Legolas. His name echoed in her mind. Aerana watched him as he rode off with the Fellowship of the Ring, all of them heading towards Mordor and almost certain doom. She gripped her bow tightly and tried to swallow the lump in her throat. As he faded farther and farther into the distance, her mind flashed back to their first meeting.
A much younger Legolas was standing in the woods, practicing his shooting skills. He was aiming at a tree about 100 paces away. He knocked the arrow and drew back the bowstring, taking aim carefully. He released the arrow and it missed his target by a few yards. Swearing under his breath, he went to retrieve the arrow.
"You know what you're doing wrong don't you?"
Legolas glared at the woman who made the comment. The redheaded warrior with the bright green eyes was leaning up against a tree cockily. "I don't recall asking for your help, stranger."
"Oh but you so desperately need it." She sauntered towards him until they were standing side by side. "Watch and learn."
She knocked her arrow carefully. "See how my fingers are positioned? Take note of that."
Legolas nodded. He knew not who this elf-woman was, but she seemed to know what she was doing.
She drew back the bowstring, keeping her elbow level with her shoulder. Then she released. The arrow flew at lightning speed and hit the center of where Legolas had been originally aiming.
She smiled at him, proud of her superior skills. Legolas nodded at her and copied her stance. She shook her head and pushed down his elbow ever so slightly. She held his gaze for a moment, her leaf green eyes holding his ocean blue ones. She released his arms and nodded at him. Looking towards the tree where her arrow was still sturdily lodged, Legolas released the bowstring. His arrow split the stranger's in half.
He smiled shyly at her, expecting some sort of praise. But he was horribly disappointed. She had disappeared.
*Wait!* he cried out telepathically. *Who are you?*
*Aerana, daughter of Lenora, Huntress of the Night. I am glad to have met you Legolas.*
*Will I see you again?* he called desperately.
The only response was a musical laughter dancing in his mind.