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Secrets of a Raven Beauty
Chapter 15
Relinquishment
This was not what Calaerien had in mind.
Nothing close came to the reality of it. Here, she stood in the middle of Legolas's dim chambers for the sole purpose of eluding the king's spies. Hide in plain sight, he said. A notion that never entered her mind. The excitement to conceal in the shadows summoned a jolt of pleasure in Calaerien's gut. A place of privacy to serve as a sanctuary. However, for all its good vibes, Calaerien was in fact an unbonded elleth in the prince's chambers. That alone was scandalous. If the spies were to exploit her current whereabouts, it would most certainly bring the wrath of King Thranduil.
It was most improper.
Calaerien stepped deeper into the chambers after crawling out of the secret door. The night sky shielded their steps since they left the garden. The bright moonlight illuminated through the cave opening reflected off Legolas's masculine theme. Her ocean-blue eyes reveled in the familiar chamber and remembered the day she was ordered by her mother to deliver the prince's meal. A day that shifted the course of the unexpected chain of events that led to this very moment. The chamber was much larger than she remembered, then her eyes fell upon the familiar chairs in front of the dormant hearth. Memories of Legolas challenging her played like an illusion before her eyes. To her side, the cot was framed by a thick and beautifully design oak. It appeared completely untouched as if no one slept beneath the sheets for months.
'Does the prince ever rest?' The thought seeped into her mind with a disapproving frown morphing on her face. 'Does the idea completely elude him?'
A soft thud from behind shattered Calaerien's train of thought and lured her attention to Legolas who closed the secret door to his chamber.
The prince's silvery hair shimmered, kissed by the moonlight. Legolas regarded Calaerien with a restless glance with a film of uncertainty. The deep depths of his stormy eyes knew no bottom. This improper situation burdened his mind but, courage elicited him to take several steps toward Calaerien. The shy elf stalled in the silence, her ocean eyes reflected sincerity, a most impeccable distinction.
Legolas's form eased slightly and offered a soft smile. He invited, "Come, join me."
There was a reluctant step that reflected in Legolas's stride as he guided her before the cold Hearth. Legolas quickly set the fireplace ablaze, creating a warm ambiance. Calaerien was the first to lower herself onto a rug with the empty chairs several inches away. She was swathed in the comforting heat when Legolas sat before her, his knees almost touching hers. The proximity deduced butterfly wings to flap in her belly. Curiosity lured Calaerien's gaze to the prince who observed the orange glows of the fire. He eased before the flames, allowing his mind to calm to the seductive warmth of the fire.
After what felt like an eternity, Calaerien inquired softly and shattered the silence, "Why here?"
It was a moment or two before the corners of his mouth itched upward into a soft smile, concealing a secret. Legolas never broke his eyes contact from the flames when he confessed, almost impishly, "It is the most unlikely place my father's spy would spot us…"
"Hide in plain sight…." Calaerien repeated his words, a ghost of a smile hints on the corners of her lips. Legolas glanced in her direction, his grin grew mischievous before he returned his gaze to the fire. She questioned, "Why does your father wish to spy upon you?"
The question lured Legolas's attention again but it swelled first with uncertainty then immediately diminished behind a guarded expression. Calaerien could not decipher beyond the cautious and watchful eyes of the prince. He pursed his lips together as he leaned his elbows upon his knees. The downcast glare radiated tension when he finally retorted beneath his breath, "He wishes to know all that occurs in his kingdom. Nothing moves without him hearing about it..."
The bitterness in Legols's tone bristled Calaerien's skin. The king was indeed cunning and known for his ill-temper ways but it barely filled the thimble in comparison to his desire to protect his only heir. Despite that fact, why does the king need to spy on Legolas? The prince had only the kingdom's wellbeing on his mind. He carried no mortal blood nor the flimsy desires to live a provocative life. Legolas was steadfast in his actions that were worthy of his elven heritage. What would King Thranduil gain by eliciting Legolas's temper and resentment? The closer Calaerien drew to Legolas, the more she learned of his father's overwhelming shadow.
