DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING OF LORD OF THE RINGS (sadly)! BUT I DO OWN FAY,
THE LADIES IMAYA AND SOARIA, ISARA, TECKA AND OTHER CHARACTERS THAT ARE NOT
J.R.R.TOLKIEN OR PETER JACKSON'S!!!! THANK YOU ^^
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Ria Fanel: Sarcastic humor good ~.^ BTW, thanx for reviewing nearly ever chapter on nearly ever fic! U're great!!
Owyn: oh my, I'm a bit late. Sorry ( I've just been so LAZY!!! So sorry (
BlackStarDust: I'll try to incorporate them into this chapter.
Laicalasse: Thanx^^
Ievandie: Don't worry, I never exclude him for long ~.^
Mercury's Love: U should write a fic. I like your style ^^ Yeah, I'd say u've read a few Mary-Sue's (SOME aren't bad to read, but I HATE writing them ^^) Don't worry, Legolas IS going to frequent this. I just wanna lay down the basics first (I have a bad habit of doing that, LOL) Like I said to BlackStarDust, Gimli and Aragorn WILL be in this chap^^ OMG, gimli and Imaya?? AHHHH!! THE IMAGES!!! MY POOR VIRGIN MIND CAN'T HANDLE SUCH TOTURE!!! LOL, Thanx for the LONG review!!! ^^
KK: Legolas seems popular ^^ LOL (of course he is, he's a HOT blond elf!! LOL) thanx so much for the great compliments!! I feel so loved!!!
Esperanza Fuega: Thanx ^^ I'll have to try that ^^
Sailor Kitsune: AHHHHH!! I ALREADY addressed that topic!!! AHHHHHHH!! Don't ya know that making my repeat myself is bad for my health!!?? LOL Repetition is bad!!! Hee hee
Well, thanx everyone!! PLEEZ REVIEW!!!!!!!! ^^
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FAY'S P.O.V.
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"Fay! Miss Fay!" Someone was shaking me madly. "Huh? What? Where's the fire?" I mumbled groggily. "Miss Fay, it's me, Isara! You need to wake up, my dear! The Ladies Imaya and Soaria require council with you!" She exclaimed.
I blinked and tried to adjust my eyes to the light. "And?" I grumbled. "Get up now!" She hissed, yanking the covers back. "Alright, alright, I'm up!" I muttered, turning and placing my feet on the floor. "Put this on." She instructed, tossing me my new uniform.
It struck me in the face, because my eyes were still bleary, and I didn't catch it properly. "Hurry, hurry! Make haste! Make haste!" She ordered, bustling about the room. "Haste makes waste." I growled under my breath, standing up and crossing the room. I closed the door on her (rude I know, but hey! I'm NOT a morning person), and proceeded to dress.
Finally, I was ready, and opened the door. Isara was waiting out in the hall for me. "Come ON!" She insisted, grabbing my wrist and pulling me along. "You make it seem like we'll be beheaded if we don't cater to their every exact whim." I murmured. "Close enough." She nodded. My eyes grew wide. "They can't behead us!" I exclaimed, suddenly feeling much more awake. "Of course not," Isara grunted. "Thought it'd probably be better than what they DO do." She added quietly.
I shivered and decided not to find out the hard way what sort of punishments that my mistresses gave out.
Isara finally stopped in front of a door. "Here we are!" She declared. "Prepare yourself." She instructed, straightening little things on my uniform. I brushed her hands away impatiently. "Alright, alright already." I snapped, and knocked on the door.
"Come in!" Imaya called. I took a deep breath, and opened the door (Isara had slunk back around the corner like a dog with its tail between its legs by now).
"Good mornin', miladies." I curtsied. They looked up from their stitching, and when they saw me, they exchanged devious smiles. "Good morning, Miss Fay. How was your first night here?" Imaya asked, twirling her brunette hair around her finger gently. They were acting as though we'd never had that less-than-civil discussion in the palace gardens the other day.
"Very well, ma'am. How was your night?" I questioned. Maybe they'd forgotten about being rotten to me. The best thing for me to do, then, was be nice to them, too.
"It could have been better, but there was a foul stench coming from the servant's chambers. Funny, we never had that problem before YOU came along." Soaria sneered, her pale pink lips curling.
Ok, forget the respect theory. They knew who to suck up to, and whom they could get away with treating like dirt--- a.k.a: me. Fine, I'll just have to fight fire with fire.
"Yes. I smelt that also. I believe it was the rotten stench of muck--- apparently, someone in this grand building has been doing a bit of brown- nosing." I smirked.
They knew perfectly well that I was talking about them sucking up to the prince, and their faces burned red with anger. "Fay, such insolence will not be tolerated." Imaya scowled. "So sorry, mistress. I was merely observing a fact that you had pointed out." I curtsied again, and they knew that I was mocking them.
"Hold your tongue girl!" Soaria snapped angrily. "Petty remarks are not what we summoned you for! Tonight, we are holding a ball. You are going to serve at this ball, and depending on how well you do, we shall either keep you as a maid, or fire you on the spot." She declared. Boy, she sure didn't beat around the bush.
"Yes ma'am." I nodded. "Now go and help prepare the dinners in the kitchen. The celebration starts at sunset." Imaya ordered. "Yes ma'am, but one thing..." I added. "What is it?" Imaya asked stiffly. "What is the celebration for?" I questioned.
"'Tis our birthday! Now get out of our sight before it is completely ruined!" Soaria replied angrily. "Yes ma'am." I curtsied and walked calmly out of the sitting room, closing the door behind me.
Isara was waiting out in the hall. "Oh my, you know how to pick a fight with the worst sort!" She exclaimed worriedly, shaking her head to show her disparagement. I laughed slightly. "I've never been one to let people walk all over me. Well, except maybe my horse." I joked. She stopped walking, and turned to me, a horrified look on her face. "You let your horse walk on you!?"
I laughed. "Oh goodness no. But apparently you don't know how I got here in Mirkwood." I asked. She shook her head no. "I fell off my horse and was unconscious, but Lords Aragorn and Gimli found me." I told her. Her jaw was on the floor by now. "No!" She whispered in disbelief. "Yep." I nodded solemnly. "What of your horse?" She asked. "Gone." I shrugged. "Well let's hope that no foul creature got to the poor dear." She added, picking up her pace again. I sighed. "Let's hope."
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I finally arrived in the kitchens (Imaya and Soria's home seemed to be almost as big as Legolas's castle. But then, why was I surprised? They WERE spoiled %^$*#!). Many other maids were already there, bustling about and hollering at one another. "No, no. Move that plate there!" "Good havens! Not parsley!! That dish needs broccoli!"
