Sorry I have taken so long to post this chapter. For some reason, I have been having a problem with writer's block. Anyway, I apologize if this is a weak chapter and you know what Tolkien owns. BTW..thanks to all of you guys who are supporting me by reading my work. I wanted to send a few of you a personal email, so I hope you won't mind if you see one from me in your inbox ;-) .
The dwarf and the elf walked to camp in silence, saying not a word to one another. Gimli smiling as he watched the red-faced Legolas staring down towards his feet. Gimli knew Legolas, though honorable, had been caught red-handed and his shame was visible in his every action.
When the silence had become too deafening, Gimli thought to lighten his friend's mood by jesting with him on his present predicament.
"Was she everything you dreamed that she would be"?
The elf glanced up at Gimli and looked as though he might actually answer, opening his mouth and inhaling, but then furrowed his brow and huffed.
"Gimli, I could not tell you, for I had not the time to observe, nor the dream to compare with".
When they had reached the camp, Gimli set the wood down. He had begun preparing to kindle the fire when he noticed Legolas pacing, something he rarely did.
"Legolas, it is over. Do not torment yourself further".
Long strands of golden hair swayed as Legolas turned to face his friend.
"I know you are right, but I cannot help but feel this sense of guilt in seeing what I have. I should speak with Kalen. She seems to be the one I have offended most".
Gimli snorted, attempting to stifle his amusement at the elf's remark. It seemed that Kalen had been offended by their very being from the first meeting at the river. Legolas ran his hand over the side of his head, braided strands of hair rippled his flesh.
"Yes, I will speak with her now".
With a determined stride, Legolas walked towards the spring, muttering and practicing his lines. He had become so involved with his words that he had not noticed Nevaria walking his way.
"Ah, there you are. I was looking for you, hoping you might indulge me with a tale of your adventures".
Nevaria clutched her wet cloak loosely about her slender body, allowing one of her shoulders to be bared. The racing beat of her heart had caused her breathing to become heavy and audible as she slid her tongue over her dry lips.
Looking at his heavenly face, her head dizzied with a desire she had never known possible. How could something so beautiful be so bad as the Eldars had taught? Not caring what the ninnies of the council preached, Nevaria made up her mind, she was going to have him. If she was doomed to a celibate life, she was going to ensure that she had at least one memory to sustain her for the rest of her days.
"I am afraid that will have to wait, for there is something I must speak with Kalen about".
The words brought a scowl to Nevaria's face, and she noticed the confused expression on Legolas' face.
"I have been cheated out of many things because of her. If I seem unenthusiastic about this mission, it is because of that. I can no longer hide my feelings from you".
Realizing her slip and the sudden look of interest on the blonde archer's face, she paused before speaking further. She had all but confessed their plans and it would be useless to resort to deceit. The words could not be taken back.
"I feel that you are honorable and that I may trust you, so I will tell you of the Cup of Elements".
A look of recognition flickered in his bright blue eyes. He knew well of the cup, for he and Gimli had spoken with Gandalf at length regarding the existence of the cup, and also its theft from Terrion.
"And your mission involves the recovery of the cup? It seems odd that only two were sent on such a dangerous mission".
Nevaria's eyes widened in surprise. He had heard of the cup and had also guessed their plans of recovery. She could not help but grin as her mind turned its focus toward romantic notions. Perhaps he was worried for her safety.
"Do not worry, I am only to scout. I will return safely to report my findings. It is a shame that Kalen will dismiss you before the real fun begins".
"I will speak with Kalen, for I would like to offer my services".
The look of terror in her blue eyes caused them to appear glassy. As much as she hated Kalen, she also feared her. Nevaria was no fool. Kalen would be the easy victor in a battle of hand to hand combat. Though they each stood around six feet, Kalen's size was quite intimidating and the only way to mask that intimidation had been to fake courage and challenge at every chance.
"I can see from your expression that you have worry. Do not fear, I will keep your secret".
