Disclaimers: See the first chapter.
Authors Notes: You're right. Elves don't need saddles or bridles according to literature. But being a horse person and having some experience with riding bareback (not all of it actually staying on the horse's back), I had some problems with envisioning this as I dare say the makers of the movie did as well (though they may have had more realistic concerns for the actor's and stunt double's safety).
True I'll give you that elves have quite a few years more than the average human to master this. The romanticism of the connection between elves and their mounts is undeniably attractive. But for the life of me, I just could not imagine trying that on a campaign-long trek? Over mountains? Fording rivers? Chased by Orcs?
Where do you put your spare weaponry? bedroll? provisions? You think you get saddle sore? You won't believe the muscles you'll find trying to maintain your seat bareback for even just a couple of hours. Packing provisions, backpack style would simply add to the strain.
There is a style of bitless bridle that is gaining in popularity now that actually harkens back to ancient peoples that were know for their respect and communion with their horses – the Parthian's of ancient Persia (now Iraq) and Numidians of Northern Africa circa 200 BC come to mind. It's a pity to think it's taken us two millennia to catch on.
So, I hope that you can imagine this compromise with me. I happen to see the elves riding Arabians with their elegant lines and fleetness of foot – I know they are a bit small for elves – just think bigger than average Arabians ;-) - OK, another compromise)
Chapter 4 - Are You Sure He Is The One?
It was a very weary prince who finally descended in to Rivendell. Legolas broke his promise to Taurtathar. It had taken an extra day to circle around a slide that had covered the pass that he had chosen. He hoped his new traveling companion would know a safer way across the Misty Mountains. He prayed he could keep his promise, unlike the one to Taurtathar, to his father and his people.
Legolas knew that he should take the time to clean up and look a bit more presentable to enter Rivendell, much less Lord Elrond house. He was just too exhausted to worry about such trivial matters. He had known Lord Elrond most of his life and knew he was a compassionate and understanding leader.
The sun was setting as the two weary horses and Legolas approached the gate way to Rivendell. Legolas was always struck by airiness and grace of the architecture of this fair elven stronghold. The spires of Rivendell rose to mimic the mountains framed in the distance. His kingdom was protected by its subterranean design and surrounding woods. Rivendell was protected by the enchantments upon the river and surrounding area.
He was not surprised when his entrance to the city was heralded in advance of his approach. By the time he reached Elrond's house, the door was open and the elven leader was framed in the portal and flanked by his twin sons, Elladan and Elrohir. Legolas would have been perfectly satisfied to take either of these two older elf's to deal with the evil in Sythian's Gorge. Legolas had known them long and knew that they were fine strong fighters. Their sister, Arwen Brightstar, was roughly Legolas's age. Since he had known the family for so long, he could not figure out whom Cassia might be referring to in Elrond's household.
"Greetings, Prince Legolas," Elrond remarked with some gravity. It was obvious to the prince that Elrond was aware of, at least in part, the nature of his errand. The twins simply nodded. The prince knew that their assistance would be openly offered, if needed.
Elrond motioned for the prince to walk beside him. The elven lord led them to a great walled garden. In such peaceable surroundings, the young prince felt at more ease. They sat at a wrought iron table decorated with vines and flowers so lifelike that one might think that they would sway in a breeze. Legolas was pleased to note Arwen's entrance as she brought a tray of refreshments to her father and brothers. She favored him with sweet smile and sat between her brothers.
"Legolas, tell us, how fares your father?" questioned Elrond. Legolas related all that led to his arrival of Rivendell and finished with Cassia's odd pronouncement.
"Looking at your family, I just do not understand what Cassia means when she said that I am looking for one from Elrond's house who is not of the house of Elrond." Legolas is not surprised as he noticed the looks of surprise exchanged by the various members of the family. He knew enlightenment would soon follow.
"It's been almost fifty years since you last visited us with your father, Legolas. Almost twenty years ago a young Dunedain was entrusted to my care. He has become like a son to this house. In this house, he is known as Estel."
"I can't think of the better opening then that father."
Unnoticed until this point, a shadow emerged from behind one of the pillars. With a gentle sigh, Elrond moved to make explanation.
"This, Legolas, is my youngest. "
With an ironic and yet not disrespectful smile, Estel noted, "You may have noticed a lack of family resemblance."
"This can't possibly be what Cassia was thinking of," Legolas muttered to himself. When Arwen looked down and covered her mouth with her hand trying to hold back her mirth, Legolas knew that the elven ears around him were witness to his frustration. When he glanced at Estel, he found that his ears were quite sensitive as well. Thunderclouds seemed to chase themselves across the young Dunedain's face.
Elrond struggled to hide his own amusement. "If you have reported Cassia's precise phrasing, I can think of no other she could be referring to then Estel."
