CHAPTER 9: TELL IT TO MY HEART
Legolas half limped half strode across Rivendell's courtyard, Estel tailing not too far behind. The boy was trying to keep up with the elf's agile pace, for injuries did not bay the prince's swiftness, wounded and all.
Used to the overwhelming freedom, his bedraggled self yearned for fresh air; to take in the sights and fresh scents of the outdoors. Sighing, he stopped so that the breathless child could catch up.
His eyes swept the scene around him. He came here to rest and seek the company of the trees and snow of winter. Beautiful elven sculptures decorated the courtyard, icy layers masking them as ominous, mysterious. The more he looked into the hollow eyes of one particular statue of an elf warrior, the more he wished to brush the frost that eerily covered the stone. Utterly bewitching; those empty eyes and cold outward stone were features that made up his father. His father. Should he return?
At the sound of loud crunching footsteps, he rolled his eyes to the sky, all thoughts vanquished.
"You need not follow me," he said.
Estel looked up. "I want to know more about you, and well...the elves of Mirkwood," he cautiously announced. Estel glanced away at once, as if curiosity was a crime.
Legolas smile, his lips coral against the winter. He still found it abnormal that a human wished to know the ways of an elf. "So, in other words... You wish to study me?"
Estel hid a developing blush instantly. "N-nay and yea," he stuttered uneasily, wondering if he was making the enticing elf uncomfortable. Enticing? When had that come to mind? Shaking his own thoughts away, he persisted: "Are you by any chance King Thranduil's royal guard or perhaps his servant?"
Legolas, paying no heed to the boys words suddenly snapped, attentative at once. A near laugh formed, but the effort was a large strain on his body. It turned into a wince. "Me? A royal servant of the ruler of the Woodland Realm? How rude," the elf scoffed. "It is not your place to say such words." He frowned. "My child, funnily enough, nay I am not. I am—"
Coincidentally, a familiar creature fluttered near the elf's face.
Legolas stiffened, and he calmed immediately, not wanting to alarm the insect. He raised a finger to attract it, expertly guiding the butterfly towards his smooth hands.
Estel watched in silent awe as the silver-haired Legolas pounced, like feline to prey, whipping his other hand around carefully but quick, cupping the insect in between his soft palms. The elf then quickly pivoted towards Rivendell's palace, leaving behind a shocked boy to process the swift reflexes the warrior had displayed.
Estel still mouth gaped open, relaxed on a frost-kissed bench near the courtyard. Did all Mirkwood elves hold similar characteristics to. He had heard from Lord Elrond himself say that the elves of Mirkwood were less wise but more dangerous and took their pride to heart. But surely they were not this capable of agility?
Still deep in thought, he failed to notice the snowflakes that were beginning to form around him, encasing him like his Ada's gentle hugs.
Suddenly, two arms grabbed his shoulders, gentle yet firm, causing Estel to jump a few feet in surprise. He heard faint laughing behind him, and he grinned. Turning as fast as could manage, he expected to find Legolas behind the startling act.
Who he saw however was another surprise, as his face was thwacked with the slushy freezing substance. It smeared his already dirtied face with watery grime, the remnants of the snowball dripping down to the ground.
The area grew quiet again, silence reigning.
"Elrohir! Elladan!" Estel called. "No fair! I know you are around here somewhere!" He bent to mold a snowball with his small hands, the frost biting into his skin and turning them cherry. As he readied his aim around the clearing, he was bombarded by several more snowballs, leading him to fall on his back.
He let out a loud "Oof!" in surprise, his ice ball falling next to him. But his descend was a relatively soft one, like landing on a pillow, for the ground was no longer sleek with ice. Over the past few minutes, it had collected fluffy white mounds of perfect snow; wonderful for a snowball fight.
Hearing his brother's snorts from their expertly picked hiding spots, Estel chuckled and sprawled his body across the snowbank, assuming a deathly appearance. He had yet to fool his brothers!
oOo
Legolas released the dainty butterfly inside, watching it flutter down the warm halls. He hoped it would find peace in the tranquil household of Rivendell.
Suddenly his pointed ears twitched, picking up a small familiar cry of distress from outdoors.
Sprinting to where he had last left Estel, he was just in time to witness the boys' second pummeling and the child plunge lifelessly to the ground.
