Sickness in the Wilderness
Chapter five
Recovery part two
A day later, Elrohir walked through the forest with Ryalthiar.
"Have you heard of the competitions the younger elves are holding?" he asked her.
"Yes," she answered, smiling slightly. "My brother, Berentar, is entering."
"My brother, Estel, wishes to compete also, Do you think he is well enough? Elladan thought that we should consult you before allowing him to enter,"
"Estel has healed quickly. He is young, and strong, and although he has a tender heart, his body is already like that of the elves. I do not think that it will be easy for him to die."
"Thank you for your advice," Elrohir smiled. "I know Estel will be greatly pleased."
When Elrohir told Estel the news at the archery grounds, the boy's eyes grew round. He stood up straight, gripped the handle of his bow, and in the excitement of the moment, proceeded to shoot his next three arrows very badly, missing the target itself by a good five inches.
"If this is an example of your shooting, then I suggest you leave long- bow range out of your combat list," Elrohir teased.
"You know I can shoot just as well as you can," Estel laughed light- heartedly. "I am glad that I may show myself worthy of the elves in combat. I look forward to the contests. There is to be one of long-bows, then tree- climbing, then after that running, short blades, hand to hand fighting, staves, and open challenge for the two winners of each category. That is when they will each challenge each other to any combat they choose, and the winner of each will go on to fight the other winners, until there are only three left. They will be awarded and honored."
Estel shot a few more arrows, this time with greater accuracy than before. Then his face brightened with a thought. "Oh Elrohir, will you not also join the competitions?" You could enter with the elder elves. I am with the young elves, but even the elder elves are not so old. Indeed, half of them have seen more years than you have! Please say yes, brother."
Elrohir stuttered. Estel watched in amusement. Normally sanguine, elves were not often taken unawares with nothing to say.
"I...I have not... that is to say...my intentions were not..."
"That's wonderful! I'll tell Perentad you're entering. He is the one organizing the competitions." Estel looked out of the corner of his eye at Elrohir grinning. "And I'm sure Ryalthiar would be very happy to know that you were brave enough to compete, also."
Elrohir's face relaxed into laughter. "Oh, get on with you. I'll compete, then. In the meantime, I'd better join you at archery."
.....................................................................................................................
Estel also tried to get Elladan to compete.
"Surely, brother, you could best any of the other elves," the boy argued. "None of them can run faster than you can."
"It is not a question of whether I will be beaten or not," Elladan explained, "but I have some business I must attend to in a few days." He told Estel of his plans for the Stone Mountain fortress. Estel sighed in envy. "I wish I could go with you."
"No," Elladan said, "not right after you've been sick. I may be letting you compete with the elves, but this is a life or death mission I am going to attempt. I cannot allow you to come with me."
Estel sighed. "I will miss you, then. When do you leave?"
"I spoke with Fialthan, and he is discussing with his warriors which of them would come with me. I depart tomorrow evening."
Chapter five
Recovery part two
A day later, Elrohir walked through the forest with Ryalthiar.
"Have you heard of the competitions the younger elves are holding?" he asked her.
"Yes," she answered, smiling slightly. "My brother, Berentar, is entering."
"My brother, Estel, wishes to compete also, Do you think he is well enough? Elladan thought that we should consult you before allowing him to enter,"
"Estel has healed quickly. He is young, and strong, and although he has a tender heart, his body is already like that of the elves. I do not think that it will be easy for him to die."
"Thank you for your advice," Elrohir smiled. "I know Estel will be greatly pleased."
When Elrohir told Estel the news at the archery grounds, the boy's eyes grew round. He stood up straight, gripped the handle of his bow, and in the excitement of the moment, proceeded to shoot his next three arrows very badly, missing the target itself by a good five inches.
"If this is an example of your shooting, then I suggest you leave long- bow range out of your combat list," Elrohir teased.
"You know I can shoot just as well as you can," Estel laughed light- heartedly. "I am glad that I may show myself worthy of the elves in combat. I look forward to the contests. There is to be one of long-bows, then tree- climbing, then after that running, short blades, hand to hand fighting, staves, and open challenge for the two winners of each category. That is when they will each challenge each other to any combat they choose, and the winner of each will go on to fight the other winners, until there are only three left. They will be awarded and honored."
Estel shot a few more arrows, this time with greater accuracy than before. Then his face brightened with a thought. "Oh Elrohir, will you not also join the competitions?" You could enter with the elder elves. I am with the young elves, but even the elder elves are not so old. Indeed, half of them have seen more years than you have! Please say yes, brother."
Elrohir stuttered. Estel watched in amusement. Normally sanguine, elves were not often taken unawares with nothing to say.
"I...I have not... that is to say...my intentions were not..."
"That's wonderful! I'll tell Perentad you're entering. He is the one organizing the competitions." Estel looked out of the corner of his eye at Elrohir grinning. "And I'm sure Ryalthiar would be very happy to know that you were brave enough to compete, also."
Elrohir's face relaxed into laughter. "Oh, get on with you. I'll compete, then. In the meantime, I'd better join you at archery."
.....................................................................................................................
Estel also tried to get Elladan to compete.
"Surely, brother, you could best any of the other elves," the boy argued. "None of them can run faster than you can."
"It is not a question of whether I will be beaten or not," Elladan explained, "but I have some business I must attend to in a few days." He told Estel of his plans for the Stone Mountain fortress. Estel sighed in envy. "I wish I could go with you."
"No," Elladan said, "not right after you've been sick. I may be letting you compete with the elves, but this is a life or death mission I am going to attempt. I cannot allow you to come with me."
Estel sighed. "I will miss you, then. When do you leave?"
"I spoke with Fialthan, and he is discussing with his warriors which of them would come with me. I depart tomorrow evening."
