Hello again!
I meant to have this chapter posted at the beginning of this whole COV-19 outbreak, but I struggled with my writing drive. So I do apologize. I am eager to finish this story but it'll be a while before the end. To all the essential workers reading this, THANK YOU for all you do. To everyone else, stay strong and thank you. I hope everyone is safe. This pandemic will pass!
Thank you, everyone, for your kind reviews. They made me feel warm and fuzzy inside.
Secrets of a Raven Beauty
News
TA 2740
The resistance was tantalizing.
Nothing but the arrow and the target existed in the yard. Everything was was irrelevant, a blurred vision to distract Calaerien. An owl hooted in the distance and bare witnessed to the raven beauty in the midst of tall grass, staring down the stake pole. Ocean blue eyes narrowed at the target, calculating her technique. The features brushed against her cheek, teasing her flesh. Calaerien breathed deeply, exhaled slowly before her fingers released the arrow. It whistled in the night and thud into the stake. The noise echoed in its wake with several birds fluttering into the dark sky. The raven beauty smiled smugly, pride swelled in her chest.
Six weeks past since Legolas began training her in the shadows from prying eyes. Every night under the cover of darkness they met in secret and every night, Calaerien improved. There was never a moment to get comfortable with a level, for every time, Calaerien was challenged. Under the watchful eye of the elven warrior, Legolas increased the difficulty. He either wanted Calaerien several feet back from the original starting line or move in a sprint to piece her target.
Calaerien glanced down at her hands that were once soft and smooth but now were rough. The weeks made Calaerien's mind sharper and her muscles tighter. However, the young elf was not fooled. She knew it would be years, if not centuries before her kin saw her anything above a novice. Their standards were steep and difficult to achieve with good reason. The constant attacks of spiders spawned from Ungoliant festered in the forest and raids of orcs chiseled those standards.
Calaerien sighed into the night, a wisp of cold air escaped her parted lips. On this night, under a cloudy and dark sky, Calaerien slowly curved her attention to the ancient tree. Its eagerness for her present always sent a warm feeling through her but in the crook of the trunk where Legolas and Calaerien often sat to converse, it was empty. She sighed deeply and looked up at the sky and wondered how the prince faired on the patrol to the borders.
Did he wonder how she fared with her training?
Her heart constricted painfully in worry. Death amongst her people was rare, but for Calaerien death was a constant ghost haunting in the back of her mind. She brought her eyes to the sky and narrowed on the obscured starlight through the dense dark clouds. Two people whom she loved traveled to the borders on the king's behest. All she wanted, a deep heart desire, was their safe return home.
His departure was but seven moons ago, in which, his absence left a void. A chasm cleft in her heart, for Legolas, held part of her Fea. She missed the dimples in his cheeks whenever he smiled, his humor and how he constantly pushed her to her limits, and mostly his bright fea. Even in his absence, Legolas urged Calaerien to continue to train….
"Do not cease to train in my absence." Legolas voiced seven nights ago, his tone grew firm as he hid a quiver in the midst of tall grass. He moved away from the tree and curved his attention to her, "This quiver comes from the armory. It has all you need for training."
"How long will you be on patrol?" Calaerien was hesitant to ask, her voice bashful, but refused to back down.
There was a secret smile on his lips when he responded, "Several weeks. Do not despair, Calaerien. You have some time to improve before my return."
The memory faded from Calaerien's mind as she returned to her current state. Her thumb brushed across the sleek texture of the bow. As beautiful as the weapon was, it wasn't comfortable as Legolas's bow. It felt tight and awkward in her hands but according to her prince, it'll do just fine.
She sighed before she took several steps back and pulled out another arrow from the quiver.
The hot sun blistered heat across the forest but Legolas never minded. Weather rarely affected his kin, only the younglings who haven't lived long enough felt such sensation. The patrol sprinted down a narrow path, outlined by pin-needle grass and led the way through the dreary forest. A deep scent of moss thickened the air. Legolas listened to the trees quivering and then vibrated with news.
Strangers come, young prince… they come….
On this journey, Legolas chose to clad himself in black armor with layers upon layers of crafted sheets which made a dragon scale pattern down his chest and arms. His silvery hair stood in contrast to his attire along with the two white knives strapped to his back and openly displayed. His deep stormy eyes peered through every crevice in the forest. Webs loomed above with no inhabitants. Spiders haven't returned in several weeks to claim the nest. Empty eggs hung lifelessly on a branch, only swinging when the crisp wind blew through.