Narrowing his eyes to locate the culprit, he reached for his weapons, feeling deeply concerned at Ester's limp position. His hand grabbed naught but air however, and he inwardly groaned. Of course, he had left his weapons in the healing room. Breathing heavily as a reminding ache pursed from his back, he figured he would have to make do without them.
His keen eyes searched the clearing. And what he found was two heavily armed elves of Imladris bickering quietly amongst themselves, concealed by a hedge. They were mumbling something about whether they should strike again.
Legolas's furrowed in rising ire. How dare they harm the innocent child without a fair fight!
Gliding over the fine snow, he leapt into the air above them. The shouts of bewilderment from the confused two was like a sweet melody to his ears, for they could barely register the lightening-quick attack.
In astonishment at the agility of the mysterious elf, they were forced to mount a defense. Using their arms as shields, they shot hostile glares at their unknown enemy, flares of confusion receding.
But the prince reacted as well, twisting gracefully to their unprotected sides, letting his legs cause damage. He expertly kicked one elf in the shin, not enough to break but merely catch him off guard, and twisted his other leg to catch the second elf's ankle, unbalancing him. Faltering, their technique slipped, but upon doing so, they lashed out in retaliation. THe two brothers switched into the offensive, their days spent training instinctively taking effect.
And a sudden fierceness not seen from before, arose from them.
Legolas blinked confusedly as he looked closer at both of the elves' strikingly similar features. Two elves or one? He focused on finding a suitable rhythm to match theirs, his hair blazing furiously around him. They were such magnificent opponents and if he wasn't blinded by revenge, he may have admitted them to be well-trained warriors.
Elladan and Elrohir gave each other a triumphant look. As twins, it was easy to send others into a state of craze, for they moved in perfect sync with one another as if they were one being. If Elrohir attacked from the right, Elladan would defend from the left and vice versa. Combined, they matched the silver-haired elf that had caught them off guard.
Sure he was good, but they were better.
"Elrohir, Lle merna salk?"
Silent as the wintry atmosphere, Elrohir grinned with confidence at his twin's statement, battle-spirits rising as their victory grew ever nearer. With ease, they began to swiftly sprint circles in opposite directions around the helpless silver elf.
Legolas could do nothing but stand still, stamina receding like the tide, panting heavily. Kill them or admit defeat? What a ridiculous question to ask himself!
Pride getting the better of him, a dangerous glint shone in his eyes.
oOo
Estel, acting out his stilled postion, noticed that no one had come to fetch him. Such a pity.
Suppressing the need to pout over such a childish thing, he got up, brushing the snow off of his breeches and tunic. Shaking the rest of the snow off his muddy face, he turned at the sound of strange noises and the clamor of weapons?
oOo
It was Legolas's turn to smirk with assurance. By diverting his attention to one of the brothers, he was able to stylishly lunge forward and grab one of their swords. With one swift motion he had unsheathed it, and clenched his hand tighter around the hilt until his palm ached.
He raised it upwards instantly, liking the sturdy feel of a weapon in his hands once more, and brought it down. It sang through the frosty air like a screeching bird.
"What are you doing? Prestad?"
A familiar voice stopped him, suspending his raised sword arm right above the twin's puzzled heads. Elladan and Elrohir gave each other a dark look. In unison, they disarmed the silver elf quickly.
"Estel you know this elf?" One of the brothers asked, staring at the willowy being before them, who had come so close to killing them.
Legolas, suddenly felt a wave of understanding slap his face. "You – you were merely playing." He looked away, shame turning his pearl cheeks into a frenzy of rose blossoms.
"Legolas, these are my twin brothers, Elladan and Elrohir." Estel shakily waved the two nervous twins closer so that they could be introduced.
"Mae Govannen Elohir," he glanced at them both through narrowed eyes, "Elladan."
Each of them offered their own sign of respect, whether it was a bow or a nod. Estel then motioned to Legolas. "And this is Legolas Greenleaf of the Woodland Realm." He grinned as a brilliant idea popped into his head. "H-he's my bodyguard."
