I don't own LOTR or The Hobbit. A new story!
Legolas had sworn to himself that no one would ever hurt his little sister again! Only 9 months ago, she had been assaulted and threatened by Prince Durion of the South, who had been planning to assassinate Thranduil and take over Mirkwood during the Midsummer's Eve Feast. But Legolas had been onto him and completely thwarted his scheme. Durion had nearly molested Alasse, and it had taken her weeks to recover from the ordeal.
Legolas would not forget the fury he'd felt when he'd found out that his innocent, younger sister was being harassed and threatened! Every time he remembered it, his veins felt hot and his stomach rolled with disdain.
It was then that Legolas had taken it upon himself to train Alasse in the use of arms. He would not allow her to be so helplessly taken advantage of, ever again!
Alasse was learning a lot under Legolas's direction. They kept this a secret from Thranduil. While of course he wanted his daughter to be safe, he was convinced that the best way to do that was to keep her in the halls of the palace with him, learning how to be a queen, and waiting for the right suitor to come along. The two Thranduilion children just had a sinking feeling that their father would not understand.
At the moment, Legolas and Alasse were in the training fields having a sparring session. Alasse was happy that Legolas thought she was more skilled than when he'd first began mentoring her, but she was still determined to earn his respect and impress him. After all, Legolas didn't make it easy for her! He wanted her to learn the real aspect of fighting and protecting herself, so that meant rugged training. Legolas was strict and demanding, but so patient.
"Don't waste time just gaping, trying too hard to guess his next move." Legolas reminded her as they parried together. "Find an opening and go for it!" Alasse nodded. Legolas sighed. Alasse was picking up the skill, and she was a hard worker. But Legolas noticed that most of the time, she seemed to be concentrating too hard. Why? It wasn't as if he was a legendary hero like Glorfindel training her! Yet it amused him that she wanted so badly to please him.
Alasse stood rigidly, gripping the training sword with too much vigor. Legolas stood with his feet apart and his arms hanging near his sides, leaving himself wide open for attack. Anxious to make her move, Alasse came straight at him with her sword, aiming for the gut. Legolas easily blocked her blow with his blade. Alasse stared up at him, cut off guard and glaring. "Going for the easy part, I see." Legolas teased her.
"What can I say? You told me to go for an opening." Alasse huffed.
"You've got to loosen up." Legolas smiled. "You're too tense. If your opponent sees that, you won't be prepared for his next attack, no matter how braced you think you are. Keep your feet firmly planted on the ground, yes. But let your shoulders relax."
"So many little things to remember." Alasse sighed heavily.
"I know." Legolas nodded. "But take it from me, it's the little things that will make a difference, especially once your mind has developed the instinctual reflexes."
"Do you honestly think I will reach that point?" Alasse asked half frustrated, half hopeful.
"Of course." Legolas smiled warmly, patting her shoulder. "Just keep at it." Alasse smiled back. "Of course, you'll never get better if you just stand there trying to take me down with icy dagger eyes. So, again."
Alasse and Legolas positioned themselves again. She tried to do what he'd told her. Feet firmly planted on the ground, loosen up, eyes on your opponent, go for the opening, let your shoulders relax, Alasse was mentally telling herself. Legolas frowned when he saw how tensely she was trying to focus.
"Wait, stop." He told her. She stared at him incredulously. "Breathe for a moment. Just breathe." Legolas instructed. Alasse slackened her rigid posture, closed her eyes and took a very deep breath. "Better?" Legolas asked after she let it out.
"Better." She nodded. "Now, let's do this!"
"Alright. Now, keep your eyes on your target." Legolas reminded her. "Come at me." He said in a challenging voice. He left himself wide open as before, but this time, Alasse didn't rashly strike out. She narrowed her eyes and rushed him, swinging at his left side with her blade. Of course, he blocked it. She spun her sword, turning his upright, then she nudged his ribs hard with her elbow. He whirled around equally as she did, till she raised her sword upwards. He countered it and they were at a stand still.
"Give up?" Alasse taunted eagerly.
"Oh, hardly, little sister. We've barely even started." Legolas answered sarcastically. Alasse dipped under his weapon then…
"Ahh!" She gasped, doubling over. Her sword fell to the ground and she was clutching her arm.
"Alasse, are you alright? What happened?" Legolas asked, stunned. Why, he hadn't even tried to stab her.
"Y-y-yes." Alasse nodded, gritting her teeth. "M-my arm..."
"Let me see." Legolas said seriously, sheathing his sword. He took her arm and frowned. Her right forearm was bleeding, from a sizable gash. "Ooo." He retrieved the healing pack that he kept on hand any time training with her, just in case. "Sit down." Legolas said. He took a piece of gauze and pressed it to the wound, then wet a rag with his water skin and dabbed at the cut to wash the blood away. "I'm sorry, sister." He said earnestly.
"I-I know. It wasn't your fault." Alasse bit her lip. "I ran into your blade, didn't watch what I was doing." Legolas finished cleaning it and studied the gash.
"It doesn't look too bad, but you will need to go straight to see Maerwen when I'm through. She'll fix you up." Legolas said.
"Yes. I only hope Ada won't notice it!" Alasse agreed. Legolas nearly paled.
"Ohh..." He shuddered. Thranduil would have his head if he knew what they were doing, and even more so if he found out his daughter had gotten hurt during it.
"It's not that bad. Hopefully, he won't get too upset. All the same, I'll see if Tatsu can find me a garment where the sleeves will cover it." Alasse said encouragingly. Legolas finished bandaging her up.
"I think we've had enough lessons for today." He gulped. "I really am sorry, Alasse."
"It wasn't your fault, Legolas. It was mine. I was careless." Alasse reminded him, though she was slightly shaking.
"Here, I'll walk you to the healers." Legolas offered. They parted at the healing halls. Legolas kissed her forehead.
"Thanks." Alasse smiled sadly. Her arm still hurt. But she was dreading even more what Thranduil would say about this if he knew!
Maybe we'll get lucky, and this will be one of those evenings where he'll be so tangled up in council meetings he won't be able to join us at dinner! Legolas thought to himself.