The Red Elf
Chapter 5: Blossoms from Blood
Azure stood in the bedroom she'd been offered, observing all that was around her. The room was beautifully displayed with silvery greens and blues. The large bed could hold three people if not more, and the billowing curtains swayed, as a soft breeze blew against them through the open window. Now this was the most exquisite place that Azure had ever been in, but she couldn't just stay there while there were so many things outside to explore. She may have been tired, but this couldn't wait, she was just too curious!
She slowly pushed the door open, and then closed it gently behind her. Tiptoeing down the stairs to the grassy floor, she glanced around, remembering the area, so that she wouldn't get lost. She started off to the west, tracing her way around the edge, where the floor cascaded down. She reached the stairs, but would not descend upon them. Something about the emptiness of the area seemed to give her heart a secret warning. She turned about noticing a greyish-blue gate. It looked similar to the ones she'd seen earlier, except it's bars were an earthy blue. She pushed it open entering a garden. It wasn't anything extraordinarily different. There were hedges surrounding the boundaries of it. The flowers were different shades of greens and whites, with the occasional blue. She was about to leave when her eye picked up something that stood out immensely. In the centre of the garden on a pillar, lay a pot, which much resembled a Grecian urn. Inside it grew a single red rose. It was only a small blossom now, but soon it would grow into a magnificent flower. She reached out to touch it but a familiar voice startled her.
"It is beautiful, isn't it?" She acknowledged it as the voice of the elf that she'd hit earlier, but she did not turn around.
"Yes, indeed it is."
"You know," he drew nearer. "It had not yet started growing until yesterday. Though it's seed has been there forever." This statement puzzled her, what was it that he was implying? But before she could ask, he was at her side.
"I'm afraid I have not yet had the pleasure of asking your name. I am Legolas of Mirkwood." He took her hand a gently placed a kiss upon it.
"I'm Azure White. I have no other title, your highness." She replied. He cringed.
"Please do not call me that. It is too formal for such an encounter as this."
"Why did you say the rose only began to grow yesterday? What does that have to do with…anything?" She said 'anything' though she truly meant 'me'. He shrugged.
"I know not. It is just, funny. A girl such as yourself, with red hair, appears the same day a rose that is also the colour of red, begins to grow. Not to mention that this particular flower was planted before even Galadriel walked within these woods, and that is a date not even I know. I am not implying it has begun to grow because of you, I am merely pointing out that it is a peculiar coincidence." That was strange, but it couldn't have been more than a coincidence. Azure's mind overflowed with questions, never in her life had she ever wondered so many things at one time.
She turned, looking back to where he had been standing. He stood across from her now, at the other side of the pot, with the rose in between them. Azure could tell he was deep in thought. He seemed to be pondering two 'situations' and was unable to decide which he preferred. Azure pretended to not notice; it was making her feel a little uneasy. She went back to exploring the garden. Though, she didn't get far, when he spoke.
"I have seen you somewhere before, though I have heard it is your first time here."
"I don't see how it is possible that you've seen me, other than earlier today. Perhaps I just appear similar to someone else you know?"
"No, there is no one like you, you're different from others of your kin."
"My kin?" she questioned impulsively.
"The elves. I've never seen one with hair, which is even remotely close to the shade of yours. That is also quite peculiar…hmm." As he spoke these words, again he came to her side, then paused going into a contemplative stance. Azure looked up at him in shock.
"An elf, I am not an elf. As far as I know, today is the first day I have ever seen an elf… so how can I be one?" The prince was stunned, had she never looked in a mirror?
"Of course, you are. You are too fair and beautiful to be of the man race, much too tall to be a hobbit. You seem to enjoy the outdoors and plants, so you cannot be a dwarf – not to mention other differences, which cause me to exclude you from this race. So, unless you are of the istari… but then I do not remember the last time a saw an istar with ears of your shape." He gently brushed his finger along her ear's point. She stumbled somewhat backward, as she felt his warm touch on her skin. He caught her slightly with his free hand. Seconds, then minutes passed by and neither of them moved an inch. Azure forgot about what had just happened and found herself again becoming lost in his gaze. She smiled weakly, and he returned it, drawing her closer… Azure snapped her head to the side; looking about furiously. Someone was invading her mind. A familiar voice sounded. The voice put her into trance and began moving her body, it was almost as if she was a puppet being directed by invisible strings. Legolas didn't move from his spot, but he followed her with his eyes. She reached out and pricked her finger on a thorn of the rose. Blood appeared on her hand where she'd touched it. She allowed the small droplet to fall onto the damp soil below. Immediately, as if by magic, the rose bud blossomed in to ravishingly beautiful flower. The pedals were so outstretched and 'ripe' they dared to fall; but they did not. Legolas smirked, slightly, coming up to Azure. She noticed that the way he walked, it was like he was saying 'I told you so', this annoyed her a little, but she didn't let the feeling surface. She gaped at the rose before her; how'd that happen? She looked up, and Legolas was gone. 'Great' she thought unable to suppress a small wail. He flew back into the garden.
"What happened?" he exclaimed. Azure blushed, 'I wasn't that loud, was I?'
"Um… nothing. I was just – er – thinking!" she announced triumphantly, after struggling with an excuse. He glared at her, and she advanced toward him, 'walking in a new light'. Where had he seen her before?! The question was driving him insane. With every step she became more and more familiar and he felt further and further from the answer.
"I know I'v-" before he could get anymore out, she silenced him with a kiss. It was tender, yet unexpected. She smiled on his lips and he placed his hands on her back, drawing her in closer. When they finally broke apart, a silence fell upon the pair. She hugged him gently then spoke.
"I suppose I should get some rest, it's been awhile…" she trailed off smiling at herself.
"Then allow me to escort you back to your room?" he asked taking her arm in his.
"Why thank you, your highn-" this time he cut her off, but with his words.
"Legolas."
"Sorry… Legolas." And with that, they made there way back to tree, from whence they'd both come. They continued up the stairs, stopping on the fourth landing, in front of Azure's door. He gently released her from his arm and kissed her softly on the cheek; she was disappointed.
"Rest well, milady." He called, while descending.
"It's Azure!" she cried after him, as she leaned over the rail.
"Indeed… Azure." His door closed quietly below her. She turned, opening the door and proceeding towards her bed. But before she could even close the door, she heard the prince's door crash open and then him.
"Azure!" He shouted racing up the stairs. She was taken aback by his shouts. He slowed as he neared and halted in front of her. He looked thoughtfully at her, as realisation dawned on him.
"I know why I feel as though I've seen you. I can see your mother's beauty radiating from you, and your father's strength. If only they were here to see you; they'd be so proud."
"My parents, you knew them?"
"Yes of cour-" A similar scene ensued. Legolas cut his sentence short, whipping his head to the side; staring over the railing. Azure followed his look, to the area she'd observed previously. There beside the shallow basin and pedestal stood Galadriel; Azure knew she was 'speaking' to him. He returned, facing Azure once again.
"I must go, forget what I have just said. I was wrong." Then he walked away. 'Wrong,' thought Azure 'even as he said it… he's lying.' She confirmed her statement noticing Galadriel's expression. She clenched her teeth tightly, and pretended not to notice, entering her room once again.
