A/N Hey everyone Here's the chap everyone has been waiting for! Let the Legomace begin!
The days passed by quickly, everything was routine now, training in the morning, then the evenings would be spent either forcing Dargan out of his comfort zone while he cursed at me or I would sew. I've made several outfits and even had one of the seamstresses help me design a type of bra that ties instead of clasps. I found out that the Elleth who wish to participate in combat bind their breasts, which is similar to a tight sports bra. There is nothing like a good t-shirt bra, however.
I haven't been to the healing talan yet, Dargan suggested I do that when he leaves.
"Not because you need healed or anything," he assured.
"I know what you mean, Dar." I replied.
"Do you have a gift for healing?" Barasil had interrupted raising his eyebrow in my direction.
"She is not a good nurse," Dargan answered, causing all of the Ellon in the vicinity to briefly glance at my breasts.
I haven't thought about much of what I'll do while he's away, he's been unrelenting on the fact I should not leave the Golden Wood, this was the safest place for me. I agreed, the stories he told me would overwhelm me so much I would purposely zone out. A world filled with orcs and violence wasn't for me.
He was also convinced we both needed to be in the same spot Haldir found us for us to travel back. If only one went then whatever portal opened, wouldn't open. I would need to wait, and after a year he'd be back and we would go home and no more adventures.
I huffed out a breath trying to straighten my thoughts as I made my way to the training field. Dargan was already there, he was full of nervous energy.
Barasil was teaching him with a knife now, using himself as a target and easily dodging the blows.
"Great of you to finally join us, Calico!" Dargan teased.
"Sorry, I've just been in my head all morning." I admitted as Barasil pulled another knife from his belt and made to hand it to me, "Oh! No, thank you!" I held my palms out.
He raised an eyebrow. "I don't want to cut you!" I squeaked out.
"If you cut him, he deserves it." Dargan laughed out grabbing the knife out of Barasil's still outstretched hand and placing it in mine not waiting for permission.
That was when they arrived. I didn't see them right away but I heard them. They were easy to distinguish from the Elves who were light on their feet. The Elves that frequented the training ground all moved on one accord toward the sound of noise. Dargan excused himself with a "I'm done now," and left me alone with Barasil.
"Grip it like this," he wrapped his hand around mine placing my fingers exactly where he wanted them. It was a long knife, not quite a sword but definitely not one you would use in the kitchen.
I glanced over my shoulder trying to get a glimpse of the Fellowship. "Now, I want you to try to strike me, do not hold back or worry for me." I turned back and met his eyes, "I cannot correct you until I see what I'm working with."
I nodded slowly but made no move to attack. There were several prolonged moments of silence before he sighed, "It isn't different than what we were doing before, I promise you won't hurt me."
I didn't want to do any combat; I was going to school to be a nurse! I wanted to comfort people not hurt them. Archery was fun and all but I aimed at targets not people, with hand to hand I always held back, I was only doing it now for Dargan. I'd continue training until he left with the Fellowship then I would be done with all manner of violence.
"Don't make me do this," he extended his arms out at his side and hunched his shoulders.
My eyes widened and I turned to run but wasn't fast enough his hands jabbed into my sides and tickled until my sides hurt and I had no choice but to fight him off.
My breath came in short bursts as I managed to swing the knife around wildly in an attempt to hit anything that would make him stop. He was also laughing, throwing his head back out of joy and to evade my attacks. Even in my annoyance, I couldn't stop laughing, it eventually died down to a bubble of a giggle as I focused more on striking him.
"Barasil!" A voice called, this voice sounded too throaty to be of the Elves, we both paused and turned to the owner of the voice.
His eyes were the first thing I saw, how the blue of his irises lit up with his mirth as he laughed. He was a man with dark brown hair and a scruffy appearance, he looked nothing but humble yet had an air of nobility about him.
"Mellon nin," Barasil clasped his arm and began speaking to him in Sindarin. That was when I noticed the man wasn't alone there was an Elf next to him, he looked akin to the Elves I'd seen here, but his appearance was sharper, almost wilder.
His eyes were such a vibrant blue, they made me nothing but uncomfortable as he unabashedly stared at me while I awkwardly fumbled with the knife waiting for Barasil to return. That has to be Legolas. And the man no doubt was either Boromir or Aragorn, but most likely Aragorn. I wish I paid more attention to Dargan's rants.