Surprisingly, the lie ceases to feel like a lie, but rather convincing and why not? The twins looked at each other, sending glimped of distrust. However, they nodded their approval, their wary stare not leaving the stranger for a single second. Smiling uneasily, they observed the golden haired elf clad in brown and green clearly for the first time.
He was immensely strong, and endowed with tremendous vitality that most elves ceased to have. But his hair stood out the most amongst the white background, quite dazzling. The loose silky golden strands danced in the cold, a rare sight.
A Sindarin elf. Such a beauteous race was limited, dwindling like the last patch of snow on a Spring morn.
Elladan and Elrohir gave their brother an envious look.
Legolas rolled his eyes. His back felt numb and he just wanted to flee from prying eyes that bothered him so. Giving the twins their sword back, he apologized and walked away, his light boots barely making a sound as he padded over fresh snow.
"Halt! Meet me by the archery fields?!" A small voice called. Legolas did not need to turn to realize who had spoken.
"Aye. If that is what you wish. Let me retrieve my bow," he replied, covering up his embarrassment. Legolas nimbly ran to the healing room, stopping to grasp his decorated bow before heading out. He paused slightly, remembering his hair was unkept and he braided his usual piece of hair and then expertly tucked it behind his ear.
Deep in thought, he concluded that the boy had wonderful ideas. He had a sense of rebelliousness about him just like two other elves he knew: himself and Tauriel.
A flashback of Tauriel's betrayal ensnared his mind, creating a tangle of knots in his stomach. His heartbroken chest heaved a little. He refused to break down and sob, so he ignored it by focusing on something, anything he could. Estel came to mind?
They had just met, but the boy's warm grin seemed to move him, if only a bit. Estel had said he had wanted to know more about him, didn't he?
Legolas shook his head, bringing himself back to reality. He just needed some time in peace, before his Adar shattered it with his haughty appearance...
oOo
Estel could barely contain a yell of excitement as he watched the elf walk away.
Legolas must be feeling down for his mistake, and he decided to cheer him up. Giving his shocked brothers a playful smirk and a 'are you jealous?' look, he gave the twin's seperate hugs and then made to leave for his room.
Opening the plain wooden door, he glanced inside. Clothes were untidily left on the silky carpet beneath his feet and dozens upon dozens of studies lay scattered in every direction. His elegant bed was unmade, blankets thrown mercilessly on the floor.
"And where is my feather pen?" Not bothering to tidy up, he plowed through his things, breaking some items along the way. "Aha! The trouble to find such little things!" He exclaimed. It was attached to the wall, held there by some sort of sticky old dessert stain.
He located his desk among the rubbish and dipped his quill into the ink pad that lay on top. Using the back of an old ripped study paper as parchment, he began writing as fast as he could.
I am very thankful that you came to my "rescue". Yea it was my brothers, but I have decided that you are loyal. I know you would have avenged my death to the best of your ability just the same. Although we know naught about each other, I feel that you are close to me. A brethren. You bring me joy like my Ada. Dost thou feel the same? I think this is the start of something good. Let us spend ur days on many adventures together!
Signed,
Aragorn, my real name
He made his name nice and bold so that Legolas could see it right away. Throwing his pen recklessly to the side, he read it over. After a while, he gave a long sigh of defeat, afraid that his letter would register to the elf as dumb.
He pocketed the paper anyways and glanced outside, just in time to see a bright figure leave the gate. It was now or never! He grabbed his sturdy wooden bow and ran through the halls.
However, he fumbled with the small paper in his hand and it floated upwards and caught the breeze, out of the palace and near Rivendell's archery field.
"Someone catch that letter!" He shouted at unmoving elven guards, but they shook their heads sympathetically, refusing to leave their posts. Waving his arms desperately to catch it, Estel hollered in fear for anyone to catch it, as if flew deeper into the fading light of the glade.
It took flight, the breeze picking up its pace, racing ever closer to the archery fields. No! A sheen of sweat washes over his body and cold fear clutched his heart.
oOo
Legolas caressed his bow, eyes glittering with excitement as he witnessed what all of Arda's beautiful outdoors offered. He stood, feet firmly locked to the ground, readying his bow, ambitiously attaching a thin elven arrow from his quiver and drawing the string.
As a familiar butterfly floated before him once more, he momentarily paused his act, head cocked warily at the strange sight. As it got closer, he noticed that something fragile was dancing among the breeze. A small piece of parchment?
