Hi all, Daisy here- once known as Daisymall13. Edhil O Gurth began roughly 10 years ago- So this has taken a while to finish. please let me know what you think. reviews feed me.
I don't own LotR. But if Legolas is on offer I'll take him…
The four horses pounded through the forest, their hooves sending up a cloud of dust in the tracks. So tightly together were they clustered, that it seemed as if they were but one large shape.
The riders, each hidden under dark cloaks crouched low, perfectly poised as the horses seemed to fly along the winding road. To those they passed it would seem as if they were on a mission of great importance- or perhaps that they were being pursued by a great army of Orcs.
As the horses gracefully jumped a fallen tree in the road, one of the horses- one as dark as the night, save for a small streak of white in his mane- seemed to pull ahead, a stride before the others. There was a cry of triumph as, without warning, the horse seemed to quicken as he pulled further ahead.
His rider stretched up, tall and proud as he released a whoop of celebration. Behind him the other riders pulled their horses to a stop, each of them murmuring quietly to their mounts.
The smallest of the riders brushed his hood back, watching as the winning rider re-joined the group, a large smile on his face.
"Elladan, must you celebrate so? It is most embarrassing to witness!" he called to the raven haired elf in front of him, teasing. Elladan let out a laugh, grinning broadly.
"Estel, don't be so hasty to accuse me of embarrassment. If I recall correctly, the last time you won you practically skipped everywhere for a week. Elrohir and I had to lock you away to keep you from scaring away Adar's guests!" He glanced over at his twin, who only hummed in agreement.
"I was barely seventeen at the time, Brother! It was the first time I'd managed to win- I was bound to be happy about it!" The final member of the group, a lithe, blonde elf let out a laugh.
"You were a little more than happy mellon nin, if I recall correctly, you told everyone you ran into about it- for several days afterwards!"
"Legolas, I would call that an exaggeration…Two days, perhaps. And it wasn't everyone…"
"Ony because we locked you up before you could."
"If we are done bickering, I think we should continue on." Elrohir cut in, glancing over his shoulder at the empty road. "The sun will be gone in a few hours, and I would like to return home before then."
"In that case, we shall save this debate for a later time. Come- let us continue our race!" Legolas agreed, before kicking his horse forward. "Last one to arrive stables the horses!
With shouts of protest, the other three were quick to follow.
They continued on for several minutes, laughing freely and calling happily to each other. But all of a sudden, Legolas and Elrohir –who had pulled ahead- slowed their horses before stopping completely. They shared a glance as the other two members of their group pulled up along side them, Elladan eyeing his twin with a frown.
"Do you hear something?" Estel asked, his tone hushed as his hand fell to the sword that was secured at his side. Legolas tilted his head for a moment.
"There is something moving through the trees ahead. Something that does not belong there."
"It is too light for Orcs to be out as of yet...But I have a sense of uneasiness." Elrohir replied, his voice low.
"The trees here are unsettled- something lies ahead." Legolas added. "We must be prepared."
"We will continue on slowly, then. There should be a patrol not much farther along this road- if there is someone up to no good, they will be discovered." Elladan decided, drawing his sword. Beside him Estel followed suit as both Legolas and Elrohir reached for their bows.
"If need be, we will dismount and scout ahead."
The others nodded and Elrohir motioned his horse to move forward, leading the group onwards. The other three followed wordlessly, each falling into a familiar defensive pattern as they rode forward, unsure of what would be waiting for them. A few minutes passed by, their silence only interrupted by the occasional call of a bird high above. But then, as they rounded the bend…
"What in the name if Illuvatar…"
There, lying crumpled in the road, was an Elf.
Let me know what you think in the reviews!
~Daisy