"Forgive me; I was training our little seer." Barasil switched to common tongue gesturing to me with a playful glint in his eye. My hand that was holding the knife relaxed and the knife hit the ground with a thud.
I flushed under the attention, Aragorn's eyes met mine and he didn't react how the men of earth would have. He didn't look disgusted, nor did he look intrigued like the Elves often did. He looked at me as he looked at Barasil, I felt human, I felt normal under his gaze.
That is not how I felt under Legolas's gaze, his gaze made me want to squirm.
"This is the Lady Calliope; she is an honored guest of the Golden Wood."
Aragorn stepped forward and bowed, grabbing my hand in his and kissing the top of it politely. "Aragorn, son of Arathorn" His breath tickled my hand as he rose back to a standing position.
I didn't reply, I don't think I could have if I tried, I felt the entirety of the blood in my body was flooding my face. I gave a weak smile and nodded. That was when HE stepped forward.
When he grabbed my hand his hands were calloused, rough from years of what did Dargan say again? Archery? His grip was strong and confident; it was nothing like Aragorn's. While Aragorn's felt gentle and polite, this felt like a cage, like his hand would hold mine forever if I let him. There was a tingling I felt too, it was like a buzzing or vibration, a current that passed between us.
My heart stopped. I felt like I couldn't breathe.
He spoke slowly, and I knew what he was saying but it was as if my entire being was underwater and I couldn't hear him. His gaze never broke from mine; his gaze was penetrating, as if he was seeing inside me. I couldn't break the eye contact, I felt unable to look away or even blink. I smelled his scent. I smelled more than that, I smelled the smell of lush woods after a week of rain, and I smelled the smell of the air before a storm. That was how he smelt; it wasn't like Aragorn who smelt a bit like sweat and grit.
That was when his lips gave my hand the gentlest of kisses and I fainted.
I had never fainted before, and perhaps I should have seen the signs, but I was too consumed with emotions and nerves. My first mistake, not eating breakfast, or dinner the night before. My second, locking my knees when Aragorn approached. And my final most deadly mistake was forgetting to breathe the entire time Legolas held my hand in his.
When I came to, I was laid on my back. I was still in the training field, so surely not much time had passed. Barasil was crouched next to me with a worried expression along with the other two; Aragorn was holding my wrist in his hand pressing firmly on the pulse point with his thumb with a look of concentration on his face.
"What was that Pegel? A vision?" [small spot/star] Barasil brushed a lock of hair behind my ear as I felt my face begin to heat up again.
Legolas was kneeling on my other side, his jaw was clenched and he narrowed his eyes when Barasil called me that petname.
"Polod," [strong] I corrected. The worry faded from his face as he broke out in a grin.
"Does this happen often?" Aragorn asked gently still holding my wrist in his hands.
I shook my head, "I'm afraid I might have pushed myself too much today is all," I tried to sit up but Barasil placed a hand firmly on my shoulder to hold me down.
Our friendship was confusing, to say the least, up until now I thought he saw me as an interesting object to pass his time. But there was genuine concern in his eyes.
"I'm fine really, I'm sorry for the spectacle I caused."
The two began whispering in Sindarin above me, Legolas however was silent, his gaze never left my face, he wasn't touching me though like the others. While Aragorn still held my wrist and Barasil had his hand still against my shoulder to hold me firmly down, Legolas was simply kneeling beside me.
Did he know my reaction was because of him? Did he think I was afraid of him? Was I? He definitely commanded attention and had an air of authority that even Aragorn didn't match. He was an Elf and all Elves could easily snap me like a twig. Dargan didn't mention him much or he did and by the time he got to the parts including Legolas, I was zoned out.
His touch felt like a shared pulse, a vibration, it scared me.
Barasil broke me out of my thoughts by putting an arm under my head and another under my thighs and began lifting me into the air. "Wha-" I began to ask but he silenced me with a tangent that was partly in Sindarin partly in common. Even with the language barrier I understood, he was taking me to the healing talan. I was a guest of Galadriel, and his head was on the line if anything happened while I was in his care.
The two from the Fellowship trailed behind, and before I knew it I was placed on a cot and Barasil and Aragorn were explaining what happened to another Elf.
After the explanation and a few questions for Aragorn, he dismissed himself and left, Legolas however did not leave nor did he speak.
The Elf who assessed me didn't speak common and when Barasil left I was left in the dark. I knew I was fine, I knew what caused the fainting and what would fix it, but the questions and the gentle touch of the Elf did nothing but confuse me.
