Characters in Chapter-
King Elessar Estel (Aragorn)
Prince Eldarion(El-dar-ion
Royal Guards
Maeglin(May-glin)
Saira(Sae-rah)
Enelya(N-ae-lee-ah)
Nessa(Ne-essa)
Uruviel(U-ruv-ieel)
Orel(Or-eel)
Me: Yup, it's me, I is back.
Drake: So am I!
Me: So? No one really cares now do they?
Drake: Hmph!
Me: Hey! Sweet! I'm finished with this chapter early, coolio!
Drake: Bah!
Me: So I finally realized that I forgot to put Uruviel in the last two character lists. D' oh! Also I noticed that the pretty little asterisks that I use to connote an action... Yeeeaaahhh... They don't work, so I will now be using these nifty little bracket thingies... Assuming they work...(sweatdrops).
Drake: (sarcastically)Genius you are...
Me: Hush, I don't know why I keep you around... You did the disclaimer which is good for all the chapters, why else are you here?
Drake: Because otherwise you would have no one to write the author's notes with...
Me: scratches head Hmmmmmmmm... you actually have a good point... Was there anything else I was supposed to do?
Drake: Er... yah... Like answer the reviews, dur!
Me: That's enough cheek from you for now! to the audience Sadly he's right...
Drake: HA!
Me: Shaddup you!
Review Appreciation/Response Portion
Anonomyss Your wish is my command, as you see; I'm actually trying to update frequently. Thanks for the review!
FlamezBlaze1 Thanks for reading!
Anonymous(sp?) Hmmmm now for you... Thanks for the awesome, me evil partner in crime. You better review or I will come down the road and take your Hiei away from you.
Me: (cries) Only three reviews? (sobs) Do I suck that much?
Drake: (opens mouth)
Me: Do not answer that! Now, about the review response to Anonymous(sp?)that does not relate to you guys in any way... Unless I know you... Cheers!
Drake: (mumbles incoherently)
Me: Now that I've bored you all to tears, I'll stop gabbin' and start writin' since that's what y'all are her for anyway. Enjoy, and please review so I know that this isn't a total flop, please? puppy eyes Thanks y'all so much!
Chapter Three
Later that day, after the city guard were placed carefully back in front of the palace entrance Saira ordered her people to begin closing down the Scarlet Dragon tavern entrance; and pay off the owner for allowing her people to use the building she turned her attentions to the royal guest.
Eldarion had woken up to find himself in a cave with several masked guards; shortly after he woke up the woman from before came in to the cave. She was still masked, to protect her identity most likely; this was good, it must mean that they did not intend to keep him prisoner for a long period of time.
"Why am I here? Where are the people who were with me? Who are you?" Eldarion demanded as soon as he saw her. She motioned to the guards and all but three left the room... cave.
"You were right I am Saira, the leader of the thieves, and I am very much alive. Your men are safe, we left them in front of the palace gates with a note from us to your father. You are here for your own protection." Eldarion's face had gone from confused to realization to confusion.
"I am safest at the palace, Saira." Eldarion told her, testing to see how much informality was allowed. One of the guards stepped forward indignantly and began to say something.
"Uruviel." Saira said warningly. "I have no objection to being called Saira, it is my name after all." The guard stepped back, obviously displeased; Saira turned back to Eldarion. "You may believe that you are safest at the palace, and you would be correct; as long as you are inside the palace. Leaving you laying outside the palace walls, unconscious might be too much to ask of some of the people here. Yes the palace guard would rush down to bring you into the palace, but they might be too late."
"Why didn't you just let your man kill me and my men? You are criminals after all." Eldarion could tell that his comment had stung at the way Saira tensed.
"We are criminals, yes. But we are thieves, not murderers. We have better ways to defend our lifestyle than murdering those who wish to stop us." She said, defending her people. "As soon as it is morning you will be taken back to the palace with a honor guard to make sure that you get there safely." Saira stood. "I take my leave of you, highness." She said, and turned to leave.
"She speaks the truth, Lord Prince." Uruviel, the guard who'd stepped forward earlier said. "We are thieves, but we are loyal to Gondor and will do anything in our power to protect her if the time should come when there is need." She elaborated, Eldarion smirked.
"By her, do you mean Gondor or Lady Saira?" He asked. Uruviel laughed for a moment before becoming serious again.
"Both. You make a move against the Lady and you will be killed without hesitation." Eldarion almost shivered at the guard's frigid tone, he had no trouble believing her whatsoever; if he made one threatening move he had no doubt that he'd resemble one of his mother's pincushions.
Saira was walking over to the dining hall when Maeglin stopped her. "May I have a word with you, My Lady?" He asked.
"Of course, Maeglin. And please, there are no outsiders here, call me by my name." Maeglin nodded. "Now, what do you wish to speak to me about, friend?" She asked continuing her walk to the dining hall.
