Life Sucks
By: Honolulu
Maria stalked down the halls of Rivendell. A towel wrapped around her as she moved quickly towards her room. Legolas, Arwen, Celeste and Aragorn trailing after her. Sometimes they had to jog to keep up with her. Even though she was small she could move. Maria opened her door to her room and dropped her bag. She collapsed on her bed. The rest of them filing in.
" There is no way I'm going." She told them.
" But you have to Maria. It is in your honor." Arwen said. Maria sat up, she glared at them.
" Tough. I'm not going. No way in hell!"
" You have no choice Maria. We will hound you until you go." Celeste said.
" NO! Hound me all you want but I will not change my mind. I don't like wearing dresses!"
" What is so wrong about wearing a dress?" Aragorn asked. She turned and glared at him.
" Only a man would ask that question. First of all, I don't like dresses. Two, they constrict my movement. Three, I don't like dresses. Did I mention that?"
" Don't you wear a dress sometimes when you dance?" Legolas asked.
" True but they don't constrict me. Besides I think of it as a costume and it helps me when I get into my role when I dance." Celeste walked up to her and sat down. She wrapped an arm around Maria's shoulders.
" You have to come Maria. Whether you like it or not. All of us will be there, we will have a grand time. There will be music, dancing and delicious food. It will be a wonderful time, don't tell me it doesn't sound like fun?" Celeste said with a hopeful look.
" It doesn't sound like fun." Maria retorted. " Besides I will not be your Barbie doll. I won't dress up. There is no way your going to convince me to go." She crossed her arms. The four of them smiled at her with a twinkle in their eye.
20 minutes later:
" I can't believe you convinced me to go!!!" Maria screamed into her pillow. She looked up and tossed her pillow at them. Aragorn laughed as he caught it. Arwen sat down next to her.
" I know the perfect dress you can wear." Arwen said. Maria narrowed her eyes at her.
" I may be going but there is still no way I'm going to wear a dress. I won't back down on that."
" Then what will you wear?" A smile formed on Maria's face.
" I have an idea but I will need some fabric, string and needles. I'm going to make my own outfit." They wandered what she was had in mind. They left her to her own thoughts.
For the next couple of days Maria spent most of her time in her room. She never came out unless she was going to train otherwise she had her meals brought to her. The four often came to her room to see how she was doing but Maria never allowed them entrance inside. Celeste and Arwen asked her if they could see what she was making but Maria said she wanted it to be a surprise. When people passed her room they could always hear mumbling or a cuss word, that was always when she pricked herself with a needle. It was one day till the feast when Maria finally came out of her room. She had asked Celeste and Arwen for some sort of make-up and hair styles.
The day had finally arrived. Legolas had asked Maria if she wanted him as a escort but she said no. Maria spent the day like all the others in her room. Legolas, Arwen, Aragorn and Celeste were anxious to see what Maria would look like at the feast. They couldn't wait for the evening to come. The time had finally come.
Maria stood in her room, dress and ready. She stood in front of her mirror and examined herself. ' I think I look alright. Ready or not, here I come.' She thought. She took a deep breath and headed to dinning hall. As she walked closer to the doors, she could hear voices and that it was already underway. ' Okay so I'm a little bit late. Didn't my friends always say to be fashionably late?' She thought. She touched her hair to see if it was still alright. She smoothed out the invisible wrinkles on her outfit. ' Okay Maria. Let's do this!' She took another breath and went inside.
Inside the dining hall:
Everyone was already seated and just were waiting on Maria. Since it was in her honor they had to wait for her. Elrond sat in the middle of the table, Arwen on his left and Gandalf on his right. Aragorn sat next to Arwen, Legolas next to him and Celeste next to Legolas. The rest of the fellowship was also seated at the same table. " Where is she?" Celeste asked them.
" I don't know. Have either of you two seen her?" Arwen asked. Legolas and Aragorn shook their head. Legolas was about to say something when the doors open and revealed Maria. All the music and talking stopped. All eyes went on her. Eyes widened and some mouths opened as they saw what she was wearing. All of them stared at her especially the 'four' of them. Maria gave them all a small smile and walked down towards them.
Maria was wearing black pants that had a vine of leaves that were a mix of silver and green printed on them wrapping around her legs. Her top was red and had long bell shape sleeves. The blouse had black flowers on it and had a little v-cut that showed a little bit of cleavage. The blouse had some ruffles at the end and some of the blouse was long on the right side so it hanged of her hip. She had light make-up on her face, though it wasn't really make-up. She had pinched her cheeks to look like blush, her lips glossy and red from her lip gloss. A little eyeliner and mascara she had found in her bag. Her hair was let loose and hanging down her back. She had put part of it in a braid to keep some of the strands out of her face. The rest were in curls. The only jewelry she had on was a silver necklace and a thumb ring. She wore a pair of black slippers.
