Disclaimer: I don't own anything, though I do want my own Legolas very
much..
Please, please review. The more reviews I got the fast I will post, since I spent the past weekend writing and have a rough draft of the next few chapters done. They only needed to be refined a little before posting and review are my fuel =) Felt kind of bad for neglecting Lucien though .
This chapter is kind of more light-hearted than the others. I was having a very good day. Even thinking of doing an unoriginal humor piece on Aragorn/Legolas.
Okay, no more babbling for the next few chapters. except in the story of course.
************************************************************************
Chapter 3: Boys and Feet
It was well past mid-day when Estel finally woke from his slumber. He yawned and sat up, stretching his back and arms. He had never felt so refreshed from a night's rest before. He knew he had Shadow to thank for that. His new mentor had done for him in one night what none in Rivendell could in ten years, helping him break the curse of his nightmares. Perhaps Shadow could work another miracle and help a hopeless klutz become a competent warrior.
He tried to rise and noticed immediately his aching feet. The splinters were still in them. He looked around him for tools he could use to remove the wood chips but found none. His new mentor was also nowhere in sight. Estel decided he would wait for the elf to return before taking action against the offending splinters.
But after an hour and a half, Estel was so bored that he decided to try to remove the bigger splinters with his fingers. There was not much to see in his mentor's Spartan cave and the boy had surveyed every corner of it over twenty times already from his bed. There was a small fireplace, which was likely used for both illumination and cooking. Some jars and bowls were neatly arranged on a rock shelf in the wall of the cave opposite him. A large wooden chest lay deeper inside the cave, no doubt holding whatever little possessions Shadow had.
While the birds were chirping merrily outside in the bright afternoon sun, the cave was dim and quiet. He could not understand how his mentor could live here. Elves were creatures of the forest; they found the dark confinements of caves very distasteful. At this moment, Estel agreed completely with the elves. The dim light had made his task a lot more difficult as he could barely see the splinters.
"Ouch," the boy wrinkled his brows as he missed when grabbing a particular large splinter and pushed in deeper into his foot.
"You really should not do that in this light, little one. You will make it worse," commented an amused Legolas standing at the cave entrance.
"I am not little. I will be sixteen in two months," Estel retorted.
As the elf entered, Estel could see that he was carrying a number of large sacks on his shoulder. Curiosity piqued, the boy asked, "What are those? Where did you get them?"
"I went to Bree to get some things that you will need for your training." Legolas said as he laid down the sacks and started searching through one of them.
He found a beige cotton shirt, underpants and a pair of brown breeches and threw them at the boy. Caught off guard, Estel could not catch the clothes, which landed on his head, covering his face.
"I think those are not suppose to go on your head, my boy. We could not have you running around the forest naked with only your face covered." said Legolas laughing as he turned to give the boy privacy to put on his new clothes.
Unable to think of a worthy retort, Estel pouted and pulled the shirt over his head without much difficulty. He had more trouble with his underpants and breeches though; it was difficult to put them on while sitting. But after a few minutes, he was finally dressed. Estel stretched his arms and legs, surprised at how well his clothes fit. The elven robes he wore before was very fine, but they were very restricting. His new outfit, though simple and worn, did not hinder his movement at all. He could definitely learn to like wearing it.
When the rustling stopped, Legolas knew the boy was clothed. He turned to face him, a loaf of bread and a cake of cheese in one hand and a jug of milk in the other. Estel did not realize how famished he was until he saw the food. He had not eaten in two days. The boy tried not to appear too eager, wanting to show his best manners for Shadow, but he could not stop his stomach from letting out an undignified growl. Estel blushed and cast his eyes down in embarrassment. Shadow laughed, "Good to know you are hungry and like what I got you. At least, that makes the gawks and stares worthwhile." The elf's tone was light-hearted, but Estel could hear the hurt in his voice.
As the realization hit him, Estel could do nothing but stare open-mouthed at the elf. He went into town for me. The people must have stared at him like a monster, but he endured it for me, even when it hurts him. "Shadow, I."
Legolas had a good idea of what the boy wanted to say, but he did not want to hear it. He did not want Estel's gratitude or pity. Knowing that the boy cared for him would only make him hope for something that he knew he could never have. Estel needed a mentor, not a hideous creature who was attracted to him.
"Try to finish the milk, it will not keep. I thought it would be good for you since you are still growing," said Legolas before the boy could finish his sentence. He laid the food in front of the boy and turned away to search through his new acquisitions again.