"Excuse me!" Isara yelled. No one noticed. "Hello!" She tried again. Still no reaction. "QUIET!!!!!!" She roared. Everyone stopped exactly where they were, which was kind of funny because one maid had lunged across a table to catch something that had flown into the air. She was now lying on the table, trying to keep a good hold on the dish, which would fall any moment.
"This here," She pushed me forward slightly. "Is a new member of our staff. Ladies, meet Fay. Fay, these are the other maids here." Isara introduced us. "Hello." I smiled. "Hello!" They all replied in a chorus. "Now I must be off attending other duties for the festivities tonight, I expect you ladies to make Fay welcome, and assign her a simple task as she is new." Isara announced, turning around and waddling out of the room.
I watched her go, and then turned back to look at the other women. A few of them walked over, shook my hand, introduced themselves. There were too many of them for me to remember though, so I just smiled and nodded politely.
Finally, I found someone who I knew I wouldn't forget easily. Her name was Andra, and she had a charming personality. "So glad that you've come to work with us!" She exclaimed. "I just LOVE meeting new people and having all sorts of new conversations while we work. Me mum always said that quality is better than quantity when it comes to people who you make friendships with, and just by looking at you I can see that you're right honorable indeed. I can see the fire in your eyes even as you do not a thing but stand here placidly. Ooh my, just realized that I've gone away with myself again! I have a bit of a tendency to run at the mouth..." She explained all this happily, and barely stopped for breath.
I nodded, blinking in bewilderment. "Uh huh." I agreed, not really sure what I was relating to. "Well come on now. We mustn't stand here all day, dilly dallying!" She smiled, taking my wrist and pulling me along.
She resembled your average elf. Pale complexion, light hair, blue eyes, tall, and regal. Her accent was lovely, and she was very cheery. Most elves were very quiet, and wise. She was purely chatty.
I learned many things in those short few hours before the celebration. Elvish cooking, cleaning, courtesies, and all those other fancy shmancy words that begin with the letter 'c'.
Andra was, as predicted, a great help. She stayed by my side most of the night and assisted me with anything and everything. Her chattiness didn't bother me. Actually, it was a good distraction from the boring chores that we were required to perform.
"And this one time, Lady Imaya stepped on the Senator's robe, so that when he went to walk away, he fell flat on his face! Of course when he realized who had done it, he quickly dismissed the matter. But I tell you, had it been anyone but Imaya or Soaria, they'd have been thrown into the palace dungeons for months!" Andra exclaimed. "Did she do it on purpose?" I asked, taking a quick glance at Andra while sweeping. She shrugged. "I'm not sure. I think that her big feet just got in the way!" She laughed. I chuckled too. "They do have unusually large feet, don't they?" I laughed. "Biggest in all of Mirkwood!" Andra giggled, stirring the soup in the cauldron over the fireplace.
"Oh, so YOU two are the ones doing all that ridiculous fooling." Said stern voice from the doorway. We both stopped and looked up--- straight at Isara. "H-Hello Lady RedRose." Andra stuttered, her expression clearly saying 'we're in deep shit now'. "YOU TWO.." Isara boomed..
And then suddenly the hardness melted from her face, and she began laughing. "Fell for it so bad!" She chuckled. I smirked. She was only joking around (thank the Valar!).
"The celebration's begun already, you know." She told us. "Yes we know." I nodded. "The giveaway was when all the other maids emptied out of the kitchen and never came back!" Andra laughed. Isara sighed, a small grin tugging at the corners of her lips. "Maybe that was the clue to get to work?" She suggested sarcastically.
Andra sighed, took my broom, and put it away. "As soon as we finish this stew, we'll bring it out." She stated. "Excellent." Isara smiled. "Make sure there is enough for all of the guests to have seconds, if they want." She added. "Yes ma'am." I nodded. "Good." She grinned some more, and walked back out the door.
"Boy, I thought we were really in trouble for a minute there." I chuckled. "Isara likes to fool people like that." Andra shrugged, pulling a loaf of bread out of their old-fashioned oven.
It was a hole in the wall, with brick outlining. There was a small metal door underneath that you opened and threw coal into. This lit the fire, which cooked whatever food you put into the hole up top. It reminded me of the kind of ovens people used in colonial times.
"Oh please," I scoffed. "She tricked you just as bad as she did me. I saw the look on your face!" I teased Andra. She laughed. "Oh that's nothing compared to some of the jests she's pulled! I remember this one time..."
I sort of tuned Andra out from this point. It wasn't that all her talking annoyed me, oh no, I rather liked it; but I did need a SMALL break from it.
I quietly hummed whatever tune popped into my head as I chopped up more vegetables for the stew.
~*~*~
"It's done!" Andra exclaimed after she tasted a small part of the stew. I pulled a clean spoon out of the drawer, and dipped it into the pot. I raised the hot liquid to my lips, and blew on it. When its temperature satisfied me, I tentatively placed it into my mouth.
To say that it tasted good would be an understatement. It was DELICIOUS! The soup warmed me from the inside out, and I felt at home, peaceful. "I can't believe that I helped make this!" I exclaimed. Andra laughed. "Well believe it! Now come back to reality and help me pour it into these bowls."
She lined them all up on the island in the middle of the room, and I went around with a large ladle. I spooned several cups into each dish. Finally, all were filled. We placed them on large trays, somehow managing to fit them all (and there was a LOT!).
"How many people did those two invite?" I grumbled, carefully hefting the large tray onto my shoulder. Andra laughed. "Knowing them, all of Mirkwood." She estimated. "There's enough soup here to feed an army!" I declared. She chuckled more. "Just wait until you see the table." She replied.
I kicked one of the swinging doors open, and we made our way into the dining hall.
There were two LONG tables in the center of the grand room. There were easily one hundred people at each table. My jaw hung open as I marveled at everything. The dining room was exquisite. Three golden chandeliers hung in a straight line down the middle of the ceiling. There was much talking and chattering as distinguished guests and visitors gossiped over their meals.
And there was a feast in the center of each table; more food than I would've thought it possible to make in a century!
Andra nudged me with her toe. "Come on," She hissed. "We have to pass the soup out before it gets cold!" She ordered. "Right, right." I nodded. "You take that table, and I'll take this one." She motioned with her head. I nodded again, and we went out separate ways.
Each person gave a small nod of gratitude as I set a bowl of stew down in front of them. Then they resumed their conversations with each other. I sighed and completed the whole left side of the table, my tray getting lighter and lighter.
