A/N: You guys leaving reviews are the best! I have one other story posted on FF called 'The Heaviest Burden To Bear' and it's a Farmir/OC/Boromir love triangle thingy, lol. If you're into romantic angst and betrayl, then you should enjoy that one. Check it out if you have time. One more thing: Ana, if that A/N mention was for me....You're the sweetest! Besides, it's nothin'. You have a great story there and I would keep up with it even if I didn't luv ya so darn much! Anyway, that said...here you are, the next installment of my little story.
Gimli had tried with all of his might to keep Nevaria occupied, asking her questions about her personal likes and dislikes, but his efforts had all been in vain. Not only had Nevaria been overly eager to return to Legolas' side, but Kalen and Legolas had continued to walk in silence. There had not been contact of eye nor voice, but Gimli had noticed a few stolen gazes on Legolas' part. Before long, Gimli was once again trotting along beside Kalen, and Nevaria beside Legolas.
The four companions walked, mostly in silence, until the sun began its descent from above. The golden orange sky had ribbons of pink and lavender, and a slight breeze began to blow. When they happened upon an area that suited their needs, a camp was made and a small fire lit.
The eating had been completed, much as the walking had, in silence. Each one filled with silent fears and worries. It was the captain of the armies of Taureliloomis that finally spoke, breaking the silence and commanding attention to her words.
"Gimli, and Legolas, as much as it displeases me to admit to it, I have enjoyed the time we have spent together. This journey, however, is not for pleasure, so it is now that I must ask for our parting from each other".
Gimli and Legolas sat quietly, silently pondering Kalen's words. It was as Legolas had predicted. She was calling for his departure and would wish to set out alone on her quest with Nevaria. He had an unsettling feeling deep in his gut, speaking of impending dangers, but Nevaria had soon called for his attention by speaking after Kalen.
"When we have completed our task, we wish to meet up with the two of you once again, if you also wish it so".
Gimli smiled and looked to Kalen. She smiled back, silently agreeing with the words Nevaria had spoken.
"You wish to meet up with us again, Kalen"?
"Yes, there is still much I would like to learn, and I cannot think of a better teacher, Sir Dwarf".
"How can we refuse, then"? Gimli queried with delight. The dark elf was changing her views, else she would not have desired to lay eyes on them ever again. It was a good sign indeed, for it would give him many more chances to work his romantic magic on his two favorite elves.
Kalen had a satisfying feeling that the issue had been resolved and that everyone would part with a feeling of content. They would depart in the morning and meet again in three weeks time at the borders of Taureliloomis. Now she would be able to concentrate and commit her mind to the mission, that is, until she would have to say 'goodbye'. She had not yet begun to imagine how she would muster the strength to say those words.
Bidding everyone a goodnight, Kalen donned her cloak and turned toward the darkness. She needed to be completely alone at that moment, and a walk seemed like the perfect way to ensure it. She walked into the darkness, her keen elven eyes making the trek as easy as if it had been done in daylight and found a secluded spot located on some large boulders overlooking a small dark forest below.
What was happening to her? These feeling inside were like no other she had ever felt before. They seemed to come from nowhere and appeared to only grow stronger with each passing day. Kalen looked upward at the blackened sky and watched as a few stars twinkled, some blazing across. If she could have but one wish at that moment, she would have wished to be back in Taureliloomis and the cup of elements safely guarded in Terrion. Perhaps then she could have lived happily alone, as was the way of her people. These thoughts and feelings would never have had to be dealt with. Shaking her head, she covered her face with her hands.
"Is everything alright, Kalen"?
The gruff voice had startled her and she quickly threw her hands down, attempting to regain some composure.
"Master Gimli. I did not hear you come up".
Gimli looked puzzled. It was rare that an elf was caught off of their guard and especially perplexing that he had caught this particular elf unaware.
"An elf not hear? You must have something that weighs heavily on your mind, as well as your heart".
"Are you sure that you are only a dwarf and do not have elvish blood flowing in your veins"?
Gimli snorted. He had never been mistaken for an elf, nor had any dwarf before him.
"Have you ever seen an elf with looks such as these? Kalen, it is not hard to read the distress on your face".
Knowing it would be useless to lie to him, Kalen sighed in defeat. As much as she wanted to keep her feelings to herself, also did she want to know the reasons for their existence. Was it a normal feeling to be felt by many, or a feeling that she alone possessed?
"Have you ever had a feeling that would not leave you, but instead, grew stronger? A feeling unlike any you have ever known?
"Yes, I have. I suppose all have, at one point in their lives".
A glint of relief shone in her eyes. So it was a universal feeling that perhaps, had a remedy to contribute to its demise.
"And how would one make them disappear"?
"Some feelings are not meant to 'disappear'. You can only allow them to run their course".
It was not the answer she had been hoping for and furrowed her brow. To allow it to run its course was not an option at the moment. She needed a quick solution and began to seek it within the depths of her own soul. Her plan to unite Nevaria and Legolas could not be persued for many weeks and so, would only allow time to fall deeper into the captivity of these feelings. Her list of options was growing very short.
"I know that you are private and wish to keep your secrets. I can only tell you to search deep in your heart for the answers that you are seeking. Goodnight, Kalen.
Gimli nodded and turned to leave. Kalen jumped to her feet with a sense of urgency.
"Gimli! I have something I wish to say to you, and I wish to say it before our parting tomorrow, away from the others". Gimli turned to face her.
"I know that I have appeared rather rude and unkind at times, but in only a few short days, you have become dear to me. I will never forget you".
"We will see each other in three weeks time. You speak as if that is not so".
"I just needed you to know that before then, Master Gimli".
Leaning down, Kalen kissed his forehead and then raised again.
"If what we are on the inside determines our looks on the out, then you are more beautiful than any creature could ever hope to be".
Gimli blushed. He had not had a feeling come so close to the one felt many years ago, when he had first gazed upon the fair face of Galadriel.
"If only that were so, I would have a beautiful woman as my travel partner and not this stubborn elf, Legolas. I thank you for your kind words, but I must be off to rest. Do not be consumed by things that you cannot control".
The dwarf turned, leaving the female elf to herself and to her thoughts. Gimli could not have forseen how his words would ring true in more ways than one.