Why doesn't Shadow want me to thank him? Estel thought as he slowly chew his bread.
Well, it does not matter. If Shadow would not let me say thank you, I will just have to show him with my actions. I will not let his kindness and sacrifices go to waste. The boy smiled as he made his vow as he continued with his meal.
************************************************************************
"Are you ready for your first lesson, young one?" asked Legolas, carrying a small pack on his back.
"Would you stop calling me little or young? I have a name, it is Estel!!" the boy retorted, slightly annoyed.
"Well, I am over 300 times your age, which I believe give me the privilege of addressing you as young or little. Not to mention you are my apprentice," Legolas said reasonably, knowing that it would peeve the boy more.
The elf much preferred an annoyed but proud Estel to the insecure and serious Estel. Legolas had noticed how the boy would forget his self- perceived limitations when he was angry. Instead of belittling himself, which the boy was usually very quick to do, he would stand his ground and fight back. While this was not a quality to be encouraged later on in life, it could be exploited now to draw Estel out of his self-wrought cage. The prince proceeded to scoop the very indignant boy into his arm and carried him out of his lair.
Once outside, the elf set Estel down on the floor gently and said, "Our first lesson today is how to properly treat injured feet. This skill is particularly useful when novice rangers get distracted and misplaced them."
The boy glared at his mentor. Estel would have felt hurt if he were not so angry. Shadow was partially responsible for his injuries!! How could the elf make fun of him like that?
Seemingly oblivious to the boy's mood, Legolas continued, "The feet should first be washed in warm water." The elf pulled out a small basin from his pack and filled it with warm water and placed in front of the boy. "Can you manage that, young one?"
Without a word or breaking his death glare, Estel put his feet into the basin. The warm water was soothing; he could feel his pain ease.
"Feel better? Do you know why?" asked the elf.
When Estel did not answer, Legolas teased, "Come now, little one, can you not even make a guess?"
Estel had had enough. I could not believe I thought him kind and gentle and perfect. Perfect? Doesn't matter now, it was all an act. He is just as cruel as the other elves, no worse, because he made me trust him.
"I don't know!! The water just relaxes my feet. I don't know what you wanted me to say and I don't care. I ..." Estel yelled.
Before he finished his tirade, the elf laughed and said, "You are exactly right. The warmth relaxes your muscles and the water softens your skin. That makes the splinters a lot easier to remove."
Estel was speechless as he continued to stare at the elf; only now the anger in his eyes was replaced by confusion. Legolas moved so that he knelt directly in front of the boy.
Intense sapphire eyes probed deeply into Estel's and as their gazes locked, he said gently, "Estel, you knew the right answer all along; but you held back because you didn't believe in yourself enough. You did not want to try because you fear you might be wrong. But don't you see? If you do not even try, you would never find your answers. Everyone makes mistakes, even elves; and I speak from experience. That is a fact of life. Do not be too hasty to judge yourself just because you are human. You would be surprised of what you could achieve if you would just let go of your doubts and experience life with an open mind."
Shadow released the boy from his gaze and stood as he continued lightheartedly, "Now let's get those feet out of the water before they turned into prunes. That would defeat the entire purpose of our little treatment."
************************************************************************
Estel watched as the elf expertly removed the splinters from his right foot with a small dagger. He was very attentive, trying to memorize the elf's movement so he could imitate it later. Part of his mind kept returning to Shadow's words. He believed in me even when I don't believe in myself. I do not know what he sees in me, but maybe some day, if I try my best at the challenges life gives me, I will see what he does.
The elf now handed Estel the small dagger and asked him to take the splinters out of his other foot. Though not as skilled as Shadow, after an hour, some small deep cuts and occasional advice from his mentor, the boy managed to remove all of them. Though his foot aches worse than it did before, Estel could not help smiling with a small sense of achievement as he finished his task. I managed to do something right on my own and with just one lesson !!
Legolas noted the boy's smile of satisfication and was glad his plan had worked. He saw the renewed determination in Estel's eyes when the young one watched him treat his injuries. As much as he wanted to protect the child from further harm, he knew he must let Estel try it by himself. The elf had hoped that the completion of the task with his own abilities would help the self-effacing boy build more confidence. After this success, the elf knew how he would proceed to train Estel. Legolas would first show him by example and then give the boy the chance to accomplish as much as possible on his own; he would offer advice, not assistance, and only when absolutely needed.
