A/N: I am terribly sorry for my long delay. These past several months have been extremely stressful. I've barely got sleep, maybe one or two hours. Therefore I had no creative juices. Now I am on break from my stressful reality for the holidays! So I'm hoping to get several chapters updated. Wish me luck!
P.S. I've answered the reviews from the previous chapters at the end. :)
Thank you so much for your patience!
Secrets of a Raven Beauty
More Questions than Answers
TA 2769
How does one ignore the burden of memories in a place where they are abundant?
Shadows and ghosts from a time of gladness lurked in the tall trees of Lothlorien. Erweth stood on the balcony of her former talon. Empty and quiet. The threshold was only several feet away and yet, felt as if it was miles apart. Since she arrived at her birthplace, Erweth diligently avoided the talon. And yet, here she stood alone against the tidal wave of emotion. What lured her to the talon…. Erweth had no words to answer. Like a lost child, she wondered through Lothlorien until she stood in front of the entryway. Welcomed by the exquisitely designed talon shrouded in darkness with little bits of light streaming in from the open windows. No candle or life habited the place since they've departed hundreds of years ago.
It was precisely how she left it years ago. Untouched and untainted by time. The desolate talon reeked of an eerie emotion.
Standing before the talon brought a wave of weariness, despair, and… even felt nauseated. This place held power over her heart and mind. A power she could not comprehend. The wisp of memories played before her weary eyes slowly drowning her heart in misery. Every rustle of the leaves from the canopy of trees remained her of little Calaerien climbing to the highest branch. Elloths with dark hair allowed Erweth fleeting hope it would be Romonil. The smell of cinnamon and tea elicited the memories of Hinnoron and Aeril.
Erweth grasped the rail like it was her lifeline. If she didn't know any better, the skin of her knuckles shifted white. Slowly she turned away under the weight of the crippling pain throbbing in her chest. The older elleth sighed deeply, felt ridges of a knife sawing through the tender flesh of her heart. Lost in her own sorrow, Erweth struggled against the tide. Struggled to hold on to anything real to ground her in this world. But each year, each day, Erweth found the burden of living challenging than her battle against sorrow.
"My lady?"
A voice shattered the storm and all simply stopped.
Erweth blinked her eyes, bewildered by the rush of emotion. She found herself bend and almost broken by the rail. Her face contorted. It must have been a strange sight. With a hard swallow, Erweth gathered her bearing and straightened herself.
"Are you well, my lady?" Standing before her was a slivery haired elleth of refined features who now serves Lady Galadriel. Her posture radiated with self-respect and a strong mind. Despite her polished demeanor, her voice suggested concern. She inquired, "Shall I call for a healer?"
"No Laineth…" Erweth barely whispered her voice sound grave. With as much dignity she could muster, Erweth tucked a loose strand behind her pointed ear and tilted her chin up, "That would not be necessary, but I thank you."
Laineth offered an unconvinced nod but chose not to push the matter. The silvered hair elf was twice Erweth's age but accepted the lady in waiting position while she hailed in Rivendell. Thus traveled to Lothlorien with the lovely Arwen, Daughter of Elrond. Since Laineth's time in Rivendell, she learned swiftly of the stubbornness of elves.
Laineth proclaimed, "As you wish. My lady requests your presence before the night's end."
Erweth gave a sigh of relief after a long wait to gaze upon her lady again. It was prudent for elves to be patient with the lady. After serving her personally, Erweth knew Lady Galadriel always worked with reason. Erweth returned her gaze to Laineth and gave a respectful nod followed by her answer, "Of course. Thank you Lady Laineth."
Laineth nodded in return before she flashed Erweth a fleeting worried glance and then, she turned away to retreat to her duties.
Once she was left alone on the talon, Erweth refused to gaze upon her home for only pain and despaired waited for her. Erweth glanced up to the sky through the canopy of trees. The rosy hue color in the clouds announced the sky would soon be setting. After many years of longing for Lothlorien, Erweth yearned to return home to Mirkwood. Only a defeat sigh announced her descend from the tree toward the stone steps to Lady Galadriel's domain.
