Chapter 12
"Glorfindel, I want to heal Gloried."
Glorfindel scowled from his seat on a hay bale, where he was reading a book. He looked up, his face darkening slightly.
"And how do you think you will succeed in this? He is much grieved and will not come out of it, even when I call him. Face it Lizule. He is a hopeless cause."
"He was Totholain's horse. That gives him much prestige in the horse world. Oh why couldn't we just try? He is worth it."
"I don't have time to fool with him. I have to get the training back on track in three days, which will leave me no time to try and recuperate a sick horse. Animals get ill all of the time and die; it is nothing new. We must accept it and move on."
~ All of this is about moving on. Laurelin moving on, Legolas moving on, Glorfindel moving on. But I don't want to. I want to stay ~
"If you will not help me, I will do it myself."
"Look," Glorfindel said as he stood up. "I would love to assist you, but I cannot. Hearken! You must prepare for our departure and not be worried about a dying horse. Make sure you tell your family and friends that you are leaving. I am sure they don't know yet."
"I will tell them, but I will also care for Gloried."
Glorfindel groaned. "Suit yourself. He is going to take lots of hard work and patience. I hope you're up to it."
Glorfindel closed his book and left the stables. Lizule clenched her fists as she glared after him.
~ Thanks for your help, Glorfindel. Really ~
Lizule entered Gloried's stall. The stallion was lying on the floor, his eyes open and his skinny sides heaving. Lizule sat down next to him and ran her fingers through his silky mane. Gloried raised his head, as if expecting Totholain to arrive any minute. When he didn't come, he laid his head back down and settled more deeply into the straw.
Lizule's heart broke at the sight of the horse. She felt that she had to save him; she knew he was to be her mount for Rivendell.
"I will heal you," she uttered quietly. "Just wait."
****
Laurelin gripped tightly on to Legolas's hand as she watched Totholain's body being prepared to be lowered into the ground. She tried to memorize his entire face: The jet-black hair, fair skin, reassuring smile, and those piercing dark eyes that would never open again. Laurelin felt a new sadness engulf her and she looked away from the body.
Thranduil stood next to the hole, his head bowed as two Elves guarded him. He finally felt the shock that his father's trusted general was now dead. It hurt him in a way he could not understand. When his father had died, it was different. But why? Why did two deaths have different effects on a person? It did not make sense.
Thranduil ran his hand along the sharp edge of Totholain's blade, seeking comfort. It was still sharp, but it had been cleaned, so no trace of blood was left on it.
When Totholain's body was ready, he put the general's sword on his chest.
Mornie alantie, my friend," Thranduil said, placing his hand on Totholain's brow. "You will not be here to see it reach its apex." {Darkness has fallen}
Thranduil stepped back and motioned for Laurelin to come forward. She let go of Legolas's hand and walked up to the body.
Totholain's hands were crossed, and he held his sword, just like if he was preparing for another battle. His face was emotionless, but it had a sense of relief on it that had not been present before.
"He was a skilled fighter," Thranduil commented, turning to the crowd of Elves. "He will be remembered always."
Laurelin wiped away a tear and kissed Totholain's cheek.
"Namarie, my father. I shall let go." She squeezed the cold hand gently and backed away, focusing her gaze on the ground.
Thranduil cleared his throat.
"He will live on in each and every one of us. There is not one Elf here whom he did not do some good for. We will miss him and love him forever."
Thranduil gave a slight flip of his wrist and the tomb was concealed.
Laurelin's knees buckled and she fell to the dead earth. Legolas squatted down beside her.
"Are you okay?"
Laurelin nodded and took a breath. She gripped onto Legolas's outstretched hand and pulled herself up.
"Let's go home."
Legolas smiled and offered her his arm. She took it gladly and she left the burial site quickly, anxious to get rid of all the bad feelings she still had inside of her. Legolas increased his pace to match her own. He wanted get away too.
The two Elves took off in the weak sun, racing each other to see who could get home faster.
Naturally, Legolas arrived first, and waited for her by the gardens. She ran up huffing and puffing several moments later.
"No fair," she panted. "You are in better shape than me."
Legolas shrugged.
"That's because I had to chase after two silly Hobbits who got captured by Orcs. Running all day WILL keep you in shape."
