Little Annoying Author Note Time! I hate this chapter with a passion. I'm
sick of thinking about it, sick of revising it, and sick of looking at it.
I hate the way I wrote it but that's that. I promise all other chapters
will most definitely be written par to the talent I have and nothing less.
But as for this…I'm stuck with it and as much as I'd like to burn it, the
next bonfire isn't until Christmas. Sorry ya'll. -Aradi
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 3
The next morning was no different than any other. Both Halin and Arien awoke early and left for the market to prepare for another day of business. They had an hour before the market would open and Halin hummed softly to himself and organized his merchandise while Arien was lying in a chair, attempting to catch up on an hour of lost sleep.
"Arien? Where is the money you collected yesterday?"
Arien looked up sleepily and pointed to a small box under the counter.
"Under there."
"Ai, good. Thank you."
"Mmhmm." She replied, yawning, and closing her eyes once more.
"I will never understand why you are always so fatigued in the morning. It is not as if I don't let you sleep long enough."
But before he could answer, they heard yelling followed by the sound of hooves. Both of them looked at each other in confusion before walking outside.
"Leagolas! Leagolas!" a guard called out in their language before yelling in frustration. A smile crept across Halin's face.
"What's going on?" Arien looked up at him with a questioning look.
"The Prince is loose." He laughed to himself. Leaning against the hut, he watched as the figure of a boy appeared running through the market followed by a royal guard on horseback.
Running past Arien and Halin, he skidded to a halt and turned to Halin.
"Halin, help me!"
"Help you? Now why would I do a thing like that?" the look on his face was that of humor and amusement.
"Because…ugh…just because!"
Halin laughed.
"Please, Halin! I won't ask for anything ever again." The Prince looked pleadingly up at him.
"That's what you said last time."
"Halin!" he whined.
"Fine, fine. Get in the hut. And be happy that I can't get in trouble for this."
Legolas gratefully slipped into the hut.
"You there! Halin!" the guard rode up.
"Yes?"
"Have you seen the Prince?"
"Loose again, is he?"
"Yes, yes."
"You should really keep a better eye on that boy. He's clever for his age."
"I'm aware of that now. Have you seen him?"
"He came running up the path not long before you. What's the reason now? Can you not just let him roam for awhile? Boys will be boys. Why not let him have a little fun?"
"I would but his father wants him home with his mother this morning. There's rumor of mortals in the wood once more. Stirring up trouble, they are."
"Nay! There hasn't been trouble in these woods for ten centuries!"
"Ai, that's what I said. But a small band of them have been spotted this morning. All armed with axes and blades. We fear there will be an attack today on our people. Our guards are trying their best to herd them out of the wood as we speak."
"An attack? Today? Where at?"
"I do not know. If given the choice, I would have just left them in our wood. With all the evil that has built up in the forest, they wouldn't last."
"That's true, they would not. But they could arouse a great amount of filthy creatures trying. What with all the noise they make."
"A good point." The guard agreed.
"What creatures?" Arien finally got up the courage to join the conversation.
"Oh, Milady. Horrid creatures. Great black spiders for one. Disgusting, evil beings. You should never wander alone." The guard looked down at her.
"I've wandered this wood several times and never seen such a creature." She responded.
"That's because you've traveled only the trails protected by our people, Arien. And by day only. It's creatures like the ones this elf speaks of that makes me prevent you from exploring like young Curuwan." Halin explained.
Arien said no more. She had never really heard about these dangers before and she wasn't sure if she wanted to hear anymore.
The two males continued their conversation while she returned to the hut. She had almost forgotten about Legolas until she saw something on the floor. Looking down, she found that he was lying comfortably on his stomach reading a book.
"What are you doing?" she whispered. Without looking up, he showed her the book cover and continued to read. She gave him an amused look and shook her head.
"You are so weird."
He set the book down and gave her a look a surprise.
"Me? Weird? Nay!"
"You are too!"
"How?"
"You just are." Sitting down beside him, she continued. "So why were you running in the first place?"
"I wanted to get out. People don't seem to understand that I prefer to roam outside than to be stuck in the castle with nothing to do but wander the halls."
"They don't let you outside?"
"Not very often. They used to. But ever since the supposed evil that's entered our land, I've been allowed out less and less."
Arien just nodded. She didn't know what it was like to be confined all the time but she could imagine.
"Halin! I must speak with you!" a great voice spoke. Legolas froze.
"Who is it?" Arien mouthed to him.
"My father." He whispered. Crawling past her, he peeked over the counter. Arien followed, doing the same.
"King Thranduil." Halin bowed.
"Where is Legolas? Is he with you? Mortals are in the village. He needn't be here."
"Yes, yes. He is in the hut." Halin replied, his tone now serious.
The King looked at the hut and saw two pairs of eyes staring back.
"Legolas."
The set of blue eyes became wide and the Prince ducked.
"If you would like, I'll look after him, Thranduil. The boy obviously wants to be outside the castle and I know he would be obedient toward me."
With a sigh, Thranduil slowly shook his head in agreement.
"Keep a close eye on him, that's all I ask." He replied. Then, turning to the guard, he spoke.
