Welcome back to another chapter!

Strange elvish names that no one can pronounce: Calaphel (Cala - fell), Ecaeris (Ec - Air - Is)

Secrets of a Raven Beauty

Mirkwood

Adjusting was impossible.

Little Calaerien remained hidden in her guest chambers with Tauriel. A small four wall room with a single bed and armoire. This interior room had no windows for sunlight but it was lit up by candles that held little illumination. They had no need for bright lights for their eyesight saw well enough through the dimness. However it was not the room that smothered Calaerien so, it was the dark memories of the ambush. She saw her father's lifeless eyes in every corner. How she missed him. Greenwood didn't feel familiar nor homely. It was more like a cage. It was isolated and cold. The bitter fact that her father did not walk amongst the living made it so. Calaerien yearned for the home in Lothlorien. These woods were nothing like those in the Golden Wood where her homeland was filled with sunlight and life. Here in the King's vast hall, she was caged in a cavern with an infected forest. Her favorite tree was nowhere near her to offer solace. Calaerien could not adjust.

The days rolled one after another and Tauriel would stroke Calaerien's hair and offered any kind of solace like her mother once did. The news of two surviving elflings in Greenwood spread like wildfire and the elves were thrilled to greet them. In these dark times, many couples reframed from having elflings and the last elfling surpassed his second century. The elleths were frantic to aid Calaerien and Tauriel in every way. Gifts from the elves of Greenwood piled along with gushing remarks. One maiden attempted to hold Calaerien but she wailed and held tightly to Tauriel.

During the time Erweth was in the House of the Healing, Tauriel devoted her attention to Calaerien. Ensured that she was well-taken care of and protected. Calaerien's dependence allowed Tauriel to shove back the memories of her parent's death. The auburn elfling never cried or spoke of that night. Tauriel needed Calaerien as much as Calaerien needed her. When the time came to bury the dead, Tauriel did not attend or mourn with her people. To say farewell was all lost to her.

Things worsened when Erweth was healed. The news of her husband nearly was the death of her. She hoped his death was an awful dream. When she was wounded, Romonil sought to remove her from the battle and while he carried her away, they were noticed. Romonil fought to his last breath when a black arrow impaled his heart after he ended another orc's life. He fell to his death. It was a memory. A terrible memory. If only… She wept much in the coming days. Calaerien watched her mother slowly fade. Her once bright face slowly turned shallow as her cheekbones perturbed against her pale skin and the twinkle in her eyes dulled.

Erweth grew weary from a broken heart.

When the Elf King provided Romonil's chambers, Erweth wept. Everything from his weapons to his furniture reminded her that he was gone. Nothing was touched during Romonil's absences in Lothlorien and consequently, his scent lingered. Erweth refused to look at Calaerien during their first few weeks. Calaerien was Romonil's image. Not even Tauriel could convince Calaerien that her mother hated her. Long black hair and ocean blue eyes reminded her of Romonil. The elfling was everything that Erweth sought to avoid. Without Hinnoron here to console her in which only he knew how Erweth burdened the pain alone. Calaerien sat helplessly in the corner and watched in vain as her mother faded day by day.

"Oh, Valor! How cruel to take my beloved away!" She hissed one morning, wept against her pillow, and forgot the elflings in her chamber. The curtains in the room concealed the light and left everything in darkness and they were never drawn open. She clawed at her golden hair and cursed everything in sight. "You promised to make me happy! You promised…. I brought my own flesh blood to harm! Oh, Hinnoron..."

Sobs escaped her lips and she voiced softly that was barely above a whisper, "Return to me, my love. Do not leave me to walk this land alone…"

The days moved on but Erweth never faded to death. It was a slow and dreadful process. Erweth stood like a statue in the middle of her room and stared non-observantly at the night sky through the window. She waited...

Calaerien never felt more alone than in those days and hope was nothing more than a passing dream. Fear clenched tightly as Calaerien trembled to the thought of losing her mother. One morning when the sun broke over the horizon, Calaerien mustered the courage to approach her mother whilst she remained lost in her own twisted thoughts. Nervously she came around her mother's side and gingerly brushed her small fingers across Erweth's knuckles as if her mother would break upon contact. It surprised Calaerien when she felt the ice-cold touch of her mother's hand and whispered hesitantly and made herself known, "Naneth…"

For the first time in weeks, Erweth reluctantly looked to her daughter. Ocean eyes stared at her with sorrow and unmeasurable fear. It was as if Romonil reached out to her and beckoned her not to give up. Realization dawned on Erweth as if she looked at her daughter for the first time. Erweth trembled and collapsed to the ground but was drawn back to life. She cried, "Oh little Calaerien! My child!"

