Young and the Senseless
Chapter 2: Mystery Note
** = thoughts () = translations " " = speech
As punishment for straying from the group and returning after dark, Estel had been punished by having to care for all the horses for the entirety of their stay in Mirkwood. It wasn't so bad, much, it could have been worse; he could have been told that he was not to go anywhere but the palace as well as cleaning and grooming the horses for the week that they were staying there. Instead, Thirden had threatened that as his next punishment should he chose to "pull a stunt like that again". If Estel ever found that elf, he would give him a beating to remember. The only trouble was that he only knew the elf was quick, smart, and agile with long blonde hair and wore an elf cloak. That narrowed the search to about 100% of the Mirkwood population. He didn't even know if the elf was male or female.
After he picked up the bucket to empty it in the garden outside he could do what he wanted as long as it wasn't dangerous, stupid or improper and that he was back before dark. Just as he turned to replace the bucket to its place he almost ran into the elf that was standing directly behind him. It was slightly unnerving that this elf could manage to get behind the ranger boy without him even sensing him. But then again, he was in Mirkwood, which was to be expected. The elves here were known for there tracking skills and quietness. All elves in Mirkwood were excellent archers, but this particular elf, Prince Legolas, was indeed a magnificent archer, he could hit any target dead center without fail. He was absolutely fantastic to watch while he practiced. And he looked as though he and Legolas would be the same age, had it not been for the glowing beauty of the elf, the unspoken grace in his stance and the pointed ears of the elf, they could have been the same age.
"'Quel amrun, Taren Legolas, amin hiraetha lindua lle ele" (Good morning, Prince Legolas. I'm sorry, I didn't see you there). Estel stuttered out trying to sound as formal as any man could that just emptied a bucket of horse manure then be confronted by a royal elf.
"Please, let us speak common, I believe it would be much easier for you." Said the elven prince in a quiet kind voice as though he was speaking to a child. "Do you have any current plans for the day?"
"No my prince, my day is open to allow my heart to wander wherever it wishes in this magnificent forest." Suddenly, Estel wondered if he had spoken too bold to the prince of Mirkwood. His worry subsided when he saw the elven prince smile softly.
"It is refreshing to hear a boy speak his mind even in the face of royalty, it re-enforces my belief in the human heart. I must admit that I believe that such short-lived beings such as yourself could ill-afford to allow their heart to lead them anywhere." He laughed at an unknown joke that Estel didn't get. But it seemed that the prince was mocking the way he seemed to spend his life. Trying hard to retain his calm voice and posture, Estel had to excuse himself. "Yes my prince, if you will excuse me, I wish to explore a particularly interest patch of forest I stumbled upon yesterday while..."he paused thinking of an excuse to be in the forest at dusk, "searching for fire wood." Yes, that would do.
"Fire wood?" the prince looked skeptical, but kept his accusations to himself. "May I accompany you to this patch of forest that has won the heart of a ranger boy?" The elf prince asked and flashed his blue eyes at the ranger boy innocently.
*Damn those eyes* Estel cursed angrily, who was he to refuse such a polite and proper request to accompany him to the trees where his chase ended the night before? "of course, my prince." Perhaps you could help me to understand something once we arrive there."
"Understand something? About the patch of forest? Of course, I know all the areas around this palace and along the paths. I would be happy to assist you with this!" *10 gold pieces I know what this is about* thought Legolas smugly.
***************
"Here it is" announced Estel as they came to the clearing with the tightly webbed branches above. After having a quick look around, Estel turned back to Legolas who was staring dreamily at the net of branches above.
"Ah, many a time I have tried to see what is on the other side of those branches, never made it though. A shame though, it would be perfect for hiding. I have sprained and broken my wrists and ankles several times trying to make through them." He slightly shook his head as though to clear it, his golden hair flowed softly behind him by the slight breeze. He turned his blue serious gaze on Estel. "Is this why you wanted to come here? To try to get up there?"
The seriousness in Legolas' tone shocked Estel, he had not seen Legolas this serious about something not directly relating to the safety of his father's kingdom. "Actually no, I know that to try to go up there is suicide, it's impassable." Noticing the embarrassed guilty look of Legolas' face, he realised his mistake in saying what he just said. *I need to get a healer to remove my foot from my mouth, think before you say anything in the presence of royalty and a dangerous foe.* How many times had Fourtine tried to drill that into him? "No offence intended to those that did try it, I was not intending it to be insulting." Estel blushed furiously as he tried to practise damage control on his embarrassing situation.
