Many, many thanks to those of you who still continued reading my works! Wonderful reviews, guys! I love you for it. It's also nice to have you putting me in your list of favorite authors. I'll do my best to live up to the honor.
P/s : Orlando Bloom is now filming the epic saga 'Troy' alongside Brad Pitt. Wow! What a breakthrough for him! He will be Paris, the one who stole away with Helen and started the whole war thing!! I can't wait for it, can you? (it will be on screen May 2004. Arghh!! So far away!!)
Now, read on.
"Your friend here has grown up into such a magnificent beast, Legolas," Gandalf said, admiring the great white tiger. Tiger roared appreciatively. Legolas chuckled as he brushed the top of Tiger's head; his pet was lying down beside his seat. "That he has, Gandalf."
Thranduil shook his head. "I thank Valar we are all still alive. No casualty among the elves of Mirkwood so far…yet."
"Father, that's unkind. I thought tigers do not eat elves."
"Well, there can always be a first time for everything."
"I agree with you, father. Actually, I nearly became Tiger's breakfast today. When I woke up this morning, I found myself staring at his sharp teeth, about to gnaw at me!" Keldarion said.
Legolas rolled his eyes. "Kel, you exaggerate. He was just helping me wake you up, like I told him to do!" Turning to Gandalf, Legolas asked, "What brought you here, my friend? What news do you bring?"
Gandalf immediately turned serious, his face solemn and thoughtful. "Legolas, has Tiger ventured far outside the realm of Mirkwood?"
Legolas was puzzled by the question. He exchanged looks with his brother before he answered, "No, Gandalf. Tiger has never been outside Mirkwood, even when he goes hunting. Why?"
Gandalf took some time to continue. "A series of killings had created such terror to a village of men outside the Mirkwood border. Dead bodies of several huntsmen and traders were found badly gored and mutilated." Gandalf paused dramatically. "From the looks of their wounds, it was believe that they were killed by a tiger."
The room went totally silent. Legolas stiffened. Of all the things, he never would have expected this kind of ill news. "You jest, Gandalf! Tiger would never do something like that!"
"Legolas," Thranduil admonished his son gently as he saw Legolas jumping out of his seat in agitation, glaring at the maia.
"Peace, Legolas. I'm not accusing your Tiger. But I've seen the wounds, and I know what the humans thought of was true. A tiger had caused those wounds. No other animal got the same claw and bite marks like those marks. Not even an orc," said Gandalf, understanding the prince's short temper.
Legolas sat back down, pulling Tiger's head onto his lap, feeling immediately chastised. "Forgive me, Gandalf. I overreacted. But I can assure you Tiger never leave our realm. I know; I've always been there with him the whole time. He never left my side since the day I got him."
"If it's not Tiger, what then?" Keldarion wondered loudly.
"Could there be another tiger roaming the woods?" Legolas can't help but felt uneasy. As far as he knew, Tiger was the only known animal of its species that still existed. Many had perished, dragging them to extinction. Tiger was lucky that Legolas had lovingly cared for him since he was a tiny cub, or he would never had become into the magnificent animal he was today.
"Highly unlikely, considering how rare the tiger is this age. But it is not impossible, dear Legolas. You kept a tiger under your roof, which is very unusual for elves. Who knows where the other creature would come from?" Gandalf remarked. He glanced at the almost docile Tiger wrapped in Legolas's arms. "If I were you, I'll keep your friend inside the realm. It's not a good time for him to venture outside Mirkwood. The humans there are very busy plotting ways to capture the killer…or rather, kill it for good."
**************
Legolas watched in amusement as Tiger rolled around on the ground, pawing at the butterfly that kept buzzing near his nose. The butterfly was faster, skillfully dodging Tiger's clumsy touch, as if mocking the even bigger creature's every move. Tiger roared in frustration, evoking Legolas to laugh heartily.
It was two days after Gandalf had left. They were now deep in the woods, in one of Tiger's usual daylight stroll. He was also in the mood for hunting but no deer or rabbit were in sight. It had rained heavily last night, so the forest was still damp and cold. The other creatures might still be cozying up in their own habitat.
Tiger got up and chased the butterfly when the smaller creature flew away. "Tiger, wait!" Legolas called, but his beloved pet was so intent in his play that he ignored his master. Legolas sighed and followed after them.
A few minutes later, a rabbit appeared from under some bushes. Tiger changed direction and chased after it instead, the butterfly already forgotten. Legolas sighed even louder. Tiger was very fast on his feet. Even Legolas's swift legs could not catch up with him. "Don't go far!" he cried out, chasing after the fast disappearing great cat.
Suddenly, a strange presence pricked on Legolas's keen senses. He trained his ears to listen more intently, determining the source. Who dares venture into the Mirkwood realm unannounced?
He crouched down, slowing down from a run into stealthy steps…
***************
The huntsmen stared at the great animal in anticipation. The mighty beast was feasting upon its catch, unaware of its tense surroundings. All the men, around twelve in all, stood at ready, the strings of their bows pulled taut, about to release their arrows. They aimed for the beast's heart.
"On my command…" One of them whispered, putting up his hand as signal.
"No!!!!" An elf suddenly appeared, jumping down from a tree branch. He landed smoothly in front of the tiger, directly in the path of the arrows…
TBC…
Sorry. A little short there, doesn't it? Just my strategic placement for the cliffie. He! He! Yeah, I know that's cruel. So, don't miss the next chapter. I'll post it tomorrow…if I'm still alive that is, not yet gotten swallowed whole by Tiger!
