Chapter 13
"Come on Gloried, please, eat the herbs," Lizule said patiently to the horse. The stallion was standing, and some shine was back in his coat, thanks to Lizule's frequent grooming. But other than that, the malnourished horse wouldn't eat, nor would he leave his stall. Time was running out if Lizule wanted him to be her mount. She had exactly one week to cure him.
"Gloried, please, come on, it is getting late. I fear the dark," she said, raising the Athelas plant up to his muzzle. The stallion sniffed it and turned his head. He did not want to be healed of his pain.
Lizule groaned and dropped her hand. She was getting nowhere.
"Maybe I should try a new approach," she wondered. "But what?"
Gloried rested his left hind leg, wondering when she was going to leave. He appreciated her efforts, but he was too grieved to pay attention to them. Totholain was dead. Why couldn't these Elves understand that? They seemed to have gotten over his murder very quickly, with no questions asked. The stallion disapproved.
Lizule ran her hand through his silver mane.
"Why won't you try? Try for Totholain? Gloried, he would want you to live, not linger on in sadness and in doubt. Won't you do it for Totholain?"
~ Totholain is the only one who can ride me. Totholain is the only one who can heal me. Totholain is the only one who can understand me ~
"But can I understand you?"
Gloried blinked hard. Had he heard correct? The stallion scanned the stables, but there was no sign of the Elf.
"Give her a chance. She is the only Elf that will ever truly care for you now. Give her a chance."
Gloried sighed. He didn't want to let this Elf-girl care for him, but if Totholain willed it, then he would allow her. He grudgingly took the Athelas plant out of her hand and ate it. Lizule's face lit up. She patted his neck encouragingly.
"That's a boy! I knew you would come around sooner or later."
Gloried rolled his eyes.
~ How about later? Much later ~
****
"It is so peaceful," Laurelin commented as she looked around the forest. All was silent except for their horse's footfalls.
Legolas nodded. "I know."
Laurelin turned towards him. "So where are you taking me, anyway?"
Legolas smiled as he arranged Arodas's mane on the other side of his neck.
"Somewhere special."
"I know that. Have I been there before?"
"I don't think so."
They rode on in silence, Laurelin in her own thoughts, and Legolas in his. It wasn't until some time later they broke for a clearing. Laurelin gasped.
"A waterfall!" she shrieked. A beautiful pond lay out before them, with water streaming down upon it from the rocks. Water lilies danced on the surface, and the clear water gleamed in the descending sun. All around the pond were beds of evergreen leaves and flowers. Laurelin sat stiffly, stunned by the earth's magnificence.
"Why have I not seen this place before?"
Legolas shrugged. "I am the only one who ever knew about it. I have not been here for a while, with the war going on. I'd thought I would share it with you before I leave."
"It's gorgeous."
They dismounted and led their horses down to the pond. Laurelin took of Galada's bridle and let her free. The mare whinnied and ran off to race with Arodas in the never-ending grass. She watched the two horses fly over the earth and disappear from view.
"They are so happy," she said sadly to Legolas as she sat down next to him. " I wish I could forget everything that bad happened and just run and be free."
She turned to him. "It doesn't have to be this way. You can stay here. No one is making you go."
"Laurelin, you know I have a duty to my kingdom. I would not be acting as a Prince if I did not serve them justly."
"So? There are other Elves who could be generals. You don't have to go."
Laurelin could not stop the bad feelings that were enveloping her. It was like a plaque, a horrible disease that there was no cure. Something horrible was going to happen to Legolas if left. Why couldn't he understand that?
"Aye, but that is where you are wrong. I have to go on account of myself. Please try to understand. I know it is difficult, but try."
Laurelin laid down in the leaves, letting their scent refresh her. The sky was turning black, and little white stars came out, twinkling in the moonlight. She lied in the grass for a while; reminiscing on Totholain and how much she really did miss him, but just didn't show it. Finally she sat up. She wanted to escape those memories.
"We really should be going. It will be pitch dark soon, and we will be unable to find Galada and Arodas."
Legolas didn't move from his spot in the grass. "I am sure they are keeping each other company. Good company."
"Funny. I cannot afford my mare to get into a serious relationship. I might need her for something."
"Like what?"
