Chapter 9
Author: Arwen
"I am Legolas Greenleaf," he said to each, clasping one hand after another before motioning to the two Elves behind him to join him. "This is Imlain. He is one of my lieutenants." Imlain and the two Men exchanged greetings as Legolas took a step back to take Araréiel's hand and pull her forward. He held her possessively by her shoulders in front of him, facing the men. "This is Araréiel, my other lieutenant."
The two men noticed his voice grow softer when he spoke her name and saw that he claimed a stake on her, but could barely hide their shock. Why she looked hardly more than 16, yet they knew her years far surpassed their own many times over. She was a lady, not a fighter. A brief look passed between the Men and Legolas that confirmed they both felt that way, and it ached his heart to know the danger she would face.
She turned her head up to him, body still facing forward. "When do we leave?"
"As soon as you can pack a few essentials."
Araréiel blinked rapidly a couple of times before swallowing hard and lowering her head. She nodded her head and ran into her house up to her room to quickly gather her personal effects.
Meneatarion watched her go before staring hard at Legolas, fear for his daughter written clear as this day in his eyes. Legolas stared back and told him. "I will protect her with my life and do what is necessary to ensure she returns home alive." A quick nod of Meneatarion's head and they all turned to face the on-looking crowd. He clapped his hands a time or two before assembling the Elves and few men into order.
Up in her room, Araréiel quickly changed into her sturdiest dress, which also happened to be her favorite. It was made of white silk, still delicate, and slightly shimmered the color of her pale, lilac-blue eyes. She knew it would be ruined, but did not care. She grabbed a small satchel and gathered the items she would need. Looking into her mirror, she grabbed a clip and pulled back the top section of her hair, and tied on her white leather boots before running back down the stairs, hoping she had not missed much.
The regiment was already assembled by the time she reached the door to the gathering. Tension filled the air, and she sensed many of the Elves did not welcome her on this journey. A lady on such a mission could be trouble for the whole group. She walked directly to her father and reached up to hug him.
"Those two, they'll make sure you are okay, my daughter. They'll protect you. But you are more needed than you now know."
"I don't know much, Father." The young Elf sniffled as she turned around and put out her hands for Legolas and Imlain. The Elves came forward, each taking a hand, as Elves and Men went to their horses. Legolas mounted her on his horse sidesaddle and covered her with a thin blanket as the coolness of evening was setting in before jumping up behind her. Araréiel's mind was too distracted to ride on her own, and he knew it. Her steed would follow. Imlain, on his horse, rode up to join his companions as the two Men fell in line behind them. One by one the recruits came to them, and when all were in order, began to ride out.
Araréiel silently glanced at Imlain and the group behind them, then looked up at Legolas before turning her upper body and limply leaning back onto the Elf, dropping her head back, eyes toward the darkening sky, and sighed softly. She would have protection, and two of the Elves she trusted most with her life were right beside her. So why did she feel the fear that this mission would claim her life?