Lead By Example

Ryder was only asleep for a second when she was jolted awake. "What was that?" she shot up.

The vibration was almost like an earthquake. Legolas was already on his feet, changing into his tunic and archer uniform. She blushed briefly when she saw him in his boxer briefs as he hurriedly put on his pants. Legolas was too busy grabbing his weapons from what Ryder thought was a closet full of clothes to care. Inside were his Elven blades and different bows and arrows.

"Stay here," he ordered.

"What?" Ryder exclaimed. She shook her head. "Oh, no I'm not!" The blue-eyed girl scrambled to her feet and dashed to the guest room where her clothes sat on the bed.

"Ryder!" Legolas called after her. He let out a frustrated sigh and followed her down the hall. By the time he got there, she was already putting on her socks. She didn't care to change out of the T-shirt she wore to bed, only changing into jeans. "Ryder," he began again. "You cannot go out there. Declan wants you dead or alive now. Showing yourself will only make you an easier target."

"I don't care. I refuse to stay on the sidelines. There are too many people here who can't defend themselves. Like Emi, for example. She's still lying unconscious in the hospital wing. What if Declan goes there and decides to kill her, too? I won't let that happen. Not without a fight. Now. Give me one of your blades." Ryder held out her hand, wiggling her fingers at him like she was itching to hold something sharp.

Legolas slowly unsheathed one of the blades from the holster on his back and handed it to her. "Do you know how to use one of these?"

As soon as she took it, she swung the blade around perfectly in her hand. Legolas raised a curious eyebrow. "Henry taught me many things," she gave him a secret smirk. He nodded, impressed, and made his way outside with Ryder on his heels.

Outside, there was a huge fire on the other side of the campus. The orange and red flames danced in the pale light of the morning. Students ran, frantic, not sure where to run for safety. The braver students milled around from a distance, taking pictures and videos of the scene.

Professor Dahoon snatched someone's phone from their hand and pointed to a building in the other direction. She didn't have to say a word to get the students moving. The look in her eyes was scary enough. To Ryder's astonishment, she was also dressed similarly to Legolas but in much a longer, outer velvet jacket and leather vest over it.

"Camellia."

She spun around, relieved to see Legolas, and surprised for a moment to see Ryder with him. "The fire came from the library." She placed a hand on Legolas's arm. But she quickly took it back and briefly averted her gaze as if she was embarrassed of stepping out of line. What was that about? Ryder thought. Legolas barely looked at the Mirkwood staff member. He was more focused on assessing the area. "No one we heard of so far is hurt," Camellia continued. "We are sending the students to the warded buildings. Hopefully, Fenlock and his men won't be able to penetrate through them. Haldir, his brothers and other warriors from the three Elven Realms that arrived yesterday are ready."

"Good. Move as many students as you can away from danger," Legolas commanded. "Notify everyone."

"Yes, sire." Camellia gave a short bow. Legolas was on the move again.

Professor Dahoon glanced up at the blue-eyed girl with a strange look in her eyes. It was as if she was telling Ryder that she shouldn't be walking around with the Elf-prince. And she was probably right. There was a chance Legolas was an even bigger target himself.

Ryder half-smiled and quickly left to catch up to him.

"Is Professor Dahoon a Woodland Elf?" She had asked when they were far away enough.

"She used to be a captain of the Mirkwood Elven Guard. Until she became a teacher here." He kept his focus on their surroundings, scanning the area again.

"A captain?" Ryder couldn't believe it. With such an important title, why would the female Elf warrior want to give that up and spend her days doing lectures and grading papers instead?

Camellia Dahoon was beautiful like her kinfolk. Even though she was a teacher, her features were young and she had this excitement about the world when she spoke. "She wanted to learn more about your world and she could not do that at home. So. My father relieved her of her duties and made her a teacher."

"And she was okay with that?" Ryder thought she'd rather travel all over the world. Not stuck in a classroom all day.

He nodded. "She eventually learned to enjoy it. One of Camellia's talents is her knack for storytelling." That was true from the way her lectures captivated the students. Ryder sometimes forgot to take notes because she got wrapped up in listening to her talk. "Having her here also helps me keep an eye on her. She's young, still curious, and bit…rebellious."

