My Past: Hunted or Hunter

This time I remained in bed as Shassma ordered me. I had been moved to a room with a large open window overlooking the gardens below. The large, comfortable four-posted bed was set so the foot of it faced the window and I could sit up and enjoy the sun's rays on my skin. She came to visit me often, and I grew to like her company. I learned that she is the head healer for this household and Dinrogion's own personal physician.

Dinrogion himself was leader of this clan. He came to visit me on occasion and asked questions that seemed of little importance to me. I also became aware one night that he visited my rooms then as well. I could feel his eyes watching me in my sleep. And awoke to see him leaving. His constant watching and apparent interest in me was unnerving at times. Yet I cannot deny my interest in him either. And it did not displease me that his eyes often lingered upon me.

Once I had Shassma's blessing I began to walk around the keep and explore. She often accompanied me explaining the art, architecture and plant life here. I was aware of the curiosity from the others here towards me. Some of the skin-changers approached and spoke with me. While many just ignored my presence.

One of those who would talk to me was a younger skin-changer by the name of Roch. He was Dinrogion's messenger and often took the form of a horse or hawk. I had to admit that even as a man his features resembled a horse. His eyes large and placed wide apart and a rather long narrow face. He seemed to enjoy to talk a great deal and was always in an energetic mood.

Shassma seemed to enjoy teasing him as we would walk and I found myself coming to his defense. These two I felt the most comfortable around as both were friendly and kind.

"I managed to tip it up over the edge when he wasn't looking though so I took that point. I swear to Eru that he thinks himself better than the rest of us. And he's such a show off! Just because he can jump a little higher, I think he changes his leg muscles and cheats to do it. I'm going to watch him closer next time, and I'll get him."

"Roch, just because he can jump higher than you does not mean he's cheating. If he were that would mean most of the clan were dear."

I smiled. "Surely, Roch can jump as high as any here without cheating."

"That I can!" The pride flashed in his eyes. "Just the other day I was in horse form delivering a message for Din, and I cleared the canyon! You know, the one that runs between"

"Roch, shouldn't you be at your studies?" Dinrogion's smooth voice came from behind us. We all turned and bowed our heads respectfully.

"UmI should, but I just wanted to talk to Elrohir, and tell him about the game."

Dinrogion looked down at the younger man thoughtfully, "I'm sure Elrohir can learn of it later."

Roch nodded, "Bye Elrohir! I'll come by and talk with you later!" Then ran off down the hallway.

"I honestly don't think I've ever seen him walk somewhere" Shassma commented softly.

I smiled to her.

She winked at me then glanced at Dinrogion. "Well, dear, I better go do some work of my own. There are a few patients I need to check up on and a supply list to make. Both of you, behave." She mock scolded as she walked away.

I watched her go and turned my attention to the figure watching me. "Good afternoon, Dinrogion, is there anything I can do for you?"

A gleam appeared in his eye for a moment and he gave me a small smile. "Actually, I was merely curious to know how your health fared?"

We began to walk along a hallway as I replied. "I am well. My strength has returned thanks to Shassma and your kindness. She thinks that I should be ready to leave in a few days. So I shall not be a burden to you much longer."

"You have not been a burden to me, Elrohir. Having you here has been rather enjoyable. We have not have contact with many elves in a long time and it is good that my people have a chance to interact with one."

"It's been an experience for me as well. This place is something I shall hold dear in my memory."

Dinrogion turned his head to look thoughtfully at me once more. "It should count itself lucky to be held so. Since you are well, would you care to join me, in a hunt?"

I was momentarily flushed at the compliment and it took my mind a moment to respond. "A hunt?"

He smiled softly as he turned to face forward. "Yes, I would like a deer for tomorrow's dinner. I was wondering if you might like to come along. Normally Timlal hunts at my side but he is engaged else where."

"I'd be happy to lend you what skill I have."

"And I am most pleased to accept it. We shall leave in an hour. Prepare yourself as you see necessary and I shall meet you at your rooms." He turned and walked away without waiting for a response.

I stood staring at his back for a time as he walked from my view. Then I returned to my rooms to change into leggings and a simple tunic with soft boots. I checked my weapons and chose two daggers and my bow and quiver. As I looked over my supplies I realized that I must sit down and make more arrows some day soon before I left the safety of the manner.

