Chapter 4
Arien awoke the next morning, her room lit by the rays of sun showering through the window. She immediately sat up and looked outside. It had to be close to noon.
Noon? Halin would have a fit! She scrambled out of bed and dressed hastily. But bursting from her room she came to a sudden halt as she saw Halin sitting at the table. His face was hidden in his hands as he sat in silence.
"Halin, I'm so sorry! I wasn't aware of the time. I…I slept in. Please forgive me. I didn't mean to."
"I let you sleep, Arien." He replied. His voice was all too calm and she knew immediately that something had gone horribly wrong.
"What's going---"
"Go pack your things. Don't question why. Just do it." He interrupted. His hands didn't leave his face.
She stood, mouth agape. Pack? Where were they going? But she didn't question. Returning to her room, she silently pulled a bag out from under her bed and began to place her clothes inside.
Halin remained at the table. He didn't speak. In his mind, he was still taking in the reality of the situation. This task would most likely be one of the hardest he's ever faced. He wasn't ready to do this.
Arien, confused and worried, placed the last of her clothes in her bag before turning to open the last dresser drawer. She tenderly picked up the small book from inside before placing it in between two blouses. Then grabbing her pen and ink, she put them in a side pouch and shut the bag.
"Halin?" she called, walking to him. He didn't speak but finally raised his head to meet her gaze. She almost dropped her bag when he looked at her. His great brown eyes were red and a single tear rolled down his tanned face. Her adopted father, usually so strong and controlled, sat before her bare, upset, and vulnerable.
"Halin, what's going on? Where are we going?"
He quickly wiped his hands across his face and took a deep breath before motioning to sit beside him. She did so without a word.
"Arien…King Thranduil came early this morning to take Legolas home and to speak with me. More men came with the night. Our people had managed to overcome them in the end but the market was destroyed and some houses lost." He paused as Arien gasped at the news.
"What's going to happen to us then? Our store was our only way of living."
"That's what King Thranduil came to talk to me about." He looked her in the eye. "How would you like to live at the castle? How would you mind it?"
"The castle? You mean we can live in the castle?" her eyes became wide.
"Only if you are willing to work. The King was very kind to offer us both a place there. You would be able to work with their horses everyday as a stable hand."
"But it sounds wonderful. Why are you so troubled?"
"Because, Arien. If we go, I must return to my old place in rank."
Arien's expression changed.
"You would become a Colonel once more." She stated silently.
"Yes. And that means you will be on your own for the most part. I will not see you but on holiday."
Arien didn't speak for awhile but when she did, she took a deep breath and stood before him.
"Very well. I'll go."
"Are you sure, Ari? You are still very young. I will stay if you want me to."
"It's not that I don't want you to. It's the fact that we must. I won't be a spoiled child and force us to live in poverty just because I don't want to be on my own. I will go and so will you if that is the only choice we have."
Halin stood and gave her a weak smile.
"My Ari." He embraced her. "You always proved to be a strong one."
She returned his smile with her own, forced though it was.
"Strong enough."
"Then let us depart while I still have the strength to go through with this." He stated, picking up his own bag that lay limp beside him.
Arien sighed. This was a big change.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Their arrival was far from unexpected. Elves standing guard nodded approval as they entered the castle grounds. There they saw King Thranduil and his son mounted on horseback, waiting. A third horse stood beside them, riderless.
"King Thranduil." Halin bowed. Arien curtsied but did not speak.
"Halin! I'm glad you've come. Your command on my army is undoubtedly needed after last night."
"I thank you for letting us come. We are grateful to be given such an opportunity in such time of need."
"Anything for a friend, you know that. Come. The servants will take your bags to their assigned rooms. But Halin, you and I have a meeting to attend. Let us not delay."
"What about my daughter, Arien?"
"Legolas will be showing her around. Do not fret about her. She is in good hands."
Halin hesitated before sighing.
