Well, here goes another chapter! I'm hoping the pace picks up a bit... Thanks for sticking with me!

Warnings: Contains mentions of suicide and slash.

Disclaimer: Not mine, no matter how hard a cry and beg.

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Dreams in Liquid Blue

Chapter 8: In Your Soul

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"I'm the one in your soul reflecting the light."

---"Serenity" Godsmack

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When Daemon next awoke, the sun was shinning brightly through a small window to his left, and he could hear the birds singing happily. A warm breeze was circling the room, and the smell of fresh flowers floated through the air.

~Where am I?~

That was the first thought that ran through the young man's mind. He remembered sitting in a drawing room with Legolas, Aragorn and Arwen. They had been talking when he had gotten sleepy. He had tried to stay awake, but his eyes wouldn't stay open. Then...

What? What had happened after that? He couldn't remember. All he could think of was that he had fallen asleep, and someone had brought him into this room.

A blush spread across his cheeks. ~Way to go, Kincaid. You're supposed to be the savior of their world, and you can't even stay awake long enough to hold a conversation.~

His stomach let out a low growl, which led him to wonder what time it was. So, throwing aside the quilt that lay over him---~it's so soft and comfortable~---he got to his feet and stretched. A wince came across his face as every bone in his body seemed to crack and groan. But he couldn't deny that he felt better than he had in a long time.

~Okay. I'm awake. Now what?~

Looking down, he realized that his feet were bare. That sent him on a search for his shoes. Around on the floor, in the corner, and under the bed...

Which is where he was when the knock came at the door. He tried to quickly scramble out, and only ended in succeeding to bang his head, causing him to curse loudly. "Come in!" he called, sitting on the floor and rubbing his head gingerly.

The heavy door opened and a blond head poked in, causing Daemon to forget about his pain as his heart began to flutter. "Good morning!" Legolas sang cheerfully. "Did you sleep well? Why are you on the floor? I didn't wake you, did I?"

Daemon climbed back to his feet, hoping he didn't look too disheveled. Almost unconsciously, he smoothed his jeans. "I slept wonderfully. I was looking for my shoes. And no, you didn't wake me up."

"Your shoes are gone," the Elf told him. "Aragorn has sent for a pair of boots that you can wear. He's also sent off for some clothes you can wear. Yours are dirty, and these are in our style. I thought it might make you feel more comfortable."

Daemon blinked at him. ~You took my shoes? Those were my Vans. Morrigan gave those to me!~

Then the brief anger was gone. That life was over. The less he had to remind him of it, the better. As for Morrigan, he had the memories and the photograph that both he and she always carried with them. And that he would never give up.

"So what am I supposed to do until then? Walk around barefoot?"

Legolas gave him a grin. "If that bothers you, I can carry you. I carried you here last night. It would be no trouble."

Daemon could only stare as his face began to heat up once more. ~*He's* the one who he brought me here last night? Oh boy. Talk about embarrassing!~

"I guess I can walk around without my shoes," he murmured, hoping his face wasn't scarlet. "This stone kinda feels good anyways."

"Good. Because morning meal has been prepared and the King and Queen request your presence. I am to be your escort." Legolas offered his arm. "Shall we?"

Feeling as though his heart was in his throat, Daemon self-consciously smoothed his shirt and jeans one last time before linking his arm through the Elf's.

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The palace looked decidedly different when lit by sunlight rather than by torchlight. No more did the winding corridors remind him of some medieval torture area, but as a cheery home. He was glad that he had Legolas with him. He would never have been able to find his way back to the Great Hall. He'd been too exhausted and too awed last night to pay attention to detail.

Of course, he was just glad Legolas was there period. His whole body was tingling from the continuous contact he was sharing with the Elf, and he felt as if he were walking on air rather than stone.

"I am sorry we kept you awake last night," the blond said apologetically. "I had no idea you were so tired. You should have told me. We didn't have to stay up talking last night. It could have waited!"

Daemon gave him a warm smile. "It was all right. I didn't realize I was so tired, either. At least, not until I got fed and comfortable! I was really trying to stay awake and join in the conversation, but I just couldn't keep my eyes open."

"You have nothing to apologize for. You were tired, and I should have noticed that. But I let Aragorn's excitement pull me in, and I agreed to stay up and ask you questions."

Daemon's face started to burn, and it only got worse when his stomach let out another growl.

