Hello everyone!
A/N: I am terribly sorry for my long delay. So much has occurred in the last six months. I had surgery early in the year, graduated, and successfully passed my registry! Now I am job hunting. Pure insanity. Yeek! With that being said, it sucked any creativity and desire to write. The writer's block was a battle. This chapter has been extremely difficult for me to write. I rewrote it several times because I was just not satisfied with it. I'm still on the offensive about it but... I'm hoping it'll pull together the future events.
So please, be gentle!
Anyways, thank you for your patience and reviews! Everyone had such kind things to say. I truly appreciate you all!
It's a 10,000-word chapter... so get comfortable!
Enjoy!
Secrets of a Raven Beauty
Chapter 14
Entangled
Calaerien groaned in frustration into the empty air and was continually trapped in a stubborn maelstrom of her own design. The duration of the two months since the feast moved in a blink of an eye and yet, almost antagonizing slow. Reminiscences of the near kiss plagued her mind like ghosts haunting and lurking in the shadows waiting to pounce her. Everything between those stormy eyes pouring into her and feeling his warm breath grazing her lips tormented her. An endless abundance of muses determined to interrupt her craft. Calaerein's shoulders drooped in defeat when she rubbed the delicate tenderness of her temple. Perched upon the stool before her loom, Calaerien only managed to weave an inch. Her slender fingers looped the threads when her mind conjured those blue eyes gazing at her affectionately. A wrenching constriction of her heart reminded her of what almost happened. The mere thought of Legolas almost pressing his lips against hers burned a flame in her core.
There were moments when Calaerien believed she summoned such fantasies to comfort her, for how can a Sindarin elf... a prince, no less, return affections for a lowly sylvan elf. She possessed no rank, no substantial title or riches. However, that night under the starlight, Calaerien sensed Legolas's thirst buried deep beneath the surface It was shrouded until the smallest embers laid smoldering and slowly burned and lured him closer, like an insect to a flame. There was no control, but only a sweet surrender that came crashing down by the interruption of their kin. Sighing in defeat, Calaerien rose from her stool, captivated by her thoughts.
Rays of sunlight illuminated through the aperture in her chambers while the wind determinedly jerked the curtains to billow and flap angrily. Various red and bluebirds chirped and fluttered in the open space. Calaerien came to the window, inclined her shoulder against the rough ridges of the cavern while her ocean blue eyes soaked the beauty of the land. She welcomed the gust of wind to tug on her loose strands and caress her cheeks. Slowly, she drew her delicate hand to her mouth and traced the outlines of her lips. Even at the moment, her lips tingled with anticipation. Calaerien never kissed an elloth in her long life. It elicited thoughts on the sensation and emotion it would conjure. The tender flesh of another moving against her own in a heat of passion and igniting embers that laid dormant in her core. Tasting those lips that always ensnared her breath with every impish smile and lure those dimples out of hiding. To feel his chest against hers and those hands embracing her small frame. From the time she arrived in Mirkwood, her heart was ensnared by the prince of Mirkwood, and every breath was devoted to basking in his fea. A new sensation surfaced that was a most bewildering feeling. A desire to touch and feel with her own flesh. Elves remained refined in their affections for their bonded and none whispered the hunger that yearned to be fed. Calaerien was at a loss of words on the matter. There were none whom she could inquire about such things. Tauriel, who remained closest, would not be a suitable candidate to discuss those matters for Calaerien never seen Tauriel romantically interested in another.
Calaerien could not be the only elf to experience such sensations. All she knew was the idea of intimacy brought a rosy hue across her cheeks and a strange warm tingling in her core.
Sighing, Calaerien dropped her hand to her side when the red bird caught her attention. Glancing up at the lovely display of the bird's wing flappy defiantly in the wind. It tweeted merrily before it offered her a song in delight. It elicited a gracious smile on Calaerien's lips when she hummed an old hymn. The language of Sindarin slipped from her lips. She coaxed the red bird to descend upon her finger and sang lowly for only its ears. It tweeted while pinning its beady eyes on the elleth. In mere moments, the red bird leaped off Calaerien's finger and dashed into the sky with the other singing birds.
The days passed in a smooth rhythm when Calaerein came to the Gathering Halls after delivering a green gown to her recent patron. In her arms, Calaerien cradled a burlap bag with items she received from delivering the commission. Many of her kin congregated freely in delight and enjoyed each other's company on the platform. Several elves offered Calaerien greetings as she snaked through the crowd and she returned the gesture in kind. Then, like a wave rushing to the shore, Calaerien heard sounds of excitement bursting from a distance. It expanded swiftly and elicited curiosity to swell in her core. It lured Calaerein to follow the crowd of elves and form a crescent in front of the front gates. The grand doors creaked open, sounded the welcome to the patrol. Gaelira was the first to enter followed by a small company of Grey Haven elves bringing three caravans of supplies, ready for trade. The Mirkwood elves welcomed their distant kin with smiles and eager to chatter in gladness. The last cart trailed deeper into the mouth of Mirkwood and following behind it was an elleth riding a white stallion. The elleth in question, clad herself in a dark blue cloak with a cowl barely touching her brow, revealing a pair of piercing hazel eyes soaking in the wonderment of Mirkwood. The mysterious elleth pulled her cowl back, allowing long golden locks to billow freely down her back.
Amazement dawned on her lovely face when she was interrupted by Maenor who offered his hand to aid her from the horse saddle. The golden-haired elleth landed on her feet, continually observing the caverns when another elloth of chestnut hair came to her side and ensnared her delicate hand. There was no explanation why Calaerien was in awe of this elleth's poise and natural ability to entice all in her path. But what truly surprised Calaerien was how swift her people were to greet and welcome this elleth to Mirkwood. Nothing about this elleth registered anything from her memory. No tale or news of a golden-haired elleth.
At the corner of Calaerien's eyes, she noted Tauriel crossing the threshold and carried her bow firmly in her hand. Sensing Calaerien's gaze, Tauriel regarded her cousin with a genuine smile. One that expressed love and deeply pleased to see her only cousin. Calaerien drifted from the bulk of the crowd to seize Tauriel's attention. As she came to Tauriel's side, Calaerien whispered delicately for only her ears, "Who is this, cousin?"
Tauriel followed Calaerien's eyes to the golden hair elleth who sauntered through the parted path in the crowd. Recognition touched her mind as Tauriel leaned into Calaerien's willing ears and retorted softly, "This is the Lady Aeleth of the Grey Havens, the Famed Songbird of this age. It is said she possesses a voice that none have heard since the time of Lady Luthien. She is the embodiment of music and was touched by the gift of song. At her side is her bonded Hithfaeron, a skilled lute."
