"Legolas."
Legolas felt a hand on his arm. He opened his eyes to see Haldir on one knee beside him. He sat up where he had fallen asleep on the floor in Haldir's talan. A pale light filled the air around them. It was morning.
Haldir held out a steaming cup of sweet-smelling liquid and a square of crewel cake. "Good morning."
Legolas accepted the cup and cake. "Good morning," he replied, noticing that Haldir was completely dressed in his warrior garb. Today, the patrol was setting out again. Legolas smiled at the thought.
"A little something to help wake you up," Haldir said, nodding at the food. "You still have to go back to the patrol's talans, change into uniform and get your equipment."
"I asked Lostilsil to help me prepare everything yesterday evening before the dinner, since I only had an hour after we returned from training," Legolas replied.
"Then you had better hurry with that breakfast, so we can be on our way," Haldir said. "I am afraid we will both be late, as it is. I let you sleep later than I should have."
Legolas drained the cup in one draught and devoured the cake in two bites. "I don't even remember falling asleep," he said, getting to his feet.
Haldir grinned. "You were very tired," he said. "But that should have come as no surprise to you. You've seen what those songs do to me. It's amazing to watch it happen to someone else." He slung his pack over one shoulder. "We must hurry."
"Aren't you forgetting something?" Legolas asked.
Haldir raised an inquiring eyebrow.
"Your morning prayer," Legolas replied, then seeing Haldir's expression waver and grow soft, he added, "While we were on patrol, you said it every morning at sunrise." A pause. "I noticed."
Haldir regarded Legolas, and he was not sure what to say, for never before had anyone shown such an interest in the prayers, in learning the ancient language . . . and Haldir had certainly not expected Legolas to be the one to do so. It was a strange sensation that crept up Haldir's spine, as he began to consider that he might have been misjudging the Prince of Mirkwood all along. Could it be that Legolas was not doing these things in order to impress Haldir, but rather because he felt drawn to the beauty and mystery that formed the basis for Haldir's life? Did Legolas recognize and empathize with the truth of whom and what Haldir was?
At last, Haldir stated, "It is past sunrise."
"You have already said it, then," Legolas replied. His face took on a hopeful and resolute expression. "Would you say it again, if I say it with you?"
After several seconds, during which Haldir could not find his voice, he responded with a nod. And to his amazement, Legolas did not wait for him to begin, but spoke the opening words himself. Haldir joined him halfway through the first verse, but his voice refused to bend itself to his control, and he could barely form the words. Something very powerful was happening to him, threatening his carefully guarded self-control.
Legolas was touching his soul.
Ardamil saw Haldir approaching, and right away the subaltern could see that something of significance had transpired for his captain. And the fact that Legolas had not yet arrived at the patrol's gathering point raised as many questions as it answered in Ardamil's mind.
Haldir came to Ardamil directly and greeted him as always, but Ardamil could sense an increase in joy, which he would not have believed possible for Haldir, for his captain had always been of happy disposition. Still, the increase in vibrancy was too real, too palpable to be mistaken fancy. Ardamil drew back from the greeting, but kept a firm hold on Haldir's arms.
"You are late," he said with no inflection to identify the statement as anything other than an observation.
Haldir's face beamed with contentedness. "It is a well-earned lateness," he replied.
Ardamil stared deeply into his eyes, studied his countenance. "What has happened?"
Haldir looked back at him and bent his arms to clasp Ardamil at the elbows. "Something miraculous. But there is no time now. I will tell you later." Then, seeing the apprehension in Ardamil's gaze, he added, "It is good news, Ardamil. Your worries were unfounded."
"My worries?" Ardamil asked.
"About Legolas," Haldir replied, then he squeezed Ardamil's elbows, broke away, and began to survey the rest of the patrol for readiness.
