***This is, obviously, the next installment of "Calathi" (which should be
underlined, but as I have no understanding of translating text to html
format, I cannot show it on fanfiction.net...). That's enough chit-chat.
Ohhhh, wait, no it's not! Whoop-whoop, I got 200 REVIEWS! Yippee! Thanks to everyone that got me there, and Will Turner's Little Stalker, who pushed me over the top (awesome name, by the way...^_^). Hopefully I won't take long after this to get the next chapter up. Oh well, here's Chapter 28! ****
Chapter Twenty-eight:
The instant Calathi awoke, she thought immediately of Meron. She threw off the blanket covering her and, finding a clean tunic and pair of britches beside her and thinking it better to be clean than pretty at the moment, changed clothes. Then she pushed open the flap of the tent she was within and stepped into the dusky atmosphere.
A shout rang out upon her emergence. An elf ran to her, stopping beside her and smiling politely. "My lady," he greeted, bowing as he expertly disregarded her state of dress, "I was told to escort you to the chamber of your charge, who goes by the name of Meron."
"Meron... is he well?" she asked, glancing at the soldier hopefully.
"Aye," he replied, "he is very well. His wounds have been redressed and he was given the best food we have available."
*Hmm...food...* Calathi thought, blushing as her stomach answered with a rumble. She gave an apologetic look to the elf before her, who nodded and took her arm. "Your friend is in no immediate danger. Perhaps we should proceed to the supply tent to obtain some type of nourishment?"
"I am very grateful, my Lord." They walked together to a nearby storeroom where the few provisions brought with the group had been piled.
After gorging herself as politely as possible on dried fruit, bread, and a bit of cold, salted and smoked meat, Calathi and Derathon (as she learned her escort was named) made their way across the snowy landscape to where Meron had been placed and treated. The elven camp had been established in close proximity with Ilinar, though what was left of the village was out of sight. A cluster of tents were set up in the sparsely shaded area, and only a few other elves could be seen going about their tasks. Whatever other elves that had come with the group, Calathi knew, were either scouting the destroyed village or guarding the camp.
Derathon opened a tent's entrance and gestured for Calathi to enter, closing it behind her once she had vanished within. Meron was sleeping soundly, his eyes blankly staring at the ceiling. She went to his side, pulling the blanket that was over him back to inspect the new bandages covering his various injuries.
"One of you is blessed," a voice behind her said, making her jump. She whirled around, surprised to see another elf with her inside. "I am Pelathor, a soldier, and a healer when I must be." Calathi rose, and he took her hand to kiss it gently. "And you, my Lady, are the Lord Legolas' bride-to-be."
"That I am," she answered, blushing slightly at his touch. "But I am called only Calathi by most." Glancing back at Meron, she asked, "What did you mean, 'one of us is blessed?'"
He sighed, going to scrutinize the dressings of the sleeping elf himself. As he did so, he commented, "I have seen wounds such as these before, Lady Calathi, though I am not the royal guard's chief healer. It is a miracle that he survived as long as he did on his own, and even more of one that you were able to treat him with the meager materials at your disposal."
Calathi paled at Pelathor's intimations. "Is he going to..."
"He shall live, my fair Lady, and with very little assistance from me." He smiled at her before exiting the tent, leaving her alone with the unwell elf.
"Oh, Meron," she whispered, sinking to the floor and kissing his cheek lightly, "thank the Valar you're here..." Tears threatened as she thought of her lost loved ones, though she was grateful that she had her best friend, at least, to cling to in such a time.
"I thank you also, not only the Valar, that I am here," Meron whispered, and Calathi noticed for the first time that he was awake. "Thoughts of your face kept me alive those many days." She smiled at him, leaning over to hug him tightly. "I met Legolas earlier," he said, grinning as she pulled away.
"And...?" she inquired.
"He seemed a bit...uncomfortable... almost as if he was jealous of me." Calathi chuckled at the notion.
"What did you two speak of while he was here?"
"Well," he responded, looking thoughtfully at her, "first, he commended me on my bravery." Here he paused, his eyes dancing in merriment. "He then asked me how well we are acquainted."
