I'm posting the ninth chapter today with the sad fact I may not be able to
post the next chapter in this lifetime. Why? Coz' EXAMS ARE NEXT WEEK!!!
And I haven't studied!!! (spent too much of my time on the Net( grins
sheepishly)). Anyway, I won't be updating for two weeks max because of the
above.
Yes, I did this chapter in a rush, if you critics wanna derail my plot, my characters, anything I'll say something I probably shouldn't say . I'm very grumpy and very tired and am uploading this at a very unholy hour. You DON'T want to cross me when I'm mad, believe me. I need my bed.
Healthy criticism is always tolerated and researched upon (even in this state of mind). But if you are a flamer, you won't live to face tomorrow. Plus, your flames will be thrown right back at ya. So don't sue me if your house burns down tomorrow; I already gave you fair warning.
Yes, yes, I know. I am not usually this pissed off. But exam blues always do that to me. To all past reviewers, I will once again thank you personally (Too tired to post this all up).
Now on with the story before I faint of exhaustion.
9. Broken Friendships and Painful ties (The First Half of the Day of Reckoning)
After what seemed to be eternity to Ellisya and Ellesildar, the Day of Reckoning finally arrived. Elves from Rivendell and Lorien and Mirkwood gathered at the front of Mirkwood Castle.
Inside, Ellisya trembled with excitement. She held a hand on her palpating heart. This is it, she told herself. This is where it all starts. This is my future.
Ellesildar entered softly, smiling. "Ready to go, lerathari ae EllisyaMy little sister Ellisya?" he asked.
Ellisya plucked at her bow string one last time, making sure it was tightly strung. She placed her hands at her hips, where her longsword was. Then, she turned and smiled at her brother. " I'm ready."
Together, they made their way down the wide corridor, walking hand in hand. Nearing the end of the corridor, Caroleas and Revandoran leaped out of the shadows to join them.
Startled, Ellesildar broke into a wide grin as he embraced his good friend Revandoran. Ellisya and Caroleas were talking at the top of their voices, ignoring the strange looks the guards gave them.
" From what I see outside, there are many fit contenders for the honor of being a Master Archer,' Caroleas confided in her friend. Ellisya giggled.
"I doubt many can match up to me," she said smugly.
"Show-off!" Caroleas shoved Ellisya. Ellisya shoved her back and soon, they were in an all-out shoving match, laughing hysterically. Ellesildar looked at Revandoran.
"Do you know them?" he asked mock-seriously.
"No, I don't," Revandoran said. The two she-elves stopped their fight only to jump on the boys, attacking them with girlish fury, leaving the two men unable to defend themselves.
Just as Ellesildar managed to gather enough wits to throw Caroleas off, a loud 'harump!' startled all of them. Looking, they saw Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli who, as usual, always showed up when they were making fools of themselves. They froze in place, looking comical, especially Revandoran and Ellisya, the latter practically in Revandoran's lap with his hands around her waist, about to toss her off. However, to those who hadn't seen the earlier scene (Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli), it looked as if he was carrying her. Legolas' eyes grew grave and the merry twinkle in them earlier faded completely away.
What is going on here?" Aragorn tensed as he heard the coolness in Legolas' voice. It was as cold as an iceberg and as sharp as the edge of a knife. He could only wonder why Gimli didn't sense it. Even the elves were looking uncomfortable but that could just be because of the state they were in.
"Yes, what are you doing?' Gimli asked cheerfully, oblivious to Legolas' dark stare and Aragorn's growing intensity. "From my point of view, all of you seem pretty intimate, especially Ellisya and Revandoran." At this point, Legolas grew even angrier and it was starting to show through cracks in his self-control. Aragorn felt like picking up the Dwarf and strangling him. How, he moaned to himself, could a Dwarf be so insensitive?
Ellisya hastily jumped out of Revandoran's arms. Revandoran hastily wiped his hands on the seat of his pants. Caroleas coughed in embarrassment. Ellesildar spoke, "It is not what you see, my Liege. Actually." he paused. How was he going to explain this? "we,uh, were taken with.with.nerves!.. and childishness."
Aragorn cut off the explanation with a wave of his hand. "I do not think we need to know this, Ellesildar."
"Oh yes we do," a voice came from behind him. Aragorn cursed as Legolas stared darkly with a fire in his eyes at the company of Elves. Now, even Gimli sensed something wrong.
"Legolas, what business is it of ours.?"
"It is of utmost importance to me," Legolas said, glaring from elf to elf, lingering on Ellisya. That was the last straw. Ellisya stomped up to Legolas and looked him full in the eye. Wills clashed as flashing green eyes met stormy blue ones. How long it would have continued if Revandoran, sensing something wrong, intervened.
" Well now, it wouldn't be good to fight on a day like this, this day that only occurs once every hundred years, which I daresay you will not see again, my Lord," inclining his head to Aragorn who nodded to say he understood, " for we should reserve our energy for later, right Ellisya, Legolas?"
"I do not need to 'reserve my energy', Revandoran," Legolas said coldly, "for I am already a Master Archer."
That was it. Ellisya could take no more. "What has happened to you, Legolas?" she demanded angrily. Legolas just pursed up his lips. His heart was sorrowful but his body was trembling with pure rage and fury. How dare that Elf hold her like that!!
"Look at yourself! Here you are glaring at us for having simple fun. Fun, that's all. Aren't we allowed to have even that?" Her last words were dangerously soft. All but Aragorn and Gimli winced. They knew what came after that.
" I am so glad I wasn't born in the royal family," Ellisya cried. "if all of them are like you!" In the heat of the moment, she had completely forgotten of the good elves like Arwen and Elrond. " You are nothing but a stuck-up piece of royal flesh!!"
At his, Legolas could take it no longer. "And what of you?" he hissed. "Do you think you're so perfect? You have no manners and certainly no proper upbringing if this is how you are!"
