Author's Note: This is now officially the longest story I have written to date, and with no ending in sight right now, it is indeed going to be a epic piece. I am hoping to see my 100th review soon! Thank you very much for your support and I hope you enjoy this newest chapter!
As usual, please review!!
Chapter 14: The First Lesson
The fire burned brightly, illuminating the branches of the surrounding trees. Beyond the reach of light, the forest looked cold, dangerous and uninviting. This was the first time Legolas had ever thought the forest to be a dangerous place, however he had many reasons to second guess anything around him.
Especially his new guide.
Ranger sat by the fire, with Legolas sitting further back, but still within the flame's heat.
The young Elf sat there sizing up this person he had gone with. When Ranger had left Legolas' line of vision, something compelled him to follow. He could always run away while this man slept, he was just a mortal, after all. This man always seemed on his guard, always listening. His posture suggested he was well trained and in very good shape. He did not slouch next to the fire. The only part of him that was not blending into the darkness surrounding him was a single silver hoop he wore in his ear. Other then that, his black clothes and hair made him all but disappear.
"You can come closer, young one, I'm going to hurt you." Ranger glanced at him over his shoulder.
Legolas was still unsure, but the fire was very welcoming, so he decided to take a chance and sit closer and gain some heat. The fall night air had a bite to it, and Legolas knew he would never be able to relax if he continued to stay far away from the warmth.
As time passed, the man rise and retrieved something from his pack and then returned to his seat. He took out some feathers, string and pieces of straight wood and went to work. After a few moments, his childish curiosity got the best of Legolas.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm fletching. I am making arrows. There has been much fighting and I am low. I also find it calming."
The Elf Prince reached over to the pile of newly constructed arrows and picked one up to inspect it. Its construction was very solid. Its sleek form was very much like himself, he thought, thin, sleek and balanced, but strong and deadly. He touched the tip of the arrowhead and pieced his delicate finger. A small point of blood appeared.
"You have very fine hands, you will need to build some calluses if you wish to handle arrows." Ranger said without looking up.
Legolas held the arrow up. He looked upon it, it's image surrounded by the fire behind it. The flashes of firelight reflected off the sharp tip.
This was his weapon. He knew that with as sure as he knew the dawn would rise again. He would use it to strike terror in those who would do evil. He would use it to seek his revenge against those would destroy him or his kind. He felt his destiny lied with the light and deceptively weak object he held in his hand.
"You shall begin training tomorrow, for you have much to learn. You also feel you have much to prove, I can sense it."
Legolas looked over at the man.
"Why are you willing to help me? What do you expect from me in return?"
Ranger looked up and smiled slightly, so subtle that only the sharp eyes of an Elf would be able to detect it.
"Because long ago, someone once helped me. In return I know you shall help others for all eternity, Elf. By helping you, maybe something of my teaching can outlast with withering hand of mortality."
The Elf stared at the man, letting his words sink in. In that moment, suddenly, all doubt about his intentions disappeared.
Ranger continued, "I know you have a long story, little one."
"Legolas."
"Legolas." Ranger again smiled at this small showing of trust. "I know you will tell me when you are ready. If you were living with your race, you would have already begun your training as a warrior. You will have to cope with my training you for now."
Legolas nodded.
"I begin with combat rule number one and that is: Never let this," The man tapped on Legolas' chest above his heart, "Have complete control over this." He tapped the Elf's forehead. "Letting your emotions alone control you is the sure path to doom. Do you understand?"
"Yes."
"Good, now get some sleep. You are obviously exhausted and an Elf child should sleep on a regular basis. You have some serious growing to do." Ranger walked off, preparing to keep watch for the night.
Legolas continued to sit with the arrow in his hand. Having it near him made him feel more comfortable, less afraid of the beings that creep in the dark woods at night.
Suddenly, the arrow was ripped out of his hand and thrown into the fire.
"Do not get attached to any piece of weaponry. The power does not come from that." Ranger gestured towards the burning arrow, "The power comes from you. You may find your representation through the bow and arrow, and I know they will be your weapon of choice, however, once you fire that one arrow, it's story is concluded. Your story must contain more. You must be more than any material object. Stronger than any weapon your will ever wield."
As Ranger walked off once more, Legolas found that the strength he had felt when he had held the arrow remained with him.
The power was forming, the power to create a warrior.