Author's Note: Hello, hello. I have returned from the dark abiss of Calculus and College Applications, dear readers, and I hope I will be here for quite a while (though some of you may find this unfortunate, believe it or not)! I've made a few changes to the chapters, and if things go well, I would like to develop each a "wee" bit ...well, with that said, Happy reading!
"Target Practice"
"Beat that!" a voice cheered, waking Legolas from his daydream.
"What?" he stammered, his gaze returning to his friend.
"I said, try to beat that shot," Aldar repeated, pointing across the meadow. Legolas looked out at the target fifty yards away.
"I believe that is a dead-on shot!" Aldar boasted.
He leaned up against a tree trunk and crossed his arms against his chest smugly. Legolas chuckled, shaking his head. Aldar was always full of himself.
He strung and drew back, still rolling his eyes. Effortlessly the arrow sliced through the air and hit the first, splitting it in two. He turned to Aldar and grinned.
"Make it a little harder next time,"
His friend winced, dropping his head with disappointment.
"Just let me win once," he whined, unfolding his arms.
"Where isthe fun in that?" Legolas teased.
"Well, I'm done being humiliated for now," he sighed with a smile and began packing his arrows.
"Let uscall it a day,"
Gathering their things, the two left the small, grassy meadow and slowly headed back to the palace nearby. The stone path was lined with large oak trees, sun shining through their leafy canopy. A small stream trickled nearby, the smooth rocks glistening in the sun. The path led up to the palace of King Thranduil, a beautiful stone castle almost hidden in the lush wood. They hurried up the stone steps adorned with creeping ivy and opened the massive oak doors. Inside was a large room, dotted by cream candles lighting the interior. A group of elves stood deep in conversation near the back at the base of a huge marble staircase. On the walls were various paintings and a few small tables with chairs sat below them, where two elves were conversing. A vase of niphredil sat on each table, their smell filling the room.
As they walked in, a servant approached Legolas from the stairs.
"Excuse me, Prince Legolas, but your father request your presence immediately," he reported, bowing. Legolas nodded, thanking him.
"I had best be off anyway," Aldar said. He pushed Legolas playfully, "Imust brush up on my archery skills!"
Aldar left with a wave, walking out the door to his home nearby.
"If you willfollow me," the servant instructed.
He led Legolas up the staircase and down a corridor on the right that led to the King's library and study. Legolas straightened his tunic and lifted his chin, making himself presentable and entered the room, nodding for the servant to leave.
The room was filled with walls of books. To the left was a large wooden desk with papers neatly stacked on top. There was an elegant balcony where his father stood.
"Ah, Legolas," he welcomed in his deep voice. He was a tall elf with golden hair and shining gray eyes. He wore a cream colored robe ornamented with gold trim and lovely ivory buttons.
"Atar," he replied, sarcastically bowing as low as possible. Thranduil laughed.
"You wished to speak to me?" Legolas asked, serious now. Thranduil's cheerful face began to grow solemn.
"Yes," he murmured, clearing his throat. He slowly made his way to the edge of the balcony, looking out thoughtfully. Finally he spoke.
"Lord Elrond has summoned a council. He has sent word to me asking I attend the meeting in Imladirus- of its subject, I know not. However, I do know it is urgent."
He stopped, still thinking.
"A shadow lies over Mirkwood, Legolas," he began, pain flooding his eyes. Legolas looked at his father confused. He hadn't seen his father so troubled for quite some time.
"As urgent as this meeting is, we would certainly be overtaken by the evil lurking in Dol Guldur if I left. Lord Elrond has expressed the same concerns."
He turned to Legolas.
"Someone must go in my stead,"
"Atar," "Father,"