Chapter 3
A/N: Ok- chapter three here. Thanks again for the reviews- I have a few loyal readers :) Anyway- I don't write for reviews- I write to keep myself amused and out of trouble. Anyway- sorry it's been a little while. I went home for a mini vacation or sorts- no internet there :( But anyway- all set in my summer apartment and ready to write and type!
Disclaimer: I don't own it… do you?
-
"Please excuse the outburst good sir knight." The queen said standing. "We have been ungracious hosts leaving you standing like this. As a token of our debt for saving our dearest Deedlit, you must be our guest for the banquet tonight. And you are most welcome to rest here under our trees for a time."
"I would be honored milady." Parn bowed.
"Our servant will take your things and get you some more appropriate clothing. Heavy armor is usually not adorned inside the forest." She explained.
Parn silently followed the servant to the guest wing, but not before he felt the unwelcome stare of the king. Something was not right here. He thought. But couldn't put his finger on it. As he was situated the servant handed him a set of elven robes to wear.
"Um… Excuse me. But where might find Deedlit?" Parn asked before the elf that looked to be not that much older than himself, but in reality was more like two centuries old.
"The princess, good sir? Why she would be in her chambers." The elf answered without even showing any emotion.
"Can you take me there?"
"Sir Parn, please excuse my bluntness, but what exactly is your relationship with our princess?"
"Relationship?" Parn gulped. "We… are just friends… partners in a journey… when… when something is upsetting her, I want to know what's wrong."
"You'll see her highness in a little while- the banquet will be served soon." The elf said as a look of what Parn thought to be sadness pass through his ancient eyes. Before the elf reached the door to leave, a knock came. The door opened to reveal an elegantly dressed she elf enter.
"My lady wishes your company my good sir knight." She said bowing. "She also inquired as to if you will be her escort for the evening."
Parn thought back a blush as he gave a crooked smile.
"I would be honored." Parn almost squeaked out.
"If you would follow me." The lady in waiting said after Parn had finished dressing in the elven robes of a soft green fabric.
Walking silently through the large hallways Parn took in the vistas of the palace. The ceilings arched like a domed cathedral through the corridor. Turning down an extremely floral filled hall, the elf he was following stopped outside two large doors.
"My lady awaits you good sir." She curtsied and went about her business down the hall.
Parn was alone outside the door. 'You can do this…' He told himself as he knocked on the door. Another servant answered, ushering him inside.
"My lady. Sir Parn has arrived." The servant said before taking her leave.
Parn looked about the room. An array of flowers bloomed all over the walls. A spacious canopy bed was adorned with silken green sheets and curtain, across from a large balcony window that allowed the gentle dusk breeze to bring a fresh scent to the room.
"Deed." Parn called out.
"Parn." Came her soft voice. He turned around and saw what he believed to be the figure of a goddess before him.
She stood there in a long silken green gown that hugged her curves perfectly. In the back a small train flowed over the ground. The neckline went in a V shape low, exposing her usually hidden 'assets.' An almost transparent light green cape flowed off her shapely shoulders and tied in the front at the base of her neck by a diamond studded leaf pin. Her hair was pulled up in a high ponytail with ringlets cascading to her shoulders. Simple tear drop earrings hung from her beautiful elf ears.
Parn had never seen anything so beautiful before in his life.
"Deed… you look…beautiful." He whispered out loud. Realizing his slip of the lip both blushed at his remark.
"Thank you Parn." She said forcing a smile. Her eyes still were full of sadness.
He walked closer to where she was standing. As she saw him coming closer to her, she could not help but start to get misty eyed.
"Oh Parn." She wept as she threw her arms around his chest.
"Deedlit? What's wrong?"
"Let's leave this place… now… I need to leave."
"But why Deed? This is your home" Parn said with a confused expression on his red face. 'You belong …here.' He thought to himself. And he knew she did. She was an Elven Princess. How did he ever forget that? His Deedlit was a creature of the forest and she didn't deserve to suffer human toils with him.
He could only hold her as she cried. Pulling her away so he could look at her, he wiped tears off her face. He was just as shocked as she was with his actions.
Parn had never been so forward with her, except for the time he picked a white rose for her while they were resting after the fight with the dragon.
"We need to go to the banquet. We can talk afterwards, if you like." He told her. "My lady." Parn bowed to her causing a slight giggle out of her with his well mannered action.
They walked down the halls; her arm found it's place in his. Parn didn't fully understand his feelings when it came to Deedlit. He just had to be near her- she was just so much a part of him now.
