Wayfarer's

Chapter 10.

The blonde prince trotted swiftly through the dense, black forest. The sun was beginning to rise above the horizon, casting a dark grey light amongst the gloom.

The elf's breath came out in puffs as he ran, feet making no sound as they bounced against the soft dirt. The elf skidded to a halt, dust puffing up around his lithe form. He had reached a break in the path. The road they had been traveling the last few days broke off into two paths, each going in separate directions.

Go scout ahead, Legolas. Just stay straight on the path, he said. It'll be easy, he said. The young elf thought of Zarens last words to him, and cringed. Legolas pushed out his lower lip and huffed, crossing his arms over his chest disdainfully. Sure, it was easy for him to say. The man wasn't the one who had to actually go and do it, suffering to find the almost nonexistent road.
The youth dropped his gaze to his feet, his mind wandering lazily off. He needed new boots. These wouldn't last much longer. The leather was waring down and he could see the imprint of his toes on the leather. The youths head cocked to one side. How had they lasted this long in the first place?

Suddenly, he was knocked out of his musing, the touch of cold steel pressed against his back. He tensed. After a moment, the ellon slowly straightened his posture, craning his head to get a look at his new threat.

"Who are you?" The elf asked evenly, suffering to see his attacker.

"Your worst nightmare!" A familiar voice hissed softly, it's tone menacing, striking fear into the former princes heart. For only a moment. The princes face fell, and he resisted the urge to send his friend a flat look. Legolas whirled around, pushing the blade away in one, even movement.

"Really Malgel? Is this really the time?" The elf asked, scowling at his friend. His scowl deepened when Malgel began to grin, clearly beyond pleased with himself.

Malgel, still smiling like an idiot, sheathed his sword, offering a small, formal bow.

"Come on Legolas! Stop being so serious." The youth protested, tucking his thumbs into his belt, gazing around the area with his bright green eyes. He pushed his lower lip out in thought, large, emerald eyes narrowed.

Legolas looked upset. What was wrong? There must be something wrong? But what is wrong? Questions poured into the youths mind as he scanned the forest keenly, shifting his weight from foot to foot.

Legolas stared at his friend, a hopeless expression plastered on his face. The prince laughed mirthlessly, getting tired of waiting. He extended his arm toward where the path split in two.

The silver haired elf's eyes lit up in realization. How did I not notice that? The youth mentally slapped himself and he let out a embarrassed chuckle, his face flushing a bright red.

"I guess we wait here for Zaren?" The silver haired warrior asked, shrugging his shoulders, eyes darting back to the path they had just traveled.

Legolas scowled at the floor in response.

They wouldn't reach the mountain at this rate. His father would arrive there before them and think them all dead! They needed to keep moving, yes. But he didn't know the way. So that wasn't helpful.

The elf prince groaned softly and leaned his back against a tree, slowly sliding down its trunk.

Malgel looked down at his friend, raising an eyebrow. Then, with a shrug, he dropped down onto the floor, crossing his legs and propping his elbows on his knees.

Legolas flashed his best friend a lopsided smile, shaking his blonde head. The former prince rolled his eyes. Sometimes he wondered how he would have made it this far without Malgel. Honestly, he didn't think he would have made it anywhere close to this without him.