"No offence taken, I have learnt my lesson, besides, it helped me become a better archer. So I have learnt many lessons in this clearing. Broke my leg for the first time trying to jump across this gap. Kept doing it until I could, because of it, I learned how to fall and inflicting minimal damage, jump across wide gaps and how to regain the precious balance that is needed to keep you on the branch once you actually reach the other side." Smiling fondly at the memories, he turned to Estel. "Why did you come here again?"
Temporarily set back from the release of personal information by the prince Estel struggled to regain his purpose for being here. "I was just wondering, is it possible for someone to enter this clearing from up at that tree with the arrow in it but not land on the ground or go into the net of branches above? Is there anywhere to go from there?"
"I'm not sure what this has to do with firewood" giving Estel a quick glance then returned to staring at the arrow. "but I don't remember that arrow ever being there before. Did you put it there?"
"No, I did not." Estel said truthfully.
"Strange." Legolas quickly and elegantly jumped up to where the arrow was and pulled it out, studied it for a second then jumped down to the ground. He held his palm out and made to stab his palm with the arrow. Shocked, all Estel could do was shout "NO!!" as the initial shock wore off, Estel dared to look at Legolas' palm, expecting to see it run through with the arrow. But, oddly enough, the arrow wasn't through the palm, it didn't even draw blood or pierce the skin of the elves beautiful hands. "Relax my friend, it's blunt, couldn't draw blood even if it wanted to. Only a extremely strong bow could put enough force behind this arrow to make it pierce skin. Only a weak bow would be needed to force this arrow into a tree. Most children use these to practise, though they usually have a special mark to show that the arrow belongs to them. I've never seen this mark before. But I shall have to find the owner and return this to them and give them a severe warning. Thank you for bringing this to my attention."
As Estel absorbed this information, it all made sense, he was being followed by elvish children. Tricky little creatures that loved to test there skills. But this figure from the first night had not been a child. It had been an experienced elf. Odd. The ranger decided that he had enough of this mystery and decided to test his tracking skills for the rest stay. "Thank you for your assistance prince Legolas. I look forward to seeing you around. We will be staying here for another 6 days. Good day." After a short formal bow he turned and left.
"And I look forward to seeing you around too young Estel." Legolas said softly to himself. "More than you know." He smiled as his plans for the young ranger boy started to form. *A quick innocent look here, a blush of embarrassment there and you have a foe that will severely underestimate you. I can't believe that was so easy! Foolish trusting ranger boy.* He looked down at his hands as he held a small note and yet another night stone similar to the stone he threw at the boy yesterday night.
***************
Estel slowly opened his eyes, it was morning already, and it seemed that he had just gone to bed. Yet he heard the laughter of the elf children already at play and the quiet business around his room in the palace. Deciding he had better get up and start seeing the care of the horses, making sure they had a comfortable night and had plenty of grain and water. As he reached slowly got out of bed stretching each of his muscles as he slowly walked over to the pile of clothes, provided by the elves of Mirkwood that sat on a chair just inside the door. As he changed and washed his face in the tub of cool water, he stared into the looking glass and wondered what he would look like with the manly stubble of a unkempt beard. He smoothed his hand across his face hoping to find so feeling that he was growing a beard. No such luck. *It will happen Estel, be patient.* He carefully reminded himself. As he continued to stare into the glass at his reflection, a reflection of the glass seemed out of place. It was a note and it was beside his bed. Turning away from the looking glass to view the note face-to-face, he noticed that yet another small rock of fascinating colors.
He stared at the rock, the one was the same size as the first rock, but in place of green lines, it had royal blue lines. It was just a beautiful as the first rock. Carefully, Estel placed this new stone beside the first stone under his mattress then he turned his attention to the letter. It read:
"To the mortal ranger boy,
I believe that you know who this is. If not, then you are slower then you look. The net of branches that you so interestingly took much notice of in the last few days since your stay here has been quite agitating for me.
You claim to be a ranger, yet you couldn't track a rabbit through a ash covered mountain. I have left a trail for you to follow. Try and find me find you can. I look forward to your arrival."
