A/N: Some of the previous chapters have been changed slightly. You may want
to revisit them for small details which will help make a section of this
chapter make more sense. The astrix (*) is noted in the changed chapters
and in the author note at the completion of the chapter. Enjoy!
.
Chapter Ten: Final Words
The guard had come in and dragged Legolas out just before sunrise, scolding him for not curing my injuries. Legolas had shrugged and looked to me one last time before following the guard, leaving me alone. I hung there for a few hours before the guard returned for me.
I had told Legolas about the guard and his ear and questioned him about it. Legolas grew unusually silent and told me he remembered the day it occurred, that he was there when it happened.
"That may be why he despises you so," he had whispered.
"What happened? He seemed to be really sensitive about it and wouldn't let me touch him."
"Yes, he became a different person after it happened. Took his duty much more seriously and would speak of the day he would have revenge." I could have sworn I heard him mutter 'He has been mistaken. I need to speak with him.'
"What did you do?" the guard asked me as the door slammed shut.
"Huh?" I snapped from my thoughts, looking up.
"What have you done?"
"If you are referring to what I have been doing the past hours I have been in here, nothing. I am just handing around." He strode toward me, jaw set, eyes cold and unlocked me. "Are you meaning to tell me I am leaving so soon? I was just getting to like this place."
"Say goodbye to Middle-earth. Your minutes are numbered," he growled.
"My, someone woke on the wrong side of the bed. Or did I keep you up all night?" He didn't answer. "Terribly sorry about that."
My hands came loose from above and I sighed at the wonderful feeling of lowering them. They were still chained together, but it was better than over my head and on the wall.
"Move," he ordered.
"Yes, sir," I fake saluted and headed for the door. "You know, you'd make a fine drill sergeant."
"Talking will get you no where," he grumbled.
"I know. I just thought I should start early on my last words."
I walked the rest of the way without saying a word. As I made my way around the castle one last time, fliers on the wall caught my attention.
Human Found Guilty of
Luring Enemies to Borders
Public Execution: Hour past sunrise
Site: Main entrance courtyard
Executionist: The king himself
The king requests all elves be present.
He will address city before ceremony.
"Lovely," I mumbled before entering the throne room.
"My lord," the guard greeted as the door closed behind me. "She is ready."
I looked around. The hall was expansive. A large table stood in the center of the room with the enormous throne at the far end, facing the door.
"Excellent," the king said as he turned. He had obviously been pacing. He looked at me and his eyes narrowed. He walked toward us and lost his composure. "What happened?" he asked the elf as he turned my cheeks, inspecting my wounds without care.
"She attempted to escape and reached the forest before she was caught."
"Reached the forest!" the king roared. "How did these wounds occur?" He gestured to the bruises around my throat.
"She--"
"Did you cause these?"
"Sir, she--"
"Did you or did you not?"
"I did, your highness." The elf bowed his head in shame, knowing his error.
"Did I or did I not give you specific orders about her treatment?"
My plan worked. The king was truly upset with the guard. I was afraid for a minute he would award the elf.
"You knowingly disobeyed me."
"My lord, I--"
"I cannot have a disloyal elf as part of my staff. It seems we have another to execute this morning."
The elf beside me remained silent, head bowed.
"You're going to execute him?" I almost yelled. The king seemed taken aback. "You're going to kill him because he beat on someone who you hate? If you don't want a 'disloyal elf as part of your staff' then fire him, don't kill him!"
"I am afraid this situation is out of your hands, lady." He turned to the door guards. "Escort them to the courtyard." The doors were opened and we were pushed from the room.
"Sorry, man-elf. A little taste of what I'm getting, eh?" I said apologetically.
He didn't answer. Oh, this was not good. He was making me feel guilty. I expected him to thrash out at me. We stepped outside and were led down the path. I was hoping it would rain today to give me an advantage and to feel the rain one last time. This wouldn't happen, however, because it was a cloudless, sunny day and I felt no signs of rain.
For some reason I didn't feel anything when we neared the execution site. Elves were gathered around the courtyard in a semicircle type fashion, talking quietly, awaiting our arrival. We were led to the center of the site and the chatter immediately ceased. All eyes were on me and as a guard grasped my shoulders and the other grasped Scar-Ear; whispers spread like wildfire.
I had an odd weight in the pit of my stomach. Guilt weighed heavily upon me. I deserved to die. I was guilty of the execution of an elf; I was guilty for sending someone to his death. I had to do something, I silently decided. How would I be able to stop this?