"Like to follow you after you when you leave. I don't think I could live without you for so long."
"Laurelin, It'll take like, two weeks at the most to rid of the Balrog and the Orcs. I will be back in a month maximum. You need to stay here and be a Princess. That is what you are and that is your job. You are staying."
Laurelin stood up. "I am going home."
Legolas sprang to his feet.
"Why? Tomorrow is an off day for the troops, which means an off day for me."
"I should go see Lizule. I am sure she is still a little unsure of her decision."
Legolas grabbed her hand.
"No. Please don't leave."
"My Lord, I can do what I wish. I would now like for you to let go of me."
Pain flashed across Legolas's eyes. He let her hand go and backed away towards the pond. Laurelin turned and fled, searching for her horse.
After much turmoil, she found the mare in a small field underneath a tree. Laurelin crept closer and saw that her and Arodas were standing side by side, nuzzling each other's face. Fresh tears pulled at Laurelin's eyes as she realized the love that they both shared. She couldn't bear to break them apart. She silently left, leaving them in peace.
As she made her way back to Legolas, she tried to work up some sort of an apology. She had hurt him by not wanting to be with him, and she knew he was deeply troubled. Laurelin spotted the glimmering pond through the tree branches and worked her way through them. She got out of the forest and under the moonlit sky.
She then saw that Legolas was in the pond, running his golden hair under the waterfall. His eyes were closed so he did not see her approach. She stepped silently around the beds of grass, careful not to get her gown caught. She watched him closely, observing the curve of his body, the breadth of his chest, the shape of his muscles. He dipped his head back and shook his hair free of water, sending droplets through the dark mist.
Laurelin gulped. She had never seen him in such an angelic form before. His hair, which cascaded down his bare body, glinted in the moonlight. He gave off a radiance of light that was blinding.
"Legolas," she said, her voice shaking, "I'm sorry."
Legolas spun around slowly, following the direction of her voice. He opened his eyes, which were dripping with water.
Laurelin shifted her feet uncomfortably, trying to rid herself of her repulsive thoughts. If he hadn't been mad at her, she would have run into the pool at that precise moment.
"I sincerely am sorry."
Legolas nodded.
"I accept your apology," he said, with little meaning in his voice. He then stepped back under the waterfall and shut his eyes.
Laurelin's heart sank. He truly was dispirited. Trying to think of some smart plan, she stood by the water's edge like a fool, fumbling about what to say next. Legolas, who didn't even recognize her presence, continued to bathe in the waterfall, letting all of the day's tension drain from his weary shoulders.
Laurelin sat down and stuck her feet in the pond. She ran her hand along its clear surface, thinking of Totholain and how much she missed him. She didn't want to have let go, but she knew she had to have done it sooner or later. Laurelin felt so dreary after a while that she stood and decided to leave. She would walk home. Picking up her sash, which had fallen to the ground, she made her way through the grass, her head low.
"Don't go anywhere yet." Laurelin froze at Legolas's tone. She turned quickly around. Legolas was still in the pond, but his eyes were closed. "Come here."
"But my dress."
"No matter. I can have it repaired."
Laurelin tentatively lifted her gown and waded into the pond. The dress started to sap in the water and made it hard to walk. Nevertheless, Laurelin reached him and leaned herself on a cold stone.
"Yes, my Lord?" Only then did Legolas open his intensive blue eyes, and stared right at her.
Laurelin swallowed hard. "You wanted me?"
~ Do not think like this, Laurelin. Do not think like this ~
"Yes. I wish to tell you something."
"What is it?" Laurelin asked, pretty sure what the answer to her question would be.
Legolas looked at her, wondering at her natural beauty. How could she make herself look so good no matter what? It amused him profoundly.
With one quick movement, he brought her into his arms and lowered his mouth to kiss her. Laurelin turned her head; she didn't feel like doing anything at that exact moment.
She clung to him, her gown sopping wet with water, and all she could think of is that he was leaving her, leaving her for some time, no matter how long it may be.
"You can't leave me," she whimpered, her eyes blinking back tears. "How can you leave me?"
Legolas's face crumpled. He started to tremble violently and nearly dropped her. Laurelin reached up and tucked a stray lock of blond hair behind his pale face, and ran her hand along his cheek tenderly. She didn't mean to upset him.
