Chapter 6
I ate absentmindedly while taking in the scene before us. The hall was beautifully decorated; candles and oil lamps gave the room a warm glow. A long vibrant red carpet stretched the length of the room. The ceilings were tall, and the windows were grand. It's a shame I was too scared to take it in the first time I was here.
The live band sits to the side of the room; 2 guitarists, a male lead singer, and a man and a woman for backup. They play an upbeat tune that gave the room an exhilarating ambiance. I can't wait to dance to it later. At least I hope there's dancing later, there has to be. A table breaking out in laughter draws my focus back. There is not a sad eye in the room, everyone smiles and talks animatedly around their round tables.
Beside me I can hear Arwen and Aragorn talk quietly. Occasionally Legolas joins in on the conversations and I briefly wonder what things would be like if I hadn't met him. Or Arwen and Aragorn. Or any of the others. I give my head a little shake and try to move away from spiralling downward; finally the food holds my attention.
The meat looks like some kind of bird, turkey or chicken, and is done amazingly; moist and tender and flavoured immaculately. There's a mix of veggies as well, carrots, potatoes, and zucchini? All are done magnificently, soft but not overcooked. There are also different squashes we can help ourselves to and rolls with the soft fluffy kind of butter you can get at restaurants back home.
I set down my utensils after my last bite and take a sip of my wine. One glass. I generally avoid drinking back home but it just seems right here. I don't hate the wine as much as I thought I might, it's sweeter than back home.
Someone comes and starts to clear our table. That seems to be the que the guests need, and they stand and move aside with their drinks as tables are cleared then moved to the edges of the hall. Some people place their drinks or empty cups down on the tables while others keep theirs with them as they move back to the centre and start to dance.
A quick guitar progression starts, and I smile and laugh as the dancing picks up. It reminds me of the dancing I've seen in clubs back home. There's no clear structure to it and everyone is content dancing in their own little happy bubbles. A woman breaks away from her group and pulls a man next to her into a dance. The crowd cheers and suddenly everyone is switching partners and dancing together.
A woman shyly walks over to where the four of us are standing. It looks like she wants to invite Arwen to join the dancing, but she glances at her stomach hesitantly. Instead, she takes me by surprise and grabs my hand. She gently pulls me toward the crowd. I look over my shoulder to Arwen who just smiles at me. I turn back to the crowd and join in. The woman and I move together to the beat. I bounce and spin happily, it's the stress relief I didn't know I needed.
I have a moment to breathe, so I take a drink as the song changes. Another upbeat song with a tambourine starts up and a man steps in front of me. I set my drink down and giggle as he sweeps me up in a hold. My right and his left hands are clasped and he holds my waist while I grip his shoulder. He observes me momentarily before moving us through the room in a quick and messy, or maybe drunk, version of a foxtrot.
The dancing goes on for hours, but time moves so quickly. It feels as thought I've only been dancing for half an hour or so when I spin my way out of the crowd. I pick up my drink before making my way back over to my friends, slightly out of breath but wearing a big smile.
"You look to be enjoying yourself." Legolas says replacing my drink with a fuller one. I look at it unsure.
"I am." I look over my shoulder to the crowd then back again. "It's a lot of fun here." Something I can't discern crosses Legolas' face before it's gone again. "You have a wonderful group of people here." I turn and say to Aragorn. He looks to Arwen, then to Legolas, and then back to me.
"That I do." He smiles. The song ends and a new one begins. It's slower this time, calm guitar chords sound. Legolas catches my attention by extending his hand.
"May I have this dance?" I watch him, surprised for a moment. I hadn't noticed him dance yet tonight. His blue eyes patiently hold mine, waiting for an answer.
True that I saw her hair like the branch of a tree
The singers voice pulls me out of Legolas' trance, and I nod quickly, and take his hand. He leads us to a space with a little more room then turns us to face each other. He raises our clasped hands and then takes hold of my waist. I move to gently hold his upper arm. He leads us in a slow waltz. The flexing of his muscles reminds me of how strong this elf is under his beautiful exterior.
