Welcome to the next chapter!

Secrets of a Raven Beauty

The Garden

The patrol marched through the grand door of Thranduil's Halls after a three-week patrol on the border. Legolas found himself unusually weary and wanted nothing more than the comfort of his private chambers. Despite his yearnings, Tauriel and Legolas led their companions to the barracks where they often converse privately from the people. The patrol talked amongst themselves as others sought out a well-deserved goblet of wine from the servers. Conversations grew and food was served on the tables. The patrol welcomed all rewards after their return. With nothing but the sound of the rushing river to soothe his anxious need for solitude, Legolas began in his authoritative voice.

"Friends..." Silence immediately came as all of his patrols looked to Legolas with respect in their eyes, "The night is young and well-deserved. Enjoy your time with your families and I part from you and shall reunite with you in the days to come."

On the last note, the patrol nodded their heads in respect and gestured hand from across their chest before they returned to their previous engagement. Tauriel sat on a bench, curiosity marred her face and knitted her eyebrows together. Before the Prince stole away, Tauriel swiftly came to her feet and questioned lowly, "You will not company your patrol in this gathering?"

"Nay... This night I shall find my peace alone." Legolas retorted, his voice sounded thick even in his own ears. He gave her a sideways glanced before he dismissed, "Good night Tauriel."

Tauriel sighed inwardly when Gaelira handed her a goblet of wine which Tauriel willingly took. Tauriel replied in a soft mumble, "Good night, my lord."

Tauriel directed her attention to Gaelira while Legolas stole away from the barrack. After he reported to his father and snaked through the welcomes of his people, Legolas found his just reward. The prince was at last alone in his chambers. The sleepless nights he spent combing the outskirts drained most of his elvish energy. Weary was an unfitted term to describe his tired body. His land festered with unceasing foul creatures. No matter how many spiders his patrol slaughtered, more descended from the north. A whisper of dark malice shook the forest. The tree vibrated with a warning and dark tidings. Nothing had been noted by distance lands but Legolas knew in his heart that darkness gripped a foothold in the world, however safe behind the cave of stone, his father would do nothing.

Legolas sighed in relief when he found solitude in his private chambers. That was before a soft knock came to the door. Legolas pinched the bridge of his nose, annoyed that he did not detect the visitor and wanted nothing more than to rest. He all but shoved his weapons on the small table and had no doubt that he scarred the surface. All his propriety and good manners dangerously dwindled when the second knock came. Legolas sighed irritatedly, racked his fingers through his hair and mumbled under his breath, "Come in."

The door slowly opened and through the threshold came Erweth with a tray of refreshments. Erweth heard the deep sigh and noted the hallow look in the prince's eyes. She frowned at his appearance when she placed the tray next to Legolas's effects. The prince's shouldered the heavy burden of his kingdom's worries and his reward was an empty room with no beautiful elleth to greet him with sweet smiles. The very thought filled Erweth with remorse and she began with a soft tone, "Forgive me for intruding, my prince. Your father felt you needed refreshment and if I may be so bold, I agree. You exhaust yourself and need to restore your strength."

A grin developed on Legolas's lips when his heart was moved by Erweth's maternal behavior. The elder elf always managed to melt his heart with her caring nature. Then he eyed the tray which contained wine, bread, fruit, and his favorite: sweet cakes. Legolas breathed through his nose when he chuckled internally. He regarded Erweth with an appreciative smile when he snatched a sweet cake. Legolas retorted softly, "Thank you, my lady. You are most gracious."

Erweth nodded in response before she noted grime on Legolas's jaw. With a sighed, she added knowingly, "Just like my late husband…. come back late with grime on your face after a day's work."

Legolas allowed the maternal elf to gently whip away the grime from his jawline, then he smirked and jested impishly, "Are you going to scold me for coming back filthy?"