Odd, the letter was written in common, when it is obviously written by the elf that has been on his mind since Estel first learned of its skills. *The stone must be significant to that elf somehow as well as that area. But what's the connection?* Estel walked over to the window to let in some fresh air. As he drew back the dark, thick curtains and the light shone in, he stood there for a moment with his eyes closed, basking in the morning sun. When he opened his eyes to the morning, his keen sight spotted a scrape of fabric stuck on the vines running along his window sill. *It must have got caught by the being that left me that note. The note! It said 'I have left a trail for you to follow.' A trail to follow? How does a scrape of material help me?*
Estel pulled the cloth from where it was stuck; he studied it closely and felt an odd familiarity to it. He had seen it somewhere before. Even as he racked his brain straining for the distant memory of why he knew this fabric from somewhere, he knew he wouldn't find it that easy, this being meant to test him good and hard before revealing their identity. He decided that when the being thought it time for him to progress through his placed trail, the elf would provide more clues as to his identity. It was a waiting game; Estel only hoped that this game would be completed before he had to leave. Estel decided to have a quick, light breakfast before heading to the stables. As he downed the last of the drying bread, he quickly strolled off to the horse stables.
As he strolled into the door he passed the equipment benches were the different types of elvish saddles, bridles and every other practical horse accessory were arranged. Elf saddle were among the finest crafts to be seen for miles around. He was just to the first stall holding a grey mare when the familiar feeling struck him again. He should have recognized the scrape of cloth, it was a particularly fine suede-type texture, used in many things such as bedding sheets, under clothes for armor and hair accessories. But it's main use was for making the lining of saddles. Of course! The elf wanted Estel to find him before he left for Mirkwood. *This might be easier that I first thought.* Now that he had solved the first clue, the next step was to find the next clue. Looking around, he saw several golden threads caught on a nail above a particularly fine saddle. Pulling off the threads, he felt a coarse, rough texture to them, the ranger boy had half expected them to be hair from the elf's head. But elf hair was thin and fine, this was rough. Though it looked like hair none the less. *Well my tricky little friend, I shall find you sooner or later. No matter how many clues I have to solve, your identity will be revealed. This I promise.* With that, the ranger pondered over this new clue as he half-heartedly attended to the horses. *Soon my friend, soon I will look upon you and know your name. Soon you will learn that Estel the ranger doesn't give up too easy.* Smiling smugly to himself, the ranger boy continued his work.
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Chapter 2: Mystery Note
** = thoughts () = translations " " = speech
As punishment for straying from the group and returning after dark, Estel had been punished by having to care for all the horses for the entirety of their stay in Mirkwood. It wasn't so bad, much, it could have been worse; he could have been told that he was not to go anywhere but the palace as well as cleaning and grooming the horses for the week that they were staying there. Instead, Thirden had threatened that as his next punishment should he chose to "pull a stunt like that again". If Estel ever found that elf, he would give him a beating to remember. The only trouble was that he only knew the elf was quick, smart, and agile with long blonde hair and wore an elf cloak. That narrowed the search to about 100% of the Mirkwood population. He didn't even know if the elf was male or female.
After he picked up the bucket to empty it in the garden outside he could do what he wanted as long as it wasn't dangerous, stupid or improper and that he was back before dark. Just as he turned to replace the bucket to its place he almost ran into the elf that was standing directly behind him. It was slightly unnerving that this elf could manage to get behind the ranger boy without him even sensing him. But then again, he was in Mirkwood, which was to be expected. The elves here were known for there tracking skills and quietness. All elves in Mirkwood were excellent archers, but this particular elf, Prince Legolas, was indeed a magnificent archer, he could hit any target dead center without fail. He was absolutely fantastic to watch while he practiced. And he looked as though he and Legolas would be the same age, had it not been for the glowing beauty of the elf, the unspoken grace in his stance and the pointed ears of the elf, they could have been the same age.
"'Quel amrun, Taren Legolas, amin hiraetha lindua lle ele" (Good morning, Prince Legolas. I'm sorry, I didn't see you there). Estel stuttered out trying to sound as formal as any man could that just emptied a bucket of horse manure then be confronted by a royal elf.
"Please, let us speak common, I believe it would be much easier for you." Said the elven prince in a quiet kind voice as though he was speaking to a child. "Do you have any current plans for the day?"
"No my prince, my day is open to allow my heart to wander wherever it wishes in this magnificent forest." Suddenly, Estel wondered if he had spoken too bold to the prince of Mirkwood. His worry subsided when he saw the elven prince smile softly.
