I apologize for my long delay!

Secrets of a Raven Beauty

Locked Secrets

Chapter 6

Calaerien reclined into the crook between the two large branches in her favorite tree. Sometime in the night, the elleth stole away to find comfort in nature. Beneath the canopy of leaves and branches, she was sheltered from the world. She supposed that was the reason she favored trees above all else. Above all the animals and even the starlight, which the Woodlands elves loved the most. The trees were strong, provide shelter and food… It was a sense of sanctuary and a place to untangle the thoughts trapped in her mind.

The sharp ridges of the bark pressed against her backside, but Calaerien never minded the rough texture. She drew her knees to her chest as the hem of her blue dress fumbled over the edge and fiddled in the wind. The dark sky was laden with bright starlight, a breathtaking view. Her days were consumed with work and crafting that Calaerien rarely had the time to converse with her favorite tree.

She brushed her hand against the bark beside her hip and heard,

'The stars are bright this night, my raven beauty…'

The corners of Calaerien's lips curved into a bashful smile to her new nickname that her favorite tree graciously gifted her. The nickname little mouse or young one often ruffled her feather, as it were. Calaerien grazed her fingers across the bark and loved the rough edges and curves. She glanced down at the tree and responded, 'Indeed, my friend…'

Calaerien brought back her ocean eyes to the sky above, lost in the memory of her father. She often wondered what life would be like if he wasn't struck down all those years ago. What if her Aunt Aeril and Uncle Hinnoron still drew breath and walked through King Thranduil's halls. How different it would have been. Would Tauriel be Captain of the Guard? Much has been taken for her family. Calaerien closed her eyes tightly, felt the salty tears burn and escape at the corners of her eyes. The waves of sadness and overwhelming anguish drowned her in a pool of sorrows.

"Do not trouble your heart…'

The whispers of her tree did little to ease the sadness in her heart. Calaerien dropped her sorrowful eyes, resisted the urge to weep. Defiantly she removed all thoughts of sorrow when the sun slowly inched above the horizon. A brilliant orange light pushed back the dark sky and with it, went the stars.

Calaerien scowled for the sunrise marked the start of her day and in other words, she would need to leave her favorite tree behind. As she leaned over the edge of the branch, she took a whiff of the morning dew before she dropped down from the high branch. The ground came fast but Calaerien landed perfectly on her bare feet. Calaerien collected her slippers that were wedged in a barrow, outlined by thick roots.

It was time for Calaerien to return to her duties. Before parting, she placed her hand on the tree and mentally promised, 'I'll return soon my friend'

'One can only hope…'

As the sun rose behind her, Calaerien disappeared through the archway into the grand halls of Thranduil. Upon her return to her chambers, her mother's absence caused a pang of apprehension. Erweth already has begun her day. Since Calaerien took the commission, they often missed each other by mere minutes, swept in the chaos of their duties. She sighed forlornly before snatching a small box that protected Lady Rivalel's order. The young elf hastily left her chambers.

Calaerien sauntered over the long arch pathways from one corner to another with the sun illuminated through the gaps in the cavern and shined across the vast home of the woodland elves. Few birds chirped, swayed in the air and bounded in and out of the cavern holes. The river beneath the grand kingdom of Mirkwood, rushed and echoed in its wake. The calming noise did nothing to ease Calaerien that morning.

Lady Rivalel's chamber loomed closer and the anticipation prickled Calaerien's skin from her neck to the tender ends of her limbs. Cradled in her arms, was the white box that was clenched tightly in her embrace as if it would break and shatter to the ground. Hours spent weaving delicate fabric with her own technique on the loom was no small feat. It was tedious work to maintain even texture on the sheets of fabrics. After the fabric was delivered to her room, Calaerien was in awe with the deep golden dye which allowed the dress to almost shimmer against the light. Then Calaerien carefully stitched the dress together with white trimmings. Designs of leaves stitched on the hem in a pattern that gave the dress an exquisite appeal.

It was her first masterpiece.

Calaerien swallowed the lump that gathered in her throat before she tapped the door with her knuckles. The echo sealed the enviable. Swooshing sound moved in rhythm and swayed closer behind the door. When the door opened, Calaerien almost faltered beneath her own anxiety but relaxed at the gentle smile of Airethiel. Airethiel widened the door, waved her hand in a gesture to enter. She greeted smoothly. "Lady Calaerien. I was told to expect this week. Please follow me."

