-Skills Put to Use-
Dmitri attempted to lighten the mood by coming up behind Saira and tickling her.
"Dmitri!" she cried out jumping
"Couldn't resist"
Liz was drinking Glowfire and handed it to Saira
"You could use this more than I"
Saira took and drink and shuddered, "Good stuff. Thank the gods Thranduil doesn't care" Saira stretched her arm but again brought it down in pain forgetting she hurt it.
"You ok?" Aranel asked
"Yeah. Just pulled a muscle form the Lord of the Dance over here"
Dmitri pointed to himself innocently
"Ok, I've got to get my mind off this. I'm going to go practice for awhile" Saira said
The rest of her friends went swimming while she practiced alone. Legolas was busy doing things for his father. Saira began with her meditation, which made her in tune with everything around her from the wind blowing past her cheek to distant noises from her friends at the pool, and people coming up behind her. She swung her sword around but stopped just before it would have struck Legolas in the chest. Then she turned around to see the proud yet shocked look on his face.
"You taught me well" she said
"Too well"
"With how much training and practice I do, I almost wish I could test it for real. Not against someone I know isn't trying to kill me"
"Be careful what you wish for. Such things affect more than just yourself"
"I know"
"I hear you beat your brother"
"You heard right"
"The great Hero of Time brought down by his own little sister. Your skills have increased more than I ever thought."
"I think I was just waiting for the right person to teach me. Long ago I think I had a dream about you"
"Really? What did you see?"
"It was many years ago but I've never forgot it. It was while Dmitri and I were at Gerudo Fortress. I dreamt of an elf who successfully taught me how to sword fight, but what made it ironic was what Dmitri said after"
"What did he say?"
"He said it would be my future love. That the man of my dreams would be the one who teaches me to fight with him."
"So I'm the man of your dreams?"
"You taught me to fight"
"Shall we?" he said grabbing his own sword.
"Uma" -Yes-
They began together while Saira tried to ignore the throbbing pain in her shoulder that shot with pain every time she used that arm. Soon, as usual, Legolas held her bound, but when she tried to free herself, he tightened his own grip causing her shoulder to pull too much.
"Ah!" she cried
Without hesitation, he let go, "You alright?" he asked skeptically
"I pulled a muscle from dancing." She said dropping her sword to massage her shoulder unable to reach the real bad spot.
"C'mere"
Suddenly Saira became nervous as she walked over to him and turned around. As if he knew exactly where she was in pain, he began massaging her back and shoulder in the most gently way. Saira closed her eyes.
"Better?" he whispered
"Hmm" That was all she could say. Saira was finding it much harder to stand as his hands went lower. (Hylians and their sensitive backs) "If you keep doing that, I'm going to fall"
He laughed softly, "Come" He grabbed her hand. "I've been wanting to show you this since the first time you came"
He began leading her into a deep part of the city Saira had only been near once before with Elledan. That memory disturbed her.
"Where are we going?" she asked when she didn't recognize anything. However he just stopped and brought out a blindfold. "Officially confused" she said with a quizzical look.
"Trust me" he turned her around and tied the blindfold being sure to cover her eyes completely.
"Ok, I'll tell you where to step" But that didn't work. Saira hadn't gone two steps before falling nearly flat on her face. Legolas always seemed to catch her though Instead, he swiped her off her feet and carried her with ease. Saria instinctively wrapped her arms tightly around hit neck.
"I wont drop you" he said
"Too many memories" she explained
Finally Legolas set her down. Gently. He removed the blindfold but instructed her to keep her yes closed. He brushed her hair out of her face then told her to walk forward a few steps. She did and soon felt stone ground under her feet. Then Legolas said she could open them
They were in a beautiful courtyard. A fountain was on the far wall full of eccentric designs. Archways and a see through roof enclosed the area but it still had a sense of being outdoors. Saira could sense and enchantment about it as she looked around at everything. Everything was marble and stone with yet more eccentricity. Bookshelves were in one corner of the room with some of her favorites from every world. A striking fireplace was inside the left wall but looked as if it had been many years out of use. A white couch lied in front of it. A table was on the far wall with two chairs. There was an open area that was carpeted and had pillows on the ground. Nearest them was a swing bench hanging from an overhanging branch coming through the roof.
Saira was at a loss for words. It was everything she could have dreamed brought into reality.
"It's - It's," she whispered. She closed her eyes to capture the picture in her mind.
"Even though I have such memories here, I still come here to think"
"It's like a faery tale" Then Saira had a thought. "This is Serenity's"
He gave a weak smile and nodded "In my absence, she did many things to keep her mind occupied. She asked Lord Thranduil to build a courtyard similar to the one she had in Hyrule. I thought you'd like it"
"I love it" Saira took a step and tripped on a small step she didn't see. Legolas caught her by grabbed her hurt shoulder unfortunately.
She winced horribly in pain.
