Review responses ; Once again MANY THANKS ! for the positive reviews , they are wonderful confidence boosters and have certainly encouraged me to try and post on a regular basis.
P.S ; Sorry, still can't get the 'squiggly bits' ( hee hee) over the various letters in the snippets of elvish !
Chapter Seven; The Challange
The Prince of Mirkwood sat with his head tilted to the heavens while he gazed at the pin pricks of light scattered across the dark velvet night sky.
He would find no rest this night even though he had purged some of the grief from his system, his troubled mind would not be still. Nor could he find peace in simple reverie so he settled for staring at the familiar stars and watched while their burning brilliance gradually diminished and faded like spent candles with the approach of dawn.
The steadily brightening horizon heralded the waking of Anor and with her appearance the sky became a swirling palette of pinks, oranges and violets.
It was a sight the Prince would never tire of no matter how many times he witnessed it, for each sun rise was unique in it's own subtle way, just as each day was different.
And this day was more unusual than most.
This day found him aware of his friends demise.
This day found him struggling to deal with his grief.
This day would see him home.
This day he would see his father again.
It was time to leave.
Without further thought Legolas leapt gracefully to the ground, abandoning the security of the ancient oak. Placing a smooth palm on the coarse bark, he whispered thanks to the tree for supplying him with a safe haven for the night.
"All right, you can come out now" he called out to the seemingly empty trees. His request was met with silence.
"I know you are there my friend, hiding, standing guard. I may yet be young but I am not stupid Sindadur, you agreed to my request for privacy last night without argument," he explained with a slight teasing tone, "you are becoming frighteningly predictable old man."
"Perhaps this 'old man' should teach you how to show more respect for your elders," Sindadur warned lightly as he revealed his position in the waking woods, "perhaps this 'old man' should use his staff to knock you down a notch or two with some moves that you would no doubt find frighteningly 'unpredictable'!"
Legolas smiled as his former tutor revealed himself, then laughed softly at the warrior's scolding tone.
"Why Sindadur, that sounds like a challenge my friend but I would like to point out that you are regretfully without your staff" the Prince stated with mock disappointment as he made his way over to his friend's side.
"Well my Prince that can easily be remedied, if on the morrow your courage has not fled you, I shall meet you at the training grounds and we shall see this challenge to it's end, an end which I fear shall be all too 'predictable'."
It was obvious to Legolas that Sindadur was claiming victory before the bout had even commenced but if he was to be completely honest with himself he could not fault the older warrior for his confidence, after all Legolas had yet to beat his former tutor !
He smiled again contently, the playful banter was helping to lift some of the shadow from his heart.
Without out warning he gripped the Captain in a firm embrace, an embrace which was equally and eagerly returned.
"Hannon-le mellon-nin" Legolas whispered softly. (Thank you my friend)
Sindaur understood completely what he was been thanked for, to him it was not a burden to watch over his Prince while he grieved nor did he mind offering some form of distraction to lighten the young elf's mood, he would gladly do more if he could.
"Amin sinta thaliolle Ernil-nin, pan natha mae, usi….nan'thentenn…..le u-erui" Sindadur offered back in comfort. (I know your strength my Prince, all will be well, not yet….but soon….you are not alone.)
Legolas nodded silently in understanding then broke the soothing hold.
"I take it you are ready to return to the camp" the Captain deduced.
"Yes, I am ready, I am eager to see my home…..to see my father" Legolas declared with new found strength.
With that the two warriors began to head back to the rest of the patrol as the new dawn broke and the song of the waking birds filled the still moist air.
"How does he fare Sindadur ?" the Prince probed his friend anxiously for information as they walked amongst the trees.
"He is well your Highness but it was most difficult to begin with. I do not think that it was because the King totally disagreed with your decision to go with the ring-bearer, he was merely deeply concerned over your safety," the warrior's voice became a soft whisper as he continued, "He could not endure your loss also Legolas……. he may be King but he is also a father."
The Prince grimaced at this revelation, he expected the news would hit his father hard but he could not help but feel a little guilty now over the unnecessary worry he had brought to his father…..
His dour thoughts were distracted once more by his companions observation.
"Something smells nice, I think we might actually be having a decent meal this morning, let us hope it is to the taste of your friend" Sindadur stated and the false concern was not lost on the younger elf.
"Do not judge him too harshly my friend, you have yet to get to know him" he encouraged, " do not come to the same hasty and erroneous conclusions that I was guilty of."
The warrior allowed a small snort of derision to escape from behind his mask of calm.
"First impressions are usually the right ones, are they not ?" he challenged.
The Prince chuckled lightly.
"You will learn my friend that Gimli is the exception to the rule in many instances."
"We shall see, I shall give this stunted creature the benefit of the doubt……. but not even you shall be able to hold me back should he speak so poorly of the Royal House again" the Captain advised seriously.
He took his duties to heart and had pledged his life to protect the Royal family, to Sindadur defending their honour was no less important. And he would not have a dwarf speak ill of any member of the household.
"Gimli's comment was not meant to hurt or to truly offend, it is his way, in fact it has become 'our' way….I have grown accustomed to his insults and he to mine, they make up a large portion of our conversations !" the Prince admitted, laughing lightly.
The old warrior frowned at this bizarre admission, this strange friendship that his Prince had engaged in was going to be very interesting to observe.
All to soon their time alone was over for in the near distance they could make out the movements of the other wood elves as they organised the morning meal and carried out their various duties.
Continuing to walk side by side with the Captain , Legolas took a couple of deep calming breaths then headed towards the activity.