"Professor Dahoon? Rebellious?" Ryder scoffed in disbelief. The female Elf was the picture perfect of rules and regulations. The teacher was nice enough, but she made it clear that she didn't like tardiness and promptly started her lectures whether or not you were prepared to listen or take notes. Those who talked in her class while she taught also got extra assignments to turn in. And absolutely no eating or doodling of any kind on the desks was allowed.

"Camellia is barely 700-years-old. Still very young in Elven years. And she still has a lot to learn about life…and love," he explained. Ryder stopped. Legolas noticed and glanced back at her. "What is it?"

"Did she have feelings for you?" The words came out before Ryder had a chance to think about what she was about to say. "I mean, earlier. She…mm…"

Thranduil's son faced her. There was only a small gap between them as they stood in front of each other. "Camellia was practically raised by my father. I value her as a sister and a good warrior. Nothing more."

"Yeah, well. It didn't seem like she only saw you as a brother," she muttered, rolling her eyes to the ground. The way the blonde-haired teacher put her hand on Legolas's arm was if she'd done it a million times before but never received a response back. Like it was…unrequited. She looked as young as Legolas, yet he was a few millennia older than her.

The next thing Ryder felt was Legolas raising her chin up so he could see her face better. She blinked a few times at him, blushing. Their faces were only inches apart. "Are you…jealous, m'lady?" A small smile graced his lips. He caressed her chin with his thumb as he waited for her answer.

"What? No," she scoffed again, freeing herself with ease. Legolas let his hand hover in the air for a few moments. Ryder's face felt even warmer and the fire from the burning building had nothing to do with it.

"We can discuss what my relationship is with Camellia at another time. If you wish. However, right now, I need to keep you safe while trying to find the source of this fire."

Goliath and his gargoyle comrades were nowhere to be seen. They most likely had already turned to stone with the coming of dawn. There were teachers at the scene helping to extinguish the fire, using the fountain waters nearby to save whatever of the library building they could. Ryder noticed they guided the water with their hands…with magic.

"Stand back!" Gandalf ordered. He held an old-looking staff. He spoke a few words Ryder didn't understand and blew on a crystal nestled on the top of it toward the fire. A gust of wind shot out from the glowing blue crystal and suddenly, the fire was gone.

The previous orange, red, purples and yellows the sky was slowly settled into a pale blue and white glow. It was finally morning.

"Any signs of him?" Legolas asked Gandalf.

"Not yet. The Elves and our other allies are searching the school grounds as we speak."

"What other allies?" Ryder interrupted. Like Professor Dahoon, Gandalf appeared surprised to see her.

"A few willing to fight from the other realms that are aiding us in this war, my dear," said the Headmaster. "And may I ask why you are not inside one of the warded buildings?"

"Because I'm done hiding," she flatly stated. "If it's my life Declan wants…I'm not giving it to him without a fight." Her answer amused the wizard. Legolas looked wearily at him. Gandalf knew the Elf-prince couldn't reign in Gondor's princess.

"And where are you headed now?"

"I need to address those who are here to fight," said Legolas.

"The majority of them are at the front gates."

They said a quick farewell and continued on. Ryder was curious on whom she would see at the front gates; which among them she would recognize. When they arrived, she wasn't prepared for what she saw. She gasped. "They're not…"

"Correct. They are not in their human form."

The crowd before them was a mix of Dwarves, winged creatures that Ryder assumed were fairies, big burley half human, half bear creatures, even…Trolls, and other creatures Ryder's never seen before. But the majority of their forces were Elves, three groups dressed differently.

One group wore similar attire to Legolas. The other group wore lighter clothing in shades of ivory and gold. She assumed they were the Lady Galadriel's people since they had a glow about them like she did. The last group of Elves wore a dark maroon color with flecks of gold and gray in their outfits, most likely hailing from Rivendell.

"Did the magic around the school wear off?" Ryder asked.

"The guise of human form was removed so that each race can move about more freely in their true form while fighting. Only the warded buildings still conceal the magic of transformation."

"That's why you wanted all the students inside." If the regular, mortal students still ran around outside and saw what their other fellow students really looked like, more panic would ensue. At least inside the warded areas everyone would appear to look human.

"We cannot worry about what the students from your world might see. As long as they are safe. Their memories of this event will be erased once this war is over."