What she was wearing looked strange to everyone while it was normal for her. True to her word, Maria didn't wear a dress. She smiled again as she approached the table. There was a vacant seat in front of Elrond. She sat down between Merry, Pippin and Frodo, Sam. Elrond stood up, " Now that are guest of honor, Marianna Lanosa, has showed up we can begin the feast." He announced. Everyone started to pass around and place food on their plates. " Maria," She looked up at Elrond. " You look beautiful." She gave him smile.
" Thank you. So you guys," The four looked at her, " what do you think of my outfit that I worked so hard on?" She asked. Celeste and Arwen both smiled at her.
" Though they are strange garments, you look wonderful none the less." Celeste said.
" Celeste is right. I've never seen such clothes before but they look great on you. I like it very much." Arwen said. Maria turned to look at Legolas and Aragorn.
" So what do you two think?" She asked them. Legolas and Aragorn eyed her critically looking like they were going to flame her but then they both gave her a big smile.
" You look wonderful." " You look beautiful." They said at the same time. She smiled and started to eat and talked with everyone around her. Once in awhile she would look up to see everyone. She saw the dwarf Gimli, he was talking to Boromir but he would often look at Legolas and give him a dirty look. She looked at Legolas, who was talking to Aragorn, and saw he would look at Gimli and also give him a dirty look. She raised her eyebrow at this. ' I wonder what's up with them?' She thought. She picked up a piece of bread and bit into it. She heard a lot of giggles coming from a table nearby. She saw that it was occupied by some she-elves.
She wondered what they were giggling at. She looked at their line of vision and saw that they were eyeing Legolas. ' I wonder if he's aware of his admirers?' She thought but her question was soon answered when she saw Legolas look up at them. He gave them all a smile. Maria looked back at the table and saw all the elves started to blush and giggle at him even more. ' Oh.my.god. He's totally aware of this.' She started to laugh at this.
Maria was speaking with Merry and Pippin when Elrond asked her if she would like some wine. " Actually I've never tasted it. But I'm cool, I don't drink alcohol and I'll stick to water. Thanks." When she finished speaking with the hobbits she noticed that people were getting up. She looked at the front of the room and saw some of the elves dancing along with the music. She looked back and saw that Aragorn was asking Arwen to dance with him. She accepted and they went to the dance floor. Most of the fellowship also started to head to the floor. Legolas asked Celeste to dance and went to go join Aragorn and Arwen. The hobbits asked Maria if she would like to dance but she declined. Soon Maria was the only one occupying the table.
She tapped her foot to the beat and just enjoyed watching everyone dance. She was having a good time when she heard her name from the table behind her. She listened to the conversation. " Can you believe what's she wearing. I always knew she was a freak. Look at her, she is so pathetic. She's sitting alone, how sad is that?" Maria recognized the voice, knowing it belonged to Artanis. ' They're doing that on purpose. They're way older than me yet they act like girls at school. Bunch of immature fools.' She thought. Maria turned around and faced Artanis and the other elves sitting with her.
" You know Artanis, you should stop talking about me like that. You remember what happened last time? We wouldn't want a repeat of that now would we?" She said. Artanis gave her a look that could kill. " Stop the looks dearie, they make you look worse than you already are." Some of the elves that could hear the conversation laughed at this. Maria gave her a cold smile and walked outside. She walked to a bench and sat down. She stared at the stars.
I'm wishing on a star
To follow where you are
I'm wishing on a dream
To follow where it means
and I wish on a rainbow that I've seen
I wish on all the people who really dream
I'm wishing on a star
To find where you are
Maria sang to herself. " Maria," She jumped at the voice. She turned around to see Legolas and Aragorn. She slapped them on the arm. " Damn you two! How many times have I told you to make some noise so you don't scare the crap out of me! I would think I'd be use to it by now." She said.
" How come you're out here?" Aragorn asked.
" Oh, back inside Artanis was ragging on me again. I needed to get away from her before I did something. You think she would've learn by now to shut up, that girl is just asking to be smacked." She told them.
" Elrond is requesting for your presence and when we notice that you weren't inside Legolas and I went to come look for you. Are you ready to come inside?"
" Sure, just give me a minute." Aragorn walked back inside. Legolas sat down next to her.
" Are you sure your alright?" He asked. Maria looked at him and nodded.
" I am. Just a little hurt by what they said. It reminds me of this one quote: If there is one thing worse than being the ugly duckling in a house of swans, it's having the swans pretend there's no difference. That's how I feel sometimes. Especially when someone rags me on it. I'm use to it so no worries." She gave him a smile. Legolas placed a hand on her shoulder, she covered his hand with hers. She gave it a gentle squeeze then stood up. With Legolas they went back inside. Maria noticed that the music stopped and everyone was at their seats. The room quieted down when Elrond stood up and started speaking.
" As you all know Maria arrived in Rivendell an little over a month ago though it seems longer. She has brought much joy and many reactions to her antics since she has arrived," Everyone laughed while Maria blushed at the comment. " She is a skilled young lady and as some of us have heard or seen she has a talent in music and in dance. If she would be willing I would like to ask her to perform for us." Maria's eyes went as wide as saucers. Elrond looked at her, " Maria, would you do the honor and perform for us?" She looked at Elrond. ' Do I have too?' She thought. It seemed Elrond could read her thoughts for he gave her a look saying ' you don't have to but it would be wise to do so.'
