Welcome back!

Revised: I was never satisfied with this chapter, so I altered some minor details.

Secrets of a Raven Beauty

Opportunities

It was subtle things that made Erweth suspect something was different. It started out small with secret smiles and sparkling glints in the eyes. Then it grew to hum and before long, there was dancing. She could not put her finger on it but something changed Calaerien. There was a strange sense, that was familiar and yet different. There was a time when Erweth felt this feeling and that was when Hinnoron met Aeril. Like part of his Fea was latched and fused with another. Hinnoron knew Aeril belonged with him long before Aeril realized it. Here was her daughter danced gracefully across the floors, dusted the shelves, and tidied up the room. Erweth tilted her head in bewilderment.

Then it hit her. Calaerien's fea changed.

Erweth froze before a proud smile grew on her lips. How Romonil would have loved to witness this moment. Calaerien leaned up on the balls of her feet to reach the high shelf before she stepped gracefully with her right leg fanned out for balance. Then all of a sudden, she missed stepped when she found her mother watching. Stumbling, Calaerien flushed a deep crimson and her humming all but ceased.

Erweth chuckled to her beet-red daughter, "Well, do not stop on my account. You are very graceful in your step."

The embarrassing feeling painted a deep rosy hue across Calaerien's cheeks. It was worse when her mother laughed deeply, the sounds of chimes echoed through the room. The early morning sun rose over the tree line and illuminated through the gaps in the cavern wall as if wanting to bask in Erweth's grace. It was a genuine laugh that Calaeirien haven't heard since her father died. Bashfully, Calaerien managed a small smile.

"Oh my dear, you are a joy." Erweth slowed her giggle, her own cheeks flushed with pink pigment. The glisten in her eyes narrowed on Calaerien as she inquired suggestively, "Pray tell child, what has you so delighted? I am most curious."

Calaerien felt her breath ensured before she mumbled incoherently under her breath. "Its... It's a beautiful day, mother."

"A beautiful day you say?…"Erweth cocked a delicate eyebrow, her tone implied that she didn't believe her daughter. The modified expression on Calaerien forced Erweth to release her poor daughter from her torment. She continued in a rueful tone, "Very well keep your secret from your dear mother but I shall know in due time."

Calaerien hastily offered with a shrug, "Truly Naneth, it's just a good day."

"Good day, by the Valar!?" Erweth exclaimed as she dumped the sheets into a wicker basket and crossed her arms over her chest. "There have been many good days and yet I have never seen my sweet daughter dance across the room. No no, I wager there's something amiss."

Erweth collected a tray of fresh wine for the king and placed it on the salvaged desk. The air Erweth radiated prickled Calaerien's skin because she knew her mother bided her time. Suddenly, Erweth turned toward Calaerien, eager and flashed a bright smile, "It's an elloth, is it not? Pray tell child, who is it?"

Calaerien felt her heart stop while her cheeks burned from embarrassment. She declared hastily, "Ai! Nay naneth! There is no elloth to speak of."

Erweth's face fell in disappointment as her heart dropped. It would be a joyful and glorious moment to have heard an elloth stealing her daughter's heart. It's Erweth heart's desire for Calaerien to find an elloth and bear many grandchildren to spoil. However, Erweth couldn't shake the feeling about Calaerien's Fea. Something was, in fact, different, and yet, her daughter intended to withhold the truth. Erweth frowned before she sighed in defeat, "Very well, my dear. But something is most curious and I shall discover it."

Erweth returned to her duties with a determined step swayed in her movements. She turned her attention to the precarious pile of reports which was delivered for the King to review in the evening. Carefully, for the king is a meticulous elf, Erweth divided the report into small organized piles beside the wine tray. Then her fingers brushed the clean corner and pleased there was no stain left behind from the spilled wine. Erweth straightened before she smiled and dismissed, "I relieve you of your duties, child. You are finished here."

Calaerien couldn't stop the smile on her lips, excitement urged Calaerien to scurry out of the chamber and hustle to work on her craft.

All awhile Erweth stared at the empty space where her daughter stood and muddled over the memory. A soft chuckle escaped her lips to her daughter's 'its a good day' excuse. As if Erweth would buy into that. Something was truly amiss if her daughter aimed to keep her secrets.

