Chapter 7

Rhovan

Heh … I meant à

"Yes," he replied…

I do not know how the mistake was made OR how my "reliable" beta-reader missed it as well, but yes….the forest IS safe. Lol… now that everything's okey-dokey…. Here's chapter 7!

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They slowly made their way through the forest for some time now. After struggling to find something else to talk about with Legolas, she decided to give up and save anything that they could talk about for later. This journey was supposed to take more than a couple of days and there will be other times when the dreaded silence will befall upon them.

She was jarred from her rationalizing when Legolas immediately halted the horse. "Oh no… what is it now?" Laera gasped, looking about her anxiously. Legolas rose a hand for silence and she eagerly shut up. He stood still for a moment or two, listening intently for the noise that he had heard with his sensitive Elven ears.

He twisted his head slowly, until he was looking at Laera. Equally as slowly, he took an arrow from his quiver and notched it speedily and skillfully into his bow. He drew back the string and pointed it straight at Laera. "Legolas? That is not funny…"

"Do not move…"

"One day, your fingers will slip and the arrow will go straight into my-"

"Show yourself!" he yelled at her… or, she realized, suddenly feeling very foolish… someone behind her. From behind her shoulder, she could hear the distinct sound of rustling leaves.

"You told me this forest was safe," she whispered through clenched teeth.

"It is… supposed to be," he added airily. "If you do not reveal yourself in the next moment, you will not live to see your next!" he warned. Laera gazed at him in awe. It was quite amazing to see Legolas transform from a nostalgic, kind, and friendly Elf to a menacing foe.

The rustling grew louder and Laera watched in amazement as a person dropped from a tree, landing quite smoothly on her feet. For she saw, at a second glance, that it was a female. She, like Laera, wore clothing suited more for men and her carried a quiver and bow. She was not an elf, Laera realized, but a human girl. Her dark hair was bound tightly from her face and her carried herself in the manner of one who is fearless. She was pretty, Laera reflected, studying her bright blue eyes and rosy cheeks.

The girl hesitated before speaking. "I am Rhovan," she said. "I do not mean you any harm." She dropped her bow to the floor as if to show them she spoke the truth.

"Rhovan? Are you a spy?" questioned Legolas, the hostile tone in his voice still present. His arrow, however, was no longer aimed at her.

"No. I live in these parts with my father. I saw you two coming through and my curiosity got the better of me." Her gaze left Legolas and she looked at Laera. "What are two Elves doing in this forest?"

"Our business is no concern of yours," Legolas said.

She raised two hands in defense. "I see…" Rhovan then saw the dried blood on Laera's tunic. "Whoever you two are and whatever business you have coming here, you two need rest and a bite. My father's cabin is not too far away. You two are most welcome."

Laera took an eager glance at Legolas. He frowned, trying to decide. "How do we know that you can be trusted?" he said finally.

"You can go on and your path shall never cross mine again. But your companion looks tired. It is, of course, your decision whether to come with me or not."

"Legolas…" Laera said quietly. She was indeed quite tired.

"All right," Legolas said, giving in. "Show us the way."

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