"I trust your word. Let me have a minute though, if that is not too much to ask."
"We can spare a minute."
Halin turned and put a hand on Arien's shoulder.
"Are you sure you are willing to go through with this? You may still change your mind."
"Yes, I am willing. I know it's for the best and I will be fine. I promise."
"I know that, child. But I will worry anyway."
"Try not to. I will be fine."
"As much as I try I don't think I will succeed. Too much clouds my mind. Something tells me this isn't the right path to take."
"But it's our only reasonable one."
"Sadly, that's the truth." Then he hugged her. "Take care of yourself, Little Bit."
"You do the same." She replied, embracing him back. Then kissing her cheek, he rose and walked to King Thranduil. Reluctance filled his eyes.
"Come now. She's in good hands." The King reassured but Halin spoke not. He only mounted his horse.
Thanduil understood and turned to leave, Halin following. Neither looked back as they made their way to the meeting.
"Arien." Legolas called. She jerked from her thoughts and faced Legolas. "Come on. I want to show you something."
Mounting behind him, Arien spoke.
"What are you going to show me?"
"You'll see when we get there."
"What's it involve?"
"A horse."
"A horse?"
"That's what I said. You like horses, do you not?"
"Oh I do. Very much so!"
"Well so do I." he agreed, starting off in a canter. Arien watched over his shoulder as a stable slowly made its way into view.
"Is it safe to assume we are going to see the stable horses?" she asked.
"It would have been a good guess but that we are not."
"Well then where are we going?"
"You'll see. Be patient!"
The more they progressed, the larger the stable became. Arien guessed that it held at least 150 horses.
"Hold on tight. We've got a bit of a jump ahead of us."
Arien grabbed hold of his waist and looked over his shoulder once more. Her eyes widened as they approached a gate.
"Why can we not take the entrance?" she asked.
"Because this is quicker." he called back, leaning forward as the horse pushed off the ground. She did the same.
Arien and Legolas turned after landing for a stable hand was calling after them.
"Greenleaf, stay on the paths! How many times must I tell you?!"
Legolas just threw his head back and laughed before turning and galloping off. He knew he wouldn't get in trouble for the stunt so thought nothing of it. Besides, he preferred making his own path. After all, he would have to know how to ride through and over obstacles if he was going to become a warrior like Halin.
"Shouldn't you have listened to him?" Arien gave him a shocked look. She never dared to defy an elder.
"Nay! No reason. He can't do anything to me. Stop worrying. I won't get you in trouble."
"You got me in trouble with Halin the night before."
"No…you got yourself in trouble. You were the one who made them see us."
"But we were supposed to go directly home. You led me directly up a tree."
"We would have been captured if I didn't do something!"
"Still, a tree? You might as well jump in a hole!"
"Don't speak to your elder that way."
"Elder? Oh come now! You are in no way able to call yourself my elder!"
"I'm older than you am I not?"
"Yes but not by mu—"
"I'm your elder."
"You are no—"
"Silence!"
"But.."
"Shh!"
"Legolas!"
Laughing, he looked back at her and smiled.
"Lighten up, 'Little Bit', I'm just playing."
"Don't call me that."
"Sorry! Where did you get a nickname like that anyway?"
"Halin gave it to me a long time ago."
"Ai…" Legolas nodded, dropping the subject. Stopping, he dismounted. He tried offering to help Arien down but she ignored him, dismounting herself.
Shrugging, he spoke.
"Before we go any farther, you must promise not to speak about this to anyone."
"What is it?"
"I'll show you if you promise to keep silent about it."
"I promise."
"Shake on it."
"What?"
"Shake on it." He repeated, holding his hand out. She shook.
"Okay, now follow me. But don't speak and stay close. If she knows you're with me, she shouldn't be too wary."
She began to ask who but he gave her a warning look that made her decide against it.
Walking into an open field, his eyes searched the tall grass. Then, still moving forward, he let out a sharp, piercing whistle similar to the one he gave the men from the tree except much louder. Arien winced at the sound.
