Well, this is no longer a rough draft. This is the story, and I will be updating regularly. Woohoo! I have it planned out, and I am very excited for it.
So, go back and read the chapters again. They were changed, but you will be familiar with them. Mostly it's little things, but the little things are very important.
I want everyone to remember, I am writing this for fun. So this isn't a serious fic or anything. I want it to be fun, and light, and enjoyable to read and make people smile.
I am not an expert on all things Tolkien, and I don't claim to be. I enjoyed the movies, and am thus far enjoying reading The Fellowship.
So, go ahead and read, and have fun, and don't forget to review! I love love love reading them. I hope you enjoy the new versions as much as I do.
Love you guys! Thank you for all the awesome reviews so far.
And forgive me if the Sindarin I use is awful. I'm using a website, and I'm not too sure how good it is. So if I'm wrong with any words I use, please let me know!
Also, this chapter focus is more on the dialog between them. It's important for the story. And not too much happens. No action, just talking. They're getting to know each other here. There's going be some action later on though.
Legolas quietly stepped over a fallen tree, his hands tightly gripping his knocked bow, the same bow the Lady Galadriel had given him. His eyes scanned the brush, searching for the source of noise. A twig snapped behind him and he whirled around.
"You should really watch where you do point that, you know." Legolas turned on his heels and found the tip of his arrow aimed at Idril's forehead. He quickly lowered his bow and returned the arrow to the quiver on his back.
"Idril," he breathed. "I did not see you."
Idril gave him a small smile. "Perhaps you are in need of spectacles," she teased with a wink. "Were you hunting, m'lord?"
"Er-no, I had actually been on my way to see you when I had heard..." Legolas trailed off as he took in the sight of her. She was not wearing a dress, but a tan tunic with white leggings and brown boots. Around her waist was a thick belt and in her hands she held a book, but that wasn't what caught his attention the most. The necklace around her neck was of a dragon.
"Lug?" he muttered under his breath. Dragon.
"What?" Idril glanced down at herself.
Legolas snapped back to attention and brought his gaze to her face. "Apologies. I notice you have a rather unusual necklace. I have never seen anyone, let alone a maiden, wear a dragon about their neck."
"Oh," Idril touched the pendant. "Tis the crest of my grandfather. Back home, dragon's are noble creatures, and are very well respected."
"I have never heard of such a thing," said Legolas. "Your home is very different."
Idril nodded. "Aye, it is," she said quietly, her eyes grew distant.
"I would like to hear about it," Legolas said softly.
Idril met his gaze and held it for a moment. He noticed her eyes did not hold any brown specks today. "Oh," she said suddenly. "I am forgetting my manners. Would you like something to eat, or a cup of tea?"
Legolas nodded. "That does sound lovely. Lead the way, my lady." He bowed, causing Idril's smile to grow. He studied her as they walked. A light brushing of freckles fell across her nose, and her ears were covered by the hair pulled over them that was tied into a braid down her back. She walked with graceful confidence, her shoulders back and her head held high. The walk of nobility.
"That is a beautiful bow, m'lord," Idril said as she led him to the clearing.
"Thank you," said Legolas. "It was a gift."
"Thank you," Idril repeated softly. "Hannon le, correct?"
Legolas stared. "Yes. You do not speak..." he trailed off. She was half Elven, surely she should know the language.
Idril shook her head. "Not much. I only know a few words. The Elves back home speak another language. I have a book inside, but I feel as if I would be murdering your beautiful words becuase of my voice."
The elves back home...She spoke as if she were not an Elf herself, but Legolas was positive she was. Her ears were noticeable even behind her hair. She held many Elven qualities, yet held many human qualities as well. Surely she must be at least part Elf.
They had approached the cabin and Idril opened the door. "I do not think you would murder the language," said Legolas. "I will gladly teach you, if you wish."
Idril's eyes lit up, but she bit her lip as she set the book she was holding on a small table near the door. "Are you sure? I do learn very slowly. And you are a prince. Surely you do not have the time? "
"It matters not," said Legolas, following her inside. "I shall enjoy teaching you."
Idril grinned. "Hannon le."
Legolas smiled. "Perfect." A slight blush rose to Idril's cheeks as she told him to have a seat at the table. She began putting on a pot of tea, and Legolas took the time to observe the interior of the cabin. There were two beds, one in each corner on the back wall where a crib sat next to the larger one. A hearth between them held a small fire, and a gleaming broad sword hung on the wall above. The round table, where Legolas sat, was centered with the wood oven and stove to the left. Two armchairs were pushed against the right wall where a quiver and bow sat. Legolas studied the bow from the table. Long, recurved, made with a dark wood he did not recognize.
Idril sat two mugs onto the table and followed Legolas' gaze. "The quiver is beautiful, is it not?" she said with a small smile.
Legolas turned to her. "Yes, I see it is of Elven craft."
"My mother just gave it to me yesterday," she muttered, checking the kettle.
"It belongs to you?" Legolas asked.
Idril gave him a tiny smirk. "Yes. Why, do you not believe a maiden should enjoy such things?"
Legolas' cheeks reddened. "Nay, I did not mean-"
Idril giggled. "It is well, m'lord," she said. "I was only jesting. My father had taught me to shoot when I was young."