The name Aeleth fingered realization from the corners of Calaerien's mind. The wisp of the Famed Songbird was endowed with a powerful voice. A gift that is said to melt the coldest of hearts and remove lingering sorrow. Her name amplified with each performance across middle earth and rousing the weary hearts of their distant kin. Whether the tales were true, Calaerein did not know. However, as she stood beside her cousin, curiosity piqued Calaerien's interest to listen to the revered angelic voice.
Calaerien's eye never wavered from the Fame Songbird when she questioned curiously, "Why is she here?"
Bewilderment tainted her tone when Tauriel answered, "The king invited the songbird here many years ago and she has finally accepted his invitation."
Calaerien nodded in comprehension, still unable to remove her gaze from Aeleth as she flinched in surprise when Tauriel pressed a quick peck on her cheek. Breaking the spell, Calaerien glanced at Tauriel who only offered a smile before she left Calaerein's side. Calaerien watched Tauriel's long auburn hair sway with each step as she walked after the Grey Haven elves to escort them before the throne. At the corner of Calaerien's eyes was a vision of silvery hair. Blinking, Calaerien caught the sight of Legolas's silvery crown as he strolled behind the guard captain. The prince came to an abrupt halt when he determinedly searched his surroundings. Stormy blue eyes searched, hunted, and his eyes swept across the faces of his kin until they landed upon Calaereien. She felt her heart constrict when their eyes locked, and no doubt there's a rosy hue painted across her cheeks. Legolas spared her a smile. A genuine smile interlaced with greeting and warmth. It lured those dimples from their hiding place before he nodded respectfully, and turned on his heel to complete his duties.
Two days later
The needle pierced through the dark blue hide tentatively with the guiding hand of Calaerien. The latest commission came with the promise of tough hide procured by the merchants of Imladis from months before. The hide soaked in the hues of dark blue, tainting it for two days until the color reached Calaerien's expectations. This project was unknown waters for her, but nothing would sway her from her course. It was under the moonlight, in the yard when she had an epiphany. It was pure determination that fueled Calaerein to perfect her melee skills when a swift swipe of her black dagger slashed through the delicate fabric of the bell sleeve of her gown. The small rip grew, created a divide that trailed to the bodice, nearly stripped Calaerien naked before the starlight.
Training in a dress grew tedious with a hint of annoyance. Thus, Calaerien came to the decision to craft her own armor made of dark blue hide. The new and exciting project was the only thing that kept Calaerien anchored during the last few days since Aeleth's arrival. During such time, Calaerien went to the yard and the prince's absence was heavily noted. So here she was, designing her own armor. Crafting a strong and study attire to withstand the trials of her training. The needle weaved to the edge of the hide, indicating the completion of her armor.
Her breath was snared from her lung as Calaerien gazed at the armor upon the mannequin. The sleeves were fitted to the wrist with gauntlets from Legolas adorned the forearms. A protective bodice with elven designs upon the front and threads down the middle to the waist. A brown belt fitted to the hip where her black daggers were fastened. The shirt dangled freely beyond the knees with a slit down the middle revealing a pair of trousers and black traveling boots. Calaerien designed a loose cowl that laid lifelessly against the back.
A smug developed on Calaerien's lip to the idea of testing out her new armor in the yard. She clad herself quickly, fastening the bodice over her chest that created a delicate V line. Her raven locks poured over the cowl as she braided the sides of her hair. When she glanced at the trouser, she paused and felt apprehensive. Never in her long life has she worn trousers. It was odd to feel the material between her legs. It was almost constricting after years adorning herself in gowns. The trousers fitted her perfectly, leaving Calaerien feeling odd and even more so, to reveal the shapes of her legs.
She sighed internally as she strapped her quiver over her chest before she sought the yard beneath the starlight.
The following morning came with the promise of a bright and warm day. Calaerien found herself lured by her own curiosity when she strolled around the Gathering Halls. The Grey Havens elves mingled with their kin, spoke of the news from their homeland. Some chose to set up a booth to trade with the Mirkwood Elves. Observing her distant kin, Calaerien noted the deeper tone of voice they had with a particular dialect. It conjured thoughts of the Grey Havens and wondered if she'll ever see such a place. She smiled at all who greeted her that morning when she heard, "Good Morn, Lady Calaerien."
The voice elicited Calaereien to curve her attention to a silvered hair elleth of the Grey Havens. The elleth in question, had a soft voice drenched in wind chimes tones and layered with a subtle hint of lightheartedness. Calaerien, at first, blinked in surprise at the elleth's forwardness when she came directly to her through a crowd of elves. She was tall and of slight build compared to her kin. Long silvered hair waved like mithril down her chest and stand in contrast to her crystal eyes mixed with mirth. When the elleth's eyebrow rose encouragingly for Calaerien to speak, Calaerien blushed for gawking at her distant kin and muttered swiftly, "Forgive me, my lady. Good morn to thee. I have yet to know your name."
The elleth smiled, radiated a bright fea, and engulfed her in light and mirth, "I am Mithrilil of the Grey Havens. I had much desire to meet your acquaintances for some time. Your trade is one that pleases me greatly for I am too a seamstress... I have recently acquired the title and adore your craftsmanship."
The name Mithrilil registered the meaning of True Silver, which Calaerien felt was fitting due to elleth's intense silvery hair, lightened by her fea. What truly baffled Calaerien, was Mithrilil's desire to meet her as if she was much like the famed seamstress Ecaeris. It never occurred to Calaerien that her name would carry significance in Mirkwood or beyond its borders and yet, here stood a fellow seamstress with admiration carried in her eyes. A slight blush grazed Calaerien cheeks, overwhelmed by the realization when she murmured bashfully, "I thank you for your kind word, lady Mithrilil and I am joyous of our meeting today."
Mithrilil smiled widely, immediately calming Calaerien like calm wind on a blistering hot day when she bluntly declared, "So it is true. You are most shy, my new friend. It's most endearing!"
The blush on Calaerien's cheek darkened but any paralyzing anxiety seemed to be subdued by Mithrilil's lighthearted demeanor. Calaeerien added softly, almost embarrassed, "I was unaware it was common knowledge."
"I meant no offense, my lady. I was most curious to meet you." Mithrilil swiftly amended, both her hands clenched together over her heart as her eyes swelled with remorse for her outspokenness. The elleth offered a suppressed chuckle when she admitted, "My naneth warned me of my forwardness before she crossed to Valinor. I hope you can forgive me."
Calaerien smiled through her bashful ways, "No offense taken, Lady Mithrilil. I was simply surprised. Please be at peace."
The bright smile returned to Mithrilil's lips when she ushered, "Come, I have a gift for thee..."
