The Mystery of Love
THANK YOU ALL FOR THE REVIEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Twenty-Two
The Title and all the Pain That Goes With it: Part 1
~~~POV-LEGOLAS GREENLEAF~~~
I put a soft finger to her moist lips. "Hush. Tell me tomorrow morning." She looked exhausted and I did not want any bad news until tomorrow was through. I pulled her blankets down and sat her on the bed. She lay down sleepily. I got out a white linen gown and laid it on her bed. "Get dressed, come on Cathelle."
She sat up and paused. I stood there, not understanding what she was waiting for. "I am not going to get changed in front of you Legolas!"
I blushed and walked outside. I heard her throw her pants and shirt to the ground. She hummed happily as she changed. I heard her sleepily say 'Come in.' and I did so. She looked very pretty in her nightgown. I smiled as I approached her bed. I stared longingly at her lips and scolded myself. 'Legolas! Behave yourself right now! You are a Prince of Mirkwood, now act like it!' Bitter memories of the argument with my father filled my mind and I washed them away. "Sleep well Cathelle, may your dreams be sweet."
I kissed her forehead lightly and tucked her into bed. I slipped through my door and opened the desk I had previously locked.
Inside was a small ring. Every piece of jewelry I had ever seen Reyna wear was borrowed, now she would get a ring of her own. I looked at it for a moment, it was not nearly good enough for her but Gimli had written to me and told me it was the finest he could find. There was one finer, and I already owned it. It was the ring I was to give to my wife on our wedding day. I looked at the other things I had gotten her. I shook my head, "Dolt, these are not worthy of a Queen."
I scrutinized the bow in frustration. 'The cherry wood could have been a finer grain. I could have spent more time polishing it, but I had to make that inconvenient trip to Mirkwood . . .' I washed those thoughts away before I could anger myself any further. I checked each of the twenty diamond-tipped arrows and replaced in their quiver. The quiver was made of the finest doe leather and bound in premium gold. It much resembled my own but with more femininity to it.
I looked back at the bow unhappily. The elven writing could have been neater but my manuscript was not flawless. I read over the inscription on the bow, 'Foes beware, the wielder of this bow is guarded by true love and Elven grace.' Those words were Reyna's spunk, brightness, bubbly attitude, and raw power in a nutshell. Everything about her could be linked to those words. I closed my eyes and pictured her vivacious character; there was no other like her anywhere.
I saddened; if what she had to tell me earlier was as sad as it seemed than I do not know how I will fare. I recalled her words earlier, 'I want to be with you forever! If only I could!' What had she meant? I could not stand to be separated from her; was there something about her heritage that made her think otherwise? I shook my head in irritation and locked my desk again. I pulled my tunic off and lay down in my bed. I listened keenly to the sound of her breathing. I left the door between our chambers open so I could feel her presence. This was the first night in six days I had not slept at her side. I drifted into an anxious sleep.
~~~Six Hours Later~~~
I woke at daybreak and smiled. "Today is the day." I rose and wrapped Reyna's four gifts. I took them into the grand hall and then proceeded to Arwen's room. On my way I stopped in my room and pulled on a fine gray tunic. I knocked on Arwen's door impatiently; "Hurry. We must be ready before she wakes."
Arwen held Eldarion in one arm and a small box in another. Serlia walked up and took Eldarion. "I have already finished my part of the preparations. I will take Eldarion until you are finished Arwen."
Arwen smiled, "Thank you Serlia." She walked with me down to the hall. Aragorn was laying a gift down next to a large pile that had already accumulated. Serina was setting the fine silver out and Arwen joined her. Aragorn and I went to check the kitchen. Over twenty people were bustling about the kitchen.
I smiled, "Everything okay here?" One of the chefs gave me a cross look and I laughed, "We had better leave their domain before we are cooked ourselves." Aragorn laughed and we hurried out. We departed for my room and I noticed Reyna had woken up.
I pulled Aragorn quietly into my room, "The Grand Hall is rarely used so we do not have to worry about that. I told Arwen all of my plans and she and the twins will have them done. We have to make sure Reyna does not suspect anything."
