Disclaimer: Check chapter one
Chapter Ten^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
Lights glittered and voices like bells laughed, but Fiothiel felt the scene was like a crown with sparkling jewels whose settings were rotten. She had no stomach for parties and dances, hoping instead to be appointed to guard the front gates, pacing back and forth between the torchlights. No such luck tonight, she thought.
She noticed not that people watched her; more important things were on her mind. A true warrior, she stood tall and graceful, hiding her unease. She flicked her eyes over various elves, looking for a hint of anything spoiled, any warning sign. She found none, and her attention was diverted when her gaze fell upon Isorfir's childhood friend and cousin, Corintur. He had left with Isorfir after the death of Celebrwien, but had returned, and now stood grinning broadly, in full Guard uniform. Fiothiel stepped forwards to greet him.
"'Thiel!" he cried at her approach. Gallantly he took her hand and brushed a kiss on the knuckles. "I have missed you, and this rascal as well," he grabbed Isorfir, and mussed his hair affectionately, "even though it has only been hours since I have seen him last."
Fiothiel smiled, and replied. "I am glad to see you as well, Corin, and I extend my sympathies to you for the loss of a cousin, seeing as I have not had the chance yet."
Corin's smile faded, but he nodded his thanks. He resumed talking to Isorfir, and Fiothiel turned and continued to search the hall. Candles glowed behind green glass, throwing a calm and mysterious light across the tiles. The hall was chilly, and Fiothiel could see leaves falling outside the tall windows, whipped against the glass by a cold breeze. Unwillingly, her mind wandered about and settled on the disturbing thought that whoever killed Celebrwien was in this hall, making merry with those she held dear. She shuddered, and suddenly noticed that during her musings she had wandered out of the room, and into the hall outside. Thinking to clear her head, she walked out to an old balcony; resting shaking hands on the crumbling, cool stone railing.
A decidedly male voice brushed at her ears, tensing the muscles in her shoulders.
"I see I am not alone in my troubles tonight."
A play on a smile twisted the corners of her lips. "You see through me, Legolas. Troubled I may be, but alone I know I am not."
She turned to him then, and leaned against the railing, taking in the moonlit glow of his profile, watching him gaze out at the woods beyond, as if looking for an answer. "I would appreciate your take on this situation, because although I scan all faces strange or unbeknownst, I notice nothing of suspicion, no malice. Am I alone in this?"
He turned to her finally, and shook his head slowly. "I share in your confusion, and nothing is any clearer to me then it appears to be to you. I would give all wealth just to know who, but coins can do nothing, as with battle skills."
"Helpless as a child in the Misty Mountains," she whispered. She gazed up at him; moonlight reflecting arrows from her eyes straight through his heart. He could do nothing but let his gaze slip over her, taking in her golden skin, bright eyes, and the helplessness that made him want to hold her, as he wished somewhere someone would do for him.
Seeing his eyes glance over her, she put a hand on his shoulder, and looked straight into the blue depths. "Ahead we may not be, but strong I know you are. Take comfort…" as she said this, her voice dipped, and her eyes closed, lashes throwing a shadow over strong cheekbones. Her hand slipped, but he caught it before it could fall to her waist. Her eyes opened bright, but closed again in a blink as he brought her hand to his lips. He kissed her palm, and unwittingly she extended a slender finger to trace his jawline. So natural were these actions, she forgot all reserves and stepped closer. Seeing her come forward, Legolas discarded all inhibitions and took her chin in his hand, speaking softly, but with a gravel undertone.
"Your bravery has undone me, Fiothiel."
And with that every candle in the hall blew out, in one chill breath.
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