Perplexities of Growing Up
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the places or characters used here except for Náriël-I did invent her, and if she resembles anyone else's character in anyway, im sorry- not done on purpose. Everything else belongs to Tolkien.
A/N: Yay! New people reviewed! happy dance :) thanks guys!!! (or should I say ladies? I don't believe I have any guys reading this O.O -shrugs- )
Chapter 7
POV: Legolas
Well, needless to say, things did NOT go smoothly with Náriël. We argued for well over half an hour until Lord Elrond finally decided to show up. After calming her down he made it quite clear that the situation was not negotiable and that I was to accompany her while she picked out a gown.
So here is where I find myself now, walking down the beautiful ally ways of Imladris. Yet no matter how enchanting its tree-lined streets are, my mind kept drifting back to the morning's incident. It seemed to be a small sample of what was awaiting me once I was fully immersed in my new 'job.' For make no mistake, so far I had just scratched the surface.
-flashback-
"Náriël, may I speak with you?"
"Umm...ok, sure."
(clears throat) "Your father has asked me to take you down to the shops so that you may buy a new ball gown, for he has decided to, errr, throw a ball...in my honor"
"Why?"
"Well I, I just agreed to umm, help him out..."
"I see, but a ball takes a lot of planning, you can't just have it tomorrow."
"Well who said it was tomorrow? It's going to be in about two weeks."
"But I thought you were leaving soon?"
"Umm, change of plans. I'm staying for the summer!" "You're WHAT?!"
I winced. 'Uh oh, here it comes...'
"What exactly are you helping my father with?"
Her tone was deadly and I knew she suspected something. How is it that women pick up on these things? Maybe I'm just acting too nervous around her right now...?
"Uhhh...I..."
'I sound like a fool, stammering like that! I know this is supposed to be Elrond's job for mine comes later, but still. I should have nothing to be nervous about. I mean, what's the worst that could happen? She'll yell at me a bit? Big deal! I am a warrior elf! I can handle this, no problem.'
"The fact of the matter is, Náriël, you're father will be leaving for the Golden Woods soon and he finds it simply irresponsible of him to leave you here alone, seeing as how he will be gone for quite a while. Therefore, he has asked me to spend the summer here and watch over you...as well as maybe teach you some things such as the basics of self defense..."
I decided to leave out the part about teaching her manners. She'd probably completely blow up if I told her that.
'I suppose I'll have to sneak in lessons in etiquette sometimes before the ball.'
"You, you...YOU WHAT?! MY FATHER IS...HAVING YOU BABYSIT ME?! You have GOT to be kidding!"
She laughed and for a second there I thought that things had actually gone much better than expected. I then realized that she really thought I was joking.
'Is she actually waiting for me to respond? I thought that was supposed to be a rhetorical question.'
"As a matter of fact, I'm being quite serious."
There. I said it. I told her of her father's plan and now stood there awaiting her response. She didn't move. She didn't say anything. She just stood there. I think she was letting it sink in.
Suddenly, her expression changed. She stared at me. Eyes wide and face contorted in anger.
"You...I...I HATE you!!! I despise you!!! I...I detest you, with a passion!!!" Náriël looked so livid I seriously thought she might explode any minute now. I noticed her bottom lip quiver slightly, showing that she was holding back tears. Honestly, from all of the reactions I had expected from her, crying was not one of them. I don't know if I was really prepared to deal with that.
She began to slowly move towards me. Her steps were menacing, but I would not budge. Did she honestly think this was going to intimidate me? Her breathing was labored and her fists were clenched at her sides. It seemed like a fire burned in her eyes, and once again I was reminded of how perfectly her name fit her.
Right at that moment Elrond entered.
'FINALLY!'
"Náriël! What is the meaning of this?!"
She spun around at the sound of her father's voice so that her back was to me now. She stared at him with the same anger and hatred that she had used just a minute ago on me.
"Náriël..."
Her father's voice was threatening. Just daring her to blow up on him. His face was hard as he looked upon his daughter. Sighing, he shook his head.
"You never could act like a proper young lady and take something smoothly, leaving a shred of dignity, could you?"
