To Tame A Fire

5. A dangerous Development

Soon after, Legolas left Ithreon's tent in search of Rhavaniel. He had questions that needed answers, and he knew they wouldn't come easy. Communicating with her was like trying to put out a wildfire without a drop of water.

He found her sitting casually against a tree just outside the camp running a whetstone over a short sword. She looked as a warrior should: strong, determined, dangerous. She could accomplish so much if she wasn't so prideful. Rhavaniel didn't even raise her eyes when he approached her and sat down beside her.

For the longest time, Legolas said nothing as he simply sat and lifted his head to watch the myriad of colors in the setting sky.

Rhavaniel took the chance to study him out of the corner of her eye as her hand continued sharpening her blade. His hair, the way to soft breeze swept it against his cheek. His eyes, the way they reflected the colors of the sky. His chiseled features and warrior honed body. He was perfect in every way, and she envied that, but if she looked closer, she would see it was not so. She hadn't realized she had been openly staring at him and when he turned, she tore her eyes away.

"Rhavaniel," Legolas started, ignoring the fact she was staring for now. "Why did you put yourself in such a dangerous position?"

When she didn't answer he pressed further. "Rhavaniel, if there is any information you can give, I will be grateful."

Rhavaniel dropped her stone and set aside her knife. "They said something about a master."

Legolas frowned and leaned forward. "Master?"

"The orcs were intending to take me to their master, I do not know..." For a moment she wanted to thank him for saving her, but as always, her pride held her back.

Legolas leaned back and placed a finger to his lip. So, the orcs served a master but who? A question was answered, but many more took its place. A great evil was unfolding, slowly yet surely. "Dol Guldur, it must be," Legolas thought aloud.

Rhavaniel glanced at Legolas. "A great evil grows there that must be vanquished." She once again resumed sharpening her blade.

"You aren't going."

"You love to assume, don't you, Prince."

Legolas scoffed. "What else can I do? You don't unfold anything to me."

Rhaveniel sprung to her feet." What need have I to disclose anything to you? Is it a royal command now?"

Legolas followed and pulled himself to his full height. "What have I done that offends you so?"

Rhavaniel turned her back to Legolas, and her next move caught him by surprise.

Legolas froze as cold metal pressed against his throat. So, she wishes to play dirty... Legolas stepped back and raised a brow when she followed; her knife still at his throat.

Quicker than Rhavaniel could blink, Legolas swiveled to side and whipped out a decorative knife; the blade glinting dangerously just like his eyes.

Their blades clashed together. Rhavaniel struck his knife aside and thrust. Legolas blocked her with ease and spun his knife in his hand, waiting for her next move.

She sneered and brought forth her second sword. She thrust forward, one blade aiming for the throat and the other a leg. Legolas reacted quickly, his hand shot out and grabbed her writs in mid-air, and he smirked. He pressed his thumb into her skin until her blades clattered to the ground.

Rhavaniel had other plans in mind as she brought up her knee into his stomach. Legolas faltered, giving her enough time to retrieve a blade.

Before she could strike, Legolas spun her around and pinned her against the rough tree. His glinting blue eyes narrowed as Rhaveniel struggled in vain to remove herself from his firm grasp.

"If you do not tell me, I cannot help you," said Legolas, surprisingly calm.

"I don't want your help." Rhavaniel continued to struggle against him, hating being so near him.

"Yes, you do, Rhaveniel. Admit it. You are arrogant and envious."

"I-I will never."

"Oh yes, you will," Legolas lowered his head till his lips were a breath away from hers. A lock of his hair fell forward and caressed her cheek.

Rhavaniel finally realized it was fruitless to fight with him and gave up struggling. His lips were so close to her that she could almost taste them if she so wanted. So he wanted to play dirty then, fine. She did the unthinkable and raised herself on her toes. When her lips touched his, she forgot about how much she resented him, and a warm feeling in her chest took its place. Hope and love enveloped her, and she gasped at the feeling. Is this love? She wondered. She felt his hands loosen their grasp, and she kissed him harder.

Somewhat startled, Legolas hesitated before kissing her back. He forgot about her temperament and harsh words as her soft lips melted into his. For a moment it was perfect, and his hand came up to her shoulder to pull her closer.

She hated that she enjoyed this and when Legolas' hands gently pulled her closer she almost felt disappointed. Her hands crept up Legolas' chest before she shoved him away as hard as she could. She smirked as he staggered back, and she brought her hand up to slap his cheek. Once, then twice before she grabbed her swords and dashed back to the camp.

Legolas stood there shocked, his mind trying to analyze what just transpassed. His cheek burned and no doubt left a handprint. He could still taste her on his lips, and he cursed.

What a day this had proven to be.

~*~*~*~

A burst of laughter erupted from Ithreon's ten.

"And she slapped you?" Ithreon tried and failed to control his laughter.

"Yes, Ithreon," Legolas almost regretted telling him.

"I guess you got some sort of information then?"

"Aye. She said the orcs were intending to take her to their 'master'."

Ithreon's laughter immediately vanished. "What?"

"The orcs serve a master. They fight with orders, with an intention."

Ithreon ran a hand through his hair. "We must find out more about this. It cannot be ignored. Dol Guldur lays further south, where the fighting is fiercest. If something is manifesting there, Legolas, we must know."

"Our King must approve of this," Legolas stated and Ithreon nodded.

"Take your patrol back to the fortress. Speak to your father of this development and for the love of Yavanna, shape Rhavaniel into a true warrior."

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Word count: 1,105