"Come. There are five men known that roam our wood. We cannot let them enter and run freely through the village."
And with that, they took off into a canter out of the market. Halin watched until they were out of sight before turning to Legolas.
"You better be planning on working if I'm going to be babysitting you."
Legolas just nodded.
"Now you follow Arien to the back. She will show you what to do."
"I will?"
"Yes, Arien. You will." Halin gave her a look that said she knew better than to ask such questions.
"Okay…come with me." She motioned for the Prince to follow her toward the back. There he saw several crates stacked on top of each other.
"There are four stacks of four crates. In each crate, there are four separate types of herbs and spices. Our job is to separate the spices in each stack into four different crates, each containing only one type of herb or spice. Then label the crates."
"Sounds easy enough." Legolas stated.
"Easy, yes. But not very fun."
"I suppose that's why they call it work, then. Now isn't it?" he smiled.
"Yes, but I get paid for doing the work. You don't."
Legolas stuck his tongue out and replied.
"Be silent. It's not funny."
"Haaallliiiinnn! Legolas is giving me orders!" Arien whined, a mischievous smile on her face.
"Legolas, don't give orders to Arien."
"That's unfair." He said to her.
She didn't reply but smiled innocently.
"Father's baby."
"Sheltered child." She retorted.
"Hobbit."
"Dwarf."
"Goblin!"
"Orc!"
They most likely would have continued their lighthearted name calling for quite some time but were abruptly cut short by a bloodcurdling scream. They froze.
"What…what do you think that was?" Arien stuttered, a bit shaken from the sound.
"I don't know." Legolas whispered back.
They slowly got up and cautiously walked to the front of the hut.
"Halin, what was that?" Arien asked.
"Shhh!" He hissed. "Get down, now!"
Immediately, Legolas and Arien ducked down. They watched curiously as he pulled a blade from a scabbard hidden near his ankle. Then, angered and determined, he exited quickly out of the hut.
"What do you think happened?" Arien questioned.
"I don't know. Stay down. I'll look and find out." Legolas slowly rose to peak over the counter.
"But Halin said for both of us to stay down!"
The Prince ignored her statement but scanned the marketplace and Arien watched as his face went pale.
"What is it? What do you see?"
He tried to respond but the words wouldn't come.
Arien warily peered over the counter herself and saw immediately the cause of his reaction.
A maiden lay limp on the hard ground not far away. Halin was knelt down beside her, his hands stained red. As he lifted the woman from where she lay, Arien noticed her chest to be covered in a crimson liquid.
Blood.
The lady had been brutally attacked in some way, shape, or form. She was greatly injured and very well may have been dead.
But dead? How can she die? Neither Legolas nor Arien really understood the meaning. Immortality left them ignorant to death, leaving them to wonder how one could just stop living. It seemed incomprehensible.
As Halin set the body down off the path, he turned to the two of them.
"Go home."
They didn't listen but stared dumbfounded while he leapt upon his horse and it wasn't long until he spoke again. Only this time he was wide eyed and frantic.
"Legolas! Arien! Out! Get out!"
Immediately, they bolted from the hut and Halin made his way into the middle of the marketplace.
Arien watched as he rode up toward three mortals on horseback, his dagger in hand. Turning to Legolas, she protested.
"What's he doing? He'll get himself killed!" she yelled.
Clamping his hand around her mouth, the Prince spoke in a hushed voice.
"Are you crazy?! Keep your voice down." Then looking up, he growled in frustration. "Great. Oh just wonderful. Now they've heard us."
"What are we going to do?"
Rolling his eyes, he grabbed her hand.
"Run!"
Racing into the wood, Arien looked back to see who was pursuing them. Meeting the thirsty stairs of two mortals mounted on horseback, she quickly broke eye contact and, if possible, ran faster.
Things were starting to look dim as their enemy grew closer with every second. But Legolas was experienced in fleeing danger and quickly changed their course.
Jumping, he grabbed onto the branch of a tree. Climbing up, limb by limb, he urged Arien to follow. He stopped only when he reached a platform high above the ground and held out his hand for her to take.
"Well isn't this something? Look Xavier. There's two of them." One of the men pointed out before dismounting.
Hearing the foul voice, Arien quickly scrambled the rest of the way onto the platform.
"Aw, Derethar, you scared her." The other spoke with mock sympathy.
The Prince looked down at the two men from his place on the platform. He didn't like the situation they were in at the moment and wasn't sure how to get out of it.
"Hey! One's looking down at us."
"It's King Thranduil's son!"
"Thranduil's son? Can't be. There aren't any guards nearby. He always has a guard with his son."
"Come now, Derethar. He's got to be at least 1,500 years old by now. That's what? About the maturity of a sixteen year old mortal? He should be able to roam the land himself now."
"This is true."
"Besides, he's dressed like his father. Can't you tell?"
"He is, isn't he?"
They continued to speak like Legolas couldn't hear them and he stared down angrily. But it wasn't long until they turned their attention back to him.
"What are you looking at, Elf Prince?" the man known as Xavier asked.
"You want to come down and play, little Prince?" the other began to taunt.