Ellisya glared at Legolas with hatred at that moment. "You dare tell me this? You are nothing but a uncivil elf!"
"If so, don't consider me your friend anymore," Legolas snapped, blinded by his anger. "Go and find someone else who shall take you as their friend, though I doubt there are many."
At this, Ellisya gasped a little and reeled back. Legolas didn't see it; too blinded by his jealousy and fury. Aragorn and Gimli stared at the friend they thought they knew. This was a side of Legolas no one had ever seen before. Revandoran ran forward, followed by Ellesildar and Caroleas.
"If you think she has no friends, think again," Revandoran addressed the prince coldly. "for she is more loved than you." To Ellisya he said gently, "Come, let us go, there is nothing left here but broken friendships and painful ties."
Ellesildar looked back as they ushered Ellisya away. " Aragorn, Gimli,' he addressed them respectfully, "I still consider our friendship intact, unless you wish it otherwise."
"Nay, Ellesildar,' Aragorn said, shooting a glare at Legolas, who seemed unmoved, "Our friendship I still treasure close." Ellesildar nodded slightly. "But all our ties with that elf,' he gestured with his head, "are now broken. Good day." And they left quickly, leaving no traces that they were there at all.
Gimli shook Legolas' elbows roughly. "You fool of an Elf!" he bellowed. "What demon possessed you to say the things you did?"
"I will not take back my words, Dwarf," Legolas said, still speaking distantly, "for I meant every one of them."
Aragorn grabbed Legolas' head with his hands and forced his ice-blue eyes to meet with his steel-gray ones. "Legolas," he said quietly but filled with anger, "You are a fool. Do you know what you just did? Erwas quted fesar hofder bakh cistern You just broke all ties with she you love!!!"
Legolas eyes dilated and then focused on Aragorn. "What??."
"Legolas," Aragorn said evenly, "Ellisya had broken her ties with you."
Legolas sank to the floor, his anger completely gone, replaced with a great sense of guilt and horror at what he had done. " You mean.."
"Yes, Ellisya is gone. Forever, no doubt." At that moment, Legolas' heart shattered into two and he wept great tears in anguish, knowing his loss was his own doing. Aragorn and Gimli, utterly shocked when Legolas collapsed to the floor, sobbing as if his heart would break, and hastily knelt down to comfort him. Through his sobs, they could hear these words,
"Neswas canteras berad-dun fesra hevestare. My heart is broken and never again shall it be whole.
~*~*~*~*~
Ellisya and the rest of their company were in the field, about to draw the numbers of which would determine who goes first in the archery competition. Just then, a fair elf came upon them
"Well, well, Ellisya," he said, a smirk lighting up, "Of all people, who would have thought of meeting you here?"
"Get lost, Helkaaran," Ellisya muttered. She was still in shock over what had happened earlier. Revandoran and Ellesildar, seeing her discomfort, sprang to her aid.
"If you know what is good for you, Helkaaran," hissed Ellesildar, "You'd best be getting out of here."
"Now, now," Helkaaran said, " it would be impolite not to greet an old friend now, would it?" He purposefully strode to Ellisya and hugged her hard. "Hello, my dear."
Legolas, atop the royal platform with King Thranduil, Aragorn and Gimli, happened to look down just then. His eyes fell upon the figure of Helkaaran hugging Ellisya close. He was too far to see the expression of horror and disgust on her face. He turned away sadly. It was all my fault, he thought bitterly, that I'm not down there beside her. Then he noticed something odd. Strange, Ellisya seems to be.struggling.
Ellisya struggled and pushed Helkaaran away from her. " Get away from me, you filthy beast!" she cried. Ellesildar picked Helkaaran by the collar.
"You orc!" he hissed. " I will."
"What is going on here?" a regal voice was heard. They all looked to see Legolas striding up to them. His eyes lingered on Ellisya, who looked away. His heart cried out to her but she did not hear it.
"Your Highness," Ellesildar said with chilling civility, "This..elf.." he gestured violently at Helkaaran, who was glaring at him, 'was accosting my sister against her will."
" Is this true?" Legolas looked at Ellisya again. Ellisya met his gazed defiantly.
"Yes, my lord." Legolas wanted to tell her again and again, how much he wanted her to use his name again, to say it in her sweet voice. He regretted all the things he had said, all the things he had done earlier, but pride was a dangerous thing. It held him back, even as he cursed it.
"Well then, elf," his eye looked sternly at Helkaaran, "raise another ruckus again and you shall be disqualified even as I stand here now."
"Yes, my liege," Helkaaran muttered sourly. Legolas, fearing he would lose his self-control with all the emotions swirling in him, left hurriedly. Ellisya watched him go with regret. She had started to think of him more than a friend, she had started on the great journey, placed her foot on the path they call love. But now, he had severed their ties, broken their friendship. How she wished she could go up to him and make amends but pride was indeed a terrible thing.
Revandoran placed a hand on her should. She started. "Come let us go and draw our numbers now," he said gently, maneuvering her to the drawing place. She dipped her hand in the pot, feeling around for a ball. As she drew one, officials looked at it.
"No. 51,' one said, writing her number down. Ellisya smiled at them before withdrawing out of the tent. Caroleas met her there.
What number are you? I'm number thirty."
"I'm fifty one." Caroleas squealed and hugged her friend tightly.
"I'm so excited. Can you believe this is happening?" Ellisya laughed and hugged her friend back.
"The archery competition shall commence now. Numbers from one to thirty please step forward to the archery grounds."
"Come on," Caroleas tugged on Ellisya's arm, "Let's go! You have so got to watch me."
"I will, don't worry," Ellisya grinned. As the archers took their places about thirty feet from the targets, Ellisya noticed Ellesildar was among them. She waved at him and he nodded to show he acknowledged her wave.
