The Prince's Visions

Chapter Twenty eight

Psalm 30:5

"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."

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Legolas

I aim my arrow at the unsuspecting buck, watching carefully as it grazes. I admire the way the sunlight shining through the thick branches and leaves of the trees above casts haphazard patterns of light on the animal's soft fur. Its antlers stretch high into the air, curling as if they are trying to catch the early morning light and save it for dark and lonely times. I smile slightly to myself. Twelve points. It has twelve points on its rack, meaning that it will sell for a high price at the markets in Minas Tirith. Deer skin is used for making blankets or coats, antlers are highly valued for their beauty, and deer meat is a luxury to Men.

I wait, hoping that it will come closer to me so that I can get a better shot. As I am waiting, Eilonwy's voice cuts through my concentration as I remember last night. "I love you, Legolas," she had whispered to me when I kissed her as we stood in front of her bedroom door. Her kiss had pulled me under, and I had a very difficult time leaving her for the night. But her confession of love for me had given me a new strength and hope, and I knew that I would see her today and the day after. And hopefully I will be able to be by her side for the rest of my life.

A flood of emotions breaks through the dam in my mind and soul, and I suddenly forget where I am as I remember the touch of her skin and the feel of her lips against mine. We shared many kisses last night, more than we ever have, and it was glorious, like being in our own secret world where no one would discover us. The way her eyes lit up when I told her I love her made my heart soar with happiness. The way she kissed me left me with her silent promise that she would stay by my side no matter what happens. I wanted to ask her right then. I wanted to ask her to be my bride, my loving wife and best friend, but I knew that I had to wait. I have had this feeling in my heart for a long while that something bad is going to happen. It is such a prominent suspicion that I can literally feel the anxiety deep within my bones. Whenever this feeling goes away, when I know for a fact that Middle Earth is still at peace, I will ask her to marry me.

I snap back to reality when the deer's head shoots up in alarm upon hearing the snap of a twig somewhere behind me. Its big, round eyes meet mine for a moment, and I cannot bring myself to shoot the beautiful creature. Pride rolls off the animal in waves as it stands straight, leveling its wise, all-knowing gaze on me. Somehow, I feel as if I am not meant to shoot it. I feel as if this creature was sent to warn me of something by using its unnaturally clever eyes to send the message. Elves believe that animals have spirits as well. We believe that in times of trouble, Eru Ilúvatar sends animal spirit guides to watch over us or help us in these situations. Obviously, this buck has been sent to me to warn me of something, and worry pulses through my veins at the possibilities of what could happen. I stand quickly, and the deer tilts its head toward me, as if bowing, before it dashes away deeper into the forest.

I turn, facing the others who accompanied me on the hunt to see that they are resting against their packs or large tree trunks.

"Legolas, you are not doing very well today," my father says with a chuckle.

I look at him, urgency leaking into my tone. "We must depart at once."

Aragorn's eyebrows furrow, and he looks at me from his place on the ground as if I have lost my mind. "Why? We still have all morning and afternoon until the feast begins."

"I have a horrible feeling that something bad is going to happen. We must travel back to Minas Tirith immediately. We cannot leave the ladies unprotected," I say quickly, and I run past them, heading toward the mouth of the forest where we tied up our horses.