Legolas turned towards the spring leaving Nevaria behind. His long steps carried him just short of where Kalen was bathing and once again, turned his back to avoid another embarrassing situation.
"Kalen, I must discuss something with you. Will you speak with me"?
The rustling sound behind him told Legolas that Kalen had finished bathing and was walking toward him. His keen ears heard her whispered rantings and he could not contain the smile that was now turning on his lips. She was still a little angry with him, but her tone now appeared almost jovial.
"I, too, have something to discuss with you".
The male elf turned and found himself facing Kalen. Try as he might, Legolas could not bring her to look into his face.
"I...Oh, you first". The two had spoke in unison and after a brief chuckle, Legolas spoke once more.
"It does not take a scholar to conclude that you travel naught for pleasure. I have heard news on my travels, and think I know of what you are seeking".
The comment caused her to at last bring her gaze to meet his. The look on his face spoke volumes and Kalen knew he was aware of the cup's existence.
"I can neither confirm or deny your suspicions. As I have said before, our business is our own".
Kalen's tone had quickly turned from gaeity to annoyance in a matter of seconds and Legolas knew she was again viewing him in the stereotypical role her people had come to place all men.
"I will not press further, but I do wish to say something. I know you do not care for males, but I think it unfair to judge what you have no real knowledge of. You are ignoring a chance to discover your own beliefs. Will you return home with your own experiences or continue to judge based on the experiences of others"?
Kalen knew that he spoke truthfully. Every thought or opinion she had about men had been based on what others had told her to believe. She had never had a reason to challenge their teachings, but now that it was in front of her, she could no longer ignore it.
Dropping her head as if she were ashamed, Kalen's eyes searched the ground for words that were presently eluding her. Her confusion growing with each breath, she slowly brought her emerald eyes to glance at his fair face. These feelings she had when she looked at him were so strange and overwhelming.
Fearing he might see those feelings in her eyes, she gazed back down to the earth beneath her dusty black boots.
"I know how hard it is to fight your feelings when the beliefs you have had for so long are in dispute".
"Legolas, you are right. It is unfair of me to dislike something I know nothing about".
Legolas' expression had softened as he stared at her beautiful face. Something about her was childlike, and a part of him wanted to wrap his arms around her, bringing her body to his in comfort.
"I do not wish us to be enemies. I feel we can learn much from one another if we are given the chance. Now tell me, what did you wish to discuss with me"?
She could not bring herself to tell him that she had wished him to part from her. After such wise words, she found it hard to just dismiss him like he was beneath her. She would consider the time left as an education of sorts.
"It was nothing. I was just thinking about the rest of our journey. We are getting closer to our destination and so it would be wise to keep our presence as concealed as possible. We are only days away, but I cannot tell you any more than that".
"So we are to give each other a chance then"? The elf looked as though he had just conquered a great obstacle as he smiled widely.
"Yes, though, I fear I may find my true love before my journey is complete".
Kalen's teasing was beyond the male as he cocked his head to the side in confusion. She could not possible mean that she might find true love in him, could she? The thought was squashed as he replaced it with another: 'I'm far too old for these thoughts, they have only brought me trouble'.
"True love" he queried as he came out of his thought.
"Yes, I think that Gimli is beginning to grow on me with each new day".
His bubble burst, Legolas chuckled. Surely she was jesting, but stranger things had happened around him before. He smiled and nodded his head.
"He does have a way of growing on those that he meets".
"Yes, he does. Now, since we have concluded our business, let us return, for you and Gimli have baths coming to you".
Kalen smiled at him once before turning away, leaving him filled with surprise. She had kept her coolness about her and had let him speak his piece. Perhaps the bath had calmed some of her anger. Deciding it was best not to analyze this new development too early in the game, he smiled and inhaled deeply. This mysterious feeling in his heart was growing larger than the sense of duty he had felt for so long.