Two eyebrows rose on Calaerien's face as Mithrilil turned on her heel without another word and returned to her booth. Amongst the abundance of items from the Grey Havens, there was a section dedicated to Mithrilil where several gowns were displayed for trading. Calaerien's eyes followed the train of gowns that were colored with calm and light hues. A personality such as Mithrilil, Calaerien could not picture the seamstress designing darker shades for her collection. Calaerien rubbed the delicate fabric between her fingers and noted the dominant and uneven cross-stitching weaving in Mithrilil's designs. It brought memories of when Calaerien first began weaving on her loom. Does Mithrilil craft her own fabric as well? A grey box was presented to Calaerein and successfully interrupt her critiquing as she glanced at Mithrilil who smiled widely.
"Please accept this as a token of our friendship. I designed my own fabric and gowns." Mithrilil emphasized with pride, her smile never diminished from her fair face when she confessed, "You were my inspiration for several years. I thank you for it."
The truth of her words swelled with a bewilderment sensation in Calaerien's core. Does Mithrilil not realize that the famed seamstress Ecaeris, herself, refused Calaerien any hope for an apprenticeship? That she would cease much like the previous seamstresses in the trade. It was a displeasing defeat that haunted the back of Calaerien's mind. However, as Mithrilil stood before her with wonderment swelling in her eyes... then perhaps Calaerien's dreams did not crumple through her fingertips but rather the rejection was merely stepping stones for Calaerien to reach higher to a new pinnacle for herself.
Before she even realized it, the corners of Calaerien's lip tugged upward into a disbelieving smile, interlaced with amazement. She removed the lid like it would shatter upon contact and drew out a light blue, almost grey gown with two layers of fabric billowing around the skirt. The magnitude of the gown was not of high caliber. There were small defects that only a seamstress with a trained eye could see, but the thought behind it was enough to melt Calaerien's heart into gratitude. Calaerien barely mustered, overwhelmed by Mithrilil's kindness, "I thank you. It is a most gracious gift."
"I am pleased you approve." Mithrilil declared, relieved by Calaerien's words then she continued softly, "My work is not... as precise as yours. Perhaps one day you would accept me as an apprentice."
Baffled by the comment, Calaerien blinked in surprise before she added kindly, "I would be honored."
At that moment, she could almost feel her mother smiling proudly from the Halls of Mandos.
All of Mirkwood buzzed with excitement as the highly anticipated feast arrived with the promise of a memorizing performance by the Famed Songbird. The days leading to the feast were brimmed with the Mirkwood elves embellishing Aeleth with attention. The three caravans of items were displayed in the Gathering Halls, bubbling with rare artifacts, spices, and fabric from the Grey Havens. Curiosity coaxed Calaerien to purchase a roll of velvet fabric that was beyond sinfully soft. She could hardly keep her hands from stroking its surface. There were spicy vegetable cakes that piqued Calaerien's interest and deemed it delicious. When the sun descended to reveal the starlight through the aperture of Calaerien's chambers, she clad herself in Mithrilil's gift that contrasted nicely with her raven locks. The elleth hustled to the Grand Hall and offered her aid in organizing the feast. Barrels of the King's finest wine was rolled into the halls and piled accordingly in the corner. Calaerien busied herself by filling the silver goblets to the brim with wine and placed each one delicately on the trays. Other trays of cheese, bread, and jellies were perched on wooden tables until the feast has commenced. The circular space for the orchestra was decorated with candles and ribbons. Residing before the instruments, was Aeleth's golden harp and Hithfaeron's lute.
Burling sounds of the large doors opening announced the start of the feast. Crossing the threshold came elves adorned in bright-colored attires, and their expression marred with excitement. The hall immediately swelled with chatter as the birds above swooped in and out of the caverns. Calaerien collected a tray of wine and weaved her way through the crowd, offering refreshments. Her people smiled and graced her with thanks of appreciation. Calaerien's eyes swept the halls in search of the bright fea when her eyes landed on Aeleth. The elleth in question, clad herself in Lady Ecaris's classic designs. Deep blue hues embedded with silver leaves itches on the skirt and long bell sleeves. It made Calaerien pale with envy of the masterpiece. Aeleth laughed merrily with a group of elleths and amongst them was Calaphel. Calaphel securely placed her delicate hands over the small swelling of her belly. Sensing her curious stare, Calaphel glanced in Calaerien's direction and offered a charming grin before she winked.
The attention forced the corners of Calaerien's lips to curve into a bashful smile before she returned to her duties. Time passed as most of Mirkwood swelled in the Grand Halls, waiting patiently for Aeleth's performance. The orchestra seeped in delicate melodies into the air and offered a calm atmosphere. Calaerien strolled to the wooden table with her emptied tray and sought to collect a full one when the grand door whined in protest. Ensnaring her attention, Calaerien found the regal king strolling dominantly into the halls, and at his side, Calaerien's heart clenched to the sight of the prince. The air dramatically changed as her kin respectfully greeted the royal family and parted a path to Aeleth's group. The prince was Calaerien's sole focus as she observed the silver circlet upon his crown and the white robes fitted nicely over his form. The royal family greeted and mingled with Aeleth and her mate when, to Calaerien's dismay, Lady Rivalel snaked her way to Legolas's side. Calaerien glanced away, breathing deeply through her nose when she felt a wave of jealousy clawing at her heart.
Lost in her own thoughts, Calaerien scarcely noticed another until her muses were fractured by a cultured voice, "My, my you are a beauty, my dear."
Calaerien flinched in surprise, swiftly directing her attention to an older elleth who possessed keen eyesight and predicted future events without the gift of sight. Her mouth formed a natural curved bow smile and a deep maternal gleam lingered in her grey eyes. Lady Lashreal clad herself in a royal blue gown that elevated the contrast of her chestnut hair. The memory of Lady Lashreal predicting the bonding of Calaphel and Maenor flashed across her mind. She smiled encouragingly, attempting to coax the shy elleth into a friendly conversation.
"Lady Lashreal, it is good to see you again." Calaerien greeted, her voice soft as she fought the tremble in her tone. Straightening herself, Calaerien murmured, "I hope your time spent in Imladris was well."
"Aye. My granddaughters chose to reside in Imladris under the careful eye of Lord Elrond. The last decade was well spent with them, though my heart greatly desires them here." Lady Lasheal's voice rippled in grace with a hint of sadness reflected in her ancient eyes. Calaerien nodded her head in comprehension and understood how distance can make the heart yearn for a loved one. When Calaerein met the elleth's eyes, she noted a sense of hesitation before Lady Lashreal drew closer and placed a gentle hand on Calaerien's cheek. Calaerien froze to the contact when Lady Lashreal confessed in a low voice, "My heart ached when I received word of your mother's passing. Her friendship was a blessing in my life..."
Calaerien was caught off guard by the tightening of her throat to the mere thought of her mother. The deep emotion wheeling in Lashreal's grey orbs nearly splintered Calaerien's strength. The elder elleth's hands sunk down and captured Calaerien's free hand. She continued, "If you are in need of anything, my dear, I request you come to me..."
