Chapter 16 – Towards The Red Water

She was back alone in the dark cave. The cave was seemed to be melting. Water dripped from the stalactites above and mist filled the air. Narla searched around for an exit or anything at all for the cave was too silent save the sounds of dripping. She then saw a gray figure and headed that way. Sure enough, the old man who appeared before was there, frozen still but the crystal in which he was encased in was slowly diminishing. As Narla spoke, mist came out from her mouth.

"Who are you, old man? What is this place? Now can you please give me the answers I seek?"

Again the same voice came out from nowhere, this time louder,

"We meet again, child. You are fortunate to survive from the Pixie Princess. But I am afraid the danger is not over."

Uncertain what to make of the man's words, Narla shuddered as she recalled her neck being inches away from being cut. She had never been in these kinds of dangerous positions in her own world. A sudden wave of homesickness washed over her, but she hardened herself and faced the sleeping man.

"If you know so much, why don't you tell me? And once again, who on earth are you?!"

"I see you are an impatient one, Narla. All will be revealed in good time. Head north. Step not out of the path and you will reach your destination soon."

"Why should I listen to you? I don't even know who you are, or why you'd want to help me!"

"Listen child!" The voice came in a boom that startled Narla and made her shrink. "I am not your enemy! I shall tell you all when you arrive. Now go."

And the voice faded away as did the scene. Once again, Narla could ask no more as her consciousness failed her.

_________

The sun walked the earth the next day. It was still early in the morn, but the forest was full of life. Birds sang, trees shook and the air was fresh and sweet. It was as though nature had awakened.

Narla opened her heavy lids as sunrays fell on her face. Squinting from the bright daylight, she remembered the appearance of the old man as well as the previous night's danger. She had fallen into a deep sleep due to exhaustion, cold and fright, but now she felt safe. Noticing she was leaning her head on something Narla looked up. A pair of blue-gray eyes gazed down at her, smiling as he said,

"Good morning, Narla."

Taken aback, Narla brought her head up away from the elf whom she had leaned on as support during her sleep. Her face turned bright crimson even before he spoke, and when she saw him smile her face was practically a tomato. All her life she had never been this close to any male before, thus she just stared back at Legolas. Dumbfounded, Narla tried to stand up only to tumble on the cloak wrapped around her. Composing herself, she stood upright and held out the fumbled cloak to the now standing elf, mumbling thanks.

Narla's reaction was obviously humorous, for Legolas' smile turned into a grin then a soft chuckle. He himself had turned slightly pink when Narla's head decided to fall onto his shoulder last night, but he was surprised at how red one could go. He wondered amusingly what shade of red her face would be if he had moved his shoulder away when Narla suddenly flinched sideways.

It was not her wound which hurt, but the touch of her pendant was becoming more than a burning sting on her skin. Narla knew not what was happening, but she had to go to Searia if she was to find out. Whoever the old man was, she decided to take his advice.

"Keep the cloak. You have not fully recovered. I shall ask Oriah to tend to you once we reach our meeting place. Come, we must make haste!"

The atmosphere had somehow darkened by Narla's pain and sudden silence. Legolas lifted Narla onto the horse who had kept him company throughout the night. Narla patted the horse gratefully for it had carried her away from the terrifying glowing lady and labored for long. Before Legolas mounted, he handed Narla her belonging. Narla looked at Gaildryn in shock and joy. She was upset that her gift was left in that horrid place and that she could no longer protect herself, but it was now back in her hands. Speechless in gratitude, Narla was going to ask how Legolas found it when he jumped up behind her and spoke to the horse. Knowing there was no time to waste, she kept it securely around her waist and remained silent. Narla was worried that the glowing lady might follow them, but as they moved steadily north, all worries left her and she dozed off with safe arms around her.

Legolas knew it would still be a few days before they reached their meeting point. Though he sensed someone watching them, he could feel no danger. Nevertheless, he was alert at all times, but he was finding that quite difficult to do these days whenever he spoke to Narla. He was her guardian, but that was all. Legolas could not understand what drew him to Narla and he would still find no answers if he pondered it, so he concentrated on getting them to the Iron Hills safely.

_________

A day had passed and they were nearing the Iron Hills. The mountains loomed solidly ahead and a long river ran from it. They had reached Carnen, the Red Water. Minerals and soil from the mountains tainted the clear water, making it shine red under the sunlight.

It would be another day before they reach the mountain base where their companions would be waiting. Narla had fared better and her wounds were of not much obstacle to her. However, it seemed like her sharpness had not recovered as she became clumsy and tripped many a time during the day. The horse could carry none in such a rough path, thus they had to depend on their own agility and strength. Narla, however, currently had none of these qualities while her complete opposite companion was patient and helpful.

"Thank you, Legolas," smiled Narla sheepishly as Legolas saved her from falling face first onto a sharp rock, the sixth time of the day. Doing so was becoming a chore for Legolas and grabbing her cloak or arm became a reflex action to him.