Legolas easily grew tired and annoyed by their calls and he moved away from the edge of the platform. This was some situation they had gotten themselves into.
"What will they do to us if we get caught?" Arien looked at Legolas in fear.
"Anything they please. Depends on their mood. They may taunt and torture us before getting bored and letting us go. Or they may take us in as slaves. Maybe even go as far as killing us. You can never tell what a mortal these days may do."
"Why are they so cruel?"
"Oh, not all mortals are cruel. Some of their maidens are quite kind. But all men have greedy hearts. It causes them to become the creatures you see below us. A pity if you ask me." Legolas' eyes were grave as he thought of some of the tragedies and lives lost in the past years. He had overheard his father speak of men several times growing up. And never a kind word had he found.
He was so caught up in his own thoughts, he almost didn't see Arien as she looked over the platform until the men began to tease her.
"Hey Xavier! It's the other one! Aha! Look! It's frightened! Haha! Are you scared of us Elf?"
Arien didn't respond. She just stared down in anger and fear.
"Okay. Let's stop messing around. Where's the axe? Let's hack'em down."
"Oh come on. Have a little fun for once."
The two mortal's cruel humor made Legolas ill. Their words were foul and their hearts black. He would take no more of it.
Then he remembered the bag of small stones attached to his belt. Sitting up, he reached for it along with his old slingshot. It was a gift from his father awhile back so that he could practice his aim when he didn't have his bow.
Pulling a stone from the small leather bag, he placed it in the slingshot and pulled back. Aiming down at one of the men, he let out a high pitched whistle.
"Whatcha got there, Elf Boy?" Derethar called up. Legolas smiled and released. The stone struck the man before he even knew what was happening.
"Agh!" he cried out in pain, holding his face with both hands.
"By golly, he's got a slingshot." Said the other.
"You filthy mutant! Curse you and your immortal family!" Derethar shook his fist blindly at the Prince.
Legolas wasted no time. He jumped down, limb by limb, with Arien behind him. Leaping over the two mortals, they raced back toward the market.
"Hey!...Hey! They're getting away!" Xavier shook his companion before mounting. "Come on, come on! We're gonna lose them!"
Running, they only had one thought on their minds. Keep moving and don't get caught. Dodging any obstacles in their way, they moved swiftly. Both elves felt twigs whip their faces several times as they made their way back. But neither flinched nor paid any attention.
Legolas was the first to burst from the wood, running straight into the middle of the market. He didn't notice the four horses standing there until one reared. Stumbling backward, he shielding himself from the pawing hooves.
To make matters worse, Arien followed, not seeing the group either until it was too late. She tripped over the Prince, and skidded across the ground, wincing as a stinging pain made its way throughout the side of her face. The rough ground pierced and scratched her skin as she slid.
"We never said you were the most graceful of elves." Legolas managed to mumble. Not caring whether she heard or not.
"Ai!" an unwilling cry escaped her lips.
"Arien!" she heard Halin's voice. Looking up she saw that two of the four riders were elves.
"Legolas!" an equally loud voice spoke. They both recognized it to be King Thranduil.
But there wasn't time for conversation. The two mortal riders took the distraction as an advantage and one swung at Halin while the other rode toward Thranduil.
Halin turned, sensing the attack. He had been experienced in battle and so quickly reacted. He blocked just before his enemy could strike and forced the blade to the ground.
Thranduil also disarmed his attacker with ease. Their enemies were no warriors by any standards and so their punishment would be, though harsh, quick and easy.
"Halin, get the children away from here. I will take things from here." The King ordered, raising his blade toward the two mortals.
"But King-" Halin began to protest.
"But nothing. Get them safety now, Halin!"
Halin turned, a hint of reluctance in his actions. Arien looked pitifully up at him. His eyes blazed with anger as he pulled her up on the horse and in front of him. He held out his hand for Legolas but the Prince ignored his gesture, mounting behind him on his own.
With a word, they bolted off. Turning back to the wood, a lump formed in Arien's throat. It was the same way they had come earlier. She turned to look at Legolas.
His expression was identical to hers. They were most likely going to run into their pursuers once more.
And sure enough, two other steeds were seen farther down their path coming toward them. Yet for some reason, Halin kept on riding.
"Heads down." He commanded. The two did so immediately.
"Hey! It's the elves!" the less intelligent of the two called out.
"They're with another one." The other stated.
"He's not slowing down…"
Halin leaned forward, his eyes fixed on the small space in between the two riders.
"I don't think he's going to, Xavier." The other replied, fear in his voice as he gradually began to slow.
Halin kept riding.
The two men quickly turned and galloped in the other direction, convinced that Halin was mad.
The sound of hooves was deafening as the three steeds raced on. Halin's horse was visibly gaining on the two wretched mortals and both Legolas and Arien closed their eyes once they came upon their enemy.
Halin, without slowing, ran through the two, making their horses flee in different directions. The men held on for their lives as Halin's horse reared and pawed before them. The other horses tried to ride past but Halin moved every time their beasts took a step. So they turned and flew cowardly back to the market.