Grief shrouded Calaerien in a fierce grip and forced Calaerein to glance away shyly. She couldn't help but gently remove her hand from Lady Lashreal as she mustered under the intense emotion, "Thank you, my lady."
It did not escape Lady Lashreal's notice when Calaerien avoids her gaze in order to recollect her bearings. Grief was a terrible burden, something she, herself understood greatly. Ever since Calaerien arrived in Mirkwood, her timorous way was quaint and accepted amongst her kin, but there was steady confidence that has matured in the last century. A development that almost took Lady Lashreal by surprise but not in any way disappointed. She smiled, the sadness stole her joy away for but a moment until Lady Lashreal glanced across the faces of her kin. Through the crowd, the prince came into her line of view as she noted Legolas conversing pleasantly with not only Aeleth but the charming Lady Rivalel. Lady Lashreal recalled the day when the prince was birthed and people cheered in the gladness of another elfling. Since then, Lady Lashreal watched Legolas enjoying the attention of his people and occasionally humored an interested elleth who determinedly grappled for his hand. He's was an honorable elloth and never misled any elleth. For many years, Lady Lashreal plucked the simplest actions and formed a conclusion which became the outcome.
On this night, the most curious thing occurred. The swift shift of Prince Legolas's attention. Not once, nor twice but three times. Tilting her head in a curious manner, Lady Lashreal followed the direction until she found the mark. Calaerien. Realization dawned on her face followed by a suggestive curve of her lips to the secret. It truly escaped her kin of what occurred beneath their noses.
"In all my long years, I've never seen the prince quite taken with an elleth..." Lady Lashreal whispered suggestively, swirled the red liquid in her goblet in a nonchalant fashion. She brimmed with curiosity and wondered if the shy elf would sink her teeth into her bait.
Calaerien returned her attention to the lady, mustered a stoic expression despite the fuming jealousy she felt. The elleth turned her attention to Lady Rivalel, an elleth of surreal beauty and grace. She laughed charmingly, her hand rested on Legolas's forearm briefly. Calaerien swallowed with difficulty before she murmured softly, almost in a whisper, "Lady Rivalel is a lovely elleth.."
Lady Lashreal noted the slight tremble of disappointment in Calaerien's tone. The elder elleth's eyes gleamed in success before a bewildered expression marred her face to Calaerien's obviousness. She hinted thoroughly, "I was referring you..."
Calaerien darted her eyes to Lady Lashreal who brought the rims of her goblet to her lips and never wavered from Calaerien. It was without saying, Lady Lashreal enjoyed rattling the young ones and their affairs. She remembered fondly of teasing Calaphal about Maenor and her daughter with her mate. Sometimes the youth needed a little nudge. The elder added knowingly, "The prince can scarcely look away from you. I have noticed this as of late. It would be most interesting to see what happens in the near future, my dear." There was a twinkle in Lady Lashriel's eyes. "Enjoy your evening..."
Lady Lashreal's word hung in the air, deepening the weight of her comments upon Calaerien's mind. The clever elleth weaved away through the crowd to mingle with a group of elves. The conversation carried forth with delight. Swallowing hard, Calaerein ushered away to the shadows, a place to hide for but a moment as her hope nearly choked her. On the night in the garden, Calaerien promised herself to reveal the secrets of her heart to the prince. Here and now, despite all the doors being wide open, Calaerein faltered beneath the pressure. Calaerien felt her heart clench before, without her permission, her eyes swayed in the direction of the Prince. Lady Rivalel red-stained lips curved into a suggestive smile as she ensnared the prince's hand and lured him to the dance floor. There was a reluctant step in Legolas's wake. In mere moments, they gracefully swayed across the dancefloor and memorized the spectators. Calaerien clenched the empty tray to her chest, to hug for comfort. There was a pique of jealousy in her heart while they dance.
But, of course, no promises have been made and no confession has been heard. Calaerien had no claim on the prince.
The music tempo slowed until the song faded. The elves clapped at the orchestra's performance when the elves dispersed from the stage and allowed Aeleth and her mate to prepare their performance. Aeleth gracefully shifted her gown and perched herself upon the stool. She regarded her bonded with a devoted glance who returned a fond grin and gathered the lute in his arms. Silence swept the Grand Halls as the elves waited expectedly, eager to hear the Famed Songbird sing. Aeleth, alone, began with her deft fingers fiddling the strings of the harp. The enchanting tune echoed and swept the spectators in awe. Not a single word was muttered in the wake as Aeleth's fingers slowly gathered tempo followed by offering her voice. Her voice deepened with the harmony of her harp before rising into a crescendo. The outskirts of the crowd, away from the performance, stood Calaerien gazing at Aeleth in wonderment through the gaps of her kin. The voice pierced Calaerien's heart, tingled her skin, and felt an overwhelming urge to allow whatever tears to escape the corners of her eyes. Never had a singing voice ever moved her in such a way. Peace ladened her mind and all ideas of sorrow and worry faded from the corners of her consciousness. Aeleth's voice was indeed memorizing and beautiful. After a time, Hithfaeron softly interlaced sweet tunes from his lute to mingle and fortified the song.
There was no telling if the spellbinding verses conjured memories to play across her mind, but at the moment, Calaerien drifted to a time of joy and laughter in the woods of Lothlorien. In the Talon, high above the ground, Romonil returned after aiding the Marchwarden on his four-week patrol. The wind fiddled with his long raven locks when he crossed the threshold of their home. Little Calaerien glanced up from a book she read on the window sill and beamed shyly at her father. Romonil pressed a peck upon her temple, inhaled her scent before settling his quiver on a wooden table.
"Studying hard, my little Calaerien?" Romonil inquired, smiled proudly down upon his pride and joy with his large hand patting the top of her head. Her little cheeks flushed with a little pink hue before she nodded and retorted in her child-like voice, "Aye, Adar."
He smiled fondly when he heard, "Ai! Romonil, no weapons on the table."
Erweth's reprimanding voice held little demand for she melted into a knowing grin and shook her head in defeat. Erweth's laugh sounded like bell chimes when Romonil cradled Erweth into his arms and slowly beguiled her into a slow dance. He humming deeply into her ear held her close, and when Romonil glanced at Calaerien, he winked.
Calaerien was pulled to the present when sensing a warm and bright light enveloping her side. Heat rose to her cheek to the mere thought of the prince at her side. Her fea shivered through her body causing her to tremble. Then suddenly, to her surprise, the back of Legolas's hand intentionally brushed against hers beneath the bell-shaped sleeves. The constriction of her heart robbed her lungs of air. No doubt Legolas heard her swift inhale and Calaerien could even feel his smug grin. Swallowing hard and desperately attempting not to elicit attention to herself, Calaerien inhaled slowly and allowed her fingers to fiddle with his. Accepting his attention only enticed Legolas to trace elven designs from her hand to her wrist. It required every ounce of strength for Calaerien not to moan in pleasure to the sweet sensation she endured. Calaerien bit the corner of her lip when she finally regarded Legolas with a yearning glance. Slowly if not regally, Legolas curved his attention to Calaerien and when those stormy eyes landed on her, they swallowed her whole. Legolas's fingers trailed her palm before interlacing their fingers and gripped her hand with an iron will.