The past weeks since Erweth departure for Lothlorien have been nothing short of dull. Her absences left the kingdom yearning for her return. Calaerien knew her mother obtained a rare and bright fea that transients to the hearts of others. Her mere presence calms the restless, her smile softens stone hearts and her kindness leaves an imprint on all those she was in contact with. These are abilities that Calaerien yearned to gain. Instead, Calaerien gave shy a new meaning: Lingering in the shadows. Calaerien was easily overlooked due to her timid nature. Since the dance, elves greeted her and desired her attention. A feeling which she was not accustomed to, but slowly learned to appreciate their awareness.
It was the late evening after Calaerien weaved together fabric for her next commission. More orders on parchment paper arrive at her room, requesting a similar dress to what she wore for the previous festival. She sat in the crook of her favorite tree as the sun slowly descended at the edge of the world, taking with it the warm red horizon. Her feet tucked beneath her and she balanced herself perfectly. The crisp wind determinedly tugged the hem of her skirt against her legs. In her grasp, Calaerien read the letter her mother sent.
It was the second letter.
Her eyes swallowed each word, easing the anxiety that continuously brews in the pit of her stomach. There was a sense of peace knowing her mother was safe miles away. As she brought her attention to the sky, she noted the starlight twinkling above. Though she was several hundred years old, the separation elicited basins of despair to drown her heart. Calaerien truly detested the far stretch between herself and her loved ones. To some degree, Calaerien knew she had an emotional attachment that crippled her when all is lost.
The knowledge of evil brewing in the lands gave Calaerien pause. Her only hope was for her mother to return safely home.
'You worry much, my raven beauty…'
The voice of the tree entered her mind which only earned a bitter and small smile on her face. Gently, Calaerien placed her hand on the bark, loving the rough texture beneath her skin. 'Aye, I know my friend.'
'Do not trouble your young heart.'
Calaerien released a suppressed chuckle. As if she had any control over her heart. Sometimes, Calaerien believed it had a mind of its own. Especially when she felt nothing but pouring devotion for the Prince of Mirkwood. The mere thought of him brought an image of his smile and those dimples to her mind. It only bred a dreamy grin on her hopeless face. She wondered how he faired on the border with her cousin. Shortly after the last festival, Legolas was sent to the borders and has remained there since.
Her mind shifted to the evil that desired a foothold in the world. A thought that made her mouth dry. She couldn't help but beg the question, 'What do you sense beyond our borders?'
'An old, foul stench of evil. It lurks like a wolf in the shadows. Beware, my raven beauty. Not all is as it seems…'
Calaerien felt bewildered by the warning when an involuntarily shiver cascaded down her spine. Goosebumps bred across her arms. An odd and unfamiliar sensation that Calaerien was not accustomed to. When she inquired for further information, she sensed her favorite tree submit to silence and lain dormant, as if to avoid foul conversation.
'My friend, where did thee disappeared too?' Calaerien inquired but only silence filled the cold air. She sighed unsatisfied and a little affront by her favorite tree's behavior. The elleth shook her head disapprovingly before she slid from the crook and landed perfectly on her feet. Before she departed, she placed her hand on the trunk, 'I will return soon, my friend.'
Silence…
Calaerien's hand fell from the trunk in defeat before she went to the yard to practice her archery.
When morning came, Calaerien released her last arrow before dawn broke over the sky. The arrowhead thud eerily against the stake with absolute perfection. The tiniest smile tugged on the corners of her lips when Legolas's voice came to her mind, 'Never believe you've perfected anything, pride will always steal your victory.'
Calaerien sighed to the faint voice of the prince, warning her of developing an ego. It will be anyone's downfall. The elleth strolled toward the ancient tree and sat beside the roots. The birds chirped, awaking the forest for another day. Calaerien eyed the morning sky as the sun rose from the horizon. She inhaled the scent of the dew, wildlife, and everything in nature.
It was a Monday which only bred a sense of apprehension. Since the departure of her mother, King Thranduil insisted… no demanded in his regal manner… that she serve him every Monday the red wine. The explanation was to share the duties in Erweth's absence. However, Calaerien felt there was a deeper truth which only elicited a variety of reasons in Calaerien's imagination.
With a sigh, Calaerien farewelled the ancient tree and sought the King's office to perform her morning duties.
