Chapter 11
Moments later, Melody was torn from her deep contemplation by the linens parting. Stepping elegantly, an elleth with dark flowing waves and creamy skin entered her room. A warm smile graced her lips as she greeted Melody with a slight bow of her head.
"Lady Melody," Her voice sounded like pure silk, "My name is Miriel, I have come to help you dress and escort you to dinner. Goldaer said you were in better spirits today of both body and mind. I trust that is still valid?"
The woman could not help but feel inferior in front of the alluring elf. She glowed against the darkening room, illuminating the air around them. Immaculate features blessed her facial structure, and Melody knew she was far more beautiful than any supermodel in her world.
Miriel tilted her head slightly at Melody's speechlessness and the woman hastily replied, still in awe, "Yes, I'm feeling a lot better. You said that you're going to help me dress? I don't think I have anything suitable for such a dinner. I mean, I only have what I'm wearing right now and I doubt that's appropriate."
Nodding slowly, the elleth moved to a small chest at the opposite end of her room before speaking, "Do not worry, my Lady. We have gifted you with a few dresses that will certainly fit you."
If it's anything close to her measurements, I might as well go in what I'm wearing right now, Melody mused to herself. Miriel produced three gowns from the chest and held one of them up so Melody could see. The elleth grinned to herself and glanced back at Melody.
"This one, yes, I feel that you will look very beautiful in it," She said with a hint of excitement laced in her tone.
It was a light pink dress made of some sort of airy material that Melody had never seen before. There were not many embellishments, save for the ties that would cuff around her wrists. They glittered a soft silver when catching upon the light and matched the minuscule amount of beading that warped across the square neckline. This type of outfit was something Melody had never put on and she was worried the dress might end up wearing her.
Miriel must have sensed Melody's hesitancy, "Here, I promise it will look better when you put it on. Stand up for me, please." The Elf held out her hand to aid Melody in standing, which the woman believed she was well capable of doing on her own, but she took Miriel's hand in case.
Rising to her feet for the first time in days, Melody felt a little wobbly. It was weird for her to be so unaccustomed to something as simple as bearing her weight. However, she thought to herself it must be because of the effects of her illness. Still reprimanding herself for making such a display about a cut, she almost missed Miriel's instructions for her to undress.
"I-uh," Embarrassment replaced the creases of thought on her brow.
A comforting hand came to her shoulder, "Do not worry, my Lady. I have already seen you before without garments. For it was I who changed you during your slumber."
Eyes widening, Melody immediately blushed at the floor. That doesn't make it any better, but at least it wasn't Goldaer who changed me.
It looked like Miriel wasn't going anywhere or turning around to award her with privacy, so Melody reluctantly slipped out of the nightshirt and trousers. Cool air swept across her skin and she shuddered against it. Miriel quickly slipped the pink gown over her head and Melody was pleased to notice that it did fit and if anything it was a little big.
That was until Miriel started to tighten the lacings on the back.
Taking a sharp breath, Melody winced as the elleth cinched her waist, "Could you loosen it a little?" Her voice was about an octave higher than normal and Miriel laughed lightly.
"My apologies," She stated whilst undoing some of the strings, "I have been informed that you are not accustomed to our garb here. I did not mean to cause you pain."
Finally able to breathe freely, Melody felt the sincerity in Miriel's tone, "It's all right. And yeah, I can't say that I've worn a lot of dresses in my lifetime."
Instead of responding, Miriel kept working on the remaining laces and smoothed out some of the small wrinkles that had appeared on the dress. When she was finished, Melody turned around to face the beaming elleth.
"You look very beautiful, Lady Melody," She complimented with twinkling eyes, "Unfortunately we are short on time so I will not be able to tend to your hair. However, I will fasten it with this clip to keep it from your face."