But that's not tonight, when I'm set alight
The tempo picks up and he turns us in time with the music. The lead singers powerful voice drowns out the noise of the other guests, and the backup singers Oh's almost echo through the hall, casting the room in a dreamy feeling.
The music slows and so do we. We keep each others gaze, and it feels as though it's only the two of us in the whole world. I don't see anything but him, everything else fades away. Something invisible tugs me toward him. It's calm and comforting, so unlike the tug from Sauron had become.
Laying waste to my loving long ago
Legolas drops our hands and grabs my waist with both of his. I quickly find purchase on his shoulders as he effortlessly lifts me above his head and turns slowly. It's like a scene from a movie. Safe and secure, I throw my head back, eyes closed, and let out an elated giggle. I look back down to him, and a slight smile creases the corner of his eyes.
He slowly lowers me, and I slide down his body until my feet gently touch the floor once more. His blue eyes hold mine and we're both still, lost in the moment. He comes too first and takes my hand again, continuing our waltz.
All the wood that I'd loved is long ago
He lets go of my waist to spin me under our joined hands. Arwen's dress flutters out around me billowing beautifully through the air. It makes me feel elegant and I spin gracefully over and over and over again. I close my eyes and smile, trusting Legolas to keep me upright and stable. It feels like I'm on top of the world, a high I never want to come down from.
Hope that you're good to me
He slows me and pulls me in. We don't move much, just sway lightly side to side as the last few notes fade out. Slow deep pants escape me as I try to fill my lungs with oxygen. My heart pounds as waves and waves and waves of euphoria wash over me. He looks down to my chest and places a hand over my heart. A furrow creases his brow, but I can't tear my eyes away from his face to look down.
Cheering from the crowd seeps in and our little bubble is popped. I watch as Legolas looks behind himself to the crowd then catches Aragorn's eye. He drops his hand from me and steps back.
"It is late, we should go rest." He turns and heads for Arwen and Aragorn. I feel my face flush as I watch him walk away. Embarrassment then confusion replace my previous elation. What just happened. I sigh and follow him.
Even though I'm exhausted and the room I've provided is spectacular, I have a hard time sleeping. After a few hours of useless trying, I get up and wander. I end up in the grand hall again and help with the clean up even though I'm told multiple times it's not necessary.
Quickly things are tidy and once again I'm left wandering. There aren't many people out and about this morning, probably all home recovering like I should be. Instead, I walk around the city lost in my own little world. I have a feeling someone is following me but they never approach me so it easily slips my preoccupied mind.
I place my hands on a stone wall that looks out over a body of water. I sigh, exhaustion and dejection clinging to me. Elrond's question of where I'll settle when our journey is over nags at me. Could I be happy here? It's beautiful, and the people seem kind. And I'd have Arwen and Aragorn. Though it sounds like he'll have to go back and forth to Gondor from what he was telling me earlier. But surely I'd make new friends.
I didn't realize how late it was getting. I'd wasted the whole day staring at nothing in particular. The sun heading toward the horizon is my que to find my way back before it gets too dark. I think I make a wrong turn or two, but familiar statues or stores point me back in the right direction.
By the time I get back, an evening meal is prepared, and my friends are waiting for me. We take our plates and eat on a balcony outside. Our backdrop is many beautiful colours that fill the sky as the sun sets.
"You know, I've been practicing the stances you taught me. And sparring with Legolas. I think I'm starting to get pretty good." I say to Aragorn.
"We should put that to the test." He says, challenge in his eyes.
"You wish to place her in danger again?" Legolas sounds alarmed, his uncharacteristic outburst catches us off guard.
"Of course not, only to spar my friend." Aragorn tries to assure him.
"I see." Legolas says stoically. "My apologies."
"Ú-moe edaved, mellon nín." Legolas relaxes back into his seat. Aragorn studies him before turning back to me. "We can spar come morning in the training grounds if you wish." He offers somewhat hesitantly. My eyes flicker to Legolas who is looking down. Is he ashamed?
"I think it'd fun." I say trying to emphasize I'd be in no real danger.
"In the morning it is then. I'll have someone collect you when the time comes." With that we all stand and make our way back to our rooms. Sleep finds me easier and claims me quickly tonight.