Once I was ready I sat on the side of my bed and waited. I was infatuated. That was the only way to describe my feelings for the amber-eyed changer. His words left me nervous and flushed. His presence intoxicated me. And the man himself was a fascination. I wanted to know more and see more and hear more of him. But the more he came around the more I wanted him to stay. The intensity of it was a little frightening. But nothing would come of it. I would set out to Rivendell in a few days to report my findings on the orcs to father. After that I doubt I would see Dinrogion or the clan again.

A thought that made me sorrow more than it should.

A knock on my door shattered my thoughts and I rose to my feet to answer. Dinrogion stood there waiting. Our eyes met and my ears blushed despite my best efforts to remain stoic. Since when did I become so ruled by emotion?

"Ready?" He seemed to be forcing a grin back.

"Yes. By your lead." I shut the door behind me as Dinrogion and I left to hunt.

We moved into the trees and I was startled to find my companion now to be a magnificent white wolf. I shook off my initial surprise and began to survey the forest. Touching a tree now and then and familiarizing myself. The wolf watched me with an expression akin to amusement and put his nose to the ground.

"The trees say deer passed through sometime this morning."

"Do they, now? My nose happens to agree with them. And they went this way." He bounded off into the trees.

I leapt to follow swiftly behind. Neither of us making a sound as our feet moved over the soft floor or the wood. Avoiding branches and leaves we moved quickly. I would consult with the trees and Dinrogion would confirm it with his nose. And then we moved on, silent shadows under the trees. We ran tirelessly and did not disturb the forest in our passing. Finally our search was rewarded. Dinrogion pulled up short and moved close to the ground. I stilled and disappeared into the trees. He moved silently around the clearing in which the deer stood feasting on clover. While I perched silently waiting in the branches above. I spotted a large Stag while Dinrogion broke out of the bushes opposite of me, driving them towards where I perched. My aim was sure and I brought down the Stag with a single arrow. The white wolf flew to its throat and finished the kill.

As the last of the deer disappeared on hooves fed with terror I dropped from the tree and entered the clearing. I found a branch of an appropriate length and stability and turned back towards the fallen stag. Dinrogion was standing there in his elven form. Bright crimson blood in his white hair and dripping down his face. The sight was a little startling and I froze a moment. He wiped the blood from his mouth and turned to me.

"We move well togetherthere is a stream near that I can wash at. If you don't mind delaying our return?"

I overcame the vision and nodded moving forward into the clearing to bind the Stag's legs to the branch. Dinrogion lifted the one end to his shoulder and lead. While I took the other. The stag swaying limply between us.

As we walked I found my eyes resting over Dinrogion's back. When I realized that I was staring I turned my head to study the land around us. The trees here were old and tall. Their branches and roots well established and interlocking with each other. Like Lothlorien in a way. It almost became that all the many trees, were one massive creature of wisdom, whispering to itself in the light. I tilted my head and listened to its voice carry on the wind. So intent was I that when Dinrogion stopped I nearly kept going.

I blinked and returned my focus to find him grinning at me in amusement. "Why is it, that elves always are taken by the world around them, and out of reach to those in their presence?"

I was confused at the wording of that sentence. Was it simply to mean that he was wondering why I was day dreaming. Or was it that he wished something more than my attention? "We are not taken by it. Just in awe of its splendor and magnitude."

"You can continue your adoration of the land while I rid myself of the blood." He took the Stag from his shoulder and set it to the ground. I followed suit and noticed the small stream bubbling from the rocks. Dinrogion approached this and knelt. He dipped his hands in the water and used it to wash away the blood from his face. Then leaned down to rinse it from his hair.

I admit that my attention was far from the land at that moment. Instead it seemed rather content with admiring the graceful movements of his hands. And the shift of his muscles in his shoulders beneath the fabric of his shirt. He turned his face toward me and arched an eyebrow. I turned away and tried to hide my embarrassment at being caught admiring him so openly. As my attention was turned I missed the satisfied smirk that turned his lips.

I stared instead at a tree. But I could not tell the species let alone any distinguishing traits of it at the time. It was just a place to rest my eyes as I fought to conceal my embarrassment. I started as fingers came to rest lightly on the small of my back and a voice sounded in my ear. "I am deeply flattered that you chose to look upon me in preference to the splendor and magnitude of the land, Elrohir. I apologize for startling you." The fingers brushed over the area they rested on in a gentle, placating manner.

I was abruptly finding it difficult to form words with my mouth. "You move undetectably when you wish."

I could feel him smile. "It's a trait I've picked up from being a wolf. Tell me why you looked away?"

"II was embarrassed at having you see mestaring so." I did not turn my head to face him but continued to stare at the tree.

"You should not turn and hide from what you want."