Pausing, he listened.
"What are listening for?" Arien whispered.
"Shh!" he said sharply, listening closely. Then he gave two quick shrill whistles and smiled, hearing the sound he was waiting for.
A horse from a far side of the field whinnied before galloping toward them. The tall grass prevented Arien from seeing the horse but she could tell it was moving quickly by the sound of its hooves.
Legolas began to progress forward, motioning for her to follow. A few more quick whistles and the horse was upon them, her mane spread wild from her crest down to her withers. The mare had to stand about sixteen hands from hoof to withers and she stood high before them, her elegant neck held proudly.
"She's beautiful." Arien whispered in awe. She had never seen such a horse.
"That she is. But her coat and stance are not all that's great about her. Look at her hindquarters. They are strong. Powerful. She's a jumper. And she's a brave one. She'd be fearless in battle!"
"May I touch her?" Arien asked, her eyes gazing upon the great beast before her.
Legolas hesitated but noticed the look in her eyes.
"Here. Give me your hand." He held out his own to her. When she did so, he pulled her in front of him slowly. Petting the horse's neck with one hand, he held the back of Arien's hand in the other. Speaking softly to the horse, he led Arien's hand across her withers and back. Smiling, Arien whispered.
"She has a soft coat."
"That she does. I've been brushing her."
"It shows."
They stood in silence for a moment, stroking the steed before them, before Legolas spoke.
"You cannot tell anyone she's here."
"Who? You mean the mare?"
"Her name's Arestel. And yes, I mean her."
"I won't. But why?"
"Nevermind the reason. Just please, tell no one." His eyes were pleading as he spoke.
"I won't tell a soul."
"Thank you. Now let us take leave. We should return to the castle before any wonder about our delay."
Arien didn't speak but just nodded. She waited until Legolas said his farewell to the horse before following him back to his own steed.
Mounting, he immediately set out in a gallop back the way they came and down the trail toward the castle.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Her day seemed long. Legolas had taken her on a tour of the entire castle, which Arien found to be quite large, and showed her the room in which she would be staying in. But her mind was elsewhere. As beautiful as the castle was, she didn't want to be there. She wanted to be with Halin…wherever that was at the time. She only accepted the new life the King offered Halin and herself because she knew it was the best choice to make at the time. She didn't want to be alone...but she had to be to do what was right.
"Shall we go to dinner?" Legolas asked, looking down at her but she seemed distracted. "Arien?"
Arien jerked once more from her thoughts.
"Yes?"
"Would you like to go to dinner now?"
"May we?"
"Of course." He replied, leading the way. But Arien wasn't the only one with a busy mind. Legolas was the same, only he would share his thoughts. Arien on the other hand kept to herself.
"How much do you really know about horses?" he questioned her.
"Oh plenty. Halin taught me when I was very young how to tend to his horse. I loved to be in the small stable in the village. When things weren't to busy, the stable owner would let me help take the horses out to pasture. And Halin always trusted me to take care of his horse when he was gone."
"So you know how to act around horses and gain their trust?"
"Well certainly. I had to."
Legolas stopped walking and spoke in a quiet voice.
"How would you mind helping me tame Arestel?"
"You mean you would let me?"
"As long as you and I are together, yes. I will need someone to look after her and keep her hidden when I go with my father on errands."
"Why is it so important that you must keep her a secret?"
"Because….I'm not supposed to be near her."
"Why not?"
"My father and the stable keeper think it too dangerous. They feel she is too wild and spirited for me to ride."
"Is she?"
"No, she's not. The only reason they think that is because they can't ride her. She only trusts me."
"Alright, I understand. But why must you hide her?"
"Because if I don't they will sell her."
"I thought you said they claimed her too spirited to ride?"
"Too spirited for me to ride. Not everyone. That's why I must keep her hidden until they can see that I can ride her as well as any other…maybe even better."