"How, how could you do this?"
Her voice was barely above a whisper.
"I didn't know I was THAT big of a disappointment."
This time, her voice was louder. It was cold and shook with anger mixed with held back tears. Suddenly, she whipped her head back and stared at me. I could see her eyes rimmed with tears and I suddenly felt really awful.
This wasn't supposed to go this way. I hadn't counted on her crying and now I felt like a jerk. I couldn't help it though; I had been tricked into this! The only thing we could do was make the best of things...I mean, sure I could have declined but...I can't just say no to Lord Elrond! Not after all that he's done for me over the years!
Náriël looked back at her father and taking in a shaky breath, she stormed out of the room. Elrond sighed and shook his head, after which he departed as well.
'What am I supposed to do now?' My guilt finally won over and I went to find Náriël. I don't even know why I felt guilty, it's not like I had planned all of this, but still...
I found Náriël in her room with her face shoved into a large pillow. She would sniffle now and then and I almost didn't want to approach her; I was afraid that it would hurt her pride even more if she knew I had seen her crying. At the same time, maybe that wasn't too bad. After all, I think she had just about as big an ego as Haldir of Lothlórien! And that was saying a lot!
I was suddenly snapped out of my thoughts and my eyes came back into focus as I noticed some movement from the bed. Náriël had now pushed herself into a sitting position and was not using the sleeve of her dress to wipe her nose.
'How unlady like.'
She then got up and walked into the bathroom, obviously oblivious to my presence in the room. I decided to leave before I saw something I shouldn't have.
About an hour later, I was sitting outside in the courtyard when Náriël finally decided to show herself.
"Come on," she said, "It seems I have to find a new gown for the ball."
With that, she turned and left, probably expecting me to follow. I laid down the book I was reading on the wide railing and stood up. Her voice had been filled with spite and although she seemed to have accepted the situation (and not with a hint of grace, I must add) it was obvious she was going to make things as difficult as possible for me.
-end of flashback-
And so, here I am now.
POV: Author
The two elves walked side by side among the shops. At one point, Náriël turned to her right and spotted a shop with beautiful gowns displayed in the window. Without saying a word to Legolas, she turned and walked inside.
Legolas quickly picked up the sound, or rather lack of, feet beside him. He looked at where Náriël was just moments ago and noticed her absence. Glancing around, he saw her disappear inside the store with gowns.
He then decided to stop and looking around, he noticed a shop just across the street that would suit him fine. He needed some new clothes for the ball as well...a new tunic, leggings, etc. He walked inside.
...Half an hour later, Legolas emerged from the shop carrying a parcel. Glancing about him, he noticed that Náriël was no where in sight.
'She can't still be in there, can she?'
He sighed and made his way to the shop. As he stepped inside, he nearly collided with Náriël, who had her own parcel tucked under her arm.
"Got your dress?" he asked her.
"No, Legolas. I went into a store of gowns and bought a hat."
He looked at her with a confused expression on his face. She gave him an exasperated sigh in reply. Then, with a look of 'I'm so not impressed' ( -.- that face) she continued.
"Stupid questions will be given stupid answers."
He snorted at her and rolled his eyes in response.
'Her tongue is like a razor, and she's got an attitude to match too.'
"Tula, Náriël."
They left the shop and were making their way back to The Last Homely House when they suddenly encountered something quite interesting.
Two young elleths, about two centuries older than Náriël (therefore they were a century younger than Legolas...so they'd be like 16 human wise) were standing there talking. They were beautiful. Tall, but not too tall; dark brown locks made their way down the back of one elleth. She was thin and had curves in all the right places. Her gown clung to her in such a way that it accented and complimented her figure perfectly. Her eyes were a brilliant blue.
The other elleth was slightly heavier and had lighter brown hair that reached only about three inches bellow her shoulders. Her eyes were a deep brown. The gown she wore slightly hung in certain places and seemed a tad too tight in others; compared to her friend, she seemed much less elegant and graceful.
The first elleth turned her long, swan-like neck towards Legolas and gave a small, mysterious and sort of smug half smile. The look she gave him was almost enchanting and a sort of 'come hither' look.