Halin calmed his horse and sat watching until the men were out of site. Then in silence, he continued down the path in a canter. His jaw was fixed and not a word came any of them as they made toward Halin's flet. They would all be safe there and the Prince would be able to stay there until his father found it safe to return him home.
It seemed forever until they arrived. Arien followed quietly behind Halin up the ladder, waiting for the lecture she knew was to come. Legolas followed behind her in the same manner, hoping he would be able to get by without having to face Halin also. It was when Halin stopped on the platform outside the door that Arien knew she was in trouble.
"Legolas, go inside. Arien and I will join you in a moment." Halin's voice was too calm and he waited for Legolas to shut the door before taking a deep breath and closing his eyes.
There was silence as Arien refused to make eye contact.
"Arien." His voice was that of controlled anger and she could feel his piercing gaze as she continued to look down. "Arien, look at me."
She rose fearfully and met his stare.
"What were you thinking?"
"Halin, I couldn't…they were…we were cornered and…" She struggled to find the words to explain.
"Arien, you were to go home. Not a word, not a sound. Just return home as quickly as possible. Now I know as well as you do that you were perfectly capable of doing so."
"They heard us! We would have gotten caught if we kept running!"
"They wouldn't have heard you if you had used your head and kept silent!" Halin yelled back. Arien winced.
"I, I'm sorry." Her voice wasn't even above a whisper.
"Ari..." he embraced her. "I don't mean to yell. But you haven't any idea how much you scared me today." He took a step back and looked at her, his hands on her shoulders. "You are the only thing that matters to me Arien. I don't know what I would do if I ever lost you."
Arien remembered the reluctant look that Halin gave the King when forced to leave and take the Prince and her to safety.
"Back to fighting most likely."
"What are you talking about?" he gave her a questioning look.
"You would return to your job as Colonel. Continue the life you lived before." A flash of guilt passed through her almond eyes.
"Arien, that was the past. What would make you think that?"
"Because I think you liked your job as Colonel more than living here and working in a market."
"If I thought that then why would I still be here?"
"Because you felt pity on me the day of the attack." Her voice was barely audible but by the impact the statement had on him, she might has well have been screaming at the top of her lungs.
He didn't speak but closed his eyes once more. She was right yet at the same time so terribly wrong. Truth be known, it was pity that drove him to take her in that night long ago. But if given the chance, he would do it again. He loved her like his own daughter and didn't regret his decision in any way. Sure, he loved his rank as Colonel but that was the past.
"Arien, that doesn't matter to me anymore. I was young."
"You still are fairly young! Do you think I don't realize that? Look at Curuwan's father. He's over 8,000 years old. And Thranduil! Goodness knows he's older than you, Legolas, and I combined. But you…you're not even 5,000 years old. Elves your age are out having the time of their lives exploring and enjoying life while you're here raising me."
"I don't care about that, Arien. Look. I was raised in a different environment than they. My foster father was King Thranduil's top soldier and foster mother a royal maiden. I grew up with a lifestyle similar to Legolas. Confined and limited. I had a very lame childhood. I didn't get out much and hung around the adults most of the time. I matured much faster than other males my age. There weren't many boys my age in the castle. So I matured. That's not my fault. Now I'm happy with the life I have now. So don't put yourself or anyone else at fault."
She looked down once more. So now she pitied him? She had never heard about Halin's family until now. That's how he grew up? No wonder he seemed to be serious so often.
"I won't."
"Good. Now promise me you won't scare me like you did today ever again. Okay?"
"I promise."
"Thank you." He said before opening the door for her. She took her time walking inside and headed to bed. Though it was still daylight out, she was exhausted.
"You weren't too harsh on her, were you?" Legolas asked after she shut the door to her room.
"No, I wasn't. Not nearly as harsh as your father will be on you." Halin gave him a knowing look and the Prince fidgeted in his chair.
"You don't think I'll be punished, do you?" though he already knew the answer.
"I think you're wishing for a little too much if you think a lecture is all you'll receive for the stunt you pulled today."
"Well it's not like either of us got hurt."
"Excluding Arien's torn up face, no not at all." Halin folded his arms across his chest.
"That wasn't my fault. She tripped."
"Over you."
"She should have been watching where she was going!"
"So should have you before you ran in front of those horses."
"But…oh for the love of Mirkwood!"
"Legolas, you are older than she. You should be more responsible."
"I'm 400 years older than her. That's not that much."
"Yes it is. She's a young girl. She doesn't think about her actions. She'll act on a whim."
"Well that's not my fault! I can't babysit her every time she's around me."
"Legolas, you must take responsibility for those younger than you sometimes. She looks up to you. You may find her annoying but that's just because you are more mature than she. You are older therefore she thinks you know more. Just be kind toward her is all I ask. Who knows. Maybe you'll find something you two have in common."
"Yeah…sure." He mumbled to himself. What could he find interesting about a stupid girl anyway? Girls are too silly. Besides. He was a man. He was brave and liked to do brave things. He liked to hunt and ride. Girls liked to cook and clean. He would never get along with a girl.
He continued to think up reasons for not being able to get along with someone so much younger than himself and Halin smiled at him. Typical boy. Between him and Arien, he knew he would get plenty of laughs before the end of the week. The two were comical together and he enjoyed watching them interact.