Ardamil drew a heavy breath as he watched Haldir's progress through the patrol. After several minutes, Legolas arrived, looking harried but also sporting the same blissful expression that Haldir was wearing. Ardamil fought down the uneasiness he felt building inside him. He had had reason in the past to fear for his captain's tender heart, but why he should be so wary of Legolas was something he could not quite fathom. The fact was that Ardamil was very fond of Legolas and liked him a great deal. And he felt confident that Legolas would never willingly do anything to injure Haldir, and yet . . . it would not be the first time that Ardamil's instincts had failed him. It would not be the first time that Haldir had received poor treatment at the hands of those he had trusted and loved. But Ardamil had made a promise to himself that, if it were ever within his power, he would do everything possible to spare Haldir any further harm or pain.
But what if Legolas presented no threat? What if Ardamil were being too guarded in his desire to protect Haldir? This, itself, was a distressing thought; for if Ardamil, in his attempt to deflect any injury to his captain, instead drove away an elf who had the ability to reach Haldir in a way no one else could, who had the ability to increase an already overflowing happiness, then Ardamil might never be able to forgive himself for having acted rashly and overstepping his boundaries. He resolved to give it some more time, to observe how things went in the patrol.
Unexpectedly, he heard a voice next to him. "You look pensive." Turning, he saw Orophin standing beside him.
"I am trying not to make a great mistake," he replied.
"That sounds intriguing," Orophin remarked. "A great mistake about what?"
Ardamil was long in answering. At last, he said, "The most important thing in the world to me."
"Haldir?" Orophin grinned.
"You know me all too well," Ardamil replied, also managing a smile.
"What is it that you fear?" Orophin asked.
"Are you to have all my secrets?" Ardamil answered with a question of his own.
Orophin laughed. "If I can draw them out of you."
"This one you shall not draw, for I am not even sure of it myself," Ardamil replied, and the thoughtfulness returned to his features. In the sanctuary of his own mind, the words followed soundlessly, "I only know that I do not want to see him go through this again." And he was willing to do whatever was necessary to protect his captain.
The patrol's journey led them, this time, to the southwest, close to the Rohan. The first three weeks were carried out under a clear sky with only a few high wisps of cloud to break up the blue that stretched from horizon to horizon. The first day of the fourth week, thunderheads could be glimpsed far off to the west beyond the plains of Rohan. When the patrol split up for its third and final foray into different towns, it was in the face of these approaching storms, and Legolas was once again with Haldir, as he had been on every previous excursion.
It did not go unnoticed by members of the patrol the amount of time Haldir spent with Legolas, teaching him the ancient language, honing archery skills, developing his ability to empathize with his surroundings, talking quietly, or simply being next to each other but without activity. Nor did they miss the sense of contentedness the two had in each other's company. Something had changed . . .
. . . and Ardamil was still waiting for the explanation of that "something" as he set out in Haldir's group on that fourth week. He had been very patient and not pushed Haldir for information, but the more he saw of his captain and the Mirkwood Prince together, the greater his concern became, for he was absolutely convinced that he was seeing a motive in Legolas's actions that Haldir was not seeing. It was not a wicked or devious thing; in fact, it was quite the opposite-a fondness and affection that went beyond mere camaraderie, though how much further, Ardamil was as yet unable to ascertain.
It was not until the second night of the last foray that Ardamil's concern reached a level at which point he could not pretend to ignore it. The group was encamped in the forest at the foot of a rising plateau, upon which several settlements of the Rohirrim lay only a few hours' journey.
In addition to Haldir, Ardamil and Legolas, the band of elves boasted Mythis, Maynfeln, Henschel and Orophin. By any standard, it was a lively group and given to much competition. Even so, Ardamil was surprised when Haldir picked the second night as the setting for Legolas's informal induction into the patrol. Usually, Haldir chose an opportunity in front of the entire patrol. His decision to take Legolas on in the confines of the smaller group struck Ardamil as a sign of anxiousness. Haldir's earlier expressions of reserve and skepticism had all but disappeared.
The evening had started off innocently enough-lembas, miruvoir, and a story from Henschel, who had one of the funniest wits Legolas had ever encountered. After that, Haldir had called for a song and specifically selected Ardamil as the performer.
Legolas sat with bated breath, for he had heard from more than one quarter that Ardamil's voice was unequalled, not only within the patrol, but throughout most of Lorien.
And he was not disappointed.
