Chapter 16 – Archery Contest

The Galadhrim were due to leave in two days and there had been some talk of an archery contest while they were still here. Nothing had been formally organised, but as Fuineth, the Queen and the ladies-in-waiting sat under one of the awnings reading or doing their needlework later that same morning after the hunt and banquet, Elrohir came running up to them laughing.

"Ladies, you will be pleased to hear, perhaps, that there will be an archery contest after all. Tomorrow."

They all looked at each other, surprised but delighted. Arwen was suspicious, "Why the sudden change of plan, Elrohir?"

Elrohir just grinned, "Come and you'll find out."

They laid down their books and sewing and followed him to one of the clearings near the halls. A small crowd of elves were there, as well as Aragorn, Faramir and Faramir's stewards. In the middle of all this were Haldir, Legolas and one of Legolas's stewards, Naril.

Haldir and Naril had clearly been arguing and were both flushed, eyes blazing at each other. Legolas was attempting to play peacemaker but was hampered in this by the smile on his face.

Arwen came up to Aragorn, "What is going on?"

Aragorn grinned, "Ah, well, the skill of both archers has been called into question by the other and honour must be satisfied."

Arwen raised an eyebrow and grinned. "I see," was all she said.

Fuineth could see various other elves who had overheard Haldir and Naril's heated discussion were now getting pretty animated themselves about what had been said. Legolas gave up on his diplomatic skills and decided to just let them sort themselves out. As he looked up he noticed the women had joined them and he grinned in their direction. Then he spoke to the assembled group. "We will meet for the contest tomorrow just after the midday in the East Field."

There were murmurs of excitement and Haldir and Naril exchanged a snarl and separated. Legolas came over to where Fuineth and the others were standing. He kissed Arwen's hand, and then each of the ladies-in-waiting's in turn ending with Fuineth. They exchanged a look but said nothing to each other more than murmured greetings.

As they all turned back towards the hall, chattering excitedly about the upcoming tournament, Fuineth touched Legolas's arm. He turned and smiled on seeing it was her.

"Hîril nín."

"Lord Legolas," and she returned his smile. "Tell me," she continued, "what has happened between Haldir and Naril?"

Legolas laughed softly, "Oh, they have never quite seen eye to eye and any elf is jealous of his skills with a bow but those two particularly so. I was not there when it began so I cannot say for certain who started it or what caused it, but I am not surprised. It has in large part been those two in particular who have been asking for a contest while the Galadhrim have been staying here, indeed Naril began insisting upon it ever since he knew they would be coming to the South. Ever since Haldir beat Naril last year in Lothlorien Naril has been looking for an opportunity for his revenge. I had refused till now only because I thought it would create more problems than it might solve, but if it will stop them being at each other's throats, so be it." He was grinning as he said all this, and clearly relishing the prospect of seeing the two battle it out.

"And what about you, my lord, will you take part?"

"Of course! Did I not say any elf is jealous of their skill with a bow? I include myself in that, my lady!" It was her turn to laugh.

He slowed his pace a little and leaned into her conspiratorially, "Will you be there to watch me, hîril nín? To cheer me on?"

She smiled sideways at him, her eyes twinkling with mischief, "Will not everyone be there? Where else would I be? It will be an event that no-one would miss."

He raised an eyebrow with a grin, "You did not answer me, my lady."

"I know," she said, laughing, and, leaving Legolas shaking his head and smiling, she ran to join Arwen and the others as they made their way to the mid-day meal.

That afternoon and evening Fuineth spent her time in continuing to learn elvish embroidery techniques and designs from some of the Ithilien elf- maids and teaching them in turn Rohirric designs she knew. Then she made her way to the kitchens to see if she could help in any way and perhaps learn a new dish or two in the process.

That evening the general company repaired to a large talan near the main halls where there was wine, stories and song. Lord Faramir made a point of often talking to Lady Fuineth, as much as anything to make it clear there was no ill feeling on his part, and she was touched by his doing so. She had a suspicion one of his men, Anardor, might have taken a shine to her, however. He had asked her for two dances the previous night and had barely taken his eyes off her this evening. He took every opportunity to join in conversation with her and when they first arrived on the talan he came to sit near her. She was only vaguely aware of his doing all this, indeed she wasn't even sure she wasn't reading too much into it perhaps, but she had noticed Legolas, who sat next to her the entire evening, looking somewhat darkly at him a few times.