"I apologize for my brazenness. Perhaps I should go? I do not wish to make you uncomfortable."

He laughed. "Elrohir, have you not felt my eyes upon you?"

I turned to look at him then. The light touch of the hand on my back became firmer. "You want me?"

"Yes. You intrigue me."

"That is bluntly put." I searched his amber eyes and could see a hunger buried beneath the polite amusement. I wondered if my own was more obviously displayed.

Dinrogion reached up his free hand and took my chin in his fingers gently. "You did not come to me when I left the invitation open. I admit that I planned to seduce you next, but the thought of you coming to me without your own will, is unappealing to me." He was drilling into my eyes searching with his own. For what I don't know.

"You wished for me in a way to put so much effort into my capture?" This piece of information both flattered and worried me.

"Elrohir, I take what I want and very rarely do I not get my wants fulfilled. But I refuse to take you. I wish for you to come to me on your own choice."

I could see it in his eyes then. He was holding himself back waiting for me to chose. I admit that what I saw was a bit frightening. But I could not refuse the fact that Dinrogion infatuated me just the same. "I would come to you willingly."

His hand pressed firmly to my back in a possessive manner. I found myself leaning towards him with my lips parted. When the sound of a throat being cleared made me turn my head from Dinrogion's grasp. I was a little startled to hear the growl that came from his throat and the irritated flash in his eyes as he snapped his head to glare at the intruders.

"What is it?" His voice was low and cold and the hand on my back forced my body closer to his.

I was looking at two hawks perched on a branch near by. One had a rather sour expression on its face and I knew it to be Timlal. The other was bobbing its head at us and I realized it must be Roch.

Timlal turned and glared at Roch. "You should keep your mouth shut unless asked boy."

Roch bobbed. "Sorry, but it's important."

"It had better be." Dinrogion's hand caressed my back tenderly.

Timlal eyed me in disgust. I met and held his gaze defiantly while Roch began to chatter. "Timlal returned and the Anga Anca followed and are waiting in the hall. Their leader wishes to speak to you and they refuse to leave until you do. They have even been harassing some of the servants and young skin-changers. And Shassma is all in a rage and says that if you don't get them out she will."

Once again Dinrogion growled this time with anger. "They dare defy my orders and return here, now?"

Timlal made a grunting noise of agreement that sounded odd coming from a hawk. I was lost as to the meaning of their conversation and was trying to figure out the situation from the information here. Dinrogion turned his attention back to me. "Elrohir, I must go and see to this. Roch shall escort you safely back. Timlal, gather the stag." With that his body shifted to that of a wolf and he was gone before I had a chance to respond. Timlal seemed to grow until he was an adequate size, swooped down and dug his talons into the stag carrying it away.

A moment later I was left standing there in confusion with Roch. He flew over and perched on my shoulder and rubbed his head against my face in greeting. "Head that way and I'll direct you." He stretched out a wing as my guide.

"Roch, who are the Anga Anca?" I began to walk in the direction he had pointed.

"They are men. They did some work for Dinrogion, but don't like us. They think Dinrogion has betrayed them and their leader is especially peeved because Dinrogion had a fling with his daughter. Then the fool girl got herself killed in a sparring accident with Timlal and her father blames Dinrogion."

I faltered in my step. "That's awfulthe poor girlwhat happened?"

Roch puffed out his feathers a bit. "She slipped and went down on her own blade."

I cringed. "And Dinrogionhe must not have taken that well."

Roch cocked his head to the side and regarded me amused. "He wasn't broken up about it. They weren't in love. But he felt bad she died of course."

"Oh."

"He wasn't nearly as fascinated with her as he is with you."

I blinked. "He isn't?"

"No." Rock bobbed on my shoulder impatiently. "You know, we could get there a lot sooner if I took us. I want to see Dinrogion kick them out of the hall."

Once again my step paused. "How would you take us?"

Roch dropped from my shoulder and I watched his body twist into a chestnut stallion. "Quickly of course, hop on."

I looked at him with the feeling in my stomach that this was a little odd. "Are you sure you don't mind?"

He shook out his mane and kicked up his feet. "Of course not Elrohir! Come, jump on so we can get there! Watching Dinrogion in action is great! You should have seen him when he took on that patrol of orc on his ownit was amazing!"

I leapt upon his back lightly and clamped my legs about his barrel. "Let's go." I had no intention of remaining out in the woods when I knew Dinrogion could be in danger. Roch charged off through the trees while I clung to him. Hoping that nothing would happen to Dinrogion that I could prevent while I was away from him.