant kiss.
As they parted Nerina looked at him contemplatively and before he had time to react she wrapped herself around him and pulled him down to the ground. She grinned, "You have no idea how long I've been waiting for you to do that." Nerina leaned over him, letting her hair fall in a curtain around them.
Gandalf smiled and his wandering hands discovered that Nerina was very ticklish. Using this newfound knowledge to his advantage he managed to reduce her to hysterics and reverse their positions.
She frowned, "You play dirty."
He smirked, "Does this bother you, truly?"
"That's not the point," she chuckled. "But on a different note, where are we precisely?"
"The underground tunnel we just went through leads to the forest bordering the palace," Gandalf explained.
Nerina thought about this for a moment before asking, "And do many people know about this particular spot?"
He shook his head, "I assure you it is quite secluded."
A satisfied smile passed over Nerina's face as she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close to her, "Aren't you the clever one?"
In evidence of just how clever he truly was, Gandalf decided that his reply would be more effective if he gave his voice a rest and put his mouth to good use. And Nerina, for one, decided that afternoon that 'clever' was not a strong enough word to describe Gandalf.
Breathless with laughter, Nerina spun around wildly until she collapsed on the floor and watched as the room whirled around her. As her vision righted itself she brushed her fingers over her lips and giggled as she thought about Gandalf. Her rather lecherous thoughts were interrupted by the shout, "Damned corset!" from the next room.
She laughed, "Problems, Tala, love?" she called.
The adjoining door flew back on its hinges and Tala stalked into the room, pausing only to glare at her friend. "Oh would you get off the floor? It's bad enough that you ditched me today for Mr. Wizard, but you don't have to roll around on the floor like you've just been…tumbled." At Nerina's resulting grin, Tala closed her eyes and shook her head, "You have no shame."
Nerina slowly stood and smiled sweetly at Tala, "Jealous? Besides, you really should curb your harsh tongue, Dearie, because you know that a lady would only use her tongue for sweeter purposes."
Tala's jaw dropped momentarily before speaking, "Two things, 'Rina. One, you are sick. Two, don't worry, I fully intend to live up to my part of the bargain."
Nerina grabbed the laces of the corset and started to lace up Tala. "You're going to love how the effect this is going to have on your figure."
Tala winced, "Sure…if I don't pass out first. Take care, I was wounded today!"
"Sorry, but did you really have to go to such extremes?"
Tala cried out, "Yes! He wounded my pride and he deserved a good beating."
Nerina sighed, "All I'm saying is that you certainly have a strange way of letting him know you fancy him."
"Do not!" Tala protested. "New topic, where did you and Gandalf go today?"
Deciding to allow the blatant change of subject for the time being, Nerina smiled and said coyly, "We went for a walk in the forest."
"And?" Tala prodded.
"And we had a lovely time. There, you're all laced and lovely."
Tala laughed, "Nice try. Tell me what happened!"
Nerina was about to respond when a look of horror appeared on her face. "What time are the men coming to get us?"
Right on cue, there came a knock at the door. "Are you ready, Lady Nerina?" called Gandalf.
She looked at her nightgown and squeaked in alarm, "Almost! Just give me a moment to finish things up!"
Tala ran back to her own room, scrambling to find her dress. Nerina in the meantime turned her room into a disaster area, throwing clothes around the room and diving headfirst into her dressing room.
Gandalf grinned at Legolas, "So…are you ready to fulfill your side of the bet?"
Legolas gritted his teeth, "Of course I am."
The turned their heads at the sound of a splash and a strangled cry from within the rooms.
"Should we go in?" wondered Legolas.
"No…that would probably be a mistake," reasoned Gandalf.
Just then the door opened and the men were greeted by two lovely visions. Nerina wore a long forest green gown with sleeves trailing past her fingertips and a playful curved peasant-scooped neck. Her hair was swept up into two alpine braids, with several curls escaping and framing her face. Tala wore a midnight blue dress decorated with elegant silver swirls and classic off the shoulder straps. Her long hair sparkled with a hint of glitter and was swept up halfway while the rest trailed in waves down her back.
The men simply stared at them until Tala said dryly, "Take a picture, it will last longer."
Both women laughed at their confused looks. Looking at each other and shrugging, the wizard and elf just sighed and extended their arms, knowing they would never quite figure out these usual women.
"This is so exciting!" gushed Nerina as Gandalf led her to the Great Hall. "Don't you think so Tala?"
Tala bit back a sarcastic reply and said in a mild tone, "Oh yes, very much so."
Legolas raised an eyebrow, 'So she can act like a lady,' he mused. 'Well if she can make an effort then certainly I can show her my best courtly manners.'
