When Will the Sun Shine Again?
Chapter 8- Impressed
A.N: In case you couldn't guess, all of the elves in this chapter who you don't recognise (such as the ones in Legolas' hunting party etc.) all belong to me, if you wanna use any of them then ask me first 'kay ^^;; thanks for coming to read, and thanks even more for all the great reviews, I love your feedback! Enjoy!
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Legolas rode through the forests of Mirkwood confidently enough, his fathers finest archers around him. Now that the elven prince was sufficiently fed and rested, he had volunteered to helm the search for the Orcs still lurking within his fathers boarders. He did not give much heed to the area outside his fathers kingdom, Mirkwood was vast indeed, and the elves had not the urge to hunt for giant spiders, they were not always a hindrance after all, rumour of their presence was enough to discourage the wary traveller from Mirkwood, so unwanted visitors seldom found their way into Thranduil's halls.
In truth Legolas had an ulterior motive, he knew if he managed to dispatch the last groups of Orcs, perhaps he could hastily speed to Rivendell to catch the last few days of the Sheelala festivities, he knew how spectacular Elronds celebrations were, and he did not wish to wholly miss them if possible. His group had already rooted out three groups of Orcs, the first two being larger in size, leading Legolas to believe there would not be many more left to find.
"Beleger, Naurgolf, Yrch, rhun (Orcs, east)" Legolas whispered simply to his most trusted archers, both of whom walked on either side of him.
"Aye, I see them too." Beleger whispered. He was a larger elf, muscular and tall, with golden hair and sharp grey eyes. He was the Captain of the kings guards and had acted as a bodyguard to Legolas on separate occasions. Legolas was glad of his company for his shooting far surpassed Legolas' own in the princes opinion.
"I'll take three to head them off." Naurgolf murmured, motioning to three of the company behind them.
"Tira ten' rashwe (be careful)" Legolas instructed and Naurgolf nodded, disappearing into the trees with his men.
A few seconds later an arrow flew through the air and embedded itself into the tree behind Legolas.
"We have been discovered! Asca! Ndengina sen Sii'! (Hurry! Kill them now!)"
"Alas, the element of surprise is gone. Far more exciting this way." Beleger grinned and rushed through the trees with Legolas right behind, their bows singing in the morning quiet.
With a thwap Legolas' arrow hummed through the air and embedded itself into an Orcs chest. Beleger's aim was true also and his hurtled into a second's throat.
Within an instant the fight really began, with the twelve Elves leaping into attack against the evenly numbered Orcs. Foul Orc heads rolled and dark blood was splattered upon fair eleven faces and tunics.
"I see not Naurgolf, where is he?" Legolas cried to Beleger and the large elf turned to quickly scan the melee.
"I see him not, perhaps he and his men are engaged further ahead." The captain of the guards suggested.
"Aye, perhaps." Legolas was concerned, but did not have time to voice it as another Orc charged towards him. Legolas slid his bow back into its holder and whipped out his silver blades, twirling them in deadly accuracy as he sliced at the fell creatures gut and it split, spilling its contents over the floor.
The elves made quick work of the remaining Orcs, and thankfully none of Legolas' group had perished during the fight, though there were minor injuries, as was to be expected.
"Naurgolf and his men have not returned, let us search for them, make haste." Legolas commanded and the dozen quickly leapt through the trees, their keen eyes searching for their companions.
Finally they came to a clearing in the woods where they found the four elves. Naurgolf was bandaging one of his fellow guards' arms, and another was supporting the remaining injured elf.
"It seems worse luck befell you my friend, though it is glad news to find you well, we feared the worst." Legolas sighed in relief.
Naurgolf saluted the Prince. "Aye my lord, they must have heard our approach for five of their own attacked our number. We were lucky they gave themselves away with their heavy advance, or we may have been worse off."
"Lindar, what has happened to you?" Legolas asked the slightly pale looking elf who was being supported by his comrade.
"I fear my leg was broken in the attack Prince Legolas, an Orc rushed me."
Legolas went to inspect the injury, he suspected it was indeed broken.
"Here, take my horse, you should not risk putting strain on that, and go straight to the healers when we arrive home." Legolas brought forth his own steed and he and Beleger helped the younger elf up onto its back.
"The walk will do me good." He assured the slightly startled Lindar, who was barely into his thousands, so did not have as much experience as the rest of the party.