"Ah! Miss Fay, there you are! We've been looking for you all night." Exclaimed an overly cheery voice to my left. I looked over, and saw Imaya and Soaria sitting there. I inwardly groaned.
"Oh, hello ma'am." I plastered a fake smile onto my face. "How are things going so far?" Soaria inquired. "Well. Thank you for your concern. Here's your soup!" I plopped the bowls down in front of them and moved on to the next person before they could say another word.
Someone chuckled. I looked over and saw Prince Legolas. "Good evening, your highness." I curtsied happily (amazed that I didn't spill my tray)."Good evening, Lady Fay." He grinned. "Oh, MISS Fay, your highness. I am no noble." I corrected him. He laughed. "You know just as much as I do that you shouldn't have to work." Legolas gave a sympathetic smile. "I'm not MADE to, highness, I just like to." I grinned.
He sighed, shaking his head. "I believe that you have met Lords Aragorn and Gimli already, yes?" He asked, gesturing to the two men across from him. I grinned as I noticed them. "Yes, the merry gentlemen who rescued me. I don't believe I ever had the chance to thank you." I smiled, setting the tray down and curtseying. They nodded. "Good to see you up and about, milady." Aragorn said politely and Gimli (who was eating a turkey leg at the moment) nodded his agreement. "Thank you, sir." I replied.
Suddenly Andra was at my side. "Fay? What are you doing? Socializing? The ladies will throw a fit if they see you're not working..." She babbled on. I nudged her with my toe. "Your highness, Lords, this is my good friend, Andra. Andra, this is Prince Legolas, Lord Aragorn, and Lord Gimli." I introduced everyone.
Andra's jaw hit the floor. "The the the p-prince!?" She gasped. I chuckled slightly, and pushed her mouth closed. "Yes. He and these two were kind enough to help me out when I first arrived here." I explained. Andra's mouth was wide with shock again, and she managed a feeble curtsey.
"Well, like you said, Andra, we must be getting back to work now." I announced, then turned back to Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli. "Pleasure seeing you again. Have a pleasant evening." I bid them farewell. "You also." They nodded.
I picked up my tray and pulled Andra down the rest of the table with me.
Finally, everyone was served, and we headed back to the kitchens.
As soon as the door shut behind us, Andra grasped my hands. "You know the prince!" She squealed. "You know the prince! You know the prince! You know the prince! YOU KNOW THE PRINCE!!" She sang, dancing me around the room.
I laughed and shook my hands from hers. "Really now, Andra. It's not that big a deal. It's just another person." I sighed. "Just another person? JUST another person? Fay, he's the PRINCE!" She squeaked, bouncing up and down.
"Alright, alright, alright." I shook my hands, trying to calm her down.
Suddenly, an excessively large grin spread over her face. "What?" I inquired. "WHAT!?"
"After we clean off the table, we servants are allowed to attend the party!" She exclaimed. "So?" I asked, an eyebrow raised. "So you can introduce me to the prince again!" She declared, turning around in happy circles. "Andra, I hate to break it to you, but I highly doubt that I'll be attending the party." I said, putting my tray in the sink. "Why!?" Her face fell.
I sighed. "Didn't you see those elves out there? They were gorgeous! Their dresses were beautiful! I could never fit into that crowd. You should still go if you want to, though." I muttered. "I'm not going anywhere without you." She said stubbornly, crossing her arms over her chest. "Besides, I think I know what you can wear..."
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A short time later, the feast ended, and the music started up. People abandoned the long tables, and instead turned towards the ballroom floor. The other servants and I cleared away everything on the tables, and pushed them to the sides of the hall. This left the middle of the room clear for dancing.
I had just dumped a stack of dirty dishes in a tub of others, when Andra grabbed my arm. "Come on!" She hissed. "What?" I demanded. "Our job is done. The other maids actually have to wash the dishes. We can go to the party!" She grinned.
"Andra," I sighed. "I really don't think I want to go to any party being held by Imaya or Soaria." I stated. "Oh nonsense. We can easily avoid them. Please, please, PLEASE." She asked, making a pouty bottom lip. I sighed. "Fine."
"YEAH!!" She squealed, grabbing my wrist and hauling me down the servants' stairs towards her quarters.
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A short time later, I was clad in a flowing gown. It was slightly transparent, but you couldn't see anything underneath it. I especially liked it because one minute, it was pure white. But when I turned, it tinted baby blue. Odd, I never used to like dresses...
Andra's was similar, only hers was tinted pink.
"Come on, let's go!" She exclaimed excitedly. She grabbed my wrist once more, and we raced back up the stairs. "I'm still not sure..." I muttered. "You're being silly! Stop it!" She giggled. I sighed and let her lead me.
When we reached the room again, most of the elves were coupled up and dancing. Andra's eyes glazed over. "Aw, it's so sweet!" She sighed dreamily. I sighed too, exasperated, and shook my head. "You're a nut." I muttered. She grinned. "True."
"Excuse me," Someone said from behind us. We both turned and looked. A handsome elf stood there. "Adrus!" Andra exclaimed. Apparently, she knew him. "May I have this dance, milady?" Adrus asked. Blushing, Andra nodded vigorously. Adrus took her hand and swirled her out onto the floor.
Sighing for about the millionth time that night, I pulled a chair away from one of the tables, and planted myself in it. I made sure that it was positioned in a spot that I could see everyone else, but they wouldn't notice me.
But as fate would have it, my plans never work. A short little someone came waddling over just a few minutes later. "What are ya doin' hidin' back here, lass!?" He exclaimed. I did a double take, and realized that it was Gimli. "Oh, hello Lord Gimli." I nodded. "Care to have a seat?" I asked, motioning towards the chairs beside me. "Naw," He shook his head. "They're too tall. It's too much work to get in and and out of 'em." He explained. I laughed. I had never thought of that before.
"You never answered my question." He pointed out. "Which one was that, milord?" I quipped. "What are you hiding back here for?" He repeated. "Lack of anything better to do." I laughed. "Well, since you have nothin' to do, and have naught to do either, mayhaps we should do nothing together." He chuckled. I smiled. "Sure. Actually, we could dance." I pointed out.
His eyes grew wide. "You jest!" He exclaimed. "Never!" I gasped. He eyed me speculatively. "Why?" He asked. "As a thank you for rescuing me." I answered. He looked at his boots, deep in thought. "Alright!" He agreed finally.
