Disclaimer: Not mine.
James8 beta-ed for me, scary enough, so big thanks to her.
Thoughts are in italics.
Speaking in "quotes".
Chapter 2
Elegain ran the brush through the mare's shiny coat humming contentedly to herself. The workday was winding down in the late afternoon sun and Elle was more than happy to spend the time in the barn close to the horses. She placed the used grooming box back in the tack room and turned to head into the manor. She had just reached the barn doors when she saw four Elven riders halt next to the water trough and dismount.
Elle watched the small group of elves as they looked around approvingly at the sight of the foals running around the large mare and foal paddock. She noticed the particular attention paid to her colt as he raced around with the other foals. Pharaohirrim skidded to a halt looking over at the newcomers and their horses. The seeming leader of the group motioned towards the colt and the group conversed silently while looking at him.
The group looked up as Lord Gaealis came down the stairs of his manor with his arms open wide welcoming the travelers. She walked towards the group quietly watching the elves with hidden amazement. The elves stopped by once in a while, but they never ceased to amaze her with their grace and beauty, even the males. Elle knew there was a trade agreement between the elves of Lorien and the people of Limduin. As she walked towards the group two of the elves turned to look at her with intense gazes.
"Elle! I was wondering where you were at." Lord Gaealis put his arm around his daughter's shoulders. "Lord Haldir, you remember my daughter, Elegain?"
"My lady, it is lovely to see you again." Haldir bowed ever so slightly. When he looked at her again she blushed realizing she was still wearing the leggings she had worn to go riding and must be filthy from the day's work.
Elle recovered, "It is nice to see you again to, my lord." She held his gaze noticing the way his blonde hair wisped over his shoulders in the late afternoon breeze. She blushed again becoming aware she was staring. Luckily her father didn't seem to take notice and insisted the elves join them for a few days before their ride back. Elle excused herself to clean up and change before dinner.
XxXxX
Elle walked out into her mother's garden prepared for dinner with their guests. She did not mind dresses and was always very careful of her appearance when there were guests over for dinner. Torches had been lit to lighten the area where they would be dining. She smiled warmly at the Elven warriors before making her way over to her mother's side to help in anyway she could.
Dinner was always a good time when visitors came to the table. The Lorien elves told many stories and tales that captivated the dinner guests. Elle had listened enraptured with the musical language. As it got to be later, she found herself restless and moved quietly from the table. She headed towards the manor, but turned away towards the barn.
The mare and foal paddocks were illuminated just enough by the half moon for Elle to see the sleeping horses. She could see Pharaohirrim from where she stood against the fence, he was cuddling close to his mother even in the warm air. He seems to glow in the moonlight. She jumped when a set of hands placed themselves next to her on the fence. She pulled a knife from the bodice of her dress, but the hands disarmed her quickly.
"My Lady Elegain." A firm yet musical voice commanded her as the figure put a hold on her so she couldn't move. "I did not mean to intrude or frighten you." There was silence for several long seconds before Elle was released from the hold. She spun around only to come face to face with one of the elves.
"You shouldn't sneak up on people. What if I had hurt you?" Elle glared at the elf unsure of what to do. She realized it was Haldir.
"You would not have hurt me. I thought I might startle you, I was ready." Haldir turned to look at the field of horses remembering a time when he had sat waiting for a horse companion to choose him.
"I am sorry my lord, but you really should have made your presence known."
Haldir turned to smile at her, "You are right, please accept my apology."
"Of course. It is just there have been thieves in the area. I'm just worried about the horses." Elle quieted deep in thought. She took a few minutes to look at her companion out of the corner of her eyes. His eyes were a green with a hint of gray and his hair fell around his shoulders framing his masculine features.
"The gray colt… how old is he?" Haldir seemed to be able to pinpoint Pharaohirrim even though he had only seen the colt once. Elle was not sure if she liked his distinct interest in her colt.
"He will be a month and a half tomorrow." The elf nodded silently at her side still gazing at the sleeping foal. "What interest do you have in him?"
He turned his intense gaze on her for the first time in many minutes, "You will be training him." It wasn't a question.
"Yes. My father will be helping me though." Elle shivered in the late evening air.
"My lady, perhaps you should go in. The evening is waning into night." Haldir turned towards the manor and offered his arm to her. "We can speak more tomorrow if you would like to know more about your colt."
Elle raised her eyebrows in question. When she received no answer she shrugged and accepted Haldir's arm to walk back to the manor. I guess it will just have to wait until tomorrow.
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