Chapter Five: Smothering Clouds
Swinging her sword through the air, Arwen felt another jab of disappointment as she once again failed to hear the ring of metal which would have sounded had she clashed with Alar's blade. She sighed. "I was not meant to become a swordmaiden, it seems. Oloriel has progressed so much but I appear to lack the necessary skill."
Alar rolled his eyes once before shaking his dark head. "What you lack is the correct spirit. Oloriel succeeds because she believes that she can. She succeeds because she is determined to win – to cause grievous harm if need be – so that she can stand victorious. She is confident." He told her. "And I believe that you have that spirit, Arwen," he continued, "because it's what landed you down those stairs, those short years ago." He smirked. Impulsively she slapped his shoulder threateningly. He nodded. "Yes, it's there. Now, let us try again, shall we?"
Arwen swung her sword again, narrowly missing as Alar dodged. "Come now, Arwen, you've got to attack. Real orcs aren't going to stand around all day and wait for you to strike them down!" he teased.
Bristled due to his mocking tease, Arwen lunged forward again, and so the fight began...
x
Leaping from one branch to the next, the young messenger continued his journey with much haste. His news was ill, his timing just as bad; the previous allotment of warriors having only just been granted leave from the borders were now to be called upon once more – the band of orcs outnumbered the new group by far too many. He grew closer, and finally saw the top of a warrior's chestnut head. He called out, and the band of soldiers halted. "My Lord!"
The Prince of Greenwood approached the messenger. "What brings you in such haste? What is afoot?"
"Orcs, my lord. Too many for our party. Scouts have seen them coming, and they shall be upon us directly. Our commander calls for your assistance."
Legolas nodded. "And we shall come. Turn around!"
The warriors hastened on to the borders, leaving all burdensome equipment behind. Although the sun was reasonably high this moment, even travelling as lightly as they were it was clear that it would be near set upon their arrival. A tiresome journey awaited them.
x
Arwen drummed her fingernails upon the window ledge absent-mindedly whilst she waited for her naneth to scold her. She pondered the length of her patience. A sly grin escaped from Oloriel's direction as her friend looked up from her leather-bound book, and over at Arwen, whose embroidery lay forgotten on her lap. The Evenstar looked out the window, taking in the flawless blue of the sky, the gentle wind that rustled through the trees. She looked back down at her needlework with a sigh. She would not be allowed to go until it was finished.
Celebrian wanted proof of her daughter's continued application to all areas of her education – pah! Education. She'd reached her majority, and still she was not apparently well learnt enough – and as a result was given a little assignment. Her piece was to be a pretty picture for Glorfindel, who always took delight in her progress, both domesticated and otherwise. It was not lack of skill, nor lack of fondness for Glorfindel which caused Arwen to dawdle so, but simply a resounding lack of motivation – how she longed to go outside on such a fine day! Oloriel cast a look in her direction, mentally prodding her into action. It was clear that she desired the outdoors as well.
Picking up her needle once again she wove the silken thread through the fabric in a slow, careful manner, making sure not to make any false incisions. She wanted to get it right. Celebrian was called from the chamber. The beautiful landscape beckoned. Was this a test of resolve? With a resigning sigh, Arwen pick up her needle once more.
x
The last remaining rays of light filtered through the mess of trees as the warrior's slowed their pace, ever alert. Orc blood was splattered over a fern to the right of them, and close by a young warden lay slain, immersed in a pool of scarlet. The twang of a bowstring could be heard in the distance, along with the shrill cries of the orcs. Ever closer the elves approached their comrades, readying their bows as they did so. "Tangado haid" Legolas ordered quietly, steadying his men. When they were positioned correctly he called "Leithio i philinn!" Arrows soared through the air, imbedding themselves into their screeching targets.
Swords clanged as they met with orcish blades, and almost instantly there was an almost tangible renewal of energy. The tired elves fought on, slicing down those in their paths. Legolas unsheathed his daggers, plunging one into a foe nearby. Gradually, the orcs grew fewer, and less certain. The remains began to flee the forest, and were pursued til they were dead. None would live to repeat this intrusion.