Grinning, I stood and we made our way onto the dance floor. "I must warn ya lass, I'm not much fond of this Elvish dancing." He growled. I laughed again. "Nor I! We shall be bad together then!" I cheered him. He let out a low laugh. "Alright!"
And speaking of low, he had to place his hands on my hips, and tilt his head back to stare at me. I didn't tell him, but I was actually sort of crouching (to reach his shoulders) while we danced.
I've always been slightly tall. Not by much, though, just one or two inches above everyone else. However, in those moments, those inches felt like feet. Several people pointed and laughed as they swirled by us, and I was tempted to flip them off. But when I remembered that my career was at stake, I gripped Gimli's shoulders harder and refused the urge.
We danced two songs before I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to see Aragorn standing there. "This is amusing." He smiled warmly. Gimli shoved me towards him slightly. "Aragorn! You dance with the lass! Not offense to her, but I'm getting a crick in the neck!" He exclaimed. I laughed and curtsied. "It was a pleasure, Lord Gimli. No offense taken." He bowed back, and made his way over to the chairs again.
"I take it that I have a new partner." Aragorn chuckled. I laughed slightly too. "Not if you don't want one." I informed him. "No no," He insisted. "We will dance."
Right then, a new tune struck. It was merry and moved quickly. Aragorn obviously had danced to it before, because next thing that I knew, I was swirled, twirled, and dizzy. I laughed though, and he smiled. I had to admit, it WAS great fun.
Finally though, I got a break before the song ended. "Ooh my, that was quick." I said, breathing hard. He smiled. "I shall escort you back to your seat if you are tired." He offered. "Yes, please." I accepted.
We walked across the room again. "Thank you, Lord Aragorn." I curtsied and he bowed. Then he walked off once more, and I plopped down next to Lord Gimli, still panting. "Hmm, I've always heard that Aragorn knew how to take a girl's breath away, but now I know it true." He remarked. I glanced at him for a moment, wondering what he was talking about, but then I realized that I was still breathing heavily. I let out a laugh. "That was a very fast dance." I explained. He smirked. "Surrrre..."
Grinning in a silly way, I walked over to one of the tables and got a cup of water for Lord Gimli and I. A few songs passed, as we drank the water in silence. I noticed that Andra was still having a good time with Address, er Adrus (him name sound too much like 'address'!).
I had been staring at my shoes, when I noticed another pair of feet that weren't Gimli's or mine. I slowly let my eyes roam up from the feet. Slender, muscled legs, lean, chiseled torso, hard arms, lovely blond hair, a fair face, and...oh! Those gorgeous blue eyes! It was Legolas, without a doubt.
"Ah! Master Elf! I've been wondering where you'd gotten to!" Gimli smiled. "Hello Gimli, Lady Fay." He greeted. I blushed. "MISS Fay, your highness." I corrected him again. He chuckled and sat in the other chair. "Ah, yes. I still think that you should be a lady, though." He laughed. "Proper protocol thinks otherwise." I replied. "Proper protocol, hmm? I'll make you a deal then. If you just call me Legolas, I shall just call you Fay." He offered. I thought it over. "No one would be offended?" I asked, checking. "No. Why should they be?" He answered. I shrugged. "Alright then. We have a deal." I extended my hand for him to shake on it, but he kissed it instead.
Going slightly pink again, I pulled it back and sank a little lower into my seat.
He and Gimli started talking, while my thoughts wandered. Since when had I taken to blushing so much? It was an action that I used to despise. And well, let's face it; my vocabulary has greatly improved as well. I hardly ever say 'ain't' anymore, and I actually put the letter 'g' at the end of my verbs (ex: I used to say 'thinkin', but now I say 'thinking'). These elves were getting to me already! I hoped that I was sticking my pinky out when I ate...
"La- er, Fay?" Someone's voice called me back to the present. It was Legolas, and I chuckled at the fact that he'd almost called me 'lady' again. "Yes?" I responded. "I noticed you dancing with Aragorn and Gimli," He started. "Yes..." I nodded. "Why haven't WE danced?" He asked, smirking slightly.
I felt my face get hot AGAIN, but I forced it down. No more blushing! "You never asked." I cleverly replied. He laughed and stood up. "Alright. Fay, may I have the honor of the dance?" He was bowing somewhat, with his hand extended. I smiled (fighting ANOTHER blush!!) and nodded.
"Go on! Get outta here!" Gimli laughed, playfully shooing us onto the dance floor.
It was a slow and sweet dance. "Like this." Legolas instructed me. He placed one of my hands in his, with my other hand holding up my dress. His remaining hand clasped gently around my waist. The torches had somehow magically dimmed, and the other pairs of dancers began to sway.
Grinning, he set the pace and steps. I simply followed his lead. "This is nice." I murmured. "You sound surprised." He laughed gently. "Well, I've only slow danced with one person before..." I explained. "Tell me about it." He pressed. "Well, I'm 15 now, so that was," I paused to count the years. "Four years ago." I concluded, shuddering. Was it really that long ago?
"Fifteen? You seem much older." Legolas gasped. "Hey!" I exclaimed. "No, no! I meant no offense! You LOOK young, but you ACT very mature." He quickly covered his mistake. I laughed slightly. "Surrre..." I teased him. "Really!" He persisted. "I know. I'm just taunting you." I explained. "Oh, okay." He visibly relaxed. "Continue." He ordered politely.
"Well, like I said, I was very young and foolish. I thought I knew everything, but OH NO! I just let him get the better of me!" I exclaimed. "How?" He asked, eyebrows crossing. "He sort of played me." I sighed. "He SAID he liked me, but after the dance, he dropped me for some other girl. Apparently, he was only using me to make her jealous. It worked." I recalled the awful memory. Funny, I'd never gone out again after that...
"Well, you ARE someone who is easy to be jealous of." He replied, trying to cheer me. I smiled at him. "Thank you." I grinned. He shrugged. "It's true." He insisted. I looked down, trying not to blush again.
"You're very nic---" I was cut mid-sentence as the song ended and someone came bounding over to Legolas. I was about to say 'nice', but the other person cut me off. It was Imaya. She practically threw herself between Legolas and I. He was obviously just as surprised as I was.
"Your highness! I've been looking ALL over for you!" She smiled, pasting that horrible fake smile on her lips. I could've hurled. Apparently, so could've Legolas, as his lips were stretched unhappily over his teeth in a mock smile.
Imaya was fondling him and batting her eyes like a nut. The next song started, and she began to lead him in a dance. He briefly flashed me an expression that said 'sorry!', and I stormed off. The party had been fun for a little while, but as usual, Imaya and Soaria spoiled everything.