Questions whirled like a tempest in her mind. Hesitation gripped her heart but she shook it away and inquired, "Does he do it often?"
"Nay..."
"What is the purpose of this... charade?" Calaerien carefully phased the question and prayed her curiosity won't force him to shut down on her. It was her belief that his father's action burned beneath his skin.
She watched in worry when Legolas smiled bitterly.
"My father is... a complicated elf, Calaerien." Legolas's voice drifted, grew uncertain if he should continue. Complicated wasn't a word Calaerien would describe the King but despite her apprehension toward Thranduil, she bit her lip. Legolas recoiled, sighed heavier before he return his attention to the fire. He summarized regretfully, "He carries a heart of fear."
His words hung in the air like a terrible odor.
Calaerien blinked in confusion, tangled up in Legolas's choice of words. Never once would Calaerien suspect the King, himself, was a fearful elf. That the shadows of doubt linger in the back of King Thranduil's mind, taunting like a cruel game. No, she viewed the king completely and utterly fearless and intimidating... and at times, insufferable. She shook her head, found herself stunned before she questioned in bewilderment, "How do you mean?"
There was a moment of silence with only the sounds of the embers snapping angrily in the background. Legolas sighed deeply, whether it was in frustration, Calaerien could not say. The prince reached out to gather several locks of her hair and twirled it around his long digit. The conversation ladened a troubling burden on Legolas as his deep eyes narrowed solely on her hair.
"My father is not a terrible elf, Calaerien. Granted, his actions are not always worthy of the Valar themselves." Legolas confessed, his voice deep and laced with uncertainty. The prince glanced at Calaerien, watched carefully for her reaction. He continued sorrowfully, "When my mother died... We did not speak of her. My father never utters her name. She is a secret I must carry alone. He carries a heart of fear for those whom he fears to lose."
Realization dawn on Calaerien. Deep remorse she felt toward her king, but even more so for her prince. For the prince carried the weight of his people upon his crown and suffered in silence of his mother's demise. From where she sat, being royalty was lonely and dejected responsibility. It was at that moment, she realized King Thranduil and herself have many similarities. She too was burdened with a heart of fear. A terrible fear combined with a debilitating panic and seized all common sense. Those same shadows plaque the king himself. For the first time, Calaerien felt a slim feeling of pity for her ruler.
"My father watched me in my youth... " Legolas declared, his voice deepened with emotion and tugged on the ends of her hair. Calaerien watched in fascination as Legolas inhaled the scent of her hair before he frowned and murmured, "He desires for me to be a strong ruler in his stead. He watched my growth, instilled his teachings but my father and I do not always see eye to eye... That alone, I know, disappoints him."
Calaerien felt her lips part, baffled by his words and lost in a whirlwind of chagrin. Even more so to the fact, Legolas felt lesser to the king. What other thoughts plagued his mind as the crown loomed above his head, taunted him to become a stronger ruler? She has seen with her own eyes the reverence their people held for him. The respect he'd garnered from his patrol and her cousin Tauriel. The love from her mother. Calaerien brought her hand onto Legolas's and allowed her soft fingertips to brush against his knuckles in comfort.
"Legolas..." She whispered his name, she ached for the prince when she continued, "You have a strength of a different kind. A rare gift I have seen when I first met you. You were gentle with me and made me feel safe even after I lost my father... You provide safety for your people. You put them first ahead of your own desires. That is an honorable trait for a strong ruler..."
Legolas brought his attention to her sincere eyes, searching deep in her soul when he confessed, "I thank you, Calaerien, to counsel me in my hour of need."
Calaerien leaned up, her hair slipped from his fingers when she drew her knees to tuck beneath her chin. There was a light hue on her cheekbones. She glanced away with a bitter smile and murmured, "My actions are not unique. You, yourself would have offered the same."