"How did you respond?" Calathi asked, growing suspicious.
"I told him that we knew each other well enough..." Meron laughed as she hit him lightly on the arm.
"You silly elf," she facetiously reprimanded, "that, I am sure, did not ease his jealousy."
"No... but it was quite amusing to see him squirm." She hit him again, laughing, and then the tent opened and the object of their merriment entered. "Your highness," Meron addressed him, nodding his head as he was unable to rise and bow properly. Legolas returned the nod.
"How do you fare this evening?" he queried, giving Calathi an unreadable look.
"I am well, my Lord," he answered, watching as Calathi averted her eyes from the Prince's intense stare. She brought her hand to her mouth in an attempt to cover her smile. Legolas returned his gaze to Meron.
"That is good news." Pause. "If you like, I shall have a meal sent to you shortly."
"Your hospitality is most appreciated," he thanked. Their cool conversation amused Calathi, and she couldn't repress a small giggle at the comicality. She knew that once they knew each other better, they would get along wonderfully, but at the moment, the tension in the air was almost tangible. Deciding to ease the situation as best she could, she broke the silence.
"I believe I shall retire now," she stated. Both males looked at her. "I still feel a tad fatigued. I will see you again tomorrow, Meron." He nodded. "Get some sleep so you can regain your strength." She gave a pointed look at Legolas, who bowed and bid farewell to Meron. Taking her arm, he led her out of the tent.
In the shadows of the evening, the Prince embraced Calathi, entwining his fingers in her dirty, unmanaged hair and clutching her to him with his other arm. "Oh, my love," he whispered, kissing her cheeks and forehead, "you undo me..."
She chuckled, recovering from her initial surprise and hugging him back. "I am truly sorry, my Prince... but I had to see this place for myself." As she took his face in her hands and looked into his sapphire eyes, she whispered, "I did not do it to hurt you."
He looked down. "I know, Calathi, though I wish you would trust me."
Searching his face, memorizing the shape of his alluring mouth, the sharp lines of his strong jawbones, the proud, straight nose, his perfectly arched eyebrows, the sight of his pain made her breath catch in her throat. "I do trust you..." she murmured, sighing. Legolas glanced up at her, his face inscrutable. The intensity of his glare took her aback, and she began to stammer. "Legolas, I... I –"
"Shhh..." he silenced her, placing a finger over her lips. He followed his fingers with his mouth, his harsh desire evident in the brutal assault of her senses. He softened the kiss a moment later, guiding his lips gently over hers in a physical manifestation of his feelings. Calathi pulled away a moment later, her heart racing and her breath quick.
"Not here, my Prince," she whispered, scanning the area for the curious eyes of another elf. Legolas nodded.
"Come then," he answered, taking her hand and leading her to his tent, the same tent she had woken in. Once inside, Legolas scooped her up and placed her tenderly on a bed of pillows. Several candles had already been lit, as it was now dark outside, and the small flames threw soft shadows upon the faces of the smitten couple.
Legolas kissed Calathi once more, lovingly, before sighing and laying his head on her stomach, his nimble fingers playing over the smooth skin of her arm. "I'm so glad that you are safe, limraer. When I realized that you had left the palace, my heart seemed to drop to my feet." He kissed her fingers softly. "I did not know what I could do."
Tears filled Calathi's eyes, a bitter taste filling her mouth. *The goblins will receive their dues soon enough,* she thought angrily. "I cannot say how sorry I truly am, my love," she responded, holding back a sob, "but you cannot honestly say that you would have allowed me this journey if you were told of it." She watched as Legolas slowly nodded, admitting to both of them the truth of her statement.
He rolled over so he could see that Calathi had a hand over her eyes. Climbing next to her, the Prince wrapped his arms around her shoulders and hugged her. "Are you all right?"