Making a grand entrance, the couple descended down an illustrious staircase that led down to a elegant ballroom. Tables were set up, with the largest at the head of the room. The king and queen sat at that table, looking out at their guests.
Parn was surprised at the numbers that were present. Never before had he witnessed so many different types of elves gathering together. The elves, were a very mysterious bunch to the outside world. Parn escorted Deedlit to sit at her mother's side. Taking his place as a guest of honor beside his companion.
Soothing music played as the meal was served by servants. Once the food was set out the king elf cleared his throat and stood, getting everyone's attention.
"Loyal guests, I am sure you are wondering a why I have called such a celebration. I have two such reasons. The one is the safe return of my daughter, the Princess Deedlit. We have Sir Parn, a knight of Lodoss to thank in part for that." The cheers of the public made Parn blush. "And the second is the public announcement of the newly negotiated peace deal between our clan and that of the dark elves with the marriage of both houses."
That's when it hit Parn. All the cheers the elves were giving were muted out as Parn watched Deedlit lower her head in sadness. Parn finally realized why she wanted to run.
"Deed…" He whispered in shock.
The dark elves then entered the room. Taking their places amongst the guests. The dark elves' Prince walked up to the king's table and bowed. Looking over to Deedlit he licked his lips and smiled evilly. Parn couldn't breath… he couldn't believe what was going on.
Suddenly Deedlit stood and ran off down the hall. Parn was sure he heard muffled sobs come from her.
Parn watched her form disappear. 'Aren't you going to go after her?' He thought in his mind. 'GO!' His heart yelled. Parn knew now he had to act. He stood and ran down the hall Deed had gone.
After searching several halls Parn came to the entrance of a large garden. The sun had fully set by now and the abundance of stars shone brightly. He heard the splash of water and a fountain gurgle. Coming closer he saw the depressed form of his friend, his Deedlit…
She was laying on the ground, her body propped up against the fountain ledge. Parn could hear her soft cry. Her hand was in the fountain as she looked at her reflection against the cool waters.
Parn decided to approach her. The thought of another man, well elf, anybody else with her caused jealousy to ripple through his soul. He wanted to be the one to grow old with her, to have a family, to be together…
"Deedlit." he called out to her. She didn't respond. "Deed, please… talk to me." He said as he knelt by her. Placing his hand on her back, he tried to offer her comfort without revealing too much of his strong feelings. He desperately wanted to soothe her sobs, his heart ached when she was sad.
Her face was hidden from him. He knew not what possessed him to do it, but he gently began to stroke her long hair lovingly and bent down closer to her.
His gentle lips placed a chaste kiss on her exposed neck. Her breath seemed to stop like his own.
'Had he? Did he really kiss me? Those lips…' Deed's mind screamed. She had waited so long for him to actually show her that her feelings were mutual.
The taste of her skin was intoxicating. The tiny peck he gave her wasn't enough for him. He didn't care if he would give away his feelings for her. He was tired of hiding them. Tried of not holding her in his arms… and now with all that was happening- he might not ever get the chance to act on his feelings for her.
Underneath the canopy of stars in the shelter of the elven gardens, Parn decided to act.
Gently pulling Deed to him he turned her to see her face. Her eyes were the saddest they had ever been. Tears streaked down her cheeks.
"Deedlit… don't cry, please." He said gently wiping the tears from her skin. Placing another kiss to her forehead, he pulled away to see her reaction.
"Oh Parn…" she cried as she buried her face in his shirt. Her arms latched around his chest. "Hold me…" She sobbed as his arms wrapped around her slender form.
"Deed what can I do?" He asked in a desperate voice. For a time there was silence as Deed collected herself.
"There's nothing anyone can do…" She said in a whisper. "I have to…"
"Then we'll run. We'll leave and forget this all."
"I would be turning my back on my people… and they would find us…"
"Deedlit there has to be a way."
Deed pushed away from Parn a bit and dried her tears.
"There is, but no one will do it." She added before looking up into the stars.
As she gazed into the nights sky, Parn's' mind screamed at him. 'Say it! Say it NOW! Do it now!'
His body added in along with his heart. But his lips, his stubborn lips defied them all and remained shut.
A voice from a far came closer calling for Deedlit. Both Parn and Deed looked towards the owner of the voice as they came into view.
Neither of them expected to see the dark elf prince standing there. As he cleared his throat, Parn realized what the scene looked like.
Quickly he released Deed as a blush stained his cheeks. He took his eyes off both the elves and looked up into the sky, never seeing Deedlit's hurt expression.
