By the time we got there, all the horses were unsaddled and being taken care of after the long ride
Jessie stood beside a large brown chestnut. His clothes looked dirty and sweaty from the constant riding but he still looked as handsome as the last time I had seen him, and even more. The features of boyhood had left him leaving only a very mature nineteen year old. Long black hair was tied at the base of his neck in a small ponytail. He wore common black leather pants and a black shirt that hugged wide shoulders and a broad chest. Clearing my throat I saw his head snap over to me. A goofy smile spread across his naturally tan face as I began walking towards him. He quickly unclasped his cloak and threw it over the stall revealing a curved blade hanging off his hip.
"It's so good to see you," he whispered wrapping his strong arms around my shoulders.
It looked as if he hadn't seen even a sliver of soap in months but I hugged him anyway just glad that he was finally here.
"I know, I'm so glad you're here.
Letting go of him I smoothed the front of my dress. His eyes darted across my body quickly sizing me up before he leaned on the stable door.
"So what have you been up to?" he asked running a hand over the back of his neck.
Seeing the latch to the door swinging freely out of the corner of my eye I watched Jessie suddenly begin to tilt at an odd angle. Seeing his sudden panic I watched the door suddenly swing closed sending him falling to the ground. Jessie landed facedown in the straw covering the stall floor. Everyone within hearing distance suddenly burst into laughter. I had to admit he did look rather ridiculous but it was almost so silly it was cute.
Biting my bottom lip to stifle my own laughter I kneeled down and grabbed his arm. Pulling him to his feet I grabbed a small piece of straw from his hair. "I'm really glad you're here Jessie."
Hearing footsteps walking towards us I looked away from his face to see the older version of Jessie walking towards us.
"Mr. Callaway," I said bowing my head.
"Victoria! So good to see you again. My, you've grown since the last time I saw you."
"Well it has been a while. How long will you two be staying?"
Long enough to watch Jessie the handsome klutz do another cute stunt I hope…
"I still haven't decided." Eric replied. "It really all depends on the King, but if he doesn't have a problem with us staying, then I'm hoping about six months or so."
I looked at him Jessie in surprise. For so long I had been in Mirkwood, I had surrounded by nothing but flawless Elves. And now I had not only a human, but also a very close friend who just happened to be rather attractive.
Not to mention the klutziness as well. Yay! I won't be the only coordinately challenged person in the whole city!
"I should go to the palace and check in. why don't you two go catch up and Jessie can meet me when you're done" Mr. Callaway suggested.
Looking back at Jessie I saw him nod and offer his arm like a well-polished gentlemen. Giggling quietly I took his arm and looked back at Nienna. Thankfully she didn't speak English so she didn't understand anything Jessie and I had said to each other.
"What's going on?" she asked seeing my take his arm.
"Nienna this is my friend Jessie." I told her in Elvish; Jessie obviously understood what was going on.
She quickly looked at Jessie before a surprised look spread across her face. I hated that look.
"Your friend" she repeated quietly, "well I'm sure you and your friend have much to catch up on. I have things to do so you two enjoy yourselves." she sang turning her back to me and dancing away.
"What was that about?" Jessie asked watching the elf disappear out of the stables.
"Nienna is just moody sometimes."
"Oh, I see," Jessie said expertly, "and how does that make you feel?"
We both laughed and continued walking.
"So tell me," I began "what have you been up to?"