Hiya, I'm back again to write a new chapter, sorrie I kno I don't update as often as I usually promise, but I've been so preoccupied lately. Well, I won't keep you from the reason you came here…so here it is chapter 18…
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Kasumi opened her eyes and groaned as a throbbing pain filled her head. She found herself bundled up in a chair, with a terrible headache, and as soon as she remembered what had caused her grief, she shut her eyes tightly as the despair filled her heart once again.
She was suddenly distracted from the hurt by a soft knocking at the door.
"Come in, please," Kasumi called quietly, and forced a sorrowful smile as Kaeliona stepped into the room.
"I've come to help you prepare for dinner, Lady Kasumi," she explained as she shut the door quietly. She noticed the pained expression on her face and tilted her head in question. "Something troubles you, m'lady?"
Kasumi shook her head and faked a cheerful smile. "Not at all, it is just that this morning's excursion has drained me of my usual energy," she lied, getting up and following Kaeliona into the bedroom.
"Wait here m'lady as I draw you a hot bath," Kaeliona requested as she disappeared into the adjacent room.
Kasumi sighed and shook her head, noticing that once again, Kaeliona had ignored her request to be called Kasumi. However, she soon let it go, remembering the stubbornness of servants to uphold their duty. She sat on the edge of the bed, deciding to forget her troubles for the time being and try and enjoy herself as much as possible.
After several minutes Kaeliona stepped out of the steaming bath room. "Your bath is ready m'lady. I'll be out here waiting to show you your wardrobe," Kaeliona told her.
"I thank you," Kasumi said as she stepped toward the room. "I won't be too long." She walked into the room and vanished into the rose scented mist…
Kasumi exited the bathing room in a robe, her body dried from head to toe by the towel provided for her.
Kaeliona smiled at her arrival and stood from her seat on the bed to show Kasumi her attire. "Here you are m'lady," she announced as she laid a dress onto the bed.
Kasumi looked down at the dress laying on the bed, picked it up, and put it on behind the privacy of a folding screen placed in the corner. She walked back to Kaeliona and looked at the dress in the mirror.
It was a dirty rose color, made of a sheer, satin material. It had a square neck line, with two ribbons crossing over the open space, the sleeves were short, and the shoulders belled out to the middle of her upper arm. The skirt consisted of several ruffled layers, in different shades of the original color, creating a beautiful blend of shadow and highlight. The bottom layers consisted of a stiff, white lace in order to hold up the rest of the skirt into a bell shape, where the layers of lace and ruffles cascaded down, to an inch above her knees.
"I must admit Kaeliona, that it is a beautiful dress, but it is frightfully short," Kasumi confessed.
"I think you look wonderful in it," Kaeliona assured her. "I even scented your bath water with rose oil, just to match with it. You should not always be so modest m'lady, besides, I want you to see the gift the King has sent to you," she said, as she happily picked up a box from the bed. "The dress is a gift too, if you did not know, as well as the rest of your attire that you have acquired during your stay here. I heard from Lauriana that you get to keep everything the King has lent to you. You are very fortunate to have his favor."
"Well, it has kept me alive," Kasumi admitted.
"Yes, that is true as well," Kaeliona said, as she opened the box.
Kasumi gasped at the beautiful adornments inside the box. There was a pair of rose shaped, crystal earrings which matched the dress, and a white lace choker, with a rose colored ribbon running through the middle and a crystal rose in the center.
After Kaeliona had helped Kasumi put on the jewelry she reminded her that Lauriana would come and escort her down to the banquet, same as before. She then quickly helped curl several strands of her hair, and braid several strands in between with matching ribbons and actual rosebuds. Afterwards, Kaeliona bid her farewells so that she could get ready as well.
"Thank you for your help!" Kasumi called as Kaeliona left her chambers. She went to wait for Lauriana in the front sitting room, and slipped on the comfy rose leather boots that Kaeliona had left for her. The boots reached right below her knees and were laced with leather string of the same color, in a crisscross style.
