A/N **grins sarcastically** Guess what we're doing in gym! LINE DANCING-
HOW FUN! NOT THAT I'M INSULTING ANYONE WHO LOVES LINE DANCING AS MUCH AS I
LOVE ALL OF YOU, IT'S JUST THAT MY GYM TEACHER IS SO INTO IT-IT'S
HILARIOUS! AND THIS BOY NAMED TAYLOR, WHO, I MIGHT MENTION, IS ONE OF THE
ONLY TWO BOYS DOING LINE DANCING, IS SOOOOO FUNNY- HE LOVES TO DANCE, AND
HE LIKE MAKES UP HIS OWN MOVES- AMUSING, I MUST SAY!
Also, pertaining to the actual story, here is a list of the people on progress to Mirkwood. Thranduil, Legolas, Aurora, Valiane, about 14 soldiers on horseback from Mirkwood, another 8 from Rivendell, an evil wedding planner, and all of the horses. Obviously.
As we sat around our campfire that night, I wondered about what Legolas had said that morning. He sat almost opposite me, raising his cup to drink, turning his head to talk to a friend. He glanced up, catching my gaze, and held it, penetrating through my innocent guise, to my very soul-
-And I woke up in my tent, sweating and shivering. What had he really meant about not being able to avoid his father?
I turned over, settling on my side. I yawned, snuggled deeper into my wool blankets, and went back to sleep.
I woke in the early morning to Valiane shaking me awake. "C'mon, m'dear. Thranduil said yesterday that he wants to make an early start, as we have to travel for about twenty miles."
"'Kay." I replied, yawning and throwing off my blankets. My clothes for the day were already laid out upon the foot of my bed, the same brown velvet riding pants and cream-colored cloak, and a shimmering cobalt silk shirt. I pulled them on slowly, marveling at how little sleep I had gotten. I had nearly the same dream several times, always waking up in sheen of cold sweat. It always involved Legolas and his father, and I always woke up with the same thought going through my head, " I won't be able to avoid my father..."
" Do you have something against your father?"
"No."
I shivered. Creepy.
Stumbling out of the tent that Valiane and I shared, I was immediately struck by several things.
How incredibly HIGH that ledge on which I was standing was. I suddenly remembered that we had climbed higher than the trail so that any attackers would have a hard time both seeing and sneaking up on us. A few pebbles, roused by my steps, skittered off and 'pinged' on the path.
2) That the camp looked like it had been ransacked. The campfire ashes were strewn around; a cloth bag that had held food had been ripped, the contents scattered and desecrated. A few survivors, mostly the guards (some guards they were-we're attacked, and they don't even bat an eye.), were emerging dazedly from tents and gaping at the destruction.
*******
A few hours later,
*******
"So much for an early start." Valiane muttered.
We had spent the morning clearing up the damage. Miraculously, no one was hurt.
"But what were their motives?" A soldier howled, protesting, for the millionth time. "What were their MOTIVES?"
"We don't know," said Thranduil, wearily, also for the millionth time. He looked much like his son, I thought idly. Not the same color hair- his was dark brown, interwoven with thin silver threads signifying his great age- but the same bright blue eyes and commanding personality. "But we do have to move on, and soon- we're lucky that no goblins have come across us yet- but to wait much longer is to pray for our death." Addressing the gathered crowd, he said, "Mount up, everyone! We leave within an hour. Some food stores are gone, but we will forage when we stop at nightfall. Hurry!" he finished chidingly.
Valiane pressed an apple and a roll into my hand before ambling off to her stout brown mare. I tucked it into my cloak's inside pocket and walked to saddle Galon.
He was oddly restless this morning, quivering under my touch. The horses must have been terribly frightened when we were confronted.
Most of our morning's ride went well. I was stationed next to Legolas again, but he did not seem to feel the need to talk, and neither did I. There were a few mishaps, mostly involving overhanging rocks. A rear guard, engrossed in his discussion with a comrade, actually FORGOT to duck when passing beneath a ledge. He was knocked directly off his horse, which panicked and ploughed into the rider in front. This slowed us down even more, as the unfortunate rearguard had a temporary concussion and had to be revived, and when asked about stopping at midday, Thranduil shook his head warningly and spurred his horse into a trot.