Meanor led the way over a large, muscular tree that leaned heavily over one side of the river. Several of its branches dipped into the enchanted water as the current collected the leaves and took them downriver.
Tauriel took the back, always cautiously looking over her shoulder for any foul things lurking behind trees. But there was no sound to be heard. She sighed and followed her kin across the tree, easily balancing herself as she current rushed beneath her. Then a deep moan sounded and echoed. Tauriel came to halt on the tree. Her heart clenched with anticipated when she found two white elks down streams, sipping the cold water.
The buck snorted shook his head and connected its gaze with Tauriel. It sniffed the air, testing it while its ears flickered. Tauriel found the buck and doe to be memorizing and beautiful. They bask in the sunlight that pierced through the gaps in the trees before they scurried out of her eyesight. The small smile came to her lips before she leaped from the tree to the edge of the stream.
Legolas didn't know how much time past, but they neared the outskirts of the Mirkwood forest when sounds of cantering, carried by the crisp wind reached his ears. Swiftly he lifted his hand to silently halt his company and his companions paused to listen. The prince noted the wreath of alarm in their eyes and the tension swelled in the air.
Legolas signal the patrol to get into position. Silently, the elves scattered; some took refuge in the trees while others sunk into the shadows beneath the shrubs. All prepared their arrows, waiting to pounce on the unsuspecting intruders.
Legolas effortlessly climbed up the trees and knelt closely on a branch beside the body of the tree. The tree vibrant with anticipation beneath him and elicited Legolas to pull out his bow. Distance cantering echoed closer and closer, brewing suspense in his gut. His hand tightened on the shaft of the bow when three hooded riders galloped into his line of view.
The horses approached at a steading pace, kicked up mud in their wake. The leader of the small company slowed their advances by slowly reigning in the white mare and halted just feet away from the lurking Mirkwood elves. The three horses snorted disapprovingly and stamped their hooves anxiously. A black hood concealed the leader's face as the strange swayed the head side to side to observe their surroundings. The leader dismounted the horse as the boots sunk into the mud. A gloved hand ensnared the reigns firmly while the other hand unsheathed the long sword that was strapped to the belt.
The two companions tensed and drew their weapons when the leader whispered in a deep voice, "We're being watched."
"Aye, the horses are restlessly." One of the riders agreed.
Legolas's listened intently, confused by their demeanor. Most strangers who travel into Mirkwood were mostly on the defensive with eyes hunting for a wisp of a ghost lingering in the shadows. These three riders were composed and purposely staging themselves beneath his patrol.
Legolas's eyes narrowed, bided his time when the leader curved his hooded face up in Legolas's direction. Deep green eyes found the prince. The leader smirked smugly, clearly enjoying himself before the leader felt a cold knife on his jugular.
The leader blinked in genuine surprise.
Gaelira stood behind the leader, easily taking advantage of the stranger's distraction while in his moment ignorance and found the prince lingering in the tree. An easy diversion, a tactic developed by prince to capture their prey. Before the other two riders could react, the Mirkwood elves came out from the shrubs with arrows pointed at them. Tauriel remained planted on a tree branch, aiming at the leader as her eyes narrowed suspiciously.
'This was too easy,' Tauriel thought.
Gaelira allowed the tip of her blade to graze the leader's sensitive skin in a tantalizing taunt. Reminding the stranger that his life rest on the steady but sharp edge of her blade. Gaelira gripped his shoulder with her free hand before she brought her lips to his ear and whispered harshly, "Do not move, stranger."
"Drop your weapons, do not think we will not use ours." Legolas commanded and surprisingly his voice held a twitch of levity. The prince leaped from the branch and landed perfectly in the mud. He approach the leader until he was in front of him and one corner of Legolas's mouth curved in a smirk.
When the three riders did not do as commanded, Gaelira jerked the leader.
"Order them, stranger." Gaelira dictated as her voice developed with frustration. Her eyes never wavered from the concealed hooded figure, who slowly, but followed her orders. The leader used two of his fingers to signal his patrol to lower their weapons. Gaelira continued, "What business do three riders have in the forest?"