"I still love you though. It is okay." She raised her head up and kissed him longingly. Legolas returned the kiss, but it was in a tired sort of way. Laurelin pushed his hair back off of his face and pulled away.
"See?" she said, in an effort to cheer him up. "It'll be all right." Legolas shook his head and placed her cautiously back in the water.
"For me, maybe, but not for you. I hate to leave you here, you know. It hurts me like you will never know."
Laurelin gasped. She had never taken into consideration that it might have wounded him to see her hurting.
"I am sorry," she said, her voice cracking. "I never realized." Legolas stopped her short.
He pulled her close and with one soft whisper said,
"You can make it up to me now."
Laurelin smiled faintly.
"Of course my Lord," she murmured softly.
****
Retkia smiled and poured the wine into the goblet. Gabriel raised his glass and took a sip, savoring the taste.
"It's great," he said as he placed the cup back down. He leaned back into their couch, which was made of soft feathers. He sighed and closed his eyes. Retkia picked up the glasses and took them to the kitchen. When she came back, Gabriel had all of her candles lit and was lying down, his back turned to her.
Retkia bent down next to him and ran her fingers through his hair. Gabriel turned and grinned at her.
"Yes?" he said, arching his eyebrows. "You want something?"
"No. Do you want something?'
"My going away gift, please."
"Oh that. Well, I am not fully prepared. yet. I will adjust the certain apparel and then be back."
"Okay. Don't take too long."
Retkia got up and went to their bedroom. Taking off the overcoat to her gown, she revealed the thin fabric beneath. Retkia combed her hair, letting it fall flat across her face. She then dropped her cloak to the dress and proceeded back to their main room. Gabriel has his eyes shut and his hands across his chest. Retkia knocked softly on the doorframe, chuckling slightly.
Gabriel raised his eyes and took in the full sight of her.
~ Wow ~
"Where is the present?" he said, looking around as if expecting it to appear out of nowhere. He could not help noticing that she was wearing just enough clothing to call her modestly outfitted.
Retkia laughed. "I am the present."
"Sounds good to me. Come over here so I may inspect my gift."
Retkia nodded walked stealthily across the hard oak floor, the tiny silver bells on her dress jingling. She sat down beside him and rested her head in his shoulder.
Gabriel sat up and scrutinized her closely, all the while holding her hand in his.
"I guess it'll work. I was expecting something a little bit more." Retkia placed one finger to his lips.
"Shhhh," she warned. "You cannot think such loathsome thoughts. It is unwise."
"I don't care about wisdom. Legolas is mad, so I would rather think of different things. Like right now, I want my present to be given to me please, if it is not too much trouble."
Retkia shook her head. "Not at the very least," she said, as she leaned in to kiss him.
****
"Good boy, Gloried. That's it, just take your time. You are doing great," Lizule coaxed to the horse as she casually led him out into the sunshine. The stallion had snorted and shrunk back many times, but with her endless encouragement and patience, she finally had him out in the palace courtyard.
Gloried jerked his head up as he absorbed everything that was happening. He sniffed the air cautiously; it smelled different for some unknown reason. Trembling, the horse stepped forward, not trusting the ground beneath him.
"See, you got it. That's all you have to do. Nothing has changed."
~ No, you are wrong, Lizule. Lots of things have changed ~
Lizule patted his neck and went around to the side of him. She took a deep breath.
"Will you let me ride you?" she said, glancing at the horse questionably. "I understand if you won't, but the further we get today the farther we get tomorrow. We have two days left, you know."
Gloried tossed his mane and bent down on his knees. The medicine of the Athelas plant had healed him very fast; he had gained a lot of weight over an extremely short period of time.
Lizule smiled and grabbed hold of his mane as she mounted him. The stallion stood up and glanced back and forth, not knowing exactly where to go.
"Let's just go on a nice, short trail ride. That should be enough for you today."
Gloried walked forward in response to her leg aids, noticing how much lighter she was than Totholain had been. Although she was not as skilled of a rider, she still had a talent for communicating with horses. The stallion gave her that much recognition.
Lizule talked calmly to the horse, and soon they were on their way to ride the trails. A new sense of excitement overwhelmed Lizule as they faded into the trees, lost in the never-ending green.