I was hungry, but was tided over by my apple. The roll I saved until mid afternoon, when hunger pangs were starting to penetrate my judgment again. Legolas didn't need to share this time; he had his own meager lunch of a piece of way bread and some berries gathered from the roadside.
That night, we made a quick camp and were set in pairs to go foraging. Surprise, surprise, I was with Legolas YET again.
We set off apart from the rest, heading north. A blackberry bush was our first our first prize- it was weighted with rich colored berries from every branch. About ten paces to the right there was a spring of pure water. After filling our water skins and food gear, we headed back to camp.
"My father wasn't happy with the progress we made today. He'll probably take it out on me." Legolas said, startling me.
"Why'll he take it out on you?"
"He- he- he won't. Nevermind." he finished lamely.
"Hmm." I said critically.
Sunset. It was beautiful, really. Even our desolate campsite was illuminated with dark gold rays. We had feasted richly that night. Nearly all of the foraging groups had come back with some trophy. One group had actually come back with a whole pheasant, ready to be roasted. Others had found sparse fruit trees, or berry bushes. Our stores of both water and food were replenished.
I had sat down with a plate of pheasant and berries when a petit woman in an emerald green tunic and a wrought silver belt approached me.
"Hello, Lady Aurora. I am the royal wedding planner, decorator and costume designer. I was wondering about your opinion on white roses."
"Um....they're lovely. What did you say your name was?"
"I didn't, but it's Ralinia. What about ferns- the royal colors are green and white, and I would like to have as much greenery as possible."
"I love them. That'll be fine." I said, taking a mouthful of pheasant.
"Also, I wanted to clarify that your house's colors are gold and blue. The blue will be hard to work in, in the flowers, but we'll try in the attire. The gold won't be tricky, I'll use buttercups as a last result."
"Great," I replied, swallowing and taking another bite.
"Now, tell me, have you and Legolas- putting this rather indelicately- DONE anything yet?'
"WHAT?" I said, choking on my pheasant. "Of COURSE not!"
"Oh. Well, all right then. I'll talk to you later." She looked relieved, brushed off her lap, stood up, and went to prey on another unsuspecting inhabitant. She was SCARY.
I slept well that night, not plagued by repeating dreams involving Legolas.
The morning dawned pale and cold. The gray sky looked sullenly like rain. Breakfast was rushed, as Thranduil wanted to make up the lost time of yesterday.
Legolas and I rode next to each other again, neither paying attention to each other.
My prediction of rain was correct. Midmorning came and went, and with it came fat drops of liquid plopping on our gear. I pulled up my hood and drew my cloak around me.
We slowed to a walk again, our horses' manes whipped by the wind and tangled by the rain.
The storm was long and loud; thunder booming on our ears and lightning striking the tops of mountains.
At about midday a voice penetrated my film of half-sleep.
"Hello Ellen. Hallo Galon, sweetie. Long time, no see. Don't worry about Legolas, by the way, he'll be back as soon as I leave."
It was Aurora, perched upon Kintalli like she owned her, navigating around boulders and staring at me from the depths of Legolas's olive green hood.
"How in the world do you DO that?" I asked, amazed.
"Ooh, can't tell you that, darling. When you die, you'll find out."
"Do-d'you-"
"Do I need another memory? No, I don't. I just wanted to come and take a quick ride in the rain. Galon and I used to do this all the time." Directing my horse, she cooed, "Aw, hello sweetie. Did you miss me? Yes you did!"
Galon whinnied, surprised at her voice.
"Well, got to go now, darlings. I'll see you when I see you, most likely before you meet anyone else."
"Wait!" I said, startling even myself. "Did you ever know someone called 'Ralinia'?"
"Oh, yes, I did. Proper bitch isn't she." She replied, shuddering.
"Well, I guess so. How did you meet her?"
"Thranduil, Legolas and Ralinia came to visit about twenty years ago. I think they were checking that I was proper breeding material. Horrible woman."
"Um...sure."
"Well, sorry to say this, Ellen, but I've got to go. See you later. Give Leggie and Ralinia a kiss from me!"
"Yeah....sure." I replied shakily.
"Why are you staring at me?" said another voice from inside the depths of Legolas's hood. Seemed like Aurora had already left. "And what did you just say?"