"Was she as clumsy as I?" Saira asked jokingly
"Very much so" he said, "sit down. I'll see if I can loosen up those muscles"
Saira bit her lip and sat down. She tried hard not to shiver as he brushed her hair of her neck. As he began, goose bumps traveled up and down her arms. As if taunting her, he edged lower and lower down her back. Finally Saira could take no more and jumped up.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes. I'm fine. I should have probably mentioned that Hylians have extremely sensitive backs. The slightest touch sends shivers up out spines"
Legolas smiled slyly. Saira stared.
"You knew didn't you?" Saira asked
He smiled again, "I was with a Hylian for over 1,000 years, and I discovered her weakness very early on. Considering you share a soul, I figured it would be the same"
He rose and took a step closer to her. "But the one thing I could always do was this" He spun her around and ran his finger up her spine while his other arm held her in place. Saira's back arched but he didn't let up. She gasped loudly still biting her lip as she shuddered.
"Unfair" she moaned
"Unfair?"
"Yes, you already know all my secrets and I know none of yours"
"That makes it fun for me" he said holding his hands at her waist.
"Ha ha." She said and began to say something else but stopped.
Legolas was slowly moving his hands up her side until he cupped her face and kissed her. No matter how many times he did it, Saira never tired of the sensation that filled her. It was pure ecstasy.
She stopped him to say, "So will there be any interruptions here?"
"Shouldn't be. My father is the only other one who knows its existence"
"Good"
She kissed him and for the first time, Legolas did something new by slipping his tongue in to add to the sentiment. Saira indulged before pulling away thinking about her empathic friend.
"I bet Liz absolutely hates this." She said
"I highly doubt it" he said
"Why?"
"Did you sense the magic as we came here? Serenity had an empathic friend long ago and did it for her. Dear Lady Elizabeth cannot sense anything"
Legolas leaned in again but suddenly stopped as they heard a loud horn.
"What's that?" Saira asked
"Attack" Legolas' face turned rigid, "C'mon"
"Attack by who?"
"Orcs, but no one is daft enough to attack Mirkwood. It will end in a slaughter for them. I promised that long ago."
They ran back to the main area. Through the trees Saira could see orcs coming in hundreds toward the border far ahead. Archers were keeping them at bay, and more warriors were taking them from the ground. Legolas immediately went to go help. Saira pulled out her sword and tried to follow.
"Saira, no" he said "I cant risk it"
"But--"
"No, that's how I lost you the first time" he eyes pleaded with her
Saira nodded
"Find Aranel, and the others. You two are at the most risk"
He tried to go but Saira pulled him back kissing him deeply. "Don't get killed"
He kissed her again and joined the fight. Saira spotted Aranel in a group of elves. Dmitri was poised with a sword ready to fight for her.
"Where's Liz?" Saira cried looking around. Noise was everywhere from the battle, but Saira heard a scream behind her. A stray orc was carrying Liz off.
"Let me go, you bastard!" Liz yelled fighting with all her might
Saira drew her sword and ran after her.
"Saira no!" Legolas yelled seeing her. He killed the surrounding orcs with swift motions of his blade and ran after Saira. The orc heard Saira coming and turned to fight.
"Let her go!"
The orc lunged at Saira, but she was too quick. Jumping to the side and kneeling, she stabbed him through the chest and the orc dropped Liz just as Legolas joined up with them
"Saira, why didn't you listen?" Legolas yelled
"I wouldn't leave her!" She yelled back
"Go, please, and I don't care this time, don't leave."
Liz and Saira ran back to Aranel and Dmitri who had been led farther away from the battle where the orcs, as Legolas had said, were being slaughtered. They barely lasted 10 minutes before it was over. Saira had never seen Legolas in a real battle and had never been near one before herself and she found it oddly stimulating.
Legolas shouted orders in Elvish and Saira watch intently as if there was something to learn. He left one orc alive to interrogate. His usual fair disposition evaporated and anger engulfed him. He pinned him to a tree.
"You know the question so just answer so that I might ease your passing."
"The old Lord disappeared but the great Ganondorf has taken the reins in his stead. We were sent to kidnap the young ones"
"Why?!"
"We just follow orders. We don't question them"
"100 orcs are not needed for that"
"Really?"
Legolas was losing his patience. He pulled out a dagger and pinned the orc further by driving it through him into a tree.
"He wants her eyes!" the orc screamed. "Her eyes are the key to the lost treasure. That is all I know"
"Do away with him." Legolas yelled removing his dagger. "And get rid of the other dead bodies."
Then he turned to Saira and the others
"Go to your rooms. Lock the doors"
They did mainly out of shock that the Prince had acted in such a manner. Saira didn't think they should be left alone but Lindal ushered them into they own rooms.
