Chapter 4

Encounter in the Stable

The next morning, the first rays of the sun's light streamed through the window and splashed across Vanadil's face. Squeezing her eyes tighter shut, Vanadil quickly rolled over as to avoid the annoying beam that wished to wake her. She could hear the distant footsteps and voices that told her the rest of the castle was awake, and it was time for the new day to begin. However, she wanted no part of it. Her thoughts and emotions were churning in confusion and her only wish was to remain in bed and shut out the rest of the world. She soon came to realize her wish would not be granted.

A sharp knock erupted from the other side of the door, jarring Vanadil from her drowsy state of consciousness. Twisting the silken edge of her bedsheet around her hand, she jerked it up and over her head, hoping it would mask the reality of the world. The knocking persisted and Vanadil opened one eye, but dared not to uncover her face. She could hear the door open and heavy footsteps approach the side of her bed. Tensing, she awaited the feel of the sheet to be yanked back. However, it never came.

Finally, her curiosity got the better of her and she gingerly pulled it down, revealing her face, and peered up at the intruder. She had half hoped it had been one of the handmaidens but winced when she saw the amused face of her father looking down upon her.

"How does one expect to accomplish anything the day shall bring if she plans to stay in bed all day?" he asked.

Her mind was still too clouded with sleep to come up with a witty answer, so Vanadil simply shrugged.

"I expect to see you downstairs in an hour's time, Vanadil." He said as he turned and left her chamber. Sitting up in defeat, Vanadil tried to push the feeling of annoyance from her mind. Her father was right; there was no sense in hiding from her problems.

A few minutes later, Vanadil hastily brushed her hair, pulling it back at the nape of her neck and began to search for her boots. She discovered them pushed carelessly under her bed and quickly bent down to retrieve them. She saw no sense in totally changing her appearance just for a guest, whether it be her betrothed or some other noble. As with any other day, she would be clothed in her faithful tunic and leggings. Pulling on her boots, she thought about what confusion this day might hold in store for her. The previous day had been appalling enough, but at least today she would be prepared for anything. Had she not been caught off guard yesterday, she might have handled it better and more in stride.

Taking a few hesitant steps outside the comfort of her room, Vanadil breathed a sigh of relief when she realized there was not a soul to be seen. She felt the worries of the previous day lifted from her shoulders and a new light shine upon her. Lightly springing down the stairs, she slowed to a walk as she made her way into the dining hall for a quick breakfast.

Plucking an apple from one of the many baskets place upon the rows of tables, she decided she would make her appearance brief, as there was much she wished to do that day. As she turned to leave, a sudden thought struck her, and she turned back to grab an extra apple for Eledhwen. The hall was bustling with the usual activity, so she found it quite easily to exit unnoticed through the hall's great doors.

Legolas looked up from the conversation he had been half listening to, in time to see his betrothed stealthily leave the dining hall, her presence going unnoticed to most. He wondered were she could possibly be going so early in the day. Politely excusing himself, he decided he would follow her in hopes to learn more about the girl who intrigued him so.

He did not know why he felt drawn to her like a moth to the flame, but he knew, without doubt, that she was unlike any maiden he had ever known. Her spirit seemed to make her glow, and he found himself liking her fiery personality more with every waking moment.

As he exited through the tall oak doors, he caught a glimpse of Vanadil's retreating figure as she rounded a corner and disappeared. He knew he must remain out of sight if he was to find out more about her. He could easily hear her sharp tongue and taunting voice if she discovered he was indeed following her.

He smiled at the very idea of her attempting to insult him, but thought it would be best to remain from her view in hopes to ease the tension that had already formed between them.

Vanadil paused in midstep as she walked down the main corridor. She thought she heard the sound of footfalls behind her, but when upon checking, she saw there was no one to be found. She quickly shrugged to herself and continued to her destination. She figured it was one of the many servants carrying on the daily activities and duties.

The coolness of the fresh air brushed past her face as she left the stuffiness of the castle. She casually waved to some of the guards and picked up her pace to a light jog, as she was in a hurry to greet the new day with Eledhwen. As she stepped inside the barn, it only took a minute for her eyes to adjust to the darkness.

A sense of serenity eased over her as she walked up to the beautiful bay horse. He was her best friend and was always there for her when none other had been. Holding out her palm, she offered him the apple and whispered a warm greeting to him. She was about to unlatch the stall's door when a flash of movement in the stable's doorway caught her attention.

Looking over her shoulder, she saw a silhouette of a person approaching her. The morning sun streaming in the doorway blinded his identity so Vanadil thought nothing of it and turned back to Eledhwen. However, her hand once again froze about the door's latch when she heard a familiar and somewhat velvety voice.

"I see we meet here again, Vanadil."

Vanadil snatched her hand back and glared at the intruder challengingly. She was not at all surprised to see it was Legolas.

Forcing her expression to soften slightly, she quickly found her voice and replied, "You have been following me then, have you?"

Smiling, Legolas nodded, "Call it what you please, but I'm delighted to have the chance to see you again."

Taking an unconscious step backward, Vanadil was speechless, a rare occurrence for her. What was he thinking, talking to her in such a manner? True, he was her betrothed but what were these peculiar feelings he seemed to conjure inside of her? Quickly regaining her composure, she remembered the conversation she shared with her mother the previous night. She could hear her mother's words replay in her mind. For many seasons I have known Legolas and he is a valiant elf. She knew her mother would not speak of anything but the truth, so why did she feel so hesitant around him? Turning her gaze to her right, Vanadil pretended to be interested in one of the knights leading his steed from the safety of the stable as she tried to think of an appropriate response.

However, before she could come up with a witty response, her train of thought was interrupted by a soft feeling upon her lips. It took a brief second for Vanadil to realize what was happening. Legolas' lips gently brushed against hers, capturing her full attention for the briefest of moments. All of her thoughts fled from her mind and were replaced by strange emotions. When he pulled away, Vanadil realized in alarm that her face felt as if it were on fire and she knew it showed as well.

Choking up a reply, she whispered, "Why'd you do that?"

Stepping back, he gazed into her eyes and answered, "I apologize, Vanadil. I do not understand what got the better of me. If you'll excuse me, I'll be on my way and let you be on yours."

She nodded and watched his retreating figure until it was out of her sight. Turning back to Eledhwen, she sighed in both frustration and anger. She was rather frustrated that she had let herself be swept away by such a meek action and let it steel all sharp remarks from her thoughts. She was angry that Legolas had taken her by surprise. A soft voice in the back of her mind chided her. After all, he had apologized and seemed as though it had not been in his morning plans. Vanadil sighed in confusion and dismay when she realized the warm taste of his kiss still lingered upon her lips.

A/N: There's Chapter 4! Hope you like it. As always, please review!