The Red Elf

Chapter 9: Full to the Brim, as Life Goes On

~*~Two Weeks Later~*~

           A loud thumping sounded on Azure's door, which echoed about in her room. However, she did not stir. Her mind was occupied with thoughts and decisions; how could anyone expect her do anything until she had sorted it all out? Azure knew she probably should get up and do something, but the guilt she felt was overwhelming. The thump came again. She sighed.

          "Go away." She growled through gritted teeth. For half a moment Azure thought they had relented.

          "Please," She didn't recognize the voice, though it sounded vaguely familiar. "Lady Galadriel requests your presence."

          "Why?" Azure asked skeptically.

          "She would not disclose, she merely requested I fetch you." A minute of silence passed; another. "Milady?" the voice persisted.

          "Fine." Azure replied dragging herself up from her nest. She opened the door harshly, and distinctly "oh-ed" when she saw that it had been Haldir at her door. He eyed her unkempt appearance a moment longer than polite, before offering for her to go down the stairs ahead of him. She proceeded.

At the bottom of the steps, Haldir took the lead, directing her to the gates of the garden, which encased her supposed prophecy rose. She also saw that just beyond the gates was Galadriel watching expectantly as they approached. Haldir kindly held the gate open for Azure, then left both her and Galadriel to themselves.

"Your appearance is not very reflective of your stature," Galadriel started, no hint of wit hidden in her voice. She sighed tiredly. "I would have expected more from you, it seems that you did not take me seriously during our last meeting."

"I took in all that you said with perfect seriousness." Azure replied unfazed.

"Then why have you taken to your room so. I realized you would need some time to consider, but during times of possible emergency two weeks is enough so destroy the world."

"What emergency?" Azure seemed interested, but in a wholly negative way.

"I said 'possible emergency', and that is not your concern at the present. You have a responsibility to undertake, and locking yourself in your room will not keep you from it. When are you going to learn you cannot run from everything that is not the way you would have it? Stop running!"

"I can't," Azure responded sorrowfully. "I don't think-"

"Do not continue. Do not say anything yet." Galadriel interrupted, knowing full well where Azure had been heading with her response. Galadriel sighed, and looked out in the distance, further than anyone could possibly imagine, a hidden longing in the depths of her wise eyes. She smiled sadly and then glanced back at Azure. "I will give you one more day, think very hard about this and nothing else. After that we will accept whatever decision you make."

~*~ Meanwhile~*~

Haldir left the Lady of the Wood and her guest alone to discuss their matters in the garden. He had other duties to tend to, being the Guardian of Lorien.

As he neared the gates, he heard the faint 'clinging' of sword on sword. However he did not worry that these might be the sounds of an attacker. The hits were not buoyant enough, and even so they were few and far between. Slightly interested he continued towards the sound, instead of his original destination. Nearing, he saw a small flock of watchers. Obviously, he noted, he had not been the only one to hear the unmistakable sounds of training sword fighters.

"Ahem." He cleared his throat loudly. "Are there not things that need to be done!" Everyone immediately disembarked while either avoiding his glare or glancing apologetically in his direction. Shaking his head lightly he approached the place where the crowd had previously been.

***

            "So, is it all coming back to you?" Amariel asked whilst feebly blocking one of William's 'blows'.

          "Well… I'd have to say no. While I do love to admire the craftsmanship of swords, I'm not very good at using them."

          "I think I have to agree!" Amariel replied ducking another wild swing on William's part.

          "You know, trying to kill each other might not be the best way to learn how to use those." Haldir interjected, stepping out from a dimly lit area.

          "I'll have to agree with that too." Amariel added with a smile. Haldir walked up to William's side.

          "May I?" he asked pointing towards the sword.

          "Why not…" William sighed handing the blade to the elf. Haldir examined it carefully, and then proceeded to twirl it expertly in his hand. William watched, clearly displaying a look that screamed "show-off". Haldir paid no notice to him.

          "I usually do not wield a sword, they seem more savage than the arrow." Haldir said, finally stopping.

          "Well isn't shooting an opponent from behind and afar a sign of cowardice?" William asked rather defensively, feeling Haldir's opinion on the savagery of the sword to be a personal insult. Haldir looked to William unmoved by his comment.

          "Expecting any less from one's adversary is a sign of arrogance that can only end in death. You must always remember if they had the chance, they would do the same." Haldir returned seriously. William rolled his eyes, unable to think of anything else to say. "This is a fine weapon though, and clearly of elvish making. Yes it is fine indeed." Haldir said handing it back to William. Amariel watched the scene rather quietly, her arms hanging limply at her sides, a dagger in each of her hands. Haldir observed them from afar.

          "Your daggers are also very fine, milady." He smiled soundly. "If I might…" he started questionably.

          "By all means." Amariel moved to hand the blades to him, but he walked behind her and positioned her hands.

          "William, strike lightly from above." Haldir called over Amariel's shoulder. They continued like this, Haldir showing the twins the correct positions and helping them to move quickly; dodge; and lunge, among other techniques. After some time the two siblings were almost good enough to have a duel together devoid of instructions, but there were still too many 'near death experiences' for Haldir to leave them to it alone. However at long last, he could remain with them no longer, he might be needed at the gates, or perhaps elsewhere.

          "I fear I must leave you two now." Haldir said coming between their moving weapons cautiously. "And I would ask that you stop, I do not want to feel responsible if one of you should get hurt." William looked disgruntled at the notion, but made no comment. Amariel however just nodded shyly. "I must be off then, until we meet again." Haldir departed with a small bow to Amariel, which caused her to blush unbeknownst to anyone but herself. When he was out of sight William sheathed his sword and walked to Amariel's side.

          "I don't like that guy. A bit full of himself, isn't he?" He commented in a low voice. Amariel looked at him thoroughly agitated.

          "Oh shut up Will, what do you know anyway? This morning you could be barely get that sword of yours out of it's case. Besides I find him perfectly… amiable." Then she walked off pleased with her words, before William could rebut.

          "Oh… bah humbug!" he mumbled, following her sluggishly.

~*~*~*~

Azure remained in her room alone for the rest of the night, only getting up once to receive the food that was usually sent to her room. How could anyone hope to make such a huge life altering decision in only one night? She thought about all the advantages of accepting and then all the disadvantages, the responsibilities, the rewards and most importantly all the changes that would be made. But deep down inside, she knew her mind was already made up, and she had made it the moment she heard the truth.