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Okay. Just to let you know, this is one of my favorite chapters. So I hope you guys like it as well.
Disclaimer: They ain't mine, and that's the truth of it. If you sue, I'll give you all my student loans.
The Silent Prince
Chapter 25: Lessons
Dawn came. The Sun rose majestically into the sky, shinning down on the lone Man sitting in the palace gardens while smoking.
Which is where he had been most of the night.
Aragorn had stayed out talking with Legolas for a bit before the Elf had decided to go back in. He still hadn't recovered his full strength, and was tiring. Aragorn had gone in as well, but felt restless and knew he would never get any sleep. This concerned Gandalf, but the Ranger was quick to point out that he'd been asleep for two days. Right now, he just wanted to think.
Gandalf had been right. He *did* know Legolas. And he knew that Legolas was terrified of being weak. Of people seeing him as useless.
That's what Aragorn had played on the night before, promising the Elf that he would put his trust in him no matter what. Not that it wasn't true. Aragorn had known Legolas all of his life. The Elf would do anything to protect the others, no matter what the cost was to himself.
What Aragorn hadn't expected was the hope and determination that had sparked in the Elf's eyes when the Ranger had made his pledge. Nor the way his whole body had tingled as he held Legolas in his arms.
~As if things aren't complicated enough!~
They were to begin training with Liothiel's army today. Aragorn and Boromir would be working with the swordsmen, while the two Elves had been assigned to the archers. The rest would be helping the prince with strategies and taking turns sparring with Liothiel himself. They didn't know when---or even *if*---Saruman would attack. But they would be ready.
And what exactly was Saruman up to? That had been eating at Aragorn ever since Legolas was taken. Why hadn't he ordered the Orcs to go after the Ringbearer? Why had he targeted Legolas, who was nothing more than a minor threat? And why had he left the rest of them alive? The Orcs could have easily killed Ylana instead of just merely knocking her unconscious. He could have gotten them at the tower as well. One more day and Legolas would have been dead.
Aragorn sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. You've been over this a hundred times already and keep getting the same answers. None. You might want to try and get at least a little sleep. It won't look too good if you collapse and start snoring while working with the soldiers.~
With a sigh, Aragorn finished his pipe and put it away. Then he stood, stretched, and walked back into the palace.
------------------------------
"Gentlemen, I'd like to in introduce Ylana Fairylight and Legolas Greenleaf, two of the finest archers in all Middle-Earth. They are here to assist you in the training for the upcoming battle. While I am well aware that you are all skilled archers, you would do well to listen to what Ylana says and pay attention to what Legolas does. If you have any questions, please ask Miss Fairylight."
A hand was raised towards the back of the group of Men. "Why can't we ask him?"
"Because he can't speak," replied the captain of the guard, who had come to introduce the Elves.
This caused several sniggers. "You mean that we're to be taught by a woman and a mute?"
Legolas felt his face begin to burn.
Ylana simply lifted an eyebrow. She had slipped into what the hobbits called her 'warrior mode,' all cool and serene. "Would you like to see what this 'woman and mute' can do?"
There was a pause. "Well---"
"Please step forward."
There was some laughing, cursing, and the young man stumbled into view, shoved forward by his comrades. His face was slowly turning crimson, causing Legolas to grin fiercely. ~Not so fun is it, being put in the spotlight?~
Ylana stepped aside so that the young solider could see the panoramic view behind her. "Pick a target."
The young man blinked at her. "Excuse me?"
She placed her hands on her hips and glared at him. "Are you deaf, boy? I asked you to pick a target!"
The young solider wasn't looking too sure of himself anymore. "But we're at least a hundred feet from---"
Ylana threw up her hands in frustration and whirled, causing the poor boy to take a step back. "Legolas, if you would be so kind..."
Wearing a positively wicked grin, Legolas drew out an arrow and put it to his bow. After a few moments of scanning his surroundings, he spotted a lone wooden post at a farmhouse a good fifty feet away. He quickly raised his bow and put the post in his line of sight.
Gasps rose behind him and whispered comments reached his ears. "There's no way he'll hit that." "That's got to be at least sixty feet away!" "Is he crazy?"
