Chapter 7
Legolas had sat by the fire for quite a while, whittling arrows when he heard the pathetic thumps of horse hooves. It sounded as if a lame animal had been drawn to the light of the fire. The prince dropped his knife and quietly stood up, lending his ear to the approaching noise. Without casting a shadow, he moved to the other side of the protective boulder to spy upon to approaching object. The rider he had earlier seen was now leaning dangerously on her exhausted animals neck. He suppressed the urge to run to her aid but slowly approached the stumbling horse. The beautiful stallion approached him, intrusting the well being of his master in Legolas' hands. The prince held the horse's bridle and tried to calm him in his elvish tongue. He looked at the slumped rider who tried to lift her head and looked at him curiously.
"Are you hurt?" Legolas asked to which he received a confused look as an answer. He approached her carefully as she fell unto the neck of the horse. A murmur escaped the rider's lips as she rolled off the saddle resulting in his arms. The hood of her cape slipped off her head and saw the face that would forever be with him. The soft waves of hair had fallen back to reveal white lush skin with blushed cheeks and lips. He carried the angel back to the campfire, her loyal horse following close behind, and laid her against a leather bag. He was not sure what to think of her, she was immensely beautiful, but from experience, he knew that what was beautiful usually held nothing of substance.
Legolas went through his saddlebag and retrieved two roots, which he methodically crushed against a rock and blended with water to produce a thick paste. He gently ran the paste into her mouth and waited for her lashes to flutter back to consciousness. Immediately she laughed "I thought of myself stronger than this." To which Legolas returned "I believe you are very strong but do not know your limits milady."
She stared at him for a moment, and coming back to her wits, replied, " I have plenty of time to learn them." As she tried to stand, finding her legs a little shaky.
"I am not sure that is wise." He warned her. However, her faithful horse came to her aid as he slipped his nuzzle under her arm, giving her balance.
"Ever so loyal." She whispered to him. "I believe I've found you a name, darling Aglar, glory." She looked over at Legolas with assurance. "I'm fine," she smiled.
Legolas was amazed by this lovely stranger, who two moments ago seemed to be at the brink of death and now is as alive as could be. He reveled in her sudden strength and was drawn by her loving wise eyes. He had only spoken a few words to her and already, he felt lost. He walked over to her with the dignity and elegance of an elf and put his arm around her thin waist, attempting to help her nearer to the fire.
"That is very kind of you, but I would prefer to care for Aglar at the moment. He has been so good to me. He needs caring too." She said, scratching the white star on the stallions ebony forehead. Again, amazing Legolas with her disregard for her own health, he could only sincerely say, "Then I shall help you." He glided to the horse's side and unhitched the girth that held Aglar captive for days. He could feel the stallion relax as he lifted the heavy saddle. Once the girl freed Aglar of his bridle, she settled back down by the fire, and Legolas followed her, concealing his wonderment at her identity.