There was a silence before the leader curved his head slightly in her direction before he responded with admiration, "You are as sharp as ever, Gaelira."
Gaelira blinked in surprise, drenched in shock before her heart constricted almost painfully. She recognized that voice. At the angle of his head, Gaelira recognized the shape of his chin. The warrior breathed heavily with anticipation before she pulled back his cowl and revealed a charming elloth.
The elloth in question, smirked at her surprised expression as he turned to face her. The corners of his lips curved more wickedly and obviously pleased with himself. He had deep green eyes outlined by a barrier of thick eyelashes. Honey-colored hair styled like the Mirkwood elves and stretched down his back. He was a full head tall than Gaelira with an attractive aura to his demeanor.
"Filvendor?" She whispered, almost feared her voice would shatter whatever dream she might be experiencing. Her heart squeezed as he smiled lovingly at her before Gaelira lunged into his embrace.
"You horrible wrench." Gaelira muffled a trembling voice into his cloak and chuckled at his antics.
Filvendor lost his gloved hand in her thick locks and inhaled her familiar scent of the forest. It brought back memories of Gaelira in her youth, basking in the trees and sunlight when his home was still called Greenwood. Filvendor pressed a kiss on her forehead before he pulled away from her iron-tight embrace.
Legolas approached the couple, clearly enjoyed their reunion before he offered Filvendor a smirk and gestured respectfully in an elven manner.
"Filvendor, welcome home. My old friend." Legolas greeted kindly as Filvendor took a step forward and clasped his hand over Legolas's elbow. Legolas nodded as the elves surrounding them relaxed and sheath their weapons. The two riders pulled back their hoods. "You could have easily revealed yourself."
Filvendor smiled impishly, "Where would the fun be in that, my prince? You clearly knew I was no ordinary stranger…."
Filvendor countered, his voice suggestive and earned a wicked smirk from the Prince. Legolas responded, "Indeed. It was all in fun, my old friend."
The two leaders melted into a companionship conversation when Gaelira interrupted, "What brings you back, my love? You were not due to return for another thirty years…."
Filvendor cocked an eyebrow at her before he responded lightheartedly. "Is a hundred years not long enough to bring me to my mate, beloved?"
Gaelira smiled, loved how his green eyes absorbed every inch of her before she replied in a whisper, "It was too long."
A wisp of a smile formed on his lips, pleased by her answer before he turned his attention to his prince. The levity demeanor dissipated to reveal a solemn expression before Filvendor implored in all seriousness, "My lord, please, take me to the king. He has bided for my return but I have news for him."
Legolas arched an eyebrow in question, as a tingle of suspense shot through his core. Knowledge of his father's spy returning to Mirkwood was never whispered to him. It was kept under tight lock, which only made Legolas anxious. To unravel this mystery was Legolas's only focus.
The prince nodded respectfully before he articulated, "Of course. My patrol and I will escort you to my father's throne."
The days past with a growing urgency as Legolas stewed in interest. Along with the travel back to the kingdom, Filvendor spent his time conversing with his mate, who in return, was all too willing to ensnare his attention. Legolas's mind wondered about the hardship of their distant relationship. Filvendor spent his time collecting intel on the world's activity and returns every several decades for a short time. Never before had Legolas taken an interest in a couple's partnership but he found himself curious. As he took the back of the company, he watched Filvendor guide his horse by the reigns while he held Gaelira's free hand. He noted Gaelira's warm smile as her eyes lit up when she informed Filvendor the latest news about their children and grandchild.
"Lamruil has taken an interest in smithing. He received an apprenticeship four years ago. Our daughter is very proud of him." Gaelira continued in her lighthearted tone.
"Perhaps he'll make his grandfather a worthy weapon in the years to come." Filvendor smiled impishly, but there was truth to his comment which only earned him a proud grin from Gaelira.
Legolas withdrew from their conversation and found himself forlorn by their relationship. A bewildering feeling that had Legolas shaking his head before he returned his attention to the forest and listened for anything foul in the distance.
Several days later, the patrol escorted Filvendor and his company to Mirkwood. The massive doors whine in protest and thud loudly when the doors closed behind them. The deep cavern welcomed the company with rays of light streaming in from gaps above. The patrol split, leaving Gaelira hesitant to part from Filvendor after a brief time with him but her presence would not be welcomed upon Filvendor's conference with the king. Filvendor offered his mate a smile, a promise to find her afterward. He turned away from Gaelira and followed his prince through the cavern. Most of the patrol retreated to the barrack while Legolas and Tauriel guided their guest to the throne. They crossed the narrow bridge, captured the attention of several elves from the gathering platform from below.