"Then you must be very good." Legolas watched as she poured hot water into his mug.
"I would certainly hope so," she murmured with a hint of a smirk. "I practice almost everyday."
"As do I."
They sat in silence for a few moments as they took their first sips. The tea was delicious, Legolas found. He tasted spices he could not name.
"It is an old recipe," Idril said, seeing the look on the prince's face. "My grandmother makes the best tea."
"She is still alive, then?" Legolas asked.
Idril's face fell, but she quickly shook it away. "On my mother's side, yes," her grip tightened around the mug. "My father's parents passed when I was eight and ten."
"I am sorry," Legolas said gently. "May I ask how?"
Idril's eyes darkened. "They were murdered," she mumbled through a clenched jaw.
Legolas' eyes widened. "Forgive me I did not mean-"
"Nay, it is well," Idril said, shaking her head. "You did not know. Twas an innocent question. I should be the one apologizing, I should not let my emotions take control." She stood and replaced the kettle on the stove. Legolas' eyes never left her form.
"Tell me of your home," he said. "I would love to hear about it."
Idril took a deep breath and her face softened. She smiled at Legolas as she returned to her seat across from him. "It is beautiful. Mountains on the horizon, and the greenest hills and forests. The forests are my favorite. They're so...alive."
"Alive?" Legolas repeated, feeling a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "How so?"
Idril smiled and her eyes twinkled. "With magic, of course. Faeries, and tree spirits, and nymphs, foxes, birds, all kinds of creatures. The faeries are my favorite. Always creating some kind of mischief, although, they have nothing on the leprechauns. Annoying little buggers they are."
Legolas laughed. "I have heard of these leprechauns. I have an old friend who told many stories concerning them."
Idril raised an eyebrow, the smile still intact. "Oh? Who told you such stories. I do not believe there are any leprechauns in Middle-Earth. Surely your friend must have been to my home."
Legolas sipped his tea. "I do not know. He never told me where he went, only said he was visiting distant lands. Perhaps he had visited your home, which I still do not know the name of."
Idril gave him a sheepish look. "I know, I am sorry. I still cannot tell you. I hope one day I shall be able to."
"Why can you not?" Legolas asked quietly, slightly leaning towards her.
Idril lowered her gaze and tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. "I cannot say. I do apologize, m'lord."
"Apology accepted," Legolas muttered. "If you please, call me Legolas."
Idril found his gaze and smiled, a blush rising to her cheeks. The sound of logs dropping and a man's voice caught their attention. The door opened, revealing a tall man in a traveling cloak.
"Ar-Father," Idril stood and Legolas followed.
Arion looked from Idril to Legolas. "I am sorry," he said, unclasping his cloak. "I did not know you would have company. I do hope I am not interrupting."
"No," Idril crossed the room and took Arion's cloak. "Nay, we were just having some tea. Father this is Legolas of Mirkwood, Legolas, this is my father, Arion."
Legolas placed a hand over his heart and bowed his head. Arion shot a quick, confused look to Idril, but followed suit.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, my lord," said Legolas. "Please forgive me if I am intruding in your home."
"No, of course not," said Arion. "Any friend of Idril's is welcome any time. Although, I do wish she would give some warning next time, I would have been better dressed. You know how your mother feels about appearance with guests, Idril."
Idril rolled her eyes as she smoothed out Arion's navy cloak. "Where is Mother and Jaden anyways?"
"Visiting the Gloriens," Arion answered as he gestured to Legolas to return to his seat. "Your mother and Mistress Glorien sent us husbands away, claiming they needed some, what was the phrase? Ah, 'girl time'."
Idril laughed, hanging the cloak on the wall next to the door. "Mother always has girl time. Perhaps she needed new company this time."
"Perhaps," Arion muttered, taking Idril's seat at the table. "So, Master Legolas, how long have you known my daughter?"
"Father." Idril sent him a warning look.
He ignored her, waiting for Legolas to answer.
"Just a day," Legolas replied. "I had stumbled upon her the day before yesterday."
Arion nodded slowly. "Yes, I do hope your intentions are noble, my lord, I will not tolerate seeing anymore pain in-"
"Father, please," Idril interrupted, coming up behind him and placing a hand on his shoulder. "You have no need to worry."
"I have no other intentions other than becoming Idril's friend, my lord," Legolas said. "I find her intriguing to converse with. My intentions will not be of any harm."
Arion was silent for a long moment. Idril bit her lip. Legolas could see the worry shadow her face. "Very well," Arion said slowly. "I shall let you two be. I have some wood in need of cutting. I will be right outside." He patted Idril's hand and stood from the table. He nodded to Legolas before giving a short whistle. A muffled bark was followed by a golden dog crawling out from under Idril's bed.
"Come, Bruno," said Arion, exiting the cabin with the dog at his heels.
Idril let out a breath as the door closed behind them. She plopped into her seat and rested her forehead in her palm. "I am sorry for that," she mumbled.
Legolas smiled. "Nay, it is well. He was just being a father."
Idril's eyes grew distant. "Yes,he was," she whispered.
Well, I hope you liked it. I hope it didn't sound awkward or anything, but then again, first conversations can be quite awkward. Well, don't forget to review!