Caught in the deep depths of his eyes, Calaerien felt relaxed and lost any battle she internally fought. She couldn't look away, nor did she want to.
It wasn't until a wave of clapping shattered the private moment they experienced. Calaerien blinked away at the deafening sounds and watched the songbird bow extravagantly before her mate escorted her off the stage. She felt Legolas's hand slip from hers to join in the cheer. The elves returned to the orchestra followed by an upbeat tune that lured couples to the dance floor. Legolas focused his attention on Calaerien who smiled shyly when they heard,
"My prince Legolas..." The charming and seductive voice of Lady Rivalel elicited their attention. The golded hair elleth swayed her hips toward them, the corner of her red-stained lip slanted into a half-grin. Once she came to Legolas's side, Lady Rivalel never regarded Calaerein a glance when she suggested, "Shall we dance, my lord?"
Her eyes were wide with expectancy, pinned a predatorily smile at the prince, and even touched his clothed forearm in an attempt to lure him away. Everything about Lady Rivalel only made Calaerien's core boil, and simmer with unease pressure to the point which Calaerien may forget she's a lady. It surprised her how much Calaerein desired Lady Rivalel to trip in the burning depths of Mordor and never return. Her hands clenched at her side when to her surprise, Calaerien heard,
"Forgive me, my lady," Legolas confessed with a slight nod of an apology and swept his hand across his chest in an elven fashion. Without realizing it, Calaerien held her breath as she watched Legolas turned his attention to her and announced, "I have already promised a dance to Calaerien."
Calaerien felt her cheeks flush, pleased with his words but, the regal and dangerous curve of Lady Rivalel's attention upon her almost made Calaerien shiver. The golden hair elleth was a lady of influence and charm but lingering in those eyes was a sense of competition slowly fading from her fingertips. No doubt she noted how Legolas regarded Calaerien informally amongst their kin. Something brewed in Lady Rivalel's eyes before she offered a tight smile followed by a small bow. She conceded eloquently, "Of course, my prince. Please do save me a dance."
With her head high, she swiftly regarded the seamstress before gracefully sauntering deeper into the crowd and garnered the attention of ellon. Calaerien felt the steam simmering in Lady Rivalel's demeanor and for but a moment, Calaerien questioned if she should be concerned. When Legolas captured her hand, all thoughts of Lady Rivalel melt and shattered at her feet. She regarded the prince with a bashful smile before he urged, "Come, dance me."
The prince waited patiently when Calaerien nodded in compliance and allow Legolas to lead her to the dancefloor. Every eye could be upon her but Calaerien felt no need to coil to their attention, for all she needed stood before her like a boulder in a storm. For but a brief moment, her eyes found the smug glance of Lady Lashreal who raised her goblet in approval. Feeling Calaerien's muscles relax from the tension, Legolas planted his hand on the small part of her back drawing her even closer. There was hardly any space between them which produced a slight pink hue upon Calaerien's cheeks. She glanced up through her thick lashes and found the prince impishly grinning, partly to the fact she's blushing. Under any other circumstances, Calaerien would have looked away mortified, but she hopelessly chuckled in defeat before Legolas swept her away to the rhythm of the slow tempo.
Several days later...
The drumming of his fingers was the only sound that dared to echo in his private dining room. King Thranduil sat at the head of the vast table with the pale sun beaming through the space behind him, casting a long shadow across the room. Alone, save for the elleth who replaced Erweth, the king was lost in his own thoughts, plagued by the thoughts of Calaerein and his son. His efforts to elude the elleth from his son were utterly unsuccessful and now, it would seem Legolas had indeed returned her interest. It never escaped his notice the subtle glances Legolas spares in Calaerien's direction throughout the Feast for the Famed Songbird. Without a doubt, Legolas was indeed fond of this shy elleth. The king sighed in his chair, mulling over the realization when he heard the door creak open.
Crossing the threshold came Legolas clad in dark blue robes and adorned with his silver circlet. There was strong yet humble air in his demeanor that was evident in his wake. The king could not deny the enjoyment of having his son walking in his halls instead of the borders. Many nights elicited fear to clench his heart into the shadows. The woes of Mordor loomed in the corners of his mind and knew it would arise again. This time, his son would endure the horrors.
"You wished to speak with me, father?" Legolas's voice shattered King Thranduil's thoughts as his sharp blue eyes darted to his sons.
"Aye, my son..." King Thranduil's voice deepened as he straightened. With a regal hand, he gestured to the chair beside his and invited, "Please do join me for dinner… I long for your company."
The invitation was a demand and despite that fact, Legolas understood his father's desire for fellowship. The prince rounded the vast table to the chair when the serving elleth was swift to fill his empty goblet. He murmured his thanks before she recoiled into the shadows, patiently waiting to attend to their needs. Before Legolas took a sip of his wine, noted an empty plate beside him and across the table. He cocked a questioning eyebrow in his father's direction and inquired, "Are we expecting company?"
"Aye, accompanying us shortly is Lady Aeleth and her mate Hithfaeron..." King Thranduil retorted coolly, he regarded his son carefully when he added smoothly, "Also Lady Rivalel." It interested the king when Legolas stiffened to the name Rivalel followed by a glint of chagrin lingering in his eyes. Most curious, King Thranduil evaluated thoughtfully, not at all pleased by the fact. He pressed his advantage again, "Our guest will not arrive for some time for I desire your company. Lady Rivalel is most interested in you coming to the feast."
Legolas maintained a stoic expression as he casually gulped a hefty amount of wine. Curiosity fueled Thranduil's need to prod his son with gentle pricks to elicit a reaction. If any promises were exchanged between his son and Calaerien, King Thranduil will learn of it. A part of him... A large part dreaded the truth but it would not deter Thranduil from his course. His muses came to a swift end when Legolas added uninterested, "I would be occupied with my duties tomorrow night, father."
"Which duties would those be?" King Thranduil questioned, his voice strict and direct. Deepening his voice, King Thranduil hoped to elicit a reaction from his son that would serve as a piece to the puzzle. When bringing the silver goblet to his mouth, King Thranduil pinned an unblinking stare upon Legolas. He noted the reluctance in Legolas's expression and therefore, King Thranduil hinted, "Practicing archery?"
