Yet another chapter - I think it has to be a record for me! Umm, this was
one of the famous 'pre-written' scenes from AGES ago - all the way back
when this idea came to me. Now, this chapter is not what you would really
expect from me at all. It is very civil, very formal and decorous and,
well...sickeningly cute towards the end. Though, I feel that I must remind
you that everything and I mean EVERYTHING has a purpose - including Estel's
boldness.
Also, in regards to Estel, I am trying to keep him...secret? I am not too sure how to explain it, but I don't want you as the readers to have too much access into his head - I want him to be a bit of a mystery, and for you to only find out about him as Legolas does. If that made any sense whatsoever..?
Enjoy, and Ihni and Sirithiliel, please don't kill me over it...
*****
The Thrill of the Chase
Chapter Four
The Infuriating Complication
*****
"My prince, are you injured?" Erestor asked while hurrying after the blond Elf with a concerned smile. "What happened?"
"Just a few Orcs, and a run-in with a highwaymen," Legolas lied easily, brushing the past situations off as if they were specks of dirt in the same manner as he did the formal title. "Nothing that I could not handle."
As always, Erestor was the first to be there to greet the unexpected Prince of Mirkwood. It was as if he had a second sight, a sixth sense that could always tell when the rather reckless archer would mysteriously appear in the gardens of Rivendell without so much as a single word of proper announcement.
Today had been the same as all others. Erestor had felt that strange clenching in his stomach as soon as he had risen that morning; the telltale sign of one of Legolas' unpredicted arrivals. He could not explain how he knew that the Elf was about to materialize in the oddest of places nor could he justify it in anyway; it was just something that was and always had been.
All morning, the head advisor to Lord Elrond had fussed about the Last Homely House, seeing that an extra place would be set for that nights dinner, making sure that the prince's regular room was in a state of cleanliness and that fresh bedding and bath supplies were all in place.
As it was, Erestor had only just finished his self-appointed tasks and had walked into the court yard for a breath of air when a rather bedraggled and weary looking prince rode through the gates, unheeding of the guard that practically begged him to wait so that he could be properly introduced.
Legolas supported a single bag, it contents obviously not accounting to much due to the lack of bulge in the doeskin pouch. His clothes were torn and stained with what appeared to be blood, and the dried, rusty substance that forced his normally silky hair into a few clumps made the thought of blood a definite factor.
Erestor had waited for the prince to come closer to the house before he bombarded him with the usual questions regarding his wellbeing and the turn of events that had eventually lead to his arrival here.
Sighing and rolling his eyes slightly, Erestor finally caught up to Legolas' quick pace. "My lord, why do you not heed our words and travel with an escort as is befitting one of your position?"
"Because, my dear Erestor," Legolas said while stopping and looking the Elf right in the eyes, "an escort would only slow me down."
"An escort could save your life."
"I am quite capable of saving my own life."
"What if you could not?"
"That has never happened."
"But such a situation could arise."
"Just as it may not!"
Both stood there, feet to feet, eye to eye, glaring the other down. It was a common occurrence whenever Legolas breezed into Rivendell for these two to get into some form of disagreement about something or other. If it was not Legolas' constant refusal to accept an escort, it was the manner in which he arrived in the city unannounced and refused any form of special welcome 'as was befitting one of his position'. No one paid them any attention anymore, all the passerby's knew that it was not something that would escalate into hateful words or any serious form of conflict. It truth, it was just Erestor being protective of the Elf that he had know since birth and Legolas being rebellious.
Throwing his hands up in defeat, Erestor let out a long and labored sigh while turning from the prince and walking away. "I swear by the Valar," he muttered to himself so that Legolas could hear, "you are almost as troublesome as Elladan and Elrohir."
"Oh, Erestor," Legolas shouted back with a grin, "you insult me. I would say that I am far worse then both combined!"
Glancing over his shoulder, Erestor offered the young prince a bright smile, his eyes seeming to light up with the mere change from his usual slight frown. "Sometimes I believe you are! But Legolas, please go get yourself freshened up and bind that hand wound!"
Laughing merrily to himself, Legolas nodded his assent to the suggestion before turning in the direction of the room that was constantly kept for his surprise visits.
*****
Fiddling with the small piece of bandage that had been left after binding his hand, Legolas walked slowly and leisurely through the luscious gardens of Rivendell, marveling at the places beauty for what was not the first time. Little rivulets and streams made the grounds of Rivendell into an intricate maze of bubbling water, small bridges and grassy knolls. Finely trimmed bushes and shrubs lined the few defined walkways before giving way to the denser and wilder plant life of the great river city - all of which was still surprisingly well kept. Runners and vines hung strategically over limbs of trees and carpeted the ground with their petite green leaves and bright, colourful flowers. The gardens were truly a remarkable sight. There existed little to no trace of outside interference with the harmony in which the plants grew and yet there was no doubt in Legolas' mind that the plants had not naturally formed the structured paths and bushy coves.
The sound of cheery voices moving in his direction saw Legolas ducking under a creeper covered tree branch and disappearing into the top most gardens that grew above the waterfall formed by the River Mitheithel. It was not that he wanted to be cold to his hosts, but at the moment, he was in the mood for a nice long walk among the trees in the hopes that it would better clear his mind from last nights happenings.
Something about what had happened at Larnfield put him at ill-ease, more so then such actions normally would. It had seemed off somehow, like something more then just Sard's unexpected murder had been at play within the town and yet for the life of him, the Elven prince could not put his finger on it. Not to mention the fact that since he had left the town burning in his wake, he had the reoccurring thought in regards to the guard Gruthfrid. Legolas could not decide what it was that truly bothered him; the fact that Gruthfrid might have died in the fire or the fact that he might have escaped.
In an attempt to push the thought from his mind, Legolas gave his shoulders a small rotate - the muscles seemed to be incredibly tight - as he looked around the area that he had strayed into.
Like all of Rivendell, the grassy meadow was full of light and yet balanced with flickers of shade. The trees were taller here then they were closer to the paths and the shrubs and vines, still in full flower, seemed to be a little more hectic in the way that they grew. A deep thicket of trees off it his right provided most of the shade for the small clearing as well as the sweet aroma of honeysuckle.
It was such a lovely place to be in, especially after the blood and fire ridden streets of Larnfield. The plants here seemed to hum softly, content with their way of life and the beings that wandered about them, basking in their beauty. The completely opposite to the strange forests bordering on the far side of the charred human town.
"You must be Legolas," a deep voice cut through Legolas' dark thoughts like a sharpened blade through flesh. Jumping slightly, Legolas turned around to find the source of the words, wondering who in Rivendell could possibly have a voice like that - and one that he did not know...
"I have heard much about the fabled Prince of Mirkwood," the voice continued, alerting Legolas' senses to the fact that the owner was hidden within the thicket of trees off to his right.
"Have you now?" Legolas asked polity, remembering where he was. "But you have an unfair advantage over me, stranger. You seem to know all about me and yet I cannot even see you!" Well, that was almost true. In fact, the closer that he looked, Legolas could already start to pick out some of the features of this mysterious stranger. He was tall; probably even taller then Legolas himself and well built, his shoulders wider then the lithe Elf's. His hair was to his shoulders and wavy, most probably dark as, should it have been of a lighter colour, Legolas' heightened sight would have been able to detect the small rays of the sun shining off the strands through the leaves.
"So lurk in the shadows no longer, unless you wish for my curiosity to surface and for me to venture in there after you!"
At this a small chuckle emitted from the depths of the woods followed by the telltale sounds of rustling leaves created by movement. Seeing the shadow shift in the bushes, Legolas tensed slightly, expecting anything from a long forgotten face to a sworn enemy, but never was he expecting what walked out of the forest with an Elf like grace...
A human!