In the corner of the well-designed room, stood Calaerien cradling a pitcher of the king's favorite wine. The sweet and yet dry flavor tickled her sense of smell. It was, however, much too strong for her taste. Memories of dropping wine on the king's desk only brewed a slight wave of embarrassment. Calaerien was truly not maidservant material. When she glanced down at her raven hair that sprawled across her chest, she noted dried leaves in her locks. The heat came to her cheek and was determined to remove them.
The soft crackle sounds from the leaves elicit a sharp and unwelcome gaze from the King. He curved his attention over his shoulder to the intruding sound. The king despised distractions especially from over his shoulder. Those icy blue eyes narrowed suspiciously on Calaerien.
At that moment, Calaerien kept her timid gaze away. She unintentionally drew the eyes of a skilled hunter. It earned her a frown from his superior face as he returned to his paperwork. When the heavy gaze of the king shifted elsewhere, the young elleth sighed in deep relief and her tense muscles relaxed. Her eyes flickered to the goblet as the King took a single sip. The day moved unbearably slow and she internally groaned.
"Do tell me, young one." The King shattered the silence with his deep, and authoritative voice. It forced Calaerien to straighten and provide the king with her full attention. Without ever offering the elleth a glance, he interrogated, "Where do you see yourself in the years to come?"
Calaerien blinked in surprise by such a question. In all her years here, King Thranduil never took interest in her personal plans. It completely left her unbalanced, She hesitated but responded with uncertainty, "Here, my king."
The king slowly brought the goblet of wine to his mouth again. Antagonizing slowly, which only made Calaerien uncomfortable to what may be ticking in the king's mind. King Thranduil inquired, "Do you see yourself bonded with an elloth?"
Calaerien blanched to the question followed by a river of heat rising on her cheek. It was beyond embarrassing than when Erweth explained, in detail, the act of mating. "I…" Calaerien struggled to even muster a sentence. "I'm not sure, my king."
"Indeed?" King Thranduil stacked his finished paperwork and laid them at the corner of the desk. Thus, notifying the clerk, that a particular pile was completed and readied to be filed. "My advisor Sarnor informed me his son Olithir is quite taken with you. Even inquired after your lineage…."
A sense of guilt flooded her heart for the elloth's feelings, for she did not, could not return those feelings. How could she when her heart has already been snatched by the Prince since her coming to Mirkwood? The tender hearts of the elves were nothing to trifle with, or else, be responsible for their untimely death from fading.
"I..." Calaerien struggled to form words beneath her guilt-stricken heart, "I did not know."
"Indeed." The king's voice was deep, if not patronizing. "Mayhap you should accompany his son on the following feast and lay rest the suspense…"
Her heart constricted with anguish. "Olithir, is a kind elloth, however, I must refuse."
For but a moment, there was a shift of air in the room. What was calm and collect suddenly tightened and the silence provoked an intensity that shrouded the chamber. She shuttered when the King twisted his golden head to narrow his sharp gaze solely upon her. An uncomfortable pressure enclosed around Calaerien until the slightest movement almost hurt.
"What reason could you offer to explain why you would refuse" The King challenged jointly, his voice suggested a quick response. They were his eyes narrowed almost beckoned her to confer the secrets of her heart.
At this moment, Calaerien knew she must select her words carefully. This wasn't Legolas pushing her boundaries, this was the king. An elloth known for his ill-tempered ways. With much difficultly, Calaerien swallowed a hard lump lodged in her throat and felt droplets of sweat on the back of her neck. She conceded under a strained voice, "Olithir deserves an elleth with a willing heart... I.. I can not give what he seeks."
Like a cat to a trapped mouse, King Thranduil slowly ascended from his chair without a sound and his sharp and calculative eyes never wavering from her innocent ones. The king superior form stood higher than her raven crowd. He appeared intimating and his intense air suffocating. He clasped his hands behind his back as he uttered eerily, "I find myself most curious, Calaerien."
The king stalked around the desk as a tactic to narrow in on his prey. Every step he took, Calaerien stiffened into a statue. As he moved with ease, he deliberately came around the final edge of the desk. A settled fear warned her not to look away from the hunter. Calaerien hardened her frightened hard, determined to face the king head-on. Like a Hawk driving from the sky for its prey. King Thranduil came before Calaerien, his intense stare narrowed on the elleth, "I have my suspicions, my dear… perhaps you can answer what I suspect to know…."
