As They Fall [First Draft] ~ Currently Editing ~

Eighteen

A/N: I know, I know, I promised more frequent updates and yet I went a month without uploading. I wish I had a better excuse than a lack of motivation. Sorry this chapter is so short, but it's the last bit of fillery-ness before the pace picks up once more. Thank you so much for continuing to read and support As They Fall. I hope you enjoy this chapter, let me know what you think by commenting and voting. Critiques welcome as always <3 

          By the time we had found Elizabeth, the sun was fully risen, bathing the forest in light and providing warmth that combatted against the cold breeze that had stirred overnight. As Charlie and I strode into the stables Telrith was placing Elizabeth's hand on the mane of a chestnut mare, who whickered softly at her touch.

"She likes you," mused Telrith, letting go of Elizabeth's hand, his golden eyes radiant as they reflected the morning sun.

"She's lovely," said Elizabeth with a massive grin as she stroked the horse gently.

"Her name is Auriel," said Telrith, "she says you're lovely too." Elizabeth looked up at the elf and they both flushed red, averting their gazes. Charles and I exchanged a knowing look before creeping back out of the stables and leaving them to it.

"I think Merek has some competition," he chuckled as we strolled side by side through a grassy clearing.

"Good," I replied, "Merek's not good for her."

"You really don't like him, do you?"

"I like him as a person not as a suitor for Elizabeth."

"Careful now Amelia, if I didn't know any better I'd say you were jealous," he teased, showing me his signature, mischievous grin.

"And what if I am?" I challenged, causing him to freeze in his tracks. Seeing the stupefied expression on his face I couldn't help shoot him a victorious grin.

"Care to explain?"

"Sorry, my lips are sealed," I replied, as I began to walk once more, hiding my smug expression.

"You are impossible sometimes, you know that?" muttered Charlie, letting out an exasperated sigh before he sped up to catch me.

          We continued to explore the floor of the elf city, enraptured by all the sights, smells and unique lifestyle it had to offer. A sudden breeze picked up sending a violent shiver down my spine, prompting Charlie to remove his fur vest and placed it around my shoulders. I thanked him and nestled into its warm folds, inhaling deeply as his scent washed over me. Before long the repetitive sound of wood on wood began to sound as we approached what appeared to be a training ground. My eyes widened in surprise as we approached and Merek's figure came into view. His left arm still tied up in a sling, he was sparring with Telrith, and doing surprisingly well despite his injury.

"Down. Up. Left. Right. Down." Lowin's voice resonated from his position atop a low hanging branch as he watched his sons fight. Both elves were sweating profusely as they charged at one another over and over. As Lowin called out the attacks once more, Telrith prepared to block an overhead attack but Merek changed direction at the last second swinging his wooden sword into Telrith's ribs with a loud crack. The young elf cried out in pain before releasing a string of curses. Merek laughed and helped his brother to his feet, before he said,

"You can't become complacent and expect an enemy to attack the same way over and over. Let those bruised ribs serve as a reminder for next time." Telrith glowered at his brother but continued his attack once more. I grinned at the scene playing out before me, it felt like an eternity since I had sparred like that. Noticing my expression of longing Charlie placed a hand on my shoulder and murmured,