The uncertainty that tainted her voice baffled the prince as he leaned away. He grew serious and affirmed, "Nay, you give yourself no credit for the wisdom you harbor. Your fea is a boundless star, worthy of the light of the Trees of Valinor. How do you not see your worth? I could not say."
Calaerien allowed her eyes to drift up to connect with Legolas's strong glance. Without any control, her eyes dropped to his lips and swiftly returned. A rosy hue tainted up to her hairline followed by a tight constriction of her heart. It nearly ensnared her breath away. Calaerien swayed her attention to the fire, hoping Legolas could not read her mind, and whispered bashfully, "Those are fair words."
"Does that please you?" Legolas genuinely inquired and watched with growing interest as she continued to flush. The prince came to the conclusion that he liked the blush on her cheeks. It highlighted her delicate cheekbones.
"Aye…" Calaerien hesitantly confessed with a bashful smile.
A comfortable silence ladened between them with only the sound of snapping embers barking from the hearth. Calaerien felt her heart leap when Legolas gingerly tucked a strand of her raven hair behind a pointed ear. It was beyond easy for Calaerien to drift deep in the steady gaze of her companion. Then a peculiar shift changed Legolas's demeanor when he glanced away as if he burdened a heavyweight upon his strong shoulders.
The prince sighed, leaned away, and uneasily confessed, "Calaerien, it burdens my heart to confess that I have been summoned to Imladris."
The world stopped.
All the light and blood drained from Calaerien's face as she stiffened. The mere idea of Legolas traveling beyond the borders of Mirkwood lanced her tender soul. Fear stole away into her heart like a thief and clenched her heart until it nearly choked her. Visions of her family's death cruelly plagued her mind and taunt her of the possibility of tragedy striking again. She shifted again to allow her legs to cross while her hands clenched the hem of her skirt like she was tethered to it. Her body went cold, and pressure confined her mind until her breath was ensnared from her. How was this pain possible? Would he not return like her mother or father?
A deep chuckle shattered her train of thought when Calaerien glanced at Legolas who smiled at her distressed expression. He jested, "Do not destress so, my raven beauty."
His comment bristled her skin. Calaerien defiantly brushed off his comment before she pursed her lips and swiftly demanded the question without thinking, "Why were you summoned?"
Legolas heard the tremble in her serious tone and all humor faded from him. Legolas explained gently, "My friends of old: Elrohir and Elladan, sons of Elrond are in need of assistance with orc raids in the north. I shall greet them in Imladris…"
"What of here?" Calaerien immediately interjected, panic-stricken. "Does the darkness which plagues our home not concern you?"
"Aye, Calaerien." Legolas declared; all gentle tones filtered out of his voice and assured firmly, "Tauriel has all well in hand. Worry not, Calaerien. It would be a mere blink of an eye."
Every fiber of her being screamed for her to convince... no, force the prince to remain in Mirkwood. How could he think of leaving? Leave her? Calaerien glanced down to her fingers that fidgeted with the hem of her attire, her breathing grew heavier with each passing moment. Fear lurked like a wolf in the shadows, ready to pounce and devour her. Lost in her own tormented thoughts, Calaerien scarcely noticed Legolas reaching out until his large hands gripped hers. Snapping out of her daze, Calaerien flinched before her attention was averted to his. Warmth cradled her small hand within the cocoon of his rough ones but, the gentle stroke of his thumb upon her wrist did little to sway to fear that lingered close to her heart.
"Do not distress Calaerien." He asserted, all seriousness swelled in his voice when he promised, "I shall return to you."
How can anyone trust fate after many broken promises?
She wanted desperately to ask, though the words were stuck in her throat. Hope vainly failed her in the past and mocked her whenever a loved one left the borders of Mirkwood. Time was irrelevant to her kin. It would be a year, a decade, or a century before Legolas would return to the borders. Assuming fate wouldn't cruelly snatch him from her grasp. The mere thought of Legolas slain nearly caused Calaerien to weep. She was weak to rescue her father or protect her mother but now, she felt strength in her core. A strength she procured over years of training to prevent anyone ever leaving her again. Only inner strength can secure the life of her loved one.