"Oh, Calaerien this dress is exquisite!" Calaphel, a noble silvan elf, shrilled with excitement after she removed the neatly folded dress from the gift box. Slender fingers brushed across the soft fabric as her green eyes greedily took in the charm of the gown. Calaphel hustled to a large polished silver perched on the wall that served as a mirror. She flashed a wide smile in the reflection and held the gown up to her shoulders, to picture herself wearing it.

The gown possessed a soft green dye to compliment Calaphel's deep green eyes. Long bell-shaped sleeves that almost brushed against the floors with silver trimmings with star-like designs. A high neckline attached to a cape that trailed down the back and into a train with a fanned out hem.

Calaerien eased the anxiety in her chest when Calaphel approved of her hard work. The stiff muscles relaxed. The way Calaphel fond over the dress elicited a bashful smile on Calaerien's lips. The young elf admitted shyly, "It brings me joy that it pleases you."

"Indeed!" Calaphel agreed full-heartedly, whipped around with her braided silvery hair wheeled to the movement. Bubbled with joy, Calaphel could not prevent herself from embracing the raven-haired elf who in return, slightly stiffened to the attention. With a final squeal of delight, Calaphel pulled away and strutted to her cabinet. Pulled out rolls of vibrant velvet materials. Rare material that rarely appeared in Mirkwood. Calaphel handed the material to Calaerien and announced proudly, "As promised, my father brought the materials from Imladris..."

"Thank your father for me." Calaerien retorted, her fingers greedily brushed the velvet texture of the materials.

"Of course." Calaphel articulated smoothly before she inquired curiously, "Have you considered showing your works to Lady Escaries. After this fine work, she would surely take you as an apprentice."

Calaerien beamed with excitement before she approached the white box left behind on the table and tucked the materials away carefully. Swiftly concealing it, as if worried a thief would swoop in and carry it away. She mumbled seriously with a bewilderment expression, "Truly, do not jest, old friend. Lady Escaries is not an easy elleth to impress."

Calaphel sighed exasperatedly, "Little Calaerien, I am not teasing you. I am very serious. Hone your skills, you would be a worthy stream-dress."

Calaerien looked over her shoulder, uncertain if she should hope for such a feat. Raven hair slipped over her shoulders before she turned to Calaphel with a small smile and responded timidly, "I am hardly little, Calaphel."

"Compared to me, you will always be Little Calaerien." Calaphel returned the jest as she laid the dress across the table to get a better view of its glory. "You forget, I have sixteen hundred years."

Calaerien smiled softly and shrugged in defeat, "Well, when you put it like that. I suppose so."

Calaphel chuckled at Calaerien's response. It surprised her how swiftly this raven-haired elf matured and searched to find her own path. In the back of her mind, Calaphel foresaw Calaerien becoming special that will reckon this kingdom. Smiling, Calaphel shook those thoughts away and immediately routed the conversation back on course, "Have you met with her? Lady Escaries?"

Calaerien blinked as a soft blush grazed her cheeks, and she bit her lower lip, "No… I've seen her from a distance in the Gathering Halls."

Lady Escaries was a legend in her mind. An elleth, just as old as the king, who made her mark in the world in the most unlikely way. She became the famed stream dress with a name that was carried until Gondor. Over the past several centuries, her craft brought much trade to the Woodland Realm. It left many aspiring stream dress with the desire for an apprenticeship from a cultured elleth. Her skills were honed since the days of Doriath. She gained her fame from King Celebrimbor after designing his wife's wedding dress.

"You've seen her from a distance?" Calaphel repeated in a disbelief tone equipped with a sardonic arched eyebrow. The older elf shook her head disapprovingly before she crossed her arms over her chest and scolded, "Calaerien, you must not shy away all the time. I have never met an elf shyer than thee."

"Forgive me… I do try." Calaerien spluttered, her cheeks flushed with a lite pink color and she dropped her eyes in dismay. The sudden feeling of discontentment trapped her before it urged her to find a place of solitude.

"Alas, I do know this." The tone Calaphel possessed carried a remorse hint before she glanced at the dress. The wheels in her mind turned when she suddenly experienced an epiphany. A wicked smile grew in the place of her frown. She tapped her low lip in thought, then she whispered mischievously, "I have hunch… Come!"