Calathi nodded, still not looking at him. "I am only sad," she murmured. Legolas remained beside her silently, having nothing to say. There was nothing he could do to ease her grief; only time would heal her wounds. Laying in the quiet of night, both elves soon fell asleep, their fingers laced together in solace.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Legolas was gone when Calathi awoke, as was becoming increasingly more common. Stretching, she rose from her pallet and straightened her attire as best she could. She glanced around the tent and smiled when she saw another clean pair of britches and a fresh tunic, grateful for her rescuers' preparation.
Not a moment after Calathi had pulled on the tunic did the tent flap open, emitting a flustered-looking Prince. "What is it, love?" she asked as she buckled the last strap on her clothing.
"It is nothing," he said offhandedly, though it was obvious that his statement was not the basest truth. "Limraer, I believe that you should return to the palace so you may receive the rest you need. Only..."
"I am fine, Legolas," she interrupted him. "Truly, my strength has already returned."
He shook his head gently. "Even if that is true," he answered, eyeing her, "it is not safe here. It would comfort me to know you were secure inside my father's home."
"If I were to return now, I would have to walk the entire way because of the deep snow. Surely, that could not be very restful for me." She grinned.
"All right," Legolas conceded. "However, in a few days, after the supply convoy has arrived and you are perfectly healthy, I would like you to travel back to the palace with an escort. If for nothing else, one of us should be making preparations for our wedding."
Calathi nodded, smiling at her future husband, her first true smile of happiness since the dreadful news of her native town's destruction.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
It was four mornings hence when the Prince found Calathi packing food for her journey to the palace. Carefully stowing each item securely in a large sack, she was counting out enough for herself and the four soldiers accompanying her to last about a week, though she was sure it wouldn't take so long to reach their destination.
A new group of elves had arrived several days before, each carrying packs laden with food and various necessities and led by the captain of the Royal Guard. Telmon had greeted them and had shown them where the supplies were to be stored. It was from these reserves that she retrieved what she required for the trip. Her faithful mare, Larape, was to remain in a rough shelter at the center of camp until enough snow had melted for her to return to her home at the palace stables.
"Melamin," Legolas greeted her softly. Placing one last object into her sack, Calathi tied it tightly shut before rising to face him.
"Hello, Love," she said before following the greeting with a momentary kiss.
"I am afraid," he continued after their lips had parted, "I will be unable to see you off this morning." He frowned slightly. "One of the scouts seems to have found peculiar tracks some distance from camp, and I must go to investigate them. They may be consequential to our resolution of the matter on hand." She nodded understandingly. "You will be all right by yourself?"
"Of course," she answered, fighting an inexplicable feeling of fear in the pit of her stomach. "You must do what you need to. Just be sure to watch over Meron while I'm away."
"I will. Do not let your guard down for even one moment, for I could not bear to lose you again." Legolas moved forward a bit and kissed her tenderly, running a hand through her hair and holding her tightly. Calathi felt almost weak within the circle of his arms, and she reached around his neck to pull him closer, marveling at the immense love she felt.
Soon afterward, both elves parted, Legolas heading into the surrounding forest at a brisk trot while his fiancé remained and bid farewell to Meron. Once that teary-eyed goodbye was over, she joined the elves that were to be her escorts. To her great surprise and dismay, Harem waited with them. He bowed low in greeting when she stood before the group.
"My lady," he said solemnly, straightening and looking at her. His gaze made her skin crawl with apprehension.
"What are you doing here, Harem?" she asked, disregarding the formal curtsy that propriety demanded. The other elves standing behind him seemed perplexed by the clear disdain in her voice. "Do you not have duties elsewhere that demand your attention?"
"None more so than this," he answered her. Calathi paled and her eyes widened. "I am aware of the danger presented by your journey, for we do not know yet the whereabouts of the goblins." With ever word she became more alarmed by what Harem was proposing. "I have come to offer my services as a guard in your company.
"No," she answered flatly. "The other fine soldiers here will provide more than adequate protection."
Harem grinned wickedly. "Oh, but I insist. And, as Captain, I have the authority to do so."
"Whose authority?" Calathi inquired scathingly. Lowering her voice and stepping closer, she continued. "I could have you exiled or worse for what you did to me. Do NOT underestimate my power in this situation, Harem. You are not coming with me."