Calaerien slowly drew her attention to the prince, lifted her chin, and offered determinedly "If this is to be your path then I shall join your endeavor to Imladris and fight by your side."
It was only mere seconds when Legolas comprehended her meaning and she watched with fearful fascination as his calm demeanor warped into the fierce protector.
"Nay!" Legolas exclaimed, abruptly pulling his hands away in a flare of outrage.
The sheer cold of Legolas's voice came with a terrible twist in Calaerien's stomach. Dread stilled her every fiber. His regard was beyond intense and it fractured Calaerien's fragile confidence. A shadow darkened the prince's expression when he came to his feet and left behind a bewilder elleth with only the firelight caressing his every movement. The prince abruptly paused by the chair, his rigid back faced her, and he shifted angrily in place. He grabbed the back end of the chair, his knuckled blanched white from bubbling frustration. The air between them changed dramatically to the point it nearly choked Calaerien. An odd sensation of heaviness pressed against her chest. Never before had she seen such a reaction. Calaerien released a breath she didn't realize she held and glanced down at her hands in disbelief.
Disorientated and confused, Calaerien glanced up and was unsure how to navigate the angry prince. Would her presence be beyond terrible? Did Calaerien misinterpret the situation? A deep sigh escaped Calaerien's nostrils as the silence nearly fractured the balance between them. Calaerien swallowed hard and pressed her advantage with conviction, "I could fight by your side Legolas… Too many have perished without me ever trying to prevent their demise."
Legolas ever so slightly turned his head, only allowing Calaerien to see his profile swathe in the light of the hearth. He implied darkly, "Thus you would believe it so simple, Calaerien?"
Calaerien winced to the harshness of Legolas's voice. It almost gave her the illusion that Thranduil now spoke through the prince. A careful and calculative imitation that she found intensely intimidating and regrettably frightening. How could her words deduce such a comment? It would be her will to be at his side through all foul events. One too many times, someone she loved perished. How could she stand idly by while Legolas left to face danger? Calaerien's heart endured much of this world, but she would fade if Legolas never returned to her.
Calaerien finally broke the silence with a whisper, "I never implied it would be simple…"
"I cannot fight if I am worried about your wellbeing." He retorted hauntingly; despair laced with hints of protectiveness in his deep tone. When he finally turned to face her, Calaerien was surprised to find anguish in his darkened expression. He demanded lowly, "Would you needlessly endanger my life on the battlefield?"
The question burned more than a hot iron ever could. Calaerien was first affronted then confused and it all morphed to anger. How could Legolas question such a thing? A deep fury set her veins ablaze. She huffed through her nostril, allowed her anger to lift her to her feet, and march directly in front of her prince. He never once blinked nor recoil to her abrupt approach, but rather glared and prepared himself for any battle she brought to him. Calaerien stood before him, trembling to the overwhelming rage in her core. She was but mere inches from him, breathing his air and absolutely terrified.
"Never in my life would I ever needlessly endanger any part of you, Legolas Greenleaf." She seethed, her voice rankled and quivered by the insulting question. Legolas was quick to his temper which only ignited Calaerien's defiance. Anger fermented until she trembled and continued in an almost desperate voice, "I am not useless! I have been training for decades. You would accept my cousin but not I?"
His eyes narrowed directly upon her with such deep emotion that made Calaerien take a step back, but she jerked her chin up and refused to recoil further. In a mere instant, Legolas bristled, darkened, and then his guard shielded all his thoughts. He did not hesitate to close the gap between them, his height easily towering over hers. He implied in a haunting tone, "You have been training Calaerien. An untried elleth with no understanding of a true fight, whereas Tauriel fought since the time you both came to Mirkwood. Do not mistake training for the experience. You know little of fighting. The gore, the blood... One wrong move, yourself or another will perish..."
"I know of blood and gore…" Calaerien fumed back but was immediately injected.