Light streaming through my window wakes me. I decide to dress in a pair of leggings and loose stretchy tunic from Rivendell that will let me move freely. I'm excited to show Aragorn my improvements since I think the last time we sparred, I was useless. A knock on my door sounds through my room.
"Coming!" I call. I'm surprised to find Legolas standing on the other side. I'd expected a guard or perhaps a courtier.
"I wish to spectate your match. Perhaps we can practice Sindarin afterward if you are agreeable." He offers as a way of explanation.
"I'd like that." I smile. "Do you know the way?"
"Aye." I close the door behind me and follow Legolas once again.
We walk through a room, the walls lined with weapons of all kinds, and outside to an open space. Half is grass and half is cobblestone. The grass is still damp from the dew so we decide to stay on the cobblestone for now so I don't slip.
Aragorn and I move to the center of the space while Arwen and Legolas move to stand against the wall. He has me warm up by going through my stances a few times without a weapon. Once he's satisfied he motions for a guard to bring a sword but Legolas steps forward quicker and offers me the elven sword I've been training with.
"Hannon le." I say before he steps back to the wall.
"Whenever you are ready." Aragorn says unsheathing his sword. I give him a challenging smile then rush forward and raise my sword. He steps back and raises his in time to block me. I pull back and swing at his right side in a big swooping motion. The swords are loud in the morning air as he blocks me again.
We go on like this for a while, until I get the feeling he is going on me easy. I swing down on an angle left, right, and then left again. He blocks each attack but never attacks me back. I furrow my brow. I step back trying to think of a way to test my hypothesis. He watches me while I think.
I lift my sword before approaching him this time and when he doesn't take the opening to strike at me my suspicions are confirmed. I change my attack and swing at shoulder height. My blade is horizontal at the height of his throat. His sword is vertical dividing our faces in half.
"Why are you going easy on me?" He goes to speak but I continue. "How are you supposed to see my improvements if you don't give me something to prove them against?"
"Very well." He smirks, amused. We move apart and reset.
He gives me no warning before charging forward. He strikes as if to impale me, but I knock his blade to the side. He brings it up quickly and slashes down. I have just barley enough time to bring my blade up to block him. He strikes in quick succession forcing me to stay on the defensive.
I catch a break when he adjusts his grip. Quickly I copy his first move and stab toward him. He backs out of the way, but I rush him and lift my sword. I manage to keep the upper hand for all of 3 moves before he stabs toward me again. I've gotten too close and panic. I try to move back but I trip and hit the ground, hard. A grunt escapes me as the impact of my body on the stone steals my breath.
Aragorn lowers his sword and moves to help me stand but Legolas storming over catches my attention. He looks mad, well as mad as Legolas ever shows. Before I even think of accepting Aragorn's help Legolas is standing in front of me protectively. Upon seeing his face Aragorn straightens and raises his hand in an unthreatening manner.
"Nás harra! You've hurt her." I hear Legolas hiss angrily. I've never heard him speak to Aragorn in such a tone, he rarely even questions him. Legolas, in my experience, regards him highly.
I scramble to my feet as quickly as I can. Pain shoots through my ankle but I ignore it for now. I place myself between the two of them and try to get Legolas' attention, but his gaze is focused on Aragorn.
"He didn't hurt me, I'm okay! I just tripped." I say trying to calm him down. Pain shoots through my ankle again as I shift from one foot to the other. I hiss and immediately Legolas looks down at me in concern. "It's just my ankle." I try to brush it off. "Don't be upset with Aragorn. I told him to be tougher on me, it's my own fault." I try again.
"Come, let's get some ice and wrap your ankle." Arwen comes over and takes my arm. She tugs slightly before I reluctantly follow her. I look over my shoulder on our way to the door. Aragorn still has his hands up, palms open to Legolas but he's smirking now.
"Sevin alln cen le bíl nui." I barley hear Aragorn say before he lowers one hand and pats Legolas on the shoulder with the other. Legolas looks taken aback at whatever Aragorn said next. I don't get to see anything else though as Arwen guides me through the hallways.
