Elandili's Story

by: Kristall

A/N: Another chapter, and I hope that I haven't bored you guys. LOTR is not mine, but I can write about what I want to (I hope). Enjoy, and sorry for the long delay!

Chapter 10: The Next Trial

Elandili was feeling slightly nervous, but she ruthlessly fought down her fear. She would not lose because she was scared, and she would not fall for the Elf she was in front of. She would not admit it to herself, but she had already fallen for Legolas. She instead tried to convince herself that their respective stations in life were too different for them to be together. It was hopeless, and Elandili could not keep her thoughts away from his face, and especially his eyes which seemed to look into her soul sometimes.

She gave a sigh, and realized that they were at the brink of the valley of Rivendell. She smiled in excitement, and strained forward to see better. Legolas held her back, but she didn't heed him. He sighed, and remembered how excited he had been to face his own trials. He had been made an Elite just before the Last Alliance had formed.

They came to the house of Elrond, and Elandili jumped down. She was eager to go on of course, but for now she was even more eager to have a meal. The group went in to have lunch, and Elandili thought that the food had never tasted so delicious. Someone came up and tapped her sharply on her shoulder. She whirled around, and saw Marstin frowning at her.

"I told you to be at the arena by noon, but you never showed up. Where were you?" He almost pulled it off, but the slight smiled tugging at the corners of his mouth gave him away. Elandili grinned at him and said that she had been delayed by some handsome young rouges who had carried her off. Marstin laughed, and then gave her his approval for her escape. "But where did you learn to disguise yourself as an Orc?"

"You know I studied with Mithrandir, right? It was then that I learned to do the disguise, and I can also do several other races." Marstin nodded and said that she should come with him. "Your opponent awaits you." Elandili got up and walked out, checking her weapons as she went.

She was to fight one of the other Elites, and try to defeat him. She shuddered. Normally, the Elites were so good that the only way for the trainees to stop them was to kill them. She sighed, and decided to do whatever she could to hit but not kill her opponent.

She saw that she was to fight Drimrill. She knew that he didn't expect to live much longer, but he was not afraid. She liked that, it showed that the man was brave. It made her even more determined to defeat him without killing him. Also, if she didn't kill him, she would be considered to be a better fighter than she would if she just ran him through. If she could just block his attacks until he gave up, and was too weary to fight anymore, she would win the greatest victory.

They went to the center of the arena, and faced each other. They said good luck, and the referee announced that the fight was to begin. Elandili had a small half smile on her face, and in the next moment, Drimrill attacked. Elandili just blocked his blow, and whirled away. She did give a few thrusts that slipped past his guard, but none of them did much damage. Good.

They fought for over an hour, Elandili just blocking his blows, avoiding attacking him if at all possible, but posing enough threat to keep him fighting. She now no longer had to run or jump away from his blows, which were getting weaker. Finally, as she had known he would, he tried to lift his sword, and could not. He was too tired, and he fell to the ground on his knees.

She moved her sword slightly, so that it rested on his throat. He looked up, and saw that she was not doing this to kill him, only to show that the fight was over. Had enough? He smiled and nodded his head in response to her unspoken question. She moved the sword away from his throat, and he slumped down. She sheathed her sword, and helped him up.

The crowds gave a loud but reluctant cheer. Elandili paid no attention as she soon was caring for Drimrill, helping him to recover his strength. He thanked her for her care, and he fell asleep in her supportive arms. Elrond, who had been watching the two, smiled and gestured for his sons to carry him away so that he could sleep in peace.

Legolas came up to Elandili, and he gave her a quick hug. She was startled into accepting his embrace, but then she pushed him away as she recovered. He looked hurt, but she gave him her "not now" look, and he understood. It wouldn't do for her father to find out, not until he had approached her father. They all went in, for Elandili was hungry, and the success of any trial required some sort of celebration.

Legolas went to his room later that night, and was surprised to see Elandili there. He started to exclaim out loud when she covered his lips with her fingers. "I was wondering where you were. Could you come with me? I have a place I'd like to show you." Legolas nodded, and she took his hand. He was having a hard time keeping quiet, and he could only stare at her.

Elandili looked even prettier at night than she did during the day. The moon was shining on her hair, and he was very well aware of her lithe body and slender figure. She was so tempting, and he wished that he could have her. But he never would. Her station was too different for him, and he would have a hard time proving himself worthy of her.

She smiled as she turned to face him. It was then that Legolas realized that they had stopped, and he sat down across from her. "Now what was it that you wanted to say?" Legolas smiled at her, a smile that sent a shiver through her soul. He could not answer, except to pull her to him. She did not resist, and he was soon out of control, amazed that she would let him get away with this. They stayed there for a long time, and it was nearly dawn when they crept back to their rooms.