Making sure that he had his shot properly lined up, Legolas pulled the arrow back---~you got this!~---then let go.
There was a loud whistling as the arrow soared through the air towards its intended target. Seconds later, it sank into the wooden post with a loud thunk.
Not a sound could be heard from the soldiers.
"My turn!" Ylana sang out cheerfully. Legolas gave her a bow, and then moved so that she could take his spot. It didn't take her quite as long to send her arrow flying. Then again, she didn't have a b rand new bow that she wasn't used to.
Seconds later, it came to a quivering halt just inches above Legolas's in the wooden post.
There was a gurgle as the young man's face drained completely of color, and his eyes became as wide as saucers.
The two Elves turned back to the group of soldiers, their faces deadpan. Ylana raised her eyebrow once more. "Now do you have a problem with listening to a woman and a mute?"
"Not at all, Milady. Milord." The solider gave a deep bow, and then hurried to take his place among his comrades. None of them were laughing. All were looking at the Elves with a mixture of awe and disbelief.
The captain of the guard, trying desperately to hide a smile and failing miserably, bowed to the two. "Then I leave them in your hands."
They responded by bowing respectfully, touching their hearts and extending their hands out to him. Still grinning wildly, he turned to leave.
The two Elves turned back to the group of Men, causing all of them to visibly cringe.
Though her expression never changed, Ylana's eyes were sparkling. "Well then. Let's get started, shall we?"
---------------------------------
Aragorn held up a sword and examined it closely before giving it a few practice swings. He hefted it again, and then he handed it back to its owner with a nod. "It's a good blade, just a little heavy. Be careful when rolling your wrist. You might be thrown off balance or even break your arm."
The Man nodded. "I shall remember. Thank you, my Lord."
As he moved off, Aragorn turned to survey the men around him. The sound of clashing steel echoed throughout the training ground as the soldiers sparred with one another. He and Boromir moved among the fighters, checking forms, stances and weapons.
They were good soldiers, who had been trained. They caught on quickly to the few things that Boromir and Aragorn taught them. The Ranger only hoped that the Elves were having as much luck with the archers.
"No, no! That's not how you do it. Roll your wrist *that* way and move your body *this* way."
Aragorn had to smile. Were he not the Steward's son, Boromir would have made an excellent teacher of blade work. Though he wasn't too sure about the other human's patience. He was good with Merry and Pippin, but he liked them!
"My Lord Aragorn!"
Turning, he saw the captain of the guard making his way towards the Ranger, a wide grin on his face.
"Greetings!" called the Terin native as he stopped in front of Aragorn. "It seems as though you and Lord Boromir have everything under control."
"Indeed we do." He lifted an eyebrow. "You seem to be in an unnaturally happy mood. Care to explain?"
His companion chuckled. "Let's just say that, thanks to your friends, the archers of Terin will never look at Elves the same way again."
This caused both of Aragorn's eyebrows to shoot up, and the captain was soon telling the story of how the 'woman and mute Elf' had won the respect of the soldiers they were training.
By the time he was finished, he was laughing so hard he was crying. Aragorn was chuckling, but he was more than pleased to hear about Legolas's antics. He probably relished the idea of proving that he was still deadly accurate, despite the fact that he couldn't speak. "Well, Ylana never did take well to people who doubted her because she was female. And Legolas will use any opportunity to show off." ~Bravo, my friend. Bravo.~
"Well, I am very glad that they are here. I have never seen finer archers."
"Nor will you ever again." Aragorn was about to say something else, but was cut off by a loud "No! You'll get your head chopped off like that. But you've almost got it. Let's try it again."
The Ranger sighed and offered his companion an apologetic smile. "Apologies, but I must be off. If I don't intervene, I'm afraid Boromir will have them here all night."
The captain nodded. "'Tis all right. I was just stopping by to check on you before I report to the prince."
Aragorn offered him a quick bow, and then hurried to find Boromir. But he couldn't hide the grin that stretched across his face.
~Looks as though Legolas and Ylana taught those Men a lesson they won't soon forget...~
-------------------------
"I see your friend Boromir has taught you how to stand properly. Good, good. That is less I shall have to try and explain."
