Unspoken ( A Legolas Love Story )

18: Fear

After the storm and the aftermath, it seemed that summer had decided to bypass Fornost altogether. Before Legolas had felt the warmth of the sun on his face, the air began to bite again and the skies turned grey with ominous foreboding. But the dry weather held. In the forest, the leaves of the trees began to blush with glowing reds and oranges and curl at the edges before they gently began their descent. Wren had made the request to Strider to take the horses and show Legolas some of the high country, north west of Fornost, and in so doing evaluate whether there were any signs of orcs in the area.

Strider although pensive at the request, had given permission for the two of them to make the trip. Principally because he was eager to hear news from further North and there were few rangers who would be willing to make the long trip on horseback.  But in addition, he had no great cause to fear for their safety, as they would both be mounted and were each particularly proficient at killing orcs at distance. They were however to report back immediately to the village, if any foul creatures were discovered in significant numbers.

They left at the break of dawn and set a fast pace for a large portion of the first day without speaking, as they had considerable ground to cover, before night began to fall. Legolas rode a beautiful black mare dappled with grey and white flecks, appropriately named Gil-galad, 'starlight' in Sindarin. A majestic chestnut stallion named Osgiliath, after the laketown in Gondor, carried Wren, as she rode with ease. Legolas discovered that he enjoyed the liberty of being out of the village and the forest, with the wind rushing past him as they galloped over North Downs towards the hills of Evendim, Emyn Uial.

After traveling for many miles, they slowed the horses to a walk and rode side by side, to rest them. Her eyes had a new spark that lit them up, so much so, that he could have sworn they had flecks of gold in them. Truly, she must relish the wide-open space, free from constraints and duty, and feel rejuvenated, as did he. She looked over towards him, and examined him for a moment.

"Well elf prince, it would appear that you have finally settled into village life with the Dúnedain, your neck doesn't seem as stiff as is used to be."

He laughed dryly. "It would appear so."

"Cleaning, cooking, braiding your own hair... who would have thought this was all possible several months ago."

"Let it be known, that I have always braided my own hair" Legolas responded with feigned protest. "It is a skill you would do well to learn." He said with his eyebrows raised at her windswept, tangled mane, and a smile playing round the edge of his lips.

"Well if I knew you were also willing to tutor the Dúnedain in hair braiding, I would have let Gelwin know, she will be delighted. I imagine Rodorin will take some convincing..." Her mirth spilled out and her laughter floated on the wind.

Legolas chuckled and his heart felt light.

"We are approaching the open plains and the horses have rested, let us see how well Mirkwood elves can ride, considering you were raised in an almost impenetrable forest." Her eyes were alive and dancing, baiting him.

"At least as well as someone who is a tiny fraction of my age, I would imagine."

Legolas thought he saw a shadow flicker across her eyes, but her smile remained as she replied. "Well that remains to be seen, elf prince..." She then leaned forward, and whispered something to Osgiliath, the horse flicked his ears and with a brief shake of his magnificent head, picked up his heels and thundered off into a gallop.

Legolas shook his head as he watched her leave, but spoke softly to Gil-galad, who did not need much convincing to follow the departing chestnut stallion. Within minutes he caught up and rode alongside her. Wren turned briefly to look at him. Exhilarated and with a grin on her face, she lent low on Osgiliath and whispered again to him. Then rising back up, she let go of his mane, only to fling her arms out wide throw her head back, laughing in the wind as she sailed past the surprised elf prince.