Still going to class and it's going very well, looking forward to college this year.. Here's the next part…

Chapter 44--The Beginning

When Legolas awoke Mei Ling was sitting next to him. "How long have I been asleep?" he asked.

"A full day; you were exhausted, sun child. There is something we must settle before anymore time passes. I am attracted to you, very much," Mei said.

"I feel the same about you," Legolas said.

"Yes, but we both know that it can never be. My vows forbid such ties and I must return home by a certain time," Mei said.

"I cannot leave my people either. I understand, Mei. There can never be anything between us," Legolas said quietly.

"We can at least be friends if you are willing," Mei said.

"Friends are always welcome," Legolas said. He managed a smile. "I must get back to my duties." He stood up and stretched then noticed his bloody clothes. "After I change clothes that is."

"I need to find my brother. I will see you later, sun child," Mei said and left.

Legolas went to his room and cleaned up and changed then returned to the hall to finish his duties. He had only been there a couple hours when he heard a commotion outside. He went out to see what was going on. He saw a crowd had gathered and after some searching saw a familiar face. "Boromir! What is going on?" he asked.

Minas Tirith's army has arrived. The army will assemble, but your father is going to speak to the leader of the other army first. He hopes to prevent this. Jadriel is going with him as well," Boromir said.

"Then it is beginning," Legolas murmured. He watched the army assemble then leave to meet Minas Tirith's forces.

Rian watched the Elven army assemble at Mirkwood's border with scornful amusement. They did not have even half the forces he had. Once they were done he rode forward with two bodyguards and the Elven King did the same.

"What do you want, King of Gondor?" Thranduil asked coldly. "This is our home and you are not welcome here."

"I offer you a last chance to surrender, King of Elves. You are outnumbered. By surrendering you will save many lives," Rian said.

"Aye, many lives that will be lived in slavery. I think not," Thranduil said scornfully. "Leave here and all will be well, stay and many of your men will die."

"A life of slavery is still life," Rian said.

"Not to an Elf, we will not surrender. We will fight until the last falls. Mirkwood has many traps and dangers. Enter at your peril, Human King," Thranduil said. He turned his horse and he and his escorts rode back to their forces.

Rian glared at the Elven King's back then gestured to his men. "Attack!!!" he yelled. "Kill them all!!"

The soldiers whooped and charged, only to be met by a shower of deadly arrows. Hundreds of them fell without getting close to the forest, but there were plenty to replace them and soon the two forces collided.

It was messy and chaotic. There was no room for fancy sword work. Men and Elves alike fought and died. The ground was soon soaked with the mingled blood of two races. It looked like the Elven army would be overrun by sheer numbers.

"Dant ad!!" Thranduil ordered. He gestured to the Elves. "Dant ad!!" he yelled again. The Elven forces obeyed the command with astonishing speed

The soldiers were caught of guard as their enemies suddenly faded into the trees without a trace. Some of the men started to follow, but Rian ordered them back. "Wait until our other forces arrive then we strike again," he ordered. He looked toward the woods and saluted with his sword. The Elves were worthy opponents. He looked forward to the challenge before him. He would not stop until Mirkwood was conquered. He gestured for his men to set up a war camp.

The battle for Mirkwood had began and it would be a hard fight….

Translation:

Dant Ad--Fall back

So what you guys think? Good? R/R please!!!!