"Release!" the voice said. Arrows flew towards their various boards, some hitting, some missing the board completely, and some not even close to the board. Ellesildar had managed to hit the bull's-eye as did Caroleas and a few others. Applause was heard as the archers stepped back. As Ellisya moved in front, Caroleas whispered in her ear,"
"Pst, Ellisya, I think there are only, like, ten women here!" Ellisya looked around. What Caroleas said was true. There were very few women elves participating. However, there were many moony-eyes, star-struck women waving in the crowd, shrieking their support for those handsome elves. Ellesildar waved at them and it was reported some of them fainted in delight.
As Ellisya took her place, Revandoran stood beside her, smiling at her. She smiled back and drew an arrow. Concentrating full on her shot, she didn't notice another looking at her wistfully.
From the platform, Legolas looked upon Ellisya. He wished it were he who stood side to side with her now, and not Revandoran. He sighed sadly. What he would have given to switch places with Revandoran now. Aragorn, noticing the sigh, patted his friend on the shoulder.
"You should apologize to her," he advised the disconsolate Legolas. "She will forgive you, I'm sure of it."
"Yes, make peace with her," Gimli added gruffly. "I believe you will find life dull without her presence."
Legolas almost laughed at Gimli's remark. Dull? DULL??? Life was too painful to live without her. And still he kept silent, even as his heart wanted to scream to the world how sorry he was and how much he loved her.
Ellisya tensed, bow drawn, arrow in place, ready for the 'release' command. Beside her, she could feel Revandoran's presence as he too stood ready.
"Release!" The call barely was heard when Ellisya's arrow went flying followed closely by Revandoran's arrow. The arrow flew towards the target, hitting it with a satisfactory thump. As usual, it was dead center. Beside it, also planted firmly in the bulls-eye, was Revandoran's arrow. The archers in their group, save a few good ones, were mere patsies beside them. The crowd applauded wildly. Rarely have they seen an elven maid with such skill. Revandoran grasped her shoulder.
"Nice shot, Ellisya. I couldn't have done it better myself."
"Don't be modest, Revandoran," she chided.
"I am telling you the truth," he claimed. "Who can shoot better than you?"
"Immediately, a picture of Legolas swam into her mind. "I don't think I deserve to answer that question," she adhered, desperately trying to change the subject. "Why don't we watch the next set?" Her ploy worked; Revandoran smiled down at her.
"Alright then. Look! Ellesildar and Caroleas approach us." Ellesildar and Caroleas walked towards them.
"Lerathari!" Ellesildar exclaimed, hugging her tightly. " You did well out there!"
"Indeed," murmured Caroleas, whose eyes were focused on the field. Ellisya looked at the elf her friend was staring at and laughed. A rather handsome dark-haired elf was twiddling with his bow, eyes intent on it. Then, he looked up and caught Caroleas' eye. He waved enthusiastically. Caroleas waved back before turning back to her friend who was grinning as wide as a Cheshire cat. "What?"
"That's Jarandor, isn't it?" Ellisya asked, still grinning wickedly. Caroleas flushed a deep red.
"Yes," she muttered, kicking at a nearby stone. She met her friend's gaze defiantly. "And so what if it is?"
"Relax, Caroleas," Ellisya said mildly. " For I am not rebuking you." She sneaked a glance up to the high platform, where she knew Legolas sat only to find him looking at her. She hurriedly turned around, the abrupt movement causing Legolas to wonder if she had been looking at him. Already, he was on the verge of giving up this battle, weak as he was. He still couldn't understand this weakness; he could face a hundred Orcs in battle, but failed to actually be able to look at a girl without feeling light.
Ellisya once more looked at the shooting range. She grimaced; Helkaaran was among the archers this time. She crossed her fingers and began to hope that he missed.
'Release!' Arrows flew through the air again, landing on (or missing) the targets. Ellisya quickly glanced at Helkaaran's board and cursed silently when she saw his arrow hit dead center. As much as she hated him, she had to admit; he was a pretty good shot.
Caroleas was cheering loudly beside her; Jarandor had obviously passed the first round too. He came and joined them, a dark elf with eyes the color of steel. Those steely eyes softened as Caroleas came towards him. They hugged briefly before Caroleas introduced him.
"Ellesildar, Ellisya, this is ."
"Hi, Ellisya, Ellesildar," Jarandor greeted them pleasantly. Ellisya shook hands with him while Ellesildar clapped him on the back. "Long time no see."
Caroleas' mouth dropped open as Jarandor embraced Ellesildar warmly. "It has been a long time indeed," he said. Slinging an arm over each other's elbows, they walked away, talking about something unknown to Ellisya, Jarandor turning only to call to Caroleas that he'd be back later. Caroleas watched them in surprise.
"OK, I know that you know Jarandor, but since when did your BROTHER know him as well?"
"Jarandor's dad is a family friend," Ellisya said with a grin. "Them two crazy elves clicked together and believe me, you don't want to know how our summer went." She turned back to Revandoran, still watching the archery. "Come on, Revandoran," tugging his arm, "Let us go; there will be many more sets before they finish this half of the competition."
Revandoran smiled at Ellisya. "Indeed, but I think I'd rather watch the tournament. Why don't you two go by yourselves?" In fact," he added, "Why don't you two go and practice your sparring? It is, after all, the next event?"
"It is," Ellisya clarified. "I wished they did horseback riding first, though."
"If they did, no one would have enough energy to spar," Caroleas piped up. Revandoran chuckled.
"Those wild horses are a handful. I know few whom will be able to tame them." He glanced at Ellisya meaningfully. Then, the sounds of arrows twanging caused him to focus back on the archery, thus leaving Ellisya and Caroleas to their own devices. They looked at each other.
"Well, shall we?" Caroleas inquired, arching an eyebrow. A sword came flashing out. Ellisya met it neatly.
"Let's not spar too hard or else we won't be able to fight later."
"Agreed." The two girls went backwards and forwards, lightly meeting sword with sword.
"It is such a shame we are at outs with Legolas," Caroleas said, countering Ellisya's stroke. "He was such a nice elf."