"Nay." Erweth chuckled as she handed Legolas the goblet of wine and continued sweetly, "I am simply a humble elleth who looks after you since you do not look after yourself…. then the burden lies upon me."

Legolas chuckled at her lighthearted comment but his heart swelled to the truth to her words. The prince found himself enjoying the elleth's company. He bowed his head and swept his hand crossed his chest as a gesture of respect. He sincerely noted, "You have my thanks."

"My prince, after all, you do for this kingdom….." Erweth slowed for but a moment, unsure to continue, "It would please me greatly to see you with an elleth. Someone to comfort and make you happy."

Legolas paused in surprise after he bit into the sweet bread followed by a sincere chuckle. He jested, "If I didn't know any better I would say you are conspiring with my father on that topic."

Erweth smiled widely as her eyes shined with mirth and she admitted, "Every parent wishes to see their child settled with their mate. Perhaps one day if the Valor willing, you'll know the feeling with your child."

Legolas grew quiet, not wanting to think about bonding or children. Those were topics Legolas skillfully avoided and had no desire to discuss such possibilities. He nibbled on the bread silently but desired the motherly-elleth's company. As he strolled away from the table, he pressed on nonchalantly, "Pray tell, what news of the kingdom since I've been away."

Erweth followed the prince toward the two chairs in front of the dormant fireplace. She placed her hands behind her back and summarized, "It is as it's always been, my lord. This kingdom is safe from harm. The noble converse at the Greeting Halls and we all play a part in this world."

Legolas sat in his chair, leaned deeply into the cushion and sipped his wine. The prince questioned further, "How fairs your daughter?"

Erweth brightened to the thought of Calaerien and she willingly answered, "Calaerien is well. She has been crafting these last several weeks. Her recent commission left her bustling in our chambers as of late."

Legolas looked over to Erweth, intrigued and inquired, "Commissions?"

"Aye," Erweth confirmed proudly, "Lady Rivalel requested for a gown to be ready before the eve of the summer feast. My daughter is a talented steam dress." Erweth said in wonderment before her voice fell slightly and noted remorsefully, "She has little time for much else…"

Legolas heard the settled sadness in the elleth's voice and gazed upon the elleth. It wasn't hard to notice that Erweth missed Calaerien, much like the King missed him when Legolas was gone on his patrol. A small frown grew on Legolas's expression and he implied, "This makes you unhappy."

"Nay, I wanted my child to come into her own. I knew one day she would branch off." Erweth objected swiftly and continued with a bitter smile, "Though I had hoped she would join an elloth's household."

Legolas frowned to the thought and casually observed, "Another desire from a parent."

Erweth smiled bitterly and responded, "Aye."

She noted the distance look in Legolas's eyes as he stared at the fireplace and sighed. The prince needed rest, Erweth thought. She concluded, "I shall leave you to rest, my prince. Please do take care…. There is only one of you."

Legolas smiled hauntingly, "Thank you for your company, my lady."

After Erweth left the room, her presence left a sting. Legolas chugged the last bit of wine as his conversation with Erweth haunted him. For the first time in several centuries, Legolas indulged the thought of an elleth. His room was bitterly empty much like his own life. His every waking hour was dedicated to his kingdom which allowed no room for courtships. The lifetime friendship with those of the court and his patrol filled the need for social interaction. The last time he thought of anything more than friendship was several centuries ago when Elladan and Elhoir felt the need to comment on his personal life.

A bitter smile grew on Legolas's lips as memories of the sons of Elrond came to mind. Two mischievous elloths that Legolas was honored to call friends. A century past since their visit to Mirkwood and Legolas would like nothing more to rectify that fact. Legolas shook his head of any thoughts and rose from his chair.

Rest was all he needed.

