Moonbeam

Chapter Eleven

Thranduil followed through on his promise.

He made a point of organising to take Tara horse riding through Mirkwood forest, which she enjoyed immensely. They went out often, sometimes accompanied by guards, and sometimes they went alone.

He observed her frequently whenever they ventured out. She was fascinated with animals of all kinds and descriptions, and was quietly stunned when she turned around once and found herself staring straight into the eyes of the white stag which roamed the woods. He had said nothing, merely smiled to himself as her eyes had widened in amazement.

Other times, she often slid from her horse to pet a friendly rabbit, or to free a bird caught in a spider's web. She seemed to have a deep inner bond with every creature they came across, and spent many hours sitting playing with a group of young kittens when back in the palace grounds.

Her knowledge of the plants and fruits that grew in the woods was vast, but there were still some species she couldn't identify, and on those points, she learned from him. He was impressed by how much she knew, and willingly added his knowledge to hers.

Legolas joined them for a ride the day before he was scheduled to travel to the far outskirts of the forest with his patrol. Accompanied by two guards, the group made their way through the woods, enjoying the summer weather and the lush greenery which surrounded them.

"You seem more relaxed these days, Tara," Legolas commented as they rode along.

She smiled. "I like to be outdoors," she replied. "I spent much of my life outside, so I am not used to being inside all the time."

"What made you decide to come back to Mirkwood?" he asked.

Glancing at Thranduil, she saw him tense a little. "I am not sure, to be honest," she said. "I have spent all my life wanting answers, and I knew the only place I would get them was here. The time seemed right, so I decided to come."

"What did you do before you came back here?"

"I spent a lot of time travelling," she answered. "I spent time with the dwarves, with humans, and learned a lot as I went along. It was interesting."

"But instinct brought you home," he murmered.

Thranduil's eye caught hers, and she looked away. She felt bad about lying to her friend, but knew that she couldn't tell him the true reason she had returned.

"Wait," the King said suddenly, holding his hand up.

Everybody stopped, waiting to see what had caught his attention.

He slid from his horse, and Legolas quickly followed.

"What is it, father?" he asked.

Thranduil stepped over to a tree trunk, tilting his head and extending a hand towards the bark. "Something dark lurks nearby," he murmered. "The spiders are growing bolder and advancing."

The Prince leaned closer, frowning at the markings. "I see that," he agreed. "I shall arrange for coverage on this side of the forest upon our return. These foul creatures must be dealt with, lest they continue to advance."

His father straightened up, and turned back to face his horse. His gaze settled on Tara, who was looking upwards into the leafy canopy high above them. Her horse was shifting uneasily beneath her, and she tightened her grip on the reins.

"Tara?" he asked in concern.

"We must move," she said, looking at him. "And we must move now."

"My Lady, I think you worry too much," one of the guards spoke up. "A company covered this area late last night, and there were no spiders reported close by."