Chapter 5
I grab a plate and fill it with an assortment of fruits, mixed meats, and cheeses. The dining room is relatively quiet today, so I pick a table that has a view of the waterfall and set my plate down. I eat absentmindedly as I watch the rushing water.
"May I join you?" I look up to see Legolas standing beside me.
"Sure." I say, and he takes a seat.
There's an awkward silence while I eat, and he watches me. He doesn't have any food and I'm not sure why he's in the dining hall if he's not going to eat. I look down and break a slice of cheese into smaller pieces.
"So, umm. No offence, but why?" I ask after a few moments of silence.
"Lord Elrond said you are missing Elladan and Elrohir." He starts. Dammit Glorfindel. "I am friends with the twins and Lord Elrond thought I might provide you a similar presence." He explains. My blood heats.
"Thanks. But I don't need pity friends." I throw my pieces of cheese down onto my plate and stand. My chair scrapes along the floor but I don't care. He looks stunned by my hasty departure as I brush past him and out of the dining hall.
Oh my god. I'm so graceless. I rub my forehead as I stomp down the leaf covered path. That's the Prince of Mirkwood I was just incredibly rude to. I sigh. It's probably for the better anyway. One less person to worry about keeping at a distance until we get to Lothlórien. I wander around until it's time to train with Glorfindel. I throw my annoyance into our training and am exhausted by the time the sun sets again.
Instead of going to the dining hall this morning, I grab the Sindarin book and find a porch bench in the sun. I only look through a few words before irritation scratches at my skin. I look up and see Legolas coming toward me.
"Is there something you need translated?" Legolas asks, coming to a stop in front of me.
"No." I say, still annoyed from yesterday. He stands quietly while I look back to the book.
"I do not mind lending you my aid." He assures.
"Thank you. But I am managing." My voice is tight but at least I'm being polite this time. I force myself to remain in my spot while he sits next to me. I only manage to read a few random translations here and there; I can't focus while he sits silently next to me.
The next day Legolas finds me walking one of the trails. He walks quietly beside me and his persistence reminds me a lot of the twins. I look at him expectantly and he comes to a stop. I stop as well and turn back to face him.
"I apologize if my words came across incorrectly, I meant no offense." His words surprise me. "While Lord Elrond did suggest I spend time with you in his sons' absence, I also, of my own volition, wish to get to know you."
"Thanks, but I don't need anymore friends." I say and turn to walk away. He grabs my upper arm and I freeze. He immediately lets go and I relax.
"It would not be for your benefit, but mine. I wish some peace on this journey and a stranger amongst our midst would prevent that." His words surprise me again, but I appreciate the honesty.
"Alright, what do you need to know to feel comfortable?" I ask and turn to walk again.
"We can begin with proper introductions." Once again, his words stop me in my tracks. "I am Legolas. You need not address me with any title." He says referring to his princely status.
"I'm Brielle." He gives me a polite smile. It's beautiful and I feel my face flush. I quickly turn and walk again. "What else?"
"What is your purpose here?" he takes a few long strides to be at my side again.
"I need help getting home." I say simply.
"Where is it you hail from?" His footsteps are silent while mine crunch on leaves.
"I don't know you well enough to entrust you with my origins just yet." I look at him from the corner of my eye and he is studying me with amused curiosity.
"Alright. How did you come to be in Rivendell?" he asks and I tell him of Aragorn finding me and holding me at knife point. Legolas finds this amusing. I roll my eyes and tell him of the rest of my journey here. He seems just as impressed as the twins at my prioritizing Frodo over my own pain from the Nazgûl.
"Why are you in Rivendell?" I ask. His look turns sour, almost ashamed.
"I came to bring news of the creature Gollum's escape from my father's dungeon. He was being held in the Greenwood," he pauses, "commonly known as Mirkwood now…" he trails off, shaking his head slightly. "Gollum was being held in our cells and escaped during an attack whilst on his daily walk." He finishes. We must be in the book timeline then, I don't remember that in the movies.
"I'm sure King Thranduil was not pleased with that." He answers my words with a wry smile. "What is he like?" I ask.
"He can be distant, but he cares for our people and the Greenwood. He became closed off after my mothers' passing but he is fair and compassionate despite that." He seems lost in thought and I give him a moment to compose himself. "Tell me of your family?" he requests.
