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Chapter Three
Legolas blinked at his father, disbelief evident on his face. Thranduil expected him to ride to Rivendell to deliver the warning while avoiding the massed orcs? That was very risky business.
"I'll do it."
~*~*~*
Legolas threw the last pack over his horse's back. He glanced around, but didn't spot Tylendal. He desired to speak with Tylendal. He was worried. Spotting Lorinthel, he moved over.
"What may I help you with, my Prince?" Lorinthel asked. Legolas blinked at him, before getting to the subject.
"Where is Tylendal? I was hoping to see him before I leave." The Elven prince replied, looking over the busy Elves.
"Tylendal went out on patrol. Didn't he tell you he had to today?" The older Elf asked. Legolas cursed inwardly. That was right. Tylendal did tell him. With a nod to the other Elf Legolas walked back to his horse.
Tylendal left? Legolas remembered now. But still, why did he leave without coming by? Legolas was going on a dangerous trip that was at great risk to his life, what with all the orcs about. And also Tylendal was going south, and he could easily get killed there. With a shake of his head, Legolas went to find his father.
~*~*~*
Thranduil watched as Elves set about their business, brow furrowed in concern. He did not want to send Legolas out, but his son was the best choice. But he was worried. There were orcs out there in the mountains and the forest. Great numbers of them.
"Father?"
Thranduil turned to see his son standing a few feet behind him, head cocked in a way that reminded the King profoundly of his wife. A pang of remembered grief and pain shot through him, but he stifled it. Now was not the time to be thinking of that.
"Yes, Legolas?" Thranduil replied, watching his son.
"Father, I'm about ready to leave. Is there anything else you wish me to do before I depart?" Thranduil smiled. His son had really grown up. When he was a child, he had been so sweet. And so mischievous. Now, he had never lost that innocence and still had that streak of mischief.
"Nay. Here is the message, you should probably learn it verbally as well." Thranduil handed Legolas the letter that he had just finished writing. Legolas took it, bowed formally to his father, before embracing Thranduil and leaving.
Thranduil watched his son go with great trepidation. This trip would not be easy. That much was for sure. Thranduil felt the darkness that was covering his beloved forest, he knew Legolas would have a hard, and probably dangerous, journey ahead of him.
~*~*~*
Legolas tucked the message within his tunic, mounted his horse and rode away.
~*~*~*
The mighty horse carried his rider with ease. Trained well, and very intelligent, the horse was the best steed to be offered. Legolas, holding tight to the stallion's back, felt insignificant. Like a clinging leaf.
The wind had freshened, sending whirling white clouds across the sky with every fitful gust. Each blast was cold against Legolas's skin, though he did not feel the cold as mortals might.
He suddenly heard hoof beats to his left. They were faint, but they were definitely the hooves of a horse. Not trusting anyone about, Legolas urged his horse faster.
He stopped for the night at the edge of a forest, and he had not heard the hoof beats anymore. Hoping that was a good sign, Legolas loosed his horse to graze and settled down to sleep.
~*~*~*
He was awakened by his horse's neigh. It did not sound frightened, but he was nervous. He sat up and saw his horse standing near another. The Elf stood and walked over. His own magnificent grey steed was larger than the smaller brown one. And the strange horse had reins.
"A human animal." Legolas muttered, reaching to take the reins. The horse shied away from him, and he backed off slightly.
"Stille nu, faeste...Hwaet nemnath the?" He whispered soothingly to the horse. ~ Quiet now, steady... What do they call you?~
The brown horse settled down at the Elvish words, and allowed Legolas to take his reins. As soon as Legolas had the reins in his hand the horse began to pull him towards the forest.
"What's the matter?" Legolas asked the horse, and received another jerk on the reins in his hand for answer. Obviously the horse wanted the Elf to follow him, and so Legolas walked along beside.
He was led into the forest a little ways, until he saw a glow of fire in the near distance. Legolas immediately stopped, and braced himself as the horse tugged on the reins.
"Where are you taking me and why?" Legolas asked the horse. He did not know why he asked, as he would not be answered. He released the horse's reins and moved forwards slowly, creeping up on the glow.