Things would certainly become interesting as they get to know each other and he looked forward to seeing what mischief those two would brew up next.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 3
The next morning was no different than any other. Both Halin and Arien awoke early and left for the market to prepare for another day of business. They had an hour before the market would open and Halin hummed softly to himself and organized his merchandise while Arien was lying in a chair, attempting to catch up on an hour of lost sleep.
"Arien? Where is the money you collected yesterday?"
Arien looked up sleepily and pointed to a small box under the counter.
"Under there."
"Ai, good. Thank you."
"Mmhmm." She replied, yawning, and closing her eyes once more.
"I will never understand why you are always so fatigued in the morning. It is not as if I don't let you sleep long enough."
But before he could answer, they heard yelling followed by the sound of hooves. Both of them looked at each other in confusion before walking outside.
"Leagolas! Leagolas!" a guard called out in their language before yelling in frustration. A smile crept across Halin's face.
"What's going on?" Arien looked up at him with a questioning look.
"The Prince is loose." He laughed to himself. Leaning against the hut, he watched as the figure of a boy appeared running through the market followed by a royal guard on horseback.
Running past Arien and Halin, he skidded to a halt and turned to Halin.
"Halin, help me!"
"Help you? Now why would I do a thing like that?" the look on his face was that of humor and amusement.
"Because…ugh…just because!"
Halin laughed.
"Please, Halin! I won't ask for anything ever again." The Prince looked pleadingly up at him.
"That's what you said last time."
"Halin!" he whined.
"Fine, fine. Get in the hut. And be happy that I can't get in trouble for this."
Legolas gratefully slipped into the hut.
"You there! Halin!" the guard rode up.
"Yes?"
"Have you seen the Prince?"
"Loose again, is he?"
"Yes, yes."
"You should really keep a better eye on that boy. He's clever for his age."
"I'm aware of that now. Have you seen him?"
"He came running up the path not long before you. What's the reason now? Can you not just let him roam for awhile? Boys will be boys. Why not let him have a little fun?"
"I would but his father wants him home with his mother this morning. There's rumor of mortals in the wood once more. Stirring up trouble, they are."
"Nay! There hasn't been trouble in these woods for ten centuries!"
"Ai, that's what I said. But a small band of them have been spotted this morning. All armed with axes and blades. We fear there will be an attack today on our people. Our guards are trying their best to herd them out of the wood as we speak."
"An attack? Today? Where at?"
"I do not know. If given the choice, I would have just left them in our wood. With all the evil that has built up in the forest, they wouldn't last."
"That's true, they would not. But they could arouse a great amount of filthy creatures trying. What with all the noise they make."
"A good point." The guard agreed.
"What creatures?" Arien finally got up the courage to join the conversation.
"Oh, Milady. Horrid creatures. Great black spiders for one. Disgusting, evil beings. You should never wander alone." The guard looked down at her.
"I've wandered this wood several times and never seen such a creature." She responded.
"That's because you've traveled only the trails protected by our people, Arien. And by day only. It's creatures like the ones this elf speaks of that makes me prevent you from exploring like young Curuwan." Halin explained.
Arien said no more. She had never really heard about these dangers before and she wasn't sure if she wanted to hear anymore.
The two males continued their conversation while she returned to the hut. She had almost forgotten about Legolas until she saw something on the floor. Looking down, she found that he was lying comfortably on his stomach reading a book.
"What are you doing?" she whispered. Without looking up, he showed her the book cover and continued to read. She gave him an amused look and shook her head.
"You are so weird."
He set the book down and gave her a look a surprise.
"Me? Weird? Nay!"
"You are too!"
"How?"
"You just are." Sitting down beside him, she continued. "So why were you running in the first place?"
"I wanted to get out. People don't seem to understand that I prefer to roam outside than to be stuck in the castle with nothing to do but wander the halls."
"They don't let you outside?"
"Not very often. They used to. But ever since the supposed evil that's entered our land, I've been allowed out less and less."
Arien just nodded. She didn't know what it was like to be confined all the time but she could imagine.
"Halin! I must speak with you!" a great voice spoke. Legolas froze.
"Who is it?" Arien mouthed to him.
"My father." He whispered. Crawling past her, he peeked over the counter. Arien followed, doing the same.
"King Thranduil." Halin bowed.
"Where is Legolas? Is he with you? Mortals are in the village. He needn't be here."
"Yes, yes. He is in the hut." Halin replied, his tone now serious.
The King looked at the hut and saw two pairs of eyes staring back.
"Legolas."
The set of blue eyes became wide and the Prince ducked.
"If you would like, I'll look after him, Thranduil. The boy obviously wants to be outside the castle and I know he would be obedient toward me."
With a sigh, Thranduil slowly shook his head in agreement.
"Keep a close eye on him, that's all I ask." He replied. Then, turning to the guard, he spoke.
"Come. There are five men known that roam our wood. We cannot let them enter and run freely through the village."
And with that, they took off into a canter out of the market. Halin watched until they were out of sight before turning to Legolas.