When they reached the Great Hall, the doors were opened by two smartly dressed guards and the sight before them made even the slightly perturbed Tala's eyes widen in awe. The hall was lit with thousands of candles, illuminating the countless lords and ladies, each resplendent in robes of every shade.
Nerina leaned toward Tala and whispered, "This is better than watching the Red Carpet Pre-Show for the Oscars!"
Tala nodded, "Yes and there's no annoying Joan Rivers making bitchy commentary through her collagen frozen lips!"
The two giggled, causing Gandalf to smile and Legolas to look somewhat wary.
As they entered the room a trumpet sounded and the master of ceremonies announced loudly, "The court of King Thranduil welcomes the noble wizard, Gandalf the White accompanied by the delightful Lady Nerina of Virginia." Gandalf nodded to the crowd and Nerina flushed and looked at her feet.
A hush fell over the crowd as Legolas and Tala stepped forward and the master of ceremonies stood up straighter (if this was possible), drawing a deep breath. "All hail Prince Legolas Greenleaf, Son of Thranduil and Heir to the Mirkwood Realm," He paused for a breath, "Accompanied by the enchanting Lady Tala of Virginia."
Legolas smirked at Tala's stare as all in the room dropped into deep bows or curtsies. "You certainly know how to make an entrance," Tala murmured dryly.
"Comes with the title," he replied with a casual shrug. "Besides," Legolas said with a slight grin, "Don't tell me you aren't enjoying the attention just a little bit."
She narrowed her eyes, "What are you talking about?"
He chuckled, "Well as you have me, the heir to the throne as your escort, you must realize that you are the envy of all the young ladies of the court."
"Oh really?" Tala asked in a suspiciously sweet tone.
Legolas nodded, "Yes."
She gave him a simpering smile and stood on her toes to whisper in his ear, "Well then, your highness, the young ladies of the court must either be dense or they do not know you very well."
He glared at her and Tala flashed him a dazzling smile. Unexpectedly he felt a quick tug at his heart when she smiled like that and he found himself wondering how he could make her smile at him more often.
"Legolas, I believe your father is waiting for us," noted Gandalf, grinning as the prince shook himself from his thoughts and grumbled, "Of course, let us not dally." The two couples made their way to their seats on either side of Thranduil. Gandalf seated Nerina and after greeting the king, he bent his head toward Nerina and the two began whispering animatedly. Poor Thranduil, with his excellent hearing, felt his cheeks go red after overhearing Gandalf propose a certain 'experiment' to the young lady. Thranduil took a deep drink of mead and made a mental note to advise Gandalf to be a bit more reserved in his public discussions with certain young ladies. 'Then again,' he thought as he watched Nerina give Gandalf a wicked grin, 'Perhaps he cannot help himself.'
Meanwhile, Legolas was insisting that Tala allow him to prepare a trencher of food for her. "I'm not a baby, Legolas. I assure you that I can choose my own food without your assistance!"
He sighed, "Were you as difficult towards all the men in your world or am I a notable exception?"
She tilted her head to the side and made a show of considering his question before replying, "Pretty much."
Legolas frowned, "Why is it so difficult for you to follow decorum and allow me as the male and your escort to care for your needs?"
Tala glared at him, "Because in my world women have fought for the right to be independent of men and not rely on them to cater to their every need! And as far as the whole escort thing goes, in my world male escorts are paid companions and I don't think I'll be paying you to mattress dance with me any time soon, Blonde Boy!"
A puzzled look came over the elf's face at that last statement and he took a moment to try and translate its meaning. Suddenly, his face went pale and he said in a low voice, "Did you just imply that I was acting like a…" he stopped searching for an inoffensive term.
Tala patted his arm, "Yes, and we call it a gigolo where I come from."
Legolas prided himself on his control of his temper, but everyone has a boiling point and Tala was getting dangerously close to helping him reach it. Fortunately, there was a sudden commotion that drew the prince's focus from his fair companion.
"Thranduil, King of Mirkwood!" called an angry voice.
All eyes turned to the entrance as a tall man with long jet-black hair wearing deep purple robes stormed into the room. Tala and Nerina looked with curiosity as Legolas, Thranduil, and Gandalf simultaneously let out groans of disbelief.
Thranduil stood and assumed a polite countenance, "Yes, Namuras, what troubles you?"
"Two things, Highness. First, you insult me by choosing him," he pointed an accusing finger at Gandalf, "As your court wizard when I am obviously the more qualified! Second, you hold this royal banquet and do not issue an invitation to me?"