"About earlier, Saira. When you... for a lack of a better word, interfered with the royal guard." The bodyguard half expected her to lose her temper, but she remained calm.
"Yes, let me guess. You are angry that I cut in and embarrassed you in front of your men." Maeglin nodded. "I am sorry that I had to do that, Maeglin. But you know that we are supposed to keep limited contact and use the knock-out darts to keep us and the intruders safe."
"Of course, Saira. But do you really think it is wise to do only that? We should leave a few bodies for the guard to find, let them know that we are not to be meddled with."
Saira looked in surprise at Maeglin. "We are thieves, criminals. If one of our people are arrested I do not want them to be held accountable for murder!"
"It is merely self-defense." Maeglin argued back.
"We will stick to our emergency plans, no casualties. No extra crimes to atone for besides theft. As long as I am leader that is how it will be, Maeglin. Friend or not I will not tolerate such actions that you are suggesting. Do I make myself clear, Maeglin!" Saira demanded of her bodyguard, they had stopped walking and were now facing each other. Saira appeared calm, but Maeglin was red in the face and his eyes were glittering dangerously, he did not respond. "Is that understood Captain?" Saira spat, reminding him that he was still her subordinate, friend or not.
"Crystal, My Lady." Maeglin half sneered without breaking eye contact.
"Excellent, you are dismissed, go attend to your duties." She ordered; Maeglin held her gaze for a few more minutes before dropping his eyes and bowing curtly to her. Saira returned the gesture and continued on her way to the dining hall, uncomfortably aware of his hostile stare on her back.
Eldarion had been given rough clothes to wear so that he would not be recognized as the prince, and was blindfolded and spun several times before he felt someone take his hand to lead him back to the palace. "Will I have to wear this the entire time?" He asked said person.
"No." A feminine voice said. "Only until we reach the market." He nodded to show he understood before allowing himself to be lead out of the cave.
"This is so degrading." He mumbled quietly; however his guide heard him just the same.
"What? Being blindfolded? Led by a woman? Or just captured?" She inquired, suddenly he felt his arm yanked as she tripped; instinctively he pulled up quickly to keep her from falling. "Thank you, Eldarion." She said as murmur of quick conversation reached Eldarion's ears.
"All of the above, and your welcome Saira." He heard a chuckle as Saira started walking again.
"Figured out who I was? Darn it." She said and he could hear her snap her fingers. "And here I was looking forward to see the surprise on your face when you saw who your guide was." Eldarion smirked.
"You are the only one who calls me by my name here." He reminded her.
"True, but you did start that yourself. Would you have rather I collapsed against you and breathily thanked you?" Saira teased him.
"No, but then again it would embarrass you as well, having your people see you acting like a brainless court harlot." He heard Saira laugh again as they walked up a flight of stairs.
"True; very well my lord prince, you have called my bluff!" She joked, her laughter proved infectious and Eldarion found himself chuckling at her antics. They stopped a moment on a landing and Eldarion heard a door opening before she led him through. The sounds of the city reached his ears and a thought crossed his mind.
"You know, Saira." He said in a companionable tone of voice. "Seeing how you're so against killing me there is nothing to stop me from yelling for help." She stopped and he bumped into her accidentally.
"True, except you are dressed like a commoner, a blind commoner I might add, and your father has not announced you missing yet. All you would get is blank stares and me pretending you're crazy." She sighed. "And I would knock you unconscious and drag you back to the city and change your disguise and gag you..." Her voice trailed off. "Orel, let me have your cloak please, and a gag."
Eldarion groaned. "This really isn't necessary." He protested feeling someone put a cloak on him.
"Truly?" Saira asked. Eldarion smiled charmingly in her direction. "Well, it might not be necessary; but I'd rather be safe." Eldarion sulked as he felt himself gagged. He had no choice but to follow her silently as she led him closer to the palace.
Eldarion heard the sounds of the market shortly after and soon they passed through the noise and bustle and stopped and quieter location. He felt the cloak being pulled off and the gag taken out of his mouth. He was then twirled several times before Saira untied the blindfold; he heard her giggling and scowled at her several faces.
"What is so funny, My Lady?" Eldarion grumbled.
"I'm sorry, Your Highness." She said, still giggling. "But you're all cross-eyed and I can't help myself." He glared down at her annoyed that she still had the veil on so he couldn't see her face. Once his eyes stopped twirling and there was only one of her, he was suddenly struck by how short she was. She had seemed taller when they had been conversing in the cave. Eldarion had been sitting then, but now the top of her head barely reached his chin.
"Well your highness, if you've finished staring, shall we continue, or are you content to make your way home by yourself?" Saira asked shaking him out of his thoughts.
"No, I will be fine. I believe I will wander the market, enjoying my freedom for the afternoon." Eldarion said, he looked around at the one other person behind him. "Something tells me you'll be around."
Saira grinned underneath the veil, he could see her cheeks poof the veil out a little. "Yes, but you won't know us if you see us." And then her and her companion vanished into the shadows.