Without warning, Calaphel swiftly grabbed an unsuspecting Calaerien by the arm and dragged her along. Calaphel ushered Calaerien into her sleeping chamber and Calaerien felt her stomach drop to whatever plan Calaphel had up her sleeve. Bewildered, Calaerien inquired, "What are you doing?"

"I need your assistance, now undress me!" Calaphel demanded with excitement before presenting her back to Calaerien. She swept her silvery braid to the front of her chest and waited almost impatiently.

Calaerien felt her cheeks blazing red before she hesitantly tucked on the laces and freeing each one. After the last lace came free, Calaphel stepped out bare naked, and unashamed of her skin. Calaerien turned away bashfully which earned her a patronizing chuckle. Calaphel blurted with a wide grin, "Oh my dear Calaerien! You mustn't be embarrassed, it's only flesh. If you're ought to be a seamstress, you must get used to it. Now, help me with this dress!"

The entire time Calaerien aided Calaphel into the green dress, she blushed. She had never dressed anyone but Erweth and herself. The minutes passed like years and before she knew it, Calaphel stood before her new green gown. The older elf approached the mirror again and fixed the appearance of her braid. Once satisfied, she curved her attention to Calaerien with a smug and complimented, "I must say, it feels comfortable and not at all constricting."

Calaerien smiled before her eyes narrowed on the winkles on the trimmings around the shoulders. Ironing out the dress with her hands and tugged on the train to pull it behind Calaphel.

Calaphel smirked, pleased with Calaerien's grooming before she added, "This would surely capture his attention."

"Who's" Calaerien genuinely curious.

"Have you been a hermit, little Calaerien?" Calaphel scolded again, amazed at Calaerien lack of observation skills. Calaerien frowned before Calaphel sighed and continued, "If you attend to the Gathering Hall it wouldn't be new knowledge. Why Maenor, of course."

Calaerien cocked a surprised eyebrow as she thought of Calaphel and Maenor. Maenor had three thousand years on his belt and equipped with a serious expression that would challenge King Thranduil on a bad day. All awhile Calaphel's free-spirit attitude never felt the weight of her out-spoken tongue. They were on opposite ends of the spectrum. Calaerien hesitantly inquired, "Maenor... is..."

She lost the word on her tongue before Calaphel answered in a dreamlike voice, "Stern?"

Calaerien felt her mouth dry but relaxed with Calaphel laughed in good humor and continued, "Aye, I am well aware of it but... There is a sense of..." Calaphel paused, which Calaerien almost choked for Calaphel was actually at a loss of words, "It's like we were met for each other. I can't explain how I didn't notice before but he confessed his love for me."

Calaphel looked to Calaerien, her eyes shined with love. For the first time, Calaerien witness a slight blush on Calaphel's cheeks. Calaphel laughed at herself before she added, "Well, long story short, I felt the same..."

"Oh, well then... I'm happy for you." Calaerien stammered.

"Aye! I could tell with your overwhelming enthusiasm!" Calaphel jest followed by a hardy laugh that echoed to the corner. Even Calaerien couldn't stop the giggle that slipped from her lips. The sound ended and Calaphel grew serious, "Though he hardly writes me… The prince often takes him on his patrol."

Calaerien felt a sudden rush of defense fermented in her chest after Calaphel's bitter comment about the prince. Ocean blue eyes narrowed followed by a contorted expression. Calaerien injected with a firm voice, "Prince Legolas does so because he trusts Maenor and ultimately protects this realm."

Calaphel was fastening bejewel pins in her hair when she stopped, stunned by what she heard. Surprised painted her face when she slowly turned her head to a defensive raven-haired elleth whose arms were firmly crossed over her chest. In all the years Calaphel knew Calaerien, never once had the young elleth rise on a conflict. The corner of Calaphel's mouth tucked into a half-grin followed by wickedly arched eyebrows. Calaphel inquired suggestively, "I do not believe I have ever heard you defend elloth before, much less the prince."

Calaerien stiffened, surprised, and attempted to suppress any sign which only fueled Calaphel's smile. Calaerien swallowed hard with a shrug and retorted nonchalantly, "Well… he does protect the borders, and... he was kind to me when I was a child..."

Slowly Calaphel nodded, the wicked glint in her eyes never faltered but added, "Aye.. that must be it."

