Author's Note: After the snow we've had here yesterday, I'm glad to be indoors writing this chapter. Thank you for all the reviews and I look forward to more. They really do make my day, each and every one! Thank you so much!
Chapter 5: Progressions
"So, you have returned. I thought you might have fled. I was about to send out search parties to bring you back."
"We serve the ruler of Mirkwood, Kayrel. We do not abandon our duties."
"Very well, Shierra. Just remember with whom your duties now lie."
"We will, Lord." She bowed slightly and the trio turned to leave together.
"Stay a moment, Shierra. Alone."
She stood there, in front of the former captain of Mirkwood now self-declared ruler. She could not believe how much he had changed. His eyes were now dark and empty and his appearance slightly unkept. Perhaps paranoia surrounding his new subject's loyalty kept him from finding any rest since he took over leadership responsibilities.
"I would ask something of you, Shierra. I would also command you not to repeat what I say to any Elf."
"I will obey." She felt no need to truly obey him, but she thought it too dangerous to test his limits at this moment.
"When did you last see the Prince?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Legolas! When did you last see Legolas?"
Understanding now came into light. He feared that the young prince more than she originally had thought. Perhaps he was more intelligent than he looked. She was now thankful they did get him out and into hiding far away.
"I last saw him when I put him to bed the night of the fire." Her love for Legolas far outweighed any feelings she had for the Elf standing in front of her. She felt no guilt in lying to him, so she eyes remained focused without a hint of her deception.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, Kayrel. I am sure. I miss him a great deal already. He must have been so scared before the end."
"You do not sound like someone who is grieving after losing someone so dear."
"I have spent these last days making peace with it in the wood. Nature has helped me deal with the wound. I am now able to return, to look upon the ash of the palace and not be devastated by it."
"So, you believe he has passed in to the Halls?"
"That is what I believe."
"Thank you, you may leave now."
She gave another slight bow and left. The new palace of Mirkwood was under construction and she would again serve the ruler as the head servant of the palace. Unfortunately, with no children no play with, her position would soon grow tedious. Shierra knew that Mirkwood was about to fall into the most difficult times it had ever known. However, everything was not lost. There was hope out there, in the realm of man.
Men marched from one area to another, keeping a pace that seemed unrelenting.
Among the people of the city of Minas Tirith stood one Elf child, alone and frightened. Legolas looked around his new world, hoping to see a face or a landmark that he could recognize from all his studies of other races. Nothing appeared familiar.
He realized he was hungry and began to look for somewhere that might offer a poor child some food. Taking a hint from Shierra, he also raised his hood and hid his ears, thinking that maybe revealing his identity might be a little risky.
He walked until he thought he saw somewhere that wasn't surrounded by large, intimidating men.
When he entered the smoky restaurant, he saw that it was not that crowded. He quietly ventured over to the bar, hoping that he might at least get a glass of water. His throat was very dry, and his nerves were not aiding his thirst.
"Hello there, little one. What are you doing here?"
The Western tongue, he was a little out of practice, but he has learned it during his last encounter with men.
"I would like a glass of water, please." He sat there waiting. Was this person going to help him, or shun him out into the night?
"Sure, little one. I guess that won't be too much trouble." The man handed him a glass and walked away to tend to some customers.
The young Elf took in all his surroundings. Maybe the people thought him a halfling? That might explain was he was only getting glances and not being stared at. He had seen them before, they called themselves Hobbits if he remembered correctly. He remembered how fun they were to watch. The young Elf wanted to see them again someday.
He decided he could not stay here too long. Legolas still did not want to attract attention before getting to know the city and figuring out the people. He needed to know good places to hide and hopefully places to find shelter. Ones not currently lived in, but a perfect size for a young Elf.
He stood up and backed away from the counter, he did not notice the being standing behind him until he ran straight into that person. He slowly turned around and looked up, his awkwardness had placed him in trouble again. A voice finally spoke to him from this human he had just ran into.
"Well, what do we have here?"