She grabbed her cup of water and downed the contents. She placed the cup back and the table and took a calming breath. " Sure, I would love to play for you." She said, the room erupted in cheers. Maria looked at the four and they all gave her supporting smiles. She slowly got out of her seat and walked out to the front of the room where all the instruments were placed. She walked to the piano and sat down on the bench. She looked around the room, she saw a lot of the elves were anxious to hear her play but only two elves were sneering at her. You guessed it, it was Nienna and Artanis. It seemed to boost her confidence actually, Maria gave those two a smile knowing exactly what she was going to play.
Maria took a deep breath and exhaled. She shook her hands to take away some of the nervousness. She took another breath of air and placed her fingers on the keys. Everyone's attention was on her as she played a soft melody. Closing her eyes she started to sing:
Don't look at me
Every day is so wonderful
And suddenly, it's hard to breathe
Now and then, I get insecure
From all the fame, I'm so ashamed
I am beautiful no matter what they say
Words can't bring me down
I am beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring me down
So don't you bring me down today
To all your friends, you're delirious
So consumed in all your doom
Trying hard to fill the emptiness
The piece is gone and the puzzle undone
That's the way it is
You are beautiful no matter what they say
Words can't bring you down
You are in beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring you down
So don't you bring me down today...
No matter what we do
(no matter what we do)
No matter what they say
(no matter what they say)
When the sun is shining through
Then the clouds won't stay
And everywhere we go
(everyway we go)
The sun won't always shine
(sun won't always shine)
But tomorrow will find a way
All the other times
We are beautiful no matter what they say
Yes, words can't bring us down
We are beautiful no matter what they say
Yes, words can't bring us down
So don't you bring me down today
Don't you bring me down today
Don't you bring me down today
Maria opened her eyes as she finished. She looked at everyone to see their reactions, it was quiet at first and she thought she played terribly but soon everyone started to clap at her, other's asking her to perform another song. She smiled and blushed at the reaction when she returned to her seat before she could even sit down Elrond asked her if she would dance for them. ' Damn! Knew I wouldn't get away so easily.' She thought. Maria smiled forcefully and agreed. She walked out of the room and went to her room to retrieve her shoes. Maria changed into her tights and leotard. She grabbed her hair and placed it into a bun. She sat down on her bed, stretched her toes, taped them and then placed on her pointe shoes.
Maria got up and did some quick stretches before heading out. She entered the hall and talked to the musicians. She asked them if they could follow a certain melody, after she was sure they could play what she asked, she walked onto the center of the dance floor. She stood there giving herself a quick pep talk. After reassuring herself she got onto her toes for a second then got into a position. Once again the attention was on her. She nodded to the musicians, giving them their signal to start playing. A the start of the music she started to dance en pointe.
Maria was doing well and the elves were fascinated by the way she danced. Every eye followed her movement, some gasped when they saw her do a tour jete. Maria was half way through her performance when it happened. She was doing a fouette, Maria was on her ninth turn when she lift her supporting heel too early. She lost her balance and started for the floor. Everything just started to go in slow motion for her. She heard the loud smack echoing of the walls as her body collided with the ground. She laid on the ground as her mind went back to when she first learned the move.
************************
Maria was practicing at home with her mother watching her. She was able to do two fouettes before she messed up and fell to the floor. She bowed her head in disappointment and embarressment when a hand gripped her chin. Maria looked up to see the gaze of her mother. Maria averted her eyes elsewhere. " Maria, its alright. All you need is some more practice and you'll perfect the move. Besides, its only the first time you've done this. You've done well for the first time." Her mother cooed.
Maria looked back at her. " Really? You think so?" She asked her mother. Her mom smiled and nodded her head.
" Now get up and try again." Her mother extended a hand out to her. Maria took it and got up. Her mother kissed her on the forehead and went to sit back down. With renewed confidence and strength Maria was able to complete five fouettes.
***********************
Maria was brought back to reality when she heard someone call her name. She opened her eyes to see Legolas and Aragorn rushing towards her. She shook her head and slowly got to her feet. As she rose, she extended her hand signaling them to stop and that she was fine. She looked at the musicians and motioned them with her hands to start playing. She closed her eyes and took a deep breathe. She opened them and got into third position. More determined, she started doing the fouettes again. She completed 15 fouettes then moved on to finish the dance.
By the time she was finished, strands of loose hair were stuck on her face from sweat. She ended in fifth position. She saw Elrond standing with a smile on his face clapping. Elves following his example got up and clapped as well. She beamed with happiness as she smiled and curtsied like she did at every recital. She thanked them and went to go sit down. When she got to her seat she grabbed a cup of water and glugged it down. Everyone at the table complimented her.
" You were wonderful Maria but did you hurt yourself from the fall?" Celeste asked.
" Thanks for the compliment but I'm fine. The only thing I hurt was my pride." She said with a laugh.