"I suspected I'd find you out here Princess." The prince stated. He looked jealously over at Parn. "Leave us human, my future bride and I have much to discuss." He hissed at Parn.
"There is nothing to discuss- I will not marry a dark elf! Parn is my guest here good prince, see to it you treat him with the respect he deserves. I will take my leave from both of you now." Deed said as she walked away with all the dignity she could muster.
"Deedlit." Parn called after he, but was stopped by the dark elf.
"Best stick to you own breed mortal. What could a human know of these things?" The prince said looking straight into Parn's dark eyes. "Go back home boy. Mind your own kind's business." With that the dark elf pulled his cape around him and left Parn standing alone in the garden.
Some time later Parn found himself wandering the halls of the elven palace.
"Good sir, are you lost?" Came a voice of a male elf. Parn figured he was a servant.
"Actually I am." Parn admitted. "Could you direct me towards the guest wing?"
"You are quite a long way off then sir. This is the princess' wing. The guest quarters are this way. Follow me.. Unless."
"The princess…" He said. "Deedlit." Following the elf silently he thought of their close contact earlier. How they just felt so right together.
"Good sir- may I inquire something?" The elf asked breaking the silence.
Parn nodded, giving his permission.
"Do you care at all for our princess?"
Parn was caught off guard, before his mind could think he replied with a 'yes.'
"Then I beg you my lord, act on it soon or else take your leave. I sense a great evil lurking these woods lately just as I sense my lady's heart breaking. Sir, with everyday you deny her yours."
"But what can I do? Her father is set on marrying her off to the dark elven prince." Parn said.
"Sir knight, you know not the elven culture. There is but one way to save her from a loveless eternity. But only if you are truly a might knight will you succeed."
"What must I do?" Parn asked. "Please, I need to know."
"Why- what would you do?"
"I love her. Can't you see I do? She doesn't deserve a forced marriage to the ones who allied with the ones who tried to destroy our world."
"Then, my lord, you must go to her and tell her how you fell and then challenge the other for her hand."
"That's it?" Parn said relieved. 'A battle, I can do that.' he thought.
"To do this, however, you must first be recognized as a friend of the forest. And that you need to gain a guide for your journey through the forest."
"Where do I find these guides?"
"Talk to her Sir Parn, mend her heart and the way to your own happiness shall be opened." The elf said as he took off and disappeared into a darkened hallway.
A/N: Ok- chapter three here. Thanks again for the reviews- I have a few loyal readers :) Anyway- I don't write for reviews- I write to keep myself amused and out of trouble. Anyway- sorry it's been a little while. I went home for a mini vacation or sorts- no internet there :( But anyway- all set in my summer apartment and ready to write and type!
Disclaimer: I don't own it… do you?
-
"Please excuse the outburst good sir knight." The queen said standing. "We have been ungracious hosts leaving you standing like this. As a token of our debt for saving our dearest Deedlit, you must be our guest for the banquet tonight. And you are most welcome to rest here under our trees for a time."
"I would be honored milady." Parn bowed.
"Our servant will take your things and get you some more appropriate clothing. Heavy armor is usually not adorned inside the forest." She explained.
Parn silently followed the servant to the guest wing, but not before he felt the unwelcome stare of the king. Something was not right here. He thought. But couldn't put his finger on it. As he was situated the servant handed him a set of elven robes to wear.
"Um… Excuse me. But where might find Deedlit?" Parn asked before the elf that looked to be not that much older than himself, but in reality was more like two centuries old.
"The princess, good sir? Why she would be in her chambers." The elf answered without even showing any emotion.
"Can you take me there?"
"Sir Parn, please excuse my bluntness, but what exactly is your relationship with our princess?"
"Relationship?" Parn gulped. "We… are just friends… partners in a journey… when… when something is upsetting her, I want to know what's wrong."
"You'll see her highness in a little while- the banquet will be served soon." The elf said as a look of what Parn thought to be sadness pass through his ancient eyes. Before the elf reached the door to leave, a knock came. The door opened to reveal an elegantly dressed she elf enter.
"My lady wishes your company my good sir knight." She said bowing. "She also inquired as to if you will be her escort for the evening."
Parn thought back a blush as he gave a crooked smile.
"I would be honored." Parn almost squeaked out.
"If you would follow me." The lady in waiting said after Parn had finished dressing in the elven robes of a soft green fabric.
Walking silently through the large hallways Parn took in the vistas of the palace. The ceilings arched like a domed cathedral through the corridor. Turning down an extremely floral filled hall, the elf he was following stopped outside two large doors.
"My lady awaits you good sir." She curtsied and went about her business down the hall.
