A/N: I know, I know, this chapter is LONG overdue...sorry, school's been
quite the bastard lately. Thanks again for all of the sweet reviews!
Honestly, you guys motivate me to work faster than I would otherwise.
Well, I'm sure you're all more anxious to read the chapter than my silly
little announcements.
Oh, and, forewarning, this chapter will probably seem a bit boring...and I don't think it's as well written as my last one. But oh well, I hope you enjoy it! Onward!
Chapter Twenty-Four:
Calathi stretched her arms above her head and smiled as pleasant memories of the previous night filled her mind. She turned to her side and saw that the Prince was no longer there. *Such an early riser,* she though. *What a shame...* The maiden quietly chuckled to herself, wondering how Legolas could have possibly let such a perfect opportunity slip by.
She sat up, shivering slightly at the chilly breeze flitting throughout the chamber. Quickly she pulled on a robe, glancing down quickly at what she was wearing (or lack thereof) and laughing again. She walked lightly to the door she had noticed before and opened it, surprised to find that it led to still another room rather than the privy.
This chamber was smaller than the main bedroom, though it was furnished just as well. A decorative couch was against one wall, and another table was located in the center. A woven rug was also placed underneath it, and more dark green drapes adorned the walls. Looking at the opposite wall, billowing curtains attracted her and she went to investigate what was behind them.
A garden of dead trees greeted her on the small terrace, and she grimaced slightly at their sorrowful whispers as she found a carved wooden bench and sat. Gazing at the tidy mounds of dirt, most likely meant to hold flowers, she opened her soul to the forlorn vegetation and showed them images of the spring to come.
Their mutters eased, and Calathi was able to relax and enjoy the beautiful frost that had descended overnight to lay itself upon everything. She grinned, thinking of how she would soon be married to the Prince, and then she'd officially be allowed to spend the night there.
A sudden thought hit her. *How am I to return to my room unnoticed?* The only garments she had at her disposal were last night's gown and Legolas' robe. Surely she could not return to her own quarters wearing the same unmistakable attire that she had at the festival; it would arouse suspicion in anyone who saw her. Then again, would wearing her fiancé's own robe not cause even more provoked thoughts?
Calathi sighed in frustration and marched back into the bedroom to grab her gown. After she found it, rumpled on the floor in an uncaring manner, she made her way back outside and slowly crept off the low balcony and around the walls of Legolas' chambers. Walking until she thought she had traveled as far as she usually did to reach her room from the Grand Hall, she found a tree with conveniently low branches.
Calathi hesitated, then looked around quickly to see if anyone was nearby before taking off the bulky, restricting robe and wrapping her gown in it. Up she nimbly climbed, wearing her bodice alone, until she reached the overhang. Quickly she jumped out of the trees and pulled the curtains aside, relieved beyond belief that it was her room she had found, apparent because Methlai was resting upon a shelf on the wall. Though she found her luck of locating the correct room hard to believe, the maiden thought it best to put on some clothes before any unknowing visitors discovered her situation.
Donning a simple gown of lavender, Calathi heard her door open and grumbled quietly, having just finished combing through her hair. She turned and found the Prince in front of her, wrapping her in his warm embrace and kissing her forehead lightly.
"I had wondered where you had gone, melamin," he said to her.
"I wondered the same, Legolas," she retorted, a bit on edge after risking exposure and climbing a tree to reach her quarters.
"Actually, I did not think you would enjoy trekking through the halls in your, stunningly marvelous, might I add, gown from last night," he answered, grinning impishly. "So, I left you to sleep whilst I came to find more suitable garments for you." Calathi felt her face grow hot and glared at the prince, whose eyes slowly registered the origin of the maiden's burning gaze. "You cannot tell me..." he said, shaking his head and beginning to laugh, "you - you..." He trailed off and was unable to continue as fits of laughter consumed him.
"I did," she growled, resentful of his behavior and seeming insensitivity. "I found my way around outside and climbed the tree by the window. I felt like an orc trying to sneak into Lothlorien!" Legolas only laughed harder, and Calathi gave him a look like daggers and briskly brushed past him.
