farflung : Oh, yes. Leggy's angst fest is here! And his family need to work fast to cover the deep hole they had dig before…err…I can't tell you!
TaniaNZ : Thank you, girl. I will.
Irish QT : I'm glad I've made you cry. God, that sounds really wrong, isn't it?
MidnightPrincess : Kel's a jerk now, that he is. Let's punch him.
Legolas Greenleaf : Now you know that I'm cruel? Where have you been all these years?
Someone Reading : Wow. Thank you for reading. Love the support.
Aranel of Mirkwood : Yeah. MS has all the luck! Swell! To add salt to our wound, MS just won the Laureus Sportsman Award of the year. Again! Arghhh!
beginning-end-314 : Howard Shore's creations are magical! I can't wait for the extended ROTK to hear the new soundtrack!
Young Storyteller : Simpan jadi tapai atau peram buat pekasam? He! He! Don't ever give up writing, mellon! Keep on doing it! And what a nice birthday present it will be to get that DVD for yourself! (26th May is your birthday, correct?)
Hp-Azn : More angst coming up!
LegolasLover2003 : They feel bad, all right! Pretty damn bad.
Sarwenaletari Elanesse : For you, I will!
Mellaithwen : They heard you, mellon, loud and clear.
AbbiCat14 : I'm afraid to know what would happen if you had too much sugar! LOL!
Legolas' Garden Light : Oh, how close you are! You'll see, you'll see! Something dreadful will happen!
Fire Breathing Ferret : HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO FERRET, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!
Dur En Thurin Naur : I love the pics! They are hilarious! Thanks!
MAnders1953 : You might shed more tears after this! Beware!
melissa ; I'm so glad that this story touches you personally. Thank you.
Lady Lenna : Why did Kel reached out a hand to his brother? I'll let your creative mind to figure it out! He! He!
Gwyn : He is going to do something indeed! Something brash, and certainly something stupid.
Shannon : THANK YOU! You are so kind! Now, about Foolish and Idiot, I do have a story about how they met Leggy for the first time. So, we'll see if I managed to put it up here later on!
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"…you are definitely going to get yourself killed in no time at all!"
"Stop thinking of murdering…!"
"I won't always be there to drag you out of silly scrapes!"
Those words kept playing in my mind as I left the training field. Amazingly, my steps were steady and unhurried in spite of the chaotic emotions that were running amok deep inside my heart. Tears of anger were welling in my eyes but I refused to let it fall. No, I'm not that weak, I told myself inwardly.
But a lone tear managed to escape and fell onto my cheek. I irritably swiped it away, cursing under my breath for that flaw. Determinedly, I resumed walking towards the place that always gave me comfort when I was distressed—the grand stable. This would be a suitable time for a ride, to let out some steam before I choke on it.
I rarely ride alone. As my father and Keldarion had demanded, for my own protection there were always one or two guards escorting me whenever I ventured into the woods. Not to further displease them even though my heart rebelled at this, I swiftly looked around for any of the royal guards. I'd rather be by myself, but it was never a waste to play safe. The dark forces from Dol Guldur were heard roaming freely into Mirkwood these days, and I preferred to be smothered by hundreds of guardians than to face a troop of orcs all by myself.
I must be quite lucky for suddenly I saw Commander Linden walking out of the stable. A delighted smile instantly broke on my lips, pushing away my prior despair. I eagerly approached the seasoned warrior, glad to know that I had found someone who had always been a pleasant companion during my previous many rides. "Linden!"
He looked at me but did not smile back. "Your highness," he said in reply, bowing slightly.
I faltered. My smiled wavered. From the look on his face, I deduced that Linden was not as glad to see me as I was to see him. Still, I put on a brave front and said, "I have a favor to ask you, Linden. Please, can you accompany me riding?"
Linden was quiet for several long moments that I thought he hadn't heard me. I was about to repeat to question when he began to speak, "I'm afraid I can't, your highness. I just returned from a ride myself and I need to freshen up before I go see the king. But I will appoint two guards in my stead."
I swallowed repeatedly around the sudden lump in my throat, feeling so heartbroken and hurt. Never had I thought that this great warrior who had been one of my most faithful protectors—the one who had first found me when I got lost in the palace dungeon as a child, the one who never tired giving me wooden toy warriors skillfully whittled by his own talented hands, the one who had once pulled me to safety before I could crush to death under a crazed horse's hoofs—would deny me this simple request.
Please, Linden. Not you too, I wanted to say.
"Oh," I mumbled instead. "Uh, fine then. Go and uh…get them. I'll…I'll wait here."
At that, I whirled around and walked swiftly towards the box that housed my favorite mount, Snow White. I thought I heard Linden calling out my name in a soft whisper, but I might have imagined it.
True to her name, Snow White was this magnificent looking white mare that had been given to me as a gift by the warriors of Mirkwood after I nearly died healing their wounds following a clash with a ban of orcs during their patrol. The first time I saw her, I instantly knew I had fallen in love.