Liz locked the door but still didn't feel safe. She fell face first onto her bed hoping to get a small nap after everything. Suddenly an orc burst from behind her dresser and came at her. She didn't have time to scream before he covered her mouth and stabbed her with something. It took a quick effect and the last thing she heard before passing out was Saira coming to talk to her.
"Liz?" Saira said through the door. "Liz?"
Saira tried to open the door but it was locked. She listened hard. She heard movement but it didn't sound or feel normal. Saira summoned her wand and said, 'alohomora' at the doorknob. White light came from her wand and unlatched the door. She walked in but it was empty inside. "Liz?"
Saira knew Liz wouldn't run off after all this.
"Not funny." Saira noticed a black spot on the white floor.
Then a dart tipped with a black substance. Saira scanned the room. Ripped cloth was on the window. She ran to it but saw nothing out of the ordinary.
"Liz" Saira said aloud as if hoping for a response. Then she swiftly ran out and down the stairs. She ran into Tarowyn who was on his way up.
"Saira, you are supposed to wait---"
"Liz is gone! I found this in her room" she said showing the dart to him.
Upon seeing it, he reacted immediately with seriousness.
"I'll find Legolas. Go gather your friends and stay together."
"Liz is my friend. I want to help"
"No, the risk is still far too great. Please Saira, do not defy me right now. I'm asking you, please. Auta"
Reluctantly Saira did as she was told. Within minutes, riders were dispatched to find Liz even though they had no idea where to go. Saira paced back and forth in Dmitri's room since that is where she found them.
"Love, it'll be alright. They'll find her" Dmitri said trying to be comforting
"I feel useless! 'No the risk is too great' 'No that's how I lost you the first time. No nothing. I can't just sit around and do nothing. I could help if they'd let me. I'm not a child!"
"Don't feel useless. It's the way the elders are. Since I was born, they think they know exactly what to do. They're more afraid that we are useful."
To lighten the mood, Aranel decided to play with Dmitri's back as he tried sleeping. He instantly jumped and gasped falling off the bed. Saira and Aranel laughed
"You never should have showed them that. Now she does it every morning" he pointed at Aranel
"Hey, at least she's not stronger than you. Legolas holds me so I cant get away" Saira argued, "And that's not even your worst spot"
"That's true and you better keep that one to yourself" Dmitri warned
Many more minutes passed and finally Legolas came into the room
"Any word?" Saira asked anxiously.
"Not yet. The borders have doubled with guards and are well protected. You may leave the room if you wish"
"I need a bloody swim" Saira said pushing her way past Legolas still angry for his unwillingness to let her help, and she still had a weird feeling in the back of her mind.
She changed but slipped her dagger in her wrap having learned to be prepared. She just knew something else would happen.
Liz awoke from bouncing up and down. Her arms were tied and wrapped around an orcs neck where she dangled behind. In the distance there was smoke rising meaning the orc camp was nearing. As an attempt to escape, Liz jerked her arms back causing her ropes to clothesline the orc. The force made them fall back and Liz undid her ropes and began running in the opposite direction.
Saira sat at the edge of the pool wading her feet in the water. She was very alert and flinched at every sound. She walked around the pool knowing something was watching her. She reached into a dark part of the trees. She grabbed the scuff of something and pulled.
"Dmitri?!" she cried recognizing the blue hair, "What in Din's name are you doing?"
"Just looking out for you" he rambled
"Shh" Saira hissed. The wind blew chilling Saira
Dmitri stared at Saira but she looked up and around. He turned and began looking the same direction when Saira drew her dagger and swung it behind her. She stabbed an orc in the leg that was coming up behind them. Dmitri stumbled backward in shock.
"Holy --"
"Watch your mouth." Saira scolded. She pulled her dagger out of the orc's leg. "Where's my friend?" she asked plainly
"I don't know"
Saira was out of patience and stabbed him in the other leg so that he fell to the ground making her dagger pull out as well.
"Either tell me or get another dagger in you and next time I might not be so kind as to keep it in your legs."
He didn't answer until Saira prepared to stab him again.
"Alright" he snarled
"Tell me!"
"South. Toward Lorien"
"Thanks" Saira said happily but still sarcastically, "You armed?" she asked Dmitri
"Always, love"
"Good. Take his weapons and don't let him go"
"What are you going to do?" Dmitri asked
"I'm going to save my friend" Saira said tying the dagger back in her wrap.
"Sairalinde, no. Everyone can recognize you. Having your beautifully unique looks are rare."
"Dmitri, I thought you knew me better than that. Watch" Saira waved her hands in front of her face. Saira's hair turned dark brown and her eyes a deep green. Her clothes also changed to something a faery would wear. Stripes and semi-ragged.
"You sly devil" he said
Saira had changed into a completely different made up person.
"If Legolas finds out --" Dmitri started
"But he wont unless you tell him" Saira warned. "If he asks anything, say I went for a walk. Also tell him about where their camp is. Got it?"