Thranduil sighed, "Namuras…I assure you that Gandalf is more than qualified for his position and as for you not receiving an invitation, I'm sure this was a simple mistake, for I have never denied you a place in our merriment."
Namuras sneered, "A likely tale." He drew himself up into an imposing stance and cast his eyes about the room. "You shall all regret the day you trifled with Namuras the Dominant." With that he turned and started to stalk out of the room.
Before anyone could react to this unusual outburst, Nerina stood from her seat and skipped after the retreating wizard. Legolas looked in confusion at Tala who was holding her head in her hands, crying "Not again!"
"What ails you Tala?" he inquired gently.
Tala waved her hands in annoyance, "Nothing, I'm just dandy! 'Rina is the one with a screw loose!"
"Why is she following Namuras?" Legolas asked.
"Well if I had to guess, I'd say she's introducing herself," snapped Tala.
Sure enough when Nerina caught up to Namuras she tapped him on the shoulder and when he spun around prepared to defend himself, she smiled and said simply, "Hello."
Suspicious already, Namuras looked down on her and sneered, "Who are you woman that you dare accost the powerful wizard Namuras?"
She curtsied and replied, "I am Nerina. And you of course are Namuras," she offered her hand, "Pleased to make your acquaintance."
He stared at her hand as if it was going to attack him and snarled, "What do you want?"
Nerina frowned at his angry tone, "I only thought to ask if you wouldn't stay, seeing as how the king said you were welcome and that your invitation must have been lost by mistake."
Looking at her incredulously Namuras growled, "Do not trifle with the likes of me woman!" With that he turned and stormed out of the room muttering under his breath about ridiculous women and vengeance.
Nerina sighed and returned to her seat beside Gandalf, not noticing the stares of disbelief she was receiving from a good portion of the room, including the before mentioned Gandalf.
"Lady Nerina, what could you have been thinking just now?" asked the king.
She looked up and shrugged, "Well, I figured his feelings were hurt about not being invited, so I thought I would ask him to stay so he wouldn't be upset."
Baffled by the strange simplicity of her reply, the king shook his head and called for the musicians to start playing.
"So," Nerina said to Gandalf, "Is Namuras a friend of yours?"
Gandalf shook his head, "No he is not."
"Why not?" Nerina asked as she reached for an apple slice in the trencher she shared with Gandalf.
"You mean besides poor fashion sense?" Tala said with a snicker as she examined the pheasant.
Legolas chuckled even as Gandalf continued to scowl. He finally relented with "Let's talk of other things."
All nodded and of course, complete silence fell among them. Everyone in the hall gradually went back to eating and talking as the incident was forgotten. Thranduil realized his dining companions were quiet and got the ball rolling on the small talk.
"It is nice to actually have you ladies join us for dinner. I do believe it has not happened yet." The king hid a grin as son and wizard grimaced slightly.
Nerina smiled as she reached for her goblet and Tala responded with a gentle laugh, "Indeed your highness. It is nice to eat outside of our rooms and to enjoy such splendid company."
Both the king and Nerina covered smiles as Gandalf's eyes widened and Legolas allowed his jaw to drop slightly. 'She really can be charming,' he thought in something like disbelief.
Tala felt her "date" studying her and turned questioning eyes to him. She narrowed her eyes when his gazed dropped and settled on her shoulder. 'The letch, he-'
"Did I hurt you very badly?" Tala's jaw dropped and all thoughts of 'Legolasevil letcher prince' scattered. The gentle concern in his eyes had her swiftly shaking her head and lifting her goblet to hide her slight blush.
With a knowing grin Nerina decided to have mercy and saved her friend by asking, "You know what we need Tala?"
"O, pray tell, what?" Tala murmured with a roll of her eyes.
"Unagi power!!!" Nerina stated with an accent and a giggle. (A/N: Unagi, and forgive if it is spelled wrong, is an eel dish of Japan, and is known to be an aphrodisiac. This scene was inspired by a comic sketch on Comedy Central, and we don't own any of that either)
Tala choked as she tried to laugh around a piece of bread, and their three companions look at them askance when both dissolved into bouts of laughter. Gandalf finally could stand the suspense no longer, and queried, "What is this 'onagee power?"
The laughter only increased and Nerina finally wound down enough to say innocently, "It's eel."
Unsatisfied with this answer, they attempted to press the issue, but were thwarted when music began to play. Nerina quickly turned puppy eyes to Gandalf and he stood and offered his hand. With a last wink at Tala she allowed Gandalf to sweep her away.
