The Last Light of the Star

8 - You Have Pretty Hair

The elves had traveled fifteen days through the Mirkwood territory, slaying orcs and spiders alike. The most recent battle took place on the outskirts of the boarder, near a human town. Within this settlement, the Brenin Inn was quite popular. Often, when the elves were on this far patrol and strayed close to the town, they would spend a night there to obtain a hot meal and warm bed. The Inn was quite accustomed to hosting them every so often, so much so that they even kept elven ale in storage given that human made alcohol had no effect on the immortal creatures. Though, it was like a secret pack between Legolas and the Mirkwood Guard, for long journeys and harsh battles did take a toll and one night of comfort was well welcomed. Besides, if Thranduil ever found out, they surely would be chewed out and punished—especially Prince Legolas.

The 13th sector made there way to the establishment and trusted their horses into the care of the stable keeper before entering. As their feet crossed the threshold, they were instantly greeted with all the elements of the tavern. The wooden walls were dimly lit by candles and lanterns while the stale air smelled of ale and three days old piss. Furthermore, the room was filled with intoxicated, dirt covered travelers who sent the sector looks of annoyance—not the most appealing of types. But alas, it was better than the bone chilling coldness of outside.

The inn keeper glanced at bruised and battered elves with raised eyebrows. He easily assumed that they recently slayed some creatures before turning up on his doorstep. He turned away and muttered under his breath, "Gonna be dealing with drunken elves tonight."

Arryin grinned for she overheard his statement and intended on living up to the old man's expectation. She loved taverns and drinking. She hadn't had any alcohol since her arrival at Mirkwood, so she was quite deprived from the ensnaring numb sensation it provided.

The Ranger stalked towards the bar and tossed a coin onto the counter, "One pint of the good stuff."

The innkeeper peered at the orc-blood covered woman with raised his eyebrows, but he did not question anything for he often saw strange elfling warriors. He then plucked a large glass from the shelves behind him and generously poured a tall tankard with bitter elven ale. He slid it across the counter towards her and she offered a quick thanks.

It was not long until all the elves started drinking. Legolas only had two pints, making sure he was still sober considering someone had to be the responsible one. The others had five or six, which was a relatively normal amount. Arryin, on the other hand, was on her twelfth pint. She didn't start showing signs of being under the influence until the tenth. This showed Legolas that she had quite a tolerance, surprisingly so if one took into account her small stature.

Currently, she was up on the top of the table dancing and laughing with Beyla, who was significantly less drunk, while old tavern songs echoed against the walls. The two elleth's arms were locked and they were swinging around and around uncontrollably giggling. It was amusing to all onlookers really.

It was then when Beyla nodded in Legolas's direction. He was sitting at the bar talking to one of the humans for he always was the curious quiet type. "Arryin, what do you think of Legolas?"

Arryin stumbled and let out a loud belch before slurring out, "He's sssuper tall."

Beyla grinned, "No he's not, you are just really short."

A confused look crossed the ranger's face for a second before she giggled again. "Oh...right." She then called out the the elves sitting below her, "PASS ME ANOTHER PINT!"

Rowan immediately handed her another one and she took a big swig from it.

With his elf hearing, Legolas listened in on the conversion. He couldn't help but smirk at the drunken stupidity of the ranger and the carefree spirit the alcohol seemed to bring out. However, as soon as he heard her call for another pint he knew he needed to interfear. She was incredibly intoxicated and adding another drink to that would not be smart. Legolas left his stool and briskly walked towards the table of his friends.