#4 Plants

High on the walls at his post overlooking the palace the young sentry listened to the beautiful song as his eyes followed a slender figure moving in the garden below. It had been this way for two weeks now and although he knew he was supposed to ensure that no one entered what had once been the beloved retreat of the Lady Finduilas, he was certain that, as the area now belonged to the new king and this regular visitor was by all counts held in very high esteem by said king, it would probably not go well if he asked him to leave.

The music helped of course, though what it was the fair haired elf lord sang of was a complete mystery as he sang in words the sentry did not understand. Still, they captured his heart and made him feel strangely wild and free as if he could take wing and circle the sky.

Although dusk was falling he could still make the elf out clearly, he shone with a pale silver glow that pulsed as he sang, running his fingers over leaves and stems, turning this way and that as if to ensure he left no plant or tree untouched. A dance of such exquisite elegance and beauty that it made the man want to weep for his own clumsiness in compare.

That morning, he had felt compelled to descend to the garden himself. After the elf had gone he had quietly entered the forbidden area, curiosity overtaking sense in the overwhelming need to know why the elf sang, why he came to this place and danced. His mouth had opened wide in astonishment at what he had found. The garden, so long neglected and unloved, so long overgrown and abandoned was changed. Flowers filled its corners, bushes seemed to have moved back to allow the paths to re-open and the small, central fountain had sprung to life once more, its cascades tinkling with the flow of crystal water.

He had heard of the magic of the elves but now, here he finally saw for himself that it was real and that night he resumed his watch with renewed vigour and when the song started opened his heart and felt the remains of the dark disappear, carried away forever as the roots of a new peace for the world were set down.


A/N

I would just like to thank everyone for the wonderful comments I have received for these little pieces. This challenge has really got me back into the swing of things again. :)