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Truth Be Known	By : LisaC206 Category: Lord of the Rings Movies > Het - Male/Female Views: 3817 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings book series and movie series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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CHAPTER 4

The Festivities Begin

Astaldo was up early the next day so he could get some target practice in. He was fortunate that one of the other border guards had taken over his duties for the morning, as they knew he was one of the top archers and they all hoped he would win. He was not that worried about winning a prize but proving he was still a brilliant shot with the bow and arrow was a matter of pride for him. His mother was also hoping he would do well because it meant so much to him. She was also aware he would have to compete against his good friend Prince Legolas and that the prince was one of the best in MiddleEarth. Villia knew that it would not stop her son from doing his best, even if it meant knocking the prince out of the top spot. Archery was in his blood, and being a warrior, he would never walk away from a fight.

He felt at ease as he lined his eye up with the target and let the arrow fly. Instantly, he pulled out another arrow and repeated the action. Narninium was on his mind but did not cloud his vision. Both arrows hit the target dead centre, and he moved onto the next target, ready to fire another two. He couldn’t wait to see her beautiful face and hear that magical voice again. This time the arrow went wide and he cursed for letting himself become distracted.

“I can’t do that today, or I will surely lose and Legolas will be laughing at my carelessness.” He practiced for a few more rounds with his mind totally focused and then headed home to eat and tidy himself up for the party.



*****

Narninium would have slept in if Tinet hadn’t woken her for breakfast. The maid’s excited chatting soon got Narninium quickly eating and sorting out her clothes. Tinet made a hot bath for her and told her she would be back soon to help to do her hair. Harmony was unable to come as she had some other business to attend to. As she soaked in the bath, she thought how wonderful the day would be, as she would soon see Astaldo again and hopefully her sister Thalia. Remembering her real reason for being in this place made her serious for the first time that morning, and she started singing to cheer herself up.

“Oh come on Narninium, you are taking so long” said Tinet as she rushed in, looking more than glamorous for a maid in the beautiful dress from Harmony. “I want to do your hair and help you with that dress.”

“Sorry Tinet, you may have to slow down, your talking so fast, I can’t keep up” Narninium climbed out and dried herself. Tinet helped her pull on the heavy dress and fastened all the tiny blue buttons that were like miniatures of her own eyes.
Tinet sighed, “You look spectacular, I can’t believe this dress, it’s as if it was made just for you”

“Thanks Tinet, you look quite stunning yourself. Oh, it’s going to be a fun today, I can hardly wait to get out there now.”

“Come on, let’s get your hair fixed. It’s going to look a treat when I’ve finished.”



*****

The King came into the garden and headed towards the lavishly decorated platform overlooking everyone. The flowers above him gave off a strong perfume that was as intoxicating as the wine in his goblet. The music stopped for a moment as everyone bowed and curtsied, waiting to listen to the King.

“I decided to have this celebration because my son Legolas suggested I needed cheering up and this was a great way to do it.” The crowd cheered and raised their goblets to the King and his son. “There is to be much eating, drinking and fun, archery and sword competitions for the brave hearted.” More cheers and a ‘go Astaldo’ from the back of the border guard crowd. The King laughed. “Yes I expect only the best from you archers as the prize is a wonderful treat for the winner!”

The whole crowd fell silent as they waited to hear what the fantastic prize was going to be. Legolas was at the back of the audience as he had been making last minute checks on the target range. He looked around to see where Astaldo was and his other rivals for the competition. Astaldo was on the opposite side- near the platform with his mother standing in front of him. Legolas saw her wave to someone coming the other way to his right. Following her direction, he saw Narninium looking absolutely radiant in a dress that he didn’t remember Harmony ever wearing. He was sure he would remember that dress.

Astaldo was also looking, he couldn’t take his eyes off the lovely vision, and realizing it was Narninium, he smiled at her. She waved back at him as both her and Tinet came to stand beside Harmony. They all looked amazing. When Legolas realized that it was Tinet beside his sister; he was even more impressed. The King cleared his throat and looked at the three lovely elves, everyone laughed and bowed to Harmony. The beauty of all three of them stunned the King but of course Narninium stole his heart. Her azure eyes matched the dress as perfectly as she had said. Her hair was piled delicately on top of her head with tiny gold flowers woven through it all. Her mahogany tresses shone in the sunlight, and not an elf had missed her entrance.