Aragorn grinned, "Then why are we talking mutedly in your room?" I laughed and we walked out of my chambers. I knocked on Reyna's door.
She answered politely, "Yes Lord Legolas?" Her eyes were bright with hope.
I bowed lightly; "Aragorn and I were hoping you would join us for a round of archery practice. We saw the impressive archery field you have here."
The glimmering joy in her eyes dulled lightly, "Of course I would love to." She grabbed her bow and we departed.
~~~POV CHANGE-REYNA LINDELE~~~
I sighed in disappointment. 'They forgot my birthday! They forgot the most important day of my entire life! How could they! Why, Arwen just asked me a few days ago!' I sighed and shot at the target. I missed the bull's- eye by about a centimeter. Legolas's aim was also off today, he still shot a ten but not dead center.
Aragorn was sparring with another human who was courting Serina. I shot about thirty rounds with Legolas before I grew bored, "Let's get some lunch. I am starved." Legolas handed me a sandwich from the bag Aragorn had been carrying.
He smiled, "We thought we would have a picnic, come on."
Aragorn smiled too, "Hurry up, I found the ideal spot!"
I raised an eyebrow as I followed them into the woods, "Where is Arwen?"
Aragorn stopped, "She is caring for Eldarion."
"And Serlia?"
Legolas turned, "She is helping, Eldarion is sick."
Aragorn nodded. I rolled my eyes, "Why are you not concerned then Aragorn? Is he not your son?"
Aragorn bit his lip, "Serina is a healer, no need to fret over it."
I sighed; I could find no other flaws in their excuses. I sat on the blanket Legolas had laid out. Legolas handed me a peach and a cucumber sandwich. I smiled, "Diola lle." {Thank you.}
He nodded, "You don't deserve it after such a distrusting interrogation but even so." He smiled and I blushed lightly. I basked in the sunlight after the meal. It had been all too long since I had enjoyed the sun like this. Legolas lay across from me and Aragorn was swimming slothfully in the pond.
I smiled, "It's so nice out here. I hate to think that Uruk-hai have been wandering these woods."
Legolas tensed, "Yes. I am beginning to worry, now more than ever, just how gone Sauron's forces are. He may be dead but his evil works live on."
I took a deep breath, "At least we will all be safe here."
He glanced over, "How so?"
A shy smile crossed my face; "A Fae Queen is gifted with two wishes in her entire life that will come true. Mother grants the wishes as solace for the great sacrifice we must make."
Legolas look up, "What sacrifice?"
I did not respond. "I will use my one wish soon. The second, I will save for Middle Earth's hour of need."
He sat up, "What will your first wish be?"
I recalled one of my recent dreams.
~~~DREAM SEQUENCE~~~
Arwen wept endlessly, "You were wrong Reyna. My son is fatherless!"
I held her close and tried to calm her pain. No release was granted to her, she wept on and on. I did not think one being could have so many tears in them at once.
Weeks since Aragorn's passing and she still wept. She rarely left her room and Serlia rarely watched Eldarion. It was hard enough to convince Arwen to let Serlia hold him while Arwen bathed; Arwen's spirit had been shattered. All her elven grace was slowly fading away to nothing.
~
Two years had passed since Aragorn left us. Now I wept, I wept inconsolably. Arwen had been taken in the night; not once since Aragorn's passing had I seen Arwen smile and now I never would again. I wept without solace. I pushed Legolas further and further away until finally he left. Everything in my life that had ever mattered was gone. I could have fixed it so easily but I had been foolish. I closed my eyes and they never opened again.
~~~END DREAM SEQUENCE~~~
I shivered lightly, "My first wish will be used to save those I love."
Legolas did not investigate any further into the matter thankfully.
By the time someone spoke again the sun was dipping behind the mountains. Legolas stood, "We should head back to the palace for dinner." Aragorn dried quickly and we walked back to the palace. Legolas and Aragorn were in a particularly hurried mood.