Snow White whickered happily when she saw me. That brought tears to my eyes once more. At least, someone is very glad to see me. At least, someone still enjoys my company, I thought with a sigh as I leaned my head against Snow White's soft velvety neck while she nuzzled against my long golden hair. I closed my eyes and inhaled the mare's nice scent, taking great comfort from the love she had for me.
"Your highness?"
I turned and saw the two warriors standing right outside the box. I could not recall their names, and they still looked like young novices to me. Still, I was greatly assured to see that they were completely armed with bows and arrows, and a sword strapped to their waist.
"The Commander sent you?" I asked, leading Snow White out.
They gravely nodded. "You are ready to leave now, your highness?"
Even the tone of their voices bespoke of their obvious reluctance to escort me, that they were doing this out of duty, not love. But I ignored it.
I no longer cared.
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I broke up laughing as I watched Snow White frolicking in the stream, the first genuine laughter I had in three days since that tragic incident.
The pain from the triple rejections I received earlier in the day was still smoldering in my heart, but I pushed the hurtful recollections to the secluded part of my mind. No point in wasting time thinking about things that would only give me more pain and sorrow.
It had taken us almost an hour of riding before we came to this stream. After watering the horses, my two escorts had gone to stand sentry some hundred yards away in the surrounding woods behind me, giving me some needed solitude. Their mounts also roamed free and were now joining Snow White in the water.
The mare suddenly came galloping towards the bank, neighing in excitement as if urging her master to join her. Sitting under a small tree by the stream, I just chuckled to see her antics. "No, thank you, Snow White. I'd rather stay dry."
Snorting and shaking her head in disagreement, Snow White then raised her front hoofs and brought them down with a force, splashing water all over me in the process. I broke up sputtering and laughing, putting up my arms in front of my face against the water onslaught.
"Snow White! Ai! Stop!" I gasped between a fit of giggles as the playful mare repeatedly stomped down her front hoofs again. I was now completely drenched. My long hair was already sodden while my clothes were soaking wet.
With a growl of mock anger, I leaped to my feet and jumped into the water. When I reached up to grab her, Snow White immediately turned away and led me further into the stream.
"You white monster!" I laughed. "Are you trying to dunk me?"
She did exactly that. Before I knew it, the mare had put his snout over my head and pushed me down. I was so surprised to find myself underwater that it took me a moment to get myself back to the surface. As if laughing, Snow White neighed loudly when my head popped out of the water. I laughed out loud and wrapped my arms around her neck.
"You wretch," I said, almost sobbing with joy. "How I love you so, my white lady. Thank you for being there for me while others do not. Thank you."
The mare blinked and whickered softly in respond, nuzzling my back comfortingly. The other two horses also came near and gently butted their noses against my shoulders. Looked like these animals were still treating me the same way they always did.
Chuckling, I told them, "Yes, thanks to you too, my old friends. It's nice to know that someone else still loves me."
At that instant, Snow White lifted her great white head, her ears perked forward. I also sensed it at almost the same time as she did. Something dark and evil was near. Very near.
Then I heard the sound of cries and shouts of my two guards, as well as the growls and snarls of vile foreign beasts. Valar. They are already here!
With that thought, I swirled and trudged my way towards the bank. But Snow White reached over and caught the back of my tunic between the clamps of her teeth.
"What the…!" I was startled at her action. I wiggled around, trying to get free. "Snow White! Let go!"
The mare snorted in reply, obviously not liking what I intended to do.
"Let go of my shirt, please! Those guards might need our help!"
Snow White reluctantly relented and released me. I continued to get out of the water before rushing towards the sound of battle that was growing loud and frightening in my ears, the horses following me not far behind. I didn't bring any weapon with me, saved for the small dagger in my boot, and I didn't know what kind of horror I would come upon. I might be surrendering myself to my own death, unprepared and oblivious like this, but I must at least do something!
The gruesome sound of clashing blades called me deeper into the woods. The sight that greeted me then was enough to make me flounder on my feet, stopping me in my tracks.
The two elven warriors—novices as they were—were valiantly fighting against a troop of wild orcs; two against more than twenty. Their quivers already empty, Valaril and Galdulas—the name of my two guards that I finally found out during our ride—were now brandishing their swords madly about, trying to bring down as many opponents as they could.
Several bodies of slain orcs littered the ground, fallen by deadly elven arrows, but I knew that the two warriors were greatly overwhelmed and they would not stand long. Besides, both of them were already injured. Valaril sported a serious injury on his stomach and a hideous gash on his forehead, while Galdulas's left arm hung uselessly to his side, bleeding profusely.
I quickly looked around to find any steadfast weapons I could use. The orcs still had not seen me, and the element of surprise was to my advantage. But it is still not enough! I thought in panic. I need something more!
Then, from the corner of my eyes, I saw Valahir's mount sped off and charged into the fray. I instantly knew. That's it! The horses!
I grabbed a fistful of Snow White's mane and deftly leaped onto her back. Without being told, she kicked forward and dashed after the stallion. I yelled and slapped at the other stallion's rump, causing it to bolt to its master's rescue.
The orcs looked up in shock at our coming. Frozen to their spots, some of them could not escape as the four of us came thundering towards them. The vile creatures shrieked and screamed as they were trampled under the horses' powerful hoofs. But the rest of them started shooting at us.