What in Valar's name a human was doing in Rivendell was beside him... But wait; as soon as he got this first good look at the man, it all came flooding back to him. Lord Elrond, in his kindhearted way, took in some abandoned human child many years ago - an action that would most likely come back to haunt him in the future in Legolas' opinion.
"Ah," Legolas said softly as the man approached, "You must be Estel."
At this the human bowed, a low, sweeping bow that was, to Legolas, completely overdone. Must be a human thing.
"At your service, fair Prince," Estel said as he stood from his sweeping bow. Inclining his head in the direction that Legolas had originally been walking, he crocked an eyebrow as he asked, with all the manners of a high born Elf, "Would you grant me the honor of being allowed to accompany you on your walk?"
Inside Legolas was fuming; burning so bright that he was sure that he was about to spontaneously combust, but, with all the skill and self-discipline of the Prince that he was, he somehow managed to gently nod his head in a sign of consent and keep the flame from his eyes.
"Pray tell, why it is that you are out here unattended?" Estel began, seemingly picking the first topic that came to mind and running wild with it.
"I do not need attendants to simply walk the gardens!" Legolas exclaimed incredulously while seriously wondering where this foolish mortal had perceived such ideas in regards to Elven royalty.
"That was hardly what I meant!" Estel interjected at his own defense, "I simply was wondering how it was that someone such as yourself did not have company when walking on such a beautiful day."
"Most probably the same reason that applies to you," Legolas answered back, hiding both his shock and annoyance at being wrong. Humans were meant to be predictable and uncivilized, and yet this man was fully capable of conducting an eloquent and formal conversation.
It was infuriating!
"You were also hiding from Erestor?" Estel laughed out, his head thrown back as he did so, though Legolas could feel that the man's eyes did not leave his face. "For that is why I was 'lurking in the shadows' as you so put it!"
At the man's words, Legolas found himself fighting harder to control the bout of laughter that threatened to show through his cold exterior in a manner stronger then the need to feel disgusted by the human's presence. Why the human was hiding from the very Elf that seemed to find pleasure in haunting him was a subject that intrigued Legolas, though he would never give the mortal the satisfaction of knowing so. He would simply find out the reasons behind such strange behavior later from the twins.
Opting for a lie, Legolas merely shook his head in a 'no' before offering vocal rebuttal in the form of a jest. "Do not speak such about an Elf as old as he - he will be going senile shortly and it is not polite!"
This pulled yet another round of laughter from the seemingly carefree human at his side - a sound that was, strangely enough, not terribly annoying like the laugh of most. Perhaps his childhood surrounded by Elves had done more for this human then what would have been thought possible. He seemed further refined then most; blessed with appropriate etiquette and yet not to such an extent that he could be considered to be rising above his stature - whatever that may be.
It was either that or Legolas was going insane... Perhaps he was simply tired from the disastrous journey which was resulting to his tolerance being lowered when faced with such a despicable creature.
"Well then," Estel exclaimed when he finally recovered, utterly mystified at the fact that the Prince had such a side to him. Somehow the Elf did not seem like the type to make jokes, or to even laugh for that matter. And yet at the same time Estel got the impression that Legolas was not at all what he seemed, and that maybe somewhere, lurking below that obviously false façade of princely righteousness, there was something a little deeper, a little darker and fiercely independent. "Now you know about my dark secret and sinister use of the gardens, will you enlighten me on yours?"
'Dark secret,' the Elf mused, 'where should I begin?'
"Just paying my respects to a lovely garden that I have not walked in for far too long," Legolas again lied; but what was he to do? Tell the human that he had been thinking about the town that he obliquely caused to rip itself apart? Somehow that did not really seem like an option to even be remotely considered.
"Of course," Estel said with a smile, "and who could not wish to pay their respects to such a lovely place as this."
Legolas was bored. He was beyond annoyed at this stage, his quiet walk in the garden all but completely disturbed by this upstart of a human and his frustration was mounting with every word that the man spoke. But most of all he was just bored and itching to find something to do.
It always happened, so it was utterly ludicrous that he should feel any shock at the restless feeling, but as Estel talked on, he could not help but place all his attention on the unsettling fact that he was completely, utterly and totally bored to death. Every time one of his targets went down, every time that he spent even a few days chasing after someone only to find himself once again smiling sweetly as he was wrapped up in the small talk that was befitting others of his status, he would be hit with such monotony that he wanted to just shout out something obscene and make life a little more interesting.
Smile here, bow there, laugh at that, looked shocked at this, be greatly distressed about that. None of it was real. None of it was raw emotion that should be felt at the telling of news. It was naught but a forced reaction long learnt to make sure that there were no blunders within his conduct and thus resulting in there being no chance of some other person taking offence and holding a grudge against him and possibly Mirkwood.
His duty was to his people first and foremost. That was what his father had told him from a young age. Legolas was the sole prince of Mirkwood. He had to be there for his people to see, to relate to and to bridge the gap between the ruling King and his subjects. Legolas was expected to the friend of everyone, to have the time and the patience to know of everything - but Valar forbid that he should seem like he was prying into another's life!
No, he was meant to smile and flatter, flirt and be complemented and be the life of the party without seeming too outlandish.
In short, he was meant to be a drone. A walking, talking person created of rules whose sole purpose was to be the voice of another so to reach more people. A person that did what he was expected, when he was expected and never, ever did anything as foolish as openly showing his disinterest.
Estel, well he only made this time even worse. Legolas had been out in the woods tracking Sard for much longer then he would a normal target, and the rather strange way that the Elf had finally exterminated him all seemed to wrap themselves into a tight bundle within his mind. He had hated that night in the tavern and yet part of him wanted to like it, to be proud of what he had been able to force himself into doing so that he could achieve his personal goal. It had been dangerous, unexpected and, in its own strange way, exciting. He had never known just what effect he could have on someone if he really tried and that night, well, it had made him wonder about far too many things...
"Legolas?"
Snapping out of his deep thoughts, Legolas' mind raced as he looked up to meet the questioning eyes of the human. Estel had obviously been calling for him for quite sometime now as the man had moved remarkably closer and wore a deeply worried expression on his face.
"Oh, I must apologize," Legolas said. Thinking quickly, he cast his eyes down and forced a small blush to creep onto his cheeks at his call - again, all utterly fake. "My mind was momentarily away. I do not know what overcame me. Please continue."
"I think I know where that mind of yours went." Estel smiled at the Elf's raised eyebrow and questioning gaze. Leaning closer to the fair being, Estel locked eyes with the Elf as his forehead almost touched Legolas'. "You were probably lost in the memories of what happened on your way here. Last night, if I recall correctly."
It took every ounce of self control that Legolas possessed to stop his surprise and utter horror from showing on his face at Estel's words. Swallowing the lump in his throat, the Elven prince worked hard to conceal his emotions and to also contrive a suitably answer. Mind drawing a black, he finally decided that it would be best to play the part of the confused party in the conversation and allow the other to do the explaining.
"I am afraid I do not take your meaning," he said softly, almost breathlessly.
"I heard that you were attacked on your way here," Estel offered, "a rather fierce band of Orcs, I believe. I am sure that it would have been a frightening experience for a lone Elf." Estel's eyes fluttered to the small strip of bandage that was wrapped around Legolas' hand, pure white save for the inside where a number of small red dots had soaked through, the wound still bleeding due to the difficult position it was in for quick healing.
Actually sighing, Legolas nodded his head in hopes of hiding his relief from the searching eyes of the human. Estel seemed to watch him so closely that despite the man's words, Legolas could not help but wonder if there was a hidden trap within the conversation somewhere.
"Of course," Legolas muttered, for once not protesting his own capability to protect himself, "I had tried to forget but as you guessed it is harder in the actions then the thought."