"Where - where are you going?" the Prince managed to ask as he gained control of himself.
"Anywhere but here!" she snapped. Then she stomped toward the door as Legolas stood agape behind her. Quickly coming back to his senses, the elf ran after Calathi and wrapped his arms around her waist, keeping her within the room.
"Let me go," she ordered him, though inside she was longing for him to hold her, kiss her, show her his love...
"I am sorry, amelamin," he whispered into her ear, his smooth, sweet voice making Calathi's senses reel. "I did not realize you were so distraught. Please, forgive me - do not leave." The maiden sighed, and Legolas accepted this as a yes.
Without warning he scooped her off her feet and tossed her onto the bed. "Legolas!" she said in surprise as he jumped on the bed as well, grinning wolfishly.
"Now that you are awake, I thought that we might accomplish what I have wanted to do all night..."
She laughed, her stomach fluttering as the Prince's intoxicating scent reached her. "Did you not sleep?" He sat, running his hand along her side and sending shivers up the maiden's back.
"Of course," he answered. "For about a minute..." She giggled and, her willpower depleted, reached up to him, pulling him onto her as their lips met and she opened her mouth to meet him. He complied, kissing her slowly at first, then teasingly.
She moaned as his mouth left hers and instead caressed her neck. "You know," she whispered as Legolas traced her delicate ear with his soft lips and she barely bit back a squeal of delight, "I should not forgive you so easily. Perhaps I should keep you waiting until the wedding." The Prince abruptly halted his activity and leaned back to stare at her, a look of disbelief and worry creeping into his face.
"You would not." She grinned teasingly and took the opportunity to roll away, dodging his outstretched arm and jumping off the bed as he chased after her. She whirled around and laughed giddily at the Prince, on whom a smirk was growing.
"You cannot escape me," he said, climbing off the bed as Calathi backed toward the door, shaking uncontrollably with more suppressed laugher.
"Oh, I think I can." Legolas lunged for her, and she jumped back and ran out into the hall.
Down the corridor she raced, looking back to see if the Prince pursued. He did, though she had a head start and he didn't appear to be gaining the distance between them very quickly. She reached the dining hall and turned, breathlessly cutting across the empty room toward the kitchen.
As soon as she had passed through the door she stopped, smoothing her hair as bewildered servants shot her confused glances. She smiled charmingly at them before turning around, and just at that moment Legolas sprinted in at a speed that would not allow even his elven reflexes to prevent a collision.
Calathi smiled as Legolas picked himself off her and pulled her up beside him. "In a hurry today, are we not, Your Highness?" she asked innocently, straightening her gown.
He grinned back. "I was indeed, My Lady. But perhaps, as I happened to meet you here, you would do me the honor of joining me for a late breakfast?"
"I would love to." Immediately a servant strode over to them, bowing.
"If Your Highnesses would be seated in the Banquet Hall, your meal shall be served shortly." Legolas nodded, but Calathi shook her head, glancing at her love.
"Actually," she said thoughtfully, "it is rather lovely outside. I think this is a perfect day for a picnic, wouldn't you agree, My Lord?" She smiled mischievously at the Prince. His lips twitched with hidden mirth, and he agreed. The servant, looking slightly hesitant, curtly bowed before preparing a cold meal for the two elves.
Legolas accepted the basket of food shortly afterward and offered his arm to Calathi, which she daintily accepted. With one arm on the Prince, she curtsied to the servant. "Thank you, sir."
He nodded in return. "Anything for such a beautiful Princess," he returned, smiling at the maiden's blush. Legolas inclined his head slightly and then the two went off in the direction of the garden.
* * * * *
Legolas draped his leg over Calathi's slender form and held her tighter as he felt her shudder in her sleep beside him. The breeze was picking up, and the weather was quickly growing cold. The Prince took his eyes off his love to look at the darkening sky; ominous clouds were forming almost directly over the two elves.
"Melamin," he whispered, gazing back at the maiden. He tucked a stray piece of her long hair behind her ear. "Melamin, wake up."
