Chapter 7

It is largely an idea that elves were the best tracker but this idea never did account for one elf tracking the other. Legolas followed what little he could of the trail to indicate where she had gone but found he followed her more on instinct than trail now. She was very good not to leave a trail and he wondered if she was trying not to be found. He caught his breath as he observed her and he was sure she had tried to leave no trail because she was bathing in the near by water.

He kept his silence as he watched her with fascination. She was naked and emerged into the water to her waist allowing him to see her for the first time. He knew she was a little shorter than most elves but he also found her to look smaller with out her clothing.

He sighed watching her wondering if it was just her large mane of hair that made her body seem tiny in comparison. He caught his breath again realizing he had been staring and took careful steps back not to bother her but his bow in his hand reminded him why he had followed her. She shouldn't be alone and he wasn't sure to what degree she could protect herself. He sighed and cleared his throat loudly almost enjoying the fact he had caught her off guard and the embarrassed nature she presented. She backed into the water so she was immersed to her neck.

"Such an honorable thing Legolas," she teased him with a raised eyebrow.

"You should not have left alone Arri," he sighed moving to the water's edge now that she was covered.

"Should we be bathing in pairs?" She moved back further into the water as he approach.

He gave her a taunting glance, "Not the actions of the lady from earlier."

She found herself treading water lightly and wondered why she retreated, "You sound disappointed."

"Aragorn will awake soon," he was not sure if they should linger. He felt as if they were being watched but Arri didn't seem to notice and when she found her footing and stopped treading water she began to move to him slowly making way to her clothing. He swallowed hard as came closer to him. As he found himself quickly viewing her almost completely naked, he stopped and turned his head politely. He glanced to see she stopped and retreated back into the water.

She looked ashamed, "I did not mean to offend you." He stood realizing his manners were taken a little more offensively, "no, you did not." He began to search for the words but instead removed his tunic and boots wading in after her.

Her heart pounded at the sight of his muscular chest and well-chiseled features and how they complimented each other. She didn't retreat but waded closer to him until they were both in waist high water. She stood closer to him wondering how familiar they should be but considering the morning she almost felt as if she needed him.

She turned her head as he reached for her, "What of your father?" She wondered if his father would keep them apart and if this would be their only chance to see if they indeed had sparks. She inhaled as he turned her head to him and he kissed her very gently.

"It is not my father who worried me," he sighed gesturing to the deeper water as she shook. They waded deeper until they were up to their shoulders, "It is you, Arri."

Her eyes widened, "Me?"

"Have we lost our senses?"

"No," she whispered in his ear letting her breath tickle his ear. "Life is uncertain and I have never felt for another like I do you." She pulled back to look into his eyes, "If we are to be together then let us seize the moment." She looked to her hand as he held it and removed her ring on her thumb. "I have never wanted another, not in all my years."

She placed the ring in his palm gently and hoped she hadn't moved too far too fast. He felt the cold silver in his hand, "are you sure?" As long as he could remember she had worn that ring and he knew it was a part of her. She nodded with worried tears in her eyes. He placed the ring on his hand and he removed his own as he placed it on her hand as well closely her fingers around it. "You have my heart as well."

Her eyes jumped excitedly and she moved into his arms knowing he cared for her as much as she did for him. They began to kiss little, light kisses over each other's face and necks. She shivered with anticipation as he let his hands wander down her back.

Legolas was sure they had both lost their heads as their embrace was turning into something else. He had to catch his breath knowing they would make love. He had been with maidens but his heart had not pounded in his chest and his ears as it did now. He had wanted it to be with her and after they could have been betrothed but she seemed to doubt that they would be allowed together and once they bodies were bound as their souls, they both knew no one would argue against it. He couldn't remember taking his lower clothing off but he did realize in this haze between them he must have.

She turned red and pulled his ear, "You are the 'first' I chose."

He was taken back realizing what she meant, "shall I stop?"

She shook her head, "No."

"Are you sure?"

"Never have I been so sure of anything," she kissed him hard on the mouth and she felt him holding her tightly to him. Everything to her after that was a mere but happy blur between them.

Eosin kept his bow closely as searched the woods and he noticed a change in the feel of the environment. He noticed the quiet surroundings and knew something or somebody was close. He drew his arrow silently noticing a few broken branches and walked along ready for anything.