He nodded and pulled out his own personal dagger to stop the orc from doing anything as he removed all his weaponry. Saira made her way past the guards and to the stables. Without thinking, she mounted Legolas' horse, since it was her favorite, and rode out of the main city. After a minute, she held her wand in her hand and said, "Point me" The wand turned slightly right and Saira kicked her horse to go.
"Well, this dumb wand is good for something"
Liz ran but didn't get far before the orc grabbed her hair and pulled her back. She fell down to her knees yelling in pain and anger. However the orc quickly bent her neck back and drew his saber to her throat instantly silencing her.
"Stupid elf. Try that again and I'll slit your pretty little throat"
Liz nodded as much as she could without forcing the blade closer to her skin. He removed the blade and hoisted her up forcing her forward. However, he suddenly fell down on top of her. She pushed him off and looked for the cause and saw an arrow protruding from his back. She looked up and there was a brown-haired elf riding towards her on a magnificent horse.
"What? Who?"
"No time for questions. I angered one to many orcs it seems" and they sure were. Orcs were coming over the hill swords out front and snarling.
"Hey Dmi-What the?" he spotted the orc
"Now tell him. Where's the camp?" Dmitri said to his prisoner
"South toward Lorien" it sneered.
"Saira?" Legolas asked
"Out"
"Where?'
"Didn't say" Dmitri refused to break his word but he couldn't leave Saira to fight more orcs on her own. But there was something about Legolas' face that made Dmitri know he knew Saira was gone "Auta! Quick!"
"Take him to the city" Then Legolas ran to the stables. He wasn't quite sure if Saira had really gone but he figured she did something. He went absentmindedly to where his horse usually was but it was gone and Saira always picked that horse.
"No!" he yelled aloud
He mounted a different horse and rode into the main courtyard area of the city. He yelled to a group of elves to clearing everything up form the short battle.
"Mount horses and follow. Hurry!" He rode ahead hoping to catch Saira before anything happened
"Who are you?" Liz asked again as the brown-haired girl cut her loose from the horse. Liz climbed on and they rode off. However, arrows began hurling at them from behind and Saira was scathed and fell off. Liz turned around and went back to help.
"Stay on the horse, but throw my sword"
Liz did and recognized the sword immediately.
"Saira?"
"Yeah. You didn't think I'd leave you, did you?"
"I knew all along"
"Uh huh sure"
"I can fight" Liz said
"No, you've been drugged and it may not have worn off. You're still at risk."
"Look out!"
Saira ducked and spun around slicing an orc across the torso. Many followed and she fought them with ease except the occasional shot of pain in her shoulder or arm where she was hit. She subdued them long enough to mount her horse again. Saira saw Legolas in the distance with a group of elves. Saira took her bow and began shooting more orcs from a distance hitting most of her targets save one or two. Legolas caught up and wore an unusual expression.
"Go!" he yelled as he and the others rode into another battle
Saira did and on the way changed back into her normal self. They both dismounted when they reached the stables and Saira changed magically and went back into the main city so that she might try and play off that she was there the whole time. She didn't even feel her hurt arm because she was so nervous.
Dmitri was at the pool waiting with Aranel. Saira was back in her bathing suit and Liz came running up behind panting.
"How the hell did you do that?" Liz demanded.
Dmitri held back laughter
"Shh. I don't want many people to know"
"You better explain later"
"What? Did you think you were the only elf with a special gift? Anyway, act innocent"
An hour passed and Saira attempted to goof off with her friends but found it difficult because guilt began to consume her. Fear too because she wasn't there to jump in front of Legolas. She snuck away from her friends and wandered around for a short while. She received many strange looks from the other fully clothed Elf-maidens and Elf-lords because she was only in her two-piece and wrap with her dagger sticking out. When this happened she just smiled and kept walking. After all, they wouldn't dare say anything because of her relationship with the Prince.
Somehow Saira found her way to the courtyard Legolas had taken her to earlier. She was pretty exhausted from actually fighting so she lied down on the couch. Pretty soon she was fast asleep. Her wounded arm didn't faze her but did begin to leave a stain on the white couch.
Legolas returned and immediately began stripping off his armor as he walked in. He wiped his face clean and with delay headed for the pool
"Saira?" But she wasn't there, "Where?"
"She went walking" Dmitri said trying not to smile
"Liz, was it her?" Legolas insisted.
Liz made a zipping motion in front of her mouth and kept it closed but nodded smiling. Legolas was worried since she wasn't with her friends. He ran into his father as he searched for her.
"I recommend thinking like a past love"
Legolas needed no more hints and headed to the courtyard. There he found Saira asleep on the couch. His heart lifted. He went over to her and kneeled beside the couch. He noticed the injury on her arm staining her wrap and couch. This would have bothered him if he weren't so tired. He cleaned it up and she didn't stir, then he lied down beside the couch and fell asleep.
