Snow made it hard to cover tracks. And whomever had left the large trail that seemed to stretched into the woods was going to be found. Soon. A group of what would appear as men from a distance bent for a closer look.
A slim brunette spoke in the lilting language of Elves as he straightened up. "They're deep and made by someone who was running fast, and had been for sometime. " he announced, eyes flickering to another Elf. "Prince Legolas. It was made by either a human or an exhausted kin. Do we continue the search? Or resume the border patrol?"
All eyes turned to the only Elf still examining the tracks. Sensing everyone was watching he stood and brushed off the newly fallen snow on his cloak, and his shimmering blond hair. He turned and made eye contact with the man who had addressed him, eyes startlingly blue the only color in the surrounding woods. He was younger than the rest, and if he were a man he would have been thought to be in his early twenties. His eyes showing that he had lived much longer than that and had seen darker times. "No, lets meet this creature. If it is one of us than surely he must be heading towards our city, and we shall guide him. If it is a human we'll escort him out." The three others nodded in unison, and following Legolas' lead climbed up tall trees.
The small group made astounding time, jumping from snow laden branch to snow laden branch, not knocking a single snowflake off. Soon they covered almost two miles when the Legolas slowed. Voices could be heard nearby. And quietly they moved forward all the while listening curiously.
"Just leave me alone. I want nothing to do with you or the others any longer. I've taken my leave." Growled a feminine voice, coated with hate. She spoke the harsh tongue of men, Legolas realized curious. And whom could she be speaking to. There were only one set of tracks. He peered though the branches that hid him from the females view. In the small clearing below stood a small woman, draped in snow covered clothes With her back to him. In front of her stood a figure in black with a hood that covered his face. A small shiver went down Legolas' spine.
As he watched the female turned, as if to depart,taking a few steps away from the other. The covered figure shot forward and grabbed the woman by the neck, lifting her off her feet. She said nothing and glared at the man with hatred. Worried for the woman, Legolas released an arrow at the man. It whizzed through the air and struck true to the figures heart with a soft thump. A gasp escaped the wounded and he dropped the girl, clawing at the arrow protruding from his cloak. He fell to the ground with a sickening thud.
The girl gasped struggling for air. The Prince swiftly descended to the ground trotting over to her. "Are you alright? Are you hurt? You must watch your back." She smiled, pushing her gold hair back from where it fell into her face. Legolas stopped. She was beautiful. Her hair long cascading down her back. Her eyes a green, just like the ivy that grew outside his bedroom when the afternoon sun hit it. Her features delicate, cheeks pink. Altogether astounding. And elven. Her sharp cheek bones and pointed ears screamed as much, but her height was shorter than the typical elven maiden.
Suddenly her arm darted forward releasing a glittering tool that sailed straight toward him. he darted to the side, and it sailed past him. A thousand thoughts rain through his head at her attack on him. Then a loud shriek came from behind him , spinning Legolas eyes landed on the black figure as it collapsed to the ground, its head cut cleanly from its torso.
The girl slowly wobbled to her feet, eyes meeting her rescuer. "You should take your own advice," she declared and smiled. It soon turned into a grimace as she clutched her side. She wobbled again, unsteady on her feet. Legolas darted forward to catch her, but she waved him away.
"Prince Legolas! Are you alright?!" Asked one of his comrades, running forward. Worried etched on his face.
"Yes. I am unharmed. However this Lady is in need of medical attention. We must get to Mirkwood immediately." Legolas looked down into the pained, and calculating face of the girl, his heart aching with illogical worry for a elf he had only known for a second.
"I am fine." She declared, her voice harsh.
The Prince rolled his eyes, a childish act that revealed his age. "Mirkwood is only a mere league away. At least give us the pleasure of your company for a single night, and possibly visit our skilled healers. When morning comes you can be on your way."
The she-elf sighed knowing this pushy elf would not take no for an answer. The pain in her side seemed to worsen with every heart beat, blood trailing down her thigh. She nodded. "As you wish." Gathering her cloak tightly around her she pushed forward towards the general direction of the kingdom.