Disclaimer: I still don't own any of the wonderful Tolkein characters. I am not associated with LotR, etc.
Chapter: 5
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Legolas removed his cropped, green smock and turned it inside out. He had beaten his last challenger with only one tar mark across his own chest. As he pulled it back over his head, Gimli approached him at the arena's side rails. "Legolas, my lad, you are doing the Fellowship proud. There are only four left in the ring and soon it will only be two!"
Legolas smiled and patted Gimli on the shoulder. "I am ready for rest, my friend. These are very good men and fighters." Legolas watched the remaining duelers and his eyes stopped at Melayren. She was quick and precise with each of her movements and attacks.
Gimli also watched the amazingly strong elf maiden with admiration. "She has proved to be a very good warrior. I am highly impressed. You have much in common, I think."
Legolas looked into Gimli's eyes and frowned. Gimli's eyebrows arched and he tried to hide a look that caused Legolas to become suspicious. Before he could inquire more from Gimli, a loud scuffle came from the center of the arena.
It looked to Legolas that Melayren had gotten into a shoving match with a soldier from Gondor. Legolas watched with interest as Melayren grabbed her opponent's wrist and gave him a very hard thrust with her hip. Legolas' elfin eyes caught each move as if in slow motion. She spun in a half circle and brought her sword around broadside on his back.
Legolas struggled with the emotion that he would have to compete with Melayren. She had shown that she was definitely qualified to stand within the arena. He watched her as she greedily drank from a water flask and wiped her face with a towel. He looked around the immediate areas and spotted Aragorn and Arwen seated on a high bench. They looked as if they were wholly enjoying the bouts.
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Aragorn caught Legolas' eyes and smiled with a full nod of his head. He then looked toward his new cousin, from his wife's side, and the smile grew more prominent. Arwen leaned close to his ear and said, "No matter the out come here, they will both be winners."
Aragorn slowly turned to face her with a confused look, "What are you doing, my love?"
Arwen raised both of her eyebrows in innocence and pointed, "Oh," she straightened and focused her full attention on the two elves that held her greatest affection, "they are starting."
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Being given a freshly tar dipped sword, Melayren turned to face Legolas and caught her breath. It suddenly became hard to draw air into her lungs. His eyes were staring directly into hers and she felt doubt for the first time. 'Why am I doing this?' was all that seemed to come to her mind. She knew ultimately that there was no withdrawing; that would not be fare to the others that she had defeated.
She moved forward and stopped about three yards away from Legolas. She bent slightly at the hips and bowed her head respectfully; and raised her sword in a salute. Legolas did the same. Melayren turned sideways and spread her legs, hip width apart. She placed both hands on the hilt of her sword and raised it above her head. Looking over her right shoulder, she placed the outside of the blade upon her right shoulder and waited for his first move.
Legolas saw that Melayren had tucked her dagger into her back waistband. He slowly circled her and watched for any sudden foot movement from Melayren. He gave his dagger a quick whirling cut motion executed from his left wrist. He suddenly crouched and did a forward roll. His left leg shot out and caught the back of Melayren's right calf. Her leg was swept out from under her and she fell backward.
Once her back touched the ground, she rolled to her left and sprang to her feet. The crowd's roars went up light one of Gandalf's fire rockets. Legolas remained in the crouching position and waited.
Melayren looked down at her chest and there was a large black streak that ran the length of her sternum. She stared at it for a moment before looking into Legolas' eyes. His face showed no emotion when he stood and once again began to circle Melayren. She was amazed and awestruck. She hadn't felt the sword make contact and she didn't see his lightning speed. The left side of her mouth lifted in a small grin. Her enjoyment had suddenly become heightened and she now felt worthy. He had marked her once; he would not get another chance.
The sounds of wooden swords clashing together and grunts of exertion filled the air. Legolas and Melayren were the only two in the competition arena. Legolas lunged and Parried. Melayren Riposted and dodged. On and on it went, the struggle and refusal to give in. Melayren made a lunge and dropped her left hand to the ground. She slid under Legolas' left arm as it swung around for another blow. Melayren's sword grazed his smock and the marks were then even.
Rising to her feet, she burst forward and engaged Legolas' sword and swept it in a full circle. Melayren punched Legolas in the chest with her dagger blade, making a second mark on his smock.
Legolas glanced down and then back at Melayren, "Ruthless," was all he muttered. He countered her attack by turning a quarter way to the inside to conceal his front while he exposed his back. He quickly retreated and circled to Melayren's right.