Calathi stirred, bringing her eyes to focus on the handsome elf beside her. She smiled, wondering for the thousandth time how she had been so fortunate as to be blessed with the love of such a strong, compassionate, perfect creature. Then his lips claimed hers in a tender kiss, and all coherent thought flew out the window.
Reluctantly he broke it, giving the sky a deadly glare as though he could will the threatening weather away. "I believe it will snow soon, Love," he commented. "We should return to the palace."
Calathi sighed, unhappy about leaving her comfortable spot on the dying grass, where she had been napping since their picnic was finished. Legolas stood, and when Calathi took too long in getting up, he scooped her off the ground and spun in a circle, waking her up completely.
"All right!" she laughed, struggling to escape the Prince's dizzying grip. "Put me down. I can walk myself." Legolas grinned and set her on her feet, giving her a quick peck on her lips before taking her hand and leading her from the small meadow toward the palace.
Calathi stopped when she felt something moist hit her nose. All around her, snow fell in fine, sparkling white flakes. The beauty of it all made the maiden almost want to cry; her life was finally coming together, and she lived in a world so vast and wonderful that it awed her. Then, the temperature suddenly dropped, and she felt herself clinging to Legolas for warmth. The snow was already beginning to fall in thick sheets when the Prince pulled her forward once again.
The chill in the air made Calathi's senses acute; she felt each and every flake that hit her skin. Giggling, she skipped forward as Legolas urged her faster, trotting in hopes of reaching their home sooner.
The palace gates came into view, and the two elves increased their speed to a sprint, racing each other. Calathi dove for the gate and turned to her love. "I win," she panted, smiling breathlessly.
"No," he argued," I win." The maiden shook her head.
"A tie then," she giggled. The Prince drew her into a hug and put his arm around her to shield her from the stabbing wind.
"We better get inside," he said, walking beside her. "It looks like a blizzard is approaching."
Just as they reached the door, shivering, they heard noise behind them and turned to find a scouting elf atop a prancing brown mare. Calathi's heart leapt. *He must be the one sent to Ilinar,* she thought.
The messenger dismounted, and with one look at the Prince, the maiden felt her stomach sink. He looked so... forlorn, and... was that fear in his eyes?
"I must - I must speak - with the King," he stuttered, and it was then that she noticed how exhausted he appeared to be. Quickly she took his arm and helped him into the palace with Legolas, away from the storm.
They found Thranduil in his study after asking a nearby guard where he could be found. Upon entering, he saw the state of the scout and ordered him to sit, calling for a servant to bring them some wine.
"My Lord," the elf began, shooting a glance at the future Princess, "I have some urgent news... from Ilinar." Now the King too looked at Calathi. The messenger appeared hesitant. "I - I believe it may be wise to discuss this without the lady present."
Thranduil's eyes widened, and the maiden's anxiousness grew. Before the King replied she stepped forward. "What news, My Lord?" she asked, a warning gleam in her eyes.
"Please, call me Matirine," he offered, attempting to distract her. He looked to Thranduil for support, then to Legolas. "Your Highnesses, I - I do not recommend that the Lady hear this... news... on such a night," he cautioned.
"If it is about the realm of my family I have a right to know what is going on!" she shouted. Legolas put a hand on her shoulder as Matirine grimaced.
"Perhaps it is best, melamin. We do not know the state of the matter as of yet," the Prince said soothingly.
"It is NOT best!" the maiden screamed defiantly. "Tell me now or so help me I will leave and discover the truth myself!" Legolas was taken aback by her antics. Nevertheless, though he knew she had more patience than many of her kind, he realized that this matter struck her heart. She may very well go so far as to carry out her threat if nothing was revealed to her.
Sighing, he motioned for Matirine to continue. Reluctantly the messenger looked at the King, who also nodded. He took a deep breath and opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He shut it again, closing his eyes for a moment as though to gather his courage before opening his mouth to try again, succeeding this time. What the elves heard made them wish he hadn't. "Your Highness, Ilinar has been destroyed."