Erweth wrenched her daughter into a tight embrace and almost suffocated her but Calaerien did not care. For the first time since her father's death, Calaerien sobbed in her mother's arms. They stayed in each other's embrace and found comfort. Erweth gently rocked Calaerien, wept in her raven hair, and murmured desperately, "My baby… never leave me."

"Never naneth…"

Later that day, they opened the curtains and finally allowed light to stream in.

Time passed with no rhythm or reason. Their wounds slowly healed but it never diminished; They never forgave and never forgot. Middle Earth grew dangerous, more orcs were spotted on the borders and dark malice filled the forest. It was a daunting task to keep the spiders from breeding more foul creatures. King Thranduil worried about his lands and to ease his people's anxiety, he threw feast after feast. They enjoyed the pleasures of life but it did not cease their wild and dangerous nature. The Greenwood became known as Mirkwood. The elves were untamable, unlike their kin. Legolas led his patrol through the forest and destroyed all foul things. They crept like an assassin in the night and struck hard.

During the time Legolas roamed the kingdom, Calaerien would greet him with a shy smile. As she grew, Calaerien looked for the opportunities to gaze upon the Prince of Mirkwood. Whether it was when he returned from his patrol or simply spotted in the halls. She was fascinated by how he walked and loved to listen to the sound of his voice. When she looked into his eyes, the pain of the past simply melted. His fea was bright and drew her in.

"Good morn, little Calaerien." Legolas would greet her with a smile as he passed by her to reach his destination. Calaerien would beam when he acknowledged her but he would never glance back and it left her withdrawn.

As much Erweth wished to return to Lothlorien, she remained behind the protected walls of King Thranduil's Hall and far from danger. After the loss of her husband and brother, she refused to put her family at risk. Fear grew in her heart and every time she looked to Calaerien, she saw Romonil. She promised herself nothing will happen to her only child whilst she lived. Tauriel remained under Erweth's guardianship until she reached maturity. The three lived comfortably in Romonil's chambers in the east wing.

It was several years until Erweth found her place amongst the Woodland Elves and called them her people. She served as a maid. Because the king favored Romonil at one time, he gave her the noble task to serve him. A high position in which she worked in gladness and it gave her a new purpose to be his caretaker. The King was slow to trust and quick to his ill-tempered way but he saw Erweth's quality and deemed her worthy. Erweth was loyal and humbled toward him. The King began to favor her which entitled to his personal protection and counsel. She was trusted to manage his personal chambers in his wing which was given to only a selected few.

Tauriel remained at Calaerien's side and aided her when Erweth fulfilled her duties. Once she reached maturity, she sought to be guard much to her aunt's dismay. The anger never lessened over the years but it fueled her to practice until perfect. She honed her skills quickly and impressed the members of the court in her first century. Her reward was a newly crafted bow specialized to Tauriel. It was a rare and fine gift but it held little significance compared to her father's gift. She guarded the King's halls with the desire to join Legolas's patrol. At night when she stole away outside and rested beneath the starlight, she still heard her mother's scream. Her hand always tightened on her bow.

For Calaerien's curiosity, Tauriel took her cousin to the archery arena and showed her how to wield a bow as Hinnoron did before. The young Calaerien grew past fifty, and her frame was large enough to wield Tauriel's weapon. The weapon fascinated her. The way the feather brushed against her cheek, how the resistance taunted her arm muscles and felt the control in her hands. For a moment, Calaerien felt her father's essence fill her as she eyed her target.

"Calaerien!" A shriek made the young elfling fumble with the arrow and it fell headfirst into the ground. Out from the doors and into the training arena, was a furious Erweth. As she drew near, Erweth's hands tightened into a fist. The distraught look on her face made Calaerien immediately tremble with worry. "I forbid you to wield such weapons! You will not be a guard."

Erweth's fear never ceased that day. The idea of her daughter wielding weapons constricted her heart to the point of pain. Romonil died as a warrior and her daughter would not follow in his footsteps. It was common for elleths to join the guard in Mirkwood and so Erweth watched Calaerien closely, forbidden a seed to grow in her mind. She reprimanded Tauriel, forcefully asked her to never encourage Calaerien to learn weaponry.

From that day forward, Calaerien obeyed her mother and never returned to the archery arena. Instead, Erweth encouraged Calaerien to learn other noble tasks such as knitting, weaving, spinning, crafting, cooking, and mending clothes. Whilst her mother served the king and Tauriel left for her post, Calaerien remained indoors and practiced weaving.