"Sure." Laurelin sat down on a stone bench, her heart beating fast. She looked around at all the roses in the garden. Their color had returned; some white, some red, or some pink. But they still were limp and brittle, and did not posses their stunning quality they had had before.
"These roses, they mourn. I wonder why. Totholain's death has passed; everything has gone back to normal. What is bothering them?"
Legolas sat down next to her and took her hand.
"Roses respond differently than we do to death. Unlike us, they hold the sadness of a death personally because they know not of the House of the Dead. Totholain's fea has traveled there, and I am sure he is enjoying his life very much. Since we realize this, we are not grieved as badly. But the roses don't know. All they comprehend is death is the end to life, not a beginning."
"Well, you are quite the philosopher, my Lord. How do you know all this?"
Legolas flinched at the question. Old wounds were about to be opened once again. He took a whiff of air and exhaled.
"My mother taught me. She believed that everything and everyone had a soul and should be accounted for. I was intrigued by what she thought. So, I asked her to teach me."
Laurelin nodded and rested her head on his shoulder.
"I understand."
****
"Good-morning everyone, and welcome back to our training sessions. With the absence of Totholain, who worked with the horses, Lord Thranduil will be assisting you in that department. I will continue to do the sword fighting, Legolas the archery, and Isitur the hand-to-hand combat. Now break off into your appointed groups so we can get started," Glorfindel said with no emotion in his voice. He got off the platform and walked over to his horse.
Glorfindel mounted up on his horse, Asfaloth, and took 125 Elves with him off into the woods. Legolas led his horse and the host of Elves to the archery range, which was close by. Thranduil's horse, a beautiful copper stallion, reared up a couple times, but soon calmed down when they started towards the forest. Isitur did not own a horse because horses were very scarce in Mirkwood. Instead, he stayed in the exact spot and started to teach the remaining Elves the principle of fighting on foot.
Legolas stroked Arodas's mane as they came up to the archery range. He was quite nervous because now, he wasn't just helping these Elves, he was going to war with them. It made him feel queasy and uncertain of what to do. He turned his horse around and faced the Elves, not knowing what to say next.
"Okay, this is what we are going to do. We will practice for an hour on foot, and then each of you will take turns riding my horse and hitting a target. I am going to gallop him so he isn't so frisky and hard to handle. After we are done with that, I will watch you string a bow and catch any mistakes you might make. Do you all understand?"
125 Elves nodded their heads.
"Good. Now line up and begin. We only have two hours to do this."
The Elves followed his order quickly, and soon they were putting arrows up to their bows. Legolas watched them with satisfaction, and then rode off to the plain.
Arodas seemed to know that he was going to be allowed to run. He pranced all of the way, shaking his head and half-rearing. Legolas spoke softly to the horse until they got up on a hill. The entire plain stretched before their eyes, just waiting to be run upon. Legolas closed his eyes and nudged the horse's sides. Arodas took off.
His long strides enveloped the ground; sparks of dust sprang from his hooves. The horse's muscles rippled under his skin; making him shine like pure silver.
The wind bit at Legolas's face, but he kept his eyes closed, feeling the horse move underneath him. The speed at which the horse went through life, with one, single footfall at a time, awed Legolas. He wished he could be as carefree as this horse that was racing the wind.
Legolas felt like they were flying, away from all the problems, and into a new day.
****
"What?" Laurelin repeated, not sure if she understood what Lizule was saying.
"I'm going to live with Glorfindel in Rivendell."
"Have you gone insane?"
"No. I love him, Laurelin. I love him more than life itself."
~ Even though he won't help me heal Gloried ~
"He is a Noldor. You are Silvan. It'll never work."
"We will make it work. He has a high cast with the Eldar; I am sure he could convince them," Lizule said, her face coloring slightly. Why couldn't Laurelin be happy for her? She had finally found someone who she could spend the rest of eternity with. That would be enough to make anyone smile.
Laurelin groaned. "Another one I love, leaving me? Totholain is gone, Legolas is heading for Imladris, and now you too? Why me?"
"I am sorry to cause you any unneeded heartbreak. But I am leaving, and I have a favor to ask of you."
"Ask away," Laurelin mumbled, putting her head in her lap. "I can't stop you, so I may as well help you." "I need a horse."
"Uh. okay. What horse would you like?"