Legolas was the first to enter the throne dias followed by Filvendor. Above the twisted staircase and the lavishing throne, sat the regal King Thandriul. The king in question, slowly rose from his throne and approached the edge of the elevated platform. Patiently, he waited for his guest to stand before him before he greeted in his deep tone, "Welcome Filvendor. I trust your return was swift and untainted."
Filvendor took a step forward bowed his head, followed by his hand sweeping across his chest and responded respectfully, "Many thanks, my king. The return was hastened with important news."
Thranduil cocked a delicate eyebrow to the suspense before he slowly stepped down the twined throne and came to stand in front of Filvendor. The king ordered, "Come. We shall discuss further away from prying ears."
The king's movements were fluid but swift as he strolled to his private study. Guards posted on either side opened the door widely and bowed their heads at their king. Thranduil did not wait for the others to quickly follow in pursuit. However, it was never wise to keep their King waiting.
Once Tauriel crossed the threshold, the doors closed behind her followed by a thud. Locked in a secluded place from the wondering minds of those who dare to listen in. The king had an uncanny ability to weed out anyone who violated the King's private affairs. He had eyes and ears everywhere in the kingdom and even Tauriel, as clever as she was, never knew who was the King's secret spies. It was no secret that the King was secretive and slow to trust along with wrath brewed by ill-tempered ways if crossed on the King's bad side.
King Thranduil stood in front of his desk which possessed a pitch full of dark wine and parchment documents neatly organized. Behind the desk, Tauriel's eyes found her Aunt Erweth who poured a goblet of wine before she offered it to the King. Erweth in question, glanced at Tauriel with a loving smile before she retreated into the shadows behind the desk.
One of the few elves the King trusted.
Tauriel stood beside Legolas who was eager to understand why Filvendor was ordered to return.
King Thranduil sipped his wine before he set the goblet on the desk and turned to Filvendor. He clasped his large hands behind his back and strolled in front of Filvendor. He uttered in a deep tone, "You have my undivided attention."
Tauriel almost shivered to the deep stare that Thranduil possessed. It brought back memories of her arrival to Mirkwood and how penetrative and overpowering his undivided gaze was. It only made Tauriel pity Filvendor but spy appeared to be unfaltered by their king's imposing stare.
"Several moons ago, my company and I traveled the outskirts of Eriador…" Filvendor began, his voice serious and grim as the King began to pace but listened intently, "The orcs of the Misty Mountains grew bold and invaded Eriador.
Legolas snapped his attention to Filvendor, his eyes widened with shock. The prince did not expect the news to be as dire as it was. He felt tension pressing down on his chest before he glanced at Tauriel who shared her own trouble glance.
"I see," Thranduil answered after a moment, his voice was emotionless. He sipped his goblet again before he retorted, "A daring act by those who were responsible for Isildur's death."
Legolas noted the stony expression on his father's face but underneath that guarded face, he suspected a deep of alarm swirling in his father's mind. It appeared the orcs were not only growing bolder around Mirkwood but also in other lands.
"Rangers of the North fight alongside the sons of Elrond," Filvendor claimed, his voice grew darker and intense.
Legolas's eyebrows furrowed in concern before he took an eager step forward and declared with conviction, "We should offer help to the sons of Elrond, father. I am willing to travel and offer my aid."
Thranduil kept his back to the company while he sipped his goblet before he turned slowly and focused his hard gaze on his son. The king knew of Legolas's long friendship with the sons of Elrond and despite the worry light in Legolas's eyes, Thranduil uttered, "All will remain in this kingdom to protect our people."
The disappointment came as a cold and hard shattering knot twisting in the pit of his stomach. Legolas clenched his jaw and his hands fastened into a tight fist at his side. The bitter realization that the sons of Elrond would not hesitate to offer aid when yet, his own father sought to retreat into the shadows. The prince hasty step back in line, consumed by drowning in regret to argue further.
Thranduil noted his son's rigid body pent with fuming fury.