Before the king said another word, a knock came to the door, breaking the intense air that seemed to suffocate the elleth. King Thranduil stiffened uncharacteristically to the intrusion which gave Calaerien a moment to breathe. With a frustrated response, he ordered, "Enter."
The grand door whined open, and through the threshold came first Legolas, followed by Tauriel from their patrol. Calaerien hesitantly glanced at Legolas who was preoccupied with his father before, his blue eyes snapped to hers. There was no telling what expression she held, but she watched in fascination as his warm greeting suddenly turned into a gleam of worry. Two eyebrows furrowed on his brow as he returned his attention to the king.
"My king." Tauriel greeted with a respectful bow before she continued, "We come with reports from Lothlorien."
A tight line formed on the King's mouth, before he returned to his desk. Regally, he leaned back, and without so much of another glance in Calaerien's direction, the king ordered tightly, "You are dismissed, Calaerien. I expect you here again in the following week. We will continue our discussion…."
Calaerien swallowed hard, dreaded what is to come. Stiffly, she curtsied and retorted with respect, "Of course."
Without glancing at anyone in the room, Calaerien scurried out of the room, relieved to be free from the cage and never knowing the blue eyes of the Prince following her hastened retreat.
Erweth stepped down the stone steps ladened with golden leaves from the canopy above. A sacred place where the famed silver basin resided upon a pedestal. The mirror of Galadriel. She felt her heart thump harder and her throat suddenly parched. Erweth had terrible memories when she first looked into the mirror. Long before she became Galadriel's handmaiden, Erweth was simply a bright light amongst her people. Blessed with a brilliant fea, that lured elves to her company. Her name was well-known. The day Galadriel offered her a glimpse into her mirror, Erweth naively accepted. Visions of her parent's death years before swayed across the ripples of the water. Then switched to the birth of a daughter with dark hair and ocean blue eyes. The very image made her yearn to greet that child. Knowing she would have a daughter warmed her heart but the feeling faded when the ripples shuttered swiftly. A mix and rapid changed from orcs attacks to death burned her mind.
Erweth came forth to the pedestal were on the other side stood Galadriel. The lady of the light waited patiently and freely roamed Erweth's mind. Memories of her time in Mirkwood and the death of her loved ones flashed across her mind involuntarily. The memories brought a sense of despair to her heart.
Erweth's eyes dropped to the empty basin, sent a wave of trepidation into her chest.
Do not trouble your heart, my friend of old…
The voice gave Erweth a sense of warmth as it induced a small grin. When she brought her attention to the lady, Erweth greeted sincerely, "It is good to see you again, my lady. My heart is warmed by your presence."
Galadriel returned the smile, but her eyes remained guarded but knowing of things Erweth could not begin to understand. She implied, "I am pleased you chose to heed my message. Our friendship has rooted deeply here, but my news is not good, It would not give you comfort."
"What do you speak of?"
Galadriel took slow steps to the small fountain behind her and grasped her silver pitch. With a smooth movement, she filled her vial and articulate, "The grieve which grasp you so, plunges you between surviving and fading…"
Two eyebrows were slightly pushed together on her never-aging face, but Erweth suspected as much. For years, she battled to remain constant for her daughter and niece. However, all of her heart's desire was to reunite with her beloved. Was this why her lady called for her? To warn?
Galadriel poured the pure water into the empty basin. The water slushed pleasantly as Galadriel watched Erweth with keen interest.
"Is this why you asked for me, my lady?" Erweth inquired, barely above a whisper.
Galadriel offered a bitter smile that was laced with a hint of sadness. She returned the pitcher and proclaimed, "The future has many faces, not even the wisest can not tell. The path you are on now will be the smoothest, for I see it in my mind that your time is coming to an end."
Confirmation of her upending death did not shock or terrify Erweth. A terrible weight came off her chest when she heard her lady's voice in her mind.
"You know this, do you not? You feel it in your fingertips. The aches in your heart…"
"Aye," she whispered, her voice melted into guilt for she yearned eternal rest but… her daughter and niece….. They would surely need her.
"Forgive me, my friend. Do not despair. You will be reunited in time and your loved ones will learn.…" Galadriel claimed knowingly as she slowly walked around the basin and placed her soft fingers beneath Erweth's chin. Slowly, Galadriel drew Erweth hesitance gaze to her and elaborated, "If you wish, you may look into the mirror."