Deadly projectiles flew towards my head, forcing me to bend low over Snow White's neck to avoid being hit. More orcs were crushed under the mare's feet as we tried to get closer to the two elven warriors. Galdulas had already mounted after much difficulty, while Valahir was desperately fending off three opponents at the same time.
At my slight nudge, Snow White dashed forward and kicked one orc on its head, while Galdulas had turned his mount around to swing his blade at the other. Valahir managed to stab the third orc in its throat, and the young warrior quickly vaulted onto the back of his ride.
"Move!" I yelled with a kick to Snow White's sides, signaling to my two escorts to swiftly flee the area. Valahir and Galdulas immediately spurred their mounts and rushed after me. The orcs brought no wargs with them, so they would not be able to catch us on foot. I was so sure that we were going to escape the entire fiasco until…
Snow White suddenly neighed in pain when an arrow struck her in her flank. She nearly stumbled but the strong mare kept on going. I leaned down and offered her soothing and comforting words as I repeatedly stroked her neck, encouraging her not to succumb to the pain. More arrows flew over my shoulders as we weaved left and right among the trees. And then, the inevitable happened.
Galdulas' mount got hit on its leg, causing the stallion to buck before falling heavily to the ground. Badly injured and unable to jump in time, Galdulas got pinned underneath. Valahir's mount, which came directly behind, stumbled upon them and also went down. Valahir landed several feet away with a cry of anguish, grimacing in pain.
I halted my mount and quickly jumped down to assess the warrior's condition. Valahir was moaning on the ground, while Galdulas—Elbereth, bless his soul—was already dead, killed instantly from the impact of his fall.
I grabbed Valahir's arm and yanked him up. "Come! We must leave before they reach us!"
Valahir was staring sadly at his fallen comrade and the lame horses. "Galdulas…"
"There's nothing we can do for him now," I firmly said. "We must escape!"
I helped the badly wounded Valahir onto Snow White's back. The mare whinnied in agony, and I suddenly found myself facing another problem. Due to her injured flank, Snow White could not possibly bear two riders in a mad dash for escape.
I looked at the arrow still embedded in the mare's flesh, bathing her white shiny coat red with the steadily flowing blood. There would be no time for me to heal her wound for the remaining orcs were coming closer judging from the sound of their fast approaching footfalls.
Desperate time bred desperate measures. I had to think fast.
"Go," I softly told Valahir, finally coming to a decision.
The warrior's eyes widened. "What? No, I can't do that, your highness!"
"You have to!" I snapped in reply. "She can't bear both of us, and you must go and get help."
"But, your highness, I can not leave you here…"
I ignored the still protesting elf and turned to gaze directly into Snow White's eyes. "Go, my white lady. Fly like the wind."
Before Valahir could pull himself off Snow White's back, the mare whinnied in respond before speeding away, leaving me standing there alone in a cloud of dust. I then reached down and pulled out the dagger from my right boot. Then I turned around to face the approaching enemy, wondering at the state of my own sanity.
The orcs came to a stand still several yards away from me, aiming their arrows and crossbows at my heart, snarling and growling in fury and malice. I swallowed, terror and anxiety overwhelming me whole. This was not the way I want my life to end, yet it was this death that I had to face—alone and helpless.
Somehow I had the courage to declare, "You would not want to kill me!"
The orcs froze and blinked at me. One of them, obviously the leader, stepped forward. "And why is that, little elf?" he asked with a growl of impatience, holding up his sword threateningly.
I licked my lips nervously, my mind racing fast and my heart beating even faster. "Because I'm more valuable to you alive," I calmly said, even though I was quaking with great fear inside. "I'm the younger prince of Mirkwood, son of Thranduil. I believe you know my father."
The orcs glanced at one another and grumbled excitedly between them. The orc in the lead sneered as he took a step closer, staring at my face. "Why should we believe you? You could be spinning tales to stop us from killing you here and now!"
Wordlessly, I held up my left hand, showing them the royal signet ring on my third finger that bore the distinguished insignia of my father's realm, the ring that only the member of the Mirkwood royal family was qualified to wear.
That was proof enough for them.
And a solid proof that I had completely lost my mind by disclosing my identity to them.
Turning to his cohorts, the lead orc growled, "Seize him! I want him alive!"
Never known to surrender that easily, I whirled around and took off, heading for the trees. I wished that I could lose myself among the protection of the greenery where I knew the orcs could not reach me.
But I was not moving fast enough. My path was immediately blocked. They had surrounded me. Still, I refused to give up. Brandishing my lone dagger, I lashed at them in frenzy, hoping that they would step back so I could have the access to flee.
But luck was definitely not on my side that day. I was but one elf, while they were many. In the end, a hard blow to the back of my head caused me to crumple to the ground. Dizzily, I tried to rise. But a vicious kick to my left side doubled me over. Then another kick hit my sternum, pushing the air out of my lungs.
A strange sound started to buzz loudly in my ears. My sight began to darken. Through my blurry vision, I saw a massive booted foot came swinging towards my face.
Then I saw no more.
TBC…
Arghhh! Cliffie!!!!!!