Gulp--I didn't realize how long it's been since I updated this, sorry; I was sick all weekend and couldn't write-- Thanks to my reviewers old and new for being patient and encouraging me!!
Chapter 51--A Small Victory
After the group had been riding about an hour it began to rain. "Damn, nasty weather," Deirdre grumbled. "We may have to stop and wait for it to blow over." She pulled her cloak tighter around her.
Legolas didn't mind the rain at all. He closed his eyes, tilting his face to the sky. He was rudely brought from his thoughts when a hand landed on his upper thigh. His eyes popped open and he glared at Deirdre over his shoulder.
Deirdre grinned wickedly. "Sorry, my hand slipped," she apologized insincerely.
Very well, you asked for it, Legolas thought. He called something to the horse in Elvish and it reared up. Legolas was prepared for it and held on. Deirdre was not. She slid backwards off the horse and landed in a large mud puddle with an impressive splash. Everyone burst out laughing.
"Make sure your hand does not *slip* again or face the consequences," Legolas said coolly from the horse's back.
Deirdre scowled up at him then suddenly she smiled. She stood up and remounted then they continued. She leaned forward. "You won this round, but I will win the next one," she whispered in his ear.
Legolas pulled away. "Do you mind?" he snapped.
"Only when I have too," Deirdre smirked, but she pulled back a little.
Finally it was to dark to continue and they stopped to set up camp. The bright side was that the rain had stopped. Deirdre handed Legolas a pot. "We need water for the cook, fetch it," she said. "Please."
Legolas shrugged and walked off towards the sound of running water. He found the river and filled the pot. He turned and Deirdre was standing not three feet away from him. He couldn't understand how she had gotten so close without him hearing her.
"Want to go skinny dipping?" Deirdre asked.
"Not with you, why did you follow me here?" Legolas demanded.
Deirdre closed the distance between them and caught Legolas by the shoulders. "So I could do what I have been wanting to do since I first saw you," she said and kissed him.
Legolas was so startled that he never thought to struggle then she let him go. He staggered back from her and saw she was grinning. That angered him. "How dare you!" he hissed. He didn't even think of his next action. He hurled the whole pot of water on her and dropped the pot to the ground. "Fetch your own water," he snapped and stalked off.
Deirdre watched him go with a pleased smile. She liked the sparks that formed in his eyes when he was angry. I look forward to getting to know you, proud one. There is something different about you and I plan to find out what, she thought.
Jaisia looked up with a smile of greeting then it faded and she frowned. "Are you well, little brother? Your face is beet red," she said.
Deirdre returned to camp just then and winked suggestively in Legolas' direction before joining the other women at the fire.
Jaisia looked at her then looked at Legolas and grinned. "Little brother--what were you two up to?" she asked playfully.
"Nothing!! Nothing at all, Jaisia," Legolas said, a little to loudly. He quickly lowered his voice. "She is arrogant and pushy. I dislike her intensely."
Yet she flusters you like no one has ever managed to do. I will have to keep an eye on you, but I will not interfere unless she goes to far. A little harmless flirting will not hurt you. It might even be good for you, Jaisia thought. She smiled inwardly--she thought Legolas had finally met his match….
Heh, heh…this is getting to be more fun each chapter---R/R everyone!!!