Dmitri attempted to lighten the mood by coming up behind Saira and tickling her.
"Dmitri!" she cried out jumping
"Couldn't resist"
Liz was drinking Glowfire and handed it to Saira
"You could use this more than I"
Saira took and drink and shuddered, "Good stuff. Thank the gods Thranduil doesn't care" Saira stretched her arm but again brought it down in pain forgetting she hurt it.
"You ok?" Aranel asked
"Yeah. Just pulled a muscle form the Lord of the Dance over here"
Dmitri pointed to himself innocently
"Ok, I've got to get my mind off this. I'm going to go practice for awhile" Saira said
The rest of her friends went swimming while she practiced alone. Legolas was busy doing things for his father. Saira began with her meditation, which made her in tune with everything around her from the wind blowing past her cheek to distant noises from her friends at the pool, and people coming up behind her. She swung her sword around but stopped just before it would have struck Legolas in the chest. Then she turned around to see the proud yet shocked look on his face.
"You taught me well" she said
"Too well"
"With how much training and practice I do, I almost wish I could test it for real. Not against someone I know isn't trying to kill me"
"Be careful what you wish for. Such things affect more than just yourself"
"I know"
"I hear you beat your brother"
"You heard right"
"The great Hero of Time brought down by his own little sister. Your skills have increased more than I ever thought."
"I think I was just waiting for the right person to teach me. Long ago I think I had a dream about you"
"Really? What did you see?"
"It was many years ago but I've never forgot it. It was while Dmitri and I were at Gerudo Fortress. I dreamt of an elf who successfully taught me how to sword fight, but what made it ironic was what Dmitri said after"
"What did he say?"
"He said it would be my future love. That the man of my dreams would be the one who teaches me to fight with him."
"So I'm the man of your dreams?"
"You taught me to fight"
"Shall we?" he said grabbing his own sword.
"Uma" -Yes-
They began together while Saira tried to ignore the throbbing pain in her shoulder that shot with pain every time she used that arm. Soon, as usual, Legolas held her bound, but when she tried to free herself, he tightened his own grip causing her shoulder to pull too much.
"Ah!" she cried
Without hesitation, he let go, "You alright?" he asked skeptically
"I pulled a muscle from dancing." She said dropping her sword to massage her shoulder unable to reach the real bad spot.
"C'mere"
Suddenly Saira became nervous as she walked over to him and turned around. As if he knew exactly where she was in pain, he began massaging her back and shoulder in the most gently way. Saira closed her eyes.
"Better?" he whispered
"Hmm" That was all she could say. Saira was finding it much harder to stand as his hands went lower. (Hylians and their sensitive backs) "If you keep doing that, I'm going to fall"
He laughed softly, "Come" He grabbed her hand. "I've been wanting to show you this since the first time you came"
He began leading her into a deep part of the city Saira had only been near once before with Elledan. That memory disturbed her.
"Where are we going?" she asked when she didn't recognize anything. However he just stopped and brought out a blindfold. "Officially confused" she said with a quizzical look.
"Trust me" he turned her around and tied the blindfold being sure to cover her eyes completely.
"Ok, I'll tell you where to step" But that didn't work. Saira hadn't gone two steps before falling nearly flat on her face. Legolas always seemed to catch her though Instead, he swiped her off her feet and carried her with ease. Saria instinctively wrapped her arms tightly around hit neck.
"I wont drop you" he said
"Too many memories" she explained
Finally Legolas set her down. Gently. He removed the blindfold but instructed her to keep her yes closed. He brushed her hair out of her face then told her to walk forward a few steps. She did and soon felt stone ground under her feet. Then Legolas said she could open them
They were in a beautiful courtyard. A fountain was on the far wall full of eccentric designs. Archways and a see through roof enclosed the area but it still had a sense of being outdoors. Saira could sense and enchantment about it as she looked around at everything. Everything was marble and stone with yet more eccentricity. Bookshelves were in one corner of the room with some of her favorites from every world. A striking fireplace was inside the left wall but looked as if it had been many years out of use. A white couch lied in front of it. A table was on the far wall with two chairs. There was an open area that was carpeted and had pillows on the ground. Nearest them was a swing bench hanging from an overhanging branch coming through the roof.
Saira was at a loss for words. It was everything she could have dreamed brought into reality.
"It's - It's," she whispered. She closed her eyes to capture the picture in her mind.
"Even though I have such memories here, I still come here to think"
"It's like a faery tale" Then Saira had a thought. "This is Serenity's"
He gave a weak smile and nodded "In my absence, she did many things to keep her mind occupied. She asked Lord Thranduil to build a courtyard similar to the one she had in Hyrule. I thought you'd like it"
"I love it" Saira took a step and tripped on a small step she didn't see. Legolas caught her by grabbed her hurt shoulder unfortunately.
She winced horribly in pain.