Airethiel guided her guest through a deep arched threshold and into a vast sitting room. The familiar waterfall echoed rhythmically in the chamber. At the mouth of a gap in the cavern wall stood Lady Rivalel, overlooking a charming view of the late queen's garden. The garden walls led the eye toward the lake which cradled the human city of Laketown. She has her arms crossed over her chest, lost in thought while the crisp wind fiddled with her golden strand and the hem of her green dress.

"Thank you, Airethiel." Lady Rivalel dismissed the maid, in turn, broke the silence much to Calaerien's relief.

Calaerien noted Airethiel tilting her head out of respect before turning on her heel to continued her duties. Once Airethiel was out of sight with only the sounds of her feet scuffling, Lady Rivalel slowly turn her attention to Calaerien and offered a seductive smile. The deep hues in her icy blue eyes snapped to the white box in Calaerien's arms.

"… Calaerien." She utterly smoothly, her voice naturally sultry and approached Calaerien with a predatory sway in her step. "You are prudent…. I admire that."

The corners of Calaerien's lips twitched uneasily before she mustered a smile before she responded cautiously, "I hope I haven't broken your fast this morning."

Lady Rivalel gave a patronizing chuckle. A sort of sound that put Calaerien on the edge to the superior attitude Lady Rivalel carried. With a wave of a hand, she retorted pertly, "Perish the thought, young one. I have eagerly waited for you."

Calaerien stiffened involuntarily to the name 'young one' that was drenched in a condescending comment. She clenched her jaw for but a moment before she steered the conversation toward the reason for this visit, "I have completed what you asked for."

Delicately, as if it would break, Calaerien placed the white box on a stone table in front of the waterfall. Presenting it like a gift waiting to be opened. It was the moment Calaerien dreaded. Feared for the future of a place Calaerien so desperately wanted but was not prepared for the abrupt failure if Lady Rivalel drowned her name.

Lady Rivelel eyed the box greedily, as the eagerness swayed her to rip the lid off followed by a satisfied moan of victory. The elf pulled out the golden dress by the neckline, as the sunlight from behind glistened against shimmering gold. The dress unfolded before Lady Rivalel's eyes. Her fingers brushed the texture of the fabrics, feeling out the even threads before turning her eyes to the trimmings. The white trimming outline a daring neckline. The helm of the dress flowed to the floor with several layers of fabrics that train at the back. The sleeves were long and sheer with embellishing bands.

"I positively adore it." Lady Rivalel elated, her pleasing tone dismissed the anxiety in Calaerien's chest. The elf placed the dress over the chair, struggled to break her trance with the elegant gown. Lady Rivalel turned toward the raven-haired elf with an attractive grin before she gracefully approached a desk in the corner of her room. From a drawer, she pulled out a small sack and handed it Calaerien, "As promised. You have pleased me greatly. Perhaps I shall call upon you again, my dear."

"Thank you, my lady." Calaerien attempted a smile but Lady Rivalel's demeanor prickled her skin. She was a woman of great beauty but with secrets that possibly possessed the power to create large ripples in calm water. There was something brewing in her eyes, a calculating strategy that had yet revealed itself. It was then, Calaerien deemed her untrustworthy.

"I will see you soon, my dear." Lady Rivalel dismissed and with that, it concluded Calaerien's business with the elf.

Tauriel strode through the looming doors to Mirkwood with the prince at her side and behind the patrol. The two week-long watch on the borders had been shortened when a messenger sent a request… no demand from the King which bided Prince Legolas to return to his Halls. Tauriel made no comment when Prince Legolas ordered the patrol to swiftly return to Mirkwood but it annoyed her to be sent out and then abruptly called back. The Captain of the Guard wagered the King missed his son's company.

Under the cover of brewing clouds, the patrol dodged the evening storm. As the mammoth door closed behind them, Tauriel followed her company to the barrack. In an intricately carved carven, ladened with stone steps that reached to a lower platform was the barrack. A nearby waterfall in the crook of the prison quarter, rushed through tunnels before the current passed beside the barrack. A guarded door led to the armory filled with masterworks of elven weapons and armor.

"Curious to be requested back so soon, Mellon." Tauriel remarked quietly, secretly wondered if Legolas was peeved by the abrupt return. She strolled to a nearby table and to the empty spot on the bench.