"That is the problem. I want Gloried."
Laurelin sat up with a jolt.
"What? He is dying, Lizule. He is beyond our reach now; we cannot help him. Better let him join Totholain in the House of the Dead and not stay here and suffer."
"I am going to heal him."
"The only people who could heal Gloried are Elrond, Totholain, and maybe Glorfindel. Glorfindel is way too busy, so you are out of luck with him. Totholain is dead, and Elrond, well, he lives in Rivendell! It is a hopeless situation, Lizule."
"Nevertheless, I would like him to be my mount. Will you grant my wish?"
"If you can make him as healthy as Arodas, well, then, of course."
"Thank you, my Lady. I will not fail you."
Lizule bowed and ran for the exit.
"Who else have you told?"
Lizule stopped and turned around.
"My parents, Thranduil, Legolas, and Retkia. I wanted to tell you last because, well, I didn't want to rest the sadness on you longer than it had to."
"Do they all support you?"
Lizule nodded. "Every single one."
Lizule bowed again and left hastily.
Laurelin sighed and stood up, blinking her eyes hard. She couldn't believe it.
~ They are all crazy ~
****
Retkia glanced out the window of her home. Gabriel would be coming home any minute from his training and she wanted everything to be ready. She adjusted the straps on her purple gown one last time and glanced around the house; making sure all was in order. The candles, pillows, presents, food, and wine were set. Now all she had to do was wait.
She didn't wait long. She spotted him outside walking beside Legolas, talking about something. They stopped, and from what Retkia could see is that they were having a very heated conversation.
"You don't think she should go?" Legolas said, raising the tone in his voice.
"It's not that. I am happy she has found someone to love; she of all people deserved it. What I am saying is that the Valar would not approve of a Noldor and Silvan making love. They are not open-minded, and no one could probably convince them to understand."
Legolas frowned. " I seem to recall a night a long time ago when we all went up to the meadow for a picnic. You remember what happened then, don't you?"
Gabriel blushed. "Yes, I do."
"Do you think the Valar would be open minded about that?"
"Oh, stop it, Legolas. I know they wouldn't be. That is why Retkia and I never did it again. We just got married."
"Perfect solution."
Gabriel glared. "You want to settle this?" he said, drawing his sword.
Legolas arched his eyebrows. He hadn't meant to come across mean, but he was upset with Gabriel not supporting Lizule through the tough times. It was the least she deserved, and Gabriel was not willing to give it.
He sighed and withdrew his own sword, the sword he had fought with at Helm's Deep. Old memories flooded through him of the Orcs, and Haldir's death.
Legolas's eyes blazed.
"You first, my Lord," Gabriel said stiffly. Although both Elves were the same in height, one held the wisdom and the grace of the Valar that the other didn't.
Legolas nodded and circled the Elf, calling back all of his skills that had left him.
~ Trust your instinct, Legolas. That is what kept you alive ~
Legolas halted abruptly and closed his eyes, connecting with the ground beneath his feet, the sword in his hand. They were one, and would prove their point to the other.
~ For Totholain. For the impossible ~
Gabriel, thinking Legolas was resting, sprang forward, but Legolas caught him with an incredible force that he did not expect. The momentum nearly pushed Gabriel off his feet. He recovered quickly and threw himself at Legolas.
Legolas stepped back and ducked. He brought his sword up and down, clashing it together with the other sword.
~ It is just you and the sword. You and the sword ~
Legolas watched Gabriel's movements carefully, looking for the right moment to seize his victory. Legolas drowned out the rest of the world, concentrating on the one single thing that would grant him success. He soon got it.
Legolas whipped his sword around and knocked Gabriel's sword out of his hand. Gabriel fell to the ground, stunned. Legolas grimaced slightly and picked up the sword. He walked over to Gabriel and dropped it next to him.
Legolas then sheathed his sword and left, his cloak billowing out behind him. Retkia ran out of her house and bolted towards Gabriel.
"Are you okay?" she said, as she took his hand to help him stand up.
A crowd had formed and was blurting out questions like, "Did that hurt?'
"What made him mad?"
"Prince Legolas is one of the best sword fighters around here. He was trained by Totholain, you know."
"I know!" Gabriel yelled, as pushed through the crowd, clutching his bleeding hand.
