-Bad Timing-
Almost a week went by since Saira sent her letter and finally Lenwe was back. Legolas and Saira took a break from their work out so she could read it.
"Milady, for you" Lenwe handed her the letter.
"Diola lle Lenwe" Saira ripped the letter open and read it quickly. She began to laugh
"What does it say?" Legolas asked wiping his face with a towel
"Liz is coming with her father is 2 weeks"
"That's good. Drink?" he held a glass of water out
"Thanks" she downed it hungrily
"Ready for another round" Legolas asked
"Give me a minute. You wore me out on the last one." They walked back to their training area together and sat down beside on another. "Legolas?"
"Hmm?"
"Um, we really need to talk.. about what happened last week"
Legolas became fidgety. "I honestly don't know"
Tow weeks passed quickly and Legolas kept Saira very busy with working out and her magic. They weren't sure when Liz was going to arrive and they didn't know that Ita was coming too.
As the day grew warmer, training became rather difficult. Legolas decided they should train indoors with the growing hear. He also decided to start teaching Saira the bow. The last time she tried had been back in Hyrule and failed miserably.
"C'mon, we're working inside today" he said to Saira as she came down from her room.
"Oh, good. The humidity is dreadful"
However Liz and Ita were nearly to Mirkwood. She'd sent someone ahead to tell them not to sound that they were there so that she could surprise Saira.
"You're not serious"
"I'm completely serious. You've been asking me for almost half a year now and I'm finally giving in"
Legolas just told Saira how he was going to teach her the bow
"Now, it's very difficult"
"I know"
"Here, it's made by the elves of Lorien" He handed her a beautiful bow with ivy and Elvish leaves of Lorien carved along every inch.
"It's magnificent"
"This was given to me by Galadriel, Lady of Light" he said
"I think her gift to you is far better than mine"
"What did she give you?"
She rolled her eyes, "Oh only a stupid mission to save the worlds"
"Right. Sorry. Anyway, here's how you hold it. Your left hand is put just below the middle arch. Your right hand pulls the wire"
Saira didn't get it
"Here, I'll show you," Legolas sighted. He walked up behind her and put his arms against hers. He then put his hand on the back of hers and put them on the bow in the correct spot. However, in order to do this his entire body had to be pressed right up against her own adding to the already felt heat.
Liz and Ita rode into the city where Tarowyn greeted them.
"Creoso a' Mirkwood Arwen Eriathiel. (Welcome to Mirkwood Lady Eriathiel) It's been long since your last visit." He said
"Vedui. I'm glad you'll have us" Liz said dismounting her horse, "My father is unable to come but he wishes good fortune to you all"
"That is unfortunate. Perhaps another day. Saira is training with Legolas in the indoor courtyard through there," He said pointing through a tree-arched hallway.
Liz bowed and then she and Ita headed toward the room with Legolas and Saira. Ita was excited to see Saira and ran ahead of Liz.
Saira could feel and hear Legolas' heart beating faster as they stood there motionless. Her hair fell in front of her face but she felt Legolas' smooth hand leave hers and brush the hair behind her ear.
Then the door swung open and Ita walked in with Liz close behind. Legolas and Saira broke away quickly but not near quick enough. Ita pretended not to notice though his heart knew what happened.
"Ita! Liz! You're here?" Saira said exasperated
Liz walked up and hugged Saira and gave her a weird look. When Liz let go, Ita walked up and conjured an amethyst rose. He handed it to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"It's good to see you"
"Saira, we'll cut it short today so you can greet your friends" Legolas said in a disappointed voice
"Alright, well I was planning on going for a swim. Would you like to join me?" she asked Ita and Liz
"Sure, after riding all day that sounds great" Liz said
"Alright. C'mon" all three of them left. An elf named Lindal was speaking with Tarowyn at the bottom of the stairs. Lindal was charged with taking care of Saira and her friends when they arrived. He was very shy and didn't talk much. His blonde hair was always pulled back into a ponytail and everything about him was precise. Saira was always kind to everyone in Mirkwood making them willing to things for her when she asked but it was not in her nature to take advantage of such behavior
"Lindal!" she called after they had finished speaking
"Saira, how can I help you?" he answered
"Please Lindal, don't be so serious, I just wanted to know if our guests rooms have been prepared"
"Already done. Master Dorthonion's room is where Master Alonde's was and Lady Eriathiel's is next to yours. I'll take them"
"No, Lindal, that's alright. I know where it is. Sorry to interrupt"
"Wow, Saira, such initiative. I'm surprised you're not a Lady of the Council yet"
"A Lady? Me? Never. Are you one?"
