-Happy Birthday? -
They hadn't realized Legolas still held her hands.
"So, what could she possible have to give you?" Legolas asked but still didn't let go.
"I don't know" Saira lied. Today was her birthday but she didn't want anyone to know that.
"Oh so you cant even remember your own birthday?"
"How--?"
"Your brother"
"Ah, traitor"
"I always considered birthdays to be a good thing. Anyway, he asked me to give you this" he put something small and cylindrical in her hand. She brought it up and it was a small container with something glowing inside
"He said you would know what it is.. So out of curiosity, what is it?" he asked
"It's one of the rarest faeries in the world. Even if you are an inch from death, if you call on the faery, it will heal you. It is said that the person can even be dead and still be healed back to life"
"That should prove useful one day" He began getting something else as well. "And this is from me"
He put something larger in her hand then sat down and waited for her to open her hand and see what it was. She looked into his eyes to have any hint but found none as she opened her hands. It was a small dagger completely silver and steel. Her favorite colored jewels covered the hilt except where she gripped it. It was about a foot long and its beauty mesmerized her. She took off the cover that also had jewels encrusted on it and looked at the sleek steel blade underneath. She examined it and found the letters 'S' and 'G' engraved on opposite sides.
"It's amazing, but what do the 'S' and 'G' stand for?"
"It belonged to Serenity"
"Oh. So, it stands for."
"Serenity Greenleaf"
Legolas stood up and stepped away.
"You were married?" Saira asked trying not to sound surprised, "I mean we, or no that would still be with her, but technically, oh this is confusing"
"Shh" he said, "I thought you'd like to have it. But yes, we were.. for about a day. Today was her birthday too. She always forced people to celebrate birthdays because she thought they were special. You'd be technically 2,751. I still remember surprisingly."
"180 years apart. Well that seems a lot less bad than the 2,906 years otherwise. So how pathetic is it that I have done the math?"
"Not at all, but that slight change makes me feel a lot better when I want to do something like this" he said even though Saira had her back turned and wasn't looking at him.
"Like what?"
So, naturally he spun her around and kissed her. Saira set her things down kissing him all the while.
"I'll never beat you in a duel if you keep doing that" Saira said taking more deep breaths
"Ok" he pulled back our of her reach
"That didn't mean stop"
"No, why don't we make a game out of it" he picked up his sword and threw Saira hers.
"In other words I have to earn a kiss?" she asked
"Precisely"
"So, if it's a game, what happens if you win? You're the one who tends to yield"
"Um, how about for every match you lose, that's how many days you have to wear a dress because I know how much you love them"
"Well that gives me a bit of incentive not to lose"
"Ready?"
"En guarde"
Clanging filled the air but soon Legolas held the sword to her throat but he pulled away immediately so there's no way he could hurt her.
"One" he smiled
The hours went on with neither showing any mercy but Saira never came out ahead.
"14" he said awhile later. Saira was panting hard as she stood held. "2 full weeks of all dresses. My father will be delighted. He could never get Serenity to in all the years she dwelled here"
"Don't rub it in" then she knocked the sword out of his hands. She took a step forward and gently pressed her sword to him and gave him a look as to say 'I win'
"One" She finally lowered the sword and pulled him right against her, "Now for my reward" she whispered. He leaned in and they indulged themselves.
"A prize for us both" he said before they leaned in again.
Eventually, Tarowyn came in to say dinner was ready and they had to postpone their meeting.
"Go change. I'll walk you to dinner" Legolas said
When Saira headed upstairs, Liz was waiting in the doorway.
"Here" she said handing her a present which turned out to be her own Kholiast set. "And this" It was a small velvet box. Saira's eyes watered as she slowly opened it. Tears threatened her eyes.
Inside the box was a beautiful silver necklace with tiny amethysts all the way around with a final plate with a design of gems on it. On the back was an inscription.
" 'All my love, Ita'" Saira wept.
"Before he left he asked me to give it to you should anything happen."
