A/N: I am so excited, lol. I am downloading the audio books for The Hobbit, LOTR, and The Silmarillion. That will be a much easier way to dust the 'ol brain off and refresh the memory for the stuff I have read, and also to get up to date with the stuff that I haven't. As always, I hope you are enjoying my little tale. I don't know if you noticed, but I changed the description to note that this is slightly A/U. Considering the fact that I have created towns that did not exist in ME, and the Cup of Elements is non-existent as well, I think it probably does classify as A/U. On another note, I'm sure most of you have seen TTT, and for those of you that haven't…get thee to the theatre and see this ASAP…loved it! Gollum was amazing! I won't spoil it, but anyone wanting to chat about his amazing movie…email me, or IM me..I can't talk about it enough! And now, w/out further ado….here's another installment. Love to everyone..hope your holidays are merry and your New Year bright!
"You are one of very few words, are you not, Kalen of Taureliloomis?"
Numerius' sudden desire for conversation pulled her back into the realm of reality, and Kalen turned toward him and smiled.
"I apologize Numerius. This long journey has taken a toll on me, and I have yet to regain my previous level of strength. Forgive me, for you are a welcomed companion."
"How so? I would have thought you to find me a disturbance to your thought process."
"Ah, dear Numerius, that is precisely why you are a welcomed companion."
The messenger of Rivendell snickered; she thought she spoke of things he would not fully understand, but she was mistaken. Were she any similar in temperament to Calanagariel, he would suppose them to be one in the same, for there had been a time when the golden haired female warrior had said the exact same thing to him regarding his lord and master.
"We have made excellent time, Kalen. It is only the ninth day, and we are not expected before King Thranduil until the eve of the morrow. We will arrive in Eryn Lasgalen very shortly."
Numerius stopped suddenly and cocked his head to the side as if something had caught his attention. He quickly retrieved his bow and a single arrow, and waited silently as his eyes searched their surroundings. Soon the sounds of an approaching horse could be heard, yet no identifiable figure appeared. Numerius stared into the direction of the approaching rider, and then sighed a breath of relief.
"State your business in Eryn Lasgalen."
Kalen stared at the approaching ivory stallion and for a moment, her mind deceived her. Her heart jumped into the center of her chest as the blonde elf that was mounted atop the horse approached her. Catching her breath and realizing her self-deception, she spoke loudly, her voice crackling slightly as she did.
"I am Kalen, Captain of the army of Taureliloomis. My companion, Numerius, hails from Rivendell. We are expected before King Thranduil."
"Numerius! Too long has it been my old friend, too long."
The woodland elf happily exclaimed his tidings, and the two male elves clasped fore arms to greet one another, their happiness evident in broad smiles. When their merriment was done, they turned to face a bewildered Kalen, and the rider of the white stallion nudged his horse toward her.
"Yes, you are expected, but you have arrived a day early. I am Silinde. Come, I will escort you to King Thranduil."
Kalen and Numerius trailed behind, following Silinde toward Thranduil's kingdom. The forests of Eryn Lasgalen were even more beautiful than those of Taureliloomis, and the fresh air chilled the inside of her nose when she inhaled deeply. The scents of earth, water, and sap from the trees invigorated her senses, and a feeling of contentment filled her. It reminded her of home, and happier times.
Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of Silinde as he stared fixedly at her, his gaze seemingly a mystified one.
"You are amused by my manner of dress, or perhaps you are curious about the combination of my hair and eye color. Which is it that interests you so?"
"Quite the contrary, Captain. I was admiring the swords, which you carry on your back. The color of your hair and eyes interests me not."
Numerius chuckled under his breath. Doubtless no man, save Legolas, had ever spoken to her in such a manner, and he eagerly awaited her fiery response. A small-disappointed frown fell on his face when no response came, and the three continued on their way.
The two males chattered happily between themselves and within moments, they neared the cave concealing Thranduil's palace. Silinde waved to the unseen guards in the trees, and then motioned for the two visitors to dismount and follow his lead into the darkened cave. A few moments into the darkness, the sounds of a running river could be heard and then, unexpectedly, the great stone doors of Thranduil's hall appeared.
"We have reached King Thranduil's hall. After you speak with him, I will show you to your chambers."
Silinde pointed in the direction of the hall, and Kalen walked toward it. She stood in awe of the complete beauty of Thranduil's kingdom, but her catatonic daze was suddenly broken by the appearance of King Thranduil as he descended the steps of his hall to greet her.
"You are early. That is an admirable trait."
The king smiled and uneasiness slowly crept inside her as Thranduil stared into her face. She felt as though she were a beast being inspected before the purchase.
"The eyes are the windows to one's true self. I am pleased to see that your mind has not been poisoned by the teachings of Niphredia. Thank the Valar that you have the kindness and sensibilities of Calanagariel."
"You know of them, My Lord?"
"Know of them? Calanagariel was once a valued messenger to me, and it is partially by my doing that Taureliloomis exists. Do not tell me that Niphredia has not spread her anti-Thranduil sentiment to her people."
"No, my Lord, she has not. Still had she, your pleasurable demeanor would have caused me to discount her views entirely"
Thranduil laughed heartily and placed his hand on her shoulder.
"I see you have also gained Calanagariel's talent for sweetening words and livening spirits. You are a most welcomed guest. I will hear your business tomorrow, when my son will join us. If he finds favor in your words, perhaps our council will be a short and agreeable one. Come, tonight we will dine and be merry, and you will tell me how my archenemy fares these days. "
Thranduil winked and laughed, and then nodded for Silinde to show Kalen to her chambers.
When she had cleaned up and changed her clothing, she sat on the bed pondering on her meeting with Thranduil. He had been a pleasant surprise, his handsome face was appealing and his laugh had been that of a happy child who held a wonderful secret. The more she thought on the features of his striking face, the more it brought to mind the flaxen haired elf who had confessed his love in the gardens of Rivendell. She rolled her eyes and spoke aloud to herself.
"Forgive me heart, for all of this fair-hair does you a terrible disservice. I had no knowledge that all of the men here possessed hair of gold and eyes of blue."
She continued to make silent jokes to herself in an attempt to elevate her mood. It would be quite discreditable to appear before Thranduil and his son looking like the heartbroken fool that she truly was. No, she would force a smile and be joyful company, and even if only for the remainder of her visit, she would put Legolas into the back of her mind; refusing him access to her the forefront of her thoughts.