Legolas took my arm and escorted me straight to my room. He opened the door and led me in. Before I could turn to wish Aragorn farewell, he had departed. I turned to Legolas in confusion, "What is going on?" He had already slipped into his chambers. I sighed and looked at my bed. On it was a dress I had never seen before. A small red rose lay on it also. The letter attached to the rose cleared all my confusion away.
~
Dearest Reyna,
This is only a small gift for a lady as fair as you. Have the most joyous of birthdays!
Sincerely, Your brother: Haldir and Aragorn
~
I beamed happily, "How sweet!" The gown was lilac colored and tight fitting. It was made of silk and came down to my feet. The rounded straps sat delicately on my shoulder. The neckline was a round one that did not reveal too much. The dress was fitted to my waist and then loosened at my hips. It fell to my feet with a foot long trail behind me. The back came down all the way to the lower back. It had two small straps crisscrossing over my shoulder blades but the rest was open. I let my hair down and smiled. I look pretty; I actually look pretty. I slipped on my silver sandals and knocked on Legolas's door. He opened it and smiled.
"You look gorgeous Cathelle."
I blushed as my eyes traveled over Legolas. He wore tight gray pants and white, jeweled boots. His tunic was dark red and had gorgeous silver lining over it. The gray was dark enough to compliment the red perfectly. I smiled, "You are quite the sight to behold yourself."
He smiled, "Thank you." He offered me his arm, "Shall we?"
I smiled back, "You had this all planned out?"
A guilty nod responded, "Yes, since before Arwen asked you the exact date. I asked Serlia two weeks ago when it was. She said she was not exactly sure of the date but two Thursdays from then. She was right, and you confirmed it."
I blushed, "You had me thinking you had all forgotten!"
Legolas brushed the stray hairs from my face, "I could never forget the day I celebrate your birth."
My cheeks grew rosier. "Thank you." We entered the ballroom. All the tables were decorated with the finest silver and a pile of gifts scattered the back table. I opened my mouth in astonishment, "This is for me?" Serlia, Serina, Arwen and Aragorn sat nearby.
Each one of them beaming with pride, "Yes." Dozens more Fae sat at the other tables. They all yelled, "Happy Birthday Queen Reyna!"
I gasped, "I am queen!" My eyes filled with fright, I would have to tell Legolas soon. I hid it immediately and smiled. "Thank you all!" Serlia approached me with a silver crown. It had a jewel for every branch of the Mother on it. The sapphire sat in front for me, because of my strengths with water. An aquamarine for sky, an onyx for darkness, a topaz for light, a ruby for fire, an emerald for earth, and a diamond for wind. I smiled, "Thank you Serlia."
She knelt, "It is my honor."
Slowly, one by one, my other friends approached me. Arwen bowed low, "A gift from one best friend to another."
I blushed and opened it. Inside was a gorgeous silver comb, a silver brush, a silver mirror, and a small silver barrette with a diamond on it. I pulled her up and hugged her, "Thank you ever so much!" I hugged her tightly for a few moments before Aragorn approached.
He took a deep breath, "The dress was Haldir's idea so I made you these." He handed me a box. I opened it and unraveled the velvet covering to see two stunning daggers. One matched my emerald one so I had a set now. The other was a stiletto. The stiletto was made of the finest silver and had a large sapphire on the hilt. I hugged him.
"They are more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. Thank you!" He hugged me back, "Thank you brother!" He stepped down and Serina approached.
She took a deep breath, "This is no where near as striking as your other gifts but I thought it would come in handy." She handed me a book. I opened it and found it was in her handwriting. About three hundred pages of herbal remedies and helpful hints were compiled here. I smiled.
"Thank you!" I was crying by now and as I hugged her. So many people cared so much about me. Her sister stood too. Serlia handed me a small pouch silently.
She watched me intently, "That is the powder for your wishes. I was the one to keep it all these years."
I sobbed lightly, anyone who possessed this put herself in grave danger. An Uruk-hai could smell this power easily and would stop at nothing to attain it. She had risked her life for so many years just to help me. "You have no idea . . . "
Serlia put a finger to her mouth, "No need to thank me Queen Reyna." I smiled and hugged her again.