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REVIEWS GREATLY WELCOME!!! ^^
Sorry that it took so long to get this up!! REVIEW ARE STILL WELCOME! Heh heh
~* ElfPilot *~
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Ria Fanel: Sarcastic humor good ~.^ BTW, thanx for reviewing nearly ever chapter on nearly ever fic! U're great!!
Owyn: oh my, I'm a bit late. Sorry ( I've just been so LAZY!!! So sorry (
BlackStarDust: I'll try to incorporate them into this chapter.
Laicalasse: Thanx^^
Ievandie: Don't worry, I never exclude him for long ~.^
Mercury's Love: U should write a fic. I like your style ^^ Yeah, I'd say u've read a few Mary-Sue's (SOME aren't bad to read, but I HATE writing them ^^) Don't worry, Legolas IS going to frequent this. I just wanna lay down the basics first (I have a bad habit of doing that, LOL) Like I said to BlackStarDust, Gimli and Aragorn WILL be in this chap^^ OMG, gimli and Imaya?? AHHHH!! THE IMAGES!!! MY POOR VIRGIN MIND CAN'T HANDLE SUCH TOTURE!!! LOL, Thanx for the LONG review!!! ^^
KK: Legolas seems popular ^^ LOL (of course he is, he's a HOT blond elf!! LOL) thanx so much for the great compliments!! I feel so loved!!!
Esperanza Fuega: Thanx ^^ I'll have to try that ^^
Sailor Kitsune: AHHHHH!! I ALREADY addressed that topic!!! AHHHHHHH!! Don't ya know that making my repeat myself is bad for my health!!?? LOL Repetition is bad!!! Hee hee
Well, thanx everyone!! PLEEZ REVIEW!!!!!!!! ^^
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FAY'S P.O.V.
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"Fay! Miss Fay!" Someone was shaking me madly. "Huh? What? Where's the fire?" I mumbled groggily. "Miss Fay, it's me, Isara! You need to wake up, my dear! The Ladies Imaya and Soaria require council with you!" She exclaimed.
I blinked and tried to adjust my eyes to the light. "And?" I grumbled. "Get up now!" She hissed, yanking the covers back. "Alright, alright, I'm up!" I muttered, turning and placing my feet on the floor. "Put this on." She instructed, tossing me my new uniform.
It struck me in the face, because my eyes were still bleary, and I didn't catch it properly. "Hurry, hurry! Make haste! Make haste!" She ordered, bustling about the room. "Haste makes waste." I growled under my breath, standing up and crossing the room. I closed the door on her (rude I know, but hey! I'm NOT a morning person), and proceeded to dress.
Finally, I was ready, and opened the door. Isara was waiting out in the hall for me. "Come ON!" She insisted, grabbing my wrist and pulling me along. "You make it seem like we'll be beheaded if we don't cater to their every exact whim." I murmured. "Close enough." She nodded. My eyes grew wide. "They can't behead us!" I exclaimed, suddenly feeling much more awake. "Of course not," Isara grunted. "Thought it'd probably be better than what they DO do." She added quietly.
I shivered and decided not to find out the hard way what sort of punishments that my mistresses gave out.
Isara finally stopped in front of a door. "Here we are!" She declared. "Prepare yourself." She instructed, straightening little things on my uniform. I brushed her hands away impatiently. "Alright, alright already." I snapped, and knocked on the door.
"Come in!" Imaya called. I took a deep breath, and opened the door (Isara had slunk back around the corner like a dog with its tail between its legs by now).
"Good mornin', miladies." I curtsied. They looked up from their stitching, and when they saw me, they exchanged devious smiles. "Good morning, Miss Fay. How was your first night here?" Imaya asked, twirling her brunette hair around her finger gently. They were acting as though we'd never had that less-than-civil discussion in the palace gardens the other day.
"Very well, ma'am. How was your night?" I questioned. Maybe they'd forgotten about being rotten to me. The best thing for me to do, then, was be nice to them, too.
"It could have been better, but there was a foul stench coming from the servant's chambers. Funny, we never had that problem before YOU came along." Soaria sneered, her pale pink lips curling.
Ok, forget the respect theory. They knew who to suck up to, and whom they could get away with treating like dirt--- a.k.a: me. Fine, I'll just have to fight fire with fire.
"Yes. I smelt that also. I believe it was the rotten stench of muck--- apparently, someone in this grand building has been doing a bit of brown- nosing." I smirked.
They knew perfectly well that I was talking about them sucking up to the prince, and their faces burned red with anger. "Fay, such insolence will not be tolerated." Imaya scowled. "So sorry, mistress. I was merely observing a fact that you had pointed out." I curtsied again, and they knew that I was mocking them.
"Hold your tongue girl!" Soaria snapped angrily. "Petty remarks are not what we summoned you for! Tonight, we are holding a ball. You are going to serve at this ball, and depending on how well you do, we shall either keep you as a maid, or fire you on the spot." She declared. Boy, she sure didn't beat around the bush.
"Yes ma'am." I nodded. "Now go and help prepare the dinners in the kitchen. The celebration starts at sunset." Imaya ordered. "Yes ma'am, but one thing..." I added. "What is it?" Imaya asked stiffly. "What is the celebration for?" I questioned.
"'Tis our birthday! Now get out of our sight before it is completely ruined!" Soaria replied angrily. "Yes ma'am." I curtsied and walked calmly out of the sitting room, closing the door behind me.
Isara was waiting out in the hall. "Oh my, you know how to pick a fight with the worst sort!" She exclaimed worriedly, shaking her head to show her disparagement. I laughed slightly. "I've never been one to let people walk all over me. Well, except maybe my horse." I joked. She stopped walking, and turned to me, a horrified look on her face. "You let your horse walk on you!?"
I laughed. "Oh goodness no. But apparently you don't know how I got here in Mirkwood." I asked. She shook her head no. "I fell off my horse and was unconscious, but Lords Aragorn and Gimli found me." I told her. Her jaw was on the floor by now. "No!" She whispered in disbelief. "Yep." I nodded solemnly. "What of your horse?" She asked. "Gone." I shrugged. "Well let's hope that no foul creature got to the poor dear." She added, picking up her pace again. I sighed. "Let's hope."
~*~*~*~*~*~
I finally arrived in the kitchens (Imaya and Soria's home seemed to be almost as big as Legolas's castle. But then, why was I surprised? They WERE spoiled %^$*#!). Many other maids were already there, bustling about and hollering at one another. "No, no. Move that plate there!" "Good havens! Not parsley!! That dish needs broccoli!"
