Another World

Chapter 56

The morning of their departure for Dale dawned with bright and sunny promise. The birds in the distance chirped their shrill and chipper songs, each high-pitched note intermingling with the other and echoing throughout the forest in an oscillation of melodious harmony.

Maerwen was currently preparing Charlotte in riding gear, which consisted of comfy leggings, a tunic that was modest looking to the naked eye, but nonetheless luxuriously tailored, and supple tan leather boots that conformed and molded to her feet perfectly. Light leather armor, similar to the one she used for her training with Feren, had been added as a precaution – darkness still stained the lands and it would be foolish to forgo any form of bodily protection.

Charlotte had made no protest, feeling rather relieved that she would not have to make the two-day journey wearing a dress whilst riding upon a moose. Knowing her luck, she doubted her modesty would remain intact and untainted each time she was forced to mount and dismount Tallagor. She would probably, and inadvertently, flash some poor unsuspecting elf who had a better sense of propriety and grace than she.

Now appropriately attired, Maerwen flung a forest green hued cloak over Charlotte's slim shoulders, securing it with a delicate silver leaf shaped clasp at the collar. Charlotte murmured her thanks and made to leave when Maerwen hastily caught her wrist to forestall her. Before Charlotte could shoot her a questioning look, the elleth placed the glimmering circlet upon Charlotte's head with care, the warm teardrop diamond resting just above her brow.

"Is it really necessary? We won't be in Dale for at least another two days, and I don't see the point in wearing it while travelling," Charlotte asked, feeling uncomfortable with having to flaunt such a piece of jewelry.

Maerwen gave a curt nod. "This is a symbol of your status, and as such, should be worn at all times in public - even amongst your subjects," she explained, hinting that there was no room for argument.

Charlotte inwardly sighed. Of course.

She compliantly let the elleth fuss over her appearance once more, her attention focused on Charlotte's wild and wayward hair that refused to be tamed. I'm going to be some sight by the time I reach Dale without her constant fussing.

Charlotte was getting a tad bit annoyed with all the said fussing and was only too eager to leave for Dale, and her impatience must have shown because Maerwen finally stepped back at long last. Her brows furrowed ever so slightly as her gaze raked over her impossible hair, but she finally gave a nod of approval just as Charlotte's foot started tapping an impatient rhythm on the floor.

What I would give for the saintly tolerance of an elf...

"Your impatience is akin to that of a child, my Lady," Maerwen chided good-naturedly, sounding very much like a maternal figure at that very moment. And, in a way, Maerwen had become like a mother figure in Charlotte's eyes. Albeit a strict and aloof one, but one she knew she could turn to when she needed her help.

"Can you blame me? I'm finally going to meet Bard!" Charlotte exclaimed, lightly swatting Maerwen's hand from her hair and ducking away in an effort to escape.

Honestly, this is getting too much! If she touches my hair one more time...

"And if you dare hound him and act like a...fangirl, I will promptly throw you over my shoulder, give you a good spanking and take you home immediately," a deep, silken voice sounded from behind them.

Charlotte startled and glanced over her shoulder to see Thranduil standing tall and regal in the doorway, his cerulean eyes twinkling and daring her to try and contradict him.