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CHAPTER 11"My dear, you were flawless and we shall always rejoice in your grace," Lord Elrond said to Melayren. He kissed her cheek and bid her a pleasant evening. He touched Legolas on the shoulder and smiled. Smiling, Legolas bowed his head with respect and gave a well wish in return. Lord Elrond moved to converse with some members of his house and they continued walking out of the pavilion.
Legolas turned to Melayren and offered her his arm, "Would you care to walk with me for some time?" He had watched her over the past two hours, hoping for time alone with her. The banquet had ended and the tables moved from a large section of the rooms. Music played on and the dancing began. Each time he tried to dance close to Melayren, someone asked to trade partners and he found himself dancing with others across the hall from her. Melayren had been radiant, dancing in and out of rotating lines. No matter what small group they had ended up dancing in, Melayren and Legolas only had eyes for each other.
Melayren gladly placed her hand on his forearm, "Yes, very much so."
They started for the South exit of the pavilion and they stopped just short of exiting. Standing before them was Pippin and Merry. They had large grins on their faces and were holding tankards of Mead.
Pippin bowed and addressed Melayren, "Lady Melayren, I want to say how much your beautiful song touched me."
Merry nodded his head vigorously, "Oh, me too. I could listen to you play the viol for hours."
Melayren laughed and leaned forward, "Thank you both. I enjoyed it very much and I believe that I will play for you again. It looks like your having a lot of fun. Legolas and I are going for a walk and I believe we will be by the fountain for a bit." Melayren smiled and looked up at Legolas as if to remind him that she fulfilled her deal and it was now his turn to rub her feet.
Pippin smiled and waved his hand, "Okay, bye Legolas, good evening Melayren."
Merry took Pippin's arm and waved as well, "We'll see you in the morn. Pleasant evening."
Melayren smiled at the two and contained her laughter. She loved the two hobbits dearly; they were full of such life and joy.
"Well, shall we continue?" asked Melayren, taking Legolas' arm. They slowly walked out into the darkening dusk. They enjoyed they narrow paths through the flower gardens and among the dark green shrubbery. When they reached the courtyard fountain, they sat on the stone bench and Legolas reached forward to take both of Melayren's hands. She watched the expressions on his face change from eagerness to uncertainty.
"You seem troubled about something." She said softly.
Legolas turned to her and lifted her hand to his lips. "It seems I must fill the agreement, but I fear you will not receive as good a payment as you have given me."
Melayren reached forward and removed one of her slippers at a time while still keeping eye contact with Legolas. "Well, I will have to suffer through then. Your hands are soft and I am sure that it will be enjoyable." She smiled as she placed her slippers side by side on the stone bench to her left.
Legolas eased off the bench and knelt on his left knee. He rested his hand on his right quadriceps, thinking of how he should begin her massage. His heart picked up pace just thinking about the soft, naked feet and calves his fingers were about to touch. He raised his eyes to Melayren's and saw that she was look forward to his touch. She made no attempt to lift the hem of her robes to make it easier for him.
Legolas reached with both of his hands and slowly lifted the silky material. He gave a quick look around to see if there was anyone around. He placed the hemline on her knees and gently reached forward to place her right foot on the top of his left quad. Still gazing into her deep hazel eyes, his hands felt for her right ankle and found warm flesh.
Melayren reached forward and brushed a long piece of his hair that had been lifted by a mild breeze. While smoothing the hair behind his right ear, she watched as his brows frowned and a crease formed above the bridge of his slender nose. His eyes widened and his mouth opened in a puzzled expression. Legolas looked down at what he held in his hands. It was a thick, short, hairy leg with large hairy feet. Horror filled his eyes and he dropped the foot as he jumped to his feet and stepped back. He looked into Melayren's surprised face.
"Legolas, what ever could be wrong?" Melayren asked innocently.
Legolas stood taken aback while his eyes were frozen on the startlingly hairy feet. He glanced once again into Melayren's face and found her sitting tall with her slender hands folded neatly on her lap. Her face wore an innocent smile, but her eyes were filled with mischief.
He realized the prank when high-pitched laughter burst forth from behind Melayren and the feet disappeared back under the bench. Pippin popped out from under the bench and Merry jumped out from a nearby bush. Their laughter increased as they saw realization replace Legolas' shaken composure. Melayren also laughed, holding her sides, and was happy to see a wide smile spread across Legolas' handsome face.
Legolas lunged for Pippin, attempting to capture him. Pippin and Merry escaped with squeals of joy and disappeared into the shadowy gardens. Legolas turned back to Melayren and shook his head, "There are always suprises waiting for me, when you are around. You put him up to that, didn't you?"
Melayren was holding her sides, trying desperately to catch her breath. "You should…have seen…the look on your face!" She was still laughing when he stopped in front of her and pulled her gently into his arms. She looked into his eyes and smoothed the piece of hair that danced above his ear. His brilliant smile warmed her blood and she suddenly wanted to be alone with him. "I have something else for you. I think you will truly like it," she said as she left his warm embrace. She walked over to the bush Merry had been hiding in. Reaching through the leaves, she retrieved a small basket off the ground.
Legolas moved to her side and looked at the item. Intrigued, he held out his hand and drew her to the paths leading to the secluded pool. He had been waiting all evening to spend time alone with her and he desperately wished to kiss her.
They walked, hand in hand, in comfortable silence, looking into the trees as they went along. They could see all the night creatures hiding among the ferns and shrubs as well as the tree dwelling animals. To an elf, there was nothing to fear.
They reached the edge of the forest clearing and the soothing sounds of running water, from the rock fall, intensified their senses and tranquility washed over Legolas and Melayren.
Author's note: The rating of this story has now changed to an "R" or possibly a little worse. I am not sure how much is allowed for an 'NC-17" rating. Discretion is totally advised for the next chapter! Those of you under the age of 18 should skip the next chapter and still be able to read Chapter 13 with no problem.