He slowed hearing the movement of water and he turned quickly to peer over the hill at the water below. Cautiously he kept his loaded bow ready to strike. He shook his head slowly because he had known something evil was abroad. He wasn't prepared for what he saw that was breaking he silence.

He could see Arri in the water bathing just as they had expected but Legolas was at the edge of water and moving through the silence as they bantered with their words slowly.

Eosin's heart dropped as he couldn't bring himself to leave but watching was torture. He could see Arri's shapely body and that Legolas was going to be with her. Part of Eosin wanted her to spite him and push the Prince of the wood elves away, another part was happy she had found her heart in somebody. He knew it would be a long road and their consummation could make things easier or complicate them. He was powerless to do anything but watch as things unfolded.

He watched as Legolas pushed her back into the water to cover her breasts with the water and keep some things private but the water was crystal clear. He sighed as they stood talking in hushed tones and when she pulled her ring from her finger clasping his hand around it and Legolas accepted it, he knew he had only been kidding himself about Arri.

It didn't help the ache in his heart and as Legolas gave her his ring claiming one another as their own, he knew it was done. He watched Arri give herself to him completely and stop him to whisper something and as their love making began he moved away slowly and with a heavy heart.

His hands ached from holding his loaded bow but nearly as much as his spirits. His head held low and he began to trace his footsteps back to the encampment. He wanted to go back to Rivendell but his love for Arri was as a friend as well as a flame and he couldn't leave her.

He had return her to Mirkwood and help her foresee her fate through. He walked slowly feeling sorry for her and not knowing many things about herself that he had been made privy to. He sighed knowing too much could hurt and he thought back to Arri and Legolas with a heavy heart. How would he look at her in the eye again without a feeling a longing.

He clutched the bow in his hand and heard the birds as they flew away suddenly and he drew an arrow again. 'Arri," he thought of them in such a vulnerable nature and moved slowly towards them again to keep the duo safe.

He heard the ominous flapping of wings and expertly dodged them. As they followed him back to the camp. He was much quicker than these winged things of nature and his elven reflexes allowed him to move swiftly and sharply and he hoped Arwen was as aware of what was happening. He sighed knowing he could not take on these things at this angle and needed to get the advantage but he heard them on his heels and once again his thoughts flew to Arri and Legolas as he hoped they would realize the danger before he did.

Arwen and Aragorn could hear something approaching and flew apart as Aragorn grabbed his sword. Arwen reached for her own sword and noticed Arri's bow by where Arri and Legolas had been that night. She swallowed hard pushing any thoughts or worry from her mind as the noise came closer.

Aragorn began to move towards it slowly but heard how rapidly it was approaching and he moved back to Arwen to fight along side her with a sideway stance.

Arwen put her hand to his sword pushing it down to his side, "it is only Eosin." She breathed a small sigh of relief. They both watched as Eosin ran nimbly to them making little to no noise as he stopped with his bow drawn and turned to the area from which he emerged. He wrinkled his brow as he did not see anything or hear the approach. He stood from his position on the ground and looked to Aragorn.

"You lost them?" Aragorn asked as they moved to the opening from where his friend had emerged.

Eosin could only look at the woods confused, Had he imagined it all? He looked to the sky as Arwen touched his tunic lightly and he looked to see the tear.

"What were they?" She knew this wasn't from a tree branch or clumsiness. Something had a hold of him.

"Beasts with wings," Eosin looked to them both as if a little spooked, "they were not natural beasts."

"Where could they have gone?" Arwen said lightly watching the sky.

"They pursued me from the hill," he thought of why they would turn back, "I lead them away from Legolas and Arri." He swallowed hard seeing Arri's bow on the ground and he ran off.

Arwen's eyes opened wide, "Eosin do not be rash." Her voice fell upon deaf ears as he ran from them.

Aragorn retrieved Arri's bow, "Not natural beasts," he sighed and raised a brow to Arwen.

As they ran towards their friends Arwen began to worry what they had stumbled on to.

Legolas kept a grin as he watched Arri dress and as she began to pull her hair into a braid he raised from his place on the ground. "I like your hair," he whispered into her ear. "I always have," she turned to see those blue eyes full of emotion, "When you were an infant, I would touch it with wonder then." He touched her hands so she couldn't tie it back instead he quickly wrapped her hair in two light braids over her ear to keep the hair from her eyes. She watched his caring touch and when he was doing she held his hands lightly, "No regrets?"

