I do not claim to own Legolas, Estel or any of the Lord of the Rings characters. Any unrecognisable characters are fragments of my imagination.
I would be eternally grateful for any reviews as this is my first ever fic. Compliments, constructive criticism and flames are all welcome and ALL ARE REPLIED TO!!
Chapter 1The realm of the Eldar was peaceful. The sun was sending her golden rays splaying across the grass and through the branches of massive trees planted many thousands of years ago. Squirrels hopped around on the grass, not caring that there were Elves nearby. Wind pulled gently at the leaves of the great trees and played with the hair of the tall, blonde Elf in the archery range.
He pulled the bowstring to its full draw, an arrow notched faster than any mortal eye could follow. The Elf held the string completely still, mentally calculating the speed and angle to release the arrow to ensure a perfect bulls eye. The surrounding wood echoed faintly the thud produced when the missile struck the target.
A faint smile replaced the lines of concentration etched onto the archer's pale skin.
"Well shot, mellon-nin! Your aim is true, as ever. Why did you let me challenge you to a competition?! Estel shook his head, laughing.
"Under the rule of my father, any fault is a major thing and being perfect is something all Mirkwood Elves are raised to seek. And anyway, let us see how you have progressed since I was last here. Your turn." Legolas replied.
Estel took up his position and placed an arrow in the string. After aiming and hoping that he could best the Prince, he released the string, watching as the arrow soared towards the target. His face brightened at the thought of splitting Legolas' arrow only to find that his own had landed a few good inches away from the intended spot.
Legolas smirked at the sight of the Ranger's face.
"Never mind, mellon-nin, I didn't expect miracles bearing in mind that it was your brothers who were helping you practice!" He clapped Estel on the shoulder and smiled, "We had better be heading back, the evening meal will be served soon and your stomach had been protesting for the past hour!" The Elf laughed and the two friends headed towards the Last Homely House.
Elrond and his two sons were already seated when the Elf and Man arrived. Elladan looked up, grinning.
"Finally! I told you that they wouldn't have killed each other, 'Ro!" The elder twin exclaimed, holding out his hand. Estel and Legolas looked at each other in confusion before taking their seats. Elrohir noticed the expressions and explained.
"We had placed a small wager. Elladan guessed that you were just loosing track of time, while I reckoned that you both had forgotten how to aim and would end up shooting each other instead of the target."
Legolas looked at Estel in wonder then back to the twins.
"Well, I'm glad you found that we could be of some amusement to you. Next time, though, I will take you outside and prove to you my skills with a bow by using the pair of you as targets!" With that comment from the Prince, the five Elves laughed at the thought of the twins running around with arrows in their behinds.
The meal was quite an uneventful affair. Stories about past adventures were exchanged including those about Estel and Legolas. Unfortunately the day was only so long and soon the sun had set and the stars were dotting the sky.
The Prince let out a yawn and rose from his seat.
"I thank you for the wonderful meal and the company, everyone. However I feel the need to retire to my room and find some rest. Good night everyone."
Estel followed suit, "I think I shall do the same. Good evening, Ada."
After bidding everyone a restful sleep, the two friends left the room and headed for their separate chambers.
"Tonight was good. I find it amusing that everyone like to recall past adventures, especially ours." Legolas said, while climbing the stairs.
"Yes, it seems that trouble follows us wherever we go and provides us with more stories than most. Speaking of which, we haven't been on one for a while. I'm getting to that stage now where my body is crying out for something to do. We have been staying in the same place for long enough." Estel replied, not looking up as if dreading the look that the Elf would throw at him.
"I agree Estel, it has been too long in one place. I must admit that I am growing tired of the same routine everyday and long for something different for a while." Estel suddenly stopped on the stairs and looked directly at his best friend, shocked.
"Are you well, mellon-nin?" The Ranger raised his hand to Legolas' forehead, checking for any signs of fever in mock concern. The Elf batted the human's hand away.
"I'm fine Estel. You know better than anyone how I hate being cooped up."
"Yes, I know. We could talk to Ada on the morrow and beg his permission to get ourselves half-killed." The friends laughed and continued on their way.
Well, I hope you all enjoyed the first chapter. Please review because if I don't get enough replies then there may not be another chapter.
More Leggy angst / torture / pain in following chapters, I know how you all love it!
Remember that ALL REVIEWS ARE REPLIED TO at the end of chapters.