"Aye, a short watch, it was," Legolas responded, he sat on the other side while the patrol broke into small groups and chattered in friendly conversation. The prince sighed in discontent and disclosed in a troubled voice, "The borders have been quiet as if late. I do not know if I should take comfort in that."

Tauriel placed her quiver on the table when a serving elleth snaked through the company and placed goblets of wine on the table for them. She sipped at the brim, reveled the taste of elven wine before she implied, "Evil simply does not dissipates, mellon. My heart tells me that it is festering."

Legolas gently settled the goblet on the table after a gulp as he tilted his head curiously and arched an eyebrow, indicated he wanted Tauriel to elaborate.

Tauriel pressed her advantage, leaned forward and whispered, "It will not end here Mellon. It will grow in the shadows…. I fear the day evil will reveal itself…"

"There has not been a darker power in these lands since the days of old." Legolas brushed off Tauriel's concerns when the same serving elloth placed a tray of fruits and cheese beside them. The prince picked at the food and chewed on the pieces of cheese.

"And you think it'll never happen again?" Tauriel countered, elicited Legolas's attention again before she hinted, "Do you believe there's nothing sinister behind the constant orc raids at our borders?"

Legolas leaned in, his eyes bore into Tauriel's before he confided, "You have reason to be concern, Tauriel. Any attack on our borders should be dealt with. We care our borders and our people will be safe."

Tauriel leaned back, frowned at the lack of support for her fears. She glared at the goblet in her hand and had a sudden change of heart. She gently pushed back the goblet before she rose from the bench. The Captain of the Guard bowed her head in respect before she announced, "Its been a long night, I shall retire for the night."

Legolas sipped his wine in thought and watched the defiant step in Tauriel's walk. He knew she was irritated. Her demeanor and air expressed what her face didn't. The Prince gave a troubled sigh that marked the strain of carrying the burden of his kingdom's safety and nudged the goblet away. When the serving elloth attempted to refill his goblet, Legolas waved his hand with a soft smile and rejected, "I thank you, but I'm done for the eve."

The serving elloth nodded and turned his attention to the other guards. Legolas frowned at the table, barely listened to the conversation behind him. His mind wheeled with thoughts of his conversation with Tauriel. Though he did not voice it, he feared there was a darker power brewing in the east.

The weeks past since Calaerien procured the gown for her first client, it sparked a flame. Hard work sculpted an aspiring stream dress with the name Calaerien wisp on many lips. Time yielded a heap of commissions from the elves of Mirkwood. Yet with all of her hard work, Calaerien's heart depressed to the price.

Upon the night of a feast celebrating the next season of summer, Calaerien offered to aid her mother in serving but, Erweth ushered her to the floor. Dressed in the gift her mother bestowed her on her five hundredth conception day. All elves, except a few guards, came to enjoy the festive occasion. Erweth believed her daughter needed to mingle with the people but her true hope lied with the possibility of an elloth basking in her presence. While Erweth attended to the King's table, she often glanced at her daughter.

Calaerien walked the edge of the crowd, her hair braided elegantly down her back as her eyes searched for her heart's desire. The shadows welcomed her as she moved around with ease, watched the dancing elves and even noted Lady Sylleth with her betrothal. She smiled at the dazzling display and left her slightly envy of their intimacy. Elves continued to move around the hall, then the people parted and revealed an image of Prince Legolas mingling with the people.

Calaerien paused, her heart clenched and a strange tingling sensation vibrated from her fea. The shy elf gathered her courage to approach the prince for a dance when something shimmering caught the corner of her eye. In the midst of laughter and joy, came forth Lady Rivalel clad in the golden dress. The gold jewelry adorned in her braided hair appeared almost liquid. It was impossible to not notice the stardust effect she carried in the crowd. The elf walked with poise, elicited the attention from many elloths even, to Calaerien's dismay, the Prince of Mirkwood.

Lady Rivalel approached the prince with her seductive smile before the prince led her to the dance floor.

Calaerien halted in the background, lost in the sound of music and laughter. Deep heartache and despair swirled together in a terrible mass as the two danced amongst the couples. Legolas's silvery hair meshed with Lady's Rivalel's golden mane. It was at the moment when Calaerien understood Rivalel's desire to entice. She was fair, possessed a skilled tongue of wit and charm. She gained influence and garnered favors from both admirers and authority figures. The gown was nothing more than the polish for a golden beauty. This was all a game, which Rivalel mastered and a skill that Calaerien found herself outmatched. At the back of Calaerien's mind, she suspected Lady Rivalel's grand price was the Prince of Mirkwood.