The moon was high in the sky when Fuineth excused herself from the company. She was tired. Gwenneth and Mirriel had left a little while before and Fuineth would have left with them except Legolas had persuaded her to stay.

"Just a little while longer, my lady," he was now saying once more, but she shook her head and smiled.

"Really, I cannot, my lord. Forgive me. Perhaps you forget how late a night it was yesterday? If you wish to meet me for a ride tomorrow morning then I am afraid I must leave you."

He smiled and nodded, "Of course, my lady. Let me escort you to your chambers then." They stood, Legolas saying he would return to join his guests shortly. She took his arm and he led her down the stairs to the grass below.

As they walked back to the halls Legolas said, "I do not like the way that Anardor looks at you." He spoke in an off-hand manner, trying to make light of it.

She laughed, "O Lord Legolas, whatever do you mean? He seems pleasant enough."

He cast a sharp look at her, "Did you not notice the way he came to sit by you, took every opportunity to talk to you? He can barely keep his eyes from you."

She stopped, looking at Legolas with a surprised smile on her face, "And if I did notice why would I not think he was just being courteous?"

Legolas smiled and shook his head, "I do not blame him, my lady, but..," and he paused before continuing, "..we have agreed have we not?" He raised an eyebrow and his eyes glinted, "While you are here, you are mine are you not?"

Her eyes danced in reply, her gaze never leaving his, and her smile broadened, "'Yours', my lord? I am no-one's or not yet at least."

He laughed softly but never took his eyes off her, "And if I am jealous, who would blame me?"

They were closer now, almost touching, her hand still in his. "Not I, my lord."

Again he raised an eyebrow and it took all his restraint to not kiss her then and there as he looked at this face turned up towards him, the lips parted slightly, the smiling eyes locked onto his: those grey, beautiful eyes.

"No, indeed, my lord, it pleases me to know that such as one as you is by my side to watch over me."

His voice came quiet then, barely above a murmur, "I have promised you my friendship, my lady, and I will never break my promise; just as you never broke the one you made to me in Edoras." She flushed a little and her head dropped, but he took her chin and raised her head so her eyes looked into his own once more, "Nathon mellon lin an-uir, hîril nín."

She smiled. A smile of such beauty, it seemed to him, that it nearly broke him.

She reached up for the hand still upon her chin, took hold of it and said, "Hannaid, hir nín. A gerich 'wend nín an-uir." He nodded, still holding her gaze with his own.

For a second they stood there, looking into each others eyes, smiling and holding each others' hands and then, with a gentle "Tolo" Legolas started back towards the halls still holding one of her hands in his own.

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She went to the stables early next morning to find Lord Legolas already there and saddling a horse for her. It was a chestnut mare, of similar build and height to Dunnwair and it was in fact her saddle that Legolas was using.

He looked up and smiled as he heard her approach. "Aiya, hîril nín. She is nearly ready for you. How is your back today? You are certain you are well enough to ride?"

"Aiya, Lord Legolas. I am well, I assure you."

She was amused that he had guessed the reason she had refused to ride the day before. He nodded and stood back, having finished with her saddle, to allow her to mount.

"She is gentle enough with skilled horsemen, this one," said Legolas patting the mare's neck, "But she will go fast if urged." He grinned up at Fuineth.

She smiled, "Indeed? Well we shall have to put her through her paces, shall we not?"

Legolas laughed softly. He was beginning to understand something of Lady Fuineth now and speed and freedom on a horse was clearly a great delight to her, as it was to him. He quickly jumped on to Arod's back and turned him with a word. He looked over to her. "Shall we?" She smiled her reply and the two set off into the woods.

They were not too long on their ride since Legolas had to return to supervise the preparations for the archery contest that afternoon. During it they chatted of this and that and Legolas recounted tales he knew and even sang for her at one point.