"Let's go back to the house." Retkia nodded and bent down and picked up Gabriel's sword. The handle was cracked open.
She shook her head and followed her husband into the house.
Once inside, she went to work on fixing Gabriel's wound. She poured some hot water along with herbs onto a washcloth and applied it gently to the cut. Gabriel sat quietly.
"I was so foolish to challenge him. Of course he would win!" Retkia bit her lip, not knowing what to say. She wanted to show him her surprise, but it didn't seem the right time to do that.
"Well, you learn from experiences. Next time you won't anger him, I guess." She dabbed his hand, getting rid of the blood that had continued to seep out of the wound.
"Me, anger him? Oh, let's just say it was the other way around. I was the one who got upset. Not him. Perfect Legolas. He never gets angry at anyone."
"Not true." Gabriel and Retkia looked up to see Laurelin standing in their doorway. She was wearing a blue gown, which cascaded down to the floor. Her crown was sparkling; and a long sash wound itself around her waist.
"He does get mad sometimes. It is quite frustrating."
Gabriel got up and bowed.
"I am sorry, my Lady. I know he is leaving in a week and you are sad. I should not have fought him. That was unwise."
"I accept your apology. Legolas usually doesn't like to fight; it is not a part of him. He is an assassin, but not to his friends. He loves you both very much and would never deliberately harm you."
She made her way over to a chair and sat down. Her dress brushed the floor in an almost dreary fashion. Her face was pale and lifeless, with no hope.
Retkia swallowed.
"My Lady, why are you wearing this, this, outfit?"
Laurelin smiled faintly.
"Legolas and I are going horseback riding tonight; once he has dressed and eaten. This gown matches Galada's color so perfectly, well, I could not resist wearing it."
"Uh, I see," Retkia stammered.
Laurelin shrugged and looked around the house. Noticing the presents and the food, she asked,
"Who are all those things for?"
Retkia smiled nervously and turned to Gabriel.
"I, um, got them for you, Gabriel. A going away present in a sort of way, even though you are not leaving for another week, I still wanted to get you something."
Gabriel's face lit up as he too, also observed the gifts and assortments of bread and wine. He took his wife's hand and said softly,
"Thank you."
****
"Glorfindel, I want to heal Gloried."
Glorfindel scowled from his seat on a hay bale, where he was reading a book. He looked up, his face darkening slightly.
"And how do you think you will succeed in this? He is much grieved and will not come out of it, even when I call him. Face it Lizule. He is a hopeless cause."
"He was Totholain's horse. That gives him much prestige in the horse world. Oh why couldn't we just try? He is worth it."
"I don't have time to fool with him. I have to get the training back on track in three days, which will leave me no time to try and recuperate a sick horse. Animals get ill all of the time and die; it is nothing new. We must accept it and move on."
~ All of this is about moving on. Laurelin moving on, Legolas moving on, Glorfindel moving on. But I don't want to. I want to stay ~
"If you will not help me, I will do it myself."
"Look," Glorfindel said as he stood up. "I would love to assist you, but I cannot. Hearken! You must prepare for our departure and not be worried about a dying horse. Make sure you tell your family and friends that you are leaving. I am sure they don't know yet."
"I will tell them, but I will also care for Gloried."
Glorfindel groaned. "Suit yourself. He is going to take lots of hard work and patience. I hope you're up to it."
Glorfindel closed his book and left the stables. Lizule clenched her fists as she glared after him.
~ Thanks for your help, Glorfindel. Really ~
Lizule entered Gloried's stall. The stallion was lying on the floor, his eyes open and his skinny sides heaving. Lizule sat down next to him and ran her fingers through his silky mane. Gloried raised his head, as if expecting Totholain to arrive any minute. When he didn't come, he laid his head back down and settled more deeply into the straw.
Lizule's heart broke at the sight of the horse. She felt that she had to save him; she knew he was to be her mount for Rivendell.
"I will heal you," she uttered quietly. "Just wait."
****
Laurelin gripped tightly on to Legolas's hand as she watched Totholain's body being prepared to be lowered into the ground. She tried to memorize his entire face: The jet-black hair, fair skin, reassuring smile, and those piercing dark eyes that would never open again. Laurelin felt a new sadness engulf her and she looked away from the body.