Ardamil's voice was a gift of the highest order, a grace the Valar must have bestowed upon him: clear, brilliant, and filled with passion. The song he chose was in one of the tongues of men.
'Mist kissed by moonlight, silver snow, Gossamer dancers from long, long ago Whirl to melodies the four winds blow.
The mist lifts, it rises into the night. Earth's chandelier casts its blue light. They come two-by-two, O! what a sight!
Their music from Heaven, the skies rain down, Never before has there been such a sound. They follow where it leads them, round and round.
Be careful where you step, The night is spirit-bound. Disturb not their gaiety, For in their dance is found The answer to the march of days And sweet, forgotten love, The goodness of all that dwells In the light of that above.
The dancers, they vanish each one by one. The morning is borrowing its way to the sun. And when all is over, their work shall be done.'
Legolas could not believe that anything in Middle Earth could possess such a stunning voice. As he listened, his attention was rapt upon Ardamil, who seemed to grow in stature and grace as he sang. When the song was over, Legolas beamed with excitement. "That was tremendous!" he raved. "You must sing more often, Ardamil!"
Ardamil gave a humble smile.
Legolas looked to Haldir to share his enthusiasm, but Haldir was still staring at Ardamil with wonderment. Legolas winked at Ardamil playfully. "I think you have put our captain into a trance."
Haldir, hearing this, spoke distinctly. "You are disturbing my admiration."
Legolas detected the subtle challenge in Haldir's voice, and he responded willingly. "My apologies," he replied, his voice underpinned by a provocative inflection. "I would never want to disturb any pleasure of yours."
Haldir cast a wry, sideways glance at him. "Is that so?"
"Without question."
Haldir rose to his feet, his attention now fully diverted from Ardamil to Legolas. "Then I desire the pleasure of engaging you in a wrestling match."
Legolas was stunned with the suddenness of the request. The thing he had been waiting for was now being offered him, and he could hardly believe it. He got slowly to his feet, reveling in his good fortune. "Gladly."
To Ardamil, it was scanty incitement; in fact, no incitement at all. There had been no true grounds upon which Haldir could draw Legolas into a match; Haldir had simply decided that he had waited long enough to bring Legolas into the fold. And yet, Haldir's simple desire sufficed for Legolas.
As the rest of the patrol looked on, Haldir bared himself to the waist, and Legolas followed. In a matter of seconds, they were engaged.
It was a one-sided contest, as Legolas could barely concentrate on what he was doing, so intoxicating was the struggle against Haldir: the power in his captain's hands as they grabbed and held, the solidness and poise of his body, the sounds of exertion as Haldir made an impressive show of claiming what was his through subjugation of his opponent, although he followed the contest with no show of physical affection as he had done countless other times with the other members of his patrol.
But it was what happened once Legolas had been pinned and ceased fighting that piqued Ardamil's concern . Legolas, soundly defeated, wrapped his fingers around Haldir's forearms. When Haldir attempted to get up, Legolas tightened his grip, preventing his captain from rising. Haldir did not resist him, but instead settled the full length of his body on top of Legola's slighter form. Their faces were very close together; and visible in Legolas's was the unabashed desire that such a moment would never end. There was longing in Legolas's eyes, a hopeful-almost urgent-expectation of some exchange of deeper intimacy.
Even as Haldir, glowing with the effulgence of a contented heart, gently freed himself from Legolas's grasp without having responded in any outwardly manner to Legolas's unspoken wish, the whole scene struck Ardamil as an unwilling relinquishment on the part of the Mirkwood prince. Legolas wanted Haldir, wanted him very much and in so many different ways that it was impossible to distinguish one from the next. And it was this desire that frightened Ardamil. It frightened him terribly. He would not watch it again; he would not see his captain-his closest and dearest friend-suffer once more the anguish that accompanied virtue.
The night prayer was Legolas's favorite. And this night it held special significance, for following upon this, his long awaited acceptance as one of Haldir's own, the speaking of the words in union with Haldir represented an affirmation of the bond that had been forged earlier that evening.
Since setting out from Caras Galadhon, Legolas had accompanied Haldir every morning, noon, and night in the recitation of the prayers. His fluency in the Ancient Language had grown such that he could even lead one or two of the prayers. He would lead the prayer this night.