Gandalf chuckled as Liothiel's words floated up to him. ~Good luck in teaching those two anything, my young friend.~
At the moment, Liothiel was attempting to teach Merry and Pippin the finer arts of sword fighting. He had called in young Kellian to do the same for the other two hobbits, much to Frodo's delight. Gimli sat sharpening his ax while Gandalf watched them all with an amused expression.
Kellian was a well-trained sword fighter with patience that could rival Legolas's. His voice never rose, and he was always smiling encouragingly.
Liothiel, on the other hand, was having a harder time of it. He would get frustrated easily, and swore every time Merry or Pippin hit him in the hand with a sloppy swing or thrust. He would yell every now and then, and then grumble an apology before starting all over again.
So it was with great relief that they welcomed the captain of the guard, who had come to report on the progress of the soldiers. With twinkling eyes, he spoke of how Legolas and Ylana had everything under control, and with a more serious face spoke of the respect Aragorn and Boromir stirred in the hearts of the soldiers they were training.
Liothiel nodded at this, pleased. "Saruman will be hard pressed to defeat us indeed. We will continue this training until battle comes to our doorstep. I've sent word to all the patrols to let us know the instant Saruman's army is spotted."
The captain of the guard bowed. "It shall be as you say my liege." With that, he turned and strode from the room.
The prince sighed and turned back to Merry and Pippin, who were looking up at him with expectant eyes. "All right, now. Let's try this again..."
------------------------------------
Another day came and went, followed by another. The lessons continued. Aragorn joked with Legolas about his display, causing the Elf to blush but beam with pride. The Ranger told him of the journey they had taken to rescue him, of his fears and worries. Ylana worked with the young man who had called them out, giving him tips on improving his aim. Merry and Pippin were leaving less and less marks on Liothiel's fingers, much to the prince's delight. They began to wonder if Gandalf had just been paranoid.
Until the messenger came, nearly dead on his feet. The army was marching. They would be there by dawn.
Liothiel had quickly taken charge, seeing that the messenger was taken care of and sending the captain of the guard out to warn the others. "The lessons are over. Come tomorrow's first light, we battle."
Okay. Just to let you know, this is one of my favorite chapters. So I hope you guys like it as well.
Disclaimer: They ain't mine, and that's the truth of it. If you sue, I'll give you all my student loans.
The Silent Prince
Chapter 25: Lessons
Dawn came. The Sun rose majestically into the sky, shinning down on the lone Man sitting in the palace gardens while smoking.
Which is where he had been most of the night.
Aragorn had stayed out talking with Legolas for a bit before the Elf had decided to go back in. He still hadn't recovered his full strength, and was tiring. Aragorn had gone in as well, but felt restless and knew he would never get any sleep. This concerned Gandalf, but the Ranger was quick to point out that he'd been asleep for two days. Right now, he just wanted to think.
Gandalf had been right. He *did* know Legolas. And he knew that Legolas was terrified of being weak. Of people seeing him as useless.
That's what Aragorn had played on the night before, promising the Elf that he would put his trust in him no matter what. Not that it wasn't true. Aragorn had known Legolas all of his life. The Elf would do anything to protect the others, no matter what the cost was to himself.
What Aragorn hadn't expected was the hope and determination that had sparked in the Elf's eyes when the Ranger had made his pledge. Nor the way his whole body had tingled as he held Legolas in his arms.
~As if things aren't complicated enough!~
They were to begin training with Liothiel's army today. Aragorn and Boromir would be working with the swordsmen, while the two Elves had been assigned to the archers. The rest would be helping the prince with strategies and taking turns sparring with Liothiel himself. They didn't know when---or even *if*---Saruman would attack. But they would be ready.
And what exactly was Saruman up to? That had been eating at Aragorn ever since Legolas was taken. Why hadn't he ordered the Orcs to go after the Ringbearer? Why had he targeted Legolas, who was nothing more than a minor threat? And why had he left the rest of them alive? The Orcs could have easily killed Ylana instead of just merely knocking her unconscious. He could have gotten them at the tower as well. One more day and Legolas would have been dead.