****
"Come on Gloried, please, eat the herbs," Lizule said patiently to the horse. The stallion was standing, and some shine was back in his coat, thanks to Lizule's frequent grooming. But other than that, the malnourished horse wouldn't eat, nor would he leave his stall. Time was running out if Lizule wanted him to be her mount. She had exactly one week to cure him.
"Gloried, please, come on, it is getting late. I fear the dark," she said, raising the Athelas plant up to his muzzle. The stallion sniffed it and turned his head. He did not want to be healed of his pain.
Lizule groaned and dropped her hand. She was getting nowhere.
"Maybe I should try a new approach," she wondered. "But what?"
Gloried rested his left hind leg, wondering when she was going to leave. He appreciated her efforts, but he was too grieved to pay attention to them. Totholain was dead. Why couldn't these Elves understand that? They seemed to have gotten over his murder very quickly, with no questions asked. The stallion disapproved.
Lizule ran her hand through his silver mane.
"Why won't you try? Try for Totholain? Gloried, he would want you to live, not linger on in sadness and in doubt. Won't you do it for Totholain?"
~ Totholain is the only one who can ride me. Totholain is the only one who can heal me. Totholain is the only one who can understand me ~
"But can I understand you?"
Gloried blinked hard. Had he heard correct? The stallion scanned the stables, but there was no sign of the Elf.
"Give her a chance. She is the only Elf that will ever truly care for you now. Give her a chance."
Gloried sighed. He didn't want to let this Elf-girl care for him, but if Totholain willed it, then he would allow her. He grudgingly took the Athelas plant out of her hand and ate it. Lizule's face lit up. She patted his neck encouragingly.
"That's a boy! I knew you would come around sooner or later."
Gloried rolled his eyes.
~ How about later? Much later ~
****
"It is so peaceful," Laurelin commented as she looked around the forest. All was silent except for their horse's footfalls.
Legolas nodded. "I know."
Laurelin turned towards him. "So where are you taking me, anyway?"
Legolas smiled as he arranged Arodas's mane on the other side of his neck.
"Somewhere special."
"I know that. Have I been there before?"
"I don't think so."
They rode on in silence, Laurelin in her own thoughts, and Legolas in his. It wasn't until some time later they broke for a clearing. Laurelin gasped.
"A waterfall!" she shrieked. A beautiful pond lay out before them, with water streaming down upon it from the rocks. Water lilies danced on the surface, and the clear water gleamed in the descending sun. All around the pond were beds of evergreen leaves and flowers. Laurelin sat stiffly, stunned by the earth's magnificence.
"Why have I not seen this place before?"
Legolas shrugged. "I am the only one who ever knew about it. I have not been here for a while, with the war going on. I'd thought I would share it with you before I leave."
"It's gorgeous."
They dismounted and led their horses down to the pond. Laurelin took of Galada's bridle and let her free. The mare whinnied and ran off to race with Arodas in the never-ending grass. She watched the two horses fly over the earth and disappear from view.
"They are so happy," she said sadly to Legolas as she sat down next to him. " I wish I could forget everything that bad happened and just run and be free."
She turned to him. "It doesn't have to be this way. You can stay here. No one is making you go."
"Laurelin, you know I have a duty to my kingdom. I would not be acting as a Prince if I did not serve them justly."
"So? There are other Elves who could be generals. You don't have to go."
Laurelin could not stop the bad feelings that were enveloping her. It was like a plaque, a horrible disease that there was no cure. Something horrible was going to happen to Legolas if left. Why couldn't he understand that?
"Aye, but that is where you are wrong. I have to go on account of myself. Please try to understand. I know it is difficult, but try."
Laurelin laid down in the leaves, letting their scent refresh her. The sky was turning black, and little white stars came out, twinkling in the moonlight. She lied in the grass for a while; reminiscing on Totholain and how much she really did miss him, but just didn't show it. Finally she sat up. She wanted to escape those memories.
"We really should be going. It will be pitch dark soon, and we will be unable to find Galada and Arodas."
Legolas didn't move from his spot in the grass. "I am sure they are keeping each other company. Good company."
"Funny. I cannot afford my mare to get into a serious relationship. I might need her for something."
"Like what?"