"Excuse me!" Isara yelled. No one noticed. "Hello!" She tried again. Still no reaction. "QUIET!!!!!!" She roared. Everyone stopped exactly where they were, which was kind of funny because one maid had lunged across a table to catch something that had flown into the air. She was now lying on the table, trying to keep a good hold on the dish, which would fall any moment.
"This here," She pushed me forward slightly. "Is a new member of our staff. Ladies, meet Fay. Fay, these are the other maids here." Isara introduced us. "Hello." I smiled. "Hello!" They all replied in a chorus. "Now I must be off attending other duties for the festivities tonight, I expect you ladies to make Fay welcome, and assign her a simple task as she is new." Isara announced, turning around and waddling out of the room.
I watched her go, and then turned back to look at the other women. A few of them walked over, shook my hand, introduced themselves. There were too many of them for me to remember though, so I just smiled and nodded politely.
Finally, I found someone who I knew I wouldn't forget easily. Her name was Andra, and she had a charming personality. "So glad that you've come to work with us!" She exclaimed. "I just LOVE meeting new people and having all sorts of new conversations while we work. Me mum always said that quality is better than quantity when it comes to people who you make friendships with, and just by looking at you I can see that you're right honorable indeed. I can see the fire in your eyes even as you do not a thing but stand here placidly. Ooh my, just realized that I've gone away with myself again! I have a bit of a tendency to run at the mouth..." She explained all this happily, and barely stopped for breath.
I nodded, blinking in bewilderment. "Uh huh." I agreed, not really sure what I was relating to. "Well come on now. We mustn't stand here all day, dilly dallying!" She smiled, taking my wrist and pulling me along.
She resembled your average elf. Pale complexion, light hair, blue eyes, tall, and regal. Her accent was lovely, and she was very cheery. Most elves were very quiet, and wise. She was purely chatty.
I learned many things in those short few hours before the celebration. Elvish cooking, cleaning, courtesies, and all those other fancy shmancy words that begin with the letter 'c'.
Andra was, as predicted, a great help. She stayed by my side most of the night and assisted me with anything and everything. Her chattiness didn't bother me. Actually, it was a good distraction from the boring chores that we were required to perform.
"And this one time, Lady Imaya stepped on the Senator's robe, so that when he went to walk away, he fell flat on his face! Of course when he realized who had done it, he quickly dismissed the matter. But I tell you, had it been anyone but Imaya or Soaria, they'd have been thrown into the palace dungeons for months!" Andra exclaimed. "Did she do it on purpose?" I asked, taking a quick glance at Andra while sweeping. She shrugged. "I'm not sure. I think that her big feet just got in the way!" She laughed. I chuckled too. "They do have unusually large feet, don't they?" I laughed. "Biggest in all of Mirkwood!" Andra giggled, stirring the soup in the cauldron over the fireplace.
"Oh, so YOU two are the ones doing all that ridiculous fooling." Said stern voice from the doorway. We both stopped and looked up--- straight at Isara. "H-Hello Lady RedRose." Andra stuttered, her expression clearly saying 'we're in deep shit now'. "YOU TWO.." Isara boomed..
And then suddenly the hardness melted from her face, and she began laughing. "Fell for it so bad!" She chuckled. I smirked. She was only joking around (thank the Valar!).
"The celebration's begun already, you know." She told us. "Yes we know." I nodded. "The giveaway was when all the other maids emptied out of the kitchen and never came back!" Andra laughed. Isara sighed, a small grin tugging at the corners of her lips. "Maybe that was the clue to get to work?" She suggested sarcastically.
Andra sighed, took my broom, and put it away. "As soon as we finish this stew, we'll bring it out." She stated. "Excellent." Isara smiled. "Make sure there is enough for all of the guests to have seconds, if they want." She added. "Yes ma'am." I nodded. "Good." She grinned some more, and walked back out the door.
"Boy, I thought we were really in trouble for a minute there." I chuckled. "Isara likes to fool people like that." Andra shrugged, pulling a loaf of bread out of their old-fashioned oven.
It was a hole in the wall, with brick outlining. There was a small metal door underneath that you opened and threw coal into. This lit the fire, which cooked whatever food you put into the hole up top. It reminded me of the kind of ovens people used in colonial times.
"Oh please," I scoffed. "She tricked you just as bad as she did me. I saw the look on your face!" I teased Andra. She laughed. "Oh that's nothing compared to some of the jests she's pulled! I remember this one time..."
I sort of tuned Andra out from this point. It wasn't that all her talking annoyed me, oh no, I rather liked it; but I did need a SMALL break from it.
I quietly hummed whatever tune popped into my head as I chopped up more vegetables for the stew.
~*~*~
"It's done!" Andra exclaimed after she tasted a small part of the stew. I pulled a clean spoon out of the drawer, and dipped it into the pot. I raised the hot liquid to my lips, and blew on it. When its temperature satisfied me, I tentatively placed it into my mouth.
To say that it tasted good would be an understatement. It was DELICIOUS! The soup warmed me from the inside out, and I felt at home, peaceful. "I can't believe that I helped make this!" I exclaimed. Andra laughed. "Well believe it! Now come back to reality and help me pour it into these bowls."
She lined them all up on the island in the middle of the room, and I went around with a large ladle. I spooned several cups into each dish. Finally, all were filled. We placed them on large trays, somehow managing to fit them all (and there was a LOT!).
"How many people did those two invite?" I grumbled, carefully hefting the large tray onto my shoulder. Andra laughed. "Knowing them, all of Mirkwood." She estimated. "There's enough soup here to feed an army!" I declared. She chuckled more. "Just wait until you see the table." She replied.
I kicked one of the swinging doors open, and we made our way into the dining hall.
There were two LONG tables in the center of the grand room. There were easily one hundred people at each table. My jaw hung open as I marveled at everything. The dining room was exquisite. Three golden chandeliers hung in a straight line down the middle of the ceiling. There was much talking and chattering as distinguished guests and visitors gossiped over their meals.
And there was a feast in the center of each table; more food than I would've thought it possible to make in a century!
Andra nudged me with her toe. "Come on," She hissed. "We have to pass the soup out before it gets cold!" She ordered. "Right, right." I nodded. "You take that table, and I'll take this one." She motioned with her head. I nodded again, and we went out separate ways.
Each person gave a small nod of gratitude as I set a bowl of stew down in front of them. Then they resumed their conversations with each other. I sighed and completed the whole left side of the table, my tray getting lighter and lighter.