As was his practice, Haldir went some short distance away from the rest of the patrol, and Legolas went with him. When Haldir dropped to one knee, Legolas did the same; but before Haldir could begin the words, Legolas spoke.
"I would like to lead," he announced.
Haldir made a gesture of concession.
Legolas began the prayer, and Haldir joined him. When they had finished, Haldir reached out and touched Legolas's shoulder. "You bring me great joy," he said with sincerity.
"I can see that," Legolas replied. "That is my intention."
"You are succeeding," Haldir grinned. "I think I have taken an extraordinary student under my wing."
"There is no other place I would rather be," came the reply.
They walked back to the camp to find the rest of the patrol gathered around a low fire.
Haldir noticed immediately that Ardamil was not present. "Where is Ardamil?" he asked, his senses leaping to the alert.
"He has the first watch, so he is out checking the surroundings," Mythis replied.
This struck Haldir as odd. Ardamil was already familiar with these woods; the patrol had camped here many times. It was more certain that Ardamil was distressed over some matter, and Haldir had a vague idea what that matter might be. But Ardamil had never been one to seek out solitude, and the fact that he was doing so now was indication to Haldir that something was amiss.
"I will return," he said, turning to head back into the dark. He did not have to go far to find Ardamil, for the latter had gone only as far as the edge of the wood, where he now stood looking out over the darkened slope of the land to the east.
Haldir came up behind him and wrapped his arms about the subaltern's shoulders, holding him close in an affectionate manner. "My songbird, you have been very serious lately."
Ardamil savored the feeling of his captain's arms around him, even as he fought to suppress the uneasiness in his heart. "I have been observant," he replied.
"You have always been observant," Haldir noted.
"I am trying to discern the answer to a question that I asked at the patrol's outset but which you still have not answered," Ardamil said, and although he spoke lightheartedly, in truth, the subject had been wearing on him since the day the patrol had left Caras Galadhon.
Haldir tightened his embrace. "What question is that?"
"You still have not told me of the miraculous occurrence that has resulted in such an increase in your joy," Ardamil replied.
Haldir laughed quietly. "Perhaps you are not so observant as I thought."
"Shall I tell you what I have observed?" Ardamil asked, then without waiting for an answer, he continued. "I have observed that Legolas is grown infatuated with you, and that you receive his attentions readily and with enthusiasm."
Again, Haldir laughed. "Oh Ardamil, my dear Ardamil, is that all you see?"
"Tell me what I should be seeing, Nikerym," Ardamil replied.
Haldir released Ardamil and turned him so that the two were face-to-face. Haldir's voice was low and intense. "He is learning the songs, Ardamil! He is learning the prayers, the ancient language. He is the first one to ever show such a desire!"
Ardamil stared back at his captain for several long seconds. This was not the response he had expected. Haldir's voice rang with an expression of hope, but Ardamil was skeptical of such hope - or if it were a well-founded hope, it was likely coming too late in the day, for it was clear that the elves' time in Middle Earth was drawing towards its end. How many centuries remained? Or was their time measured in decades only?
"You think Legolas might follow your path?" he asked as last.
Haldir's face was lit with anticipation. "I think it is possible."
Ardamil chose his next words carefully. "Does he know your path, Haldir? Does he know what it would entail?"
"I have not told him, and I do not think anyone else has either, for he has made no mention of it," Haldir replied. "But he shows a natural inclination." Seeing Ardamil's unconvinced expression, he tried harder. "His interest can not be denied."
Ardamil sighed deeply. Lowering his eyes, he shook his head. "No, Haldir, his interest can not be denied. But I fear you are misreading that interest. Haldir, yours is a difficult life-" then, as Haldir made to speak, he pressed with feeling, "There are few elves who could accept such a commitment. You want him to become what you are, but I-I do not believe that is his intention."
Haldir took a step back, a faint coldness descending upon his features. "And what do you believe his intention is?"
Ardamil raised his eyes. "To be close to you."