Looking back at their seats, Nerina watched Tala and Legolas dutifully attempt to make small talk and then fail beautifully. Gandalf noticed her focus and chuckled, "Doing well aren't they?"
Nerina nodded, "O yes. So polite and perfect they can't do anything. It doesn't help that…o wait, we may have a plot unfolding."
Both watched as another elf approached and spoke with Tala. Nerina smiled as Blondie's head whipped around as the two spoke and Tala stood, extending her hand and smiling. The unknown elf led her to another section of the floor, and they began to dance. A glance back at the prince revealed him to be debating with himself and getting slightly angry. Nerina giggled and whispered to Gandalf, "I think the prince is a bit miffed."
Gandalf chuckled, "Indeed. But he may be taking the matter in hand." At his pointed look, Nerina turned to see the prince making his way to the dance floor. Of course, he didn't get very far before he was swarmed by several ladies of the court, causing both wizard and lady to snicker at his plight.
Legolas clamped down his frustration and politely refused them in his attempt to get to Tala. Leaving behind a group of pouting and annoyed women, he weaved across the floor until he reached the side of his escort and her kidnapper. Tapping the elf, who he remembered to be named Kothas, on the shoulder, he smoothly cut in, pushing the encroacher away and ignoring Tala's glare.
"That was rude," she finally hissed.
The prince just raised an eyebrow and shrugged. "I am your escort, I shall dance with you."
Tala rolled her eyes, "Well you certainly weren't eager to do so."
"So you go off with the first man that asks?"
Resisting the urge to hit him, or at least step on his toes, she gritted out, "Don't you dare make that sound wrong. I like to dance, and accepted when I was asked."
"I was going to ask you," Legolas grumbled.
"O really? Before or after you finished counting the number of grapes on your plate…for the third time?!"
He frowned, "It was the fourth." Her green eyes widened and with a gentle smile he continued, "I didn't know if you would refuse me."
"Of course not. Tonight, as per our agreement, I am the perfect lady," she answered quietly.
"But I wanted you to say yes because you wanted to, not because of the bet." The same dazzling smile he had seen earlier was his reward for that statement, and he grinned in return.
Both couples continued to dance until the musicians finished their set and took a break. Then they returned to their seats. Nerina noticed Tala fanning herself and smirked. "Get a little hot out there Tala dear?"
Tala glared, "No. Someone laced me too tight and I can't breathe."
"Well I can think of a couple of ways to get it off…" Nerina said with a sly glance at the prince.
With a quiet growl, Tala stood gingerly. "Excuse me, I need to get some air."
"I'll come with you!" Nerina said cheerfully. Instead of waiting for an answer, she just grabbed Tala's arm and practically dragged her away, leaving their escorts to look at them in confusion.
The women reached the patio that had been opened up for just such a thing, and Tala sank down with a sigh onto the cool stone bench. Nerina looked at her quizzically as she watched her rub her right hip. "You ok, love?"
Tala nodded, "Just tired. And I think the painkillers and salve are starting to wear off."
"Then I suppose we should all stop hoping for midnight extra curricular activities?"
With a tired laugh, Tala nodded again. "Like there's anyone here who I would consider."
Nerina just smiled knowingly, "Is so. You have one, I have two."
"Two?!?!" At Nerina's cheeky smile, Tala sighed. "Forget it. I don't want to know right now, and I don't want to argue."
"Want me to take you back to the room?" Nerina asked as her brows knit. She frowned when Tala shook her head.
"A perfect lady does not complain. So I won't. I will tomorrow when I am free of this curse, but until then, nope."
"O bullshit. You need to go back, I'll take you back."
Tala gasped, "Why Nerina!! Such language is not fitting for the ears of a lady!" At Nerina's exasperated look, Tala grinned. "I know you will, but I really don't want to go back yet."
Nerina's response was never voiced as she was interrupted by a cold voice, "Well well, what do we have here?"
The two looked over to the steps leading off the terrace to find Namuras. Tala hid a grimace as Nerina smiled brightly, "Hello Namuras!"
"That is Lord Namuras to you two," he answered arrogantly.
"Did you want something?" Tala asked with a sweet smile and gritted teeth.
"O indeed. But neither of you could possibly understand, or be of any use in that area."
Grinning wolfishly, Tala commented idly to Nerina, "How is it that we get sent to a land of gay men?"
Nerina snickered, and then covered it swiftly with a cough, "I don't think he's gay, just misdirected."
"A huh. That would be why he's wearing that," she gestured to his outfit, "hideous thing. A man with no taste."
"O hush, you're only saying that because you don't like purple. I think it's lovely," Nerina said to him with a smile.