"Fine. I will help you."
"Good. But you must tell no one." He reminded, as they began to walk once more.
"I promise."
"Thank you. Now let's eat." He stated, opening the door to a great dining room. She sighed and followed, glad the day was coming to an end.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
At dinner, the evening went by slowly but at the first given chance, she rushed to her room and pulled from her book from her bag. Snatching the pen and ink from a side pocket, she leaped onto the bed, eager to write.
Alduya, the 2nd
Today was probably the most life-altering day I have ever had…next to the day of my parent's deaths of course. The market was destroyed in the mortal attack the night before along with a few homes. We've been forced to accept the offer the King gave Halin and I to live and serve him in the castle. As kind of an offer as it seems, it's one that has separated me from the only person left that I can truly call family. Halin has returned to serving as a colonel in the King's army and though he's supposed to be able to visit me on holiday, I can't help but feel as if today I was saying goodbye to him for the final time. It saddens me.
But things aren't horrible here. The Prince gave me a tour of the castle and even let me see his "hidden treasure", a beautiful mare named Arestel. She seems to be his pride and joy and I'm honored to know that he trusted me enough to let me see her. Not only that, he's offered to let me help tame her. A task and challenge that I look forward to facing!
Though, as much as I try, I don't think I'll be able to see just how lucky I am right now. I've been given the chance of a lifetime to live the most comfortable life yet I long for Halin's old flet in the village. Small as it was, it was homely. The castle itself is huge and, pretty as it might be, too complicated and empty for my comfort. I wish I paid more attention to Legolas while he was showing me around. I have no doubt in my mind that I will get lost more than once in this great palace.
But I will survive. Through it all, I will live and someday thrive. I shall try my best to make the best out of my situation and look forward to what good things come with it.
Signed,
Arien
Ending her entry, she hid her things under her bed and crawled under the blankets of the great bed. Then lying down, she closed her eyes, taking refuge in her sleep.
Arien awoke the next morning, her room lit by the rays of sun showering through the window. She immediately sat up and looked outside. It had to be close to noon.
Noon? Halin would have a fit! She scrambled out of bed and dressed hastily. But bursting from her room she came to a sudden halt as she saw Halin sitting at the table. His face was hidden in his hands as he sat in silence.
"Halin, I'm so sorry! I wasn't aware of the time. I…I slept in. Please forgive me. I didn't mean to."
"I let you sleep, Arien." He replied. His voice was all too calm and she knew immediately that something had gone horribly wrong.
"What's going---"
"Go pack your things. Don't question why. Just do it." He interrupted. His hands didn't leave his face.
She stood, mouth agape. Pack? Where were they going? But she didn't question. Returning to her room, she silently pulled a bag out from under her bed and began to place her clothes inside.
Halin remained at the table. He didn't speak. In his mind, he was still taking in the reality of the situation. This task would most likely be one of the hardest he's ever faced. He wasn't ready to do this.
Arien, confused and worried, placed the last of her clothes in her bag before turning to open the last dresser drawer. She tenderly picked up the small book from inside before placing it in between two blouses. Then grabbing her pen and ink, she put them in a side pouch and shut the bag.
"Halin?" she called, walking to him. He didn't speak but finally raised his head to meet her gaze. She almost dropped her bag when he looked at her. His great brown eyes were red and a single tear rolled down his tanned face. Her adopted father, usually so strong and controlled, sat before her bare, upset, and vulnerable.
"Halin, what's going on? Where are we going?"
He quickly wiped his hands across his face and took a deep breath before motioning to sit beside him. She did so without a word.
"Arien…King Thranduil came early this morning to take Legolas home and to speak with me. More men came with the night. Our people had managed to overcome them in the end but the market was destroyed and some houses lost." He paused as Arien gasped at the news.
"What's going to happen to us then? Our store was our only way of living."
