Disclaimer: Not taking anything from anyone. I don't own the LOTR characters.
Author's note: "Melayren's Song" was written by, a close friend of mine, Eternity's Angel of Mercy. I asked her to write a song for Legolas and she graciously did. Thank you, Eternity! She is a fellow fanfiction writer and she also has some of her own original poetry on fictionpress. She has even had a few of her works published. She's awesome, check out her stories.
Also, the piece of music that Melayren will play (after she sings) on the violin is from the wonderful musicians, Rolf Lovland and Fionnuala Sherry of Secret Garden. I chose the song, Appassionata for its hauntingly, intense beauty. The song's description: " Music can conjure up images of dramatic and sentimental scenes for our inner eye. A melody accompanying the drama of a film never seen."
To answer a question mailed to me, I don't really know how many more chapters there will be of this story. I am fond of writing shorter chapters and I plan to take this story up to the point of Legolas' decision to sail to Sea. More than likely, I will continue lightly touching on the adventures after Mordor and possibly up to the death of Aragorn.
Chapter 10The day's warm weather began to cool slightly. All eyes were riveted in the three fair elves that stood apart from the crowd. The rules had been presented and the three accepted the challenge.
Legolas turned to face Lady Gladriel and stood tall. He bowed his head, in complete respect, and his right hand touched his chest, just above his heart. Galadriel closed her eyes and bowed her head with respectful acknowledgment. Legolas then turned to Elrohir. They both smiled and placed a hand over their own hearts, with bowed head.
As Elrohir gave his respect to Lady Galadriel, Legolas searched the crowd and saw Melayren standing with Gandalf. He saw his friends of the fellowship close by and nodded to Gimli, who was waving in support. Most of the spectators were rewarded with the comfort of observing in the shade of tall Oak trees and abundant, dark green ferns.
Melayren moved closer to Gandalf as he lightly touched her shoulder. His gaze shifted to her, smiling, "Quite exciting isn't it?" He continued to look into her face, "You didn't, by chance, ease a little at the end of your last target?"
Melayren was having a hard time hiding the smile that threatened, for she could never give Gandalf a false statement. "Legolas is very good with his bow. It would be very difficult for anyone to best him."
Gandalf raised both his brows and replied, "Ahh…but you're not just anyone." Gandalf's smile was full of mirth and his eyes sparkled brightly.
Melayren chuckled and tilted her head slightly, "Today, I am."
Gandalf lovingly patted her arm and looked to Legolas. "My dear, he is already unable to resist you. I am overjoyed."
Melayren gently held Gandalf's hand in both of her own, "Thank you, Mithradir."
Gimli approached them and stood on the other side of Gandalf. He looked in wonder and gleaming pride, "Ah…the Lady fare…she is truly remarkable. Such a slight, tender hand and she has bested so many warriors." His eyes misted and he cleared his throat, rubbing at his lower lids, "Blasted dust…now I can't see."
Melayren and Gandalf hid their smiles and turned back to watch the conclusion of the day, play out with satisfaction.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Galadriel, Elrohir, and Legolas faced the last testing. There were three targets set 80 yards in the direction of the lowering sun. It was a challenge to shoot into the sunlight, but it would prove to single out the prevailed.
Aragorn called for attention, "On the mark, prepare…" and then a loud horn sounded for the final time.
Instantly, three bows came at shoulder length and arrows were notched. Elrohir notched two arrows on the first attempt. Only one of the arrows hit his target. The second veered off and lodged into Legolas' target. Elrohir fired his third, last, arrow and it embedded deeply into the center ring of his target.
Legolas' first arrow had been broken in two by the assault of Elrohir's misfire. His second and third arrows struck his target's center circle.
Lady Galadriel had decided to fire one arrow at a time. Her pointed arrowheads formed a small triangular shape in the center of the target. She turned to the crowd and waited for the formal announcement that she was the winner.