As she grew past seventy, Calaerien shed her fear of strangers and attempted to mingle with the elves. It daunted her but would not retreat. She would smile shyly and bit her lip. She ventured out of the east wing and explored when her mother was not present. The great Halls of Thranduil was unlike anything Calaerien had seen. Surrounded by stone with carved bridges that connected platform to platform. The architecture was meticulously designed with high vaulted ceilings and deep depths below the landings with a river. One time or another, Calaerien was lost and had to be escorted back to her living quarters. Eventually, she found a garden through an arched doorway that led outside in a protected courtyard. It was filled with flowers she had never seen, a small stream past through and connected to the Forest River. A bridge arched over the stream and led to large trees with hanging branches. Wildlife passed through peacefully and accepted Calaerien's attention. Small statues designed as elleths framed the fountains and the stream. Birds flew freely, nested in the trees, and sang in the early morning. It was stunning.

Excitement grew when Calaerien found her new favorite tree who was much younger than the one in Lothlorien. It was planted after Orophor's death. Calaerien often conversed with it as she sat on a high branch and listened to the sound of the wind. Birds perched next to her and grew bold enough to greet her in song. After many hard years, Calaerien found her place.

"Is this your new hiding spot, young one?" A voice inquired one day when she was perched against the body of the tree with her legs dangling on the side.

Calaerien's eyes flew open in surprise but recognized that voice. When she leaned over to glance down, there stood the Prince of Mirkwood. He smiled in amusement and pleased that an almost matured elf was tangled in the young tree. By Legolas's black armor, Calaerien guessed he recently returned from his patrol.

"It is," Calaerien confirmed softly and bit her lip when she asked innocently. "You would not tell my naneth, would you?"

Although she loved her mother dearly, this was her secret place that she often sought out for peace. It was the one place no one would look for her. Calaerien heard a soft chuckle and found the prince genuinely smiling as dimples grew on his cheeks. Legolas retorted lightheartedly, "Nay, young one. It would be our secret."

Calaerien felt her heart swelled by his words. The corners of her lips tilted up and her eyes glistered in delight. She shared a secret with the prince and that the thought brought her joy.

"Take heart, Calaerien. I would not have you fall." He warned before he turned away and continued to pass through the garden into another hall to greet the king.

Calaerien watched him despondently even after he retreated into the halls. It was rare to speak to Legolas these days. Most often than not, Legolas was gone for weeks, even months at a time to patrol the forest. When he lingered in the vast halls, it was for a short time to record reports or make an appearance at the feast for his people. Before long, Legolas was gone again. His every thought was on the threat that festered in the woods. Between his fierce loyalty to his King's command and the safety of his people, Legolas had little time to ever notice her again...

At night when the sky was dark and the stars shined brightly in the sky, Erweth strolled outside with Calaerien. They sat on a stone bench on one of the many courtyards which were perched on the side of the kingdom. The starlight twinkled with memory. Erweth stroked Calaerien's hair and tangle her delicate fingers through the soft locks. The memory of Romonil left a sad smile on Erweth's lip. Calaerien was her only connection to him. Erweth confessed that night, "You are my reason to live."

Centuries past and many changes occurred. Tauriel increased in height and her muscles tightened from archery. After she impressed the Prince of Mirkwood with her adroit techniques and a sharp mind, Tauriel joined his patrol. An honor that was rarely bestowed upon. The elves regarded her with respect and those who challenged her soon regretted it. On her first patrol, out in the forest, she learned to challenge her anger on the spiders or orcs. She improved all of her weaknesses until her entire being became a deadly weapon. After several decades of dedicated work, Tauriel stood as the Captain of the Guard. Soon after, she moved out of Erweth's chambers and given her own in the barracks beneath the small waterfall. She finally molded with the Elves of Mirkwood and considered herself as one.

Calaerien grew into a mature elf. Her once childlike looks faded until her face was slimmer like her father's. Her cheekbones had more definition and her jawline tightened with a long neck but her lips were full and bow curved with a tint of red like her mother's. Raven hair reached to the small part of her back with natural waves and her eyes had a barrier of dark lashes that contrasted with her ocean eyes. Her height challenged Tauriel's, for they were eye to eye.

Calaerien aided her mother and served the court of the king. Her true calling was to spin new material on a wheel, craft fabrics on her loom, and designed gowns. It became an art that she nurtured and loved during her fourth century. Fabricated complex gowns with embroiled designs and dye with bright colors. She often traded her works for supplies or other luxuries. In time she built her living quarters with decorations that brightened their home. When she worked alongside her mother, it was rare if she ever assisted Legolas and whenever she did, he would simply smile and turn away. It left her forlorn but she never ceased to search for his bright fea. The beacon that drew her closer and yearned to touch. Even in a dark corridor, he glowed. His eyes tugged on her heartstrings and Legolas never knew he poured light into Calaerien since all he ever regarded her as a child.