"Well then, perhaps you should take some rest before dinner tonight," Estel suggested, his hand coming to fall on Legolas' shoulder in an action that once again caught the Elf off guard. "You will be attending?" The young man asked as a last thought, utterly unaware of the small flinch that ran up Legolas' spin at his contact.
"Yes," the Elven prince replied with a small bow, hiding the first true emotion that had passed his face in the form of a flush. "I would not miss it for the world."
A silence fell over the two of them, one that put Legolas even more on edge. Estel was peering at him intently, as if there were something on his face that had intrigued the human beyond belief. Unnerved, Legolas had the sudden urge to wipe at his face and find whatever it was that the human found to consume his concentration.
"Well," Legolas said courtly and with all the charm of a prince of the Elves, needing to break the silence and get away, "it was a pleasure meeting you, Estel."
"And you, Legolas."
Not allowing the moment to pass, Legolas stepped to the left to go around the human, only to be met with Estel's chest, who, on instinct, had stepped to his right. Smiling slightly, Legolas moved to the right as Estel moved to his left, blocking his access again. Trying for the last time, Legolas made for the left once more, just as Estel mirrored the step.
Laughing slightly to hide his aggravation, Legolas looked up into the man's eyes and bowed his head graciously. "Sorry," he muttered out while turning his entire body to his left, making it clear which way he was going so that the human could stay out of his way.
Walking forward, he almost let out a fierce growl when the man went out of his way to block his path again. Anger flaring in his eyes at the realization that Estel had been doing this on purpose the entire time, Legolas glared up at the taller man with a look that would have made a band of Orcs flee.
Formality be damned! No one treated him in such a way, guest of Rivendell or not.
"I am not," was the answer to his hateful glare, which, at the softly spoken words, quickly turned into a scowl of confusion.
"Pardon?" Legolas asked, utterly confused at why this man chose such words as he so openly blocked his way. The human could consider himself lucky for, had he been anyone else and this not Rivendell, Legolas could have lost his barely contained tempter long ago and put him in a position that saw him unable to ever block another persons path again.
"I said that I was not sorry," Estel said with a self-assured smirk, "for blocking you." He added at the still confused look upon the Elf's fair face.
Opening his mouth only to find that he could think of nothing to say, Legolas settled for doing what could be referred to as fish impersonations while glaring intently at the brash human.
"Well, it kept you here, did it not?" Estel smiled brightly, his eyes twinkling like stars reflected upon a storm tossed sea.
"And yet I have places to be," Legolas said finally and a little testily, "now, let me make this simple for you. You stay there, and I will walk to the left and go around you and be on my way. Do you follow?" Knowing that he was being slightly harsh with his epigrammatic words, Legolas offered the man a small, almost apologetic smile as he made his way to the left, putting his instructions into action.
Successfully bypassing the young man, Legolas kept walking back towards the main house of Rivendell, trying to purge the thoughts of the man's words from his head.
"Wait!" Estel yelled after prince before quickly jogging to catch up with the golden-haired Elf. Seeing that Legolas refused to acknowledge his presence let alone stop, Estel took a few rushed paces forward and threw himself in front of the archer again, blocking his path for the umpteenth time that day.
"Surely you have a little more time to spare," Estel almost pleaded with the being that gave him a look that seemed to support the very fires of Mordor behind the ice-blue eyes.
"Just as you surely have better things to do with your time then hinder my way!" Legolas rebutted, his annoyance apparent in the way he hissed the words between his teeth. "And if I do recall correctly, it was you that suggested that I should take some rest. So now, if you would - what?" Legolas demanded when he became aware that Estel's captivated gaze was one more focused upon him.
"Nothing..." Estel said almost wistfully, obviously lost in thought.
"No, tell me!" Legolas insisted, secretly wanting to know how it was that this human could frustrate him so and yet why he had not lifted a finger to stop it.
"I was just wondering," Estel started softly while taking a step forward. Legolas mirrored that step with one back, keeping the distance between them at a constant. Moving forward again with that same self-assured smile, Legolas managed to wipe the look off the human's face as he once again moved backwards. "How the most beautiful being that I have ever seen..." Estel continued as his steps persisted, "...and quite possibly ever will see..."
Again Legolas stepped back, his eyes huge as the words flowed easily from the advancing human's mouth. This was definitely not the reaction that he had thought, let alone the words that he had assumed were the cause of Estel's gazes.
"...can be so damn hostile - and would you stop doing that!?" Estel finished quickly while reaching out and wrapping a strong arm around the Elf's waist, pulling him in close to his chest and stopping all hopes of Legolas' escape.
Dumbfounded, Legolas found himself enclosed in Estel's arms before he could even think of doing anything to avoid the situation, not to mention contrive an action. Again lost for words, Legolas found himself doing yet another convincing impersonation of a fish as he stared open mouthed up at the human that had so boldly pulled him into his embrace.
To say that he was shocked at himself was an understatement; his alias was known throughout Middle-Earth as the best assassin of his time: quick, smart, cunning - all the things that should have come naturally to him in such a moment as this. And yet they failed him, left him there unprotected and unguarded for the human to do as he pleased.
Smiling at the stunned Elf, Estel wanted nothing more then to kiss those lips that were parted in such an inviting circle. Those blue-blue eyes of the Elf were staring up at him, almost begging him to make his move as his lips finally met, closing off the entrance to his mouth.
Mind made up, Estel tightened his grip about the Elf's waist, pulling him in closer and making Legolas stand up straighter. Marveling at the fact that the Elf still only came up to his shoulder, Estel licked his lips lightly and leant down slowly towards Legolas' uplifted head...
...Only to find that Legolas leant back in his arms at the same pace, doing much the same as he had with their steps; keeping them at a constant distance.
Stopping and smiling at the Elf encouragingly, Estel moved in again, this time leaning over a little bit further, yet, as predicted, Legolas reflected his movement with a backwards one of his own, calling upon Estel's supporting arm to keep him upright.
Seeing the way that the Elf lent back in his arms at an impossibly far angle, Estel half entertained the notion of letting him drop and pinning him to the ground; at least then Legolas would not be able to swindle his way out of allowing Estel to kiss him. But no, deciding that that was far too rough and primitive for the time being, Estel resolved to try once more.
Hand moving to get a better grasp upon the slim waist, Estel closed his eyes and bent forward more then both other times put together.
Still only air.
"Let. Me. Go!" Legolas had finally found his voice once the man's eyes had closed and was fully intent on starting up quite a forcefully loud round of protests. Sure, in one swift movement he could have Estel landing head fist upon the ground, but the risks of serious damage were far too great. The last thing that he wanted to do was kill Elrond's foster son on their first meeting.
Letting his eyes open, Estel saw Legolas straining to make sure that he was as far away from the human as possible without tipping them both over. As it was, had anyone been walking by at that moment, it would have been quite a sight to witness. Legolas looked as if he were a white deer caught in the light of a flaming torch while Estel looked as though he were a deprived child, desperately seeking that which he had been denied.
"Allow me let you in on a little secret," Estel said warmly and with a large smile, interrupting when he knew that Legolas was going to speak again. "When I lean down to kiss you, the point is that you stay there so that we achieve the goal that we set out to accomplish."
Snatching up the opportunity that Legolas' shocked silence allowed, Estel moved his free hand quickly over to cup the Elf's face while he moved his hand up to between Legolas' shoulder blades, pressing forward. Within a mere second, Legolas was pressed fully against him, his lips finally coming in contact with Estel's own.
Eyes flying open even further in shock, Legolas let out a muffled protest at the swift action of the human yet, the only response that gained him was Estel's grip tightening on him as he pulled Legolas closer into both the embrace and the kiss.
It was everything that Estel had dreamed of; those lips so soft, that skin so smooth and the perfect body fitting so well against his.
