"Well, are you as good as you made yourself look?"
"I don't know, my lord," Kendra said, bowing slightly. "In my time, I am considered one of the best. But, I really don't know."
"Good. I hate those who brag. Will you show me what you can do?" he asked, holding up a sword.
Kendra nodded and followed him out into the center of the clearing. All conversation had stopped as they watched their lord walk out with this strange new girl. Celeborn held his sword loosely while Kendra stood, looking just as careless as she had with Haldir. All was quiet. The sound of air being sliced was all the sound that came when Celeborn struck at Kendra. Kendra flipped back out of the path of the sword. She landed on her feet, crouched close to the ground. Celeborn moved towards her, not really running but moving fast enough that she would have to move quick. She rolled out of the path of the next strike and jumped into the air, up and over. Celeborn was expecting this and turned to face her, catching her arm as she swung her hand at the back of his head. He twisted her arm, expecting her to cry out in pain. Instead, she used his momentum and her weight and leaned back towards the ground. They both went down, Celeborn letting go of her arm, allowing her to roll.
Kendra got to her feet again, looking right at Celeborn who had just managed to catch himself before he hit the ground. They stood there, silently watching the other. They had been testing each other before. Now would be the real test. Could Kendra really stand up to the older elf? She didn't know herself, so all she could do was try.
A crowd had gathered by now. Word had spread and more than half of Lothlorien was here. They wanted to see this strange girl in action. They wanted to see if she could best the Lord Celeborn.
Celeborn came at Kendra again, not swinging but moving. Kendra faked a jump to the right, and jumped left. She rolled and came up on her feet, running fast. Celeborn turned and started after her. Some people in the crowd called her a coward as she ran. She didn't hear it, though. Her mind was focused on what was right ahead. This clearing had been made to accommodate all kinds of training. Right ahead of her was a tree with a target hanging on it. Kendra ran, knowing Celeborn was closing in quickly on her. She had never been too good at running, but she made up for it in other ways. Kendra ran up to the tree, put one foot on the trunk and kicked up and back. She flew over Celeborn's head, who barely stopped running before hitting the tree. Kendra landed behind him and punched, knocking him into the tree. She pulled her dagger and placed it at the back of his neck.
Silence fell yet again. Kendra was breathing hard, leaving her dagger there for a few seconds before letting the Lord of Lothlorien step away from the tree. He turned and looked at her, no emotion showing on his face. Kendra looked down to the ground, not sure what was going to happen next.
"You are good at what you do," she heard suddenly.
Kendra looked up at Celeborn who was smiling slightly.
"Thank you, my lord."