Calaerien breathed heavily before she surmised, "You claimed to have a haunch. What was it?"

Calaphel smiled widely before she, once again, snatched a reluctant Calaerien by the hand and dragged to the door. She announced, "We shall dazzle our famed seamstress in the Greeting Halls."

Calaerien felt her heart stop.

The Greeting Hall was a grand platform overlooking the vast kingdom. Four bridges intersect with this destination which provided easy access from all four points of Thranduil's Halls. The Forest River offered a waterfall display with an arched opening overlooking the Mirkwood forest. It was a place of greeting and trade. News of the world originated from this hall. Elves spend hours conversing on delightful topics and trading all things in gladness. Those of Thranduil's court spend much of their time advising elves in need of guidance. As Calaerien and Calaphel enter the Greeting Halls, the voices of the elves radiated.

Calaerien followed closely behind Calaphel as her heartbeat jumped like a rabbit. Meanwhile, Calaphel snaked her way through the crowds, dazzled elloths and elicited attention wherever she went. The golden hair elleth was known for her charm, sweet smiles, and positivity. She was always joyful and eager to converse with others. Calaphel would smile to all the eyes that laid upon her but Calaphel and Calaerien were stopped by a small group of elleths who were ladies of the court. Calaerien's hand fidgeted nervously and felt her voice pinned in her throat. Most came to compliment Calaphel's new dress and be merry. Their laughter rang like wind chimes and their sweet words overlapped each other.

"My, my Calaphel, you are dazzling on this morn. Pray tell, has Maenor returned?" The jest came from the eldest elleth of the group, her mouth formed a natural curved bow smile. Rich chestnut hair billowed with waves down her backside and stood in contrast with the dark violet pigment of her dress.

Calaphel giggled, enjoyed the attention of the company along with a glow after the name Maenor was announced. She noted, still smiling at the elleth, "Nay Lady Lashreal, Maenor has not returned for many moons."

"He is sorely missed." The Lashreal retorted knowingly before she gently captured the hand of a young elleth beside her, "My granddaughter misses her mate as well."

Calaphel flushed a soft pink and corrected, "Oh my lady, Maenor is not my mate."

Lashreal chuckled with a knowing glint in her ancient eyes, "Not yet. I foresee a change in your future, my dear. Is this dress one of Lady Escaries designs? I never have seen this style in her collection."

Lashreal reached out to brush her fingers over the sleeve and feel the texture between her slender fingertips. Calaphel offered a proud smile with her chin tilted up and replied, "Nay, it is not one of Lady Escaries's designs. This is the start of a new collection from our very own Lady Calaerien. I believe you remember the young elfling from Lothlorien, daughter of the late Romonil and lady Erweth?"

When Calaerien's name came up, all the eyes fell on the raven elf. Calaeiern froze to the attention followed by a hard swallow. At this moment, Calaerien wished nothing more to return to the shadows and remain invisible. Her heart pounded in her chest and believed her cheeks blazed a brilliant rosy hue.

In a motherly gesture, Lashreal reached out and held Calaerien's hand followed by a delighted smile, "Ah yes, you've grown much my dear. You rarely make an appearance."

Calaerien struggled to find the right word when she mumbled shyly, "Forgive me, my lady. My duties often have my attention."

"Of course," Lashreal murmured gently, with a sympathetic tilt in her head. "You are quite the artisan, my dear."

"Yes, she's a skilled designer indeed." Calaphel chimed in as she grabbed Lashreal's hand to inconspicuously move it away from Calaerien. The jovial elf sensed Calaerien's panic state and immediately stood in front of her to derail any further attention to the elfling. It was a tactic she learned from watching Tauriel. The Captain of the Guard had uncanny senses about Calaerien and knew when to block anything from Calaerien. "In fact, we are on our way to Lady Escaries."

The elder elf was unfazed by Calaphel's defense stance in front of the elfling. A smile grew on her lips, "Ah, yes Lady Escaries would be most pleased to see this piece. I have not seen her as of late. She may be in her talon."

All eyes went to the stone talan off to the side. A private dwelling which the king bestowed upon Lady Escaries for her talents. Calaphel thanked Lady Lashreal and bid the elves farewell. When Calaphel grabbed Calaerien's hand, she dragged her away but not unnoticed. Many elloths gazed at Calaphel in awe as they always had before. The unattainable light.

