Another World

Chapter 58

The days trickled by in a seamless stream, making it seem like no time had passed at all, until their last day at Dale dawned upon them rather jarringly, almost in what felt like a blink of an eye. Where had the time gone? Tomorrow morning would see them departing for home, and as much as she looked forward to returning to Greenwood, Charlotte knew she would miss the simplistic life of Dale.

As had become the norm, Charlotte woke up and after eating breakfast she and Maerwen would head to the market, where she had become a regular and well-known face. She had even managed to become on first name basis with some of the merchants and locals.

Maerwen watched with suppressed incredulity as Charlotte enquired about certain family members of those she was talking to, who were so at ease with her that one could almost mistake them for lifelong friends. For the life of her, Maerwen couldn't comprehend how one could easily let down the barriers of propriety and intermingle with strangers as easily as what Charlotte did.

And she did it so seamlessly, almost like second nature, Maerwen marveled.

They headed back to the villa with Charlotte's purchases carried between the two of them, some of which consisted of fresh fruits, cheese and whatever other edible stuff had caught Charlotte's eye.

Maerwen had made it a top priority to show Charlotte how to safely operate the stove a few days prior (which, admittedly, took a few tries and a few incidences where a fire had almost broke out), and when they arrived at the villa Charlotte went to make them some tea while Maerwen prepared their lunch, using what had been purchased at the market.

Shortly thereafter Thranduil entered the villa, flinging off his cloak with a flourish and hung it up on the coat rack. Maerwen drained the last of her tea and then made her excuses - probably eager to spend some much-needed alone time with Galion.

Charlotte watched over the rim of her cup as the door closed quietly behind Maerwen, barely noticing when Thranduil settled into a chair beside her.

"Do you think those two will eventually settle down, tie the knot and pop out a few adorable elflings?" Charlotte finally asked, placing her cup down and reaching for a plump grape, plopping it in her mouth.

Thranduil, who had been stirring his tea, paused and glanced up at her. He stared at her for a few moments, his gaze unblinking, and then resumed preparing his tea. "You really do have a way with words, you know that?" he remarked dryly.

"So I've been told."

Thranduil took a sip and then placed his cup down, clasping his long-fingered hands in front of him. "May I enquire as to the sudden interest in their personal lives?"

"Just curious," she deflected.

Thranduil studied her a bit more. "No, I think you've been thinking this over for some time now."

Charlotte cracked a small smile. Thranduil knew her too well. "It's just...it would be nice to see some children running around. From what little time I've spent in your kingdom, I have yet to see a child."

"And you're relying on Maerwen and Galion to rectify that problem?"

Charlotte just hummed noncommittally. The fact that she hadn't made a joke, or a witty comment, revealed to him that something else was on her mind, and it did not concern Maerwen and Galion. No, something else was at play here.

"Elves do not feel the compulsion to..." Thranduil paused, making a show of thinking as he tapped his forefinger against his bottom lip. "What was the terminology you used? Oh yes! We do not feel compelled to 'pop' out children as often as humans," he remarked snarkily.