An idea came to mind and I nodded, seeing that it would work. It might work for some of the audience seeing I really am innocent also. As I pondered my words, all sound left my ears, bringing me from my thought. All whispers ceased once more as a throat was cleared. The king had entered the circle and guards closed it off so there was no way to run.
"Good morning, fellow elves."
"Good morning, your highness," elves replied from around, bowing slightly.
"The festiveness is in the air. Soon, we shall be able to once again live in this realm with one less threat in our midst. A traitor and thief has been living among us, and cared as one of our own. Only just, have we discovered the true intentions: to live here, befriend the elves, then bring in the remaining members of the band, and rob us. This will not be tolerated.
We have gathered today to witness the execution of that traitor. This step shall aid us in the finding and capturing of the others remaining and see to it that our homes can be that much safer. This step may very well be the first of many steps in purifying Mirkwood of all threats and renewing Greenwood."
Polite applause filled the clearing before it was quickly silenced by the king. "In addition, the agenda has changed. Instead of witnessing one, two lives shall be taken today."
Few elves risked glances at each other and some eyes drifted over the guard who seemed to be well known by the looks on their faces, however, most elves stood expressionless, contently listening to their ruler.
"It was brought to my attention not even an hour ago," he continued, "that the felon attempted to escape from her cell late last night. It is only expected from a human thief and I had specifically alerted guards that no brutal hand should be laid upon her. She may be human and made some mistakes in her life, but she should be treated as any prisoner in the Mirkwood realm.
"As you see before you, the human was not cared for as I wished and thus, the former guard is to be punished-punished under the charges of disobeying direct orders and facing the sentence of death."
The guard knelt at the king's knees and the king was handed an elaborately decorated sword. He pulled it from its sheath and turned to the crowd.
"I wished to demonstrate this to you today to prove I punish all who disobey me. The guards assigned to duty are the best and shall keep you safe." He turned to the guard.
"My lord, I would do anything for your safety. It has been an honor serving you and a pleasure dying under your command."
"Suck up," I muttered. "That's not going to work. You've gotta do something more.well like this." I raised my voice, addressing not only the king, but the crowd. "Your highness! If it wouldn't be to bold to speak at this moment!" The king lowered the sword and looked at me with the same masked face as Legolas. I tried to see the color of his eyes, but I couldn't make them out.
He made no obvious objection so I continued. "While we are addressing you before death, I shall bring up a point. Unless I am mistaken, I am granted last words and would like to voice them at this time.
"Last night, this guard succeeded in stopping my attempts of escape. As I was in his order, I tried to find loopholes in his grasp and attention. In order to restrain me, he reopened a few wounds, broke a few ribs. Although he may have very much wanted to kill me for my words, he never crossed the line of seriously injuring me. Every kick, smack, and bruise he gave me was deserved. If I learned one aspect about him since then, it was his loyalty toward you. When an elf was assumed to have helped me in my escape, which absurd I might add, the other guards wished to lock him in his room or throw him in the dungeons with me. He stopped them and said you gave no orders of restraining others and let him go. He knew your orders like the back of his hand. He does not deserve to die."
All was silent for a moment as all eyes were trained on the king whose eyes were on the guard.
"I'm gonna miss you, buddy." I added, patting the guard's shoulder sarcastically. "Join you with the Valar shortly."
I received a glare from the king before he turned to the guard. "Is this true?"
"Yes, my lord," the guard replied.
I wasn't quite finished and decided to continue while the king pondered what to do. "I realize most 'last words' don't turn out like speeches as mine has, but that first part was desperately added five minutes ago when I discovered my new friend shared my sentence." I chuckled slightly before continuing.
"First off, I would like to thank you all for being such kind elves giving me this honor to show my crimson blood before you. I really like how I was given a fair trail and proof of my wrong doings. It really makes elves trustworthy. Oh, and to be able to invite all you, my friends and family, before I part," I said sarcastically.
"One elf in particular who could not make it here for some reason or another is one I owe all my thanks to. I'm sure you all know who he is. Oh, and I'd like to thank the guards for my finely furnished cell I was graciously chained to, and the fun game of hide-and-go-seek we played in the castle, grounds, and forest last night. Oh and tag it was a great memory maker. Of course--"
"That is enough!" the king interrupted. I opened my mouth only to receive a warning glance.
