Daughter of Stars of Earth

Chapter Two-Rain

Legolas is full of questions at breakfast and I do my best to answer them as fully as possible. Since the ruse is still up that we don't know each other, we eat in the private courtyard under my balcony. Honestly, I think Legolas is just hoping to see Taryn again.

"And you met how?" He asks, leaning over the table with interest. I laugh and shake my head.

"Some orcs had set a desperate trap and Taryn was doing his best, alone, to prevent them from doing so. He was young and a little foolish and left himself open to attack. An ax landed a strong blow to his wing just as I arrived. I fought off the rest of the orcs and nursed Taryn back to health although he asked me multiple times to leave. It was a long time before he was well enough to fly again and when he could he refused to leave my side. It has been such ever since." I explain, smiling fondly at the memory. Legolas shakes his head in awe.

"You are a surprising elleth, Lin." He comments as I finish my breakfast of hog and eggs. I'm about to respond when I see him stiffen and look behind me. I don't bother. Only the king could make his smile disappear so quickly.

"Morning." His cold voice chills even the sunlight on my skin. "I heard the two of you brought in quite the kill today." Still, I do not look behind me. If he wishes to meet my eyes, he can move.

"Yes. Your son is quite a competent hunter." I shoot him a wink and watch Legolas' shoulders relax ever so slightly. At last, the king moves to his son's side and into my sight. His robes are navy and silver as if he draped the night sky around him. That long, board straight hair shines like silver in the sunlight and his eyes look more like the clear sky than icicles in the sun. Despite my disagreements with the king, I'll admit he shines handsomely.

"I'm pleased to see he's made a good impression on you, Lin." He mocks the nickname, but I make sure not to make any move to incriminate myself.

"Yes, I'm glad the kingdom is in safe hands in future times," I reply smoothly and purse my lips to stop my grin when his eyes widen.

"Your mouth may be too sharp, elleth." He snaps, but I only meet his stare in silence. "It is time for you to fulfill your end of our bargain. Come with me." I nod to Legolas and leave him to follow the king. "Seems you and my son get along quite well." He accuses as I move to his side. His brows lower just for a moment at the bold move.

"He is wise for his age and kind. Attributes I'm sure he received from his mother." I watch as his penetrating eyes sharpen. My expression is innocent, but his turns angry in a moment. He's easy to irritate, that's for sure.

"If you wish to keep your sharp tongue, I suggest you keep further comments to yourself." He threatens and I nearly grin. If only he knew with whom he was speaking.

"Surely you are proud to have raised such a son." My tone is unintentionally fond and while my words may form a question, I say it as a statement. His eyes scan me but he doesn't speak again. We reach the front gate and for a moment, I believe he's escorting me out. We stop at the entrance of the woods and he turns to me.

"I wish for you to walk into the forest and back to me without being detected by my guards." He requests with a bright shining in those cold eyes. Interested in his intentions, but with our deal still on my mind, I nod.

"Perhaps I'll pick a flower for your hair, King Thranduil. Perhaps that would that lighten the heavy air around you?" I can't help but tease before running into the forest. I pause in the shade of a tree just after entering. The king had most likely put his guards on high alert which will make it harder for me on the ground. I make the quick decision to go out on the ground and come back in on the trees. No one will be looking for anyone sneaking out.