When he had finished his lay he looked at her as she walked the mare alongside him, "You promised to teach me a song, my lady, if you remember."

She gasped, "Why yes. I had forgot."

He laughed, "In truth so had I till now. Well we must make sure I have learnt it before..."

He caught himself, but too late he realised, and turned to look at her. Her head was bowed suddenly and there fell a silence between them.

Legolas murmured to Arod and he stopped. Fuineth, realising, gently pulled her reins and they sat there, side by side. Legolas held his hand out to her. She took it.

"Lady Fuineth. Goheno nín. I did not mean to mention anything that might spoil our morning together. Promise me you will try not to think of it?"

She looked up at him then, and he could see her eyes glistening wet. Even so she smiled at him, "Of course, my lord. Forgive me also for reacting so. It is silly, I know. There is nothing that can be done, and such is the nature of things. We can do no more."

It sounded to him that she was less than convinced by what she was saying and that, indeed, she was trying to persuade herself of it by saying it out loud. He now knew this separation was going to be hard, for himself as much as for her, and more than he had realised. He returned her smile, squeezed her hand a little but said nothing, and they continued on at a walking pace, but still in silence now, each lost in their own thoughts of the inevitable separation that would occur in little over a week's time.

Soon they reached open ground and raced. Fuineth was surprised by the speed shown by the mare Legolas had given her, and she was able to match Arod's pace easily. She was gasping and laughing as they neared the trees once more and slowed.

Legolas grinned. He loved to see her like this. "Did I not warn you she was fast?"

Fuineth laughed softly, "Indeed, my lord, but I scarcely understood what you meant. She is easily as fast as Dunnwair, perhaps more so."

"Yes, a little more than Dunnwair I would say," Legolas replied and he was still grinning as he spoke. He could see she was pleased and it gladdened his heart to see it.

They entered the trees and began to make their way back to the halls, talking once more, their earlier reminder of the pain soon to come forgotten.

As they neared the stables Legolas turned to her, "My lady, you never properly answered my question from yesterday."

She knew perfectly well what he was referring to, but feigned ignorance and looked at him with wide innocent eyes, "What question, my lord?"

He grinned. He could see she was playing with him. They were entering the stable yard as he said, "I think you know perfectly well, Lady Fuineth."

For the briefest instant he saw her eyes twinkle mischievously and then it was gone, replaced by mock incomprehension and surprise. "No, my lord, indeed I do not. Which question would this be?"

'She is trying to get me to repeat it,' Legolas thought to himself. He felt his grin widen.

He jumped off Arod and stood beside her, still seated upon her horse. "About the contest this afternoon. You said you would be there, of course, but you did not answer my question."

She raised an inquisitory eyebrow at him and sat there, patiently, trying not to laugh, waiting for him to continue.

He laughed softly. "Will you not come down, my lady?" he asked, now raising an eyebrow in his turn and holding out one hand to her.

She grinned, turned in her saddle, bringing one leg over the horse's rump, and stepped down holding on to the saddle with one hand and Legolas's hand with the other. She turned to him and realised just how close he was standing to her. She smiled up at him, coyness all over her face but with mischief in her eyes. He wanted to laugh out loud.

"What question, my lord?"

He drew breath over his teeth in mock exasperation. "Will you be watching me in the contest, Lady Fuineth?"

There was a beat and in that moment all the mask dropped from her countenance and he saw within her eyes the depth of her emotion for him and his breath stopped.

"Of course, Lord Legolas," then that mischievous glint once more, "Did you really need to ask?"

She grinned as he groaned, laughing. "Ai, you enjoy teasing me, do you not?"

Her grin broadened, "Is that a complaint, Lord Legolas?"

He smiled at her, the laughter still in his eyes, "No indeed, my lady."

She turned then to start unsaddling the mare and Legolas undid the buckles on the bridle. One elf came forward to take the mare and Arod to their stables while another took the saddle from Fuineth.

She thanked them and, turning to Legolas, said, "One moment, my lord, but I did not get to see Dunnwair before we left." Legolas nodded and he and the other elf went to put the riding tack away.