Erweth's eyes slowly ascended upon the basin, fear lingering in the back of her mind. What would she see? Would it bring a sense of closure? The water lay still and cool with the reflection of the night sky. A small piece of Erweth desired, yearned for answers from the mirror…. but, her heart warned her of the consequences of this knowledge. As if she was hypnotized, Erweth came before the basin, her silvery hair fall from her ears and curtained her face. She swallowed the fear and braced herself for the unknown.
The water first rippled and fluttered with undistinguished shapes before it calmed and revealed Lothlorien. A group of elves traveled to the forest and amongst the company was Romonil. Erweth smiled sadly to his expression when Romonil first glanced upon her. The water lapped over the image and curled. Images of the King, Legolas, and even dwarves flashed in sequence in a confusing matter.
Then came Calaerien dressed in a royal blue dress, staring out from the balcony when a small elfling trotted with long back hair fluttering in the wind. The elfling hugged Calaerien's legs lovingly before Calaerien pulled the child into her arms and gently kissed the child's cheek.
The image fluctuated and stilled to return to its natural form. Water. Erweth pulled away bewildered and breathless. She looked to her lady for answers but only was met with a guarded expression.
Galadriel inquired, "Do you wish to see more?"
Erweth swallowed hard, "Nay. I shall accept my fate for what it is…"
"As you wish…."
Under the cover of darkness, Calaerien arrived at the private yard where, as always, Legolas was waiting for her. Instead of leaning by the tree, Legolas perfected his skills. The archer pulled back the feathers, his muscles tightened from the restraint. His posture perfected by experience and his talent sharpened with time. Swiftly and with smooth movements, Legolas released three arrows in sequence. They whooshed with a whistle through the air and thud one after another on the stake.
Calaerien's eyes widen appraisingly how the arrows were perfectly lined up on the stake. Legolas was truly a skilled marksman.
Without tearing his attention away from his archery, he greeted, "Hello again, my lady."
Legolas nocked another arrow aimed directly below his previous arrow. Another whoosh ensnared Calaerien's wonderment of his skills. Calaerien came to Legolas's side and admired Legolas's marks. She turned her attention to the prince who was already gazing down upon her. A slight blush grazed her cheeks as she tucked her hands behind her back bashfully.
"Evening, my prince." Calaerien retorted which earned her a regal smile that elicited his dimples. It was the type of smile that nearly weakened Calaerien's legs. Her own smile came to her lips when she announced eagerly, "I'll grab my bow and quiver."
Before Calaerien turned on her heels, Legolas grasped her wrist and still the elleth. Legolas commanded, "We will not practice archery this night."
Calaerien's excitement dwindled and arched an eyebrow questioningly followed by a disappointed frown. Her expression alone forced Legolas to release a suppressed chuckle. His eyes swelled with mirth.
"No? Why not?" Calaerien inquired in a disappointed tone.
The familiar impish grin took its place on Legolas's face and he amended, "It is time to move on to the next step."
The idea of a challenge induced a wide grin and Calaerien felt a deep burn in her chest. She excitedly questioned in disbelief, "Truly? What do we do now?"
The smile never faded from Legolas's face as he moved away from the beaming elleth. A small burrow lined with dewy grass and sheltered by a thick root was a bundle. Legolas pulled out the cloth and came before Calaerien. The elleth looked on bewildered when Legolas revealed two daggers.
Calaerien's heart stopped to the beautifully designed workmanship. They were black steal shimmering to the moonlight with silver etching on the blade. The tips curved slightly into a menacing point. Small black gems embedded into the hilts.
Slowly, Calaerien drew her attention to Legolas who smiled down upon her and affirmed, "They were crafted with precise design… for you."
The settled uncertainty in his voice gave Calaerien pause. Calaerien eyes bounced from Legolas to the knives. A deep wave of gratitude swept Calaerien into a wheel of wonderment. It was truly unexpected. "…Thank you."
She barely whispered. Her fingers brushed against the smooth texture of the blade before she grasped them both firmly. The hilts fitted perfectly in the palms of her hand. It was not uncomfortable but almost felt natural. They were light, sharp, and dangerous.