“The prize,” the King continued, “will be decided upon the completion of the archery competition.” Everybody groaned. He gave them all a wicked smile before raising his goblet. “Let the fun begin!”

*****



The music began and some of the elves began to dance and sing merrily. There was plenty of delicious food and lots of wine that sparkled and gleamed in the sunshine. Astaldo headed over to where Narninium, Harmony and Tinet were standing. He was in awe of her beauty when she had entered the gardens with the two other ladies. She has to be the most beautiful elf here he thought. He spotted Legolas now talking to Harmony, and his mother. She was complimenting them on their dresses.

“You look marvelous,” Villia was saying. “It should be a grand party. Oh here comes my son Astaldo. What do you think Astaldo? Don’t they all look stunning?”

“Of course Mother. I’ve never seen maidens as beautiful as these three.” He smiled at them all but his eyes quickly turned to Narninium. They all blushed to receive such attention, although Narninium was secretly pleased at the affect she had on him. He looked so gorgeous.

Legolas was chuckling to himself as he took the hand of Villia and led her to the table. “Enjoy the food Villia, and I’ll see you all later as I have an archery competition to begin.” He began walking away and motioned Astaldo over. “Come, we should get over to the target range. You mustn’t let her distract you.” He whispered, his eyes in Narninium’s direction. Legolas was feeling pre-occupied himself, which made him more eager than ever to leave, knowing what a difference it could make to his accuracy. Even the maid Tinet had surprised him and he couldn’t quite believe he had never noticed how attractive she was before. Although Narninium also looked dazzling, he deliberately shut out her image, for Astaldo’s sake.

Narninium thoroughly enjoyed herself, mostly staying with Harmony and Tinet. After the swordplay, they had some fun watching the elves on the shooting range, arrows whistling through the air and landing with a resounding thud in the target. As time wore on, she found herself quite giggly with all the wine she had already consumed and the three of them were finding it hard to control their amusement when any arrow went astray.

Astaldo and Legolas steadied themselves by tuning out the maiden’s banter and harmless laughter, lest they lose all their concentration. Other eves competing couldn’t help but laugh along with them, soon losing because of their stupidity. Although this was a fun contest, Astaldo and Legolas took it seriously.

“Oh come on girls, let’s go and eat and dance with some of these handsome elves, who cares about silly old archery anyway?” Harmony trilled. As they headed away from the archery to get some food, Legolas watched them leave; glad they were departing.

King Thranduil was watching everyone enjoying themselves; delighted he had decided to go ahead with the celebrations. Wine was being drunk in copious amounts but he knew his people were thankful to have such a party and appreciated his generosity. He drew his breath in sharply as the three maidens walked into his vision. He would surely have to ask for his first dance sooner than normal. How could he stay away from such exquisite beauty? He strode over to the elf maidens, puffed out his chest and stopped right in front of Narninium. She looked at him a bit surprised by the blush on his face and curtsied as best as she could, although she felt a bit giddy when she looked back up.

“Ahh…Narninium…ladies. I wondered if I might have the first dance with you now, if you wouldn’t mind?” Tinet giggled as Narninium turned a lovely shade of pink, which only highlighted her beauty.

“Of course…”

“Oh Father, really. Couldn’t you have waited for the appropriate time, after the competitions are completed? This is most unlike you.” Harmony scolded.

“Yes you are right my dear. I’ve consumed rather a lot of wine and I shall wait to announce the winners as usual. Sorry Narninium, I was forgetting my manners, I hope you don’t mind this foolish old man.” Narninium curtsied and the King took her hand in his and kissed it. She was quite relieved Harmony had interrupted them, as she still felt a bit unsteady on her feet. Must sober up before then.

Harmony dragged Tinet and a protesting Narninium on the dance floor. The three of them giggled and spun around laughing at themselves. Other elves joined in and things were heating up in the garden.