Ellisya stuck out fiercely, partly because of the subject. "It was his fault," she said guardedly.
"True, but he was angry." Caroleas glanced at her friend. "He likes you, you know. Jarandor would be pissed if he found me in someone else's arms."
Ellisya slashed harder than she intended. "And what would you know?" she inquired dangerously.
Caroleas blocked the slash, though with much difficulty. " A lot, for that matter. You know that day when we snuck in?" Ellisya nodded slightly, "he stared at Revandoran so hard, I thought he would burn a hole through his body. He was also super protective of you, in case you didn't noticed."
"He is.. was my good friend," Ellisya said, parrying a thrust. "He should have been concerned!"
"True, but what he did was way beyond the call of friendship. I believe it is love."
Ellisya laughed. "What would you know about love?"
"A lot, actually," Caroleas glanced at her friend. "I also know you like him too. Don't you?"
At this time, the two friends had stopped their fighting. Ellisya colored slightly. "I do not like him!"
"Uh huh. Then you're leading him on, aren't you?"
"In case you have forgotten, we officially hate each other now!"
"Shhh!!! You want every one to hear us?" Ellisya looked around and grinned sheepishly. "You don't exactly hate him, do you?"
"I do!!!" Ellisya searched within herself to find that hate, that ultimate dislike for the elven prince. But what she found was deep sadness and a longing to be able to go over to him and apologize. Caroleas watched her with smug satisfaction.
"Admit it, you like him!"
"Do not!"
"Do too!"
"Do not!"
"Do too!"
"Enough of this childish nonsense!" They turned to see Revandoran scowling at them. "I can't focus on archery with you two shouting like children of a hundred behind me!"
"Sorry," they apologize meekly. As Revandoran turned back to the tournament, Ellisya whispered, flushing a little, "OK, so I do like him..a little. So what?"
"That's a big accomplishment," Caroleas said, smirking. "Ellisya, sworn never to like any man, confessing she likes an elf?" Taking pity on her friend, she said, "You had better go and sort it out with him. It's not good to have two very" emphasis on 'very', "close friends at outs with each other."
But at this, Ellisya pursed her lips. "No," she said firmly, " The fault was his, he should apologize." On this point, Caroleas couldn't budge her from.
"Holy Valar," she thought, "Why do I have such a stubborn friend?" Out loud, she said, "Then I will have to tell everybody that you like Legolas."
"What???" Ellisya spun on her heel, meeting Caroleas squarely in the eye. "You wouldn't dare."
"Try me." Ellisya looked at Caroleas and knew that Caroleas could and would tell every one she knew. Starting with Ellesildar, no doubt. She sighed.
"Fine, I will apologize to him." She didn't want to say his name out loud.
Caroleas tapped her foot. "To who?" Ellisya wanted to strangle her friend. This was outrageous!!
"To Legolas," she muttered. Caroleas cupped one hand behind her ear.
"I didn't hear you," she trilled. Ellisya gritted her teeth and balled her fists. Stay calm, she told herself. Don't kill her. Yet.
"To Legolas," she said louder. If she asks me to repeat that one more time, I will kill her, make no mistake about it. Luckily, Caroleas wisely saw the wisdom in not pushing her any further.
"After these events are over, you will apologize to him," she said sternly. Ellisya sighed again.
"Did anybody tell you you'd make a perfect wife?"
"So I've heard."
~*~*~*~*~
At the same time, on the royal platform, Aragorn was trying to get Legolas to apologize to Ellisya without alerting Gimli, Glorfindel who had come to Mirkwood to watch the competition, King Thranduil and the two other Master Archers on the platform.
"For the last time, Legolas," Aragorn protested, "You MUST apologize to Ellisya right away!"
"And why must I?" came the cool response. Secretly, Legolas was hoping Aragorn would find a good excuse to force him into apologizing.
"Because." Aragorn racked his head for excuses. It wasn't often the Crown King of Gondor find excuses; usually he just faced them right on. "As the Prince of Mirkwood, you must not hold this grudge any more!"
"As Prince of Mirkwood, I can do what I please." Aragorn felt like drawing his sword and stabbing Legolas. He sighed in exasperation.
"But that would be unwise and not something a prince would do!"
"Matters like that are not bothered about in the line of duty."
"Are you a man or are you not???"
"The last time I recalled, I was an elf."
Aragorn wanted to grab Legolas and shake some sense into him, little knowing Legolas secret wish that he would do so.
"For your sake and Ellisya's sake, go and apologize now!"
"I don't get it, why for his sake?" Gimli asked. "And what has Ellisya's sake have to do in all of this?"
Legolas glared at Aragorn, daring him to tell. Fine, Aragorn thought, glare all you like. I'm telling.
"It is like this, Gimli." he began, staring at Legolas. Legolas, sensing Aragorn was about to tell Gimli everything, jumped in.
"What he is about to say does not concern Dwarves," he said, hoping Gimli wouldn't press the issue. No such luck.
" What is this that is unfit for Dwarven ears?" boomed Gimli. Luckily, King Thranduil, sitting at the far end of the platform along with Glorfindel and the other Master Archers heard nothing of this exchange, focused as they were on the competition.
Aragorn, sensing a good chance for blackmail, said slyly, "Legolas, I will not tell Gimli what I was about to say if you apologize to Ellisya."
Legolas, secretly happy that finally Aragorn had caught him into a corner, said softly, "You wouldn't dare."
"Oh yes I will." Aragorn hated the sneaky way he was doing this. It did not befit a king, but this was his last resort. Legolas sighed in defeat, knowing he was beaten and loving every moment of it.
"Fine, after the events, I shall go and apologize. Alright?"
"Fine with me." Aragorn sat back in his seat, relieved that he had finally solved the issue. Legolas too sat back, also relieved that now he absolutely have to apologize, pride or no pride. Aragorn had bested it. Only Gimli, confused, looked at them.
