Hi. I'm really sorry for the lack of updates. I know I haven't updated in a month or something, but don't worry, I haven't given up. Its just that I've got a new computer and I needed time to set stuff up, ok? Please forgive me.

Disclaimer: Same thing as on the chapter before

The Royal Stables: Chapter 6

They didn't figure out what to do the next day, though. And not on the day after that. In fact it took a week for Legolas to finally find an option. And then he spent another few days trying to get the message to Niki.

Unfortunately, she didn't understand his language of neighs and whinnies and finally he gave up. He walked off and returned with Niki's bag, which he threw at her feet. Then he walked to the door, and waited.

This she understood, but asked him where they were going. Without waiting for an answer, she ran off, returning in a few minutes in a green riding dress. She was heading off to get a horse, but Legolas whinnied and gestured to his back. Niki looked at him quizzically and asked:

"Are you sure? You are not exactly.a riding horse."

He snorted at the remark. What if the elves, or humans, took him for a wild horse? The men would definitely try to capture him, he was sure. Didn't she see this?

"As you wish" she said, and leaped onto his back.

He had to struggle to keep himself from bucking. Although Niki was far from heavy, it was not very comfortable with her on his back. He shook his head and headed for the gates.

Lightning trotted after them, whinnying. Legolas neighed back, telling him not to worry and go back to Kunama, but the foal persisted. When they rode out of the stables, the foal followed and Niki had to force him back in. This took a while, but finally they were on their way.

Niki did not try to ride him round the city, but instead went right through it. As they rode past the marketplace, Legolas realized that this was a different side of the Mirkwood he saw everyday.

It was not the diamond-studded life of the palace. It was much more humble, but also, he realized, much more happy at the same time. Young elves ran about the streets while their mothers chatted. His ears were filled with the shouting and haggling at the market, and the smell of food was everywhere. Once, when they stopped to let a group of elves cross the street, Legolas felt something brushing against his forefoot. He looked down and saw a little elf, with long hair tied in ribbons, stroking his foot and looking up in wonder. In seconds her mother ran over and scooped the child up. With a brisk apology, she walked off. The girl waved over her mother's shoulder.

Legolas was sorry to see the marketplace give way to the houses where the richer, nobler elves lived, and finally the palace. They were riding past it when a group of riders passed them. The riders halted, and he realized with surprise that his father was among them. Niki jumped off and bowed briskly.

"You are the stable girl, right?" he asked. "Where are you going?"

Niki looked at Legolas.

"To.umm.search for the Prince. I.have thought of a place where he might be"

The King looked at her. "How can you possibly even think of going alone? You shall come with me to the palace and tell me where this place is. I shall send a patrol from there."

"But my Lord, there is no need for that.I can manage on my own.I am probably wrong anyway."

"You shall come with me nevertheless," he said. "Or I shall force you" He gestured at the soldiers behind him.

Niki looked at Legolas again. He nodded his head and pointed to his back again. There did not seem to be any choice.

They followed the King to the castle. As Legolas was about to walk through the gates, he had an idea. There was no one on his right. In a split second, he made up his mind and got ready to flee.

Coiling himself into a great arc, he sprung forward and without looking back, tore down the street.

He heard the sound of hoof beats close behind him and quickened his pace. Niki could barely hold on as the dust-colored horse galloped out of the city and into the forest. Yet still the riders followed them as they neared the end of a road. An overturned cart stood there, blocking their path. There were children sitting on it. As they heard the approaching horses, they dashed away, screaming.

Legolas prepared to jump. He was doubtful that he could, but it seemed the only chance they had. Using all the strength he could muster, he pushed himself into the air as he had seen the horses do. Higher, higher, he urged, until finally they had sailed over the cart, and were thundering down the path into the forest.

END OF CHAPTER 6

Yay! I'm done! See, I told you I wasn't giving up!

Nightifir: Hey, Its fan FICTION, so I can write anything I want. If you don't like it, don't read it!

My next chapter is coming soon! The only problem is that I'm having trouble connecting to the internet, so that could delay me a while.

-Chaveline