****Ohhhh... what now? Guess you'll all have to wait and see! ;) I'll *try* to get this next one posted sooner though, I promise. Have a nice day!
Oh, and, forewarning, this chapter will probably seem a bit boring...and I don't think it's as well written as my last one. But oh well, I hope you enjoy it! Onward!
Chapter Twenty-Four:
Calathi stretched her arms above her head and smiled as pleasant memories of the previous night filled her mind. She turned to her side and saw that the Prince was no longer there. *Such an early riser,* she though. *What a shame...* The maiden quietly chuckled to herself, wondering how Legolas could have possibly let such a perfect opportunity slip by.
She sat up, shivering slightly at the chilly breeze flitting throughout the chamber. Quickly she pulled on a robe, glancing down quickly at what she was wearing (or lack thereof) and laughing again. She walked lightly to the door she had noticed before and opened it, surprised to find that it led to still another room rather than the privy.
This chamber was smaller than the main bedroom, though it was furnished just as well. A decorative couch was against one wall, and another table was located in the center. A woven rug was also placed underneath it, and more dark green drapes adorned the walls. Looking at the opposite wall, billowing curtains attracted her and she went to investigate what was behind them.
A garden of dead trees greeted her on the small terrace, and she grimaced slightly at their sorrowful whispers as she found a carved wooden bench and sat. Gazing at the tidy mounds of dirt, most likely meant to hold flowers, she opened her soul to the forlorn vegetation and showed them images of the spring to come.
Their mutters eased, and Calathi was able to relax and enjoy the beautiful frost that had descended overnight to lay itself upon everything. She grinned, thinking of how she would soon be married to the Prince, and then she'd officially be allowed to spend the night there.
A sudden thought hit her. *How am I to return to my room unnoticed?* The only garments she had at her disposal were last night's gown and Legolas' robe. Surely she could not return to her own quarters wearing the same unmistakable attire that she had at the festival; it would arouse suspicion in anyone who saw her. Then again, would wearing her fiancé's own robe not cause even more provoked thoughts?
Calathi sighed in frustration and marched back into the bedroom to grab her gown. After she found it, rumpled on the floor in an uncaring manner, she made her way back outside and slowly crept off the low balcony and around the walls of Legolas' chambers. Walking until she thought she had traveled as far as she usually did to reach her room from the Grand Hall, she found a tree with conveniently low branches.
Calathi hesitated, then looked around quickly to see if anyone was nearby before taking off the bulky, restricting robe and wrapping her gown in it. Up she nimbly climbed, wearing her bodice alone, until she reached the overhang. Quickly she jumped out of the trees and pulled the curtains aside, relieved beyond belief that it was her room she had found, apparent because Methlai was resting upon a shelf on the wall. Though she found her luck of locating the correct room hard to believe, the maiden thought it best to put on some clothes before any unknowing visitors discovered her situation.
Donning a simple gown of lavender, Calathi heard her door open and grumbled quietly, having just finished combing through her hair. She turned and found the Prince in front of her, wrapping her in his warm embrace and kissing her forehead lightly.
"I had wondered where you had gone, melamin," he said to her.
"I wondered the same, Legolas," she retorted, a bit on edge after risking exposure and climbing a tree to reach her quarters.
"Actually, I did not think you would enjoy trekking through the halls in your, stunningly marvelous, might I add, gown from last night," he answered, grinning impishly. "So, I left you to sleep whilst I came to find more suitable garments for you." Calathi felt her face grow hot and glared at the prince, whose eyes slowly registered the origin of the maiden's burning gaze. "You cannot tell me..." he said, shaking his head and beginning to laugh, "you - you..." He trailed off and was unable to continue as fits of laughter consumed him.
"I did," she growled, resentful of his behavior and seeming insensitivity. "I found my way around outside and climbed the tree by the window. I felt like an orc trying to sneak into Lothlorien!" Legolas only laughed harder, and Calathi gave him a look like daggers and briskly brushed past him.
"Where - where are you going?" the Prince managed to ask as he gained control of himself.