Legolas approached me meekly. He had a large box, a medium box, and a small box. I looked up, "Which one first?"
He smiled, "Largest to smallest." I set the three gifts on the table next to me and opened the big one. Inside was a velvet wrapped bow. I stood still for a moment as my eyes wandered the splendor of this weapon. I was in awe. I looked over to Legolas.
He looked hopeful. I closed the gap between us with two hurried steps and hugged him tightly. "It's the most beautiful bow I have ever seen."
"I made it for you. Go on, open the others."
I set the bow down ever so carefully. As I opened the middle package I gasped too. A quiver, much like his, lay there with twenty arrows in it. I had always admired his quiver for its beauty. I removed the arrows and saw their diamond tips. My breath caught in my throat, "I cannot accept something so fair."
He shook his head; "They were made for your bow and your bow only."
I started to cry again. I lay them down and picked up the small box. It fit in the palm of my hand. I was afraid to open it; I was afraid that if I did open it I would fall deeper in love with him. I opened it and found my fear to be true. It was a ring. A silver ring with a heart shaped diamond in the center. Two smaller sapphire hearts sat on each side of the diamond. It was the most exquisite piece of jewelry I had ever seen. I wept openly now. As Legolas slipped it on my finger he motioned for me to examine the band. On the inside 'Cathelle' was inscribed deeply in the ring. I looked up into his sky blue eyes as he slipped the ring onto my ring finger. Everyone applauded and I leaped into his arms. Tears of joy rained down my cheeks and I heard his rich joyous laugh fill the hall. He set me down as the music started to play and took me down to the dance floor. He ran his fingers along my chin and my lower lip. "Amin mela lle Cathelle." {I love you Kitten.}
I smiled, "I know. I . . ." Air caught in my throat. 'I can't say that! I can't let him say anything like that until he know everything!' "I need you to come with me. We need to talk." I led him down the hall to my room.
~~END~~
Part two will be up shortly. I hope you all enjoyed another cliffhanger. Please R&R. I am going to be starting my original soon so any style critiques are much obliged.
THANK YOU ALL FOR THE REVIEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Twenty-Two
The Title and all the Pain That Goes With it: Part 1
~~~POV-LEGOLAS GREENLEAF~~~
I put a soft finger to her moist lips. "Hush. Tell me tomorrow morning." She looked exhausted and I did not want any bad news until tomorrow was through. I pulled her blankets down and sat her on the bed. She lay down sleepily. I got out a white linen gown and laid it on her bed. "Get dressed, come on Cathelle."
She sat up and paused. I stood there, not understanding what she was waiting for. "I am not going to get changed in front of you Legolas!"
I blushed and walked outside. I heard her throw her pants and shirt to the ground. She hummed happily as she changed. I heard her sleepily say 'Come in.' and I did so. She looked very pretty in her nightgown. I smiled as I approached her bed. I stared longingly at her lips and scolded myself. 'Legolas! Behave yourself right now! You are a Prince of Mirkwood, now act like it!' Bitter memories of the argument with my father filled my mind and I washed them away. "Sleep well Cathelle, may your dreams be sweet."
I kissed her forehead lightly and tucked her into bed. I slipped through my door and opened the desk I had previously locked.
Inside was a small ring. Every piece of jewelry I had ever seen Reyna wear was borrowed, now she would get a ring of her own. I looked at it for a moment, it was not nearly good enough for her but Gimli had written to me and told me it was the finest he could find. There was one finer, and I already owned it. It was the ring I was to give to my wife on our wedding day. I looked at the other things I had gotten her. I shook my head, "Dolt, these are not worthy of a Queen."
I scrutinized the bow in frustration. 'The cherry wood could have been a finer grain. I could have spent more time polishing it, but I had to make that inconvenient trip to Mirkwood . . .' I washed those thoughts away before I could anger myself any further. I checked each of the twenty diamond-tipped arrows and replaced in their quiver. The quiver was made of the finest doe leather and bound in premium gold. It much resembled my own but with more femininity to it.