Melody nodded understandingly and turned yet again so Miriel could put the clip in her hair. She wished that there was a mirror around to be able to view her appearance, but if they were indeed short on time she supposed she could live without it. From the waist down, Melody could appreciate the soft flowing gown as it billowed around her ankles. The color was splendidly gorgeous and the woman had never thought such a shade could complement her features. It was undoubtedly expensive too.
"Thank you, Miriel," Melody said with gratitude and then her focus shifted downward, "This dress is very beautiful, although I don't think I can afford such a pretty piece of clothing."
Miriel's brows knitted together, "Did Goldaer not tell you that one of your companions already sent sufficient funds for these dresses?"
Melody's lips parted in surprise and her heart swelled with emotion, "No, he did not…who paid for this, Miriel?"
Still wearing the same confused expression, Miriel's gaze turned away, "I am afraid I am unaware of the person responsible for this purchase. If I were you, I would ask them when you all meet for dinner. Speaking of that, we must be on our way if we are to arrive on time."
Hearing the definitive tone, Melody accepted the advice and made to leave the tent alongside the gorgeous elleth. Upon exiting, she was taken aback by pure starlight glistening in every crevice imaginable. A collage of periwinkle and navy swept across the forest in an alluring pattern that rendered her voiceless. If that wasn't enough, the same peaceful song she heard earlier softly echoed amid the array of sparkling foliage.
Miriel watched Melody as she gaped at the beauty of Lothlorien like a child seeing snow for the first time. The woman went to touch one of the branches that twinkled and felt its tendrils of bark to be uncharacteristically soft.
"This place is magical," She whirled her head around to the elleth who smiled knowingly.
"Yes, our kingdom is unlike any other," Miriel agreed while also taking in the beauty of the forest, "The Lady's elegance has gifted us a haven to separate us from the threats of the outside world…"
Melody noted the distant look in Miriel's eyes as she spoke and wondered why she seemed so forlorn. This tone reminded her of what they had lost hours before arriving in the Golden Wood and her soul clenched. She was almost angry at herself for not thinking of Gandalf sooner. She was also furious for not being there to support the rest of the Fellowship while they grieved.
How could she bask idly at such an alluring place whilst her heart thrashed with torrents of guilt? To leave her companions who had done nothing but offer her safety and friendship was like a stake that pierced her heart and through the wound, regret flowed in rivulets. They had all lost someone so detrimental to the quest and close to their hearts. The fact that Melody knew his fate beforehand and did absolutely nothing was appalling. She felt sick and nauseous. How could she even face them again with such a lacking conscience?
"Lady Melody?" Miriel's question broke the silence of her thoughts.
Melody shook her head, "Sorry, my mind was elsewhere. I-I just haven't ever seen something so beautiful," She covered herself smoothly and observed Miriel's disbelieving glance form.
If the elleth was not convinced, Melody would have never known. Instead of interrogating her about the lapse of conversation, Miriel simply offered her arm for Melody to take. They walked along the spiraling paths and listened carefully to the choir of wilting voices that sang from various areas of the Golden Wood. With it, brought despair and even more guilt. Strangely, Melody felt like she might cry under the influence of these somber hymns.
Whatever they are singing about, it must be cheerless, she deduced as Miriel's steps slowed in front of a larger collection of trees that formed some sort of gazebo. Wonderstruck, Melody could not fathom how they were capable of bending branches to generate such an elegant setting. Everything in this place was precise and she had not witnessed any imperfections tainting said elegance.
Peering around like a kid in a candy store, Melody finally caught sight of her companions who sat next to one another at the end of a wooden table under the awning of trees. She recognized Aragorn and Boromir first, as they were clad in the same garb they traveled from Moria in. A sigh of relief escaped her as the feeling of familiarity eased her overstimulated senses.
"Thank you, Lady Miriel," She said warmly and a little too eagerly. She was itching to be back in the presence of the Fellowship even if facing them brought immense anxiety.