"Was she as clumsy as I?" Saira asked jokingly
"Very much so" he said, "sit down. I'll see if I can loosen up those muscles"
Saira bit her lip and sat down. She tried hard not to shiver as he brushed her hair of her neck. As he began, goose bumps traveled up and down her arms. As if taunting her, he edged lower and lower down her back. Finally Saira could take no more and jumped up.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes. I'm fine. I should have probably mentioned that Hylians have extremely sensitive backs. The slightest touch sends shivers up out spines"
Legolas smiled slyly. Saira stared.
"You knew didn't you?" Saira asked
He smiled again, "I was with a Hylian for over 1,000 years, and I discovered her weakness very early on. Considering you share a soul, I figured it would be the same"
He rose and took a step closer to her. "But the one thing I could always do was this" He spun her around and ran his finger up her spine while his other arm held her in place. Saira's back arched but he didn't let up. She gasped loudly still biting her lip as she shuddered.
"Unfair" she moaned
"Unfair?"
"Yes, you already know all my secrets and I know none of yours"
"That makes it fun for me" he said holding his hands at her waist.
"Ha ha." She said and began to say something else but stopped.
Legolas was slowly moving his hands up her side until he cupped her face and kissed her. No matter how many times he did it, Saira never tired of the sensation that filled her. It was pure ecstasy.
She stopped him to say, "So will there be any interruptions here?"
"Shouldn't be. My father is the only other one who knows its existence"
"Good"
She kissed him and for the first time, Legolas did something new by slipping his tongue in to add to the sentiment. Saira indulged before pulling away thinking about her empathic friend.
"I bet Liz absolutely hates this." She said
"I highly doubt it" he said
"Why?"
"Did you sense the magic as we came here? Serenity had an empathic friend long ago and did it for her. Dear Lady Elizabeth cannot sense anything"
Legolas leaned in again but suddenly stopped as they heard a loud horn.
"What's that?" Saira asked
"Attack" Legolas' face turned rigid, "C'mon"
"Attack by who?"
"Orcs, but no one is daft enough to attack Mirkwood. It will end in a slaughter for them. I promised that long ago."
They ran back to the main area. Through the trees Saira could see orcs coming in hundreds toward the border far ahead. Archers were keeping them at bay, and more warriors were taking them from the ground. Legolas immediately went to go help. Saira pulled out her sword and tried to follow.
"Saira, no" he said "I cant risk it"
"But--"
"No, that's how I lost you the first time" he eyes pleaded with her
Saira nodded
"Find Aranel, and the others. You two are at the most risk"
He tried to go but Saira pulled him back kissing him deeply. "Don't get killed"
He kissed her again and joined the fight. Saira spotted Aranel in a group of elves. Dmitri was poised with a sword ready to fight for her.
"Where's Liz?" Saira cried looking around. Noise was everywhere from the battle, but Saira heard a scream behind her. A stray orc was carrying Liz off.
"Let me go, you bastard!" Liz yelled fighting with all her might
Saira drew her sword and ran after her.
"Saira no!" Legolas yelled seeing her. He killed the surrounding orcs with swift motions of his blade and ran after Saira. The orc heard Saira coming and turned to fight.
"Let her go!"
The orc lunged at Saira, but she was too quick. Jumping to the side and kneeling, she stabbed him through the chest and the orc dropped Liz just as Legolas joined up with them
"Saira, why didn't you listen?" Legolas yelled
"I wouldn't leave her!" She yelled back
"Go, please, and I don't care this time, don't leave."
Liz and Saira ran back to Aranel and Dmitri who had been led farther away from the battle where the orcs, as Legolas had said, were being slaughtered. They barely lasted 10 minutes before it was over. Saira had never seen Legolas in a real battle and had never been near one before herself and she found it oddly stimulating.
Legolas shouted orders in Elvish and Saira watch intently as if there was something to learn. He left one orc alive to interrogate. His usual fair disposition evaporated and anger engulfed him. He pinned him to a tree.
"You know the question so just answer so that I might ease your passing."
"The old Lord disappeared but the great Ganondorf has taken the reins in his stead. We were sent to kidnap the young ones"
"Why?!"
"We just follow orders. We don't question them"
"100 orcs are not needed for that"
"Really?"
Legolas was losing his patience. He pulled out a dagger and pinned the orc further by driving it through him into a tree.
"He wants her eyes!" the orc screamed. "Her eyes are the key to the lost treasure. That is all I know"
"Do away with him." Legolas yelled removing his dagger. "And get rid of the other dead bodies."
Then he turned to Saira and the others
"Go to your rooms. Lock the doors"
They did mainly out of shock that the Prince had acted in such a manner. Saira didn't think they should be left alone but Lindal ushered them into they own rooms.