As the days past, Calaerien worked diligently on Lady Rivalel's gown for two weeks. Calaerien eyed her newly made fabric and rubbed the fabric between her fingers as if to test the texture was perfect. The fabric was velvet with her distinct weave design embedded into the texture. She weaved the fabric tightly but the surface was smooth and unaffected from the tightness. After she inspected and deemed her fabric worthy of the next step, she sighed with satisfaction. Calaerien detached the fabric from her loom and nipped the edges to prevent the fabric from unraveling. Carefully she rolled it like a tube and bagged the fabric into a sack.

Before Calaerien departed from her chambers, she went to her unmentionable chest and sought out another rolled fabric. She placed it into the sack with the intention of dyeing it for her mother. Calaerien hauled the sack over her shoulder and exited the chambers toward the west wing of the kingdom. Along the way, Calaerien shyly greeted those who graced her with kind welcomes and sent their regards to her mother. As Calaerien past the threshold into the west wing corridor, she traveled deeply until she entered the wash-house chamber. The room was filled with large barrels, interior wells and wooden machinery to aid with clothing care.

The elleths that were tasked to work in the wash-house bustled with clothing care methods and preservation. They conversed in delight while others sang songs and all were under the watchful eye of the Head of the wash-house: Lady Liluth. Calaerien discreetly scurried out of the worker's way and towards Liluth. The elf in question was only several centuries young than the esteemed Lady Escaries. She was proud but diligent in her work. Liluth poured over request forms from clients and blended dyes. Dark hair draped over her shoulders while she leaned over before her ears prickled to Calaerien's approached.

Lulith looked up, her eyes narrowed before she softened and smiled genuinely.

"Calaerien, it pleases me to see you, my dear. Its been several moons." Liluth greeted in delight, came around the desk to embrace the young elf. "How many I serve you?"

Calaerien nodded her head in respect before she presented her bag of fabric rolls. "I am in need of dye colors, may I look through your pallet?"

The corner of Liluth's mouth tilted upward knowingly as she noted, "Ah yes. The art of dye colors. I do miss teaching you that art but you have masterfully learned that skill over the century." Liluth waved her hand toward her small station behind her desk, "Do not hesitance if you need assistance. Please leave your token behind and take what you need, my dear."

Calaerien murmured a thank you before she set to work. After she carefully dyed her fabrics with the correct color mixture, one of the wash-house workers took over her work. After her materials soaked in the colors, it was hung on a laundry line along with other materials to dry. Once Calaerien made her order, in due time her materials would be delivered to her chambers. Therefore Calaerien had time to spare. She left the wash-house and casually strolled through the Thranduil's Halls.

Calaerien enjoyed her time in the gardens as she hummed to herself and soaked in the sunlight. As the sunset in the distance, Calaerien found herself in a large courtyard to seek out the company of her favorite tree. An orange glow radiated across the sky as the sun shined brightly over the Blue Mountains. Calaerien strolled over the bridge with the stream passing beneath her. As she drew near her, in favorite tree she noticed a familiar elloth perched on a branch. There, in the heart of the tree sat Legolas with one leg dangling off the side. His back pressed against the tree and stared at the evening sky. Few starlights twinkled through the gaps of the clouds, slowly brightening as the sun descended.

Calaerien's heart fluttered to the sight of him followed by a dreamily smile. It had been many moons since Calaerien saw the prince for he became like a ghost. He stole allow from the Halls and returned silently beneath her nose. Transfixed by his fea, Calaerien could not turn away for he was a bright beacon. It was as if his presence soothed away all problems and protected her from all harm. She was hesitant to approach him and did not wish to disturb his quiet time for those moments are too few for the Prince of Mirkwood. However, she wished to greet her tree and steal little time from Legolas. Bravely she moved forward, intentionally made herself known and ignored the timid nature that threatened to overpower her.

Although he didn't acknowledge her, she was well aware that he knew of her presence. Swallowing hard, Calaerien murmured softly and barely above a whisper, " I see you found comfort in my favorite tree…"

Her voice broke the silence as the corners of Legolas's lips tilted into a smile. Calaerien tucked her hands behind her back and returned a shy smile. Legolas reluctantly turned away from the stars and slowly locked eyes with Calaerien. As his smile grew, a small dimples appeared on his cheeks and he replied lightheartedly. "Aye, the tree was inviting. I hope I have to safe passage on your tree."

