Ok, this is my feeble attempt at an actual, "serious", fanfic. I must say I gave it my all, though I would've liked it to be longer. This was written for a short story assignment, though I might go back and add or touch up. The elvish in here might not be 100 percent correct, but deal with it. Most words of elvish are translated with the word following directly after. This is my story, and it's not gonna change. Any flames on the elvish will be kept in a little jar and given to Legolas as a nightlight.

Reviews are welcomed, makes less work for me. Enjoy. ;-)

Of blades and arrows
The sun was shining brilliantly through the trees, and the birds were singing. The trees and flowers were in full bloom, radiating a fragrance dazzling to the body's senses. And it was in these woods that Eruan raced. Swerving between the trees, he splashed through the undergrowth and small streams, all the while not making a sound, as in the way of elves. His golden hair streamed behind him, unbraided and tangled. Watchful eyes scanned the wood with joy and happiness. He was a very young elf, at least in the eyes of his race, to you or me he would be quite old, 1,113 to be precise, but elves are immortal and therefore see no use for age. His bow and quiver of arrows bounced lightly on his back, but for the present they weren't needed. Eruan was only permitted to use it to hunt for food, and nothing else, according to his father. Seeing he was nearing the familiar gap in the woods, he stealthily climbed the nearest tree and hid himself inside the foliage, his red tunic perfectly blending with the changing leaves of fall. He inched along the tree branches, light as a feather, until he reached the stone walls of King Thraduil's castle. Eruan hid his quiver and bow in a knot in the tree, and withdrew a gray hooded clock. After checking his surroundings, he silently made his way over the wall, landing gently on the green grass beneath him. He put on the cloak, and pulled the hood up over his face. Then he silently made his way towards the castle. He had been doing this as long as he could remember, sneaking into the palace to be among his people and hear the most recent news. He didn't quite know why, but his family and him had always lived deep within the forest Mirkwood, almost on the border, far away from the castle. And from previous episodes, he knew by now to go in secrecy.

"Hosta! Hosta ar laita lyaa aran ar aryon!" (Assemble! Assemble and praise your king and prince!)

Eruan immediately shrank into the shadows as the guards of the palace came and cleared the way. All the elves in presence lined up along the hall, and cheered as King Thranduil and his son, Prince Legolas, passed with their servants. The King, though his face ageless, carried the weight of many years gone by, and those around could tell how many seasons he had walked the Earth. Being King, his long blonde hair was woven with many intricate and complicated braids, and his clear eyes scanned the waiting subjects. His son, Legolas, was of the same build and stature, muscular and proud, with long blonde hair and flashing gray eyes. They were the only two within Mirkwood to have eyes of such shade within the court, and therefore it was a sign of royalty. Both were dressed in pale green tunics, and the King bore a crown of berries and red leaves. They were almost passed Eruan when Thranduil stopped. He turned and stared directly into the shadows of which Eruan was hiding. But Eruan had spent many years learning to blend into anything in any surrounding, and escaped the king's eyes. The royal parade passed, and the spectating elves began to go back to their duties. Eruan crept out of the shadows and made his way toward the main hall, which was somewhat of an indoor marketplace. Being now indoors, he cautiously lowered his hood and browsed the different small shops.

"Aaya mellon! Hello friend!" You look like an Elda who could use a new tunic!"

Eruan spun around to find a pretty young maiden addressing him. She was smiling warmly, and gesturing to a row of new tunics beside her. Despite himself, Eruan went over to the maiden and grinned back.

"Greetings, newcomer. My name is Ara. I haven't seen you here before, are you visiting from another realm?"

Oh Eru. Eruan thought.

"I am Lumbar." He quickly said, using the first name that came to his mind. "And, um, I am visiting from Lothlorien on account of my, er, sister, who lives here in Mirkwood."

Ara raised an eyebrow.

"You are from the Golden Wood? Well that certainly is something. Who is your sister? Perhaps we are acquaintances?"

Growing increasingly nervous, Eruan starting walking backwards, bumping into an elf who was carrying a basket of new arrows. Muttering an apology, he called to Ara; "No. I don't think you know her. I must leave now! Goodbye!"

"Hauta! Mammen na lyaa mar?" (Stop! Where is your home?)

She called after him, but to no avail, he was gone.

Eruan raced towards the castle walls, taking them in a single leap and landing firmly in the tree. Retrieving his weapons, he replaced the cloak and dashed down the tree and began to run towards his home. He couldn't believe how foolish he'd been! Talking openly like that to a castle dweller, with his hood off too! Breathless he leaped the streams and dodged the trees, coming to a brief stop in front of a waterfall. Panting, he lay down and whispered to the water;

"Uulea linque, edro an lyaa lie!" (Power waters, open for your child!)

Immediately the waterfall resided slightly, leaving a gap in the torrent of water just wide enough for an elf to fit through. As soon as he had passed, the water poured down the cliff once more, concealing the entrance. Eruan breathed a sigh of relief and set his bow and quiver down on a table. Instantly his mother was upon him with a scowl.