"I don't maintain much of a relationship with my parents, but my sister is my best friend. We have the same sense of humour and we both love dogs." I think of the Bernese Mountain dog and Husky I was pulled away from to come here. "She's also incredibly smart and the braver of the two of us. Creative as well, draws lifelike portraits. She's very selfless; shared her friends with me, shared her place of work with me." Unshed tears line my eyes at the sudden ache of her missing presence.
"She sounds lovely." He says softly.
"She is. I was supposed to watch her get married, but I got lost here instead." I say sadly.
"What is her husband like?" He asks. I'm about to answer when the training grounds and Glorfindel come into view. Shit.
He is standing tall with his arms crossed, stern expression plastered on his face. I forget about my current conversation and run toward Glorfindel. He speaks before I can even begin to apologize.
"You're late."
"I'm so sorry. I lost track of time talking with Legolas." Surprise flashes across his face and he looks behind me. He gives a nod to Legolas then looks back to me with mild curiosity.
"Very well. Retrieve your sword and begin." He uncrosses his arms. Legolas watches us for a while before getting his bow and arrow to practice as well. Legolas stays until we are done and walks me back to my room afterwards.
The air has changed overnight; it's cool this morning. I pull on a robe over my dress and make my way to the communal dining hall. I grab a small plate of food and grab a table to myself.
"May I?" I don't even have to look up to know it's Legolas.
"Sure." I say and he sits. "Lord Elrond may have been right. You're just like them, you know. Once the twins decided they wanted to spend time with me they wouldn't leave me alone." He half smiles at my comparison.
"Since you're here, what can you tell me of the other members of the fellowship?" I ask going back to my food.
"Gandalf is a wanderer but a wise and impartial leader. Aragorn was raised here in Rivendell then travelled much of Middle-Earth. He too is a brave and selfless leader." He says.
"Are two leaders in the group going to be an issue?" I ask slightly amused, slightly concerned.
"Nay, both want what is best for Middle-Earth and will ultimately defer to the ring-bearer, Frodo." I nod at his confidence. "Boromir is the Captain of Gondor, a brave and honourable man, though I fear the ring's call will be too much for him." A troubled look crosses his face. "What do you know of our journey?"
"Oh, don't worry. I was already informed of your mission to destroy it." I say purposely leaving out how I know. He seems appeased and continues.
"Gimli is a Dwarf of the Lonely Mountain. His kind are fierce and strong warriors." He says reluctantly and I try to hold back an amused smirk. Be nice, that's your future best friend. "I fear I have nothing to offer of the hobbits, you've travelled with them more than I."
"We didn't talk much; a lot of time was spent just trying to survive. They seemed rather optimistic though for a group trying to outrun the Black Riders. And brave, Sam, Merry, and Pippin shielded Frodo and I on Weathertop." I offer.
We spend the rest of the meal in companionable silence. Legolas doesn't seem bothered by it, the opposite rather, content to just sit together. It's surprisingly comfortable. When I'm finished, I leave Legolas in search of Lord Elrond. I find him in the Halls of Healing taking inventory of the herbs.
"Lord Elrond? I was hoping I could make a request." I say shyly.
"Is there something you are lacking?" He asks, frowning.
"No, no. That's not it at all. Everything's wonderful." I assure him. I explain about Christmas from back home and my plans to get gifts for the group. "But I have no means of acquiring those materials." I say sheepishly, he smiles fondly at me.
"I will speak with the appropriate craftsman, and they will assist you. Allow me a day's time before you visit them with you requests."
"Thank you! Oh, and I'd like it to be one last surprise for everyone before they set out if you don't mind…"
"I will convey the importance of discretion on your behalf." He assures me.
"Thank you again." I say and bow to him.
"You are most welcome my dear." He says amused. He glances at the clock then back to me. "Glorfindel will be expecting you." I look at the clock.
"Shit. Oops, sorry." I cover my mouth with my hand. "I was late yesterday. I gotta go. Thanks again for your help!" I call over my shoulder while I rush from the Halls. I swear I hear him chuckling.
I run for the training grounds as fast as I can. By the time I get there I'm panting but I don't see Glorfindel. I hunch over and place my hands on my knees. My heart feels like it's going to beat out of my chest. I've got to get in shape.
"Brielle?" I snap upright and whirl around to face Glorfindel. He stands tall, arms crossed. His golden hair blows gently in the wind and amusement is written all over his face. "You arrived on time today." He clears his throat trying not to laugh.
