The Silver Moon (on hold)

Chapter 15

Ellenya's pov

"Today, my lovely new friend, is the day that you are going to help both of us out by listening to me." I say to the large stallion standing directly in front of me. His black eyes staring directly into mine. I let him sniff the saddle to investigate what exactly is going to be on his back today. This most certainly will not be easy. He flinches as I lift the saddle onto him but doesn't try anything.

"Coming along well?" Tauriel asks from behind me.

"Haven't gotten far enough to see, mellonamin." I reply without turning to face her.

"I have never seen him so tame, I must admit."

"Clearly no one has. Well, I'm here to change just that." I finish tying the girth around his stomach and pat him gently. Tauriel approaches a little too quickly for Alivorn's liking and the stallion backs a few steps away. "Slowly. He is very skittish."

"Then why does he like you so much?" Rhetorical question.

"I'm special." I joke.

"About as special as dead orcs." Tauriel teases. I push her lightly, making Alivorn jump.

"Are you making progress?" Tauriel and I were interrupted by the king's low voice.

"Yes, my lord. I have gotten the saddle on Alivorn, but I do not think we should go further than that today. I was just to going to take him for a walk so he could get used to the feel of the equipment.

"Sounds like a good plan." He nods. "Tauriel, didn't I ask you to examine the spider nests?"

"Er, yes. My lord. I apologize." She nods at me then walks away. The king eyes Alivorn for moment.

"Thank you."

"For what, my lord?"

"For being willing to work with him. None of my guards or horse trainers what anything to do with the stallion." The king replies.

"Of course. He hasn't tried anything all morning. I hope it stays that way." I comment.

"As do I." He says. "Do you mind if I watch?" He turns his head to one side just a little.

"Of course." I reply. "I will not be doing much except walking with him, though. He needs to get used to the feel of the saddle, and I thought this would be the perfect place to start."

"I only wish to see my very honored guest work with the most difficult stallion I have come to know." I grunt at his provoking comment and soon Alivorn does the same. The king leans against the frame of Alivorn's stall door and grins. His silver robes falling behind him just enough for his long legs to stretch out and be almost completely exposed, but still covered by gray leggings.

I take hold of Alivorn's blue lead rope and walk out of the stall, not even bothering to look at the king. He snickers and follows after. "How is your shoulder today Ellenya?" The king asks, breaking the silence.

"Hasn't bothered me, but it will leave a nasty scar." I sigh. "Again."

"Excuse me?"

"Nothing, my lord."

"Ellenya may I ask something of you?" He says. I turn to face him and nod. "You are welcome to walk throughout my forest and halls as freely as you wish, I am not in charge of you and I never will be. But I just want one thing from you."

"And that is?"

"To call me by my proper name. I like having a title just as much as you do. You are among the very few people that actually know my name, and I would like you to refer to me by it." He says sternly.

"Ok, Thranduil." I tease. He scoffs a little too loudly. The black stallion in front of me angles his head just enough to nip at the heavy saddle on bis back. "Hey! Leave that alone mister." He flattens his ears. "This horse has the same attitude as someone I know." I turn to face the king and his raises an eyebrow at me.

"Shut your mouth and train the stallion already."

Wow I'm totally failing at this. Oh well. I am going to make an effort to write a very long chapter next, so hold on tight. I have lots of ideas, I just can't put them in word form. You know what I mean? Alright then. :)

Elvish:

Mellonamin- my friend