It did not escape King Thranduil's notice when the muscles in Legolas's jaw clenched but his blue eyes immediately became guarded. This conversation piqued Legolas's mind and warned him to tread carefully. His father was a strategic elf and now, the king intended to use his talents to elicit information from him. What information? Legolas had no answers. But something wheel in King Thranduil's mind and it forced Legolas to be alert. Legolas acknowledged carefully, "Aye, a warrior must always perfect its skill, as you always preached, Father."
"Indeed." King Thranduil felt the corners of his lip tug into a grin for but a moment to his son evading from the truth that he so desired to hear. He acquired the details from Calaerien's tight lips after slowly and dominantly prodding into her life. However, Legolas was his father's son and the information must be elicited through tactical maneuvers, "I hardly think your skills will be weakened if you miss one night. Unless…"
King Thranduil's voice allowed his sentence to drift and successfully elicited a narrow and suspiciously glint from his son. The king sensed the prickling of Legolas's skin. Legolas inquired, "Unless what?"
"Is there more than this archery, son?"
The tiptoeing dance of this game which his father initiated itched beneath his skin. Legolas leaned into his chair, giving his father a level gaze, and demanded firmly, "Speak plainly, father."
A single eyebrow arched in surprise to Legolas's blunt question. The king retorted carefully, "I have a good authority that you have not only been practicing archery… but training a certain elleth…"
Legolas stiffened to the piece of information and more than that, he was baffled. Realization dawned on him to the bitter truth. His father's 'good authority' implied his spies watched his every move. But for how long? Legolas scarcely noticed any spies lurking in the dark shadows but... Legolas conceded to the fact Calaerien distracted him while they lingered in the yard. It's been many centuries since his father felt the need to send his spies upon him. What he hoped would remain secret could no longer be. The invasion of his privacy brewed first with disappointment, then anger, and followed by a piercing ache that resembled hurt. The prince's eyes never wavered from his father when he admitted, "Aye father. I provided training to an elleth. She possessed no skills in defending herself and I much desired to remedy that."
"You saw fit to bring her to your mother's yard." King Thranduil snapped.
His mother...
Memories of an elleth chuckling mischievously before she smiled lovingly at him with dimples in her cheeks flashed in Legolas's mind. It disappeared as fast as it came. Mere glimpses of his mother who is rarely spoken upon their lips. She was the forbidden fruit in a lush garden and any who dared neared her incurred the king's wrath. It was indeed a sensitive topic which Legolas only shared with Calaerien under the cover of darkness. The raven beauty was the embodiment of a safe haven in which Legolas could reveal fractured pieces of himself.
"Aye, father." The prince articulated slowly, his eyes narrowed on his father. There was no hope to remove any hints of defiance in his voice. "The yard has long been abandoned. It needed guidance much like the elleth. I saw it as rather fitting. I suppose you disapprove?"
"I disapprove of your actions with the elleth." King Thranduil proclaimed sternly, disappointment interlaced in his voice. He inquired, "Why hide such things?"
"Because of Er… " Legolas's voice came to a swift halt when the name Erweth nearly slipped through his lips. Her death still lingered too closely for him to discuss openly. His hand tightened on the armrest as he implied carefully, "Because her mother would not approve."
"If her mother disapproves, why did you betray not only hers but my trust." King Thranduil did not miss a beat.
Two eyebrows furrowed together in confusion at his father's words. In what way could his father's trust have been shattered by simply training an elleth? A shy elleth, no less. Not some temptress seducing him in the shadows with sweet sickly words and sought to corrupt him. Calaerien was a virtuous elleth who deserved his father's esteem. Legolas added calmly, "Truly father, my ambition is true and… I wish to see all of those in my kingdom safe and possess the skills to protect themselves."
King Thranduil digested his son's word carefully, his mind calculating. Something prickled the back of the king's mind that lured him to wager the truth. There was a change in Legolas's behavior, and not only that but in his fea. How it shimmers like a bright light bursting through the barrier of clouds on a thunderous day. It all wheeled back to Calaerien, the shiest elf of Mirkwood. What hold does this she-elf have upon his son? A lancet pierced any train of questions, for the king knew the truth. It lingered before his eyes like a pendulum, swaying back and forth, designed to pester him. The king ventured again, to engage in his son's reaction, "You've spent a great deal with this elleth… do tell, is there more to just training her archery?"
The question was direct and deduced an irrational sensation that Legolas needed to respond carefully. His privacy was breached. Every bit of his being was dedicated to the protection and endurance of Mirkwood, but the small fragment that was shared with the elleth was sacred in his eyes. Something he desired to preserve only between them until the time came to shed light upon it. Was it too much to ask to keep his private life away from prying eyes? To enjoy the little time he had with her? There was not a single desire for Legolas to lie to his father, but for years, the king has nudged Lady Rivalel in his path in hopes of crowning her the next queen of Mirkwood. Lady Rivalel's beauty was unmatched by many of his kin. She carried herself with poise, garnered influence from their kin and outside lands. However, all the great attributes Lady Rivalel possessed barely filled the thimble of what Calaerien was.
He inhaled deeply before he elaborated, "She is a friend. A friend which I value greatly and I will continue to value her friendship."
The tension between father and son simmered and calmed as Legolas's word hung in the air. Only part of the truth was confessed on this day, Thranduiled wagered in thought. Therefore, it was no lie. An internal battle raged in King Thranduil's mind for he much desired to know his son's intentions with the elleth. Have any promises been made without his approval? Would he even consider giving him his blessing? Thranduil himself did not know. Though he yearned for more answers, Legolas was much like his mother. Stubborn. A proud and prowess warrior that would only dig his heels deeper in the ground. His mate was not much different. He would need to be patient.
"Indeed." King Thranduil conceded, the intensity of his demeanor dwindled as he leaned into his chair and interlaced his fingers over his lap. He added, "I have received word from Lord Elrond."
Legolas arched an eyebrow to the change of subject and was almost hesitant to engage in a new topic. Was this another game his father intended to play? Legolas inquired cautiously, "Truly?"
"Aye." The king declared deeply and from his pocket, he pulled forth a parchment letter. He slid it across the table to Legolas and informed, "Lord Elrond's sons ride with young Dúnedain Chieftain Arathorn to defeat the orcs that raid in the north. They request your aid."
Legolas eyed the parchment letter and recognized Lord Elrond's insignia on the broken seal. So the discussion of the elleth has truly dissipated... at least for now. He thought. The prince read Lord Elrond's elegant handwriting requesting the aid of Legolas on the behalf of the twins. The tiniest smile flickered on his pursed lips for it has been centuries since he visited with the twins. Over the years, he had missed their friendship, and excitement burned in the pit of his belly. It all came to an end to the mere thought of King Thranduil refusing to send Legolas's aid. The prince placed the parchment on the wooden surface and inquired, "What is to be done?"