"What are you two talking about? What is this I do not know of? Will you hide something from your friend who had gone through countless peril with you?"
"Trust me, Gimli, you don't want to know," Aragorn said.
Yes, I did this chapter in a rush, if you critics wanna derail my plot, my characters, anything I'll say something I probably shouldn't say . I'm very grumpy and very tired and am uploading this at a very unholy hour. You DON'T want to cross me when I'm mad, believe me. I need my bed.
Healthy criticism is always tolerated and researched upon (even in this state of mind). But if you are a flamer, you won't live to face tomorrow. Plus, your flames will be thrown right back at ya. So don't sue me if your house burns down tomorrow; I already gave you fair warning.
Yes, yes, I know. I am not usually this pissed off. But exam blues always do that to me. To all past reviewers, I will once again thank you personally (Too tired to post this all up).
Now on with the story before I faint of exhaustion.
9. Broken Friendships and Painful ties (The First Half of the Day of Reckoning)
After what seemed to be eternity to Ellisya and Ellesildar, the Day of Reckoning finally arrived. Elves from Rivendell and Lorien and Mirkwood gathered at the front of Mirkwood Castle.
Inside, Ellisya trembled with excitement. She held a hand on her palpating heart. This is it, she told herself. This is where it all starts. This is my future.
Ellesildar entered softly, smiling. "Ready to go, lerathari ae EllisyaMy little sister Ellisya?" he asked.
Ellisya plucked at her bow string one last time, making sure it was tightly strung. She placed her hands at her hips, where her longsword was. Then, she turned and smiled at her brother. " I'm ready."
Together, they made their way down the wide corridor, walking hand in hand. Nearing the end of the corridor, Caroleas and Revandoran leaped out of the shadows to join them.
Startled, Ellesildar broke into a wide grin as he embraced his good friend Revandoran. Ellisya and Caroleas were talking at the top of their voices, ignoring the strange looks the guards gave them.
" From what I see outside, there are many fit contenders for the honor of being a Master Archer,' Caroleas confided in her friend. Ellisya giggled.
"I doubt many can match up to me," she said smugly.
"Show-off!" Caroleas shoved Ellisya. Ellisya shoved her back and soon, they were in an all-out shoving match, laughing hysterically. Ellesildar looked at Revandoran.
"Do you know them?" he asked mock-seriously.
"No, I don't," Revandoran said. The two she-elves stopped their fight only to jump on the boys, attacking them with girlish fury, leaving the two men unable to defend themselves.
Just as Ellesildar managed to gather enough wits to throw Caroleas off, a loud 'harump!' startled all of them. Looking, they saw Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli who, as usual, always showed up when they were making fools of themselves. They froze in place, looking comical, especially Revandoran and Ellisya, the latter practically in Revandoran's lap with his hands around her waist, about to toss her off. However, to those who hadn't seen the earlier scene (Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli), it looked as if he was carrying her. Legolas' eyes grew grave and the merry twinkle in them earlier faded completely away.
What is going on here?" Aragorn tensed as he heard the coolness in Legolas' voice. It was as cold as an iceberg and as sharp as the edge of a knife. He could only wonder why Gimli didn't sense it. Even the elves were looking uncomfortable but that could just be because of the state they were in.
"Yes, what are you doing?' Gimli asked cheerfully, oblivious to Legolas' dark stare and Aragorn's growing intensity. "From my point of view, all of you seem pretty intimate, especially Ellisya and Revandoran." At this point, Legolas grew even angrier and it was starting to show through cracks in his self-control. Aragorn felt like picking up the Dwarf and strangling him. How, he moaned to himself, could a Dwarf be so insensitive?
Ellisya hastily jumped out of Revandoran's arms. Revandoran hastily wiped his hands on the seat of his pants. Caroleas coughed in embarrassment. Ellesildar spoke, "It is not what you see, my Liege. Actually." he paused. How was he going to explain this? "we,uh, were taken with.with.nerves!.. and childishness."
Aragorn cut off the explanation with a wave of his hand. "I do not think we need to know this, Ellesildar."
"Oh yes we do," a voice came from behind him. Aragorn cursed as Legolas stared darkly with a fire in his eyes at the company of Elves. Now, even Gimli sensed something wrong.
"Legolas, what business is it of ours.?"
"It is of utmost importance to me," Legolas said, glaring from elf to elf, lingering on Ellisya. That was the last straw. Ellisya stomped up to Legolas and looked him full in the eye. Wills clashed as flashing green eyes met stormy blue ones. How long it would have continued if Revandoran, sensing something wrong, intervened.
" Well now, it wouldn't be good to fight on a day like this, this day that only occurs once every hundred years, which I daresay you will not see again, my Lord," inclining his head to Aragorn who nodded to say he understood, " for we should reserve our energy for later, right Ellisya, Legolas?"
"I do not need to 'reserve my energy', Revandoran," Legolas said coldly, "for I am already a Master Archer."
That was it. Ellisya could take no more. "What has happened to you, Legolas?" she demanded angrily. Legolas just pursed up his lips. His heart was sorrowful but his body was trembling with pure rage and fury. How dare that Elf hold her like that!!
"Look at yourself! Here you are glaring at us for having simple fun. Fun, that's all. Aren't we allowed to have even that?" Her last words were dangerously soft. All but Aragorn and Gimli winced. They knew what came after that.
" I am so glad I wasn't born in the royal family," Ellisya cried. "if all of them are like you!" In the heat of the moment, she had completely forgotten of the good elves like Arwen and Elrond. " You are nothing but a stuck-up piece of royal flesh!!"
At his, Legolas could take it no longer. "And what of you?" he hissed. "Do you think you're so perfect? You have no manners and certainly no proper upbringing if this is how you are!"
Ellisya glared at Legolas with hatred at that moment. "You dare tell me this? You are nothing but a uncivil elf!"
"If so, don't consider me your friend anymore," Legolas snapped, blinded by his anger. "Go and find someone else who shall take you as their friend, though I doubt there are many."