Legolas addressed his next comment directly to the young Dunedain. "I mean no offense, but I can think of no use for the skills of one your age."
Elladan unnoticed his younger brother's veiled eyes that hid his anger from all but those knew him best. "Estel has skills beyond the average Dunedain. He had to keep up with Elrohir and I, of course." Elladan shot an amused look at his brother, Elrohir. It seemed that these two had the long running knack for tweaking their younger sibling. And Elrond had just about enough of this lighthearted chatter at his youngest's expense.
"This is a serious manner. Let's treat it is such. Legolas, Estel may be young, especially by our terms, but he has skills and talents that will be of service to you in such a quest. Cassia's word has been too often correct for us to supplant her judgment with our own." As one looked round the table, there was no doubt in anyone's mind that discussion on this topic had ceased. To punctuate thus, Elrond gracefully rose from the table and added, "You must be tired of the long journey. Rooms have been made up for your comfort. I will personally see to it that provisions are prepared for your trip. It is late and we have already had our evening meal. Can I have our kitchen bring a tray for you before you rest for the evening?"
Legolas was not sure that he was finished with discussion, but maybe in the morning when he was well rested, some solution might come to him. He rose a little stiffly from his chair, favoring his right arm. Elrond took note for the first time that young elf was favoring it. A look of concern crossed his face as he added, "Is all well Legolas? Is there something wrong with your arm?"
"I had a minor accident - just a rope burn on my palm. I might have retched my shoulder a bit, but nothing serious." Legolas have not even thought of his injuries until Elrond brought it to his attention.
"I will follow you to your room. I have a healing salve that will take the sting out of your hand and help your shoulder." Elrond made as if to follow the young elf to his room when Arwen interrupted.
"Father, you've had a long day. Let me see to Legolas's needs. It has been an age since he and I visited." Elrond looked fondly on his young daughter. She'd been away for so long studying the healing arts. It would provide an opportunity to practice these and catch up with an old friend.
"If Legolas's has no objection..."
"I would be pleased for Arwen's company." Legolas's was sincere as he said this. As an only child, he had always enjoyed the camaraderie of Elrond's three children. Indeed, though his visits were rare, he had a brotherly fondness for Arwen.
Elrond smiled kindly at the two. "Sleep well. We shall see you in the morning."
* * * ___* **___* **___* **___* **
Legolas sat on the bed and Arwen in a chair as she smoothed salve into the palm of his hand and gently wrapped a new bandage around it to protect his wound. Legolas was not surprised when Arwen took this opportunity to voice a concern.
She looked up from his hand, and smiled almost apologetically. "I hope you're not offended, but have grown quite forthright in speaking my opinions to my brothers, so I rarely leave my concerns unvoiced. I have noticed since my return home that my father has grown quite fond of Estel. Yet I fear that, though we all look of the same age, he may forget that in actual years and experience, there is quite a difference between Elladan, Elrohir and Estel. He is a fine man, but I am not sure he is up to the task that you are to undertake."
"Your father is a wise leader, Arwen. I must trust his judgment as well as Cassia's. I have to have faith that this will work out - even if I have my own doubts."
"An endorsement such as this? How can I fail but to be flattered."
The two elves, slightly startled, looked toward the doorway. Leaning up against one side of the doorjamb was Estel, his arms crossed and his face unreadable.
Exasperation covering her embarrassment, Arwen rebuked, "Estel! How could you sneak up on us like that?"
"Sneak? I was coming to see Legolas. Ohhh, you must be referring to one of those skills father spoke about. I'd prefer to think of it as stealth. Arwen, you barely have been home more than a couple of months. You have yet to see all my capabilities. Legolas, I will see you in the morning." With that, Estel turned on his heel and walked away without further comment.
Legolas could not prevent a smirk. "Oh, I think that went very well."
"The twins think I am a busy body. Maybe they're right. I just do not want to see the boy harmed."
"Boy? I'll give you that chronologically he is quite young, but he looks like a full size Dunedain to me."
Arwen tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and paused a moment as if in thought. She sighed in resignation. "On one level I know you are right. I left my father's house not long after Estel arrived as a boy. Elladan and Elrohir watched the boy grow into a man. I still only see the boy. Father named him Estel and I know that he looks upon him with great hope. Though for what, I am not sure. I guess you could say that I wish to not see hope extinguished."
Arwen left soon after and Legolas settled in to the bed, yet couldn't quite find sleep. Arwen's words brought to mind Cassia's warning about protecting his companion. Arwen and Cassia's similarity in concern for his future traveling companion were more than coincidental. Estel had to be the one that Cassia foretold of in her premonition. Legolas felt the weight of responsibility for the life of his father and that of the young Dunedain settle heavily on his shoulders.
TBC - Coming Soon… Chapter 5 - The Ambush