Chapter 10

Escaping? Too easy!

Down the many corridors Bernard and Harlette crept. Following the former's nose, they managed to find their way in this labyrinth which was the palace. Nevertheless, with the wine still maintaining fast hold over her senses, Bernard was slow to react, and sometimes turned left instead of right.

They had been running amuck for more than thirty minutes now and, oddly enough, no guards were found. It was strange. So strange in fact, and many a time did Bernard consider this unnatural (since it was so very odd to leave prisoners unguarded) occurrence, but with her senses still too inebriated for her to take proper action, she simply accepted the situation as it was. Harlette accepted it: 'They are too good looking, so they must have a flaw. They are probably good looking and dumb?' she would analyze.

They scurried along the walls which gained in luminosity as they climbed up. They passed through a big room, with a large window viewing the endless horizon of trees. The great trees of Mirkwood, upon which large-winged and multi- colored butterflies fluttered joyously. Both master and pet surmised the time to be midday, for the golden sun was high up (what a shame it failed to illume the gloominess beneath the trees) and, moreover, laugher and music was heard echoing within the walls. The guards were most definitely at the gathering.

Their steps upon the carpeted floor went unheard. This escape was too easy. However, their peace was short lived for voices suddenly emerged from silence, coming from the other end of the corridor the escapees were in. One of the voices was familiar; it was that of the king! He was speaking to other elves, about the hunt that would take place later in the afternoon. The elves were eager for it and, taking their leave, the king was left on his own. Bernard smelled his approach. 'He's coming this way!'

The fugitives ran the opposite direction. Passing through several hallways, they were suddenly confronted with stairs going up and stairs going down. They both knew down would lead to the cells, therefore, they opted for up. They climbed grand marbled steps. Up and up they went till they were lost in another hallway, illumed by torches along the walls. Bernard spotted a great white carven wooden door, and in her despair she spoke, 'get in!'

It was a magnificent and luminous bedroom. Harlette immediately directed herself to the grand window, blessing her eyes with the beautiful picture of the endless and dense forest. But this was of no interest to her when spotting a big cupboard, and rejoicing upon the clothes hanging. Male clothes. Quickly she slipped brown breeches and a dark green tunic on. They were too big for her, but she was so cold and unwell, she would not be picky.

Meanwhile, Bernard stood immobile, smelling the air, growing distrust showing upon her countenance.

On the large bed, Harlette found a ruby, satin ribbon resting upon one of the many pillows. She raised her brow. She believed this room to pertain to a male, and the presence of that piece of fabric was unexpected. Maybe it was that of his wife or girlfriend... despite being aware she should not be taking it, her body moved of its own free will and, in a matter of seconds, her hair was knotted into a long, messy braid and tied with the ribbon.

'What's wrong Bernard?' Harlette coughed, her knees giving way as she slumped on the bed. Her head ached, her throat hurt and breathing was getting difficult. Her surroundings were spinning and nausea was catching up with her senses. She was ill.

'It's his room.'

'What?' Harlette asked, turning to a petrified Bernard. 'His room. It's his room! The king's room. It's his smell!'

'O I bet he smells delicious…spicy…a deep, masculine, sexual scent…' Harlette moaned and stretched as she lay upon the bed, clumsily, half asleep, fantasizing about all the nasty_

Bernard violently pounced on her face. 'What on earth is wrong with you!?'

Harlette shrieked and slapped her mouth shut.

'There is no time for that! He's coming, the Elven King! I can hear him!' Bernard blurted out.

'Is that good or bad?' Harlette asked casually. Bernard's eyes almost sprung out from their orbits upon wondering: who was the sloshed one?

'Under the bed! quick!'

They slipped under the bed, and before Harlette could say anything, Bernard had her face squashed in between her delicate paws, her eyes round and almost menacing as she warned: 'now, do not make a sound. Elves have a very, very sharp ear. Even the sound of your breathing will rouse his alarm! Do not do or say anything! Do not even dare to think, since you seem to think too loud now!'

The door opened and in came Thranduil, smirking to himself.

TATATATA! *Drum Rollll*…so what will happen NOW!? … ;)

I really hope you are enjoying your read! At least I'm having great fun taking a trip to Middle Earth whenever I can! 8-)