Ryder felt slightly panicked. What if this battle ends horribly? What will be left of the school? Of its inhabitants? From what history showed, war had always been an ugly business. Whether the good side or bad side won, there were always innocent casualties.

"Why are the Trolls here? Aren't they sided with Fenlock?"

Legolas shook his head. "Not all. The Trolls before you are loyal to King Turgon who wants Sardenus to pay for his betrayal. We were lucky the Troll-king lent us any warriors at all." He finally faced Ryder after assessing those who were gathered at the gates. The Elf-prince looked concerned and uneasy. "Ryder. I know I cannot sway your decision but I have to try. You are much safer inside. I don't know how this day will end. If I lose sight of you…you are on your own to defend yourself."

She gripped his blade tightly. "How many times do I have to tell you? I can take care of myself."

Henry taught her all the survival skills she needed to know for this exact moment. Ryder was used to training on different terrains with all sorts of handheld weapons, and she felt confident enough to keep up with everyone else. Declan wouldn't expect her to be fighting on the frontlines either, which was a good advantage for them. Or least, that's what she thought.

He gave her a curt nod and faced the different peoples before them.

"My fellow comrades in arms," he began. The crowd quieted and focused their full attention on the Elf-prince. "On behalf of myself, my father, King Thranduil, and Mirkwood University, I humbly thank you for your allegiance on this day. This school was built on the foundation of educating everyone from all known realms. And the Stewards faction from Middle-earth goes against the principles we have strived to maintain here—principles that have been in place for decades. I will not deceive you and say that this is the only reason why Fenlock and his men are seeking ruin of this establishment." Legolas slowly paced in front of his audience, making eye contact with as many individuals as possible.

"He is also looking into putting the Stewards back into power in the Reunited Kingdom," someone added. Aragorn suddenly appeared from within the crowd. They moved aside, making way for him like a parting wave. Ryder was surprised to see him buried among them.

Her father wore a linen shirt with a sleeveless jerkin, made secure by braided cord ties. His boots looked heavy, fitted with steel plates that sat over the bridge of the foot and were engraved. He also had a full shirt and skirt of mail—ready for battle. The sword he had with him when they traveled to Gondor was secure at his side.

Aragorn stood next to Legolas.

"In order to do that, they must erase Isildur's line." He looked at Ryder. "She is the next and rightful ruler of my people." Ryder blushed with her heart pounding in her chest as everyone shifted their focus to her. She merely half-smiled and pretended that she was confident where she stood next to the two men beside her. "The Stewards faction grew too powerful for their own good and lost sight of what was important: leading by example. The children we have are the future. They will be the ones to sustain our lands with their hard work and dedication for a better life. For the privileged and the common folk."

The crowd was quiet as he paused, still captivated by his words. Aragorn never looked more like a ruler than he did now to Ryder. She was in awe of him. Maybe because this was the first time she actually saw him as he was. A king. A ruler. Her…father.

"I know my fight is not your own. But to live peacefully as a people and watch future generations grow more humble in their strife for a better, prosperous world, I ask your aid in battle as well. As Prince Legolas mentioned, this school was built on educating those willing to learn and breaking down our worldly boundaries. What examples can our children take from this day? How we are still divided by race and hiding behind our own walls? Or coming together and leading by example of how we are more powerful united?"

There was a loud cheer from the masses. Ryder had to cover her ears from the uproar that came from the audience. People of all different races pumped their weapons in the air, growling, howling and flying in circles overhead. They were excited, ready to fight Fenlock, the Stewards faction, whoever else threatened the school and…Ryder.

Another loud explosion in the distance made everyone flinch and crouch into a fighting position. Several more erupted in different parts of the campus. Legolas gave quick orders of where to go, dividing people into groups to investigate each location and to protect the students inside the warded buildings. One of the last explosions seemed different from the rest. There were sparks after it, like someone had lit up fireworks. Almost like a beacon.

"Declan is there," said Legolas. He was looking onward in the direction of the burst, scowling.

"How do you know?" asked Ryder. She could barely see anything past the smoking trees and half burning buildings that people were trying to put out or contain. They told her there was a protective shield some of the Faery Folk put around Mirkwood University. So, whatever happened here didn't affect the outside world. But how long would the shield hold?

"Do you see him, Legolas?" Aragorn put a hand on his shoulder.

"Aye," he gave a short nod. "And that cheeky bastard is smiling."