She was just coming out of Dunnwair's stall when he returned back across the yard to her. He smiled.

"How is she?"

"Much improved. I am not surprised but it is still astonishing to see. The wound is nearly closed."

Legolas nodded, "It will not be long before you can ride her again, perhaps tomorrow or the day after. I know she has been walked around the yard a little already and she is not limping any more."

She was touched that he had been asking after Dunnwair, though she knew, of course, that as Lord of the halls it was his duty to know how his guests and their mounts were being looked after. She smiled gratefully, "I am glad to hear it. Truly I know she is being well looked after. I could not hope for a better place for her."

"May I walk you to the halls, Lady Fuineth? I needs then must leave you since there is much to organise for this afternoon." She took his arm.

When they reached the awnings and tents where the guests were spending their morning, Legolas greeted them all and spoke to Aragorn and Faramir for a little while. Then, excusing himself, he left but before he did so he stopped by Lady Fuineth and, looking her in the eye and with a grin on his face, he said, "Till this afternoon, Lady Fuineth." She smiled as he kissed her hand and then was gone.

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The midday meal was light and Fuineth noticed that many of the elves were eating even less than usual, so excited were they.

As they walked slowly through the trees to the East Field, Fuineth and Gwenneth found themselves in a group that included Rúmil, Elladan, Aragorn and Faramir.

Rúmil was busy complaining about his eldest brother, "I cannot quite believe he let Naril goad him into this. He is too hot-headed for his own good at times."

Elladan raised an eyebrow, "And this from the elf who all but broke his bow in two when he was beaten by a mere stripling of a hundred years last year in Lorien."

Rúmil glowered at him, "Someone coughed as I let my arrow fly. I have told you that. Several times, Elladan."

Elladan was clearly about to let some barbed comment fly back at him when Faramir laughed, "Come now. Is archery really so important it is worth fighting over?"

The elves turned to him, utter amazement on their faces that he could question its' importance, and Fuineth and Gwenneth had to stiffle a giggle on seeing their expressions.

Aragorn put an arm round Faramir's shoulder and said in an explanatory tone, though Faramir knew well enough, "Faramir, as I am sure you know, what you must never forget with elves is that their bows are near enough a part of them. Never, ever get between an elf and his bow. Nor is it wise to criticise or pass comment on their archery skills. If, for example," he threw a look at Elladan, "an elf gets his arrow stuck in a tree while trying to shoot, say, a passing bird, you do not roar with laughter till you are nearly sick."

He was grinning. Elladan was red and his eyes flashing. Rúmil was giggling. Faramir nodded wisely though the smirk on his face was clear for all to see.

"At least, Estel," said Elladan a little warmly, "I can fire an arrow in a straight line. And to a distance of further than seventy paces."

Aragorn merely shrugged. "I have never pretended to be an archer Elladan, so am I not ashamed of it. Give me a sword and I am happy enough. Besides, I can shoot well enough for a hunt and that is all that matters."

They were nearing the field now. Fuineth and Gwenneth were giggling to themselves at all this competitive banter when Rúmil turned to them. "Will either of you ladies be entering the competition?"

They looked at each other and both erupted into a peel of laughter. Rúmil looked slightly baffled, but smiled pleasantly enough.

Fuineth explained, "No, my lord. Human women are not so trained, in all honesty. I had a little training, growing up as I did in Rohan, but it was mainly in swordsmanship. I have a little skill with a sword, though laughable I am sure, but almost none with a bow."

The men and elves smiled and laughed a little. Rúmil bowed slightly, "Forgive me, then, if I have suggested something improper."

She shook her head, "No indeed, it is not that, it is simply not the custom."

Aragorn was laughing now. "Have you learnt nothing from your brief encounters with men, Rúmil? You should know by now it is not as with elves where male and female train in all things equally. Men and women do not share the same duties or interests."

Rúmil nodded, "I realise but I am still always surprised by it. Queen Arwen will be joining the contest will she not?"

Aragorn and Elladan both nodded. "She is a little out of practise though," Aragorn admitted.

"Good," said Elladan, "Less competition for us then, not that she could have ever beaten Elrohir or I, let alone Haldir, Naril or Legolas."

