Chapter 8
The flames glowed on the handsome stranger's face and Aura could not help but to examine him with curiosity. His whitish blond hair was adorned with tiny braids and flowed over his shoulders. In contrast, his eyes were a dark piercing brown that offset his sculpted cheekbones. He was a lean but muscular under his cloaks. It was only when he turned his head slightly that her confusion ceased.
"Edhel O Imladris!" she cried with newfound comprehension, "You're an elf!"
An eyebrow shot up as the elf suppressed a chuckle.
"Yes, I am an elf, but not of Rivendel. You act as if you have never seen my kind before."
"That is because, sir, I never have. Milord of Gandarl subjected me to stay in the castle until this very trip. What is your name, sir?" Aura beseeched the stranger.
"Legolas, Price of Mirkwood. And you milady?" he answered.
"Aura, Your Highness." She offered back.
"Aura? Is that all? What of your lineage?" Legolas inquired.
"I have none to offer I am afraid, milord. I am but an orphan an servant to the throne." Aura lied.
"Please, Aura, do not use formalities. Peculiar how your king would send you out alone, unaccompanied. What business have you here?" Legolas demanded, to which Aura quickly returned.
"My business is my own."
"I mean not to offend you. Then pray, tell me, where are you going?" Legolas laughed.
"I have gone as far as I will." She told him stubbornly.
"Then we are here for the same reason." He concluded for her. "What king sends a servant with no experience of battle, nor of the outside world to such an important council."
"The King that I serve. True, Legolas of Mirkwood, I have never so far from home, but knowledge of combat, I do hold, as well as knowledge of my countries needs." Aura squared her shoulders.
"That remains to be seen." He stared into the fire
"I suppose it does, and I suppose I should sleep now." She told him.
"It would be wise." He said, unmoving.
"Goodnight, Prince of Mirkwood." She began singing softly as she laid her head down, away from the fire. However, she still saw the elf's face in her mind. What an interesting trip this would be.