Calaerien smiled wider to his joke and replied softly, "Aye, my lord."

Legolas humored her as Calaerien slowly came closer and gingerly placed her delicate hand on the bark. Upon contact, the tree moaned blissfully and was all too willing for her touch.

"It recognizes you." Legolas's murmured in surprise.

Calaerien's hearted swelled in delight as she smiled and retorted pleasantly, "Aye, we grew a strong friendship over the years…. Its been many moons since my last visit."

The tree held no contempt. Calaerien looked up and found Legolas watching with interest in her interaction with the tree. He grew serious in thought before he said, "It was rude of me to steal your place. Perhaps, if your willing to accept my apology and come to sit with me?"

Calaerien blinked in surprise as she blushed a light pink. The prince offered her to sit with him? Legolas had always left her behind when she was perched in the tree. It gave her the impression that Legolas had no time for her and yet here he was asking her permission to share company with him. When Legolas stretched out a hand to her, Calaerien held her breath and looked to him who smiled at her encouragingly. She hesitated and then placed her small hand into his. Her clenched almost painfully. He easily pulled her up to sit slightly below him on another branch. Calaerien sat comfortably with both her feet hanging off the side as she leaned her shoulder against the tree with a good view of the Prince.

Legolas returned his gaze to the stars with a smile as they sat in comfortable silence. Calaerien caressed the bark of the tree and traced the outline of its markings. Her mind wandered to Lothlorien and of her favorite tree.

"As an elfling…." Calaerien began nervously with her emotions taking control of her mouth, "I had a favorite tree in Lothlorien..."

Calaerien shyly looked up at the side view of Legolas, who was once again reluctant to tear his view from the stars and gave Calaerien his full attention. A shade of pink grazed her cheeks once again as she continued in a dreamy voice, "I would climb high up to the tallest branch in every season…" Her eyes floated up to the highest branch, imagined herself as a small elfling climbed up to the pinnacle, "The sun was rising, birds singing and the air came from the mountains. Overlooking the Golden Woods, mattered not in which direction, the beauty was breathtaking."

Calaerien rested her head against the bark, still staring up and forgetting all that was around her. She continued, "As the seasons changed, so did the leaves. They were golden. We would sing songs to celebrate the season of change. Our voices were soft and echoed. The tree would shiver in delight... I would steal away often. My aunt was never too pleased with me when I did… But any chance I had I would be in the trees and listen to them, I took it. They welcome me, listened to me…."

Calaerien voice slowly faded. Those memories dissolved back into her mind and Calaerien dropped her eyes to watch her fingers draw lines on the bark again.

Legolas looked away and for but a brief moment was moved by the tone of her words. He too was imagining her memories. His heart was disheartened as he thought of his land and when it was once called the Greenwood. Although he remained in the same land, he mourned what was. Much like Calaerien. No other elf had stirred him in such a way about their homeland. Sighing inwardly, he pushed those thoughts away and broke the silence with a question. "You must miss your homeland? Lothlorien?"

Calaerien looked up at Legolas thoughtfully and was surprised to his softened demeanor. She wondered if something she said affected him so? She answered truthfully, "Aye but this is my home now. I often times I miss the feel of Lothlorien and the smell..."

"The smell?"

She blushed slightly and chuckled nervously. She couldn't help the timid feeling that crept up in her chest and responded softly, "Aye, after the rains… the woods smelled of fresh bark… and dew."

"In my long years, I have never traveled to Lothlorien." Legolas articulated, slightly stiff to that face but he smiled, "I imagine I would like that smell."

Calaerien bit her lips nervously and uttered barely above a whisper, "I believe you would..."