" Were you nervous?" Pippin asked.
" Oh yeah!" She exclaimed before taking another gulp of water. They talked amongst themselves as Maria took out her hair. She was speaking with Boromir and Gimli when Aragorn walked up to them.
" Maria, would you like to dance?" He asked as he held out his hand. She nodded and placed her hand in his. They reached the floor and started to dance with the music. Others soon followed. Maria was laughing to something Aragorn said when Legolas came up to them.
" Do you mind if I cut in?" He asked.
" Not at all. I'll be with Arwen." Aragorn said. He smiled at them and walked away. Maria noticed something. She barely reached his lips and would have a hard time with her hands around him.
" I think we have a problem." She stated.
" And what's that?"
" You're too tall for me but I think I can fix that." She got on the tips of her toes and smiled when she was almost eye level with him. Legolas laughed at her solution but started to dance nonetheless. They talked about anything and everything when Legolas voiced a question.
" Does it hurt when you're on your toes like that?"
" You asked that question when I first danced in front of you. No, it doesn't hurt, it only hurts when I'm on them too long and can't handle all the strain." She said. Legolas looked at her with concerned eyes then smiled. " What? What are you thinking?" She asked.
" Well, I don't want you to put any more strain on your feet. So," He wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her up. She gasped when her feet left the floor, " I have to fix that." He finished. Maria placed her arms around his neck. Arwen and Aragorn saw them and smiled at the sight.
" God. This is so embarrassing!" She buried her face in his shoulder. Legolas just laughed at her response. She lifted her hand and swatted him. " Shut up. Its not funny." She smiled despite it though. " I'm not too heavy for you?" She asked now feeling self-conscious.
" No, not at all." He replied with a smile. She smiled and placed her head against his shoulder. Legolas moved across the floor with Maria in his arms. They didn't feel the need to talk but to just enjoy each other's company and the soft melody. They spent most of the night like this but was soon to end when Legolas heard her stifle a yawn. " Are you tired?" He whispered in her ear. She nodded into his shoulder and slowly lifted her head.
" I think I'll go to bed." She whispered back. " You can put me down now." Legolas shook his head no.
" I'll carry you back to your room. Just relax." Too tired to argue with him she complied. Legolas lifted up her legs and cradled her body to his as he walked toward the others. " Lord Elrond," Elrond looked up from his conversation with the Gandalf. " I'm sorry to interrupt but I'm going to bring Maria back to her room then I myself will retire for the night." Elrond nodded and bid them both a goodnight.
" Goodnight!" The others called out. Legolas bid them a goodnight while Maria just waved at them over his shoulder as they walked out. Maria's eyes were already half closed. She breathed in deeply and took in his scent.
" You smell so good. You smell like the forest and of flowers." She whispered. Legolas smiled at her.
" Is that good or bad?"
" Definitely good." She snuggled more against his body, her eyes fully closed. " Your scent brings me much comfort. My mother always loved nature. Her favorite pastime was to tend her flowers. My favorite flower is the same as hers." She said.
" What's your favorite flower?" He asked softly.
" Lilies." She replied. " Before I forget to say it, you looked handsome tonight." They reached her room and Legolas opened the doors with one hand. He walked to her bed and placed her softly on it. Maria opened her eyes and reached down to take off her shoes when Legolas stopped her.
" Let me do it." He sat down on the edge of her bed and put her feet on his lap. He unlaced her shoes and took them off her feet. He placed her shoes next to her bed. He stood up and tucked her in
" Thank you." She opened her mouth to say something else but didn't say anything.
" What is it?" He asked. Maria blushed.
" I'm kind of embarrassed to ask this but can you stay until I fall asleep? I promise it won't take long." Legolas chuckled.
" Sure." She smiled and snuggled into her bed.
" I had a goodtime." She said with her eyes closed.
" As did I." Soon her breathes became deep as she fell asleep. Legolas just sat on her bed watching her. A breeze came through the room from the balcony. The breeze played with some strands of their hair. Legolas reached out and removed some hair away from Maria's face. He cupped the side of her face. Maria's face moved into his hand. " You looked gorgeous tonight." He whispered. His thumb stroked her cheek.
The light from the moon played across her skin. Legolas moved closer to her face. He placed his lips against hers. He held himself there, still asleep Maria responded. He continued to kiss her feeling her response. With his tongue he opened her mouth and tasted her. Legolas cupped both sides of her face with his hands. Realization hit him and he quickly pulled back. ' What am I doing?' He thought to himself. He glanced at Maria and saw that she was still asleep.
Even though he knew that he shouldn't do anything more, he bent down towards her again. He gave her a slow kiss and then left, closing the doors behind him. A small smile grew on Maria's face.
To be continued…
Authors Note: I hope you guys liked this chapter. It's been almost two weeks since I last updated. This is my longest chapter so I hope you guys liked it. There's Maria and Legolas action that some of you been asking for. Thank you to all that reviewed. I'm glad that your still reading my story. Please continue reading my story and please review. I like to hear what you think, so review. I'll update again soon.