************************************************************************
Shadow then showed the boy various herbs, explaining to him their distinguishing characteristics and functions, where they could be found and how they should be prepared. Estel asked many questions and tried very hard to assimilate all this new information. He could tell his mentor was very pleased with his progress since at the end of the lesson, the elf mage let Estel choose and prepare the herbs he wished to apply to his own feet.
As Legolas watched the boy crushed and mixed the athelas, calendula and plantain that he had chosen for his feet, he smiled and thought, The boy is a natural. He will one day be a great healer as well as warrior.
************************************************************************
The last lesson of the day was the proper technique in binding wounds. As an example, Legolas carefully bind the boy's right foot. When it was Estel's turn to do the same for the other one, he was having a lot of trouble with the bandages. Their previous lessons had taken a long time; the sun was setting. Against the dying light, Estel could barely see what the elf did, least say repeat it on his left foot. After a long time and many suggestions from his mentor, the boy finally managed to encase his entire foot in a large wad of bandages. When he finished, the elf carried him back into the cave and laid him down on the bed before beginning to make a fire.
By the light of the fire, Estel could see how bad his bandaging skills were; his left foot was now much larger than his right. As he stared at his foot, he could not help chastising himself for ending what would have been a wonderful day with such a blunder. But before Estel could conclude that he was a failure, Shadow interrupted his thoughts.
************************************************************************
Legolas had been watching Estel stare at his left foot for a while now. He knew that despite his successes in all the other lessons, the boy was condemning himself as a failure again based on that one small gaffe. The elf was not about to let that happen.
"I like boys with big feet. I think I will redo the binding on your right foot," said Legolas, smiling mischievously as he approached Estel, bandages in hand.
Realizing Shadow's intentions, the boy tried to move away from the elf, but barely had time to let out an indignant cry before being tackled. For over half an hour, merry laughter filled the cave as the two engaged in their mock battle. The fight ended as its participants lay laughing helplessly on the floor, staring at Estel's feet, which were much larger than they were before.
***********************************************************************
NOTE : In case people were wondering about the herbs, athelas was from LOTR, it doesn't really exist as far as my knowledge goes. Calendula and plantain were actually ingredients of a healing salve for broken skins and wounds. The flowers of Calendula, aka Marigold, act as antiseptic and pain/swelling reliever. Plantain leaves are a mild astringent, which cools the wounded area and stops minor bleeding. Not bad choices after a first lesson, I dare say!! Way to go, Estel!!
Please, please review. The more reviews I got the fast I will post, since I spent the past weekend writing and have a rough draft of the next few chapters done. They only needed to be refined a little before posting and review are my fuel =) Felt kind of bad for neglecting Lucien though .
This chapter is kind of more light-hearted than the others. I was having a very good day. Even thinking of doing an unoriginal humor piece on Aragorn/Legolas.
Okay, no more babbling for the next few chapters. except in the story of course.
************************************************************************
Chapter 3: Boys and Feet
It was well past mid-day when Estel finally woke from his slumber. He yawned and sat up, stretching his back and arms. He had never felt so refreshed from a night's rest before. He knew he had Shadow to thank for that. His new mentor had done for him in one night what none in Rivendell could in ten years, helping him break the curse of his nightmares. Perhaps Shadow could work another miracle and help a hopeless klutz become a competent warrior.
He tried to rise and noticed immediately his aching feet. The splinters were still in them. He looked around him for tools he could use to remove the wood chips but found none. His new mentor was also nowhere in sight. Estel decided he would wait for the elf to return before taking action against the offending splinters.
But after an hour and a half, Estel was so bored that he decided to try to remove the bigger splinters with his fingers. There was not much to see in his mentor's Spartan cave and the boy had surveyed every corner of it over twenty times already from his bed. There was a small fireplace, which was likely used for both illumination and cooking. Some jars and bowls were neatly arranged on a rock shelf in the wall of the cave opposite him. A large wooden chest lay deeper inside the cave, no doubt holding whatever little possessions Shadow had.
While the birds were chirping merrily outside in the bright afternoon sun, the cave was dim and quiet. He could not understand how his mentor could live here. Elves were creatures of the forest; they found the dark confinements of caves very distasteful. At this moment, Estel agreed completely with the elves. The dim light had made his task a lot more difficult as he could barely see the splinters.
"Ouch," the boy wrinkled his brows as he missed when grabbing a particular large splinter and pushed in deeper into his foot.
"You really should not do that in this light, little one. You will make it worse," commented an amused Legolas standing at the cave entrance.
"I am not little. I will be sixteen in two months," Estel retorted.
As the elf entered, Estel could see that he was carrying a number of large sacks on his shoulder. Curiosity piqued, the boy asked, "What are those? Where did you get them?"
