Here is a new chapter. Hope you enjoy it!
An Afternoon Lesson
Lady Narya woke late next day with only one desire, to make her way to the lake of shining waters and enjoy the day in solitude. She learned the schedule of events through Lyneth and was pleased to know that she would be undisturbed in the western fields. After a quick brunch, she had a basket made and she set out under a bold, mid-day sun.
She walked leisurely through the fields, occasionally stopping to enjoy the view. Busy as ants, the workers merrily gathered the crops. They sang happy tunes and offered a "My lady" with a polite bow when they chanced to see her, to which she responded with a curtsey and a "Kind sir." So she was in very good spirits when she put down her basket and spread her blanket upon a delightful spot at the lake's shore.
But suddenly her senses were alerted to a horse's snort. She had not yet fully turned when a figure dropped out of a nearby tree with a demanding, "Look who is late today!"
She nearly screamed in fear, but immediately recognized the intruder.
"I have been waiting here all day," informed Legolas coolly.
Narya was taken completely by surprise. When she finally found her voice, she cried, "What on Middle Earth are you doing here? You're supposed to be at the tournament!"
"Nay, I'm supposed to be teaching you to shoot the bow while riding. Is it common courtesy in the Gray Havens to miss an appointment?"
She felt the familiar blaze of anger. This insufferable elf consistently brought out the worst in her. "Your incivility last night led me to believe our appointment was nullified!"
"I must beg your pardon for that, my lady," he pleaded with repentant eyes. "I received difficult news and knew not how to react, not to say that is an excuse. I was most abominable to you and I apologize."
She had no idea what to say. Once again, his humble apology had completely disarmed her.
"Am I forgiven?" he asked with a smile that nearly took her breath away.
"I shall think about it," she smiled back and he knew all was forgiven.
"So why are you here, if not to meet me?"
She felt a sudden urge to open her jar of lemonade and pour it over his head. With difficulty she resorted to gently asking, "Do you not see the beauty around us? Could it not be possible that I came here to enjoy this wonderful place?"
He looked around as if seeing it for the first time. "Yes," he responded happily. "Yes, it is quite possible. It is truly lovely here."
"Ah, my friend has arrived!" laughed Narya and the chime of her voice filled Legolas with wonder. An elegant swan made his way to shore and called her. She quickly found a sandwich in her basket and approached the white beauty. Entranced Legolas watched as she removed her shoes and stepped into the water. She sweetly coaxed the swan to let her touch him. Her skirts were at least six inches in the water, but she didn't mind. "Come, my lord." She offered Legolas a piece of bread to feed the swan.
"I don't know," doubted Legolas.
"Come! He is very friendly."
Legolas approached and took the piece of bread from her hand. He fed it to the swan who greedily gulped it down. They both laughed and Legolas was awe-struck by her aura. He realized that her beauty was like the sunrise: first a faint glimmer that promises a new day, then the gradual revelation of full light, whose might is wrought with a bright, clean beauty like no other. How could he not have seen it before? He stared at her in wonder until she grew uncomfortable.
"What are you looking at, my lord?" she asked.
"I'm looking at you, my lady," was his bold reply.
She smiled shyly and he fought the urge to claim her lips. Instead, he invited, "Shall we begin our lesson?" And he summoned Arod.
Lady Narya became apprehensive and said, "Prince Legolas, I am ill at ease about this. I don't thinkā¦"
She was interrupted by the mounted prince offering his hand to her, "Come, Lady Narya. It is easier than you think."
"You wish me to ride with you?" she asked with a nervous laugh.
"It is the only way to safely teach you."
"I am afraid I cannot. It would not be proper."
"Then, I am glad that we are alone." He winked mischievously and extended his hand once again.
She stared at his hand knowing that she would take it. She felt displaced, as if watching herself from afar. Then in a swift, fluid motion she grabbed his hand and mounted Arod behind the Prince.
"Very good," he cheered. "You have some skill on horseback." This would have been the moment to say that she enjoyed riding, but she was speechless.
"You must put your arms around me." He hid his joy when he felt her delicate hands hesitantly touch his waist. And he could not avoid a smile when he said, "I am afraid that is not strong enough. You will fall, my lady."
She carefully slid her arms around his waist and now with her nose in his hair she could not stop herself from breathing in deeply. His essence filled her, woodlands and musk. And her heart beat wildly.
"That's better," he said. "Let's ride. Get a feel for Arod." He gave the command and Arod started a slow trot.
"Feel his muscles under you as he moves. You will predict his movements and achieve greater balance." But Narya hardly heard the instructions because she was so engrossed by new sensations. The Prince's hair was so soft. The muscles on his back were so tight. "Let's go faster." He gave the command for Arod to gallop and Narya held on even tighter. And when he brought his arm to cover hers, she allowed it to remain so.
They rode swiftly into the wind, neither one wishing it to end, both feeling that they had never experienced such joy.
Thank you for reading. Please let me know what you think!