"And why should that bother you, Ardamil?" Haldir asked. "You are close to me, closer than anyone other than my brothers. Do you not wish to make room for another? Or can you not see that it just may be that Legolas's desire to be close to me stems from his attraction to the things he sees in my life?"
"Haldir, he does not know!" Ardamil persisted. "He hears the songs and says the prayers and speaks the language with you, but he does not know what he would have to sacrifice in order to follow your path!" He drew back to gather his wits. "And he-he does not know what he would have to sacrifice in order to love you."
A moment of silence passed, then Haldir stated in a quiet voice, "You love me."
"And I have sacrificed much, as you well know, Haldir, because it only possible to love you on your terms," Ardamil replied. "It is not possible for you any other way, and I am able to accept that. All of us have accepted it or else we would no longer be in the patrol. Do you think Legolas could make such sacrifices? Do you think he could live an eternity without the experience of desire? Or even worse, do you think he could live an eternity desiring someone he can never have? Do you think it that easy for the rest of us? No one is immune to you, Haldir! I, the least of all!"
Haldir looked bewildered. "But you do have me, Ardamil. And I do not live without desire, you know that. I do not understand what has brought this on. Have I done something to injure you?"
Ardamil moaned and shook his head. "No, Haldir, you have done nothing to hurt me."
"Then what is this all about? Why are you so wary of Legolas?" Haldir pressed, reaching out and placing his hands on Ardamil's shoulders.
Ardamil looked up, directly in his captain's eyes. "Not Legolas," he replied. "You." With these words, he turned and walked back towards the camp.
By the time Haldir returned to the camp, the rest of the patrol was asleep- or pretending to be, except for Ardamil, who sat perched on the lower branches of a tree at the perimeter of the encampment, fulfilling his watch duty.
Haldir did not approach Ardamil, although he could sense the subaltern's eyes upon him, following his movements as he made a place for himself next to the fire and conspicuously far away from Legolas. He lay down but already he knew that sleep would elude him this night. The exchange with Ardamil had troubled him more than he was willing to admit, for it had seemed to him for many centuries that there was nothing that could come between him and Ardamil, nothing that could separate him from the love that Ardamil bore him. Even Haldir's own neglect had not the power to sunder their communion.
And Ardamil was not lightly given to imagination. It could very well be, Haldir admitted, that there was something in Legolas's motives that Ardamil could see while Haldir was blind to it. Still, it was also perfectly possible that Ardamil was experiencing a degree of jealousy over Haldir's obvious interest in Legolas. But why should that interest threaten Ardamil? This was what Haldir could not understand. Haldir had a special sort of bond with every member of his patrol. Legolas would not be the first one to perhaps desire something beyond acceptable limits, but the others-most of them, anyway-who had entertained such desires had managed to overcome them through the use of discipline and the discovery of a love so genuine and pure that its acceptance radically altered the demands of its adherents.
For a moment, Haldir felt resentful towards Ardamil's 'observations'. Then his resentment festered into defensiveness. Yes, perhaps there had been some occurrences in the past that had not ended so well as they might have; but were those few instances to hold such a bearing on how Haldir conducted himself now? And could it not be that Ardamil simply did not see those aspects of Legolas's character that would help put his fears to rest? Could it not be that Ardamil needed to spend a little more time with Legolas, to become acquainted with the Prince of Mirkwood?
Not only did Haldir decide it 'could be'; but he decided that 'it was'.
"Ardamil."
Ardamil looked up from his breakfast at the sound of his name. Haldir stood in front of him. "Yes, Nikerym?"
"I wish you to go into Amenden for word on the westward passages," Haldir announced.
The request, under normal circumstances, would not have struck Ardamil as anything out of the ordinary, but things were different in the light of this particular morning. However, he was not going to say anything to challenge Haldir.
"Yes, Nikerym."
"Take Orophin, Legolas and Mythis with you. You should be able to make it into town and back by mid-afternoon."
