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This is takes place right after the battle of Helm\'s Deep. this story is mainly about Legolas, my favorite character. Hope you enjoy. Love to unite, Envy to destroy, Hatred to conquer all, ‘Strider! No!’ yelled Legolas, he watched in horror as an Orc stabbed Strider. Strider grabbed his side and went down. Full of rage Legolas stabbed the on coming enemies. ‘Gimli, get Aragorn!’ called Legolas as he stabbed another Orc. Gimli looked at Legolas and nodded. He ran to Strider’s side as another Orc came to attack him. Gimli swung his axe just as the Orc was about to stab Aragorn. The Orc fell hard onto the barren earth. A small pool of blood lay by Aragorn’s side. The three had been fighting almost all night. They had come across an Orc camp; it was a small band, no more than 50 Orcs. The Orcs saw them and at once started to attack. It had started to sprinkle lightly on the Plains of Remorse. The three were slightly damp. Legolas had been cut on his hands, arms, and face. Gimli received a bloody nose, and well, Aragorn was stabbed. Just than a shrill shriek pierced the sky. Legolas covered his ears. Gimli did the same. The shriek stopped, but continued again. The Orcs turned around, and they all started to run towards the sound of the noise. ‘What on bloody earth is that noise?’ asked Gimli as Legolas walked over. Both still had their ears covered. The noise stopped. Legolas slowly uncovered his ears. Gimli did so also. ‘Ringwraiths.’ Replied Legolas, almost in a whisper. Legolas looked down at Strider. He knelt to his side. Legolas placed his hand near his mouth. ‘He’s still alive!’ Legolas proclaimed. Gimli smiled. ‘We have to get him help. He needs elvish medicine fast.’ ‘Well what are we waiting for?’ Gimli looked at Aragorn. Legolas stood up. He whistled. They heard whinnies. In the distance they saw two horses galloping towards them. Brego the chestnut and Arod the gray. Arod came straight to Legolas. Brego went straight to Aragorn who was still lying there. Aragorn groaned. ‘He’s reaching the shadows, we have to hurry.’ said Legolas. ‘What happens when he… reaches the shadows?’ Gimli gulped ‘He’ll start to have horrible images. He’ll than start a fever.’ Legolas replied, ‘And then might start to turn into one of them.’ Legolas looked out into the sky. Gimli stared at Legolas. ‘Let’s go!’ Gimli than went over to Aragorn. ‘What are we going to do with him?’ Legolas walked over to Brego, who was standing patiently next to Aragorn. ‘Undu (down).’ Without hesitation Brego laid down next to his master. ‘I don’t know how you do it my friend.’ Gimli was in bewilderment. ‘Help me lift him up here.’ Legolas said. They lifted Aragorn and gently laid him across Brego. Brego just laid there. ‘Amba (Up).’ Brego did what he was told. He carefully stood up. Legolas held Aragorn there so he wouldn’t fall off. ‘We’ll have to strap him in so he won’t fall off.’ Gimli said. ‘I have some rope here.’ Gimli took out the rope.’ ‘We won’t need it.’ Legolas replied. ‘Ok.’ Gimli put his rope back. Legolas took the reins over Brego’s head. And walked to Arod. Brego followed. So did Gimli. With no saddle or bridle. Legolas gracefully jumped on Arod, still holding Brego’s reins. Legolas offered his hand to Gimli. ‘Are you crazy? I can’t ride without a saddle.’ ‘You’ll be fine. There’s no difference.’ ‘I’ll just ride Brego.’ ‘Can’t. Aragorn will surely fall off than.’ ‘Ok fine.’ Legolas grabbed Gimli’s hand and pulled him up. Gimli sat behind Legolas. Legolas handed him Brego\'s reins. ‘Don’t let go.’ Legolas leaned forward and spoke to Arod. ‘Norno, norno tacë! Lelay! (run, run fast. Go) Arod sprung from the ground and galloped away leaving a trail of dust. Brego followed willingly. Gimli kept looking back to see if Aragorn was still there. He was. They rode on for a few hours. *** They arrived in Rivendell shortly after. Lord Elrond was waiting for them in the courtyard. Legolas bowed slightly when he had dismounted. ‘I had a feeling you were coming.’ He told Legolas. ‘Get him off the horse. And bring him to the medicine quarters.’ Elrond told the guards. ‘Yes lord.’ replied Shane, one of the guards. Legolas watched as the guards took Aragorn away. ‘Is he going to be ok?’ asked Gimli as he dismounted Arod. ‘We hope so, master dwarf, we hope so.’ With that Elrond turned and walked back up the stairs. ‘We hope so?’ grunted Gimli. ‘Some fine help you are!’ Legolas smiled at Gimli. ‘He’ll be ok.’ But that was only hope. Gimli turned his head and looked towards the staircase. Legolas turned his head and saw a She-elf coming down the stairs. Her long blonde hair was pulled back. She was wearing all black. Legolas was amazed. ‘My lords,’ the she-elf bowed her head. ‘I am to take these horses to the stable.’ Legolas and Gimli nodded. The elf walked over to Brego and Arod. She stroked Arod’s face. ‘Do you need help?’ Legolas asked as he walked over to her. ‘No.’ she replied. She spoke to Arod. ‘Tul (come)’ She walked to the path that leads to the stables. Arod followed willingly. Spring in every step, Brego followed, neighing after his companion. Legolas watched after the elf. She than disappeared around a bend. Gimli walked up to Legolas and elbowed him in the side. Legolas looked down at the dwarf. The dwarf winked and smiled. ‘Come on lad; let’s go.’ Gimli turned and walked up the steps. Legolas watched until Gimli disappeared in the house. He than turned back towards the path that the she-elf had taken. But he turned and ran up the steps after his friend. His bow and arrows still on his back. In the stables Lyra untacked Brego. She laid the saddle and bridle on a rack. She brushed Brego who was waiting patiently. Lyra grabbed Brego’s mane and walked to his stall. Lyra closed the stall door and went back to Arod. ‘Some journey you’ve had, huh?’ Lyra smiled. ‘I wish I could leave but I can’t. Elrond will just chase after me again.’ She sighed. Arod snorted and stamped his foot. ‘Come on boy.’ She did the same thing with Arod as she had done to Brego. She latched his stall door and walked out into the cool evening air. The sun had just set. Lyra walked up the path and up the staircase. She walked into the house and headed for her room. But a voice stopped her. ‘Lyra.’ Lyra looked and saw Lord Elrond standing in the hallway. Lyra bowed slightly. ‘Yes m’lord?’ ‘Go to the dinning hall and help with our guests. After they have eaten something, show them to their quarters. Then you may retire to yours.’ Elrond walked past Lyra. His robes brushed against her arm. ‘Oh and Lyra, be polite this time.’ ‘Yes m’lord.’ She rolled her eyes. She hated Elrond. Lyra turned and walked to the dinning hall. Inside Gimli was eating a full plate of food. Legolas, who was sitting across from him, was leaning back in his chair. They were laughing. Lyra entered the room. Legolas stopped laughing and looked at Lyra. Gimli kept eating and looked between the two elves. ‘Excuse me, I am here to show you to your quarters.’ Legolas stood up. Gimli did also. The three of them walked down the halls in silence. They went to Gimli’s room first. ‘Here you are. I hope this suits your comfort.’ Lyra said sweetly. Gimli walked in and looked around. ‘This will do.’ With that Lyra continued to walk down the hall. Legolas waved at Gimli, and caught up with Lyra. ‘You don’t like this place do you?’ he asked. ‘Is it that obvious?’ Lyra asked sarcastically. ‘Yeah.’ Legolas agreed. ‘Look,’ Lyra stopped in front of a room. ‘I am really not supposed to be here. If I try to leave Rivendell, Elrond will just track me down again and…’ She stopped. ‘Good night.’ She pointed inside the room. Legolas looked at Lyra. Lyra looked at him. He walked in. Lyra watched him. Once he was inside, Lyra turned and started to walk, when she heard Legolas. ‘Mára-mesta m’heri.