"Ah! Miss Fay, there you are! We've been looking for you all night." Exclaimed an overly cheery voice to my left. I looked over, and saw Imaya and Soaria sitting there. I inwardly groaned.
"Oh, hello ma'am." I plastered a fake smile onto my face. "How are things going so far?" Soaria inquired. "Well. Thank you for your concern. Here's your soup!" I plopped the bowls down in front of them and moved on to the next person before they could say another word.
Someone chuckled. I looked over and saw Prince Legolas. "Good evening, your highness." I curtsied happily (amazed that I didn't spill my tray)."Good evening, Lady Fay." He grinned. "Oh, MISS Fay, your highness. I am no noble." I corrected him. He laughed. "You know just as much as I do that you shouldn't have to work." Legolas gave a sympathetic smile. "I'm not MADE to, highness, I just like to." I grinned.
He sighed, shaking his head. "I believe that you have met Lords Aragorn and Gimli already, yes?" He asked, gesturing to the two men across from him. I grinned as I noticed them. "Yes, the merry gentlemen who rescued me. I don't believe I ever had the chance to thank you." I smiled, setting the tray down and curtseying. They nodded. "Good to see you up and about, milady." Aragorn said politely and Gimli (who was eating a turkey leg at the moment) nodded his agreement. "Thank you, sir." I replied.
Suddenly Andra was at my side. "Fay? What are you doing? Socializing? The ladies will throw a fit if they see you're not working..." She babbled on. I nudged her with my toe. "Your highness, Lords, this is my good friend, Andra. Andra, this is Prince Legolas, Lord Aragorn, and Lord Gimli." I introduced everyone.
Andra's jaw hit the floor. "The the the p-prince!?" She gasped. I chuckled slightly, and pushed her mouth closed. "Yes. He and these two were kind enough to help me out when I first arrived here." I explained. Andra's mouth was wide with shock again, and she managed a feeble curtsey.
"Well, like you said, Andra, we must be getting back to work now." I announced, then turned back to Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli. "Pleasure seeing you again. Have a pleasant evening." I bid them farewell. "You also." They nodded.
I picked up my tray and pulled Andra down the rest of the table with me.
Finally, everyone was served, and we headed back to the kitchens.
As soon as the door shut behind us, Andra grasped my hands. "You know the prince!" She squealed. "You know the prince! You know the prince! You know the prince! YOU KNOW THE PRINCE!!" She sang, dancing me around the room.
I laughed and shook my hands from hers. "Really now, Andra. It's not that big a deal. It's just another person." I sighed. "Just another person? JUST another person? Fay, he's the PRINCE!" She squeaked, bouncing up and down.
"Alright, alright, alright." I shook my hands, trying to calm her down.
Suddenly, an excessively large grin spread over her face. "What?" I inquired. "WHAT!?"
"After we clean off the table, we servants are allowed to attend the party!" She exclaimed. "So?" I asked, an eyebrow raised. "So you can introduce me to the prince again!" She declared, turning around in happy circles. "Andra, I hate to break it to you, but I highly doubt that I'll be attending the party." I said, putting my tray in the sink. "Why!?" Her face fell.
I sighed. "Didn't you see those elves out there? They were gorgeous! Their dresses were beautiful! I could never fit into that crowd. You should still go if you want to, though." I muttered. "I'm not going anywhere without you." She said stubbornly, crossing her arms over her chest. "Besides, I think I know what you can wear..."
~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~
A short time later, the feast ended, and the music started up. People abandoned the long tables, and instead turned towards the ballroom floor. The other servants and I cleared away everything on the tables, and pushed them to the sides of the hall. This left the middle of the room clear for dancing.
I had just dumped a stack of dirty dishes in a tub of others, when Andra grabbed my arm. "Come on!" She hissed. "What?" I demanded. "Our job is done. The other maids actually have to wash the dishes. We can go to the party!" She grinned.
"Andra," I sighed. "I really don't think I want to go to any party being held by Imaya or Soaria." I stated. "Oh nonsense. We can easily avoid them. Please, please, PLEASE." She asked, making a pouty bottom lip. I sighed. "Fine."
"YEAH!!" She squealed, grabbing my wrist and hauling me down the servants' stairs towards her quarters.
~+~+~+~+~+~+~
A short time later, I was clad in a flowing gown. It was slightly transparent, but you couldn't see anything underneath it. I especially liked it because one minute, it was pure white. But when I turned, it tinted baby blue. Odd, I never used to like dresses...
Andra's was similar, only hers was tinted pink.
"Come on, let's go!" She exclaimed excitedly. She grabbed my wrist once more, and we raced back up the stairs. "I'm still not sure..." I muttered. "You're being silly! Stop it!" She giggled. I sighed and let her lead me.
When we reached the room again, most of the elves were coupled up and dancing. Andra's eyes glazed over. "Aw, it's so sweet!" She sighed dreamily. I sighed too, exasperated, and shook my head. "You're a nut." I muttered. She grinned. "True."
"Excuse me," Someone said from behind us. We both turned and looked. A handsome elf stood there. "Adrus!" Andra exclaimed. Apparently, she knew him. "May I have this dance, milady?" Adrus asked. Blushing, Andra nodded vigorously. Adrus took her hand and swirled her out onto the floor.
Sighing for about the millionth time that night, I pulled a chair away from one of the tables, and planted myself in it. I made sure that it was positioned in a spot that I could see everyone else, but they wouldn't notice me.
But as fate would have it, my plans never work. A short little someone came waddling over just a few minutes later. "What are ya doin' hidin' back here, lass!?" He exclaimed. I did a double take, and realized that it was Gimli. "Oh, hello Lord Gimli." I nodded. "Care to have a seat?" I asked, motioning towards the chairs beside me. "Naw," He shook his head. "They're too tall. It's too much work to get in and and out of 'em." He explained. I laughed. I had never thought of that before.
"You never answered my question." He pointed out. "Which one was that, milord?" I quipped. "What are you hiding back here for?" He repeated. "Lack of anything better to do." I laughed. "Well, since you have nothin' to do, and have naught to do either, mayhaps we should do nothing together." He chuckled. I smiled. "Sure. Actually, we could dance." I pointed out.
His eyes grew wide. "You jest!" He exclaimed. "Never!" I gasped. He eyed me speculatively. "Why?" He asked. "As a thank you for rescuing me." I answered. He looked at his boots, deep in thought. "Alright!" He agreed finally.
