Disclaimer: Full disclaimer on first page.
Chapter Two
Thranduil ran a hand through his hair, looking at the Elf standing before him. Lorinthel was the captain of the patrols, and had been so for many years. He had recently been bringing dire reports about the South, and Thranduil was worried. He had sent Lorinthel to scout out the edge of the Misty Mountains to see if orcs were massing there as well.
As it ended up, they were. Large numbers of them, and from what the Elves had heard, they were going to move over the mountains and set up on the other side. That would bring them uncomfortably close to Rivendell.
~*~*~*
"Step step, swing counter. Step step step thrust, backstep sideswing. One two thrust parry. Counter, step step."
Legolas and Tylendal watched as the Weapons Master drilled the young Elflings in one of the many routines they will learn.
"Remember when that was us? Having to listen to him bawl orders all the time. I honestly think he is more suited for my father's army." Legolas said, grinning at his friend.
"Aye, and forget not the hours spent learning the nuances of battle," Tylendal replied with the ghost of a smile.
The Elflings had by now been thoroughly worn, and were leaning on their practice blades and gasping for breath.
"Very well, take a breather. Prince Legolas, why don't you and Tylendal show these young ones the true meaning of a well rehearsed battle?" The Weapons master called, and the Elflings eagerly faced their prince and his friend. The skills of Legolas were a source of awe to the young ones. None had seen Tylendal fight, so he was not as endowed with admiration, which suited him.
Legolas sighed at the hopeful looks the children sent him, and didn't miss the sly look in the Weapon Master's eyes. The prince drew his two bow knives, and Tylendal responded with his twin short swords.
Legolas smiled, he and Tylendal will put on a show for the Elflings. The two friends had often dueled each other, and knew the other's moves perfectly. They could fight a marvelous battle and never injure the other.
They stood a few paces apart, and almost immediately Legolas went into a half crouch, circling sideways for a moment. Tylendal had been gone on patrol for many weeks, and had been with some of Mirkwood's finest warriors. Though the stoic Elf was not a brilliant fighter, the reason he was in the patrols that went south was because of his stealth. He was only above average, and did not possess those marvelous talents and awareness that made other warriors qualified to go on the southern patrols, but he was able to go where those great fighters couldn't. He could slip in unnoticed almost right up to an enemy's camp, or scout a safe path or track a difficult enemy. He often was full of surprises on how he could find what he wished and how silent he could go.
So, while on those trips, he may have picked up one or two new tactics to use during battle.
Legolas stepped carefully to Tylendal's left, knowing the other Elf was better with his right hand than his left. Tylendal obligingly turned and faced him, whirling his swords expertly, narrowing his hazel eyes at the Elven prince across from him.
He assessed the other's posture and stance, and saw that he would come in midrange with one knife and low with the other. The first he could block easily, and the second, so he waited for the attack.
Sure enough, a flicker in the prince's light blue eyes told Tylendal he was preparing to attack. As Legolas launched into movement, Tylendal put a counter out that should disrupt the prince's move and throw him off balance. Tylendal had indeed learned a lot in his time out south. One handy fact was being able to tell how or where an enemy will attack by the way he stood or by some other small, subtle sign.
Spotting one of the signs, Tylendal leaped back and then up as Legolas slashed first one and then the other of his blades at the other Elf's knees. Legolas knew Tylendal would be able to block any attack he threw, and he the same, so didn't worry about going easy or laying back.
Tylendal saw Legolas lean on his left leg, transferring his weight onto the ball of his foot. Sure signs that he was going to strike shoulder level with his right.
Legolas threw a hefty blow to Tylendal's shoulder with his right blade, knowing this move always put the other Elf off, since he wasn't as good with his left hand as he was with his right and he would have to use his left hand to block.
But a surprise was in for him when Tylendal pulled one of the moves he had learned south. One of the veteran warriors had noticed Tylendal's awkwardness with his left hand, and had showed him how to counter that.
Tylendal dropped into a kneel, raising both of his blades to intercept Legolas's, and crossed them at the hilts to trap the knife. The trick to this move was to avoid his opponent's other blade, which could deal some important damage during this vulnerable stance.
And, indeed, Legolas brought his second knife around. Tylendal leaped back, releasing the knife from its trapped position. They broke apart and Legolas eyed his friend. So much had changed indeed! Tylendal had found or been taught counters to moves that would normally have stumped him, and he fought with a single-minded determination. He seemed so indifferent and cold during the their fighting that it unnerved Legolas. How can anyone be that detached during a fight?
A glance at the Elflings showed that they did not notice, but were over awed at the display of workmanship and skill.
No more time to think, as Tylendal drove in with a double slash with both swords.
Legolas pulled a new move to finish the battle. He leaped right at Tylendal, whipping left and then whirling his sword over his head to bring it crashing down onto Tylendal's right sword.