Parn was alone outside the door. 'You can do this…' He told himself as he knocked on the door. Another servant answered, ushering him inside.
"My lady. Sir Parn has arrived." The servant said before taking her leave.
Parn looked about the room. An array of flowers bloomed all over the walls. A spacious canopy bed was adorned with silken green sheets and curtain, across from a large balcony window that allowed the gentle dusk breeze to bring a fresh scent to the room.
"Deed." Parn called out.
"Parn." Came her soft voice. He turned around and saw what he believed to be the figure of a goddess before him.
She stood there in a long silken green gown that hugged her curves perfectly. In the back a small train flowed over the ground. The neckline went in a V shape low, exposing her usually hidden 'assets.' An almost transparent light green cape flowed off her shapely shoulders and tied in the front at the base of her neck by a diamond studded leaf pin. Her hair was pulled up in a high ponytail with ringlets cascading to her shoulders. Simple tear drop earrings hung from her beautiful elf ears.
Parn had never seen anything so beautiful before in his life.
"Deed… you look…beautiful." He whispered out loud. Realizing his slip of the lip both blushed at his remark.
"Thank you Parn." She said forcing a smile. Her eyes still were full of sadness.
He walked closer to where she was standing. As she saw him coming closer to her, she could not help but start to get misty eyed.
"Oh Parn." She wept as she threw her arms around his chest.
"Deedlit? What's wrong?"
"Let's leave this place… now… I need to leave."
"But why Deed? This is your home" Parn said with a confused expression on his red face. 'You belong …here.' He thought to himself. And he knew she did. She was an Elven Princess. How did he ever forget that? His Deedlit was a creature of the forest and she didn't deserve to suffer human toils with him.
He could only hold her as she cried. Pulling her away so he could look at her, he wiped tears off her face. He was just as shocked as she was with his actions.
Parn had never been so forward with her, except for the time he picked a white rose for her while they were resting after the fight with the dragon.
"We need to go to the banquet. We can talk afterwards, if you like." He told her. "My lady." Parn bowed to her causing a slight giggle out of her with his well mannered action.
They walked down the halls; her arm found it's place in his. Parn didn't fully understand his feelings when it came to Deedlit. He just had to be near her- she was just so much a part of him now.
Making a grand entrance, the couple descended down an illustrious staircase that led down to a elegant ballroom. Tables were set up, with the largest at the head of the room. The king and queen sat at that table, looking out at their guests.
Parn was surprised at the numbers that were present. Never before had he witnessed so many different types of elves gathering together. The elves, were a very mysterious bunch to the outside world. Parn escorted Deedlit to sit at her mother's side. Taking his place as a guest of honor beside his companion.
Soothing music played as the meal was served by servants. Once the food was set out the king elf cleared his throat and stood, getting everyone's attention.
"Loyal guests, I am sure you are wondering a why I have called such a celebration. I have two such reasons. The one is the safe return of my daughter, the Princess Deedlit. We have Sir Parn, a knight of Lodoss to thank in part for that." The cheers of the public made Parn blush. "And the second is the public announcement of the newly negotiated peace deal between our clan and that of the dark elves with the marriage of both houses."
That's when it hit Parn. All the cheers the elves were giving were muted out as Parn watched Deedlit lower her head in sadness. Parn finally realized why she wanted to run.
"Deed…" He whispered in shock.
The dark elves then entered the room. Taking their places amongst the guests. The dark elves' Prince walked up to the king's table and bowed. Looking over to Deedlit he licked his lips and smiled evilly. Parn couldn't breath… he couldn't believe what was going on.
Suddenly Deedlit stood and ran off down the hall. Parn was sure he heard muffled sobs come from her.
Parn watched her form disappear. 'Aren't you going to go after her?' He thought in his mind. 'GO!' His heart yelled. Parn knew now he had to act. He stood and ran down the hall Deed had gone.
After searching several halls Parn came to the entrance of a large garden. The sun had fully set by now and the abundance of stars shone brightly. He heard the splash of water and a fountain gurgle. Coming closer he saw the depressed form of his friend, his Deedlit…
She was laying on the ground, her body propped up against the fountain ledge. Parn could hear her soft cry. Her hand was in the fountain as she looked at her reflection against the cool waters.
Parn decided to approach her. The thought of another man, well elf, anybody else with her caused jealousy to ripple through his soul. He wanted to be the one to grow old with her, to have a family, to be together…
"Deedlit." he called out to her. She didn't respond. "Deed, please… talk to me." He said as he knelt by her. Placing his hand on her back, he tried to offer her comfort without revealing too much of his strong feelings. He desperately wanted to soothe her sobs, his heart ached when she was sad.