"Do not fret over them. They share a strong bond. All will be well." Arwen says while the healer wraps my foot. I look up at her in question. "You face shows the worry you carry."
"I've just never seen Legolas get angry like that. Especially not at Aragorn."
"I think Legolas is coming to some realizations right now. He mistakenly took his emotions out on Aragorn. Aragorn is aware though and will be patient with him."
"Aware of what?" Arwen is being more confusing than helpful, almost like Gandalf. I mentally roll my eyes. She smiles at me.
"I'm sure Legolas will tell you in time. Until then, have trust everything will work out." She gives my hand a squeeze. I give a wry smile, not trying to be rude.
"You know… well actually I was wondering…" I sigh, frustrated. "Lord Elrond asked me where I'd be settling. How does someone start building a life here?" I look up to Arwen. "Or in any human kingdom." I add on quickly in case they'd prefer I went somewhere else.
"We'd be honoured to have you here." She gives me a warm reassuring smile. "But I think Arnor will remain a place you merely visit." My face falls in disappointment. "Do not be sad. You will not be alone." She gives me a knowing look.
"Legolas?" She gives a slight nod. An unlady like snort bursts out of me before I can stop it. Arwen looks momentarily shocked. "I don't think so."
"Why is that?"
"Before we left Rivendell, I may have believed you. Lord Elrond asked about where I'd be settling and offered me a home there." She smiles, likely at the kindness of her father. "After saying I was unsure, I was dismissed and he spoke to Legolas alone. When we left the next day he'd pulled away from me. For most our trip here really. It's only been the last few days we've kind of gotten close again." Arwen looks thoughtful.
"That is peculiar but afford him time. Perhaps he was thinking on Ada's words. Your journey's not done yet, much can still change." I try to make myself believe her words. We sit quietly while the nurse fiddles with the elastic bandage.
"Would you still like to practice?" Both our heads turn to Legolas standing in the doorway.
"Please." I say, excited to learn some more.
"How are you feeling?" He asks coming further into the room.
"A little sore, but there's no permanent damage. I just rolled it, it should heal quickly." He seems displease but doesn't say anything about it.
He and Arwen help me up before she takes her leave. Legolas moves to my injured side and acts as a crutch while we walk. We make it to an outdoor sitting area without me having to put too much pressure on it.
The grass is dry and the sun is out, so we sit comfortably against the trunk of a tree. He starts by reviewing what I've learned so far then moves onto separating those phrases into their familiar and reverential forms. Familiar language I'd use with him or Aragorn or Arwen. Reverential I'd use with someone new, like if I were ever to meet Lady Galadriel or his father.
He spends the latter half of the afternoon quizzing me. He gives me an intention and a person and I have to repeat how I think it should be said. He corrects me a few times but mostly seems pleased with my progress.
We decide to stay for another week before leaving for the hobbits, the Shire. Today it's raining so we're all sat inside practicing Sindarin together. Aragorn and Arwen are patient with me while we practice basic level conversations. They let Legolas lead anything that needs to be taught or explained and give him a break from speaking when it comes to imagining scenarios.
Eventually the rulers are needed so Legolas, and I wander until we find a library of sorts. Two walls are filled to the tops with books, one has the door we entered through, and the other has a giant window over a loveseat. I scan the shelves while Legolas moves around behind me. A book with strange symbols catches my attention and I pull it down off the shelf.
"What language is this?" I ask tracing my finger over a symbol that looks like a fancy b with a dot over it. Legolas comes up behind me and looks over my shoulder. I can feel his breath on my ear and repress a shiver.
"This is written Sindarin." I take a step forward and turn to face him. He looks from the book up to me.
"Can you read this?" I shake my head. "That's a stupid question." I curse myself quietly. "Will you read this to me?" He gently takes the book from me. He looks it over before nodding and moving to the couch. I follow and sit beside him, close enough that I can see the lettering.
"Anann io mī dôr nicened ero mī oltha edhel naonnen. Di ed ceìrīa rem presta." He starts. The lettering on the page can only hold my attention so long. His voice is so soft and soothing.
