Red Snow (The Shadows bk.3)

Chapter 32: Friendship

~ 3 Months Later ~

Arvellon smiled as he read Sairene's latest letter. Ever since he had written to her on the anniversary of Eliean's death, he had received a steady stream of letters from the young Queen, each in response to the letters he wrote to her. He soon found himself looking forward to what she had to say.

My dear Arvellon,

I know it has only been a week since you sent your latest letter, but I know that I would feel extremely guilty if I did not reply as soon as I was able.

Not much has happened since your last letter. It is still Winter, but that is no complaint, for Winter is my favourite season! My people, however, do not share my love of the cold and would much rather have the warmth of the sun.

Oh Arvellon! I am so very glad that we have managed to sustain this friendship even though we have not seen each other for quite sometime now! I hope that it will remain this way for many years to come! I do so enjoy receiving your letters!

Well then, I had best stop there otherwise I might as well start writing a book for you! Besides, my people require my attention as well. Ah, the joys of being a Queen! I fear I have not yet been able to split my attention into many parts, ah well, I believe it is a skill that will come with time and experience. Now I really must stop my rambling otherwise nothing will get done!

As always, I look forward to hearing from you!

Your favourite rambler,

Sairene

Queen of Irrelia

Arvellon chuckled at her words. In her letters she seemed just like everyone else, happy to have a friend and someone to rant to.

Rolling the parchment back up, he hurried in the direction of his chambers with every intention of writing a reply.

~ Irrelia ~

"Your Majesty?"

Sairene looked up from the fruit she had been served for breakfast and saw Halion by the door. "Yes?"

"There is someone here to see you My Lady."

Frowning in thought, Einarr, who had joined the Queen for breakfast, wandered who would want to see her at this time of the day and with such short notice!

Sairene for her part all but sprang up from her seat, "is it an Elf?"

Confused, Halion nodded, "yes My Lady."

Not bothering to explain, Sairene left the dining room with Einarr and Halion feeling more confused than ever.

All but running to the throne room, Sairene flung the heavy double doors open and strode eagerly towards the Elven visitor.

Not wanting to appear childishly eager, she composed herself and lifted her chin. "You wanted to see me?"

Startled by her sudden appearance, the Elven messenger bowed quickly. "Yes Your Majesty. I have been sent to give you this." Extending his hand, he held a rolled piece of parchment out to her.

Sairene's eyes lit up as she saw the green ribbon that held the letter together. Calmly taking the offered parchment, she nodded in thanks. "I thank you for bringing this to me. You may go. One of my messengers will carry the reply back to the author of this letter."

Bowing, the Elven messenger left the room, escorted by one of Sairene's personal guards.

Once she found herself alone, Sairene slipped off the green ribbon and eagerly unrolled the letter.

My Lady,

You certainly have a way with words! Your reply to my last letter was most amusing and heartwarming.

I too am so very happy that we have managed to keep this friendship alive despite the distance. I enjoy speaking with someone that knew Eliean as well as I did!

Please do not feel guilty if you do not manage to reply right away! I can only imagine how busy your life must be! I feel honoured that you manage to find time to write to me at all!

I fear nothing of importance or excitement has happened here at Mirkwood and your letters are a welcome change to the monotonous way of things. But please do not misunderstand me My Lady! I enjoy my occupation as a healer very much, I could not imagine doing anything else!

Now My Lady, I fear I must go, I am being summoned. Ah, the joys of being a healer in the Palace! With position comes responsibilty, as you well know.

I very much look forward to your reply,

The one and only,

Arvellon

Sairene could not stop the giggle that escaped her lips. He never failed to make her smile! There were only two people that could do that. She had become so engrossed in the letter that she did not notice that she was no longer alone.

Einarr had seen the Elven visitor leave the throne room and wandered what exactly his business was with the Queen.

Waiting until the hallways were clear, he crept into the throne room and quietly closed the doors behind him. Turning to face the throne, he saw the Queen, but she did not see him. She was reading something. As Einarr slowly made his way towards her, he saw a genuine smile grace her usually cold features. Up until this moment, he had not realised how beautiful a smile could really be.