Author's Note: The outpouring of feedback and support that I am getting for this work genuinely shocks me. People have been putting this on their favorites list and I feel very honored. I can only express my gratitude by trying to work on this as often as possible and with all my creative forces. Again, thank you so much!
You'll hear it from me here again, please, read and review!
Chapter 13: The Day Dawns
Throughout the forest at the end of one gloomy night the mists rose to greet the coming of the dawn. The graceful deer awoke to leap among the flowers that grew in the fields beyond. The owls retreated to their daytime hissing places. It was the changing of the guard, the turning of the powers from one to another. A ritual that had gone since the sun first rose and would go one until the end of time.
Long past the ending of this age, these simple actions in life would continue.
As the shades of blue and pink began to invade the morning sky, Legolas finally awoke. Having collapsed in the mud during the terrible night, he awoke more filthy then he could ever recall being.
However, the most terrible nights can begin about the most beautiful dawns.
The rain from the night before had given the forest a powerful infusion of new life this morning, and the day promised new hope.
It was this morning that the young Prince wondered down towards the lake to clean up.
As he continued on his journey, the trees spoke to him of someone being nearby. Watching him with curiosity.
He began to feel afraid of what this being could be and what he could want of him. Feeling bold after his night of empowerment, Legolas decided to call out, hoping that a show of bravery would intimidate whatever it was that was watching him.
"I know you are nearby and I would ask you to show yourself and let it be known why you are following me!"
At first there was no reply. Perhaps it would not come into view.
"Are you afraid to come before me?"
"You are bold, young one. You are also a little foolish to challenge that which you cannot see."
The Elf scanned the trees. That voice had come from above, he was sure of it, but he was frustrated that he could not see whatever it was that had spoken to him. He had never come across one that could so easily and confidently hide from him.
"You are the one who is being cowardly! For you hide where I cannot see you!"
"It is also unwise for you to insult your elder, little one. I keep myself from your sight in order to know more about your potential before coming down to face you. Either way, I can see you are no treat to myself."
'How dare he!' Legolas thought to himself.
"So, you think me no threat, stranger!" Legolas stood tall.
Suddenly, a figure jumped down behind him, scaring him nearly half to death, if that term is usable on Elves.
"I know you are no threat. Tell me, what is one so young doing this far in the middle of nowhere by yourself?"
"I need no escort. I may go where I will."
"You mean you have no one who looks after you. Young Elf, this cannot remain to be." The figure walked towards the Elf and Legolas began backing up for he had no ways to defend himself and no weapons to fight with.
The stranger stood tall, wearing black from his hood to his heel. He obviously was a trained fighter, Legolas could tell by the way he walked and the way he was built.
The figure lowered his hood, revealing his identity. A man. Black hair on his head and face revealed his race to the Elf and the Prince knew it was a good idea to keep his true identity secret until this man revealed his intentions.
"My name is Manoso, however most people just call me Ranger. I live in these woods and work to keep lookout for the cities that lie nearby. They count on us to alert them to any danger that may be drawing near and to scout any known forces in the area. Now, tell me about yourself, young one."
Ranger had sworn a code, many years ago. A code that swore him to protect all those in need and lookout for the well-being of all he come into contact with. His sense of duty and honor screamed at him to aid this distressed youth. Even without his honor, Ranger would have helped him anyway for he saw great potential and a great future for the small form that stood in front of him. If he was blind he could see that clearly.
"Why should I trust you?"
Ranger smiled slightly. So, this little Elf was very bold, he liked that. However, it would only work for him for so long before beginning to backfire.
"If I was so inclined, I could have killed you three times before you knew I was there."
Legolas believed him, however, his statement did not bring about trust.
"So, since you have decided to spare me and come and introduce yourself to me that means I should automatically lower all my suspicions? Do you think me that naïve?"
"No. I have learned in my experience to never underestimate an Elf, no matter how young. The fact is you must trust someone eventually. Otherwise, you will not get much farther in this world."
The sun had now risen while they were talking, burning away this morning mists and chill.
"Come. I bet you are hungry. I know by looking at you that you are dirty, and as an Elf, that must bother you to no end. I will take you somewhere where you can get cleaned up and have a moment to relax."
Ranger turned to leave, not once looking back. He knew that if this young Elf was to follow him, he would have to do so on his own will. He would not force this little stranger to come with him, that would not bring about trust very quickly.
Legolas watched Ranger leave into the woods. Life had always brought interesting characters into his life and this one was no exception. To follow, or to try and survive on his own was the question on hand. Some of this Ranger's words bore a glimmer of truth. He would not do well trying to make it on his own. He had no knowledge of these woods, or of what dangers might confront him. Above all, one other fact comes into his mind. All who befriended him had met with misfortune, or an untimely end. He could not bear to bring his cure down upon another person. Was he doomed to forever be alone? This was the time to gamble and hope to dice rolled in his favor.
Ranger was beginning to leave Legolas' line of sight.