Saira hugged Liz gratefully
"Well to brighten the room, do you remember when I said Lord Thranduil was having some important people coming?"
"Yes"
"They have arrived and he's throwing a ball persay to welcome them. Check out what's on your bed."
Saira wiped her eyes and entered her room. Liz went to her own room. Saira was surprised by what lay on her bed. There was an Elvish crown and a formal dress in her favorite color.
"Liz!" Saira called
"What?" Liz answered walking in wearing a deep green dress just as formal as the one Saira picked up.
"When did these arrive?"
"Lindal showed up during your workout and requested we wear these tonight"
"Oh ok." Liz walked out and left Saira to change. The fit was perfect.
In a few minutes time, they were both in decadent gowns with their hair done up. Saira wore her new jewelry. Liz had similar jewelry but she preferred emeralds and more gold than silver. To get ready in such short a time they used plenty of magic to speed things along.
Legolas was waiting at the bottom of the stairs wearing a silver tunic and a crown as well. He finally achieved the Prince 'look.' Tarowyn and Legolas escorted them to the dining hall. Legolas kept Saira back a moment though before entering.
"I wanted to tell you how beautiful you look tonight"
"Diola lle. You look quite handsome yourself. You should wear clothes like this more often."
"I hate these as much as you hate your dresses. Shall we?"
Saira took his arm and then he waved his hand and the doors creaked open. Saira instantly knew something was not as Liz had said when she witnessed the large banner across the ceiling that read: "Happy Birthday, Saira." The entire hall was decorated and Elvish music was being played.
Saira looked around and everyone there and even saw Dmitri and Aranel. Everyone applauded as Saira walked in red-faced. Then after Saira sat down, they continued with their conversations.
"Link told you I hate when people make a big deal out of my birthday, didn't he?" Saira asked Legolas who was looking quite smug with himself.
"Live a little" he said kissing her cheek.
Liz, Dmitri and Aranel approached.
"Hey, love. Happy birthday" Dmitri said
"When did you get here?" Saira asked happy to see them both.
"This morning" Aranel answered
"Next year I'll be sure to be gone on my birthday" Saira said
"Lighten up love. C'mon. Allow me a dance if the prince will permit" Dmitri said playfully
Legolas nodded and Dmitri took Saira's hand and guided her to the dance area in the center of the hall.
"Liz filled me in on the happenings around here" he said as they danced
"Such as?" Saira inquired
"Oh, just your little romance, but more about the scrolls than that"
"Ah well um find anything good on yours?"
"Yeah, but I'll tell you after the party" He said as he spun her around
"Alright, meet me in my room then" Saira said
Lord Thranduil tapped his glass signaling everyone should take their seats. However Dmitri refused to stop dancing.
"C'mon love let's give them a show"
"Sir Dmitri, please" Thranduil pleaded
"Oh, fine" He pulled Saira out of a dip and they went to their seat. Luckily, Saira thought, he face was now flushed hiding the red of embarrassment.
"I have been told by many that Saira despises her birthday, so naturally, we threw a party. I might add this is very rare among our Elvish kind so consider yourselves lucky." Lord Thranduil said. Saira couldn't help but smile. "After we eat, everyone is required to get up and dance. No exceptions. Now then, enjoy yourselves"
"Not his most elegant speech" Saira whispered to Legolas.
"I think you've been embarrassed enough"
Lord Thranduil had a magnificent feast in Saira's honor and Saira was red in the face for many hours. Afterward it was a party to remember. Usually elves are reserved peaceful beings but this night, everyone danced and had a blast. To everyone's surprise, Saira and Dmitri were quite the dancing duo. No one knew Dmitri could move like he did. Eventually though, Saira's knight in shining armor wished a dance from his fair lady. Aranel also wanted Dmitri for her own on the slow dance. Saira was glad to have a break especially with Legolas practically holding her up.