It wasn't long before Kasumi heard the knock on her door, and she hurriedly rushed to meet Lauriana outside of her door.
"You look magnificent Kasumi!" Lauriana said approvingly as she greeted Kasumi in the hallway.
"Thank you," Kasumi said smiling widely as she followed her down the familiar path to the dining hall.
They remained silent for the rest of the trip and when they finally reached the banquet hall they went their separate ways.
Kasumi headed down to the same long table, and sat in the seat next to the throne.
Soon after, Manwein came to sit next to her, and he looked at her worriedly.
"Are you feeling better?" he asked her, taking her hands in his. "I've been worried since you left."
Kasumi smiled. "I am doing much better, and I apologize for having to leave so suddenly."
"I mind not," he assured her. "I am just relieved to see you are well enough to keep me company in the midst of strangers."
"I will always be here to keep you company, despite what ever situation I might be ailed with," she told him, squeezing his hands gently.
"That is wonderful to hear. Now if you will excuse me, I fear I have left something behind in my room," he excused himself and disappeared into the crowd.
Kasumi sighed as he left and turned in her chair to rest her elbow on the table.
A hand softly brushed her shoulder, and she gasped in shock, but did not turn around. "Ah, yes, finally you are free to approach."
Kasumi smiled and turned around to find Haydn, smiling widely. "I'm sorry, but thank you for waiting until he left," she said as he sat down in Manwein's seat. "I don't want him to be angry with anyone."
Haydn looked her up and down. "You look…beautiful…" he whispered as he laid a hand lightly on her cheek.
Kasumi bowed her head and blushed the same color as her dress. "Thank you, you must have already partaken of some wine."
Haydn laughed merrily. "I must admit I have had a sip or two already, but that affects my vision in no way. It is in fact you that might make me drunk in merriness, not the wine."
Kasumi laughed lightly, then suddenly snatched his hand from her cheek. "You should leave now," she told him urgently.
Haydn's eyes widened in question, but he did not argue. "Meet me again in the same place as last night. Please, please meet me there," he begged as he quickly stood.
Kasumi nodded silently, and watched as he faded into the crowd. She quickly returned her elbow to its perch on the table and hoped that her blushing would go down.
Haydn watched from a different table as Manwein came to sit beside Kasumi once again, and he wondered curiously how she had known he was coming.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kasumi hurriedly strolled through the maze, until she reached the same hidden garden just like the night before. She saw a dark figure sitting down on the chaise in the arbor, waiting, it glanced at her and smiled widely as she approached the arbor.
"Thank you for coming, Kasumi," Haydn said happily. Taking her in his arms, and kissing her forehead.
Kasumi wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned against his chest, drowning in his warmth. She closed her eyes, and rested in his arms. In her mind she imagined them embracing in the arbor, and a sense of déjà vu flooded her thoughts. She had experienced this before, embraced in this same way, drowned in a warmth alike to this…she opened her eyes and was shocked by what she saw. Their surroundings had changed, they were surrounded by a vast forest, they were in Mirkwood, she looked up and gasped as she saw Legolas smiling down at her, embracing her tightly in his grasp.
"Ohh…" she whispered as she melted into his arms and kissed him passionately, closing her eyes and embracing the moment. She finally pulled away from the kiss and look up to gaze into the eyes of her prince.
…But her prince wasn't there, and neither was the forest, there was only Haydn and the garden.
Kasumi closed her eyes as tears forced themselves past her lids and leaked down her cheeks.
Haydn gasped in surprise, confused at what was happening. "Kasumi?" he said holding her gently so that he could look at her. "What's wrong?"
Kasumi didn't have the strength to speak, so instead she shook her head and tried to stifle her tears.
"Don't worry, everything is fine," he whispered in an attempt to comfort her as she buried her face in his chest and cried. He held her close and enveloped her in his warmth, until she pulled away slowly.
Sniffling she bowed her head, still locked in his embrace. "I-I'm sorry, p-please for-forgive me," she stuttered softly.
