The Last Light of the Star

28 - A Catastrophic Night and Complicated Events

The elves of Mirkwood were gathered in the mess hall. A large meal was prepared and light music echoed throughout the corridors as the immortal beings dancing upon the great floor. Arryin wasn't entirely sure what the celebration was for—some traditional elven custom—but apparently it was more casual; one did not need to get dressed up or act entirely proper. Under normal circumstances, she would not be there, but Legolas had forced her to come. He bribed her with the promise of new imported ales that would be served and, of course, Arryin could not resist free alcohol. However, Legolas insisted she should be careful with the amount of ale she would guzzle down; she knew he was concerned for her and he had not liked her drinking in the past. Even so, that was not Arryin's concern.

Legolas and Belanor were hunched at one of the long wooden tables. They sat across from each other with large tankards as they listened to the chaos around them.

Belanor spoke with a low voice, "I heard you transferred Edyrm out of our sector."

Legolas's facial expression turned to one of grimace and he nodded. "I found him sexually harassing one of our female warriors."

Belanor raised an eyebrow. "You mean your female warrior."

Legolas tried to push back a smirk. Of course his closest friend was prying at that topic. But alas, the Prince knew he could not speak of his and Arryin's relationship, not yet at least. He had to protect her and this was part of it. On another note, Legolas was curious as to how Belanor knew which elleth Edyrm tried to assault. Did the story spread throughout the halls of Mirkwood? Usually the guard kept these matters quiet. Then again, Belanor was very perceptive and attentive; he could have easily figured it out on his own. Besides, it was obvious, even to Legolas, that Edyrm had had desires pertaining to the Ranger; and such objectifying and inappropriate thirsts were not validated by the Mirkwood Gaurd.

The blond ellon was drawn out of his thoughts as he watched Belanor's playful expression turn into a foreboding one. The keen warrior nodded in a direction that seemed to be behind the Prince. Legolas immediately turned to observe what his friend was gesturing at.

Edyrm.

The blue-eyed elf followed Edyrm's eyesight straight to Arryin. No surprise there.

The wayward elleth was incredibly intoxicated and stumbling among the decorative tables and partying elves. Her cheeks were brushed with rough color, like petals of a cherry blossom, and her black hair was slightly disheveled as if it had fought against violent winds. Her eyes were bloodshot and the lids were slowly drooping while she swayed among the drunk chaos. She held a freshly filled tankard in her hand as she unsuccessfully tried to weave her way back to Beyla—occasionally getting lost and confused in the hoard of people. Her inhibitions and instincts were clearly depleted, making her an easy target for those looking to take advantage. No doubt, the lustrous dark-haired elf saw this as an opportunity.

The Prince ground his teeth and narrowed his eyes. He was infuriated at Edyrm. It seemed he did not heed Legolas's warning at all and, of course, Arryin did not listen either. She was completely drunk....again.

Legolas watched with dismay as she walked straight into a servant who was carrying large glasses of plum colored wine upon a beautiful silver tray. The sloshing cups immediately flew into the air—the liquid within escaping its confinement. Everything instantly shattered on impact. Glass shards skidded across smooth stone, the silver tray clattered loudly, and the wine.....oh the wine. Almost all of the bitter alcohol landed on the Ranger and the flabbergasted servant, leaving none behind to drink.

Legolas sighed and lifted his tankard to his lips. He took a large gulp before pushing himself up from his seat.

Belanor chuckled loudly, "Good luck, Mellon Nin (my friend)."