"Where in Hyrule did you learn to dance like that?" he asked
"From Dmitri. To this day I've never figured out where he learned. I think he picked a lot up on are travels and actually found a way to hide that from me"
For the remainder of the night, Legolas and Saira twirled and swayed no matter how fast the music became. Dmitri pulled her away long enough towards the end for one last dance in which he and Saira did the most difficult moves. Then Legolas accompanied Saira to her room.
Saira was just grabbing clothes to change into when Dmitri lowered himself to her window.
"You know, there's this wonderful new invention called the door," Saira said stepping behind her dressing curtain.
"That takes all the fun out of it," he said tripping as he stepped in.
"Smooth. Anyway, what are you doing? It's late and I definitely pulled a muscle on that last dance"
"The scrolls. I think I kinda figured out the whole lore behind what the treasures can do"
"Really?" Saira stepped out from behind her screen wearing her favorite silk pants and tank top pajamas she found the first time she came to Mirkwood. "Ok, then what does it do?"
"Well, you probably know that the ring and other think are locking mechanisms. They were hidden so that evil couldn't obtain it."
"Yeah"
"Well, ok um"
"Spit it out"
"Gimme a sec. I'm trying to figure out what to compare it to.oh! Do you remember when we accidentally went to Earth and we stayed in a hotel with that 'VCR' thing and a 'TV'?" Dmitri said excited.
"I don't remember it being an accident but I know what you mean. You were fascinated. That was about 2,3 years ago. Why?"
"Do you remember what we watched?" he asked
"Um, yeah, oh, hold on. Fifth.. Element? Yeah that's it" Saira answered
"Right. It's kind of the same concept, except for a few details. The ring and other thing also contain a lot of power. And when combined will unlock the locket unleashing whatever's in it and the Seer is supposed to be the chosen one to do it"
But Dmitri's face turned solemn.
"What?" Saira asked
"It says that if you were to unleash it, there's like a 99% chance you wont survive"
"Well, that still leaves 1%" Saira said casually
"I wish I could be that calm" Dmitri said sitting down.
"I would be worried if I didn't have this"
Saira showed Dmitri the faery Link had sent her.
"Is this--?"
"Yep"
"Well, that would make a difference"
Saira put the faery in her hiding spot with the locket and ring. The she yawned and stretched.
"Ow" Saira said grabbing her shoulder
"Cant you just heal it love?"
"I don't have the power to heal myself unfortunately" she said, "I'll just have to wait it out"
"You look tired so I'll leave you be. Night love"
"Night Dmitri"
He gave her a peck on the cheek then climbed out the window. This was the best birthday Saira ever recalled having. Of course she was a bit sad Link couldn't be there. But she heard rustling outside her window and Dmitri appeared once more.
"What now?" Saira asked
"You wont believe it. C'mon" He grabbed her hand and they climbed down
"What's going on?"
He didn't answer. Instead he led her to the city entrance. They stayed hid in the bushes.
"Just wait a moment more" Dmitri whispered
Saira heard galloping in the distance but kept her position. Soon a beautiful, rosewood colored horse with a snow-white mane rode into the city and Saira recognized it at once. She had the impulse to run out but just incase she was mistaken she stayed put.
Then the man riding removed the hood to his cloak revealing him to be Link. Lindal walked up and said something she couldn't hear, and then Dmitri smiled signaling she could go out.
"Link" she cried out running up to hug him.
"Saira" he said not seeming the least bit surprised by her presence.
"Thank you Dmitri" Lindal said
"Wait, you knew?" Saira said letting go of Link
"Night love" Dmitri kissed her again on the cheek and went to his room.
She turned back to Link, "How'd you get here? I thought you were trying to free the sages"
"I decided that it can wait for one day. Sheik told me of Thranduil's and Legolas' idea for a party and I wanted to be here. I rode all day but it seems I missed the party."
"I'm so glad you're here.hurt? What happened?" she said noticing a fresh bloodstain on his tunic sleeve.
"Everyone is out to get me and you're not around to heal me anymore"
She healed him then was instructed to go to bed and they would spend the following day together. Saira did and fell asleep with pleasant dreams to keep her company.