At this, Ellisya gasped a little and reeled back. Legolas didn't see it; too blinded by his jealousy and fury. Aragorn and Gimli stared at the friend they thought they knew. This was a side of Legolas no one had ever seen before. Revandoran ran forward, followed by Ellesildar and Caroleas.
"If you think she has no friends, think again," Revandoran addressed the prince coldly. "for she is more loved than you." To Ellisya he said gently, "Come, let us go, there is nothing left here but broken friendships and painful ties."
Ellesildar looked back as they ushered Ellisya away. " Aragorn, Gimli,' he addressed them respectfully, "I still consider our friendship intact, unless you wish it otherwise."
"Nay, Ellesildar,' Aragorn said, shooting a glare at Legolas, who seemed unmoved, "Our friendship I still treasure close." Ellesildar nodded slightly. "But all our ties with that elf,' he gestured with his head, "are now broken. Good day." And they left quickly, leaving no traces that they were there at all.
Gimli shook Legolas' elbows roughly. "You fool of an Elf!" he bellowed. "What demon possessed you to say the things you did?"
"I will not take back my words, Dwarf," Legolas said, still speaking distantly, "for I meant every one of them."
Aragorn grabbed Legolas' head with his hands and forced his ice-blue eyes to meet with his steel-gray ones. "Legolas," he said quietly but filled with anger, "You are a fool. Do you know what you just did? Erwas quted fesar hofder bakh cistern You just broke all ties with she you love!!!"
Legolas eyes dilated and then focused on Aragorn. "What??."
"Legolas," Aragorn said evenly, "Ellisya had broken her ties with you."
Legolas sank to the floor, his anger completely gone, replaced with a great sense of guilt and horror at what he had done. " You mean.."
"Yes, Ellisya is gone. Forever, no doubt." At that moment, Legolas' heart shattered into two and he wept great tears in anguish, knowing his loss was his own doing. Aragorn and Gimli, utterly shocked when Legolas collapsed to the floor, sobbing as if his heart would break, and hastily knelt down to comfort him. Through his sobs, they could hear these words,
"Neswas canteras berad-dun fesra hevestare. My heart is broken and never again shall it be whole.
~*~*~*~*~
Ellisya and the rest of their company were in the field, about to draw the numbers of which would determine who goes first in the archery competition. Just then, a fair elf came upon them
"Well, well, Ellisya," he said, a smirk lighting up, "Of all people, who would have thought of meeting you here?"
"Get lost, Helkaaran," Ellisya muttered. She was still in shock over what had happened earlier. Revandoran and Ellesildar, seeing her discomfort, sprang to her aid.
"If you know what is good for you, Helkaaran," hissed Ellesildar, "You'd best be getting out of here."
"Now, now," Helkaaran said, " it would be impolite not to greet an old friend now, would it?" He purposefully strode to Ellisya and hugged her hard. "Hello, my dear."
Legolas, atop the royal platform with King Thranduil, Aragorn and Gimli, happened to look down just then. His eyes fell upon the figure of Helkaaran hugging Ellisya close. He was too far to see the expression of horror and disgust on her face. He turned away sadly. It was all my fault, he thought bitterly, that I'm not down there beside her. Then he noticed something odd. Strange, Ellisya seems to be.struggling.
Ellisya struggled and pushed Helkaaran away from her. " Get away from me, you filthy beast!" she cried. Ellesildar picked Helkaaran by the collar.
"You orc!" he hissed. " I will."
"What is going on here?" a regal voice was heard. They all looked to see Legolas striding up to them. His eyes lingered on Ellisya, who looked away. His heart cried out to her but she did not hear it.
"Your Highness," Ellesildar said with chilling civility, "This..elf.." he gestured violently at Helkaaran, who was glaring at him, 'was accosting my sister against her will."
" Is this true?" Legolas looked at Ellisya again. Ellisya met his gazed defiantly.
"Yes, my lord." Legolas wanted to tell her again and again, how much he wanted her to use his name again, to say it in her sweet voice. He regretted all the things he had said, all the things he had done earlier, but pride was a dangerous thing. It held him back, even as he cursed it.
"Well then, elf," his eye looked sternly at Helkaaran, "raise another ruckus again and you shall be disqualified even as I stand here now."
"Yes, my liege," Helkaaran muttered sourly. Legolas, fearing he would lose his self-control with all the emotions swirling in him, left hurriedly. Ellisya watched him go with regret. She had started to think of him more than a friend, she had started on the great journey, placed her foot on the path they call love. But now, he had severed their ties, broken their friendship. How she wished she could go up to him and make amends but pride was indeed a terrible thing.
Revandoran placed a hand on her should. She started. "Come let us go and draw our numbers now," he said gently, maneuvering her to the drawing place. She dipped her hand in the pot, feeling around for a ball. As she drew one, officials looked at it.
"No. 51,' one said, writing her number down. Ellisya smiled at them before withdrawing out of the tent. Caroleas met her there.
What number are you? I'm number thirty."
"I'm fifty one." Caroleas squealed and hugged her friend tightly.
"I'm so excited. Can you believe this is happening?" Ellisya laughed and hugged her friend back.
"The archery competition shall commence now. Numbers from one to thirty please step forward to the archery grounds."
"Come on," Caroleas tugged on Ellisya's arm, "Let's go! You have so got to watch me."
"I will, don't worry," Ellisya grinned. As the archers took their places about thirty feet from the targets, Ellisya noticed Ellesildar was among them. She waved at him and he nodded to show he acknowledged her wave.
"Release!" the voice said. Arrows flew towards their various boards, some hitting, some missing the board completely, and some not even close to the board. Ellesildar had managed to hit the bull's-eye as did Caroleas and a few others. Applause was heard as the archers stepped back. As Ellisya moved in front, Caroleas whispered in her ear,"
"Pst, Ellisya, I think there are only, like, ten women here!" Ellisya looked around. What Caroleas said was true. There were very few women elves participating. However, there were many moony-eyes, star-struck women waving in the crowd, shrieking their support for those handsome elves. Ellesildar waved at them and it was reported some of them fainted in delight.