Legolas on the other hand was convinced that he was in the midst of a nervous breakdown. Why did he feel so useless; so timid around this human? It did not make any sense! All he knew was that when Estel held him as he was at that very moment and kissed him with such passion, he wanted to throw everything else into the wind and concentrate solely on returning that fervent caress. That was what scared him, what made him want Estel to back away and to leave him alone; he could not risk giving up everything in his life for a mere human. Not based on a single kiss.
And so he did the first thing that came to mind. Gone were the swift, cunning and intelligent moves of the assassin as Legolas settled for beating his hands against Estel's back and arms, trying to get the human to let go. Estel was like a leech, a large form that just could not be moved no matter how hard you pushed and prodded.
Again, it was infuriating!
Hand snaking its way down Legolas' cheek to rest upon the side of his neck and jaw, Estel deepened the kiss as much as the still startled Elf would allow him while running his other hand up and down the prince's back. He could tell that Legolas was shocked, and even a little frightened which came as a surprise for surely this Elf was not as innocent as he seemed.
Trying to calm the fretting archer, Estel massaged the Elf's neck and jaw with his hand while restraining the want to explore the sweet mouth against his with his tongue.
Knowing that he needed air and that Legolas was not becoming anymore at ease with the situation, Estel finally broke away, settling for applying a few quick, light kisses upon the slightly swollen lips in a tender parting. A small, contented sign slipped past Estel's tongue as he looked down at the being that he held.
Legolas was still straining to get as far away as possible; his eyes open and huge as he stared back at the human in something akin to a cationic state. As the human watched, it was as if a fog had lifted from Legolas' eyes, and, within a second, he had wrenched himself free of the man's grasp, twisting Estel's wrist painfully as he went.
Glaring at Estel, Legolas retreated, stumbling slightly in his hurry to be away from the man.
"Do not ever do that again!" Legolas commanded, his voice firm and controlled as he slowed his backwards retreat. "Never!"
The assassin was back, the instincts having finally recovered and taking control of the situation. The startled, confused prince had been pushed to the back, making way for the deadly and controlling mercenary that seemed to be becoming more and more of the regular personality. Fear was replaced with hatred and stunned silence was overridden with the want to put the human in his place. It took every wisp of self-control, of princely action and acknowledgement of the rules and people involved for the Elf to restrain himself from causing the over presumptuous human to suffer.
Instead, Legolas merely glared at the man with his trade-mark gaze of cold and yet burning eyes before turning on his heels, his head held high, and walking from the clearing in a dignified manner, leaving a startled and rejected ranger far behind.
*****
To be continued...
*****
Next chapter Preview:
"It was nothing!" he told himself harshly and out loud as if it would have more effect upon him if the words were actually spoken. "Nothing!" Rolling his shoulders once again, he busied himself with unfastening his other gauntlet. "It meant nothing, you felt nothing - why?" he questioned himself, "Because it was nothing!" came the answer.
Later on:
Pulling the window shutter closed, Legolas tightened his grip on the dagger and, in one swift movement, slammed the window and ripped back the curtain. Grasping the shadow that lurked there, the prince hauled the gasping being out into the light of the room and pressed his blade under the person's neck.
*****
Replies to Reviews:
Tainted Fortune: I am trying to update every Saturday - or sometimes Sunday - night my time. Just depends on when I have time to go over it and post. I am thrilled that you like the assassin idea - I was worried that some people would not take to it, but I have been pleasantly surprised. *Blushes* I am glad that I am able to offer you some form of entertainment, and I am greatly honored that you like my stories. But don't worry, this story will continue!
Iara: Lol, I am glad that you like it and I hope that it does not disappoint you as it goes along.
Sirithiliel: Thrilling? Thank you! As you can see, that was a slashy part, but as far as I can remember, that is all for a while - about two/three chapters so I hope it does not turn you off too much.
Rabbit of Iron: LOL! Ok, I shall refrain from my hissing. There was a book version Bond? Wow, shows you how little I know on the subject! Lol. And yes, more sexy Legolas to come... as for the detail, lets just say that I have an overactive mind! It kind of just contrives these things and then forces my fingers to comply and actually make then happen...it is horrible sometimes! Lol. Try it out myself? Well, not the roof bit, but... *laughs* Ok, I have this habit of using (I used to use a ruler until I brought myself a set of swords) a sword to roughly work out what will happen - you know, step the left to dodge and at the same time it is possible to kick under the blow...stuff like that. But I have been thinking that I need someone to do it all for me - should be so much easier. *goes off on a search for a Rent-An-Elf outlet* But thank you, your review gave me a great laugh... "Jump that way..." *Big smile*
Kael Kalespel: Thank you. As said above, battle scenes are quite...ummm...interesting to write...lol. They are one of the things that I love the most and yet they are the one thing that makes progress slow. But hey, as long as someone likes it and I have fun, I will still keep doing it. What will happen to Legolas and Estel...*evil laughter* Lets just say that you ain't seen nothing yet... *starts singing*
whispers of an angel: Lol, yes, it was overly long, but that is my curse... once I start I normally can't stop! And yes, it is a lot, a hell of a lot, which will, in the long run, make the stakes even higher!
Analia: Yes, it was long, very long...really long even... Grrrr. I hate pansy Legolas... I was watching the Fellowship of the Ring again the other day and for the life of my I could not see what it was that spawned so many 'Legolas is weak and needs to be carried around like a sake of potato' stories. If anything, Aragorn should be shown as the weaker one - some of the stuff that happened to him...I mean, hardly any of the Orcs even came within Legolas' personal space, let along cause the Elf need to be saved and patted like some pet! AHHHH! Ok... I am over it. On to the updates of my stories: I do try and I am trying, and I did not mean to cause you any pain over the ultimate cliffhangers. But hey, look at it from my point of view - I have to walk around day in, day out with so many ideas and concepts for so many stories swimming though my already abused mind and yet I don't even have the time to write them down, thus getting them from my head. So trust me, you are not the only one suffering here! *smile*
Tainted Fortune: *Blinks* didn't I just reply to you? Lol... oh well... here we go. Yes, the sneak peaks are fun to chose - I get to look through all that I have written and chose what I know will make people anxious and yet passages that do not give too much away. Again, I am glad that you like the battle scenes.
Ihni: Hello again. And yes, last chapter was the evil Minka coming through again! I try to do my best with the battle scenes - I don't like reading things like "They fought long and hard and many people lost their lives." I like to make it like some violent movie - for fun all round! Lol. But thank you anyways. As I told you, I never really thought about "Summersault" in such a way before, but now it shall be suck in *my* head and I shall have to find a replacement word...thanks! Lol.
"Do not look down" it was more of a case of Legolas did not want to have to go back and drag the guy across the roof if he got height fright (ok, that was an odd term). But to his credit, Gruthfrid didn't look down and neither did he get all frozen with fear and the like.
"Whelp" - LOL! Yes, ok, ok, you got me. I stole that from Pirates! But it is just such a cool and yet insulting nickname that I could not help myself.
Yes, the art of killing is often lost, especially in these days with their bombs and other such weapons of mass destruction. Give me a good old sword or a piece of cord any day - so much more personal. Verdox is creepy and yes, the fact that he puts Legolas at ill ease speaks volumes and you are right, Verdox will be making another appearance later on...though for what purpose?
Oh, you are bribable...that is good to know after this chapter...
LOL! Believe it or not, I am already trying to work out a scene where Legolas kills someone with his pinky!! I know where I want to put it, I just need to work out how he does it... I have problems...LOL
*ducks various sharp implements and hides behind a startled muse* Ok, ok ok! I will not do anything of the sort...not quite my style anyway. Plus, I think that it would be so much better if Jack was the one doing the begging... But calm down, I shall do naught in regards to such an idea...
LOL! Yes, sadly that was not the longest that I have down but it was the longest in a long while (needs to find a replacement word for 'long' as it has been used for far too long! LOL) I have noticed that you are a hard one to please and that you are hardly ever satisfied... makes my life a lot harder, you know! LOL. But hey, it gives me the kick up the ass I need, so thank you.