Her face was hidden from him. He knew not what possessed him to do it, but he gently began to stroke her long hair lovingly and bent down closer to her.
His gentle lips placed a chaste kiss on her exposed neck. Her breath seemed to stop like his own.
'Had he? Did he really kiss me? Those lips…' Deed's mind screamed. She had waited so long for him to actually show her that her feelings were mutual.
The taste of her skin was intoxicating. The tiny peck he gave her wasn't enough for him. He didn't care if he would give away his feelings for her. He was tired of hiding them. Tried of not holding her in his arms… and now with all that was happening- he might not ever get the chance to act on his feelings for her.
Underneath the canopy of stars in the shelter of the elven gardens, Parn decided to act.
Gently pulling Deed to him he turned her to see her face. Her eyes were the saddest they had ever been. Tears streaked down her cheeks.
"Deedlit… don't cry, please." He said gently wiping the tears from her skin. Placing another kiss to her forehead, he pulled away to see her reaction.
"Oh Parn…" she cried as she buried her face in his shirt. Her arms latched around his chest. "Hold me…" She sobbed as his arms wrapped around her slender form.
"Deed what can I do?" He asked in a desperate voice. For a time there was silence as Deed collected herself.
"There's nothing anyone can do…" She said in a whisper. "I have to…"
"Then we'll run. We'll leave and forget this all."
"I would be turning my back on my people… and they would find us…"
"Deedlit there has to be a way."
Deed pushed away from Parn a bit and dried her tears.
"There is, but no one will do it." She added before looking up into the stars.
As she gazed into the nights sky, Parn's' mind screamed at him. 'Say it! Say it NOW! Do it now!'
His body added in along with his heart. But his lips, his stubborn lips defied them all and remained shut.
A voice from a far came closer calling for Deedlit. Both Parn and Deed looked towards the owner of the voice as they came into view.
Neither of them expected to see the dark elf prince standing there. As he cleared his throat, Parn realized what the scene looked like.
Quickly he released Deed as a blush stained his cheeks. He took his eyes off both the elves and looked up into the sky, never seeing Deedlit's hurt expression.
"I suspected I'd find you out here Princess." The prince stated. He looked jealously over at Parn. "Leave us human, my future bride and I have much to discuss." He hissed at Parn.
"There is nothing to discuss- I will not marry a dark elf! Parn is my guest here good prince, see to it you treat him with the respect he deserves. I will take my leave from both of you now." Deed said as she walked away with all the dignity she could muster.
"Deedlit." Parn called after he, but was stopped by the dark elf.
"Best stick to you own breed mortal. What could a human know of these things?" The prince said looking straight into Parn's dark eyes. "Go back home boy. Mind your own kind's business." With that the dark elf pulled his cape around him and left Parn standing alone in the garden.
Some time later Parn found himself wandering the halls of the elven palace.
"Good sir, are you lost?" Came a voice of a male elf. Parn figured he was a servant.
"Actually I am." Parn admitted. "Could you direct me towards the guest wing?"
"You are quite a long way off then sir. This is the princess' wing. The guest quarters are this way. Follow me.. Unless."
"The princess…" He said. "Deedlit." Following the elf silently he thought of their close contact earlier. How they just felt so right together.
"Good sir- may I inquire something?" The elf asked breaking the silence.
Parn nodded, giving his permission.
"Do you care at all for our princess?"
Parn was caught off guard, before his mind could think he replied with a 'yes.'
"Then I beg you my lord, act on it soon or else take your leave. I sense a great evil lurking these woods lately just as I sense my lady's heart breaking. Sir, with everyday you deny her yours."
"But what can I do? Her father is set on marrying her off to the dark elven prince." Parn said.
"Sir knight, you know not the elven culture. There is but one way to save her from a loveless eternity. But only if you are truly a might knight will you succeed."
"What must I do?" Parn asked. "Please, I need to know."
"Why- what would you do?"
"I love her. Can't you see I do? She doesn't deserve a forced marriage to the ones who allied with the ones who tried to destroy our world."
"Then, my lord, you must go to her and tell her how you fell and then challenge the other for her hand."
"That's it?" Parn said relieved. 'A battle, I can do that.' he thought.
"To do this, however, you must first be recognized as a friend of the forest. And that you need to gain a guide for your journey through the forest."
"Where do I find these guides?"
"Talk to her Sir Parn, mend her heart and the way to your own happiness shall be opened." The elf said as he took off and disappeared into a darkened hallway.