That was when Legolas finally spoke; he was standing a few feet from the cot not quite in the doorway.
He took a few steps closer and sat beside the bed but did not touch me.
His voice was low and soothing; it was like a whisper of wind among the trees on a summer day. His eyes were soft, almost gentle but his face held an expression of concern. "When was the last time you ate?" He asked.
I knew the last time I ate, but as soon as my eyes met his, my entire mind went blank and all I could do is stare.
"Breakfast...yesterday." My voice was breathy and squeaky, everything about him made me nervous.
His eyes narrowed against mine and I felt like a chastised child as he translated in Sindarin to the healer.
"I'm fine," I interrupted, trying to keep my voice steady despite the fact that my heart had suddenly started racing again.
"You should rest now, someone will bring you some tea," Legolas tilted his head to the side.
"No, I'm fine really, thank you for the concern." I made to stand and the healer didn't stop me. None of the Elves here protested any of mine or Dargan's requests; we were after all honored guests.
"Allow me to walk you to the dining hall then," he spoke standing now to his full height. I was short for modern standards but compared to him I was a child. I came up to only his lower chest.
I couldn't reply, my throat sealed shut and he took my lack of reply as an invitation and silently walked beside me. He was careful not to touch me, however, whereas Orophin or Barasil would have linked arms with me he didn't, as if he knew my reaction was due to him.
I felt his eyes on me the entire walk, though I tried my hardest to face forward and ignore him. Elves were curious creatures and often didn't know when they were being rude.
Aragorn wasn't like that, he didn't stare. Legolas was worse than the Elves here however, his stare felt heated and analytical like he was trying to read me.
He opened his mouth as if to say something then closed it quickly several times almost as if I made him as nervous as he made me. When we reached the dining hall he excused himself to sit with his companions wishing me well. My eyes trailed to the direction he walked and I saw a table full of different-sized children and men. I recognized them instantly, I could tell who Frodo was by the hollow look in his eye, and in between the two joking children sat Dargan. Those must be Merry and Pippin. I wanted to gape; Dargan seemed at ease for once surrounded by strangers in a strange land and was completely at ease.
I smiled in his direction even though he wasn't looking my way. Legolas sat down at the head directly in my line of vision and his heated gaze found mine again. That was when a hand wrapped around my waist causing me to squeal and eep.
I turned to see Orophin, he was in his warden uniform and held a lopsided grin. I threw my arms around him, "Mellon nin!" He returned my embrace as I heard a chair screech against the floor. Orophin was such a sweet and genuine Elf, while his brother Haldir was the cold taskmaster and Rúmil was a goof and prankster. Orophin was by far my favorite out of the trio.
The hall itself was a spacious, open-air structure nestled among the towering trees of the forest. It had no walls, allowing the enchanting beauty of Lothlorien to be an integral part of the dining experience. The canopy of leaves overhead filtered the sunlight, creating a soft, dappled glow that bathed the hall in a warm, golden light. It made Orophin's light hair glow.
"You still fight Barasil?" He asked in broken common tongue. I laughed against his chest and pulled away, "Yes, today we used knives." I wrinkled my nose in distaste. "I do not think it is for me."
"I wasn't expecting you for several days, I made you a hoodie." I smiled shyly at him. I wanted to repay him for his work with Dargan, and seeing as my only real talent was sewing I'd been working on a gift for him and Barasil both. Mabeth I gave her an apron full of many sewn-in pockets she adored. Barasil's hoodie was completed and I gave it to him a few days ago, he loved it, especially the built-in pocket and hood, which is the point of hoodies.
"Huddie?" He asked.
I nodded quickly, "Yes, I hope you will like it." I felt myself beginning to flush as I looked at my feet. "I just wanted to thank you for all you've done for Dargan and I, it's at my talan, perhaps you could walk me back or maybe I could drop it off by yours after the meal?" I suggested.
My view of him seemed shadowed suddenly and I knew someone stood behind me.
"Yes I can walk you," his smile was genuine and contagious.
"You've colored," he gestured to my skin in awe. I frowned, trying to quickly change the subject to one that wasn't my skin. His hand reached out and gently brushed a lock of hair out of my face so now my flushing spots were on full display.
They don't have sunscreen here, so obviously even under the canopy, my skin had grown a bit darker, not golden or olive but enough for the white patches to become more noticeable even without a blush. At first, I loved the reverence the Elves held, I loved the positive attention, but now I wish nothing more than to be normal.