Both blades clattered to the ground, leaving the combatants with one blade each. Tylendal performed the same move to Legolas, and their other blades crossed. It was a draw; they could not defeat each other in that stance unless they went physical without weapons, which was not the lesson for the Elflings today.
So they separated and bowed to each other, collecting and sheathing their blades. The Elflings cheered as the Weapons Master got them back into pairs to continue their lessons.
Legolas and Tylendal left the fields in silence. Legolas was a bit nervous about his friend. Having fought him and seen the deadly accuracy and cold indifference his friend had displayed during that rather short duel had unnerved him greatly, and he did not wish it to be so.
He turned to say something, anything, to Tylendal, but the Elf smiled, and cut him off.
"A busy night, have I. See you in the morning I will." And with that he left before Legolas could comment on his actions earlier.
~*~*~*
Legolas walked through the halls, disturbed about the change in Tylendal. The source of those changes was undoubtedly the patrols into the dangerous south. Nothing else explained it.
His friend was changing. That alone worried Legolas. What was it doing to other Elf patrols? If the darkness could affect someone as stoic as Tylendal, it must be bad. Legolas shook his head. Dark tidings had been going on for many weeks now. More Elves were being called in to go out on patrols.
A servant running up and informing him his father wished to see him interrupted Legolas from his thoughts.
~*~*~*
"Legolas, we need to send an urgent message to the Lord Elrond. The orcs are not just massing here in greater numbers, but also in the mountains that borders Rivendell. They do not know it, but we can warn them in time before the creatures grow too large in numbers." Thranduil watched his son's reaction. Legolas was friends with many of the Elves in Rivendell and was a regular visitor there.
"We thought you would be the best to take it."
~*~*~*
Thanks to all reviewers, sorry this chapter is a bit short!
Ebony Falcon: Thanks for your review! Hope you enjoy this chapter as well!
Falconflies: lol, yes. Thanks a lot!
Quellemorgul: Thanks a bunch, and here's a new chapter for you!
Itrarilde-elenastar: *blushes * Why, thank you! I'm glad you like my stories so much. Lol, thanks a lot!
Leggylover03: Here's another chapter, hope you like!
Cherryfaerie: Thanks a lot!
Lomiothiel: lol, thank you!
Sorry if I forgot anyone. I truly do not know what to say to my reviewers, Lol! I keep repeating the same stuff! Thanks and I hope you review some more!
Chapter Two
Thranduil ran a hand through his hair, looking at the Elf standing before him. Lorinthel was the captain of the patrols, and had been so for many years. He had recently been bringing dire reports about the South, and Thranduil was worried. He had sent Lorinthel to scout out the edge of the Misty Mountains to see if orcs were massing there as well.
As it ended up, they were. Large numbers of them, and from what the Elves had heard, they were going to move over the mountains and set up on the other side. That would bring them uncomfortably close to Rivendell.
~*~*~*
"Step step, swing counter. Step step step thrust, backstep sideswing. One two thrust parry. Counter, step step."
Legolas and Tylendal watched as the Weapons Master drilled the young Elflings in one of the many routines they will learn.
"Remember when that was us? Having to listen to him bawl orders all the time. I honestly think he is more suited for my father's army." Legolas said, grinning at his friend.
"Aye, and forget not the hours spent learning the nuances of battle," Tylendal replied with the ghost of a smile.
The Elflings had by now been thoroughly worn, and were leaning on their practice blades and gasping for breath.
"Very well, take a breather. Prince Legolas, why don't you and Tylendal show these young ones the true meaning of a well rehearsed battle?" The Weapons master called, and the Elflings eagerly faced their prince and his friend. The skills of Legolas were a source of awe to the young ones. None had seen Tylendal fight, so he was not as endowed with admiration, which suited him.
Legolas sighed at the hopeful looks the children sent him, and didn't miss the sly look in the Weapon Master's eyes. The prince drew his two bow knives, and Tylendal responded with his twin short swords.
Legolas smiled, he and Tylendal will put on a show for the Elflings. The two friends had often dueled each other, and knew the other's moves perfectly. They could fight a marvelous battle and never injure the other.
They stood a few paces apart, and almost immediately Legolas went into a half crouch, circling sideways for a moment. Tylendal had been gone on patrol for many weeks, and had been with some of Mirkwood's finest warriors. Though the stoic Elf was not a brilliant fighter, the reason he was in the patrols that went south was because of his stealth. He was only above average, and did not possess those marvelous talents and awareness that made other warriors qualified to go on the southern patrols, but he was able to go where those great fighters couldn't. He could slip in unnoticed almost right up to an enemy's camp, or scout a safe path or track a difficult enemy. He often was full of surprises on how he could find what he wished and how silent he could go.