By: Honolulu
Maria stalked down the halls of Rivendell. A towel wrapped around her as she moved quickly towards her room. Legolas, Arwen, Celeste and Aragorn trailing after her. Sometimes they had to jog to keep up with her. Even though she was small she could move. Maria opened her door to her room and dropped her bag. She collapsed on her bed. The rest of them filing in.
" There is no way I'm going." She told them.
" But you have to Maria. It is in your honor." Arwen said. Maria sat up, she glared at them.
" Tough. I'm not going. No way in hell!"
" You have no choice Maria. We will hound you until you go." Celeste said.
" NO! Hound me all you want but I will not change my mind. I don't like wearing dresses!"
" What is so wrong about wearing a dress?" Aragorn asked. She turned and glared at him.
" Only a man would ask that question. First of all, I don't like dresses. Two, they constrict my movement. Three, I don't like dresses. Did I mention that?"
" Don't you wear a dress sometimes when you dance?" Legolas asked.
" True but they don't constrict me. Besides I think of it as a costume and it helps me when I get into my role when I dance." Celeste walked up to her and sat down. She wrapped an arm around Maria's shoulders.
" You have to come Maria. Whether you like it or not. All of us will be there, we will have a grand time. There will be music, dancing and delicious food. It will be a wonderful time, don't tell me it doesn't sound like fun?" Celeste said with a hopeful look.
" It doesn't sound like fun." Maria retorted. " Besides I will not be your Barbie doll. I won't dress up. There is no way your going to convince me to go." She crossed her arms. The four of them smiled at her with a twinkle in their eye.
20 minutes later:
" I can't believe you convinced me to go!!!" Maria screamed into her pillow. She looked up and tossed her pillow at them. Aragorn laughed as he caught it. Arwen sat down next to her.
" I know the perfect dress you can wear." Arwen said. Maria narrowed her eyes at her.
" I may be going but there is still no way I'm going to wear a dress. I won't back down on that."
" Then what will you wear?" A smile formed on Maria's face.
" I have an idea but I will need some fabric, string and needles. I'm going to make my own outfit." They wandered what she was had in mind. They left her to her own thoughts.
For the next couple of days Maria spent most of her time in her room. She never came out unless she was going to train otherwise she had her meals brought to her. The four often came to her room to see how she was doing but Maria never allowed them entrance inside. Celeste and Arwen asked her if they could see what she was making but Maria said she wanted it to be a surprise. When people passed her room they could always hear mumbling or a cuss word, that was always when she pricked herself with a needle. It was one day till the feast when Maria finally came out of her room. She had asked Celeste and Arwen for some sort of make-up and hair styles.
The day had finally arrived. Legolas had asked Maria if she wanted him as a escort but she said no. Maria spent the day like all the others in her room. Legolas, Arwen, Aragorn and Celeste were anxious to see what Maria would look like at the feast. They couldn't wait for the evening to come. The time had finally come.
Maria stood in her room, dress and ready. She stood in front of her mirror and examined herself. ' I think I look alright. Ready or not, here I come.' She thought. She took a deep breath and headed to dinning hall. As she walked closer to the doors, she could hear voices and that it was already underway. ' Okay so I'm a little bit late. Didn't my friends always say to be fashionably late?' She thought. She touched her hair to see if it was still alright. She smoothed out the invisible wrinkles on her outfit. ' Okay Maria. Let's do this!' She took another breath and went inside.
Inside the dining hall:
Everyone was already seated and just were waiting on Maria. Since it was in her honor they had to wait for her. Elrond sat in the middle of the table, Arwen on his left and Gandalf on his right. Aragorn sat next to Arwen, Legolas next to him and Celeste next to Legolas. The rest of the fellowship was also seated at the same table. " Where is she?" Celeste asked them.
" I don't know. Have either of you two seen her?" Arwen asked. Legolas and Aragorn shook their head. Legolas was about to say something when the doors open and revealed Maria. All the music and talking stopped. All eyes went on her. Eyes widened and some mouths opened as they saw what she was wearing. All of them stared at her especially the 'four' of them. Maria gave them all a small smile and walked down towards them.
Maria was wearing black pants that had a vine of leaves that were a mix of silver and green printed on them wrapping around her legs. Her top was red and had long bell shape sleeves. The blouse had black flowers on it and had a little v-cut that showed a little bit of cleavage. The blouse had some ruffles at the end and some of the blouse was long on the right side so it hanged of her hip. She had light make-up on her face, though it wasn't really make-up. She had pinched her cheeks to look like blush, her lips glossy and red from her lip gloss. A little eyeliner and mascara she had found in her bag. Her hair was let loose and hanging down her back. She had put part of it in a braid to keep some of the strands out of her face. The rest were in curls. The only jewelry she had on was a silver necklace and a thumb ring. She wore a pair of black slippers.