Namuras had been fuming while they talked and finally snapped, "You two shall regret this!" and stormed away.
Tala laughed while Nerina pouted, neither in the least bit worried. Nerina then stretched and offered her hand to Tala. After she stood and linked their arms together, they made their way back inside.
Gandalf greeted them when they reclaimed their seats, "Enjoy the air?"
"Yes, it was very refreshing," Tala answered with a soft smile as she sat.
"Although we ran into your Namuras friend. Not an overly happy chap, is he?" Nerina commented casually as she reached for her wine.
"What?!" Both wizard and elf exclaimed.
"O hush. It wasn't a problem. He came, tried to talk, and left when he didn't enjoy our conversation," Tala said as she examined the dessert options.
"Yes it was very sad. He is such an interesting person, he went away before we could really talk," Nerina pouted, looking into her wine. "Ah well. We can trade Namuras stories tomorrow. For now, let's eat, drink, and be overly merry." Tala agreed with a nod as she munched on her chosen dessert, a fruit filled pastry.
When Gandalf scowled and opened his mouth to question further, he was silenced as Nerina stuffed a mini-biscuit in his mouth. As he choked, Nerina patted him gently on the back and cooed in sympathy. Legolas laughed at the display and Tala smiled.
Before he could retaliate, the music resumed and Nerina jumped to her feet and with a happy cry grabbed a still coughing Gandalf and dragged him to the dance floor. Finishing her dessert, Tala glanced at Legolas, who was watching her. He smiled and silently offered his hand. He stood as she seemed to hesitate, but with a smile he was coming to like more and more she placed her hand in his.
After they had danced for a while, a rowdier kind of music began and both women soon realized that everyone was setting up in groups of four. They quickly found each other and did the same. With Legolas and Gandalf leading and coaching them through the steps, they soon got the hang of it and were having a wonderful time. At one point though Nerina began to notice Tala's smile seemed a bit forced, and when they stepped up to do a lady's set, Nerina whispered, "You okay?"
"I will be," Tala answered on a breath as she stepped back. When she faced Legolas again it was to find him frowning. 'O damn…his hearing.'
At the next lady's set, Tala asked her own question. "Magic Man forgive you for attempted murder?"
Nerina laughed and nodded, "O yea. And I promised to make it up to him," she said with a wink as she stepped back again, laughing again when she heard Tala groan.
The dance came to an end, and with a final bow to the other couple, a slower waltz began and they went back to private conversations.
"Would you like a break?" Legolas asked remembering what the women had said while dancing.
"Only if it suits you," she answered quietly.
She felt him tense as he frowned down at her. "You are not making my job any easier. If you feel poorly, you should tell me. I am supposed to look after you."
"Don't worry your pretty head about it, I'll be fine," she stated as he turned her.
Before he could get a real answer, Nerina and Gandalf came up beside them. "Enjoying yourselves, dears?" Nerina asked while giving Tala a penetrating stare.
"Immensely," Tala answered, ignoring the look.
"Good to hear," Gandalf interjected, completely ignorant of the situation.
Tala chuckled, "O yes." She smiled sweetly at Legolas, "Everything is just perfect."
Nerina bit her tongue at "sweet" tone. 'Guess she's not done for yet. Good, the night is sooo young.' Nerina gave Gandalf the same sugary smile. Both males looked at each other and shrugged slightly, not realizing the mischief that now awakened in the minds of their dates.
They soon took another break, but this time made their way to the patio once again. No sooner had they stepped onto the terrace than they were ambushed.
"O your highness!! How wonderful to run into you here!" a high pitched voice fairly groveled.
All four turned to find an elf maiden, one beautiful enough to draw gasps from Nerina and Tala. With wide eyes the humans studied her, taking in her willowy build, flowing blonde hair, and exotic purple eyes. She preened before them for a moment before seeming to recall her purpose for being there. Latching onto Legolas, she blinked coyly up at him. "O your highness, would you honor me with a dance?"
Her target's eyes widened in fright and he looked pleadingly at his companions. "Uhh…Lady Auria…I-that is…"
Nerina quickly elbowed Tala, who was trying very hard not to laugh. Rubbing her ribs, she glared at Nerina, who quickly whispered, "Faint." Tala's eyes blinked in confusion, silently asking what the hell she was talking about. Nerina saw the lady trying to maneuver the prince back inside and the prince failing miserably in disentangling himself. She grabbed Tala, shoved her into Gandalf (who was just as surprised), and ordered in a forceful whisper, "FAINT!"