As Ellisya took her place, Revandoran stood beside her, smiling at her. She smiled back and drew an arrow. Concentrating full on her shot, she didn't notice another looking at her wistfully.
From the platform, Legolas looked upon Ellisya. He wished it were he who stood side to side with her now, and not Revandoran. He sighed sadly. What he would have given to switch places with Revandoran now. Aragorn, noticing the sigh, patted his friend on the shoulder.
"You should apologize to her," he advised the disconsolate Legolas. "She will forgive you, I'm sure of it."
"Yes, make peace with her," Gimli added gruffly. "I believe you will find life dull without her presence."
Legolas almost laughed at Gimli's remark. Dull? DULL??? Life was too painful to live without her. And still he kept silent, even as his heart wanted to scream to the world how sorry he was and how much he loved her.
Ellisya tensed, bow drawn, arrow in place, ready for the 'release' command. Beside her, she could feel Revandoran's presence as he too stood ready.
"Release!" The call barely was heard when Ellisya's arrow went flying followed closely by Revandoran's arrow. The arrow flew towards the target, hitting it with a satisfactory thump. As usual, it was dead center. Beside it, also planted firmly in the bulls-eye, was Revandoran's arrow. The archers in their group, save a few good ones, were mere patsies beside them. The crowd applauded wildly. Rarely have they seen an elven maid with such skill. Revandoran grasped her shoulder.
"Nice shot, Ellisya. I couldn't have done it better myself."
"Don't be modest, Revandoran," she chided.
"I am telling you the truth," he claimed. "Who can shoot better than you?"
"Immediately, a picture of Legolas swam into her mind. "I don't think I deserve to answer that question," she adhered, desperately trying to change the subject. "Why don't we watch the next set?" Her ploy worked; Revandoran smiled down at her.
"Alright then. Look! Ellesildar and Caroleas approach us." Ellesildar and Caroleas walked towards them.
"Lerathari!" Ellesildar exclaimed, hugging her tightly. " You did well out there!"
"Indeed," murmured Caroleas, whose eyes were focused on the field. Ellisya looked at the elf her friend was staring at and laughed. A rather handsome dark-haired elf was twiddling with his bow, eyes intent on it. Then, he looked up and caught Caroleas' eye. He waved enthusiastically. Caroleas waved back before turning back to her friend who was grinning as wide as a Cheshire cat. "What?"
"That's Jarandor, isn't it?" Ellisya asked, still grinning wickedly. Caroleas flushed a deep red.
"Yes," she muttered, kicking at a nearby stone. She met her friend's gaze defiantly. "And so what if it is?"
"Relax, Caroleas," Ellisya said mildly. " For I am not rebuking you." She sneaked a glance up to the high platform, where she knew Legolas sat only to find him looking at her. She hurriedly turned around, the abrupt movement causing Legolas to wonder if she had been looking at him. Already, he was on the verge of giving up this battle, weak as he was. He still couldn't understand this weakness; he could face a hundred Orcs in battle, but failed to actually be able to look at a girl without feeling light.
Ellisya once more looked at the shooting range. She grimaced; Helkaaran was among the archers this time. She crossed her fingers and began to hope that he missed.
'Release!' Arrows flew through the air again, landing on (or missing) the targets. Ellisya quickly glanced at Helkaaran's board and cursed silently when she saw his arrow hit dead center. As much as she hated him, she had to admit; he was a pretty good shot.
Caroleas was cheering loudly beside her; Jarandor had obviously passed the first round too. He came and joined them, a dark elf with eyes the color of steel. Those steely eyes softened as Caroleas came towards him. They hugged briefly before Caroleas introduced him.
"Ellesildar, Ellisya, this is ."
"Hi, Ellisya, Ellesildar," Jarandor greeted them pleasantly. Ellisya shook hands with him while Ellesildar clapped him on the back. "Long time no see."
Caroleas' mouth dropped open as Jarandor embraced Ellesildar warmly. "It has been a long time indeed," he said. Slinging an arm over each other's elbows, they walked away, talking about something unknown to Ellisya, Jarandor turning only to call to Caroleas that he'd be back later. Caroleas watched them in surprise.
"OK, I know that you know Jarandor, but since when did your BROTHER know him as well?"
"Jarandor's dad is a family friend," Ellisya said with a grin. "Them two crazy elves clicked together and believe me, you don't want to know how our summer went." She turned back to Revandoran, still watching the archery. "Come on, Revandoran," tugging his arm, "Let us go; there will be many more sets before they finish this half of the competition."
Revandoran smiled at Ellisya. "Indeed, but I think I'd rather watch the tournament. Why don't you two go by yourselves?" In fact," he added, "Why don't you two go and practice your sparring? It is, after all, the next event?"
"It is," Ellisya clarified. "I wished they did horseback riding first, though."
"If they did, no one would have enough energy to spar," Caroleas piped up. Revandoran chuckled.
"Those wild horses are a handful. I know few whom will be able to tame them." He glanced at Ellisya meaningfully. Then, the sounds of arrows twanging caused him to focus back on the archery, thus leaving Ellisya and Caroleas to their own devices. They looked at each other.
"Well, shall we?" Caroleas inquired, arching an eyebrow. A sword came flashing out. Ellisya met it neatly.
"Let's not spar too hard or else we won't be able to fight later."
"Agreed." The two girls went backwards and forwards, lightly meeting sword with sword.
"It is such a shame we are at outs with Legolas," Caroleas said, countering Ellisya's stroke. "He was such a nice elf."
Ellisya stuck out fiercely, partly because of the subject. "It was his fault," she said guardedly.
