Disclaimer: Nope, still not getting money from plagiarizing, because I am not copying any of the material. Not an owner of this material's characters…
Chapter: 3
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Once Melayren and Saradel reached their adjoined sleeping chambers, Melayren opened her wardrobe and produced a lovely peach gown. "Mother, I believe you would look remarkable in this one."
Saradel waved her left hand in dismissal and sighed. "No Mel, I feel that I am just going to take my rest now. I am rather tired."
Melayren moved over to her mother and looked into her eyes. "Are you sure that you are alright? I will stay with you if you wish for the company."
Saradel smiled and closed her tired eyes. "No, you must continue the evening and enjoy yourself. I will see you in the morn." Saradel kissed Melayren's cheek and took the gown from her. "Good night, my daughter."
Melayren smiled and slowly walked to the door, "Good night then, Mother." Melayren closed the door behind her as she entered her own sleeping room. She waited for a moment at the door, thinking. Her mother had been in a strange frame of mind at late. Melayren decided that perhaps she should speak with Master Elrond on the morrow. She crossed the room and placed the dress back and looked out her window.
The courtyard was just off to the North. She could see the fountain if she leaned a little out and looked to her right. There were people walking around and sitting on the grass. Not overly tired, Melayren decided to go down and spend some time in the fresh, open air.
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The Wedding Festival meal had been one of the finest that Minas Tirith had presented. The people once again had a fair and just King and now they have a Queen.
The food that has not been devoured was cleared away and the King and Queen bid the guests a pleasant evening. They retired for the evening and Elessar reminded all that a tournament of games would begin in the morning.
The few guests that continued to mingle and visit with one another, abandoned the pavilions and proceeded to the courtyard.
Gimli decided to go off to bed and Legolas set out for a walk in the woods, to spend some quiet time under the stars. When he reached the fountain, he noticed the elf maiden, called Melayren, descending the stone steps from the many quests quarters.
"What a lovely site, uh?" came a voice from behind Legolas. He turned and saw Gandalf over his right shoulder. Gandalf was openly looking in Melayren's direction. "Have you been introduced to her?" asked Gandalf, when Legolas remained silent.
Legolas turned to watch Melayren lift the hem of her gowns away from her silk slippers. She had almost reached the bottom when she caught her right toe on her left heal. She stumbled forward with her arms outstretched. A small cry of surprise escaped her and then she recovered her footing at the ground step. She continued to look disoriented and her brow frowned as if she believed the step had moved to trip her, on its own.
Gandalf moved forward to stand next to Legolas. Legolas watched despairingly as Melayren caught sight of Gandalf and came toward them. Legolas quietly said to Gandalf, "It is fortunate that she does not carry a sharp object."
Gandalf concealed a smile and cleared his throat, "My dear," he held out a hand for Melayren as she drew nearer, "well met, Melayren."
Melayren's smile was genuine and warm. She clasped both of her hands around Gandalf's. "Well met, Mithrandir. It has been many years since we've last spoken. I am pleased that you are well." Her eyes were bright and full of admiration. She then turned them to Legolas and waited for him to speak.
"Melayren," began Gandalf, "this is Legolas Greenleaf, son of Thranduil, from Mirkwood. Legolas, this is Melayren, daughter of Sarasdell, sister of Elrond, from Rivendell."
Melayren gave Legolas a bright smile and moved a little further forward, "I am very pleased to finally exchange names. I know most every elf here. I am glad to now know you." She looked deep into his eyes and saw many emotions at once. The most prominent of those emotions seemed to be anguish. This surprised her and instantly she felt a nurturing need.
Legolas smiled and tried to avoid her probing eyes, "Well met, Melayren." He clasped his hands together, behind his back and nervously looked to Gandalf.
Gandalf turned back to Melayren and inquired, "Are you prepared for the games in the morn?" He attempted to bring a subject about that they both could relate to.
"Aye, it will be a splendid day. I believe there are three groups and the winner from each group shall compete at the final." She glanced at Legolas, "I hope you shall be in one of the final groups." She once again looked blazingly into his eyes.
Legolas shifted his weight slightly and declared, "I am hoping, I shall do my best."
Melayren laughed, "Excellent! So shall I."
Gandalf looked from one friend to the other and waited for realization to come to Legolas. He turned to Melayren and inquired, "You were able to repare…"
"Aye, my bow is strung and my knives are sharpened and smooth." Melayren was sure of the look she was receiving
from Legolas. Not many elves like the
thought of an elf maiden's competition and they didn't care for it when they
are beaten by one.
Legolas stared at Melayren in disbelief. She decided to walk away and let the news settle around him for the evening. She looked up at the sky and covered a yawn. "I believe I shall sleep now. Until morning, Mithrandir…Legolas."
"Good night, my dear," Gandalf said as she turned to go.
When she was at the foot of the stairs, Legolas turned to Gandalf, "She's going to hurt someone if she competes."
Gandalf smiled and watched Melayren climb the stones for the rest. "I have only seen a very few who can match her with bow and only one who can match her with knife." He paused to gather Legolas' full attention. "That would be you…" He saw the shock in Legolas' eyes and reached out to touch Legolas on the shoulder. "Good luck, my friend." With that, Gandalf chuckled and walked in the direction of his own bed.
From the top of the stairs, Melayren smiled. She turned and waved innocently to Legolas and then disappeared.