He kissed her pulling to him as his hands ran up and down her back and into her hair and neckline. He loved the feel of her tiny body enfolded in his arms and her gentle scent that seemed to mix with nature on it's own. He felt more fire for this one maiden than for any of the others he had ever pursued or who had pursued him. She had her fingers combing over his body as their breathing became as one and neither wanted to let the other go.

Finally Legolas thought back to having seen Eosin on the hill above them and he sighed as they came apart slowly. "There is much to be done," he almost groaned as she began to pull her footwear on.

"You have had others," She said hollowly.

He almost chuckled at her almost paranoid words, "yes," he pulled on the leather over his fore arms and then pulled her to her feet. "Our hearts and souls touched from the moment I saw you in Elrond's house."

She pulled her cloak over her head, "I have had no other," she turned her head a little embarrassed, "I have never wanted another," she smiled a little looking at the ring he had given her, "I will never know what I am missing but you will."

He touched the ring on her hand, "No," he breathed coming closer, "I will know what I am not missing." He kissed her head lightly thinking of how this had changed so many things. They had not meant to be caught up in wanton behavior but they could feel the fate between them was the same. She touched his hair and he held her close to him as the treasure he felt she was.

They both heard it the peaceful nature had been interrupted. Birds flew from the trees and animals scurrying for safety.

Legolas pushed her behind him slightly, "Eosin?" He called quietly to the trees.

"Surely he would not," she swallowed hard remembering how they had both gotten carried away, "not while we were…." She trailed off gesturing to the now still water.

He did not want sour the other elve's name and looked to the ground knowing she know the truth, "Yes, from upon the hill." He watched her blush, "I saw him leave." She looked him almost in tears at the intrusion. "He could not have see much."

"Eosin wouldn't," she shook her head and they both realized the truth as they heard the flapping of wings what was approaching was not Eosin. She looked to the ground for her bow and realized she had forgotten it. She reached for a sturdy stick as Legolas armed himself with his bow.

He looked to see she didn't have her own weapon and swallowed hard. "We must out run this," he hauled his bow over his shoulder as he grabbed then hand pulling her to the wooded area at a sprinting pace. He knew this threat was not a simple one and he could feel it in ever bit of his being. He let go of Arri's hand so she could out run him if she could and the look on her face told him she was as aware of the danger too.

Arri swallowed hard feeling as if there was a shadow breathing down her neck as she followed Legolas. She felt as if the cold hand of death itself was reaching for them as she found her breath becoming shallow as if by enchantment. Legolas must had felt it as well because he turned to her gasping for breath as the noise of wings came closer.

"Take to the trees," he swallowed trying to will his lungs to draw air. He watched Arri expertly grab a branch and begin to make her way among the branches. He waited until she was safely hopping from branch to branch and followed her. He found it easier to breathe and began to let his feet land from branch to branch as he caught Arri quickly seeing she could breathe again too. He noticed she began mouthing something in elvish but he could not make out the words.

She held her clumsy cloak to her waist as she jumped form tree to tree deftly and with agility she had not used for years. She remembered the enchantments Arwen had taught her in Rivendell and began to let her words fall upon the approaching threat but she was losing concentration on their retreat and the branch beneath her buckled as she fell.

Legolas had her by the hand before she could plunge any further. "Make way to the ground," he ordered swinging her to another branch and jumping past her quickly.

She wanted to argue but he was already to the ground and she turned her body gracefully to turn her fall into a gentle upsurge to join his side.

He inhaled deeply letting their eyes meet but he would keep looking behind them as if he expected attack any minute, "I feel it too." He grabbed her by the hand and they began to make way to the camp.

"What is it?" She felt him break into a run as he looked back to make sure she was on his heels.

He didn't say anything but she knew he was familiar with it. She could hear something on foot and seemed to run on tip of her foot sprinting like a deer from prey to Legolas's pace. As light as she felt running she still heard the crunching of twigs and leaves seemed to be coming at the from behind and the sides.

They were closing in on them and it sounded like many enemies, fell beasts? She silently wondered where the flapping had gone and why it was replaced by this threat on foot. She watched Legolas stop short as they both felt the presence ahead and he drew his bow pulling her too him with a side glance.

