Chapter 3
Confrontation
Melannen forgot about the tray upstairs. Did that just happen? She brushed her hair out of her eyes with her hand. Wiping the sweat from her hands on her apron, she headed outside. Melannen decided to take a break. She took a path that led to a small stream which branched off of The Great River. She had always loved the cool waters ever since she was a little girl. She sat along the banks and dipped her toes into the stream. Melannen walked along the stream to its end, at which lay a pond. She removed her apron and set it on a bush. She then took off her dress and dove into the pond. Melannen felt more relaxed as she swam about. She floated on her back and looked at the blue sky, cloudless.
Legolas picked up a piece of lembas and bit into it. Melannen did an excellent job with the lembas making, especially for a human. He took another bite and walked over to the window. He watched as Melannen disappeared in the tree-line. He shook her from his mind. I need to stop dreaming and practice my archery. Legolas grabbed the tray and baskets and took them to the kitchen. He then went to his room. He opened his trunk and removed his quiver and arrows. He placed them on his back and shut the lid. He walked to his balcany and climbed into the tree just beside it. Legolas climbed down to the soft earth below. Instead of heading towards the archery field, he went down the path that Melannen had just took. He did not know what had come over him. He stayed hidden amongst the brush along the pathside. He followed her all the way to the pond. He stopped behind a berry bush as she removed her apron. He looked down as she removed her dress and dove in. He then looked up and watched as she swam gracefully in the pond. Legolas admired her confidence and boldness. He laid on the forest floor upon his back and looked through the opening among the treetops. He lost himself in his thoughts. What am I doing here? Why am I here? I don't know why I kissed her in there. And now I have followed after her... ...I've known her since her arrival, since she was a child. But she has matured into a beautiful woman, whom I've grown attatched to. I know I'll out-live her, but still, she lingers in my mind. Legolas sighed. As he opened his eyes, he jumped.
There was a figure standing over him. She held a blade to his throat. "Stand up, Master Greenleaf," Melannen said quite sternly, "slowly." Legolas did so, keeping his eyes on her. She had put her dress back on, but was still wet.
"Melannen, give me back my sword." he asked of her. He went to grabbed the handle, but Melannen pressed the tip closer to the skin.
"Legolas, tell me, why are you here?"
"Well, this is my la-"
"You know what I mean, sir. Why are you here? Why did you follow me here? Speak now, or I will take my matters to Thranduil. I am sure he will wonder why the captain of Mirkwood's army is lollying about, stalking the servant girls." Her hand was shaking.
"Melannen, let me explain." He paused. "I - I - my original plan was to practice my archery, which is why I have my weapons with me. But something inside me took over and I ended up here. I had the same feeling inside me when we were upstairs just a few hours ago. Put down the sword." he asked, "Please." She kept her eyes on him. Melannen lowered the sword, but did not return it to its master. Legolas sighed heavily in relief. "Now what?" he asked.
"I like this sword. I think I'll keep it." Before he could reply, Melannen ran off towards the palace. Legolas followed after her.
"Melannen wait." She did not halt. He chased her along the stream and down the pathway. "Melannen please! Wait!" Legolas ran after her. Catching up to her, Legolas grabbed her shoulder to turn her around. "Melannen listen to me!" He yelled at her. She stopped in the tracks. Her eyes were filled with tears. Legolas wiped the tears from her cheeks. "Nin goheno Melannen," He said. "I am sorry if I hurt you in any way. I-" He paused a moment. "I think I am falling for you; falling for your beautiful eyes, your beautiful smile, the presence of your wonderful heart and soul. I -" Legolas turned around and leaned on his arm against a tree. "Melannen, I love you. You do not know how long I have been yearning to tell you this." He turned back around to face Melannen. Her eyes were still swollen with tears. She collapsed on the grass of the forest floor. She had been so upset that it had overtaken her.
Legolas bent down and picked Melannen up. She still held the sword in her grip. He carried her to the servants' quarters and into her room. He laid her down on the bed and covered her up. He placed the sword on the table with a note that read: It's your's.