As soon as her and Orel were out of sight Saira took off her veil and dress revealing commoners clothing. She shook her hair out and braided the dark (tangled) tresses.
"Let me guess,"Orel said. "You're going after that buddy of yours aren't you." Saira smiled sheepishly at her friend.
"Guilty." She said. "Could you please take these back to my cave? I'll wash them when I get home." She requested.
"What about the prince?" Orel asked. Saira grinned at his retreating back.
"He'll be fine, I'll make sure before I go find Tathar." Orel nodded and ran off before they were seen. Saira headed off around the market place, following Eldarion at a distance. "Tathar!" Saira called when she caught sight of him. He turned and looked at her in surprise.
"Lessien!" He said. "I was worried when you didn't show up yesterday. Are you alright?" His voice was so concerned that Saira almost felt sorry for deceiving him.
"Yes Tathar, I am well. But I need your help." Saira looked around and pulled Tathar into a nearby alley.
"What is it Lessien? I'll do what I can to help you." He sat down on a pile of crates, and motioned for her to sit next to him.
"You work at the palace, right?" Saira asked, Tathar looked confused, but nodded. "Can you get me a job there, please Tathar. I can't make enough just begging; and I don't want to have to worry about looking over my shoulders anymore for the city guards." Tathar leaned back against the building they were hiding behind.
"What kind of job, Lessien?" Tathar asked.
"Anything, cook's assistant, maid, whatever the palace needs." Saira said.
"Well, I know that the prince's maid has just announced that due to a family emergency she has to go back to Rohan. I could see about getting you a job as his personal maid; it pays well and you will be cared for." Saira couldn't believe her luck, she just might be placed right where she needed.
"What is required of a personal maid?" She asked, playing cautious.
"Nothing much, you will be at his beck and call, you will clean his chambers, make his bed, help pick out his clothing, and draw his bath." Tathar paused seeing the look on her face and guessing what had caused it. "You will not be required to bed him, Saira. Prince Eldarion is an honorable man, and will not force you to do anything you do not wish to."
Somewhat comforted Saira grinned. "Well then, if you can get me that job I would greatly appreciate it." Tathar grinned.
"Alright, after I return today I will enquire as to whether that job is open and tell you tomorrow." Saira jumped up and hugged him impulsively.
"Thank you so much, Tathar!" She pulled away quickly, a faint blush on her cheeks, Tathar grinned at her embarrassment; hiding his own blush in the shadows.
"You are most welcome, My Lady." He said, mocking the stuffy nobles of the court. "Now, where shall we dine today?" Tathar asked, offering Saira his arm. She took it, and led him out of the alley and towards the city's stable.
"Well, My Lord. A friend who owes me a favor or two agreed to make us a picnic and pay for the use of two horses for a couple hours. I thought we would go to Pelennor Fields to eat, and pay tribute to those who died fighting for our city." Saira responded, also playing a stuffy noble.
"A worthy choice, Lady Lessien. Let us go." Tathar said, and the ever refined escort he steered his companion around the mud puddles and piles of manure. When they reached the stables Uruviel was there with a haversack of food, and holding two horses by the reins.
"Here you go, Lessien; enjoy your ride." She said, in a slightly suggestive tone that made Saira blush a scarlet red.
"Uruviel!" She hissed quietly. "Tathar." She said. "I would like you to meet my ever in debt friend, Uruviel. Uruviel, this is Tathar." They exchanged greetings and then Uruviel turned to Saira.
"I am not always in some person's debt!" She scolded Saira.
"True enough, but you're in my debt a lot." Uruviel opened her mouth to say something; but couldn't think of anything to defend herself with. Saira smiled triumphantly and turned to Tathar. "Shall we go?" She asked.
"As My Lady wishes." He said with a teasing glint in his eyes. He took a horse from Uruviel and mounted it.
Saira went to get on her own horse, under the pretense of putting her foot in the stirrup she spoke quietly to Uruviel. "How is the closing going?"
"It's going well, Saira." Uruviel said.
"You know not to follow me, correct?"
"Yes, My Lady." Uruviel teased. "Just be careful."
"Yes, Mother." Uruviel rolled her eyes and boosted her into the saddle. Saira looked over at Tathar. "Ready?" He nodded and she trotted out of the stables towards the entrance of the city.
Me: There you go! Whoa! That was a long chappie for me! How did I do?
Drake: Eh... Only time will tell.
Me: True dat... Now, since I obviously can't tell time, I'm not sure when I'll have the next chapter up, hopefully within a week at most.
Preview:
Eldarion stared at Saira in surprise, shock, and then anger; he suddenly pulled his sword from the sheath at his side and put it to Saira's throat.
"Who are you and why are you in my private chambers?" He demanded; Saira squeaked. "Tell me NOW!" Eldarion pulled his sword back to swing it.
Me: Now be a nice person and update please, it'll make me write faster! You just have to click the pretty little button down there.
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