Chapter Four:
"You defeated a giant spider with the help of only one elleth?" Legolas' closest friend, Bronwe, asked trying to hold back laughter.
Legolas rolled his eyes. "Yes, I suppose so. What's most interesting is that she could have done it without me also." The two were doing target practice outside in the fresh summer air. They were about a mile outside of the Woodland Realm, in a peaceful clearing.
"And why have I not met this so called Eryneth?" asked Bronwe.
"She tends to keep to herself. All her time is usually spent in the woods. I only knew of her because her father is a part of the Guard." Legolas said as he released an arrow effortlessly and it lodged directly in the middle of the target. Bronwe shot one that didn't even hit any part of the target and rolled his eyes. Needless to say, archery was not Bronwe's strength.
"You are saying you are intrigued by this elleth only because you know nothing of her. Befriend her, feed your curiosity. Extend an invitation of friendship." he said with a shrug. "I am just happy you have taken an interest in any elleth, may she be dangerous or mad." Bronwe added, smirking.
"She is not dangerous nor mad. Eryneth is simply different. She is not like all the elleth who pursue me. In fact, I rather think she has developed a disliking to me." Legolas said, letting a chuckle escape his throat at remembering how irate he made her.
Legolas could not explain what he thought of Eryneth, for he himself was so unsure. Parts of him wanted to fight with her because she had been so foolish to disobey his orders, but parts of him were fond of her presence, from the way she spoke to her nearly silent breathing, and how she was so alive with feelings, not like the other elves he had to deal with on a daily basis. Regardless, Legolas was enticed with the elleth and wanted to spend more time with her, even though he was unsure of his intentions with her.
"You say she wants to travel? Leave Mirkwood?" Bronwe asked.
"Yes," Legolas replied hesitantly, knowing one day she would leave and he would probably never see her again. "She wishes to explore Middle Earth. I cannot say I blame her, an elleth lives here for most of their life until they sail usually. Who in their right mind would want to be limited to these confines?"
Bronwe simply shrugged and tried shooting another arrow. This one hit the target, only barely though. It was a mere inch from the end, yet still made the poor archer proud. He was better suited in hand-to-hand combat.
"I must say she sounds like your mother once was." Bronwe said with a smile.
"Yes, perhaps that is why I find her so interesting." Legolas said, fondly remembering his mother.
Eryneth did not believe her own elf ears. Her dearest friend whom she had grown up with, Náriel, was with child. All she could do was stare at Náriel's stomach in shock. She had only married mere months ago, and already they were creating another life. Eryneth did not understand why everything around her began to change while she stayed the same.
"Please say something, you are making me nervous." said Náriel, biting her lower lip softly.
"I do not know what to say." Eryneth said, still in shock. "You- you planned this?"
A small smile spread upon Náriel's lips. Why is she so thrilled to throw her life away? Eryneth thought. "Not really. Though, what is wrong? We are married and happy to be blessed with such a gift."
"You have infinite years ahead of you, Náriel. I just do not understand how this came to be. Forgive me." Eryneth said, trying to make sense of what her dearest friend had told her.
"I am truly happy with this news. Though I did not have any particular desire to have a child, it will do us well. Not all are able to have children, you know." Náriel said. Eryneth did not believe a child was such a great thrill, she only thought of the confines it would bring upon her.
"I suppose you are right. Pay no mind, my thoughts have been rather tainted as of late. Congratulations are in order." Eryneth tried to say with a smile. It wasn't fair to be upset that her friend was having a child. Although Eryneth felt as if she would lose a part of her friend, she could not choose to be so selfish in thought.
"Thank you. It means the world to me that you support me in this time." Náriel said, taking Eryneth's hand in hers.
"Of course, Náriel." she said with a small smile, squeezing her hand.
"Now, I do not mean to be rude but I am afraid I need to hurry home to prepare a meal. I doubt it is only me who feels their husband is always hungry." Náriel said with a laugh, embracing her friend before turning to leave.
Eryneth watched her walk out the door, wishing nothing had to change, and things could stay like they had been. She missed her mother and father being happy together, united, and spending her days with Náriel in the great woods, talking and laughing for hours on end. Nothing was like any of that anymore. But when you live forever, it is hard to avoid change.
A/N: I felt the need to add more characters to add realism and characters outside the main protagonists. Sorry this chapter is so short and sucky. Also huge shout-out to Cephia for being my beta-ish person. :) Yepp. Also, note that I changed a few things back in the past chapters. First of all, I decided to make Eryneth skilled with a sword, not a bow. I feel that is all too common in Legolas fics. Annnnnd, I know I left Legolas' mom a broad subject, but that will come into detail later. ;)
Bronwe: endurance/faith
Náriel: June