Liz locked the door but still didn't feel safe. She fell face first onto her bed hoping to get a small nap after everything. Suddenly an orc burst from behind her dresser and came at her. She didn't have time to scream before he covered her mouth and stabbed her with something. It took a quick effect and the last thing she heard before passing out was Saira coming to talk to her.
"Liz?" Saira said through the door. "Liz?"
Saira tried to open the door but it was locked. She listened hard. She heard movement but it didn't sound or feel normal. Saira summoned her wand and said, 'alohomora' at the doorknob. White light came from her wand and unlatched the door. She walked in but it was empty inside. "Liz?"
Saira knew Liz wouldn't run off after all this.
"Not funny." Saira noticed a black spot on the white floor.
Then a dart tipped with a black substance. Saira scanned the room. Ripped cloth was on the window. She ran to it but saw nothing out of the ordinary.
"Liz" Saira said aloud as if hoping for a response. Then she swiftly ran out and down the stairs. She ran into Tarowyn who was on his way up.
"Saira, you are supposed to wait---"
"Liz is gone! I found this in her room" she said showing the dart to him.
Upon seeing it, he reacted immediately with seriousness.
"I'll find Legolas. Go gather your friends and stay together."
"Liz is my friend. I want to help"
"No, the risk is still far too great. Please Saira, do not defy me right now. I'm asking you, please. Auta"
Reluctantly Saira did as she was told. Within minutes, riders were dispatched to find Liz even though they had no idea where to go. Saira paced back and forth in Dmitri's room since that is where she found them.
"Love, it'll be alright. They'll find her" Dmitri said trying to be comforting
"I feel useless! 'No the risk is too great' 'No that's how I lost you the first time. No nothing. I can't just sit around and do nothing. I could help if they'd let me. I'm not a child!"
"Don't feel useless. It's the way the elders are. Since I was born, they think they know exactly what to do. They're more afraid that we are useful."
To lighten the mood, Aranel decided to play with Dmitri's back as he tried sleeping. He instantly jumped and gasped falling off the bed. Saira and Aranel laughed
"You never should have showed them that. Now she does it every morning" he pointed at Aranel
"Hey, at least she's not stronger than you. Legolas holds me so I cant get away" Saira argued, "And that's not even your worst spot"
"That's true and you better keep that one to yourself" Dmitri warned
Many more minutes passed and finally Legolas came into the room
"Any word?" Saira asked anxiously.
"Not yet. The borders have doubled with guards and are well protected. You may leave the room if you wish"
"I need a bloody swim" Saira said pushing her way past Legolas still angry for his unwillingness to let her help, and she still had a weird feeling in the back of her mind.
She changed but slipped her dagger in her wrap having learned to be prepared. She just knew something else would happen.
Liz awoke from bouncing up and down. Her arms were tied and wrapped around an orcs neck where she dangled behind. In the distance there was smoke rising meaning the orc camp was nearing. As an attempt to escape, Liz jerked her arms back causing her ropes to clothesline the orc. The force made them fall back and Liz undid her ropes and began running in the opposite direction.
Saira sat at the edge of the pool wading her feet in the water. She was very alert and flinched at every sound. She walked around the pool knowing something was watching her. She reached into a dark part of the trees. She grabbed the scuff of something and pulled.
"Dmitri?!" she cried recognizing the blue hair, "What in Din's name are you doing?"
"Just looking out for you" he rambled
"Shh" Saira hissed. The wind blew chilling Saira
Dmitri stared at Saira but she looked up and around. He turned and began looking the same direction when Saira drew her dagger and swung it behind her. She stabbed an orc in the leg that was coming up behind them. Dmitri stumbled backward in shock.
"Holy --"
"Watch your mouth." Saira scolded. She pulled her dagger out of the orc's leg. "Where's my friend?" she asked plainly
"I don't know"
Saira was out of patience and stabbed him in the other leg so that he fell to the ground making her dagger pull out as well.
"Either tell me or get another dagger in you and next time I might not be so kind as to keep it in your legs."
He didn't answer until Saira prepared to stab him again.
"Alright" he snarled
"Tell me!"
"South. Toward Lorien"
"Thanks" Saira said happily but still sarcastically, "You armed?" she asked Dmitri
"Always, love"
"Good. Take his weapons and don't let him go"
"What are you going to do?" Dmitri asked
"I'm going to save my friend" Saira said tying the dagger back in her wrap.
"Sairalinde, no. Everyone can recognize you. Having your beautifully unique looks are rare."
"Dmitri, I thought you knew me better than that. Watch" Saira waved her hands in front of her face. Saira's hair turned dark brown and her eyes a deep green. Her clothes also changed to something a faery would wear. Stripes and semi-ragged.
"You sly devil" he said
Saira had changed into a completely different made up person.
"If Legolas finds out --" Dmitri started
"But he wont unless you tell him" Saira warned. "If he asks anything, say I went for a walk. Also tell him about where their camp is. Got it?"