"Allow me the pleasure, good lady," he responded, his expression innocent. "I truly wish to protect you. I am not the same elf I once was."
Calathi frowned. "I could simply refuse to leave." Harem shook his head.
Do not be so silly, lady. I mean you no harm, which you will realize upon our safe arrival at the palace."
She sighed. What to do... she could not live in fear her entire life, she concluded, and she did know how to protect herself, after all. She marched past Harem and addressed the other elves, and soon they were off with Calathi's sword, Methlai, loosened from its scabbard and hanging on her belt.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Several hours later, Legolas returned, frustrated and anxious because the odd tracks had been blown over with snow before he'd arrived to examine them. The scout who had led him there was young and fairly inexperienced in determining what creatures produce which markings. Now he was brooding for having abandoned Calathi as he did, and he was wishing that he could have remained for her send-off. He beckoned to Derathon as he took a swig of wine from a flask.
The elf stood before him and bowed. "My Lord?"
"Please fetch the Captain, for I have a matter to bring to his attention," he ordered.
"Sir, Captain Harem departed with the future Princess for the palace." Legolas' train of thought abruptly ended.
"Are you sure?"
"Quite sure, my Lord," the Prince shook his head angrily. "He has responsibilities here to deal with! Did you tell him this before he left?"
"Telmon did, sir, but the Captain insisted." Legolas sighed.
"Very well. Inform Telmon that I wish to follow Calathi's escorts. I will require several strong warriors, and I leave him in charge of camp." Derathon nodded and departed rapidly.
*How could she go with that scoundrel?* Legolas wondered angrily. *How could she be so stupid? If she gets herself killed, I will never forgive her...* As soon as Telmon returned and had been given instructions, the Prince was off, moving quickly with his squadron to lessen the distance between he and his love, the second such excursion in less than a fortnight. *At this rate,* Legolas thought sardonically, *I shall be chasing Calathi my entire life.* Dejectedly, a shadow of woe creeping over his features, he admitted to himself, *She is worth every bit of it, too...*
* * * * * * * * * * * *
****There we go. Lovely, wasn't it? J/k... Hasta luego, mis amigos! ****
Ohhhh, wait, no it's not! Whoop-whoop, I got 200 REVIEWS! Yippee! Thanks to everyone that got me there, and Will Turner's Little Stalker, who pushed me over the top (awesome name, by the way...^_^). Hopefully I won't take long after this to get the next chapter up. Oh well, here's Chapter 28! ****
Chapter Twenty-eight:
The instant Calathi awoke, she thought immediately of Meron. She threw off the blanket covering her and, finding a clean tunic and pair of britches beside her and thinking it better to be clean than pretty at the moment, changed clothes. Then she pushed open the flap of the tent she was within and stepped into the dusky atmosphere.
A shout rang out upon her emergence. An elf ran to her, stopping beside her and smiling politely. "My lady," he greeted, bowing as he expertly disregarded her state of dress, "I was told to escort you to the chamber of your charge, who goes by the name of Meron."
"Meron... is he well?" she asked, glancing at the soldier hopefully.
"Aye," he replied, "he is very well. His wounds have been redressed and he was given the best food we have available."
*Hmm...food...* Calathi thought, blushing as her stomach answered with a rumble. She gave an apologetic look to the elf before her, who nodded and took her arm. "Your friend is in no immediate danger. Perhaps we should proceed to the supply tent to obtain some type of nourishment?"
"I am very grateful, my Lord." They walked together to a nearby storeroom where the few provisions brought with the group had been piled.
After gorging herself as politely as possible on dried fruit, bread, and a bit of cold, salted and smoked meat, Calathi and Derathon (as she learned her escort was named) made their way across the snowy landscape to where Meron had been placed and treated. The elven camp had been established in close proximity with Ilinar, though what was left of the village was out of sight. A cluster of tents were set up in the sparsely shaded area, and only a few other elves could be seen going about their tasks. Whatever other elves that had come with the group, Calathi knew, were either scouting the destroyed village or guarding the camp.