Tala's brain finally kicked in and with a wicked smile to Gandalf she slumped against him, bringing a hand dramatically to her forehead as she closed her eyes. Luckily the magi understood and prevented her from falling and exclaimed, "O my! Lady Tala!"
"Tala?! Tala!! Are you alright?!" Nerina practically shouted in "worry", swiftly gaining the attention of the prince and the would be leech.
Well the situation that met his eyes proved sufficient motivation and he pulled his arm from the grasp of the elf maiden and rushed over. He didn't even notice the glare aimed at his back before she marched away.
"Is she well?? What happened?!" Legolas asked, almost in a panic. Gandalf grinned and relinquished her to the prince who hurriedly made sure she didn't fall. Neither one noticed Nerina glance around the doorway to see where the elf went.
When she turned back, she snorted at the drama Tala was causing. "Okay faker, you can move now, she's gone."
Said-faker's eyes popped open and she straightened. Gently stepping out of Legolas's grasp, the prince watched in shock as she straightened her dress, smoothed her hair, and then bowed. "Thank you, thank you, everyone. This performance was one of the most enjoyable of my experience." She blew a kiss when Nerina clapped enthusiastically.
"That…was an act?" Legolas asked aghast.
Nerina smiled mischievously, and looked at Gandalf who was completely amused. "Worked beautifully didn't it sugar?"
He just nodded as Tala snickered. Legolas finally seemed to catch on, and quickly grasped Nerina's hands. "O thank you, thank you, a thousand times thank you! You have no idea how great a thing your aid was!"
With a blink, Nerina grinned up at him. ""It was nothing. And you may want to thank the other actors."
Gandalf frowned at their interlocked hands as Legolas thanked him too. He waved it away and in a slightly angry tone stated, "You are welcome. And now if you are quite finished…" he sent a pointed look at their hands, causing them to drop, "we should probably be heading in now."
"Yay! More dancing!" Nerina cried, latching onto her wizard companion. She looked around, "Where did Tala go?"
"I'm right here," Tala herself called as she breezed back out onto the patio from the hall.
"How did you get in there?" Gandalf asked as he wrapped his arm around Nerina's waist.
She smirked, "Through the door."
Her three friends groaned. Legolas restated the question. "Why were you in there?"
Holding up a goblet and a mini-biscuit, she gave a cute smile. Nerina rolled her eyes, then stole the goblet, ignoring the indignant cry of its bearer. "Hmmm, that stuff is good."
Looking at the now empty goblet, Tala turned mournful eyes to her escort. "Where's all the rum gone?"
Nerina dissolved into laughter as Legolas scrambled for an answer. Inspiration struck her and she rescued the Prince, "I know where it is!"
Tala rounded on her and quirked a brow.
"In my room!" Nerina cried triumphantly. "Let's blow this old person party and have our own."
Tala's eyes lit, "Yes!"
The two males of the group just stared dumbfounded as they rushed off. They looked at each other, about to question the turn of events, when they found themselves yanked and dragged in the wake of the two ladies, who laughed the whole way.
Thranduil noticed his companions were missing, and when he looked up at the sound of distant laughter, he saw the quartet disappearing down a corridor. He smiled, sipped some wine, and rejoiced that Mirkwood was no longer boring. Well, it wasn't until Lady Auria's mother approached him and began to talk about the latest harvest. He suddenly wished he could follow his son and friends…
"Okay, we're going to play a little game," Nerina said cheerfully as she placed a bottle tequila of on the table after rooting through her hidden stash.
Gandalf eyed the bottle warily, "What is that?"
She winked, "That is for me to know and you to find out."
Throwing all caution to the wind, Gandalf nodded and asked, "How do we play this game?"
Nerina grinned, "It's very simple. Tala, darling, do you have the glasses?"
Tala sauntered through the adjoining door carrying four "magic" shot glasses. "Indeed I do." She looked at Legolas, who was standing dangerously close to the other exit. "What's the matter? Are you afraid I'll beat you?"
His eyes narrowed. "Hardly. I've been drinking for over 2000 years. I doubt you're capable."
Tala waved airily as Nerina said, "True. But it's elven wine and such. Potent as that is, I've yet to have anything close to some of the stuff we've had."
Legolas crossed to the center of the room and sat on one of the cushions Nerina had arranged around a small table. He smirked and said to Gandalf softly, "In this matter, they cannot defeat us." He looked up at Tala, a challenge gleaming in his eyes, "Explain the rules of this game, if you please."
Tala plunked down between across from Nerina and waited till her friend had poured some tequila in each shot glass. Once they each had a glass, Tala cleared her throat. The name of tonight's game, my friends, is…" she paused for dramatic effect, "Fuzzy Duck."