They hadn't realized Legolas still held her hands.
"So, what could she possible have to give you?" Legolas asked but still didn't let go.
"I don't know" Saira lied. Today was her birthday but she didn't want anyone to know that.
"Oh so you cant even remember your own birthday?"
"How--?"
"Your brother"
"Ah, traitor"
"I always considered birthdays to be a good thing. Anyway, he asked me to give you this" he put something small and cylindrical in her hand. She brought it up and it was a small container with something glowing inside
"He said you would know what it is.. So out of curiosity, what is it?" he asked
"It's one of the rarest faeries in the world. Even if you are an inch from death, if you call on the faery, it will heal you. It is said that the person can even be dead and still be healed back to life"
"That should prove useful one day" He began getting something else as well. "And this is from me"
He put something larger in her hand then sat down and waited for her to open her hand and see what it was. She looked into his eyes to have any hint but found none as she opened her hands. It was a small dagger completely silver and steel. Her favorite colored jewels covered the hilt except where she gripped it. It was about a foot long and its beauty mesmerized her. She took off the cover that also had jewels encrusted on it and looked at the sleek steel blade underneath. She examined it and found the letters 'S' and 'G' engraved on opposite sides.
"It's amazing, but what do the 'S' and 'G' stand for?"
"It belonged to Serenity"
"Oh. So, it stands for."
"Serenity Greenleaf"
Legolas stood up and stepped away.
"You were married?" Saira asked trying not to sound surprised, "I mean we, or no that would still be with her, but technically, oh this is confusing"
"Shh" he said, "I thought you'd like to have it. But yes, we were.. for about a day. Today was her birthday too. She always forced people to celebrate birthdays because she thought they were special. You'd be technically 2,751. I still remember surprisingly."
"180 years apart. Well that seems a lot less bad than the 2,906 years otherwise. So how pathetic is it that I have done the math?"
"Not at all, but that slight change makes me feel a lot better when I want to do something like this" he said even though Saira had her back turned and wasn't looking at him.
"Like what?"
So, naturally he spun her around and kissed her. Saira set her things down kissing him all the while.
"I'll never beat you in a duel if you keep doing that" Saira said taking more deep breaths
"Ok" he pulled back our of her reach
"That didn't mean stop"
"No, why don't we make a game out of it" he picked up his sword and threw Saira hers.
"In other words I have to earn a kiss?" she asked
"Precisely"
"So, if it's a game, what happens if you win? You're the one who tends to yield"
"Um, how about for every match you lose, that's how many days you have to wear a dress because I know how much you love them"
"Well that gives me a bit of incentive not to lose"
"Ready?"
"En guarde"
Clanging filled the air but soon Legolas held the sword to her throat but he pulled away immediately so there's no way he could hurt her.
"One" he smiled
The hours went on with neither showing any mercy but Saira never came out ahead.
"14" he said awhile later. Saira was panting hard as she stood held. "2 full weeks of all dresses. My father will be delighted. He could never get Serenity to in all the years she dwelled here"
"Don't rub it in" then she knocked the sword out of his hands. She took a step forward and gently pressed her sword to him and gave him a look as to say 'I win'
"One" She finally lowered the sword and pulled him right against her, "Now for my reward" she whispered. He leaned in and they indulged themselves.
"A prize for us both" he said before they leaned in again.
Eventually, Tarowyn came in to say dinner was ready and they had to postpone their meeting.
"Go change. I'll walk you to dinner" Legolas said
When Saira headed upstairs, Liz was waiting in the doorway.
"Here" she said handing her a present which turned out to be her own Kholiast set. "And this" It was a small velvet box. Saira's eyes watered as she slowly opened it. Tears threatened her eyes.
Inside the box was a beautiful silver necklace with tiny amethysts all the way around with a final plate with a design of gems on it. On the back was an inscription.
" 'All my love, Ita'" Saira wept.
"Before he left he asked me to give it to you should anything happen."