Derathon opened a tent's entrance and gestured for Calathi to enter, closing it behind her once she had vanished within. Meron was sleeping soundly, his eyes blankly staring at the ceiling. She went to his side, pulling the blanket that was over him back to inspect the new bandages covering his various injuries.
"One of you is blessed," a voice behind her said, making her jump. She whirled around, surprised to see another elf with her inside. "I am Pelathor, a soldier, and a healer when I must be." Calathi rose, and he took her hand to kiss it gently. "And you, my Lady, are the Lord Legolas' bride-to-be."
"That I am," she answered, blushing slightly at his touch. "But I am called only Calathi by most." Glancing back at Meron, she asked, "What did you mean, 'one of us is blessed?'"
He sighed, going to scrutinize the dressings of the sleeping elf himself. As he did so, he commented, "I have seen wounds such as these before, Lady Calathi, though I am not the royal guard's chief healer. It is a miracle that he survived as long as he did on his own, and even more of one that you were able to treat him with the meager materials at your disposal."
Calathi paled at Pelathor's intimations. "Is he going to..."
"He shall live, my fair Lady, and with very little assistance from me." He smiled at her before exiting the tent, leaving her alone with the unwell elf.
"Oh, Meron," she whispered, sinking to the floor and kissing his cheek lightly, "thank the Valar you're here..." Tears threatened as she thought of her lost loved ones, though she was grateful that she had her best friend, at least, to cling to in such a time.
"I thank you also, not only the Valar, that I am here," Meron whispered, and Calathi noticed for the first time that he was awake. "Thoughts of your face kept me alive those many days." She smiled at him, leaning over to hug him tightly. "I met Legolas earlier," he said, grinning as she pulled away.
"And...?" she inquired.
"He seemed a bit...uncomfortable... almost as if he was jealous of me." Calathi chuckled at the notion.
"What did you two speak of while he was here?"
"Well," he responded, looking thoughtfully at her, "first, he commended me on my bravery." Here he paused, his eyes dancing in merriment. "He then asked me how well we are acquainted."
"How did you respond?" Calathi asked, growing suspicious.
"I told him that we knew each other well enough..." Meron laughed as she hit him lightly on the arm.
"You silly elf," she facetiously reprimanded, "that, I am sure, did not ease his jealousy."
"No... but it was quite amusing to see him squirm." She hit him again, laughing, and then the tent opened and the object of their merriment entered. "Your highness," Meron addressed him, nodding his head as he was unable to rise and bow properly. Legolas returned the nod.
"How do you fare this evening?" he queried, giving Calathi an unreadable look.
"I am well, my Lord," he answered, watching as Calathi averted her eyes from the Prince's intense stare. She brought her hand to her mouth in an attempt to cover her smile. Legolas returned his gaze to Meron.
"That is good news." Pause. "If you like, I shall have a meal sent to you shortly."
"Your hospitality is most appreciated," he thanked. Their cool conversation amused Calathi, and she couldn't repress a small giggle at the comicality. She knew that once they knew each other better, they would get along wonderfully, but at the moment, the tension in the air was almost tangible. Deciding to ease the situation as best she could, she broke the silence.
"I believe I shall retire now," she stated. Both males looked at her. "I still feel a tad fatigued. I will see you again tomorrow, Meron." He nodded. "Get some sleep so you can regain your strength." She gave a pointed look at Legolas, who bowed and bid farewell to Meron. Taking her arm, he led her out of the tent.
In the shadows of the evening, the Prince embraced Calathi, entwining his fingers in her dirty, unmanaged hair and clutching her to him with his other arm. "Oh, my love," he whispered, kissing her cheeks and forehead, "you undo me..."
She chuckled, recovering from her initial surprise and hugging him back. "I am truly sorry, my Prince... but I had to see this place for myself." As she took his face in her hands and looked into his sapphire eyes, she whispered, "I did not do it to hurt you."
He looked down. "I know, Calathi, though I wish you would trust me."