"Like to follow you after you when you leave. I don't think I could live without you for so long."
"Laurelin, It'll take like, two weeks at the most to rid of the Balrog and the Orcs. I will be back in a month maximum. You need to stay here and be a Princess. That is what you are and that is your job. You are staying."
Laurelin stood up. "I am going home."
Legolas sprang to his feet.
"Why? Tomorrow is an off day for the troops, which means an off day for me."
"I should go see Lizule. I am sure she is still a little unsure of her decision."
Legolas grabbed her hand.
"No. Please don't leave."
"My Lord, I can do what I wish. I would now like for you to let go of me."
Pain flashed across Legolas's eyes. He let her hand go and backed away towards the pond. Laurelin turned and fled, searching for her horse.
After much turmoil, she found the mare in a small field underneath a tree. Laurelin crept closer and saw that her and Arodas were standing side by side, nuzzling each other's face. Fresh tears pulled at Laurelin's eyes as she realized the love that they both shared. She couldn't bear to break them apart. She silently left, leaving them in peace.
As she made her way back to Legolas, she tried to work up some sort of an apology. She had hurt him by not wanting to be with him, and she knew he was deeply troubled. Laurelin spotted the glimmering pond through the tree branches and worked her way through them. She got out of the forest and under the moonlit sky.
She then saw that Legolas was in the pond, running his golden hair under the waterfall. His eyes were closed so he did not see her approach. She stepped silently around the beds of grass, careful not to get her gown caught. She watched him closely, observing the curve of his body, the breadth of his chest, the shape of his muscles. He dipped his head back and shook his hair free of water, sending droplets through the dark mist.
Laurelin gulped. She had never seen him in such an angelic form before. His hair, which cascaded down his bare body, glinted in the moonlight. He gave off a radiance of light that was blinding.
"Legolas," she said, her voice shaking, "I'm sorry."
Legolas spun around slowly, following the direction of her voice. He opened his eyes, which were dripping with water.
Laurelin shifted her feet uncomfortably, trying to rid herself of her repulsive thoughts. If he hadn't been mad at her, she would have run into the pool at that precise moment.
"I sincerely am sorry."
Legolas nodded.
"I accept your apology," he said, with little meaning in his voice. He then stepped back under the waterfall and shut his eyes.
Laurelin's heart sank. He truly was dispirited. Trying to think of some smart plan, she stood by the water's edge like a fool, fumbling about what to say next. Legolas, who didn't even recognize her presence, continued to bathe in the waterfall, letting all of the day's tension drain from his weary shoulders.
Laurelin sat down and stuck her feet in the pond. She ran her hand along its clear surface, thinking of Totholain and how much she missed him. She didn't want to have let go, but she knew she had to have done it sooner or later. Laurelin felt so dreary after a while that she stood and decided to leave. She would walk home. Picking up her sash, which had fallen to the ground, she made her way through the grass, her head low.
"Don't go anywhere yet." Laurelin froze at Legolas's tone. She turned quickly around. Legolas was still in the pond, but his eyes were closed. "Come here."
"But my dress."
"No matter. I can have it repaired."
Laurelin tentatively lifted her gown and waded into the pond. The dress started to sap in the water and made it hard to walk. Nevertheless, Laurelin reached him and leaned herself on a cold stone.
"Yes, my Lord?" Only then did Legolas open his intensive blue eyes, and stared right at her.
Laurelin swallowed hard. "You wanted me?"
~ Do not think like this, Laurelin. Do not think like this ~
"Yes. I wish to tell you something."
"What is it?" Laurelin asked, pretty sure what the answer to her question would be.
Legolas looked at her, wondering at her natural beauty. How could she make herself look so good no matter what? It amused him profoundly.
With one quick movement, he brought her into his arms and lowered his mouth to kiss her. Laurelin turned her head; she didn't feel like doing anything at that exact moment.
She clung to him, her gown sopping wet with water, and all she could think of is that he was leaving her, leaving her for some time, no matter how long it may be.
"You can't leave me," she whimpered, her eyes blinking back tears. "How can you leave me?"
Legolas's face crumpled. He started to tremble violently and nearly dropped her. Laurelin reached up and tucked a stray lock of blond hair behind his pale face, and ran her hand along his cheek tenderly. She didn't mean to upset him.