"I have been. I'm the youngest Lady in Rivendell."
"What about you Ita, have you a Lordship title?" Saira asked curiously
"No, you have to be born into or given the title."
"Well, from what I know, I have neither"
Saira took them to their rooms. Liz and Saira went to Saira's room to change, and Ita went to the room where Dmitri had stayed since it was now his.
"Tonight you'll have to tell me about the poolside adventure and what happened 5 minutes ago." Liz said pulling a skirt on over her bathing suit
"I don't know what you're talking about. Nothing was happening back there"
"Uh huh and I'm a hobbit"
"C'mon. Ita's waiting"
Saira was wearing a black bikini that showed off a lot. She rarely wore it but she couldn't find her other one. She tied a black wrap around it. Liz was also wearing a bikini but hers was a deep aqua-green matching her eyes. Saira suspected magic to get the color so perfect. They emerged from their room and Saira smiled at the look on Ita's face.
He'd always seen Saira in her school uniform or pants and a shirt. In his eyes, she was absolutely perfect in every aspect. They went to the pool together and spent many hours there and were disappointed when dinner was called but they were hungry and went anyway. It was a feast to welcome the guests. Saira thought Lord Thranduil enjoyed having feasts and that amused her.
It was near 10:00 before it was over but they were all still wide- awake. They went to one of the deserted courtyards to sit and chat. There were benches hanging from trees in a certain one Saira found exploring one day. Liz took the swing across the bench while Saira and Ita laid on the bench swing. As the hours went by, Ita grew tired and fell asleep lying across Saira's legs.
Saira kissed him on the forehead and when he didn't wake up, she magicked him to his room and then she and Liz went back to talk by themselves.
"Okay, now that the boyfriend is gone, tell me what happened. Both times. I'm not blind" Liz said
"Which first?"
"Start from the beginning so the pool one."
Saira made sure the light in Ita's room was off and that no one was around before she told.
"Alright, for starters, I should tell you that I love to swim. It really relaxes me. Well, Legolas was being very protective because I passed out the night before. I wanted to go swimming to wind down and I invited Legolas to come with me because he was all high-strung. I went to change behind my dressing screen and when I came out he was gone. I figured I said something"
"Hurry up and get to the good part. I'm dying of suspense" Liz begged
"You said details and that's what I'm giving you"
"Details about the almost-kiss"
"Fine. I was floating around and I know where everything is and instead of hitting a rock on one part, I hit his legs."
"Ooo"
"Anyway, he asked if he could join and of course I didn't argue. So then he took off his weapons and his shirt. Oh my god. I don't think I've ever seen a better sight. His abs and chest and legs and arms and oh god it was all perfect. Then he dove above me and flexed them all"
"It doesn't get much better than that"
"Well, he came up looking absolutely gorgeous with his wet hair and water dripping off his face. Anyway, he came up and not being able to use my brain at that moment I said, 'I thought you said you didn't like to swim' He kept coming closer and said, 'I don't but you were right,' Now if you'd have let me talk about what happened before, you'd understand. I told him swimming was relaxing for everyone and so now he agreed. Whispering, I said, 'I told you.' By this time, I was against the edge. He started leaning in until Tarowyn came by and we broke away."
"I bet you wanted to slap him" Liz said
"More than you know"
"Ok, now what happened today?" Liz asked
"It was very much the same scenario but us fully clothed. He was finally teaching me the bow and well, I'm absolutely terrible. He put his arms around me to show me how. It was a quiet moment. My hair started falling in front of my face and he let go of my hand to brush it back. He was about to lean in when my knight in shining armor arrived with his squire" Saira said sarcastically.