He nodded and pulled out his own personal dagger to stop the orc from doing anything as he removed all his weaponry. Saira made her way past the guards and to the stables. Without thinking, she mounted Legolas' horse, since it was her favorite, and rode out of the main city. After a minute, she held her wand in her hand and said, "Point me" The wand turned slightly right and Saira kicked her horse to go.
"Well, this dumb wand is good for something"
Liz ran but didn't get far before the orc grabbed her hair and pulled her back. She fell down to her knees yelling in pain and anger. However the orc quickly bent her neck back and drew his saber to her throat instantly silencing her.
"Stupid elf. Try that again and I'll slit your pretty little throat"
Liz nodded as much as she could without forcing the blade closer to her skin. He removed the blade and hoisted her up forcing her forward. However, he suddenly fell down on top of her. She pushed him off and looked for the cause and saw an arrow protruding from his back. She looked up and there was a brown-haired elf riding towards her on a magnificent horse.
"What? Who?"
"No time for questions. I angered one to many orcs it seems" and they sure were. Orcs were coming over the hill swords out front and snarling.
"Hey Dmi-What the?" he spotted the orc
"Now tell him. Where's the camp?" Dmitri said to his prisoner
"South toward Lorien" it sneered.
"Saira?" Legolas asked
"Out"
"Where?'
"Didn't say" Dmitri refused to break his word but he couldn't leave Saira to fight more orcs on her own. But there was something about Legolas' face that made Dmitri know he knew Saira was gone "Auta! Quick!"
"Take him to the city" Then Legolas ran to the stables. He wasn't quite sure if Saira had really gone but he figured she did something. He went absentmindedly to where his horse usually was but it was gone and Saira always picked that horse.
"No!" he yelled aloud
He mounted a different horse and rode into the main courtyard area of the city. He yelled to a group of elves to clearing everything up form the short battle.
"Mount horses and follow. Hurry!" He rode ahead hoping to catch Saira before anything happened
"Who are you?" Liz asked again as the brown-haired girl cut her loose from the horse. Liz climbed on and they rode off. However, arrows began hurling at them from behind and Saira was scathed and fell off. Liz turned around and went back to help.
"Stay on the horse, but throw my sword"
Liz did and recognized the sword immediately.
"Saira?"
"Yeah. You didn't think I'd leave you, did you?"
"I knew all along"
"Uh huh sure"
"I can fight" Liz said
"No, you've been drugged and it may not have worn off. You're still at risk."
"Look out!"
Saira ducked and spun around slicing an orc across the torso. Many followed and she fought them with ease except the occasional shot of pain in her shoulder or arm where she was hit. She subdued them long enough to mount her horse again. Saira saw Legolas in the distance with a group of elves. Saira took her bow and began shooting more orcs from a distance hitting most of her targets save one or two. Legolas caught up and wore an unusual expression.
"Go!" he yelled as he and the others rode into another battle
Saira did and on the way changed back into her normal self. They both dismounted when they reached the stables and Saira changed magically and went back into the main city so that she might try and play off that she was there the whole time. She didn't even feel her hurt arm because she was so nervous.
Dmitri was at the pool waiting with Aranel. Saira was back in her bathing suit and Liz came running up behind panting.
"How the hell did you do that?" Liz demanded.
Dmitri held back laughter
"Shh. I don't want many people to know"
"You better explain later"
"What? Did you think you were the only elf with a special gift? Anyway, act innocent"
An hour passed and Saira attempted to goof off with her friends but found it difficult because guilt began to consume her. Fear too because she wasn't there to jump in front of Legolas. She snuck away from her friends and wandered around for a short while. She received many strange looks from the other fully clothed Elf-maidens and Elf-lords because she was only in her two-piece and wrap with her dagger sticking out. When this happened she just smiled and kept walking. After all, they wouldn't dare say anything because of her relationship with the Prince.
Somehow Saira found her way to the courtyard Legolas had taken her to earlier. She was pretty exhausted from actually fighting so she lied down on the couch. Pretty soon she was fast asleep. Her wounded arm didn't faze her but did begin to leave a stain on the white couch.
Legolas returned and immediately began stripping off his armor as he walked in. He wiped his face clean and with delay headed for the pool
"Saira?" But she wasn't there, "Where?"
"She went walking" Dmitri said trying not to smile
"Liz, was it her?" Legolas insisted.
Liz made a zipping motion in front of her mouth and kept it closed but nodded smiling. Legolas was worried since she wasn't with her friends. He ran into his father as he searched for her.
"I recommend thinking like a past love"
Legolas needed no more hints and headed to the courtyard. There he found Saira asleep on the couch. His heart lifted. He went over to her and kneeled beside the couch. He noticed the injury on her arm staining her wrap and couch. This would have bothered him if he weren't so tired. He cleaned it up and she didn't stir, then he lied down beside the couch and fell asleep.