Yeah yeah I know…I haven't been updating…but thanks to those who reviewed my first chapter :D I'm thrilled at the response.
It'll be going pretty slowly because this fic is quite long.
Enjoy the young and innocent Arya, it won't last long…
Guess who is introduced in this chapter?
Disclaimer: Fanfiction...go figure
Chapter Two- (Hel-lo handsome!)
The feast in itself was a success, people chattered animatedly around the lavishly decorated, open aired ballroom, elves danced and sang, ate and drank till their minds, stomachs and hearts were content.
The birthday girl -newly turned woman- herself had shown been a vision; clad stunning gown of shimmering mysterious green, hair uncomfortably pinned up, young features pale and courtly: a true princess of the forest. True to her word, she did not attempt to hastily disengage herself whenever a suitor approached, instead politely conversing and acting her part.
Arya could see her mother across the glade with Ellesmera's guest: the Rider Brom, enjoying watching her daughter inwardly squirm with all the male attention with tremendous gleeful enjoyment, half paying attention, for once, to what her companion was saying to her.
Curse the sly woman to the void.
It had only been a few hours after the start of the event, when she decided that she'd had had enough. She excused herself from her current situation, which involved stepping back every few seconds, as the skinny elf approached closer towards her every few words, presumably because of his enthusiasm.
Damnation to elven politics and elven politeness: she had not been attracted to him from his first appearance, but he obviously thought they had a deep connection. She rolled her eyes. To be truthful, this elf was barely tolerable, he did not have any of that fiery passion, that charisma, she craved in a man...but who was she to judge? Her expectations of her perfect match were not clear, even to herself yet.
Inwardly despairing, she quietly slipped away from all the cacophony and light, turning into a small hidden path in the shadows that led into a narrow hallway.
Arya stole around the dark corridors and hid behind vines and shrubbery as people passed.
She breathed a sigh of relief when she remained undiscovered. About to step out again and continue on towards the Menoa tree, she froze when she heard a voice close by.
Her hearing strained and she managed to catch quiet strains of a melody, a smooth, male tenor sang gently in a practiced way.
Arya peered around carefully, holding onto a railing to balance herself.
Enchanted, she followed the path of the voice. A dark silhouette was bordered by the translucent moonlight beside a dark pond. The form was bent over in half in order to study the flowers by the bank closely, a hand stretched out to feather over the petals.
She was not sure if this were an illusion. The princess approached slowly, feet automatically drawing her close, making no noise on the dewy lush grass. Her mind paid no attention to warnings that this was a stranger.
Hiding behind a massive trunk, her hands on the rough bark, Arya watched him straighten.
His voice continued to flow, the song slow and unhurried, the heavenly notes drifting, floating in the still clear, romantic air of this night.
'...then say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime; let me lead you from your solitude...'
Arya jolted inwardly, this was one of her favourite love ballads. Her father had sung it to put her to sleep, long and long ago to her mind. Before he had died in the line of duty, but…it was not a night for dark thoughts. She had already dealt with the pain and loneliness of his passing.
Its lyrics were a half remembered tangle inside of her head.
'...say you need me with you, here beside you, anywhere you go, let me go too, that's all I ask of you...'
She closed her eyes, and leaned her head against the tree, her body relaxing. Her father's voice resounded inside her head, she remembered his loving, melodious singing and offhandedly mused on how alike, yet different it was to the one of the strangers'.
'...Share each day with me, each night, each morning. Say you love me...'
He himself seemed to drift away into this own undertones, his voice fading out, but the music still playing in the air.
Arya lifted her head looking past the trunk again, slightly half annoyed and disconcerted at his halt, though she did not know why.
'...you know I do...' she continued, her voice soft and lilting.
She stepped out of the shadows confidently, walking slowly towards him.
His eyes and head jerked up, face surprised, and she faltered a little when his sapphire orbs seemed to penetrate through her. His eyes stood out in the dark cloak that covered their surroundings; misty, deep and gleaming with a taste for life, the same azure colour as the oceans that Arya had heard about from the elders.
A moment later, he was game, singing the next line, his emotions quickly covered up, and she joined in, eyes on his face, 'Love me, that's all I ask of you. Anywhere you go let me go too...love me, that's all I ask of you..."
Their voices died away in harmony, and nature's silence ruled over once more.