"Come Calaerien, I know you are not overly fond of crowds. Let's make haste." Calaphel chirped with excitement.

After they snaked their way through the crowd, they traveled over the bridge that connected to Lady Escaries's private talan. The stone chamber was carved with an arched entrance. When Calaerien passed the threshold, she was in awe of the gowns displayed on mannequins along with an abundant amount of fabric rolled and tucked on the shelves. Lost in the craftsmanship of masterpieces, Calaerien followed the train of dresses until she noted a silvered haired elf.

Sylleth, the daughter of the famed seamstress, was measuring out fabric lengths when Calaphel greeted, "Hello Lady Sylleth."

"Calaphel, my dear friend." Sylleth straightened, her silvery hair spilled over her shoulder, and offered a wide smile that reached her sky blue eyes. The skilled elf moved away from her working table to greet her old friend in an embrace. Sylleth greeted sweetly, "I worried Maenor was keeping you from me."

A chuckled came from Calaphel as she pulled away and swiftly chatted in gladness. Meanwhile, Calaerien stared at Sylleth before recognition dawned on her face. She remembered Sylleth dancing with her betrothal at the past few feasts. Sylleth's beauty was simple, as much as the effects she adorned herself with. Unlike the other elves, Sylleth had prominent cheekbones and a set of full lips.

Sensing a pair of eyes, Sylleth glanced beyond Calaphel's shoulder and found a silent raven-haired elf. Deep ocean eyes were hypnotizing and ensnared Sylleth's attention as she began curiously, "Have we met?"

"Forgive my rudeness, Sylleth." Calaphel interrupted and stepped aside to allow Calaerien into the conversation. The elf waved her hand at her shy friend and offered a warm smile, "Allow me to introduce you to my friend and designer of this gown: Calaerien."

Sylleth first followed Calaphel's hand back to Calaerien before turning her attention to the gown. A slight frown developed on her face when she started with a hint of bitterness in her tone, "My dear Calaphel, I believed we were your designers."

Calaphel smiled ruefully, "Your mother is most talented but there's fresh blood in the trade."

Sylleth found her eyes trailing back to Calaerien. At first, Sylleth's eyes held nothing by questions before they softened in recognition and she added, "Ah! You are Erweth's child, are you not?"

Calaerien smiled softly and retorted, "Yes, my lady."

"Your mother is often kind to me." Sylleth implied, her voice soft before she straightened and questioned with a professional voice, "Did you weave the fabric or purchased it from a vendor?" Sylleth straightened, her voice filled with professional inquisitiveness.

Calaerien shifted from foot to foot, slightly faltering under the pressure before answering, "Yes, my lady. I weaved from wool, dye the colors, and measured out to fit Calaphael's physique."

Sylleth nodded in comprehension before turning her eyes to the gown. The elf walked around Calaphael, her sharp eyes noting every detail before she touched the sleeve of Calaphael's dress. As she rubbed the fabric between her fingers, she searched for even texture and weave patterns. Then her eyes went to the stitching at the shoulders and followed the trimmings trail to the lacing on the back. Calculative eyes went to the hem, measured in her mind the length and weight of the dress. Sylleth reached for the end of the hem, evaluating the workmanship and the number of layers the gown had.

As Sylleth rose up, silently critiquing Calaerien's work, she turned her eyes to the shy elf and concluded in a firm voice, "You have a talent. The stitching is even as well as your weaving technique. My mother is not easily impressed, as you can see she's worked a number of talent elves such as yourself."

"Is your mother here?" Calaphel interjected, her voice hopeful.

"Alas, she was invited to Rivendell several moons past and will not return until spring." Sylleth disclosed, earned herself a frown from Calaphael. This only made Sylleth chuckle and she continued, "Do not despair, Calaphael. I am well aware of your desire to help the younglings of Mirkwood and I assume, you brought your friend here in hopes of an apprenticeship."

Calaerien grimaced to the name but swiftly hid her dismay before offending the daughter of the famed seamstress.

Sylleth turned her attention to Calaerien and inquired, "Do you have a collection built yet, my dear?"