Saira hugged Liz gratefully
"Well to brighten the room, do you remember when I said Lord Thranduil was having some important people coming?"
"Yes"
"They have arrived and he's throwing a ball persay to welcome them. Check out what's on your bed."
Saira wiped her eyes and entered her room. Liz went to her own room. Saira was surprised by what lay on her bed. There was an Elvish crown and a formal dress in her favorite color.
"Liz!" Saira called
"What?" Liz answered walking in wearing a deep green dress just as formal as the one Saira picked up.
"When did these arrive?"
"Lindal showed up during your workout and requested we wear these tonight"
"Oh ok." Liz walked out and left Saira to change. The fit was perfect.
In a few minutes time, they were both in decadent gowns with their hair done up. Saira wore her new jewelry. Liz had similar jewelry but she preferred emeralds and more gold than silver. To get ready in such short a time they used plenty of magic to speed things along.
Legolas was waiting at the bottom of the stairs wearing a silver tunic and a crown as well. He finally achieved the Prince 'look.' Tarowyn and Legolas escorted them to the dining hall. Legolas kept Saira back a moment though before entering.
"I wanted to tell you how beautiful you look tonight"
"Diola lle. You look quite handsome yourself. You should wear clothes like this more often."
"I hate these as much as you hate your dresses. Shall we?"
Saira took his arm and then he waved his hand and the doors creaked open. Saira instantly knew something was not as Liz had said when she witnessed the large banner across the ceiling that read: "Happy Birthday, Saira." The entire hall was decorated and Elvish music was being played.
Saira looked around and everyone there and even saw Dmitri and Aranel. Everyone applauded as Saira walked in red-faced. Then after Saira sat down, they continued with their conversations.
"Link told you I hate when people make a big deal out of my birthday, didn't he?" Saira asked Legolas who was looking quite smug with himself.
"Live a little" he said kissing her cheek.
Liz, Dmitri and Aranel approached.
"Hey, love. Happy birthday" Dmitri said
"When did you get here?" Saira asked happy to see them both.
"This morning" Aranel answered
"Next year I'll be sure to be gone on my birthday" Saira said
"Lighten up love. C'mon. Allow me a dance if the prince will permit" Dmitri said playfully
Legolas nodded and Dmitri took Saira's hand and guided her to the dance area in the center of the hall.
"Liz filled me in on the happenings around here" he said as they danced
"Such as?" Saira inquired
"Oh, just your little romance, but more about the scrolls than that"
"Ah well um find anything good on yours?"
"Yeah, but I'll tell you after the party" He said as he spun her around
"Alright, meet me in my room then" Saira said
Lord Thranduil tapped his glass signaling everyone should take their seats. However Dmitri refused to stop dancing.
"C'mon love let's give them a show"
"Sir Dmitri, please" Thranduil pleaded
"Oh, fine" He pulled Saira out of a dip and they went to their seat. Luckily, Saira thought, he face was now flushed hiding the red of embarrassment.
"I have been told by many that Saira despises her birthday, so naturally, we threw a party. I might add this is very rare among our Elvish kind so consider yourselves lucky." Lord Thranduil said. Saira couldn't help but smile. "After we eat, everyone is required to get up and dance. No exceptions. Now then, enjoy yourselves"
"Not his most elegant speech" Saira whispered to Legolas.
"I think you've been embarrassed enough"
Lord Thranduil had a magnificent feast in Saira's honor and Saira was red in the face for many hours. Afterward it was a party to remember. Usually elves are reserved peaceful beings but this night, everyone danced and had a blast. To everyone's surprise, Saira and Dmitri were quite the dancing duo. No one knew Dmitri could move like he did. Eventually though, Saira's knight in shining armor wished a dance from his fair lady. Aranel also wanted Dmitri for her own on the slow dance. Saira was glad to have a break especially with Legolas practically holding her up.