Legolas saved me from the conversation, "Orophin," he greeted his voice was firm but not cold, it was different than how he spoke to me, however.
I glanced in the direction I heard his voice thinking I would see him still seated across the hall to find him standing behind me, when had he walked up to us?
I gasped in surprise without meaning to and took a small step into Orophin who looked down curiously at me. Legolas spoke to him with a voice of authority in Sindarin, whatever he said must have been important with his tone.
Orophin nodded in understanding and smiled widely his eyes darted back and forth from me to Legolas. I took this as the opportunity to escape and all but ran to the buffet table filled my plate and scanned the hall for a place to sit. I didn't wish to sit with the Fellowship, it felt intrusive, that was for Dargan not me and I did not want to be around Legolas. Orophin was still speaking to Legolas, each occasionally glancing my way. I sighed sitting down at an empty table. I ate quickly, not because I was hungry, I should have been, but I wasn't, I was a bundle of nerves.
The hall was humming with conversation; many Elves were casting curious looks toward the table the Fellowship sat at. It was nice to not be the center of attention. Though even as I thought that, my eyes glanced up and noticed Legolas's stare. Did he find me as intriguing as the other Elves? Or was I hideous to him? Was I a puzzle for him to figure out?
I exhaled, shaking my head and rising from my seat, my plate was still mostly full but I held no stomach for it. I just wanted to be treated as more than an alien. I wanted to be human, nothing more, nothing less.
I tentatively approached the two Elves; they both stopped talking as I stepped closer. "I can just drop it off at your talan, I don't mean to interrupt." I held my palms out forcing myself to look Orophin in the eye and not look to Legolas.
"No, I walk, Legolas walk." He smiled cheekily at me as if he were up to mischief. He didn't link his arm with mine as we walked, which was strange he always did that. He seemed to distance himself from me by a few paces as well, allowing Legolas to walk by my side. Was he angry with me? Or annoyed?
"Orophin tells me you sew," Legolas spoke from my left; his voice startled me so much I paused my step. It was obvious I sewed, all of my outfits looked foreign, everything I wore had sewn-in pockets, and though I've adapted more of a Middle-Earth style I tailored all my tunics into T-shirts and all my trousers into pants with pockets. Some of the Elleth and Ellon alike have come to me to tailor their garments or add this or that to it.
"Not very well," I shrugged.
"Did you make your own garments?" He asked and I felt his gaze roving my form.
I nodded. An Elf walked passed us and I realized I stopped our pace and continued walking.
"Is that what you did before you came here? Were you a seamstress?"
"I did for fun, but it wasn't my job no. I was taking classes to work in hospice." The more he asked the more comfortable I became with him. He was just a normal Elf, he looked wild but he wasn't.
"What's hospice?" He tilted his head to the side.
"It's like a healer when healing cannot be had, they comfort the dying, they make the process as pain-free and bearable as possible."
"And you? You're a Prince right?" I asked trying to be polite.
He grimaced and I knew I accidently hit a sore subject. "You need not call me that,"
We reached the talan then and I was thankful for an end to the awkward conversation. I stepped inside and quickly grabbed the hoodie smoothing it out slightly before I walked back outside. It was soft and luxurious, it would be a mini dress on me if I wore it but it should fit him perfectly. When I stepped outside I held my head down and outstretched my hands towards him, I always felt uncomfortable giving anyone a gift.
He accepted it and made several noises of approval and when I felt confident enough to look up I saw his over tunic and cloak in a pile on the deck and the hoodie snug against his chest. The fit was a bit loose but the length was perfect for him. It would be a perfect fit if he wore it with his over tunic as well.
"Do you like it?" I asked shyly.
He nodded enthusiastically. I reached for his hand, grabbing it I began to place it in his pocket, to show him how amazing hoodies were. Before I could place it fully within the pocket, he pulled away a bit aggressively, taking a step back even. He was upset with me! He didn't link arms with me, he didn't even speak the entire walk here, and now he seems to recoil from my touch.
I felt my eyes begin to sting, "I wanted to show you the pocket." I tried to hide the dejection from my voice.
"I love it, it is nice. Huddie." He smiled at me, it was warm and genuine but I couldn't help but feel like he was upset with me.