"It is refreshing to hear a boy speak his mind even in the face of royalty, it re-enforces my belief in the human heart. I must admit that I believe that such short-lived beings such as yourself could ill-afford to allow their heart to lead them anywhere." He laughed at an unknown joke that Estel didn't get. But it seemed that the prince was mocking the way he seemed to spend his life. Trying hard to retain his calm voice and posture, Estel had to excuse himself. "Yes my prince, if you will excuse me, I wish to explore a particularly interest patch of forest I stumbled upon yesterday while..."he paused thinking of an excuse to be in the forest at dusk, "searching for fire wood." Yes, that would do.
"Fire wood?" the prince looked skeptical, but kept his accusations to himself. "May I accompany you to this patch of forest that has won the heart of a ranger boy?" The elf prince asked and flashed his blue eyes at the ranger boy innocently.
*Damn those eyes* Estel cursed angrily, who was he to refuse such a polite and proper request to accompany him to the trees where his chase ended the night before? "of course, my prince." Perhaps you could help me to understand something once we arrive there."
"Understand something? About the patch of forest? Of course, I know all the areas around this palace and along the paths. I would be happy to assist you with this!" *10 gold pieces I know what this is about* thought Legolas smugly.
***************
"Here it is" announced Estel as they came to the clearing with the tightly webbed branches above. After having a quick look around, Estel turned back to Legolas who was staring dreamily at the net of branches above.
"Ah, many a time I have tried to see what is on the other side of those branches, never made it though. A shame though, it would be perfect for hiding. I have sprained and broken my wrists and ankles several times trying to make through them." He slightly shook his head as though to clear it, his golden hair flowed softly behind him by the slight breeze. He turned his blue serious gaze on Estel. "Is this why you wanted to come here? To try to get up there?"
The seriousness in Legolas' tone shocked Estel, he had not seen Legolas this serious about something not directly relating to the safety of his father's kingdom. "Actually no, I know that to try to go up there is suicide, it's impassable." Noticing the embarrassed guilty look of Legolas' face, he realised his mistake in saying what he just said. *I need to get a healer to remove my foot from my mouth, think before you say anything in the presence of royalty and a dangerous foe.* How many times had Fourtine tried to drill that into him? "No offence intended to those that did try it, I was not intending it to be insulting." Estel blushed furiously as he tried to practise damage control on his embarrassing situation.
"No offence taken, I have learnt my lesson, besides, it helped me become a better archer. So I have learnt many lessons in this clearing. Broke my leg for the first time trying to jump across this gap. Kept doing it until I could, because of it, I learned how to fall and inflicting minimal damage, jump across wide gaps and how to regain the precious balance that is needed to keep you on the branch once you actually reach the other side." Smiling fondly at the memories, he turned to Estel. "Why did you come here again?"
Temporarily set back from the release of personal information by the prince Estel struggled to regain his purpose for being here. "I was just wondering, is it possible for someone to enter this clearing from up at that tree with the arrow in it but not land on the ground or go into the net of branches above? Is there anywhere to go from there?"
"I'm not sure what this has to do with firewood" giving Estel a quick glance then returned to staring at the arrow. "but I don't remember that arrow ever being there before. Did you put it there?"
"No, I did not." Estel said truthfully.
"Strange." Legolas quickly and elegantly jumped up to where the arrow was and pulled it out, studied it for a second then jumped down to the ground. He held his palm out and made to stab his palm with the arrow. Shocked, all Estel could do was shout "NO!!" as the initial shock wore off, Estel dared to look at Legolas' palm, expecting to see it run through with the arrow. But, oddly enough, the arrow wasn't through the palm, it didn't even draw blood or pierce the skin of the elves beautiful hands. "Relax my friend, it's blunt, couldn't draw blood even if it wanted to. Only a extremely strong bow could put enough force behind this arrow to make it pierce skin. Only a weak bow would be needed to force this arrow into a tree. Most children use these to practise, though they usually have a special mark to show that the arrow belongs to them. I've never seen this mark before. But I shall have to find the owner and return this to them and give them a severe warning. Thank you for bringing this to my attention."
As Estel absorbed this information, it all made sense, he was being followed by elvish children. Tricky little creatures that loved to test there skills. But this figure from the first night had not been a child. It had been an experienced elf. Odd. The ranger decided that he had enough of this mystery and decided to test his tracking skills for the rest stay. "Thank you for your assistance prince Legolas. I look forward to seeing you around. We will be staying here for another 6 days. Good day." After a short formal bow he turned and left.
