Chapter 7

Katarina walked beside Legolas, listening as he spoke to her about his childhood and growing up in Mirkwood. He was especially fond of the story of when his father saved him from a giant spider during a hunting accident. The Elf princes' face it up when he told the part of the story where his father battled the great beast, scooped the young prince into his arms and returned home safely. Katarina listened eagerly, glad to see her friend so jubilant after all that had befallen the Fellowship.

"That was an amazing story, Legolas. Do you have any more?" She asked hopefully, to the Elfs' amusement.

"I do believe so, my lady. It is the story of when I made my first bow. I was very young at the time, two hundred and seventy five years old I believe, when my father came to me in my room. He sat with me on my bed; put his arm around my shoulders so he could look me in the eyes. He said to me 'Today is the day I can show you how to make your very own bow, my son. Get changed into your most casual tunic and meet me outside the palace.' I was excited that day, for I had always wanted to make a bow and be just like my ada." His voice held a smile and his blue eyes shone with happiness. "I changed quickly and met him outside like he asked. We spent almost the entire day carving and sanding the wood into the shape we needed, all the while talking about trivial things. There are not many occasions where we can do that when he has to rule an entire kingdom while I'm still growing up."

"That must have been very nice for you, to be able to spend the day with your father like that."

"It was, Katarina, it was. We sat down together in that manner when I made the bow I have now." Legolas removed the bow from his back and ran his hands over his beautiful weapon lovingly. "My father took me on my first hunting trip with this bow and I killed my first prey with this bow. It holds a dear place in my heart since it is built and used early on as an instrument to bring us together. I even killed my first Orc with this bow, when ada and I were patrolling the grounds one evening."

Katarina was intrigued with the stories he had to tell. His world was different from hers; his world was different from almost everything besides other Elven cities. She wondered briefly what it would be like to live in that world; to dance and sing with Elves, to twine wildflowers in her hair and run through the forests with the animals. What it would be like to make bows and other beautiful things with her Elven friends, to never be anything but free. It was a world full of possibilities.

"My lady?" The Elf asked from beside her.

"Hm? Did you say something, Legolas?"

"Nay, my lady, but you seemed to have something on your mind. Would you care to tell me what it is?"

"It is nothing bad, my lord. I was thinking of how wonderful it would be for the world to be healed and new again. What it would be like running through beautiful forests with the natives."

"Do I count as a native?"

"Of course, my lord. I was thinking of animals but I suppose it could mean native people as well."

"Really? You like animals?"

"Yes, my lord. If I had my way in my world, there would not be as many buildings and everyone would see what it was like in the forests. That way they could respect the forests and the animals that live there more than they do. Here it is different because you do have that respect, exceptions being Orcs and Saruman of course."

"Your respect for the forests is enlightening, my lady. It brings my heart joy to know a mortal truly cares about what happens to them."

"Thank you for an insight into your thoughts, my lord." Katarina said modestly.

"You are welcome, my lady." Legolas smiled as they caught up to the Fellowship.

Katarina looked up to find Aragorn looked at them with interest and another emotion she couldn't name. She dismissed it as she turned to focus on Bormoirs' grumpy complaints on their slow pace. She thought about her life in Sicily; the language, the dancing, the people. She missed her family the most. She jumped violently when a hand touched her shoulder, throwing her hand back to prepare herself for punching the person.

"Easy, my lady! It is just me!" Aragorn said quickly, holding his hands up in surrender. "I just wanted to speak with you and Legolas for a while."

"I am sorry, my lord. You startled me." Katarina breathed in relief, pressing a hand over her heart.

"Let us speak of it while we walk a little faster. I fear our Gondorian may go mad if we continue our leisurely pace." He suggested with a chuckle.

Legolas smiled, but his smile soon slipped as they encountered the solid wall that stood several feet high. I felt paniced at this new discovery, I couldn't climb that! I'd kill myself trying to get up less than half of that! My heart stopped for a second, then restarted pumping doubletime. There was no-absolutely NO-way I was climbing that!

Legolas seemed to sense my fear for he rubbed soothing circles in my hand. "I will be right behind you, Katarina. I will not let you fall, I promise."

I could see the honesty in his beautiful blue eyes as he gazed at me.