"True, but he was angry." Caroleas glanced at her friend. "He likes you, you know. Jarandor would be pissed if he found me in someone else's arms."
Ellisya slashed harder than she intended. "And what would you know?" she inquired dangerously.
Caroleas blocked the slash, though with much difficulty. " A lot, for that matter. You know that day when we snuck in?" Ellisya nodded slightly, "he stared at Revandoran so hard, I thought he would burn a hole through his body. He was also super protective of you, in case you didn't noticed."
"He is.. was my good friend," Ellisya said, parrying a thrust. "He should have been concerned!"
"True, but what he did was way beyond the call of friendship. I believe it is love."
Ellisya laughed. "What would you know about love?"
"A lot, actually," Caroleas glanced at her friend. "I also know you like him too. Don't you?"
At this time, the two friends had stopped their fighting. Ellisya colored slightly. "I do not like him!"
"Uh huh. Then you're leading him on, aren't you?"
"In case you have forgotten, we officially hate each other now!"
"Shhh!!! You want every one to hear us?" Ellisya looked around and grinned sheepishly. "You don't exactly hate him, do you?"
"I do!!!" Ellisya searched within herself to find that hate, that ultimate dislike for the elven prince. But what she found was deep sadness and a longing to be able to go over to him and apologize. Caroleas watched her with smug satisfaction.
"Admit it, you like him!"
"Do not!"
"Do too!"
"Do not!"
"Do too!"
"Enough of this childish nonsense!" They turned to see Revandoran scowling at them. "I can't focus on archery with you two shouting like children of a hundred behind me!"
"Sorry," they apologize meekly. As Revandoran turned back to the tournament, Ellisya whispered, flushing a little, "OK, so I do like him..a little. So what?"
"That's a big accomplishment," Caroleas said, smirking. "Ellisya, sworn never to like any man, confessing she likes an elf?" Taking pity on her friend, she said, "You had better go and sort it out with him. It's not good to have two very" emphasis on 'very', "close friends at outs with each other."
But at this, Ellisya pursed her lips. "No," she said firmly, " The fault was his, he should apologize." On this point, Caroleas couldn't budge her from.
"Holy Valar," she thought, "Why do I have such a stubborn friend?" Out loud, she said, "Then I will have to tell everybody that you like Legolas."
"What???" Ellisya spun on her heel, meeting Caroleas squarely in the eye. "You wouldn't dare."
"Try me." Ellisya looked at Caroleas and knew that Caroleas could and would tell every one she knew. Starting with Ellesildar, no doubt. She sighed.
"Fine, I will apologize to him." She didn't want to say his name out loud.
Caroleas tapped her foot. "To who?" Ellisya wanted to strangle her friend. This was outrageous!!
"To Legolas," she muttered. Caroleas cupped one hand behind her ear.
"I didn't hear you," she trilled. Ellisya gritted her teeth and balled her fists. Stay calm, she told herself. Don't kill her. Yet.
"To Legolas," she said louder. If she asks me to repeat that one more time, I will kill her, make no mistake about it. Luckily, Caroleas wisely saw the wisdom in not pushing her any further.
"After these events are over, you will apologize to him," she said sternly. Ellisya sighed again.
"Did anybody tell you you'd make a perfect wife?"
"So I've heard."
~*~*~*~*~
At the same time, on the royal platform, Aragorn was trying to get Legolas to apologize to Ellisya without alerting Gimli, Glorfindel who had come to Mirkwood to watch the competition, King Thranduil and the two other Master Archers on the platform.
"For the last time, Legolas," Aragorn protested, "You MUST apologize to Ellisya right away!"
"And why must I?" came the cool response. Secretly, Legolas was hoping Aragorn would find a good excuse to force him into apologizing.
"Because." Aragorn racked his head for excuses. It wasn't often the Crown King of Gondor find excuses; usually he just faced them right on. "As the Prince of Mirkwood, you must not hold this grudge any more!"
"As Prince of Mirkwood, I can do what I please." Aragorn felt like drawing his sword and stabbing Legolas. He sighed in exasperation.
"But that would be unwise and not something a prince would do!"
"Matters like that are not bothered about in the line of duty."
"Are you a man or are you not???"
"The last time I recalled, I was an elf."
Aragorn wanted to grab Legolas and shake some sense into him, little knowing Legolas secret wish that he would do so.
"For your sake and Ellisya's sake, go and apologize now!"
"I don't get it, why for his sake?" Gimli asked. "And what has Ellisya's sake have to do in all of this?"
Legolas glared at Aragorn, daring him to tell. Fine, Aragorn thought, glare all you like. I'm telling.
"It is like this, Gimli." he began, staring at Legolas. Legolas, sensing Aragorn was about to tell Gimli everything, jumped in.
"What he is about to say does not concern Dwarves," he said, hoping Gimli wouldn't press the issue. No such luck.
" What is this that is unfit for Dwarven ears?" boomed Gimli. Luckily, King Thranduil, sitting at the far end of the platform along with Glorfindel and the other Master Archers heard nothing of this exchange, focused as they were on the competition.
Aragorn, sensing a good chance for blackmail, said slyly, "Legolas, I will not tell Gimli what I was about to say if you apologize to Ellisya."
Legolas, secretly happy that finally Aragorn had caught him into a corner, said softly, "You wouldn't dare."
"Oh yes I will." Aragorn hated the sneaky way he was doing this. It did not befit a king, but this was his last resort. Legolas sighed in defeat, knowing he was beaten and loving every moment of it.
"Fine, after the events, I shall go and apologize. Alright?"
"Fine with me." Aragorn sat back in his seat, relieved that he had finally solved the issue. Legolas too sat back, also relieved that now he absolutely have to apologize, pride or no pride. Aragorn had bested it. Only Gimli, confused, looked at them.
"What are you two talking about? What is this I do not know of? Will you hide something from your friend who had gone through countless peril with you?"
"Trust me, Gimli, you don't want to know," Aragorn said.
