Chapter Eight

True to his word, the elven prince was not there to tutor me the following morning. From what I understood, the prince should have met me near the ranges to show him what I could do. I was there for nearly an hour before I decided to head a secluded range a bit further away. It was empty and there hadn't been any one there for a long time. Stringing my bow I admired it and remembered when Arwen had given it to me on my birthday. It was made of grey/brown elder tree wood, and cedar designs were lain into it of vines and leaves. I seldom used it to be honest, preferring hand-to-hand combat as an animal. It provided me more control. But that didn't mean I didn't know how to use it, care for it or make my own arrows, that was the first thing I learned before learning to shoot it.

I wasn't sure how long I was out on that range. I would fire arrows out at the bullseye, gather the arrows I had used, inspect them, fix those that were broken, and repeated the same cycle. I could have been out there for hours.

"You shoot very well,"

I looked up from the arrow I had currently been fixing. The voice belonged to an elf, he stood a little taller than what I believed the elven prince would have been. His hair was long and platinum blonde. His eyes were icy blue much like the prince and the King's. He was well dressed, donning a maroon tunic with intricate gold stitching, brown breeches and black boots. His hair was braided to the tips in a small section by his ears, it gently pulled into a ponytail held by a leather band. He had a regal air about him, but I hadn't see him since I had arrived in the elven kingdom. He seemed just as curious about me as I was about him.

"I am being rude, I apologize. I am Luthias, King Thranduil's elder born." He said bowing slightly.

His voice was warm and caring, a switch from the welcome I had initially received thus far. I hadn't been away King Thranduil had other children.

"I am Braelyn, Gandalf's apprentice." I introduced awkwardly.

He smiled kindly and leaned against a boulder nearby.

"I have heard much about your arrival. Apparently my younger brother created quite a stir,"

"He's not overly fond of what I am," I stated dryly.

"A shifter?" Luthias asked.

I strung my bow and released an arrow, moments later it hit the bullseye solidly with a thud.

"Human,"

Luthias's eyes softened.

"His distaste for humans should not be inflicted upon you," He said shaking his head.

I snorted softly and knocked and released another arrow.

"Apparently he hadn't been on the receiving end of that lecture,"

He remained silent as I embedded several more arrows into the bullseye in a tight bunch.

"I don't remember seeing you when I arrived," I mentioned.

He smiled softly at my comment.

"I was not here, I have just returned from travels elsewhere."

I nodded, it made sense. I traveled to the bullseye and pulled out the arrows carefully one by one.

"Infecting everyone you can with your presence?"

I closed my eyes against the jab at me, I chose not to respond. Although his words did hurt, I didn't want to give the satisfaction that it affected me.

"Legolas that was unkind," Luthias chided.

"Why are you defending the human?"

Luthias stood so he stood taller than Legolas.

"I defend her Legolas, because she is a guest in our home and deserves respect." Luthias responded.

I could tell by the tightness in his voice that he was upset with his younger brother. His behavior was that of a spoiled brat not getting his way. Once I gathered my arrows from the bullseye I made certain they were still useable before depositing them into my quiver, and begun gathering my things.

"You need not leave Lady Braelyn," Luthias stated.

I bowed slightly grateful for the offer.

"Thank you, but it seems I'm no longer welcome, and I would rather avoid any issues."

Before either of the princes could respond I left the range and returned to my room. It was nearly lunch time so Lillie would likely be working in the kitchens by now. Luthias was interesting, I hadn't been aware King Thranduil had any other children. Rather than wallow in my room, I returned to the library. I gathered the books I wished to read and returned to my nook in the corner and proceeded to get lost in the pages and words of the author.

Author's Note: I know in the other books they never really mention if King Thranduil had other children, but for the sake of the story, he does and Luthias is the elder born. Please let me know what you guys think of the story with a review, not too sure if people like it or not. I know it's slow but things will be picking up soon I promise.