"Yeah, yeah." I roll my eyes and release the tension from my shoulders. "I'll go get my sword." He watches as I pass him to get to the weapons room.
"Oof." I land on my butt trying to weakly, and rather stereotypically girlishly, avoid one of his attacks. I flop back on the ground and throw a hand over my eyes. "It's useless!" I cry dramatically. He moves to my side and stares down stoically at me.
"You are quite awe-inspiring, spectacular really," He pauses and I remove my hand to look up at him. "I do not believe I have ever trained someone as dramatic as you." He finishes, the corner of his mouth twitching upwards.
"I'm going to choose to take that as a compliment." I say sitting up.
"You misinterpret the intent of my words then." He says helping me up. I scowl and stick my tongue out at him. He raises one perfect eyebrow at me. "Again." He instructs and I groan.
My butt hurts too much the next morning so I skip breakfast and head to the tailor to start some of my Christmas gifts. I tell him of my ideas and give him a list of approximate sizes. I stay with him for most of the morning while he prepares the first set of garments. Once I'm satisfied with the design, he assures me I can collect them in a few weeks.
I skip lunch and head to the training grounds. While I wait for Glorfindel I stand by Legolas and watch him practice. My blatant watching makes him shift and adjust but he still nails every shot. I think he's semi-relieved when Glorfindel finally shows up.
Starting my Christmas gifts this morning has put me in a pretty good mood and I greet him cheerily as I pass to go pick up my sword. Our sparring vaguely feels like dancing today and I let it overcome me. I daydream I'm one of those professional swordsmen you see in movies who move so fluently, with such coordination.
I raise my sword as I spin and twirl it above my head before slashing it down as I come to face him again. But I'm not a skilled swordsman and I laugh as I almost trip again. It's kind of a blur but I think I hear 'Rhaich!' slip out of Glorfindel's mouth before the metal of his sword clanks against mine on the ground. He steadies me with hands on my upper arms.
It takes a second for the world to stop spinning. When I get my bearings again, I notice Glorfindel staring at me sternly. He motions to a bench off to our right.
"Sit." I feel like I'm in trouble, so I do as I'm told without a word. I watch as he sits down beside me. "That was reckless. You nearly injured yourself on my blade. Why do you not taking your training seriously?" My mood falls and I look away from him. He turns me back and waits for an answer.
"Because. I don't want to hurt or kill anybody." I say somewhat embarrassed, somewhat troubled.
His face softens and he watches me while he considers his words. I don't want to see the pity in his eyes so I face forward and lean my head on his shoulder instead. We sit quietly like that for a while.
"There is no expectation of you to superfluously cause bodily harm." He starts, breaking the silence. "One of my good friends once told me 'True courage is not about knowing when to take a life, but when to spare one'. What I am attempting to teach you should be used only as a last resort, and only to the extend you can escape to get help." He says compassionately.
"I guess." I say, still unsure. I sit up and look up to meet his gaze again.
"The fellowship is embarking on a perilous journey; combat will be part of it. Though Elladan and Elrohir are leading a group to make your part of the journey as easy as possible, there may still be danger." He pauses.
"Your companions will attempt to spare your clean hands but should circumstances come down to your or a foe, we wish you to possess the skills to survive." He finishes.
I don't like it, but his words make sense. I know, probably better than anyone, what we're all about to face. I nod still troubled.
"I'm sorry. I promise I'll do my best from now on to take it seriously."
"We wasted much time, but I believe you to be ready now. I should be able to teach you enough to free yourself and to get help." He says and stands. I stand with him and actually pay attention as he explains different ways I can use my sword other than just swinging it around; like using the pommel to bludgeon someone.
The Hall of Fire is busier than normal today. When I arrived after dinner to read, it was empty. Then some elves came and started playing some music. Then the hobbits and Bilbo came and gathered around the fire to tell stories. Everyone leaves me alone as I pretend to read my book though, except Legolas.
"Why do you abstain from their activities?" he says, sitting in the chair beside me.
"I don't know what you mean." I say looking down at my book.
"I know you are not actually reading." He says as he grabs my book and flips it the right way up. My face flushes but hopefully the orange glow of the fire covers it. I sigh.
"They don't seem so helpless anymore; like they did on the journey here. They have each other and Bilbo, so they don't need me. Plus, they only have just over a month together before we leave again, I don't want to interrupt any of that time." We fall quiet as we watch the hobbits animatedly share stories well into the night. Eventually I grow tired and Legolas escorts me to my room.