Her mother once told her one evening, "Love is a curious thing, my daughter…."

They were out on the courtyard safe beneath the starlight when Calaerien asked about her father and it led to her favorite story which she had not heard since Lothlorien.

"Be wary Calaerien, love is beautiful as well as terrible." Erweth warned softly and Calaerien arched an eyebrow in curiosity, "It is cruel when your love is taken away and while you linger…"

Erweth was lost in thought as pain crossed her beautiful face. She reconnected her gaze to her concerned daughter and smiled, "But rejoice when it comes, for you will not see it. It will surprise you. It can bond over time or…. strike you when you first see him…."

Calaerien's lips parted ever so slightly and she came into a realization that she could no longer deny…. Calaerien was fond of the Prince of Mirkwood.

TA 2745

500 hundred years after the ambush

It was Calaerien's Conception Day. She was exactly the age of five hundred years. A milestone amongst the elves for the years rolled one after another. It all went in a blink of an eye. Calaerien stood alone in her bathing chambers as she pinned the last braid on her right side of her head and stared at her reflection through the highly polished silver that was mounted against the wall. She raked her fingers through the ends of her hair and pushed it all behind her shoulders. Two thick braids crown her head on either side and flowed down like a river on her back. Calaerien sighed. Another century past and Romonil would never gaze upon her as a matured elleth or watch with pride as she spun on the wheel.

I miss you ada

"Calaerien, come here my child," Erweth called from their living quarters after she returned from her early errands.

Calaerien sighed and she gave herself one last glance in the mirror... 'perhaps he will notice.'

She shook those thoughts from her mind and exited the bathing chamber and straight into their living quarters. Their chamber was relatively comfortable compared to most because of the king's favoritism for Romonil centuries ago. Since neither rarely needed resting, they did away with the bed and replaced it with a cozy couch which gave more room for Calaerien's spinning wheel and loomed. An unfinished blue dress draped over the couch. It would be used to trade for small gems to embroil onto her next gown that was intended to be gifted to Calaphel. A dear friend and respectable patron. Her only patron...

Calaerien found Erweth beside the small table near the entry door. The gap in the cavern wall served as a window that cast bright sunlight across Erweth's face and highlighted her golden hair. Erweth smiled widely and appeared to struggle to keep her enthusiasm at bay. Her eyes reflected eagerness and she all but exclaimed, "Happy conception day, my daughter."

Calaerien blushed, "Thank you."

Erweth barely could contain herself when she wrenched Calaerien into her arms and said with pride, "Five hundred years you have blessed my life."

When she pulled away she smiled as pride swelled in her chest. The attention only made Calaerien blush darker. Erweth led Calaerien to the small table where there was a box waiting for her. Calaerien looked at her mother in surprise and did not expect any gift on this day. Erweth smiled with encouragement and nearly erupted with anticipation. Without any further delay, Calaerien eagerly ripped the lid off and found a beautifully embroiled dress. Gently as if she would rip it, Calaerien pulled it out as the gown unfolded to the ground. The color was dark blue with silver trimmings and elvish designs on the bodice. The hem fanned out like a waterfall over a cliff. The neckline curved into a delicate V neckline and the sleeves rolled down almost touched the floor. It was breathtaking. Her skills were unequal to the beautiful art that this dress possessed.

Erweth watched with anticipation and pressed her hands together. "Do you like it, my daughter?"

"Oh naneth! I adore it." Calaerien eyed it greedily and took in the beauty of it. It was such a gift. One she hoped to study the design and apply it to her own work. Calaerien hugged her mother in gladness. But she never knew when she would wear it. Calaerien served at feasts and celebrations. There were few occasions when her mother would instruct her to attend and on those nights, Calaerien would hide in the shadows from the gathering. Those disheartened thoughts stole her smile.

Erweth noticed her daughter's bright smile faltered, she leaned in and placed a ginger hand on her shoulder. She inquired curiously, "What ails you so?"

"I know not when I could wear this precious item." Calaerien pondered.

"There would many opportunities. I promise." Erweth assured with a firm tone and offered a smile of encouragement.

"How did you come by this?" Calaerien could not help but inquire as she gently folded the dress. A dress of this caliber was not by any means affordable. What did her mother use to buy or trade for it?

"Can a mother not afford gifts for her only child? You should thank Lady Ecaeris for her time." Erweth retorted as she turned away and had no intention to admit the expense. The gown was to lure an elloth who would be her bonded. Surely her daughter would radiate like a beacon if she would not shy away. New elflings would surely brighten this kingdom again.