"You better be planning on working if I'm going to be babysitting you."
Legolas just nodded.
"Now you follow Arien to the back. She will show you what to do."
"I will?"
"Yes, Arien. You will." Halin gave her a look that said she knew better than to ask such questions.
"Okay…come with me." She motioned for the Prince to follow her toward the back. There he saw several crates stacked on top of each other.
"There are four stacks of four crates. In each crate, there are four separate types of herbs and spices. Our job is to separate the spices in each stack into four different crates, each containing only one type of herb or spice. Then label the crates."
"Sounds easy enough." Legolas stated.
"Easy, yes. But not very fun."
"I suppose that's why they call it work, then. Now isn't it?" he smiled.
"Yes, but I get paid for doing the work. You don't."
Legolas stuck his tongue out and replied.
"Be silent. It's not funny."
"Haaallliiiinnn! Legolas is giving me orders!" Arien whined, a mischievous smile on her face.
"Legolas, don't give orders to Arien."
"That's unfair." He said to her.
She didn't reply but smiled innocently.
"Father's baby."
"Sheltered child." She retorted.
"Hobbit."
"Dwarf."
"Goblin!"
"Orc!"
They most likely would have continued their lighthearted name calling for quite some time but were abruptly cut short by a bloodcurdling scream. They froze.
"What…what do you think that was?" Arien stuttered, a bit shaken from the sound.
"I don't know." Legolas whispered back.
They slowly got up and cautiously walked to the front of the hut.
"Halin, what was that?" Arien asked.
"Shhh!" He hissed. "Get down, now!"
Immediately, Legolas and Arien ducked down. They watched curiously as he pulled a blade from a scabbard hidden near his ankle. Then, angered and determined, he exited quickly out of the hut.
"What do you think happened?" Arien questioned.
"I don't know. Stay down. I'll look and find out." Legolas slowly rose to peak over the counter.
"But Halin said for both of us to stay down!"
The Prince ignored her statement but scanned the marketplace and Arien watched as his face went pale.
"What is it? What do you see?"
He tried to respond but the words wouldn't come.
Arien warily peered over the counter herself and saw immediately the cause of his reaction.
A maiden lay limp on the hard ground not far away. Halin was knelt down beside her, his hands stained red. As he lifted the woman from where she lay, Arien noticed her chest to be covered in a crimson liquid.
Blood.
The lady had been brutally attacked in some way, shape, or form. She was greatly injured and very well may have been dead.
But dead? How can she die? Neither Legolas nor Arien really understood the meaning. Immortality left them ignorant to death, leaving them to wonder how one could just stop living. It seemed incomprehensible.
As Halin set the body down off the path, he turned to the two of them.
"Go home."
They didn't listen but stared dumbfounded while he leapt upon his horse and it wasn't long until he spoke again. Only this time he was wide eyed and frantic.
"Legolas! Arien! Out! Get out!"
Immediately, they bolted from the hut and Halin made his way into the middle of the marketplace.
Arien watched as he rode up toward three mortals on horseback, his dagger in hand. Turning to Legolas, she protested.
"What's he doing? He'll get himself killed!" she yelled.
Clamping his hand around her mouth, the Prince spoke in a hushed voice.
"Are you crazy?! Keep your voice down." Then looking up, he growled in frustration. "Great. Oh just wonderful. Now they've heard us."
"What are we going to do?"
Rolling his eyes, he grabbed her hand.
"Run!"
Racing into the wood, Arien looked back to see who was pursuing them. Meeting the thirsty stairs of two mortals mounted on horseback, she quickly broke eye contact and, if possible, ran faster.
Things were starting to look dim as their enemy grew closer with every second. But Legolas was experienced in fleeing danger and quickly changed their course.
Jumping, he grabbed onto the branch of a tree. Climbing up, limb by limb, he urged Arien to follow. He stopped only when he reached a platform high above the ground and held out his hand for her to take.
"Well isn't this something? Look Xavier. There's two of them." One of the men pointed out before dismounting.
Hearing the foul voice, Arien quickly scrambled the rest of the way onto the platform.
"Aw, Derethar, you scared her." The other spoke with mock sympathy.
The Prince looked down at the two men from his place on the platform. He didn't like the situation they were in at the moment and wasn't sure how to get out of it.
"Hey! One's looking down at us."
"It's King Thranduil's son!"
"Thranduil's son? Can't be. There aren't any guards nearby. He always has a guard with his son."
"Come now, Derethar. He's got to be at least 1,500 years old by now. That's what? About the maturity of a sixteen year old mortal? He should be able to roam the land himself now."
"This is true."
"Besides, he's dressed like his father. Can't you tell?"
"He is, isn't he?"
They continued to speak like Legolas couldn't hear them and he stared down angrily. But it wasn't long until they turned their attention back to him.
"What are you looking at, Elf Prince?" the man known as Xavier asked.
"You want to come down and play, little Prince?" the other began to taunt.
Legolas easily grew tired and annoyed by their calls and he moved away from the edge of the platform. This was some situation they had gotten themselves into.
"What will they do to us if we get caught?" Arien looked at Legolas in fear.