Aragorn sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. You've been over this a hundred times already and keep getting the same answers. None. You might want to try and get at least a little sleep. It won't look too good if you collapse and start snoring while working with the soldiers.~
With a sigh, Aragorn finished his pipe and put it away. Then he stood, stretched, and walked back into the palace.
------------------------------
"Gentlemen, I'd like to in introduce Ylana Fairylight and Legolas Greenleaf, two of the finest archers in all Middle-Earth. They are here to assist you in the training for the upcoming battle. While I am well aware that you are all skilled archers, you would do well to listen to what Ylana says and pay attention to what Legolas does. If you have any questions, please ask Miss Fairylight."
A hand was raised towards the back of the group of Men. "Why can't we ask him?"
"Because he can't speak," replied the captain of the guard, who had come to introduce the Elves.
This caused several sniggers. "You mean that we're to be taught by a woman and a mute?"
Legolas felt his face begin to burn.
Ylana simply lifted an eyebrow. She had slipped into what the hobbits called her 'warrior mode,' all cool and serene. "Would you like to see what this 'woman and mute' can do?"
There was a pause. "Well---"
"Please step forward."
There was some laughing, cursing, and the young man stumbled into view, shoved forward by his comrades. His face was slowly turning crimson, causing Legolas to grin fiercely. ~Not so fun is it, being put in the spotlight?~
Ylana stepped aside so that the young solider could see the panoramic view behind her. "Pick a target."
The young man blinked at her. "Excuse me?"
She placed her hands on her hips and glared at him. "Are you deaf, boy? I asked you to pick a target!"
The young solider wasn't looking too sure of himself anymore. "But we're at least a hundred feet from---"
Ylana threw up her hands in frustration and whirled, causing the poor boy to take a step back. "Legolas, if you would be so kind..."
Wearing a positively wicked grin, Legolas drew out an arrow and put it to his bow. After a few moments of scanning his surroundings, he spotted a lone wooden post at a farmhouse a good fifty feet away. He quickly raised his bow and put the post in his line of sight.
Gasps rose behind him and whispered comments reached his ears. "There's no way he'll hit that." "That's got to be at least sixty feet away!" "Is he crazy?"
Making sure that he had his shot properly lined up, Legolas pulled the arrow back---~you got this!~---then let go.
There was a loud whistling as the arrow soared through the air towards its intended target. Seconds later, it sank into the wooden post with a loud thunk.
Not a sound could be heard from the soldiers.
"My turn!" Ylana sang out cheerfully. Legolas gave her a bow, and then moved so that she could take his spot. It didn't take her quite as long to send her arrow flying. Then again, she didn't have a b rand new bow that she wasn't used to.
Seconds later, it came to a quivering halt just inches above Legolas's in the wooden post.
There was a gurgle as the young man's face drained completely of color, and his eyes became as wide as saucers.
The two Elves turned back to the group of soldiers, their faces deadpan. Ylana raised her eyebrow once more. "Now do you have a problem with listening to a woman and a mute?"
"Not at all, Milady. Milord." The solider gave a deep bow, and then hurried to take his place among his comrades. None of them were laughing. All were looking at the Elves with a mixture of awe and disbelief.
The captain of the guard, trying desperately to hide a smile and failing miserably, bowed to the two. "Then I leave them in your hands."
They responded by bowing respectfully, touching their hearts and extending their hands out to him. Still grinning wildly, he turned to leave.
The two Elves turned back to the group of Men, causing all of them to visibly cringe.
Though her expression never changed, Ylana's eyes were sparkling. "Well then. Let's get started, shall we?"
---------------------------------
Aragorn held up a sword and examined it closely before giving it a few practice swings. He hefted it again, and then he handed it back to its owner with a nod. "It's a good blade, just a little heavy. Be careful when rolling your wrist. You might be thrown off balance or even break your arm."
The Man nodded. "I shall remember. Thank you, my Lord."
As he moved off, Aragorn turned to survey the men around him. The sound of clashing steel echoed throughout the training ground as the soldiers sparred with one another. He and Boromir moved among the fighters, checking forms, stances and weapons.
They were good soldiers, who had been trained. They caught on quickly to the few things that Boromir and Aragorn taught them. The Ranger only hoped that the Elves were having as much luck with the archers.