The elleth allowed herself to chuckle and place her hand above her heart while bowing slightly, "It was my pleasure, Lady Melody. I do hope you enjoy what sustenance Lothlorien has to offer you."
And with that, the elf left her side and Melody all but sprinted over to the array of races at the end of the table. She forced herself to slow down so as to not overwork her still fragile body, but her spirit was too impatient. Now speed walking, she found herself a few feet from the table before she bumped into someone.
Stumbling slightly, the stranger caught her arms before she fell backward. Then she realized it wasn't a stranger at all.
"Melody…" Said Legolas. He regarded her kindly and she could feel his eyes raking her being, "I am gladdened to see you are well enough to join us this eve."
His earnest nature was not overlooked by the woman as she began to pick up on the differences he displayed. Firstly, the same silvery glow that engulfed the forest seemed to seep from the embellished tunic that draped across his chest and accentuated the taut muscles that lie beneath. Moonlight carved out the slightly sunken cheekbones and their shadows danced across his face. Even his hair seemed softer than ever, an illuminating white gold perfectly plaited and shimmering. Why, she had never beheld such class and fairness from the elven warrior before. Her mind flitted back to the conversation with Goldaer and she realized that Legolas carried the same benevolent aura as her cherished healer, if not more regal and charming.
He looks so…Princely…She ascertained and then realized instantly her thoughts had meaning behind them. He was actually a Prince!
This fact forced her muscles to tighten and she found Legolas casting her a worried look before she replied shakenly, "Yeah, I'm feeling much better! One hundred percent actually! And I'm so happy to see you guys too, um, my Prince, or my Lord? Which do you prefer? Your Highness? Because Goldaer told me that you didn't like titles, but I mean if you're a Prince I can't possibly—"
A little squeeze of her shoulder halted her rambling and she met his gaze sheepishly, "Melody, I would not have you refer to me by such a name. I am simply Legolas to you and the rest of the Company." He stated candidly and then turned his head toward the long table. "Now, shall we get you some food? I am certain you have not eaten enough these past days."
Melody's pinkened cheeks did little to cover her embarrassment, "Yeah, that would be nice… Legolas." She tested out his name on her tongue and it still felt wrong, but if he preferred this way she could only acquiesce to his wishes. She was met by a dimpled smile as he took her arm and led her toward the table. Hmm, I never would have thought Legolas had dimples…They make him look…approachable? I don't know if that's the right word. Oh, whatever! Let's just get some food.
As they descended into their seats Melody was met with a myriad of fruits and various types of bread aligned immaculately at the center of the table. It was evident that her companions already indulged in the meal as she noticed a few missing berries poking holes in the formerly perfect display. At the very end, the elves had graciously roasted some sort of meat that filled her nostrils with a savory smell. It looked absolutely delicious and her stomach let out a small rumble that she hoped a certain Elf did not hear.
Before reaching for anything, the faces of her companions turned toward her and she pensively took in their appearances. The remnants of what had befallen them all not four days prior were still evidently clear upon their features. Eyeing Aragorn, she noticed he donned his usual impassive expression but if it wasn't for the shroud of emotion that clouded his irises and darkened the area beneath his lids, she would not have considered anything amiss. The sight made her look at her hands which were surprisingly already knotted together, but she knew this action was foolish. They were her friends and she had not seen them for days. Reminding herself to remain strong even amidst her internal battles, she averted her gaze back to the rest of them, anxiously striving to repress the tumultuous guilt that battered her heart.
"My Lady!" Exclaimed Merry in what appeared to be awe and she snapped her head up to meet the small hobbit's widened stare, "Why, you look absolutely ravishing! Doesn't she Pip?"
"Mmhm!" Pippin agreed whilst chewing on a roll. The sight eased her worries for the time being and brought back earlier and fonder memories of their journey.
