hugs reviewers again

Wah. I was going to updated a while ago, but I decided I didn't want to introduce a new character in every chapter, and I replaced a new character with an old one: Berensil. ^^ Anyways, geez I have a lot of homework. But I was feeling inspired (I know finally, huh?) so I decided 'screw homework, let me write.' Ok! Chapter 4!

Are you supposed to put on of these in every chapter? ^^; Disclaimer: All characters, songs, races and places of Middle-Earth belong to J.R.R. Tolkien. Annûngil, Celebithil, Berensil, and the horse Quicksilver belong to me.

Chapter 4

Annûngil woke with the sun shining brightly on her face. She squinted her eyes from the sunlight, then sat up and looked around an unfamiliar room. It was a nice room; spacious and homey and perched up high in a rowan tree. It was very much like her old dwelling, and Annûngil remembered Lothlórien with a pang of homesickness that was quickly pushed away.

Haldir's daughter thought back to last night's feast. Her family had been introduced, and had been warmly received by her Mirkwood hosts. The food had been delicious, and it made her feel like she had fully recovered from the trek from Lorien. The feast had lasted deep into the night, with many people introducing themselves to her, and with many songs sung.

Then, her brother Celebithil walked into her room, still yawning sleepily and shaking the sleep from his body. He said, "Ah… you're finally up! Dear sister, did you know that it is already midday? King Thranduil has sent us a guide to take us to lunch, then to show us around Mirkwood."

Annûngil got out of bed, and then went to her wardrobe. "Alright brother, I just need to change and braid my hair. I'll be right out." she replied.

Celebithil warned her sister to hurry, as the King had sent his own son to be their guide, and it would be bad manners to keep him waiting any longer.

A few minutes later, Annûngil had walked down the stairs from her new house and found herself in a small, but charming garden. She saw her brother sitting on a bench and chatting amiably with the Crown Prince, Berensil. She walked up to them and Celebithil stood up and said, "Annûngil, you should remember Berensil. He is King Thranduil's eldest."

Annûngil nodded and bowed at Berensil. Then she said, "It is an honor to meet again, highness."

Berensil stood, and said formally, "Suliad[1], Annûngil." Then he smiled winningly at her. "I've already told Celebithil not bother with the 'highness' titles. I get it from everyone else in Mirkwood already, and seeing as you're the King's honored guests, and Haldir," he stressed the noun. "…'s children, just Berensil is most sufficient."

Annûngil and Celebithil smiled. "I guess we're going to be friends then," laughed Celebithil.

"That's right," nodded Berensil. "Friends." Then he clasped the shoulders of the two siblings affectionately.

Annûngil and Celebithil then set off after Berensil, toward the dining hall for a late breakfast. Both were content, as they had made a good friend on their first morning in Mirkwood.

After Celebithil and Annûngil had dined, Berensil informed them that their father, Haldir, was out riding with his father, familiarizing himself with the borders of Mirkwood again. He also suggested that they themselves rode out, so that Celebithil would get to know where he would guard later for his appointed shifts, and also so that Annûngil would not accidentally stray past the borders, resulting in punishment.

The trio walked toward one of the many stables in Mirkwood, where the King's, his relatives, and his guests' horses were kept. Annûngil greeted her horse, Quicksilver, and murmured comforting words of praise to him as her brother did the same to his horse. They then led their horses outside, and leapt swiftly and agilely onto their mount's backs, and took off toward a forest path, with Berensil riding expertly in the lead.

At first Celebithil and Annûngil were silent, absorbing in important landmarks that dotted the border of Thranduil. Every creek, unusual tree, or rock formation could prove as a memorable landmark for newcomers. They suddenly noticed that they had come to a fork in the path, and that Berensil was heading down the right branch, so they hastened to follow. They halted in front of a small watch house, built on top of a beech tree, which blended into the surrounding forest. Berensil called up a greeting, and the sentries returned the greeting.

Berensil then turned to Celebithil, and told him that this was where his shift would begin in a few days. He also told Celebithil and Annûngil to always call a greeting to the elves in the watch house, as the sentries might mistake them for Orcs (though it was highly unlikely).

Annûngil and Celebithil finished familiarizing themselves with the forest of Mirkwood, so Berensil lead them toward the dining hall, for dinner. As they put their horses in the stables, Berensil informed Annûngil that her lessons with other elves her age started tomorrow. Her father would take her to the practice courts in the morning.

Haldir and Thranduil King were seated Thranduil's study. Thranduil was talking with Haldir, outlining what he wanted the children of Mirkwood to learn from Haldir. Then he came to the topic of his own youngest son, Legolas.

"I'm sure he has the capabilities of being a great warrior," sighed the King. "He just doesn't have the concentration, or maybe he lacks inspiration… to study the fighting arts." He paused. "I think I spoiled him too much, and did not force him to do anything as a child. I gave him too much free reign. And since he's the prince, our people could not go around telling me how bratty he was to me, so I guess I never realized until… we tried to teach him archery." Thranduil turned took his eyes from the ceiling, and turned them toward Haldir, who remained emotionless. "Tell me you can evoke a sense of discipline in him."

Haldir thought. Suddenly, he turned toward Thranduil, his eyes showing a hint of a smile. "Who wills, can. Who tries, does." He said. "I know what to do," he finished.

[1] – Elvish for "Greetings"

Hah! FINALLY DONE!! cheers and is happy the next chapter will be their first lesson. Once again sorry this chapter took so long. But once I changed a few things, it all fit together, and I knew what to write. I hope this chapter is as satisfactory as the others. =P please tell me what I can improve if it's not. Oh! And someone suggest me a better horse name than QUICKSILVER .

Oh! And for those of you who are confused… here's a chart of names, and how they link together.

Dedicated to Deb, my silly best friend.

Haldir- the first elf we hear about Chapter 1. Skilled warrior, father of Annûngil and Celebithil.

Annûngil – Haldir's youngest daughter. Skilled at weapons. First time in battle in chapter 2.

Celebithil – Haldir's eldest son. Skilled at weapons. Detests orcs, as they caused his mother to leave middle-earth.

Celeborn – Lord of Lorien. Galadriel's spouse. Wisest elf in middle-earth.

Galadriel – Lady of Lorien. Beautiful and wise, as well. Celeborn's wife. Holds one of the great rings. Gifted because she can speak inside of people's heads.

Malliavas – messenger from Mirkwood. Guides Haldir, Annûngil and Celebithil from Lorien to Mirkwood.

Legolas – Oh come on. Shoot me if you don't know who that is!

Thranduil – Legolas' father. King of Mirkwood. Tall (huge!) muscular, and kingly.

Berensil – Legolas' older brother, Thranduil's eldest son, and heir to the throne.

Elbereth Gilthoniel – Elvish name for one of the Valar, who created the stars.