DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything!
A. Note: Hi everybody! Thank you for the reviewing!It's been a long time since I last updated, I'm sorry but I was busy with University
I hope you enjoy this new chappy
P.S: Happy New Year : )
Hidden Love
By: Smiling Cat
Chapter 2
"Welcome Triss! It's good to see you"
The Free born ex-leader now King of Callahorn went to meet the Captain of the Elven Home Guard, who had just landed before the Palace's Gates, and shook hands with him warmly.
"It's my pleasure MyLord! You seem to be in good shape and you too Chandos"
He said to the black bearded giant that was approaching: the Man nodded and crashed the Elf's hand in his iron grip with a grin.
Triss managed not to flinch and grinned back.
The three of them started to the well guarded Palace without a word till they reached Padishar's private study.
"Well? What's so important to make you leave your Queen's side? I hope it's nothing serious…."
Padishar said sitting down and inviting Triss to do the same while Chandos went in search of wine and pots.
Triss' espression darkened remembering the last discussion he had with Wren: from then on they hardly spoke to eachother and the previous evening he didn't join her at the Gardens for the frst time. He had been too irritated with himself….. and yes, also with HER.
Even so he tried to sound his usual calm self
"Absolutely no! On the contrary: it's just a little family matter….. Thank you Chandos!"
He said taking the pot that the warrior was handing him and sipping some wine.
Padishar sighed with relief: a new crisis was the last thing he needed; he was getting curious instead.
"What do I have to do with Wren Elessedil's family?"
As soon as he said it his quick mind found the answer
"PAR!"
He exclaimed with a huge smile. Triss grinned back
"That's it! We heard the news about the upcoming marriage…. Congratulations!"
"Thank you… is that all?"
He asked perplex.
"No, my Queen has a proposal about it"
He took another long sip and smirked mentaly in amusement at the Man's impatience .
"She'd like to organize the wedding herself with your help….."
The King looked him wide eyed
This is the last thing I would have aspected from this meeting!
And than started to think at the possibilities the event would bring.
Chandos resounding laughter broke his thoughts
"What a strange idea!"
"On the contrary my friend! It's a clever idea…… provided that someone persuade the two lovebirds into it."
"And who would be better at this than you?"
Triss asked, satisfied of the interest he excited, and pulled out a parchment from his belt.
"These are the ideas of myLady abou it"
He said handing it to Padishar, who immediatly read it
"Mmmm…….. I agree with everything a part from the place: it would be best to perform the Cerimony at the Renn Vale, it's more secure and has a particular meaning for uor people……
it's there we joined to fight!"
He said putting down the missive.
Triss considered it carefully than nodded
"Seems right to me, I don't think my Queen will oppose it….. So are we agreed?"
Padishar laughted heartily
"Of course! I think I will enjoy myself like I haven't done in ages"
Triss and Chandos laughed with him, than the Elf stood up, ready to leave.
"So I say goodbye to you myLord. Thank you for receiving me immediatly in such a kind way"
Padishar lift an eyebrow.
"What! Are you leaving already? I hoped you would stay with us for today, there are so many things I'd like to discuss with you…"
Triss hesitated for a moment thinking about Wren
What if something happens to her?….. Not with all those guards around: I organized everything to perfection.
Besides she will be happy not to have me around for some time…. she made it very clear!
He thought bitterly.
"I didn't recive orders about it….. I think I can accept with pleasure your hospitality till tomorrow"
"I'm glad to hear it! So what are the news from the Westland?"
He lent forward in anticipation.
Where is he? What could have happened? He should have been home yesterday at sunset!
Wren was thinking while anxiously sitting by the wide window of her bedroom, her eyes lost in contemplation of the West Forest that grew luxuriant and impenetrable near the Elessedil Palace.
The sun shone litting up her weary face: she had slept little the previous night, too worried about Triss' absence.
Perheps Padishar insisted that he staied by him…. Yes, it surely went like this!
Still she couldn't make herself belive it and her tension wasn't going to ease any time soon.
She gave a start and quite fell off the armchair when she heard a doorknob some hours later.
"Come on in"
It was one of her lady in waiting
"Goodmorning myLady, Captain Triss has just arrived"
Wren sighed in relife
"Let him wait in my study"
She said tring to pretend indifference with little success
The lady bowed and got out.
She changed her clothes in a hurry and washed her face with cold water to remove the signs of the sleepless night from her red eyes while her mind was racing: now that the anxiety was wearing off anger was quickly overtaking happiness and relife.
That moron! Now he will hear from me!
As soon as she was ready she stormed out of the the room slamming the door and went for her study not far away; she stopped by the door for a moment to cool down
I won't give him the satisfaction of seeing me upset!
And then entered with resolution, carefull not to slam the door behind her this time.
Triss turned immediatly but didn't leave the french-window where he was standing gazing outside.
He bowed silently, hiding the feelings that were showing in his eyes.
It's been only a day but I missed her: she's so beautiful……
He knew it was wrong to have such thoughts about her but he couldn't help it.
That formality was the last straw for Wren, it seemed as if he was mocking her!
"Where have you been?"
She blurted out nearing him, stopping by a feet from Triss, who was astonished at the anger that lit her hazel eyes
"Padishar asked me to stop by….. it would have been very rude of me to refuse since there was nothing urgent here that required my presence…. I had no reason to come back"
"NO! Didn't you think about ME? You should have been back for sunset…. What do you think I felt when you didn'y show up? Who knows what the remainings of the Federation could be up to?"
She was practically yelling on his face and he jerked his gaze away upset, wishpering
"I'm sorry…. I didn' think it'd metter to you, I belived you'd be happy not to have me around, you seemed sick of my presence"
Was she really worried about ME?
His words calmed her down, and she felt bad for being so mean to him before his depature for Callahorn….. especially because she did it on porpouse.
I didn't thought I hurt him! He always seems so indifferent to emotions...
"It's not like that! Last time we spoke I was only ……. Irritated, flustered………. I didn't thought even for a second that I could possibly don't need you!"
She said in a hurry eager to be forgiven, pleading him with her eyes; She clench her hands tightly on her skirt to avoid reaching out for him.
Triss smiled softly, she smiled back and they locked gazes:
they had understood eachother….. still nothing would be the same again .
The Captain broke the silence handing her a parchment
"These are Padihar's ideas about your proposal"
"So he agreed to help us!"
"Yes and with pleasure I may say"
Wren took the missive and went to sit at her desk, impatient to read the news while Triss was staring at her intently with a frown.
What do I do now? It's useless to deny it: I can't stay away from her…. But I must!