Searching his face, memorizing the shape of his alluring mouth, the sharp lines of his strong jawbones, the proud, straight nose, his perfectly arched eyebrows, the sight of his pain made her breath catch in her throat. "I do trust you..." she murmured, sighing. Legolas glanced up at her, his face inscrutable. The intensity of his glare took her aback, and she began to stammer. "Legolas, I... I –"
"Shhh..." he silenced her, placing a finger over her lips. He followed his fingers with his mouth, his harsh desire evident in the brutal assault of her senses. He softened the kiss a moment later, guiding his lips gently over hers in a physical manifestation of his feelings. Calathi pulled away a moment later, her heart racing and her breath quick.
"Not here, my Prince," she whispered, scanning the area for the curious eyes of another elf. Legolas nodded.
"Come then," he answered, taking her hand and leading her to his tent, the same tent she had woken in. Once inside, Legolas scooped her up and placed her tenderly on a bed of pillows. Several candles had already been lit, as it was now dark outside, and the small flames threw soft shadows upon the faces of the smitten couple.
Legolas kissed Calathi once more, lovingly, before sighing and laying his head on her stomach, his nimble fingers playing over the smooth skin of her arm. "I'm so glad that you are safe, limraer. When I realized that you had left the palace, my heart seemed to drop to my feet." He kissed her fingers softly. "I did not know what I could do."
Tears filled Calathi's eyes, a bitter taste filling her mouth. *The goblins will receive their dues soon enough,* she thought angrily. "I cannot say how sorry I truly am, my love," she responded, holding back a sob, "but you cannot honestly say that you would have allowed me this journey if you were told of it." She watched as Legolas slowly nodded, admitting to both of them the truth of her statement.
He rolled over so he could see that Calathi had a hand over her eyes. Climbing next to her, the Prince wrapped his arms around her shoulders and hugged her. "Are you all right?"
Calathi nodded, still not looking at him. "I am only sad," she murmured. Legolas remained beside her silently, having nothing to say. There was nothing he could do to ease her grief; only time would heal her wounds. Laying in the quiet of night, both elves soon fell asleep, their fingers laced together in solace.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Legolas was gone when Calathi awoke, as was becoming increasingly more common. Stretching, she rose from her pallet and straightened her attire as best she could. She glanced around the tent and smiled when she saw another clean pair of britches and a fresh tunic, grateful for her rescuers' preparation.
Not a moment after Calathi had pulled on the tunic did the tent flap open, emitting a flustered-looking Prince. "What is it, love?" she asked as she buckled the last strap on her clothing.
"It is nothing," he said offhandedly, though it was obvious that his statement was not the basest truth. "Limraer, I believe that you should return to the palace so you may receive the rest you need. Only..."
"I am fine, Legolas," she interrupted him. "Truly, my strength has already returned."
He shook his head gently. "Even if that is true," he answered, eyeing her, "it is not safe here. It would comfort me to know you were secure inside my father's home."
"If I were to return now, I would have to walk the entire way because of the deep snow. Surely, that could not be very restful for me." She grinned.
"All right," Legolas conceded. "However, in a few days, after the supply convoy has arrived and you are perfectly healthy, I would like you to travel back to the palace with an escort. If for nothing else, one of us should be making preparations for our wedding."
Calathi nodded, smiling at her future husband, her first true smile of happiness since the dreadful news of her native town's destruction.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
It was four mornings hence when the Prince found Calathi packing food for her journey to the palace. Carefully stowing each item securely in a large sack, she was counting out enough for herself and the four soldiers accompanying her to last about a week, though she was sure it wouldn't take so long to reach their destination.
A new group of elves had arrived several days before, each carrying packs laden with food and various necessities and led by the captain of the Royal Guard. Telmon had greeted them and had shown them where the supplies were to be stored. It was from these reserves that she retrieved what she required for the trip. Her faithful mare, Larape, was to remain in a rough shelter at the center of camp until enough snow had melted for her to return to her home at the palace stables.
"Melamin," Legolas greeted her softly. Placing one last object into her sack, Calathi tied it tightly shut before rising to face him.
"Hello, Love," she said before following the greeting with a momentary kiss.