Calaerien was embarrassed when she shook her head forlorn and before Sylleth could comment, Calaphael added, "I am her first patron, and I must say, I am impressed with the first piece of her collection."

Calaphel's tone carried a boastful hint, which served its purpose when Sylleth blinked in surprise and she couldn't help but smile impishly. Her charisma had Sylleth considering Calaerien as a possible candidate. Sylleth eyed Calaerien with purpose before she advised, "Here is my advice to you, Calaerien. An apprenticeship with my mother is not taken lightly. She will not be dazzled by one dress. My mother will return in the spring, which gives you some time to build a collection and accept work where you can find it. Once I hear your name amongst the people, I'll consider speaking to my mother on your behalf."

Calaphel was stunned before she smiled in triumph.

Calaerien breathed after holding it. Her stomach twisted in knots to the possibility of her dreams coming true. A genuine smile tugged on her lips when she retorted with eagerness, "I thank you for your advice and I shall heed it, Lady Sylleth."

"Do so and I might see you soon, my dear. Please do pass my greetings to your mother." Lady Sylleth dismissed with a slight nod of her head before she looked to Calaphel who had a smug, "Now I must return to my craft. Please come by soon, my old friend. We have much to discuss..."

"I will call upon you soon." Calaphel turned on her heel, snatched Calaerien's hand, and eagerly guided her out the talan. Once they were some distance away, Calaphel whispered to Calaerien, "Sylleth never offered to speak on anyone's behalf."

Late in the evening, Calaerien pondered on Sylleth's words. A possibility to have an apprenticeship was at her fingertips. In the comfort of her chambers, Calaerien eagerly went to her wheel. Several hours past and Calaeien hummed to herself as she began to spin with the new materials that she traded for. The velvet wool spun and pooled in a wicker basket. Before look, hills of wool peaked and draped over the edge of the basket. She nearly finished the material when a soft knock interrupted her work. Surprised and wondered who was call upon this hour. When Calaerien moved away from her wheel, curiosity fermented in her chest, and believed it could be Tauriel.

Calaerien cracked open the door and bewildered to find a dark-hair elleth who waited patiently with her eyes folded over her stomach. Grey eyes stared expectedly through the gap. Blinking, Calaerien widened the door to reveal the petite elleth that barely reached her chin. The elleth bowed her head before she greeted pleasantly, "Good evening, Lady Calaerien. I am Airethiel, Lady Rivalel's maid. She bids you welcome and requested your presence at this moment. Shall I lead on?"

Airethiel gave Calaerien no room to decline for the maid waved her hand in the direction she would lead Calaerien. Calaerien drew her eyebrows together in confusion before she nodded in agreement. Airethiel flashed a smile and immediately strolled down the hall with Calaerien at her heel. The short walk to the northern wing of the cavern made Calaerien realized Lady Rivalel's chamber was close to the Royal wing. In other words, she was closer to Legolas. A thought which elicited a twitch of envy in the pit of her stomach.

The elven maid opened the door and guided Calaerien through an archway to a waiting area. Airethiel stopped beside the threshold and waved her hand in the direction of her lady. "My lady waits to greet you."

Calaerien nodded and ventured deeper. The chamber was large with several rooms conjoined together by archways. It was not as impressive as the royal rooms but it was inviting and perfect for the magnetic Lady Rivalel. Calaerien noted a waterfall in the corner which, to Calaerien's suspicion, connected to the main river. As she walked through another archway, Calaerien curved her attention to the side where she found Lady Rivalel relaxed in a lounge chair, reading a thick book. Golden spun hair draped over the side. She was a distinguished lady who was eager for the company of the nobles. They never spoke, not even in Lothlorien. Slowly, as if reluctantly, Lady Rivalel pulled her eyes away from the text and offered Calaerien an inviting smile.

"Calaerien." She greeted, her voice sweet and naturally sultry. The lady placed the book on a nearby end-table before she rose up and properly greet the raven-haired elf. The icy blues eyes never looked down or away but directly into the eyes with confidence. "Thank you for coming swiftly. I hope I am not interrupting any of importance?"

Lady Rivalel flipped her hair back, her smile never faltered.

Calaerien mustered a smile before she retorted without answering the question, "Airethiel said you wished to speak with me. What could I do for you, my lady?"