"So polite of you to interrupt a lady," I muttered as my shoulders slumped. 'Just as I was getting to the good part!' His eyes were still locked on the guard. "Forgive me for having ill faith. You are free to go."
The guard bowed his head before standing. "Thank you my king." The king nodded and the guard joined the others in the circle.
'You're welcome,' I thought as he stared at me. "What about me?" I plead to the king.
"Enough time had been wasted. It is now time." I was pushed forward and thrust to my knees before the king. He raised his sword and as it started to reach the peak of his swing, an idea came to my mind. I was in too good of a mood to die and he didn't let me say my final words! This whole thing was a little too sudden for me.
The sword began its decent, aiming for my neck. With elf-like reflexes I moved my chained hands up and spread them apart. The irons interfered with the sword's path.
A clash rang through the clearing and there was a collective gasp from the crowd. The king looked at me with startled eyes. "You really didn't think I'd go down that easy, did you?" I asked with a smile. I twisted my hands around the sword so he could not use it against me. I stood and could have sworn I saw an elf jump from a room in the castle. I looked again and saw nothing.
I expected Legolas to emerge from the crowd and back me up. I looked around and found him still not present. Frowning, I turned my attention to his father. Guards behind him were pulling out their swords. I smirked and pulled my hands, sending the sword twisting in the air and into my hands. I tapped his chest as his eyes became wider.
"I'm just full of surprises, aren't I?" I laughed and began retreating. "Lovely ceremony, although I am sorry to say I must depart early. I beg for your forgiveness even though I will not be granted it. Goodbye."
I turned and pointed the sword at an innocent elf who gladly stepped aside. Those behind her followed suit, creating a path for me. "Thank you." I exited the clearing and just as I did, I heard a very distinctive voice enter. I turned briefly and watched the elf push his way through the onlookers.
"I demand you release--" he stopped, looking around. "Aluhin?" The guards seemed to forget about me and turned to the prince who must have just escaped his room.
While Legolas stood in the center of the circle, looking very confused, I was sprinting away into the forest. Guards were advancing on him and I laughed at the situation and silently thanked Legolas for his perfect arrival.
"Catch her!" I heard the king order.
"Aluhin!" Legolas reminded me of our previous conversation by simply saying my name. A smile spread across my face. I was going to be bound to an irresistible elf and live to see tomorrow! The smile quickly faded as my ribs began to hurt even more painfully than before. I wanted to stop and curl up, to will the pain away, but I had to keep going. There would be time for that later.
I heard the clang of swords behind me and pictured Legolas trying to delay the guards.
"Her, you fools. Catch her!"
I entered the forest and was aware of the elves behind me. I couldn't let them know where I was headed and came up with a plan to fool them at their own game.
I chose a tall tree and desperately scurried up it, finding it rather difficult with chained hands and succeeding in ripping up my skin. My ribs were probably permanently damaged. I swore I could feel the bones grinding into each other as I climbed. I hid among the leaves and moments later heard elves running under me. After waiting a few minutes after they passed, I checked all directions and jumped down. A smile spread across my face. My plan had worked yet again. I was acing this. I might as well be an elf.
I turned to begin my jog to the cottage and before I could even take a step, my eyes went wide. There, standing before me, was the guard with the same mischievous grin I had been wearing a few minutes ago.
"You!" I gasped. He walked toward me and I broke into a run. The chase was short lived and he tackled me, then dragged me to my feet and pulled me to the site.
"A life for a life!" I begged. "If it wasn't for me you'd be dead!"
"If it was not for you, I would be having a good day," he growled.
"I should have let you die," I mumbled under my breath, although I am sure he heard me. "See what I get for pitying an elf."
.
A/N: I have made changes to a few of the past chapters. Feel free to revisit those chapters to see those, but to debrief you if you do not want to, Scar-Ear is the guard which is always giving me a hard time. This is not his name, only a nickname Aluhin gives him because she does not know his name and notices a scar along the tip of his left ear. In the previous chapter(s) she finds the scar is a weak spot in his pride and thinks she unearths some bad memories.
Katharwen: I am glad you like Aluhin and have taken interest in this story. Let me know what you think about this chapter.
Dulaithlossword: Yes, I tend know people who tend to do the same at times which is why I thought it might be amusing to write such a scene. I am glad you found it amusing. I hope you enjoy this chapter also. Let me know what you think.
