Sorry I didn't update yesterday, didn't have time.
Sussex.
Whoop de do.
So there will be no update that week. And I'm actually thinking of spreading my updates out a bit over the hols, as loads of you are going to be away. I'll see what happens from now on.
Inwe – Thanks for your review on the other story by the way! Very kind of you! I am really pleased that you like my stories. And turtles are the best! My time is more or less dedicated to writing, and your thank you is appreciated. As is your review.
Lothliana – Daisy was brill. And I miss her loads. At least I still have Scampi and the chickens! BRENDA NO-LEGS! Tee hee. Thanks for reviewing.
Mayrana – Yay, I think I could dedicate the entire story to my hamster! Lol. Thanks for the hug too. Made me feel better! Hugs Mayrana back.
Aww, poor Leggy! You think he'd be used to girls chasing around after him, wouldn't you? I mean, he should know us two, cos we're like, squadron leaders of the RHDLAF. (Royal Hunt Down Leggy Air Force)
Um…I think I'm free a lot for wedding dress shopping. Checks calendar. Yup, whenever you wanna go! And thanks for the necklace! Prettyful! Hands Mayrana mithril bracelet, also as early wedding gift.
I would give you earrings, but I don't know if you have pierced ears!
Thanks for reviewing.
Navaer Lalaith – I think I e-mailed you, didn't I? Your help would be greatly appreciated, and I've book marked your site. Thanks for that.
Chapter 4: The Adventure Begins…
For the next month or so, I was kept busy planning my escape out of the palace. Every other night, I would sneak out and ride Rodmín. By the time a month was up, I was a perfectionist. I was rather surprised at the speed at which I mastered the stallion, but he was very co-operative.
A couple of times, I was caught by Maenherdir, and once I had to tell him the truth. He took me to my father, and I got quite told off for that. But it didn't stop me. I was going to get of there, and I was not planning on failing after all my careful preparations.
Finally, the time arrived when I could definitely not stand royal life any longer. It was New Years Eve, and of course, there was a huge feast and dance. Normally, the New Years Dance was great fun. Everyone lets their hair down, in the literal meaning, and just about everyone got drunk. And made complete idiots of themselves in the process!
But not this time. This time, I was bored out of my skull. I was sat at the High Table, next to mother as always, watching everybody else have fun. Even the wine couldn't cheer me up.
Just a couple of days before, a human messenger had arrived from Celille's village. Connyn had been out on hunting patrol, and there had been an accident. He had died, and now Celille had run away. Gaenry had asked for a little more time before the final arrangements for the alliance were settled, as they were trying desperately to find the girl. She had run off into the forest, taking with her food, her horse, and a knife. Nothing else except the clothes she was wearing.
Father had of course, agreed immediately, and sent his most sincere regards at their loss. Guards were increased on the Southern and Eastern borders, everyone keeping an extra eye out for the small child. I had instantly offered to go and search, if only for a short while, but he had downright refused. He was still a little annoyed abut the whole 'going out at midnight and riding a wild stallion' thing.
So therefore I was moody. I was not allowed to go and look for my friend, because I was royalty. That was the main reason I had been forbidden to go and look for her.
"You are a Prince Legolas! You cannot just go out looking for human girls who have run away from home!"
"But she needs me Adar! She needs someone who knows her to look after her! Her father has just been killed! She has no mother to care for her, and she is in danger! Please let me go and look."
"No! I am not going to argue about it Legolas. You are not going out into the wilds. You are far too young and your position as Crown Prince forbids it. As do I."
"My position as Prince? Oh Adar, that is such a pathetic excuse! And I am not too young! I can take of myself perfectly fine in the woods."
"No. You are my only child Legolas. I do not wish to lose you."
"You won't. Please Adar, she needs me!"
"I need you, as does your mother. I know you care for this girl, and I am happy that you and she are friends, but it was her choice to run out into the forest. I understand how harsh I must sound, but you must understand. It is up to her friends and people to find her. Not us Legolas. I am truly sorry. No, if you do not mind, I have work to do."
And that was it. I had had no other chance to argue my case. So, here I was. Stuck at the New Years Dance, worried sick about a ten-year old human girl who had run away from home. A girl, who was 150 years younger than me, and I was worried about her!
Now was the time. I had to go. I had to leave now, tonight. I excused myself from the table, and made my way outside to the stables. I would let Rodmín out, and collect him later.
The stables were completely devoid of Elves. Everyone except the guards at the borders and courtyard were dancing and feasting. Perfect. I opened the pen gate and ushered him out.