"That's what King Thranduil came to talk to me about." He looked her in the eye. "How would you like to live at the castle? How would you mind it?"
"The castle? You mean we can live in the castle?" her eyes became wide.
"Only if you are willing to work. The King was very kind to offer us both a place there. You would be able to work with their horses everyday as a stable hand."
"But it sounds wonderful. Why are you so troubled?"
"Because, Arien. If we go, I must return to my old place in rank."
Arien's expression changed.
"You would become a Colonel once more." She stated silently.
"Yes. And that means you will be on your own for the most part. I will not see you but on holiday."
Arien didn't speak for awhile but when she did, she took a deep breath and stood before him.
"Very well. I'll go."
"Are you sure, Ari? You are still very young. I will stay if you want me to."
"It's not that I don't want you to. It's the fact that we must. I won't be a spoiled child and force us to live in poverty just because I don't want to be on my own. I will go and so will you if that is the only choice we have."
Halin stood and gave her a weak smile.
"My Ari." He embraced her. "You always proved to be a strong one."
She returned his smile with her own, forced though it was.
"Strong enough."
"Then let us depart while I still have the strength to go through with this." He stated, picking up his own bag that lay limp beside him.
Arien sighed. This was a big change.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Their arrival was far from unexpected. Elves standing guard nodded approval as they entered the castle grounds. There they saw King Thranduil and his son mounted on horseback, waiting. A third horse stood beside them, riderless.
"King Thranduil." Halin bowed. Arien curtsied but did not speak.
"Halin! I'm glad you've come. Your command on my army is undoubtedly needed after last night."
"I thank you for letting us come. We are grateful to be given such an opportunity in such time of need."
"Anything for a friend, you know that. Come. The servants will take your bags to their assigned rooms. But Halin, you and I have a meeting to attend. Let us not delay."
"What about my daughter, Arien?"
"Legolas will be showing her around. Do not fret about her. She is in good hands."
Halin hesitated before sighing.
"I trust your word. Let me have a minute though, if that is not too much to ask."
"We can spare a minute."
Halin turned and put a hand on Arien's shoulder.
"Are you sure you are willing to go through with this? You may still change your mind."
"Yes, I am willing. I know it's for the best and I will be fine. I promise."
"I know that, child. But I will worry anyway."
"Try not to. I will be fine."
"As much as I try I don't think I will succeed. Too much clouds my mind. Something tells me this isn't the right path to take."
"But it's our only reasonable one."
"Sadly, that's the truth." Then he hugged her. "Take care of yourself, Little Bit."
"You do the same." She replied, embracing him back. Then kissing her cheek, he rose and walked to King Thranduil. Reluctance filled his eyes.
"Come now. She's in good hands." The King reassured but Halin spoke not. He only mounted his horse.
Thanduil understood and turned to leave, Halin following. Neither looked back as they made their way to the meeting.
"Arien." Legolas called. She jerked from her thoughts and faced Legolas. "Come on. I want to show you something."
Mounting behind him, Arien spoke.
"What are you going to show me?"
"You'll see when we get there."
"What's it involve?"
"A horse."
"A horse?"
"That's what I said. You like horses, do you not?"
"Oh I do. Very much so!"
"Well so do I." he agreed, starting off in a canter. Arien watched over his shoulder as a stable slowly made its way into view.
"Is it safe to assume we are going to see the stable horses?" she asked.
"It would have been a good guess but that we are not."
"Well then where are we going?"
"You'll see. Be patient!"
The more they progressed, the larger the stable became. Arien guessed that it held at least 150 horses.
"Hold on tight. We've got a bit of a jump ahead of us."
Arien grabbed hold of his waist and looked over his shoulder once more. Her eyes widened as they approached a gate.
"Why can we not take the entrance?" she asked.
"Because this is quicker." he called back, leaning forward as the horse pushed off the ground. She did the same.
Arien and Legolas turned after landing for a stable hand was calling after them.