"Saving you is not so troublesome as it is tiresome," teased Legolas as he wondered what happened to the efficient Narla who had started from Mirkwood with him.

"Indeed. I thought I heard a particular elf mention that elves do not get tired," retaliated Narla as she grinned back.

"Aye, Narla. Elves weary not, but they do get bored."

The rest of the afternoon passed by uneventfully with Narla almost falling from an edge thrice and Legolas preventing her from climbing into pits. Though he kept a pleasant face, Narla was beginning to feel embarrassed at her uselessness. Her clumsiness was slowing them down, the pain on her chest kept throbbing and the voice of the mysterious old man haunted her. She needed a distraction from her own thoughts. Thus when they took a break beside the scarlet current, Narla took out her Gaildryn.

"Legolas," Narla started hesistantly.

The elf turned towards her, noticing the Gaildryn in her hands. He looked at her questioningly and before he could ask anything she began,

"Um, I was wondering..." Narla said slowly, trying to phrase her words properly.

Legolas was now eyeing the blade she was holding, completely clueless as what her intention was. Narla took a deep breath and blurted,

"I was wondering if you could teach me how to use a blade so I can fight against enemies or such not that I would need to with you around but I was hoping to prepare myself for any emergency in the future!"

As the elven prince took in her words his lips twitched and finally he laughed,

"But of course! I had intended to teach you a few defense skills when you are fully recovered, but it seems eagerness has overcome your wounds."

Narla's face had relief and anticipation written all over, as well as embarrassment for her outburst. She had not thought Legolas would share any elven fighting knowledge with her, but her wish was granted. Finding a small flat ground nearby, Legolas handed Narla a long branch and started his first lesson.

"True as you said, you may not need to wield your sword under my protection, but you would need to strengthen yourself to cross the Iron Hills. I shall teach you the basic ways of combat, and twigs shall be used until you are ready to wield a sword."

With that the first sword lesson began. After an hour of swinging and thrusting the long twig, Narla found it easy to fight, until Legolas handed her Gaildryn. Holding the blade which appeared to have a mind of its own, she suddenly felt as if she was holding a wiggling anvil. Narla held the blade with two hands and it hung uselessly before her. She had underestimated the art of sword fighting. Eyes full of mirth, the elven prince patiently taught Narla how to control and use her blade. Gaildryn was no ordinary short sword. It was wrought with a soul and thus it could kill using its own will if the owner allowed it. By the time Narla dropped on her knees in exhaustion, she could control it from attacking on its own, but she still could not use it to strike as she desired.

"Why don't you use Gaildryn instead? I could borrow one of your white knives!" surrendered Narla.

Legolas gave her a stern look that she had never seen. "Nay, my father trusted you with his knife. It is you who must wield it, or it shall wield you."

Another hour passed in torture for Narla. Finally when she could swing the blade in her desired direction, Legolas called for a break. It was near sunset when they continued their journey and soon night fell on them. Spotting a suitable camping ground, they stopped for the night. Their horse stayed nearby as the flames' warmth surrounded the trio.

Narla dozed off almost as soon as her head touched the ground for she was worn out, but glad that she was able to learn something new. Her limbs ached with fatigue and though the pain on her chest had subsided, it was not gone, but her spirits were excited of triumph. Legolas had been a good and patient tutor, and though he would occasionally throw mocking comments, Narla was beginning to like him. Before she could venture more onto these thoughts, her mind drifted off to slumber.

It had been a long day for Legolas and if he could feel exhaustion, his body would be aching of it. Other than guiding the horse, staying alert for foes and sensing the air for direction, the elven prince also had to look after the girl from another world. Then there was the sword fighting lesson. Narla had been a fairly good pupil, and though she would complain endlessly, she had managed to manipulate Gaildryn. He had been awed when Gaildryn succumbed to Narla and allowed her to wield it as she may, for other than his father himself, it would not let any use it. She is just full of surprises, thought Legolas as he recalled her cry of triumph when she could thrust Gaildryn forward. Though she still needed two hands to wield it, Narla had shown great improvement. Tomorrow he would teach her the basic fighting techniques and she would be well prepared when they reach the Iron Hills. Legolas felt a strange feeling of pride inside him and tried to ignore it by turning his thoughts to something else, which was the Sea. He remembered the smell of seawater, the blue horizon and the cries of the gulls. He longed to sail across the peaceful bed of blue and explore its ends, if that was possible.

But his dream was cut short by soft hooves paddling on the earth. The horse had approached Legolas for company and the elf stroked its hair. Back in reality he looked at Narla's sleeping figure. If things went well, they would reunite with their companions tomorrow night. Legolas wondered where they were now under the same night sky, not knowing the dangers they were facing that very moment.

Author's Notes: Sorry folks for the delay. School's started but hey, I'll continue a chapter every week k? thanks for your repeated support and critics. Your comments inspire me to go on! Anyway, you'll find out what happened to the rest of the party in the next chapter! See ya!