A man lay by the fire, slumped at the ground and unmoving. The horse trotted over the ground to stand over the man with a fierce loyalty that surprised the Elf. Human steeds did not do that often.
Legolas walked the rest of the way and knelt by the man's side. He had a horrid wound across his chest, and his breathing was shallow. Legolas knew there would be no chance to save him.
The horse rumbled in its broad chest and nudged the man's arm with its nose. With a shuddering breath, the man's eyes opened. He saw Legolas kneeling over him, and jerked suddenly.
"An Elf." He rasped. "They did not employ Elves before. Or have you nothing to do with this?" He fell back coughing, and Legolas sat back on his heels.
"There is no way I am connected to this. Your horse has led me here. What has befallen you?" Legolas asked, cocking his head.
"Bandits on the road. If you can be trusted, and as an Elf I believe you can, I will tell you why. I also ask a favor." The man eyed him weakly; his breath coming in short gasps.
"Let me hear you out, then I will decide if I will grant it." The Elf replied. The man nodded, as it was an answer he had expected.
"I have heard little about your race. Indeed, only tales and stories. I have an important message for one of my compatriots. It tells of an ancient dwarven treasure and gives directions. The bandits wish to have it." The man erupted into a coughing fit, and it was a few moments before he could continue. "They ambushed me trying to get it. I wish you to take it to the small town not far from here, hidden in the mountains. Will you do this?" He choked a bit, before recovering quickly. Legolas shook his head, not in denial, but in shock. All of this over treasure? Why was he always getting caught up in that kind of thing?
But the man considered it important, so Legolas might as well do it. He could warn this town of the orc threat while he was there. The small, reasonable voice in his head told him not to get involved in this, his own mission was risky enough. But Legolas resolutely stuck to the fact that the town was on the way to Rivendell and he had to take the opportunity to warn them as well.
"Very well. Who do I take it too and how can I find him?" Legolas asked.
"My thanks. Take to a man named Theido. Our scheduled meeting place was an inn called Exile's Gate. The name has nothing to do with the sort of people there. They do not care what you are or who you are." The man reached into his tunic and withdrew a rumpled parchment, and handed it reverently to the Elf. Legolas took it.
"Take my horse as well. Stable it in view of the street. Theido will see it and know the message is there. Now go! For I fear the ones who wounded me are still hunting." The man waved Legolas towards his horse, standing at the edge of the fire's light.
Legolas paused as he stood. "May I have your name?" He asked. It could be helpful in dealing with this Theido.
The man coughed, and smiled tiredly. "My name is Ronsard."
~*~*~*
Legolas rode hard that night, wanting to get away from the immediate area the human...Ronsard...was in. The bandits that had wounded him were still about; Legolas had seen their fires over the hills to the west of the forest.
Legolas reached the small town later that night. He rode until he found the inn named Exile's Gate. He had dismounted and was about to stable the horses when he saw a cloaked form watching him.
The man walked up to him, and Legolas stood tensed and ready.
But instead of attacking, the man looked at him and spoke. "I am Theido. Where is Ronsard and why do you have his horse?" As he spoke the man leveled a sword at him.
~*~*~*
Thanks to all reviewers!
Elvish translations:
"Stille nu, faeste...Hwaet nemnath the?" - Quiet now, steady... What do they call you?
~*~*~*
Cherryfaerie: I wouldn't kill my own character! Hurt him, yes. Lol, no worries about him dying though. Thanks for your review!
Lomiothiel: Nice name. Thanks for your review! Thanks for the comment on my fighting scenes. Lots of people say I should do Helms Deep, and I'm considering it.
Leggylover: I was hoping to get to the point in this chapter. And Legolas is a better fighter. He just was taken aback by surprise. You'll get plenty of Legolas fighting soon. I already have the battles planned and some written! Lol, thanks for your review.
Leggylover03: I'm not sure when Aragorn will appear. Probably when Legolas reaches Rivendell. Thanks a lot!
Colacookiecarter: Love the name! Lol, thanks for your review!
Itarilde-elenastar: lol! I understand what some people mean by *interesting * Thanks for your review and here's another chapter!