"Anything they please. Depends on their mood. They may taunt and torture us before getting bored and letting us go. Or they may take us in as slaves. Maybe even go as far as killing us. You can never tell what a mortal these days may do."
"Why are they so cruel?"
"Oh, not all mortals are cruel. Some of their maidens are quite kind. But all men have greedy hearts. It causes them to become the creatures you see below us. A pity if you ask me." Legolas' eyes were grave as he thought of some of the tragedies and lives lost in the past years. He had overheard his father speak of men several times growing up. And never a kind word had he found.
He was so caught up in his own thoughts, he almost didn't see Arien as she looked over the platform until the men began to tease her.
"Hey Xavier! It's the other one! Aha! Look! It's frightened! Haha! Are you scared of us Elf?"
Arien didn't respond. She just stared down in anger and fear.
"Okay. Let's stop messing around. Where's the axe? Let's hack'em down."
"Oh come on. Have a little fun for once."
The two mortal's cruel humor made Legolas ill. Their words were foul and their hearts black. He would take no more of it.
Then he remembered the bag of small stones attached to his belt. Sitting up, he reached for it along with his old slingshot. It was a gift from his father awhile back so that he could practice his aim when he didn't have his bow.
Pulling a stone from the small leather bag, he placed it in the slingshot and pulled back. Aiming down at one of the men, he let out a high pitched whistle.
"Whatcha got there, Elf Boy?" Derethar called up. Legolas smiled and released. The stone struck the man before he even knew what was happening.
"Agh!" he cried out in pain, holding his face with both hands.
"By golly, he's got a slingshot." Said the other.
"You filthy mutant! Curse you and your immortal family!" Derethar shook his fist blindly at the Prince.
Legolas wasted no time. He jumped down, limb by limb, with Arien behind him. Leaping over the two mortals, they raced back toward the market.
"Hey!...Hey! They're getting away!" Xavier shook his companion before mounting. "Come on, come on! We're gonna lose them!"
Running, they only had one thought on their minds. Keep moving and don't get caught. Dodging any obstacles in their way, they moved swiftly. Both elves felt twigs whip their faces several times as they made their way back. But neither flinched nor paid any attention.
Legolas was the first to burst from the wood, running straight into the middle of the market. He didn't notice the four horses standing there until one reared. Stumbling backward, he shielding himself from the pawing hooves.
To make matters worse, Arien followed, not seeing the group either until it was too late. She tripped over the Prince, and skidded across the ground, wincing as a stinging pain made its way throughout the side of her face. The rough ground pierced and scratched her skin as she slid.
"We never said you were the most graceful of elves." Legolas managed to mumble. Not caring whether she heard or not.
"Ai!" an unwilling cry escaped her lips.
"Arien!" she heard Halin's voice. Looking up she saw that two of the four riders were elves.
"Legolas!" an equally loud voice spoke. They both recognized it to be King Thranduil.
But there wasn't time for conversation. The two mortal riders took the distraction as an advantage and one swung at Halin while the other rode toward Thranduil.
Halin turned, sensing the attack. He had been experienced in battle and so quickly reacted. He blocked just before his enemy could strike and forced the blade to the ground.
Thranduil also disarmed his attacker with ease. Their enemies were no warriors by any standards and so their punishment would be, though harsh, quick and easy.
"Halin, get the children away from here. I will take things from here." The King ordered, raising his blade toward the two mortals.
"But King-" Halin began to protest.
"But nothing. Get them safety now, Halin!"
Halin turned, a hint of reluctance in his actions. Arien looked pitifully up at him. His eyes blazed with anger as he pulled her up on the horse and in front of him. He held out his hand for Legolas but the Prince ignored his gesture, mounting behind him on his own.
With a word, they bolted off. Turning back to the wood, a lump formed in Arien's throat. It was the same way they had come earlier. She turned to look at Legolas.
His expression was identical to hers. They were most likely going to run into their pursuers once more.
And sure enough, two other steeds were seen farther down their path coming toward them. Yet for some reason, Halin kept on riding.
"Heads down." He commanded. The two did so immediately.
"Hey! It's the elves!" the less intelligent of the two called out.
"They're with another one." The other stated.
"He's not slowing down…"
Halin leaned forward, his eyes fixed on the small space in between the two riders.
"I don't think he's going to, Xavier." The other replied, fear in his voice as he gradually began to slow.
Halin kept riding.
The two men quickly turned and galloped in the other direction, convinced that Halin was mad.
The sound of hooves was deafening as the three steeds raced on. Halin's horse was visibly gaining on the two wretched mortals and both Legolas and Arien closed their eyes once they came upon their enemy.
Halin, without slowing, ran through the two, making their horses flee in different directions. The men held on for their lives as Halin's horse reared and pawed before them. The other horses tried to ride past but Halin moved every time their beasts took a step. So they turned and flew cowardly back to the market.
Halin calmed his horse and sat watching until the men were out of site. Then in silence, he continued down the path in a canter. His jaw was fixed and not a word came any of them as they made toward Halin's flet. They would all be safe there and the Prince would be able to stay there until his father found it safe to return him home.
