Disclaimer: I don't have any association with the LOTR, nor am I trying to make any money from the stories.
Sorry for the delay in getting this Chapter up. I don't know how any of you feel about 'love' scenes or what I have heard called 'lemons'. I am an open-minded person (been married a LONG time) and so I will warn you that one of the 'lemons' may be in chapter 9 or maybe chapter 10 (depending on the word count when I get to it and after it is written). If you get offended (or feel that it will offend you), please feel justified to skip that part of the story. I will give plenty of warning ahead of time so no one's retinas burn J. I don't want to be responsible for inadvertently teaching anyone sex education with this story.
Chapter: 8Legolas blinked his eyes as he slowly emerged from his light slumber. He stared up at the gray stone ceiling and smiled at the intimate reverie that played through his mind. Breath taking images of Melayren danced through his thoughts. The memory he enjoyed the greatest was the way Melayren's thin, white evening robe clung to each lush curve of her sleek body. The water had made it almost completely transparent when they were swimming.
Legolas stretched his arms above his head, lost in the bliss of the previous night, when he heard a commotion in the hallway, outside his door.
"Elf! Are you in there?" There was a forceful knocking on his door, "Legolas, aren't you awake yet?"
Legolas bound to his feet from his sleeping pallet and eased the door open to see an anxious Dwarf waiting. Legolas smiled at the bemused expression on his friend's face.
"Good morn to you Gimli. Did you bring me my breakfast?" Legolas teased unremittingly.
Gimli snorted with a wave of his hand, "Humph, I'm no nurse maid! Come Legolas, there will be no food left if you don't hurry. There is much merriment in the hall as well. Some minstrels are also performing the story of Frodo and Sam. We can't miss that."
Legolas laughed and reached for a fresh tunic and pulled it over his head as he and Gimli started down the short hallway. Legolas' long legs carried him swiftly across the Citadel and to the feasting pavilion. Gimli was forced to keep a fast cadence in order to remain at Legolas' side.
When they reached the full assembly, Legolas stopped short just inside the South entry. He looked around and his clear blue eyes stopped when they reached the glorious Melayren. She was enjoying a conversation with Merry and Pippin. They were excitedly waving their hands and Melayren was laughing lightly as her eyes shone with delight.
Gimli moved forward toward a table in the back of the room. "Gimli," Legolas reached for his friend's arm and suggested while pointing ahead, "let's go sit at that table."
Gimli glanced around the room until he spotted the small group, not far away. He smiled, seeming to know the true reason Legolas wanted to sit at a particular table, it was for the Lady Melayren. He smiled to himself and wouldn't begrudge Legolas the company of the beautiful elf maiden. "Yes Lad," Gimli said back to Legolas, "that looks like a fine table…and it's loaded with food." Gimli's stout legs carried him to an empty seat across from Pippin.
"Gimli," Pippin said excitedly, "the minstrels has been singing about us all morning."
"Have they now?" asked Gimli as he searched the array of food before him and began to fill his empty plate.
Legolas' eyes gleamed as he took a place beside Melayren and asked, "Are the accounts accurate? Who killed more Uri-Kai, Gimli or I?" He grinned widely as Gimli began sputtering and mumbling under his beard.
Melayren watched with amusement and caught Legolas' gaze. Legolas tried not to stare at her, but he couldn't help himself. Her eyes remained on him and she offered a warm and inviting smile. The beguiling smile caused his heart to miss a beat. He longed to caress her flawless cheek and kiss her full lips.
Melayren sensed the desire building between them and turned her attention to her plate of food.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Lord Elrond sat in dignified silence and listened to the happy morning chatter from the others around him. He studied his beautiful daughter with agonizingly mixed emotions. He realized from the beginning of their budding love, that he couldn't come between his only daughter and the mortal man that was like one of his own sons. Still, knowing the out come of her future was very painful for him.
High-toned laughter that could only come from a Hobbit drew his attention. Merry and Pippin were sharing a story with great excitement at a table in the center of the hall. He smiled in affection and thought to himself, 'Amazing people, the half lings.'
As Elrond was about to look away, a gesture from the table caught his interest. His niece, Melayren, has reached for a piece of fruit, at the same instant that the Prince of Mirkwood took possession of it. For a brief moment, it appeared that their fingers had entwined. Melayren had withdrawn her hand and placed it next to her dish. Legolas had proceeded to cut the pomegranate and offered half of it to Melayren. Lord Elrond harbored a tiny spark of hope that the fondness would grow into love.
"Well, now," he said to the small regal group of his kin, "Perhaps our little wanderer has found an interest that shall keep her on dry land." He arched his eyebrow and looked over at Saradell. She watched her daughter exchange secretive smiles and glances with Legolas Greenleaf, while a look of hope filled her eyes.
