Our First Night

I lay on my back, in my bath with my ears just slightly submerged. It’s late, but I am not tired at all. Tomorrow the Elvish Ambassadors, Maeve and Elau leave for Havestree, and for some reason thinking about Maeve and Elau traveling together gives me the ick. I know it’s because of how she obviously likes him, and I wish I were the one traveling with him. “God, Niccola, stop these childish thoughts.” I whisper to myself. I sit up in the hot spring tub, and rest my arms on the edge. Besides, Elau doesn’t seem the least bit interested in Maeve, so I have nothing to be jealous about. My hair floats around me tickling my sides and I can’t seem to get out of my own head. I dunk myself under the water and breathe out all of the air held in my lungs. A slight bang startles me and I pop back up out of the water.

“Nic?” Elau’s voice comes from behind me. I sink down into the water, luckily he can’t see me because of the vines wrapped around the hot spring. I look out the opening at my robe which is several feet away.

“Elau,” I mumble, “I’m in the bath.” I say embarrassed, “Why didn’t you knock?”

“I did but you didn’t answer and I didn’t want to get caught outside of your door.” He replies and I can hear how frazzled he is. “I’ll turn around.” He says and I can hear his feet shuffling. I climb out of the tub and begin drying off.

“Okay I have to grab my robe. You better not look.” I threaten him

“Not looking, I promise” he replies I emerge from behind the vines and run over to my robe, placing my arms through and tying it around my waist.

“You can turn around now.” I inform him with my hands on my hips. He turns around and looks at me.

“I’m sorry, Nic." He walks towards me, "I panicked, I shouldn’t have just come in like that.” He frowns at me with puppy dog eyes. I sigh and lower my arms.

“It’s fine,” I mumble and walk over to the seats on my patio, motioning for him to sit next to me. “To what do I owe the pleasure, this late at night?” I ask him, as he sits down next to me.

“I couldn’t sleep.” He responds, twiddling his fingers.

“You’re nervous?” I stare at him taking in all of his mannerisms. I’ve never seen him so nervous.

“I’ve never left Elvish Territory…. and …. a lot might change after this trip.” He looks down at his hands. I scooch closer to him and place my hand on his back.

“How so?” I press him

“I… um…” He sighs and sits up looking into my eyes, “I’m not allowed to say.”

“Oh.” I say looking away

“But I really wish I could tell you… There is so much I wish I could tell you but…”

“I know, it’s okay. Even if things change everything is going to be okay, I promise.” I assure him and lift his arm wrapping it around my shoulders, then leaning my weight into his side. He pulls me close and rests his head on mine.

“Nic, when I get back I am going to have a lot less free time. I’m not sure we will be able to meet as often.” He says with sadness in his voice.

“That’s okay, as long as you don’t replace me with a different best friend.” I smile up at him, “Busy or not I will always support you, Elau.” He forces a smirk. We talk for a while then as the night grows later I find myself nodding off.

Morning comes and I wake... on my balcony? I look up, unable to move, and see that I am laying on Elau’s chest still wrapped in his arms.

“Elau!” I say, panicked. He jumps up letting me go. “You have to leave before someone sees you.” I stand pulling him up. He starts rushing to the door and then stops

“Wait.” He runs over to me and wraps his arms around me. “I won’t be able to say goodbye in front of everyone.” I wrap my arm around his waist.

“Be safe, and smart.” I say, and he releases me.

“Bye, Nic.” He turns and opens the door, checking either side, before exiting swiftly.

At breakfast, the Royal Family and Maeve are nowhere to be seen. I eat with Amelia, and she gives me some giggly glances, obviously she heard Elau visit me last night, and maybe even this morning. After breakfast we are invited to the front of the castle to send off the Elvish Ambassadors. We exit and the Ambassadors, Maeve and Elau are lined up waiting on us. Luke leads us and we go through the line shaking hands and giving them words of encouragement. I get to Maeve.

“Be safe, Princess Maeve. We will miss your company while you are gone.” I tell her grasping her hand.

“Thank you, Niccola. We will be back before you know it.” She smiles brightly at me. I release her hand and move to Elau. I can’t help that my smile gets bigger every time I see him.

“Prince Elauthin, please keep our Princess safe. We look forward to your return.” I grab his hand to shake, and he rubs his thumb softly against the back of my hand as a secret goodbye.

“Of course, Ambassador Niccola. The Princess is safe with me. We will see you in a week.” I let go of his hand and stand next to Benjamin. The King walks over to the group.

“Today, you leave on an important journey. Represent our kingdom well, as you traverse through human lands. Show humans why they should be our allies.” King Eloquen bows his head to the Elvish Ambassadors and the Queen walks up and does the same. We follow suit, bowing in respect and wait until the King rises to follow. The Elves bow back to us and then head down the stairs of the castle to horses waiting below. Elau helps Princess Maeve onto her horse and then climbs onto his own. With a kick, his horse begins to walk towards the city exit. I watch as they move through the city until they are out of sight.

“Please Ambassadors, Join us for dinner in celebration.” Queen Iverna says to us.

“It would be an honor, your Majesty.” Benjamin responds and we all bow as the King and Queen head back into the castle. As they leave I rise, and look back at the city below. One week without Elau. Hopefully it goes by quickly. I look over at Amelia, and she smiles at me. Her eyes saying everything. I think she is right. When he comes home I am going to tell him how I feel. I can’t keep hiding these emotions or I’ll end up going mad. And if he doesn’t feel the same then I will have my answer and we can move on as friends.