Again, Ardamil's only response was a simple acknowledgment. He did not wonder at Haldir's choice of his companions. In truth, he was too wretched to give it much thought. He had not had a good night. After being relieved of his watch by Henschel, he had not found the merciful release for which he had been hoping, for sleep had been elusive. Instead, he had spent the entire night wondering if he were being to suspicious, grieving over the unpleasant turn that had taken place between him and Haldir, and trying to recall anything to mind that might shed additional light on Legolas's behavior and identify it as something unthreatening. 'Oh, but this is such a waste of time!' he lambasted himself, for he knew it was not Legolas he feared, but rather Haldir's reaction to Legolas.
"While you are there, you should check out the metalcraft," Haldir added. "If you find anything suitable, perhaps you will bring me something."
It was an offering of sorts, of the only kind Haldir could make under the circumstances. Ardamil nodded. "If I find something that suits you."
Shortly, the foursome were on their way. The distance on foot to Amenden took just over two hours. The elves covered the terrain easily and with much good spirits, for even Ardamil could not continue to feel gloomy under the constant ridiculous banter of Orophin and Mythis, both of whom seemed to have sensed the subaltern's melancholy and were more than well prepared to combat it with a running dialogue of anything that came into their heads.
Amenden was a village of the Rohirrim, famous for the skill of its metalsmiths, who crafted some of the finest swords and knives in the kingdom. It also lay in between two of the main passages west and was always a good source of information about movements and activity on the highways.
The elves spent the morning strolling through the village, stopping to make conversation wherever there appeared an opening, and gathering information, though there was not much to be had. The highways had been quiet. They took lunch in a farm guesthouse, and then went to visit the metalsmith's row.
Here, Legolas found much to be impressed with: booth after booth, smelter after smelter, billows, anvils, furnaces and cooling vats. And one of the finest selections of blades he had ever seen. He went from one monger to the next, examining their wares and wondering how it was possible that anyone should be able to make a decision between one item and the next. He observed Ardamil several booths down, intent on whatever object it was that he was handling; and he went to join him.
Ardamil glanced up at Legolas's arrival, as Legolas looked at the piece of shining metal in the subaltern's hands. It was a brooch, simply made yet with an elegance in its simplicity.
"It is pretty," Legolas remarked.
Ardamil grinned. "It is to adorn the breast of the most beautiful of all creatures. It must be pretty, but it could never outshine its bearer."
"Who is it for?" Legolas asked.
"Our captain," Ardamil replied. "It is a cloak pin. It will be for his full warrior regalia. Yes, I think he will be pleased. It will look well on him."
Legolas probed carefully. "I am sure it will improve his spirits. He seemed rather out of sorts this morning."
"Yes, he did."
"He said the morning prayer without me. When I asked him if he would say it again, he replied that there was not time. He has not said a single prayer without me since we started the patrol. I fear I have done something to anger him," Legolas explained.
"He is not angry at you, Legolas. He is angry at me," Ardamil replied.
"At you? Why?"
"Because I told him something he did not want to hear, but more than that I will not say, Legolas. It is between me and Haldir. He would not approve of me discussing it with you," Ardamil answered honestly.
"I am sure he will forgive you quickly," Legolas said, sounding suddenly very young and child-like. "His friendship with you is very strong."
Ardamil passed a piece of mithril to the monger as payment and slid the brooch beneath his tunic. He turned to face Legolas. "It is not merely a question of forgiveness, Legolas. We have yet to see if I am correct or mistaken in what I told him." He smiled kindly. "But I would gladly be mistaken in this event. In fact, I will do all in my power to prove my own assertions false. Come, it is time for us to be heading back. There are Orophin and Mythis."
The four elves regrouped and began the walk towards the edge of the village. Their route took them past a collection of stables where the pride of the Rohirrim were being tended.
"Such fine animals," Legolas said in admiration. "I should very much like to ride one of them." He looked hopefully to Ardamil. "Is there time for a short ride? Just out to the tree line and back?"
Ardamil considered for a moment. "To the field's border and back. And we shall all go."
The stable's owner was only too agreeable when presented with a shining gold coin to permit the elves access to his four finest steeds, saddled man-style, and free to use for as long as the elves pleased up until sunset.
Not surprisingly, Legolas and Orophin raced their mounts to the field's border, where Orophin promptly jumped the hedge and then came trotting back through the gap, several yards down. The horses loved to run, and to Legolas, it was like riding the wind. His only regret was that Haldir was not here to enjoy it with him.