"You do not." Legolas barked; his cold voice silent the young elleth. "You know of losses, not taking a life. No matter if it's filth. Your gentle heart knows not the carnage of battle. You will not perish needlessly due to your ignorance, no matter the level of your skill. I will not allow it."
That pinched a nerve.
"I am not asking you to allow it." Calaerien felt injured by his comment.
"I am your prince, Calaerien. Whether you ask for it or not, you will not travel with me to Imladris." The orders came from the true prince of Mirkwood, son of the Elf King. His title and position leveraged against Calaerien and his voice was full of authority and seething demand. "You will do as I say."
Calaerien's face contorted with her own bitterness, and she breathed heavily through her nostrils. They were mere inches from each, neither backing down. Her small and delicate hands formed a fist at her sides and her face flushed from frustration. She nearly growled when she turned away to find a moment to release the pressure that boiled in her chest. How could someone she loved, make her so angry? Without ever facing her prince, she challenged sourly, "Therefore I should remain behind these walls of stone and wait. Wait in vain for your return?"
"Aye." Legolas matched her fierceness, forgetting why they hid in his chambers. His voice lured Calaerien to twirl in his direction, her raven hair fanning. Those ocean eyes glared and glisten at the emotions that tormented her.
The two elves glared at each other. Fierce and fury matched word for word. A great battle of protectiveness and desire raged and fueled their tempers. Calaerien never was one to cave to her anger, but here and now, nothing stood in her way. She experienced the intimidating regard of the king, blood of her family, and now, she faced the outrage of her prince. Fear never felt more horrible. Like she stood upon the precipice of a great mountain with nothing but miles of cold, frigid air beneath her. For those whom she loved, Calaerien would gladly and without anything in return, jump off the edge.
A long pause was shattered when Legolas added firmly, his voice ladened with command, "Better to have you idly wait in anger for my return, safe from harm than needlessly watch you perish… You cannot ask of that of me, Calaerien."
Calaerien felt her lips part.
The deep and terrible dread that gripped her suddenly squandered to the realization. Though she felt crippled by the shadow of a doubt, Calaerien finally understood Legolas. A painful realization that came with knives in her heart. Her desire to argue her opposition faded as she gazed into the guarded eyes of her prince. She finally noted the battle that raged inside of him. The same fear that haunted her mind. Fear of the loss of a loved one. A dull pain mustered in her heart to their heated spat, powered by their desire to protect one another. Calaerien turned her attention away to hide the ache she felt and stared non-observantly at the snapping embers of the hearth. Her arms crossed her torso for comfort. All anger diminished when she murmured beneath her breath in a sorrowful tone, "You know not the wrenching torment of waiting…. wondering if your loved one will return. To have hope in your darkest hour… and then discover, they will never return to you."
Calaerien felt the salty tears brim her eyes before one single tear escaped the corner and cascaded down her cheek. With a quick sniffle, she brushed it away before Legolas could notice.
Her actions were in vain. The small elleth before Legolas fractured his rigid demeanor. He heard the broken tremble of her voice and smelted the scent of her tears. Two eyebrows furrow on Legolas's face, almost affront by her comment. Without warning, Legolas reached out and forced Calaerien to turn to face him. He gripped her arms like his life depended on it and narrowed his attention solely on the elleth who downcast her attention. He pressed firmly, "You think I do not know what haunts your mind, Calaerien? I know of your sorrow and losses, but what you do not understand, it is not reason enough to bring harm to yourself."
Defiance festered in her chest to his words. Calaerien attempted to shrug off his grip, but the prince wasn't allowing her to recoil to the shadows. Not this time. This time she will stay beneath the light of his gaze and listen to every word he utters. His hands felt like iron clasps on her arms, beseeching her to remain still beneath his attentive stare. He pulled Calaerien even closer, almost her chest against his if it weren't for her hands serving as a barrier between them. Calaerien pressed her hands against his firm chest to struggle out of his grip and exclaimed, "I am not easily broken, Legolas."