Nerina let out a cheer of excitement, while Gandalf and Legolas waited patiently for Tala to explain.
"The game begins with someone saying 'Fuzzy Duck.' The turn goes around the table, moving to the right and each person says 'fuzzy duck' until someone changes it to 'duck fuzzy.' The direction then switches to the left until someone changes the order back to the right by saying 'fuzzy duck.' Whoever says the wrong two words must drink a shot. Also, this game is supposed to move quickly, so if you stall on your turn, you must take a shot. Does everyone understand?"
The elf and wizard nodded and Nerina bounced up and down on her cushion in anticipation.
"Alright, let the game begin!" Tala said with a clap of her hands.
Nerina immediately shouted, "Fuzzy duck!"
Gandalf followed, then Legolas, then Tala, and so on and so on for a minute until Tala said, "Duck fuzzy."
The game became interesting when Gandalf was the first to mess up.
Nerina giggled at his surprised look, "Go on now. Drink up Mr. Wizard!"
Gandalf downed the shot and grinned as Nerina poured him another. "It's not that strong," he assured Legolas, who was watching with curiosity.
Tala caught Nerina's eye and rolled her eyes as she mouthed the word 'Rookies,' effectively sending her friend into another wave of giggles.
The game resumed and after another ten minutes of playing, Tala had taken one shot, Legolas had two, and Gandalf and Nerina were neck and neck with three each. Legolas seemed to be holding up rather well, considering it was his first time with tequila. Gandalf on the other hand seemed a bit tipsy and when his turn came again he laughed smiled and said 'Fuzzy Fuck,' and managed to down his shot before falling over into Nerina's lap. Nerina shrieked with laughter and knocked back her drink as well.
Tala snickered as Legolas raised an eyebrow.
"Get a room you two," she said as she rested her elbows on the table, propping her head on her hands.
Nerina looked thoughtful, "We have one." She pointed at the floor, "This one. It's mine."
Legolas snorted, "So shall we leave you two alone...together...in your room?"
Gandalf took the opportunity to murmur contentedly, "This is the warmest pillow I've ever laid my head upon."
"Okay then," said Tala as she stood up. "That sounds like a resounding yes to me. Come on Leggy. Let us leave these two before it's too late."
Gandalf looked up at Nerina, "Did you know that I am the keeper of the sacred flame of…something?"
Legolas shook his head and smiled as he shut the door. He turned and followed Tala through the bathrooms to her room and his chuckled when she plopped down on the couch and took a shot just for fun. He followed, sitting more gracefully in the chair across the coffee table, "So, my lady, what do you propose we do?"
"Ummm…" Tala looked thoughtfully at her glass, and felt the demon of mischief rise up in her mind. She grinned at him, "We could do shots." Then she frowned, "Although, tequila is better with limes and salt."
The prince's eye brows came together in confusion and he questioned her about what a lime was, because he liked the "tequila" and decided that anything to get more was good. She explained briefly, and after thinking for a moment, Legolas stood and left the room. Tala looked at the now open door, then shrugged and took another shot, settling in to drink herself to sleep. As she downed her second, or more like her fifth, Legolas came striding back into the room, holding a bowl of red oval looking fruit and another bowl with a spoon in it.
Seeing her questioning look, he smiled and offered her a fruit. As he set the other bowl down on the table and resumed his seat, she retrieved her dagger and sliced one of the fruit into eighths. Biting into it tentatively, she made a sound of approval at the citrus taste.
Grabbing the bottle, Legolas poured them both a shot. "Now, explain this to me."
"It's not hard. First you eat the salt," she took the spoon from the other bowl and sprinkled salt onto the skin between her thumb and pointer finger, "drink the shot, and then eat the …uh…fruit." She demonstrated, and Legolas nodded.
He easily followed her example, and after doing this in silence for about two shots, his tongue was just a bit looser. "This is boring. Make it interesting."
Tala giggled, the liquor also starting to hit her too, and said, "How?"
"I don't know, it's your game," he returned with a mock glare, which looked silly because of the fruit he stuffed in his mouth.
Drumming her fingers on the table, Tala thought for a moment. "Nah. You think of something."
"Fine, troublesome woman," Tala just stuck her tongue out at him. She didn't really notice that he fell silent and was staring at her mouth now. When she poured salt on her hand for another, he made a noise deep in his throat that caught her attention. She stopped her hand halfway to her mouth and raised her eyebrows in question.
