Author's Note: Here is my fourth chapter! Wow! I cannot believe that I have gotten so many great reviews! I never expected this story to be this successful. I would like to say a special thanks to my beta Dragonfly32 for her wonderful help with this chapter! Thanks again everyone! I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Tolkien's work.

Chapter 4 Sunrise

            The sun stretched its way into the dark blue sky and birds began their twittering, shaking off sleep before the day's first flight. I groaned and rolled over, wishing that I myself could return to the world of dreams and forget that I had ever even entertained the idea of joining the guard. It was so easy to abandon this folly that I had entered into, especially now during the early dawn, when a chill presided over the air and sleep beckoned forcefully. I buried my head in the soft down of my pillow, ignoring my tangled mess of hair. Never before had I risen so early and the thought of doing this every day discouraged me greatly. The Captain would understand, I was sure of it. Yet then as I pictured his handsome face, my heart's steady rhythm was lost to a more rapid pace. I felt a great joy as I realized that I could be in his presence shortly.

With that in mind I suddenly bounded out of bed, my convictions gaining strength once more. I rushed over to my mirror, filling a bowl with cold water from a glass pitcher. Then, I splashed the freezing, yet refreshing liquid upon my face, feeling myself wake fully. Looking up at my reflection I could not help but laugh as I observed my tangled hair and dripping wet face. I looked like a human! I fetched a small silver comb and spent the next few minutes ripping through my tresses, wincing in pain as I ran through the knots. After fastening the locks back into a long braid I changed into a pair of clean breeches and a loose shirt. Once I was fully trained and sent to the borders I would be issued a uniform of some sort to wear but as of now I wore my normal attire.

The sun was almost completely risen as I headed out the door, fighting my overwhelming anxieties and fears. It would be best if I arrived early, better than taking the risk of being late that is. Many of the city's inhabitants were still asleep, wrapped in the warmth of their blankets, unaware of the activities outside of their homes. I was tired, of course, but eager to meet with the March Warden. Perhaps I would have a natural talent with weaponry, like I did with music. Somehow I doubted that, judging from my past experience with other tasks. I nearly got lost on the way to the training grounds, but was correctly directed when I came upon his flet recalling his words on its location just a few minutes away. By the time I had reached it the sun was bathing Caras Galadhon in a warm golden light, it would be a hot day. I sat myself upon a fallen log still damp with dew to await his arrival. The commander came shortly after, smiling brightly and carrying with him an array of weapons. I immediately leapt up to assist him, for his arms were near overflowing with them.

            "Thank you," he panted as he managed to shift enough to hand me a bow and quiver. I nodded, noting that he looked even more handsome then yesterday. His hair was pulled back from his face and cascaded down his shoulders like a fair waterfall. His blue eyes flickered softly in the morning's dim light, casting light of their own upon my soul. I shivered taking in his beauty now, but at the same time was overcome with a wave of grief. No ellon as wonderful as him would ever love a maiden so plain as me. I pushed the thought away, following him over to the fallen log where he was depositing the weapons. "You are early," Haldir said, smiling down at me. "I rarely see that among the other guard members unfortunately, so punctuality is always greatly appreciated." I glowed at his praise, finding no suitable words to express my joy. "Now have you handled any weapons before or had any training in the area of defense?" the Captain asked squinting as the sun's rays poured onto the flied.

            "No sir," I mumbled, ashamed of a sudden.

            "That is alright," his tone was comforting. "I am considered one of the best warriors in the land and also one of the most conceited," Haldir added his eyes twinkling with mirth. I giggled, an uneasy sound that came from the deeps of my nervousness. "See there," he pointed to a far off point of the field were a row of brightly painted targets stood. "I would first wish to instruct you in the ways of archery. It will be one of the most important lessons you shall learn for many of our enemies can be easily killed from the shelter of the trees if you are well skilled." He led me closer to the targets across the sparkling grass, the dewdrops both reflecting and holding the sun's light. He then handed me a small bow one that I had seen elflings use when first learning. I blushed but reminded myself that this was the only way I would learn. The Captain himself had a large longbow carved with many elven runes and symbols. I had heard an elf visiting from Mirkwood say once that Lothlorien bows were considered the most beautiful in all of Middle Earth. Now as I observed the weapon I knew that he spoke the truth. Haldir demonstrated the proper grip that was used to fire the weapon and showed me how to nock the arrows. This I mastered quickly, feeling a small sense of pride that I had accomplished something. "Now try and release the arrow," he said. "The draw on your weapon is not as great as mine and should be easy for you. Aim for the middle of the target and keep your arm straight."

            "Yes sir," my throat was dry and my hands shook. I regained my bearing somewhat and nocked an arrow. Then after pulling back upon the string, I released it and watched it fly. The arrow landed at least ten feet shy of its destined target, falling lamely upon the grass. I lowered my head and squeezed my eyes shut, feeling the threat of tears. Embarrassment washed over me as I stood in his presence. My Naneth had been right. Perhaps I was no good at anything. I  let forth a shuddering sigh, my cheeks burning. Suddenly I felt his large hand upon my shoulder, a gentle, reassuring weight.

            "Do not worry," he whispered. "It takes many elves a long time to master such. You are doing fine."

Naneth: Mother

Ellon: Male elf