Fuineth wondered at this. "Legolas, my lord?"

Rúmil and Aragorn exchanged a glance at her sudden interest and grinned. Elladan replied, "Yes indeed, my lady. Legolas is about the most skilled archer amongst us. Haldir and Naril are his near rivals, though, and they will challenge him greatly I do not doubt."

She nodded. Her brother had told her Legolas was skilled, and indeed that the Dúnedain spoke highly of him as a warrior as well as an archer, but to be praised by fellow elves was praise indeed. She began to look forward to this contest even more than she already was.

The sun was warm on her face as Fuineth stepped into the field. The trees stretched out in a line to right and left behind her and in front of her lay a huge, flat expanse of short grass and it stretched out fairly unbroken for several leagues till it reached more wooded areas just before the mountains. Already many people were there, all gathered together to one side where there were awnings and seating available as well as wine and food. Fuineth could see poles already set up some three hundred paces away from the throng. There were also ropes already marking out where the targets would be moved to as the competition progressed.

Seeing her confusion Faramir explained to her and Gwenneth. "They don't use round or large targets. They find that far too easy with their keen eyesight. So they use poles instead about a hand's breadth in width. Each has coloured bands painted on, you will notice, and you see the central white band? That has a thin strip of metal in the middle and that is the central target. It is the person who gets closest to that who wins. They will start at this distance and move the poles further and further away to about nine hundred hundred paces usually."

Gwenneth gasped, "Nine hundred paces?"

Faramir smiled, "You would be surprised, my lady. I have seen elves hit the metal strip at that distance and further."

Fuineth now turned to him, "Will you be taking part my lord?"

He smiled, "Yes indeed, but I cannot hope to win. I merely hope to improve on my performance each time I enter one of these competitions."

They moved across to join the rest of the guests. As they did so Legolas, in conversation with Naril and Orophin, saw her and, excusing himself, came up to her. He beamed.

"Lady Fuineth. You have not forgot your answer to me of this morning I trust?"

She laughed, "No indeed, Lord Legolas. I have just heard tell of your prowess with a bow, and I am looking forward to seeing you compete."

"Indeed? And who has been singing my praises?"

"Elladan. He tells me the competition is between you, Haldir and Naril."

He smiled, "Does he now? Well I might advise you refrain from saying so to either Haldir or Naril. I am not sure their tempers could cope with it at this moment."

She grinned, "I notice you do not make an attempt to deny it then."

He laughed, "Well, I could be modest, but I must be honest: I have a some skill with a bow, it is true. But it is not a foregone conclusion by any means. Haldir and his brothers, as Galadhrim, are great archers. Naril is skilled also and, being older than I, has had more experience. It will be a fair contest no matter who the winner might be." He paused for a moment before continuing quietly so that none other might overhear him, "But I needs must say that just to know you are watching me is enough for me, my lady, whether I win or no."

She flushed and smiled but before she could reply there was a horn blast. Legolas grinned, "That is the signal to begin. Please, sit, and enjoy the spectacle."

As he started to move off she said, "May Elbereth guide your arrows true, Lord Legolas."

He smiled, "Hannaid, hîril nín. That was well said," and he turned to join the other competitors.

Fuineth went to join the spectators. Lord Faramir and both his stewards were competing, as were Arwen, her brothers and all the Galadhrim. Lady Mirriel had chosen not to enter so the three ladies-in-waiting sat together on some cushions with Aragorn beside them.

A line had been marked out with a rope tied to stakes behind which the archers were to stand. There were six poles set three hundred paces ahead. The first six competitors came to stand behind the line and so it began. Anyone who hit within the white band would stay for the next round.

A few elfings and younger elves as well as one of Lord Faramir's stewards fell at the first round. The poles were then moved back another hundred paces with each successive round. Lord Faramir did very well and managed up to five hundred paces till his arrow sailed just above the white band, though he hit the target. He came to join the growing group round the King and ladies-in-waiting and seemed pleased with himself.

"You did better than before, my lord?" Lady Fuineth asked him.