Gimli piped in from the other side of the hobbits, "Aye, lass. Didn't think you could clean up so nicely! You look like a proper lady, maybe even a bit too elf-like if I do say so…"
Melody allowed herself to blush under the unnecessary compliments and her lips involuntarily curled into a smile, "Thank you, but if it wasn't for one of you I would still pass as a man probably. Which one of you so graciously funded the dresses? I must know!"
She had expected the person responsible to come forth immediately, however, the table then fell silent as a wave of confusion muddled their expressions. Raising an eyebrow, she cast a glance toward Boromir and Aragorn who simply shrugged, signaling that they had nothing to do with the purchase. A little frustrated, she opened her mouth to speak again before she was cut off.
"I did."
All eyes turned to Legolas who had revealed himself in the most casual manner. Her heart rate rose unexpectedly and she searched his demeanor for anything other than the apathetic ambiance she was used to. She understood that he had apologized to her, but this did not mean that they were best friends who bought expensive clothing for one another! What had happened between their arrival and her waking up that caused him to treat her so nicely? His actions were twisting in her brain and she realized with a start that she was staring at him with her jaw hanging open a little. The awkward silence hung in the air for many moments, but to Melody's relief, he continued.
"My assumption was that you did not bring anything but the clothes you arrived in and a gifted cloak. This simply would not do, considering the illustrious nature of this kingdom as well as my kin. It would have done you no good to appear at mealtimes wearing your previous garments," He explained almost absentmindedly as he picked up a berry and popped it into his mouth. Melody heeded his words with a little biting irritation. Did he think she was so far from graceful? Were the gowns just a reassurance that he would not be embarrassed among his kin for fraternizing with a disheveled woman? Of course, she was grateful for the gift at first, but Legolas made it seem as if she was the least desirable female on the face of the planet. His reasoning came not from the heart, but rather from his stubborn, incessant pride, she deduced. As she had previously perceived, Aragorn and Boromir made no wardrobe changes. What was so important about her being dressed to the nines?
She set her jaw as she formed a reply and just as she was about to let it pass her lips, he looked at her politely, "I too must agree with the hobbits and Gimli. The dress suits you very well, Melody."
And with that, he went back to eating. As if the words were second-nature to him. She couldn't believe this, he was just saying that her normal clothes were basically the ugliest pieces of fabric woven together and now he was saying she looked good? Did she always look bad? These thoughts wove a string of bewildering realizations through her head. Frustration and insecurity gnawed at her until she stopped it altogether. He had complimented her too, which brought forth even more emotions. Some that she didn't understand, but was not entirely opposed to. Why did his words take root while the others were so easy to process? I'm definitely overthinking this. I even told Miriel that my regular clothes were not appropriate. He just bought me some dresses, no big deal. Despite her feigned self-reassurance, her true feelings regarded the action as something else.
"T-Thank you," She stammered quietly. She implored upon the gods of this world that the rest of the Fellowship had been conversing amongst themselves. If they weren't, her reddened cheeks would be on full display.
"You are welcome," He said without even looking at her, still focused on his meal which Melody decided she too should take part in. At last, she reached for a roll accompanied by a few fruits and placed them on her plate. She toyed with them dully, still stuck in the trenches of her swirling thoughts.
It was a miracle that her temper was stayed by Legolas' kind words. Her frustrations were usually exposed to the people around her carelessly, something that typically got her into troublesome situations. However, the statement from his lips all but became the balm to her fury, cooling and soothing the biting anger that rose within her soul. He had been the one to increase and extinguish the flame of feelings. Melody was more than addled by the machinations of her brain. Sighing to herself, she finally took a bite of her bread; hoping some food would quell the turbulence that threatened her sanity. And to her consternation, it did nothing.
The rest of the evening proceeded with only a few words shared between the company. Simple statements regarding the weather and dazzling attributes of Lothlorien were voiced, but with little effect to spark any interesting exchanges. The passing of Gandalf was surely at the forefront of everyone's mind and diluted any chances of merriment gracing their gathering. Melody stifled a grimace each time the Fellowship fell into a somber silence; their glazed expressions undoubtedly recounting what had befallen.
