Chapter Three

The inn was warm and cosy and the innkeeper was a jolly and ruddy man. He made the necessary preparations for accomodating Lady Eodrea and her companions and he set his servants to prepare a sumptuous supper for the weary travellers. Soon, the large table in the dining hall was laid with various fares. Callysta had never seen so much food set in front of her before and her stomach grumbled at the sight of it.

It was a merry supper and Callysta, with her heavy heart had to pretend that she was enjoying herself. The only solace she found was in the innkeeper's fiery red wine and she drank goblets of them. As she raised her eighth cup to her lips, she felt a restraining grip on her wrist. She looked up, dizzily and found Legolas staring at her, not too kindly.

"Milady, I think that's quite enough. Your face is turning as red as the colour of your dress." Legolas said. Never trust an Elf to be subtle. Callysta's face blushed even redder at that comment.

"Excuse me," she mumbled, getting up and stumbling out through the front door. The cold night wind hit her with an icy gust but she welcomed it, needed it to clear her mind. Taking a deep breath, she hugged herself and shivered a little.

The streets were dark, except for the occasional puddle of light casted by hanging lamps. From the corner of her eyes, she caught a moving silhouette moving into the shadows. As she peered into the pitch darkness, straining to see whom it was, she heard a soft whisper behind her calling her name.

"I think you have forgotten this." Legolas said, as he draped a cloak around her, "No sense in rescuing you from the bandits only to have you fall ill in this cold wind."

Callysta thanked him, not knowing further more what to say. It would not be wrong to say that she was afraid of him. She felt her whole soul and mind were laid bare before him when he looked her in the eyes. She was uncertain how long before her mental barricade would crumble under his scrutiny.

"You seemed troubled, milady." Legolas noted.

"Please, just call me Callysta." Callysta said, "No, I am not troubled. The shock from today's event wearies me so and I am tired from the journey. I don't travel much."

"Then, perhaps it is an ill judgment on the behalf of Lord of Galathor to allow his daughter to travel all by herself on such an arduous and dangerous journey." Legolas said, shrewdly.

Callysta paused for a moment, thinking of a suitable reply. "My brother was supposed to accompany me but he has matters abroad." She said. It was the truth in parts. Her brother, Jyohen was with Ceren on another looting hunt further south.

"Pardon my ignorance as to where the realm of Galathor lies. Would milady kindly enlightened me then?" Legolas asked.

Callysta gulped. She knew he was laying the trap for her but she had no choice but to take the proferred bait.

"It-It's further north. I am not surprised that you have not heard of it before. It's quite an isolated realm. I doubt you would know of the place even if I were to tell you."

"Try me."

"It's-" Callysta paused again, thinking of a remotest region in Middle-Earth, "beyond Ettenmoor."

"Beyond Ettenmoor? There's naught but barren lands if I remember correctly."

"It's there. I told you it was isolated. We do not have much contact with the outside world." Callysta said.

Legolas was silent, pondering on what she had said.

"I am tired. Goodnight." Callysta said.

As she turned around, she staggered and Legolas was instantly at her side. A wave of nausea swept over her and her head felt heavy. She heard that he asked her if she was fine. As she opened her mouth to tell him she was alright, another wave of nausea hit her and she found herself throwing up on his boots.

In the morning, Callysta woke refreshed. The sun was shining through the fluttering lace curtains. She stretched and yawned.

"Did you had a good rest?" A female voice said from the foot of the bed. It was Lady Eodrea. She had shared the room with Callysta. Callysta remembered where she was and she heaved a deep sigh.

"Yes, I did." Callysta smiled in reply. Today I shall have to hatch my escape plans, she thought.

"When you're dressed, do come down and we can arrange your trip for the day." Eodrea said.

Callysta nodded her head and she dressed hurriedly after Eodrea left.

When she came downstairs, the table was laid for breakfast and the rest of the company was there, except for Legolas. Gimli told her that he was in the stables. Eodrea told her that she will not be able to see her home for she was riding east to Rohan, her home.

"Nevertheless, you shall have the good company of Legolas, Gimli and Figwit. They are on their way North too, to Rivendell." Eodrea said.

"Once we reach Rivendell, I will ask Elrond to send word to the Lord Galathor. He will be pleased that you are in good hands and it won't be long before you're home again." Figwit told her.

Home again, she thought, bitterly, all the troubles for nothing, my dear Figwit.

Callysta's heart sank at the mention of Rivendell. She knew she must never get to Rivendell or her whole charade will be exposed. Still, she hoped that there might be a chance for escape once they're out on open road. Rivendell, she gathered was still two days journey away.

After they had breakfasted, she found herself wandering towards the stable. There among the stacks of hay, she found the Mirkwood Elf whispering to his horse. His expression was calm and serene. The great beast trotted back and forth as though he understood. Such was the gentle ways of Elves with animals. Callysta stood, mesmerized and touched by the beautiful bond exhibited between Legolas and his horse.

"We will set off soon. Oromel will bear both you and I." Legolas said, "If it is alright with you."

"Yes, of course." Callysta replied, and biting her lower lips she continued, "I-I just want to apologize about last night. About your…boots." Her gaze trailed to his feet.

He glanced up at her, his expression inscrutable. "It was an accident." He shrugged.

Callysta lowered her head, "I was going to tell you that I was alright when I felt sick all of a sudden…I'm sorry."

Legolas gave her a half-smile, "Sometimes, our deeds do not always reflect the intentions of the mind."

Callysta's heartbeats quickened when he said that. She wondered what he meant-the accident or her identity.

"Uhm, I better go and see if all is ready." Callysta muttered, excusing herself.

Legolas watched her leave. It was plain beyond doubt to him that she had something to hide. He knew it was really none of his concerns. He has greater things to worry his mind at present, for instance the urgent message Elrond had sent him and his longing for the Sea, for what lies beyond It.