Chapter Nineteen

"I'm bored…"

I heard a low chuckle. Legolas sat at the armchair and table set below looking at me amused. I had been cooped up in his room for more than two weeks. While I appreciated being brought breakfast and books from the library I was getting stir crazy. The same walls, despite the opening in the roof to the outside, it didn't make things any better.

"Then you will be happy to know your room is ready," He said.

I peeked at him trying to see if he was messing with me.

"Really?"

He nodded.

"We had to make sure the wards on it were secure and active." He stated.

"You guys didn't go through a lot of trouble getting this ready for me right?" I asked seriously.

He shook his head but a small smile graced his lips.

"When will you learn you are one of our own, we take care of our own." He stated.

I blushed, the stitching in the comforter becoming extremely interesting.

"Father tells me we can go there after you have eaten." He added.

I cheered.

"I don't have to go under cover right?"

Legolas shook his head.

"Though our search is unsuccessful, your presence may trigger something."

"I'm bait," I stated.

He smiled and shrugged his shoulders

"How much does Luthias like this plan?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.

He chuckled.

"Luthias know we are moving you,"

"But the part about me being bait was conveniently left out right?"

Legolas smiled but his eyes shone with mischief.

"Oh you're going to get in trouble…"

He shook his head as Lillie brought in breakfast.

"I need to step out, I'll be back before it's time for the move,"

"Oh you're just happy to get your room to yourself again to woo women,"

His face flushed and he went out of the room before he could say something. I giggled and Lillie was smiling and shook her head.

"You tease him," she accused.

I shrugged.

"It's easy to tease him, he'll get me back I'm sure." I stated.

She shook her head and set the tray in front of me on my lap. It was fruits, cheeses, and milk. I so wanted some actual meat but the elves rarely ate such things. I would be truly happy again when I got the ok from King Thranduil to be able to shift again. I missed hunting and the feel of the dirt beneath my paws. It had been nearly a month or so since I shifted last. My animals were getting antsy, they were ok with the last few weeks due to my injuries but I would have to shift soon. Or they would force me to and that was normally painful. I had that happen only once before and it was not a pleasant experience I'd like to repeat. Though despite it all I was happy. Probably the happiest I've been since I've arrived in Mirkwood.

Sure enough the elven princeling did come back and escort Lillie and I (on my makeshift crutches) through the halls and towards a part of the Kingdom that I haven't explored it was reserved for dignitaries and royalty. It wasn't far from the princeling's room. Gandalf's room was moved to this wing as well. We stopped in front of a heavy oak door, Lillie gently lifted my hand and placed it on the door, there was a slight tremble from the door and I heard a click and the door opened. Both Lillie and Legolas touched the door as well and it allowed them entry. It was similar to the princeling's room but there were differences.

The far wall was nothing but intricate arches in the designed in the form of leaves with branches sprouting among the tops. The arches were glassed enclosed leading to another outdoor area. It was just an enclave but I could see the trees around it up against the woods. The enclave was made of a dark brown wall in a half moon around the glassed wall, the grass was green and vibrant, there was a large tree in the middle providing shade, there were flowers in the enclave and ivy and leaves covered the entire wall, hiding it completely. There was a small fountain against the wall creating a tranquil atmosphere. Inside the room itself on the right there was a small arched way as well, following down the narrow hall I came upon a smaller room just off the right that had a privy and a place to wash my hands a face to freshen up. Further down the dimly lit hallway I nearly groaned in pleasure. It was a small hot spring. Large enough for more than three people, but small enough to feel secure but not claustrophobic. The fall wall had little ledges that held towels, soaps, and various washes. The top most ledges had several different candles. I couldn't wait to try it.

Just beyond the door to the hot spring was a table and several comfortable looking armchairs, sitting slightly in front of a large bookshelf filled from bottom to top with books. There was another smaller shelf with trinkets and oddities. Then the room curved slightly to the glass archways and a large rug lay in front of the glass archways, part of me could imagine myself in a large cat form lounging in the sun. I remember vaguely telling Lillie I liked to sun bathe in cat form, she must have remembered. Then the room curved afterwards and led to a slightly raised platform with two end tables saddling a four poster bead, in a misty grey wood, the curtains were that of light blue and the bedspread of a mint like green. There were several pillows and the two end tables matched the bedframe and candles were adorned in black candle holders upon them. Just off to the left of the platform was a doored archway, upon opening it was a closet, similar to a walk-in closet in my time, at this point I figured Lillie must have had some say in the design because I had talked to her about these things. There were outfits and clothing and bagged garments lining the walls, the walls decorated in glass sconce candles upon the walls. The room then turned around back to the door where there was a hook for my bag and cloak and a stand for my weapons on either side of the main entrance.

"This is my room?" I asked amazed.

"We may or may not have had design input on it." Lillie said clapping her hands.

"I love it," I whispered.

I could hear Lillie cheering quietly, though Legolas said nothing he seemed rather pleased.

"Well I shall leave you to the exploration of your room, father will be by later to check on the healing progress of your wounds." Legolas stated.

I nodded and hobbled over to the bookcase and began staring at some of the titles. Some of which I had never seen in the library or in any of Gandalf's study. I figured I'd start from the top and make my way down. I at least would be sated in reading for a long while.

Meanwhile elsewhere…

A low growl emitted from her lips as she noticed the shifter hobble after the prince and the elven handmaiden. She just didn't know when to quit did she? Not even after the last meeting. The red haired elf glanced down at the heavy brown leather - clad tome in her hands, she had hidden the girl's memoir quite well, and no one had the faintest idea. As for the other men in the troupe that she had sent after the girl, she couldn't be sure for their safety. It wasn't her concern however, they wouldn't turn on her…she made sure they were…well sated for their silence. However if they did get accused…she shook her head. It wasn't her concern.

She was awfully surprised that they had found the hidden jail cell where they had hidden the girl, it was well hidden and even less known about. She had a sinking fear when she saw the King in a bad mood a few weeks back. Had she been hidden away so she could heal? She couldn't be certain…but she did know a way she could find out…