Moments later, hobbits became the first to retire, as they found the copious quantity of food to render them dazed beneath the lilting harmony of elven songs. They bid the rest a good night and vanished into the eve rather quickly. Gimli followed in suit alongside Boromir, explaining their weapons required sharpening. One by one, her companions retreated to their bed rolls and this furthered the simmering anxiety in Melody's stomach. Dinner was coming to an end, which meant that her meeting with Galadriel drew closer. She shivered and desired to pull her knees into her chest. It was only Legolas and Aragorn who spoke in elvish to one another across the table. She hoped they would stay the entire night so she wouldn't have to face what she felt was her impending doom.
Her head snapped up at the mention of her name, Aragorn was beckoning to her with a rather serious countenance. He had risen from his seat and appeared to be leaving as well.
"Melody, I would like to speak with you tomorrow if possible." It was a statement rather than a question and by the precarious tone that wafted through the air, she knew something had happened. Good or bad, she could not perceive. However, to this, she nodded.
"Yes, where should we meet?" She asked, unclasping her hands from their knot of apprehension.
"I will retrieve you half an hour past dawn, for we have much to discuss," He said rather cryptically; her heart sank. Did he know about what happened in Moria?
"Okay," She all but croaked out. He offered her a slight nod to signify his departure and walked away after mumbling a few words to Legolas in the strange language. She meant to ask him the purpose of their meeting, but the weariness in the Ranger's face caused her to hold her tongue.
As if her trepidation could not increase anymore, now she was left in the presence of the Elf behind most of her troubles. She peeked at him curiously and rapidly turned her eyes back to the empty plate in front of her. Why had he not left with Aragorn or the others? Did he insist on perturbing her more?
"Would you like to try?" Legolas' words cut through the air and her eyes flitted to the object in question. She allowed a nervous chuckle to escape her throat. He offered her a sip of his wine. Truth be told, she had been investigating the substance for a while during dinner and hoped she might be allowed some, but she was far too preoccupied with her thoughts to ask.
"Yes, I think it would actually do me some good," She remarked with distinct certainty that the liquid could have the power to soothe at least some of her worries. He carefully passed her the goblet and she instinctively sniffed the contents, "…This is wine, right?" She only asked because of the potent smell that filled her nostrils and almost caused them to burn. The swirling burgundy gave away the answer to her foolish query, and she lifted it to her lips hesitantly. It tasted pleasant enough, that was until the almost fiery beverage made its' way down her throat and left wildfire in its stead. She nearly choked on it but stifled her reaction to not appear childish.
"No, Melody. It is poison," The Elf said sarcastically and she felt the same burning of the wine reach her cheeks. She set the glass down and examined Legolas' expression. He was teasing her and it was clearly shown by the mischievous quirk of his mouth. Melody flushed deeper.
"Okay, I know stupid question. But this is the strongest wine I have ever tasted," She defended, attempting to give the liquid a second chance, this time it was arguably worse and she grimaced, "Yep, definitely stronger than what I'm used to."
"So you do not enjoy the delicacies my people have to offer you?" He was toying with her and reached for the glass but Melody flinched away from his grasp, not wanting him to win this little game so easily.
"No, I didn't say that. The wine is lovely," She tried to assure him by taking another sip which turned into a gulp for added emphasis. Melody narrowed her eyes at him boldly whilst repressing the urge to gag, to which he let out a clear and ringing laugh. It was unlike anything she had ever heard. Boisterous and merry. Whether it was the wine or something else, even she fell under the influence of the melodic sound and chortled softy.
"Alright, it's not the best thing I've ever had, but it definitely takes the edge off," She relented as she surveyed the relaxed state of the Elf beside her. His arm lazily propped on the table and his ankle sprawled on his other knee. He looked quite content and she wondered how many glasses of this he had taken.