Chapter Three
Legolas blinked at his father, disbelief evident on his face. Thranduil expected him to ride to Rivendell to deliver the warning while avoiding the massed orcs? That was very risky business.
"I'll do it."
~*~*~*
Legolas threw the last pack over his horse's back. He glanced around, but didn't spot Tylendal. He desired to speak with Tylendal. He was worried. Spotting Lorinthel, he moved over.
"What may I help you with, my Prince?" Lorinthel asked. Legolas blinked at him, before getting to the subject.
"Where is Tylendal? I was hoping to see him before I leave." The Elven prince replied, looking over the busy Elves.
"Tylendal went out on patrol. Didn't he tell you he had to today?" The older Elf asked. Legolas cursed inwardly. That was right. Tylendal did tell him. With a nod to the other Elf Legolas walked back to his horse.
Tylendal left? Legolas remembered now. But still, why did he leave without coming by? Legolas was going on a dangerous trip that was at great risk to his life, what with all the orcs about. And also Tylendal was going south, and he could easily get killed there. With a shake of his head, Legolas went to find his father.
~*~*~*
Thranduil watched as Elves set about their business, brow furrowed in concern. He did not want to send Legolas out, but his son was the best choice. But he was worried. There were orcs out there in the mountains and the forest. Great numbers of them.
"Father?"
Thranduil turned to see his son standing a few feet behind him, head cocked in a way that reminded the King profoundly of his wife. A pang of remembered grief and pain shot through him, but he stifled it. Now was not the time to be thinking of that.
"Yes, Legolas?" Thranduil replied, watching his son.
"Father, I'm about ready to leave. Is there anything else you wish me to do before I depart?" Thranduil smiled. His son had really grown up. When he was a child, he had been so sweet. And so mischievous. Now, he had never lost that innocence and still had that streak of mischief.
"Nay. Here is the message, you should probably learn it verbally as well." Thranduil handed Legolas the letter that he had just finished writing. Legolas took it, bowed formally to his father, before embracing Thranduil and leaving.
Thranduil watched his son go with great trepidation. This trip would not be easy. That much was for sure. Thranduil felt the darkness that was covering his beloved forest, he knew Legolas would have a hard, and probably dangerous, journey ahead of him.
~*~*~*
Legolas tucked the message within his tunic, mounted his horse and rode away.
~*~*~*
The mighty horse carried his rider with ease. Trained well, and very intelligent, the horse was the best steed to be offered. Legolas, holding tight to the stallion's back, felt insignificant. Like a clinging leaf.
The wind had freshened, sending whirling white clouds across the sky with every fitful gust. Each blast was cold against Legolas's skin, though he did not feel the cold as mortals might.
He suddenly heard hoof beats to his left. They were faint, but they were definitely the hooves of a horse. Not trusting anyone about, Legolas urged his horse faster.
He stopped for the night at the edge of a forest, and he had not heard the hoof beats anymore. Hoping that was a good sign, Legolas loosed his horse to graze and settled down to sleep.
~*~*~*
He was awakened by his horse's neigh. It did not sound frightened, but he was nervous. He sat up and saw his horse standing near another. The Elf stood and walked over. His own magnificent grey steed was larger than the smaller brown one. And the strange horse had reins.
"A human animal." Legolas muttered, reaching to take the reins. The horse shied away from him, and he backed off slightly.
"Stille nu, faeste...Hwaet nemnath the?" He whispered soothingly to the horse. ~ Quiet now, steady... What do they call you?~
The brown horse settled down at the Elvish words, and allowed Legolas to take his reins. As soon as Legolas had the reins in his hand the horse began to pull him towards the forest.
"What's the matter?" Legolas asked the horse, and received another jerk on the reins in his hand for answer. Obviously the horse wanted the Elf to follow him, and so Legolas walked along beside.
He was led into the forest a little ways, until he saw a glow of fire in the near distance. Legolas immediately stopped, and braced himself as the horse tugged on the reins.
"Where are you taking me and why?" Legolas asked the horse. He did not know why he asked, as he would not be answered. He released the horse's reins and moved forwards slowly, creeping up on the glow.