"Greenleaf, stay on the paths! How many times must I tell you?!"
Legolas just threw his head back and laughed before turning and galloping off. He knew he wouldn't get in trouble for the stunt so thought nothing of it. Besides, he preferred making his own path. After all, he would have to know how to ride through and over obstacles if he was going to become a warrior like Halin.
"Shouldn't you have listened to him?" Arien gave him a shocked look. She never dared to defy an elder.
"Nay! No reason. He can't do anything to me. Stop worrying. I won't get you in trouble."
"You got me in trouble with Halin the night before."
"No…you got yourself in trouble. You were the one who made them see us."
"But we were supposed to go directly home. You led me directly up a tree."
"We would have been captured if I didn't do something!"
"Still, a tree? You might as well jump in a hole!"
"Don't speak to your elder that way."
"Elder? Oh come now! You are in no way able to call yourself my elder!"
"I'm older than you am I not?"
"Yes but not by mu—"
"I'm your elder."
"You are no—"
"Silence!"
"But.."
"Shh!"
"Legolas!"
Laughing, he looked back at her and smiled.
"Lighten up, 'Little Bit', I'm just playing."
"Don't call me that."
"Sorry! Where did you get a nickname like that anyway?"
"Halin gave it to me a long time ago."
"Ai…" Legolas nodded, dropping the subject. Stopping, he dismounted. He tried offering to help Arien down but she ignored him, dismounting herself.
Shrugging, he spoke.
"Before we go any farther, you must promise not to speak about this to anyone."
"What is it?"
"I'll show you if you promise to keep silent about it."
"I promise."
"Shake on it."
"What?"
"Shake on it." He repeated, holding his hand out. She shook.
"Okay, now follow me. But don't speak and stay close. If she knows you're with me, she shouldn't be too wary."
She began to ask who but he gave her a warning look that made her decide against it.
Walking into an open field, his eyes searched the tall grass. Then, still moving forward, he let out a sharp, piercing whistle similar to the one he gave the men from the tree except much louder. Arien winced at the sound.
Pausing, he listened.
"What are listening for?" Arien whispered.
"Shh!" he said sharply, listening closely. Then he gave two quick shrill whistles and smiled, hearing the sound he was waiting for.
A horse from a far side of the field whinnied before galloping toward them. The tall grass prevented Arien from seeing the horse but she could tell it was moving quickly by the sound of its hooves.
Legolas began to progress forward, motioning for her to follow. A few more quick whistles and the horse was upon them, her mane spread wild from her crest down to her withers. The mare had to stand about sixteen hands from hoof to withers and she stood high before them, her elegant neck held proudly.
"She's beautiful." Arien whispered in awe. She had never seen such a horse.
"That she is. But her coat and stance are not all that's great about her. Look at her hindquarters. They are strong. Powerful. She's a jumper. And she's a brave one. She'd be fearless in battle!"
"May I touch her?" Arien asked, her eyes gazing upon the great beast before her.
Legolas hesitated but noticed the look in her eyes.
"Here. Give me your hand." He held out his own to her. When she did so, he pulled her in front of him slowly. Petting the horse's neck with one hand, he held the back of Arien's hand in the other. Speaking softly to the horse, he led Arien's hand across her withers and back. Smiling, Arien whispered.
"She has a soft coat."
"That she does. I've been brushing her."
"It shows."
They stood in silence for a moment, stroking the steed before them, before Legolas spoke.
"You cannot tell anyone she's here."
"Who? You mean the mare?"
"Her name's Arestel. And yes, I mean her."
"I won't. But why?"
"Nevermind the reason. Just please, tell no one." His eyes were pleading as he spoke.
"I won't tell a soul."
"Thank you. Now let us take leave. We should return to the castle before any wonder about our delay."
Arien didn't speak but just nodded. She waited until Legolas said his farewell to the horse before following him back to his own steed.