Her eyes grew wide knowing he expected to protect her but she would not let sit idly by, "I am not a mere damsel." She said as her eyes scanned the ground looking for something as a weapon

He would have smiled hearing the passion that had caught his attention and sparked the fire in his heart but they were in danger, "no, but you are unarmed." He gave her a worried glance as she joined him with a heavy stick. He rolled his eyes knowing it would not give her any advantage and his aim would have to be true. The very daylight seemed to melt away as abnormal night fell around them. Silent blessings were mumbled in way of elvish enchantment from Arri while Legolas felt his blessing was their elvish sight. Day to night in a mere blink of an eye did not alter what they saw as easily as a man but still both blinked at the terrible creatures.

Arwen stopped hearing the echo of a voice among the trees and she turned to see if Aragorn or Eosin heard it too. Eosin looked at Aragorn hoping it was only for Elven ears and Aragorn looked between the elves clueless.

Arwen felt a small smile of pride creep to her lips recognizing the words, "It is only Arri." She was proud she had taught her well but when she heard the voice cut short she looked to Eosin and Aragorn with her sword drawn.

"You hear something?" Aragorn asked them.

"Arri, is trying her only defense," Arwen glanced at Arri's forgotten bow and frowned hearing footsteps approaching. Her mind wandered to what it was to have Arri resort to the enchantments.

Aragorn heard it too and pushed forward to the threat as they heard it closing in on the sides as well. Truly it seemed all around them but not at all and the wretched feel of the wizardry was sailing over them.

Legolas was sure his senses had gone mad and surely he could not be seeing what was before him. Orcs. They did not bear the white hand or any other marking but they ran at he and Arri and he knew they were out for blood.

Arri narrowed her eyes looking at the creatures coming to them. Legolas seemed to understand what they were and looking in his eyes she did now too. These were Orcs? Her mind raced wildly as they closed in on them. Not a weapon to fend them off she began to dodge them and slide around them until they seemed dizzy watching her balletic motions. She watched the arrows flying passed and knew he kept most at bay but only so many arrows did a quiver hold.

Legolas began pulling his arrows at an astounding rate not missing one. He looked over to Arri with a panicked look. "Down," he ordered and she jumped to the ground then slide under a beast. He pulled his arrow free striking the Orc that had been ready to slice her in two with his sword. Silently he wished she had not slide under the creature as it came down on her small frame. He knew they were horribly outnumbered considering Arri was unarmed he worried they would not make it from this fray.

Arri felt the horrible creature take it's last breath as it fell upon her and she pushed it off of her snatching it's sword. She kicked it away and sprang up from her feet to gain her balance and jumped into the fray with a deep breath. She had never held an Orc's sword before and it was much clumsier and heavier than anything she or any elf had made. Still she began to hold her own as they approached with a side stance giving each orc a smaller target. Even with the sword in hand she flipped over the orcs and all they found touchable was the blade she wielded but the sheath was their flesh. Being nimble seemed to be her advantage and perhaps the fact most of them had not fought a she-elf before also gave her advantage over their clumsy strikes.

Legolas watched her skill with a sword and arched a brow at her a little impressed but the numbers were great and upon them. He kept close to Arri so they would not get flanked. He thought to fight back to back but her style of fighting was more of a danger if he would. Although he understood why she had this style, he had helped teach it to her in their youth. Her strength was never as great as he had hoped and suggested that rather hold her own with arms to not be where the weapon would strike. She had always learned well and he was proud of his teachings now but still the numbers drew worry.

Both Elves saw the approaching arrows and knew an elven strike immediately. Arri looked back gratefully to see the other three joining them quickly. Eosin's arrows were almost as accurate as Legolas's and fell as if a rain striking the beasts before they could get in range now.

Arri and Legolas watched as Arwen and Aragorn joined their side and Eosin fell into them as the orcs came closer to them. The five made a circle among them and fought outward against the great odds. Arri knew Arwen and Legolas stood by her and she began to fight with renewed energy at her friends show of strength.

Eosin knew Arri was skilled with a sword but she seemed almost clumsy to him with the larger sword than he had ever trained her with. She fought with a style and motions he had never seen before and soon realized it was her smaller size and strength that she donned this manner. He soon became distracted by his worry for her lacking their strength and found a large orc upon him quickly striking him in the shoulder with it's blade keen. Eosin gasped loudly and sank to his knees grabbing at his quiver for a bow weakly. Before he could gather an arrow, he saw another arrow strike the orc before another hit by the dark being. As the orc dropped by him hit with a fatal blow he grabbed it's sword and began a hand combat with the next orc approaching him.