"No, no! That's not how you do it. Roll your wrist *that* way and move your body *this* way."
Aragorn had to smile. Were he not the Steward's son, Boromir would have made an excellent teacher of blade work. Though he wasn't too sure about the other human's patience. He was good with Merry and Pippin, but he liked them!
"My Lord Aragorn!"
Turning, he saw the captain of the guard making his way towards the Ranger, a wide grin on his face.
"Greetings!" called the Terin native as he stopped in front of Aragorn. "It seems as though you and Lord Boromir have everything under control."
"Indeed we do." He lifted an eyebrow. "You seem to be in an unnaturally happy mood. Care to explain?"
His companion chuckled. "Let's just say that, thanks to your friends, the archers of Terin will never look at Elves the same way again."
This caused both of Aragorn's eyebrows to shoot up, and the captain was soon telling the story of how the 'woman and mute Elf' had won the respect of the soldiers they were training.
By the time he was finished, he was laughing so hard he was crying. Aragorn was chuckling, but he was more than pleased to hear about Legolas's antics. He probably relished the idea of proving that he was still deadly accurate, despite the fact that he couldn't speak. "Well, Ylana never did take well to people who doubted her because she was female. And Legolas will use any opportunity to show off." ~Bravo, my friend. Bravo.~
"Well, I am very glad that they are here. I have never seen finer archers."
"Nor will you ever again." Aragorn was about to say something else, but was cut off by a loud "No! You'll get your head chopped off like that. But you've almost got it. Let's try it again."
The Ranger sighed and offered his companion an apologetic smile. "Apologies, but I must be off. If I don't intervene, I'm afraid Boromir will have them here all night."
The captain nodded. "'Tis all right. I was just stopping by to check on you before I report to the prince."
Aragorn offered him a quick bow, and then hurried to find Boromir. But he couldn't hide the grin that stretched across his face.
~Looks as though Legolas and Ylana taught those Men a lesson they won't soon forget...~
-------------------------
"I see your friend Boromir has taught you how to stand properly. Good, good. That is less I shall have to try and explain."
Gandalf chuckled as Liothiel's words floated up to him. ~Good luck in teaching those two anything, my young friend.~
At the moment, Liothiel was attempting to teach Merry and Pippin the finer arts of sword fighting. He had called in young Kellian to do the same for the other two hobbits, much to Frodo's delight. Gimli sat sharpening his ax while Gandalf watched them all with an amused expression.
Kellian was a well-trained sword fighter with patience that could rival Legolas's. His voice never rose, and he was always smiling encouragingly.
Liothiel, on the other hand, was having a harder time of it. He would get frustrated easily, and swore every time Merry or Pippin hit him in the hand with a sloppy swing or thrust. He would yell every now and then, and then grumble an apology before starting all over again.
So it was with great relief that they welcomed the captain of the guard, who had come to report on the progress of the soldiers. With twinkling eyes, he spoke of how Legolas and Ylana had everything under control, and with a more serious face spoke of the respect Aragorn and Boromir stirred in the hearts of the soldiers they were training.
Liothiel nodded at this, pleased. "Saruman will be hard pressed to defeat us indeed. We will continue this training until battle comes to our doorstep. I've sent word to all the patrols to let us know the instant Saruman's army is spotted."
The captain of the guard bowed. "It shall be as you say my liege." With that, he turned and strode from the room.
The prince sighed and turned back to Merry and Pippin, who were looking up at him with expectant eyes. "All right, now. Let's try this again..."
------------------------------------
Another day came and went, followed by another. The lessons continued. Aragorn joked with Legolas about his display, causing the Elf to blush but beam with pride. The Ranger told him of the journey they had taken to rescue him, of his fears and worries. Ylana worked with the young man who had called them out, giving him tips on improving his aim. Merry and Pippin were leaving less and less marks on Liothiel's fingers, much to the prince's delight. They began to wonder if Gandalf had just been paranoid.
Until the messenger came, nearly dead on his feet. The army was marching. They would be there by dawn.
Liothiel had quickly taken charge, seeing that the messenger was taken care of and sending the captain of the guard out to warn the others. "The lessons are over. Come tomorrow's first light, we battle."