Chapter 1:
"I want all of you to review your guard skills, for I fear that you may be a little rusty." Tauriel
grimaces as she calls out orders to us."I will put you in pairs for you to practice your swordplay and archery." Her loud voice echoed loudly throughout our bright combat quarters. However, all I can think about is Legolas, who is standing proudly next to her. His vibrant blue eyes keep darting down to their hands, which are only inches apart from each other. I cannot focus on what Tauriel is saying to the rest of the soldiers, and begin to daze off watching him.
"You! Mani naa essa en lle?" Tauriel yells, it takes me a moment to realize she is talking to me.
"Wait, what?" I ask, everyone turns their heads to look at me-including Legolas. He stares at me
with worry, and my eyes dart to the ground quickly. I notice all the guards are in first combat position. Tauriel stares at me menacingly. "I-I mean my apologies, I was not focusing, mam. I am also sorry for my informality." My cheeks turn red with embarrassment.
"I said, what is your name? You were the only guard who failed to get into first position." Tauriel
sighs, exhausted. She's obviously had a tiring day. It shocked me that she didn't know my name, I've been part of the guard for as long as I could remember, and was one of the best fighters.
"I know, s-sorry," I stammer nervously. Is she really going to have a scolding conversation with
me while everyone is watching? "M-my name is Miridan."
Tauriel walks a couple steps farther away from my section, and tosses a bunch
of her fiery red hair and perfect waves behind her shoulders, indicating she's done talking to me; then continues giving out orders. I sigh with relief, glad I didn't have to suffer anymore embarrassment. I catch Legolas still staring at me, and blush. He smiles at me, which makes me feel like my cheeks are now on fire.
"I am partnering you with another elf who is at the same level of experience with you or
close to the same level." She reads off a list. "Cíleth and Habadel, Lanthirel and Gwaelon," Tauriel begins announcing names, and I hear mine. "Miridan... and Legolas..." My heart stopped. Her mouth falls slightly open, but she closes it quickly and continues partnering people.
Legolas makes his way over to me.
"Hello, Mellon nin." A half smile crosses his face. "Surprised you didn't run off sobbing back
there, I know how much you hate it when you're put on the spot." He teases.
I laugh and lightly punch his arm. "What area should we do first? I bet I could beat you at ground
combat easily."
"Is that so? I think you're mistaken, friend." He grins and looks me in the eyes, I blush immensely
and take off running to our station, which is outside the palace in a pit of soft dirt.
"How about our usual game of Mercy?" I ask him, already in combat position. "And I'll go easy
on you." I wink. He laughs to himself before getting into ready position.
A mischievous plan starts forming in my head. "Ready," Legolas grins. "Set-" he barely has any
time to think as I lunge at him and tackle him down. His chest is facing the ground and the left side of his face is in the dirt. My hands hold his wrists behind his back, and my legs straddle him to keep him from moving.
"Say it." I try to sound fierce as I push his head harder into the soft earth. I hear a muffled laugh
from him. Legolas turns his body in a swift motion so that I now sit on his stomach. I react quickly to the sudden movement and pin his hands above his head in a 'surrender' position. Our faces are inches apart and my long dark brown hair flows onto the ground next to his ear. His bright blue eyes stare up at me.
"Say it. I have the advantage." A smirk comes across my face.
"Not for long." He smiles, and I suddenly find myself pinned to the ground in a couple seconds,
our places switched. I try to move but he holds me down. I can tell that he isn't putting all his weight on me, which makes me aggravated that he's going easy. He grins uncontrollably as he gazes into my dark green eyes.
"You're enjoying this aren't you."
"I am. Really. Do you want to say the word now?" He laughs.
"It wasn't a question, and no. I won't." I sigh, angry from obviously loosing.
"Well I answered it anyway. Say the word, Miri. Or else." He teased, trying to sound evil, but
failing.
"Or else what, prince?" I ask calmly, taunting him with his title.
"Or else... I'll... I'll just have to kiss you." He leans in closer to me, smiling.
"I'm not going to say it." I stubbornly add while turning red. His face is four inches away from
mine. Three. Two. My heart is exploding with anticipation, and I'm almost shaking.
"Son?" A familiar voice says abruptly. "What are you doing?" King Thranduil towers above
Legolas and I, who are laying on top of each other on the ground. He has a confused expression.'Wonderful, thank you, Thranduil.' I sarcastically think in my head, sad that the moment was ruined.
"Father! Ada! I-I can explain!" Legolas stood up and struggled with words. I laugh loudly at the
situation. Legolas looks at me horrified as to why I could laugh at this. I did not fear Thranduil, and actually thought of him as more of a guardian. Before either of them could say anything else, I'm off the ground and holding Legolas in an armlock.
"Just a friendly game of Mercy." I smile at Thranduil, who stares hard at me, then suddenly
relaxes his face.
"Legolas is not... Bothering you... Correct?" Thranduil asks me with genuine concern. I
practically snort at the thought. Legolas, on the other hand, seems angry. I decide to use this situation for my own purposes.
I turn to Legolas quickly. "Say. It." I mouth. He looks confused for a second, then groans and rolls
his eyes.
"You're terrible." He mouths back, half laughing, and gives in, since he doesn't want to get in
trouble. He walks closer to me and whispers "Mercy." In my ear.
I turn back to Thranduil. "Of course not, sir. He's an angel." I say, not being sarcastic nor
serious. Legolas shoots me a death glare.
"Good... If he is, bothering you, inform me immediately. I don't want him disturbing you in any
way." Thranduil says, then walks back into the castle, emotionless.
I turn to Legolas happily and accomplished. He seems embarrssed.
"You did not just do that." He laughed.
"Oh, but I did," I proudly add. "I won."
"You won because you used my father against me." Legolas sighs in shame.
"I still won." I giggle, remembering the almost-kiss.
"Rematch." He says with a half smile.
"Oh no," I say sarcastically. "Prince Legolas... You really don't like to lose, do you?" I taunt.
Legolas rolls his eyes while getting into ready position.