Náriël noticed Legolas stiffen a bit. He smiled back at the two ladies before him, but his smile was obviously forced to her. Náriël watched him closely for there was something about this encounter that intrigued her.
The second girl whispered something to the first one, and with a slight curtsy, she scurried off as Legolas and Náriël approached where her friend still stood.
"Quel undome, my Lord" as she said this, she gave Legolas an extra deep curtsy, which symbolized a high amount of respect.
"Please, raise my lady."
Náriël rolled her eyes at this. 'Since when has HE been the princely gentleman? This should be interesting, I mean, everyone keeps saying how noble and grand Prince Legolas is. Well maybe for once, I can see it for myself...'
The elleth slowly stood back up and held her head high with dignity. Her eyes darted to Náriël and the later noticed almost a sort of flicker in her eyes...a flicker of what? It seemed like a flicker of warning to Náriël.
'Does this elleth actually think that I would stand in the way if something should happen between her and Legolas? Thought judging from how tense he is right now, I doubt that would happen. Ahhh, Legolas is such a good pretender. The perfect actor. He has her totally fooled. I can't believe she actually thinks she can seduce him!'
Náriël let out a small snort, which caught the attention of the young prince before her. He looked down and knitted his eyebrows. For some reason, this made Náriël feel slightly ashamed of her rude display, and she averted he eyes downward.
Looking back up at the older elleth before him, he asked, "What is your name, my lady?"
"Sulia"
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Sulia." And with the proper courtesy of a gentleman, he bent down and barely touched his lips to her hand.
"My Lord, Prince Legolas, I have heard rumors that you have decided to grace Imladris with your presence for the remainder of the summer. Tell me, is that true?"
Her voice was silky and she moved slightly closer to him as she spoke. Her obvious come on to the prince disgusted Náriël. She took a few steps away from the pair just for the sake of comfort.
"Well, yes. By the request of the Lord Elrond, I have decided to stay here for the rest of the summer."
"Oh, how wonderful!" she exclaimed. Her red colored lips curled into a salacious smile as she stepped even closer to Legolas.
"So there really will be a ball in your honor then? Tell me, have you decided who you would like to escort?"
POV: Náriël
"Ummm," as he spoke, he turned towards me and was staring at me, "Yes actually. I will be escorting," it was as if he were speaking to me and not Sulia, "Náriël."
'WHAT' I could feel my eyes grow big from shock. 'THAT was something he had conveniently left out from our ...conversation...this morning!'
'He has GOT to stop giving me news like this! One of these times I'm going to have a heart attack! Or a nervous breakdown or something! Oh well, at least he managed to bring her down, though probably not on purpose for he's much too nice for that.'
If I was actually voicing myself aloud, anyone would be able to hear the sarcasm just dripping off of each word. As I looked on, I heard her give a small exclamation with an "Oh my!"
She then proceeded to lean in. She was so close to Legolas that their bodies were practically touching. I saw her gently lay a hand on his as she placed her mouth near his ear. His eyes widened slightly and I noticed him swallow. Now, it is well known that for elves, their ears happened to be very sensitive, well it would seem it was a hot spot for Legolas. I snickered.
Sulia "whispered" something to Legolas which I'm sure I was meant to hear. It enraged me and I wanted nothing more than to walk up to her and hit her square in the face, knocking off that smug smile from her face.
She said, "Well, why on Middle Earth would you want to escort her? That little immature elleth is nothing but a nuisance! Surely you would wish yourself to enjoy a ball that is thrown in your honor and not spend the night...babysitting her?"
Babysitting. If she only knew.
With that, he quickly, but gently pushed her away, giving himself some room to breathe. What I heard him say next made me sort of happy for some reason. In a way, he was defending me and saving my dignity.
"My lady, I hardly think that was appropriate."
His voice was hard and stern and his eyes were cold. I couldn't help but bow my head in shame from what she had said though.
'So it seems that my father isn't the only one that has such a low opinion of me...' I felt like a total failure. I suddenly felt a warm and gentle hand on my shoulder.
"Let's go Náriël."