What she was wearing looked strange to everyone while it was normal for her. True to her word, Maria didn't wear a dress. She smiled again as she approached the table. There was a vacant seat in front of Elrond. She sat down between Merry, Pippin and Frodo, Sam. Elrond stood up, " Now that are guest of honor, Marianna Lanosa, has showed up we can begin the feast." He announced. Everyone started to pass around and place food on their plates. " Maria," She looked up at Elrond. " You look beautiful." She gave him smile.
" Thank you. So you guys," The four looked at her, " what do you think of my outfit that I worked so hard on?" She asked. Celeste and Arwen both smiled at her.
" Though they are strange garments, you look wonderful none the less." Celeste said.
" Celeste is right. I've never seen such clothes before but they look great on you. I like it very much." Arwen said. Maria turned to look at Legolas and Aragorn.
" So what do you two think?" She asked them. Legolas and Aragorn eyed her critically looking like they were going to flame her but then they both gave her a big smile.
" You look wonderful." " You look beautiful." They said at the same time. She smiled and started to eat and talked with everyone around her. Once in awhile she would look up to see everyone. She saw the dwarf Gimli, he was talking to Boromir but he would often look at Legolas and give him a dirty look. She looked at Legolas, who was talking to Aragorn, and saw he would look at Gimli and also give him a dirty look. She raised her eyebrow at this. ' I wonder what's up with them?' She thought. She picked up a piece of bread and bit into it. She heard a lot of giggles coming from a table nearby. She saw that it was occupied by some she-elves.
She wondered what they were giggling at. She looked at their line of vision and saw that they were eyeing Legolas. ' I wonder if he's aware of his admirers?' She thought but her question was soon answered when she saw Legolas look up at them. He gave them all a smile. Maria looked back at the table and saw all the elves started to blush and giggle at him even more. ' Oh.my.god. He's totally aware of this.' She started to laugh at this.
Maria was speaking with Merry and Pippin when Elrond asked her if she would like some wine. " Actually I've never tasted it. But I'm cool, I don't drink alcohol and I'll stick to water. Thanks." When she finished speaking with the hobbits she noticed that people were getting up. She looked at the front of the room and saw some of the elves dancing along with the music. She looked back and saw that Aragorn was asking Arwen to dance with him. She accepted and they went to the dance floor. Most of the fellowship also started to head to the floor. Legolas asked Celeste to dance and went to go join Aragorn and Arwen. The hobbits asked Maria if she would like to dance but she declined. Soon Maria was the only one occupying the table.
She tapped her foot to the beat and just enjoyed watching everyone dance. She was having a good time when she heard her name from the table behind her. She listened to the conversation. " Can you believe what's she wearing. I always knew she was a freak. Look at her, she is so pathetic. She's sitting alone, how sad is that?" Maria recognized the voice, knowing it belonged to Artanis. ' They're doing that on purpose. They're way older than me yet they act like girls at school. Bunch of immature fools.' She thought. Maria turned around and faced Artanis and the other elves sitting with her.
" You know Artanis, you should stop talking about me like that. You remember what happened last time? We wouldn't want a repeat of that now would we?" She said. Artanis gave her a look that could kill. " Stop the looks dearie, they make you look worse than you already are." Some of the elves that could hear the conversation laughed at this. Maria gave her a cold smile and walked outside. She walked to a bench and sat down. She stared at the stars.
I'm wishing on a star
To follow where you are
I'm wishing on a dream
To follow where it means
and I wish on a rainbow that I've seen
I wish on all the people who really dream
I'm wishing on a star
To find where you are
Maria sang to herself. " Maria," She jumped at the voice. She turned around to see Legolas and Aragorn. She slapped them on the arm. " Damn you two! How many times have I told you to make some noise so you don't scare the crap out of me! I would think I'd be use to it by now." She said.
" How come you're out here?" Aragorn asked.
" Oh, back inside Artanis was ragging on me again. I needed to get away from her before I did something. You think she would've learn by now to shut up, that girl is just asking to be smacked." She told them.
" Elrond is requesting for your presence and when we notice that you weren't inside Legolas and I went to come look for you. Are you ready to come inside?"
" Sure, just give me a minute." Aragorn walked back inside. Legolas sat down next to her.
" Are you sure your alright?" He asked. Maria looked at him and nodded.
" I am. Just a little hurt by what they said. It reminds me of this one quote: If there is one thing worse than being the ugly duckling in a house of swans, it's having the swans pretend there's no difference. That's how I feel sometimes. Especially when someone rags me on it. I'm use to it so no worries." She gave him a smile. Legolas placed a hand on her shoulder, she covered his hand with hers. She gave it a gentle squeeze then stood up. With Legolas they went back inside. Maria noticed that the music stopped and everyone was at their seats. The room quieted down when Elrond stood up and started speaking.
" As you all know Maria arrived in Rivendell an little over a month ago though it seems longer. She has brought much joy and many reactions to her antics since she has arrived," Everyone laughed while Maria blushed at the comment. " She is a skilled young lady and as some of us have heard or seen she has a talent in music and in dance. If she would be willing I would like to ask her to perform for us." Maria's eyes went as wide as saucers. Elrond looked at her, " Maria, would you do the honor and perform for us?" She looked at Elrond. ' Do I have too?' She thought. It seemed Elrond could read her thoughts for he gave her a look saying ' you don't have to but it would be wise to do so.'