*****



Legolas let his last arrow go with deadly accuracy. It struck the target almost perfectly centre, slightly to the right. He hoped that would be enough. He was getting keen to go and relax at the party now and his arms were just starting to get the familiar ache in them from so much shooting. Astaldo licked his lips. That was an almost perfect shot from Legolas, how was he to beat that? His head was getting sore from concentrating so hard and he was desperate for a cool drink. But that would have to wait; he had an arrow to shoot. He lined the arrow up with the target, right next to Legolas’s one, took a deep breath and staring hard in front of him, he released it. All his energy and tension seemed to fly with the arrow and the crack of wood made him jump and everyone gasped. He blinked his eyes in disbelief as Legolas clapped him hard on the back.

“Seems you have won my friend, that was a brilliant shot” Legolas smiled at Astaldo. The arrow had struck Legolas’ one and split it in two. The elf judging the arrows was closely examining the bull’s eye. The crowd held their breath thinking the winner surely had to be that last shot. He motioned the two over to look for themselves and so he could announce the winner.

When they arrived, he grabbed them both, but held up Legolas’ arm and announced him the overall winner. Legolas’ mouth dropped open in disbelief and the crowd went quiet. On closer inspection of the arrows, Astaldo’s had split Legolas’ in two for sure, but its point had landed a millimeter to the right of the other, technically making it farther from the centre than Legolas’ one.

Astaldo congratulated him and was still pleased at how close they had been. He knew they were similar in nature, but that was incredible. King Thranduil began to clap and everybody joined in, cheering and shouting. They were used to seeing Legolas win but they were overjoyed at how tough this competition had turned out. The King was more subdued than usual, although Legolas did not notice as he dragged Astaldo on stage with him to share the win with him.

“Astaldo is also a winner, we have never had an ending like that before so must also honor him.” Legolas shouted to the crowd gleefully.

The King frowned as he waved his arm for the wine to be poured for the two of them. “I have only one prize and it must go to the rightful winner.” He announced. All the elves had now gathered back into the garden in front of the platform. “Yes, we must congratulate Astaldo on a fine performance and such a close finish.” Everyone clapped. Villia was hugging herself and smiling at Astaldo. Narninium blushed as she saw him directly focused on her and as he smiled at her, tears blurred her eyes. She felt so proud of him.

“The winner of the archery competition is Legolas!” Thunderous shouting and clapping as Legolas firmly shook his father’s hand and was awarded the golden arrow trophy. “As it was so close, Astaldo the runner up, may have some of the King’s fine wine for the evening! Now my special prize for the winner.” A hush went over the crowd. “Would you please give our guest from the West a warm welcome- Narninium.” He motioned the stunned elf to join them on the platform. “She is to sing the winner a song in her Westie dialect which I’m sure you will all enjoy.” With that he walked Astaldo off the stage and left the two of them alone.

Both looked lost, and Legolas felt a pang in his heart for her and Astaldo. Why had his father decided to embarrass them like this? The music began and Narninium saw everybody waiting patiently for her to begin. Seeing the King looking expectantly at her she lifted her head and her heart as she broke into one of her homeland’s favourite songs. Her voice quavered for a minute, then she let it soar as the light diminished. The whole crowd listened in stunned silence; even Legolas had to admit the song was alluring. He stood transfixed by her voice and her lovely face as she continued her song. Astaldo watched then both and felt his heart aching as he saw the expression on Legolas’ face. As she finished the silent crowd broke into spontaneous clapping and many of the elf maidens had tears in their eyes.

Tinet hugged Villia and unashamedly let the tears stream down her face. “She is so lovely and her voice is just incredible.” She gushed. Villas was also moved but was worried for Astaldo, as she too had seen the look on Legolas’ face. The King returned to the platform and thanked her for her beautiful singing.

“Now, as part of the prize for the winner, Narninium is to have first dance with Legolas instead of me as is customary. He may also relieve any one else of her- apart from me that is- for dancing if he so pleases. Music please and let’s all enjoy the rest of the evening.” He smiled at the shocked couple as they made their way to the middle of the dance floor.The music began and the couple moved closer together. Legolas took her hand in his and put his other one on her tiny waist, encouraging her to start dancing with him. She felt stiff and slightly nervous under his hands and although he was just as bewildered at the prize, as she was, he knew to carry out his father’s wishes and just get it over with.