I looked up into his face, but he was not looking at me. Nodding I followed behind him. For some odd reason, I was suddenly filled with rage. I could stand up for myself. I didn't need HIM to do it for me!
"You didn't have to do that, I can take care of myself you now." My voice held quite a bite to it and it probably came out much ruder than I had intended. He looked at me and arched a fine eyebrow.
"You really are ungrateful."
That was all he said. That simple statement only managed to anger me further. Why it was that I felt a constant need to be fighting or arguing with someone, I did not know. Maybe it was because that was the only way I felt I was ever noticed. In any case, at that moment, I hated him as much as I had earlier that morning.
His encounter with the other elleth came back to mind a sinister plan began to unfold in my mind. I could finally get back at him. For everything. For all those times. Oh yes, revenge is so sweet. I couldn't help but smirk.
A/N:
Tula = Come
Quel undome = Good evening
Alrighty, I know I mentioned Haldir in there, but no, he's not gonna make an appearance in this story lol! Anyway, thanks for you're great reviews! I hope you liked this chapter, it was pretty fun to write! Thanks to Austin B for her great idea for a way in which Náriël can finally get her revenge!! I'm gonna take it and kinda twist it around a bit...add some spice to it (lol) so that it works better with Náriël's personality...it'll be in the next chapter –its gonna be great! Thanks again hun! : )
Icy Lullaby: lol, I know what you mean about the sn thing, I mean, id change mine more often but it gets annoying to think of a good new one and to then tell all my friends...so I just don't bother . -.-;;
The Fresh Princess: yup yup...things getting a bit more exciting now huh? lol ; )
Austin B: lol, yes, Elrond IS sneaky isn't he? Making Legolas do all that... (shakes head) anyway, yeah I did like your idea, it sparked an idea of my own so im kinda gonna twist urs around a bit and well, you'll see...its gonna be in the next chapter ...the ball, that's gonna be fun to write, im getting excited just thinking about it! LOL! XP
Lady Pure: of course im gonna write more! Im really getting into this fanfic myself! LOL! And besides, I hate it when I read a good fanfic and then the author just never finishes it. That annoys the hell outta me, so im not gonna do the same thing to you guys!
Victoria: thanks so much!
Elven at Heart: hey, ur into HP too?! That's awesome! One of these days im gonna get around to writing an HP fanfic...but I have to say, after seening HP3, I don't think im gonna do a Draco one, I was considering it before, but he was sucha wuss!!! I just can't bring myself to write a fanfic with him now (sigh) anyway, I think im gonna do a Snape/OC...I kinda have an idea forming...we'll see.
WindSorceress: yup, theyre stuck together...but as far as them falling in love...well, that may take a while. Hehe, well you'll see if you keep reading! Im really glad you like my fanfic a lot. Ive had this idea for the longest time...and I kep thinking 'hey, one day, im gonna type it all out' and whatdaya know, I finally got around to it! Hehe, thanks to a bit of pushing by lazydoll06 (smirk).
Legolas-Obessesionist: Thanks SO much! That makes me happy to hear that! and umm...you do realize that the second word in ur SN isn't actually a word ... right? ( I think maybe you meant obsessionist? Tho technically that aint a word either but w/e : } )
Unski: thanks so much for your review. And yeah, since both Legolas and Elrond were being so formal most of the time, I kinda wanted to remind the readers that Legolas did spend a lot of time in Rivendell and the two were actually really close, therefore he felt like he could kinda let his guard down and relax around Elrond. About Legolas getting jealous, well, something like that's gonna happen later...only its not gonna be Legolas! Im not gonna tell you anymore because that will totally ruin a surprise that's coming up...your just gonna have to wait a bit!! .
Silvermane1: ...oookkk...you know, you leave odd "reviews" O.o
Lazydoll06: thanks a bunch, but Legolas...GAY . hardly!!! First of all, he was FORCED to go shopping...second of all, I think its great if a guy can dance! Lol. Anyway...hes most def. NOT gay...as we'll all see later on (smirks) u just gotta be patient...I have to drag this out and make it interesting. I'm not about to do a one shot lemon...although...j/k j/k! lol XP