Legolas and Elrohir laughed and took the win in complete fun, grateful that the game was finally over.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The banquet pavilion began to fill with hungry folk of all kind. Each table had once again been laid with large platters of meats and freshly harvested vegetables. There were bowls of exotic fruits, tankards of cool ale, mead, and tall bottles of light and dark wines. Laughter filled the air as the table benches and chairs began to fill. Each child's face was lit with astonishment as they tried to decide what to place on their plate first.
Aragorn's voice of authority brought silence as he opened the evening mealtime, "Friends, welcome. Once again we gather to fill ourselves with wonderful nourishment. Please, eat and be merry!"
Cheers and praise rang through the wide room and the musicians began to play viols, harps, and flutes. The companions of the fellowship were scattered about the room, mingling with new people and friends they had met over the past few days.
Melayren looked up and spotted Legolas entering the hall and ended her conversation with Pippin. She rose from the table and excused herself. Unable to hide her smile, and not really wanting to, she made her way over to him. Legolas wore an Elf tunic and leggings of a molten silver hue. His eyes shone brilliantly and were the lightest shade of blue Melyaren had even seen. His blond hair was glossy and shimmered like a star in the night sky.
Melayren reached forward and took Legolas by the hand, drawing him closer to her. "May I be so bold as to say that you take my breath away?"
Legolas' eyes showed slight surprise but recovered quickly. He was never sure what she would say, at any moment. Legolas smiled and whispered into her ear, "May I be even slightly bolder as to say that you look good enough to eat?"
Melayren burst into laughter and linked her arm through his. She was pleased that he was beginning to feel more comfortable around her. "Well, I must say, that would be a sight." She smiled as she looked into his eyes and caught a glimpse of promise and trust. Melayren led him to a table close to the musicians. She motioned for him to take a seat as she began to turn away.
Legolas caught her hand and questioned with concern, "Are you to leave me to dine alone?"
Melayren softly spoke, "I am to fulfill my part of our wager. I owe you a song." She smiled and winked at him as she turned and walked over, to speak with the musicians.
Legolas slowly sat down at the table and reached for a glass of wine, never taking his eyes off of Melayren. She was enchanting, dressed in flowing gowns, each a slightly different shade of blue. They were trimmed with gold piping that matched the golden highlights in her brown hair. The warm tones of her sun kissed skin appeared soft as a newborn lambs skin.
Legolas' heart yearned for the days to stay longer and for time to slow so they wouldn't have to part company in the few remaining days left, of the celebrations. He hadn't been drawn to anyone in this manner before and the fear of facing eternity without Melayren near was excruciating. He couldn't draw his eyes from her and his heart quickened as she slowly turned to the multitude of faces in the pavilion. He studied her movements and smiled, encouragingly, as she took a deep breath.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The tables, at the front of the hall, fell silent one by one as they realized that the beautiful elf maiden was preparing to perform for them. Aragorn stood and announced for his cousin, "I would like to present to you, the Lady Melayren."
Melayren surveyed the silent crowd and smiling nervously, took a deep breath, "Thank you, my Lord, King. I would like to sing for you and also play one of these fine viols to commemorate this festive and happy occasion." She looked into Legolas' encouraging eyes and drew strength anew. "I have been very fortunate in my travels, to meet new people and experience new things. I have learned much and this music is one of my favorite discoveries. I'd very much like to share it with all of you. I am going to sing for you and then I'd like to play a wonderful melody that I learned from a wonderful woman in the relm of Greenwall. The name is 'Appassionata. "
Melayren looked to the musician with the lap harp and nodded. He began to strum the fine tuned strings and Melayren's clear, soothing voice began to fill the room.
"I've seen different worlds in grains of sand,
And I've seen men turn ships to port; just to see land
I've seen women on ports, crying "good-bye's",
But never have I seen such tenderness as in your eyes.
In perfect symmetry, our hearts do beat,
As together they have since we did meet.
But you, oh so humble, seem not to notice,
As my heart cries out like a dying lotus.
