Of Elves and Humans

Chapter 7. Stay with me

  Legolas watched Galidar gallop away. His mind pondered his friend's question. Do you love her?  His answer wasn't a yes or no. In truth, how could he love someone he scarcely knew? He pushed the thought back with a sigh. They would leave this village soon, and he would leave his feeling with it.

  He made his way over to an open field surrounded by a myriad of trees; his horse following closely behind him. He strode over the tall grass, noticing the many plants hidden underneath. There was a small lake off to the side that reflected the setting sun. The few trees in the field had changed colors to shades of orange, red and yellow. A steady breeze blew the golden leaves in the air and when it stopped they fluttered down to blanket the earth. Legolas smiled as they fell around him like golden rain. A sense of peace filled him and memories of his childhood momentarily flashed before his eyes. Legolas brushed his hand across the trees strong trunks and a song of welcome filled his ears.

  Soft humming pulled him from his reverence and a familiar presence invaded his mind. Talmara.

  She sat on the grass by a large tree, legs neatly folded under her and hidden under her plain dress. Her brunette hair was woven into her usual braid and lay over her shoulder.  The breeze blew stray strands of hair across her face, and she brought up a hand to push them behind her ear. She hummed softly as her hands gathered various plants and placed them in a basket beside her. Legolas watched her silently. He loved the way she took such care in everything she did, even to pluck a flower.

  Legolas had forgotten his horse behind him till he moved and cast a shadow over where the young woman sat. He nearly startled when her head shot up and she spoke.

"Legolas?" A rosy blush tinted her cheeks when she'd realized he watched her.

"I did not mean to intrude."

"Nothin' of that sort, "Talmara dusted off her hands and stood up. Her eyes wandered over Legolas' face, and her fingers itched to touch his silky hair. She quickly averted her eyes to the black stallion beside him. "He is beautiful."

Legolas' lips parted in a slight smile. "Thank you. He is a loyal companion."

"What is his name?" Talmara asked. She moved closer, and her hand reached out to stroke the stallion's muzzle much to his delight.

"Valamir; it means mighty in my language," Legolas replied, his eyes trained on Talmara's hand. "He has proven such many a time." He patted Valamir's back and laughed when he nudged his head into his chest. Legolas kissed his nose, "Go, run free," he whispered, and Talmara watched in awe as the horse sprinted away.

  For a moment they silently watched each other; none knowing what went through the other's head. Talmara knew better than to ogle, but for a strange reason she felt like she knew him. This elf before her had her enthralled. He was captivating in every way. She felt something more than physical attraction though, it was almost like her heart had chosen against her will. The sun cast a glow on him making his hair look gold. He was like an angel... But she was a mere human. And from the moment she first laid eyes on him, she knew he could never be hers. She quickly dropped her eyes.