"I'm sorry. You do realize you'll have plenty of chances right? I mean, if he's tried twice then I'm betting he'll try again"
"Yes, but now Ita and you are here. Can you imagine the look on his face is he walked in on us?"
"I do, but I can tell by the look on your face that you'd rather be with Legolas than Ita. Deep down Ita knows it too"
"I dont know. I mean Legolas is a couple of thousand years older than me" Saira said sadly
"Not really. To elves, the age thing isn't really a factor. Think of 100 years as 1 year and that only makes him---"
"-29 years older"
"No, only 2." Liz said
"What? How?"
"You're technically 2700, remember?" Liz pointed out, "Because of Serenity"
"Ok you do have a point"
"Plus your soul is Serenity who is deeply in love with him and your love for him is growing"
"What? I don't love him" Saira argued
"Don't argue. You may not know but I'm partially emphatic"
"Damn elf abilities" Saira said, "And you are right"
Legolas was coming near the courtyard looking for Saira but he stopped in front of the door seeing they were talking. Liz could sense someone else around. Her ability made it possible for her to sense other peoples' feelings
"Which part am I right about?" he heard Liz say
"About loving him" Saira said, "when I look at Legolas, its like everything melts away. Worry, regret, fear. I feel safe with him."
Legolas could help but smile
"When I wake up, he's the first person I want to see and the last person I want to think about at night."
"Have you told him that?" Liz asked
"No, if I had, I probably would be with him right now rather than feeling guilty about this whole damn situation. Plus I don't know how"
"I'm going to get to bed. See you in the morning" Liz said
"Night"
Liz walked out while Saira stayed on the bench in thought. She caught Legolas on her way to her room.
"How long were you standing there?"
He stopped and turned around, "Not but a minute"
"Well, now you know"
"That I do. How long have you been hiding that brilliant gift of yours?" Legolas asked
"Long time. I've known how you've felt since the first day I met Saira and your love hasn't waned since that fateful day years ago."
"So, if you don't mind my asking, how does she feel about Ita?"
"She feels like she's betraying him" with that she left Legolas in the dark.
Legolas stood in thought as Saira was in the courtyard.
Almost a week went by since Saira sent her letter and finally Lenwe was back. Legolas and Saira took a break from their work out so she could read it.
"Milady, for you" Lenwe handed her the letter.
"Diola lle Lenwe" Saira ripped the letter open and read it quickly. She began to laugh
"What does it say?" Legolas asked wiping his face with a towel
"Liz is coming with her father is 2 weeks"
"That's good. Drink?" he held a glass of water out
"Thanks" she downed it hungrily
"Ready for another round" Legolas asked
"Give me a minute. You wore me out on the last one." They walked back to their training area together and sat down beside on another. "Legolas?"
"Hmm?"
"Um, we really need to talk.. about what happened last week"
Legolas became fidgety. "I honestly don't know"
Tow weeks passed quickly and Legolas kept Saira very busy with working out and her magic. They weren't sure when Liz was going to arrive and they didn't know that Ita was coming too.
As the day grew warmer, training became rather difficult. Legolas decided they should train indoors with the growing hear. He also decided to start teaching Saira the bow. The last time she tried had been back in Hyrule and failed miserably.
"C'mon, we're working inside today" he said to Saira as she came down from her room.
"Oh, good. The humidity is dreadful"
However Liz and Ita were nearly to Mirkwood. She'd sent someone ahead to tell them not to sound that they were there so that she could surprise Saira.
"You're not serious"
"I'm completely serious. You've been asking me for almost half a year now and I'm finally giving in"
Legolas just told Saira how he was going to teach her the bow
"Now, it's very difficult"
"I know"
"Here, it's made by the elves of Lorien" He handed her a beautiful bow with ivy and Elvish leaves of Lorien carved along every inch.
"It's magnificent"
"This was given to me by Galadriel, Lady of Light" he said
"I think her gift to you is far better than mine"
"What did she give you?"
She rolled her eyes, "Oh only a stupid mission to save the worlds"
"Right. Sorry. Anyway, here's how you hold it. Your left hand is put just below the middle arch. Your right hand pulls the wire"
Saira didn't get it
"Here, I'll show you," Legolas sighted. He walked up behind her and put his arms against hers. He then put his hand on the back of hers and put them on the bow in the correct spot. However, in order to do this his entire body had to be pressed right up against her own adding to the already felt heat.