A sudden heartache shrouded her in a restless torment, which made her tremble. Not from cold or fear but a suffering pain. Though she knew her heart belonged to Legolas, but this unrequited emotion crippled her. Prince Legolas had never shown much interest in her and perhaps all he felt was friendship. She nourished a desperate love to be left with weakness and cold fingertips. Hundreds of years ago when Erweth began to fade after her father's death, Calaerien distinctively remembered how cold her mother felt.

Was it possible to fade from unreciprocated love?

Legolas was not her's to claim, nor will she guilt him into submission for the one-side love she felt. Calaerien struggled to breathe beneath the pain in her heart before she turned on her heels and fled into the night.

All awhile Erweth stood behind the king, filled with surprise and confusion about her daughter's abrupt departure.

Three nights past and Calaerien spurned all worrying questions from her mother about the feast. In truth, Calaerien couldn't form the word to explain the suffering in her heart. How could she express a feeling that is not reciprocated which would ultimately worry her mother or even worse, approach the prince about her predicament. The tender hearts of the elves were always cradled and protected. Falling tears and heartache were things that elves could scarcely bear. It almost destroyed her mother upon their arrival to Mirkwood.

Therefore, with a hardened heart, Calaerien kept those secrets of her heart locked while the light in her fea slowly dimmed.

Hours past, as Calaerien's deft fingers weaved fabric on her loom and ushered all thoughts away. She accepted new commissions from Rivalel's admirers. With a deep sigh, she glanced at the gap in the cavern walls that displayed the sun that was two hours away from setting. Calaerien pressed her cold hands over her temples and massaged the tender flesh. The ache in her heart was a pestering feeling that gnawed day and night.

A distant memory of her favorite tree consoling her torment heart flashed in her mind. Calaerien abruptly rose from the stool, her dress billowing around her ankles as she hastily left her chambers.

She found her way to the gardens, welcomed with birds singing to her presence. The young elf chuckled as the birds swooped down and wheeled around the hems of her dress before returning to the skies. The sun lured Calaerien across the bridge and in her line of view was her tree. Large and massive, crowned with deep green leaves after many years of growing under the sunlight. Then at the corner of her eyes, her heart stopped.

Calaerien paused, heart-stricken to the sight of him again. A bright fea out radiated the orange sunlight and silhouetted the figure of the Prince. The weariness in her heart from the feast dissipated and Calaerien couldn't deny the joy to see the prince again. Legolas, in question, stood on the edge of the garden. His shoulders rigid, the broody air emitted intensely which brought a concerned feeling to Calaerien's heart. Though he heard Calaerien's approach, Legolas did not move but rather kept his eyes pinned on the slopes below.

Calaerien heart palpated in her chest as she took several uncertain steps toward the Prince before she greeted in a timid voice, "Good Evening, my lord."

As if he was surprised, Legolas snapped his attention over his shoulder and his eyes soften to her appearance. Legolas offered a tilt of his head and retorted kindly, but his voice sounded tense, "Greetings, my lady."

The sideways glance of a stormy intensity brewed in his eyes as they lingered on her. The hidden apprehension in his gaze made Calaerien dread what could leave his lips. Calaerien cast a worried look before she approached and inquired, "Are you well?"

The longer his eyes stayed on her, the anxiety ferment in her chest. If only she could hear his thought. The prince turned away slowly, if not hauntingly, before he commented in a low tone, "As well as can be,"

"Oh…" Calaerien caught the dismissive tone in his voice before she added shyly, "I am sorry to have disturbed you, my lord."

Calaerien turned away forlorn when she felt a warm hand enclose over her exposed wrist and halted her movements. When she glanced at him questioningly, it surprised her to find deep abyss lost in his eyes that beckoned her to stay. His hand slipped off her wrist when he amended uncomfortably, "My lady.. forgive my melancholy."

He offered her a crooked smile, but Calaerien noted the strain in his attempts. The inescapable struggle the prince endured nearly broke from confinement. She knew he was being polite toward her out of duty. It was in his nature to kind. Calaerien came to stand beside him on the edge and ventured cautiously, "Are you concerned about the borders?"

