Chapter 3
He waited in the tree for the rest of their party to join him. Most of them already knew his situation, having been in the area when he had first seen her. And at that first glimpse almost fell out of his tree. It was most embarrassing but easily forgotten in such a situation. What mattered was her. Having her with him, next to him, making her his before another could lay so much as breath upon her. It was all consuming at that moment but there were complications to get around which demanded his attention. He pushed it from the front of his mind, but it did not wait far.
They had to give them the chance. Some if not all southern elves were receptive of their culture and they understood that the summoning that called to an elf so could not be denied. Having watched her interaction with the other elves there was little doubt that they would willingly release her. but they owed them the benefit of the doubt.
The guards raised the alarm as soon as they were within sight. They took care not to make any threatening movements but wore their bows to signify their right to be there and arm themselves as such. The though was not spoken but was well portrayed: ~We are not the intruders here.~. Meanwhile outside of their line of sight, every bow in their group was trained on the outsiders, in case they were threatened. There was the possibility that the outcome of such a declaration would result in violence, and they would not risk the lives of their party.
He watched measuring them as the rest of the party leapt into action. All twelve of the warriors leapt into action tensely readying themselves for whatever the outcome. She too came awake, albeit slower than the others, she was no less aware by the time both eyes were wholly visible. Strength renewed his cause, he continued forward towards their camp with sure steps. He stopped just out of range of a sword's blade. No reason to be foolish. The leader of the warriors, strode to the front to meet him.
~Well met, we have no quarrel with you. We are merely passing through.~
Legolas nodded passively. ~Fear not, we do not harm or hinder others for merely passing through our lands.~
The elven warrior relaxed slightly.
~However in light of recent events we will be detaining one of your number.~ Tense silence filled the air.
~Whom is it that you wish to attain?~ Coldly.
Every member of both parties, save him, his companion, and her readied weapons.
~I am deeply grieved that this is your demand, but it cannot be granted. If this is the fee for passing through we will gladly turn back.~
Legolas shook his head. ~There is no fee, for passing through, or our protection. It is not our will to so disrupt your journey either however, she will be staying in the wood regardless. It is too late to turn back when you have already come this far into the wood.~ Bowstrings tightened in the trees around them, setting the southern swordsmen in to clear understanding of the situation. He spoke softly so that they would understand more precisely. ~There are arrows trained on you this very moment. You would all die meaninglessly. We wish to prevent that, such things do not always require resolve through such means.~
The leader of the party did not lower his sword in the slightest. ~You would not spill the blood of your kin on such grounds. Whatever has possesses you to make demands such as this?~
Legolas met his glare squarely. ~Her presence awakened such a yearning in my heart that could not be supressed. Never have I felt such a strong calling before. She is my other half, our destinies are intertwined, we will watch all the ages of the world pass, together.~ The leader's jaw tightened in thought, weighting the truth of his words.
~I will have none of this northern nonsense!~
The two elves turned as the father of the lady stormed to where they stood.
~My daughter is a proper lady. She will not be subject to the whims of other elves, no matter how much your people place belief in them!~
Legolas's eyes narrowed at the evident lack of control and courtesy. It was in no lord's right to slander the will of the gods so. His voice was acid when he replied. ~I would watch your tongue sir, lest you find it pinned to a tree.~
~You will murder me from safe perches will you? If it is divine judgement that has ordered this pairing then surly they will favor you in a duel?~
So be it. Legolas drew his paired knives
He waited in the tree for the rest of their party to join him. Most of them already knew his situation, having been in the area when he had first seen her. And at that first glimpse almost fell out of his tree. It was most embarrassing but easily forgotten in such a situation. What mattered was her. Having her with him, next to him, making her his before another could lay so much as breath upon her. It was all consuming at that moment but there were complications to get around which demanded his attention. He pushed it from the front of his mind, but it did not wait far.
They had to give them the chance. Some if not all southern elves were receptive of their culture and they understood that the summoning that called to an elf so could not be denied. Having watched her interaction with the other elves there was little doubt that they would willingly release her. but they owed them the benefit of the doubt.
The guards raised the alarm as soon as they were within sight. They took care not to make any threatening movements but wore their bows to signify their right to be there and arm themselves as such. The though was not spoken but was well portrayed: ~We are not the intruders here.~. Meanwhile outside of their line of sight, every bow in their group was trained on the outsiders, in case they were threatened. There was the possibility that the outcome of such a declaration would result in violence, and they would not risk the lives of their party.
He watched measuring them as the rest of the party leapt into action. All twelve of the warriors leapt into action tensely readying themselves for whatever the outcome. She too came awake, albeit slower than the others, she was no less aware by the time both eyes were wholly visible. Strength renewed his cause, he continued forward towards their camp with sure steps. He stopped just out of range of a sword's blade. No reason to be foolish. The leader of the warriors, strode to the front to meet him.
~Well met, we have no quarrel with you. We are merely passing through.~
Legolas nodded passively. ~Fear not, we do not harm or hinder others for merely passing through our lands.~
The elven warrior relaxed slightly.
~However in light of recent events we will be detaining one of your number.~ Tense silence filled the air.
~Whom is it that you wish to attain?~ Coldly.
Every member of both parties, save him, his companion, and her readied weapons.
~I am deeply grieved that this is your demand, but it cannot be granted. If this is the fee for passing through we will gladly turn back.~
Legolas shook his head. ~There is no fee, for passing through, or our protection. It is not our will to so disrupt your journey either however, she will be staying in the wood regardless. It is too late to turn back when you have already come this far into the wood.~ Bowstrings tightened in the trees around them, setting the southern swordsmen in to clear understanding of the situation. He spoke softly so that they would understand more precisely. ~There are arrows trained on you this very moment. You would all die meaninglessly. We wish to prevent that, such things do not always require resolve through such means.~
The leader of the party did not lower his sword in the slightest. ~You would not spill the blood of your kin on such grounds. Whatever has possesses you to make demands such as this?~
Legolas met his glare squarely. ~Her presence awakened such a yearning in my heart that could not be supressed. Never have I felt such a strong calling before. She is my other half, our destinies are intertwined, we will watch all the ages of the world pass, together.~ The leader's jaw tightened in thought, weighting the truth of his words.
~I will have none of this northern nonsense!~
The two elves turned as the father of the lady stormed to where they stood.
~My daughter is a proper lady. She will not be subject to the whims of other elves, no matter how much your people place belief in them!~
Legolas's eyes narrowed at the evident lack of control and courtesy. It was in no lord's right to slander the will of the gods so. His voice was acid when he replied. ~I would watch your tongue sir, lest you find it pinned to a tree.~
~You will murder me from safe perches will you? If it is divine judgement that has ordered this pairing then surly they will favor you in a duel?~
So be it. Legolas drew his paired knives