Thranduil stood next to the hole, his head bowed as two Elves guarded him. He finally felt the shock that his father's trusted general was now dead. It hurt him in a way he could not understand. When his father had died, it was different. But why? Why did two deaths have different effects on a person? It did not make sense.
Thranduil ran his hand along the sharp edge of Totholain's blade, seeking comfort. It was still sharp, but it had been cleaned, so no trace of blood was left on it.
When Totholain's body was ready, he put the general's sword on his chest.
Mornie alantie, my friend," Thranduil said, placing his hand on Totholain's brow. "You will not be here to see it reach its apex." {Darkness has fallen}
Thranduil stepped back and motioned for Laurelin to come forward. She let go of Legolas's hand and walked up to the body.
Totholain's hands were crossed, and he held his sword, just like if he was preparing for another battle. His face was emotionless, but it had a sense of relief on it that had not been present before.
"He was a skilled fighter," Thranduil commented, turning to the crowd of Elves. "He will be remembered always."
Laurelin wiped away a tear and kissed Totholain's cheek.
"Namarie, my father. I shall let go." She squeezed the cold hand gently and backed away, focusing her gaze on the ground.
Thranduil cleared his throat.
"He will live on in each and every one of us. There is not one Elf here whom he did not do some good for. We will miss him and love him forever."
Thranduil gave a slight flip of his wrist and the tomb was concealed.
Laurelin's knees buckled and she fell to the dead earth. Legolas squatted down beside her.
"Are you okay?"
Laurelin nodded and took a breath. She gripped onto Legolas's outstretched hand and pulled herself up.
"Let's go home."
Legolas smiled and offered her his arm. She took it gladly and she left the burial site quickly, anxious to get rid of all the bad feelings she still had inside of her. Legolas increased his pace to match her own. He wanted get away too.
The two Elves took off in the weak sun, racing each other to see who could get home faster.
Naturally, Legolas arrived first, and waited for her by the gardens. She ran up huffing and puffing several moments later.
"No fair," she panted. "You are in better shape than me."
Legolas shrugged.
"That's because I had to chase after two silly Hobbits who got captured by Orcs. Running all day WILL keep you in shape."
"Sure." Laurelin sat down on a stone bench, her heart beating fast. She looked around at all the roses in the garden. Their color had returned; some white, some red, or some pink. But they still were limp and brittle, and did not posses their stunning quality they had had before.
"These roses, they mourn. I wonder why. Totholain's death has passed; everything has gone back to normal. What is bothering them?"
Legolas sat down next to her and took her hand.
"Roses respond differently than we do to death. Unlike us, they hold the sadness of a death personally because they know not of the House of the Dead. Totholain's fea has traveled there, and I am sure he is enjoying his life very much. Since we realize this, we are not grieved as badly. But the roses don't know. All they comprehend is death is the end to life, not a beginning."
"Well, you are quite the philosopher, my Lord. How do you know all this?"
Legolas flinched at the question. Old wounds were about to be opened once again. He took a whiff of air and exhaled.
"My mother taught me. She believed that everything and everyone had a soul and should be accounted for. I was intrigued by what she thought. So, I asked her to teach me."
Laurelin nodded and rested her head on his shoulder.
"I understand."
****
"Good-morning everyone, and welcome back to our training sessions. With the absence of Totholain, who worked with the horses, Lord Thranduil will be assisting you in that department. I will continue to do the sword fighting, Legolas the archery, and Isitur the hand-to-hand combat. Now break off into your appointed groups so we can get started," Glorfindel said with no emotion in his voice. He got off the platform and walked over to his horse.
Glorfindel mounted up on his horse, Asfaloth, and took 125 Elves with him off into the woods. Legolas led his horse and the host of Elves to the archery range, which was close by. Thranduil's horse, a beautiful copper stallion, reared up a couple times, but soon calmed down when they started towards the forest. Isitur did not own a horse because horses were very scarce in Mirkwood. Instead, he stayed in the exact spot and started to teach the remaining Elves the principle of fighting on foot.
Legolas stroked Arodas's mane as they came up to the archery range. He was quite nervous because now, he wasn't just helping these Elves, he was going to war with them. It made him feel queasy and uncertain of what to do. He turned his horse around and faced the Elves, not knowing what to say next.