I hid within the talan after that, requesting my meals brought to me childishly like Dargan would do. Dargan was often out, it was as if his entire personality changed, he was carefree and spontaneous. I stopped training with him, using any excuse I could think up on the spot. I didn't like training anyway.
After three days of my hiding, he grew sick of it.
"Stop moping!" He grabbed my arm and dragged me outside, I fought against him digging my heels into the floorboards but it didn't help.
"I'm not moping," I grumbled. I wasn't, I was upset he would be leaving that was true. I was upset by how he seemed to change almost instantly into a new person as soon as the Fellowship arrived and it seemed all of my work was for naught. Why did I spend hours getting cussed out and berated for hiding his clothes when now he's blending in and adapting on his own.
But the reason I hid myself away was not due to him and I had no idea how to explain it. He shoved me out onto the stairs causing me to stumble.
"You haven't even met the Fellowship! You've been so rude and locked yourself away in mourning for me."
Dargan wasn't aware of my brief encounter with Aragorn or Legolas, but it was true I hadn't met the others.
"I don't want to intrude Dar; those are your friends, not mine..." I trailed off. He began shoving me aggressively down the stairs.
"They want to meet you," he replied once we reached the bottom of the stairs. I sighed in defeat walking in the direction he pointed not needing to be shoved again. I was wearing my scrubs again; they brought me comfort and were familiar. So everywhere I walked was accompanied by the swish-swish of my pants in the breeze.
It was cool on the forest floor, and I wished for a cloak, my skin pricked and goosebumps became visible as Dargan led me to one of the gardens. This one was nearest to the training field; we often walked through it after our sessions with Barasil as a way to cool down.
The Fellowship stood there as if expecting me which made me instantly flush. They all stood in a line, the men and Elf stood on one side while the little ones stood on the other with the Dwarf in the middle.
"Here she is," Dargan gestured toward me dramatically with a wave of a hand, "She was moping."
"I was not moping!" I hissed at him.
Crystalline fountains and gentle streams meandered through the garden, their waters sparkling like liquid gems.
"Boromir, son of Denethor," The man next to Aragorn stepped forward and bowed deeply, he reached for my hand as the same way the others had introduced themselves.
It almost sounded like an animal growling behind him. He bent low brushing his lips against the top of my hand in the most chivalrous manner. He didn't look quite as scruffy as Aragorn and was quite handsome. "This is Calico; sometimes she forgets to speak when she's nervous," Dargan said. I didn't know if I should be embarrassed or thankful for his admission because now I wasn't expected to speak.
I nodded weakly to Boromir as he rose again to his full height; he too didn't look at me any differently than he did any other. I felt human under his gaze.
The rest of the Fellowship took turns stepping forward and introducing themselves.
Aragorn, did not kiss my hand again but he did bow his head in my direction, "It is well to see you Lady Calliope,"
When it was Legolas's turn he did not speak right away, until Aragorn lightly brushed his shoulder with his own. "Calliope," he nodded toward me, his Adams apple bobbed slightly as he spoke.
The hobbits didn't kiss my hand nor did the dwarf. They did however each offer some words of comfort in an attempt to ease my nerves.
"Need not be nervous lass," Gimli said after introducing himself.
"The best cure for nerves is a nice stew, wouldn't you agree Mister Frodo?" Samwise added,
"Picture yourself in your birthday suit!" Pippin raised his hand in excitement while Merry slapped him in the back of the head, "No, you picture everyone else in THEIR birthday suit! Now she's going to be more nervous."
Their words had the opposite effect and I was mortified by the constant attention.
"Ok, now that you've met everyone," Dargan began, breaking the awkwardness with ease. "Let's play Hide and seek!"
The Hobbits cheered, this was a game Dargan had taught them very early on. It was his favorite as he was very good at hiding and loved finding new places to hide. Aragorn was apparently for the game as well seeing it as a way to help everyone get accustomed to hiding and covering their tracks quickly if need be.
I kept sneaking glances toward Boromir and Aragorn, They felt like home, they felt like Dargan. They were human and safe.
Anytime Boromir's eyes met mine I would flush and look away quickly, embarrassed to be caught.
"Ok, everyone! Legolas will go first!" Dargan spoke loudly, causing the hobbits to whine.
"That's not fair!" Pippin cried.
The trees that stood in the garden were unlike any other, their branches heavy with blossoms that seemed to defy the seasons, it left a heady scent that was almost nauseating and distracting.