Legolas reconnected his gaze with the young elf and commented smoothly, "I would not burden you with…. my duties."

"Are they not also mine?" Calaerien challenged, felt her heart stop to what her mouth said but stood her ground. She pushed softly, "Am I not part of this land. The concerns also lie upon my shoulders…"

The corners of Legolas's lips tilted up to Calaerien's swift retort and his own eyes glinted with mirth before he answered, "Safety of our people rests on my shoulders, not yours…so no, I would not burden such things on you."

Calaerien noted the inner sense of protectiveness lingering in Legolas's voice. protectiveness in Legolas's voice. Whether it was for her or not, she didn't know. The prince was determined to weather out the problems on his own. As stubborn as he was, Calaerien respected his decision. She bit her lower lip nervously about what she can do to aid her prince. Calaerien glanced at the tree behind, it was welcoming and place she went when she needed to untangle her thoughts.

"Would...Would you like to sit with me?" Calaerien asked, her voice nearly crippled beneath the timid thoughts in her head. "In the tree?"

Legolas, at first, was startled by the invitation given by a timid elf but when he looked over his shoulder at the tree that was her sanctuary, he nodded gratefully.

The corner of Calaerien's lip twitched, pleased that he agreed as she led him to the trunk. Her heart palpated, nearly jumped to her throat and when she approached the tree, it gave her satisfaction that he followed. Gently, she brushed her hand on the bark, 'Hello my friend.'

Legolas came beside her and mimicked her action. His hand nearly touching hers and when he turned his deep gaze at her, it nearly stopped Calaerien's heart.

'Welcome my raven beauty….. and you as well, Prince of Mirkwood.'

The eerie whispers of the tree sounded in her mind and her cheeks blushed to the nickname it called her. Legolas smiled, the dimples in his cheeks revealed themselves after being in remission. The prince voiced with mirth, "Raven beauty… It fits you."

His soft, deep tone took her by surprise and she might have choked on her own embarrassment but she enjoyed gazing freely into his eyes. For but a moment, the pain in her heart subsided and familiar fea sensation was graced on her. It was peaceful and warm. Before she could enjoy it long, Legolas turned away to crawl up the tree first. Then he disappeared into the mass of branches and leaves but she could still hear his heartbeat and the rustle of the leaves.

'Come my raven beauty, the stars will reveal themselves this night…'

The tree urged Calaerien who smiled willingly before she crawled up and hauled herself onto a branch on the opposite side of Legolas. They both leaned into the body of the tree, facing one another with their legs nearly touching. Legolas stared at the stars through the gaps in the leaves while Calaerien brushed her fingertips on the bark to ease the flushed feeling in her body. Legolas's bright fea was overwhelming at such proximity.

That troubled look returned to Legolas's face before he glanced back at Calaerien, struggling with an internal battle. Calaerien tilted her head in worry and wanted desperately to aid him in his plight but she learned swiftly to never push the prince. Or he'll dig his heels into the ground. This stubborn elf was more than she could ever hope for.

Legolas sighed before he looked away and altered his position to lean his back against the body of the tree and place his wrist on his bent knee. He finally broke his silence in a low voice and kept his eyes pinned on the texture of the tree bark, "A shadow of a threat grows in my mind."

Calaerien blinked in surprise, secretly pleased that he chose to confide in her. She wanted to be the person to steady him in his world of disarray and chaos. She whispered, "I see it concerns you greatly."

"My concerns taint my voice as of late." Legolas agreed and he reluctantly turned his attention to Calaerien who watched patiently, when he continued, "Long before you were born, a great evil took hold in these lands. Now I fear something festers in the forest. I… can no longer deny it. Can you feel it?"

Legolas arched an eyebrow in Calaerien's direction and earn himself a silent response. It only confirmed his suspicions. He repositioned himself with both of his legs hung over the edge of the branch again and gently grasped her hand. He guided her hand to the tree and pressed her hand firmly on the bark and urged, "Listen."

Calaerien eyes dazed out when the tree whispered, 'True, it is true, my raven beauty. Beware, beware of the evil, young one.'

She flushed to the truth that was hidden before her eyes. A dark hour neared with promise of destruction and sorrow like the stories of old. Fear crept from the pit of her stomach and swelled in her chest. She glanced at Legolas who watched closely for her reaction or perhaps he was testing her. She shivered to the thought that he was tormented by this truth. She inquired in confusion, "Why…Why does no one know of this?"