"No, you are not, my raven beauty." His voice softened but refused to allow her to slip from his fingers.
"Look at me Calaerien.." Legolas commanded in a deep tone. Calaerien ceased struggling and still in his firm grasp. With a hard swallow, she allowed her ocean eyes to elevate to meet his deep blue eyes. To allow him to gaze straight into her soul and be bear before him. "One day, Calaerien, I shall aid you to gain experience for battle, but it will not be this time. This time you will wait. And I will return to you. I promise thee."
Her body calmed when Legolas relaxed his hands on her arms. His promise was too bitter to be taken as something sweet. Nothing would reassure her that he would return to her. No promise could prevent any demise waiting beyond the borders. Calaerien said flatly, her voice finding strength through her anguish, "Do not promise what you cannot keep, Legolas…"
Legolas sighed, long and deep. His hands drifted along her arms until they covered her hands over his chest. "I promise to the Valar and all things in Middle Earth, I will return to you. I do not go to war."
"Neither did my father..." Calaerien argued in defeat, "And yet, death found him."
"Death will not claim me, Calaerien."
Calaerien pursed her lip as Legolas allowed her hands to slip from his chest and out of his grasp. The heavy tension between them slowly shimmered. The prince suddenly felt weary from their argument. Wearier than battling orcs. He would prefer fighting an orc pack than argue with Calaerien. Never in his long life would he assume the shiest elleth would be one he avoided trifling with. While she had a calm spirit, Calaerien had a strength buried deep and Legolas almost found it both exhausting and intriguing.
Legolas took a step back from the young elleth before he rubbed his temple. He then pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed deeply. He inquired in an exhausted voice, "I take no pleasure in arguing with you, Calaerien. Why must you fight me? I go to aid my comrades. Not march to battle with Morgoth himself on the footsteps of Angband."
The question lingered in the air for but a moment. Calaerien drew together her eyebrows when she broke her silence with a whisper, "How can I not, Legolas?
It was her tone that elicit Legolas's attention. Before him, stood an elleth, whose eyes glisten with devotion and no small measure of trepidation. The moonlight cascaded a long-illuminated light across her delicate features. The elleth's lower lip trembled as she was hesitant to step closer. The proximity was overwhelming and completely addictive.
The familiar and yet frightening sensation surfaced. Flushed cheeks accompanied by the deep rhythm of her heartbeat pounding in her ear deepened her breathing. Calaerien barely whispered a plead, "Do you not know what I feel for you?"
After many years, the question finally spilled from her lips and landed in Legolas's lap. Legolas tensed before her, and his expression gave nothing away to his thoughts. Her heart pounded in her ears as the silence sounded louder than any noise. By the Valar, she refused to allow the prince to leave Mirkwood without knowing the tales of her heart.
"After all this time…" Calaerien's word fumbled out of her mouth, "You must feel the connection, do you not?"
The question hung in the air as the familiar intimacy swelled and swathed them. His deep blue eyes stared unblinkingly at the elleth before him, lost in the depths of Calaerien. Calaerien took another brave but furtive step closer. Her every being desired to close the small distance between them and be nothing but two elves who stood bare before each other.
Calaerien pressed, "In a small way, you must know..."
Time seemed to pause between them. Seconds felt like years. Baring her feelings before her prince, Calaerien never felt more naked or exposed. Emotions swelled in her chest with each passing second. Legolas opened his mouth but swiftly close it. The conflict played across his mind. He appeared as a young elloth, standing unsure before elleth for the first time and completely and utterly at a loss. Finally, Legolas took a step closer until his silvery crown hovered over her raven one.
Legolas drew up his hand, tucked a lock of her raven hair behind her ear. The tender gesture elicited his fingertips to trail down her cheek until they found her bottom lip. Gently, he parted her mouth and felt her hitched breath upon his skin. It was her mouth that truly hypnotized him. The sound of her racing heart lured a satisfied grin on his lips. His eyes darted to her ocean ones, slowly leaning deeper and whispered over her lips, "Aye, I know."