"I still love you though. It is okay." She raised her head up and kissed him longingly. Legolas returned the kiss, but it was in a tired sort of way. Laurelin pushed his hair back off of his face and pulled away.
"See?" she said, in an effort to cheer him up. "It'll be all right." Legolas shook his head and placed her cautiously back in the water.
"For me, maybe, but not for you. I hate to leave you here, you know. It hurts me like you will never know."
Laurelin gasped. She had never taken into consideration that it might have wounded him to see her hurting.
"I am sorry," she said, her voice cracking. "I never realized." Legolas stopped her short.
He pulled her close and with one soft whisper said,
"You can make it up to me now."
Laurelin smiled faintly.
"Of course my Lord," she murmured softly.
****
Retkia smiled and poured the wine into the goblet. Gabriel raised his glass and took a sip, savoring the taste.
"It's great," he said as he placed the cup back down. He leaned back into their couch, which was made of soft feathers. He sighed and closed his eyes. Retkia picked up the glasses and took them to the kitchen. When she came back, Gabriel had all of her candles lit and was lying down, his back turned to her.
Retkia bent down next to him and ran her fingers through his hair. Gabriel turned and grinned at her.
"Yes?" he said, arching his eyebrows. "You want something?"
"No. Do you want something?'
"My going away gift, please."
"Oh that. Well, I am not fully prepared. yet. I will adjust the certain apparel and then be back."
"Okay. Don't take too long."
Retkia got up and went to their bedroom. Taking off the overcoat to her gown, she revealed the thin fabric beneath. Retkia combed her hair, letting it fall flat across her face. She then dropped her cloak to the dress and proceeded back to their main room. Gabriel has his eyes shut and his hands across his chest. Retkia knocked softly on the doorframe, chuckling slightly.
Gabriel raised his eyes and took in the full sight of her.
~ Wow ~
"Where is the present?" he said, looking around as if expecting it to appear out of nowhere. He could not help noticing that she was wearing just enough clothing to call her modestly outfitted.
Retkia laughed. "I am the present."
"Sounds good to me. Come over here so I may inspect my gift."
Retkia nodded walked stealthily across the hard oak floor, the tiny silver bells on her dress jingling. She sat down beside him and rested her head in his shoulder.
Gabriel sat up and scrutinized her closely, all the while holding her hand in his.
"I guess it'll work. I was expecting something a little bit more." Retkia placed one finger to his lips.
"Shhhh," she warned. "You cannot think such loathsome thoughts. It is unwise."
"I don't care about wisdom. Legolas is mad, so I would rather think of different things. Like right now, I want my present to be given to me please, if it is not too much trouble."
Retkia shook her head. "Not at the very least," she said, as she leaned in to kiss him.
****
"Good boy, Gloried. That's it, just take your time. You are doing great," Lizule coaxed to the horse as she casually led him out into the sunshine. The stallion had snorted and shrunk back many times, but with her endless encouragement and patience, she finally had him out in the palace courtyard.
Gloried jerked his head up as he absorbed everything that was happening. He sniffed the air cautiously; it smelled different for some unknown reason. Trembling, the horse stepped forward, not trusting the ground beneath him.
"See, you got it. That's all you have to do. Nothing has changed."
~ No, you are wrong, Lizule. Lots of things have changed ~
Lizule patted his neck and went around to the side of him. She took a deep breath.
"Will you let me ride you?" she said, glancing at the horse questionably. "I understand if you won't, but the further we get today the farther we get tomorrow. We have two days left, you know."
Gloried tossed his mane and bent down on his knees. The medicine of the Athelas plant had healed him very fast; he had gained a lot of weight over an extremely short period of time.
Lizule smiled and grabbed hold of his mane as she mounted him. The stallion stood up and glanced back and forth, not knowing exactly where to go.
"Let's just go on a nice, short trail ride. That should be enough for you today."
Gloried walked forward in response to her leg aids, noticing how much lighter she was than Totholain had been. Although she was not as skilled of a rider, she still had a talent for communicating with horses. The stallion gave her that much recognition.
Lizule talked calmly to the horse, and soon they were on their way to ride the trails. A new sense of excitement overwhelmed Lizule as they faded into the trees, lost in the never-ending green.
****