She watched in fascination as Legolas's face morphed into cautious one when he retorted firmly, "My father and I do not wish to concern the people."

There was a settle warning in his voice, a hint that was hidden between the line and reminded her to deny the desire to warn her people. Slowly Calaerien nodded in submission. Her hand slipped out beneath his, much to her dismay. Curiosity beckoned the question of why would the prince entrust her of this secret. Did he regard her as someone he trusted? Calaerien bit her lower lip before she implied in a whispered, "But you told me."

As Legolas stared up at the sky, the corner of his lip curved into a small smile, "Aye, I have yet to share my thoughts, not even with Tauriel."

Calaerien couldn't stop the satisfied smile on her lips. It made her heart swell with pride. She couldn't deny him anything. If Legolas only ever wanted friendship from her, she would gladly give it. Calaerien insinuated, "You needn't to stand alone."

"I suppose this is where I will find you if I am ever in need of your council. In your favorite tree." Legolas retorted with a soft chuckle that sounded teasingly and Calaerien cast a wary glance.

"You mock me?"

"Nay." Legolas chuckled to her serious face, "I speak true."

"Simply ask and you'll receive," Calaerien whispered the offer with a rosy hue on her cheeks and yearned herself a respectful nod from the prince.

Calaerien turned a helpless shade of rosy hues and smiled sheepishly at their intimate moment. The prince repositioned himself against the body of the tree, gazed at the sky through the gaps and inquired, "Will you tell me of your commission?"

The corners of her lips curved up easily before she answered, "Well, I weave my own fabrics, design gowns for several elleths."

Legolas cast her a glance and noticed Calaerien rubbing her knuckles subconsciously. As if she worked for hours and needed to feel the comfort of her thumb brushing over her skin, "I sometimes forget the talents of your hands. Lady Rivalel spoke of your talents."

Calaerien's heart sunk into pit in disappointment at the mention of her name. Even more so, from his lips. Do they spend time together when he walks these Halls? She nervously bit her lip as the thoughts swirled in her mind and her queasy. Reluctantly, she brought her eyes to Legolas who gazed at the stars. Although she was aware that she had no claim to him, a predatory feeling embedded deeply within her heart. An internal battle raged inside of her. If Lady Rivalel was his heart desire, then Calaerien would find contentment in his happiness.

"Is something amiss?" Legolas broke her train of thought.

Calaerien felt her face aflame with embarrassment and turned away hotly before she retorted stiffly, "Nay, my lord."

Her swift tone yearned her a sardonic eyebrow, "Aye, you're truly convincing."

Calaerien stilled in humiliation. She would not confess the twitch of envy in her heart caused by the Lady Rivalel nor would she burden the prince with her affection for him. The prince continued to stare, forced Calaerien to sputtered unintelligently, "I…I was thinking… of my father."

Guilt stabbed her heart but she truly couldn't confess the truth. Legolas shifted to angle his body toward Calaerien as he gave her his full attention, "Romonil?"

Calaerien kept her eyes away to shadow the truth from him. When she nodded, she fidgeting with her gown. "He was a skilled archer…" She finally glanced at Legolas and continued in a whisper, "Like you."

"That's is more than observation…." He preened to the compliment but knew she never witnessed him action.

Calaerien smiled faintly, a bite embarrassed, a bit unapologetic and pretended to enraptured in the grooves in the tree bark. She confessed, "Indeed, your skills are noted amongst the people with reverence, though I have never seen it myself for you travel much through the forest."

"Aye, there is no time to have in the yards…." Legolas admitted sadly, his tone drenched with regret. "It was my favorite place in my youth. A place to come as I was, free from obligations…. "

Familiar with that feeling, Calaerien smiled and inquired, even though she gathered the truth, "Is that truly your release?"

Legolas curved his attention to the young elf, offered a warm smile and replied, "Like the tree in the courtyard is yours."

Calaerien released a wistful sigh as she leaned back into the body of the tree and imagined the prince escaping life to practice his heart's desire. Wondered to the feeling of pulling back the string, the resistants of the bow and the feather brushing against the cheek. It must have been liberating. There was a silence between them, but it was a comfortable silence, one that allowed both of them to ease into the tree without a care in the world.

"Your father perfected my skills." Legolas offered casually, shattered the content silence between them but there was a hint of reverence in his tone.