"No, no, don't be sorry. There is no need for me to forgive you, you have wronged me in no such way," he assured her as he kissed the top of her head. He raised her head with one finger and kissed her softly on her lips, wiping away her tears with his thumbs as he held her face.
Kasumi struggled to force all thoughts of Legolas to the farthest corner of her mind, before she broke down and cried again. She didn't want to worry Haydn, in fact she didn't want to worry anyone. So she put on a smile and kissed Haydn back, holding him close…
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kasumi entered the banquet hall, which was still filled with merry elves occupying themselves with dancing, drinking and socializing, just like she had left it. She and Haydn had separated once they had left the maze and had agreed not to see each other until the following day, so as to not arouse any suspicions Manwein might hold.
"Manwein…" Kasumi whispered. She had left him after two dances, telling him that she needed to get some air, and now that she was back, she was eager to see him.
She finally found him sitting down, an empty goblet of wine in his hand.
"Enjoying a drink or two, I suppose?" she joked as she sat next to him.
"Actually this is my third," he said with a chuckle. "Have you gotten your air?"
"Indeed I have, and feeling much more energized," she told him. "So would you care to dance with me again?"
"Well, I want to talk to you outside. I've been doing some thinking…" he informed her as he led her outside, and sat her down next to him on a bench, faraway from any prying ears or eyes.
"What is it Manwein? Is something troubling you?" Kasumi asked him, hoping that it wasn't about her and Haydn.
"I fear I cannot bear to stay here any longer Kasumi," he told her. "I long to be back at the willow, just you and me, like how it used to be. Don't you yearn for that as well?"
Kasumi had to admit, even though she felt strongly for Haydn, she could not deny the urge in her heart to be free again, and if being free meant leaving him, she decided that she could make it through life happier if she were free and happy, rather than captured and slightly happy. "Yes, I do. But what are you implying Manwein?"
"I mean to say that we should try and escape. Tonight, when the guards are drunk and merry with wine, I believe we can make it out of here. What do you think?"
The thought of being free excited her, and Kasumi forget about all logic and the fact that they really didn't have a plan. "We have to try it! I miss the freedom! I miss the willow! I miss everything Manwein!" she whispered passionately.
"As do I, Kasumi. And I will do anything to set you free, I would fight to the death for your freedom Kasumi!" he told her grasping her hands in his.
Kasumi freed her right hand from his grasp and touched his cheek softly. "I believe you would, Manwein. But you need not do that, we will both escape and we will both have freedom…together," she whispered and gazed into his dark eyes.
Manwein wrapped his arms around her and kissed her deeply. He pulled away from her gently and looked deeply into her eyes. "Once we return to the banquet hall, excuse yourself and head towards your room. Pack up all of your belongings, and wait for me at your balcony," he whispered and kissed her softly and left towards the lively banquet.
Kasumi waited several minutes until he disappeared, and then returned to her room…
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Kasumi plopped onto the bed with her pack beside her. It had more in it than before, since she decided to take all of the things the King had given her, except of course for the tablecloth-like dress she had worn on the first night, and the jewelry that went with it. She still found the dress too revealing and the jewelry was much too heavy, so she folded the dress and put the jewelry in a box and left them on her dresser. However, she did decide to take with her the other two outfits, and the accessories that went with them.
She had already changed into her old garments and was surprised at how much more comfortable she felt in her old clothes. Brethil was attached to her belt and all of her daggers and knives were hidden in their places. However, she could not remember what had happened to her bow and arrows.
'Perhaps they took it that time I fell to sleep on or trip to Gwathdore,' she supposed, but she shrugged her shoulders and decided to ask Manwein later what had happened, and if there was no way to retrieve her bow and arrows she decided that she would just take a new set from the armory before they left.
Suddenly she remembered Kaeliona, she had been so kind and helpful to Kasumi that she did not want to leave with out at least leaving behind a note. So she grabbed a piece of parchment and a quill and scribbled down a short farewell:
Dear Kaeliona,
I cannot bear to leave without a small farewell. I want to thank you for all the help and kindness you have bestowed upon me. I am sorry that I must leave without saying goodbye to you in person, but I know it would be in your duty to stop me, so I am sorry that it must be this way. Namarie!