Liz and Ita rode into the city where Tarowyn greeted them.
"Creoso a' Mirkwood Arwen Eriathiel. (Welcome to Mirkwood Lady Eriathiel) It's been long since your last visit." He said
"Vedui. I'm glad you'll have us" Liz said dismounting her horse, "My father is unable to come but he wishes good fortune to you all"
"That is unfortunate. Perhaps another day. Saira is training with Legolas in the indoor courtyard through there," He said pointing through a tree-arched hallway.
Liz bowed and then she and Ita headed toward the room with Legolas and Saira. Ita was excited to see Saira and ran ahead of Liz.
Saira could feel and hear Legolas' heart beating faster as they stood there motionless. Her hair fell in front of her face but she felt Legolas' smooth hand leave hers and brush the hair behind her ear.
Then the door swung open and Ita walked in with Liz close behind. Legolas and Saira broke away quickly but not near quick enough. Ita pretended not to notice though his heart knew what happened.
"Ita! Liz! You're here?" Saira said exasperated
Liz walked up and hugged Saira and gave her a weird look. When Liz let go, Ita walked up and conjured an amethyst rose. He handed it to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"It's good to see you"
"Saira, we'll cut it short today so you can greet your friends" Legolas said in a disappointed voice
"Alright, well I was planning on going for a swim. Would you like to join me?" she asked Ita and Liz
"Sure, after riding all day that sounds great" Liz said
"Alright. C'mon" all three of them left. An elf named Lindal was speaking with Tarowyn at the bottom of the stairs. Lindal was charged with taking care of Saira and her friends when they arrived. He was very shy and didn't talk much. His blonde hair was always pulled back into a ponytail and everything about him was precise. Saira was always kind to everyone in Mirkwood making them willing to things for her when she asked but it was not in her nature to take advantage of such behavior
"Lindal!" she called after they had finished speaking
"Saira, how can I help you?" he answered
"Please Lindal, don't be so serious, I just wanted to know if our guests rooms have been prepared"
"Already done. Master Dorthonion's room is where Master Alonde's was and Lady Eriathiel's is next to yours. I'll take them"
"No, Lindal, that's alright. I know where it is. Sorry to interrupt"
"Wow, Saira, such initiative. I'm surprised you're not a Lady of the Council yet"
"A Lady? Me? Never. Are you one?"
"I have been. I'm the youngest Lady in Rivendell."
"What about you Ita, have you a Lordship title?" Saira asked curiously
"No, you have to be born into or given the title."
"Well, from what I know, I have neither"
Saira took them to their rooms. Liz and Saira went to Saira's room to change, and Ita went to the room where Dmitri had stayed since it was now his.
"Tonight you'll have to tell me about the poolside adventure and what happened 5 minutes ago." Liz said pulling a skirt on over her bathing suit
"I don't know what you're talking about. Nothing was happening back there"
"Uh huh and I'm a hobbit"
"C'mon. Ita's waiting"
Saira was wearing a black bikini that showed off a lot. She rarely wore it but she couldn't find her other one. She tied a black wrap around it. Liz was also wearing a bikini but hers was a deep aqua-green matching her eyes. Saira suspected magic to get the color so perfect. They emerged from their room and Saira smiled at the look on Ita's face.
He'd always seen Saira in her school uniform or pants and a shirt. In his eyes, she was absolutely perfect in every aspect. They went to the pool together and spent many hours there and were disappointed when dinner was called but they were hungry and went anyway. It was a feast to welcome the guests. Saira thought Lord Thranduil enjoyed having feasts and that amused her.
It was near 10:00 before it was over but they were all still wide- awake. They went to one of the deserted courtyards to sit and chat. There were benches hanging from trees in a certain one Saira found exploring one day. Liz took the swing across the bench while Saira and Ita laid on the bench swing. As the hours went by, Ita grew tired and fell asleep lying across Saira's legs.
Saira kissed him on the forehead and when he didn't wake up, she magicked him to his room and then she and Liz went back to talk by themselves.