*****
All right, I am finally done. Again, I hope you liked that and please leave a review!
Until next time,
Minka.
Also, in regards to Estel, I am trying to keep him...secret? I am not too sure how to explain it, but I don't want you as the readers to have too much access into his head - I want him to be a bit of a mystery, and for you to only find out about him as Legolas does. If that made any sense whatsoever..?
Enjoy, and Ihni and Sirithiliel, please don't kill me over it...
*****
The Thrill of the Chase
Chapter Four
The Infuriating Complication
*****
"My prince, are you injured?" Erestor asked while hurrying after the blond Elf with a concerned smile. "What happened?"
"Just a few Orcs, and a run-in with a highwaymen," Legolas lied easily, brushing the past situations off as if they were specks of dirt in the same manner as he did the formal title. "Nothing that I could not handle."
As always, Erestor was the first to be there to greet the unexpected Prince of Mirkwood. It was as if he had a second sight, a sixth sense that could always tell when the rather reckless archer would mysteriously appear in the gardens of Rivendell without so much as a single word of proper announcement.
Today had been the same as all others. Erestor had felt that strange clenching in his stomach as soon as he had risen that morning; the telltale sign of one of Legolas' unpredicted arrivals. He could not explain how he knew that the Elf was about to materialize in the oddest of places nor could he justify it in anyway; it was just something that was and always had been.
All morning, the head advisor to Lord Elrond had fussed about the Last Homely House, seeing that an extra place would be set for that nights dinner, making sure that the prince's regular room was in a state of cleanliness and that fresh bedding and bath supplies were all in place.
As it was, Erestor had only just finished his self-appointed tasks and had walked into the court yard for a breath of air when a rather bedraggled and weary looking prince rode through the gates, unheeding of the guard that practically begged him to wait so that he could be properly introduced.
Legolas supported a single bag, it contents obviously not accounting to much due to the lack of bulge in the doeskin pouch. His clothes were torn and stained with what appeared to be blood, and the dried, rusty substance that forced his normally silky hair into a few clumps made the thought of blood a definite factor.
Erestor had waited for the prince to come closer to the house before he bombarded him with the usual questions regarding his wellbeing and the turn of events that had eventually lead to his arrival here.
Sighing and rolling his eyes slightly, Erestor finally caught up to Legolas' quick pace. "My lord, why do you not heed our words and travel with an escort as is befitting one of your position?"
"Because, my dear Erestor," Legolas said while stopping and looking the Elf right in the eyes, "an escort would only slow me down."
"An escort could save your life."
"I am quite capable of saving my own life."
"What if you could not?"
"That has never happened."
"But such a situation could arise."
"Just as it may not!"
Both stood there, feet to feet, eye to eye, glaring the other down. It was a common occurrence whenever Legolas breezed into Rivendell for these two to get into some form of disagreement about something or other. If it was not Legolas' constant refusal to accept an escort, it was the manner in which he arrived in the city unannounced and refused any form of special welcome 'as was befitting one of his position'. No one paid them any attention anymore, all the passerby's knew that it was not something that would escalate into hateful words or any serious form of conflict. It truth, it was just Erestor being protective of the Elf that he had know since birth and Legolas being rebellious.
Throwing his hands up in defeat, Erestor let out a long and labored sigh while turning from the prince and walking away. "I swear by the Valar," he muttered to himself so that Legolas could hear, "you are almost as troublesome as Elladan and Elrohir."
"Oh, Erestor," Legolas shouted back with a grin, "you insult me. I would say that I am far worse then both combined!"
Glancing over his shoulder, Erestor offered the young prince a bright smile, his eyes seeming to light up with the mere change from his usual slight frown. "Sometimes I believe you are! But Legolas, please go get yourself freshened up and bind that hand wound!"
Laughing merrily to himself, Legolas nodded his assent to the suggestion before turning in the direction of the room that was constantly kept for his surprise visits.
*****
Fiddling with the small piece of bandage that had been left after binding his hand, Legolas walked slowly and leisurely through the luscious gardens of Rivendell, marveling at the places beauty for what was not the first time. Little rivulets and streams made the grounds of Rivendell into an intricate maze of bubbling water, small bridges and grassy knolls. Finely trimmed bushes and shrubs lined the few defined walkways before giving way to the denser and wilder plant life of the great river city - all of which was still surprisingly well kept. Runners and vines hung strategically over limbs of trees and carpeted the ground with their petite green leaves and bright, colourful flowers. The gardens were truly a remarkable sight. There existed little to no trace of outside interference with the harmony in which the plants grew and yet there was no doubt in Legolas' mind that the plants had not naturally formed the structured paths and bushy coves.
The sound of cheery voices moving in his direction saw Legolas ducking under a creeper covered tree branch and disappearing into the top most gardens that grew above the waterfall formed by the River Mitheithel. It was not that he wanted to be cold to his hosts, but at the moment, he was in the mood for a nice long walk among the trees in the hopes that it would better clear his mind from last nights happenings.
Something about what had happened at Larnfield put him at ill-ease, more so then such actions normally would. It had seemed off somehow, like something more then just Sard's unexpected murder had been at play within the town and yet for the life of him, the Elven prince could not put his finger on it. Not to mention the fact that since he had left the town burning in his wake, he had the reoccurring thought in regards to the guard Gruthfrid. Legolas could not decide what it was that truly bothered him; the fact that Gruthfrid might have died in the fire or the fact that he might have escaped.
In an attempt to push the thought from his mind, Legolas gave his shoulders a small rotate - the muscles seemed to be incredibly tight - as he looked around the area that he had strayed into.
Like all of Rivendell, the grassy meadow was full of light and yet balanced with flickers of shade. The trees were taller here then they were closer to the paths and the shrubs and vines, still in full flower, seemed to be a little more hectic in the way that they grew. A deep thicket of trees off it his right provided most of the shade for the small clearing as well as the sweet aroma of honeysuckle.
It was such a lovely place to be in, especially after the blood and fire ridden streets of Larnfield. The plants here seemed to hum softly, content with their way of life and the beings that wandered about them, basking in their beauty. The completely opposite to the strange forests bordering on the far side of the charred human town.
"You must be Legolas," a deep voice cut through Legolas' dark thoughts like a sharpened blade through flesh. Jumping slightly, Legolas turned around to find the source of the words, wondering who in Rivendell could possibly have a voice like that - and one that he did not know...
"I have heard much about the fabled Prince of Mirkwood," the voice continued, alerting Legolas' senses to the fact that the owner was hidden within the thicket of trees off to his right.
"Have you now?" Legolas asked polity, remembering where he was. "But you have an unfair advantage over me, stranger. You seem to know all about me and yet I cannot even see you!" Well, that was almost true. In fact, the closer that he looked, Legolas could already start to pick out some of the features of this mysterious stranger. He was tall; probably even taller then Legolas himself and well built, his shoulders wider then the lithe Elf's. His hair was to his shoulders and wavy, most probably dark as, should it have been of a lighter colour, Legolas' heightened sight would have been able to detect the small rays of the sun shining off the strands through the leaves.
"So lurk in the shadows no longer, unless you wish for my curiosity to surface and for me to venture in there after you!"
At this a small chuckle emitted from the depths of the woods followed by the telltale sounds of rustling leaves created by movement. Seeing the shadow shift in the bushes, Legolas tensed slightly, expecting anything from a long forgotten face to a sworn enemy, but never was he expecting what walked out of the forest with an Elf like grace...
A human!
What in Valar's name a human was doing in Rivendell was beside him... But wait; as soon as he got this first good look at the man, it all came flooding back to him. Lord Elrond, in his kindhearted way, took in some abandoned human child many years ago - an action that would most likely come back to haunt him in the future in Legolas' opinion.