"Rodmín, lasto-na nin. Glenno-minna en glad. Dartho-an nin ennas. Im-uva al-na and. Hán?" (Rodmín, listen to me. Go into the woods. Wait for me there. I shall not be long. Understand?)
He nodded his head, which I took as a yes. I patted him, and put a bridle, reins, and saddle on him. I then lead him quickly out of the stable. When we were out, I smacked his rump gently, and he bolted into the woods, me running reasonably quickly after him.
"Stay!" I called to the guards as they started to follow him. "Let him go. He is wild. He has already tried to escape many times. Let him go free."
They nodded and returned to their posts. I smiled gratefully at them, then hurried back inside. But I did not return straight to the dance. I ran up the grand staircase, down hallways and round many corners until I arrived at my room. I grabbed my bag, and packed everything in it that wasn't already packed. I was contemplating on whether to write a note or not. I decided to, but not until the last minute, in case someone found it before I had left.
Once my bag was ready, I went back to the dance. No one asked any questions, and I danced with a few people. I tried to act as inconspicuously as possible, and I think I may have just pulled it off. I said nothing about Rodmín's' 'escape'. They could find out tomorrow, or whenever they had recovered from their hangovers.
The rest of the night passed as usual, and once midnight had struck, the dancing slowed down a little. More romantic music was played, and couples started getting soppy.
"I've had enough Adar. I'm off to bed."
"Ok then. Good night son. Happy New Year."
"Happy New Year Adar." I kissed him lightly on the cheek, then mother, then I headed back to my room, stopping at the kitchens on the way to stock up on the food I already have. I also fill up a flask of water.
Once in my room, I swiftly changed into travelling clothes, and wrote a short, but apologetic note.
Dear Adar and Naneth,
Please forgive me for doing this. I have runaway from home, and I am not coming back.
I know you must hate me now, and I really am truly sorry. But I just cannot do this. I cannot stand this royal way of life any longer. Being a Prince just isn't for me. Please understand. If there was any other way…
I do not know where I will go. Look for me if you wish, but I wouldn't bother. I am not going to return to this lifestyle again. I am no longer Legolas Greenleaf, Crown Prince of Mirkwood. I am just Legolas.
Please, please forgive me. I love you both so dearly, and shall miss you so much. But there is no other way. I must leave. Maybe one day, our paths will cross again.
Namárie, but perhaps not forever.
All my love,
Legolas. xxx
I draw my small leaf in each corner. It's my signature in a way. Every letter I have ever written, I have drawn a leaf in each corner. I place the letter in an envelope, seal it with candle wax, and stamp it with my leaf hallmark. I have had it since I was tiny, and do not really want to leave it behind. But I cannot carry around such necessities on a journey like this.
I leave the envelope on my pillow, and make sure my bed is tidy. I light the candle on my bedside table and leave it burning low. There is a single sprig of holly also on my pillow. Just a small sign. Mother has always liked the holly berries and leaves. The bright red against the dark green.
I fetch a necklace from my drawer. I slip it over my head. It is made of black string, and has a sapphire leaf attached. The leaf to go with my name, the blue sapphire to go with my eyes. I tuck it under my tunic for protection.
As I close my balcony doors behind me, I blink away the tears. I have to go; I have no choice. Rodmín will be waiting for me. I have my quiver on my back, the bow strapped across it. My knife hangs at my waist, and I have a small dagger strapped to the underside of my right wrist. I'm carrying my bag in my hand. I'll strap it to the saddle later.
I stand precariously on the railings, and climb into the beech tree climbing up against the wall of the palace. I silently clamber down, and land without a sound on the floor. Pulling my hood over my face, I creep along in the shadows.
Picking a rock up from the floor, I hurl it over the arch to distract the guards. They hear the noise it makes as it lands in a clump of bushes, and go to investigate. I run out and into the shadows once again.
As soon as they are settled back at their posts, I creep out into the trees. I tread carefully and slowly, trying to make as less amount of noise as possible.
"Rodmín?" My voice is barely above a whisper. "Rodmín!"
A small snort and he trots out of the darkness toward me. It is almost impossible to see him in the gloom. I smile and stroke him. I rummage around in my bag to find an apple. Once he is munching happily, I strap the bag to his saddle, and we're off.
The adventure begins.
Could I possibly have a few more reviews than last time please? In fact, I'm going back to this technique – If I don't get at least……6 reviews, from DIFFERENT PEOPLE! I shall not update. When I get 6 reviews, I'll update. Ok? Good…