Lady Ecaeris the Seamstress… Calaerien thought. A skilled and ancient elleth that can weave beauty and poetry into her gowns. It almost made Calaerien pale with envy. There were many nights when Calaerien dreamt of obtaining an apprenticeship from the skilled elleth. Many Mirkwood elves strive to mold into a role and fit perfectly like a puzzle to complete the Kingdom of Mirkwood. The duties of a maid were not Calaerien's ambition but she'll earn her keep until she was worthy of a trade.

A peck on the cheek from Erweth broke Calaerien's train of thought. Her mother declared, "The sun is high and our duty awaits. We must do our part. I am pleased you like your gift. Come now."

Calaerien sighed and gave her dress a fleeting look before she placed it in her unmentionable chest on the side of the couch. She followed her mother and matched her speed as they walked down the grand halls, passing from one stone corridor to another. Several elves greeted Erweth with a warm welcome. Erweth had charmed the people of Mirkwood with mirth and sweet smiles, whilst Calaerien remained shy and timidly nodded in respect. Erweth's name was known and many were quick to converse with her.

They crossed the long bridge over the water to the northern wing which was King Thranduil's personal hall. The king shared a large portion of the northern wing with his son. As they passed through the arch entrance of the wing, they faced a stone corridor with elaborated designs. Several empty rooms on either side of the hall were the first to visit for a swift clean. Erweth never left a stone unturned and meticulously removed all signs of grime. The rooms served as chambers for a special guest or any future family member that would join the king's line. However, they were empty for many years. Once the rooms were finished, they went towards the King's personal chamber.

Calaerien followed closely behind her mother until she passed Legolas's chamber. Almost as if it called her, she stopped to stare in wonder and ever curious of what's inside of the Prince's quarters.

"Calaerien..." Erweth called when her daughter stopped in the middle of the hall. She cocked a curious eyebrow which only bred a blush on Calaerien's cheek.

Calaerien silently scurried into the King's living quarters that appeared like a library. Books upon books were neatly set on stone shelves with a large desk centered on the chamber. Two chairs faced the fireplace on to the side. Several adjoining rooms with archways served for different purposes. Large floor to ceiling windows concealed by billowed white curtains that trailed across the floors. An archway between the windows led into the late queen's personal small garden. The sleeping quarters that the king shared with his late mate was off to the side, but Calaerien was never allowed in that scared space. The King entrusted few people into his wing and Erweth alone attend to his sleeping quarters when needed.

"Calaerien, do please attend to the King's living quarters. I shall return in but a moment." Erweth directed as she escaped into the King's sleeping quarters which required little pristine since the King has not rested during the night.

When Erweth escaped into the King's sleeping courters, Calaerien went into the library. She set about to put back the books on the shelves, dusted the small statues and as always she couldn't help but be in awe of the king's weapons that were mounted on the wall. Three long silver swords with elvish words engraved along the hilts. Calaerien drew near the fireplace that rested beneath the display of swords and she had to lift herself onto her toes to allow her fingers to brush against the blade in reverence.

"Calaerien…" Her mother's voice came from behind in a warning. Calaerien froze and turned to look over her shoulder, "The king does not like his weapons to be touched. Tread carefully, my daughter."

Calaerien heeded the warning and moved away from the display. Often she wondered if Legolas's weapons were similar to the king's. When she went to her mother, Erweth frown at the glass pincher on the desk which was emptied of the King's favorite wine.

"Calaerien, go to the cellar. Bring back a bottle of wine." Erweth uttered swiftly before she returned to the sleeping chambers for further attendance.

Without a word, Calaerien stole away from the chamber and returned once she had captured a black bottle of the King's favorite wine. Calaerien entered into the library and refilled the pitcher, momentarily distracted by reports that were in Legolas's handwriting. As she leaned in to study the delicate stokes of elvish words, she heard a loud clinging sound and glanced down. Stocked at the wine that escaped the pitcher and flooded to the corner of the desk.

Panic rose as Calaerien swiftly moved the important documents from the red wine which slowly inched across the smooth wood.

"Calaerien what have you done!?" Her mother gasped when she heard the sound, appalled at that mess.

Fright almost choked Calaerien as she scrambled to say, "It...It was on accident, naneth. I promise."

