Into the World of Elves

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Ch 6- Horse riding.

Three days after that breakfast Elrond was leading
Temperance into a library.

“Do I have to do this?” Temp whined as Elrond pulled down
one of the million books from the shelf. He looked back at her and smiled.

“Yes, you might enjoy it and it will give you stories to
tell your children.” Elrond said placing the heavy book on a nearby table.

“Children? I don’t have any of those.” Temp wheezed shocked
at the very suggestion.

“You don’t now but you may in the future.” He said.

“Yeah!” Temperance said sarcastically. Shaking his head
Elrond moved towards the door.

“Regardless, the history of our people is something you need
to know. It is more important to you than you think. Read it, learn it, and you
will better understand us and maybe even yourself.” He left her in confused
silence.

“How….? I am not even going to try and understand that.”
Temp said looking at the closed door. He always said things like that.

“Oh well.” She sighed and opened the book. Half and hour
later she was engrossed in the story of the Darkening of Valinor. She didn’t
hear the door to the library open, or the elf that came up behind her.

Temp felt the warm tickle of breath against her ear. She
whipped her head around and found herself looking into the smiling eyes of
Legolas. His face inches away from hers. All she had to do was lean forward the
tiniest bit and his lips would be on hers. Her breath caught and it was as if
both were suspended in time. Neither moved. Temp almost gave in to the desire
to lean forward and kiss him. Just to see if his lips were as soft as they
looked.

“Dignity, keep your dignity.” She thought jerking her head
back. A soft smile came to those lovely lips and he spoke. His voice no more
than a low murmur, as his eyes moved over her face.

“What are you reading, Temperance?” He asked his gaze
resting momentarily on her mouth. Temp glared at him and his insolent
behavior. He pretended not to noticed
and leaned over her to study the book in front of her.

“Nothing.” She said snapping the book closed. She could
almost feel his smile widen.

“Well since you are doing nothing you can go riding with
me.” He said moving back so she could rise from her position. He watched as she
stretched arching her body. He cringed
as the sound of her popping back.

“No I can’t.” She said turning and heading for the door. He
cut her off.

“I have asked you for the past four day to go riding with
me. Why do you keep refusing? Have I done something?” He asked sounding hurt.

“Damn it. Who knew elves would have tender feelings?” She
thought.

“You have done nothing. I have just never ridden a horse. ”
She said rolling her eyes.

“I can teach you.” He said smiling warmly at her.

“No I don’t think that will be necessary.” She said trying
to move around him.

“Nonsense. I’ll teach and I promise you’ll enjoy it. Now go
change into something suitable.” He said grabbing her and leading her out the
room. Temperance doubted it. She really didn’t want to do this. Riding a horse
meant being more than two feet off the ground and that possibility often caused
nausea.

************************************************

It took her twenty
minutes to get down to the where Legolas asked her to meet him. Of course it
didn’t help that she had moved through the halls as if she had nowhere to go.

“Temperance, move faster!” She heard Legolas call out as she
came over the top of a ridge. He watched her continue at her snail’s pace.

“Are you pouting?” He asked bending down to look at her
sullen face.

“No, I’m protesting with my silence.” She said. Chuckling
Legolas straightened.

“Come have a look at the horses.” Legolas took hold of her
hand and pulled her into the pen. Temp watched as a large white horse moved
towards Legolas. He moved forward to rub the horse fondly.

“Arod. How are you?” He said softly to the horse. The horse
neighed in response. Temp looked at the horse and gulped.

“He is a very tall horse isn’t he?” She asked her stare
centeon ton the beautiful stallion. Legolas up looked at her and smiled.

“Yes, he would seem very tall to someone of your size.” He
said.

“Come and pet him.” Legolas said motioning her to his
side. Temperance moved forward
hesitantly. Seeing her apprehension Legolas stood behind her and guided her
hand to the horse’s neck.

“There you see? He won’t hurt you.” He whispered in her ear.
Legolas moved back allowing her to familiarize herself with Arod. Temperance
stroked the horse’s neck and murmured praises.

“Would you like to go for a ride now?” He asked when she
stepped away from the horse.

“Um …” She started not really sure if she was ready.

“Come you’ll ride with me first and then later I will teach
you to ride by yourself.” Legolas took hold of Arod’s reins and led him from
the pen. Sighing Temperance followed the determined elf.

“You can do this. Its not a big deal.” She thought as she
watched him saddle Arod. Temp watched as he swung gracefully into saddle and
reached out for her.

“Coming?” He asked his hand stretched out for her to grab.
She stood looking at the hand, and Leoglas waited patiently for her to take
it. That is until he heard someone call
out his name.

“Legolas.” A she elf called out from a distance. Swearing
Legolas leaned down, snatched her from the ground, settled her in front of him
her back against his chest.

“Ready?” He asked, but gave no time to answer just put the
horse in action. Temperance swallowed
back her scream of terror as they shot forward into the forest.

“I’m going to die a lonely virgin.” She thought holding
tightly pommel of the saddle, her eyes tightly shut. Legolas so intent on his
escape didn’t notice her fear. When they were a safe distance away he felt the
stiffness of her body and immediately slowed Arod.

“Temperance?” He looked down at her hands gripping the
pommel. The knuckles were white from holding on so fiercely. Legolas stopped
Arod completely.

“Trancrance Let go. ” He said prying her fingers away.

“I can’t.” She squeaked.

“You can, just loosen your fingers.” Legolas said smiling
slightly. Temperance shook her head.

“Impossible. I don’t think I can do anything expect kill you
once I get off this horse. ” She growled but she did relax against him. Legolas
laughed and goaded Arod into motion once more. Temperance stiffened up again.

“Trust me.” Legolas whispered in her ear.style="mso-spacerun: yes"> He felt her give comply easily his request.

“One step closer.” He thought with an arrogant grin. Legolas
believed he would have her where he wanted her soon enough. But where did he
want her?………….