"I went to Bree to get some things that you will need for your training." Legolas said as he laid down the sacks and started searching through one of them.
He found a beige cotton shirt, underpants and a pair of brown breeches and threw them at the boy. Caught off guard, Estel could not catch the clothes, which landed on his head, covering his face.
"I think those are not suppose to go on your head, my boy. We could not have you running around the forest naked with only your face covered." said Legolas laughing as he turned to give the boy privacy to put on his new clothes.
Unable to think of a worthy retort, Estel pouted and pulled the shirt over his head without much difficulty. He had more trouble with his underpants and breeches though; it was difficult to put them on while sitting. But after a few minutes, he was finally dressed. Estel stretched his arms and legs, surprised at how well his clothes fit. The elven robes he wore before was very fine, but they were very restricting. His new outfit, though simple and worn, did not hinder his movement at all. He could definitely learn to like wearing it.
When the rustling stopped, Legolas knew the boy was clothed. He turned to face him, a loaf of bread and a cake of cheese in one hand and a jug of milk in the other. Estel did not realize how famished he was until he saw the food. He had not eaten in two days. The boy tried not to appear too eager, wanting to show his best manners for Shadow, but he could not stop his stomach from letting out an undignified growl. Estel blushed and cast his eyes down in embarrassment. Shadow laughed, "Good to know you are hungry and like what I got you. At least, that makes the gawks and stares worthwhile." The elf's tone was light-hearted, but Estel could hear the hurt in his voice.
As the realization hit him, Estel could do nothing but stare open-mouthed at the elf. He went into town for me. The people must have stared at him like a monster, but he endured it for me, even when it hurts him. "Shadow, I."
Legolas had a good idea of what the boy wanted to say, but he did not want to hear it. He did not want Estel's gratitude or pity. Knowing that the boy cared for him would only make him hope for something that he knew he could never have. Estel needed a mentor, not a hideous creature who was attracted to him.
"Try to finish the milk, it will not keep. I thought it would be good for you since you are still growing," said Legolas before the boy could finish his sentence. He laid the food in front of the boy and turned away to search through his new acquisitions again.
Why doesn't Shadow want me to thank him? Estel thought as he slowly chew his bread.
Well, it does not matter. If Shadow would not let me say thank you, I will just have to show him with my actions. I will not let his kindness and sacrifices go to waste. The boy smiled as he made his vow as he continued with his meal.
************************************************************************
"Are you ready for your first lesson, young one?" asked Legolas, carrying a small pack on his back.
"Would you stop calling me little or young? I have a name, it is Estel!!" the boy retorted, slightly annoyed.
"Well, I am over 300 times your age, which I believe give me the privilege of addressing you as young or little. Not to mention you are my apprentice," Legolas said reasonably, knowing that it would peeve the boy more.
The elf much preferred an annoyed but proud Estel to the insecure and serious Estel. Legolas had noticed how the boy would forget his self- perceived limitations when he was angry. Instead of belittling himself, which the boy was usually very quick to do, he would stand his ground and fight back. While this was not a quality to be encouraged later on in life, it could be exploited now to draw Estel out of his self-wrought cage. The prince proceeded to scoop the very indignant boy into his arm and carried him out of his lair.
Once outside, the elf set Estel down on the floor gently and said, "Our first lesson today is how to properly treat injured feet. This skill is particularly useful when novice rangers get distracted and misplaced them."
The boy glared at his mentor. Estel would have felt hurt if he were not so angry. Shadow was partially responsible for his injuries!! How could the elf make fun of him like that?
Seemingly oblivious to the boy's mood, Legolas continued, "The feet should first be washed in warm water." The elf pulled out a small basin from his pack and filled it with warm water and placed in front of the boy. "Can you manage that, young one?"
Without a word or breaking his death glare, Estel put his feet into the basin. The warm water was soothing; he could feel his pain ease.
"Feel better? Do you know why?" asked the elf.
When Estel did not answer, Legolas teased, "Come now, little one, can you not even make a guess?"
Estel had had enough. I could not believe I thought him kind and gentle and perfect. Perfect? Doesn't matter now, it was all an act. He is just as cruel as the other elves, no worse, because he made me trust him.
"I don't know!! The water just relaxes my feet. I don't know what you wanted me to say and I don't care. I ..." Estel yelled.
Before he finished his tirade, the elf laughed and said, "You are exactly right. The warmth relaxes your muscles and the water softens your skin. That makes the splinters a lot easier to remove."