"Come, let us sit beside the waterfall. I do love the sound of the rushing water." Lady Rivalel insinuated as she guided Calaerien to a table that sat two stone chairs at the mouth of the waterfall. Sunlight shined through a gap in the cavern walls. "Much better, I find this is a soothing location. Do you have one in your chambers, my dear?"

Before Calaerien answered, an elloth approached them, carried a tray of two goblets and assorted cheeses. The elloth gently placed the tray at the center of the table before turning on his heel. Calaerien shifted uncomfortably in the chair while the lady waited patiently for Calaerien's response. "No, my lady. I have a view of the Mirkwood forest."

"Ah, how quaint." Lady Rivalel gushed, as she reached for her goblet and sipped the fine wine. "Please enjoy the wine and the cheese, of course. It's imported, a rare delicacy."

Calaerien bashfully smiled before she ate a small block of cheese and surprised to find its flavor was different than what she had in the past.

Lady Rivalel watched with sharp eyes as Calaerien sipped on the wine. Those very sharp eyes seized the young elf with curiosity. The years matured this elf into a rare beauty with raven-hair and the deepest blue eyes. The lady smiled pleasantly before she implied, "My, you have grown. You not as shy as I remember. You turned to be very lovely."

"I thank you Lady Rivalel." Calaerien timidly replied with a tint of a rosy hue on her cheeks.

"I am sure you're wondering why I have summoned you." She articulated, her voice drenched in pride and carried a poise that paused Calaerien. The lady sipped more wine and took her time to revel in the fruity taste. When Lady glanced at Calaerien again, she jerked her chin up and added, " I have noticed a fine artisan work today. Lady Calaphel dazzled the Gathering Halls in a lovely gown, which I am to understand, you crafted. I must say, I find myself desiring one of my own. Imagine me wearing one of your crafted gowns at feasts and events. Your name will be everyone's lips."

Calaerien listened carefully, shifted uncomfortably under Rivalel's unnerving and calculating eyes. There was something peculiar about Rivalel and Calaerien could not put her finger on it. The air which Rivelel carried was smothering and yet inviting. She did not possess power such as the king, but she had the power of influences. Many connections webbed in her carefully spun life.

"You wish for me to design you a new dress?" Calaerien articulated slowly as if to make sure she didn't miss hear the lady.

Lady Rivalel smiled charmingly, her eyes penetrated to the point of being absolutely intriguing. She affirmed, "I would like to commission your services. I am in need of a gown. One that is, in no small measure, daring. I want something different. A deep golden dress to treat me like a gem in rings. One that will... entice."

"Entice?" Calaerien repeated in confusion.

"Aye. Are you interested?" Lady Rivalel inquired slowly.

Calaerien's heart palpated to the opportunity of her first job. She was stunned and intimidated by this commission. It would either make or break for Calaerien because it was, in fact, commissioned by the popular Lady Rivalel. When Calaerien did not respond, Lady Rivalel pressed her advantage, "Of course I shall pay your price."

"No… I mean yes of course." Calaerien immediately corrected herself, and she swiftly began to babble, "This was unexpected. I assumed you'll want Lady Ecearies's services."

Lady Rivalel chuckled while she brought the goblet to her lips again and smiled wickedly. "My dear, Lady Ecaires is talented beyond measure but I want fresh and new ideas. That's where you come in. Therefore, do we have an accord?"

The lady tilted her head, waited with limited patience for Calaerien's response. The raven-haired elf swallowed hard before she slowly nodded in agreement and voiced softly, "Yes, we have an accord."

"Wonderful." Lady Rivalel rose from her chair eagerly as Calaerien hesitantly followed the lady toward the threshold. "I shall expect your presence in the morn."

"In the morn, my lady?" Calaerien's inquired in confusion. Her mornings were consumed with helping her mother. "I have..."

Lady Rivalel cut her off casually, "Of course if your too busy, I can find another…"

"No!…" Calaerien almost shouted, fearful that she'll lose her opportunity. "No, expect me here at dawn."

"Wonderful." Lady Rivalel smiled victoriously, her eyes shined with delight. They began to walk to the door. "I have all the materials. You will measure me in the morn. Good day, Lady Calaerien."

To be continued...

What do you think? I would appreciate any feedback that would help me improve as a writer. Please no flames...

Don't forget to review.