An ont nagar abgen-i edhel naonnen rhach. I edhel thagnÎ ulunn ab ulunn an i tûr nan mestad ed garnen." He continues. I sink down in the seat and lean my head back. Between the sound of the rain and his soothing voice, my eyelids grow heavy. The comforting sounds lull me to sleep.
At some point Legolas must have carried me to my room. Gravity pulled at all my limbs equally and I was horizontal surrounded by soft blankets. Pale blue moonlight peaked through the momentary crack in my eyelids before they were closed, and I was pulled under again.
Birds chirp outside my window and warmth soaks into my face upon waking this time. Outside, the sun is already high in the sky. I sit and stretch trying to wake the rest of my body up. Arwen had mentioned having someone give us a tour of the city and today looks like a perfect day for that.
I flinch as my feet hit the ground. Pain shoots through my ankle and reminds me of the twist from the other day. Gingerly I push myself up, favouring my right side. It's slow, but I manage to dress and make it into the hall.
"Excuse me," I say catching a guard's attention. "Could you show me to the healing room?" I receive a nod before he turns and heads down the hall. I scurry to try my best to keep up. Thankfully we don't have to go far and I'm ushered to a seat as soon as we arrive.
"What has happened? Are you alright?" Legolas' troubled voice pulls me out of the conversation I was having with the lady helping me. He looks between her and I, calming slightly, but still tense.
"Arwen mentioned a tour of the city." I start and he moves to stand by my side. I have to look up at him now. "I figured it was best to wrap my ankle before we go, give it a little extra support." He looks like he wants to argue the idea but doesn't push it. "I'll rest it when we get back. We can find a nice spot to sit outside and practice Sindarin some more." That seems to appease him and I get a small smile and nod in return.
I learn that Arnor is actually a kingdom and we're in the capital, more specifically known as Annuminas. It's beautiful and everything looks so new. Apparently, it's being rebuilt as closely as possible to its former glory. It looks like they're doing a wonderful job to me.
The city has a few layers and building that look like they reach to the sky. The stone is bright and free of imperfections. We're surrounded by beautiful blue water, immutable mountains, and lush green grass and trees; you'd never be able to tell anything happened here.
Legolas is speechless beside me, taking everything in like he can't believe his eyes while I overwhelm our guide with questions. He's knowledgeable and seems to reminisce with great nostalgia. I'm happy he gets some semblance of his home back and that he'll share those memories with us.
"How do you feel?" Legolas asks as we part from our guide and make our way through the front entrance.
"A little sore." I admit, which causes Legolas to furrow his brow and purse his lips.
"We should return to your room for rest." He says tightly.
"Don't be silly. We were going to practice some more." I say and look around dramatically. "Besides, it's so nice out. I'd rather find somewhere outside to sit and stretch out. Just help me get there first." I say and loop my hand under his arm, then rest my other hand in the crook of his elbow.
"Very well." He says after assessing me. I give him a smile and head toward the courtyard we sat in the other day.
"Thttttrrrrth" I can see Legolas from the corner of my eye doing his best to hold back a smile and probably a laugh. I sigh. "I can't do it. I'll never be able to roll my r's properly." I throw my hands up and let them fall unceremoniously.
We're sat side by side in the shade of a tree. The sun has started to make its way toward the horizon and a gentle breeze caresses our skin. A tendril of my red highlights glow in the sunlight and blow across my face when I turn toward Legolas. I sigh again and the corner of his mouth finally lifts.
"How do you do it?" I ask giving up. His face returns to a soft neutral look and he adjusts himself to face me more. I copy his movements and turn my body toward him, our knees touch.
"Place the tip of your tongue against the top of your mouth, just behind your teeth." To demonstrate, his lips and teeth part slightly, it captures my attention. His perfectly white teeth show slightly behind his soft pale pink lips. It's remarkable how smooth they are considering how much time we spend outside in the sun and wind and I briefly wonder how it'd feel to press mine against them.
The tip of his tongue lifts and disappears behind his top teeth. I stare mesmerized as an image enters my mind unbidden. My skin tingles as I imagine gentle kisses and nips down the side of my throat. I swallow as the tingle moves across the top of my breasts toward my cleavage. Legolas' mouth moves. My brain is stuck in the gutter, and it take me a moment to realize he's said something. Heat engulfs my face and I clear my throat. I force myself to look away and try to cover up my embarrassment.