"Where in Hyrule did you learn to dance like that?" he asked
"From Dmitri. To this day I've never figured out where he learned. I think he picked a lot up on are travels and actually found a way to hide that from me"
For the remainder of the night, Legolas and Saira twirled and swayed no matter how fast the music became. Dmitri pulled her away long enough towards the end for one last dance in which he and Saira did the most difficult moves. Then Legolas accompanied Saira to her room.
Saira was just grabbing clothes to change into when Dmitri lowered himself to her window.
"You know, there's this wonderful new invention called the door," Saira said stepping behind her dressing curtain.
"That takes all the fun out of it," he said tripping as he stepped in.
"Smooth. Anyway, what are you doing? It's late and I definitely pulled a muscle on that last dance"
"The scrolls. I think I kinda figured out the whole lore behind what the treasures can do"
"Really?" Saira stepped out from behind her screen wearing her favorite silk pants and tank top pajamas she found the first time she came to Mirkwood. "Ok, then what does it do?"
"Well, you probably know that the ring and other think are locking mechanisms. They were hidden so that evil couldn't obtain it."
"Yeah"
"Well, ok um"
"Spit it out"
"Gimme a sec. I'm trying to figure out what to compare it to.oh! Do you remember when we accidentally went to Earth and we stayed in a hotel with that 'VCR' thing and a 'TV'?" Dmitri said excited.
"I don't remember it being an accident but I know what you mean. You were fascinated. That was about 2,3 years ago. Why?"
"Do you remember what we watched?" he asked
"Um, yeah, oh, hold on. Fifth.. Element? Yeah that's it" Saira answered
"Right. It's kind of the same concept, except for a few details. The ring and other thing also contain a lot of power. And when combined will unlock the locket unleashing whatever's in it and the Seer is supposed to be the chosen one to do it"
But Dmitri's face turned solemn.
"What?" Saira asked
"It says that if you were to unleash it, there's like a 99% chance you wont survive"
"Well, that still leaves 1%" Saira said casually
"I wish I could be that calm" Dmitri said sitting down.
"I would be worried if I didn't have this"
Saira showed Dmitri the faery Link had sent her.
"Is this--?"
"Yep"
"Well, that would make a difference"
Saira put the faery in her hiding spot with the locket and ring. The she yawned and stretched.
"Ow" Saira said grabbing her shoulder
"Cant you just heal it love?"
"I don't have the power to heal myself unfortunately" she said, "I'll just have to wait it out"
"You look tired so I'll leave you be. Night love"
"Night Dmitri"
He gave her a peck on the cheek then climbed out the window. This was the best birthday Saira ever recalled having. Of course she was a bit sad Link couldn't be there. But she heard rustling outside her window and Dmitri appeared once more.
"What now?" Saira asked
"You wont believe it. C'mon" He grabbed her hand and they climbed down
"What's going on?"
He didn't answer. Instead he led her to the city entrance. They stayed hid in the bushes.
"Just wait a moment more" Dmitri whispered
Saira heard galloping in the distance but kept her position. Soon a beautiful, rosewood colored horse with a snow-white mane rode into the city and Saira recognized it at once. She had the impulse to run out but just incase she was mistaken she stayed put.
Then the man riding removed the hood to his cloak revealing him to be Link. Lindal walked up and said something she couldn't hear, and then Dmitri smiled signaling she could go out.
"Link" she cried out running up to hug him.
"Saira" he said not seeming the least bit surprised by her presence.
"Thank you Dmitri" Lindal said
"Wait, you knew?" Saira said letting go of Link
"Night love" Dmitri kissed her again on the cheek and went to his room.
She turned back to Link, "How'd you get here? I thought you were trying to free the sages"
"I decided that it can wait for one day. Sheik told me of Thranduil's and Legolas' idea for a party and I wanted to be here. I rode all day but it seems I missed the party."
"I'm so glad you're here.hurt? What happened?" she said noticing a fresh bloodstain on his tunic sleeve.
"Everyone is out to get me and you're not around to heal me anymore"
She healed him then was instructed to go to bed and they would spend the following day together. Saira did and fell asleep with pleasant dreams to keep her company.