Wild Justice

Chapter 15: The Breaking of the Storm

(Part 1)

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A brisk wind blew through the trees of Imladris, bringing with it the confirmation that winter was indeed on its way and that the sporadic intervals of heat were reaching a chilly end. The many trees surrounding Imladris, all but the evergreens that is, had gradually ceased hold of their multi-coloured awnings of leaves and stood naked and unprotected against cold winds, reaching thin limbs up towards the clear blue sky as if in prayer for a brief winter and early spring.

Two dark haired elves stood side by side on a balcony looking out over the forests as well as the near-distant training yards, their heads bowed together as they verbalised the final arrangements of their plan to find out if their friend's condition was truly as Elrohir claimed.

"This day we shall hopefully find out if all is true, dear brother. Let us only hope that he agrees to it, hmm?"

"Oh he will. Pride will be his downfall in this."

They turned simultaneously and proceeded on their way to find the Prince of Mirkwood. One pair of eyes withdrawn with worry, the other alight with eagerness, both filled with determination.

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"Do you know that you are one very difficult Elf to find, Legolas?"

The Mirkwood Elf gave a small smile to the speaker. "Of course, Elrohir." The prince of Mirkwood looked up from his current text to gaze upon his friends. "Please," he said holding a hand out to the seats about one of the large mahogany tables that littered the immense library. "Sit."

The dark haired elves did so, one on either side of the blond prince, before turning concurrently towards the Mirkwood Elf. Legolas gave a small smile, at the mirrored movements of the twins; it could be rather unnerving at times.

"How have you been, fair prince?" began Elladan in a voice more than a little dramatic. The rising of a delicate eyebrow was his answer, causing the Elf to smirk a little.

"I have been fine, my friend. I trust the both of you have too been well since last we met?"

Elladan replied for them both whilst his brother watched the prince critically. He noted the paler-than-usual complexion and the dull but still-there shadows beneath his eyes. He also noted that Legolas still wore his cloak even though he was most definitely indoors.

A light laugh rang from Legolas, breaking Elrohir from his contemplations. He watched as the young Elf's face changed into a grin, lighting his appearance like a beam of winter sunlight, his eyes sparkling in mirth at whatever it was that Elladan had said, Elrohir only hoped it wasn't at his expense.

Legolas and Elladan lapsed into a pleasant silence for a moment before Elladan looked up suddenly, his eyes glowing with mischievousness. Elrohir knew what was coming and unconsciously held his breath, knowing that it was now or never to find out. Well, actually, if this failed, they would just have to move on to their second plan, but that did not hold much appeal to him. Elladan could be distinctly malicious when it came to scheming things, and Elrohir did not believe that kidnapping the crown Prince of Mirkwood from his bed in the depths of night and whisking him off to the healers for their expert opinion would be helpful.

Elrohir allowed an amused smirk cross his face at the thought of carrying Legolas over his shoulder. He quickly pushed the image away as Elladan was voicing the question that would determine the outcome of their plan.

"...Archery contest, and since you're the only real contest for us, we wondered if you would partake?"

Legolas looked at Elladan a moment, his face impassive as he mulled over the twin's words. He swept his eyes over Elrohir's also, trying to gauge his reaction to this as well. It was obvious that both of them were eager for him to comply, but Legolas was unsure as to whether or not this would be a wise move on his part.

He had been ill for days and today was the first day that he had been able to consume a morning meal, no thanks to Abie and the healing herbs which had settled his stomach, and so he felt stronger and more alive than he had say yesterday morning.

Besides, his back always began to ache if he sat down for too long and surely some exercise would do his some good? But archery? That took strength in his arms and a more or less a proper posture and stance. There was also the fact that his feet became sore after standing for too long also.

Legolas resisted the urge to pout at the predicament. He had been avoiding the twins since the incident with Elrohir in the forest, but that particular twin seemed to have forgotten about it, and he really did want to practice his archery... it had been a while since he had simply let loose an arrow in simple exercise or competition.

"I am unsure." He finally said, watching as Elrohir's face fell a little and Elladan smirked. "Perhaps another time?" he suggested, his eyes lingering a little on Elrohir who shrugged a little in the manner of one trying not to look too upset. Legolas felt a slight wave of guilt. He had always felt thus when the dark haired Elf became disappointed.

He opened his mouth to speak to Elrohir, but before his words could even form, Elladan spoke to his twin, not even trying to hide the glee from his voice.

"I knew he wouldn't be up to it, Elrohir. It's obvious that he knows he'll be no match for us now. When he was younger I suppose he had some skill, but clearly not anymore. Must be afraid we'll beat him."

Legolas turned to look at Elladan. "Afraid?" He questioned a little haughtily, matching the Elf's tone. "Hardly."

"Then come and prove it?" He jabbed.

Legolas mastered his emotions before his friends. Though it was becoming exceedingly hard not to glare at Elladan and wipe that smug little smirk off his lips.

"Fine." He said eventually. After all, he was feeling slightly better. Standing to put away the text he was reading his usually keen eyes failed to note the discreet wink Elladan gave to his twin and the slight twitching of lips trying not to smile in response from Elrohir.

Really, the twins knew the Elven prince enough to know that if Elrohir's sulking would not work, then Elladan's taunting would. It was all a matter of which played with the young Elf's heart the most, or more importantly, his pride.

"I'll meet you two outside in the training yard?" Legolas turned towards the lord of Imladris with his question.

They nodded in unison before Elladan turned and walked off. Elrohir offered Legolas a smile. "Don't be upset with him, mellon nin, you how he can be."

Legolas gave a small smile in return. "So alike yet so different." He muttered. Elrohir grasped his shoulder in friendship, lingering longer than that of a mere acquaintance.

"I will wait for you outside." He gave another smile before leaving the library.

The blond haired Elf bit his lip a little. Before heading off to his room to fetch his bow and arrows.

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To Be Continued...?

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Peace,

CS WhiteWolf

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