"Legolas will go first, blindfolded!" Dargan decided, earning different noises of enthusiasm from the hobbits.
So that's what happened, Legolas was led to the center of the garden and blindfolded, then he began counting.
"Mister Frodo this way!" Sam whispered urging Frodo to a hiding spot within a bush.
I looked around and decided the best way to win was distance. Elegant walkways and bridges wove through the garden, inviting visitors to explore this paradise. Each step led to a new discovery, a hidden alcove, or a viewpoint that revealed yet another breathtaking vista.
I ran passed the hobbits and the men who played along halfheartedly, I looked around wildly trying to find something to hide behind or within.
That was when I heard him stop counting and I dashed toward the nearest tree, pressed my back into it and tried to calm my labored breathing. Why was I so nervous and excited? Why was I exhilarated for Legolas to find me?
I scrunched my eyes shut focusing on the noises around me, I couldn't hear his steps but I could hear the exclaims of those he found. Merry and Pippin were first, as they hid together and when Legolas drew close Merry shoved Pippin as a sacrifice and tried to run and save himself.
Samwise and Frodo were next, then Aragorn and Boromir.
Gimli got bored of hiding and came out on his own, then all that was left was Dargan and me. The rest of the Fellowship began wandering the garden, each trying to find one of us before Legolas.
I kept my eyes scrunched shut knowing if I opened them I would lose focus and my breathing would give me away.
I heard Dargan then, "Ok, Ok, you found me." He was somewhere to my left and laughing. "It's time for me to go train do you all want to join me?"
I couldn't hear the responses but felt immediately left out and deflated. Did he forget I was still here? Did they all forget the game wasn't over yet? I felt the tears stinging my eyes and exhaled deeply. Dargan can have friends other than you Cali; he doesn't need to include you.
When the sounds of the Fellowship died down I opened my eyes. Legolas stood in front of me, cloth wrapped around his eyes tightly; I flinched into the tree scraping my boot against the bark.
He smiled, and I felt my heart pounding in my chest as his right hand extended out to touch me. He moved slowly, oh so slowly. I froze, I had no escape, His hand finally made contact with my shoulder and I felt my body shudder involuntarily at the contact. Even through the cloth I felt the vibrations, I felt the buzzing, the sensations trailed throughout my whole body in waves.
"Found you," he breathed.
He used his other hand to untie the blindfold as his right hand moved from my shoulder to the bark right above it. He towered over me; his eyes were intense and focused on mine. As the cloth fluttered to the ground he reached out and caressed my cheek with his thumb, wiping tears I hadn't even realized I cried away, I involuntarily flinched under his touch. Everywhere he touched me felt like a massive pulse, I don't know what to make of it but it scared me.
"Are you afraid of me?" He asked softly, his voice was low and gentle, it was a tone I've only noticed him use with me as if I were a fragile doll.
Was I afraid of him? Yes, I was. But not in the way I was afraid of men in the modern day, I was afraid of him how one would be afraid of a lion at the zoo. He was beautiful, majestic, and powerful.
"I-" I swallowed. Has he done anything to make me afraid? He stares a lot, but all the Elves do that.
"Dargan will probably wonder where we are..." My voice again came out as a squeak and felt foreign to me.
He nodded; his face was void of any expression as he stepped back and put a distance between us. He walked beside me to the training grounds, though not as close as Orophin or Barasil would have. I felt a pang of guilt and stole a glance at him to find him already staring at me. The guilt faded away immediately, if he didn't want me to be afraid of him he shouldn't act like such a creep.
I shuddered involuntarily and faced forward again as the training grounds came into view. I relaxed seeing familiar faces; Orophin was chasing Dargan and the Pippin and Merry while Barasil and Aragorn stood discussing something a few feet off. I smiled seeing Orophin wearing the hoodie I had made him.
The others were missing; perhaps they went for a meal. "Phin!" I waved at him, his eyes looked up to meet mine and he waved back happily but didn't stop his chase. I felt my smile fall, was he upset? Why was he acting so strangely? Am I looking too far into this?
I approached Aragorn and Barasil, they were perhaps the ones I was most comfortable with besides Dargan. Even though I didn't know Aragorn I felt human with him, he was safe.
"I see you've been found." Aragorn smiled at me in greeting.
I smiled back, "Hide and Seek was Dargan's favorite game."
Barasil interjected with a smirk, "It's good to see you're not hiding from your training anymore, now I will need to work you extra hard for all your slack."