Children and lovers on the shore croon,
As the seagulls, on the docks, do swoon.
Above the sea of cobalt blue,
The sky takes on a pinkish hue,
But alas, I still do not have you.
In perfect symmetry, our hearts do beat
As together they have since we did meet.
But you, oh so humble, seem not to notice,
As my heart cries out like a dying lotus.
But alas, I still do not have you…
My love…I still do not have you."
All eyes remained on her and everyone was standing and the roar of cheers and applause was deafening. Melayren looked around the room and she saw her mother. Her eyes were wide and tears flowed down her lovely cheeks. She smiled lovingly at Melayren and bowed her head.
Melayren walked to the musician's table and borrowed a viol to finish her performance. She raised the instrument to her left shoulder and rested her jaw on the rounded bottom. As she raised the long, thin bow with her right hand, her eyes locked onto Legolas. He smiled intimately and wouldn't look away.
Melayren drew the wand across the strings and she felt as if she was plating for Legolas alone. Her heart and soul poured into the hauntingly, beautiful notes of the wordless song. She closed her eyes and gave herself over completely to the melody.
Everyone in the hall became still and very silent. They were afraid that if they were to take their eyes from Melayren, she would disappear and the entrancing music would leave them bleeding and wanting. Music of this nature had not been heard in Middle-Earth before and it was awe inspiring to the ears and heart.
The last note floated on the air, above the crowds' heads, and slowly died into silence. Melayren opened her eyes and took in the comical scene. There was not a closed mouth in the pavilion and everyone looked as if they had turned to stone. She raised her eyebrows and smiled apologetically. When she returned the viol to its owner, the silent spell was broken. Cheers of delight stunned Melayren and she could only look around at the happy faces.
Legolas rose and walked toward her. With a smile on his face, he held out his hand and escorted her to a table. Aragorn rose and held up his hand, "Thank you, Melayren. We shall never forget the beauty you have shared with us. Legolas, I bid you hope that Melayren is fortunate enough to receive a deserving match to you wagers." He laughed and then returned to his meal.
Gimli approached the couple and took Melayren's hand in his own, "My Lady, you have filled this old heart of mine with amazing joy."
"Thank you, Gimli. I am please. Would you like to finish you meal with us?"
Gimli replied in embarrassment, "Oh, no, no. I won't interrupt…"
"Master Gimli, master Gimli!" Came an excited and childish voice.
The three turned to witness a young girl approaching with much glee. Gimli scrunched his face and grunted, his brows frowning immensely. The girl stopped at Gimli's side and held out a gleaming Golden arrow. Her smile nearly covered her entire face as she touched Gilli's arm.
"Gimli, did you see my arrow? Isn't it pretty? Mother says I am as good as my brothers now. Would you like to hold it?" She asked with eyes sparkling with pride.
It was evident to Legolas and Melayren that Gimli's mood was about to change. They tried to hide the amused looks and smiles as Gimli fought to control his temper and be nice to the young girl.
"Oh, no, no thank you. It looks so much better in your claws, I mean, in your hands. Congratulations…again…"
The young girl shrugged her shoulders, "Alright then. Bye."
Melayren grabbed a roll, from the platter in front of her, and stuffed it in her mouth to keep from laughing. Legolas wasn't going to be that polite. "Gimli, did you let that little girl best you?" Legolas asked playfully.
Melayren began to cough and reached for her water. Gimli huffed and began to grumble, "It was rigged I tell you. That total keeper was probably a family member…" He turned and went back to his own table, still mumbling under his breath.
Legolas chuckled and looked at Melayren. She watched Gimli sympathetically and then turned to Legolas. "Only a true friend would allow such a comment to dissipate. Do you think you will be able to match my performance, because my toes are rather aching."
Legolas smiled and whispered in her ear, "My hands are like magic. You will be sighing with pleasure once I touch you."
Melayren giggled and slightly blushed at the brazen implication. "I shall be the judge."