Disclaimer: Thanks for all the reviews that you nice people were sending me – not without a small bit of persuasion mind you! Never mind, here's the next chapter, enjoy!
Chapter 11
The big day had finally come. Estel and Elrond had managed to keep Legolas hidden from his father for most of the previous day after the incident. Following a day's rest and the first good night's sleep in days, Legolas felt almost normal again.
Awaking on the morning of a big tournament, especially the Kingsman Tournament, was sometimes a daunting experience. Eyes would blink against the light of the morning Sun and for a few seconds everything would seem normal. The mind and heart would then jump as the realisation hit that today was not as normal as was first anticipated.
After the initial shock and remembrance, Legolas, and other taking part, rose and dressed in the clothes they would stay in until the end of the whole event. A pale blue shirt with dark green leggings and a mid-green tunic would serve the prince as an outfit. It was this which he usually wore when travelling and was comfortable in it.
Before leaving the room, the archer picked up his quiver, strapped it to his back and slipped his twin knives into their allocated apartments contained in the quiver. Last of all, the long, intricately decorated bow was taken into the prince's hands and he left the room with one last look. Almost as if it might be his last. Well, it could be...
Lord Elrond met the Elven prince on his way down to the courtyard.
"Legolas, how are you feeling?" The Lord of Rivendell asked, the healer inside him still concerned about the prince's health.
"I am well, thank you. I slept well last night and feel refreshed, totally different to yesterday, I am pleased to say." Legolas responded, without a trace of tiredness evident in his voice. The two smiled at each other and walked together down to the courtyard where the start of the Tournament would be announced.
The three Elves from Lothlorien stood nervously at the foot of the stairs in the forecourt chatting quietly amongst themselves. Reaching the bottom of the stone staircase, Legolas eyed the weather. There was a slight breeze which was nothing to worry much about. The sky was cloudless but all knew that this could change in a very short time. Temperature was nothing as all Elves could withstand intense changes in heat, both hot and cold.
Within minutes, the King of Mirkwood was standing at the top of the stairs, waiting to address the contestants.
"Elves of Lothlorien, Rivendell and of course, Mirkwood, welcome! You have travelled here today for this is the beginning of the Kingsman Tournament. As with any contest, there are rules, and these must be abided by or disqualification will occur.
Firstly, when the Tournament has begun, you are not committed to complete the challenges and can pull out at any time. However, once you have pulled out, restarting is not an option. Secondly, after the bell had rung to start the competition, no food can pass between your lips. Water will be the only thing to sustain you until the Tournament had ended." Thranduil said to the small crowd gathered at the foot of the stairs. "Would all who wish to enter the Tournament head towards the table on your left and sign your name on the parchment provided."
The Elves from all three nations did as told and soon everyone was ready and giddy with anticipation. Estel now stood beside Elrond and his twin brothers had signed the sheet below Legolas' name.
After all had signed up, the bell was rung and the first challenge was called.
"The first competitor to attempt this challenge will be Legolas Thranduillion of Mirkwood." As was custom in this competition, the first competitor for the first challenge was always the son of the ruler of the nation that the Tournament was held in. The other challenges however, were started by different people every time.
The blonde prince walked towards his horse, which had been saddled for him prior to the Tournament. Arod looked slightly nervous too, but was soon calmed when his master whispered Elvish words in his ear.
When Legolas was ready, he signalled the Elf as the side of the track who lowered the flag and the prince urged the horse through the markers, indicating the course to be taken. No one ever knew what was to be expected in any of the challenges so Legolas took it slowly to begin with. Looking ahead, the Elf saw that the course took him through a small part of Mirkwood forest, but not far enough in to cause him to become concerned with dangers.
Finally, something caught his eye and he drew his bow in a flash. Looking to where the obstacle was, high up in a tree, he found it to be a small target, almost invisible to the untrained eye. Letting an arrow fly, he watched as it struck the target before realising that he himself was being fired at. It only took a second for Legolas to realise that the arrows were Mirkwood made and were not those of the Orcs.
It took time to complete the challenge as there were quite a lot of these tiny targets and as Legolas progressed through the course, the targets became harder to see and some were moving, sometimes so quickly that the prince feared he had missed some, also the arrows had been more difficult to dodge and were raining down on him thicker and faster than before.
Appearing out of the other end of the trail carefully marked, the crowd of Elves not taking part cheered as their prince was seemingly unhurt.
Legolas was led to an isolated spot where he could not converse with the other competitors in case he told them what to expect. There, he met up with Lord Elrond and Estel, both of which had been posted there to check each competitor over once they had finished the challenge.
Estel sat Legolas down on a chair and stripped him of his tunic.
"How was it? Are you hurt?" The Ranger asked, looking the Elf over. Elrond gave him a drink of water which he took gladly.
"It was difficult, I will admit, but I did not take any injuries." Realising that his best friend spoke the truth, Estel nodded and let the prince put his tunic back on.
TBCReplies: Since I got lots!
Moonyasha: As you requested, here's another chapter! Thanks for reviewing.
Realitys Independence: The reason I demanded 20 was that no-one reviewed my last chapter and I was annoyed but now I'm happy!
rogue641: Glad you loved the last chapter – here's the next! Please keep reviewing, it brings more chapters!
lilpippin: I hate when people do the puppy-dog eyes thing. I just can't resist! Anyway, thanks for reviewing and I hope you are enjoying the story!
acuamaine: Well, finally Legolas got the sleep he needed, and I hate Thranduil too but it makes for great reading as I'm sure you'll agree!
The One And Only Skande: Oh, skittles! Yummy! Thanks – and I'm so happy that even though this is my first fic, you seem to be enjoying it so much!
Karushna5: I'm so loving these little scenes you create when you review – they are so fab! Keep making more and I'll keep writing! LOL!