The IRE of Winter

Chapter 11: DENIAL

I woke up still feeling heavy. With a new sets of fresh ranger clothes, I dressed up as fast as I could and hurried down the common room. They have allowed me to wear Elven clothes, it fitted me nicely. I picked up the dress Aramis brought and placed it in a box then made for the door. Down, Armien was waiting by the main door. I suddenly remembered Aramis was leaving today, and so with Rod and Gimli. The Elleth smiled, the kind of smile that says I have done something terrible last night.

She motioned out of the door before I could say a word and I followed her outside, crossed the bridge and into the halls. Before long, I found myself asking, 'Are you certain I did not do something stupid last night?'

She cast a grin.

There was something she's not telling me. I remembered the party, the dance, a little about Aramis and the wine but everything after that seemed unreal. Have I been dreaming of Legolas, I thought fingering my lips.

Did we kissed?

I remembered crossing the bridge (I was surprised I was able to) and I had this weird dream about Legolas, he was there last night. He carried me to my room and we...I daren't to think. Dream or no dream, one thing is for certain, my heart is leaping with joy and I didn't understand why. Armien said she escorted me to my room and waited until I have fallen asleep. I had little memory of what happened after that.

'Do not worry, Safirah, you did nothing,' she finally said smiling as we walk down to the East gate. 'Ah! there they are. We are just right on time.'

We saw Aramis and his company marching towards the gates followed by a few Elven guards. Aramis waved his hand eager to see me. Standing on one leg, he looked different in his black ranger garb, he carried his bow and a quiver with red shafted arrows. Behind him was Rod and Gimli talking to each other.

I returned a smile, hesitant if I should bid goodbye. But then it was too late to step back, his eyes never left me.

'I was afraid I'm not going to see you again. These halls have ben proven treacherous for someone drenched in wine,' he smiled.

'I got lucky,' I said laughing silently.

Suddenly, the visions came flashing in my head like a terrible dream. Was it a dream? Wine must have made it worse. My heart quickened. I wanted to escape. His presence made me fell uneasy. Came Legolas heading our way, he joined the patrols last night! My cheeks suddenly tightened.

'Are you all right, Safirah?' Aramis noticed when I was nearer.

'Y-yes. I suppose,' I murmured.

'So, this is goodbye,' Gimli interrupted, fingering his braided beard. 'Come visit the Iron hills one day, child. Iron prince you shout, and any Dwarf shall take you to me,' he chortled at his own jest.

'I shall remember that!'

Gimli winked and turned his back to follow Rod, carrying a bag of food, a bedroll and his heavy battle ax.

I turned to Aramis. 'It's a long road ahead, travel safe my friend. I wish there's more time and thank you for this lovely dress. Please forgive me if I didn't had the chance to wash it."

The prince simply laughed. 'Keep it, Safirah. It's yours. I have no use for a dress, and besides, it was a gift.'

I didn't know what to say. I don't want to accept it, much more to embarrass him in front of everyone else. Something urged me to look about. The curious stares made me faze. I felt so...little.