Before another thought was conjured, Legolas immediately pressed his mouth upon her waiting lips. It took a moment for Calaerien's mind to register what had occurred when she suddenly felt a satisfying prickle radiate down to her toes. Her body instantly came alive, fueled by the flushed heat in her veins. Calaerien released a breath through her nose when she felt Legolas's strong hand around her waist and the other cradled the back of her neck. He lured her closer into his embrace until nothing was between them. A wave of desire poured from his mouth to hers. His lips first moved tenderly against hers, feeling and tasting before the kiss became urgent.
Calaerien held onto her prince, her nails dug into his attire on his shoulders. She easily melted into his embrace and welcomed the desperate and heated kiss. The argument and the intense emotion of fear and protectiveness stimulated the great need to feel and touch. Relished the sensation of his tongue parting her mouth and elicited a soft moan from her. Suddenly and much to her dismay, Legolas pulled away, panted and his eyes brimmed with hunger. Calaerien remained still in his embrace, gazed disorientated into his eyes. Nothing awkward lingered between them, but rather a familiar and welcoming sense of each other's fea. Like long-lost lovers who reunited after centuries of being parted from one another.
Calaerien was the first to break the silence with her tender voice, "Forever will I fight you Legolas, for my heart can bear much but not the loss of you."
Legolas's warm hand came to the side of her neck, his thumb brushing her jawline. There was a genuine and pleased smile formed on Legolas's lips. Acknowledgment and devotion were reflected in his deep gaze. Something Calaerien never witnessed until this moment. She felt Legolas lure her into his embrace with his cheek upon her temple. Calaerien rested her head upon his chest, warm in his arms. She heard a promise of conviction, "No harm shall ever find you whilst there's breath in me, Calaerien. For I shall forever keep you safe and always return to you."
Safe in his arms, Calaerien never felt more safe or secure in her long life. Every battle finally led to her most joyous moment. In the arms of the Prince of Mirkwood. No distance, no king, nor Morgoth himself could separate them at that moment. There was no telling how long they remained in each other's embrace. Both lost in time, forgetting the troubles and the darkness of the world. When Legolas pulled away, his hands on her shoulders, his concerned eyes roamed her pale form. Frowning in dismay, he murmured, "You are exhausted..."
"As you are..."
"Your fighting spirit is one I would not trifle with. I prefer the orcs." Legolas jested with a smile and his dimples finally pinched his cheeks. A mark of a true and genuine smile, one that triggered Calaerien's grin. She chuckled softly, still sore from their argument.
"I truly hope you remember that," Calaerien smirked. Her eyes dipped to his mouth again, flushed by the desire to feel his lips upon her again. She glanced up, blushing under his gaze.
Legolas smiled wider; his thumbs brushed her shoulders as a sign of affection. Calaerien expected to be escorted to her chambers when to her surprise, Legolas went to his bed and with one swift movement, he tore off his heavy blanket. The prince planted the blanket before the hearth. The prince craned his head over his shoulder and found a confused elleth. He insisted, "Come, you must find rest before the break of dawn."
Blinking in surprise, Calaerien hesitantly came to his side. Legolas lowered himself onto the blanket and without another word, ensnared Calaerien's hand. He lured her down beside him. The elleth's body frame was much smaller but easily fit in the crook of his side. With his arm wrapped protectively around her waist, Calaerien rested her body against his. First, she was tensed but with time, she melted in his embrace. Legolas guided her hand upon his chest. The rhythm of his heartbeat and the gentle caress of his thumb upon her wrist relaxed Calaerien even further.
Calaerien inhaled his scent and relished his warmth. Drifting deeper, a faint image of King Thranduil flashed in her mind. Frowning in discontentment, Calaerien breathed nervously, "What of your father?"
She felt Legolas's chest rise when he sighed deeply before he muttered, "That is a battle for another day, though, after today, I believe my father may be outmatched."
