Chapter 17

Iiten like all elves healed relatively quickly, with the addition of the newfound herbs he was capable of walking within the hour. However the other archers manning the post forbid him from rising for another four days, threatening to use sedative herbs on him if he dared show a foot from under the covers. It was necessary for the bone to heal. Iiten although rather laid back was no fool and he abided by the order to remain bedridden. Instead of hunting for the mystery lady though, as he was quite incapable of doing so, he wrung details about her out of Geletar and Holil.

~No I did not make out her eyes, I had no idea we were dealing with a elf, I would have known immediately if I could see any part of her!~ Holil repeated.

~Honestly Holil, it's no wonder you haven't found your lady yet. You can't seem to tell the difference between them and orcs.~

~Iiten that's a bit much, it was an elven cloak so it covered her completely to keep the damp completely off as well. Had she not been wearing such a cloak in weather like this it would surly bring her common sense into question. It's only reasonable.~ Legolas pointed out while placing a restraining hand on Holil's shoulder.

~Oh, alright I suppose. Yes it was quite proper for her to be adorned with such attire, I forgive you Holil but you should still be more observant. Ask for a name next time. Should there be a next time.~

Holil shrugged. ~Perhaps I doubt that I would have benefited from her name in that area though, I did not feel any stirring within me when I first saw her. Indeed I thought we had by some bad luck or another encountered a shadow or wanderer. Elven maiden did not strike me at all. However, if she was indeed your lady you have my apologies for prolonging your happiness.~

~Do you remember what she sounded like though? Did she have a very different voice? Anything I can track her by at all? Did you see a birth mark by chance on her hand? What was her skin color, I want to know if I have to go through the entire mess like Legolas is.~

Holil paused thoughtfully his brow wrinkling in recollection. ~She did have an accent. very similar to one I've heard recently, I just can't seem to recall it. Hand color and birthmarks, well she was wearing gloves.~

~Oh well, it shall make the seeking more interesting.~ He replied grinning and staring at the ceiling in an obvious reverie.

Legolas and Holil exchanged sarcastic glances and took their leave. They stopped at the railing that separated them from the moisture. Sheets of rain running off the roof on one side, dry woven reed mats on the other. Legolas stared off south for a moment, running his plan through his head again. Father, treaty, and if all fails the South itself.

~I suppose it would only be fair to give her some warning.~ Holil said.

~Not while she doesn't believe.~

~Beg your pardon Legolas, I was referring to the poor maiden whom Iiten is likely to hunt down as soon as the healers release him.~ Holil smiled at him sadly, clearly understanding to whom he had refereed to.

~Ah, yes, that would be wise. It would be most unfortunate for Iiten if while he was showering her with praise her true husband, if she has one, turns up.~

~For both of their sakes then, she may not particularly be interested in settling down yet either, and Iiten is known to be quite pressing when it comes to things he has his mind set on.~

~Very well then, as soon as the rain stops or the day before they release him, whichever comes first.~ They traded glances of silent agreement.