"I am afraid," he continued after their lips had parted, "I will be unable to see you off this morning." He frowned slightly. "One of the scouts seems to have found peculiar tracks some distance from camp, and I must go to investigate them. They may be consequential to our resolution of the matter on hand." She nodded understandingly. "You will be all right by yourself?"
"Of course," she answered, fighting an inexplicable feeling of fear in the pit of her stomach. "You must do what you need to. Just be sure to watch over Meron while I'm away."
"I will. Do not let your guard down for even one moment, for I could not bear to lose you again." Legolas moved forward a bit and kissed her tenderly, running a hand through her hair and holding her tightly. Calathi felt almost weak within the circle of his arms, and she reached around his neck to pull him closer, marveling at the immense love she felt.
Soon afterward, both elves parted, Legolas heading into the surrounding forest at a brisk trot while his fiancé remained and bid farewell to Meron. Once that teary-eyed goodbye was over, she joined the elves that were to be her escorts. To her great surprise and dismay, Harem waited with them. He bowed low in greeting when she stood before the group.
"My lady," he said solemnly, straightening and looking at her. His gaze made her skin crawl with apprehension.
"What are you doing here, Harem?" she asked, disregarding the formal curtsy that propriety demanded. The other elves standing behind him seemed perplexed by the clear disdain in her voice. "Do you not have duties elsewhere that demand your attention?"
"None more so than this," he answered her. Calathi paled and her eyes widened. "I am aware of the danger presented by your journey, for we do not know yet the whereabouts of the goblins." With ever word she became more alarmed by what Harem was proposing. "I have come to offer my services as a guard in your company.
"No," she answered flatly. "The other fine soldiers here will provide more than adequate protection."
Harem grinned wickedly. "Oh, but I insist. And, as Captain, I have the authority to do so."
"Whose authority?" Calathi inquired scathingly. Lowering her voice and stepping closer, she continued. "I could have you exiled or worse for what you did to me. Do NOT underestimate my power in this situation, Harem. You are not coming with me."
"Allow me the pleasure, good lady," he responded, his expression innocent. "I truly wish to protect you. I am not the same elf I once was."
Calathi frowned. "I could simply refuse to leave." Harem shook his head.
Do not be so silly, lady. I mean you no harm, which you will realize upon our safe arrival at the palace."
She sighed. What to do... she could not live in fear her entire life, she concluded, and she did know how to protect herself, after all. She marched past Harem and addressed the other elves, and soon they were off with Calathi's sword, Methlai, loosened from its scabbard and hanging on her belt.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Several hours later, Legolas returned, frustrated and anxious because the odd tracks had been blown over with snow before he'd arrived to examine them. The scout who had led him there was young and fairly inexperienced in determining what creatures produce which markings. Now he was brooding for having abandoned Calathi as he did, and he was wishing that he could have remained for her send-off. He beckoned to Derathon as he took a swig of wine from a flask.
The elf stood before him and bowed. "My Lord?"
"Please fetch the Captain, for I have a matter to bring to his attention," he ordered.
"Sir, Captain Harem departed with the future Princess for the palace." Legolas' train of thought abruptly ended.
"Are you sure?"
"Quite sure, my Lord," the Prince shook his head angrily. "He has responsibilities here to deal with! Did you tell him this before he left?"
"Telmon did, sir, but the Captain insisted." Legolas sighed.
"Very well. Inform Telmon that I wish to follow Calathi's escorts. I will require several strong warriors, and I leave him in charge of camp." Derathon nodded and departed rapidly.
*How could she go with that scoundrel?* Legolas wondered angrily. *How could she be so stupid? If she gets herself killed, I will never forgive her...* As soon as Telmon returned and had been given instructions, the Prince was off, moving quickly with his squadron to lessen the distance between he and his love, the second such excursion in less than a fortnight. *At this rate,* Legolas thought sardonically, *I shall be chasing Calathi my entire life.* Dejectedly, a shadow of woe creeping over his features, he admitted to himself, *She is worth every bit of it, too...*
* * * * * * * * * * * *
****There we go. Lovely, wasn't it? J/k... Hasta luego, mis amigos! ****