The comment broke Calaerien out of her daydream as she cast a curious glance at the prince. She leaned up eagerly and pressed, "Truly?"

The tone of her voice almost begged for it to be true. Legolas smiled gently at Calaerien. It even saddened his heart that he knew her father longer than she, for she was but an elfling when he was struck down in the clearing. The ache for a parent never truly subsides, this is something he was familiar with. He added respectfully, "Your father was second to the former Guard captain for a reason. He was missed during the fifty years in Lothlorien and… yet, more so after his death."

Calaerien hung on his every word and soaked every piece of knowledge about her father. A shadow of a father that died too soon but lingered in her thoughts. Her heart burned to hear his voice, touch or see him again. Calaerien dropped her forlorn eyes down and inquired softly, "Did… did my father considered you friend?"

"Aye," The reply was below a whisper, it was difficult for Calaerien to hear. Legolas continued sadly, "He was a trustworthy companion on the patrols to the borders. Death is rare amongst our kind and sometimes grieve follows us to the end of time…"

Calaerien silently agreed. Half of her family was murdered that night. There were times when she believed she saw her father or uncle walking down the corridors but it was always an elloth who look like them. Regret filled her heart and Calaerien wished she hadn't mentioned her father.

Sensing her sorrow, Legolas straightened and inquired, "Calaerien?"

Calaerien kept her eyes away from the prince. The tears silently burned and brimmed to the corner of her eyes and threatened to cascade down her cheeks. She did not want him to see the pain that lingered in her eyes nor burn with guilt for sharing stories about her father. Therefore, once again, she adverted the conversation, "I've found the bow a worthy companion, though my hands know no such things. I wish my father was here to teach me."

He knitted his eyebrows together. "You do not possess the skill?"

Calaerien stiffened to the question, ashamed of the truth. Legolas quickly mended, " I meant not to offend you. I find it curious for many are trained with the bow for their own protection."

Calaerien pressed her lips together out of irritation before she responded bitterly, "Mother forbade me to learn such things. I suppose she fears I would walk to my father's fate."

"Aye, to learn any skill, you became a target." Legolas agreed softly before he pressed, "None of the less, it is vital."

"I agree, but none would train thee or gift me with such a boon. Not even Tauriel would face my mother's wrath." Calaerien elaborated, her voice drenched in a sour tone. There was no doubt that Calaerien loved her mother, but she was neglected of practical skills such as defending herself. When she finally looked to Legolas, she added, "My efforts would be in vain, you see?"

Legolas looked away deep in thought, troubled by what Calaerien confessed. He looked to the sky, debating cautiously. With a deep sigh, he uttered firmly, "I would not encourage any disobedience, but under the circumstances that ever a day should come, you would be powerless…. that alone would leave me disquiet."

"Would it?" Calaerien inquired before she could clamp her mouth.

"Aye, my people's wellbeing shall always be my priority," Legolas confessed, his tone strong in his belief and whether he noticed the double meaning in Calaerien's word, he made no indication.

Hope faltered in Calaerien's chest when she replied, "Oh…Of course."

Legolas grew quiet again, assessing before he curved his body toward Calaerien. The prince gave her a penetrative stare before he offered cautiously, "If my lady wishes it, I would teach you the bow."

"But my mother…," Calaerien mumbled before Legolas interrupted.

"I am aware of Erweth's wrath" Legolas disclosed gently, ceasing the worry on Calaerien's expression. He leaned forward and spoke with conviction, "and it would be a worthy price to pay for your safety."

Her lips parted in surprise. Calaerien was held prisoner to the deep stare that entranced her and for a but moment, she couldn't breathe. The sincerity in his voice caused her heart to melt. It more than kindness that Legolas offered. He was willing to face her mother's temper on her behalf. Calaerien suppressed a coy smile as she attempted to articulate softly, "That… would… please me greatly."

"So be it." Legolas smiled with a subtle nod and he declared in his princely voice, "Whilst I'm in the kingdom, I shall devote my time to train you and we'll remain in the cover of darkness under the starlight."

Calaerien's heart jumped eagerly, the light returned to her once dispirited face as she asked enthusiastically, "When do we start?"

"Tonight…" Legolas couldn't stop the impish smile on his face from her eager demeanor. "Meet me here when the moon is high."

"I shall be there."

To be continued...

Again sorry for my delay. Hopefully, you enjoyed this chapter!

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