"Anywhere but here!" she snapped. Then she stomped toward the door as Legolas stood agape behind her. Quickly coming back to his senses, the elf ran after Calathi and wrapped his arms around her waist, keeping her within the room.
"Let me go," she ordered him, though inside she was longing for him to hold her, kiss her, show her his love...
"I am sorry, amelamin," he whispered into her ear, his smooth, sweet voice making Calathi's senses reel. "I did not realize you were so distraught. Please, forgive me - do not leave." The maiden sighed, and Legolas accepted this as a yes.
Without warning he scooped her off her feet and tossed her onto the bed. "Legolas!" she said in surprise as he jumped on the bed as well, grinning wolfishly.
"Now that you are awake, I thought that we might accomplish what I have wanted to do all night..."
She laughed, her stomach fluttering as the Prince's intoxicating scent reached her. "Did you not sleep?" He sat, running his hand along her side and sending shivers up the maiden's back.
"Of course," he answered. "For about a minute..." She giggled and, her willpower depleted, reached up to him, pulling him onto her as their lips met and she opened her mouth to meet him. He complied, kissing her slowly at first, then teasingly.
She moaned as his mouth left hers and instead caressed her neck. "You know," she whispered as Legolas traced her delicate ear with his soft lips and she barely bit back a squeal of delight, "I should not forgive you so easily. Perhaps I should keep you waiting until the wedding." The Prince abruptly halted his activity and leaned back to stare at her, a look of disbelief and worry creeping into his face.
"You would not." She grinned teasingly and took the opportunity to roll away, dodging his outstretched arm and jumping off the bed as he chased after her. She whirled around and laughed giddily at the Prince, on whom a smirk was growing.
"You cannot escape me," he said, climbing off the bed as Calathi backed toward the door, shaking uncontrollably with more suppressed laugher.
"Oh, I think I can." Legolas lunged for her, and she jumped back and ran out into the hall.
Down the corridor she raced, looking back to see if the Prince pursued. He did, though she had a head start and he didn't appear to be gaining the distance between them very quickly. She reached the dining hall and turned, breathlessly cutting across the empty room toward the kitchen.
As soon as she had passed through the door she stopped, smoothing her hair as bewildered servants shot her confused glances. She smiled charmingly at them before turning around, and just at that moment Legolas sprinted in at a speed that would not allow even his elven reflexes to prevent a collision.
Calathi smiled as Legolas picked himself off her and pulled her up beside him. "In a hurry today, are we not, Your Highness?" she asked innocently, straightening her gown.
He grinned back. "I was indeed, My Lady. But perhaps, as I happened to meet you here, you would do me the honor of joining me for a late breakfast?"
"I would love to." Immediately a servant strode over to them, bowing.
"If Your Highnesses would be seated in the Banquet Hall, your meal shall be served shortly." Legolas nodded, but Calathi shook her head, glancing at her love.
"Actually," she said thoughtfully, "it is rather lovely outside. I think this is a perfect day for a picnic, wouldn't you agree, My Lord?" She smiled mischievously at the Prince. His lips twitched with hidden mirth, and he agreed. The servant, looking slightly hesitant, curtly bowed before preparing a cold meal for the two elves.
Legolas accepted the basket of food shortly afterward and offered his arm to Calathi, which she daintily accepted. With one arm on the Prince, she curtsied to the servant. "Thank you, sir."
He nodded in return. "Anything for such a beautiful Princess," he returned, smiling at the maiden's blush. Legolas inclined his head slightly and then the two went off in the direction of the garden.
* * * * *
Legolas draped his leg over Calathi's slender form and held her tighter as he felt her shudder in her sleep beside him. The breeze was picking up, and the weather was quickly growing cold. The Prince took his eyes off his love to look at the darkening sky; ominous clouds were forming almost directly over the two elves.
"Melamin," he whispered, gazing back at the maiden. He tucked a stray piece of her long hair behind her ear. "Melamin, wake up."