A lengthy moment later, he spoke, his eyes bright and delighted. "That was my favourite song, the Ballad of Christine and Raoul." He clapped his hands together, laughing. "You have a lovely voice."
They stood next to each other. She turned to face the lake, him following her lead. Their reflections looked back up at them. There was barely a ripple on the calm surface.
"Likewise," Arya said, responding to his last comment. She smiled cautiously, then brought two fingers to her lips, ignoring the usual propriety, "I am Arya."
He repeated the gesture, "I..."
She waited.
"Shall tell you another time." He finished, hesitating.
Arya watched him. The stranger was very attractive, looking like some exotic cross between a human and an elf, his strong features and build exuding an aura of finesse that she could have sworn he had royal blood in his veins.
"What are you doing out here by your lonesome?" She asked after realizing she had been staring impolitely, and that he had been surveying her much the same way she had him, albeit in a subtler manner.
Arya gave a small laugh as she noticed the pinkish tinge on the tip of his straight nose and fairly pointed ears from the chill. Perhaps he was used to a warmer climate.
He chuckled as well, "I could ask the same of you. Judging by the richness of your garments, you have just escaped from a party?"
Arya grinned, feeling at ease in this comfortable atmosphere, "I wouldn't have called it an escape; more of a…respite you could call it."
"Oh. Is that so? And why are you on this...break or respite, of yours?"He inquired curiously.
"Rather persistent suitors pursuing me around the dance floor." She commented bluntly with an exasperated air.
He nodded, rubbing his carved jaw and chin with embarrassment. Arya's gaze was drawn to the small well kept stubble on his skin that made him look older than his years. "I get that too sometimes," He replied.
She shook her head, sitting on a damp log nearby. She beckoned to him and patted the seat next to her, indicating for him to join her.
He obliged, fine brown hair fluttering faintly as he sat, settling around just past his shoulders. Sighing heavily, he rested his elbows on his knees. "You must be very important to be at such a formal event, are you a noble or royal?" He quickly added after realizing his candor, "...forgive me, that was uncalled for, it is none of my business and I did not mean to pry-"
"It is all right. I'll tell you, but you must promise you will not treat me any differently." Arya said seriously.
He nodded sincerely, "Of course."
"Well then… I… I am the Princess of the Elves, the heir to the throne of Ellesmera." She said in barely a whisper.
The stillness was uncomfortable.
Arya shifted a little, turning her head down and away from him.
After the shock had worn off, he leaned back and planted his hands behind him to hold himself up. He blew a deep breath from between his lips.
"..am I to get down onto my knees and bow to you?" He said cheerfully, his expression changing from initial utmost horror, to resigned amusement.
She was taken aback, surprised, and frowning confusedly, she looked back at him.
A slow smile spanned her face, and eventually, she laughed. Arya punched his arm lightly in jest, "No! Certainly not. But...why this reaction? I half expected you to-… most people scramble for manners when my identity is revealed. They fawn and instantly, they close up."
He looked inquisitive, "Did you not make me promise to stay as I was?"
"Well," she considered, "I didn't think of it like that, nor did I expect you to receive me with such kindness. So, thank you."
He inclined his head nonchalantly. As she did not speak, he tilted his face upwards, and Arya watched as it was illuminated by the pearly white glow of the moon, "It is really nothing. No problem at all."
They stayed in contented silence for awhile again. She broke the peaceful hush around them first, and after the ice melted, they both conversed easily. The duo talked for over an hour. Arya found him to be a worthy listener, while in turn, he deemed Arya a very interesting person. Both found they had much in common and at one point talked about the finer points of archery and styles of sword fighting.
Soon, it was late, and it all ended too fast once the elves started calling for Arya.
He sighed, offering his hand politely, pulling her up gently from their seat.
"I have enjoyed our conversation this night immensely, Princess Arya," He said, "But it seems you are needed elsewhere, I think."
Arya glanced over to from where the voices drifted, calling her name. She did not want to leave, she did not even know his name!
"As have I, good sir, but it is the inevitable that we must part. My party-goers call, and I, as the main focus of this occasion, must attend to my duty of dancing with the young men..." She joked in a faux-serious tone.
He laughed, then lifted her hand to his lips, brushing her fingers with a light kiss. He bowed gracefully, "May we meet again, Princess." he seemed to consider something, "Maybe you would like to meet for noon meal some time?"