I looked back at the bow unhappily. The elven writing could have been neater but my manuscript was not flawless. I read over the inscription on the bow, 'Foes beware, the wielder of this bow is guarded by true love and Elven grace.' Those words were Reyna's spunk, brightness, bubbly attitude, and raw power in a nutshell. Everything about her could be linked to those words. I closed my eyes and pictured her vivacious character; there was no other like her anywhere.
I saddened; if what she had to tell me earlier was as sad as it seemed than I do not know how I will fare. I recalled her words earlier, 'I want to be with you forever! If only I could!' What had she meant? I could not stand to be separated from her; was there something about her heritage that made her think otherwise? I shook my head in irritation and locked my desk again. I pulled my tunic off and lay down in my bed. I listened keenly to the sound of her breathing. I left the door between our chambers open so I could feel her presence. This was the first night in six days I had not slept at her side. I drifted into an anxious sleep.
~~~Six Hours Later~~~
I woke at daybreak and smiled. "Today is the day." I rose and wrapped Reyna's four gifts. I took them into the grand hall and then proceeded to Arwen's room. On my way I stopped in my room and pulled on a fine gray tunic. I knocked on Arwen's door impatiently; "Hurry. We must be ready before she wakes."
Arwen held Eldarion in one arm and a small box in another. Serlia walked up and took Eldarion. "I have already finished my part of the preparations. I will take Eldarion until you are finished Arwen."
Arwen smiled, "Thank you Serlia." She walked with me down to the hall. Aragorn was laying a gift down next to a large pile that had already accumulated. Serina was setting the fine silver out and Arwen joined her. Aragorn and I went to check the kitchen. Over twenty people were bustling about the kitchen.
I smiled, "Everything okay here?" One of the chefs gave me a cross look and I laughed, "We had better leave their domain before we are cooked ourselves." Aragorn laughed and we hurried out. We departed for my room and I noticed Reyna had woken up.
I pulled Aragorn quietly into my room, "The Grand Hall is rarely used so we do not have to worry about that. I told Arwen all of my plans and she and the twins will have them done. We have to make sure Reyna does not suspect anything."
Aragorn grinned, "Then why are we talking mutedly in your room?" I laughed and we walked out of my chambers. I knocked on Reyna's door.
She answered politely, "Yes Lord Legolas?" Her eyes were bright with hope.
I bowed lightly; "Aragorn and I were hoping you would join us for a round of archery practice. We saw the impressive archery field you have here."
The glimmering joy in her eyes dulled lightly, "Of course I would love to." She grabbed her bow and we departed.
~~~POV CHANGE-REYNA LINDELE~~~
I sighed in disappointment. 'They forgot my birthday! They forgot the most important day of my entire life! How could they! Why, Arwen just asked me a few days ago!' I sighed and shot at the target. I missed the bull's- eye by about a centimeter. Legolas's aim was also off today, he still shot a ten but not dead center.
Aragorn was sparring with another human who was courting Serina. I shot about thirty rounds with Legolas before I grew bored, "Let's get some lunch. I am starved." Legolas handed me a sandwich from the bag Aragorn had been carrying.
He smiled, "We thought we would have a picnic, come on."
Aragorn smiled too, "Hurry up, I found the ideal spot!"
I raised an eyebrow as I followed them into the woods, "Where is Arwen?"
Aragorn stopped, "She is caring for Eldarion."
"And Serlia?"
Legolas turned, "She is helping, Eldarion is sick."
Aragorn nodded. I rolled my eyes, "Why are you not concerned then Aragorn? Is he not your son?"
Aragorn bit his lip, "Serina is a healer, no need to fret over it."
I sighed; I could find no other flaws in their excuses. I sat on the blanket Legolas had laid out. Legolas handed me a peach and a cucumber sandwich. I smiled, "Diola lle." {Thank you.}
He nodded, "You don't deserve it after such a distrusting interrogation but even so." He smiled and I blushed lightly. I basked in the sunlight after the meal. It had been all too long since I had enjoyed the sun like this. Legolas lay across from me and Aragorn was swimming slothfully in the pond.