(Goodnight m’lady)’ Lyra pretended not to hear. But she smiled. She walked down the hall and went to her quarters. *** It was around midnight and Elrond was still healing Aragorn. Aragorn was still in a deep sleep, but the worst was over. Elrond placed a leaf of King’s foil, over the wound. Aragorn flinched. Elrond than took the leaf off and waved his hand over Aragorn’s face. Aragorn opened his eyes. He looked around and sat up quickly. He gasped in pain and griped his left side. Elrond pushed him back down. ‘You need rest.’ ‘What happened?’ Aragorn asked. ‘Orcs.’ Replied Elrond. He changed the subject. ‘Arwen hasn’t left your side since you first arrived.’ Aragorn smiled at the sound of her name. He gripped the necklace hanging around his neck. ‘I finally sent her off to her quarters. But she’ll be back in the morning.’ ‘It’s late.’ Elrond turned and started to leave. Aragorn called after him. ‘Thanks.’ Elrond turned but didn’t respond. He looked at Aragorn and than left. Aragorn laid there and thought of Arwen as he drifted off to sleep again. *** Shane, a guard, woke up Legolas the next morning. He told him of Aragorn’s recovery and that everything was ok. Legolas was soon dressed in his hunter green tunic. He walked over and leaned on the windowsill. A braid fell over his ear hitting him on the cheek. He took a deep breath and looked around. Waterfalls surrounded this city. Their precious sound is told in many songs that elves sing. Legolas walked out of his room and headed for Gimli’s room. As he approached he heard Gimli humming to himself. He peered in. Gimli was sitting on the floor sharpening his axe on a rock. ‘I see you’re up for another battle with the Orcs.’ Legolas smiled. ‘Orcs,’ spat Gimli. ‘Disgusting creatures if you ask me. I don’t want to fight just yet. Let us wait for Aragorn to fight. Boy he recovered quickly. Too quickly if you ask me.’ Gimli continued to sharpen his axe. He didn’t notice that Legolas was annoyed. ‘What do you mean too quickly?’ Legolas snapped. Gimli was taken back by the elf’s remark. ‘Well, if they let him walk around and let him do a lot of physical movements, he can injure himself even further.’ ‘A lot you know about elvish skills.’ Legolas fired back. ‘Skills?’ Gimli yelled. ‘Skills? Just luck if you ask me. Anyone can grab a leaf and stick it on a wound. Oh yeah. That will cure any problem.’ By now Gimli was standing. Legolas clenched his fists. But he realized that dwarfs and elves don’t get along. Even after two years. ‘Inyë estel lyë usta mí Angamando Gimli (I hope you burn in Hell Gimli)’ As Legolas started to leave Gimli yelled back. ‘Whatever that means, the same to you. Never befriend in elf.’ He sat back down and continued to sharpen his axe. He grumbled to himself. Legolas was still fuming. He stormed down the hallway. He needed to cool down so he went down the steps into the courtyard he sat down on a bench. As he calmed down he heard a sword being with drawn from its sheath, than the sword was being used. Legolas walked towards the sound. It led him to the wall. Down below he saw Lyra swinging the sword. Legolas watched her. ‘She is good,’ thought Legolas ‘Better than Aragorn.’ As before she was wearing all black, but her long blonde hair was over her shoulders. Her hair swung as she practiced with the sword. ‘I thought ladies weren’t taught how to fight.’ Legolas waited for a reply. Lyra looked at her on looker and stood with the sword at her side. Legolas jumped over the wall and landed with grace down below. Lyra placed the sword back in its sheath, and placed it on the ground behind her. ‘Do not tell anyone about this my good sir, or there will be hell to pay.’ Lyra glared at Legolas. ‘Good sir? Never heard that one before.’ Legolas smiled. ‘What are you doing out here? Aren’t you supposed to be helping Elrond with chores?’ ‘Elrond. That nasty pig!’ Lyra exclaimed. Legolas was threatening to strike Lyra. But Lyra held her ground. Legolas backed off. ‘Don’t ever talk about him that way again.’ Legolas said. Lyra glared at Legolas. ‘You don’t know the tale do you?’ she asked. ‘What tale?’ ‘About Elrond.’ Legolas thought for a moment. ‘No.’ ‘Elrond murdered my father and his followers. He killed them because they wanted to help the men at Helm’s Deep. They disobeyed him and started to leave. Elrond sent his guards after them. There was a fight. All of my people were dead.’ Lyra looked at Legolas. But she didn’t wait for a response. She continued. ‘He killed my family. He was even going to kill me, but I begged for life. He spared me only because he needed more servants to help him with the care of Rivendell. My whole family was killed right before my very eyes!’ Lyra stopped and shuddered. Legolas looked at Lyra. He was confused. He thought Elrond was some great elf. But he thought wrong. ‘How many were killed?’ Lyra hesitated, ‘Anywhere from fifty to one-hundred.’ ‘Lyra!’ someone yelled. Both Legolas and Lyra looked. It was Elrond. ‘Lyra, get in the house. Go help Aragorn.’ ‘But m’lord.’ Lyra procrastinated. ‘Go in the house!’ Elrond commanded. ‘Yes m’lord.’ Lyra said softly. She bowed her head. Lyra glared at Legolas for a moment, and walked up to the house. Elrond looked at Legolas who was still a bit shocked. He started to walk away. Legolas stopped him. ‘Did you kill them?’ ‘Do you believe everything you hear?’ Elrond asked back. Legolas asked him again. ‘Did you kill all of those elves?’ ‘Well, I didn’t but the guards did.’ ‘Was her family killed?’ Legolas was starting to get angry again. ‘Father, mother, brother, and Jay, that dumb boyfriend of hers. Jay was one of my former guards if you are wanting to know that also!’ ‘Boyfriend?’ Legolas thought to himself. Elrond was starting to get annoyed with so many questions. ‘I must be going.’ Elrond turned and left Legolas there, alone. Legolas looked down at the ground. He picked up a large stone, and threw it as hard as he could at the nearby wall. It broke. Legolas walked down to the stables. He needed to go see Arod. As he approached, he gave a small whistle. Arod nickered and stuck his head out and over the door. Legolas walked up and started to pet him. ‘What am I going to tell Aragorn?’ he asked Arod. Arod just stood there and gave no reply. *** Lyra walked down the hall to the medicine wing. Elrond was close behind. Elrond reached out his hand and grabbed Lyra by the arm. Lyra tried to jerk away, but Elrond’s grip tightened. He turned Lyra so that she was facing him. Elrond slapped her across the face. ‘How many times have I told you do not tell anyone about this?’ Elrond roared. ‘Do you want me to get the whip again?’ Lyra closed her eyes. ‘Do you?’ he asked louder. ‘No!’ she snapped. Elrond released his grip and walked away. Lyra could feel his eyes on her as he passed. She stood there for a moment. She shook her head and cleared her throat. She continued to Aragorn’s room, but voices stopped her. ‘When did he do this?’ Aragorn asked. ‘About about four or five days before the battle at Helm’s Deep.’ Arwen answered. ‘But why?’ Aragorn wanted to know. ‘I do not know. These elves were going to come help you at Helm’s Deep. But my father would not let them.’ ‘So because of your father Haldir is dead.’ Arwen was taken back. ‘Haldir is dead?’ ‘Haldir came because he knew we needed help. Did your father not?’ ‘Yes.’ Arwen paused. ‘Yes he did.’ ‘Then why didn’t come help us out? Did he not care?’ ‘Aragorn, I’m sure he was doing it for his people.’ ‘His people?’ Aragorn stated loudly. ‘I know why he did it, he did it because he didn’t want me to come back.’ Arwen sat there next to Aragorn’s bed. She made no reply. Aragorn waited a moment before he continued. This time he said softer. ‘He didn’t want me to come back! The night before the Fellowship he told me, that your time was ending. He told me I needed let you go to the West with your kin. When I told him that you stay because you had hope, he answered that you only stayed for me! He doesn’t approve of us!’ Arwen stood up. But Aragorn grabbed her arm and pulled her back to sit again. ‘Who was killed?’ he asked Arwen. ‘The worst deaths I heard of, was Lyra’s family.’ Lyra, who was still standing outside, leaned up against the wall. ‘Who is Lyra?’ ‘Lyra is one of the servants. She mostly looks after the horses though.’ Arwen replied. ‘Her father, I hear was the leader of the rebels. Her mother and brother followed also. They were shot down at the gate. Her boyfriend Jay, was killed also.’ Lyra closed her eyes. A tear trickled down her cheek. She couldn’t bear it any longer. She turned and went back to the courtyard. Lyra needed time alone. Aragorn looked into Arwen’s eyes. Arwen smiled. Arwen leaned over Aragorn and kissed him on the cheek. Aragorn closed his eyes. ‘I do stay because of you, Aragorn.’ She said quietly. Arwen went to the door and before she left she said, ‘Fúmë (sleep)’ Aragorn nodded, and she was gone. *** Legolas stayed there in the stables a while longer. Lyra came walking up. Tears still fell from her blue eyes. She came in and wasn’t aware of Legolas. Lyra walked over to her horse Gavin, the buckskin. Lyra unlatched the stall door and went in. She buried her face into his neck. Lyra started to cry silently. Her body trembled with every breath. Legolas watched her come in but didn’t say anything. He continued to pet Arod, who was down at the other end. Legolas quietly latched Arod\'s stall door back, and walked near Gavin’s stall. Lyra lifted her face and brushed the remaining tears out of her eyes. ‘Good thing you’re still here Gavin!’ She smiled as Gavin shook his head. ‘Are you ok?’ asked Legolas. Lyra jumped. She looked over to where Legolas was standing. He stepped out of the shadows and into the bright light of the evening sun. ‘I’m fine.’ Replied Lyra when she realized who it was. ‘No your not!’ answered Legolas. He could tell she was getting mad so he changed the subject. ‘Do you ride?’ He walked up to Gavin. ‘When I have time.’ Lyra bit her lip. ‘It’s hard to find time with all of my chores.’ ‘Where is your sword?’ Legolas asked. Lyra realized she didn’t have it. ‘Oh no!’ she gasped. Legolas smiled. ‘It’s right over there.’ He pointed to a bundle sitting on a stool. Lyra’s face looked grateful. ‘Thank you!’ Legolas smiled. ‘Are you sure your ok?’ he asked again. Lyra was about to say yes, but she shook her head. ‘No! But I don’t want to talk about. Not now!’ ‘That’s fine!’ Legolas answered. Lyra sat down and gestured Legolas to do the same. He did. Lyra started out talking about Gavin and when she first got him as a foal. She was the one who trained him, and is the only one who can ride him. Legolas than told her all about Arod, and how he came to know him. They talked for a few hours. They really got to know one another. They stopped talking for a moment. Lyra leaned and gave Legolas a kiss on the cheek. ‘Thanks! I guess I know I can talk to you whenever!’ She whispered. Lyra stood up and brushed herself off. Legolas sat there and watched her leave. His heart was on wings. ‘Yes!’ he thought to himself. A few moments later and he walked up to the house. He had to go tell Aragorn. *** Legolas walked up to the house, just as the sun was setting. He walked down to the hospital wing and went inside Aragorn’s room. Gimli was there. Legolas pretended not to notice him. He was relieved to see Aragorn up and awake. Aragorn smiled when he saw the tall elf. ‘How are you?’ Legolas asked. ‘Fine, thanks to you!’ Aragorn replied. Gimli cleared his throat. Legolas shot a glance at him. Aragorn looked among the two. He sensed something was wrong. ‘So,’ Aragorn continued. Gimli stood up from his chair. ‘I will be down at the food hall if anyone needs me. Good night Aragorn.’ Gimli walked passed Legolas. ‘Night Gimli.’ Aragorn answered back. Gimli left the room. Aragorn motioned Legolas to sit in the chair. Legolas did so. ‘Fighting?’ Aragorn asked. Legolas nodded his head. Aragorn continued. ‘All I heard was it’s about Elrond….’ Legolas interrupted. He couldn’t hold it in any longer. ‘Elrond is a killer! He killed all of these elves that wanted to come help us at Helm’s Deep….’ Aragorn interrupted. ‘I know!’ ‘You do?’ Legolas asked. ‘Lady Arwen told me this afternoon.’ ‘So Elrond wanted us dead than?’ ‘Elrond didn’t want me to come back. Elrond doesn’t approve of me and Arwen.’ ‘Oh.’ Legolas sat there. ‘So because of Elrond, Haldir would be with us now, right?’ ‘Right.’ Aragorn sighed. ‘Ok I guess I’ll see you in the morning than. Night.’ Legolas tried to smile as he stood but he couldn’t. He walked to the door. ‘Eryë ita i velicë elindel (He was a great friend), Legolas. Senda ta (Remember that)!’ Legolas nodded his head in understandment. He left Aragorn alone. Legolas walked down the lonely hallways, trying to think about all that had happened that day. His thoughts dwelled on Lyra. Lyra finished her evening chores in the house. All she needed to do was check up on the horses. She walked out of the dining hall and to the door. Legolas saw her and decided to follow. Lyra made her way down the steps. But she stopped at a statue. She looked around to make sure no one was following. She moved the statue out of the way. A path lay behind it. Lyra turned and placed the statue back in place. She continued to walk down the path. Legolas saw the statue being placed back and waited a moment. He didn’t want her to catch him following. Legolas proceeded. He moved the statue so it revealed the path. He did the same as Lyra, he placed it back and continued on the path. Legolas noticed it wasn’t used very much. Legolas came around a bend. He saw Lyra standing underneath a waterfall. He crept up a hill over looking the small clearing. There he watched. Lyra brushed her wet hair back and stepped from the water. She shook her head. Water went everywhere. She laughed. She went to a nearby tree and leaned up against it. Lyra stood there listening to the evening air. Just than a knife was thrown, barely missing Lrya’s head. Legolas leaned forward, looking for the one who threw the knife. ‘Who’s there?’ Lyra asked. Out from the shadows stepped out a cloaked figure. They had a hood on. Legolas or Lyra couldn’t see a face. Lyra backed up against the tree. She glanced at the knife, and grabbed it from the tree. ‘Who are you?’ she commanded. Lyra pointed the knife at the hooded stranger. ‘Someone who has journeyed very far.’ answered a male’s voice. ‘What do you want?’ Lyra took a step forward, the knife still pointed at the stranger. ‘I am looking for someone.’ He didn’t wait for an answer. ‘A someone about your height, and age. Blonde hair and bright blue eyes.’ Lyra lowered the knife slightly. The elf continued. ‘She has a talent, she can ride horses very well. She also has an angel face!’ Lyra dropped the knife and ran over to the hooded elf. ‘The hooded elf and Lyra hugged for a moment. Legolas was confused. He leaned in closer so he could hear. ‘I, I thought you were far away from here now.’ Lyra stammered. ‘I was, but I needed to come back and see you!’ Lyra smiled. ‘I’ve missed you so much.’ Lyra hugged him again. Legolas watched. His heart started to shred. ‘Oh no!’ he thought to himself. ‘So she’s found another one!’ ‘I must be going!’ The elf pushed Lyra away. ‘I’ll be back tomorrow! Meet me back here at night!’ As quick as he had come, he was gone. Lyra smiled. She started to laugh. ‘He’s back! Yes!’ she cried. She calmed down and started to head back down the unworn path. Legolas, who was still on the hill, watched her leave. He silently crept down the hill, and followed the path as well. He was crushed. Lyra placed the statue back in place. She looked down as she went up the stairs. As she neared the top, she saw something that made her heart stop! Shoes. ‘Where have you been?’ Elrond asked suspiciously. Lyra paused before answering. ‘I was down at the stables doing my evening chores.’ ‘Oh really.’ Answered Elrond. ‘Why are you all wet than?’ ‘Gavin grabbed the water bucket and flung it around. Water went everywhere. It was a mess!’ Elrond grunted. With that he turned and walked into the house. Lrya sighed. ‘That was a close one.’ She said a loud to herself. ‘Shoot!’ She stomped her foot. She really did need to go do her barn chores. Lyra turned and ran back down to the stables. Legolas saw her run by and quickly moved the statue out of the way. He placed the statue back, and ran up the steps hoping no one saw him. He ran all the way down to his quarters. Lyra finished her barn chores. She quickly walked back up to the house. She got to the steps, and jogged up them. She slipped through the door unnoticed, and walked to her quarters. She stopped at Legolas’ door and peered in. Legolas heard her coming, and pretended to be asleep. Lyra smiled. She continued down her room. She walked in and went straight into her bedroom. She fell asleep. *** Legolas woke up early in the morning. He walked down to Aragorn’s room. When he looked inside, Aragorn wasn’t there. ‘Must be with Arwen!’ he thought to himself. Legolas headed down the hallway to the dinning hall. He wanted some Lembas Bread. Lyra woke up and got dressed in her Black tunic. She headed towards the dinning hall; she also wanted a bite to eat. When she got near the end of the hallway, she heard Elrond’s voice. ‘Don’t let anyone in here. We will be out once we figure out what to do.’ He commanded the guards. ‘Yes sir.’ They all replied together. Elrond closed the door. Lyra walked up to Shane. ‘What’s going on?’ she whispered. ‘Something about a spy from Mordor.’ He whispered back. ‘A spy?’ Lyra was taken back. ‘Here in Rivendell? How did he get in? Did you know that Luke is back?’ ‘Some of us found him near the front gates. He had his demon horse with him also! Shane nodded his head. ‘It’s a shame that he was stupid enough to spy on Rivendell though. Did you just say Luke is back?’ ‘ Yes! He came back! Meet me in the secret grove tonight!’ She smiled. ‘So what are we supposed to do about food?’ Another guard next to Shane smiled. ‘Hi Lyra.’ Lyra looked at the guard. ‘Hey Tory.’ She smiled also. Her attention returned to Shane. Shane shrugged his shoulders. ‘I guess go hungry.’ Shane smiled. Lyra punched him in the shoulder. ‘Very funny!’ She laughed. ‘Well, better go do my chores!’ She turned and started to walk away. ‘Bye Lyra!’ Shane called after her. Lyra turned while walking, and waved. Lyra kept walking down the hall. She wasn’t paying any attention. She ran into Legolas. ‘I am sorry.’ Lyra looked up and saw it was Legolas. She smiled. ‘Hi.’ Legolas glared at her for a moment and continued to walk to the dinning hall. Lyra called after him. ‘Are you ok?’ Legolas still walked. ‘Legolas?’ Legolas stopped and faced Lyra. ‘Lëlya máquet lyà mälo (Go ask your friend)!’ Legolas turned and walked away. Quickly. Lyra stood in the hallway, dumbfounded. ‘Friend? What?’ she asked aloud. Legolas kept walking. Lyra stood there for a moment. She shook her head. ‘Guess I’ll find out later!’ She went to go do her morning chores. Legolas went to the dinning hall. He stopped when he saw all of the guards standing in front of the door. Legolas walked up to a near guard. ‘What’s going on?’ Legolas asked timidly. ‘Found a spy from Mordor this morning, Sir.’ The guard replied. ‘Where?’ ‘Near the front gates, Sir’ ‘Yup.’ The guard smiled. ‘Caught him and his demon horse. Sir.’ ‘What did the horse look like?’ Legolas started to get suspicious. ‘Ebony fur, massive hooves. Black eyes that glare at you, a long black flowing mane and tail.’ There was a pause. ‘Sir.’ Just than the doors flew open. The guards scooted aside. All in a straight line on both side. Out walked Elrond. Behind Elrond, followed several more guards. Behind them were two guards dragging a prisoner, whose hands were bond. Three armed guards followed closely. Legolas looked meticulously at the prisoner. His face had cuts on it, and his nose was bleeding. The prisoner had been beaten. He had short blonde hair. He was an elf Legolas realized. But what caught Legolas’ eye was a black tattered cloak. Very similar to the one he had seen last night. The elf jerked away from the guards. He scrambled across the floor trying to escape. The guards started to murmur. Elrond heard the commotion. He turned and saw that the guards didn’t have the prisoner. ‘Get him you fools!’ he yelled. The guards looked at each other and started to run after the perpetrator. One of the guards dove onto his feet. He fell. ‘Got em’ sir.’ The guard boasted proudly. Another guard went to help. Both guards lifted the elf up. They drug him across the floor. And continued their way down to the dungeons. All of the guards who were in line, followed. Legolas stood alone near the doorway. He heard someone walking behind him. He turned. It was Aragorn. He smiled as Aragorn approached him. ‘Glad to see you’re up and about!’ Aragorn. ‘Feels great to be out of that room. I thought I was going to go mad in there.’ Legolas changed the subject. ‘Was that the spy?’ Legolas looked down the hall. Aragorn nodded his head. ‘I have a feeling he isn’t though. I tried to reason with Elrond, but he will have nothing to do with me.’ ‘I have that same feeling. A guard told me about his horse. There’s no way it can be from Mordor. He said it has massive hooves. Horses from Mordor have small feet. Where is the horse?’ ‘I know.’ Aragorn shook his head. ‘The horse is down at the stables.’ Legolas stared at the ground for a moment. ‘What’s going to happen to him?’ He looked back up at Aragorn. ‘Elrond will keep him in the dungeons till he states what business he has in Rivendell I assume. He will not speak to anyone! Oh, I almost forgot to tell you, Gimli left early this morning. He went back to his homelands.’ ‘Oh.’ Aragorn stared at Legolas for a moment, hoping he would tell him what was going on between the two. Legolas didn’t give in. Lyra came walking up to the two of them. She looked at Legolas. His gaze met hers but he bent his head and looked at the ground. Aragorn looked at both of them. Lyra sensing Legolas wasn’t going to talk looked at Aragorn. She bowed her head. ‘My lord, Arwen would like to see you for a moment.’ ‘Thank you.’ Aragorn said. Lyra smiled and bowed her head. She looked back at Legolas who was still looking at the ground. She turned and walked away. Legolas looked back up as she left, he watched her leave. ‘Having a fight with your girlfriend?’ Aragorn jokingly asked. ‘She’s not my girlfriend!’ Legolas looked at Aragorn, than back at where Lyra once stood. ‘Just a friend.’ ‘Ok.’ Aragorn said as he walked away. ‘See you later.’ Once again Legolas was alone. He took a deep breath and than sighed. He headed for the door. He wanted to take a look at the “demon horse” from Mordor. He walked down the steeps. Lyra who was hiding behind a corner followed. She needed to talk to Legolas. Legolas walked into the cool air of late morning. He continued to walk down to the stables. Lyra still followed him. As Legolas approached he heard a frightened horse neigh. Legolas quickened his pace. So did Lyra. Lyra stopped when she reached the door. Legolas proceeded into the barn; he saw a black figure in the back. Legolas went further and saw it was a horse. The horse was tied to a post. Its eyes widened and his nostrils flared, as Legolas stopped near the horse. The horse gave out another cry and reared. It didn’t go very high. It was pulled back down because of the rope. It gave a snort. Legolas could see sweat on the horse’ gleaming black coat. It snorted again. ‘Ron. Ron! (Easy, Easy)’ Legolas approached very cautiously. The horse clamed down a bit. Lyra watched in amazement. ‘Wow!’ She thought. ‘He has a way with horses!’ Legolas walked to the horse. He soothingly petted its face. The horse was completely under Legolas’ spell. Legolas reached over and picked up a water bucket. He splashed water on the horse’s neck. He than sat the bucket down and untied the horse. The horse put its nose in the bucket, and drank happily. Lyra walked in. ‘How do you do it?’ she asked. Lyra noticed the black horse. Legolas was surprised to see Lyra. He ignored her and kept dealing with the horse. Lyra tried again. ‘Whose black horse?’ Legolas shrugged. He still didn’t answer. Lyra got angry. ‘What is your problem?’ ‘My problem? My problem is you!’ Lyra was taken back by his answer. ‘How am I your problem? You don’t really even know me. You have a life, you’re free to go as you please!’ ‘I know enough about you.’ ‘Oh really, like what?’ Lyra glared at Legolas, ready to attack. ‘Like how you sneak off at night to secret places, to go see your new boyfriend.’ Lyra’s eyes widened. She opened her mouth to speak, but Legolas cut her off. ‘I also know that you have enough nerve to replace Jay just like that!’ Lyra’s eyes widened at the sound of Jay’s name. ‘You followed me last night?’ ‘Yeah. It’s not like you didn’t follow me here. I heard you behind me!’ ‘At least I am not meddling in your personal business!’ Lyra yelled back. ‘Look, I have things to do, why don’t you go tell your problems to your new boyfriend.’ Legolas tied the horse back up to the post. He went into Arod’s stall, and came back with a flake of hay. He gave it to the black horse. ‘So that’s what this is about!’ Lyra said. ‘About what?’ Legolas asked smartly. ‘You’re jealous.’ ‘Yeah right.’ Legolas went back into Arod’s stall and brought him out. ‘You are! Just admit it.’ ‘I am not.’ Legolas jumped up on Arod. He told Arod to walk in elvish. He walked past Lyra. Lyra followed. She quickly went into Gavin’s stall and brought him out. She jumped up on him. Gavin followed Arod out of the barn. ‘What gives you the right to follow me?’ she asked as she caught up with Legolas and Arod. Legolas shrugged his shoulders. ‘Why do you not care about Jay?’ With that Arod cantered away, leaving Lyra in the dust. Gavin sprang forward as Lyra spoke to him in elvish. Lyra and Gavin caught up at a swift canter. Legolas commanded Arod to slow down. ‘Ea (whoa)!’ Arod obeyed and slowed down to a brisk walk. Lyra did the same. \'What gives a servant the right to ride without finishing her chores?’ The words stung Lyra. ‘All I want to know is what’s wrong.’ She coldly responded. Still hurt by his last words. *** Aragorn walked into Arwen’s room. She was out standing on the balcony. ‘You wanted to see me?’ he said as he walked to her side. Arwen was silent. ‘Arwen?’ he asked softly. Arwen turned and looked deep into his eyes. A tear ran down her cheek. ‘My father commands me to go West, with some of my people.’ She answered back. ‘When do you leave?’ Aragorn asked. Arwen looked at Aragorn coldly. ‘Is that all you care about? Is when I am leaving? Aren’t you going to tell me that you will talk to my father about not letting me go!’ ‘How am I supposed to persuade him to let you stay, when I can’t even convince him who a spy from Mordor is?’ Aragorn shouted. Aragorn lowered his voice, ‘Arwen, your father doesn’t approve of me! He wants you to have a immortal life.’ More tears ran down her cheeks. Arwen reached up and touched the jewel that has hanging from Aragorn’s necklace. ‘But I choose a mortal life!’ she whispered. Aragorn pulled her close and held her there. He closed his eyes. ‘I know, I know!’ *** ‘Nothing is wrong!’ Legolas shouted back. ‘If you really want to know….’ Legolas cut her off. ‘I don’t!’ Legolas said smartly. At the same time Lyra said something that Legolas never expected. ‘The elf you saw last night was my brother!’ ‘Your brother? You told me he was killed with the rest of them!’ Legolas started to get angry again. ‘So now you lie to me too? Just go back!’ ‘Look I’m sorry, I couldn’t tell you. Please don’t tell anyone!’ ‘Just go back!’ Legolas repeated. ‘Lelay! (Go)’ he told Arod. Arod moved forward at a walk. ‘Legolas!’ Lyra called after him. ‘Please don’t tell!’ Arod galloped away. Lyra watched them leave. Lyra looked around to see where she was. ‘Oh no,’ she realized, ‘I am out of boundaries! If Elrond catches me out here…. LELAY!’ Gavin leaped from the ground and galloped back home, but it was too late, Elrond was waiting near the trees when she returned. ‘Get off the horse Lyra!’ Elrond shouted. Lyra did as she was told. She walked towards Elrond. ‘Guards.’ Three guards stepped forward. ‘Dispose of this horse!’ ‘No!’ Lyra screamed. She ran forward to catch Gavin, but a guard beat her to it. Lyra struggled in his arms. His grasp was too tight. ‘Gavin! No!’ A guard started towards Gavin. The guard was carrying a rope, and a bow and arrows. Tears started to roll down her cheeks ‘Take her up to the house.’ Elrond commanded. ‘Yes sir!’ The guard picked up Lyra slightly from the ground and headed for the house. Lyra struggled more as she kicked her feet. The guard still didn’t let go. They passed Elrond. Lyra spit in Elrond’s face. ‘Get her out of here!’ Elrond yelled. He wiped the salvia from his cheek. Lyra was still trying to struggle free. The guards grip got tighter. Lyra managed to get her finger in her mouth. She whistled shrilly. Gavin heard the whistle and reared as the guard threw the rope. Gavin reared again, his hooves sliced the air. The loop slipped over his head. The guard pulled him down. Gavin was going to be killed. ‘Gavin!’ Lyra screamed again. The guard with his remaining strength pushed her up the steps and into the house. Lyra grabbed the end of the door with her free hand. Her hand gave away. ‘How do you want me to do it sir?’ Asked the guard when Lyra was “safely” in the house. ‘Do it out back somewhere. Burn the body when you have finished.’ Elrond turned and walked up to the house. He went inside. The guard pulled the rope and started to walk forward. Gavin, not understanding what was happening, stood there. The guard pulled harder. Gavin resisted and started to back, dragging the guard. ‘You stupid bastard!’ The guard grumbled. He tried again. He jerked the rope and started to walk again. Gavin firmly planted his feet. He didn’t budge. The guard walked over to his side, and kicked him hard in the ribcage. Gavin lunged forward. The guard followed from behind. The guard caught up to his head. Gavin slowed down and the guard was in front now. Gavin continued to walk forward. His nose drug the ground, and his ears flopped. He had been beaten. The guard led him to a field behind the barn. He tied Gavin to a post and backed away. He put the arrow unto the bow, and pulled back the string. He aimed for the heart. ‘Twang!’ the arrow sailed through the air. Gavin gave a last cry, and than there was silence. ‘Thud!’ *** Lyra was thrown on the tiled floor. The guard looked at Lyra. Lyra got up and sat on her knees. She leaned into her hands. Her blonde hair fell, covering her bare shoulders. She cried. Hard. Elrond walked in. The guard bowed and left. ‘So were you thinking of escaping again? You would be getting off much easier, except the fact of your conduct. Never in my life have I seen such an ignorant servant! But I guess there’s always a first.’ Elrond roared on. Lyra still had her head in her hands. Tears still dropped on the floor. Elrond pulled her hair so Lyra could look at him. He slapped her face several times. He than raised his foot and kicked her hard in the side. Not once but twice. He kicked her even harder the second time. Lyra gasped in pain. He raised his hand again, but someone grabbed it. Elrond turned his head. ‘What’s going on here?’ Aragorn asked loudly. Elrond let go of Lyra’s hair. She fell back on her knees. She gripped her side where Elrond had kicked her. Her head was bent. ‘Why is it any of your concern?’ Elrond questioned. ‘Well, let’s see here, your slapping an unarmed girl that has no intention of hurting you.’ Elrond was speechless. He glared at Lyra. He stormed out of the room. Aragorn kneeled beside Lyra. He helped her to her feet. She leaned against him, still gripping her side. Her face was tear stained. They both walked out of the room and went into the hallway. Legolas was just coming in when he saw them. ‘What happened?’ Legolas asked worriedly. ‘Shh!’ Aragorn replied. ‘Show me to her room.’ ‘I think it’s down here.’ Legolas pointed down the hall. Aragorn and Lyra walked down the hall, at a slow pace. Legolas followed. Legolas waited at the door, as Aragorn placed Lyra on her bed. He walked to the door. He turned and glanced back at the weeping elf. ‘Let’s go!’ Aragorn walked away. Legolas stayed for a moment just watching. ‘Come Legolas!’ Aragorn called down the hallway. Legolas ran and caught up. ‘What happened?’ Legolas asked again. ‘Elrond beat her.’ Aragorn replied calmly. ‘Why?’ Legolas was full of questions. ‘I don’t know…something about her leaving the premises and her conduct.’ ‘Oh.’ Legolas was silent. ‘Who is she?’ Aragorn asked Legolas. ‘Her name is Lyra.’ Legolas replied. ‘Oh so that’s her.’ ‘What do you mean?’ ‘Arwen was telling me about her.’ ‘Oh.’ Aragorn led Legolas through a door that led to the dungeon. Legolas looked at the statues along the wall. Mean nasty creatures, that gleamed through the flames of the torches. ‘Where are we going?’ Legolas asked. ‘I have to go talk to someone.’ Aragorn replied. ‘There he is!’ Aragorn pointed towards an elf that was chained to the wall. ‘This place isn’t very well guarded.’ Legolas replied as he looked around.’ Aragorn didn’t respond. Instead he walked over to the elf. The elf scooted away. ‘Don’t worry; I am not here to hurt you. I just want to know a few things.’ The elf remained still he did not look at Aragorn. Aragorn continued to ask the questions. ‘Who are you?’ ‘I can’t say my name.’ ‘Why not?’ ‘Cause you’ll tell Elrond.’ ‘I won’t, swear on my own life.’ Legolas started to talk. ‘I know who you are. Your Lyra’s brother! Aragorn glanced at Legolas. ‘Go up and see if Arwen is in her room. Tell her I need her.’ ‘If you want me to leave, just tell me!’ Legolas smiled. ‘Ok, Legolas get out of here!’ Aragorn laughed. ‘Ok, see you later than!’ Legolas went back to the main floor. The elf answered Aragorn’s question. ‘My name is Luke. You know who Lyra is?’ ‘Well kind of. I just helped her to her room not to long ago. Elrond beat her. ‘Is she ok?’ Luke asked concerned. ‘She’s fine. She’s in her room right now. She’ll be pretty bruised by tomorrow though. Last I heard Lyra’s family was dead, killed by Elrond’s guards.’ ‘See that’s why I am afraid that you will tell Elrond all of this. I guess I’ll just take a risk. The elf was right, I am her brother.’ ‘But Elrond has no idea right?’ Luke smiled through his bloodstain cheeks. ‘Yeah!’ *** Lyra still laid there on her bed. She had stopped crying, but the tears came back. She took a deep breath. She heard footsteps coming from the outside. ‘Please don’t be Elrond! Please don’t be Elrond!’ She silently prayed to herself. She closed her eyes. ‘Lyra?’ Legolas asked softly. Lyra opened her eyes when she heard Legolas’ sweet voice. Lyra tried to sit up. She gasped in pain and laid back down. Legolas rushed in to help her. ‘Are you ok?’ Legolas was full of concern. ‘Legolas, they killed Gavin!’ Lyra burst into tears once more. She sat up even though the pain was unbearable. She leaned against Legolas. Legolas wrapped his arms around her. He held her there for quit some time. ‘I don’t know what I am going to do with out him! It’s not going to be the same.’ Lyra finally said when she had calmed down. Legolas didn’t know how to respond. Lyra took a deep breath and pulled away. Legolas let her go. ‘Why are you here?’ She asked as she rubbed her eyes. ‘What do you mean?’ ‘I thought you were mad! Why are you helping me?’ Legolas smiled. ‘I wasn’t mad!’ ‘Oh really?’ Lyra laughed through her remaining tears. Legolas laughed with her. ‘No really!’ He stopped laughing. ‘Than what were you?’ Lyra was still laughing. Legolas stood up and went to the door. Legolas turned and faced her. His face was serious ‘I was actually heart broken!’ Lyra stopped laughing. Her smile faded. ‘Oh.’ Legolas waved at her and turned to go. ‘Legolas wait!’ Lyra called after him. Legolas turned back. Lyra went on. ‘It’s good to know you are!’ Legolas blushed. He turned and was gone. Lyra sighed. ‘He is so cute. Stop Lyra. Just stop! Not again! You promised Jay!’ she said aloud. She forgot about the pain and tried to stand. Lyra grabbed her side. ‘Ahh!’ she gasped. She laid back down on her good side. She closed her eyes. Her thoughts drifted to Gavin. Lyra wanted to cry, but the tears would not come. Lyra soon fell asleep. *** Legolas sat at the table. He took a bite of Lembas. He sat the bread back down on the plate. He didn’t feel like eating. He chewed the remaining portion and swallowed it down. He sat there staring at the Lembas. Legolas was bored. His thoughts dwelt on Gavin. He didn’t want to go down to the stables. He was afraid of what he might find. The buckskin laying on his side. Not moving. Blood running from an arrow wound. Legolas shook the thought out of his head. Just than a guard came and sat down at the other end of the table. Legolas saw he was carrying Lembas. His hands were bloodstained. Legolas nodded to the guard’s hands. ‘What happened?’ The guard took a bit of Lembas. ‘Nothing.’ He replied. ‘Nothing at all sir.’ ‘Did he die fast?’ The guard looked surprised at Legolas. ‘You know sir?’ Legolas nodded his head. ‘Why did he have to die?’ The guard answered truthfully. ‘I guess so she couldn’t escape so easily. Sir.’ ‘But she didn’t escape! She came back!’ Legolas exclaimed. ‘It’s not my decision sir.’ The guard smiled. ‘But I will tell you this, never have I seen anyone have the courage enough to spit in Elrond’s face except today! Sir.’ ‘She spat in his face?’ Legolas and the guard laughed. The guard abruptly stopped. He cleared his throat. Legolas stopped when he heard Elrond’s voice. ‘Shia! Go find Lord Aragorn!’ Shia obediently got up. ‘Yes m’lord.’ He walked by Legolas. Legolas got up behind him. ‘Sit!’ Elrond commanded. Legolas sat back down without question. He didn’t want to push Elrond’s patience, at least not now. ‘I presume that he is down in the dungeon talking with the traitor?’ Elrond asked as he walked around the table. Legolas didn’t answer. ‘Precisely what I thought.’ Elrond remarked grimly. ‘Who said he was?’ Legolas asked quickly. ‘Where is he than?’ ‘Probably with your daughter.’ Legolas smirked Elrond’s face flushed. He looked at the door and saw Shia. ‘Shia, where is he?’ ‘Nowhere my lord! I’ve searched everywhere.’ ‘Did you check the dungeon?’ ‘Yes Sir, Shane did.’ ‘Have you seen Arwen?’ ‘No sir.’ Elrond exited the room. He knocked Shia out of the way as he barged past. Legolas sat there with a look of delight on his face. ‘I think I know where Aragorn might be now!’ *** Lyra woke up in a sweat. Lyra sat up quickly. Too fast. The pain in her right side returned. ‘Ouch!’ Ignoring the pain, Lyra stood. The pain was unbearable. She sat back down on her bed. Her stomach growled from hunger. Lyra realized she hadn’t eaten anything all day. Lyra didn’t care about the pain anymore. She took a deep breath and stood again. Lyra wobbled slightly but regained her balance. She took a step forward. She clenched her teeth. Her side ached. Lyra took another step. Lyra continually took small steps until she was out in the hallway. ‘So far so good!’ Lyra thought. She leaned her hand against the wall. She took her hand off. Lyra walked all the way down to the dining hall. Shaky at first. She passed a mirror. She glanced in it. The left side of her face was red. Lyra sighed and kept walking. She was in the doorway. She saw Legolas sitting at the table his head was down. Lyra cleared her throat. ‘What are you doing?’ Legolas glanced up when he heard her voice. ‘Lyra! What am I doing? What are you doing? Elrond is coming back. I better leave if I was you!’ ‘But I’m starving.’ Lyra complained. ‘There’s no way I can walk all the way back down there before Elrond returns.’ Legolas stood up. ‘I’ll help you back to your room.’ Legolas walked to her side. ‘Here, lean on me.’ ‘Legolas, I don’t want to go back. I... I want to go to the barn.’ Lyra stammered. ‘Lyra no!’ Legolas answered back. ‘Just wait.’ ‘No, I need to go. Please Legolas.’ Legolas couldn’t resist. ‘Ok, fine.’ The two headed towards the stables. They both were quite on the way down. Lyra told Legolas to stop half way down. ‘Do you hear that? Lyra asked. She gently pushed Legolas away, and stumbled forward. Lyra stopped and looked into the distance. ‘What do you hear?’ Legolas asked. Lyra stood there for a moment before she replied. ‘Nothing just the wind.’ Lyra frowned. ‘I could’ve sworn I heard hooves.’ She waved Legolas forward. Legolas walked to her side. They both continued forward to the stables. Just as they reached the door, Lyra stopped again. She turned her head towards the tree line. ‘There it is again.’ Lyra explained. Legolas turned his head. ‘I hear it too.’ All of a sudden a familiar neigh filled the air. Lyra smiled. ‘Gavin?’ she cried. ‘Legolas, I think it’s Gavin. He, he’s alive.’ Legolas let go of Lyra. She headed for the tree line. She forgot about the pain in her side. She stopped yards from the trees. She whistled. Bursting from the trees came a galloping horse. Lyra frowned and bent her head, as the horse halted in front of her. Legolas bent his head too. ‘Don’t look so happy to see me.’ Aragorn joked. ‘Ah, how are you feeling?’ Lyra looked up at the rider. ‘Sore.’ Aragorn dismounted and untied a sack from his saddle. He rummaged through the dark leather pouch. ‘Here eat this, it will stop the pain.’ Aragorn handed her a bundle of plants. Lyra took it graciously. ‘Thanks.’ She took a bite. She chewed quickly and swallowed it down. She ate the rest. Her hunger was gone. ‘Elrond was looking for you.’ Legolas interrupted. ‘What did he want?’ Aragorn asked. ‘Don’t know. But he sounded angry when I told him you might be with Arwen.’ ‘You told him I was with Arwen?’ Aragorn smiled. ‘Well I had to say something. He knew you were probably with the prisoner.’ Legolas glanced at Lyra who was petting Brego. She wasn’t paying attention. Legolas talked softer. ‘I figured you would be arrested as well if he caught you down there.’ Aragorn nodded his head. ‘Speaking of prisoner, she has no idea does she?’ Legolas shook his head. ‘No.’ ‘Maybe we should tell her than.’ ‘Not now, not yet. Let her grieve over Gavin first.’ Aragorn raised his eyebrows. ‘Gavin?’ ‘Her horse.’ ‘Oh. Well better go deliver this to an injured elf. Can you take care of Brego for me?’ Aragorn headed for the house without Legolas responding. ‘Yes your majesty. Watch out for Elrond.’ Legolas joked. Aragorn shot a glance back. ‘Haha. I will.’ He ran up the steps and was gone. Legolas walked over to where Lyra and Brego were standing. ‘Aragorn asked if I could untack Brego. If you want you can sit here and wait for me. ‘No. I want to go in.’ Lyra took a step forward, expecting pain to shoot up through her side. Nothing. She took another step, no pain. Lyra continued to walk to the barn. ‘Are you coming?’ she called over her shoulder. ‘Brego, tul (come)’ Brego came willingly they both walked inside the barn. Legolas slipped the bridle over Brego’s ears. Brego shook his head. Legolas hung the bridle near his stall. Legolas took off the saddle and placed it on a stand. Legolas grabbed Brego’s mane, and pulled him to his stall. He stopped at the door and let go of Brego’s mane. He guided Brego in. Once Brego was in Legolas latched his stall door. Legolas walked over to Gavin’s stall. Lyra was standing in the center of the empty stall. Lyra heard Legolas coming. She did not turn to face him. ‘Seems like only yesterday when he was old enough to be ridden. My father thought Gavin would spook, and buck me off. But I knew Gavin wasn’t going to hurt me. I remember jumping on his back. Gavin just stood there like it was nothing.’ Lyra paused and went on. ‘Nobody believed Gavin would make it when he was born. He was so tiny.’ Lyra faced Legolas who was standing at the door, listening intently. ‘I had faith in him. I worked with him every day, earning his trust.’ ‘It paid off.’ Legolas smiled. Lyra smiled back. ‘Yeah.’ Lyra replied quietly. She sighed. ‘The first time that I really rode him, it was just me, Gavin, Jay, and his stallion, Ross.’ Legolas interrupted. ‘Jay?’ he asked quickly even though he knew who Jay was. Lyra looked out into the distance. ‘Someone who I would never forget!’ ‘A friend huh?’ Legolas shot back jealously. ‘So where is this friend of yours?’ Lyra hesitated. ‘The Gray Havens (elf heaven).’ ‘It was wrong of me too ask.’ Legolas stated. Lyra looked at Legolas. ‘It’s ok. Actually Jay was more than just a friend. Jay actually reminds me of you. When you said I had replaced Jay back there, I actually felt like I was a little bit.’ Lyra stopped and walked towards Legolas. Lyra shook her head as if coming out of a trance. ‘Let’s go back up to the house.’ She walked up to Legolas. She leaned in to kiss him, but she stopped. ‘Yeah.’ Legolas sounded disappointed. ‘We better get back.’ He tried to smile. The two walked up to the house in silence. Lyra kept glancing at Legolas, and Legolas kept glancing at her. Legolas entered the house first. He checked to make sure the coast was clear. It was. He waved to Lyra. Lyra entered the house, and crept down the halls to her dormitory. Before she left she nodded her head to Legolas and leaned in for a brief kiss. Lyra backed away and turned. Legolas watched her leave and turned to go to Aragorn’s new quarters. ‘Legolas!’ Lady Arwen called from down the hall. She sounded despaired. Legolas ran up to her. ‘What’s wrong? Where’s Aragorn?’ he asked quickly. ‘My father found him. The guards took him down to the dungeons. They wouldn’t let me down there.’ ‘I’ll go and find him.’ Legolas ran to the dungeon door. He opened it slowly, and looked down the narrow stairs. He could hear voices down below. He silently crept down the stairs, trying not to disturb the shadows on the walls. He stopped when he could see everything clearly. He sat on the steps. There he listened. He saw Luke still chained to the wall. Aragorn, Elrond, and a few guards stood around them. The arguing stopped and Aragorn spoke. ‘Elrond listen to me! We have no other alliances.’ ‘Yes we do!’ Elrond argued back. ‘Haldir has a large army…’ ‘You don’t understand! Haldir is dead!’ ‘How would you know?’ Elrond snapped back. Aragorn raised his voice. ‘Because Haldir knew that we needed help at Helm’s fortress! Why didn’t you come help us Elrond?’ Legolas quickly went down the remaining steps, and fast as lightning, was by Aragorn’s side. Elrond looked surprised to see him. He opened his mouth to ask what Legolas was doing down there, but Legolas was too quick. ‘Did you not know we needed help?’ Legolas shot the question at Elrond. Aragorn answered for him. ‘Of course he knew, didn’t you Elrond.’ Lord Elrond crossed his arms. He answered softly. ‘I knew you needed help.’ Elrond raised his voice. ‘I didn’t want my people to join some war which they don’t need to be fighting in!’ Aragorn answered curtly back. ‘That’s the same thing Arwen told me! It wasn’t about your people! You didn’t want me to come back.’ ‘How dare you bring my daughter in this!’ Aragorn finished. ‘You don’t want Arwen to stay here with me when you leave to sail West! You want her to say immortal.’ ‘Stop!’ Elrond commanded. Aragorn still went on. ‘Arwen has to make her own decisions Elrond. She has already made one…’ ‘Stop!’ Elrond said a little more forceful this time. ‘She gave up her immortality. Arwen will not sail into the undying lands with you! And you can’t stop her!’ ‘I will not have someone tell me what I can and can’t do! Especially a ranger that doesn’t know where his own path will lead! I will not have my daughter traveling around Middle Earth! Arwen is and will go West if I can help it!’ Legolas answered quickly. ‘No one knows where their path will lead them!’ Aragorn placed a hand on Legolas’ shoulder. ‘Lav ta nā Legolas. Lav ta nā (Let it be)!’ he softly murmured. Luke who was still sitting there, anxiously shifted. His chains clanked as he moved. The noise reminded Aragorn of why he was there. Elrond asked the prisoner again. ‘Why are you hear in Rivendell?’ Luke did not respond. Elrond asked again. ‘What business do you have here?’ Still no response. Elrond sighed. ‘Guards, no food or water until he talks.’ Aragorn looked at Luke. ‘I must be going.’ Aragorn started heading up the steps. ‘Come on Legolas.’ Elrond stared at the two. ‘Aragorn get back here!’ Aragorn stopped on the steps. ‘Why?’ ‘We need to get this elf to talk! Also if you want to stay in this house, it is none of your concern about what I do with my servants. If that happens again, you will never see this place again!’ Aragorn didn’t respond and kept heading up the steps. Legolas followed. Elrond yelled louder. ‘Arwen will be sailing West, do you hear me?’ Arwen was waiting near the door. She smiled when she saw Aragorn. ‘I thought he would lock you up too.’ Aragorn shook his head. ‘I don’t know what I am going to do.’ He answered softly. Arwen looked at him confused. ‘Going to do?’ she asked. ‘He told me you were to go West.’ Arwen bit her lip. ‘I have things to do!’ Aragorn and Legolas nodded their heads in approval. Arwen smiled and left. Aragorn glanced at Legolas. ‘How is she?’ Legolas knew of whom he spoke of. ‘Not physically hurt!’ Aragorn nodded. ‘I guess that Athuelas plant helped.’ ‘Yeah, but I think the grief is still to come.’ ‘What do you mean?’ Aragorn wondered. ‘That horse of hers was the only thing she had!’ Legolas jumped. Aragorn placed his hand on Legolas’ shoulder. ‘Than let us hope for the best. Let us hope the grief will pass and she’ll be ok.’ Legolas smiled. ‘Erüh (Thanks) Aragorn.’ Aragorn smiled. ‘Anytime. Come on I have something to show you!’ Aragorn led Legolas out into the courtyard. Instead of heading towards the stables, they headed for the woods. ‘Where are we going?’ Legolas asked skeptically. ‘You’ll see.’ Aragorn answered vaguely back. ‘You’ll see.’ *** Lyra was curled up on her bed. She brushed a strand of hair out of her eyes. She took a deep breath. Even though the pain was gone, Lyra didn’t want to move. Every little sound made her jump. She was afraid Elrond was going to come back for her. A breeze rustled the drape on the balcony. Lyra shivered when she felt the coolness of the wind. She stood up and walked over to the drape. Lyra looked out towards the stables. Lyra’s eyes focused on a fairly sized group of riders. In the middle of the group Lyra could see Tory’s palomino stallion Caleet. Surrounding Caleet was all of the other guards’ horses. She pointed out Reeko, Devon, and Majest. Lyra also recognized Shane’s gray mare Wynbrooke. Lyra crept closer so she could hear what was going on. Shane was giving commands to Tory. ‘Lead your group that way through the woods.’ Shane pointed left towards the woods. ‘My group will go the other way. First group to the gate wins!’ ‘We’ll be waiting for you than!’ Tory smiled and walked to his group. Sure! If you don’t fall off that is!’ Shane joked back. Shane turned back to his group. When each guard was on their steed, both groups went galloping off leaving a trail of dust behind. Lyra smiled. ‘I guess training season is back.’ Lyra sat down against the railing. She closed her eyes. Lyra had gone with Jay a few times before. Lyra thought back to her first run. The guards split up into two groups. One group goes one way through the woods, and the other group goes another way. Both teams have to conquer obstacles like small ravines, logs, and streams. Lyra opened her eyes. Her eyes drifted toward the stables again. Once again Lyra remembered about Gavin. She expected to feel the burning pain of grief welding up inside with the tears. The same feeling when her family was killed. But Lyra felt nothing. Lyra took a deep breath. She didn’t want to cry. In fact, she didn’t need to cry. ‘What’s done is done!’ Lyra thought. Immediately she scolded herself. ‘Don’t think like that! What’s been done is your fault! I should have never taken him with me! If it wasn’t for me, Gavin would still be here.’ *** Aragorn and Legolas traveled deeper into the woods. Legolas glanced back to see if he could still see the city of Rivendell. Only slightly though. He looked back at Aragorn. Strider was a little way ahead. Legolas jogged to catch up. The two walked on. Legolas immediately stopped. He reached out and pulled Aragorn to a halt also. Legolas turned back to where they had come from. ‘What’s wrong?’ Aragorn asked almost in a whisper. Legolas did not look back at the ranger. ‘Nad nõ ennas (Something approaches)’ He squinted his eyes to get a better look. ‘Guards from Rivendell are coming!’ ‘They might be coming for me.’ Aragorn drew his sword. Legolas looked Aragorn and than at the sword. His face was full of anxiety. ‘Are you going to use that?’ Aragorn looked at the elf. ‘Hopefully not, but if I must…’ Aragorn could now see the horses. Their mighty hooves pounded on the ground with brisk pace. They came closer. Aragorn and Legolas stood side by side. The riders glanced at the two as they rode by. Legolas could see the look of determination on every face as they galloped by. Just then Caleet came bounding over a fallen log. Tory smiled as he passed Legolas and Aragorn. Legolas smiled and nodded back. Caleet was gone as quickly as he had come. Legolas turned and watched until he could see him no more. Legolas then started to laugh while Aragorn returned the sword in its holder. ‘What was that?’ Aragorn began to walk once again. Legolas smiled. ‘Training.’ He continued to walk also. ‘Training? Training for what?’ Legolas answered with no hesitation. ‘War, riding horses, strength, courage…’ ‘War?’ Aragorn grunted. ‘What war will they ever fight if Elrond won’t let them?’ Legolas shrugged. ‘If it ever came to happen they will be ready.’ ‘Does Mirkwood train also?’ ‘Most of the time.’ Legolas answered a little annoyed. Aragorn stopped. Legolas stopped beside him and waited. Aragorn raised his finger to his mouth. He quickly whistled and then stopped and waited. When nothing seemed to happen. Legolas heard a reply. Some one from far off whistled in return. Legolas looked around to see if he could see anything. Nothing yet. He quickly turned his head when he heard a branch snap. Aragorn looked over too. Out from the trees came a trotting gray stallion. He snorted and pranced as he came to a halt near Legolas and Aragorn. Aragorn slowly walked up to the stallion. ‘Manë Aztec(Good Aztec).’ Aragorn stroke the horse’s neck. Legolas just stood there. Shortly after Legolas heard more twigs being broken. He grabbed at the dagger near his belt. He steadied it. At this time Aragorn had his sword ready and was standing next to Legolas. Where the horse had come from, walked another, a black hooded figure. Legolas glanced over it carefully. He noticed that whoever it was wore no shoes. It also wore a gold ankle bracelet on the left foot. It walked with ease and grace. Behind it followed another horse. His eyes widened. It was Gavin. Aragon let go of his sword and walked up to the figure. The figure drew back its cloak. Beneath the cloak revealed an elf. A gorgeous she-elf. Legolas slowly placed the knife back. Aragorn and the elf began to Review: | |||||
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