"What?" Ryder strained her eyesight.

She knew Elves could see farther than the human eye, but could Legolas really see Declan that well from where they were? They stood on a small slope on the other side of campus that was a perfect podium for the two males to deliver their speech. The last explosion came from behind the school's indoor swimming pool building, clear across the other side.

Of course Declan would be there.

The Elf-prince went off in a sprint. "Legolas!" Aragorn called after him. Ryder hustled to accompany him but she was stopped with a firm hand on her wrist. Legolas's retreating form grew smaller and smaller as she yearned to follow. It was like he was running with the wind.

She turned toward Aragorn with a defiant look in her eyes. "You're not going to stop me." Her hand was balled in a tight fist.

"I don't plan to."

"You…don't?" Her features softened and she relaxed her stance.

"No. But, what I won't have you do, however, is run blindly into something you're not prepared for. Legolas…Legolas is a different matter. I worry less for Thranduil's son." The Chieftain sighed, looking weary and older than before.

The aging lines and worry marks on his face were more prominent. She even noticed that his beard carried more strands of white. Or so it appeared. Ryder assumed the haggard parts of him were due to the years of dealing with difficult decisions he's had to make as king. But, Aragorn was still handsome. He also had an aura of kindness around him, which comforted her. The only consistent part of his features that remained unchanged was the vibrant look in his blue eyes whenever he looked at his daughter.

Another loud explosion rattled Ryder out of her thoughts. Both flinched at the sound that came from somewhere nearby. Men and creatures fought each other in the quad and in the outer hallways of the school. Trolls and other hairy individuals who fought the Elves seemed to be on the side of the Stewards faction. Ryder couldn't tell who was a friend or foe. Brick, concrete and roof tiles were in heaps all over the school grounds. Small fires also rose from the grassy lawns and different parts of the walkways.

The current state of Mirkwood University was disheartening. Ryder found it odd how Fenlock and his army attacked during the day instead of at night. Maybe he thought that no one would suspect him during this hour and took the advantage of their unprepared group. Whatever his reasoning, it worked. Only half of the allies from the other realms were here. The majority that made up their forces were the Elves.

Aragorn slowly turned Ryder to face him, one hand resting on her shoulder, the other resting on his belt where his sword was. "Ryder. Listen to me. You being out here is very dangerous…"

She rolled her eyes. "I already know that! But—"

He cut her off with a shake of his head, gently squeezing her shoulder. "No matter whom you run into, do not trust them. They could be one of Fenlock's men. Keep this," he held up her hand that held Legolas's Elven blade, "secure in your grip. Henrick taught you many things for a reason. At the time, I was glad you did not use Monk Jinpa's full eight-point technic on Sardenus. But, I suppose now, he would have deserved it."

"How do you know about Monk Jinpa's…"

"Who do you think told Henrick where to find the temple?" he smiled.

Looking at her hands, she almost forgot how callused they had gotten over the years. No amount of lotion could ever make them soft and smooth again. The years before she held her first pellet gun. And many more weapons after that. It seemed ages ago. Like another lifetime.

"If you also find a bow, use it. I know you know how to. You must not hesitate to protect yourself." Her father's words brought her back to the present. Standing in front of him.

"I'll make you proud," she nodded, ignoring the lump in her throat. "Henrick and my mom, Wen…Arwen."

"My dear. They are proud of you." Aragorn caressed her cheek. "And so am I. Now, remember what I told you. Stay close to me." She nodded again and then they were off.

Now wasn't the time to reminisce about the past or have a father and daughter moment to gain some of the years they lost. Ryder understood that. If the school survived this—if they survived this—she promised herself that she would make the proper time to get to know her real father.

"Where are we going?" She stopped running. Aragorn had turned away from the swimming pool. The destination she thought they were headed. What if Legolas was outnumbered and needed help? She couldn't let him fight on his own.

"Before all warriors step into battle, they must be battle ready. You, my dear daughter, are not."

"What do you mean?" She held up the Elven blade, wielding it like an expert. "I'm plenty ready!"

"Yes, you are quite capable." His eyes crinkled with amusement. "But the rest of you—is not. Come. We must be quick."

Ryder was confused but followed him nonetheless. She only hoped that they would reach Legolas in time. Her heart pounded even harder in her chest.

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