Melayren raised her blade over her right shoulder, behind her back and pointed the tip of the blade down. It blocked Legolas' cut attack. She twisted in a fast circle and brought the blade across Legolas' back. Legolas' sword swung down and out to catch Melayren's ribs.
The tournament horn blasted and that signaled the end of the bout. Melayren had three points and Legolas was given two. Both opponents faced one another and saluted. Legolas gave a small nod and left the arena.
Melayren's heart tightened as she watched Legolas' retreating back. His head was held high and he didn't look back. She fought to keep her chin from trembling and she tried to focus on the last challenger in the competition. If she won the next round, she would receive the prize for best in swordplay.
After a five-minute rest, fresh tar, and a new smock, the last opponent stood before Melayren. She began to feel anxious. Not because of the heavily breathing man before her, but because she couldn't see Legolas. She didn't want there to be hard feelings and animosity between them. For some reason, she truly cared what he thought of her and how he felt about her.
Waiting no time, Melayren somersaulted past the man and landed just out of his reach. She crossed her forearms in front and lunged. She pulled both to her arms down to her sides, leaving an "X" mark across his chest.
The man screamed in rage and made a full body attack. Melayren ducked and grabbed a hand full of dirt. She threw the dirt at the man's eyes and struck him across the face with her sword hilt. She was tiring of this game and decided that it was time for an ending. While the man was in a daze and taken by surprise, Melayren spun around him and crossed her arms, making a large "X" across his back.
The swordplay tournament was over.
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There was a break in activity so that everyone could eat and be merry before the 'Horse Riding' competition. There was music, food, and dancing throughout the square. Everyone was having a joyous time.
Melayren had been awarded a thin, solid Gold dagger that was sized to fit in the palm of her hand. She absent-mindedly rubbed the smooth metal with her thumb. Her attentions were drawn to Legolas who sat with Gimli and the hobbit, Frodo. They all seemed to be having fun and enjoying the food that was for sale.
Melayren slowly ate bread and tried to fix her attentions on her cousin and the recreations of the sword tournament. She reached for her drinking water and immediately saw that Legolas was coming to her bench. He stopped and clapped Aragorn on the shoulder and smiled at Arwen. Legolas stood beside Melayren and smiled, "It was a very interesting morning, Lady Melayren. Will you be competing in the horse races?"
Melayren cleared her throat, "No, I don't sit well enough upon a horse to try this coming competition. I do look forward to watching though. I wish you much luck on capturing the most flagged rings."
Legolas half smiled and slightly nodded his head, "Thank you." His attention was called away by two of his elf friends and Melayren caught the eyes of Arwen studying her intently.
The games horn began to blow and everyone proceeded in the direction of the stable yard. It had been transformed into a maze of jumping hurdles and posts with hanging rings, all of different colors. The object was for each rider to complete the maze with the least amount of mistakes and collecting every ring of his/her assigned color.
Melayren sat with Aragorn, Arwen, and Gandalf. Frodo and Sam were close by laughing and enjoying the fun activities that had been set up for any who would not take part in the competitions.
All the competitors were given a colored scarf and mounted their horses. Legolas led his favorite horse, Arod, up to the other waiting riders. Legolas braided a red scarf to Arod's light, silky mane. Legolas preferred to ride with no saddle or reins, for he had a wondrous way with animals and needed no restraints for control. Arod nudged Legolas playfully with his muzzle and Legolas leaped with grace and speed onto the loving animal's back.
Each rider held a long pointed pole. They were to collect their proper rings by running the point through the hoops. There was a mixture of men and women participating in this game. The horn sounded once more and two riders started through the maze. It continued in this fashion until all the riders had collected each ring and three winners were presented with a golden palm sized ring. Legolas was the first place winner.
The remaining event for the afternoon was a dagger toss, for pure enjoyment. Gimli and Legolas matched each throw and boasted loudly when they were able to throw six at one time. Each person won a colorful ribbon and the good spirit flowed from one person to the next. It had been decided that the Bow tournament would be postponed for the following day. The weary townspeople and contestants looked forward to a night of great feasting and companionship around flowing wine and Mead.
The sun began to dip on the horizon and the air became cooler. The streets were cleaned of food, drink, and merchant stands. The residents retired to their chambers to rest and freshen themselves for the evening meal.