"Nothing- never mind."
We resumed our silent progress toward Mirkwood.
A/N I'm starting to love Thranduil. I was going to have him as a part in some evil plot against Legolas, but **sniffles** I just can't do that to poor Thranduil. And I hope this counts as a looooong chapter- I worked nearly all afternoon on it, and I have a math test tomorrow.
Also, pertaining to the actual story, here is a list of the people on progress to Mirkwood. Thranduil, Legolas, Aurora, Valiane, about 14 soldiers on horseback from Mirkwood, another 8 from Rivendell, an evil wedding planner, and all of the horses. Obviously.
As we sat around our campfire that night, I wondered about what Legolas had said that morning. He sat almost opposite me, raising his cup to drink, turning his head to talk to a friend. He glanced up, catching my gaze, and held it, penetrating through my innocent guise, to my very soul-
-And I woke up in my tent, sweating and shivering. What had he really meant about not being able to avoid his father?
I turned over, settling on my side. I yawned, snuggled deeper into my wool blankets, and went back to sleep.
I woke in the early morning to Valiane shaking me awake. "C'mon, m'dear. Thranduil said yesterday that he wants to make an early start, as we have to travel for about twenty miles."
"'Kay." I replied, yawning and throwing off my blankets. My clothes for the day were already laid out upon the foot of my bed, the same brown velvet riding pants and cream-colored cloak, and a shimmering cobalt silk shirt. I pulled them on slowly, marveling at how little sleep I had gotten. I had nearly the same dream several times, always waking up in sheen of cold sweat. It always involved Legolas and his father, and I always woke up with the same thought going through my head, " I won't be able to avoid my father..."
" Do you have something against your father?"
"No."
I shivered. Creepy.
Stumbling out of the tent that Valiane and I shared, I was immediately struck by several things.
How incredibly HIGH that ledge on which I was standing was. I suddenly remembered that we had climbed higher than the trail so that any attackers would have a hard time both seeing and sneaking up on us. A few pebbles, roused by my steps, skittered off and 'pinged' on the path.
2) That the camp looked like it had been ransacked. The campfire ashes were strewn around; a cloth bag that had held food had been ripped, the contents scattered and desecrated. A few survivors, mostly the guards (some guards they were-we're attacked, and they don't even bat an eye.), were emerging dazedly from tents and gaping at the destruction.
*******
A few hours later,
*******
"So much for an early start." Valiane muttered.
We had spent the morning clearing up the damage. Miraculously, no one was hurt.
"But what were their motives?" A soldier howled, protesting, for the millionth time. "What were their MOTIVES?"
"We don't know," said Thranduil, wearily, also for the millionth time. He looked much like his son, I thought idly. Not the same color hair- his was dark brown, interwoven with thin silver threads signifying his great age- but the same bright blue eyes and commanding personality. "But we do have to move on, and soon- we're lucky that no goblins have come across us yet- but to wait much longer is to pray for our death." Addressing the gathered crowd, he said, "Mount up, everyone! We leave within an hour. Some food stores are gone, but we will forage when we stop at nightfall. Hurry!" he finished chidingly.
Valiane pressed an apple and a roll into my hand before ambling off to her stout brown mare. I tucked it into my cloak's inside pocket and walked to saddle Galon.
He was oddly restless this morning, quivering under my touch. The horses must have been terribly frightened when we were confronted.
Most of our morning's ride went well. I was stationed next to Legolas again, but he did not seem to feel the need to talk, and neither did I. There were a few mishaps, mostly involving overhanging rocks. A rear guard, engrossed in his discussion with a comrade, actually FORGOT to duck when passing beneath a ledge. He was knocked directly off his horse, which panicked and ploughed into the rider in front. This slowed us down even more, as the unfortunate rearguard had a temporary concussion and had to be revived, and when asked about stopping at midday, Thranduil shook his head warningly and spurred his horse into a trot.
I was hungry, but was tided over by my apple. The roll I saved until mid afternoon, when hunger pangs were starting to penetrate my judgment again. Legolas didn't need to share this time; he had his own meager lunch of a piece of way bread and some berries gathered from the roadside.
That night, we made a quick camp and were set in pairs to go foraging. Surprise, surprise, I was with Legolas YET again.