"Legolas!" Herendil called. The Prince jogged over to his friend, where the body of the commander lay. "Narmocáno is dead."
Running a bloody hand through his hair, Legolas knelt by the side of his friend. Gently closing the departed's eyes, he ran his hand over the fatal wound. It was not a clean one. His despair heightened at his discovery – death had been unmercifully slow, and painful. A cruel way in which to die.
Many more had been killed that day, and as each body was wrapped in cloth, Legolas' heart clenched. If the replacement party had been delayed, that would have been his wardens. Even his fate. Would he have done any better, saved any more lives? With a deep breath he cleared his head. He would not know.
Resting his head against a solid trunk, he heard rather than saw his friend approach his side. "Do not worry yourself."
Cocking his head to the side, Legolas opening his eyes wearily, "Do not you worry yourself about me. I am well – just fatigued."
"Aren't we all? What I wouldn't give to just lay about and do nought of consequence."
x
"Finished!" exclaimed Arwen, as she cast aside her work, and jumped to her feet. Oloriel flashed her a congratulatory smile.
"Well now, it's taken you long enough!" she told her, flinging her book atop the nearest table. "Come take a walk, the sun may be set but it's still quite pleasant."
Indeed, the weather was still warm. Smothering clouds had emerged above, causing an almost uncomfortable humidity. "It looks like rain." Arwen commented.
Her friend shrugged. "Not for a few hours at least." And they kept on walking through the garden. She was about to speak again when they encountered Alar, who smiled at them.
"Well now, I see that you have finished your task. Mayhap tomorrow you could come duel with me?" he suggested. "I've been easy on you as of late, and much desire to show you all that I am capable of using my great weapon."
Arwen chose to ignore the innuendo, replying instead that she would love to improve on her swordsmanship. "I have not found much time for practice lately." She added.
"Indeed – I have been abroad. Did you miss my company?"
"Your expertise has been sorely missed." She replied.
Pink lips pouted with feigned sadness. "Only my expertise? When shall I ever be able to please you?" These words, perhaps, would have sounded unhappy were it not for their underlying meaning.
Arwen ignored him once more. "I daresay you won't."
"Alar!" called one of her roguish brothers. "We need to talk!" And so Alar departed, and left the pair alone.
Oloriel spoke up. "Why do you fob him so?"
Arwen shot her a shocked look. "Would you prefer it if I fancied him?"
"No. What I meant to say was that if Alar, so determined for bedsport, was only after that, then perhaps it would prove enjoyable to let him have his way. You can not be so naive to think that an elleth must only take just the one male into their bed during their life. You could learn things from him that could be valuable for future use. He would not treat you badly."
Arwen exhaled, somewhat disbelievingly. "Mellon nin! This all sounds fair enough, but remember who he is!" she laughed. "Alar is not just another warrior – he is a family friend, and an unconquerable tease." Upon reaching a pond, they began to remove their clothing, wanting to escape the heat.
"Aye, I know. Tis merely a suggestion. He is certainly very willing."
"I know."
The pair slipped naked into the pond, the cool water refreshing their bodies. "But you know," said Oloriel, "I really think that you will one day."
Arwen frowned. "Will do what?"
Oloriel smirked. "Lay with him. I bet all the money I own."
"You oughtn't. You're never any good at betting."
"Then all the better for you. But enough of that. I shouldn't bait you so when I myself intend never to enter any kind of relationship of my own."
"Except for the odd wanton one, ofcourse." Arwen teased her friend.
"Ofcourse. I don't intend to miss out on that" she laughed.
Arwen shook her head. "It doesn't sound so wonderful to me."
Oloriel ceased rubbing the back of her neck. "Why? It sounds just fine to me."
The Evenstar merely smiled weakly. "As Alar said before – you are confident. I seem to lack that kind of spirit..."
xxx
Elvish Translations
Tangado haid! Leithio i philinn! – Hold positions! Fire the arrows!
A/N : I'm not sure when I'll be able to update, so I hope that this was enjoyable for you. Legolas and Arwen meet in the following chapter. Promise.
Xxx