Echoes Beyond

Old friend

The only thing old about you is our friendship, which makes us ancient...

Neerin and Legolas had been traveling for days, their journey marked by an uneasy silence and a growing sense of fatigue. Neerin, unused to the rigors of travel, was constantly tired, but she bore it quietly. Legolas knew she suffered, unable to change clothes or find comfort in their constant motion. Despite the hardships, they managed to speak little, their conversations brief and to the point.

Legolas was certain Celeborn had ordered a search for them, yet for days, they encountered no one. The absence of pursuers was unsettling, leaving Legolas to wonder what unseen danger might be lurking. They rested whenever they could, finding moments of respite in the midst of their flight. During these times, Legolas decided to teach Neerin how to use a bow. It was an essential skill she lacked, and he knew it might one day save her life.

At first, Neerin struggled. Her delicate hands could barely pull the bowstring, and she grew frustrated with each failed attempt. But she trained relentlessly, driven by a determination that impressed Legolas. Gradually, she gained strength, managing to pull the string and eventually shoot an arrow. Though the arrow broke upon release, it was progress.

One morning, Neerin's persistence paid off. They were moving through a dense forest when she spotted a large bird perched on a branch. With trembling hands, she drew the bow and took aim. The arrow flew true, striking the bird and sending it plummeting to the ground.

Neerin stood frozen, staring at the lifeless body of the bird. A wave of emotion crashed over her, and tears began to stream down her face. She dropped the bow and fell to her knees, sobbing uncontrollably.

Legolas approached her slowly, his heart aching at the sight of her distress. 

     "Neerin," he said softly, kneeling beside her. "Why do you weep?"

     "I took its life," she whispered, her voice choked with guilt. "It was just sitting there, and I killed it!"

Legolas sighed, understanding her turmoil. 

     "Sometimes, taking a life is necessary for survival. It is never easy, but it is a part of this world."

She looked up at him, her eyes red and swollen. 

     "But it was innocent. It did nothing to deserve this. Why did I even ..."

He reached out and gently lifted her chin, meeting her gaze. 

     "Every creature has its place in the circle of life. We must respect that, even as we use it to sustain ourselves. This is a lesson all must learn."

Neerin nodded, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. 

     "I understand," she said, though her voice wavered.

Legolas helped her to her feet and retrieved the bird. 

     "Come," he said. "We will use it for food. Its life will sustain ours."

They continued their journey. She practiced with the bow whenever they stopped to rest, her movements growing more confident with each passing day. Legolas watched her progress with a mix of pride and concern. She was adapting, but the world they were in was harsh, and he knew they would face many more challenges before they found safety.

That night, as they sat by their small fire, Neerin looked across at Legolas. 

     "Do you think they are still searching for us?" she asked.

Legolas poked at the fire, sending sparks into the night sky. '   

     "I do not know," he admitted. "But we must remain vigilant. We are not safe yet."