I shoved at him playfully, "You sound so confident for someone who ran from my knife just days ago."
Someone laughed a distance behind me and without turning I knew who it was. Legolas, that creep, eavesdropping and constantly staring.
"You know," Aragorn started, elbowing Barasil slightly, "Legolas actually trained with long knives."
Barasil nodded in agreement, "Aye, as a swordsman myself I will admit I am not the best trainer for such."
"Legolas! Could you come assist, you wouldn't mind helping would you?" Aragorn called him over and I had to do everything to hold back a scowl.
Legolas was just an Elf and all Elves were curious and unaware when they were creepy, just as Orophin and Barasil were not flirting when they went out of their way to cause me to blush. They are a lot like puppies I think, curious little creatures.
But at least Orophin and Barasil briefly look at other things, Legolas seems to have tunnel vision and only stares at me, it's unnerving.
Legolas soon stood in front of me, "That is if the Lady wants it," they all looked expectantly at me.
Did I want Legolas to teach me how to stab people and injure others with long knives? No. Did I want to cause a scene and ultimately hurt Dargan? No.
I nodded and watched in awe as he bent his arms behind his back and pulled out one long knife. It was longer and thicker than the one Barasil had me train with. The glint of the blade as it caught the sunlight flashed in his eyes as he handed it to me; his eyes were such a vibrant blue. Everyone I've met so far had blue eyes, his were so bright. It made my green eyes feel even more out of place. Our hands touched for a moment longer than necessary as he handed me the blade.
The handle was worn; it smelt like freshly whittled wood left out in the rain. It smelt like him.
My hands were clammy and I wish I could wipe them on my clothes. My knees shook with my nervousness. Why did he make me so nervous? Barasil used to make me just as nervous, didn't he? No, he made me nervous and uncomfortable but I never fainted or forgot to breathe around him. This Elf was different.
He wrapped his hand around mine placing both my hands around the hilt, "You'll have more stability with both hands," he murmured his voice was low and gentle.
He didn't release his hands from mine, stepping behind me and using his hands atop mine to swing the blade. The blade's sharp whistle was the music of a violin, the hiss of it cutting the air was the sibilance of a snake. The dull thud of the blade embedding itself in the target was a soft sigh.
He had a completely different teaching style than Barasil, while Barasil was the type to throw one in a pool and give you pointers on how to swim after you doggy paddle to safety. Legolas was different; he was disciplined and taught to correct improper stances or positions before they happened.
His grip on my hands was firm without being tight. And at times I forgot how nervous he made me. The vibrations that coursed through me where our skin touched became familiar and almost comforting. That was until his hands fell away from mine and he stepped back, I felt his eyes assessing me, scrutinizing me.
"Reserve grip," he instructed as I fumbled to remember what all the terms meant. Barasil was different he didn't teach me the names of stances or swings, he just taught me what worked.
Every so often he would step forward and his arms would snake around me and he would adjust my stance manually or he would hold his hands over my own and repeat a swing or slice, his breath would be in my ear as he would gently instruct me and tell me what I did wrong or make a suggestion.
It made my stomach flip and my heart race. Sweat dripped down my brow and I'm sure I had disgusting stains on my scrub top, I was definitely a nervous sweater, and the exertion didn't help.
"Let us take a break," he suddenly stood in front of me, his hand extended to grab the knife from mine. My chest was heaving yet he looked as well-rested and content as if he just woke up. His hand hung midair for several moments before I tentatively placed the knife in it. There was now an unspoken tension between us, at least on my end. It felt oddly sensual, or perhaps it was that I found him so attractive. We practically held hands for hours, his arms wrapped around my body while my back was pressed against him. He still unnerved me, though he didn't scare me.
He was attractive, that was true for all Elves. The regal lines of his face, the strength of his jaw, and the subtle hint of a smile that graces his lips all combine to create a portrait of undeniable allure.
"Thank you Legolas," I bowed my head to him.
"May I walk you back to your talan?" He asked. He was leaning down; his lips were slightly parted after he spoke and I couldn't help but flick my eyes to them. The thought of tasting his lips nearly made me fall over. I licked my lips and tried to look away, but I couldn't. Where were these thoughts coming from?
First, he's a creep for staring and now I can't stop myself from being an actual creep. I bet he isn't the one having impure thoughts right now.
I shook my head quickly, "I can manage on my own,"