Chapter Three: The Fight

Thranduil awoke to the sound of birds chirping. Light streamed into his room through the thin curtains. He stretched, and rose. He walked to his window, pulling the curtains back to feel the warm sun on his face. At that moment, someone knocked as the door. "You may enter," he said.

A servant maiden brought in a tray which contained his breakfast. "Thank you," he told her. She smiled and bobbed her head before leaving the room. He sat down at his table to eat. The food was simple, but filling. He was grateful; that's exactly what he would need on a day like today.

He changed into a sage green tunic and a leather chest guard reinforced with polished steel. He pulled on a pair of boots, then strapped on matching greaves and vambraces. After he was dressed, he got his weapons together. He slung a quiver filled with arrows across his back, clipping lhugdagnir, his sword, around his waist.

As crown prince, it was his job to protect the borders and make people feel safe. He patrolled the outskirts of the southern borders with a company of elves in the hopes of stopping the orcs from gaining any more territory. So far, they hadn't run into many foes, but the forest had been growing darker lately. Thranduil got the feeling that it wouldn't stay calm for long.

He walked through the halls of the palace, down to the guard chamber. The other elves scheduled for the patrol that morning were all making final preparations. Though Thranduil was technically in charge now, he didn't feel like the other elves took him seriously. They were all older than him, and had been protecting Greenwood for decades. Centuries, even. Plus, they were all native to the forest. He was the only outsider. He certainly felt like one.

"Good morning, soldiers," Thranduil said, clasping his hands behind his back. "If you're all ready, we should leave. We have a long patrol ahead of us."

"My Lord, the captain isn't here yet," one of the elves said.

Thranduil turned to him calmly. "I believe the captain of the guard was leading a separate patrol."

"Unfortunately not," a feminine voice said behind him. "And if it is this easy to sneak up behind you, I am surprised you are still alive. The orcs have grown complacent." She crossed her arms over her chest, a snide grin on her face.

The other elves tried to hide smiles as Thranduil turned to glare at her. "Yes. Well," he said, completely unamused. "You must be the captain of the guard." He had never met her before, but the other elves whispered about her behind his back. Her reputation had certainly preceded her.

She curtseyed low, smirking. "My name is Aduial. It is a pleasure to meet you, My Lord." She straightened.

"If I'm not mistaken, the King had you heading a separate patrol."

"You are indeed mistaken," she said without missing a beat. "The King believed it would be advantageous if our companies were combined."

They stared at each other, the tension palpable. Thranduil didn't want to give up his command so lightly. He had worked hard trying to earn the elves' respect, and her presence would negate everything he'd built so far. But he could not fight against his father's express wishes, especially without just cause. His pride was not a good enough reason. He would not be childish.

He smiled as her, tipping his head. "Very well then. Now, if all the pleasantries are over, we'd better get started. We have a long day ahead of us."

"As you wish, My Lord," she said. She brushed past him, beckoning the soldiers with a wave of her hand. They followed her without question. Sighing, Thranduil joined them.

They strode through the forest, not making a sound in the underbrush. The trees were so tall and thick that not much light made it through, dappling the woods like a horse's flank. Aduial ensured that she was always in the lead. Thranduil brought up the rear. He would have to have a word with her about this later…

Her height and slender frame made her look imposing as she strode through the forest. She had braided her hair and pinned it tightly to the back of her head. The color reminded Thranduil of wrought copper.

They did not see anything for a long while. The forest was dark, and felt foreboding. All Thranduil saw was the occasional black squirrel. Well after midday, the group stopped for a water break and a quick bite to eat. They drank from pouches of fresh water they had packed with them. The natural springs and rivers could not all be trusted.

By the time they had finished, the forest had grown ever dimmer. The sun had begun to set. Looking skyward, Thranduil said, "We should probably turn back soon. There doesn't appear to be anything this far out, and it's getting late."

Aduial shot him a look. "No, we press on."

He glowered at her. "Why? There is no purpose. We will just waste time."

"Can you not feel it?" she asked with a wide gesture. "There is evil brewing here. Move out!"

Thranduil clenched his jaw, but he followed. They had not gone far when Aduial froze, holding up a hand. The soldiers halted seamlessly around her. "We are under attack," she said quietly, so that only keen elf ears could hear her.

Thranduil could see the orcs shuffling between the trees in front of them, growling at each other in their foul language. He glanced at Aduial. She looked back at him, nodding. As much as they didn't get along, he knew they would have to work together to clear this orc pack and protect their soldiers.

"Now!" he hissed, diving into the throng and whipping his sword out in an instant. Chaos exploded in the forest at that moment. Thranduil spun, slashing enemy after enemy. Orcs kept coming, but he couldn't tell from where.

He swung up into a tree, perching on a low branch. He pulled out his bow, shooting orcs from above. His soldiers were having no problem holding their own through this skirmish. Elves fight with fluidity, grace, and precision. His troops were no exception.

When Thranduil got bored of picking off orcs from afar, he jumped down into the fray. He aimed, firing an arrow between an orc's eyes. He smirked with satisfaction. Something snapped behind him. He whirled around. An orc that had been standing directly behind him fell to the ground, an arrow protruding from his chest. Aduial stared at Thranduil gravely, her bow drawn.

"This pack has cleared," Aduial said, strapping her bow across her back. "We should report back to the King immediately. Such a gathering of evil has not yet dared to venture so close to the palace, until now." She spun on her heel and disappeared into the woods before Thranduil could even say anything.