Chapter Fifteen

~ Estel ~
I was approached by Legolas the morning of our departure. The Elven Prince looked radiant under the beams of soft sunlight, which seemed to at once blend in and contrast with his golden hair. He was no longer clad in the rich clothes of the Galadhrim, but like all Elves was beautiful with or without the accompanying raiment, for few clothes made in Middle-earth could match their beauty save those made by the Elves themselves.

"~I did not realize the significance of your coming on this quest,~" he said quietly.

I looked up at the Elf. "~There is little significance in coming on a quest,~" I pointed out. "~Only in what you do matters, not your decision or declaration.~"

Legolas gave a weak smile. "~It appears you have inherited the tongue of Lord Elrond,~" he said. "~You argue very well.~"

I laughed. "~Nay, 'tis only because I am speaking with an Elf,~" I teased, brushing back my hair and adopting the flowing, flowery language of the courts. "~Were I to speak with a fellow mortal I would not be so polite.~"

Legolas's smile faded, and he stepped closer. "~I wish that you would remain here in Lothlórien,~" he said in a low voice. "~The Lord and Lady can offer you more shelter than this quest.~"

I sighed in exasperation. Eldarion had approached me with a similar request last night, and had come very close to ordering me to remain. But I had bluntly told him no. I trusted Legolas, Aragorn, and him to keep me safe, and I would not sit still while they faced the dangers of this quest.

In any case, he was in no position to give me orders. My grandmother had made me the leader of the Believers with her death, not him. It was I who bore the Elessar, and I alone who had the power to let others into our society.

Not that it really mattered now, of course.

"~No, Legolas.~" I looked up into Legolas's blue eyes, trying to make him understand. "~I will not sit still while you and the others face the dangers.~"

"~Your safety is more important than your conscience,~" Legolas argued.

I lost my patience. Prince of Mirkwood Legolas may be and my senior over a hundred times over, but I was no child to be coddled. "~I appreciate your concern, Your Majesty,~" I said stiffly, turning away. "~But I am no child to be coddled and shielded. Now, if you will excuse me – ~"

And I pushed past the startled Elf and stalked away, severely annoyed.

~ Boromir ~
I woke feeling completely rested and slightly more at ease. My talk with Estel had done wonders. Speaking of Estel, where is she? I wondered, glancing around.

Aragorn and Eldarion were already awake, and were sitting and talking with one another. The two seemed to get along remarkably well, and I was beginning to wonder if Eldarion too was a Ranger. He had the bearing, and the training, although why he had been in this strange place escaped me. The Hobbits and Gimli still snored away, peacefully oblivious to everything else. However, there was no sign of the Elf or of Estel.

I rose and started searching for Estel. But when she had managed to elude me for over an hour, I decided to give it up. Apparently if Estel did not want to found, she would not be.

But it was then that I heard soft voices speaking the melodious Elven language. I hurried toward the sounds, my excitement building.

Only to suddenly cut off as the sight greeted my eyes.

Estel was walking away from Legolas. The Elf looked after her, and I detected sadness in his eyes.

I felt as though my heart had suddenly been pierced, as though my feet had been suddenly cut out from under me, as though there was a burden on my shoulders that suddenly weighed me down. I had fallen in love with Estel just in time for her the Elf to fall for her as well.

I felt a growl grow on my lips. I knew that I could not compete with an Elf if he wished to truly try to gain a woman's heart. But why should the Elf be the one to win her love? Radiant and handsome he may be, but also conceited and arrogant. He was only good for things that needed a bow and arrow, for he wore and used no sword. What kind of warrior did not use a sword?

I was used to getting my way with women, but few had ever attracted me like Estel had. Actually, none ever had before. Oh, the bitter irony, I thought. The one woman I wanted above all else was the one just beyond my grasp. I was now in the position of many of the women who'd wanted me.

I ground my teeth. You will never have her, Elf, I vowed. Never. She is mine, and mine alone, even if I must fight against the gods themselves.

An idea appeared to me. Estel had seen quite impressed with Lothlórien and all the Elvish works. But the Elves, although graceful and mysterious and mystical, were nothing compared to the splendor and glory of Minas Tirith.

And I was a figure of large importance in Minas Tirith.

That will work, I thought, my anger ebbing with each step. To strike out now would only serve to push Estel further into the Elf's embrace. But to show her the wonder and glory of Minas Tirith, of Gondor – that might turn her heart to me. And then she will be mine, safe from that Elf.

~ Estel ~
I watched somberly as Haldir clasped the cloak around me. "~Thank you, Haldir,~" I whispered quietly.

The marchwarden smiled. "~May the Valar grant that it helps you.~"

I gave him a quick embrace. "~It probably will, knowing my brother's talent for getting himself and everyone around him into trouble,~" I replied.

Eldarion glared at me. "~Hey! No teaming up on people,~" he scolded, eyeing us with great suspicion.

Haldir chuckled from behind me. "~We aren't. We are just . . . comparing life stories,~" he said, his blue eyes twinkling with laughter.

Eldarion growled something under his breath and stomped over to join the other members of the Fellowship of the Ring. I threw one last smile over my shoulder at Haldir before I joined my brother. When I turned back, the Elf had disappeared completely into the shadows.

Eldarion bowed deeply when Lady Galadriel came to us. "~I ask your leave, my lady,~" he said respectively. "~I wish to join the quest of the Fellowship of the Ring. Unfortunately, it also means that I must depart this fair city and hand over my duties to another.~"

Lady Galadriel smiled. "~Your request is granted. It is with great gratitude that I give you this, in thanks for your services to Caras Galadhon and her people.~" And she gave to my very astonished brother a gleaming sword, elegantly fashioned with beautiful Elvish writing on the blade. It was a simple sword, but also an Elf one, meaning that it was stronger and lighter than the swords of Men.

"~You have my undying gratitude and thanks, my lady,~" Eldarion murmured, bowing once more.

Lady Galadriel turned to me. I raised my hand to forestall the coming gift. "~Thank you, my lady, but your gift has already been given to me. My brother is all the gift I ask for.~"

"~Maybe so,~" she said softly. "~But still I have one more gift yet to offer. If you have inherited my son-in-law's tongue, then it is to be assumed that you have also inherited some of his skills.~" She handed me a cleverly fashioned bow and quiver. I marveled at the strength of the bow, testing it in my hands. It felt oh so light, much lighter than I'd expected a bow to feel. Painted twisting golden vines gracefully spun dizzying circles around the bow, contrasting nicely with the dark green wood. The quiver was of similar make, although the vines' circles were not as dizzying and were much more graceful, like real vines you'd see climbing up a tree. The arrows were plentiful and fletched well, probably by expert hands.

Then I noticed that inscribed on the quiver in beautiful Elvish was my name – Estel.

"~A dagger is well for self-defense,~" she told me as I looked back up, shocked at the value of the gifts she'd given me, "~but a bow and quiver will also do you some good. It would be ill indeed for one so determined to continue this quest to not be able to also defend it.~"

I bowed. "~Then I can only accept your gift, and offer in return my gratitude, poor as it is.~"

Lady Galadriel laughed softly. "~The gratitude of a child of Númenor is not easily gained nor given. It is fine payment indeed.~"