"Ah," Legolas said softly as the man approached, "You must be Estel."
At this the human bowed, a low, sweeping bow that was, to Legolas, completely overdone. Must be a human thing.
"At your service, fair Prince," Estel said as he stood from his sweeping bow. Inclining his head in the direction that Legolas had originally been walking, he crocked an eyebrow as he asked, with all the manners of a high born Elf, "Would you grant me the honor of being allowed to accompany you on your walk?"
Inside Legolas was fuming; burning so bright that he was sure that he was about to spontaneously combust, but, with all the skill and self-discipline of the Prince that he was, he somehow managed to gently nod his head in a sign of consent and keep the flame from his eyes.
"Pray tell, why it is that you are out here unattended?" Estel began, seemingly picking the first topic that came to mind and running wild with it.
"I do not need attendants to simply walk the gardens!" Legolas exclaimed incredulously while seriously wondering where this foolish mortal had perceived such ideas in regards to Elven royalty.
"That was hardly what I meant!" Estel interjected at his own defense, "I simply was wondering how it was that someone such as yourself did not have company when walking on such a beautiful day."
"Most probably the same reason that applies to you," Legolas answered back, hiding both his shock and annoyance at being wrong. Humans were meant to be predictable and uncivilized, and yet this man was fully capable of conducting an eloquent and formal conversation.
It was infuriating!
"You were also hiding from Erestor?" Estel laughed out, his head thrown back as he did so, though Legolas could feel that the man's eyes did not leave his face. "For that is why I was 'lurking in the shadows' as you so put it!"
At the man's words, Legolas found himself fighting harder to control the bout of laughter that threatened to show through his cold exterior in a manner stronger then the need to feel disgusted by the human's presence. Why the human was hiding from the very Elf that seemed to find pleasure in haunting him was a subject that intrigued Legolas, though he would never give the mortal the satisfaction of knowing so. He would simply find out the reasons behind such strange behavior later from the twins.
Opting for a lie, Legolas merely shook his head in a 'no' before offering vocal rebuttal in the form of a jest. "Do not speak such about an Elf as old as he - he will be going senile shortly and it is not polite!"
This pulled yet another round of laughter from the seemingly carefree human at his side - a sound that was, strangely enough, not terribly annoying like the laugh of most. Perhaps his childhood surrounded by Elves had done more for this human then what would have been thought possible. He seemed further refined then most; blessed with appropriate etiquette and yet not to such an extent that he could be considered to be rising above his stature - whatever that may be.
It was either that or Legolas was going insane... Perhaps he was simply tired from the disastrous journey which was resulting to his tolerance being lowered when faced with such a despicable creature.
"Well then," Estel exclaimed when he finally recovered, utterly mystified at the fact that the Prince had such a side to him. Somehow the Elf did not seem like the type to make jokes, or to even laugh for that matter. And yet at the same time Estel got the impression that Legolas was not at all what he seemed, and that maybe somewhere, lurking below that obviously false façade of princely righteousness, there was something a little deeper, a little darker and fiercely independent. "Now you know about my dark secret and sinister use of the gardens, will you enlighten me on yours?"
'Dark secret,' the Elf mused, 'where should I begin?'
"Just paying my respects to a lovely garden that I have not walked in for far too long," Legolas again lied; but what was he to do? Tell the human that he had been thinking about the town that he obliquely caused to rip itself apart? Somehow that did not really seem like an option to even be remotely considered.
"Of course," Estel said with a smile, "and who could not wish to pay their respects to such a lovely place as this."
Legolas was bored. He was beyond annoyed at this stage, his quiet walk in the garden all but completely disturbed by this upstart of a human and his frustration was mounting with every word that the man spoke. But most of all he was just bored and itching to find something to do.
It always happened, so it was utterly ludicrous that he should feel any shock at the restless feeling, but as Estel talked on, he could not help but place all his attention on the unsettling fact that he was completely, utterly and totally bored to death. Every time one of his targets went down, every time that he spent even a few days chasing after someone only to find himself once again smiling sweetly as he was wrapped up in the small talk that was befitting others of his status, he would be hit with such monotony that he wanted to just shout out something obscene and make life a little more interesting.
Smile here, bow there, laugh at that, looked shocked at this, be greatly distressed about that. None of it was real. None of it was raw emotion that should be felt at the telling of news. It was naught but a forced reaction long learnt to make sure that there were no blunders within his conduct and thus resulting in there being no chance of some other person taking offence and holding a grudge against him and possibly Mirkwood.
His duty was to his people first and foremost. That was what his father had told him from a young age. Legolas was the sole prince of Mirkwood. He had to be there for his people to see, to relate to and to bridge the gap between the ruling King and his subjects. Legolas was expected to the friend of everyone, to have the time and the patience to know of everything - but Valar forbid that he should seem like he was prying into another's life!
No, he was meant to smile and flatter, flirt and be complemented and be the life of the party without seeming too outlandish.
In short, he was meant to be a drone. A walking, talking person created of rules whose sole purpose was to be the voice of another so to reach more people. A person that did what he was expected, when he was expected and never, ever did anything as foolish as openly showing his disinterest.
Estel, well he only made this time even worse. Legolas had been out in the woods tracking Sard for much longer then he would a normal target, and the rather strange way that the Elf had finally exterminated him all seemed to wrap themselves into a tight bundle within his mind. He had hated that night in the tavern and yet part of him wanted to like it, to be proud of what he had been able to force himself into doing so that he could achieve his personal goal. It had been dangerous, unexpected and, in its own strange way, exciting. He had never known just what effect he could have on someone if he really tried and that night, well, it had made him wonder about far too many things...
"Legolas?"
Snapping out of his deep thoughts, Legolas' mind raced as he looked up to meet the questioning eyes of the human. Estel had obviously been calling for him for quite sometime now as the man had moved remarkably closer and wore a deeply worried expression on his face.
"Oh, I must apologize," Legolas said. Thinking quickly, he cast his eyes down and forced a small blush to creep onto his cheeks at his call - again, all utterly fake. "My mind was momentarily away. I do not know what overcame me. Please continue."
"I think I know where that mind of yours went." Estel smiled at the Elf's raised eyebrow and questioning gaze. Leaning closer to the fair being, Estel locked eyes with the Elf as his forehead almost touched Legolas'. "You were probably lost in the memories of what happened on your way here. Last night, if I recall correctly."
It took every ounce of self control that Legolas possessed to stop his surprise and utter horror from showing on his face at Estel's words. Swallowing the lump in his throat, the Elven prince worked hard to conceal his emotions and to also contrive a suitably answer. Mind drawing a black, he finally decided that it would be best to play the part of the confused party in the conversation and allow the other to do the explaining.
"I am afraid I do not take your meaning," he said softly, almost breathlessly.
"I heard that you were attacked on your way here," Estel offered, "a rather fierce band of Orcs, I believe. I am sure that it would have been a frightening experience for a lone Elf." Estel's eyes fluttered to the small strip of bandage that was wrapped around Legolas' hand, pure white save for the inside where a number of small red dots had soaked through, the wound still bleeding due to the difficult position it was in for quick healing.
Actually sighing, Legolas nodded his head in hopes of hiding his relief from the searching eyes of the human. Estel seemed to watch him so closely that despite the man's words, Legolas could not help but wonder if there was a hidden trap within the conversation somewhere.
"Of course," Legolas muttered, for once not protesting his own capability to protect himself, "I had tried to forget but as you guessed it is harder in the actions then the thought."
"Well then, perhaps you should take some rest before dinner tonight," Estel suggested, his hand coming to fall on Legolas' shoulder in an action that once again caught the Elf off guard. "You will be attending?" The young man asked as a last thought, utterly unaware of the small flinch that ran up Legolas' spin at his contact.