Astaldo stood to one side of the dance floor, quickly downing his wine, refilling his goblet and downing it again. Tinet came up beside him, smiling and giggling.“Come on, let’s have a dance.” He let her lead him on to the quickly filling dance floor, and he guided her around automatically, his eyes never leaving the winner and his partner.

“Don’t they make a glorious couple Astaldo?” Asked Tinet, not realizing the effect it was having on him.

“Mmm…she looks a little nervous though.” He answered somewhat distractedly.

“She’s probably just not accustomed to the dancing we do here. I mean look at her singing, it’s amazing.” Tinet snuggled in closer to Astaldo, receiving a few looks herself.

It was true; Narninium was having a hard time with the dancing. Not because she didn’t know the dance, but she had never been very good at it, preferring to sing instead. Legolas sensed something was wrong and he tried to guide her around but he had just about given up, as she seemed so stiff under his hands. He was beginning to wish Astaldo would cut in on them, but he seemed to be dancing with Tinet.

“What’s wrong Narninium? Am I that bad a dancer?” He tried to make her laugh, failing miserably. “You seem so unhappy with this,” Legolas whispered in her ear.

“I’m sorry, Legolas. I’m no good at dancing, only singing. It makes me look so clumsy.” Narninium's eyes looked misty as if she might cry any moment. Feeling he was to blame, Legolas pulled her closer to reassure her. She wrapped her arms around him, accepting his comforting hug.

Astaldo’s face contorted with the pain of seeing the two of them so enthralled with each other. He untangled Tinet from around him, and left the dance floor, heading towards the fountain. He had been hoping the King would cut in on them, as he could stand it no longer, the embrace they had shared made him uneasy.

*****

A pair of light sapphire eyes followed his retreat to the garden. She had watched the whole scene unfold before her. She felt sorry for the handsome warrior that had disappeared into the labyrinth of garden paths that led up to the palace. He looked so hurt, as if someone had punched him. Suddenly she felt someone watching her very closely. Legolas stepped before her with his goblet of wine in one hand and his other hand offering her to dance. How could she refuse the Prince of Mirkwood, even though she had been about to leave and follow the border guard to the fountain? He smiled down at her and finished his wine, passing the goblet to one of the other maidens bringing out more wine. “I would like to have this dance with you, if I may?” Legolas’ silky voice beckoned her.

“Certainly Prince Legolas.” She placed her hand in his and he noticed it was not nearly as soft as Narninium’s had been. He was thankful that his father had finally cut in to dance with Narninium, as he had seen Astaldo make a hasty retreat from the dance floor. Legolas had been about to see if his friend was all right, when he had seen a stunningly beautiful elf- almost handsome in a way, that he had to ask her for a dance. She wore a dress in the Mirkwood colours of green and brown with trimmings of silver. Her hair also had silver sparkling through it and long magenta braids. The girl’s eyes were piercing into him and he liked the way she carried herself, very sure of herself. They got onto the dance floor, and she was a delight to dance with. He found it a breeze to swing her around the other elves, who were all watching their prince with his new partner.

“Sorry I don’t know your name, but you dance wonderfully.” The prince complimented her.

“Thank you, you’re not too bad yourself Your Highness.” She spoke in a lilting voice, slightly unusual he thought.

“Please...you may call me Legolas. And your name is?” She hesitated a moment.

“My name is Lavishla, and I must congratulate you on winning the archery competition.”

“Thank you, it was quite a contest. Astaldo made a brilliant shot and really he deserved to win.”

“Yes I saw that. Is he good friends with you, or are you always so nice to your competitors?” She grinned slyly at him. Legolas merely shrugged his shoulders.

“Normally we are the best of friends, we go a long way back in these events. But I feel he is not happy with me for dancing with the girl Narninium from the West. He really likes her and my father seems to have over looked that.” He glanced at his father, trying to swing Narninium around the floor but she had clearly had enough. “She is not much of a dancer, I’m afraid.”

“Never was.” Legolas shot her a look.

“How would you know that?”

“Oh I could tell from the first dance the two of you shared.” Lavishla licked her lips nervously. Legolas watched her agitated movements, but her eyes regarded him coolly. “You don’t believe me? How else could I know if she could dance or not? She sure can sing though” She smiled at him and realized their eyes were almost level. He was just a fraction taller than her.