"I wouldn't count on it," replied a low soothing voice.
Saradell instantly averted her eyes to Lady Galadriel. Lord Elrond also glanced at Galadriel for an answer.
"What do you mean?" asked Saradell.
Galadriel's gaze moved to Legolas and answered knowingly, "He will fall in love with the Sea, just as he has fallen in love with our Melayren."
Saradell huffed disapprovingly, "A ship is no place to raise my grandchildren."
Elrond looked back at his sister and countered, "Someone should have told her father that."
Saradell flashed Elrond a puckered brow and looked away.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Aragorn, at last, rose and addressed everyone present; "It has come time for the greatly awaited Archery Competition. My men have completed the field of targets. It shall commence in one hour." As approving cheers filled the room, Aragorn sat at Arwen's side, whispered in her ear, and kissed her cheek. She smiled and Aragorn made his leave for the last remaining tournament.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The mid-morning sun was shining brightly and a warm breeze made tree leaves wave hypnotically. A wide variety of smells permeated the air, giving off a feeling of pleasure and home. The village boasted extravagant cooks showing off different baked fruit pies, sweet breads, roasted nuts, and mouth-watering meats being cooked over open pits. The delicious foods would be ready for consumption by the time the contests end.
Crowds were gathered in and around the street vendors and in the fields for the festivities. There was a grander turn out than for the days past. Everyone was invited to participate, even children as young as eight winters. The designated targets for the children were in a smaller scale and at an easier level.
Women and female elves were just as enthusiastic to show their talents with the bow; therefore no one was taken by surprise when the Lady Galadriel held her coveted bow in eagerness.
Legolas waited near the courtyard steps for Melayren to descend from her bedroom chamber. He cleared his mind and turned around to take in the new world. Melayren had done that to him. Everything seemed more new, fresh, and bright. It was as if he had woken this morning with nothing but light in his eyes and Melayren was that light. He began to feel that he would do just about anything for her.
Legolas observed his very good friend, Gimli, moving in the direction of the starting Archery Field. He carried a bow in one of his hands and an arrow quiver in the other. Gimli's large battle-axe had been strapped to his stout back. Legolas noticed that the bow was considerably small in size and guessed that it was made for a child. Legolas was certain that Gimli would have to be placed in the youngster category due to the fact that the smaller bow would not shoot an arrow the distance required on the grown archery field.
Legolas didn't have to wait long for Melayren. Her quickened pace brought her to his side and they proceeded, happily, to the starting lines. The rules were fairly simple, there were no teams and everyone was for himself or herself. This was a contest on accuracy and each participant only has three chances per target. Each target has a covering of three different colored rings. The inner ring is worth 20 points, the middle ring is worth 10 points, and the most outer ring is 5 points. Targets were placed in a variety of places along the fields and even in trees. Some targets were placed in obstructive angels or one target could have up to four sub-targets; you only get points if all of the parts are hit. It proved to be an extremely competitive and confidence jarring day.
Melayren kept the company of Legolas, Aragorn, and Arwen through most of the trials. Once a target had been completed, their names were recorded along with their scores. They were able to move on to the next target without hesitation. The calculations and winners would be named prior to the evening's feast banquet. The competition was running smoothly and the day was passing promptly. Legolas optioned to Melayren that the games may well be more appealing between the two of them. As a personal rivalry, they could compare his score, from each target, to her score.
Melayren thought about the proposition and smiled. "That would be somewhat unjust for you wouldn't it? By the end of all these targets, you would be my personal servant for at least two weeks time." Her look of confidence sparked a stronger rivalry desire in Legolas and Melayren took notice.
Legolas didn't back down or submit. "If my score is higher than yours on this target, you will be required to…" Legolas looked Melayren over for a brief moment before continuing, "… to sing a sonnet before the whole gathering at the dinner's feast."
Melayren squinted her eyes slightly and looked at Legolas suspiciously. She then looked to Arwen, who was standing with Aragorn a few paces in front of them. Arwen carried a look of wonder and Aragorn was looking at Melayren with a wide grin. The small group knew Melayren's dislike for singing before a live audience; she had a beautiful singing voice yet she didn't enjoy the trauma of remaining on pitch the entire time.
Melayren suddenly smiled and countered with the most serious voice she could muster, "I accept your proposal. Now if I have the higher score, you will be required to…" she paused with the same effect Legolas offered, "to give both of my feet a complete washing and massage." She finished the challenge with a wicked grin, unsure how he would react to the open boldness.
Aragorn chuckled and waited for Legolas' reply. Legolas' eyes remained fixed upon Melayren, with raised brows. Legolas squared his shoulders and tilted his head to the side, slightly, "The venture is accepted, whole heartedly."