She grabbed her cup of water and downed the contents. She placed the cup back and the table and took a calming breath. " Sure, I would love to play for you." She said, the room erupted in cheers. Maria looked at the four and they all gave her supporting smiles. She slowly got out of her seat and walked out to the front of the room where all the instruments were placed. She walked to the piano and sat down on the bench. She looked around the room, she saw a lot of the elves were anxious to hear her play but only two elves were sneering at her. You guessed it, it was Nienna and Artanis. It seemed to boost her confidence actually, Maria gave those two a smile knowing exactly what she was going to play.
Maria took a deep breath and exhaled. She shook her hands to take away some of the nervousness. She took another breath of air and placed her fingers on the keys. Everyone's attention was on her as she played a soft melody. Closing her eyes she started to sing:
Don't look at me
Every day is so wonderful
And suddenly, it's hard to breathe
Now and then, I get insecure
From all the fame, I'm so ashamed
I am beautiful no matter what they say
Words can't bring me down
I am beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring me down
So don't you bring me down today
To all your friends, you're delirious
So consumed in all your doom
Trying hard to fill the emptiness
The piece is gone and the puzzle undone
That's the way it is
You are beautiful no matter what they say
Words can't bring you down
You are in beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring you down
So don't you bring me down today...
No matter what we do
(no matter what we do)
No matter what they say
(no matter what they say)
When the sun is shining through
Then the clouds won't stay
And everywhere we go
(everyway we go)
The sun won't always shine
(sun won't always shine)
But tomorrow will find a way
All the other times
We are beautiful no matter what they say
Yes, words can't bring us down
We are beautiful no matter what they say
Yes, words can't bring us down
So don't you bring me down today
Don't you bring me down today
Don't you bring me down today
Maria opened her eyes as she finished. She looked at everyone to see their reactions, it was quiet at first and she thought she played terribly but soon everyone started to clap at her, other's asking her to perform another song. She smiled and blushed at the reaction when she returned to her seat before she could even sit down Elrond asked her if she would dance for them. ' Damn! Knew I wouldn't get away so easily.' She thought. Maria smiled forcefully and agreed. She walked out of the room and went to her room to retrieve her shoes. Maria changed into her tights and leotard. She grabbed her hair and placed it into a bun. She sat down on her bed, stretched her toes, taped them and then placed on her pointe shoes.
Maria got up and did some quick stretches before heading out. She entered the hall and talked to the musicians. She asked them if they could follow a certain melody, after she was sure they could play what she asked, she walked onto the center of the dance floor. She stood there giving herself a quick pep talk. After reassuring herself she got onto her toes for a second then got into a position. Once again the attention was on her. She nodded to the musicians, giving them their signal to start playing. A the start of the music she started to dance en pointe.
Maria was doing well and the elves were fascinated by the way she danced. Every eye followed her movement, some gasped when they saw her do a tour jete. Maria was half way through her performance when it happened. She was doing a fouette, Maria was on her ninth turn when she lift her supporting heel too early. She lost her balance and started for the floor. Everything just started to go in slow motion for her. She heard the loud smack echoing of the walls as her body collided with the ground. She laid on the ground as her mind went back to when she first learned the move.
************************
Maria was practicing at home with her mother watching her. She was able to do two fouettes before she messed up and fell to the floor. She bowed her head in disappointment and embarressment when a hand gripped her chin. Maria looked up to see the gaze of her mother. Maria averted her eyes elsewhere. " Maria, its alright. All you need is some more practice and you'll perfect the move. Besides, its only the first time you've done this. You've done well for the first time." Her mother cooed.
Maria looked back at her. " Really? You think so?" She asked her mother. Her mom smiled and nodded her head.
" Now get up and try again." Her mother extended a hand out to her. Maria took it and got up. Her mother kissed her on the forehead and went to sit back down. With renewed confidence and strength Maria was able to complete five fouettes.
***********************
Maria was brought back to reality when she heard someone call her name. She opened her eyes to see Legolas and Aragorn rushing towards her. She shook her head and slowly got to her feet. As she rose, she extended her hand signaling them to stop and that she was fine. She looked at the musicians and motioned them with her hands to start playing. She closed her eyes and took a deep breathe. She opened them and got into third position. More determined, she started doing the fouettes again. She completed 15 fouettes then moved on to finish the dance.
By the time she was finished, strands of loose hair were stuck on her face from sweat. She ended in fifth position. She saw Elrond standing with a smile on his face clapping. Elves following his example got up and clapped as well. She beamed with happiness as she smiled and curtsied like she did at every recital. She thanked them and went to go sit down. When she got to her seat she grabbed a cup of water and glugged it down. Everyone at the table complimented her.
" You were wonderful Maria but did you hurt yourself from the fall?" Celeste asked.
" Thanks for the compliment but I'm fine. The only thing I hurt was my pride." She said with a laugh.
