“Take your time Amarra, no rush.” Aragorn said behind my shoulder. “Also, you should let out that breath.” He chuckled to himself. A small smile tugged up on my lips as I let out the big breath as I was told. From behind me Aragorn mumbled an approval. Squinting one of my eyes, I lined up the tip of my arrow with the target. I slowly counted down in my head, 5, 4, 3, 2- and I let it fly. I let out a small smile of satisfaction as my arrow pierced the red center of the target. Many claps came from behind me and I turned around, not knowing I had such a big audience. My sister, Arwen, stood next to Aragorn, and my father Elrond.
“Father!” I cried, slinging my bow onto my back and running up to him and throwing my arms around his neck.
“Ah Amarra my tinu (daughter) I have missed you so.” He said laughing, kissing the top of my head.
“You as well Father.” I say. I step back and linked his arm in mine and led him back to the dining room, talking about my bow training with Aragorn on the way. Father was very suprised about my fast progress. We made it to the dining room and we were all seated at a table when curiosity overtook me.
“So, Arwen, Atar (father), how was the visit to see King Thranduil?” I asked, putting my elbows on the table and leaning forward. A flash of terror crossed my sister’s eyes but she quickly covered it, saying, “Amarra, elbows off the table.” I scowl and remove them, but still lean over the table for every last detail. I have never been one for princess-like acts and Arwen enjoys reminding of it.
My father sighs and lays his hands in his lap. “Amarra, as you know there has been the threat of the Orcs coming down from the North. I fear a new power may be rising, which seems impossible as the Ring has been destroyed by Master Frodo, but as it may, Thranduil sees that it should be every elf for himself against this power. We shall no longer get the protection we need from them and if any elf from Rivendell is caught on his territory they will be killed for being in an alliance with the Orcs.” My father finished.
“But Atar! Isn’t there anything we can do? This alliance has been in place far longer than my 50 years! Sister,” I say, turning to Arwen. "Was Thranduil acting like himself? Could it be the work of dark magic?"
Arwen looked deep in thought for a moment and was about to answer but Father spoke for her, "Even if this is work of dark magic, my people shall not be harmed because of this. From now on we shall stay in our borders. Got it Amarra?" He said. Father knew of my little excursions I took to get away from the city and I looked at my lap.
"Yes Atar." I quickly scooted back my chair. “I’m finished.” I say, throwing my napkin on my chair and leave. I could hear father sigh and Arwen trying to comfort him. I ignored it and walked quickly to my room. Once inside I shut my door and started to pace. Without getting outside our territory, I would never be able to go to my favorite place to shoot. I scowl. Maybe I'll sneak out every once in a while. What's the worst that could happen? I thought. Smiling to myself I began to pack a little bag of things so I could go when the time is right. When I was stuffing a piece of Lembas into my bag a soft knock sounded on the door. My eyes widen and I quickly hide my bag behind a pillow, grab a book, and sit on my window seat.
"Come in!" I say. Arwen opens the door and slowly closes it behind her. I stand and bow my head to her.
"Amin ten' lle seler'?" (What can I do for you sister?) She smiles at me sweetly and I knew I was going to get a lecture. I sigh and sit back down on my window seat.
"Oh I do hope you will listen to Atar. He is very worried you will run off and something horrible will happen to you." Arwen quickly said, kneeling before me and taking my hands in hers.
"Oh seler' (sister) I wouldn't dream of it." I say, casting a wary glance at my pillows. Arwen notices and follows my gaze. She huffs and gets up and walks to my bed and lifts up my pillows. She gasps, "Amarra! Are you crazy? She asks, lifting up my bag. I quickly get up to get it.
"It's not what it looks like." I mumble, snatching the bag away from her.
"Not what it looks like? Amarra you could get yourself killed!" She yells at me.
"I won't go out often, just when I feel cramped. And I won't go far off the territory!" I yell back.
"This isn't sa-" Arwen starts as Aragorn bounds into the room and stands between us.
"Calm ndu!" (Calm down!) He shouts. After a couple moments he turns to Arwen. "What's wrong?" He asks her sweetly. She seems to relax but when she remembers why she was mad her face contorts into rage.
"She is planning to go off into the words to shoot her little bow and arrows!" She yells.
"They aren't little and you aren't my mother!" I scream, taking the bag and storming out of my room.
I hear Arwen’s screams of protest as I make my way away from my room. She isn’t following me. Aragorn. I must thank him later. I barely notice where I'm going but my feet take me to the stables and right up to my brown gelding, Matac.
"Hi boy." I whisper, rubbing his nose. "Want to go on an adventure?" I ask, and as if he heard me he prances and bobs his head up and down in excitement. I smile and grab his tack and begin to get him ready. Minutes later, in the late light of dusk, I mount Matac and kick him gently in the sides.
"Fly Matac, fly." I whisper into his ears, and we are off.
After many hours of riding it is near dawn. Matac breathes heavily below me and I pull him to a stop. I dismount and take off his bridle to let him graze freely. I yawn and lay out my blanket to sleep on. After eating a small piece of Lembas, I slowly drift to sleep.