"These were crafted for a worthy elleth," Legolas whispered as Calaerien brought her eyes to the prince followed by a genuine smile that light her face. "Come, I'll shall teach you."
Legolas drew Calaerien to a clearing of dirt encircled by tall grass. Once they came to the center, Legolas turned his sharp attention to a pair of ocean blue eyes. How different his gaze was from the King. There was a sense of goodwill and loyalty lingering in them.
"I've told you once before when you have a weapon, you become a target," Legolas instructed, his tone solid with conviction and he circled Calaerien. He came around once more and stated directly, "Since your a female, most would suspect you to be weaker."
Calaerien flashed him a narrowed glare which earned her an impish grin. Whether the prince knew or not, his hands found their way to Calaerien's wrist. His thumb brushing in a circular motion across her tender skin and sent pleasant chills through Calaerien's body.
Calaerien felt herself slowly drawing closer to the prince as he continued, "You must think with tact… If your foe suspects you weaker…."
Legolas drifted off the sentence suggestively, his eyebrows rising to push calaerien to answer. When Calaerien caught on, she answered, "…. I can surprise them."
"Indeed." Legolas concurred and offered a proud smile before he tucked a loose dark strand behind her small ear. "Now, let's begin."
The hours moved with ease and Calaerien proved herself to be prowess with her newly designed daggers. The time practicing archery provided Calaerien with a sharper mind and pushed her to achieve the next goal. It was early morning with a darkened sky laden with starlight. Dew dropped off the canopy above, but it hardly bothered the two. They sat against the tree, in comfortable silence, safely cocooned by the edges of the yard. Calaerien felt Legolas's fingers moving across her hand. Whether he's aware that he is doing it, Calaerien did not know but enjoyed the intimate touch.
Legolas broke the silence when he inquired, "Will you tell me why you were frightful this morning, Calaerien?"
The question caught Calaerien off guard as she met the determined eyes of the prince. She blinked and became uncomfortable beneath his suspicious eyes. Her heart constricted for she did not wish to explain the conversation she had with the King. It was something she wished to forget. The king's behavior had Calaerien in knots and dread the next week.
Suddenly withdrawn and distant, Calaerien dropped her gaze and retorted in a whisper, "It's nothing to be concerned with."
Legolas felt a sense of protectiveness swelling in her gut and even more, he was slightly put off by Calaerien's distant behavior. He cast Calaerien a sardonic eyebrow and declared pointedly, "Aye, which why you flew out like Mandos himself was chasing you."
The sharp and biting tone in Legolas's voice made Calaerien wince. She bit her lip with uncertainty and was determined to keep her gaze away.
There was a long, uncomfortable pause developing between them. The silence screamed louder than any noise and the tension brewed a thick air. Legolas rose from the ground and stared up at the starlight above. Feeling her gaze, Legolas turned his attention to Calaerien and inquired softly, "Will you not trust me?"
Calaerien noted the genuine concern lingering in his tone. With a defeated sigh, Calaerien rose from her perch and dusted the dirt off her backside. The elleth looked squarely at the prince and retorted, "Your father asked me questions."
Legolas frowned, suddenly concerned. He loved his father but knew his behavior when given a particular reason. With his ill temperament added to the mix, it met Calaerien had every reason to flee this morning. Legolas approached Calaerien, his eyes fixed on her ocean ones, and inquired suspiciously, "What kind of question?"
"About me…." Calaerien retort, her fingers fidgeted with the soft fabric of her gown and growing uncertain as this conversation progressed. Then she continued hesitantly, "And Olithir."
Legolas took a swift step back like someone attempted an attack. Calaerien watched in disappointment as Legolas became guarded and watchful. The prince admitted, his tone gave nothing away, "I did not know you and Olithir…
"No! We are not…" Calaerien amended swiftly, her heart constricted painfully. "Forgive me, I misarticulated my meaning. I believe your father wished for me to grant Olithir permission to court me. I do not know why he would suggest such a thing…."
The emotional distance between them thickened much to Calaerien's dismay. She hated when Legolas was guarded and not open with her. It nearly ripped Calaerien's heart to the shreds. Legolas looked away and murmured, "Olithir is a worthy elloth. He would make a good mate."