It's warmer today so I find a bench outside the main house and sit down to soak up the sun. Bilbo strolls over to me and sits beside me. We sit silently together for a while just enjoying the suns' summer rays.
"Do you have anymore stories to pass the time dear? I do quiet enjoy your creativity; mermaids!" He exclaims referring my retelling of The Little Mermaid.
I think for a moment then decide to tell him the story of Mulan. He particularly enjoys when I give the characters voices, so I do my best to impersonate Mooshoo and Shang. He listens intently throughout and claps joyfully at the end.
I suddenly feel oddly exhausted and excuse myself. I move to my room for a nap but not even that is enough to make me feel better. On top of that I can feel my mood dropping. It feels strangely familiar but I can't place my finger on why.
My answer becomes clear over the next few days. Mother nature is preparing to torture me. She starts by throwing off my balance, next an ache starts in my lower abdomen. After that my mood really plummets and I spend all day in my room trying to avoid people.
I'm too uncomfortable to sleep so once it's finally dark I decide to get some fresh air. My face is probably splotchy from crying but it's fine since everyone is probably asleep, and honestly, I don't have the energy to care. I walk until I find a somewhat secluded bench to sit on. I turn sideways and bring my knees up so I can hide my face in them, to hide the last of my tears.
I hear footsteps and pray whoever it is walks past me. The sound continues coming closer and I peak up. I'm surprised to see Legolas sitting beside me, or well, in front of me. Normally Legolas' footsteps don't make a sound.
"What troubles you?" He asks, concern filling his tone. I debate ranting to him for a minute. Normally I would just wait it out but it just seems like everything's hitting more intense this time.
"Nothing to worry about. I'm just being dramatic." I start off to assure him. He continues staring at me and his silence compels me to explain further.
"It just didn't cross my mind until now that I have no birth control here so now, I'm having to adjust to hormones changing again and it seems more intense than before I got on the pill but that is probably just my body adjusting to getting a cycle again. It's normally really, it can take months to get a normal cycle back." I stop to sniffle and take a breath.
"But now I can't balance, and my stomach has this dull ache and I just feel like crying even though there's nothing technically wrong. I just want my birth control back, so I don't have to deal with any of this. Does Middle-Earth even have anything like that? Oh god. What am I gonna do on the road to Lothlórien?" I groan and drop my head back to my knees again.
It's quiet for a while and I wonder if Legolas has left my crazy ass here. I look up and almost laugh, almost. Spilling my guts is almost worth seeing the normally poised elf look so distraught. Legolas looks stunned, he's frozen in place with a distressed look on his face.
"Are you alright?" I ask hesitantly, like my words might break him. He clears his throat and blinks a few times like he's suddenly come back to the present.
"I am… alright." He decides. "What is… birth control?" He asks, curiosity winning over his discomfort. Suddenly I regret my decision to open my mouth. I take it back, not worth it. My face flushes and I break eye contact.
"Um, it's usually a pill to uh, stop a girls' cycle so she can't get pregnant." I stammer out. "But it can also be used to control symptoms like acne, or cramps, or whatever." I add on quickly, thought I don't know if it makes it any better. He looks perplexed.
"Why would one wish to prevent conception in such a way? If you are engaging in physical intimacy, would that not be the goal?" He asks, all trace of embarrassment gone. A laugh escapes me, and I immediately cover my mouth.
"I'm sorry, I'm not laughing at you. I've just never had to have this conversation with anyone before." He nods and looks pleased that at least I'm not crying anymore.
"Um, that's not always the case though. It can be… recreational, just for pleasure." I say awkwardly.
"I see. Elves rarely have relations outside of mates." He says. "I suggest speaking with Lord Elrond. Elves choose when they enter estrus as a means to conceive but Lord Elrond may be able to provide you a solution, or some way to mimic your 'birth control pills'." He says, testing the words, and my face flushes again. Never in a million years did I think I'd be talking about this with Legolas.
"I'll do that."
"Would you like me to escort you there?" He offers.
"Now?" I squeak out.
"Aye, I believe a candle was lit in the Halls of Healing when I passed."
"Um, okay." We stand and I follow him through the dark pathways. He leaves me at the door with a bid goodnight, probably happy to pass me off to someone else.