It seemed forever until they arrived. Arien followed quietly behind Halin up the ladder, waiting for the lecture she knew was to come. Legolas followed behind her in the same manner, hoping he would be able to get by without having to face Halin also. It was when Halin stopped on the platform outside the door that Arien knew she was in trouble.
"Legolas, go inside. Arien and I will join you in a moment." Halin's voice was too calm and he waited for Legolas to shut the door before taking a deep breath and closing his eyes.
There was silence as Arien refused to make eye contact.
"Arien." His voice was that of controlled anger and she could feel his piercing gaze as she continued to look down. "Arien, look at me."
She rose fearfully and met his stare.
"What were you thinking?"
"Halin, I couldn't…they were…we were cornered and…" She struggled to find the words to explain.
"Arien, you were to go home. Not a word, not a sound. Just return home as quickly as possible. Now I know as well as you do that you were perfectly capable of doing so."
"They heard us! We would have gotten caught if we kept running!"
"They wouldn't have heard you if you had used your head and kept silent!" Halin yelled back. Arien winced.
"I, I'm sorry." Her voice wasn't even above a whisper.
"Ari..." he embraced her. "I don't mean to yell. But you haven't any idea how much you scared me today." He took a step back and looked at her, his hands on her shoulders. "You are the only thing that matters to me Arien. I don't know what I would do if I ever lost you."
Arien remembered the reluctant look that Halin gave the King when forced to leave and take the Prince and her to safety.
"Back to fighting most likely."
"What are you talking about?" he gave her a questioning look.
"You would return to your job as Colonel. Continue the life you lived before." A flash of guilt passed through her almond eyes.
"Arien, that was the past. What would make you think that?"
"Because I think you liked your job as Colonel more than living here and working in a market."
"If I thought that then why would I still be here?"
"Because you felt pity on me the day of the attack." Her voice was barely audible but by the impact the statement had on him, she might has well have been screaming at the top of her lungs.
He didn't speak but closed his eyes once more. She was right yet at the same time so terribly wrong. Truth be known, it was pity that drove him to take her in that night long ago. But if given the chance, he would do it again. He loved her like his own daughter and didn't regret his decision in any way. Sure, he loved his rank as Colonel but that was the past.
"Arien, that doesn't matter to me anymore. I was young."
"You still are fairly young! Do you think I don't realize that? Look at Curuwan's father. He's over 8,000 years old. And Thranduil! Goodness knows he's older than you, Legolas, and I combined. But you…you're not even 5,000 years old. Elves your age are out having the time of their lives exploring and enjoying life while you're here raising me."
"I don't care about that, Arien. Look. I was raised in a different environment than they. My foster father was King Thranduil's top soldier and foster mother a royal maiden. I grew up with a lifestyle similar to Legolas. Confined and limited. I had a very lame childhood. I didn't get out much and hung around the adults most of the time. I matured much faster than other males my age. There weren't many boys my age in the castle. So I matured. That's not my fault. Now I'm happy with the life I have now. So don't put yourself or anyone else at fault."
She looked down once more. So now she pitied him? She had never heard about Halin's family until now. That's how he grew up? No wonder he seemed to be serious so often.
"I won't."
"Good. Now promise me you won't scare me like you did today ever again. Okay?"
"I promise."
"Thank you." He said before opening the door for her. She took her time walking inside and headed to bed. Though it was still daylight out, she was exhausted.
"You weren't too harsh on her, were you?" Legolas asked after she shut the door to her room.
"No, I wasn't. Not nearly as harsh as your father will be on you." Halin gave him a knowing look and the Prince fidgeted in his chair.
"You don't think I'll be punished, do you?" though he already knew the answer.
"I think you're wishing for a little too much if you think a lecture is all you'll receive for the stunt you pulled today."
"Well it's not like either of us got hurt."
"Excluding Arien's torn up face, no not at all." Halin folded his arms across his chest.
"That wasn't my fault. She tripped."
"Over you."
"She should have been watching where she was going!"
"So should have you before you ran in front of those horses."
"But…oh for the love of Mirkwood!"
"Legolas, you are older than she. You should be more responsible."
"I'm 400 years older than her. That's not that much."
"Yes it is. She's a young girl. She doesn't think about her actions. She'll act on a whim."
"Well that's not my fault! I can't babysit her every time she's around me."
"Legolas, you must take responsibility for those younger than you sometimes. She looks up to you. You may find her annoying but that's just because you are more mature than she. You are older therefore she thinks you know more. Just be kind toward her is all I ask. Who knows. Maybe you'll find something you two have in common."
"Yeah…sure." He mumbled to himself. What could he find interesting about a stupid girl anyway? Girls are too silly. Besides. He was a man. He was brave and liked to do brave things. He liked to hunt and ride. Girls liked to cook and clean. He would never get along with a girl.
He continued to think up reasons for not being able to get along with someone so much younger than himself and Halin smiled at him. Typical boy. Between him and Arien, he knew he would get plenty of laughs before the end of the week. The two were comical together and he enjoyed watching them interact.
Things would certainly become interesting as they get to know each other and he looked forward to seeing what mischief those two would brew up next.