When she looked up at Legolas again, she found him watching her in deep thought. It was as if she could see the wheels in his mind turning and she wasn't if he was hesitant to say something more. When Legolas turned away and said nothing, Calaerien began again with a bashful smile, "My old friend, a tree that has rooted there for many centuries. It would call me its 'Little Mouse' because I was always climbing up its branches and spent hours conversing with it."

Still looking away, Legolas smiled… a genuine smile that reached his eyes. He finally looked to her, "It suits you… Those friendships will last a lifetime, no matter the distance, young one."

Her smile fell to that name as she looked away timidly.

Legolas frowned slightly and added, "Forgive me, my memory failed me for but a moment. I recall your dislike for that name as you so eloquently made it known not long ago."

Calaerien looked up to him as his eyes twinkled with mirth, but she did not return any smile. It reminded her that she was still very young compared to his mount of years in Middle Earth. Almost inferior to her peers. She was the second youngest in Mirkwood. A fact that she did not take a liking too. Although Tauriel was considered the third youngest, she was treated differently due to her status. Calaerien sighed inwardly and thought of herself foolish to feel such things.

Calaerien looked away and corrected, "It's not the name that bothered me so. It was the context of which was used. Insinuating that my voice is lesser then thee due to the years I behold but if it pleases you to call me such…"

Calaerien's voice trailed off into silence, her fingers fidgeted with the fabric of her gown. Then she rose to her feet, balanced perfectly on the branch before she reached up to climb further into the tree. She passed Legolas who watched curiously as she went higher.

"I do not wish to distress you." Legolas offered.

Calaerien came to a thick branch, perched herself in the body as she glanced down at the prince. She was several branches higher and noted the sincerity in his eyes.

"If your words are true then…" Calaerien found herself smiling coyly as she continued, "Its only fair I bestow the name Ancient One upon you."

Legolas blinked and looked affront to the suggestion which only made Calaerien suppress a chuckle that enviable slipped from her lips. Her cheek flushed but could not help but feel some sort of satisfaction. To her own surprise, she was starting to feel comfortable in his presence unlike before. As she waited for his response, they never broke his eye contact.

"I shall ignore the double meaning in words..." Legolas added followed by an impish grin as he insinuated, "But fair enough. I do not wish to be called Ancient One for I do not have as many years as others I know in my homeland, so I shall cease calling you Young One only to spare myself of that name."

Legolas brought his leg over the branch, to prepare to drop down but before departing, he looked up at Calaerien. The impish smile he had grew wider along with a wicked glint in his eyes. He retorted with mirth, "Although, I think I shall settle for Little Mouse for you."

Calaerien's smile dropped in surprise as her cheeks flushed which only fueled Legolas's smile that brought out his dimples. "Nay! Tauriel still insisted on calling me that." She exclaimed, her eyes widening to the thought of that nickname spreading across in Mirkwood.

Legolas dropped down to the ground with ease. He looked up, "I'll be insisting as well…. Little Mouse."

Calaerien's mouth dropped soundlessly as Legolas strolled out of the garden and regarded her with one last smug. It was quite clear to Calaerien that she lost this round…

To be continued...

Sorry for the delay! I know this chapter is short but I hope everyone will forgive me with the friendly banter between Legolas and Calaerien. ;)

Comments from Reviews

City-of-dimes: I'm glad you like the idea of Calaerien being a steam dress. I'm trying to present a totally different OC. I am sorry for the delay, life has been crazy and everything. Aww, thank you! I'll check it soon!

Guest: I know Legolas wasn't in the last chapter but he was in this one! Thank you for your review

Guest: I'm glad to hear it! I'm sorry to hear that, but I am developing her slowly. If she grows too fast, it'll be unbelievable and not well done. Calaerien is still a young character with a shy complex, but she is still growing. Oh don't worry, that spark will be back!

Thank you everyone else for your reviews!