"Yes," the Elven prince replied with a small bow, hiding the first true emotion that had passed his face in the form of a flush. "I would not miss it for the world."
A silence fell over the two of them, one that put Legolas even more on edge. Estel was peering at him intently, as if there were something on his face that had intrigued the human beyond belief. Unnerved, Legolas had the sudden urge to wipe at his face and find whatever it was that the human found to consume his concentration.
"Well," Legolas said courtly and with all the charm of a prince of the Elves, needing to break the silence and get away, "it was a pleasure meeting you, Estel."
"And you, Legolas."
Not allowing the moment to pass, Legolas stepped to the left to go around the human, only to be met with Estel's chest, who, on instinct, had stepped to his right. Smiling slightly, Legolas moved to the right as Estel moved to his left, blocking his access again. Trying for the last time, Legolas made for the left once more, just as Estel mirrored the step.
Laughing slightly to hide his aggravation, Legolas looked up into the man's eyes and bowed his head graciously. "Sorry," he muttered out while turning his entire body to his left, making it clear which way he was going so that the human could stay out of his way.
Walking forward, he almost let out a fierce growl when the man went out of his way to block his path again. Anger flaring in his eyes at the realization that Estel had been doing this on purpose the entire time, Legolas glared up at the taller man with a look that would have made a band of Orcs flee.
Formality be damned! No one treated him in such a way, guest of Rivendell or not.
"I am not," was the answer to his hateful glare, which, at the softly spoken words, quickly turned into a scowl of confusion.
"Pardon?" Legolas asked, utterly confused at why this man chose such words as he so openly blocked his way. The human could consider himself lucky for, had he been anyone else and this not Rivendell, Legolas could have lost his barely contained tempter long ago and put him in a position that saw him unable to ever block another persons path again.
"I said that I was not sorry," Estel said with a self-assured smirk, "for blocking you." He added at the still confused look upon the Elf's fair face.
Opening his mouth only to find that he could think of nothing to say, Legolas settled for doing what could be referred to as fish impersonations while glaring intently at the brash human.
"Well, it kept you here, did it not?" Estel smiled brightly, his eyes twinkling like stars reflected upon a storm tossed sea.
"And yet I have places to be," Legolas said finally and a little testily, "now, let me make this simple for you. You stay there, and I will walk to the left and go around you and be on my way. Do you follow?" Knowing that he was being slightly harsh with his epigrammatic words, Legolas offered the man a small, almost apologetic smile as he made his way to the left, putting his instructions into action.
Successfully bypassing the young man, Legolas kept walking back towards the main house of Rivendell, trying to purge the thoughts of the man's words from his head.
"Wait!" Estel yelled after prince before quickly jogging to catch up with the golden-haired Elf. Seeing that Legolas refused to acknowledge his presence let alone stop, Estel took a few rushed paces forward and threw himself in front of the archer again, blocking his path for the umpteenth time that day.
"Surely you have a little more time to spare," Estel almost pleaded with the being that gave him a look that seemed to support the very fires of Mordor behind the ice-blue eyes.
"Just as you surely have better things to do with your time then hinder my way!" Legolas rebutted, his annoyance apparent in the way he hissed the words between his teeth. "And if I do recall correctly, it was you that suggested that I should take some rest. So now, if you would - what?" Legolas demanded when he became aware that Estel's captivated gaze was one more focused upon him.
"Nothing..." Estel said almost wistfully, obviously lost in thought.
"No, tell me!" Legolas insisted, secretly wanting to know how it was that this human could frustrate him so and yet why he had not lifted a finger to stop it.
"I was just wondering," Estel started softly while taking a step forward. Legolas mirrored that step with one back, keeping the distance between them at a constant. Moving forward again with that same self-assured smile, Legolas managed to wipe the look off the human's face as he once again moved backwards. "How the most beautiful being that I have ever seen..." Estel continued as his steps persisted, "...and quite possibly ever will see..."
Again Legolas stepped back, his eyes huge as the words flowed easily from the advancing human's mouth. This was definitely not the reaction that he had thought, let alone the words that he had assumed were the cause of Estel's gazes.
"...can be so damn hostile - and would you stop doing that!?" Estel finished quickly while reaching out and wrapping a strong arm around the Elf's waist, pulling him in close to his chest and stopping all hopes of Legolas' escape.
Dumbfounded, Legolas found himself enclosed in Estel's arms before he could even think of doing anything to avoid the situation, not to mention contrive an action. Again lost for words, Legolas found himself doing yet another convincing impersonation of a fish as he stared open mouthed up at the human that had so boldly pulled him into his embrace.
To say that he was shocked at himself was an understatement; his alias was known throughout Middle-Earth as the best assassin of his time: quick, smart, cunning - all the things that should have come naturally to him in such a moment as this. And yet they failed him, left him there unprotected and unguarded for the human to do as he pleased.
Smiling at the stunned Elf, Estel wanted nothing more then to kiss those lips that were parted in such an inviting circle. Those blue-blue eyes of the Elf were staring up at him, almost begging him to make his move as his lips finally met, closing off the entrance to his mouth.
Mind made up, Estel tightened his grip about the Elf's waist, pulling him in closer and making Legolas stand up straighter. Marveling at the fact that the Elf still only came up to his shoulder, Estel licked his lips lightly and leant down slowly towards Legolas' uplifted head...
...Only to find that Legolas leant back in his arms at the same pace, doing much the same as he had with their steps; keeping them at a constant distance.
Stopping and smiling at the Elf encouragingly, Estel moved in again, this time leaning over a little bit further, yet, as predicted, Legolas reflected his movement with a backwards one of his own, calling upon Estel's supporting arm to keep him upright.
Seeing the way that the Elf lent back in his arms at an impossibly far angle, Estel half entertained the notion of letting him drop and pinning him to the ground; at least then Legolas would not be able to swindle his way out of allowing Estel to kiss him. But no, deciding that that was far too rough and primitive for the time being, Estel resolved to try once more.
Hand moving to get a better grasp upon the slim waist, Estel closed his eyes and bent forward more then both other times put together.
Still only air.
"Let. Me. Go!" Legolas had finally found his voice once the man's eyes had closed and was fully intent on starting up quite a forcefully loud round of protests. Sure, in one swift movement he could have Estel landing head fist upon the ground, but the risks of serious damage were far too great. The last thing that he wanted to do was kill Elrond's foster son on their first meeting.
Letting his eyes open, Estel saw Legolas straining to make sure that he was as far away from the human as possible without tipping them both over. As it was, had anyone been walking by at that moment, it would have been quite a sight to witness. Legolas looked as if he were a white deer caught in the light of a flaming torch while Estel looked as though he were a deprived child, desperately seeking that which he had been denied.
"Allow me let you in on a little secret," Estel said warmly and with a large smile, interrupting when he knew that Legolas was going to speak again. "When I lean down to kiss you, the point is that you stay there so that we achieve the goal that we set out to accomplish."
Snatching up the opportunity that Legolas' shocked silence allowed, Estel moved his free hand quickly over to cup the Elf's face while he moved his hand up to between Legolas' shoulder blades, pressing forward. Within a mere second, Legolas was pressed fully against him, his lips finally coming in contact with Estel's own.
Eyes flying open even further in shock, Legolas let out a muffled protest at the swift action of the human yet, the only response that gained him was Estel's grip tightening on him as he pulled Legolas closer into both the embrace and the kiss.
It was everything that Estel had dreamed of; those lips so soft, that skin so smooth and the perfect body fitting so well against his.
Legolas on the other hand was convinced that he was in the midst of a nervous breakdown. Why did he feel so useless; so timid around this human? It did not make any sense! All he knew was that when Estel held him as he was at that very moment and kissed him with such passion, he wanted to throw everything else into the wind and concentrate solely on returning that fervent caress. That was what scared him, what made him want Estel to back away and to leave him alone; he could not risk giving up everything in his life for a mere human. Not based on a single kiss.