"Okay, this is what we are going to do. We will practice for an hour on foot, and then each of you will take turns riding my horse and hitting a target. I am going to gallop him so he isn't so frisky and hard to handle. After we are done with that, I will watch you string a bow and catch any mistakes you might make. Do you all understand?"
125 Elves nodded their heads.
"Good. Now line up and begin. We only have two hours to do this."
The Elves followed his order quickly, and soon they were putting arrows up to their bows. Legolas watched them with satisfaction, and then rode off to the plain.
Arodas seemed to know that he was going to be allowed to run. He pranced all of the way, shaking his head and half-rearing. Legolas spoke softly to the horse until they got up on a hill. The entire plain stretched before their eyes, just waiting to be run upon. Legolas closed his eyes and nudged the horse's sides. Arodas took off.
His long strides enveloped the ground; sparks of dust sprang from his hooves. The horse's muscles rippled under his skin; making him shine like pure silver.
The wind bit at Legolas's face, but he kept his eyes closed, feeling the horse move underneath him. The speed at which the horse went through life, with one, single footfall at a time, awed Legolas. He wished he could be as carefree as this horse that was racing the wind.
Legolas felt like they were flying, away from all the problems, and into a new day.
****
"What?" Laurelin repeated, not sure if she understood what Lizule was saying.
"I'm going to live with Glorfindel in Rivendell."
"Have you gone insane?"
"No. I love him, Laurelin. I love him more than life itself."
~ Even though he won't help me heal Gloried ~
"He is a Noldor. You are Silvan. It'll never work."
"We will make it work. He has a high cast with the Eldar; I am sure he could convince them," Lizule said, her face coloring slightly. Why couldn't Laurelin be happy for her? She had finally found someone who she could spend the rest of eternity with. That would be enough to make anyone smile.
Laurelin groaned. "Another one I love, leaving me? Totholain is gone, Legolas is heading for Imladris, and now you too? Why me?"
"I am sorry to cause you any unneeded heartbreak. But I am leaving, and I have a favor to ask of you."
"Ask away," Laurelin mumbled, putting her head in her lap. "I can't stop you, so I may as well help you." "I need a horse."
"Uh. okay. What horse would you like?"
"That is the problem. I want Gloried."
Laurelin sat up with a jolt.
"What? He is dying, Lizule. He is beyond our reach now; we cannot help him. Better let him join Totholain in the House of the Dead and not stay here and suffer."
"I am going to heal him."
"The only people who could heal Gloried are Elrond, Totholain, and maybe Glorfindel. Glorfindel is way too busy, so you are out of luck with him. Totholain is dead, and Elrond, well, he lives in Rivendell! It is a hopeless situation, Lizule."
"Nevertheless, I would like him to be my mount. Will you grant my wish?"
"If you can make him as healthy as Arodas, well, then, of course."
"Thank you, my Lady. I will not fail you."
Lizule bowed and ran for the exit.
"Who else have you told?"
Lizule stopped and turned around.
"My parents, Thranduil, Legolas, and Retkia. I wanted to tell you last because, well, I didn't want to rest the sadness on you longer than it had to."
"Do they all support you?"
Lizule nodded. "Every single one."
Lizule bowed again and left hastily.
Laurelin sighed and stood up, blinking her eyes hard. She couldn't believe it.
~ They are all crazy ~
****
Retkia glanced out the window of her home. Gabriel would be coming home any minute from his training and she wanted everything to be ready. She adjusted the straps on her purple gown one last time and glanced around the house; making sure all was in order. The candles, pillows, presents, food, and wine were set. Now all she had to do was wait.
She didn't wait long. She spotted him outside walking beside Legolas, talking about something. They stopped, and from what Retkia could see is that they were having a very heated conversation.
"You don't think she should go?" Legolas said, raising the tone in his voice.
"It's not that. I am happy she has found someone to love; she of all people deserved it. What I am saying is that the Valar would not approve of a Noldor and Silvan making love. They are not open-minded, and no one could probably convince them to understand."
Legolas frowned. " I seem to recall a night a long time ago when we all went up to the meadow for a picnic. You remember what happened then, don't you?"
Gabriel blushed. "Yes, I do."
"Do you think the Valar would be open minded about that?"
"Oh, stop it, Legolas. I know they wouldn't be. That is why Retkia and I never did it again. We just got married."
"Perfect solution."