"I will send you to him..." King Thranduil replied firmly, successfully surprising the prince. Legolas's stoic expression slipped but a moment when the king continued, "But only for a few months..."
Legolas inquired in all seriousness, "You would not send me before, why now?"
"Lord Elrond did not request your aid, my son." The corner of the king's mouth quirked in a tight smile and found Legolas's level gaze amusing. He added with an authoritative voice, "He has now and we shall answer."
He truly wished to travel to Imsladis but he found himself hesitant to leave behind Calaerien. If there were indeed orc raids near the outskirts of Imsladis, he would not attempt to invite the elleth on the journey. Nor would he allow her to offer her aid. Though he oversaw her training, a true battle was bloody. Calaerien was innocent of those things. However, Legolas could not deny his good friends Elladan and Elrohir. He nodded in agreement when he confirmed, "Very well. I shall leave in several days' time."
The rhythm of footstep prickled Legolas's ears when the door creaked open and through the threshold came their guest. The prince caught Lady Rivalel's cool gaze when she offered him a predatory grin and strolled attractively to the seat beside him. "Good evening, my lady."
Though his voice was friendly, it held no true significant emotion. Lady Rivalel smiled charmingly and acknowledged, "It is good to see you, my prince."
The evening carried on while Legolas initiated a conversation with Hithfaeron regarding news of the Grey Havens. Relief flooded the prince when the prolonged dinner came to an end. Weariness gripped him with a fierce will as he passed through an archway to a long and narrow bridge to the corridor of the north wing. The prince scarcely heard the rushing current of the river below when soft chatter elicited his attention. He glanced to the platform below where he noted scanty few elves conversing in the Gathering Halls. It was late in the evening which indicated most of Mirkwood elves dwelled with their families and allowed a calm atmosphere to shroud the halls. The conversation with his father wheeled in his mind and lured familiar anger to ferment in his chest. The idea of the king's spy lingering in his shadows brought back memories of his youth. In a time when he was restless and only encouraged his father to keep tabs upon him. But now, as a matured warrior and prince of Mirkwood, it was nothing more than a controlling tactic that bristled him. The doors to his chambers loomed ahead when Legolas slowed his advances. With his hand upon the doorknob, Legolas slowly curved his attention over his shoulder. In the shadow of another archway, above the rushing water stood an elf. His eyes narrowed dangerously upon the spy before he entered his chambers. Never before did Legolas believe training Calaerien would lead him beneath his father's thumb. His only concern at the time was Erweth's wrath but now, it would seem he could incur his father's. He stepped deeper into his chambers, sighing at all he learned from his dinner. His heart was gladdened to the idea of seeing the twins again but fell in despair to leave Calaerien. He needed to inform her of his departure, however, with the spy looming near, Legolas had no desire to openly hand his father information about his affairs.
Legolas removed his royal circlet, returned it to its rightful place, and adorned himself in his green armor.
Sighing deeply, Legolas oddly found himself weary after his talk with his father. Shaking all thoughts away, Legolas approached his desk to devise a letter for Calaerien, in case, he was unable to rekindle with the elleth before his departure. The letter was securely tucked away before he ensnared his weapons. A devilishly grin developed on Legolas's lip for this spy would never know the cleverness of the prince. Legolas stealthily left his chambers through a hidden door at the back. One he devised as an elfling, in a time when he was unruly and unpredictable. There was no promise that the elleth would train on this night but Legolas would entrust the ancient tree with his letter.
Under the cover of darkness, Legolas stealthily approached the entrance to his mother's yard. Legolas pulled back the thickets of shrubs concealing the entrance before he ducked through. The path oozed with moss and mud when Legolas noted a fresh set of shoeprints submerged in the ground. A smug of satisfaction lingered on his face as stepped deeper into the yard and recoiled in the shadows. Not a single sound announced his approach when the raven beauty came into his line of view. A stunning image of an elleth clad in dark blue leather attire, wielding two black daggers in either hand. Long raven locks swayed to her every graceful moment, shimmered like obsidian against the moonlight. Legolas noted the improvement in her agility that was fueled by her own determination. If she ever chose to, Calaerien could craft herself into a fine warrior, worthy of Mirkwood.
An impish grin quickly grazed his lips to an idea.
Silently like a predator stalking its prey, Legolas advanced from behind and took advantage of her concentration. Her daggers swooshed through the air, fighting an unknown enemy. Legolas slowly drew his daggers from the scabbard, muted any sound however, when Calaerien paused but for a moment, his cover was shattered. Instinct lured Calaerien's swift movements when she whirled around with her right dagger slicing through the air. Their weapons parried. Steel on steel elicited a painful screech that nearly had Calaerien cringe. Nothing but surprise dawned on Calaerien's face.
The familiar impish grin on Legolas's face only intensified to Calarien's expression. It was quite satisfying. His antics only forced Calaerien to give him a level glance when Legolas instructed without a trace of reprimand in his voice, "Calaerien, I have warned you to always be aware of your surroundings."
Calaerien's lips pursed together before she pressed her weapon against his aggressively and the steel screeched across the blade. There was a subtle fierceness in her eyes that Legolas found oddly attractive when he lowered his weapon in surrender. Calaerien stepped back before she added softly, "I did not expect to see you here this night."
"No?" He inquired, incredulously.
"You've been busy of late," Calaerien whispered, almost bashfully.
"Aye..." Was all Legolas could muster with a tight smile, his eyes adverted from her when he rounded Calaerien to the ancient tree. He ignored his boots submerging in the moist ground as he came before the tree and place a firm hand against the ridges of the bark. He heard,
'Welcome! Welcome! Prince of Mirkwood, who made himself known to me. My heart gladdened by thee!'
The voice of the tree calmed Legolas's restless mind despite the snapping embers which simmered to his suppressed anger. It was his hope to keep his emotion submerged beneath the surface while in the elleth's presence. When he allowed his hand to slip from the rough bark, he regarded Calaerien with his undivided attention. The tenderness lingering in the patience elleth's gaze was all Legolas acquired to rise above the heat of his anger. Confidence swelled in his chest as he stepped before the elleth and confessed with a tight voice, "Calaerien, what we hoped would remain secret is no longer plausible..."
Blinking in bewilderment, Calaerien was but a moment, a loss of words when she inquired incredulous, "How do you mean?"
Legolas took another step closer to be but a foot apart from her. Nothing but feeling her fea shiver against his was what he yearned for. Despite this, Legolas found himself unable to meet the question lingering in her gaze. The truth about his father only brewed wrath to ferment and boil beneath his already strained patience. The prince reached out for her hand, desired something substantial to keep him grounded. It soothed Legolas when he brushed his thumb over her soft skin in a circular motion. Her tranquil fea ease the pressure in his chest.
Calaerien felt dread wash over her to Legolas's hesitant behavior when she inquired tenderly, "Legolas... What ails you so? You can instill trust in me."