"Come in." Lord Elrond calls. I take a deep breath and enter. "What is keeping you from sleep Brielle?"
"I was just talking with Legolas and he said you might be able to help me with an issue." I say. "But um, maybe there's an elleth versed in unique tinctures?" I ask hopefully.
"I'm afraid not, most of our specialist healers are male." He says apologetically.
"Okay." I nod. "Well, um. Back home I have a little pill I take daily that, uh, stops my cycle and hormones and stuff related to it. I guess it took a while for my body to catch up to its absence, but now I'm struggling, and I don't want to deal with all this on the way to Lothlórien and I didn't want to be a bother to anyone. Anyways, I was wondering if you had anything that could mimic that?" I ramble, not looking him in the eyes.
"I believe I can make you a tincture to help. Allow me a few days to ensure the ingredients are correct and I recall the proper proportions."
"Of course, thank you."
"Will you need any supplies before then?" Oh my god.
"I don't think so. I used to get symptoms the week before, so I should be okay for another few days." I say.
"Alright. Feel free to find Arwen or I if you have need of anything." He offers.
"I will, thank you." I scratch my arm awkwardly. "I'm um, going to go to bed now." I jerk my thumb over my shoulder at the door.
"Sleep well, Brielle."
I basically run back to my room. Even in the privacy of my own space, I get under the covers and hide my face. I need to get home. I require entirely too much help here.
I spend most of the next few days in my room. Between feeling achy and feeling sad, I don't want to do anything but lay in bed. Glorfindel comes to my room and when I tell him I don't feel well he considers me but doesn't push it. For the hour we'd spend training, he sits with me and tells me what he remembers of his first life. He tells me of Gondolin and the pretty yellow star shaped flowers of his home.
When he comes the third day, he tells me Lord Elrond is waiting for me in the Halls of Healing. I thank him and make my way there. The Hall is empty aside from the two of us when I enter.
"How have you been?" He asks as I sit on one of the beds.
"Okay, I spent most of the last few days in my room resting. Glorfindel would come and talk with me sometimes." I tell him.
"I hope this allows you to leave your room more." Lord Elrond says, presenting a small glass tincture to me. I take it excitedly and turn it over in my hands.
"Thank you!"
"Before you take it, be aware it may cause side effects. I believe the most likely would be dizziness or nausea." He says seriously.
"Oh, that's nothing compared to the pages of potential side effects the birth control back on Earth can have." I say nonplused. His expression turns concerned.
"Perhaps I should examine you before I approve the use of this." He gently plucks the tincture from me and places it on a table beside us.
"Oh, that's not necessary." I try to brush him off but he gives me a stern look. I sigh and my shoulders sag.
"It will not be invasive." He assures.
I lay flat on the bed I'm already sat on and wait. He hovers his hands over my head, then heart, then abdomen while quietly chanting. He's right, it's not invasive. I don't really feel anything other than maybe a warm tingly prodding sensation if I really try to focus on it.
"Thank you, I feel much better allowing you this, when I can verify for myself you are healthy." He says helping me sit up and handing me back the glass bottle.
"So how do I take this, and how often?" I ask unscrewing the cap.
"One drop under the tongue daily, preferably at the same time each day." He instructs. "I'd request you take your first dose here so I may ensure you have no immediate reactions to it." I nod and follow his instruction.
"Um, while we wait, I was wondering if I could ask another favour?" I ask nervously.
"What is it that you need?"
"In the Halfelven Halls there's a yellow flower, could I take one of the blooms for one of my presents?" He looks curiously at my request but doesn't prod.
"You may, I would ask you be careful of its roots."
"Of course!" I nod. "Thank you again." He smiles at me.
"You appear to be alright; you are free to go. See me if anything changes before it is time for you to leave." He instructs.
"I will." I hop off the bed and bid him farewell.
Over the next few days, I visit the glassblower, the jeweller, the scribe, and the kitchens. I tell them of my ideas, and we work out plants to get the supplies needed to get started on the final products. I also stop by the tailor to pick up the pieces that are done.
The few days after that I spend pacing by the Bridge. It's December 7th and the twins and their group were supposed to be back a week ago. I chew on the inside of my lip while I pace.
"I assume Lord Elrond had something to help you?" Legolas says putting a stop to my pacing. My brows pull down in confusion. "You look better than the night I last saw you."
"Oh! Yeah, he created a tincture for me." I answer him semi-distracted. I scan the trees again.