"And I look forward to seeing you around too young Estel." Legolas said softly to himself. "More than you know." He smiled as his plans for the young ranger boy started to form. *A quick innocent look here, a blush of embarrassment there and you have a foe that will severely underestimate you. I can't believe that was so easy! Foolish trusting ranger boy.* He looked down at his hands as he held a small note and yet another night stone similar to the stone he threw at the boy yesterday night.
***************
Estel slowly opened his eyes, it was morning already, and it seemed that he had just gone to bed. Yet he heard the laughter of the elf children already at play and the quiet business around his room in the palace. Deciding he had better get up and start seeing the care of the horses, making sure they had a comfortable night and had plenty of grain and water. As he reached slowly got out of bed stretching each of his muscles as he slowly walked over to the pile of clothes, provided by the elves of Mirkwood that sat on a chair just inside the door. As he changed and washed his face in the tub of cool water, he stared into the looking glass and wondered what he would look like with the manly stubble of a unkempt beard. He smoothed his hand across his face hoping to find so feeling that he was growing a beard. No such luck. *It will happen Estel, be patient.* He carefully reminded himself. As he continued to stare into the glass at his reflection, a reflection of the glass seemed out of place. It was a note and it was beside his bed. Turning away from the looking glass to view the note face-to-face, he noticed that yet another small rock of fascinating colors.
He stared at the rock, the one was the same size as the first rock, but in place of green lines, it had royal blue lines. It was just a beautiful as the first rock. Carefully, Estel placed this new stone beside the first stone under his mattress then he turned his attention to the letter. It read:
"To the mortal ranger boy,
I believe that you know who this is. If not, then you are slower then you look. The net of branches that you so interestingly took much notice of in the last few days since your stay here has been quite agitating for me.
You claim to be a ranger, yet you couldn't track a rabbit through a ash covered mountain. I have left a trail for you to follow. Try and find me find you can. I look forward to your arrival."
Odd, the letter was written in common, when it is obviously written by the elf that has been on his mind since Estel first learned of its skills. *The stone must be significant to that elf somehow as well as that area. But what's the connection?* Estel walked over to the window to let in some fresh air. As he drew back the dark, thick curtains and the light shone in, he stood there for a moment with his eyes closed, basking in the morning sun. When he opened his eyes to the morning, his keen sight spotted a scrape of fabric stuck on the vines running along his window sill. *It must have got caught by the being that left me that note. The note! It said 'I have left a trail for you to follow.' A trail to follow? How does a scrape of material help me?*
Estel pulled the cloth from where it was stuck; he studied it closely and felt an odd familiarity to it. He had seen it somewhere before. Even as he racked his brain straining for the distant memory of why he knew this fabric from somewhere, he knew he wouldn't find it that easy, this being meant to test him good and hard before revealing their identity. He decided that when the being thought it time for him to progress through his placed trail, the elf would provide more clues as to his identity. It was a waiting game; Estel only hoped that this game would be completed before he had to leave. Estel decided to have a quick, light breakfast before heading to the stables. As he downed the last of the drying bread, he quickly strolled off to the horse stables.
As he strolled into the door he passed the equipment benches were the different types of elvish saddles, bridles and every other practical horse accessory were arranged. Elf saddle were among the finest crafts to be seen for miles around. He was just to the first stall holding a grey mare when the familiar feeling struck him again. He should have recognized the scrape of cloth, it was a particularly fine suede-type texture, used in many things such as bedding sheets, under clothes for armor and hair accessories. But it's main use was for making the lining of saddles. Of course! The elf wanted Estel to find him before he left for Mirkwood. *This might be easier that I first thought.* Now that he had solved the first clue, the next step was to find the next clue. Looking around, he saw several golden threads caught on a nail above a particularly fine saddle. Pulling off the threads, he felt a coarse, rough texture to them, the ranger boy had half expected them to be hair from the elf's head. But elf hair was thin and fine, this was rough. Though it looked like hair none the less. *Well my tricky little friend, I shall find you sooner or later. No matter how many clues I have to solve, your identity will be revealed. This I promise.* With that, the ranger pondered over this new clue as he half-heartedly attended to the horses. *Soon my friend, soon I will look upon you and know your name. Soon you will learn that Estel the ranger doesn't give up too easy.* Smiling smugly to himself, the ranger boy continued his work.
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