I smiled, "It's so nice out here. I hate to think that Uruk-hai have been wandering these woods."
Legolas tensed, "Yes. I am beginning to worry, now more than ever, just how gone Sauron's forces are. He may be dead but his evil works live on."
I took a deep breath, "At least we will all be safe here."
He glanced over, "How so?"
A shy smile crossed my face; "A Fae Queen is gifted with two wishes in her entire life that will come true. Mother grants the wishes as solace for the great sacrifice we must make."
Legolas look up, "What sacrifice?"
I did not respond. "I will use my one wish soon. The second, I will save for Middle Earth's hour of need."
He sat up, "What will your first wish be?"
I recalled one of my recent dreams.
~~~DREAM SEQUENCE~~~
Arwen wept endlessly, "You were wrong Reyna. My son is fatherless!"
I held her close and tried to calm her pain. No release was granted to her, she wept on and on. I did not think one being could have so many tears in them at once.
Weeks since Aragorn's passing and she still wept. She rarely left her room and Serlia rarely watched Eldarion. It was hard enough to convince Arwen to let Serlia hold him while Arwen bathed; Arwen's spirit had been shattered. All her elven grace was slowly fading away to nothing.
~
Two years had passed since Aragorn left us. Now I wept, I wept inconsolably. Arwen had been taken in the night; not once since Aragorn's passing had I seen Arwen smile and now I never would again. I wept without solace. I pushed Legolas further and further away until finally he left. Everything in my life that had ever mattered was gone. I could have fixed it so easily but I had been foolish. I closed my eyes and they never opened again.
~~~END DREAM SEQUENCE~~~
I shivered lightly, "My first wish will be used to save those I love."
Legolas did not investigate any further into the matter thankfully.
By the time someone spoke again the sun was dipping behind the mountains. Legolas stood, "We should head back to the palace for dinner." Aragorn dried quickly and we walked back to the palace. Legolas and Aragorn were in a particularly hurried mood.
Legolas took my arm and escorted me straight to my room. He opened the door and led me in. Before I could turn to wish Aragorn farewell, he had departed. I turned to Legolas in confusion, "What is going on?" He had already slipped into his chambers. I sighed and looked at my bed. On it was a dress I had never seen before. A small red rose lay on it also. The letter attached to the rose cleared all my confusion away.
~
Dearest Reyna,
This is only a small gift for a lady as fair as you. Have the most joyous of birthdays!
Sincerely, Your brother: Haldir and Aragorn
~
I beamed happily, "How sweet!" The gown was lilac colored and tight fitting. It was made of silk and came down to my feet. The rounded straps sat delicately on my shoulder. The neckline was a round one that did not reveal too much. The dress was fitted to my waist and then loosened at my hips. It fell to my feet with a foot long trail behind me. The back came down all the way to the lower back. It had two small straps crisscrossing over my shoulder blades but the rest was open. I let my hair down and smiled. I look pretty; I actually look pretty. I slipped on my silver sandals and knocked on Legolas's door. He opened it and smiled.
"You look gorgeous Cathelle."
I blushed as my eyes traveled over Legolas. He wore tight gray pants and white, jeweled boots. His tunic was dark red and had gorgeous silver lining over it. The gray was dark enough to compliment the red perfectly. I smiled, "You are quite the sight to behold yourself."
He smiled, "Thank you." He offered me his arm, "Shall we?"
I smiled back, "You had this all planned out?"
A guilty nod responded, "Yes, since before Arwen asked you the exact date. I asked Serlia two weeks ago when it was. She said she was not exactly sure of the date but two Thursdays from then. She was right, and you confirmed it."
I blushed, "You had me thinking you had all forgotten!"
Legolas brushed the stray hairs from my face, "I could never forget the day I celebrate your birth."
My cheeks grew rosier. "Thank you." We entered the ballroom. All the tables were decorated with the finest silver and a pile of gifts scattered the back table. I opened my mouth in astonishment, "This is for me?" Serlia, Serina, Arwen and Aragorn sat nearby.
Each one of them beaming with pride, "Yes." Dozens more Fae sat at the other tables. They all yelled, "Happy Birthday Queen Reyna!"