"Do not fret, they will return."
"They're a week late." I say flatly.
"They are a strong thorough group, place your faith in them." He implores me. "Come, it is late." He escorts me back to my room. "If they do not return tomorrow, I will inquire about a second patrol to search the borders for them. Now, get some rest." He grabs my hand, stopping me from picking at the skin around my nails.
"Okay. I'll try. Goodnight." I say and close my door behind me.
I'm leaving my room bright and early this morning. I swing my door open, and Legolas is standing on the other side. Busted. He guides me to the Halls of Dining to ensure I eat breakfast before he allows me to return to my pacing at the Bridge. He also stays and sits with me while I pace.
"I do not believe pacing has the ability to summon people." He says as I turn to retrace my steps again. I throw a glare at him and he holds back a smile. What is it with elves and teasing me.
I sigh and sit next to Legolas on the bench. We sit in companionable silence. I'm so grateful he doesn't feel the need to talk, it makes it easier to keep my distance if he insists on being near me like the twins do. It's already going to be hard enough to leave them at the end of the month.
Horse hooves clomping on stones fills the air and I perk up. Elladan and Elrohir lead their group across the Bridge. I stand, not taking my eyes off them, and move forward to meet them. They swing their legs over their horses and drop down almost in unison.
"You're late." I say.
"Sounds like someone missed and cares about us." Elrohir grins at me.
"What happened to 'no touchy-feely things'?" Elladan does a bad impression of me and ruffles the hair on the top of my head. I bat his hand away.
"Like I said when you left, I just needed to make sure I'd be safe on my way to Lothlórien. If you didn't return, how could I know the way was clear?" They both just raise matching eyebrows at me, not falling for my words. Elladan looks over my shoulder, I assume at Legolas joining us.
"Did you take good care of our girl in our absence?" Elladan asks Legolas.
"I'm not your girl." I cross my arms and look up at him.
"I did. Had to ensure she ate this morning though. She's been so overcome with worry." Legolas answers.
"Hey! Whose side are you on?" I turn on him and put my hands on my hips. Elladan, at my back, laughs.
"Elegren gwinig, how we have missed you." He says and throws an arm around my shoulders.
"Stop that." I say trying to free myself, but Elrohir flanks my other side, trapping me.
"Tell us what you did, other than pace, in our absence." Elrohir teases as they guide me toward the stables. Legolas takes up the rear leaving me no choice but to follow them forward.
The four of us catch up while they care for their horses. They say that most of the journey was clear. They only ran into trouble closer to Lothlórien. One of the other elves that I don't know ended up with an arrow wound that they stayed to heal for a few days. While an arrow would sounds serious to me, apparently it was quick and easy to deal with.
They also say they took out more orc packs than they're comfortable with. Apparently Lothlórien has been clear of orcs for a while but that is not the case anymore. It makes me glad Glorfindel and I had that talk and I decided to take his training seriously, even if I can't imagine ever actually hurting anything.
When the horses are cared for and we've finished catching up, the twins excuse themselves to go inform Lord Elrond of what happened on their trip. Legolas and I, both tired of talking, just walk in silence for a while.
"What is it like being able to speak two languages? I've always wanted to be able to speak multiple." I say eventually interrupting our silence.
"I am fluent in two; Sindarin and Westron, also known as Common. I am also proficient in Silvan and have some knowledge of Quenya. Separating Westron and Sindarin is simple, however the elven languages all derive from Quenya so refraining from mixing them can be tricky when speaking with one who does not understand all three."
"Wow, I hope to be able to do that one day. Aside from sounding fun, I'm sure it's handy when travelling." He nods and we fall back into silence.
"Do you every miss speaking in Sindarin? Or is silvan the language in Mirkwood?" I say the last part more to myself.
"Sindarin is the most commonly spoken Elvish but most of Lasgalen is Silvan and speak it as well. It is nice to communicate in my natural tongue, but I do not dislike communicating in the Common tongue." He says but I can tell he's happier in his native language. It makes me wish I knew enough to communicate with him.
We make it to the training grounds, and I stand aside while Legolas grabs his bow and arrows. I want to join him, but his skills are intimidating. My leisurely practice back home would look like a novice next to his proficiency. All afternoon I point at random places on the target and watch as he nails every shot. I leave him to practice in peace when Glorfindel shows up for my lessons.
Notes:
Rhaich - curses