So, while on those trips, he may have picked up one or two new tactics to use during battle.
Legolas stepped carefully to Tylendal's left, knowing the other Elf was better with his right hand than his left. Tylendal obligingly turned and faced him, whirling his swords expertly, narrowing his hazel eyes at the Elven prince across from him.
He assessed the other's posture and stance, and saw that he would come in midrange with one knife and low with the other. The first he could block easily, and the second, so he waited for the attack.
Sure enough, a flicker in the prince's light blue eyes told Tylendal he was preparing to attack. As Legolas launched into movement, Tylendal put a counter out that should disrupt the prince's move and throw him off balance. Tylendal had indeed learned a lot in his time out south. One handy fact was being able to tell how or where an enemy will attack by the way he stood or by some other small, subtle sign.
Spotting one of the signs, Tylendal leaped back and then up as Legolas slashed first one and then the other of his blades at the other Elf's knees. Legolas knew Tylendal would be able to block any attack he threw, and he the same, so didn't worry about going easy or laying back.
Tylendal saw Legolas lean on his left leg, transferring his weight onto the ball of his foot. Sure signs that he was going to strike shoulder level with his right.
Legolas threw a hefty blow to Tylendal's shoulder with his right blade, knowing this move always put the other Elf off, since he wasn't as good with his left hand as he was with his right and he would have to use his left hand to block.
But a surprise was in for him when Tylendal pulled one of the moves he had learned south. One of the veteran warriors had noticed Tylendal's awkwardness with his left hand, and had showed him how to counter that.
Tylendal dropped into a kneel, raising both of his blades to intercept Legolas's, and crossed them at the hilts to trap the knife. The trick to this move was to avoid his opponent's other blade, which could deal some important damage during this vulnerable stance.
And, indeed, Legolas brought his second knife around. Tylendal leaped back, releasing the knife from its trapped position. They broke apart and Legolas eyed his friend. So much had changed indeed! Tylendal had found or been taught counters to moves that would normally have stumped him, and he fought with a single-minded determination. He seemed so indifferent and cold during the their fighting that it unnerved Legolas. How can anyone be that detached during a fight?
A glance at the Elflings showed that they did not notice, but were over awed at the display of workmanship and skill.
No more time to think, as Tylendal drove in with a double slash with both swords.
Legolas pulled a new move to finish the battle. He leaped right at Tylendal, whipping left and then whirling his sword over his head to bring it crashing down onto Tylendal's right sword.
Both blades clattered to the ground, leaving the combatants with one blade each. Tylendal performed the same move to Legolas, and their other blades crossed. It was a draw; they could not defeat each other in that stance unless they went physical without weapons, which was not the lesson for the Elflings today.
So they separated and bowed to each other, collecting and sheathing their blades. The Elflings cheered as the Weapons Master got them back into pairs to continue their lessons.
Legolas and Tylendal left the fields in silence. Legolas was a bit nervous about his friend. Having fought him and seen the deadly accuracy and cold indifference his friend had displayed during that rather short duel had unnerved him greatly, and he did not wish it to be so.
He turned to say something, anything, to Tylendal, but the Elf smiled, and cut him off.
"A busy night, have I. See you in the morning I will." And with that he left before Legolas could comment on his actions earlier.
~*~*~*
Legolas walked through the halls, disturbed about the change in Tylendal. The source of those changes was undoubtedly the patrols into the dangerous south. Nothing else explained it.
His friend was changing. That alone worried Legolas. What was it doing to other Elf patrols? If the darkness could affect someone as stoic as Tylendal, it must be bad. Legolas shook his head. Dark tidings had been going on for many weeks now. More Elves were being called in to go out on patrols.
A servant running up and informing him his father wished to see him interrupted Legolas from his thoughts.
~*~*~*
"Legolas, we need to send an urgent message to the Lord Elrond. The orcs are not just massing here in greater numbers, but also in the mountains that borders Rivendell. They do not know it, but we can warn them in time before the creatures grow too large in numbers." Thranduil watched his son's reaction. Legolas was friends with many of the Elves in Rivendell and was a regular visitor there.
"We thought you would be the best to take it."
~*~*~*
Thanks to all reviewers, sorry this chapter is a bit short!
Ebony Falcon: Thanks for your review! Hope you enjoy this chapter as well!
Falconflies: lol, yes. Thanks a lot!
Quellemorgul: Thanks a bunch, and here's a new chapter for you!
Itrarilde-elenastar: *blushes * Why, thank you! I'm glad you like my stories so much. Lol, thanks a lot!
Leggylover03: Here's another chapter, hope you like!
Cherryfaerie: Thanks a lot!
Lomiothiel: lol, thank you!
Sorry if I forgot anyone. I truly do not know what to say to my reviewers, Lol! I keep repeating the same stuff! Thanks and I hope you review some more!