"Prince Legolas, I do not think there are any more groups to worry about, considering how Orcs travel in large groups and we have dispatched four of those already, I think it safe to believe we have purged your fathers boarders of the last of them." Naurgolf commented.
Legolas nodded. "Aye, I agree, but we will send our feathered friends to scout where we cannot, before we rest on our laurels." He nodded to Poikaer who held a scouting bird to survey the forest once more. Legolas would prefer to be sure than to be mistaken and endanger his people if there were Orcs remaining. The company watched as the bird rose up into the air and out of sight even to their keen eyes.
"A wise decision Prince Legolas, but let us start our way back, I feel confident we have dispatched the last of those hell beasts. And I imagine you wish to get to Rivendell as quickly as you can." Beleger said knowingly with a twinkle in his eye.
"No more than any other does my friend." Legolas said innocently.
"You are your fathers son, to be sure!" Beleger laughed and clapped a hand round Legolas' shoulders amicably as the group started to make their way back through the trees.
"I do not know whether to take that as a compliment or an insult old friend." Legolas smiled and the company all laughed along to that.
The scouting bird-whose name was Fara- soon returned to the procession, confirming that the Thranduil's land had finally been rid of the remnants of Sauron's followers.
It was some time after noon by the time the company arrived back at the King's halls, and Thranduil was overjoyed that his land was free of Orcs once more, and a great feast was held for all the nobles of Mirkwood that night as life returned to normal in the forest.
"Am I right in supposing you wish to make haste to Rivendell as swift as you can be borne away my son?" Thranduil whispered to Legolas during the meal.
"Aye sir, Lord Elrond is known for his festivals across Middle Earth, I would be a fool not to wish to attend one."
Thranduil smiled at his son, "Aye, I am sure that is the reason."
Legolas frowned in indignation at the knowing smirk on his fathers face, but said no more to argue, instead changing tack.
"So with your leave I will ride at dawn. Will you be accompanying me Father?"
"Alas my son, there is still much to be done in restoring my kingdom, and many things still to rearrange, I will go on some other occasion, or perhaps arrange a festival myself. You will take Beleger and Hodoer as escorts, if you can bear their company."
Legolas glanced at Beleger who raised his glass and an innocent smile to the King and Prince, and with a smile Legolas sighed,
"I suppose I will manage."
"Good. I would entrust your life to no others, not that you would need their protection, but we must keep up appearances." Thranduil winked and Legolas nodded, at least he could still go, even though Hodoer was known for his over-protectiveness when it came to the elven prince. He had been a guard to the Royal family ever since Legolas was but an elfling, and although there was none so wise or skilled with a sword in all of Mirkwood, he was not always known for his sense of fun or adventure. Thranduil was well aware of this, which is probably why he chose Hodoer, who could quell both Legolas and Beleger's impetuous natures.
"I will retire to bed now then with your leave Adar, for it will be a long journey ahead of me."
"As you wish son, Quel kaima. (Sleep well)"
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This had all taken place on Elenya (Monday) at the same time as the festival had began, and so as Legolas set off at daybreak on Anarya, the second day of the festival was just starting.
The celebrations of today were thus: first a tour round Rivendell for all of its esteemed guests, and after luncheon the first of the contests, a task to see who could quell the tempestuous stallions of the fields east of the Misty Mountains, renowned for their wild nature. After this would be a race through a pre-determined course set around Rivendell on those –hopefully- tamed horses. It promised to be an interesting day. To her dismay her brothers had already stolen off with Haldir to plot Valar knows what, so Elrond had appointed being a guide to one of the groups to her, whereas she would probably have been exempt if her brothers had not 'mysteriously vanished' from the Great Hall.
It was her fortune-or misfortune- to guide the elves of Eryn Vorn around Rivendell, luckily this only comprised of Astalder and two of his guards. Arwen thought this a little odd but was not about to question why a throng of Eryn Vorns elves had not descended upon Rivendell considering they had not had many relations with the line for centuries.
"We meet again milady, it is a pleasure." Astalder kissed Arwen's knuckles delicately as the four were introduced.
"These are my guards Glaurgannel and Angthol." He introduced the dark haired guards, who were both stony faced and silent, which was surprising given their current cheerful location.
"Very well, let's be on our way, our tour does not take long but once you know where everything is located feel free to explore at your leisure." Arwen said, trying not to sound too monotone in her explanations.