"It's no use, I'll never be able to do it." I turn myself back away from him. I can feel him studying me before I hear a gentle sigh and rustling as he returns to his original position as well. "Maybe we should give this a break and practice archery tomorrow instead." I suggest, trying to escape the awkward silence.
"Delilah, your ankle-"
"Will be fine." I say cutting him off. "I mostly just stand in the same spot for archery anyways." I look back over to him and force my gaze to his eyes… and no lower. I try to give him my most determined look. It takes a beat, but I can tell he's given in when his eyes turn softer.
Unfortunately, it rains for the next two days so we spend the first rainy day in the library where he reads to me more of the book we found. I make sure to stay awake this time and focus on the lettering. By the time the sun sets I've paired some sounds with some recurring symbols.
Rainy day two I don't see Legolas. Arwen and I end up spending the day together. My heart hurts for her as she tells me her side of the story of when Aragorn left to help Frodo destroy the ring. Though, through it all she impresses me with her hope and conviction. It brings a whole new level to the joy I have that they ended up together happy, but also a new level of guilt that I brought danger back into their lives, even if we are done with it now.
In the afternoon we have somewhat of a spa day. A tub large enough for the two of us is carried into her room and filled with hot water. I try to push away the insecurity her perfection causes in me. Sinking under the white soapy water until it covers my shoulders helps. The lavender oil added to the water is relaxing and we spend the afternoon soaking and having girl talk.
It reminds me of having spa days with my girl friends back home and I'm incredibly grateful to have met and made a friend in Arwen. When the water finally turns cold, we get out and don long robes. She sits patiently in front of me while I try to fishtail braid her long hair. Then we switch places, and she effortlessly does the same to my hair. Our day of pampering has me feeling like Jell-o and I melt into my bed.
I turn toward the hand that gently tucks hair behind my ear and sigh happily. I hear a soft chuckle and I smile, content in my cozy little dreamy cocoon.
"Delilah, echuio." I hear Legolas coax softly. "It appears there is a break in the weather. We should take advantage and return to our travels today." I groan and pout and settle deeper into this soft, warm -not dirt- bed. He stops playing with my hair and switches to stroking my cheek lightly. Silently, he lets me enjoy the bed for a while longer. I know he's right though and I sleepily blink my eyes open.
"Morning." I mumble and look up to meet his gaze.
"Mae aur." He moves his hand from my face to my upper arm. "I'll leave you to dress. Arwen and Aragorn are waiting for us." I push up into a sitting position and watch as he leaves.
Before I can get out of bed, the lady who's been wrapping my ankle sweeps into the room. She has me practice wrapping it a few times. When she's satisfied I can do it on my own she leaves me to dress. My ankle feels better today and with it wrapped I easily make my way to the main room.
"Sorry, Evelyn was showing me how to wrap my ankle while we're on the road." I say sheepishly.
"Ú -moe edaved." Legolas assures. "We should go." He guides me with a hand on the small of my back and we all make our way out to the horses.
I hug Arwen tightly then turn to Aragorn, but he and Legolas are clasping each others' shoulders. It seems like they're silently communicating. I watch as they release each other, bring their hand to their hearts, then extend them towards one another. Legolas helps me up onto the horse and then glides up in front of me. He takes hold of the reins and I wrap my arms around his waist. He leads us out and just as we're getting out of hearing distance, I look over my shoulder.
"Na lû e-govaned vîn." I call. They both smile at my probably messy attempt at Sindarin.
We ride through most of the day, only stopping once the sun starts to set. I sigh, pulling an apple out of our bag. The last of fresh food for a while. I take a moment to appreciate it before making quick work of it. Legolas takes the apple I offer him when he returns from caring for Arod. I set out the bedrolls while he stands to the side and eats. He merely sits on his while I tuck myself in.
"Why did we only take one horse this time?" I ask.
"The other belonged to Aragorn." He says simply. Things fall quiet between us.