~Kasumi
Suddenly, Kasumi remembered Haydn. She had not said goodbye to him, and deep inside she longed to say it in person. However, she knew that this was impossible, so she set her face straight, determined to stay strong, and added to her note:
P.S.
Please give Haydn my deepest apologies, and tell him that I thank him gratefully for all the kindness and caring he has shown to me.
Kasumi sighed, deciding to stop before she became too emotional, closing her eyes to hold back the tears as she folded the note and placed it on the table next to the tablecloth dress.
Kasumi sat back onto the bed, slowly falling down into a laying position as she waited for Manwein. She closed her eyes and listened to the distant sounds of the on going banquet and the faint sound of the wind fluttering the light curtains. Unaware of the passing time, Kasumi unwarily went to sleep…
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Kasumi! Kasumi, wake up!" Manwein whispered as he shook her gently.
"Huh? Oh!" Kasumi gasped as she realized that she had drifted to sleep. "I'm sorry."
"Are you prepared to leave?"
"Mm hm," she nodded and got up, swinging her pack over her shoulder.
"Good. I have your bow and arrow, I found it in the armory, I knew it was yours because all the rest were crafted in the style of the Dark Elves," he handed Kasumi her weapons.
"Thank you," she put the arrows in the quiver and slipped it on, clutching her bow in her hand.
"Come," Manwein whispered. "Let us go."
The two headed out to the balcony, where Manwein took out his bow and an arrow tied to a string. "You see that wall down there, Kasumi?"
"Yes, I see it."
"That is the boundary of the palace, once we pass there unnoticed, the rest will be easy enough," he told her. "I will extend this rope over to that rooftop there, using this arrow," he said, pointing to the large building across from the guard wall. "Most of the guards are intoxicated by the effects of strong wine, so getting past them should be no trouble."
"I see," Kasumi whispered, and she watched him silently as he shot the arrow. It hit its target and he picked up the excess rope and tied it securely to the balcony railing.
"Here, I took these from the armory as well," he handed her a pair of rough leather gloves, probably used by the falconers. "It will make the trip across the rope a little less painful, and a bit easier."
"Thank you," she said and slipped them on, the once large gloves slowly formed to fit her hands perfectly and she stared at Manwein questioningly.
He shrugged and grabbed hold of the rope, tugging it to make sure it was secure. Then he swung his legs over the balcony and held the rope securely as he carried himself down the rope.
Kasumi soon followed and was soon happy that Manwein had provided her with the leather gloves because half way along the rope her hands began to cramp and sore greatly, and her muscles shook violently.
Suddenly a whiz shot past her ear and she heard a snap from behind her.
Kasumi squealed as the rope broke and they fell through the air. She looked below and saw Manwein fall under her, and she reached one hand down to grab him, but lost her grip and fell as well.
They both fell onto the walkway on top of the guard wall with a thud.
Kasumi's eyes grew wide as the sound of boots reached her ears. They stopped behind her and she looked up.
"And exactly what do you two think you are doing?" the guard asked.
When Kasumi and Manwein failed to answer, he ordered his comrades to grab them.
Kasumi struggled to get free as they slipped a bag over her head and carried her away. She soon found that fighting was of no use and she stopped struggling and listened as Manwein soon realized that fact too. She bowed her head solemnly as she felt herself being carried somewhere.
She heard the sound of a door opening and soon she was thrown down onto what felt like a bed. They pulled the bag off her head, leaving her tied and gagged in the middle of her room. She watched as guards assembled at her door and her balcony and she fell back onto her pillows and closed her eyes, dreading what might be soon to come. As horrible thoughts filled her head, Kasumi slowly began to drift off into an unpleasant nightmare…
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Well, that suckz don't it? Hmm, what will happen next, huh? Well I already know what I'm gonna do, but imma let you guyz hang for awhile in suspense. Muwahahahaha!!!! Hehe, sorrie bout that, my evil side got to me again. Well please review with your questions, comments and/or comments!