Chapter 8

Training

I woke up early the next morning feeling fully rested. There were fresh cloths for me, similar to the ones the scouts had. I had no idea how to put them on though. I got on the pants and boots but the shirt was a different story. Luckily, Estelwen came in and helped me with it.

"Thanks."

"My lady Galadriel has invited you for breakfast. After which I am to take you to your trainer."

I smiled and nodded. I brought my knives with me and sat down at the table.

"I hope you slept well."

"Better than I have in a long time, thank you."

"Now, I have asked that you be taken to the training grounds where you will be given the trainer's full attention."

"Thank you, majesty."

She smiled and I finished my breakfast. I walked with Estelwen to the training grounds.

"Have you ever been in a fight?" she asked.

I nodded.

"Yes….I think they called it the Battle of the Five Armies."

She stopped and her eyes went wide.

"You fought in that war?"

I sighed and nodded.

"It's not really something to be so proud of. A lot of people died…and someone I knew as well. I did everything I could to save him….in the end it wasn't enough."

She touched my arm.

"I am so sorry. I am certain you did all you could."

I smiled sadly.

"Thank you. Well, no more sad stories for now. I need to be focused, what do you say?"

She smiled and nodded. When we got there, I recognized the trainer immediately.

I'm in deep shit.

"Well, now that you have wasted some time, perhaps we can begin?"

I narrowed my eyes and Estelwen quickly left. Haldir looked highly annoyed.

"I'm sorry, did I do something to deserve such rudeness?" I snapped.

He ignored me and tossed me a practice sword.

"Put those knives down. Until you learn how to use them they shall remain with me."

I held my knives tightly.

"Touch these and I'll take your hand! They were a gift."

"From whom? A lover? Or did you steal them?"

I walked forward angrily and swung at him.

"How dare you! I'm no thief! And whether he was my lover or not is none of your business."

I swung again and kept going. I threw some karate moves in there to throw him off. He eventually pushed me to the ground and put his sword to my chest. I was breathing hard and glaring at him.

"I am your trainer and you will show me respect." He said.

"I only show respect to those who deserve it! I didn't do anything to you, yet you're still treating me like crap." I snapped.

I pushed his sword away and stood up.

"I don't really care how you treat me, I'm used to it. I came to you because I was told you're the best trainer. I came with respect for you. Now I see you don't deserve it. I'll find someone else to help me, because you're not worthy." I said.

I picked up my knives and walked away. I went to the other scouts and asked who besides Haldir would train me.

"We believed Haldir would be the best fit for you my lady. However, there are others who can train you. Would you prefer a male of female trainer?"

"It doesn't matter to me. I just want to learn."

She nodded and led me away.

"This is Gloradir. One of our finest warriors. I believe he can help you."

Gloradir smiled and bowed.

"Lady Jupiter, it is an honor."

"Please, call me Jupe or Jupiter. Can you train me sir?" I asked.

"I would be glad to help you."

I smiled and he led me away.

"Have you any fighting experience?"

"Um, I learned karate when I was still in Chicago."

"Would you mind demonstrating?"

I smiled and walked over to a practice dummy. I performed several kicks and punches and I was confident so I did a combo.

"Very impressive Jupe. Now, take your knives and show me how you use them."

I nodded. I couldn't help but smile when I picked them up. They reminded me of Legolas, and how I'd had a good friend for a little while.

"If you do not mind my asking, where did you come by those?"

I turned and looked at him.

"They were a gift."

"A friend? Family member?"

"Well….he was a friend. His father didn't approve of me."

"Please forgive me. I did not mean to make you sad."

I smiled and shook my head.

"It's alright. I'm just glad I met him at all."

He nodded and went at the practice dummy again.

"You need some work but I am impressed. We will start with the basics."

I nodded, suddenly looking forward to my stay in Lothlorien.

Legolas' POV

I had searched all through Mirkwood and the surrounding lands. She had to have gone farther. I got back on my horse and took a deep breath.

"Where would you go? You do not know this land." I said.

I decided first to go west and then follow them south. Perhaps she decided to try for warmer weather. I decided to head south, perhaps she went to Gondor.

Jupiter's POV

Gloradir and Estelwen became true friends to me. Gloradir was patient in training me and I improved daily. After almost a year of being there I felt strange.

"Jupe? Are you well?" Estelwen asked.

"I'm fine I just…I had a strange feeling. It's nothing let's go." I said.

She nodded and we left. Estelwen had taken to watching me train. I was more a swordsman than an archer, but Gloradir trained me in both in case I ever needed to use a bow. At the end of the day he smiled.

"There is nothing more I can teach you, mellon nin."

"What?"

"You have completed your training. Although there is one final test."

I raised my brows.

"Bring it on." I said.

He smiled and looked over towards the trees. I looked over and saw Haldir come out. I groaned.

"Jupe, you have to face him. Show him he was wrong." Gloradir whispered.

I took a deep breath and nodded. Haldir approached and I nodded. He gave me a curt nod and I took out my knives. I took a deep breath and waited for him to come to me. He narrowed his eyes and walked forward. I jumped up and back flipped through the air. He brought his sword down and I blocked him. I kicked his legs from under him and rolled away. He jumped up and ran forward. I fought him close hand and threw him back with all the strength I had. I ran at him this time and kicked the sword from his hands. I didn't want to hurt him too badly, just knock him around a bit.

Legolas' POV

I walked into Caras Galadhon and an old friend greeted me.

"Legolas, mellon nin."

"Mae govannen Meldiron. ~I am here looking for someone. A woman, a beautiful one with silver eyes and ebony hair.~"

"~Ah, you speak of Jupiter. She is well known here. Come with me and I will take you to her.~"

My heart was jumping for joy. I had finally found her. Meldiron took me to the training area and there she was. She fighting Haldir with the knives I had given her. I smiled softly and watched. She bent back as he swung at her.

"~She is a beautiful one. So kind as well.~" Meldiron said.

"~Yes she is…she is…~"

"~I may be mistaken but, you seem to have feelings for Jupiter.~"

I smirked.

"~Perhaps I do.~"

"~She is a rare one. She is a daughter of Elros.~"

My eyes went wide and I looked at him.

"~What did you say?~"

"~Jupiter. She is a daughter of Elros. Did you now know?~" he asked.

I looked at Jupiter.

"~No. No I did not.~" I said quietly.

Why did she not tell me? It made no sense, I had given her no reason not to trust me. Perhaps she herself did not know. She tackled Haldir to the ground and pinned him. Her knife was to his throat and she was smiling.