The Last One

Chapter 8

Dawn had not yet broken through the trees surrounding Dagnir. Much of the kingdom was still sleeping peacefully spare the few guards patrolling the city and castle. Ruive had woken from a restless sleep some minutes ago and was currently adorning her armor. The vision of dragon fire still lingered harshly on her mind making sleep feel like a distant memory, so why not use this time to prepare for her journey and leave as soon as she could. Ruive was not the only one whom sleep would not grace, the Greenwood prince was currently staring out the window of the guest chambers he had been occupying since his arrival unable to rest from the worry that swam in his mind. The view from the window allowed him to see the courtyard and castle gate. The night had been still and quiet until the door to the courtyard creaked open. The sudden disturbance had drawn Legolas' attention as a hooded figure emerged and made its way towards the path to the stable. 

'Ruive.' Was Legolas' only assumption. She must have decided to leave before anyone woke up, and leave without saying goodbye on a potentially life threatening quest. Legolas made haste desperate to see her off before she leaves.

Ruive quickly and silently headed towards the stables, she had left a note on her bed explaining her whereabouts and her reasons for such an early departure even though her parents were well aware. Though part of her wished to wait until sunrise so she could say her farewells, a dragon attack was a much more pressing matter. When the doors to the stables came into sight, Ruive silently thanked Mahal and the Valinor for not being caught. That was until a soft familiar voice broke through the night's silence.

"Were you going to leave without saying goodbye?" Legolas voice was laced with hurt and disappointment, he had hoped she would have at least said goodbye to him before leaving.

Ruive froze with her hand on the latch of the stables, closing her eyes and scrunching her face up. 'Oh Mahal and the Valinor hate me!'  she silently cursed turning to face Legolas who stood cross-armed looking at her expectantly. 

"I'm sorry, I-I just couldn't sleep with this all on my mind, I thought if I left now it may help me clear my head before I arrive. I did not mean to hurt you Legolas."

Legolas' gaze softened and his arms fell to his sides. 

"You needn't apologise, I would do the same if our places were reversed, but if you are desperate to leave now, then let me help you and see you off." 

Legolas strode up to Ruive and took her leather clad hand in hers only her fingers showing out of them. 

"Let me say goodbye."

Ruive shook her head softly looking at her boots before looking into his bright blue eyes. "You speak as though I won't return, do you doubt me that much?" She whispered with a sly grin giving his hand a squeeze.

Legolas laughed softly running his thumbs over her knuckles. "I do not doubt you Ru, but you cannot blame my heart for worrying."

"Then worry not, for I shall return and the world shall be plagued by one less dragon." She placed her hand softly on his cheek causing Legolas to lean into her touch. "But someone to see me off will surely help both our mind ease." Ruive smiled softly at him and turned pushing the doors to the stables open pulling Legolas inside with her.

Legolas notice that the stables were much like the ones at Greenwood, there were at least ten horses in the stables varying in sizes to accommodate for the many races that lived in Dagnir. Ruive lead him to the furthermost stall, in the dim lamp light he could see a grey and white speckled stallion with a black mane. Upon seeing Ruive approaching he began to neigh and throw his head around in happiness. 

"Shh, shhh mellon."(friend) 

Ruive walked up to the stall placing her hand gently on the stallion's muzzle rubbing it gently. A soft laugh left her lips as the horse nudged her hand and placing its head on her shoulder as she ran her hand up and down his neck whisper soft words of calming and greeting in Elvish.