Grinning, I stood and we made our way onto the dance floor. "I must warn ya lass, I'm not much fond of this Elvish dancing." He growled. I laughed again. "Nor I! We shall be bad together then!" I cheered him. He let out a low laugh. "Alright!"
And speaking of low, he had to place his hands on my hips, and tilt his head back to stare at me. I didn't tell him, but I was actually sort of crouching (to reach his shoulders) while we danced.
I've always been slightly tall. Not by much, though, just one or two inches above everyone else. However, in those moments, those inches felt like feet. Several people pointed and laughed as they swirled by us, and I was tempted to flip them off. But when I remembered that my career was at stake, I gripped Gimli's shoulders harder and refused the urge.
We danced two songs before I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to see Aragorn standing there. "This is amusing." He smiled warmly. Gimli shoved me towards him slightly. "Aragorn! You dance with the lass! Not offense to her, but I'm getting a crick in the neck!" He exclaimed. I laughed and curtsied. "It was a pleasure, Lord Gimli. No offense taken." He bowed back, and made his way over to the chairs again.
"I take it that I have a new partner." Aragorn chuckled. I laughed slightly too. "Not if you don't want one." I informed him. "No no," He insisted. "We will dance."
Right then, a new tune struck. It was merry and moved quickly. Aragorn obviously had danced to it before, because next thing that I knew, I was swirled, twirled, and dizzy. I laughed though, and he smiled. I had to admit, it WAS great fun.
Finally though, I got a break before the song ended. "Ooh my, that was quick." I said, breathing hard. He smiled. "I shall escort you back to your seat if you are tired." He offered. "Yes, please." I accepted.
We walked across the room again. "Thank you, Lord Aragorn." I curtsied and he bowed. Then he walked off once more, and I plopped down next to Lord Gimli, still panting. "Hmm, I've always heard that Aragorn knew how to take a girl's breath away, but now I know it true." He remarked. I glanced at him for a moment, wondering what he was talking about, but then I realized that I was still breathing heavily. I let out a laugh. "That was a very fast dance." I explained. He smirked. "Surrrre..."
Grinning in a silly way, I walked over to one of the tables and got a cup of water for Lord Gimli and I. A few songs passed, as we drank the water in silence. I noticed that Andra was still having a good time with Address, er Adrus (him name sound too much like 'address'!).
I had been staring at my shoes, when I noticed another pair of feet that weren't Gimli's or mine. I slowly let my eyes roam up from the feet. Slender, muscled legs, lean, chiseled torso, hard arms, lovely blond hair, a fair face, and...oh! Those gorgeous blue eyes! It was Legolas, without a doubt.
"Ah! Master Elf! I've been wondering where you'd gotten to!" Gimli smiled. "Hello Gimli, Lady Fay." He greeted. I blushed. "MISS Fay, your highness." I corrected him again. He chuckled and sat in the other chair. "Ah, yes. I still think that you should be a lady, though." He laughed. "Proper protocol thinks otherwise." I replied. "Proper protocol, hmm? I'll make you a deal then. If you just call me Legolas, I shall just call you Fay." He offered. I thought it over. "No one would be offended?" I asked, checking. "No. Why should they be?" He answered. I shrugged. "Alright then. We have a deal." I extended my hand for him to shake on it, but he kissed it instead.
Going slightly pink again, I pulled it back and sank a little lower into my seat.
He and Gimli started talking, while my thoughts wandered. Since when had I taken to blushing so much? It was an action that I used to despise. And well, let's face it; my vocabulary has greatly improved as well. I hardly ever say 'ain't' anymore, and I actually put the letter 'g' at the end of my verbs (ex: I used to say 'thinkin', but now I say 'thinking'). These elves were getting to me already! I hoped that I was sticking my pinky out when I ate...
"La- er, Fay?" Someone's voice called me back to the present. It was Legolas, and I chuckled at the fact that he'd almost called me 'lady' again. "Yes?" I responded. "I noticed you dancing with Aragorn and Gimli," He started. "Yes..." I nodded. "Why haven't WE danced?" He asked, smirking slightly.
I felt my face get hot AGAIN, but I forced it down. No more blushing! "You never asked." I cleverly replied. He laughed and stood up. "Alright. Fay, may I have the honor of the dance?" He was bowing somewhat, with his hand extended. I smiled (fighting ANOTHER blush!!) and nodded.
"Go on! Get outta here!" Gimli laughed, playfully shooing us onto the dance floor.
It was a slow and sweet dance. "Like this." Legolas instructed me. He placed one of my hands in his, with my other hand holding up my dress. His remaining hand clasped gently around my waist. The torches had somehow magically dimmed, and the other pairs of dancers began to sway.
Grinning, he set the pace and steps. I simply followed his lead. "This is nice." I murmured. "You sound surprised." He laughed gently. "Well, I've only slow danced with one person before..." I explained. "Tell me about it." He pressed. "Well, I'm 15 now, so that was," I paused to count the years. "Four years ago." I concluded, shuddering. Was it really that long ago?
"Fifteen? You seem much older." Legolas gasped. "Hey!" I exclaimed. "No, no! I meant no offense! You LOOK young, but you ACT very mature." He quickly covered his mistake. I laughed slightly. "Surrre..." I teased him. "Really!" He persisted. "I know. I'm just taunting you." I explained. "Oh, okay." He visibly relaxed. "Continue." He ordered politely.
"Well, like I said, I was very young and foolish. I thought I knew everything, but OH NO! I just let him get the better of me!" I exclaimed. "How?" He asked, eyebrows crossing. "He sort of played me." I sighed. "He SAID he liked me, but after the dance, he dropped me for some other girl. Apparently, he was only using me to make her jealous. It worked." I recalled the awful memory. Funny, I'd never gone out again after that...
"Well, you ARE someone who is easy to be jealous of." He replied, trying to cheer me. I smiled at him. "Thank you." I grinned. He shrugged. "It's true." He insisted. I looked down, trying not to blush again.
"You're very nic---" I was cut mid-sentence as the song ended and someone came bounding over to Legolas. I was about to say 'nice', but the other person cut me off. It was Imaya. She practically threw herself between Legolas and I. He was obviously just as surprised as I was.
"Your highness! I've been looking ALL over for you!" She smiled, pasting that horrible fake smile on her lips. I could've hurled. Apparently, so could've Legolas, as his lips were stretched unhappily over his teeth in a mock smile.
Imaya was fondling him and batting her eyes like a nut. The next song started, and she began to lead him in a dance. He briefly flashed me an expression that said 'sorry!', and I stormed off. The party had been fun for a little while, but as usual, Imaya and Soaria spoiled everything.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
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