The king turned away and gazed heavily at the desk before him. The furniture was ladened with multiple reports, burdened with the dark activities and pressed against Thranduil's consciousness. Hundreds of elves depend and look to him as King and overseer of their safety. Slowly the king turned and with a deep voice, he uttered, "This news will strengthen us. For this, double our watch on the borders. A daring act will not break our lines."
A muddle response of "My king", reach Thranduil's ears before the king looked to Filvendor. "Go and be with your kin before you return to the world in a couple of days."
Filvendor nodded graciously and retort kindly, "Thank you, my king."
Calaerien snipped her newly weaved fabric from her loom. It billowed to the floor before she collected it. Her mind continuously returned to the prince and wondered if he was safe. Her heart ached in his wake. The raven beauty shook her head before she took several pieces of fabric and shoved them into the burlap sack. Frustration clouded her mind as she hauled the sack over her shoulder and left her chambers for the washroom.
Legolas and Thranduil returned to the throne after both Filvendor and Tauriel left their company. The young prince remained rigid, his teeth clenched and paused emotionless before the twined throne. His pent fury radiated until the King could almost touch the heat. Thranduil came around his son, walked elegantly until he stood before Legolas. The prince's eyes darkened with frustration and brewed intensely when his father glanced at him.
"You are not pleased with my decision?" It was not a question but a blunt statement that only flared Legolas's seething emotion.
Legolas curved his cold stare away from his father in a grimace but retorted truthfully, "No.."
"This kingdom shall endure as it always has and always be, my son." The king implored authoritatively, his voice deep but not intense. A hint of a fatherly tone crept in his voice as Thranduil approached the edge of the platform. The king watched his people move with ease in the gathering halls and Thranduil continued, "It is my burden as a ruler to decipher which choice to make. I know of war's ruin and destruction. Its impact and aftermath..."
Legolas came to his king's side and followed his father's gaze to the people who live a life away from the burden and shadows of what lingers beyond the borders. The elves below met in gladness and traded items. Some sang songs while birds chirped to the melody. The people did not carry troubles on their hearts for the King and selected a few others choose to carry it for them.
"As such, this responsibility will be yours in time." King Thranduil uttered, shattered Legolas's deep thought. "When the weight of a kingdom rests upon your shoulders, shall you needlessly throw them into the pits of war? To be king is not only making decisions for your people but living with the consequences of the actions of your choices. You will carry burdens of your choices, my son. Make your choices wisely."
Legolas fell silent as his heart hardened. The crown loomed over his head, taunted him and burdened his mind with endless thoughts. Thranduil continued, "Also, we'll need to discuss your future queen. A wise queen will benefit this kingdom."
Legolas froze in shock to the change of subject, curved his sharp eyes to his father. The discussion of a queen has been brought up each century since his thousandth year. The young prince sighed deeply, his father's way of weaving the dreaded conversation has evidently aggravated Legolas. It was no secret that there will be a time for him to sit in power. Legolas reluctantly swayed his attention to the looming throne. A deep knife twisted in his gut, produced a sense of dread. Then, there was the panic of the future queen… His future queen.
Legolas sighed and glanced away forlorn. "I have not found the future queen."
Thranduil cocked an eyebrow in disbelief before he iterated suggestively, "Is Lady Rivalel not a proper candidate?"
Legolas slowly turned to his father who slowly returned to his throne and left her name to dangle in the air. Lost in his own thoughts, Legolas turned his eyes back on his people and watched their smooth movements. Lady Rivalel lingered on edges of his mind and he attempted to restrain from thinking of her but, the thoughts of her gripped him. A lovely and influential elleth who would proudly stand at his side upon the throne. She has sat at the king's table on a few occasions and tantalizing Legolas into a conversation, eager for his attention. It wasn't hard for Legolas to guess that Lady Rivalel was the king's choice for him.
He sighed, conflicted with emotions swelling in his chest and hoped by watching his people, he'll push any thoughts of the future queen away. Then at the corner of his eyes, an elleth caught his attention. A head full of raven hair contrasted against a light blue gown that hugged her waist. Long sleeves waved to every movement she made.
Calaerien
He watched her snake through the people hesitantly, almost frightened to touch any in her path. His eyebrows knitted together in thought as he never realized how much she stood out from his people. Even though she was amongst her kind, Calaerien was in fact different. Unlike the others who blended together like water flowing in a current, Calaerien went against it. Her every action was reframed from attracting attention but she did quite the opposite. The nature of her shyness suddenly seemed more obvious than before because she did not blend. Over the last few weeks, Legolas spend almost every night with her and was aware of her boundaries and what laid dormant within her. Once the spark turned to flame, Calaerien was the boulder against the stream.