Calaerien's heart sunk deeply followed by sharp and twisted pain. It nearly took her breath away. Calaerien desperately wanted to confess her true feeling but how could she put Legolas in such a predicament. He was a true friend and confidant. Someone who she refused to guilt into a marriage bond.
"It would soon be dust. I will escort you back to the gardens." Legolas professed as he slowly turned and strolled to the entrance.
Calaerien stood alone, troubled and heart-stricken.
Calaerien returned to her quarters forlorn and confused by Legolas's behavior. She made it aware that Olithir and herself were not courting and it was simply the desire of the king. Why would he distance himself from her? Did he believe the king's word would be absolute on the matter? When she came to her door an elloth stopped her in her track.
"Lady Calaerien?"
Calaerien turned to the sound of the voice and found an elloth by the name of Llbyn, the carrier. Whose sole responsibilities were to deliver items across the kingdom for his patrons. Calaerien retorted with a mournful tone, "Yes?"
"A gift for you, my lady. Good evening." Llbyn announced swiftly, and he shoved the small packet into Calaerien's unsuspecting arm before dashed away for his next delivery.
Dumbfounded, Calaerien stared at the small box and perplexed about who would give her a gift. The only elf who would bestow a gift to her would be Legolas. The thought lifted her heavy heart as she dashed into the room and swiftly ripped off the top. Inside was a beautifully designed silver necklace with a blue diamond star. It was breathtaking.
The corners of her lips formed a satisfied smile when her eyes noted a parchment letter in the box. As she pulled it out, she read,
May you use the starlight in the sky,
to light your way as you do for me,
Sincerely yours, Olithir
Slowly, the smile that once reached ear to ear, fell into ruin and despair.
To be continued...
Ten Duel Commandments: Thank you so much for your review and support. I truly appreciate it. The last scene was fun to write and sometimes I wonder if I posted it too soon. And yes, filling the spaces between the beginning and the dance scene was challenging since I want their relationship to be natural and unrushed. Now I filling the space between now and the second piece I wrote years ago, lol!
OneWhoReadsTooMuch: Thank you for your review. I can see how you would be worried but only time will tell. I'm glad you noticed the little piece about Calaerien earning Legolas's favor... I think it's important to note Calaerien is not the type of woman who would maliciously steal a man away.
Luna's Child Fanfic: Calaerien was very stunning, at least I did my best to make her so. She needed to come out from the shadows, lol. I am sorry for keeping you waiting for the next chapter. Thank you for your review, it truly means a lot to me!
FluffySlipperz: I am glad you chose to leave a review, they definitely help with motivation ;) I am glad you like the pace. I do not want to rush things. I absolutely agree with you regarding feminine characters portray their own inner strength. Thank you for your opinion, I enjoyed reading it! Hope to hear from you soon.
DaughterOfTheChief: Thank you, I hardly expected 100 reviews but I am grateful for them and hope for more ;) I'm glad you like the slow burn. From reading the books, Legolas hardly seems like the character you would rush things with. He is much too refined and wise for that. (At least in my opinion). As for Olithir, as you can see, I have plans for him.
Artful-Becca28: I was kind of squealing myself when I wrote Legolas walking on the dance floor. I was worried it must be a clique but it seems everyone enjoyed it. That definitely makes me warm inside. Thank you for your kind words and review. I am glad you like Legolas/Calaerien's relationship.
Simplegurl4u: Thank you for your multiple reviews. Those are excellent questions and time will tell. Thank you for your positive feedback. I am grateful for your input.
City-of-dimes: Thank you for your review and your compliment!
SkyF103r: Thank you very much for your kind words. I did put quite a bit of effort into these chapters, which is why there's usually a pause between chapters. I like to make sure I convey what the characters experiencing. I am glad you like Calaerien.
Nymiriel: I'm glad you like Calaerien's ambition. I wanted this to be a romance story with a female character strong in her own way. The dance scene was fun to write. I was simply experimenting and then came along this whole story, lol.
Johanna90: Thank you for your review and I apologize for the long delay.
MrDarcy'sWife: I am glad you like their relationship. I am trying to make it natural, not rushed or too slow. Thank you for your kind words!
Thank you for all the gust and PM messages. All of your reviews help me stay motivated to continue until I finish this Fanfic. I know it took me some time for this next chapter, I assure you I intend to finish this story. I hate leaving things unfinished.