"Okay, now that the boyfriend is gone, tell me what happened. Both times. I'm not blind" Liz said
"Which first?"
"Start from the beginning so the pool one."
Saira made sure the light in Ita's room was off and that no one was around before she told.
"Alright, for starters, I should tell you that I love to swim. It really relaxes me. Well, Legolas was being very protective because I passed out the night before. I wanted to go swimming to wind down and I invited Legolas to come with me because he was all high-strung. I went to change behind my dressing screen and when I came out he was gone. I figured I said something"
"Hurry up and get to the good part. I'm dying of suspense" Liz begged
"You said details and that's what I'm giving you"
"Details about the almost-kiss"
"Fine. I was floating around and I know where everything is and instead of hitting a rock on one part, I hit his legs."
"Ooo"
"Anyway, he asked if he could join and of course I didn't argue. So then he took off his weapons and his shirt. Oh my god. I don't think I've ever seen a better sight. His abs and chest and legs and arms and oh god it was all perfect. Then he dove above me and flexed them all"
"It doesn't get much better than that"
"Well, he came up looking absolutely gorgeous with his wet hair and water dripping off his face. Anyway, he came up and not being able to use my brain at that moment I said, 'I thought you said you didn't like to swim' He kept coming closer and said, 'I don't but you were right,' Now if you'd have let me talk about what happened before, you'd understand. I told him swimming was relaxing for everyone and so now he agreed. Whispering, I said, 'I told you.' By this time, I was against the edge. He started leaning in until Tarowyn came by and we broke away."
"I bet you wanted to slap him" Liz said
"More than you know"
"Ok, now what happened today?" Liz asked
"It was very much the same scenario but us fully clothed. He was finally teaching me the bow and well, I'm absolutely terrible. He put his arms around me to show me how. It was a quiet moment. My hair started falling in front of my face and he let go of my hand to brush it back. He was about to lean in when my knight in shining armor arrived with his squire" Saira said sarcastically.
"I'm sorry. You do realize you'll have plenty of chances right? I mean, if he's tried twice then I'm betting he'll try again"
"Yes, but now Ita and you are here. Can you imagine the look on his face is he walked in on us?"
"I do, but I can tell by the look on your face that you'd rather be with Legolas than Ita. Deep down Ita knows it too"
"I dont know. I mean Legolas is a couple of thousand years older than me" Saira said sadly
"Not really. To elves, the age thing isn't really a factor. Think of 100 years as 1 year and that only makes him---"
"-29 years older"
"No, only 2." Liz said
"What? How?"
"You're technically 2700, remember?" Liz pointed out, "Because of Serenity"
"Ok you do have a point"
"Plus your soul is Serenity who is deeply in love with him and your love for him is growing"
"What? I don't love him" Saira argued
"Don't argue. You may not know but I'm partially emphatic"
"Damn elf abilities" Saira said, "And you are right"
Legolas was coming near the courtyard looking for Saira but he stopped in front of the door seeing they were talking. Liz could sense someone else around. Her ability made it possible for her to sense other peoples' feelings
"Which part am I right about?" he heard Liz say
"About loving him" Saira said, "when I look at Legolas, its like everything melts away. Worry, regret, fear. I feel safe with him."
Legolas could help but smile
"When I wake up, he's the first person I want to see and the last person I want to think about at night."
"Have you told him that?" Liz asked
"No, if I had, I probably would be with him right now rather than feeling guilty about this whole damn situation. Plus I don't know how"
"I'm going to get to bed. See you in the morning" Liz said
"Night"
Liz walked out while Saira stayed on the bench in thought. She caught Legolas on her way to her room.
"How long were you standing there?"
He stopped and turned around, "Not but a minute"
"Well, now you know"
"That I do. How long have you been hiding that brilliant gift of yours?" Legolas asked
"Long time. I've known how you've felt since the first day I met Saira and your love hasn't waned since that fateful day years ago."
"So, if you don't mind my asking, how does she feel about Ita?"
"She feels like she's betraying him" with that she left Legolas in the dark.
Legolas stood in thought as Saira was in the courtyard.