I gasped, "I am queen!" My eyes filled with fright, I would have to tell Legolas soon. I hid it immediately and smiled. "Thank you all!" Serlia approached me with a silver crown. It had a jewel for every branch of the Mother on it. The sapphire sat in front for me, because of my strengths with water. An aquamarine for sky, an onyx for darkness, a topaz for light, a ruby for fire, an emerald for earth, and a diamond for wind. I smiled, "Thank you Serlia."
She knelt, "It is my honor."
Slowly, one by one, my other friends approached me. Arwen bowed low, "A gift from one best friend to another."
I blushed and opened it. Inside was a gorgeous silver comb, a silver brush, a silver mirror, and a small silver barrette with a diamond on it. I pulled her up and hugged her, "Thank you ever so much!" I hugged her tightly for a few moments before Aragorn approached.
He took a deep breath, "The dress was Haldir's idea so I made you these." He handed me a box. I opened it and unraveled the velvet covering to see two stunning daggers. One matched my emerald one so I had a set now. The other was a stiletto. The stiletto was made of the finest silver and had a large sapphire on the hilt. I hugged him.
"They are more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. Thank you!" He hugged me back, "Thank you brother!" He stepped down and Serina approached.
She took a deep breath, "This is no where near as striking as your other gifts but I thought it would come in handy." She handed me a book. I opened it and found it was in her handwriting. About three hundred pages of herbal remedies and helpful hints were compiled here. I smiled.
"Thank you!" I was crying by now and as I hugged her. So many people cared so much about me. Her sister stood too. Serlia handed me a small pouch silently.
She watched me intently, "That is the powder for your wishes. I was the one to keep it all these years."
I sobbed lightly, anyone who possessed this put herself in grave danger. An Uruk-hai could smell this power easily and would stop at nothing to attain it. She had risked her life for so many years just to help me. "You have no idea . . . "
Serlia put a finger to her mouth, "No need to thank me Queen Reyna." I smiled and hugged her again.
Legolas approached me meekly. He had a large box, a medium box, and a small box. I looked up, "Which one first?"
He smiled, "Largest to smallest." I set the three gifts on the table next to me and opened the big one. Inside was a velvet wrapped bow. I stood still for a moment as my eyes wandered the splendor of this weapon. I was in awe. I looked over to Legolas.
He looked hopeful. I closed the gap between us with two hurried steps and hugged him tightly. "It's the most beautiful bow I have ever seen."
"I made it for you. Go on, open the others."
I set the bow down ever so carefully. As I opened the middle package I gasped too. A quiver, much like his, lay there with twenty arrows in it. I had always admired his quiver for its beauty. I removed the arrows and saw their diamond tips. My breath caught in my throat, "I cannot accept something so fair."
He shook his head; "They were made for your bow and your bow only."
I started to cry again. I lay them down and picked up the small box. It fit in the palm of my hand. I was afraid to open it; I was afraid that if I did open it I would fall deeper in love with him. I opened it and found my fear to be true. It was a ring. A silver ring with a heart shaped diamond in the center. Two smaller sapphire hearts sat on each side of the diamond. It was the most exquisite piece of jewelry I had ever seen. I wept openly now. As Legolas slipped it on my finger he motioned for me to examine the band. On the inside 'Cathelle' was inscribed deeply in the ring. I looked up into his sky blue eyes as he slipped the ring onto my ring finger. Everyone applauded and I leaped into his arms. Tears of joy rained down my cheeks and I heard his rich joyous laugh fill the hall. He set me down as the music started to play and took me down to the dance floor. He ran his fingers along my chin and my lower lip. "Amin mela lle Cathelle." {I love you Kitten.}
I smiled, "I know. I . . ." Air caught in my throat. 'I can't say that! I can't let him say anything like that until he know everything!' "I need you to come with me. We need to talk." I led him down the hall to my room.
~~END~~
Part two will be up shortly. I hope you all enjoyed another cliffhanger. Please R&R. I am going to be starting my original soon so any style critiques are much obliged.