Elven at Heart: Thank you for reviewing! I'm always excited to hear from new reviewers. I hope this was soon enough for you and that you enjoy it. Please review!
.
Chapter Ten: Final Words
The guard had come in and dragged Legolas out just before sunrise, scolding him for not curing my injuries. Legolas had shrugged and looked to me one last time before following the guard, leaving me alone. I hung there for a few hours before the guard returned for me.
I had told Legolas about the guard and his ear and questioned him about it. Legolas grew unusually silent and told me he remembered the day it occurred, that he was there when it happened.
"That may be why he despises you so," he had whispered.
"What happened? He seemed to be really sensitive about it and wouldn't let me touch him."
"Yes, he became a different person after it happened. Took his duty much more seriously and would speak of the day he would have revenge." I could have sworn I heard him mutter 'He has been mistaken. I need to speak with him.'
"What did you do?" the guard asked me as the door slammed shut.
"Huh?" I snapped from my thoughts, looking up.
"What have you done?"
"If you are referring to what I have been doing the past hours I have been in here, nothing. I am just handing around." He strode toward me, jaw set, eyes cold and unlocked me. "Are you meaning to tell me I am leaving so soon? I was just getting to like this place."
"Say goodbye to Middle-earth. Your minutes are numbered," he growled.
"My, someone woke on the wrong side of the bed. Or did I keep you up all night?" He didn't answer. "Terribly sorry about that."
My hands came loose from above and I sighed at the wonderful feeling of lowering them. They were still chained together, but it was better than over my head and on the wall.
"Move," he ordered.
"Yes, sir," I fake saluted and headed for the door. "You know, you'd make a fine drill sergeant."
"Talking will get you no where," he grumbled.
"I know. I just thought I should start early on my last words."
I walked the rest of the way without saying a word. As I made my way around the castle one last time, fliers on the wall caught my attention.
Human Found Guilty of
Luring Enemies to Borders
Public Execution: Hour past sunrise
Site: Main entrance courtyard
Executionist: The king himself
The king requests all elves be present.
He will address city before ceremony.
"Lovely," I mumbled before entering the throne room.
"My lord," the guard greeted as the door closed behind me. "She is ready."
I looked around. The hall was expansive. A large table stood in the center of the room with the enormous throne at the far end, facing the door.
"Excellent," the king said as he turned. He had obviously been pacing. He looked at me and his eyes narrowed. He walked toward us and lost his composure. "What happened?" he asked the elf as he turned my cheeks, inspecting my wounds without care.
"She attempted to escape and reached the forest before she was caught."
"Reached the forest!" the king roared. "How did these wounds occur?" He gestured to the bruises around my throat.
"She--"
"Did you cause these?"
"Sir, she--"
"Did you or did you not?"
"I did, your highness." The elf bowed his head in shame, knowing his error.
"Did I or did I not give you specific orders about her treatment?"
My plan worked. The king was truly upset with the guard. I was afraid for a minute he would award the elf.
"You knowingly disobeyed me."
"My lord, I--"
"I cannot have a disloyal elf as part of my staff. It seems we have another to execute this morning."
The elf beside me remained silent, head bowed.
"You're going to execute him?" I almost yelled. The king seemed taken aback. "You're going to kill him because he beat on someone who you hate? If you don't want a 'disloyal elf as part of your staff' then fire him, don't kill him!"
"I am afraid this situation is out of your hands, lady." He turned to the door guards. "Escort them to the courtyard." The doors were opened and we were pushed from the room.
"Sorry, man-elf. A little taste of what I'm getting, eh?" I said apologetically.
He didn't answer. Oh, this was not good. He was making me feel guilty. I expected him to thrash out at me. We stepped outside and were led down the path. I was hoping it would rain today to give me an advantage and to feel the rain one last time. This wouldn't happen, however, because it was a cloudless, sunny day and I felt no signs of rain.
For some reason I didn't feel anything when we neared the execution site. Elves were gathered around the courtyard in a semicircle type fashion, talking quietly, awaiting our arrival. We were led to the center of the site and the chatter immediately ceased. All eyes were on me and as a guard grasped my shoulders and the other grasped Scar-Ear; whispers spread like wildfire.
I had an odd weight in the pit of my stomach. Guilt weighed heavily upon me. I deserved to die. I was guilty of the execution of an elf; I was guilty for sending someone to his death. I had to do something, I silently decided. How would I be able to stop this?