"That, I can attest to as well. For this specific blend is known to render mortals quite intoxicated after a mere two cups," He revealed, slowly retrieving the goblet back from her.
"How many does it take for you?" She blurted out. He peered at her curiously and she remained under his inquisitive gaze for a few moments until he took a long, graceful drink. Attributing the heat that engulfed her body to the wine, she watched the action, almost forgetting her question.
"Most likely six, if I wish to relinquish my wits to a drunken stupor," He glided his thumb around the rim of the glass laggardly and deviously. A small droplet of wine dribbled down the back of his hand, caressing the pale luxurious, and glowing skin—
"Are you worried about your meeting with the Lady?"
Legolas' query barely registered as she froze the warmth away from her cheeks. Instantly reminded of the nerve-wracking conversation, she let her fingers slip back together out of habit.
"Truthfully, yes and no. I-I don't know what to expect from it," She timidly disclosed, his features were somewhat sympathetic.
"As you have likely been told, being in the presence of Lady Galadriel is an honor in itself. She is both the wisest and fairest being in all of Arda. I am certain she will reveal to you what she can," He paused, pondering something which sparked some discomfort within the woman.
It seemed as if he would say no more so Melody sighed, "I just hope whatever she has to say will help me make sense of all this…I know I have not talked about my home or much at all for that matter, but if there is a way to get back I hope she can tell me. I just feel so out of place here and rightly so. I don't belong in Middle Earth and much less with the Fellowship."
Legolas shifted a bit in his seat and his voice remained even, "Perhaps she can, but I have reason to believe the Valar sent you here with a purpose. Gandalf spoke to you about this, did he not?"
The mere mention of Gandalf's name sent a pang of grief through her, but she straightened under the now intense presence of the Elf, "Yes, he did. Although he said he couldn't tell me what that purpose was."
He must have picked up on the rather exasperated manner of her speech, "Gandalf's deeds were hardly unintentional. Whatever he knew, he must have kept hidden for your wellbeing."
Melody did not know how to reply to this, so instead, she sunk a little further in her chair. With her gaze ahead, she pictured the previous conversation with the wizard clearly. At the time, she had been more than irritated by his secrecy. She clutched onto the validity of Legolas' words and hoped that much more would be understood after tonight's events.
Suddenly, she sensed the Elf's hand on her shoulder. She almost jumped away at the contact but felt compelled to remain still. Finally placing her sight on his face, she waited for him to speak. He was contemplating something. Something serious, no doubt, and this caused her insides to twist due to his perceived scrutiny. An austere being searched her eyes and she was perplexed by this odd notion. With every second that passed between their gazes, she apprehended her own anxiety rising before he finally relieved them both of the tantalizingly slow lapse of speaking.
"Melody…" He began carefully, his cerulean irises bore into hers and made her want to squirm, "If you wish to talk after your meeting, come and find me."
She gulped under the immense weight that propelled through his tone, something was definitely wrong. He knew her purpose and she could see it in the way his eyes flashed with what she presumed to be pity. Legolas held her glance for a while as she conjured up several ways to ask him for some sort of forewarning or hint that could be used to diminish the tumultuous waves of her heart and mind.
Just as she was about to speak, another elf interrupted them and Melody didn't even notice the absence of Legolas' palm on her shoulder. Her skin tingled a bit where it had been, but she distracted herself from the oddity by greeting the unknown elf in front of them.
"Lady Melody, I have been appointed as your escort to the Lady of the Wood. Will you follow me?"
A/N: Okay guys, finally some interaction between Legolas and Melody! Also, I wanted to point out that her character might have seemed too introverted until now, but that was intentional. Gandalf's death and her injury have caused her to accept the reality she has been thrown into, so that's why after she woke up she was a lot more talkative with Legolas. We will get to see new perspectives of her character and I'm so excited for you all to read the next chapter because it is extremely important. Hope you all enjoyed this one and I will try to have the next one up as soon as possible!