"Do you want me to take watch?" I offer.
"Û, le losto. Tirhebin." I study him before a yawn slips past my lips and I reluctantly agree. "Losto vae." He says as I settle down. The ground isn't as comfortable as the bed I was blessed with the last week or so but the crackling fire and diamond sky's have their own special appeal and it's not long before I'm out.
Our days become pretty routine. We ride through the mornings, stop around midday to give the horse a water break, and ride through the afternoon again. In the evenings we make the best of the food we have left or find, make small conversation around the fire, and then sleep for the night.
"We should stop early today and practice with the bow." I suggest over my shoulder on the afternoon of our 6th day of travelling. I can feel Legolas tense slightly behind me, but he brings Arod to a stop near a couple of trees. He helps me down and then ties Arod in the shade of a full tree.
I follow him over to stand about 20ft from a tree, safely turned away from our horse. He takes his bow from its sling on his back and extends it to me. I smile and accept it.
Legolas steps to the side and watches as I turn to face the tree. I lift the bow, pull the sting taut, and pretend to aim. I squint, take a breath, and release the string. It makes a deep whoop sound as it cuts through the air.
I lower the bow and turn back to Legolas. He already has an arrow extended for me to take. I notch it and take aim again. I pull back, squint, breathe, and release. It flies through he air and lodges on the right side of the tree.
I huff mildly disappointed. It's stuck in the tree, but it's not my best work. I move forward to retrieve the arrow then return to Legolas' side. I pause to see if he'll say anything but he just waits for me to try again.
He doesn't give me much instruction while I practice but he watches carefully the whole time. A majority of my shots end up flying past the tree on either side and land flat on the grass. I just stand, defeated, as my most recent shot skids to a stop behind the tree to the right.
"Okay." I sigh. "It's not happening tonight." I hand the bow back to him and go to get the arrow. I bend and grab for it, but it slips through my grasp. My arms have turned to noodles and my grip strength has disappeared. The feeling makes me uncomfortable.
It's an unwelcome reminder of how defenceless I am here. My heart starts to beat quicker, remembering the orcs crawling out of the hole in ground in Mordor. If I want any kind of peace of mind that I'll be okay if something happens, I need to be serious about learning. I'm too warm and my hands get sweaty. I snatch the arrow with new determination.
It's too dark to practice anymore tonight but I can't stop thinking about it while we sit around the fire. I visualize the foot positions Legolas taught me when we first started; shoulder width apart, perpendicular to the arrow, knees slightly bent. I'm vaguely aware I straighten my back as I move up my body in my visualization.
"Delilah?" I picture myself raising Legolas' finely detailed bow. "Guren?" My brow furrows at the unfamiliar word. Legolas is looking at me in question.
"Sorry, I was just thinking."
"Do you wish to speak about it?" He asks. I shake my head. I can tell he wants to but doesn't push.
"I'm tired. I think I'll sleep if you don't want me to take watch." I try to offer again.
"You sleep. I am sure your body will regret it in the morning if you do not." He jokes. Little does he know my arms already feel like mush, no way I'm admitting that though. I nod and settle down in my bedroll facing the fire.
The orange flames swirl and twist into black smoke. A shadow intrudes masking everything in darkness. I push my upper body up and try to look around, but I can't see very far. An all to familiar bone chilling whisper to my left seizes my attention. I can only move my head a fraction of an inch toward the sound. The rest of me is frozen in place and my heart feels like it's going to beat right out of my chest.
A shriek to my right breaks me out of my trance and I whip my hands up to cover my hears. Orcs are crawling out of a fiery whole in the ground below. I watch in horror as they get closer to the dirty black platform I'm on top of.
An arm wraps around my shoulders and something sharp and cold presses against my neck.
Notes:
Ú-moe edaved, mellon nín – there is nothing to forgive, my friend
Nás Harra – shes hurt
Sevin alln cen le bíl nui – I have never seen you likeness before
Echuio – wake up
Mae aur – good morning
Na lû e-govaned vîn – until next we meet
Û, le losto. Tirhebin – no, you sleep. I'll keep watch
Losto vae – sleep well
Guren – my heart