"You seem preoccupied milady, I hope we are not inconveniencing you?" Astalder asked.
"Of course not. I was just thinking about a friend of mine, the archery contest is tomorrow and I know not many can match his skill with a bow."
"Well he will have naught to fear in the feat then, if his skill can best my own." Astalder said, rather cockily Arwen noticed with distaste.
"Nay, I fear he is not here. There have been Orc attacks in his land and he will not leave his people under attack so he has stayed to help fight, 'tis a pity."
"Ah then perhaps I have a chance at winning after all. You speak of him fondly." Astalder observed.
"We have been friends for many years, he is like a brother to me, since my lord died he has been my life line, I could not have survived without him." Arwen realised she had let too much slip. She had not intended to bring up Aragorn or indeed her relationship with Legolas, but she had forgotten herself.
"Your lord?" The blonde elf enquired.
Arwen knew she could not dismiss it now so after a sigh continued. "Aye, my lover of many years was killed recently, had it not been for Legolas I would not have recovered, of that I am sure."
"Legolas, that would be Prince Legolas of Mirkwood?"
"Yes, the very same. Do you know him?"
"I know of him milady, his accuracy with a bow and his favour among other elven folk have given him quite the reputation. 'Tis a pity I will not have chance to meet him."
"Maybe some other time." Arwen nodded.
"I hope so. He was the representative of the elven folk in the fellowship that destroyed the One Ring was he not?"
"Aye, and has had little rest since whether helping me or defending Mirkwood."
"He is very honoured to be so highly favoured by you milady, I hope he realises how fortunate he is."
"I'm sure he does. Let us be on our way, there is much to see in our fair city."
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The tour did not require much time, but Astalder did have many questions about Rivendell and took great interest in Arwen herself. Arwen was not sure whether to be flattered or annoyed, but Astalder was witty enough to hold her attentions for the entire journey.
Arwen knew that Astalder was attracted to her, he made that obvious, during luncheon but she remained friendly but uninterested in his advances. Her heart had been severely bruised when Elessar had fallen, she did not wish to open it to any strangers now.
When Astalder went to get her a drink, Elladan quickly occupied his vacant seat to talk to his sister.
"You seem to be spending much time with that one." He observed.
"If you and Elrohir had not been so quick in disappearing to plot whatever pranks or foolishness with Haldir so soon I would not have been landed in guiding him at all, but as father could not find you, the duty fell to me." Arwen glared at the innocent looking Elladan.
"You do not seem too perturbed by this dear sister, Elrohir observed you laughing with him earlier."
"It is called being polite to our guests, perhaps if you did not go into hiding so often you would be required to do the same."
"Are you sure you have not taken a fancy to him?" her brother smirked.
"What are you implying?" Arwen glared.
"He is a handsome enough elf, and to me it seems you enjoy his company, it would not be unheard of to be attracted to someone you hold in that regard."
"He is nothing special." Arwen replied curtly.
"In comparison with say…Legolas?" Elladan asked lightly, with a smirk.
"Away, rogue! Focus more on your own love life than mine and perhaps our halls will be rid of you sooner, happily." Arwen scolded in annoyance.
"You sting me with your words dear sister, but your 'guest' is on his way back, so I will indeed take my leave of you, see you at the contest, I have no doubt our esteemed colleague will be competing to impress you, so I will instruct Elrohir to let him win, shall I?"
"Be gone Elladan, your mind is like a dwarfs!" Elladan feigned insult and with a wink disappeared to his own seat.
Astalder returned and looked after Elladan curiously.
"Did I miss something?"
"No, simply my brother being foolish, as usual. Diola lle (thank you)" She took the drink from a still confused looking Astalder.
"Will you be taking part in the contest after the meal?" Arwen asked, sipping her wine delicately.
"I would imagine that I am milady, I have to show you all the skill of the Eryn Vorn folk after all, I would hate for you to think us lacking in ability."
"I will look forward to your performance then, just do me a favour and beat my troublesome brothers, they are driving me quite insane."
"I will do my best milady."
"And I pray, call me Arwen, I hate formality, it gets rather trying after a time."
"As you wish Arwen, if you are sure."
"Aye I am. Come then, we may go and observe the horses now, just so you can see what you are dealing with, I hope it does not put you off!" Arwen stood, to lead the way down to the stables, perhaps Astalder would impress her after all, and it could at least give her an opportunity to stay the tongue of her brothers!
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