Tala was bewildered when he reached over and took her hand, and was then shocked when he began to lick the salt off himself. Her heart sped up as she felt him brush his tongue over her skin and it skipped a beat when he sucked gently and then released her to take his shot. His blue eyes, darkened with something her fuzzy brain couldn't name, never left hers. Heat spread through her body and she licked her lips, then she said throatily, "I thought of a game…"
When he just quirked an eyebrow, she all but whispered, "Body shots." His interest perked, he motioned for her to continue. Instead, not listening to the muffled warnings of her brain, she took his hand and showed him by returning the favor he had just given her. He was surprised however when she held the fruit out to him and popped it in his mouth when he opened it to question her and told him to hold it between his teeth. When she leaned forward and took the citrus from between his teeth and then drew back, the prince decided something.
"I think…I am going to enjoy this game," he practically purred.
Before her muddled head could grasp what was happening, he rose and took a seat next to her. Tala watched with half lidded eyes as he took the spoon and then dipped a finger in tequila. He reached out and took her hand, covering the inside of her wrist with the liquor. Feeling her pulse jump in anticipation, she fleetingly wondered if he felt it as her other hand reached for the fruit and placed it between her teeth. Legolas covered her wrist in salt and after putting the spoon down, brought her pulse point to his lips.
This time the heat came faster, and she felt her whole body flush again. But when the last of the salt was gone and he took the fruit from her, her alcohol touched brain made a decision. Her hands went to the front of his shirt, ignoring the tiny sound of surprise he made as he swallowed the tangy juice. Briefly admiring the skin she revealed, she coated her fingers and then traced tequila over his collarbone.
Tala almost smiled when he handed her the salt and popped the fruit between his teeth, and after its application, she got to taste his skin a second time. She liked the flavor, warm, spicy, and with just enough salt that it brought images of sweat and intertwined bodies to mind. A shudder racked his body at the last slow swipe of her tongue, and after she tossed the fruit skin aside, he all but pounced on her to get his next shot.
He went for the curve of her shoulder, and when he bit slightly, she felt her body hum in response and she gave a low moan without even knowing she did so. She melted further when he caught sight of the cut he had given her earlier and kissed it gently. His neck was her target, and she grinned against his skin when his pulse jumped. In retaliation he attacked the tender area under her ear, and gave her inspiration for her next, but she almost lost her thought pattern under his ministrations. Almost to the point of panting, she rose to her knees and placed salt on the very tip of his ears. He tensed when her fingers made contact, then groaned when he felt her tongue. But when she bit gently, his mind almost blanked and he practically whimpered. Feeling her draw back, he yanked her down and handed her the fruit. She placed it between her teeth and waited.
His fingers touched her lips and she almost swallowed the fruit in surprised. Before she could question him, his tongue replaced his fingers and every question flew from her brain. She leaned into him as his tongue massaged her lips, and gave a small moan in disappointment when he pulled back and drank. Her hands tangled in his hair when he came back and sealed his lips to hers to nibble on the fruit. But instead he growled in frustration and pulled back. He reached up and took the fruit, tossed it somewhere and dove again.
If Tala was capable of thought, she would have gladly acknowledged that the Elven prince was one of the best kissers she had ever met. When she opened her mouth to his questing tongue, he pushed her back onto the couch and covered her. The heat she felt earlier became a raging fire as his hands caressed her shoulders, hips…she groaned when they rose from her waist to cup her breasts. Digging her nails into his back, she protested with a whimper when he pulled back.
She looked up into his blue eyes, smiled coyly and raised her head. Nipping at his lips, she silently asked for him to return and continue. He in turn grinned smugly, but stood and pulled her from the couch. Pulling her against him, he kissed her again and his hands scrambled for the ties at her back as hers managed to find those of his shirt. He walked her slowly backwards to the bed, discarding clothing as they went and slowly bringing them both to the edge of sanity.
Tala fell back when her knees encountered the edge of the bed and he fell with her. Neither noticed they were clad only in the barest amount of undergarments. When they finally separated for air for a moment, both closed their eyes, feeling dizzy. Thinking it was only each other and blocking out the fact the amount of tequila and Elven wine they had, they pulled each other closer and before they could open their eyes to continue, fell asleep.
A/N: Alright, we humbly beg forgiveness for the late update. Thank yous and cookies to all our wonderful reviewers. College life has hit us both, and now we're no longer in the same city and it's harder to get to together, etc etc etc. Thanks for understanding, but if u feel like flaming us, go for it, we'd love to hear and donate all fire to the smore making machine. We're working on the next chappie, so hopefully it won't be too long…bc ….omg…didn't realize it was that long…5 months is just not right. So sorry bout that. We hope you enjoyed though and will review!!