His blue eyes gazed back, she truly was a striking looking elf. They glided over to the edge of the dance floor and made their way through all the other couples to grab a goblet of wine. Legolas decided to chat with this enticing elf a bit longer- Astaldo would have to wait- sorry my friend. They headed to the garden path that led to the palace steps, going up towards the balcony.

“Tell me about yourself, Lavishla. Where do you come from? You seem to have a slightly unusual accent, one that I can’t place.” Legolas motioned for her to be seated on the bench seat over looking the whole garden and festivities.

“Oh, I stayed with some of my mother’s family in the South when I was younger. My father decided it would be a good idea for me to live with my relatives in a different place. You know, learn their culture. I stayed there for a few years and in that time I was schooled in their ways.” Her eyes remained on the dancing, singing crowd below, seemingly not to notice them.

“Did they teach you to dance so well? What about singing? Or is it only the Westie elves that can do that so well?” Legolas was watching her closely but she did not face him, preferring the scene below her to his intense eyes.

“Nay, I am not a brilliant singer, although I enjoy it as any elf would. I was taught in the ways of the warrior- I like to do archery and sword fighting.” Finally she slid her eyes to him, to see his reaction to this admission.

He was impressed; he knew she had a commanding presence about her. The way she glided effortlessly around the dance floor, strong yet feminine, all at once. He felt like he was taking one of his border guards for a dance. She had poise and control, most of the time. He had seen that slip when she made the comment about Narninium’s dancing.

“That I should like to see one day.” His eyes glinted mischievously. “Maybe I could challenge you to a sword fight?”

“I’m sure that could be arranged.” Her eyes sparkled at the suggestion. He really is too nice to refuse- what if I beat him though? What a humiliating thought that was. Her, thrashing the Prince of Mirkwood in a fight, even if it was for fun. She knew she would have to let him win. “I really must go and see some of my other friends, but I’ve enjoyed this drink with you Legolas.” Quickly she got up and ducked through the archway, turning back to curtsy to him.

“When will I speak with you again?” Legolas could not believe this attractive elf he was just getting to know, was disappearing on him already. He was really starting to enjoy himself.

  “I will speak with you later, Legolas. I’m sorry, I have seen someone I know.” With that she disappeared down the back staircase and headed through the main hall of the palace, leaving him to ponder her words.



*****

“Legolas, I have been looking for you.” Narninium ran up the stairs breathless.

“What’s wrong Narninium? Is father not looking after you?”

“No, it’s not that, although I think I’ve had enough of dancing for the night.” She giggled at him, sending a shiver down his spine. What was happening to him? Couldn’t he control his reactions to her any more? Too much wine, he decided.

“It’s Astaldo, I can’t find him anywhere, Have you seen him? I hope he hasn’t left the party yet.”

“I think he was unhappy at my father’s prize for the winner. I mean he’s been waiting to dance with you for days, and there’s me, winning you as a prize. He is not impressed, but I had to do what my father asked of me, as did you.” Legolas was playing with the rim of his goblet, wishing he had a whole bottle of wine with him on the balcony.

“I know I felt really sad for him when the prize was announced and your father has kept me on the dance floor practically the whole time. Oh, how I hate dancing.” She flopped down on the seat beside him, her cheeks pink. Legolas squirmed with the closeness of the two of them, guilt washing over him. He should go and look for Astaldo that would be the best idea. Unaware of her closeness to Legolas, and what it was doing to him, she settled down next to him taking his goblet from his hands. His body lurched with desire at the soft touch of her fingers.

“Really- you need some more wine,” She scolded him gently. “ I’ll get you some, wait right there. And by the way, who was that elf maiden I just saw the back of?” She was looking right at him, a giggle about to escape.

“Oh, a new friend I made today- her name is Lavishla. I really would like to go and find her again as we didn’t get to finish our conversation. She loves dancing, so I won’t be embarrassing you with that duty anymore.” He looked back at her standing in the doorway with his goblet. Hell she looked ravishing. “I’ll go and find Astaldo for you as well, while you get the wine, okay?” She nodded her head and skipped happily down the stairs towards the refreshments.
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