"I would greatly like that," Arya responded, her expression was genuine. "But, I have not seen you around these parts of the forest, are you staying long?"
"Well, seeing I have found reason to, I am reconsidering." His eyes danced merrily, "I will consult my father; he is here on business. We were originally going to stay for only a week or so."
Arya did not want to seem too probing and let her question about his father pass, she flushed a little though, at his words, "That is good, then. Perhaps we could meet tomorrow. I have a council I have to attend to with my mother which concludes just before mid day."
He nodded in agreement, "Very well. I will escort you from the gates of Tialdari hall then?"
"Yes, I will bring you to one of my favourite lunch spots."
"I look forward to it."
"Tomorrow then."
The voices were getting closer, she could hear brush and branches being moved around. Arya felt somewhat like a hunted animal.
He backed away slowly, winking at her and disappearing into the undergrowth not a moment too soon, as elves burst into the clearing.
She watched their approach.
It was Faolin.
The other elves looked mightily relieved, but he strode forward agitatedly.
"Where have you been?!" He said, running a hand over his hair, "we have been searching for over a half hour!"
Arya calmed him by a light hand briefly on his sleeve, "I was here all along. I needed some fresh air."
He sighed, exhaling deeply, "We should head back, the party is still running."
He ushered her towards the palace again. Walking ahead of the other elves, he leaned close to her ear, "I heard voices, where you talking to someone?"
She smiled kindly at him, "No Faolin. That must have been another couple out tonight."
He clearly looked disbelieving, but did not ask further.
The rest of the party passed agonizingly slowly. She was required to present a speech, thanking all her guests for attending her celebration and wishing them a good night. The elves took it as their cue to slowly start leaving, and came up to congratulate her one final time.
Naaira, who cornered her just as the ball dwindled to an end, while the company left in twos and threes, had a knowing look upon her face.
"You met someone out there, didn't you?" It was more of a statement, that she said bluntly, "A he."
"I beg your pardon?" Arya folded her arms over her chest.
"I can tell." Naaira said, sitting in a chair facing the princess, who was fighting to keep her face straight. "Who was it?"
"How can you tell?" Arya asked, defensively.
"I can always tell, Arya, I have known you for long..." she giggled, "and when you came in, you had a barely noticeable dreamy smile and distant eyes when you joined the ball again. You seemed to be in a contemplating state for the rest of the night."
Arya's mouth dropped a little, "Was I that obvious?"
Naaira shook her head. "Only to me, maybe your mother, she had a questionable look on her face when she left for her quarters… and probably Faolin. I can tell he is looking suspicious."
"Oh."
Naaira swirled her faelnirv in her gold rimmed glass tumbler, "So, who was it?"
"Just some person I accidentally discovered.''
''Must be someone unusual,'' Naaira remarked, ''I've never seen that expression on your face.''
Arya's cheeks tinted red, and she averted her gaze to the floor. She was doing that a lot that night, she noted to herself.
She spoke, her voice subdued, ''I do not know his name, but he promised to meet me tomorrow for a meal at noon.''
"A date!" her friend exclaimed triumphantly.
"I wouldn't call it that. It is just a meet between acquaintances." Arya murmured, the corners of her mouth lifted.
"What about Faolin?" Naaira observed puzzledly.
"I don't know. I am not sure where we stand together really." Arya answered honestly.
"So is the man you met today the one then?" Naaira asked seriously.
Arya fiddled with her fingers, "I'm still very young yet, Naaira, its hard to tell. I just want to be friends right now."
"Physical friends?" Naaira asked cheekily.
"Naaira! He is not like that at all!" Arya looked comically shocked. "I will have you know, he is very courteous."
"Tell me that after your date," Naaira said, standing as Arya followed her movement, "for now, let us have a well deserved rest."
They joined Faolin outside. Naaira left when they walked by her home, offering a warm hug, a wink and farewell, looking at Arya knowingly, while her Arya's guard looked on bemusedly.
Faolin made sure Arya was comfortably ensconced and safe in her own rooms before heading off.
Nice and long chapter…
and my pitiful authors notes sadly short…
I am soo sorry this chapter is so cliché and cheesy … just the way I like it.
Three guesses who our new resident charmer is?
I want to write a longer A/N but can't be bothered (for once, it's less than half a page lol)
Please review.