"This is the king's desk." Erweth hissed between her teeth and wasted no time to soak up the wine with the helm of her dress, "He would surely be angry if it was ruined… and it almost mid-morning…"

Erweth glanced at the window where the sun reached high in the sky. Around the time when the sun was at its peak, she would serve the king his wine but she worried over his desk. If he'd found out, surely Calaerien would be punished, not severely but enough to frighten her. Hesitantly, Erweth glanced at her daughter, and her mind clicked with an idea. Without another word, Erweth swiftly went to the tray on the entry table and brought it to Calaerien.

"Bring this to the King," Erweth muttered swiftly, urged her daughter to take the tray. "Quick now."

"You will not, mother?" Calaerien hesitantly took the tray, her eyes filled with worry of personally serving the king.

"I have other things to attend to, go…" Erweth tried to hide firmness in her voice, but her eyes narrowed on the mess and hoped that the wine would stain the wood.

Guilt filled Calaerien but she knew her mother was in no mood to argue. With a nod, she escaped from the king's chamber with the tray of wine and goblets in her hands.

A guard opened the door, and Calaerien walked in to find a King reading over his documents. Near the throne, the platform was a stone bridge that led to the King's study. A workplace for his subjects to easily reach and treat with him in confidence. Nervously Calaerien went to set the tray on an entry table to accidentally fumble it. It landed loudly on the furniture, the goblets clinked and Calaerien feared she would spill the wine again. She could feel the King's eyes bored onto her back. With a deep breath and as much dignity she could muster, she poured the wine into a goblet. She turned to find an amused look on the King's face.

She blushed and came to deliver the wine.

The king leaned back into his chair, accepted the wine but there was the question in his eyes: Why isn't your mother here?

"Your mother often serves me my wine." The king finally spoke in a low voice and broke the tension in the air from his overwhelming fea.

Calaerien swallowed hard and nervously nodded. She was not used to serving the King so personally. His chambers were as personal as she got. "She begs your pardon and she sent me in her stead.…"

"Stand up straight." The king interrupted her and his voice almost firmly, "Do not slouch."

She bit her lip and slowly rolled her shoulders back.

"Better, you'll thank me." He sipped his wine and returned his attention to the documents. Calaerien breathed fresh air when the King removed his penetrative eyes from her but she stiffened when he warned, "Whilst you're in this chamber, you shall not utter a word of what has been conspired here. I shall know. Understood?"

Calaerien swallowed hard again to the threat that was laced with firmness and authority. "Yes, my king."

Do not disturb the king… do not disturb the king…

No words were spoken since. Calaerien stood off to the side with the pitcher in her hand and waited for him to finish his glass. Erweth never left this chamber unless the king was finished with his wine or he dismissed her. How does naneth do this day after day?

Calaerien could not help but feel a new profound appreciation for her mother. Erweth spent her life serving the Light of the Light and the King so personally… and enjoyed it.

An hour later passed, she refilled his wine once and the pitcher was half full. Calaerien suppressed a sigh, boredom grew and she wanted nothing more than to spin on her wheel. Suddenly a soft knock came from the door.

"Enter." The king uttered, not once glancing up.

The door opened and through the threshold came Tauriel and Legolas, clan in armor. By their appearance, Calaerien guessed they recently return from a patrol with a report. Instantly her heart tugged painfully to the sight of Legolas. His bright fea filled her with admiration. She could not deny that she was fond of the Prince of Mirkwood who rarely ever glanced her way.

Tauriel looked into the corner and expected to greet Erweth but blinked in surprise.

Calaerien?

Her lips parted and she reluctantly returned her attention to the King.

"What report do you bring?" The king questioned, his voice thick as he leaned back into his chair. His eyes glanced at his son and the captain of his guard.

"The spiders have to be dealt with my lord," Tauriel answered.

"The forest should be clear for the moment," Legolas added, solely focused on the king. Calaerien wondered if he was aware of her presence or was she nothing but a ghost. Her heart dropped to the thought.

"But more would surely come…" Tauriel started to argue when the King interrupted swiftly.

"And when they do, they will meet their end." King Thranduil rose from his chair and circled around the desk. "These foul creatures will not infest. Our lands will be cleared and Greenwood will endure."

Tauriel nodded in silence, not satisfied with his answer but held her tongue. It was pointless to fight the same battles day after day when they should kill them at their source but the king would not listen.

"Our patrol has seen…" Legolas began but trailed off when he finally glanced at Calaerien and contemplated if he should reveal more. Their eyes locked for a moment but Calaerien was forced to look away before her heart raced under the penetration of his blue eyes.

"Calaerien will not repeat what is discuss in this chamber." Tauriel urged confidently on Calaerien's honor when Legolas's hesitation.

"Indeed?" King Thranduil looked to the maiden in question. Calaerien shifted uncomfortably and kept her eyes averted when the king ordered, "Continue.."

