The Last Light of the Star

19 - The distinct, stick-up-the-butt, elven walk & the woman w/ anger problems

Arryin was absolutely furious.

How could Legolas even suggest that she stay behind on a mission?

It was her destiny to fight and kill the creatures born of evil. Of course, he didn't know about that. He was entirely unaware of her destiny and the so called 'prophesy,' but her point still stood. Fighting and war was her livelihood. It was her purpose. It was what she was born for. It was her motherfucking essence.

Arryin couldn't help but groan outloud.

Her mind would not rest. Thoughts of frustration ran through her brain consistently—Lady Galadriel's words about her destiny, the stupid prophecy she had been avoiding, Legolas being a total orc-head, and her own damn emotions. It was all just too overwhelming.

The Ranger had spent the entire day fuming and boiling with rage. She skipped training, along with every other interaction. Quiet frankly, she didn't want to deal with any of it any longer. Why was she even still here? She should have abandoned Mirkwood ages ago. Arryin ground her teeth and closed her eyes. Letting a slow breath slip from her lips, she tried to calm herself. She needed to get out of this stupid castle, and get away from stupid Legolas and his stupid commands. Even if it was just for a little bit.

The Wayward Warrior quickly gathered all her weapons and draped a black cloak over her form. By now, it was dark and all the elves would certainly be asleep. Therefore, slipping out into the woods would easily go unnoticed. Quietly, Arryin slunk through the Mirkwood halls and towards the doors that she had always used to escape the confinements of the rules. Luckily, her impulsive timing was perfect. The guards were just about to switch shifts. As they abandoned their posts, Arryin lunged forward and slipped out the vast doors.

As soon as the cool air hit Arryin's skin, she felt as if she could finally breathe. But to her dismay, that feeling did not last long. As she walked through the forest, a darkness began to grow further into her mind. It slunk into the crevices of her doubts and concerns to settle and thrive. Every present it was, for it never seemed to truly fade—especially with the dreaded date still creeping forward.

Suddenly, the Ranger halted on the spot. She felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up and the adrenaline in her blood race. She wasn't alone. Someone—or something—was following her.

Arryin instantly picked up her speed. She began weaving through the trees and winding upon the brush. As she passed under the lower branches, an idea began to form in her mind. Instantly, the Ranger leapt upwards and grabbed onto a tree's outstretched arm to swing herself into the tree tops. She began running along the branches and surging from tree to tree. Arryin couldn't help but inwardly laugh at herself. She probably looked like a feral squirrel rushing to place it's nuts in its secret stash. Oh well. When she felt as if she was finally far enough ahead and high enough to not be spotted, she perched and waited for the person on her trail.

As she gazed down to the forest floor, she felt her heart race. Was it an orc? Possibly a scout? She frowned. That didn't make sense, the figure was coming from the direction of the castle. The Ranger's heart froze. Did someone find out her true identity?

At that moment, a shape cloaked in the trademark Mirkwood green passed beneath her.

Arryin did not make a sound.

Someone indeed had been following her. Judging from the attire and posture, it was someone in the guard—that distinct, stick-up-the-butt, elven walk couldn't be mistaken.

Cautiously, Arryin tried to move to see their face, but alas, it was blocked from her sight. She watched as the person scanned their surroundings. They stood still for a while—listening and thinking. Seemingly finding no answers and no further trail, they turned back.