Calathi stirred, bringing her eyes to focus on the handsome elf beside her. She smiled, wondering for the thousandth time how she had been so fortunate as to be blessed with the love of such a strong, compassionate, perfect creature. Then his lips claimed hers in a tender kiss, and all coherent thought flew out the window.
Reluctantly he broke it, giving the sky a deadly glare as though he could will the threatening weather away. "I believe it will snow soon, Love," he commented. "We should return to the palace."
Calathi sighed, unhappy about leaving her comfortable spot on the dying grass, where she had been napping since their picnic was finished. Legolas stood, and when Calathi took too long in getting up, he scooped her off the ground and spun in a circle, waking her up completely.
"All right!" she laughed, struggling to escape the Prince's dizzying grip. "Put me down. I can walk myself." Legolas grinned and set her on her feet, giving her a quick peck on her lips before taking her hand and leading her from the small meadow toward the palace.
Calathi stopped when she felt something moist hit her nose. All around her, snow fell in fine, sparkling white flakes. The beauty of it all made the maiden almost want to cry; her life was finally coming together, and she lived in a world so vast and wonderful that it awed her. Then, the temperature suddenly dropped, and she felt herself clinging to Legolas for warmth. The snow was already beginning to fall in thick sheets when the Prince pulled her forward once again.
The chill in the air made Calathi's senses acute; she felt each and every flake that hit her skin. Giggling, she skipped forward as Legolas urged her faster, trotting in hopes of reaching their home sooner.
The palace gates came into view, and the two elves increased their speed to a sprint, racing each other. Calathi dove for the gate and turned to her love. "I win," she panted, smiling breathlessly.
"No," he argued," I win." The maiden shook her head.
"A tie then," she giggled. The Prince drew her into a hug and put his arm around her to shield her from the stabbing wind.
"We better get inside," he said, walking beside her. "It looks like a blizzard is approaching."
Just as they reached the door, shivering, they heard noise behind them and turned to find a scouting elf atop a prancing brown mare. Calathi's heart leapt. *He must be the one sent to Ilinar,* she thought.
The messenger dismounted, and with one look at the Prince, the maiden felt her stomach sink. He looked so... forlorn, and... was that fear in his eyes?
"I must - I must speak - with the King," he stuttered, and it was then that she noticed how exhausted he appeared to be. Quickly she took his arm and helped him into the palace with Legolas, away from the storm.
They found Thranduil in his study after asking a nearby guard where he could be found. Upon entering, he saw the state of the scout and ordered him to sit, calling for a servant to bring them some wine.
"My Lord," the elf began, shooting a glance at the future Princess, "I have some urgent news... from Ilinar." Now the King too looked at Calathi. The messenger appeared hesitant. "I - I believe it may be wise to discuss this without the lady present."
Thranduil's eyes widened, and the maiden's anxiousness grew. Before the King replied she stepped forward. "What news, My Lord?" she asked, a warning gleam in her eyes.
"Please, call me Matirine," he offered, attempting to distract her. He looked to Thranduil for support, then to Legolas. "Your Highnesses, I - I do not recommend that the Lady hear this... news... on such a night," he cautioned.
"If it is about the realm of my family I have a right to know what is going on!" she shouted. Legolas put a hand on her shoulder as Matirine grimaced.
"Perhaps it is best, melamin. We do not know the state of the matter as of yet," the Prince said soothingly.
"It is NOT best!" the maiden screamed defiantly. "Tell me now or so help me I will leave and discover the truth myself!" Legolas was taken aback by her antics. Nevertheless, though he knew she had more patience than many of her kind, he realized that this matter struck her heart. She may very well go so far as to carry out her threat if nothing was revealed to her.
Sighing, he motioned for Matirine to continue. Reluctantly the messenger looked at the King, who also nodded. He took a deep breath and opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He shut it again, closing his eyes for a moment as though to gather his courage before opening his mouth to try again, succeeding this time. What the elves heard made them wish he hadn't. "Your Highness, Ilinar has been destroyed."
****Ohhhh... what now? Guess you'll all have to wait and see! ;) I'll *try* to get this next one posted sooner though, I promise. Have a nice day!