Ardamil rode more leisurely, watching as Mythis joined in the race from one gap to the next-a race which quickly deteriorated into the three elves trying to drag each other from the saddle. In the end, both Legolas and Mythis went down together, leaving Orophin to claim himself as lord of horses.
"I think that is enough!" Ardamil shouted. "We must head back before it gets dark. Haldir will be worried."
"Wait!" Legolas called out, getting up and brushing himself off. "There is something I wish to try, something I saw on my first patrol, and I want to see if I can do it!"
Ardamil knitted his brows together. "What is it?"
"A mounting maneuver!"
"No, I do not like that idea, Legolas," Ardamil replied.
"Oh, come now, Ardamil!" Orophin cried. "We want to see what Legolas has learned since coming here."
"Yes, surely, he has learned something other than how to look stunning at every turn," Mythis added playfully.
"You're thinking of yourself, Mythis!" Legolas retorted. "But watch, I will show you. It is an excellent trick." With that, he gave a shrill whistle, and the horse he had been riding wheeled about and came towards him at a gallop.
Mythis wasted no time in moving out of the way, but Legolas stood his ground.
Ardamil had been expecting Legolas to move off to one side and attempt to vault the horse, so when he did not move but instead remained fixed in place as the animal bore down upon him, Ardamil was suddenly struck with the thought that he had made a terrible mistake in not demanding that Legolas cease with his demonstration.
Legolas reached for the barrel strap that ran up from between the horse's forelegs on either side of its breast. His fingers caught hold and the momentum carried him across the horse's front. But just when he should have been feeling the sensation of upward movement, the momentum reversed. There was a sudden surprising feeling of pounding hooves and the sound of Mythis's voice raised in alarm. A strange thought closed Legolas's mind: 'Haldir is going to be mad.'
Haldir sat quietly on the trunk of a fallen tree, polishing the object in his hands. It was a round stone, the size of his palm, carved with ancient figures, handed down to him from his uncle. It was his own holy relic, a possession once belonging to the Vala Irmo, and Haldir cherished it. He took it with him on every patrol, more for the comfort it brought him than for any other reason. There were no powers ascribed to the object. It was simply something that had once been touched by the fingers of a Vala; and in the quiet times on patrol, he liked to feel its weight in his palm and see within its heart, the brilliant pulsation of a greenish hue.
Maynfeln sat down beside him. "I am surprised you have not rubbed the symbols away," he said with a grin.
Haldir examined the stone for a long moment, as if his thoughts were not wholly on what he was doing. "It is durable," he replied, then glancing up at the fading sun through the trees, he sighed audibly. "They have been gone since first light, and it is now coming onto evening. It is not like Ardamil to be so remiss."
"That is true," Maynfeln agreed, "But then again, he has Mythis, Legolas, and Orophin with him. Surely, you could not have picked a more lively company of elves. Even if Ardamil exercises good judgment and prudence, he will have to work hard to overcome the proclivities of the other three."
"Amenden is not a dangerous town," Haldir said, sounding as if he were trying to convince himself of this truth. "They should not have run into trouble."
"You might feel better if we went into the town to find them," Maynfeln suggested. "As soon as Henschel returns from collecting wood, we can all go together."
Haldir frowned. "We will give them another fifteen minutes," he replied. "After that, we shall go search for them." He resumed his attentions to the stone, but almost as soon as he started, the sound of a heavy footfall could be felt in the surrounding wood. He stood up with an alert glance at Maynfeln. A call went up in the wood, the sound of Trullip bird - or the imitation of one - and Haldir relaxed. It was an elven signal. A moment later, he could make out an image coming towards him through the woods. It was a horse, upon which an elf sat, while three more elves walked along beside or in front of the animal.
Haldir took off at a run towards them, and as he drew nearer, he saw that it was Legolas seated atop the horse. He was hunched slightly to one side and hugging that same side protectively. A grimace of pain contorted his fair features.
"What happened?!" Haldir demanded.
Legolas was suddenly sporting a very artificial expression of casualness. "It's nothing serious," he replied even as he winced at the horse's jolting movement.