A shadow of a small curve in his lips almost signified a grin but disappeared altogether too quickly.
"My father... ordered his spies to follow me..." Legolas finally retorted, his anger evident in his tone. He felt Calaerien tense but whether to the news or his suppressed wrath, he did not know. There was a moment of hesitation when Calaerien gently gathered his other hand into hers and bravely laced her fingers between his. The movement successfully coaxed his grim expression as Calaerien waited. Legolas continued, "The king knows that I've trained you in my mother's yard. He is... disappointed with me..."
Realization dawn on her fair face as disappointment morphed on her expression. Memories of her time in the King's office ladened her heart with trepidation. The doubt he attempted to instill in her mind and stole her hope for years. She understood her prince's grim demeanor. The king's disappointment was no less than a tidal wave threatening to form a tsunami. It was heavily implied that her king did not wish for Calaerien to harbor feelings for the prince, much less be involved with him. Pressure came to her chest as fear slowly choked the words from her mouth, "Oh…. does that mean... we can not..."
"Nay!.." Legolas interrupted almost fiercely to the thought of their separation. He noted Calaerien's surprise at his tone and Legolas offered a smile of apology before he amended softly, "Forgive my tone, Calaerien."
"It is obviously weighing heavily on your mind..." Calaerien offered her voice tender and swelled with understanding.
Legolas mustered a deep sigh to release the pressure in his chest when he allowed her hands to slip from his grasp. The prince turned away to pinch the bridge of his nose in contemplation. His father was an uncanny elf, so much its effects have already laden his mind with doubt and worry. It was obvious to Legolas that his father disapproves of his time with Calaerien, perhaps, it was out of fear. He did not understand his father's chagrin for Calaerien. Was she unworthy in his eyes? If so, why has he favored both of her parents? Calaerien was of their blood and in so many ways, was a mere ghost of them.
"My patients have been tested as of late. It has been many centuries since I have felt his spy's breath down my neck..." Legolas explained in a tight voice before he slowly turned to Calaerein. Despite the current events, Legolas felt a twitch of defiance in his core that lured him to grin mischievously and hint, "But I know how to elude them."
Calaerien knew that look. A thought sinisterly lingered up the prince's sleeve. She cocked an eyebrow before she inquired in a slow and cautious tone, "How?"
The smile on Legolas's face widened and melted any trace of apprehension in Calaerien's cautious gaze. There was without any doubt, Calaerien adored the wicked glint in his eyes. The dimples in Legolas's cheek protruded when he extended his hand forth and urged, "Come with me. I will show you."
Calaerien's eyes dropped to the offered hand. The extended invitation was ladened with a promise. A promise that all would change after that moment. The king's disapproval only lured Legolas to surrender to his fighting spirit. All she knew, under the moonlight, something was indeed different in Legolas. The resolve in his eyes implied his decision on the matter and yearned for her acceptance. There was a moment of hesitation but quickly melted when Calaerien slipped her small hand into his. His firm hand enclosed over hers followed by his heart-melting smile. Calaerien knew from this moment on, a new chapter has started and it was ladened with battles to come.
The corners of her lips itched into a grin, fueled by a sudden burst of excitement when Legolas eagerly led her away through the shadows.
To be continued...
What do you think? This is all I can manage to get out right now. Hopefully, the 10,000-word chapter was not a disappointment. There was definitely some fluff and we'll see if it'll get fluffier! ;)
There are three easter eggs in this chapter that pull together some ideas I've been waiting to add to this story. Let's see if you notice them in the next few chapters! :)
Let me hear for you!
Comments
FanofNC: Thank you for your kind words. They mean a lot to me. You are perceptive of Lady Rivalel. I like that! I will say there will be a few surprises coming through the next few chapters. So I hope to engage your reaction! ;)
TheLonelyOtter: Thank you, I've been staying safe and I hope you are safe as well.
Sasha-Hasha: I know and I sorry for my delay. I try to squeeze in writing whenever I can. I hope this chapter didn't disappoint you! :)
Vi Bitannia: Thank you, I am glad you're enjoying this story. Oh, you read it in one day? Nice! I'm glad you like the slow burn. I had to really resist the urge to immediately jump into the romance part of this story. I believe it would have ruined it in a way, you know? Legolas being old and all, and how elves valued wisdom... a fast pace romance wouldn't be all that believable. Thank you for pointing that out to me. I'll try to be mindful of my word choice in the future. :) Wow, I've been reading Tolkien's book for years and I've never known there were plural words for elloth and elleth. Thank you very much for sharing that!
City-Of-Dimes: Thank you. Yes, Legolas assumed Calaerien and Olithir would become a 'thing', so he distanced himself. I was a bit hesitant about the romance in the last chapter, but it seemed to work out nicely.
DaughteroftheChief: Thank you for your kind word about my writing and this story. I am glad you're enjoying the slow progression between Legolas and Calaerien. Thank you for noticing the age gap differences, I was trying to emphasized that and I'm glad I accomplished that.
G.O.I.A.M: Oh boy... I'm sorry to do that to you! lol.
Ply-Mouth: I miss writing Erweth myself. She was an interesting character to write. It's just grief that got in the way of them. I hope this chapter was worth the wait!
Oded-Bey12: Thank you for your kind words!
PrettyRecklessLaura: Thank you! I hope this chapter wasn't a disappointment!
oistertkh: Thank you! I'm glad you like the slow burn approach. I feel that works best on a character like Legolas. As old as he is, he's less likely to immediately fall head over heels... At least in my opinion.
QuestforMe-1: Thank you for your review! I glad you think so. I love writing emotions and such, but they can be challenging from time to time... It definitely was in this chapter!
Simplegurl4u: You definitely got the answer right on the trivia question! Haha, you know, I kind of wanted her to jump his bones too, but... I am diligently sticking to Tolkien's idea of elven romance... sort of. The idea could make for a good, scandalous story. Silmarrion is full of those ideas! True, but through hardships, Calaerein can grow into a better character. I'm still developing her. She's not in the final stages yet! Character development is my favorite thing to write...
FluffySlipperz: I know, I know. I tease you a lot, lol! But it builds the anticipation for what's to come. Thank you, it's hard to imagine elven grief. So I did my best to capture the 'essence' of it. I'm glad you've forgiven me! :)
MyNameIsNomNom: Thank you for the review bombs! I loved each and every one of them! I know, I left everyone hanging, but it's all part of my ultimate plan. Hopefully, this chapter made up for that hanger!
OneWhoReadsTooMuch: Thank you. I am developing her shy character with solid foundations. That is very true, there shouldn't be any time frame for mourning. The snob king. lol. That made me laugh. I've never thought of him as a snob until now, so I can totally see it. It fits him perfectly. I LOVE that movie. I'm a total musical-movie type of girl.