"There has been a pack of orcs spotted near the border and growing bolder. A few entered this land." Legolas reported as his voice strengthened with disgust for those foul creatures. As Calaerien's listened to his voice, her heart swelled with pride.

King Thranduil was silent, but only for a moment as he contemplated this news. His expression never gave anything away to his thoughts and he swiftly ordered, "Have our guard double their watch at the borders. If they stray too close, give them the order. Have a report sent to my chambers Legolas."

Tauriel and Legolas nodded to the command. Tauriel was the first to turn away but Legolas gave Calaerien a quick glance before he followed the auburn elf out to the corridor.

Calaerien rarely heard any news of the outside world, but only of the infestation in the forest. The orc packs left her with questions. The idea that the orcs grew bolder left her in dismay. The talk of dark malice was nothing but whispers. On this day with the confirmation of the Prince's report made Calaerien wonder what was growing outside of these borders and would it threaten their safety? Calaerien heart sunk and she worried about the stress that loomed over her people. She noticed many years ago of the Prince's withdraw as he faced this danger. If only she could console him…

"You may leave." The king's voice suddenly broke her train of thought.

She jumped in surprise and glanced at the King. Calaerien nodded before another word was spoken. Swiftly she collected the tray and made her retreat.

Late in the evening after she continued to aid her mother, Calaerien's duties were fulfilled and the rest of the evening was hers. Calaerien walked alone down the corridor of the east wing and her mother went to the Gathering Halls to converse with elves. After her experience in the Thranduil's quarter, she wondered what secrets her mother held when she served him. Calaerien never realized how much the King trusted her mother for he was not one to trust easily. However, Erweth always had a special quality that lured many elves to place trust in her. It was the very thing that drew Romonil's eyes to her at their first sight in Lothlorien.

Why couldn't she have that?

Calaerien wondered bitterly as she drew closer to her chamber's doors when Tauriel snuck out from the shadows and silently sauntered behind her. Calaerien was deep in her thoughts to be aware of Tauriel's presence. The auburn elleth sighed and uttered flatly, "You hearing absolutely is terrible, my cousin..."

Calaerien jumped in surprise, her breath hitched in her throat and she swiftly turned to find her smirking cousin. The smug made Calaerien give Tauriel a leveled look which only fueled Tauriel's triumph. Tauriel chuckled and continued with mirth, "It must be your old age, cousin."

Calaerien broke into a smile and replied lighthearted, "Well, it is my conception day, another century on my belt."

Tauriel lifted an eyebrow, almost mockingly and the corner of her lips tilted upward. It wasn't often Tauriel brought out her softer side. Many of the Mirkwood elves only saw their determined Captain of the Guard but Calaerien was the lucky few would who saw the real Tauriel. Two different people on the same coin. Tauriel continued their charade, "How many now? Four thousand?"

Calaerien muffled a chuckle and took the opportunity to tease her only cousin. "A million."

"A million?" Tauriel muttered and offered false amazement, "I dare say, you surpass our King…. No matter, my wise little mouse… Happy conception day."

"Thank you," Calaerien replied bashfully but pleased to hear it from Tauriel. It'll be another five hundred years before the elves celebrate her conception day again. Calaerien loved and missed these rare moments. Much like Legolas, Tauriel was often in the forest and patrolling. Her duties occupied her greatly but Tauriel never once complained. They all shared their part in the King's halls.

"I came across something of yours on my patrol…" Tauriel began and revealed an object swathed in brown cloth, "I didn't know if you wanted it back."

Calaerien eyebrows knitted together in confusion. Want what back? She wondered. Calaerien pulled back the cloth to find her old glass flower. A gift from the Lady of the Light prior to this journey to Greenwood. As Calaerien twisted this object in awe, memories of the ambush bombarded like an unwelcome guest. She remembered when she dropped the glass trinket after Tauriel and Calaerien raced to the forest for shelter. She never thought she would see it again. Paint chipped off on the petals and a crack trailed across the leaves. Calaerien struggled to keep her pain at bay when she breath in amazement, "I thought I lost it..." The Calaerien looked up at Tauriel and voiced sincerely, "Thank you Tauriel for returning this to me."

Tauriel smiled sadly and pulled Calaerien into a quick embrace.

"Are.. are you well after seeing the planes again?" Calaerien inquired carefully when she pulled away. Tauriel never spoke to her about that night and surely revisiting that place on the patrol must have reopened old wounds.

"I am well. Worry not, cousin."

The look on Tauriel's face told Calaerien to leave it.