Grinning, he switched positions, brandishing his thin bow in the direction of the faint colour of glowing blue. "Challenge accepted." In less than a second, he released the string, thin arrow penetrating the frosty air, singing as it did, and with a light rip the prince knew he had succeeded in his shot.
oOo
Estel gasped, absorbed in the extraordinary feat Legolas had succeeded. The riveting elf had managed to precisely shoot the letter among the breeze. What skill! He wasn't even sure his brothers were half as good as he, but he would never tell them that.
Still engrossed at the scene, he sprinted as hard as his small legs could carry him in the direction he had seen the arrow fly. He wanted to retrieve it before the elf could read his foolish writing. He had to.
Lodged in the chilled dry bark of a leafy tree, he snatched the letter from the arrowhead, unaware that Legolas himself was standing behind him, passionately stroking his prized bow.
"Does that belong to you?" The prince asked. He did not look up, more interested in polishing his weapon.
Estel shivered at the thought that Legolas had come so close to reading it. "Yea." Changing the subject he grinned, "Come. You promised you would assist me in archery." He raced off, in the direction of the targets, trying ineffectively to hide his bashful face that was quickly becoming a cherry-red.
Legolas raised an eyebrow in suspicion at the secretive human and then smiled brightly as he grabbed his bow, padding silently after raggedy Estel.
Shaking his head, he felt his heart warm slightly, as he stole a glance at the beaming child that looked up to him.
oOo
The hours flew by like minutes as they stood side by side, expertly shooting, the moon their guide and the misty night their audience. Every so often, Legolas would look up and elegantly whisper encouraging remarks to the focused boy. With every arrow they shot, their friendship grew tremendously, until both their faces glowed white with starlight as the moon reflected their freedom.
As Legolas bent down to adjust the boys' stance, Estel dropped his bow to the ground and suddenly embraced the golden-haired elf in a warm gratified hug.
He felt the icy-eyed elf stiffen beneath him, but Estel did not care in the slightest. This was absolutely the best feeling in all of Middle-Earth. His rough small hands entwined themselves in loose golden hair, willing the larger elf to hug him back. "I give you my thanks. Le melin."
The simple words sent Legolas's mind into a fit of shudders, his body tense. Legolas's speech failed, leaving him in stunned silence.
His brain immediately erupted into a hysteria of emotion, driving his mind into a craze of unknown feelings. For once in his ageless life, he knew not what to do or moreover how to react. It was as if someone had kindled a spark of light inside, then doused it, then rekindled it again.
A light blush unwillingly flowered onto his smooth face, radiating a rosy heat of embarrassment. He took the younger wild-haired boy into his awkward slender arms, gently patting his back in respect.
And he pulled away.
Surely this was not reality? Perhaps a mirage of the mind.
Legolas stood up quickly, and staggered backwards, still dazed with astonishment. How could anyone learn to like him? He was a prince; withdrawn, relentless, adamant, and single-minded. Did he leave out headstrong?... Also headstrong.
"Lego—las?" Estel waved a tender hand in front of the distant eyes that were focused on something far off. He giggled at the elf's absurd expression.
Legolas was indeed in some other distant land. He was lost within a maze of thoughts that were rendered vague by his lack of words to express them. Sighing, he tried once more.
"Agorel vae."
Th recovering elf motioned to all the perfect arrows Estel had pierced throughout the hearts of the targets. And mine as well, he thought. Although attempting to remain cool and collect, the warmth from the embrace lingered, and he felt his breath hasten. The new feeling seemed to melt his chest into water. Yet it slightly warmed him as well, thawing at his unyielding heart that wandered aimlessly after Tauriel and the pride of his father.
He could only stare into the small twinkling auburn eyes that had given him a reason for his existence. And Estel's into his...
oOo
Mind distracted, his ears failed to pick up the rumbling of crushing hooves approaching Rivendell's gate. Legolas, head in the clouds, failed to hear his imperious father arriving. And lastly, he failed to notice the elf king, earnestly scanning Rivendell for his son.
Lle merna salk - Do you want to dance?
Prestad - Is there trouble?
Le melin - I love you
Agorel vae - You did well