Legolas laughed. "We'll get that hungry beast in you fed, and then I shall hand you over to Aragorn, who will get you clothed before beginning your training."

A wave of panic swept over the human, and he clutched Legolas's arm a little harder. "You're going to be there, right?" he asked quickly, and then turned his head away in embarrassment.

But Legolas didn't seem to be bothered by it. He simply gave a nod. "I shall be there for a while. I might even spar with you! But I have other things to tend to as well."

"Of course." Daemon swallowed the lump in this throat and ignored the hollowness in his chest. ~What are you so upset over? You're not joined at the hip with him or anything. You knew he was going to have to leave you sometime after you got here. Aragorn seems like a nice guy. There's nothing to worry about!~

He would just have to get over it. But it was oh so hard...

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The Hall wasn't nearly as full as it had been the night before. Daemon suspected that it was rather late in the day, and many of the servants and palace workers had already taken their morning meal and were already at work. Those still lingering in the Hall were the nobility and guests of the King and Queen.

"Well met!" Aragorn said warmly as his best friend and his guest approached. "I'm sorry we kept you up last night, Daemon. I trust that you slept well?"

"Better than I have in a long time," he replied with an answering smile. He was consciously aware of the fact that his arm was still linked through Legolas's, and quickly pulled his away. "And I'm sorry for falling asleep on you. I didn't mean to be rude. I didn't realize how exhausted I was until I quit moving."

Aragorn waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. "Don't apologize. There is nothing wrong with falling asleep when you're tired. I've fallen asleep quite a few times while in an important meeting. And I snore!"

All three of them laughed at this, and Daemon felt a lot better. They all chatted amiably as they moved over towards one of the tables on the floor where Arwen was already seated. The young human told his two companions about his adventures of the morning, when he couldn't find his shoes and hit his head on the bed when Legolas knocked.

"Have no fear," the king assured him. "Your shoes are ready, and clothes will be here by the end of the day. We can't have you sparring in bare feet. That wouldn't be good at all! Legolas would have to be carrying you again."

This caused the Elf to laugh, while the human blushed. ~Your blush factor is awfully low, Kincaid. Better correct that, or else they'll think something is wrong with you!~

He quietly cleared his throat and forced the warmth from his face. "I hope not. I didn't come here to be a burden."

"Oh, you're far from a burden," Legolas quickly reassured him. "I've already told you once this morning. I like carrying you."

Daemon could feel that heat seeping back into his face. He was very glad when they sat down for morning meal, and he sat by Legolas rather than facing him.

"Good morning," Arwen said warmly, smiling at the two sitting across the table from her and her husband. "How are you this morning, Daemon?"

"I'm just fine, milady," he answered formally.

She laughed. "Please. You are a friend. We don't like formalities between friends. It's just Arwen."

He nodded. "Of course." Then the food was placed in front of him, and his growling stomach reminded him of how long it had been since he had eaten. Without thinking, he attacked his food with gusto.

Legolas shook his head as he watched his new friend. ~I don't see how humans can eat so much. Or hobbits. You think they would explode!~

"While we are eating, I'm going to tell you the schedule for the day." Aragorn dabbed at his mouth with a napkin. "After morning meal, we will get you your shoes, and then began our sparring practice. Do you have any experience with swords at all?"

Mouth full of food, all Daemon could do was shake his head. He had never picked up a sword in his life. He'd seen them in glass cases and on TV, but that was it.

"That's fine. We'll start out with how to hold one and how to stand properly. We won't get into any actual fighting today. Is that okay?"

"Works for me," Daemon said. "It's whatever you think is best. I have no clue about this kind of things. I was a musician. That's all."

Aragorn nodded. "That will be our day's lesson, then." He turned his eyes to his best friend. "Will you be joining us, Legolas?"

The Elf shook his head, causing Daemon's stomach to twist. "Not right now. I have some errands to run for both my father and Lady Galadriel. I might make it later in the day, but I make no promises. I will return by dinner tonight though." He turned to wink at Daemon, who looked stricken, and fondly tousled his hair. "Don't worry. You'll be fine. Aragorn's a very capable teacher."

The boy managed a smile. ~But it won't be the same without you!~ "I look forward to getting started!"

Aragorn clapped his hands in glee. "Wonderful! We'll begin as soon as we're done eating."

Daemon went back to his food, but suddenly discovered that he wasn't quite as hungry.