And so he did the first thing that came to mind. Gone were the swift, cunning and intelligent moves of the assassin as Legolas settled for beating his hands against Estel's back and arms, trying to get the human to let go. Estel was like a leech, a large form that just could not be moved no matter how hard you pushed and prodded.
Again, it was infuriating!
Hand snaking its way down Legolas' cheek to rest upon the side of his neck and jaw, Estel deepened the kiss as much as the still startled Elf would allow him while running his other hand up and down the prince's back. He could tell that Legolas was shocked, and even a little frightened which came as a surprise for surely this Elf was not as innocent as he seemed.
Trying to calm the fretting archer, Estel massaged the Elf's neck and jaw with his hand while restraining the want to explore the sweet mouth against his with his tongue.
Knowing that he needed air and that Legolas was not becoming anymore at ease with the situation, Estel finally broke away, settling for applying a few quick, light kisses upon the slightly swollen lips in a tender parting. A small, contented sign slipped past Estel's tongue as he looked down at the being that he held.
Legolas was still straining to get as far away as possible; his eyes open and huge as he stared back at the human in something akin to a cationic state. As the human watched, it was as if a fog had lifted from Legolas' eyes, and, within a second, he had wrenched himself free of the man's grasp, twisting Estel's wrist painfully as he went.
Glaring at Estel, Legolas retreated, stumbling slightly in his hurry to be away from the man.
"Do not ever do that again!" Legolas commanded, his voice firm and controlled as he slowed his backwards retreat. "Never!"
The assassin was back, the instincts having finally recovered and taking control of the situation. The startled, confused prince had been pushed to the back, making way for the deadly and controlling mercenary that seemed to be becoming more and more of the regular personality. Fear was replaced with hatred and stunned silence was overridden with the want to put the human in his place. It took every wisp of self-control, of princely action and acknowledgement of the rules and people involved for the Elf to restrain himself from causing the over presumptuous human to suffer.
Instead, Legolas merely glared at the man with his trade-mark gaze of cold and yet burning eyes before turning on his heels, his head held high, and walking from the clearing in a dignified manner, leaving a startled and rejected ranger far behind.
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To be continued...
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Next chapter Preview:
"It was nothing!" he told himself harshly and out loud as if it would have more effect upon him if the words were actually spoken. "Nothing!" Rolling his shoulders once again, he busied himself with unfastening his other gauntlet. "It meant nothing, you felt nothing - why?" he questioned himself, "Because it was nothing!" came the answer.
Later on:
Pulling the window shutter closed, Legolas tightened his grip on the dagger and, in one swift movement, slammed the window and ripped back the curtain. Grasping the shadow that lurked there, the prince hauled the gasping being out into the light of the room and pressed his blade under the person's neck.
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Replies to Reviews:
Tainted Fortune: I am trying to update every Saturday - or sometimes Sunday - night my time. Just depends on when I have time to go over it and post. I am thrilled that you like the assassin idea - I was worried that some people would not take to it, but I have been pleasantly surprised. *Blushes* I am glad that I am able to offer you some form of entertainment, and I am greatly honored that you like my stories. But don't worry, this story will continue!
Iara: Lol, I am glad that you like it and I hope that it does not disappoint you as it goes along.
Sirithiliel: Thrilling? Thank you! As you can see, that was a slashy part, but as far as I can remember, that is all for a while - about two/three chapters so I hope it does not turn you off too much.
Rabbit of Iron: LOL! Ok, I shall refrain from my hissing. There was a book version Bond? Wow, shows you how little I know on the subject! Lol. And yes, more sexy Legolas to come... as for the detail, lets just say that I have an overactive mind! It kind of just contrives these things and then forces my fingers to comply and actually make then happen...it is horrible sometimes! Lol. Try it out myself? Well, not the roof bit, but... *laughs* Ok, I have this habit of using (I used to use a ruler until I brought myself a set of swords) a sword to roughly work out what will happen - you know, step the left to dodge and at the same time it is possible to kick under the blow...stuff like that. But I have been thinking that I need someone to do it all for me - should be so much easier. *goes off on a search for a Rent-An-Elf outlet* But thank you, your review gave me a great laugh... "Jump that way..." *Big smile*
Kael Kalespel: Thank you. As said above, battle scenes are quite...ummm...interesting to write...lol. They are one of the things that I love the most and yet they are the one thing that makes progress slow. But hey, as long as someone likes it and I have fun, I will still keep doing it. What will happen to Legolas and Estel...*evil laughter* Lets just say that you ain't seen nothing yet... *starts singing*
whispers of an angel: Lol, yes, it was overly long, but that is my curse... once I start I normally can't stop! And yes, it is a lot, a hell of a lot, which will, in the long run, make the stakes even higher!
Analia: Yes, it was long, very long...really long even... Grrrr. I hate pansy Legolas... I was watching the Fellowship of the Ring again the other day and for the life of my I could not see what it was that spawned so many 'Legolas is weak and needs to be carried around like a sake of potato' stories. If anything, Aragorn should be shown as the weaker one - some of the stuff that happened to him...I mean, hardly any of the Orcs even came within Legolas' personal space, let along cause the Elf need to be saved and patted like some pet! AHHHH! Ok... I am over it. On to the updates of my stories: I do try and I am trying, and I did not mean to cause you any pain over the ultimate cliffhangers. But hey, look at it from my point of view - I have to walk around day in, day out with so many ideas and concepts for so many stories swimming though my already abused mind and yet I don't even have the time to write them down, thus getting them from my head. So trust me, you are not the only one suffering here! *smile*
Tainted Fortune: *Blinks* didn't I just reply to you? Lol... oh well... here we go. Yes, the sneak peaks are fun to chose - I get to look through all that I have written and chose what I know will make people anxious and yet passages that do not give too much away. Again, I am glad that you like the battle scenes.
Ihni: Hello again. And yes, last chapter was the evil Minka coming through again! I try to do my best with the battle scenes - I don't like reading things like "They fought long and hard and many people lost their lives." I like to make it like some violent movie - for fun all round! Lol. But thank you anyways. As I told you, I never really thought about "Summersault" in such a way before, but now it shall be suck in *my* head and I shall have to find a replacement word...thanks! Lol.
"Do not look down" it was more of a case of Legolas did not want to have to go back and drag the guy across the roof if he got height fright (ok, that was an odd term). But to his credit, Gruthfrid didn't look down and neither did he get all frozen with fear and the like.
"Whelp" - LOL! Yes, ok, ok, you got me. I stole that from Pirates! But it is just such a cool and yet insulting nickname that I could not help myself.
Yes, the art of killing is often lost, especially in these days with their bombs and other such weapons of mass destruction. Give me a good old sword or a piece of cord any day - so much more personal. Verdox is creepy and yes, the fact that he puts Legolas at ill ease speaks volumes and you are right, Verdox will be making another appearance later on...though for what purpose?
Oh, you are bribable...that is good to know after this chapter...
LOL! Believe it or not, I am already trying to work out a scene where Legolas kills someone with his pinky!! I know where I want to put it, I just need to work out how he does it... I have problems...LOL
*ducks various sharp implements and hides behind a startled muse* Ok, ok ok! I will not do anything of the sort...not quite my style anyway. Plus, I think that it would be so much better if Jack was the one doing the begging... But calm down, I shall do naught in regards to such an idea...
LOL! Yes, sadly that was not the longest that I have down but it was the longest in a long while (needs to find a replacement word for 'long' as it has been used for far too long! LOL) I have noticed that you are a hard one to please and that you are hardly ever satisfied... makes my life a lot harder, you know! LOL. But hey, it gives me the kick up the ass I need, so thank you.
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All right, I am finally done. Again, I hope you liked that and please leave a review!
Until next time,
Minka.