We set off apart from the rest, heading north. A blackberry bush was our first our first prize- it was weighted with rich colored berries from every branch. About ten paces to the right there was a spring of pure water. After filling our water skins and food gear, we headed back to camp.
"My father wasn't happy with the progress we made today. He'll probably take it out on me." Legolas said, startling me.
"Why'll he take it out on you?"
"He- he- he won't. Nevermind." he finished lamely.
"Hmm." I said critically.
Sunset. It was beautiful, really. Even our desolate campsite was illuminated with dark gold rays. We had feasted richly that night. Nearly all of the foraging groups had come back with some trophy. One group had actually come back with a whole pheasant, ready to be roasted. Others had found sparse fruit trees, or berry bushes. Our stores of both water and food were replenished.
I had sat down with a plate of pheasant and berries when a petit woman in an emerald green tunic and a wrought silver belt approached me.
"Hello, Lady Aurora. I am the royal wedding planner, decorator and costume designer. I was wondering about your opinion on white roses."
"Um....they're lovely. What did you say your name was?"
"I didn't, but it's Ralinia. What about ferns- the royal colors are green and white, and I would like to have as much greenery as possible."
"I love them. That'll be fine." I said, taking a mouthful of pheasant.
"Also, I wanted to clarify that your house's colors are gold and blue. The blue will be hard to work in, in the flowers, but we'll try in the attire. The gold won't be tricky, I'll use buttercups as a last result."
"Great," I replied, swallowing and taking another bite.
"Now, tell me, have you and Legolas- putting this rather indelicately- DONE anything yet?'
"WHAT?" I said, choking on my pheasant. "Of COURSE not!"
"Oh. Well, all right then. I'll talk to you later." She looked relieved, brushed off her lap, stood up, and went to prey on another unsuspecting inhabitant. She was SCARY.
I slept well that night, not plagued by repeating dreams involving Legolas.
The morning dawned pale and cold. The gray sky looked sullenly like rain. Breakfast was rushed, as Thranduil wanted to make up the lost time of yesterday.
Legolas and I rode next to each other again, neither paying attention to each other.
My prediction of rain was correct. Midmorning came and went, and with it came fat drops of liquid plopping on our gear. I pulled up my hood and drew my cloak around me.
We slowed to a walk again, our horses' manes whipped by the wind and tangled by the rain.
The storm was long and loud; thunder booming on our ears and lightning striking the tops of mountains.
At about midday a voice penetrated my film of half-sleep.
"Hello Ellen. Hallo Galon, sweetie. Long time, no see. Don't worry about Legolas, by the way, he'll be back as soon as I leave."
It was Aurora, perched upon Kintalli like she owned her, navigating around boulders and staring at me from the depths of Legolas's olive green hood.
"How in the world do you DO that?" I asked, amazed.
"Ooh, can't tell you that, darling. When you die, you'll find out."
"Do-d'you-"
"Do I need another memory? No, I don't. I just wanted to come and take a quick ride in the rain. Galon and I used to do this all the time." Directing my horse, she cooed, "Aw, hello sweetie. Did you miss me? Yes you did!"
Galon whinnied, surprised at her voice.
"Well, got to go now, darlings. I'll see you when I see you, most likely before you meet anyone else."
"Wait!" I said, startling even myself. "Did you ever know someone called 'Ralinia'?"
"Oh, yes, I did. Proper bitch isn't she." She replied, shuddering.
"Well, I guess so. How did you meet her?"
"Thranduil, Legolas and Ralinia came to visit about twenty years ago. I think they were checking that I was proper breeding material. Horrible woman."
"Um...sure."
"Well, sorry to say this, Ellen, but I've got to go. See you later. Give Leggie and Ralinia a kiss from me!"
"Yeah....sure." I replied shakily.
"Why are you staring at me?" said another voice from inside the depths of Legolas's hood. Seemed like Aurora had already left. "And what did you just say?"
"Nothing- never mind."
We resumed our silent progress toward Mirkwood.
A/N I'm starting to love Thranduil. I was going to have him as a part in some evil plot against Legolas, but **sniffles** I just can't do that to poor Thranduil. And I hope this counts as a looooong chapter- I worked nearly all afternoon on it, and I have a math test tomorrow.