Disclaimer: Any unrecognisable actions or unusual actions from characters are all part of my imagination and Tolkien did not imply this behaviour at all before everyone starts flaming me. PLEASE REVIEW!!! It means a lot. Thanks.
Chapter 9
The table in the Dining Room was full that evening. Thranduil sat at the head of the table, as was custom and indeed, tradition. Legolas sat on the King's right and Lord Elrond on his left. The Elven Lord watched the blonde price intently having not had a chance to speak with him.
Legolas was aware of someone looking at him and glanced up to find two grey eyes watching his every movement. The archer offered a small smile to Elrond and then returned to his meal, which he pushed around his plate without ever eating much of it. He seems to be alright. A bit flushed perhaps, when we arrived. I will have to speak with him. If he does not eat and pushes himself too hard, he will not survive this Tournament.
The meal passed uneventfully even if it was a bit slow. For Legolas, every minute that went by seemed like an eternity. He was desperate to get out and avoid peoples' concerned glances. Also, the King was watching him every so often, which made the prince extremely nervous.
"Are you returning to the grounds after you are finished here to put in some more practice, ion-nin?" Thranduil asked, almost sounding polite in front of the guests. But it was clear to Legolas that it was an order rather than just an innocent question. At this, the archer was unsure of how to answer without causing the King to get agitated.
"Yes, Ada, I plan to perfect my skills for the Tournament." The prince answered simply, hoping that this would be enough. Estel was listening to this forced conversation with interest and decided to help his best friend.
"I would ask your permission, hir-nin, to accompany Legolas while he practises. I will not distract him in any way, I only offer my support." Estel addressed the King nervously, though his vernousness did not show on the outside.
Thranduil thought for a moment and, although inside he didn't like the idea of Legolas being put off and losing the Tournament, agreed.
After the meal was officially over, Legolas and Estel excused themselves and made their way slowly to the archery range. As promised, the Ranger stood on the outskirts of the field and watched quietly.
"You can speak if you wish to, mellon-nin." Legolas called over to him, after firing a few perfect arrows. The human smiled and stepped closer, not wanting to be overheard.
"I do not believe that you could be any better at archery if you practised every hour that the Valar sent for the rest of your immortal life. I understand that your father wishes you to do your best, and mayhap even more than that. Neither myself or my father wish to see you push yourself too far, Legolas." Estel said gently, placing a hand on the archer's forearm.
"I know, Estel. But you know what the King is like. If I do not pass this to his satisfaction, there will be consequences." Legolas replied, looking down.
"What are these consequences that you speak of?" The Ranger asked, almost unbelieving that a father could drive his son so hard as to cause danger to his health.
"If I do not achieve first place, I will be banished from Mirkwood in disgrace. No longer to become the King I should be when the time comes. If he sees that I'm not doing as told, I don't know what he's fully capable of. How far he'll go." The prince informed his best friend who stood listening in complete amazement.
"Look, the Tournament starts in two days' time. We still have plenty of time to work something out. Even if I have to help you compete, I will not see you banished from this realm if I can help it." Estel decided, determination shining in his blue eyes.
They practised together until darkness crept over the land and they were called inside by Elrond who reckoned that staying outside and shooting arrows in the dark was not a very good idea. Especially when he knew that Mirkwood's prince had not received much sleep and was mentally exhausted.
"You both need some rest after the long day you've just had. I would ask that you retire and get a good night's sleep." Elrond said, scanning them both with critical eyes. "Legolas, a word if you wouldn't mind." He continued, before walking a few steps away.
"Good night, Estel." Legolas said to the Ranger, who did the same in return, before striding off towards his chambers.
"Legolas, I wish to talk to you about what's been happening since you left Rivendell. Had Thranduil done anything to you? I would beg a truthful answer from you now rather than find you collapsed somewhere tomorrow." The Elven Lord asked.
"He has done nothing, hir-nin. A blow to the jaw on the first night which was provoked equally between myself and the alcohol that he had consumed before arriving. But that is all." Legolas replied, honestly.
The dark-haired Elf considered the young prince and nodded in approval.
"I can see that your words hold the truth, but I would also ask that you come directly to me if anything does happen or if he pushes you too hard. Everyone needs to be at their fittest for this competition and I would not have you too exhausted to even sit atop a horse." Elrond requested, giving Legolas a knowing look.
The prince nodded and both smiled before retiring to their bed chambers. Fortunately, Legolas received a better sleep than any of the nights he had endured since returning to Mirkwood. The recurring dream had receded into the background for the moment and he was left with either good dreams or none at all.
The next morning however, was a completely different story. The prince woke to someone shaking him roughly and calling his name.
"What, what is it?" He asked grumpily, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. His father looked down as him, a look of utter annoyance on his face.
"Why are you not practising?! The Tournament begins tomorrow. You need to be at your best, not sleeping the whole day away. Get up!" He cried, hauling his son from the bed and shoving him towards the door.
TBCReplies:
Moonyasha: Glad your liking this story – hope you like this chapter!
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