Estel was speechless as he continued to stare at the elf; only now the anger in his eyes was replaced by confusion. Legolas moved so that he knelt directly in front of the boy.
Intense sapphire eyes probed deeply into Estel's and as their gazes locked, he said gently, "Estel, you knew the right answer all along; but you held back because you didn't believe in yourself enough. You did not want to try because you fear you might be wrong. But don't you see? If you do not even try, you would never find your answers. Everyone makes mistakes, even elves; and I speak from experience. That is a fact of life. Do not be too hasty to judge yourself just because you are human. You would be surprised of what you could achieve if you would just let go of your doubts and experience life with an open mind."
Shadow released the boy from his gaze and stood as he continued lightheartedly, "Now let's get those feet out of the water before they turned into prunes. That would defeat the entire purpose of our little treatment."
************************************************************************
Estel watched as the elf expertly removed the splinters from his right foot with a small dagger. He was very attentive, trying to memorize the elf's movement so he could imitate it later. Part of his mind kept returning to Shadow's words. He believed in me even when I don't believe in myself. I do not know what he sees in me, but maybe some day, if I try my best at the challenges life gives me, I will see what he does.
The elf now handed Estel the small dagger and asked him to take the splinters out of his other foot. Though not as skilled as Shadow, after an hour, some small deep cuts and occasional advice from his mentor, the boy managed to remove all of them. Though his foot aches worse than it did before, Estel could not help smiling with a small sense of achievement as he finished his task. I managed to do something right on my own and with just one lesson !!
Legolas noted the boy's smile of satisfication and was glad his plan had worked. He saw the renewed determination in Estel's eyes when the young one watched him treat his injuries. As much as he wanted to protect the child from further harm, he knew he must let Estel try it by himself. The elf had hoped that the completion of the task with his own abilities would help the self-effacing boy build more confidence. After this success, the elf knew how he would proceed to train Estel. Legolas would first show him by example and then give the boy the chance to accomplish as much as possible on his own; he would offer advice, not assistance, and only when absolutely needed.
************************************************************************
Shadow then showed the boy various herbs, explaining to him their distinguishing characteristics and functions, where they could be found and how they should be prepared. Estel asked many questions and tried very hard to assimilate all this new information. He could tell his mentor was very pleased with his progress since at the end of the lesson, the elf mage let Estel choose and prepare the herbs he wished to apply to his own feet.
As Legolas watched the boy crushed and mixed the athelas, calendula and plantain that he had chosen for his feet, he smiled and thought, The boy is a natural. He will one day be a great healer as well as warrior.
************************************************************************
The last lesson of the day was the proper technique in binding wounds. As an example, Legolas carefully bind the boy's right foot. When it was Estel's turn to do the same for the other one, he was having a lot of trouble with the bandages. Their previous lessons had taken a long time; the sun was setting. Against the dying light, Estel could barely see what the elf did, least say repeat it on his left foot. After a long time and many suggestions from his mentor, the boy finally managed to encase his entire foot in a large wad of bandages. When he finished, the elf carried him back into the cave and laid him down on the bed before beginning to make a fire.
By the light of the fire, Estel could see how bad his bandaging skills were; his left foot was now much larger than his right. As he stared at his foot, he could not help chastising himself for ending what would have been a wonderful day with such a blunder. But before Estel could conclude that he was a failure, Shadow interrupted his thoughts.
************************************************************************
Legolas had been watching Estel stare at his left foot for a while now. He knew that despite his successes in all the other lessons, the boy was condemning himself as a failure again based on that one small gaffe. The elf was not about to let that happen.
"I like boys with big feet. I think I will redo the binding on your right foot," said Legolas, smiling mischievously as he approached Estel, bandages in hand.
Realizing Shadow's intentions, the boy tried to move away from the elf, but barely had time to let out an indignant cry before being tackled. For over half an hour, merry laughter filled the cave as the two engaged in their mock battle. The fight ended as its participants lay laughing helplessly on the floor, staring at Estel's feet, which were much larger than they were before.
***********************************************************************
NOTE : In case people were wondering about the herbs, athelas was from LOTR, it doesn't really exist as far as my knowledge goes. Calendula and plantain were actually ingredients of a healing salve for broken skins and wounds. The flowers of Calendula, aka Marigold, act as antiseptic and pain/swelling reliever. Plantain leaves are a mild astringent, which cools the wounded area and stops minor bleeding. Not bad choices after a first lesson, I dare say!! Way to go, Estel!!