Legolas scarcely heard the footsteps of others that came to the King's throne. The prince glanced over his shoulder to find the king's advisor Sarnor and his son Olithir approaching the king. In the crook of Sarnor's arm, were parchment documents. Another meeting revolving finances and business with Laketown. Legolas glanced back at the Gathering Hall and noticed Calaerien intended to leave the platform toward the path for the west wing.
The prince curved his attention to his father who watched his son with interest and listened to his advisors muttering about business transactions. Legolas gave a slight bow before he insisted, "Forgive me father and Sarnor and Olithir, I should leave you to return to my duties."
Both Sarnor and Olithir gave the prince a surprised look since he often participated in these meetings when he roamed the king's halls. Although, neither objected or commented on the matter.
"Of course, my son." The king articulated in his deep voice. The prince made long strides to the narrow bridge before the king uttered, "Be sure to think about what we discussed…"
Legolas paused before the bridge, turned to his father followed by a bow which indicated he'll do as his father commanded. The prince turned on his heel and retreated from his father's penetrative eyes.
Calaerien sighed in dismay as she hauled a burlap sack over her shoulder. Bland fabrics defiantly slip over the overstuffed bag. Suppose it was in fact, Calaerien's fault. She spent more time practicing archery, rather than attending to her duties. Therefore, her fabrics have not been properly dyed in a timely fashion and ultimately left her with a large load to handle. Calaerien strolled over the narrow bridge connecting to the west wing and once she landed on the other platform, her fabric glided out and tumbled to the stone floor.
Calaerien inhaled deeply to suppress her aggravated emotions and knelt to the floor when she heard, "I'm surprised to see you in these halls as of late."
Calaerien felt her heart constrict to the sound of that voice as she glanced up and found the prince. She was first jovial to see his presence then, became irritated with herself for not hearing his approach. He was clad in his dark armor with his quiver of bow and arrows latched to his back. There was a settle strain in his eyes but slowly faded away when he smiled at her. The raven beauty returned the smile shyly while she continued to force her fabric into the burlap sack.
"As I am surprised to see you in these halls as of late," Calaerien countered quickly before she lost her voice while being pulled into those deep blue eyes.
"Your hands are always working." Legolas complimented in a jest and Calaerien felt a shade of pink on her cheeks before the prince knelt down beside her. "Here, allow me."
Legolas took the fabric from Calaerien's hands and gently rolled it into a tight bundle. Calaerien leaned back on her calves, watched his strong hands handle her fabric with such care. It pleased her that he was willing to help her yet again, but Calaerien suddenly grew worried and whispered urgently, "You shouldn't be on the ground. You're the prince."
Legolas chuckled and shoved the fabric into the burlap sack with ease, "What a scandalous notion."
The prince smiled impishly, which lured his dimples to reveal themselves. Calaerien couldn't help but chuckle in response as she followed his movements and rose from the ground. Legolas held the burlap sack before graciously handed the bag to her. Their hands touched briefly when Calaerien took the sack.
"I expected you to be on the borders for several weeks." Calaerien kept her voice low, but couldn't help the curiosity brewing in her chest.
"A sudden change of plans," Legolas noted, his voice grew tense.
Calaerien arched an eyebrow, concerned by his darkened expression. When she turned away, she bit her lip. As she stood before the prince, she shifted side to side, uncertain of what to say. By the looks of it, neither did the prince. Calaerien glanced down at her bundle of fabrics in the burlap sack before she returned her gaze to him.
Calaerien began in uncertainty, "Its for commissions, fabrics that are in need of dye…."
Legolas looked from Calaerien to the fabric and then back to Calaerien. The prince insulated, "I see. Would you like company?"
Then a small smile developed on Calaerien's lips and she retorted kindly, "That would please me, my lord."
Legolas returned the smile before he waved his hand to the side, gesture Calaerien to lead the way. As they fell into an easy pace, neither too eager for the destination, Calaerien occasionally glanced shyly up at the prince.
"You've returned sooner than expected… " She began again, her heart pounding in her chest before she whispered for only his ears, "I've not improved since the last time."