"Just a little riding accident," Mythis said with equally manufactured nonchalance. "Nothing to get excited about."
"Yes, I can see that," Haldir retorted, and he was clearly angry as he led the horse the last few steps of the way. "Maynfeln,!" he called out, but Maynfeln was already coming forward. The healer helped Mythis in getting Legolas off the horse and over to the fallen tree where Haldir had been sitting.
"Where are you hurt?" Maynfeln asked, already at work loosening Legolas's tunic.
"My side . . . it's just a few bruises."
"And his hip," Ardamil added.
Legolas looked sheepish. "And my hip."
As Maynfeln made his examination, Haldir got down to business. He turned his seething gaze on Ardamil, Orophin and Mythis. "How did this happen?"
Before any of them could reply, Legolas spoke out. "It was just a little accident."
Haldir ignored him and continued to glare expectantly at his own warriors.
It was Ardamil who finally found his voice. "We went riding. Legolas wanted to try a new maneuver and was not successful."
Haldir's eyes narrowed. "A new maneuver?"
Once again, Legolas interjected, this time with an obvious playfulness in his voice. "One my captain showed me when we were in Wayfare."
A look of mortification came over Haldir's face. He knew precisely which move Legolas was referring to, for there had been only one. Only how Legolas came to attempt it during a casual outing was beyond Haldir's comprehension, especially since Ardamil, Mythis and Orophin all knew how Haldir felt about unsupervised training. How could they have let Legolas try something so dangerous?
During his captain's prolonged inability to speak, Legolas offered up a little more information. "I almost made it, but I came up a little short and .. . the horse trampled me a bit. But it's not that bad. It's only a few bruises."
"It's a few broken ribs," Maynfeln corrected. "And a nice bone bruise on the hip." He looked at Haldir. "It will heal in a week or two, but he should go back to Lorien where Meltheon can look after him. I can take him back on the horse."
Haldir still had not spoken. He could hardly think what to say. He felt as if he had completely lost control of three reliable members of his patrol and all because of an engaging Mirkwood prince who seemed to be able to charm his way into all sorts of trouble. Still stung by Ardamil's assertions the night before, and eager to demonstrate that he was not in any way falling prey to false expectations, Haldir sifted through the possible responses to the situation. But before he could say anything, Maynfeln was already in action.
"I'll look after him, Nikerym," the healer said, breaking in on Haldir's thoughts, and he began to help Legolas to his feet.
"Stop," Haldir said. It came out like an order. "Let me make something unmistakably clear. There will be no unsupervised training." He bore down on Legolas with a severe scowl. "I told you you weren't ready to try that yet. I suppose you thought you knew better than me. Hopefully, this little event has taught you otherwise." Then, to Ardamil, "Since when do you permit new members of the patrol to try such things without proper supervision? I trust you to act with responsibility."
"I am sorry, Nikerym," Ardamil replied. "It was wrong of me."
"It wasn't Ardamil's fault," Legolas protested. "I did it because I wanted to. I'm not one to ask permission-"
Haldir whirled on him, and there was something very close to rage in his eyes. "Yes, I am well aware that princes are not accustomed to asking permission to do whatever they please. I am also aware that, as a prince and an honored guest of my Lord and Lady, you are my responsibility, and part of that responsibility is to see that you are kept safe." He paused to regain his composure. "But it seems that you are intent upon frustrating that aim." Then to Ardamil, "And you seem more than ready to assist him in that goal. Why do I not find that surprising?"
He turned and strode across the encampment to where Henschel was emerging with his arms filled with wood.
Behind him, the five elves watched his retreat in stunned silence. After several seconds, Maynfeln resumed his work without saying a word.
Mythis, seeing the look of anguish on Legolas's face, placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry. He will come back to himself after a while." But his words were no consolation. Legolas raised his head and looked up at Ardamil, wishing immediately that he had not done so. Ardamil's usual placid expression was fragmenting.
"I am sorry, Ardamil," Legolas replied. "I did not mean to get you into trouble."
Ardamil shook his head wearily. "It is not your fault, Legolas. I managed this one on my own."
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