Mounting, he immediately set out in a gallop back the way they came and down the trail toward the castle.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Her day seemed long. Legolas had taken her on a tour of the entire castle, which Arien found to be quite large, and showed her the room in which she would be staying in. But her mind was elsewhere. As beautiful as the castle was, she didn't want to be there. She wanted to be with Halin…wherever that was at the time. She only accepted the new life the King offered Halin and herself because she knew it was the best choice to make at the time. She didn't want to be alone...but she had to be to do what was right.
"Shall we go to dinner?" Legolas asked, looking down at her but she seemed distracted. "Arien?"
Arien jerked once more from her thoughts.
"Yes?"
"Would you like to go to dinner now?"
"May we?"
"Of course." He replied, leading the way. But Arien wasn't the only one with a busy mind. Legolas was the same, only he would share his thoughts. Arien on the other hand kept to herself.
"How much do you really know about horses?" he questioned her.
"Oh plenty. Halin taught me when I was very young how to tend to his horse. I loved to be in the small stable in the village. When things weren't to busy, the stable owner would let me help take the horses out to pasture. And Halin always trusted me to take care of his horse when he was gone."
"So you know how to act around horses and gain their trust?"
"Well certainly. I had to."
Legolas stopped walking and spoke in a quiet voice.
"How would you mind helping me tame Arestel?"
"You mean you would let me?"
"As long as you and I are together, yes. I will need someone to look after her and keep her hidden when I go with my father on errands."
"Why is it so important that you must keep her a secret?"
"Because….I'm not supposed to be near her."
"Why not?"
"My father and the stable keeper think it too dangerous. They feel she is too wild and spirited for me to ride."
"Is she?"
"No, she's not. The only reason they think that is because they can't ride her. She only trusts me."
"Alright, I understand. But why must you hide her?"
"Because if I don't they will sell her."
"I thought you said they claimed her too spirited to ride?"
"Too spirited for me to ride. Not everyone. That's why I must keep her hidden until they can see that I can ride her as well as any other…maybe even better."
"Fine. I will help you."
"Good. But you must tell no one." He reminded, as they began to walk once more.
"I promise."
"Thank you. Now let's eat." He stated, opening the door to a great dining room. She sighed and followed, glad the day was coming to an end.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
At dinner, the evening went by slowly but at the first given chance, she rushed to her room and pulled from her book from her bag. Snatching the pen and ink from a side pocket, she leaped onto the bed, eager to write.
Alduya, the 2nd
Today was probably the most life-altering day I have ever had…next to the day of my parent's deaths of course. The market was destroyed in the mortal attack the night before along with a few homes. We've been forced to accept the offer the King gave Halin and I to live and serve him in the castle. As kind of an offer as it seems, it's one that has separated me from the only person left that I can truly call family. Halin has returned to serving as a colonel in the King's army and though he's supposed to be able to visit me on holiday, I can't help but feel as if today I was saying goodbye to him for the final time. It saddens me.
But things aren't horrible here. The Prince gave me a tour of the castle and even let me see his "hidden treasure", a beautiful mare named Arestel. She seems to be his pride and joy and I'm honored to know that he trusted me enough to let me see her. Not only that, he's offered to let me help tame her. A task and challenge that I look forward to facing!
Though, as much as I try, I don't think I'll be able to see just how lucky I am right now. I've been given the chance of a lifetime to live the most comfortable life yet I long for Halin's old flet in the village. Small as it was, it was homely. The castle itself is huge and, pretty as it might be, too complicated and empty for my comfort. I wish I paid more attention to Legolas while he was showing me around. I have no doubt in my mind that I will get lost more than once in this great palace.
But I will survive. Through it all, I will live and someday thrive. I shall try my best to make the best out of my situation and look forward to what good things come with it.
Signed,
Arien
Ending her entry, she hid her things under her bed and crawled under the blankets of the great bed. Then lying down, she closed her eyes, taking refuge in her sleep.