Stuck In The Middle

Forbidden Love (PART ONE)

Theme song for this chapter is War of Heart by Ruelle

Atalanta wasn't sure why Kate had joined, but she probably had a reason. Watching the rest of the scene - one engraved in her mind, by now - Atalanta waited to be dismissed.

''Twelve companions...So be it! You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring!'' Lord Elrond announced, solemnly. ''You leave at dawn. Enjoy your last night.'' Jeez, thought Atalanta. Don't be so you're-gonna-die-ish.

***

Ashley stood in the middle of a green area, alone. Soft, plush, green grass surrounded her, going on for miles. Tall oak trees were scattered around, though the area was mostly open. She loved this place, and was lost in thought of staying in Rivendell. If she were forced to life in Middle-Earth, she swore that she'd be a traveler, though she'd live in Rivendell.

Holding a beautifully crafted bow in hand, Ashley took a step towards the archery set up. A wooden target had been placed here, for a reason Ashley did not know. She was appreciative for this, for she would now be able to practice her beloved archery.

Knocking a wooden arrow, Ashley pulled back on the light string. This bow was unlike anything she had ever used, probably because it was crafted by elves. She placed one foot in front of the other, and focused on the target, nothing else. Shaking her head, she placed her bow down, and knocked another arrow. Now, with two arrows in place, Ashley released her hold.

Both of the arrows had neatly sat on top of each other. One was directly in the middle, the other below the bulls-eye. Both were amazing shots, one of Ashley was proud of. Keeping her eyes on the target, Ashley knocked two more arrows. Focusing once more, she released the string. The split the two previous two, and Ashley smiled in satisfaction.

''You are quite good.'' A voice speaks. Ashley jumps, surprised that someone had watched her. She was met with the handsome Prince of Mirkwood.

''My L- I mean, Legolas. Suil, mellon.'' Ashley greets, greeting him in Sindarin. Ashley was a very hardcore fan, so, naturally, she decided to learn the beautiful and mystical language of the elves.

Legolas smiles. ''Mae g'ovannen, mellon. As I stated, before I startled you, you are very good.'' Legolas said, trying to figure out this beautiful girl. First, she volunteers for the Fellowship, and then she's seen shooting?

''Hannon le.'' Ashley thanked. Ashley studied the blond prince, trying to make conversation. ''It was very brave of you, to join the Fellowship. Not many would venture into the unknown, to try and destroy evil.''

Legolas chuckled. ''You are wise, Ashley. Perhaps, that is why Tinuviel likes you so.'' He smiled at the girl, then turned to look at the targets. Legolas studied Ashley's work, still surprised with the young girl. ''Can I give you some advice, Ashley?''

Ashley's eyes widened, making Legolas smile. Her beautiful brown eyes were adorable, and something he could look at, forever. ''Yes, please, Legolas.'' Ashley said, loving how the name 'Legolas' flowed off her tongue.

''You shouldn't shoot those.'' Legolas observed, getting an idea. Ashley was about to interrupt; she thought that her shooting was going well. Well, other then the two beautiful broken arrows. Legolas finished his sentence, quickly, hoping not to insult the girl. ''You should start shooting moving targets. You're very good, believe it or not.''

Ashley's eyes widened - every further, if possible - in shock. Legolas Thranduilion had just.....he had said that she was really good. He had told her to move onto moving targets....Ashley's stomach erupted in butterflies, as she mentally replayed Legolas's words.

''Thank you, Legolas. I wouldn't be able to, though. I had a coach, and that's where I learned everything I know.'' Ashley managed, trying to sound normal. She was aware of the blush that was rising up on her cheeks, but fought it down.

''I could teach you.'' Legolas suggested, wanting to spend more time with Ashley. He was growing more curious of her, by the second. Not that he wouldn't have time with her, in the Fellowship, but he enjoyed this one-on-one time.

''Y-yes, please.'' Ashley stuttered, trying to calm herself down. He was going to teach her....Ashley mustn't sound like a blubbering idiot, then.

Legolas nodded, before pointed behind Ashley. Turning around, Ashley was met with a dangerous looking target. Ashley observed it, noticing how far away they were standing, and how small the targets were. Legolas must really believe in her, though Ashley.

''Knock an arrow.'' Legolas instructed, watching as Ashley gracefully pulled an arrow out, from her arrow holder. ''Now, raise your bow.'' Ashley raised it like she normally did, closing one eye. However, Legolas stopped her.

Legolas placed a hand on Ashley's arm, lowering it, gently. Butterflies exploded in Ashley's stomach, as his touch sent shivers down her spine. Ashley shook her head, as to clear her head. As Legolas adjusted her aim, he whispered in her ear. ''Pull the string back further, so that you can be quicker. As you release, quickly knock another arrow, and begin firing.''

Ashley pulled the string back, before quickly releasing it. Not watching where it stuck, Ashley moved her fingers, fast as wind, to knock another arrow. Ashley now shot another arrow, and then another. Arrow after arrow, until her quiver was empty. Lowering her bow, Ashley finally took a look at her targets, which had stopped moving. Her eyes widened, upon seeing the result. She whipped around to see Legolas, who was smiling.

''I got ten bulls-eyes.'' Ashley said, breathless. Legolas chuckled, looking how gorgeous Ashley was, when she was happy.

''Yes, you did. Congratulations.'' Legolas leaned on a tree, studying Ashley. ''Would you like another go?'' He asked. Ashley nodded, eagerly, and prepared herself for another round.

A/N Hey, it's Athena! As the title states, this in part one of three parts. The next chap is Katheryn x Boromir, and then part three will be Atalanta x Aragorn. Finally, I'd like to point out the little thing at the top of the page. This chapter's theme song was War of Hearts by Ruelle. It's an amazing song, go check it out!

xoxo, Athena