Hiya, how is everyone? Well, I'm doing well…
Chapter 45--A Stroll In The Garden
Jaisia watched Legolas with concern as he prowled around the room. They'd been locked up for three days and it was starting to get to him. "It will not be much longer, Legolas," she said.
Finally about midday the door opened to reveal Tern and the two big guards. "We are here to escort you to the garden," Tern said. "Follow us."
Legolas and Jaisia followed warily, but they were taken to the garden gates and let inside. "We will be watching this gate and there are a lot of guards along the garden wall. You cannot escape and trying will mean grave consequences, you have three hours then we will take you back," Tern said. He closed the gate.
Legolas headed deeper into the foliage to get out of sight of the gate and Jaisia gladly followed him. The plants were thick, well tended and lush. Some were not familiar at all. By and by they came to a pond with various water lilies floating on the surface.
"This is beautiful, do you not think so?" Legolas asked. He closed his eyes and took several deep breaths, savoring the fresh air. He didn't see Jaisia's mischievous smile. His eyes flew open when he was grabbed around the waist and hoisted off his feet.
"Time to go swimming centaur style again!" Jaisia whooped and plunged into the pond. The water wasn't very deep or the pond to large, but Jaisia galloped in a tight circle. Water and lilies flew everywhere and before long they were both soaked. "This is a lot of fun!!" she enthused.
"Jaisia! Stop! You are ruining the King's lilies!" Legolas protested. "Put me down, you silly mare!!"
Jaisia ignored him completely. "He is a King! He is rich! Let him buy new lilies!!" she shouted and kept going. Finally she got tired and left the water. She set Legolas down then lay down to rest and dry out.
Legolas sat down too, leaning against a tree--feeling much better all ready. He closed his eyes to listen to the sounds of nature around him.
Jaisia saw his contented expression and the slight smile on his face then giggled.
Legolas opened his eyes and looked at her. "What is so funny?" he asked.
"Your expression a minute ago. You looked like the cat that got the cream, the mouse and the bird," Jaisia giggled.
Legolas laughed too. "It just is very pleasant to be outside after being locked in those cold stone walls for so long," he said.
"Yes, it is. Would you sing something for me? I have not heard you sing for awhile and I would love too," Jaisia pleaded.
Legolas couldn't refuse her such a simple request so he sang for her for a while.
When he was finished Jaisia sighed. "That was lovely. I ought to have you sing at one of our gatherings. The rest of my tribe would love it," she said. "Thank you, little brother."
"You are welcome, sis. Anything to make us both feel better," Legolas said. He knew Jaisia didn't like to be inside all the time either. Wood Elves and Centaurs thought alike on that subject.
Jaisia yawned. "The sun feels so good, but it's making me sleepy," she sighed.
"Then go ahead and sleep, I will not go anywhere," Legolas said.
"All right, if they come back and try anything give a yell," Jaisia said. She closed her eyes and was asleep in a few minutes.
Legolas smiled fondly at her. Even in the gravest situation you find a bright side,
I have always admired that in you, he thought. He gazed up at the clear blue skies and allowed his mind to drift.
Tern and the guards returned to fetch them after what seemed like to brief a time. "Come, Legolas, Jaisia the King wants to see both of you," Tern said.
Legolas stood and went to Jaisia and shook her gently. She woke right away and looked inquiringly at him. "Sarrin wants to see us," he explained.
"You will refer to him as my Liege as is proper," Tern warned.
"Nay, I will not, I call only one man my Liege and he is not here," Legolas retorted.
Jaisia stood up. "And that goes for me too," she said.
Tern frowned, but said nothing else. He led them inside and to the King's audience chamber. He gestured for them to enter then closed the door behind them.
"Ah, welcome, I trust you enjoyed my garden," Sarrin said.
"Oh yes, especially the pond," Jaisia said blithely.
Legolas bit his lip to keep from laughing.
"Good, I hope you are not to uncomfortable, if there is anything you need you have only to ask," Sarrin said.
"You could let us both go," Legolas said casually.
No, I fear that is not an option, I have other plans. You may go back to your room," Sarrin said.
They were escorted back to the room and locked in again. "I did not like the sound of that," Jaisia said.
"Neither did I," Legolas agreed. They couldn't do anything, but wait and wonder….
There, done and with only a mild cliffhanger--Thought I'd be merciful, R/R please!!!