Chapter 2
Servant of Mirkwood

Melannen sat up and untangled herself from her bed sheets. She had dark circles beneath her eyes. This dream had haunted her sleep since it occured eleven years ago. She stood up and walked to her trunk and pulled out a clean, brown peasant dress. She slipped out of her night gown and into the dress. Melannen walked over to her dressing table, grabbed her hairbrush, and untangled her blonde curls. She set the brush back on the table and left to do her chores.

Melannen was found by an army of elves from Mirkwood. The elven soldiers were returning from patrol. King Thranduil and his men came across a ransacked cabin. One of the soilders found Melannen hiding in the barn. King Thranduil offered her food and a home for her servidude.

Melannen headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. She turned the corner and bumped into a male elf. Melannen looked down at the floor.

"Excuse me, sir, I-I did not see you coming. I apologize," she said to her feet. She started to walk a away, but his hand grabbed hers before she was able to do so.

"Melannen, you need not apologize to me. Nor need you look at your feet when we meet," Legolas said as she turned to face the prince, "Are sleeping alright?" He asked concernly.

"...yes, I am sleeping fairly well, thank you," she lied.

"Well, you do not need to be so formal with me, whether if I were or weren't heir to the throne." he replied.

"I am sorry, sir," Melannen stuttered, looking up at him with teary emerald eyes, "but your father is who I work for, and I am trying my best to respect him and his family. And to remember and keep my place. Sir," Melannen nodded, walked down the corridor, and turned into the kitchen, leaving Legolas speachless.

Reaching the kitchen, she pressed herself against the wall, sighing heavily. She walked to the oven and pulled out several stacks of freshly made lembas bread. Melannen made a pot of tea and set it on a silver tray along side three cups. She balanced the tea tray between her hand and hip and took a basket of lembas bread with the other. Melannen headed back down the now empty corridor. After climbing the stairs, she balanced the basket on her head and opened the door to the royal dining hall.

Melannen took the basket down and set it on the table. According to her knowledge, she was alone. Her back was facing the door. Her body stiffened as the door softly clicked behind her. "Who-who's there?" she stuttered. No one replied. She sharply turned around and found no body by the door. She sighed and turned back around.

"Melannen, I must admit, " Legolas said, making Melannen jump, " you are far too easy to spook." He smirked slyly ar her. He stood in front of her. Melannen pressed her hand over her heart.

"Master Greenle-," He put his finger over her lips.

"Sh-h. I have asked you many times not to address me so," he whispered, moving closer. "My family is dining in the main hall. I reserved this room for...f-,"

"Well then, I must deliver this to them," she chimed in quickly, "I do not need you father angry with me aga-,"

"Do not worry," he whispered, "I shall take full responsibility." Melannen could feel the warmth of his smooth skin. She closed her eyes as he lightly kissed her rosey pink lips. Melannen pulled away quickly.

"Nin goheno," they both apologized to each other.

"I-I have laundry to tend to," she said quickly as she turned towards the door.

"Melannen, wait!" Legolas shouted after her. Melannen stopped in the middle of the doorway. She looked at him and smiled before heading downstairs. When she reached the bottom of the stairs, she looked up. Legolas was leaning on the top rail, gazing at her. He smiled, gave a soft laugh, and returned to the hall, clicking the door shut behind him.