An idea came to mind and I nodded, seeing that it would work. It might work for some of the audience seeing I really am innocent also. As I pondered my words, all sound left my ears, bringing me from my thought. All whispers ceased once more as a throat was cleared. The king had entered the circle and guards closed it off so there was no way to run.
"Good morning, fellow elves."
"Good morning, your highness," elves replied from around, bowing slightly.
"The festiveness is in the air. Soon, we shall be able to once again live in this realm with one less threat in our midst. A traitor and thief has been living among us, and cared as one of our own. Only just, have we discovered the true intentions: to live here, befriend the elves, then bring in the remaining members of the band, and rob us. This will not be tolerated.
We have gathered today to witness the execution of that traitor. This step shall aid us in the finding and capturing of the others remaining and see to it that our homes can be that much safer. This step may very well be the first of many steps in purifying Mirkwood of all threats and renewing Greenwood."
Polite applause filled the clearing before it was quickly silenced by the king. "In addition, the agenda has changed. Instead of witnessing one, two lives shall be taken today."
Few elves risked glances at each other and some eyes drifted over the guard who seemed to be well known by the looks on their faces, however, most elves stood expressionless, contently listening to their ruler.
"It was brought to my attention not even an hour ago," he continued, "that the felon attempted to escape from her cell late last night. It is only expected from a human thief and I had specifically alerted guards that no brutal hand should be laid upon her. She may be human and made some mistakes in her life, but she should be treated as any prisoner in the Mirkwood realm.
"As you see before you, the human was not cared for as I wished and thus, the former guard is to be punished-punished under the charges of disobeying direct orders and facing the sentence of death."
The guard knelt at the king's knees and the king was handed an elaborately decorated sword. He pulled it from its sheath and turned to the crowd.
"I wished to demonstrate this to you today to prove I punish all who disobey me. The guards assigned to duty are the best and shall keep you safe." He turned to the guard.
"My lord, I would do anything for your safety. It has been an honor serving you and a pleasure dying under your command."
"Suck up," I muttered. "That's not going to work. You've gotta do something more.well like this." I raised my voice, addressing not only the king, but the crowd. "Your highness! If it wouldn't be to bold to speak at this moment!" The king lowered the sword and looked at me with the same masked face as Legolas. I tried to see the color of his eyes, but I couldn't make them out.
He made no obvious objection so I continued. "While we are addressing you before death, I shall bring up a point. Unless I am mistaken, I am granted last words and would like to voice them at this time.
"Last night, this guard succeeded in stopping my attempts of escape. As I was in his order, I tried to find loopholes in his grasp and attention. In order to restrain me, he reopened a few wounds, broke a few ribs. Although he may have very much wanted to kill me for my words, he never crossed the line of seriously injuring me. Every kick, smack, and bruise he gave me was deserved. If I learned one aspect about him since then, it was his loyalty toward you. When an elf was assumed to have helped me in my escape, which absurd I might add, the other guards wished to lock him in his room or throw him in the dungeons with me. He stopped them and said you gave no orders of restraining others and let him go. He knew your orders like the back of his hand. He does not deserve to die."
All was silent for a moment as all eyes were trained on the king whose eyes were on the guard.
"I'm gonna miss you, buddy." I added, patting the guard's shoulder sarcastically. "Join you with the Valar shortly."
I received a glare from the king before he turned to the guard. "Is this true?"
"Yes, my lord," the guard replied.
I wasn't quite finished and decided to continue while the king pondered what to do. "I realize most 'last words' don't turn out like speeches as mine has, but that first part was desperately added five minutes ago when I discovered my new friend shared my sentence." I chuckled slightly before continuing.
"First off, I would like to thank you all for being such kind elves giving me this honor to show my crimson blood before you. I really like how I was given a fair trail and proof of my wrong doings. It really makes elves trustworthy. Oh, and to be able to invite all you, my friends and family, before I part," I said sarcastically.
"One elf in particular who could not make it here for some reason or another is one I owe all my thanks to. I'm sure you all know who he is. Oh, and I'd like to thank the guards for my finely furnished cell I was graciously chained to, and the fun game of hide-and-go-seek we played in the castle, grounds, and forest last night. Oh and tag it was a great memory maker. Of course--"
"That is enough!" the king interrupted. I opened my mouth only to receive a warning glance.
"So polite of you to interrupt a lady," I muttered as my shoulders slumped. 'Just as I was getting to the good part!' His eyes were still locked on the guard. "Forgive me for having ill faith. You are free to go."