Gabriel glared. "You want to settle this?" he said, drawing his sword.
Legolas arched his eyebrows. He hadn't meant to come across mean, but he was upset with Gabriel not supporting Lizule through the tough times. It was the least she deserved, and Gabriel was not willing to give it.
He sighed and withdrew his own sword, the sword he had fought with at Helm's Deep. Old memories flooded through him of the Orcs, and Haldir's death.
Legolas's eyes blazed.
"You first, my Lord," Gabriel said stiffly. Although both Elves were the same in height, one held the wisdom and the grace of the Valar that the other didn't.
Legolas nodded and circled the Elf, calling back all of his skills that had left him.
~ Trust your instinct, Legolas. That is what kept you alive ~
Legolas halted abruptly and closed his eyes, connecting with the ground beneath his feet, the sword in his hand. They were one, and would prove their point to the other.
~ For Totholain. For the impossible ~
Gabriel, thinking Legolas was resting, sprang forward, but Legolas caught him with an incredible force that he did not expect. The momentum nearly pushed Gabriel off his feet. He recovered quickly and threw himself at Legolas.
Legolas stepped back and ducked. He brought his sword up and down, clashing it together with the other sword.
~ It is just you and the sword. You and the sword ~
Legolas watched Gabriel's movements carefully, looking for the right moment to seize his victory. Legolas drowned out the rest of the world, concentrating on the one single thing that would grant him success. He soon got it.
Legolas whipped his sword around and knocked Gabriel's sword out of his hand. Gabriel fell to the ground, stunned. Legolas grimaced slightly and picked up the sword. He walked over to Gabriel and dropped it next to him.
Legolas then sheathed his sword and left, his cloak billowing out behind him. Retkia ran out of her house and bolted towards Gabriel.
"Are you okay?" she said, as she took his hand to help him stand up.
A crowd had formed and was blurting out questions like, "Did that hurt?'
"What made him mad?"
"Prince Legolas is one of the best sword fighters around here. He was trained by Totholain, you know."
"I know!" Gabriel yelled, as pushed through the crowd, clutching his bleeding hand.
"Let's go back to the house." Retkia nodded and bent down and picked up Gabriel's sword. The handle was cracked open.
She shook her head and followed her husband into the house.
Once inside, she went to work on fixing Gabriel's wound. She poured some hot water along with herbs onto a washcloth and applied it gently to the cut. Gabriel sat quietly.
"I was so foolish to challenge him. Of course he would win!" Retkia bit her lip, not knowing what to say. She wanted to show him her surprise, but it didn't seem the right time to do that.
"Well, you learn from experiences. Next time you won't anger him, I guess." She dabbed his hand, getting rid of the blood that had continued to seep out of the wound.
"Me, anger him? Oh, let's just say it was the other way around. I was the one who got upset. Not him. Perfect Legolas. He never gets angry at anyone."
"Not true." Gabriel and Retkia looked up to see Laurelin standing in their doorway. She was wearing a blue gown, which cascaded down to the floor. Her crown was sparkling; and a long sash wound itself around her waist.
"He does get mad sometimes. It is quite frustrating."
Gabriel got up and bowed.
"I am sorry, my Lady. I know he is leaving in a week and you are sad. I should not have fought him. That was unwise."
"I accept your apology. Legolas usually doesn't like to fight; it is not a part of him. He is an assassin, but not to his friends. He loves you both very much and would never deliberately harm you."
She made her way over to a chair and sat down. Her dress brushed the floor in an almost dreary fashion. Her face was pale and lifeless, with no hope.
Retkia swallowed.
"My Lady, why are you wearing this, this, outfit?"
Laurelin smiled faintly.
"Legolas and I are going horseback riding tonight; once he has dressed and eaten. This gown matches Galada's color so perfectly, well, I could not resist wearing it."
"Uh, I see," Retkia stammered.
Laurelin shrugged and looked around the house. Noticing the presents and the food, she asked,
"Who are all those things for?"
Retkia smiled nervously and turned to Gabriel.
"I, um, got them for you, Gabriel. A going away present in a sort of way, even though you are not leaving for another week, I still wanted to get you something."
Gabriel's face lit up as he too, also observed the gifts and assortments of bread and wine. He took his wife's hand and said softly,
"Thank you."
****