Legolas understood the meaning of her statement before he smirked impishly and glanced down at her before he uttered suggestively, "Do not fret. I'll ensure you'll improve."
Calaerien chuckled to the promise. She could only imagine how much the prince enjoys pushing her boundaries. Though, she enjoyed him probing her boundaries too. She glanced up at the prince from the corner of her eye, and inquired, "What brought you back so soon?"
Calaerien watched in fascination as Legolas's demeanor altered in seconds. A guard cascaded down his face with tension and his once relaxed body stiffened with anxiety. It made Calaerien immediately regretted her curious nature. She wanted to apologize by Legolas swiftly answered in a tight tone, "It was the King's command."
Calaerien heard the settle bitterness in the prince tone, and as much as she wished to know more, this was not the time or place. If only she could smooth his concerns away.
"Please, distract me." The prince suddenly said, his bitterness brimmed to the surface. It brought a confused look on Calaerien's face but she obliged willingly.
"Well, I have three new commissions from interested parties." Calaerien started with a nonchalant voice and continued babble, "Though I do not know if my work would ever be worthy of Lady Escaries's apprenticeship…."
"You do not trust the worth of your hands?" Legolas suddenly interrupted her rabble.
Calaerien glanced at Legolas, surprised by his question. The raven beauty became nervous and unsure of how to answer without discrediting herself. However, she wished to keep their conversations open and truthful. Calaerien exhaled before she retorted with little confidence, "I don't trust the experience I have beneath my belt. It seems my age would be my undoing."
Calaerien returned her eyes to Legolas and found an impish smile forming on his lips. Before he said anything, Calaerien narrowed her eyes suspiciously before she utter firmly, "No, you may not call me that nickname."
Legolas smiled wider and as if she could read his mind, Calaerien continued.
"Nor the other one." Calaerien's voice deepened with the command and her eyes warned him with the repercussions.
Legolas chuckled deeply, his dimples perturbed from his cheeks in good humor. Any previous tension in his body melted away as he basked in Calaerien's company. He added with a mild tone, "My lady… must you remove all my fun?"
Calaerien's eyes narrowed playfully followed by her own smirk and hinted nonchalantly, "If only I get to call you 'ancient one'."
"I'll take that as a vote of confidence for a 'no'." Legolas summarized, his voice filled with humor.
The hall slowly came to an end, as the washroom entrance approached with a light from within illuminated across their faces. Calaerien felt her time with Legolas would be over before she was ready for it to be. She felt his eyes and when she turned to him, she noted Legolas wanted to say something. She arched an eyebrow as Legolas grew restless.
"Thank you... my lady," Legolas commented in a low tone, but it was filled with sincerity.
Calaerien led them to a halt as she tilted her head ever so slightly to the side. She inquired in bewilderment, "Thank you for what?"
"For…." Legolas slowly lost his train of thought as those ocean eyes stared in wonderment at him and waited for a response. A prickle of an unfamiliar affection grew in the pit of his stomach. It swept him and left him bewildered by the strange emotion. Legolas slowly offered a small smile and answered, "For being a friend."
Calaerien was wrapped in a daze of shock. It was a fragile feeling.
"I shall part from you until next time," Legolas concluded their time together. It wasn't until he took a step back when she realized how close he stood next to her.
"Until next time," Calaerien repeated, reluctant to move away but forced her legs to walk past the threshold and into the washroom.
She turned her attention over her shoulder at the Prince who remained steadfast on the other side of the door. His eyes followed her every move. Calaerien offered a smile before she moved out of his line of view. Though her heart ached more, Calaerien was grateful for his friendship.
To be continued...
I hope the wait was worth it! Thank you for your patience!
Comments below:
MoonStars: Thank you. I am glad you're enjoying this story. It means a lot that you think it's flowing and about developing the characters. I really focused on that. Thanks again!
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City-of-Dimes: Thank you for sticking with me since the beginning! It's going to be a precious moment for me too.
Makanie: Thank you!
OneWhoReadsTooMuch: Calaerien is a sweet character, I enjoy developing her. I'm glad I didn't turn her into a fawning girl! I wanted her to be a sweet/shy character pursuing her own dreams and have a love for Legolas.
Thank you to all the guests!
I hope to hear from you all soon. Stay safe!