The guard bowed his head before standing. "Thank you my king." The king nodded and the guard joined the others in the circle.
'You're welcome,' I thought as he stared at me. "What about me?" I plead to the king.
"Enough time had been wasted. It is now time." I was pushed forward and thrust to my knees before the king. He raised his sword and as it started to reach the peak of his swing, an idea came to my mind. I was in too good of a mood to die and he didn't let me say my final words! This whole thing was a little too sudden for me.
The sword began its decent, aiming for my neck. With elf-like reflexes I moved my chained hands up and spread them apart. The irons interfered with the sword's path.
A clash rang through the clearing and there was a collective gasp from the crowd. The king looked at me with startled eyes. "You really didn't think I'd go down that easy, did you?" I asked with a smile. I twisted my hands around the sword so he could not use it against me. I stood and could have sworn I saw an elf jump from a room in the castle. I looked again and saw nothing.
I expected Legolas to emerge from the crowd and back me up. I looked around and found him still not present. Frowning, I turned my attention to his father. Guards behind him were pulling out their swords. I smirked and pulled my hands, sending the sword twisting in the air and into my hands. I tapped his chest as his eyes became wider.
"I'm just full of surprises, aren't I?" I laughed and began retreating. "Lovely ceremony, although I am sorry to say I must depart early. I beg for your forgiveness even though I will not be granted it. Goodbye."
I turned and pointed the sword at an innocent elf who gladly stepped aside. Those behind her followed suit, creating a path for me. "Thank you." I exited the clearing and just as I did, I heard a very distinctive voice enter. I turned briefly and watched the elf push his way through the onlookers.
"I demand you release--" he stopped, looking around. "Aluhin?" The guards seemed to forget about me and turned to the prince who must have just escaped his room.
While Legolas stood in the center of the circle, looking very confused, I was sprinting away into the forest. Guards were advancing on him and I laughed at the situation and silently thanked Legolas for his perfect arrival.
"Catch her!" I heard the king order.
"Aluhin!" Legolas reminded me of our previous conversation by simply saying my name. A smile spread across my face. I was going to be bound to an irresistible elf and live to see tomorrow! The smile quickly faded as my ribs began to hurt even more painfully than before. I wanted to stop and curl up, to will the pain away, but I had to keep going. There would be time for that later.
I heard the clang of swords behind me and pictured Legolas trying to delay the guards.
"Her, you fools. Catch her!"
I entered the forest and was aware of the elves behind me. I couldn't let them know where I was headed and came up with a plan to fool them at their own game.
I chose a tall tree and desperately scurried up it, finding it rather difficult with chained hands and succeeding in ripping up my skin. My ribs were probably permanently damaged. I swore I could feel the bones grinding into each other as I climbed. I hid among the leaves and moments later heard elves running under me. After waiting a few minutes after they passed, I checked all directions and jumped down. A smile spread across my face. My plan had worked yet again. I was acing this. I might as well be an elf.
I turned to begin my jog to the cottage and before I could even take a step, my eyes went wide. There, standing before me, was the guard with the same mischievous grin I had been wearing a few minutes ago.
"You!" I gasped. He walked toward me and I broke into a run. The chase was short lived and he tackled me, then dragged me to my feet and pulled me to the site.
"A life for a life!" I begged. "If it wasn't for me you'd be dead!"
"If it was not for you, I would be having a good day," he growled.
"I should have let you die," I mumbled under my breath, although I am sure he heard me. "See what I get for pitying an elf."
.
A/N: I have made changes to a few of the past chapters. Feel free to revisit those chapters to see those, but to debrief you if you do not want to, Scar-Ear is the guard which is always giving me a hard time. This is not his name, only a nickname Aluhin gives him because she does not know his name and notices a scar along the tip of his left ear. In the previous chapter(s) she finds the scar is a weak spot in his pride and thinks she unearths some bad memories.
Katharwen: I am glad you like Aluhin and have taken interest in this story. Let me know what you think about this chapter.
Dulaithlossword: Yes, I tend know people who tend to do the same at times which is why I thought it might be amusing to write such a scene. I am glad you found it amusing. I hope you enjoy this chapter also. Let me know what you think.
Elven at Heart: Thank you for reviewing! I'm always excited to hear from new reviewers. I hope this was soon enough for you and that you enjoy it. Please review!