"I must return. There is much to do... " Tauriel muttered, "I wanted to see you on this day. Enjoy it cousin. I bid you goodnight."

Calaerien smiled sadly when Tauriel intended to depart from her but understood Tauriel's dedication to her role. "Good night cousin."

After parting from Tauriel, Calaerien returned to her chambers alone and dismayed. Calaerien expected to spin on her wheel when to her surprise, she found presents stacked on the table. No doubt Erweth notified most of Mirkwood of her Conception Day and the elves were quick to bless her with gifts. This was truly a surprise for she hasn't received gifts for many years, save for the gown.

A silent blush came to her cheeks followed by an eager squeal. Without hesitation, she dug through her gifts, ripping them apart one by one. Most were gowns or materials for her projects. Even the King gifted her a ball of very rare wool from the finest livestock in Mirkwood. Calaerien was in awe when the King thought of her. The wool was utterly soft, smooth, and unbounded. It was ready to be spun on her wheel. This type of wool was meant for delicate gowns that Lady Ecaeris created. It was very expensive for most seamstresses.

A smile came to her lips and immediately, she went to spin on her wheel.

Weeks past and the first-day spring came with the promise of blooming flowers. It was a day of celebration. In the grand hall, elves busied themselves to prepare a feast and rolled in barrels of wine imported from Laketown. It wasn't long until the music began and filled each corner of the Grand Hall with a tempo. Elves sang in gladness and danced across the floors. Many elves chatted in groups with the elves who patrol the Forest. Wine and cheese were served around the gathering. Before long the couples danced in sync with the music and their movement were steady and slow. At the back end of the hall was the King's table. It was curved like a crescent with a full view of the dance floor.

Calaerien served this night on her mother's behest while Erweth attended to other duties. Behind the king and against the wall, Calaerien stood readied to refill the King's wine. Calaerien wore a white gown with billowing sleeves and her long raven hair stood in contrast to the color. A smile developed on her lips as she listened to her people danced and conversed in happiness. She hummed with the tune of the song and she stopped when the two grand doors opened to Legolas's arrival. Her very breath was ensnared by his appearance.

Legolas clad in a light blue attire that hugged his toned form. A white circlet crowned his silvery hair which glistered to the candlelights and served as a beacon as he walked amongst his people. Many elves greeted him in gladness as he snaked through the crowd toward the King's table. As he took his seat beside his father, Calaerien came to fill his goblet. With every fiber in her being, she hoped he could not hear her heart beating.

"Thank you, my lady." He murmured softly but never turned to her. She grew accustomed to his distant demeanor and ignored her despondent heart. It was for the best, she thought. If a relationship ever bloomed between them, it would never work. She was a lowly elf and Legolas was a prince who never had eyes for her. King Thranduil would not approve of their relationship... or her.

Calaerien took a step back and her desire to watch her people dance in gladness faded. When Legolas suddenly rose from his chair and gulped down his wine, Calaerien watched curiously. She suspected he would leave the Feast early when he made his way through his people. Legolas smiled kindly and welcome their attention. Before long, Legolas approached a lovely golden-haired elf. Calaerien felt her stomach twist when it was none other than Lady Rivalel. An impressionable elleth with beauty and charisma.

Calaerien's lip parted when he asked her to dance. Lady Rivalel tilted her head up slightly with pride and acceptance. As Legolas and Lady Rivalel made their way to the dance floor, Calaerien's heart dropped in dismay. Curiously, Calaerien looked to the King who watched like a hawk but she knew that he was not worried about Lady Rivalel. When Calaerien looked back, the prince smiled down at the elleth as they danced across the floor.

Why must she be fond of the unattainable….

To be continued...

Wow! I was not expecting so many reviews for my first chapter. Keep them coming, they surely keep me motivated! ;D

I know it a slow start, but be patient with me. I'll have the next chapter up ASAP. Thank you for reading!

Comments:

JDMirkwood: I'll try to be fast with them.

Immael: I glad you liked it. I was sad when Romonil died. I was considering keeping him alive because I was starting to really like his character. But his death would affect Erweth, which affect Calaerien. Unfortunately to make this story work the way I want to... Romonil had to go to the Hall of Mandos.

City-of-Dimes: Thank you so much for your kind words!

saiyan angel blue: Thank you, I know I ended it in a strange place but that chapter was an intro. Now I'm just building the anticipation.

WickedGreene13: Thank you, I am excited where I take this too!

jayjay0815: Thank you, I will try to be consistent with my chapters! If my life doesn't get too crazy, lol.

Thank you Happy, Tara, Lady Love, and Guests for your reviews!

I would appreciate any feedback that would help me improve as a writer. Please no flames...

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