He nodded. "Same distance but closer to the white this time. Deserves a drink I would say. Ladies?" They nodded and he went off with Anardor, who had also been knocked out in that round, to fetch them all some wine.

Soon Arwen, and then later Rúmil and Elrohir, joined them. At last the only ones left were Legolas, Elladan, Orophin, Haldir and Naril.

Rúmil was explaining to Fuineth and Gwenneth once more, "At this distance it is now a case of trying to hit the metal band. If any one archer hits the band then he has won. If two hit, then the rest are knocked out and the poles moved back one hundred paces till only one archer succeeds in hitting the band or getting closest to it." They nodded.

As the poles were fixed in their new distances of nine hundred paces Fuineth saw Legolas look round to her, notice she was looking at him, and grin. She couldn't help but smile broadly in return.

The five took their places. The signal was given and they let their arrows loose. The marshals slowly walked up to the poles. An arm went up as they reached Haldir's target meaning he had hit the metal strip; another arm up for Naril; a shake of the head for Elladan, and another for Orophin (both had only just missed it); an arm up for Legolas.

Gwenneth laughed, "Just as you predicted, Lord Rúmil." He grinned.

Again the poles, just three this time, were moved further back. As the archers moved to their places once more Legolas again looked round, assuring himself that Fuineth was watching him and smiled. The signal came, the arrows flew and hit their marks and once more the marshals walked forward.

An arm was raised for Haldir, but none for Naril.

Rúmil laughed, "He will not be pleased!"

Arwen was more kind, "He only just missed it, though."

Fuineth waited, feeling nervous as they reached Legolas's target; a beat; then an arm. She had to hold back a cheer, but the beam on her face was evident to Legolas as he turned to look at her over his shoulder.

Haldir came up to him, grinning, "Well, my friend, it would seem it is between you and I."

Legolas laughed, "Yes indeed."

Again the target was moved this time to one thousand and one hundred paces, but now, with only two competitors in the running, it was reduced to just one pole. A marshal came up to them with two straws in his hand.

Legolas motioned to Haldir, "As my guest I insist you choose first."

Haldir did and got the long straw. He could choose whether to shoot first or second. He chose to go first.

Legolas leaned on his bow to watch him as he shot. He could easily tell from here he had hit the metal strip. He glanced over his shoulder once more as he reached his position behind the line. Fuineth smiled at him, willing him to win. He smiled back, took a breath, and raised his bow drawing the string back to his lip. He aimed. He let go.

The arrow whistled through the air and hit the target, splitting Haldir's arrow in two. A cheer went up from the crowd and even Naril conceded this was a good shot and smiled.

The pole was moved back another hundred paces. Haldir was once more standing stock still, readying himself. He raised his bow, drew back the string, and let it fly. It hit the white, or so Fuineth thought though she could not be sure at such a distance, but there was a murmur from the elves around her that told her he had missed the metal band.

Legolas now took his place, once more catching her eye as he did so. She smiled and nodded, imperceptibly to him. He saw it, and smiled in return. Once more he took a breath, fixed his eye on the target and raised his bow. The muscles in his arm strained as he pulled back the string and took aim. A beat and then his arrow was in the wood.

There was an excited muttering all round Fuineth and she knew what they had seen but everyone was waiting for the marshal to confirm it. The elf walked, all too slowly for Fuineth's liking, over to the pole, stopped well short of it to turn and raise an arm.

As the cheers erupted, Haldir stepped towards his old friend and took him by the arm and embraced him.

"Well played, Legolas. Very well down."

Legolas was beaming. Naril came over to congratulate him and soon enough Legolas was surrounded by those wishing him well but he was busy looking over their heads, even as he murmured thanks for their kind words, towards a figure, still seated, but with her face glowing with pride and pleasure.

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nathon mellon lin an-uir, hiril nin = Forever your friend, my lady

hannaid, hir nin. A gerich 'wend nin an-uir = Thanks, my lord. And you have my friendship forever.

tolo = Come

aiya = hello (Quenya)

goheno nin = forgive me

Author's Note: My gratitude and thanks go to AN for helping me get the distances for the archery contest believable and accurate.