All five, elven and mortal heard something land in the middle of their circle and growl threateningly from it's place by Arwen.

Arri whirled around to help Arwen as she began to become attacked by the orc and another to her opposite side. Arri began to slash at the large orc from next to Arwen and before she could turn to swing at the orc she heard approaching them, she felt a pain in her back that sent her to her knees with a cry out. The willful elf hit the ground with her hand and used it to push back to standing but she staggered slightly. She raised her blade in defense and now also defiance.

Arwen's felt tears seeing her friends fall to the ground but she watch Arri continue the hold the orc back, "Arri," she cried almost involuntarily.

Legolas turned to see Arri's blood flowing from her back as the other orc held Arri and Arwen back. He quickly let his arrow fly at the orc as he and Aragorn moved back to assist them. He noticed Eosin now on the ground not moving and became angry at the sight of elven blood spilled, again. Luckily for Eosin the orcs assume him dead and ran over him for those that still fought.

Aragorn jumped over Eosin to protect the elf and was soon grateful to find the shower of arrows hitting the orcs skillfully. Looking up to see Gandalf and Thranduil atop of horses with other elves running to them to help them. Easily the other elves began to chase the foul menace from them and Aragorn knelt besides Eosin to see him open his eyes.

Eosin looked at him weakly, "I burn." He mumbled reaching to is shoulder.

"Poison?" Aragorn began to strip the cloth from the injury but Eosin grabbed his hand.

"They must not take Arri," he watched Aragorn for a reply he squinted through pained eyes.

Aragorn was mystified that now he would worry about what happened to Arri. In fact it seemed to Aragorn an odd thing to say, "Save your strength." He watched as Thranduil's escort lifted Eosin from him.

Legolas joined Arwen by Arri's side and his blank and horrified look was not hidden, "Arri," he whispered noticing her shut eyes but her eyes opened swiftly at his voice and she gave him a weak smile. Legolas took her in his arms and began to inspect her as Arwen grabbed at her bag at her side for her herbs. "The swords were poisoned."

Gandalf and Thranduil loomed over the trio and Gandalf bent to the injured elf. "Indeed."

Legolas watched as she touched his hand and felt for the ring she had given him and he understood the gesture. His heart jumped as she shut her eyes and he looked for other signs of life.

"She is resting," Gandalf assured him as Arwen began to give her immediate treatment to her wound. Faceless hands began to move her from his arms and he looked up to see his father standing next above him. As they tried to pull Arri from his arms they pressed Legolas away. Legolas felt anger with the idea this was his father's was to deny his son and Arri.

Thranduil did not look surprised at his son's affection for the she-elf but he did seem upset the younger female was injured. He looked to her as if to assess her and give her priority over Eosin, "He will take her to Mirkwood for treatment."

Legolas stood holding Arri to him gently, "I will take her." He fought the feeling of terror he felt holding her unmoving form as he moved to the horses. He saw another holding Eosin tightly on horseback and his eyes were also shut.

Gandalf touched Thranduil's shoulder as if to ease his troubled mind, "He will get her there."

"They should know the truth Gandalf," Thranduil had spied the ring on Arri's finger as his sons. He gave a heavy sigh knowing this trust within him was not to be unwarranted, "There is much more at stake now."

Arwen and Aragorn made way to Gandalf, "Orcs?" Aragorn breathed looking at one of the dark, dead creature at his feet.

"Yes," Gandalf sighed, "There is much magic about that brought them."

Arwen got to the point, "They have no markings but they were searching for something."

"Someone, my dear," Gandalf sighed as he moved to Shadowfax.

"Arri," she breathed feeling she had known all along, "why?"

Aragorn jumped on his own steed and readied to follow them up, "It's her human heritage isn't it?"

Gandalf nodded sadly wishing Legolas had let him take her on Shadowfax. "We must get to Mirkwood and then to Loredell." He kicked his heels gently to alert his steed then Shadowfax rode quickly off leaving the wizard's robes sailing behind him and a hand to stay his hat.

Arwen shook her head jumping to her own horse and following them out as the other elves accompanied Thranduil atop his own horse. They stayed by him closely looking for further threat. She met Aragorn's eye sure there was much more to talk about when they arrived to the Greenwood. They both picked up the pace racing to their answers.