" Were you nervous?" Pippin asked.
" Oh yeah!" She exclaimed before taking another gulp of water. They talked amongst themselves as Maria took out her hair. She was speaking with Boromir and Gimli when Aragorn walked up to them.
" Maria, would you like to dance?" He asked as he held out his hand. She nodded and placed her hand in his. They reached the floor and started to dance with the music. Others soon followed. Maria was laughing to something Aragorn said when Legolas came up to them.
" Do you mind if I cut in?" He asked.
" Not at all. I'll be with Arwen." Aragorn said. He smiled at them and walked away. Maria noticed something. She barely reached his lips and would have a hard time with her hands around him.
" I think we have a problem." She stated.
" And what's that?"
" You're too tall for me but I think I can fix that." She got on the tips of her toes and smiled when she was almost eye level with him. Legolas laughed at her solution but started to dance nonetheless. They talked about anything and everything when Legolas voiced a question.
" Does it hurt when you're on your toes like that?"
" You asked that question when I first danced in front of you. No, it doesn't hurt, it only hurts when I'm on them too long and can't handle all the strain." She said. Legolas looked at her with concerned eyes then smiled. " What? What are you thinking?" She asked.
" Well, I don't want you to put any more strain on your feet. So," He wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her up. She gasped when her feet left the floor, " I have to fix that." He finished. Maria placed her arms around his neck. Arwen and Aragorn saw them and smiled at the sight.
" God. This is so embarrassing!" She buried her face in his shoulder. Legolas just laughed at her response. She lifted her hand and swatted him. " Shut up. Its not funny." She smiled despite it though. " I'm not too heavy for you?" She asked now feeling self-conscious.
" No, not at all." He replied with a smile. She smiled and placed her head against his shoulder. Legolas moved across the floor with Maria in his arms. They didn't feel the need to talk but to just enjoy each other's company and the soft melody. They spent most of the night like this but was soon to end when Legolas heard her stifle a yawn. " Are you tired?" He whispered in her ear. She nodded into his shoulder and slowly lifted her head.
" I think I'll go to bed." She whispered back. " You can put me down now." Legolas shook his head no.
" I'll carry you back to your room. Just relax." Too tired to argue with him she complied. Legolas lifted up her legs and cradled her body to his as he walked toward the others. " Lord Elrond," Elrond looked up from his conversation with the Gandalf. " I'm sorry to interrupt but I'm going to bring Maria back to her room then I myself will retire for the night." Elrond nodded and bid them both a goodnight.
" Goodnight!" The others called out. Legolas bid them a goodnight while Maria just waved at them over his shoulder as they walked out. Maria's eyes were already half closed. She breathed in deeply and took in his scent.
" You smell so good. You smell like the forest and of flowers." She whispered. Legolas smiled at her.
" Is that good or bad?"
" Definitely good." She snuggled more against his body, her eyes fully closed. " Your scent brings me much comfort. My mother always loved nature. Her favorite pastime was to tend her flowers. My favorite flower is the same as hers." She said.
" What's your favorite flower?" He asked softly.
" Lilies." She replied. " Before I forget to say it, you looked handsome tonight." They reached her room and Legolas opened the doors with one hand. He walked to her bed and placed her softly on it. Maria opened her eyes and reached down to take off her shoes when Legolas stopped her.
" Let me do it." He sat down on the edge of her bed and put her feet on his lap. He unlaced her shoes and took them off her feet. He placed her shoes next to her bed. He stood up and tucked her in
" Thank you." She opened her mouth to say something else but didn't say anything.
" What is it?" He asked. Maria blushed.
" I'm kind of embarrassed to ask this but can you stay until I fall asleep? I promise it won't take long." Legolas chuckled.
" Sure." She smiled and snuggled into her bed.
" I had a goodtime." She said with her eyes closed.
" As did I." Soon her breathes became deep as she fell asleep. Legolas just sat on her bed watching her. A breeze came through the room from the balcony. The breeze played with some strands of their hair. Legolas reached out and removed some hair away from Maria's face. He cupped the side of her face. Maria's face moved into his hand. " You looked gorgeous tonight." He whispered. His thumb stroked her cheek.
The light from the moon played across her skin. Legolas moved closer to her face. He placed his lips against hers. He held himself there, still asleep Maria responded. He continued to kiss her feeling her response. With his tongue he opened her mouth and tasted her. Legolas cupped both sides of her face with his hands. Realization hit him and he quickly pulled back. ' What am I doing?' He thought to himself. He glanced at Maria and saw that she was still asleep.
Even though he knew that he shouldn't do anything more, he bent down towards her again. He gave her a slow kiss and then left, closing the doors behind him. A small smile grew on Maria's face.
To be continued…
Authors Note: I hope you guys liked this chapter. It's been almost two weeks since I last updated. This is my longest chapter so I hope you guys liked it. There's Maria and Legolas action that some of you been asking for. Thank you to all that reviewed. I'm glad that your still reading my story. Please continue reading my story and please review. I like to hear what you think, so review. I'll update again soon.