Two eyebrows furrowed on her delicate face as she tilted her head to catch a glimpse of his calm expression. When he looked to her, he ordered, "Rest Calaerien."
Pursing her lips, Calaerien snuggled closer to his chest and felt her body relaxed in the comforting and warm embrace of the prince. Nothing but the sparking embers offered a rhythmic lullaby. Everything was forgotten and before long, Calaerien felt herself drifting into deep mediation.
To be continued!
I know it has been a while since my last update. I've been working in medical clinics, which I am sure some of you know, is not the best time to be in the medical field, since many medical professions either left or were fired due to the vaccination mandate. Long story short, I've been working a lot and also running my own small business. I have been tired and stressed these past few months and writing has come easily.
So, thank you so much for your wonderful reviews and patience. I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint anyone. There's finally a smooch after 15 chapters and 104,306 words! We made it! The story is over... haha, just kidding. Bad joke. There's still a lot more to come.
Comments:
OneWhoReadsTooMuch: Being the ONLY child of King Thranduil, I could only imagine it as suffocating and difficult. Erweth would not approval Legolas training Calaerien, not courting her. Sorry, for the confusion. It was definitely fun having Lady Lashreal poking around, which is why I wrote her in the story early on. ;)
Ten Duel Commandments: Rivalel is challenging to write because elves are supposed to be refined and such, but that is why we have the Silmarillion! The dirty deeds of elves! It's my favorite book by Tolkien! :) Thank you for letting me know, I'll have to make that correction when I have time and yes, I did find a job :). Thank you for your review!
TheLonelyOtter: You do the elvish jig! No judgment from me :) Thank you so much for your kind compliment on my writing. You made me feel warm and fuzzy inside. Hint: There's a reason for the suit, but I wouldn't spoil it.
FluffySlipperz: Yes, sorry for my long updates. I try to squeeze in writing wherever I can. Once I wrote the last chapter, I figured I dragged on the slow burn enough. It's fun to write the pining and everything, but it's interesting to write LegolasxCalaerien romance. I hope you liked the fluff in the chapter because there's more to come!
City-of-Dimes
Haha! Everyone's not like Thranduil in this story. I'm glad you like Mithrilil! There's a reason for you being in the story!
Omega-658: Thank you for your kind comments and I'm glad you like the romance pace!
fanofNC:
Thank you! I'm trying to keep her out of the typically swash-buckling female arch characters. I want her to be a supporting fighter if that makes any sense. Stay curious because I have some tricks up my sleeve!
oistertkh: Thank you so much! Graduating school was difficult, and the state board was even harder! Stayed tuned
Simplegurl4u: Thank you! I am grateful for the job I have. If Legolas settles Calaerien in Imladris, then the story would lose its 'umph'. Besides, Mirkwood is Calaerien's home and she has her own business to run. I hope their first kiss in this chapter wasn't a disappointment! Yes, I am also excited about the twins, but still trying to figure out their placement in the story. Thank you for your patience!
Purified-elf: Thank you for your review!
PrettyRecklessLaura: Thank you and sorry for the long wait!
Stygian Willow: There are more surprises coming, so stay tuned!
Karla: Thank you and yes, I put quite a bit of effort which is why updates are a bit slow. I am too much of a perfectionist.
Hortense: Your English writing is well done and thanks to you for leaving me a review. I completely understand what you mean. Writing provides me an escape from reality too. :)
LeePacefan: Thank you!
Ply-Mouth: Thank you!
kksambo: Well, King Thranduil is King Thranduil. I imagine him rather protective of his only son and heir. I had already planned for Calaerien to share her feelings first; sorry I hope this chapter wasn't too much of a disappointment. Legolas is old and reserved with his feelings, but It'll show soon, I promise. I do not know if I'll write her in the fellowship. It goes against the reason why I wrote her in the first place, but I do have other plans for her. But I'll consider it.
sakurastorm14: Thank you for your review!
Thank you to all the guests who reviewed, those who favorited and followed this story! You all bring me back to this story. I have more surprises to come!