A man lay by the fire, slumped at the ground and unmoving. The horse trotted over the ground to stand over the man with a fierce loyalty that surprised the Elf. Human steeds did not do that often.
Legolas walked the rest of the way and knelt by the man's side. He had a horrid wound across his chest, and his breathing was shallow. Legolas knew there would be no chance to save him.
The horse rumbled in its broad chest and nudged the man's arm with its nose. With a shuddering breath, the man's eyes opened. He saw Legolas kneeling over him, and jerked suddenly.
"An Elf." He rasped. "They did not employ Elves before. Or have you nothing to do with this?" He fell back coughing, and Legolas sat back on his heels.
"There is no way I am connected to this. Your horse has led me here. What has befallen you?" Legolas asked, cocking his head.
"Bandits on the road. If you can be trusted, and as an Elf I believe you can, I will tell you why. I also ask a favor." The man eyed him weakly; his breath coming in short gasps.
"Let me hear you out, then I will decide if I will grant it." The Elf replied. The man nodded, as it was an answer he had expected.
"I have heard little about your race. Indeed, only tales and stories. I have an important message for one of my compatriots. It tells of an ancient dwarven treasure and gives directions. The bandits wish to have it." The man erupted into a coughing fit, and it was a few moments before he could continue. "They ambushed me trying to get it. I wish you to take it to the small town not far from here, hidden in the mountains. Will you do this?" He choked a bit, before recovering quickly. Legolas shook his head, not in denial, but in shock. All of this over treasure? Why was he always getting caught up in that kind of thing?
But the man considered it important, so Legolas might as well do it. He could warn this town of the orc threat while he was there. The small, reasonable voice in his head told him not to get involved in this, his own mission was risky enough. But Legolas resolutely stuck to the fact that the town was on the way to Rivendell and he had to take the opportunity to warn them as well.
"Very well. Who do I take it too and how can I find him?" Legolas asked.
"My thanks. Take to a man named Theido. Our scheduled meeting place was an inn called Exile's Gate. The name has nothing to do with the sort of people there. They do not care what you are or who you are." The man reached into his tunic and withdrew a rumpled parchment, and handed it reverently to the Elf. Legolas took it.
"Take my horse as well. Stable it in view of the street. Theido will see it and know the message is there. Now go! For I fear the ones who wounded me are still hunting." The man waved Legolas towards his horse, standing at the edge of the fire's light.
Legolas paused as he stood. "May I have your name?" He asked. It could be helpful in dealing with this Theido.
The man coughed, and smiled tiredly. "My name is Ronsard."
~*~*~*
Legolas rode hard that night, wanting to get away from the immediate area the human...Ronsard...was in. The bandits that had wounded him were still about; Legolas had seen their fires over the hills to the west of the forest.
Legolas reached the small town later that night. He rode until he found the inn named Exile's Gate. He had dismounted and was about to stable the horses when he saw a cloaked form watching him.
The man walked up to him, and Legolas stood tensed and ready.
But instead of attacking, the man looked at him and spoke. "I am Theido. Where is Ronsard and why do you have his horse?" As he spoke the man leveled a sword at him.
~*~*~*
Thanks to all reviewers!
Elvish translations:
"Stille nu, faeste...Hwaet nemnath the?" - Quiet now, steady... What do they call you?
~*~*~*
Cherryfaerie: I wouldn't kill my own character! Hurt him, yes. Lol, no worries about him dying though. Thanks for your review!
Lomiothiel: Nice name. Thanks for your review! Thanks for the comment on my fighting scenes. Lots of people say I should do Helms Deep, and I'm considering it.
Leggylover: I was hoping to get to the point in this chapter. And Legolas is a better fighter. He just was taken aback by surprise. You'll get plenty of Legolas fighting soon. I already have the battles planned and some written! Lol, thanks for your review.
Leggylover03: I'm not sure when Aragorn will appear. Probably when Legolas reaches Rivendell. Thanks a lot!
Colacookiecarter: Love the name! Lol, thanks for your review!
Itarilde-elenastar: lol! I understand what some people mean by *interesting * Thanks for your review and here's another chapter!